S*** Sandwich

Ever had someone toss an insult your way and found yourself wanting a snappy comeback but unable to think one up quick enough? Here's an old all purpose one - the reader can decide when it's use is appropriate. Immediately following an unexpected verbal attack, respond:

"Wow, I can't believe you said that after I just stood up for you the other day!"

"How?" They might ask, if taking the bait. If not, press on anyway.

"Somebody told me you ate a s**t sandwich, and I said 'that can't be true - he hates bread!'

Of course, being a discerning and witty individual, (otherwise you wouldn't be here) you aren't going to resort to such a low blow. In fact, I confess I was hesitant to offer it up, for in spite of my warning above regarding rough language and behavior I'm certain it's not the sort of thing that readers expect to see here. Forgive me and please read on. Unless I miss my guess, what follows is why you came here, and I'll tie it all together shortly.

A report on an "insurgent" video regarding the recent attack at a military dining facility in Mosul quotes one of the 'stars' of that video:

"One of the lions from our martyrdom-seeking brothers will infiltrate the defenses of the enemy at the Morez base in Mosul.

"He will slip through a hole in the camp's wire, exploiting the changing of the guard. We have been observing their schedule for a long time."

Indicating the event was the result of thorough planning and preparation on the part of a well organized enemy. We will assume they made similar preparations for the follow up assault, of which no doubt by now the reader is well aware. Or are they? After all, the results of that attack were less than successful for the "insurgents".

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 29 December, at around 3:45 PM insurgents attempted to demolish the concrete barriers protecting an American outpost in Mosul using a car bomb. They then attacked the facility with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.

An armored vehicle was dispatched to aid the American Soldiers defending the position. The level of planning on the part of the insurgents was considerable (although inadequate) as evidenced by the obstacles prepared for that vehicle. Several roadside bombs - including other car bombs - were pre-positioned along its route. All of them were detonated at stand-off distance by rounds from the vehicle's .50-caliber machine gun. Despite the delay, from reports of the incident the armored vehicle arrived in time to witness a demonstration of air supremacy; combined close-air support from Air Force and Navy aircraft, whose maverick missiles were apparently not included in the enemy calculations.

Results of the event? At least 25 insurgents killed. Fifteen Americans wounded - one later died as a result.

Here's an early paragraph from the NY Times coverage of the event:

The insurgents' attack in western Mosul was the latest coordinated strike at American or Iraqi forces, and it came eight days after a suicide bomber killed 18 Americans and 4 others in Mosul by infiltrating a mess tent at a military base. The attack began about 3:45 p.m., when insurgents armed with a car bomb tried to blow down the concrete barriers of the combat outpost, which is manned by a small force of soldiers. An armored military vehicle then sped to the outpost.

All of which is true. But the motive for intertwining sentences detailing the massive failure on the part of the insurgents with others about their recent success is questionable. While both stories do illustrate that the enemy is not simply rushing willy-nilly into battle with American Soldiers one wonders why the aspect of a complete American victory is so unpalatable to the tastes of the editors of the NY Times.

Could it be they don't like bread?

That paragraph might be forgivable, might even be evidence of over-sensitivity on my part, but the entire story alternates paragraphs describing those events in Mosul with yet another event - the story of the booby-trapped house in Baghdad, an event that killed a number of Iraqis.

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 29 - United States troops and warplanes killed at least 25 insurgents who used car bombs and rocket-propelled grenades to try to overrun an American combat outpost in Mosul on Wednesday afternoon, the American military said. It was the fiercest fighting the restive northern city has seen in weeks.

Fifteen American soldiers were wounded, military officials said.

[An American soldier died in hospital on Wednesday from wounds sustained in the attack, the military said Thursday, Reuters reported.]

The two-hour battle followed an ambush on Tuesday night in Baghdad where insurgents tricked the Iraqi police into raiding a booby-trapped home and then detonated a powerful bomb that killed at least seven police officers and 25 others, Iraqi officials said on Wednesday. Most of the civilian victims were family members who were crushed to death when the blast flattened nearby homes, the officials said.

The bomb detonated just as the police charged the home, in the Ghaziliya district of western Baghdad at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. Ghaziliya is a rough Sunni Muslim neighborhood on the road to Abu Ghraib prison that has seen clashes between gunmen and the police.

The explosion left electrical appliances, bedsheets and other household debris strewn about in the street as American soldiers and Iraqi officials used heavy equipment to search for survivors. Two policemen and 23 others were also wounded, officials said.

The insurgents' attack in western Mosul was the latest coordinated strike at American or Iraqi forces, and it came eight days after a suicide bomber killed 18 Americans and 4 others in Mosul by infiltrating a mess tent at a military base. It attack began about 3:45 p.m., when insurgents armed with a car bomb tried to blow down the concrete barriers of the combat outpost, which is manned by a small force of soldiers. An armored military vehicle then sped to the outpost.

My sympathy to the reader who has no idea exactly what's going on and where it's happening from the above account. Note that only after these paragraphs is the nature of the US victory revealed, and then it is not described as such. What we are left with is the impression of an increasingly sophisticated and cunning foe and an Iraq slipping ever deeper into chaos. But those who read even further in the story will find this burried treasure (emphasis added):

A top insurgent commander in Mosul was captured last week, Iraqi government officials said on Wednesday. The commander, Abu Marwan, a 33-year-old member of the Mosul terrorist group Abu Talha, which is affiliated with Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was seized on Dec. 23 based on tips from Iraqi citizens, they said.

The Iraqi government described Mr. Marwan as a "key al-Zarqawi operative" who was "responsible for conducting and commanding terrorist operations in Mosul, purchasing weapons for Talha's terrorist group, and coordinating the training of terrorist cells within the Abu Talha terrorist group."

No comment as to how that might impact the sophisticated planning and courage of the insurgents.

One could argue that "balance" is the reason for this sort of report. But I see fewer and fewer mentions of US and Iraqi success without this method of reporting being applied. The opposite seems less true; "successful" car bombs and assassinations seem to be reported without the clutter of "good" news to confuse or mislead the reader.

Is that due to the rarity of "good news"? Glad you asked. Here are some of this weeks CENTCOM news releases, with some emphasis added. See how many you heard or read about in your local news.

29 December:

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES DEFEAT INSURGENT COORDINATED ATTACKS, MNF DETAINS 18

MOSUL, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces decisively defeated three separate attacks by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to seize two police stations while Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 18 people suspected of anti-Iraqi activities during other operations on Dec. 28 in northern Iraq.

Two Iraqi Police stations came under attack by rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the stations in western and southeastern Mosul. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the first two attacks on the stations denying insurgents access. After regrouping, insurgents attempted to overrun the southeastern station once again but police decisively defeated their attempts.

Since Nov. 10, there have been nine attempts where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations. No police stations have fallen into the hands of insurgent fighters since Nov. 10.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, conducted a cordon and search operation in western Mosul, detaining 15 people wanted for planning and conducting anti-Iraqi activities. No MNF injuries were reported during the operation.

A concerned citizen came to the 1-24 Regiment Soldiers during their patrol in southwest Mosul and reported that three individuals purchased electronic components common in roadside bomb manufacturing. When Soldiers spotted the individuals they began to flee. Soldiers quickly maneuvered, detaining the three suspects for further questioning. The 1-24 Regiment reported no injuries during the operation.

31ST MEU ATTACKED FROM MOSQUE; FOILS INSURGENTS' IED PLANS

CAMP RIPPER, Iraq — In a continuing effort to disrupt insurgent activities in the Al Anbar Province, elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit located and destroyed numerous improvised explosive devices placed near the towns of Sa’dah and Karabilah Sunday.

As the ordnance disposal detachment was reducing the improvised explosive devices, three incoming rounds exploded near their location followed by a loud message from the Riqat Mosque in Karabilah.

As the Marines advanced to investigate the point of origin, they received small arms, machinegun, and rocket propelled grenade fire. The Marines then witnessed insurgents firing machineguns from the rooftop of the mosque and others running into the mosque with weapons.

The Marines returned fire that killed two insurgents. There were no US casualties.

Mosques are granted protective status unless they are being used for militant purposes. At that time, they lose their protective status as places of religious worship.

The 31st MEU continues to enhance security and stability to the Al Anbar Province in advance of the upcoming Iraqi elections.

28 December:

FIVE VBIED'S DETAINED IN BABIL PROVINCE

CAMP ECHO, Iraq-In the afternoon of Dec 28, five VBIED’s (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) were detained by Iraqi Police (IP) and Polish soldiers from 1st Battle Group of Multi-national Division Central-South (MND CS) from Camp Charlie. A joint IP and MND CS forces patrol stopped vehicles on the road approximately 1.5 kilometers north of Al – Mashru in Babil Province. Further investigation determined that all vehicles were filled with parts of artillery shells and grenades.

Soldiers determined it is likely that these vehicles were prepared as VBIED’s. Eight suspects were detained and handed over to IP station in Al-Hillah.

IP escorted all vehicles away from urban area and US Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) removed and destroyed all explosive material taken from the vehicles. The investigation is ongoing.

27 December:

PRO-IRAQI FORCES CAPTURE 28 IN RAIDS SOUTH OF BAGHDAD

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi security forces, backed by U.S. Marines and Soldiers, captured 28 suspected insurgents in northern Babil Province Monday, Dec 27, as a fresh offensive aimed at dislodging militant leaders south of Baghdad entered its sixth day.

In a late-morning, lightning raid near Mahmudiyah, some 250 Iraqi and U.S. forces swarmed a market believed to be doubling as a front for insurgent activity.

The raid netted several local insurgent leaders and raised to 137 the number of suspected militants rounded up throughout the province since Dec. 22.

Despite a recent drop in insurgent activity in the area, the commander of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which led the operation, said he has no intention of letting local insurgents regroup.

“By staying in the attack, we continue to generate momentum,” said Col. Ronald J. Johnson. “We are piecing more and more of the puzzle together. Our intelligence is growing, the connections are emerging, and the Iraqi security forces themselves are playing an increasingly decisive role.”

The latest offensive comes one month after a successful nine-day surge involving more than 5,000 U.S., Iraqi and British forces. That operation, dubbed Plymouth Rock in a nod to Thanksgiving, netted more than 200 insurgents and a dozen weapons stockpiles.

Though the long-term impact of recent operations remains to be seen, Marines are cautiously optimistic that their five-month-old efforts alongside the ISF are beginning to pay off. Key arrests of known militants have produced immediate results, as insurgent attacks in the 24th MEU’s area of operations fell significantly in December.

Since July, when the 24th MEU assumed operational control of this largely rural region that is home to 1.2 million Iraqis, Marines and the ISF they’re supporting have rounded up more than 950 suspected insurgents. To date, 645 have been sent to prison.

SOLDIERS CAPTURE KEY LEADERS OF HARUN TERRORIST NETWORK>

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq -- Second Brigade Combat Team Soldiers of the of the 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, captured two key leaders of a terrorist group claiming affiliation with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s terrorist network during sweeping operations in Ar Ramadi.

The Soldiers captured Saleh Arugayan Kahlil (Mahalawi), also known as Abu Ubaydah, on Dec. 8, and Bassim Mohammad Hazeem, also known as Abu Khattab, on Dec. 12.

Both of these individuals were cell leaders for a local Zarqawi-affiliated terrorist group operating in Ar Ramadi and western Al Anbar Province. This group is responsible for intimidating, attacking and murdering innocent Iraqi civilians, Iraqi police and security forces, and business and political leaders throughout the Anbar province.

Over the last several months, this terrorist group kidnapped and executed 11 Iraqi National Guardsmen, detonated improvised explosive devices and car bombs resulting in the death or injury of dozens of Ramadi citizens, and smuggled foreign terrorists into the country to destabilize the region and prevent economic growth in Iraq.

Local citizens are providing useful, detailed information regarding these terrorists. The information provided by the citizens of Ar Ramadi has led to the capture of several members of this group since early December.

In addition to the surrender of these two key terrorist leaders, many foreign fighters were also detained. The detainees have provided information regarding the involvement of other individuals who are actively recruiting and smuggling foreign terrorists.

The Marines, Soldiers and Sailors of the 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force stand committed to assisting Iraqi Security Forces in enhancing security and stabilization of the Al Anbar Province in advance of the upcoming elections.

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES DISRUPT TERRORIST ATTEMPTS, DETAIN 38

MOSUL, Iraq (December 24, 2004) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) prevented a potential car bomb attack and detained 38 suspects in separate operations over the past 24 hours.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment prevented a potential attack from occurring on security forces Thursday Dec 23 after they located a car containing a detonator, bomb making material and a video camera. Two subjects fled before they could be apprehended. An Explosives Ordnance Disposal team cleared the vehicle.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment conducted cordon and search operations near the city of Singar today for suspected terrorist cell members. Multi-National Forces detained 32 insurgents who remain in custody for questioning. Soldiers also confiscated five AK-47s, two handguns and two million dinars.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained two suspicious individuals Thursday at a traffic control point in central Mosul after Multi-National Forces spotted the subjects observing the checkpoint from a distance. A search of the subjects produced 1,000 blank identification cards and the suspects were taken into custody.

3-21 also conducted search operations near the northern city of Hammam al Alil Thursday in an attempt to locate suspected weapons caches. The search resulted in the detainment of three insurgents who remain in custody.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment conducted search operations of a Tal Afar business Thursday that resulted in the detention of one individual after Multi-National Forces discovered anti-Iraqi forces propaganda and other documents containing schematics and chemical equations in the business. The suspect remains in custody.

Multi-National Forces from Task Force Olympia continue to work together with members of the Iraqi Security Forces, leaders and citizens of Iraq to make it a safe, prosperous, and democratic nation.

An increasingly bold insurgency indeed.

Those are just a few such releases from a 3-day period this week.

No one expects America's newspapers to simply reproduce military press releases, and there's a bigger story in the world this week. But as Iraqi elections approach and violent acts become increasingly frequent it will be interesting to note which news organizations provide a steady diet of doom, broken only by an occasional sandwich. Contrary to some reports, there's no shortage of bread.

What news you chose to consume is entirely up to you, but like grandma Greyhawk always said to me, "You are what you eat".