A crewman aboard the USS Enterprise prepares to help launch another wave of attacks against Iraq. (AP)

Following are key Post stories about the military strikes against Iraq initiated by the United States and Britain on Dec. 16.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999
U.S.: Airstrikes Took Toll
The top U.S. military commander and the Marine general in charge of airstrikes last month against Iraq said they believe the attack has weakened Saddam Hussein's hold on power and encouraged suspicion and disloyalty within his military.

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998
U.N. May Lift Sanctions
Russia, China and France favor lifting the sanctions on Iraq, disbanding the UNSCOM weapons inspections and firing their executive chairman, Richard Butler.
• Time May Be Arch-Foe in Struggle
• U.S.: Attacks Caused Major Damage
• Tea Leaves No Easy Read in Iraq

Monday, Dec. 21, 1998
U.S. Warns Iraq of More Raids
President Clinton's national security advisers warned Saddam Hussein that airstrikes will occur as often as necessary to prevent Iraq from developing or deploying weapons of mass destruction.
• U.S. Drama Leaves the World Bewildered
• The Big Military Question: What's Next?
• Raids Spur Conflicting Arab Reactions
• A Durable Saddam Declares 'Victory'
• Blair: Raids Hurt Plans of Saddam

Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998
U.S. Ends Attacks on Iraq
President Clinton announced a halt to the bombing of Iraq after four nights of airstrikes, calling the operation a success.
• Modest War Shifts Dynamics of Iraq Conflict
• Protests, Violence Flare in Arab World
• Baghdad Hides Its Wounds
• Kurds Consolidate Power in North Iraq
• Officials Define Their Measure of Success
• Blair Calls Attacks a 'Job Well Done'
• Raids Leave Baghdad a City of Contrasts
• President's Statement on Iraq

Saturday, Dec. 19, 1998
Overall Bombs Success Reported Mixed
As American and British forces bombarded Iraq for a third straight night, officials in Washington revealed that the bombing campaign has had only mixed success.
• Of First 89 Targets, Few Destroyed
• One Aim: Kill Saddam's 'Palace Guard'
• Clinton's Green Light Buoys Forces
• Despite Toll, Iraqis Are Defiant
• U.S. Seeks Russian Understanding
• Carrier Crew Practices Teamwork

Friday, Dec. 18, 1998
U.S. Steps Up Attack on Iraq
The attack by U.S. and British forces against Iraq broadened and intensified as salvos of missiles pounded scores of targets throughout Iraq.
• Is Mission 'Pinpricks' or Punitive?
• Baghdad: After Normal Day, Strikes Resume
• U.S. Details Strategy, Damage
• Divisions, Debate in Security Council
• Security Increased in Washington
• America's Allies Give Support to Attack
• Arab Leaders' Reaction is Restrained
• Iraqi Opposition Waiting for a Role
• Top Inspector Denies Aiding U.S. Aims

Thursday, Dec. 17, 1998
U.S. Strikes at Iraqi Targets
President Clinton launched the largest military operation of his two terms in office, pairing U.S. and British forces against Iraq in what he called a "strong, sustained" attack from the air against the sources of President Saddam Hussein's military power.
• Aides: President Saw Little Alternative
• Analysis: Limited Campaign Could Limit Success
• Sen. Lott Won't Back Clinton on Strike
• Attack Targets Sites Crucial to Weapon-Making
• U.S. Says Iraq Determined Timing
• Arab Nations Are Quiet, but U.S. Claims Tacit Support
• Dissent Heard in Some Foreign Capitals
• Raids Spawn Suspicions, Wary Support
• On Security Council, Mixed Views
• News Channels' Scrambled Signals
• The Life of a Capital Reduced to Tatters