Rumsfeld: We may encircle Baghdad and not invade it
The Jerusalem Post

28 March 2003

Briefing congressional committees in Washington, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld suggested American troops might lay siege to Baghdad rather than invade, in hopes its citizens would rebel against the government.

Mr. Rumsfeld drew comparisons with the southern city of Basra, where encircling British troops have delayed an assault in hopes Iraqi defenders give up or are toppled by anti-Saddam civilians.

NOTE: Intelligence sources are reporting that this strategy of encircling Basra rather than invading it has failed