CIA urges Bush to invade Iraq
The CIA has warned US President George Bush that a large scale invasion of Iraq is the only way to overthrow Saddam Hussein.
Aiding a coup or a covert operation by special forces would be unlikely to succeed in removing the Iraqi dictator, officials have said.
Instead CIA special intelligence director George Tenet told Mr Bush earlier this month that a full invasion is the best option for toppling Hussein, according to USA Today.
It follows reports that the Bush administration is developing a blueprint for an attack involving up to 250,000 troops.
The proposal, which would be similar to the 1991 Gulf War offensive, is unlikely to take place until early next year allowing time to create the right military, economic and diplomatic conditions, the New York Times said.
Other plans being considered include a "ground-centric" war similar to the recent Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, which would rely almost entirely on troops.
Another proposal is a combined air and ground campaign targeting Hussein's palaces, communication centres and weapons plants.
