The American armored penetration into southern Baghdad suggests Iraq's defense of its capital is not functioning. The battle is currently being fought near the international airport where two of Saddam Hussein's palaces are situated, but until the American forces enter the al-Khark neighborhood, some 12 kilometers from the bend on the western bank of the Tigris, the fight for the city will not be won. Al-Khark holds the nerve centers of the Iraqi regime: the command centers, the bunkers and the villas of senior officers and officials. A second operational achievement of the Americans is the destruction, from the air, of the armored Nida division of the Republican Guards. Other divisions were also bombed, but not on the same scale. Apparently Saddam Hussein is moving ever closer to the "red line" of decision, of whether to use weapons of mass destruction or simply not to exercise this option. If he opts to use them, his time is up. The American breakthrough into Baghdad came as a surprise. It was assumed that the Americans would wait several days before proceeding with such a move. They probably concluded that the capital's defense is in disarray and that it would be to their advantage to take the initiative immediately. Two facts presumably contributed to this decision. First, west Baghdad and the western part of the country have been under the command of Saddam's son, Qusay. He has not been seen recently, and there is doubt about his ability to function. The second is Saddam's call upon the citizens of Baghdad, during a recent walkabout, to rally to the defense of the city. In other words, Saddam probably knows that most of the Republican Guard divisions have been decimated or have difficulty carrying out operations. While the American column moved forward, a great many civilians were out in the streets. Some clapped, but these were mostly the children, who are unconcerned about Saddam's wrath. In other cities, the Shi'ite population is known to be eager to welcome the American forces. The takeover of the international airport was not merely a tactical objective. It was a highly symbolic target. However, the true target was two of the three palaces Saddam has in the area. One is the Radwina, southwest of the airport, and the second, the Sakr. Both palaces hold presidential offices and the Iraqi leader is not thought to be hiding there. The Americans have not said how far they have penetrated into the city, but it is doubtful they will pull back before taking over the two palaces. The Americans used premeditated inaccuracies in their psychological warfare yesterday. This affects not only the Iraqis but also the media and public opinion in the West. The Arab media, on the other hand, tends to accept the Iraqi statements, no matter how evident the lie. After the two palaces are occupied, it will be possible to talk of victory in Baghdad. The main target is the al-Khark neighborhood. If Saddam is hiding anywhere, it would be in this area. This is where the command centers are and if these fall, the chances that other neighborhoods will succumb quickly are great.