Will Iraqi Leaders Follow Orders?

As they advance on Baghdad, U.S. forces are facing the increased threat that Iraq may use chemical or biological weapons against them. Officials tell CBS News that Saddam Hussein has authorized his commanders to use these weapons once the Americans cross a "red line" outside the capital.

"If that's true then that's exactly why we're there," says retired U.S. Army Gen. Buck Kernan, a CBS News military analyst. "It tells me he was lying about not having those kinds of weapons."

So far, there's been no evidence the Iraqis have used chemical or biological weapons in the field. Nor have any weapons of mass destruction been found in Iraq – though U.S. forces have learned that Iraqi troops have gas masks and other protective gear, and a munitions depot near An-Najaf was being searched to determine if it might be a chemical weapons site.

But even the possibility that Iraq may have these weapons could be used by Saddam as "a form of psychological warfare" against coalition forces, says Kernan.

The use of chemical warfare also poses a psychological - and moral - test for Iraqi commanders, who may have to decide whether or not to follow orders to use these deadly weapons.

Kernan points out that these weapons, when released into the air, are almost impossible to control, and the victims would likely include both Iraqis and Americans.

"Chemical weapons affect all parties on the battlefield. The Iraqis run the risk of subjecting their own forces to them," he says.

"There's no way Saddam can protect his public," says Kernan.

Would Iraqi military leaders, then, follow those orders, knowing Iraqi soldiers – and civilians – would likely be killed?

Kernan says that remains to be seen.

"We've already had indications that some things Saddam ordered – like blowing of oil fields – did not happen. I'd like to think that there are rational subordinate Iraqi commanders who would resist those orders."

By Joel Roberts