U.S. Defense Policy

Secretary of Defense Cheney spoke before a luncheon of the American Mining Congress on the events in the Persian Gulf. He said Operation Desert Storm has, to date, been extremely successful, but was cautious in not claiming victory prematurely. Mr. Cheney announced the U.S. air strike had virtually shut down the Iraqi air force, as well as Iraq’s air defenses. The Iraqi navy has been eliminated strategically, and other key elements to Saddam’s military capabilities have been badly damaged. Mr. Cheney said the final military resource of Saddam Hussein is his army, the capability of which is difficult to measure until actual engagement is made. close