A buildup begins

An old saying on preparedness may sum up the Bush-Rumsfeld strategy on Iraq: "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." A military buildup underway since at least October is expanding to strike strength the American forces that have long surrounded Iraq. In addition to Navy and Air Force jets patrolling (and dodging Iraqi missile fire) in the 11-year-old no-fly zone over Saddam's southern flank, U.S. troops man permanent bases in:

But the latter two countries, though staunch allies in the past, have waxed skittish over allowing U.S. forces to launch attacks against Iraq from within their borders. Not so with Qatar: The Connecticut-sized, oil-rich emirate--to the consternation of some of its Muslim neighbors--has emerged as a sturdy U.S. ally.

Last week, a thousand fresh troops, including U.S Central Commander and Taliban-beating General Tommy Franks, arrived there for a computerized battle simulation to test a new portable, high-tech war room. Gen. Franks may remain in Qatar for a potential nonsimulated battle.

Meanwhile, the Navy is amassing firepower in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. The nine-ship, 70-aircraft USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group is already on station in the Persian Gulf. The USS Washington carrier group, with 13 ships and 75 aircraft, is on post in the Mediterranean. The carriers USS Constellation and USS Harry S. Truman, both en route to the region, will add another 130 warplanes to U.S. forces.