The US is continuing to work on details of a post Saddam government. The US sees a military government in Iraq for 12-24 months, long enough for an honest (by Middle Eastern standards) government to be installed, a constitution created and elections held to choose a new ruler and legislators. 

It's becoming an open secret that American agents are operating in southern Iraq, making deals with the tribes and military leaders. As in Afghanistan, the local strongmen are being offered "gold or lead" and most appear to be taking the money. The US plan apparently hopes to conquer most of southern Iraq without violence, and to persuade all but Saddams hard core supporters, to switch sides.

U.S. and British warplanes bombed Iraqi aid defense sites in southern Iraq after the Iraqis fired on the coalition aircraft.