I was the rare reporter from a U.S. network covering the British ground forces, the only allies the U.S. had during the invasion of Iraq.
Awaiting H-Hour amid a total news and communications blackout, a strong storm was brewing ominously, razor sharp sand whipped our bodies, scratched our faces and collapsed our pup-tents on top of us. Since the war was nominally about ridding Saddam Hussein of WMD, once we were moving up through southern Iraq, the fear of being poisoned was palpable.
At least once a day the fog horn blasted along with the soon-to-become tiresome yell: GAS GAS GAS! That was our cue to don whatever we could of the chemical and biological protective suits we had been issued and dive into a ditch to take cover.
I remember thinking if there really were chemical or biological laden missiles heading our way, we would never stand a chance. None of us ever got the mask or the suits on properly… much less in time.
- Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent
Program note: Anderson takes a look back at the start of the Iraq War and where it stands now
Saturday & Sunday on 360° at 11p ET: “Shock & Awe: 5 Years Later” WATCH A PREVIEW
| Cindy |
March 19th, 2008 9:57 am ET Christiane, Cynthia, Covington, Ga. |
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| delusionaldan |
March 19th, 2008 10:44 am ET “I remember thinking if there really were chemical or biological laden missiles heading our way, we would never stand a chance.” And yet Christiane still think it’s better to retreat from those that school in the use these types of weapons. Yeah, that makes perfect sense…, (eyes rolling). |
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| Annie Kate |
March 19th, 2008 11:29 am ET Christiane, Thank you for the reminder that Great Britain is in this with us. Their forces don’t get near the coverage they deserve. I can’t even imagine having to get in a suit and a gas mask under a time deadline. I’m glad for everyone fighting over there that Saddam was bluffing on his WMDs; of course, he miscalculated badly thinking that his posturing on them would keep the US from attacking. In the end he saw he had badly miscalculated not only on whether we would invade but on what would happen to him. Annie Kate |
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| Sarah |
March 19th, 2008 11:34 am ET Christiane….. I recall your reports. You are so brave! |
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| Stewart Brodian |
March 19th, 2008 11:56 am ET I can understand and respect the president’s effort to explain and justify the United States’ invasion of Iraq on this fifth anniversary. Stewart Brodian |
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| venky |
March 23rd, 2008 3:32 am ET ANYWAY SADDAM CANNOT BE EXCUSED.MUSLIM FUNDAMENTALISM HAVE BEEN GROWING .THERE IS NO WAY EXCEPT WAR AGAINST IRAQ. IN WAR WE CANNOT EXPECT ANY |
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