If we actually took out Saddam and several of his leaders on the first night
with the limited attacks we saw, and all of a sudden the whole military
surrenders?

Although remote, it's not impossible - but think about the absolute
humiliation and embarrassment that would fall on France and Germany in
particular, but also Liberal Wusses® like Daschle. It would be the ultimate
slap in the face!

1) Minimal or no US troop casualties
2) Minimal Economic Costs
3) Minimal Iraqi military casualties
4) Minimal or no Iraq civilian casualties
5) Objectives achieved

Just some thoughts that came to me when they mentioned the 'decapitation'
moves and the targeting of Saddam and the top levels of the government.