Check out breaking news stories. Russia ready to roll in. Possible use of "special" weapon? If they're going in so soon, likely no nuke to be used.

-- Yolande J. (Loner@gettysburg.educ), December 22, 1999

Answers

Ummmm Yolande, I hate to break it to you this way.

But in US Defense Department lingo, "Special Weapon" is the politicaly correct term for nuclear weapon. It's much less alarming to the general public to refer to "special weapons" than using the N- word. Especially when dealing with nations which have serious nuclear- phobias, such as Japan.

I'm not surprised if the Russians don't use the same terms for the same reasons.

WW; Special Weapon delivery specialist, 1976-1985.

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), December 22, 1999.

If they can't do it with conventional weapons, I would almost BET they will use limited nukes in the form of artillery. They cannot lose Chechnya. They have been bragging how the people are behind them in their effort to seetle the region.

There are those who discount this but I do not. Chernobal (sp?) is a good example of how nuclear power can be unleashed and survivable to the nation. Limited nukes would be far less devastating but very effective. My opinion is they will use them before they'll lose them.

-- Rob (maxovrdrv51@hotmail.com), December 22, 1999.

What type of limited nuclear weapons could be used? What is the method of delivery and what are the effects? I could see russia doing it.On one hand if they fight conventionally, it could take them months, years, if ever to win. The casualty rate could be very high,not to mention the drain financially and the public support turning on them. But..If they make a limited nuclear strike, they shorten the war, won't lose as many soldiers, and it's over. As long as no other country is affected then the world outcry will soon be forgotten. I can see how the russians might do that.....and it is VERY frightening. Do it once and the next time it is alot easier.

-- B.Clark (mrmomx6@aol.com), December 23, 1999.

UMMMM ... a "Special Operation" does not necessarily mean that a "Special Weapon" will be used!

If the following story from yesterday by Reuters is not the link to the story referenced by this thread, please post appropriate link!

Russian media say Grozny mission starts soon

By Peter Graff

MOSCOW - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the military campaign in rebel Chechnya was near its end and news agencies said commanders had already received orders to take the capital Grozny.

After meeting President Boris Yeltsin in the Kremlin, Putin said the military campaign was nearly completed, but Russia had set no firm deadline and would do all it could to limit casualties among its troops.

Interfax quoted military sources on Wednesday as saying commanders had already received orders to seize Grozny with a "SPECIAL OPERATION" (emphasis is mine) and had already finished their preparations.

"The necessary forces and means for carrying out the military operation have already been concentrated around Grozny," Interfax said. Russian generals say they will take the city without a full-scale frontal ground assault.

The independent AVN news agency, which specialises in military affairs, quoted sources as saying operations to take the city could begin "within days, perhaps even hours".

AVN said generals had received orders to take the city 10 days ago, but had delayed the start of their operation so they could send paratroops and marines into the mountains in the south to prevent rebels from reinforcing the city.

"Now nothing stands in the way of the operation," AVN said.

< end snip >

-- hiding in plain (sight@edge. of no-where), December 23, 1999.

SPETSNATZ troops, Da!

Chechans are to be dog meat for sure now. Lookink at vhat vas done for to Afgan civilians durink occupation from Soviet forces, you are bettink that some dirtyink tricks are remembered how to be doink.

Chechans are to be smart and surrender before New of Years or else Boris's pal Boris is to be drinking lots of toasts and will be pushink button to make Chechans into toast.

Happy of Holidays from Boris, Natasha and Fearless Leader. And rememberink: Keel Moose and Squirrel!

Your pal in all thinks bad, Boris

-- Boris Badanov (KGB@Kremlin.gov), December 23, 1999.