The Gulf war could run and run if no-one admits defeat

The Gulf war no longer bears the remotest resemblance to the military walkover Iraqi President Saddam Hussein seems to have expected a month ago. It has long since degenerated into a slow, bloody slogging match, conducted primarily by artillery fire and air raids with Iraqi ground troops only taking up new positions when the enemy has been literally pulverized. By last week, the Iraqis were, however, effectively in control (if not altogether occupying) Khorramshahr and Abadan and most of the east bank of the Shatt al-Arab.