"You are aware, I'm sure, that the "Zone" was established by the U. N. and was agreed to by Iraq, right"

A popular idea, but flat out untrue, Doug. The US, UK, and France created the "No Fly" zone(s) claiming power under UN Resolution 688. The resolution clearly does not establish such powers for those 3 countries. France eventually withdrew. There are only 2 nations which enforce and even recognize the no fly zones, and especially not Iraq, and most of the world considers the zones illegal.

"No Fly" in this case means only Iraq can't fly there. The US and UK fly those zones which are located over huge portions of Iraq and drop bombs on a more or less regular basis. (Particularly under the Clinton administration.)

If a foreign and hostile country were to declare a no fly zone over say, Chicago, do you think our armed forces would respond to armed enemy planes in US airspace or not? Even if it were futile?