SPOT COMMENTARY

Created: 3/17/1991

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SPOT COMMENTARY

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BITOXTIOH REPORT7

Bhla Holy Sites Demagsd in Karbala

fighting between forces loyal to the regime and opposition elements.

The damage to the shrines is likely to provoke harsh condemnation from shias in Iraq and abroad. Both sides of the fighting almost certainly will blame the other for the damage to the

and helicopter gunships in their assault on the city, but the rebels also have mortars and possibly some tanks and light artillery pieces.

Iran is likely to intensify its calls for the resignation of Saddam Husayn and may become more actively involved in the unrest. Tehran has publicly warned Baghdad to avoid damaging the shrines, two of the holiest sites of Shia Islam. If Iran decides to respond with more than rhetoric, it may announce that it will allow "volunteers" from the Revolutionary Guard to join the Iraqi resistance. Tehran probably will refrain from outright intervention in Iraq because it probably will not want to risk an accidental clash with coalition forces in southern Iraq.

Fighting Intensifies in Kurdistan

Fighting between insurgents and regime forces hasmall rebel

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Baaotions to Saddam's spaa oh

Damascus' domestic service today reacted to Saddam Husayn'sarch speech with harsh criticism for the Iraqi leader. The commentary chastised Saddam for lacking the courage to take responsibility for Iraq's current predicament and accused him of planning new "massacres" against his people. Describing Saddam as "out ofhe commentary applauded Iraqi citizens for turning against thair leader. i

A similar message was carriedlandestine radio station calling Itself the "Voice of Rebellious Iraq." characterizing Saddamyrant, the commentator noted that despite government efforts to cover up the popular uprising in Iraq, Saddam's comments yesterday vers tha first acknowledgement mvsr of the existence of the popular revolt against him.

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