Speaking from Mexico following an unexpected operation against Iraqi military communications beyond no-fly zones on February 16, 2001, President Bush said: ” ‘The commanders on the ground, rightly, make the decision as to how to enforce the no-fly zone. …I want to assure those who don’t understand U.S. policy that this is a routine mission. Some of the missions require the Commander-in-Chief to be informed. This was such a mission. …We will continue to enforce the no-fly zones. …It is a part of a strategy, and until that strategy is changed, if it is changed at all, we will continue to enforce the no-fly zone. But, anyway, the decision is made on the ground.’ ”
– Karen DeYoung, Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell, Page 318