U.S. officials: Delaying Iraqi strike has benefits

Aides said Bush sticking to usual routine

From John King
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) --Senior U.S. officials said that while war with Iraq could begin as early as Wednesday night, President Bush could find a "tactical advantage" in waiting before ordering an assault.

In a Monday night speech to the nation, Bush demanded that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons give up power and go into exile by 8 p.m. EST Wednesday -- 4 a.m. Thursday in Baghdad.

Bush will meet with his national security team Wednesday and consult with British Prime Minister Tony Blair by phone.

A National Security Council meeting was scheduled for Wednesday morning, and Bush also planned a separate session with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, according to a senior official.

Bush will hear the latest on military preparations and an assessment of weather and other conditions that could factor into a decision on when to go to war.

The senior official said that "it obviously is no surprise to anyone that a strike is coming" and that beyond an evaluation of weather and other field conditions, it could be in the U.S. interest "to leave them staring at the sky for a little bit."

Another official said Bush deliberately chose the words that the United States will attack "at a time of its choosing." The official characterized the looming deadline as a political one for Saddam that opened the door to military action "but is not in and of itself a determining factor in when we go."

Bush's schedule also included plans for a White House meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss preparations for possible terrorist strikes in the United States.

Aides said it is unlikely that Bush will speak publicly until after he makes his decision to launch a military offensive, an announcement that would be made in an Oval Office address.

In the meantime, these aides said Bush is trying to stick close to his usual routine, with a busy schedule of private meetings and telephone consultations, including a daily break for a workout.

 
 
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