3/22 update from Stratfor

The Current Battlefield
New Diplomatic Battle Brews Over U.N.
March 22, 2003

To keep its firmest ally, the Bush administration likely needs to find some role -- however limited -- for the United Nations to play in postwar Iraq.

Coming Hours To Show Quality of Iraqi Resistance
March 22, 2003

The coalition advance in Iraq continues, if not quite as quickly as CENTCOM might prefer. Reports indicate that coalition forces have captured key sites across southern Iraq and are about to renew the push north to Baghdad. The quality of the Iraqi resistance is inconsistent and, in many cases, still untested with no major confrontations. The next several hours should clarify just how quickly coalition forces might advance as they cross the Euphrates River and enter Mesopotamia and the roads to Baghdad.

Has Washington Sought Russia's Aid for Obtaining Surrender?
March 22, 2003

With the largest battle still ahead -- the fight for Baghdad -- a complete Iraqi surrender would likely save many lives, money and avert more damage to the already-battered capital city. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell called Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on March 21, and Stratfor informed sources say Powell asked that Russia use its ties with Iraqi leaders to persuade them to capitulate.