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Military Preparations in Iraq

Saddam Hussein has thumbed his nose at last night-s ultimatum from President Bush, and the hours are winding down. The next time America sees the President, it will likely be after he-s authorized massive force against Iraq. In Kuwait, 150,000 US troops are ready to go. Turkey may reconsider American use of its land or airspace, and France says if Iraq uses weapons of mass destruction, it might join the coalition, too. What if Iraqi troops hunker down in Baghdad for urban warfare? We get an update from Kuwait, hear about -shock and awe,- the prospect for early victory and what it will mean if Saddam gets away, from national security and experts and military strategists from the Claremont Institute, University of Chicago and the Center for Security and International Studies. (This segment is an abbreviated version of one broadcast earlier today on To the Point.) Making News: Los Angeles Gears Up for Orange Alert The national alert was raised from yellow to orange and Operation Liberty Shield has been put into effect. Governor Gray Davis has doubled patrols at airports and public buildings, and LA Mayor Jim Hahn has requested $5.9 million for emergency preparedness. LA City Councilman Dennis Zine says the 13-to-2 vote will expedite process of purchasing some 10,000 gas masks and protective suits for first responders.