 |
|
 |
| [-] |
| [−] |
| [−] |
| [−] |
| [−] |
Prev | List | Random | Next |
Apparently he didn't even know he was in it. The cops who tasered and shot him thought otherwise.
Good thing he hadn't drawn the Swiss Army knife they later found in his pocket. (Or perhaps car, who knows?)
Note This post is originally from April 1, 2004, and is unchanged from that time. (Some links may no loner function - will update if possible.) The thoughtful reader can determine for themselves how much the events described herein changed the world. In the author's humble opinion, the photos from Fallujah were but the first of 3 sets of images that forever altered the situation in Iraq. More on that topic later
I warn you, what follows is in many regards more repulsive than the pictures and videos from Fallujah. Read at your own risk.
WASHINGTON - Every war or disaster contains moments that become defining images: a napalmed girl or a gun to the head in Vietnam, the body of a U.S. soldier dragged through a Somalian street.It is not clear whether the 80 seconds of video Wednesday showing images of charred American bodies being beaten and dangled from the steelwork of a bridge over the Euphrates River will come to define the war in Iraq.
But once again, broadcasters and news executives were torn between a question of taste and the demand to give viewers and readers information that could affect the course of history.
"War is a horrible thing. It is about killing," ABC News "Nightline" Executive Producer Leroy Sievers said in an unusual message to the program's e-mail subscribers discussing the issues posed by Wednesday's killings. "If we try to avoid showing pictures of bodies, if we make it too clean, then maybe we make it too easy to go to war again."
Read that last bit twice. "If we try to avoid showing pictures of bodies, if we make it too clean, then maybe we make it too easy to go to war again."
And later in the same LA Times piece:
While showing the images could erode support for the war, not showing them could have an opposite effect.Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Washington-based Project for Excellence in Journalism, said that networks' "sanitization of war may have helped the administration prosecute the war" a year ago.
During the height of the war, few pictures of slain American soldiers were shown and news photographers were not allowed at places where they could shoot images of coffins being shipped home.
The pictures from Wednesday's attack, Rosenstiel said, could anger viewers or "engender disenchantment about the war."
And in the end,
CNN began airing increasingly graphic footage as the day wore on and as the story became more familiar to Americans who had had a chance to view the video online. A spokeswoman said the network delayed airing more graphic images earlier in the day to "give the U.S. authorities time to contact the next of kin."Whether news executives made the proper decisions may take years of perspective to determine.
But the real effect of the images on Americans could be felt just months from now.
"These are the kinds of pictures that will linger," said John Schulz, dean of Boston University's College of Communications and a former faculty member at the National War College.
"They'll be there in November when people go to vote."
Let's just say what they didn't: Maybe something good will come of this and Bush will get tossed.
And in case you've missed this one
It has got to give the American public pause about this question of how welcome we are there," says Robert Dallek, a presidential biographer who studied Franklin Roosevelt's tenure during World War II and Lyndon Johnson's during Vietnam. "This is not Vietnam, but it is reminiscent of Vietnam."
Make no mistake about the meaning: It's Vietnam. It took very few hours to bring that out.
In fact, here's the Google score card in the News category as of this writing:
Iraq quagmire: 286
Iraq Mogadishu: 880
Iraq Vietnam: 5740
It's fitting that liberal talk radio went live yesterday. I caught a bit on NPR (yes, we get NPR via Armed Forces Network on radio here in Germany) reviewing day one. (Audio here) The commenter was bemoaning the fact that there was an endless loop of late-sixties/early seventies era protest music playing. Is this the image we want? He asked, and quickly changed we to "liberals".
Is it surprising that the long-awaited new voice of America is actually years behind the time? And what will be their response to yesterday's events?
I'd advise taking a cue from John Kerry:
There could be political repercussions for the White House, but Bush's rival sought no advantage Wednesday. "United in sadness, we are also united in our resolve that these enemies will not prevail," Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said.
That from the USA Today piece quoted previously. We shall see what happens when the focus group survey results roll in.
Today's reflection on yesterday may prove a real test for the liberal talk radio crowd. They have a great grasp of a rose-tinted 1968; can their aging eyes see this year without the aid of that lens?
Here's an assist. My fellow MilBloggers on Fallujah:
JB has one question. I have one answer: because we're human. (But they can give thanks I didn't command the American strategic bomber fleet yesterday.)
Blackfive remembers the Mog but notes the difference.
Baldilocks remembers where she's seen this before. Shame on the liberal crowd for missing the connection.
DarthVOB notes the left/right response in the blogosphere.
And Phil Carter responds like a military leader. It's a shame we've lost him.
Finally, John Stuart Mill:
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
2007 update: One additional comment for clarity. The reference to "losing" Phil Carter was based on my errroneous assumption he'd left the military altogether. In actuality, as a reservist he later served in Iraq. Details from his bio:
Phillip served as an officer in the United States Army, including nine years of active and reserve service with military police and civil affairs units. While on active duty before law school, Phillip played a key role in the fielding, testing and evaluation of the Army's digital battle command systems. In 2005-06, he took a leave of absence from the firm to serve in Iraq with the Army's 101st Airborne Division as an adviser to the Iraqi police.He continues to blog at Intel Dump.
Original post: 2004-04-01 12:06:44
A US airstrike in Sadr City has killed sixteen people, according to reports on official al-Iraqiya television.And here's the resulting statementAswat al-Iraq reports in Arabic that the strike was directed at a village in the Sadr City area, which reulted in the deaths of 16 civilians, all of whom are civilians.
CNN Arabic reports that a source "high" in the Iraqi Interior Ministry has confirmed the attack, saying it came at 2:00 AM, local time.
The source also said that most of those killed were from the local guards who provide security for the district.
CNN Arabic reports that the US military has said it is looking into the report.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Despite reports from individuals and some media organizations Coalition forces were not involved in air strikes over Sadr city on Friday.And from his hiding place:
BAGHDAD, March 30 — Religious leaders commanded by the Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr delivered a searing speech at Friday Prayer condemning the American presence in Iraq, while militiamen loyal to Mr. Sadr engaged in street battles against Iraqi Army soldiers in southwestern Baghdad, signaling a possible resurgence of the militia.We're in an anniversary season.Mr. Sadr has ordered the Mahdi Army, the militia he controls, to lie low during the early days of the new Baghdad security plan so as not to provoke a direct confrontation with the Americans. With the speech on Friday, which the religious leaders attributed to Mr. Sadr, it appeared that he was continuing to walk a tightrope, not openly defying American and Iraqi government attempts to secure the capital, but still sharply criticizing the United States presence in Iraq.
Iraqi police officials said Friday that American helicopters had conducted strikes in the early morning against a gathering of Shiite militiamen in an area east of the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City, Mr. Sadr’s stronghold. At least 20 people were killed and wounded, said a police official in the town of Khan Bani Saad, east of Sadr City. But a spokesman for the American military, Lt. Col. Josslyn Aberle, said she had no reports of such an incident.
Wow. Words fail. If you think the courage of the 300 has been lost through the ages, read this..
Then read the rest of Eagle1's post.
(Yes, I'm "re-ing" a milblogs post here, in case there are folks who for reasons unknown don't routinely visit there.)
Frontline's examination of "the rise of Arab satellite TV channels and their impact on the "war of ideas"" is now available for online viewing.
The question, via Powerline
So some research is required, in the best tradition of getting at the truth, using radio, cable news, and the blogosphere: any of our military readers on the ground in Iraq care to chime in? Who is right? McCain, Ware? Or is it somewhere in between.If this is the point in question:
McCain: "There are neighborhoods in Baghdad where you and I could walk through those neighborhoods today."
<...>
Ware: "To suggest that there's any neighborhood in this city where an American can walk freely is beyond ludicrous. I'd love Senator McCain to tell me where that neighborhood is and he and I can go for a stroll."
I'm a few weeks away from returning to Iraq, and haven't been there in two years, but I've spoken with an awful lot of folks who are now and have been - and I'd have to agree with Ware. McCain is correct only with qualifiers (qualifiers such as "with lots of big guys in armor, with guns, and the high ground secured"), and none are offered in the quotes. I don't think McCain is any more accurate in his description than John Murtha is with his - and reporters aren't likely to grant McCain the unquestioned pass they will Murtha.
And that opens McCain to comments like this:
Ware: "I mean, Senator McCain's credibility now on Iraq, which has been so solid to this point, has now been left out hanging to dry."
And that's unfortunate (though a bit excessive) - because on a related topic upon which there is consensus, I think Senator McCain nails it:
The debate in Congress has an “Alice in Wonderland” quality about it: we are debating efforts to micro-manage a conflict based on what the conditions were three months ago – NOT on what the reality is today. Conditions have changed in Iraq. The Baghdad Security Plan – the “surge” – is working far better than even the most optimistic supporter had predicted. The progress is tangible in many key areas despite the fact that only 40 percent of the planned forces are in Iraq.Ware's comments can be read back at Powerline:“Allow me to review some specifics. In Baghdad, the military has reported an increase in real-time actionable intelligence, provided to U.S. and Iraqi forces by a newly confident population. Prime Minister Maliki, who prevented U.S. troops from conducting certain Baghdad operations last year, has given the green light to American incursions throughout the city, including Shiite strongholds. All of the Iraqi army battalions called for under the plan have arrived, many at or above 75 percent of their programmed manning levels. Bomb attacks and murders are down since the surge began. Civilians killed in Baghdad numbered 1222 in December, 954 in January, and fell to 494 in February. There are reports of Sunni and Shia moving back into neighborhoods from which they had fled constant and horrific violence. Markets that have been subject to horrific car bombings have been turned into pedestrian malls that facilitate commerce and thwart terrorists.
“Moqtada al-Sadr has fled, possibly to Iran, and has ordered his followers not to oppose the new Baghdad Security Plan. The Madhi Army, purportedly dedicated to the expulsion of Americans from Iraq, does not today openly challenge either U.S. or Iraqi forces. American troops are engaged in reconstruction efforts in Sadr city, with the cooperation of the local mayor. And in western Baghdad, our troops are establishing new outposts in areas [red tabs] that have been conduits for al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) penetration into the capital city, and have begun to clear these areas of terrorists and insurgents. The net result of all this is that key Shiite leaders are now claiming that the Baghdad Security Plan was their idea, and are taking credit for the increase in security – a development that would have unthinkable three months ago.
“There is progress outside Baghdad as well: Throughout Anbar Province, Sunni sheikhs have banded together to fight al Qaeda in Iraq, and are pouring recruits into the police forces. Sixteen of 26 tribes in that western province are now working against al Qaeda. With numerous senior al Qaeda leaders killed or captured, the younger, less experienced leaders are making mistakes, such as targeting respected sheikhs and murdering children, that have alienated Sunnis and their leaders.
“In Ramadi, hundreds of Iraqi police last week conducted a major sweep.
“In the surrounding areas, including Haditha, and Hit, U.S. and Iraqi are conducting operations against al Qaeda and insurgents while protecting the population.
“In Diyala Province, U.S. forces expelled al Qaeda forces from one of their major bases in January, seized major weapons caches, disrupted fighter networks, and cleared cities and villages of al Qaeda fighters. A U.S. Stryker battalion has reinforced Diyala and is conducting major operations against AQI forces seeking to reconstitute. At the same time, other U.S. forces in Diyala are acting against rogue Madhi Army leaders in the province and are holding the Diyala and Tigris Rivers to combat re-infiltration into Baghdad.
“On the belt to the south of Baghdad, al Qaeda has come under heavy U.S. pressure in recent weeks, with American forces destroying car bomb factories and uncovering major weapons caches in areas such as Yusufiya, Latifiya, and Salman Pak.
“In Mosul, U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed and captured numerous al Qaeda operatives since December.
“In Samarra, American and Iraqi troops have captured al Qaeda facilitators and north of the city, Salahuddin Province, American troops have moved off of their Forward Operating Base and into the town of Bayji, an important hub on the road network.
<...>
If any Senator believes that our troops’ sacrifice is truly in vain, the dictates of conscience demand that he or she act to prevent it. Those who would cut off all funding for this war, though I disagree deeply with their position, and dread its consequences, have the courage of their convictions, and I respect them for it.If, on the other hand, you believe, as I do, that an increase of U.S. troops in Iraq, carrying out a counterinsurgency mission, provides the best chance for success in Iraq, then you should give your support to this new strategy. It may not be popular nor politically expedient, but we are always at our best when we put aside the small politics of the day in the interest of our nation and the values upon which they rest.
Those are the only responsible, the only honorable choices before us.
BLITZER: What about this vote? The tug-of-war, the political battle unfolding here in the Senate. The House of Representatives calling for some sort of timeline for a withdrawal of combat forces.So I suspect that on that point, the reporter and the senator are in near agreement.How does this play out in Baghdad? What do people there where you are, Michael, say about this?
WARE: Well, on the ground, it barely passes without a flicker. Of course, people take notes of the domestic politics back in D.C., in the United States. But honestly, that seems so far removed from the reality here on the ground.
People are still dying in the dozens every single day. There may be a security crackdown, but al Qaeda's suicide car bombers are still getting through. And we're finding 20, 30 tortured, executed bodies on the streets of the capital every morning, and American troops continue to die every day.
And just this afternoon, we've seen a double suicide truck bomb attack, followed by ground infantry assault by al Qaeda launched against an American position. Now, that was repelled, but eight American boys were wounded in the process.
Do you think anyone enduring that is paying attention to artificial deadlines that are going to get vetoed by the president? And even if they were to pass through the legislative process, would only serve al Qaeda and Iran, America's enemies? No. People are focusing on the near game -- Wolf.
And props to McCain for this line, too: ”I strongly recommend to the White House that the president read the list of pork to the American people when he vetoes this bill.”
Truck bombs in Tal Afar on Tuesday killed 80 people and wounded 185.
...one of the trucks exploded after the driver lured people in a predominantly Shiite neighbourhood to the site by telling them he was distributing free flour from a humanitarian organization. The bombing caused surrounding buildings to collapse, leaving huge piles of concrete and bricks dusted with white four.The Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni militant group allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility.Videotaped footage from the scene was broadcast Wednesday night showing a man dead in the front seat of his car. Men and women carried the limp bodies of children powdered with flour. Others dug through the rubble with their bare hands in a search for survivors.
Reports of reprisal killings soon followed:
Iraqi Shiite Muslim gunmen carried out reprisals in Tal Afar after coordinated car and truck bombings killed 75 people and wounded 185 at two markets in the northern city.Less evident from the headlines is the response of the Iraqi government:The gunmen responded to yesterday's blasts by attacking a Sunni Muslim neighborhood overnight, state television said. Off- duty Shiite policemen killed 45 people with execution-style shots to the back of the head, the Associated Press said, citing police and hospital officials.
Iraqi troops entered Sunni areas and a curfew was imposed, AP said, while Tal Afar police were confined to bases and were being replaced with officers from Mosul.More:
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's office ordered an investigation and the U.S. command offered to provide assistance.A few months ago "condemning the acts" might have been the only option.Ali al-Talafari, a Sunni member of the local Turkomen Front party, said the Iraqi army had arrested 18 policemen accused in the shooting rampage after they were identified by Sunni families. Shiite militiamen also took part, he said.
Given the focus of operations in Baghdad and Anbar, the obvious key question is can the Iraqi government and it's allies respond elsewhere? The early answer is "yes".
But that answer might not matter - as this is probably a major reason for the increase in suicide bombings.
Tonight at 9:00 PM:
In the fourth hour of News War, FRONTLINE/World reporter Greg Barker travels to the Middle East to examine the rise of Arab satellite TV channels and their impact on the "war of ideas" at a time of convulsive change and conflict in the region. His report focuses on the growing influence of Al Jazeera, and the controversy around the recent launch of Al Jazeera English, which U.S. satellite and cable companies have declined to carry. Barker also visits the "war room" of the State Department's Rapid Response Unit, which monitors Arab media 24 hours a day, and meets with U.S. military officers whose mission is to engage the Arab news channels in debate.From the web page:
The genesis for Al Jazeera, which means "The Island" in Arabic, was a disagreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the BBC News Service. In 1996, the Saudi-owned Orbit Radio and Television Service, operating from Rome, partnered with the Arabic TV division of the BBC to create an Arabic satellite news channel. But less than two years into the deal, the two were in editorial conflict. Reports at the time claimed the Saudis stopped financing the project because of a dispute over the broadcast of a documentary about executions in Saudi Arabia.Full transparency: there is an advertisement for this program over in the right column, but I'd be watching anyway.Seeing a gap and a golden opportunity, Qatar's progressive emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who was looking to democratize his tiny state and increase his influence in the region, immediately hired many of the journalists from the BBC-Saudi venture, who were now out of a job.
With $140 million in start-up money from Qatar's Sheikh Hamad and a pledge to subsidize it for five years, Al Jazeera began broadcasting from a state-of-the-art studio in Doha and quickly established itself as a serious force in the satellite news market.
Now, after more than a decade of beaming its direct style of news and popular talk shows into millions of Arab homes, Al Jazeera has become one of the most recognized media brands in the world. One of its most popular programs, The Opposite Direction, is a 90-minute showdown between opposing guests, in which viewers are encouraged to call in and join the debate. By pioneering a more accessible style of news coverage, Al Jazeera has not only become the most-watched satellite TV network in the Arab world but has also managed to infuriate the United States and every Arab government in the region. Libya and Kuwait, among others, have at various points threatened to pull their ambassadors from Qatar in protest.
Following 9/11, U.S. officials complained that Al Jazeera was dedicating too much coverage to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. It was reported that the then-U.S. secretary of state, Colin Powell, had asked Qatari emir, Sheikh Hamad, to "tone down" Al Jazeera's inflammatory rhetoric. Meanwhile, the channel was upsetting many Arab governments by giving airtime to Arab dissidents, whose voices, until then, had been largely silenced.
More:
The report also examines the Bush Administrations new policy of embracing Arab news channels in an effort to improve America's image in the Arab world. In Dubai, viewers meet Captain Eric Clark and Captain Frank Pascual, officers from US Central Command assigned as military spokesmen. As media liaisons, the two make a constant round of courtesy call to Arab news rooms.Says Capt. Pascual, "It's been the best assignment I've ever had in a twenty-four year military career, no question about it."
A report from insurgent leaders:
Insurgents report a split with Al Qaeda in Iraq
BAGHDAD — Insurgent leaders and Sunni Arab politicians say divisions between insurgent groups and Al Qaeda in Iraq have widened and have led to combat in some areas of the country, a schism that U.S. officials hope to exploit.The Sunni Arab insurgent leaders said they disagreed with the leadership of Al Qaeda in Iraq over tactics, including attacks on civilians, as well as over command of the movement.
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, on his last day in Iraq, said Monday that American officials were actively pursuing negotiations with the Sunni factions in an effort to further isolate Al Qaeda.
"Iraqis are uniting against Al Qaeda," Khalilzad said. "Coalition commanders have been able to engage some insurgents to explore ways to collaborate in fighting the terrorists."
Insurgent leaders from two of the prominent groups fighting U.S. troops said the divisions between their forces and Al Qaeda were serious. They have led to skirmishes in Al Anbar province, in western Iraq, and have stopped short of combat in Diyala, east of Baghdad, they said in interviews with the Los Angeles Times.
Al Qaeda in Iraq, which has taken responsibility for many of the most brutal attacks on civilians here, is made up primarily of foreign fighters. Although it shares a name with Osama bin Laden's group, it is unclear how much the two coordinate their activities.
The General Command of the Iraqi Armed Forces, a small Baath Party insurgent faction, told the Los Angeles Times it had split with Al Qaeda in Iraq in September, after the assassination of two of its members in Al Anbar.
"Al Qaeda killed two of our best members, the Gen. Mohammed and Gen. Saab, in Ramadi, so we took revenge and now we fight Al Qaeda," said the group's spokesman, who called himself Abu Marwan.
In Diyala, the 1920 Revolution Brigade, a coalition of Islamists and former Baath Party military officers, is on the verge of cutting ties with Al Qaeda.
"In the past, we agreed in terms of the goal of resisting the occupation and expelling the occupation. We have some disagreements with Qaeda, especially about targeting civilians, places of worship, state civilian institutions and services," said a fighter with the brigade who identified himself with a nom de guerre, Haj Mahmoud abu Bakr.
"Now we reached a dead end and we disavow what Qaeda is doing. But until now, we haven't thought about fighting with them," he added. "We are counseling them, and in case they continue, we will cut off the aid and the logistical and intelligence support."
And a personal view from Dave Kilcullen, Senior Counterinsurgency Advisor, Multi-National Force -- Iraq
Think about that for a moment. If insurgents are the fish, and the community is the sea in which they swim, then AQI just showed an incredible level of desperation – attacking its own potential constituents, applying a uniquely repellent form of attack, and emulating Saddam on the anniversary of one of his worst atrocities, into the bargain. What were they thinking?And here's Omar, a citizen of Baghdad and co-author of Iraq the Model:Or consider another recent attack, where extremists bombed a Sunni moderate mosque because its Imam dared to suggest that maybe it’s time to stop fighting, that there is an honorable path of resistance through political participation and the ballot box rather than pointless violence. Many Sunnis were killed – again, extremists targeting moderates for fear that they are about to lose the influence conferred by intimidation.
Both of these attacks were political “own goals” for the terrorists - the mask is slipping, and people are seeing the real face beneath.
Overall, the security operation continues to gain more support among the political parties, including some that were skeptical in the beginning out of fear the operation would not be impartial. Today a spokesman of the Accord Front, to which VP Hashimi and deputy PM Zobaie belong, affirmed the AF’s support for the ongoing operation saying, “Our bloc, seeing the security forces covering Baghdad’s districts and operating without discrimination, is now convinced that the operation is unbiased.”Finally, from a young soldier deployed with the second of five "surge" brigadesOn the other hand extremist parties of both sects continue their criticism of the operation, in stupid and somewhat amusing ways. One case I found funny is related to the recent discovery of a large weapon cache that included 470 anti-tank land-mines in Jameela district near Sadr city. The discovery of the stash was reported by MNF-I website, as well as Qasim Ata the official spokesman of Baghdad operations.
Neither report accused a specific entity of being responsible for possessing the cache, but then I saw the Sadrist lawmakers (I mean lawbreakers) on TV gather reporters to tell them that the whole story about finding weapons is a lie!
It was a textbook example of how denying involvement in a crime can only make people believe that you are indeed responsible.
BAGHDAD -- Before heading to war last month, Cpl. Jon Dorsey hid 20 books in equipment that he was charged with shipping to Iraq.Along with titles on quantum physics, he sent General Patton's memoirs, Plato's "The Republic," and Kerouac's "On the Road."
The young soldier from Strong's Prairie, Wis., calls himself a student of history and takes a broad view of his mission as the war enters its fifth year. For him, and a handful of others in this battalion called the Black Lions, it's about shaping the future and spreading US ideals.
<...>
Dorsey says he believes success in Iraq is still attainable if the Army is given enough time and money to regain the trust of average Iraqis and enable the country's security forces to stand on their own. He says many back home were losing the big picture by focusing on the daily violence."American soldiers gained their country's independence and we put an end to slavery, fascism, and dictatorships all around the globe. I do not buy into 'we can't stop this and we can't stop that,' " says Dorsey, a freckled redhead from a township in the heart of Wisconsin with barely 70 inhabitants. He joined the Army after high school because he felt college would be just too limiting and, he says, downright boring.
"The only thing that can stop us are people back home. People who decide they have had enough and it's not worth fighting anymore," he says.
And now for something completely different...
That's me, on my old but favorite guitar playing a song I wrote for Mrs G back before she was Mrs G.
Over 30, weathered, scarred, tuned about a half step low, and gut strings helped out by about zero remaining natural resonance, but it's been all over the world with me and for some reason I still prefer it to some better, younger, prettier models available.
The guitar, I mean.
Used a very low budget camera and mic for that - and free software. I created a second track combining the first and a second guitar - a steel string - and layered that back slightly out of phase at low volume on the original. Made no efforts whatsoever to clean up or improve the result - much ambient noise, pops and hisses remain. And yes, I know how to reduce that, just didn't want to.
Saw some friends off this week. This part was the mere formality, of course, the real sendoff having come earlier in the week - a celebration in darkness, light and noise in places of smoke and stone and glass and old wood and newer brews and food the likes of which they won't be seeing for a while.
Then later the official departure. The headquarters parking lot, the bus for the brief first leg of a much longer trip. And ticking clocks and failing bravado and the stripping away of all the grander, large scale things that necessitate the moments like these. Moments when things become real and personal, and hands are held to the last moment and children are kept wrapped tightly in strong and gentle arms for the longest possible last time - for a little while.
And whispers are exchanged and little is said aloud because throats are a bit constricted. And from the corner of my eye towards the back of the crowd I spot the wife of the first man on handing a tissue to the child of another.
"It won't be real for me until I see the tail lights go around that corner..." someone told me earlier, and all too soon that becomes the reality.
And off the rest of us go, some back to our own preparations for a day like this one. Some back to their schools and others back to slighly quieter homes.
Someone else emailed me from Iraq today, describing his current "home": There is Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway, Poppeyes, Seattle's Best, 10 x of flat screen televisions for sale in the PX ... There is a swimming pool on this base -- they got it working. They have the Green Bean coffee shop, and all the ice cream you can eat in the dining facilities. I see live bands in the dining facilities on a regular basis -- including last night (playing Jimmy Buffet).
All good things, I suppose - for those for whom all the truly good things will have to wait.
...which is what happens when you set up a medical clinic in such a location.
As part of my own preparation for deployment, I've re-qualified on the various weapons I'll have at my side, but also completed Combat Lifesaver training - something our enemy has little use for:
Maj. Gen. Michael Barbero, deputy director for regional operations on the Joint Staff, told reporters that a vehicle was waved through a U.S. military checkpoint because two children were visible in the back seat.More here.“Children in the back seat lowered suspicion, (so) we let it move through, they parked the vehicle, the adults run out and detonate it with the children in the back,” Barbero said.
Should Democrats succeed in congress today such violence in Iraq will continue, but medical aid will be just a memory - for those who survive.
Meanwhile, elements of the second of the five American "surge brigades" are now on duty in the Baghdad area.
Fresh troops assume battle space in BaghdadIt's worth noting that the early successes of the new strategy have been achieved with only one of the American brigades employed.
BAGHADAD — Fresh troops have arrived in western Baghdad and have assumed control in their area of operations.2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, the ‘Proud Americans,’ officially assumed responsibility for operations March 15, during a transfer of authority ceremony held on Camp Liberty, Iraq.
More, from The Washington Post:
The 130 or so soldiers in the company assigned to the gym belong to the 4th Brigade's 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, out of Fort Riley, Kan. Their brigade is the second of five being deployed to Iraq as part of the troop increase.The brigade, essentially built from scratch during the past 15 months, had been expected to provide logistical support for convoys and security for the large, citylike bases that the U.S. military has until recently used as its main operational centers in Iraq.
That mission changed Jan. 10 when Bush announced that he intended to send thousands of additional troops to Iraq to help implement a U.S. and Iraqi plan to pacify the capital and other parts of the country. Word trickled down the ranks of the Black Lions, as the 1st Battalion's members are known. At least two-thirds of the unit's soldiers are fresh out of basic training.
"I went home and said to my wife, 'The president talked about the surge to Baghdad,' " said Overby, the 1st Battalion's second in command. "How often do you get to be a part of what the president says? We were happy. It was better than escorting trucks through the desert."
Soldier's Dad coins a brilliant phrase in a brief essay at MilBlogs:
Some families have long histories of tending to the tree of liberty, others have a long history of living in its shade.He's referencing the pork-laden "Iraq and Afghanistan funding" bill designed to defeat US military efforts in Iraq currently oozing through the House of Representatives (and Senate) but the quote has other applications.
Sadly, so many of those who enjoy it most would have us believe that shade is a darkness that needs eliminating...
The peaceful gathering contrasted sharply with arrests Monday night at the Army recruiting center near the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus, where protesters broke a window and threw smoke bombs, paint and human excrement, police said. There were no injuries reported.To which a representative of a "Peace" group replied:Pat Grobschmidt, public affairs officer for Army recruiting in Milwaukee, said no one was in the office at the time.
"Soldiers defend the right of all Americans to peacefully express their point of their view. We're dismayed that their actions are anything but peaceful," Grobschmidt said.
"We do not use those tactics ourselves, but the movement is very broad, and as this war continues, the anti-war movement is going to take many forms - not all of which everyone feels comfortable with"It's debatable whether that example is the most extreme of recent days.
While they won't "feel comfortable" with these "fringe actors", they won't find it in their hearts to condemn them either. And that's unfortunate - because 13 seconds isn't really very much time at all.
Smash has certainly done his bit for the tree - as did his father before him. Last weekend he spent some time among those tending the branches, and those enjoying the shade.
Here's our fun fact about Georgia geography for the day:
The Piedmont area is home to the red clay soil of Georgia and its rolling hills and valleys. Southwest Georgia is known for its abundant farmland. The Coastal Plains feature the tidal swamps and lowlands of the coast and the northern reaches of the Okefenokee Swamp. Georgia's beaches are popular with vacationers.The Piedmont and the Coastal Plains are separated by the Fall Line, an imaginary line marked by waterfalls and rapids, where rivers abruptly descend from the upland terrain to the lowland. This line also divides the diverse species of birds, trees, and plants found in Georgia.
Below is a picture showing that Fall Line. For further educational benefit, I've added a red circle designating the location of Ft Stewart, the sprawling home of the Third Infantry Division - the Rock of the Marne. As you can plainly see, one thing Marne Soldiers don't have to worry much about is scraping dried red clay from their boots.
Which makes this Chicago Tribune story quite (ahem) interesting...
FT. STEWART, Ga. -- In a remote area of this sprawling military base, soldiers are preparing for a mission to Iraq that has become all too familiar.Quite the dramatic start. But having spent a bit of time at Ft Stewart (in fact, later in music appreciation class I'll teach you all the Dog Face Soldier song) that highly descriptive bit explaining how the "Cracked Georgia red clay simulates the dusty deserts in Iraq" really reached out and grabbed me.Cracked Georgia red clay simulates the dusty deserts in Iraq. A make-believe village called Medina Wasl, occupied by Iraqi-Americans acting as townspeople, stands amid pine trees.
But the veteran soldiers undergoing the training know this makeshift battleground is far from the real thing. They have been to Iraq at least once already, and with each deployment, the danger of war becomes more intense and their family life at home more strained.
In fact, it reminded me of another description I read some time back - about how Jessica Lynch's father "choked up as he stood on his porch here overlooking the tobacco fields and cattle pastures..." - said tobacco fields being every bit as solid as the cracked red clay of Ft Stewart.
Here's a great example of a story making it's way from the back pages of newspapers to blogs and then back to the mainstream media again - and hopefully it will keep going.
Ten days ago I noticed (and shared) an obscure AP story detailing some of the $20 billion in pork Democrats had added to the bill to fund the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
...House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., isn't waiting on the upcoming farm bill to extend income subsidies aimed at small dairy farms. Obey's 13-month extension would cost $283 million.Last week, while guest blogging at Michelle Malkin's site I referenced the story again - and you can bet a lot of folks noticed that one. (Note also from that link that the Washington Post editors were opposed to the bill on issues other than the pork layered within. But the paper tackled that topic later - and quite enthusiastically - as you'll soon see.)
<...>
Some critics say the Democrats are simply being opportunistic — using a must-pass measure for funding U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to carry items that can't advance as easily on their own.
<...>
Already, money in the bill not directly related to the war exceeds $20 billion.
<...>
Democrats insist they aren't being bought off."Absolutely not," said Rep. Jim Costa, a Democrat representing a farm district in California's Central Valley. The California delegation is demanding help for citrus, avocado and other farmers facing $1.2 billion in losses from a devastating January freeze.
"I would support this one way or another," said Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., a driving force behind the drought aid package.
<...>
There are a few lawmakers — such as Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. — whose support for war funding is contingent on add-ons. In DeFazio's case, it's $400 million to extend payments to rural counties hurt by cutbacks in federal logging.The billions of dollars not requested by Bush include $1 billion to prevent or prepare for a possible avian flu epidemic and $400 million in additional heating subsidies for the poor.
Shortly after that, blogger/Porkbusters founder NZ Bear created a web page devoted to tracking the bill:
The Victory Caucus has published the full text of the House Democrats emergency supplemental bill. This includes a downloadable PDF version and a browseable / linkable version online, here.This past weekend the Wall Street Journal picked up the story:Check it out: this will enable bloggers to link directly to the page of the bill that they are commenting upon. I’m also collecting ‘bookmarks’ to the silliest provisions, such as the $120M for shrimp research, the $25M for spinach , and the most important measure to help our troops achieve victory in Iraq --- an increase in the minimum wage .
I’m working on a way to include links to blog commentary on particular sections of the bill as well… and I’ve got my sources out looking for the Senate resolutions as well so we can do the same treatment.
Thus has Mr. Bush's request for $100 billion to fund the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, plus $3 billion to replenish the disaster-relief fund, devolved into a $124.6 billion logrolling extravaganza. You can get the flavor from the bill's very first words on page two: "Title I--Supplemental Appropriations for the Global War on Terror Chapter 1 Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service." Forget the Marines; send in the meat inspectors.This bill has everything the modern military doesn't need. There's $25 million for spinach, designed to attract the vote of Sam Farr, a California farm-region liberal. Perhaps spinach growers who lost business due to last year's E. coli scare need this taxpayer bailout, but it won't intimidate the Taliban unless Mr. Farr plans to draft Popeye.
Other lowlights include $20 million to restore farmland damaged by freezing temperatures, and $1.48 billion for livestock farmers. And don't forget the $74 million "to ensure proper storage for peanuts," an urgent national-security need. This happens to be about the same amount that House Democrats propose to increase spending for operations of the Army Reserve, so it's good to see Congress has its priorities in order.
Then there are the provisions to raise the minimum wage, at one pace for the continental U.S. but at a separate, slower pace for the Northern Mariana Islands. And $500 million for "urgent wildland fire suppression"--that's forest fires, not weapons fire. There's so much more, if only the press corps would take the time to look.
This pork-barrel blowout is grounds enough for a Presidential veto.
Today, the Washington Post joined in:
As the opposition heats up, the Democrats have had some successes in their furious search for support. Yesterday, MoveOn.org announced that with 85 percent of its members backing the bill, the liberal activist group will begin working for its passage. That could prove to be a major boost for Democratic leaders struggling to keep in line the most liberal wing of the party, which wants to cut off funds for the war by the end of this year.But three cheers for Boustany for not taking the bribe:A few Republicans are at least considering a vote for the bill, including Reps. Wayne T. Gilchrest and Roscoe G. Bartlett of Maryland. Some conservative Democrats who had been expected to vote no on Thursday are wavering.
To get them off the fence and on the bill, Democrats have a key weapon at their disposal: cold, hard cash. The bill contains billions for agriculture and drought relief, children's health care and Gulf Coast hurricane recovery.
For Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), there is $25 million for spinach growers hurt by last year's E. coli scare. For three conservative Democrats in Georgia, there is $75 million for peanut storage. For lawmakers from the bone-dry West, there is $500 million for wildfire suppression. An additional $120 million is earmarked for shrimp and Atlantic menhaden fishermen.
So far, at least in public pronouncements, the $21 billion in funding beyond President Bush's request has earned Democrats nothing but scorn.
For more than a year, Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. (R) has tried unsuccessfully to secure federal funds to prevent salt water from intruding on rice fields in his lowland Louisiana district. So it came as a surprise last week when Boustany found $15 million in the House's huge war spending bill for his rice farmers. He hadn't even asked that the bill include it.
"It gives me no satisfaction to vote against measures that I have been working for since even before [Hurricane] Katrina, but I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that does this to our troops," Boustany said yesterday, decrying what he called the "cheap politics" of using disaster aid to win votes on a measure this controversial....even though Dems are already attacking Republicans who won't cave in:
When Appropriations Committee member Rodney Alexander (R-La.) voted against the bill in committee last week, Democratic Whip James E. Clyburn (S.C.) shot off a statement to the New Orleans Times-Picayune declaring, "When [Gulf Coast] assistance is on the fast track, Rep. Alexander chose to stand with his party rather than with the people of his region."So, what's next? Nancy Pelosi has invested heavily in this effort, and her declaration of failure of the new Iraq strategy will probably not be enough to appease the MoveOn crowd referenced above. But the bill hasn't got a snowball's chance in Baghdad of passing - without the steady flow of cash through the pipeline for the (ahem) "undecideds" and "moderates". (Revisit the original post and the WaPo piece above for even more details on that.) But even if this atrocity passes the House it will need to be reconciled with the Senate version (they've already rejected the withdrawal provision), and sent to the White House for final approval. Anything can happen along the way (though I wouldn't bet on "quick resolution") but hopefully a much brighter light will be shining on this in the days ahead.
And in these days of preparing for my own return to Iraq, all I can say is "glad I could help."
From youngest Greyhawk...
Dad you're getting a surge of grey hair.
Via email, from Haider Ajina:
Greetings,
The following is my translation of an article which appeared in the two Iraq news agencies ‘Al-Nejaf News’ & ‘Al-Wataniah Al-Iraqiah’ on March 16 2007.
Nearly 40% of Families who left Basra have returned to their homes in BasraHaider's comments:President of the Sunni Accord southern Chapter Abdul Kariem Alkhzerji said to the Basra office of Al-Wataniah Al-Iraqiah, ‘Close to 40% of forcibly displaced families from Basra have returned to their homes in Basra province.
Alkhzerji told Al-Wataniah Al-Iraqiah, ‘there are a number of reasons behind the return of the displaced families in Basra. Chief of them is the relative calm and security, which is prevalent in the province. Second are the long lasting and historic relationships, which bond Sunni & Shiite Muslims to each other.
Alkhzerji added,’ The security operations carried out by the security forces in Basra province have a profound impact on reducing sectarian violence, hence the return of the displaced families to their homes. This occurred after the security forces took their role seriously and with no prejudice, by enforcing the law with no bias between one sect or the other”. He expressed his expectations in the increase in the number of families returning to their homes to above 40% in the next few days.
The leader of the Sunni Accord in southern Iraq, were Sunnis are a minority, goes out of his way to announce this tremendous news. Not only does he confirm that security is good in Basra. That the mostly Shiite security forces are working hard to protect every one. That the security operations are being effective. He also point out the strong historical bond between Shiite & Sunni in Iraq. How can Alkhzerji be describing what our media and some politicians are calling civil war?
Indeed, it is not civil war; indeed, it is not Sunnis Killing Shiite just because that is what they are. The violence in Iraq is about a small minority (who happen to be mostly Sunni) wanting to destabilize democracy and take away freedom from the rest of the Iraqis. Be it Arab Muslim Sunni, or Muslim Shiite or Arab Christian or Kurd or Turkmen etc.. In order to provoke a group into violent and negative action one lures them into revenge. The terrorists are employing this mission in Iraq. They continually seek to provoke different sects to fight each other. This tactic was used by Hitler to gain most of his political power by the way. It is also the divide and concur tactic used by colonial Britain in the previous century.
In southern Iraq, Arab Muslims, Shiites & Sunnis have been living amongst each other and intermarrying for over 1200 years. It is also in southern Iraq were the Sunnis, are a minority, that they feel the safest.
Regards
Haider Ajina
McKinleyville CA
Update from Andi:
Registration for the 2007 MilBlog Conference is now open to the general public. To register, click here.A sneak peek at the registration list can be found here.
... been very busy lately. How busy? So damn busy I forgot to mention that several of us milbloggers have gotten together and formed an Army of Occupation over at Michelle Malkin's blog.
We did it without a plan. And there aren't enough of us. That's how us military types do things, you know.
Elizabeth Ann Meriwether Donovan, 7 Oct 1930- 13 March 2007
Elegy
A good life, well lived.
Mrs. Ann Donovan, of Columbia, passed on 13 March after a tough struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Tim and daughter Kathy Donovan-Hanson, of Columbia, and son John of Leavenworth, Kansas, and grandchildren Tim, Patrick, Erin, and Andy of various and sundry addresses.
Word from Mike Yon, in Baghdad:
My latest dispatch is published on the front page of Fox News. I am honored that Fox has agreed to begin publishing my major dispatches on their front page. I am also flattered that Fox has agreed to publish my work unedited.Please click "Ernie is Dead" to read the latest.
Mike reminds us his "site remains independent and is 100% contingent on reader support. Thank you for considering supporting my work in Iraq through the end of 2007."
And,
Currently I am searching for a good unit in Baghdad to embed with. I need what Ernie needed: a secure place to live and reliable communications. If you are the commander of such a unit, please contact me.
I suggest acting fast - you'll be glad you did.
...in for the MilBloggers NCAA brackets.
Not familiar with the college hoops? Take it from me then: Oral Roberts all the way.
(And big kudos to Bubblehead for setting it all up.)
Iran said Sunday an international conference in Baghdad where it held direct talks with the United States for the first time in four years was a constructive “first step” toward restoring stability to the neighboring country.Their definition for success looks a lot like John Murtha's:
“Leaving security affairs to the Iraqi government, arranging a timetable for the departure of foreign forces, and taking an indiscriminate approach to all terrorist groups can bring peace and security in Iraq,” Hosseini said....except for that "approach to terrorists" bit.
Just two months ago, President Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq:
The most urgent priority for success in Iraq is security, especially in Baghdad. Eighty percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs within 30 miles of the capital. This violence is splitting Baghdad into sectarian enclaves, and shaking the confidence of all Iraqis. Only Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people. And their government has put forward an aggressive plan to do it.While security was obviously priority one, he acknowledged that a military solution alone wouldn't solve all Iraq's problems:
A successful strategy for Iraq goes beyond military operations. Ordinary Iraqi citizens must see that military operations are accompanied by visible improvements in their neighborhoods and communities. So America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced.For instance...
To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs.Beyond Iraq,
We will use America's full diplomatic resources to rally support for Iraq from nations throughout the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf States need to understand that an American defeat in Iraq would create a new sanctuary for extremists and a strategic threat to their survival. These nations have a stake in a successful Iraq that is at peace with its neighbors, and they must step up their support for Iraq's unity government.Two months later, and an unprecedented meeting of Iraq's neighbors has occurred. And the General shouldering the responsibility for making that new security plan a reality has given his first briefing from Baghdad.
Iraqi and coalition forces are steadily building their strength to support the operation in Baghdad. The last of nine Iraqi surge battalions and the second of five U.S. surge brigades have just entered Baghdad. This buildup will continue throughout the spring, with all U.S. and Iraqi forces dedicated to the mission in place by about early June.Note he's of the same mindset as the President regarding the civilian/military effort. As for PRT's - the President mentioned those, too:As our military effort surges in the greater Baghdad area and in Al Anbar province, a complementary effort will be carried out on the civilian side in the form of a joint Department of State/Department of Defense initiative to double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq from 10 to 20.
As with the military effort, the focus will be on Baghdad and Al Anbar Province. These PRTs will draw on civilian and military expertise to help the Iraqis build capacity in the provinces and support local initiatives.
Meanwhile, other efforts, including one focused on the rule of law, will assist certain Iraqi ministries in Baghdad as they work to improve their capabilities and capacity.
We are, in any event, still in the early days of this endeavor, an endeavor that will take months, not days or weeks, to fully implement, and one that will have to be sustained to achieve its desired effect.
We will double the number of provincial reconstruction teams. These teams bring together military and civilian experts to help local Iraqi communities pursue reconciliation, strengthen the moderates, and speed the transition to Iraqi self-reliance.Back to that "reconciliation" concept in a moment. But first, how goes the joint effort? Here's General Petraeus:
While too early to discern significant trends, there have been a few encouraging signs. Sectarian killings, for example, have been lower in Baghdad over the past several weeks than in the previous month. There also appears to have been less sectarian displacement in the past month; in fact, some families have returned to the neighborhoods from which they were displaced, although in small numbers so far. Iraqi and coalition forces have uncovered stockpiles of explosively formed penetrators in Diyala province and in Baghdad, with 96 weapons caches found in the Multinational Division Baghdad area alone in the past two weeks. Additionally, two major car bomb factories have been destroyed on the outskirts of Baghdad. Hundreds of extremists have been captured or killed, including some mid-level members of al Qaeda Iraq and other extremist groups. And we have destroyed several trucks equipped with heavy machine guns used for engaging our aircraft.So, with a regional conference, a hydrocarbon law ("oil deal") and a pledge of billions, it looks like the Iraqi government has met a few "key benchmarks" - good. But as General Petraeus repeats, violence continues - and improving security is priority one, and precedes any possibility of progress on other fronts.Beyond Baghdad, moreover, a number of tribes in Anbar province have in recent months finally said, "enough," and begun to link arms against extremist operatives who have killed their sheikhs and sought to poison their young people's minds.
Meanwhile, Iraqi leaders have moved forward on some important pieces of legislation, most notably the draft national hydrocarbon law, which treats Iraq's petroleum revenues as a national asset to be shared equitably among Iraq's provinces and regions. The government of Iraq has made several budgetary advances in recent weeks as well, to include earmarking $7.3 billion for security-related expenses and over $10 billion for capital investment in vital infrastructure, pushing 2.4 billion reconstruction dollars directly to the provincial governments, and conducting the conference yesterday led by the deputy prime minister, Barham Salih, on spending that money appropriately for the Iraqi people.
Coalition and Iraqi soldiers and police have had some tough days as well. It is such violence that Iraqi and coalition forces will work together to reduce in the months ahead, recognizing, to be sure, that some sensational attacks inevitably will continue to take place, though every effort will be made to reduce their number by identifying and destroying the networks and facilities of the bombers, and by interdicting those who would visit such violence on the Iraqi people.Once security is established, progress will follow:We and our Iraqi partners recognize that improving security for the Iraqi people is the first step in rekindling hope. The upward spiral we all want begins with Iraqi and coalition forces working together and locating in the neighborhoods those forces must secure. This concept features Iraqi and coalition soldiers partnering with local police to establish joint security stations, such as the one we began establishing in Sadr City on Monday, as well as combat outposts to ensure continuous presence in local communities. It also includes the establishment of checkpoints, the hardening of marketplaces, the conduct of patrols, and the execution of operations to capture or kill terrorists and criminals. Importantly, Iraqi and coalition forces will not just clear neighborhoods, they will also hold them to facilitate the build phase of the operation and help Baghdad's residents realize aspirations beyond survival.
As citizens feel safer, conditions will be set for the resumption and improvement of basic services. This is hugely important. Indeed, Iraqis have often ranked the provision of services ahead of security in importance. And it is vital that the ministry representatives in the neighborhoods are able to provide for their constituents. Also, as security improves, commerce will return and local economies will grow, thereby providing an opportunity for the energies of a resilient and talented people to be expended in increasingly productive endeavors.
Each step in this process helps reinforce the desired momentum, and over time, the government and its ministries will be able to gain the population's confidence and support by demonstrating the capability to deliver.
Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraq citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric. If we can do this -- and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population -- then the Iraqi government will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces, to develop the capacity of its institutions, to improve the delivery of basic services to its citizens and to reconcile the differences between the factions that are the stakeholders in the new Iraq. Our effort, thus, will be to provide the Iraqi government an opportunity to shape the future of a new state in an ancient land.Note the reference to "reconcile the factions..." As noted previously, it's a word the president used, too - in the same context:
Most of Iraq's Sunni and Shia want to live together in peace -- and reducing the violence in Baghdad will help make reconciliation possible.General Petraeus is optimistic:
And again, I think we should watch actions in terms of reconciliation, and so forth, again, in the weeks ahead as the Council of Representatives reconvenes, and so on.The term was heard again later:
Q (Through interpreter.) (Name inaudible) -- from Al Hurra. Could you confirm to us, please, that there is a dialogue between the American officials and the Mahdi Army militias and some armed groups like the Islamic Party in Iraq?Here's one example of dealing with "reconcilables".GEN. PETRAEUS: In an endeavor like this one, the host nation and those who are assisting it obviously are trying to determine over time who are the irreconcilables and who are the reconcilables. And they're on either end of the sectarian spectrum, of ethnic spectrums, political spectrums and so forth. And of course, what the government is trying to do, what those supporting the government are trying to do are to split the irreconcilables from the reconcilables and to make the reconcilables part of the solution rather than a continuing part of a problem, and then dealing with the irreconcilables differently. And that is certainly what the government of Iraq is doing and what those who are supporting the government of Iraq -- what the coalition is also doing, in very, very early stages.
And here's one way the "irreconcilables" are dealt with:
But General Petraeus knows that we aren't going to kill everyone who's ever looked menacingly at an American GI - hence the effort to identify the "reconcilables" and convince them to join the winning team - a non-military solution that saves a lot of bloodshed on both sides - as the General makes clear in response to a very specific question posed late in the briefing:
Q (Through interpreter.) (Name inaudible) -- from the NBC. I have two questions ...Second question: You said that the host country can determine who are the reconcilable groups. But everybody should be under the supremacy of law, and all military activities should be cancelled. So how are these people going to be part of the solution?Yet another explanation of the fundamental civilian/military solution President Bush - with the consent of the Senate - has sent him to enact. Although hardly news, the media welcomed General Petraeus to Baghdad by seizing on that comment and pretending it was. Some fairly...GEN. PETRAEUS: With respect, again, to the -- you know, the idea of the reconcilables and the irreconcilables, this is something in which the Iraqi government obviously has the lead. It is something that they have sought to -- in some cases, to reach out. And I think, again, that any student of history recognizes that there is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq. Military action is necessary to help improve security, for all the reasons that I stated in my remarks, but it is not sufficient.
A political resolution of various differences, of this legislation, of various senses that people do not have a stake in the success of the new Iraq, and so forth, that is crucial. That is what will determine in the long run the success of this effort. And again, that clearly has to include talking with and eventually reconciling differences with some of those who have felt that the new Iraq did not have a place for them, whereas I think, again, Prime Minister Maliki clearly believes that it does, and I think that his actions will demonstrate that, along with the other ministers.
Iraq War Commander: Military Alone Won't WinAnd others, well, not so much. From the London Times:As additional U.S. troops continue to flow into Baghdad, the new U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, warned that force alone would not get the job done.
"Any student of history knows there is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq," said Petraeus. "Military action is necessary to help improve security … but it is not sufficient."
No military solution to Iraq, warns new US commanderTo the Seattle Times:The new US commander in Iraq has admitted that insurgents have intensified their attacks during the security crackdown in Baghdad, as he warned that there was no military solution to the nation’s bloody conflict.
"No military solution" in Iraq...and all points in between.
BAGHDAD — The new U.S. commander in Iraq acknowledged Thursday that U.S.-led forces could not protect all Iraqis from "thugs with no soul" bent on reigniting sectarian warfare."Any student of history recognizes that there is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq," Army Gen. David Petraeus said at his first news conference since assuming command last month.
Headlines at CNN: No military solution to Iraq - U.S. chief
And Reuters: U.S. commander says no military solution to Iraq
We could go on. But those who've been paying attention to Iraq recognize those headlines for what they are. However, not everyone is paying full attention to Iraq these days - at least, that's what some are hoping:
Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, challenged President Bush on Saturday over his threat to reject an Iraq spending bill if it calls for a troop withdrawal...
“With his veto threat,” she said in a statement, “the president offers only an open-ended commitment to a war without end that dangerously ignores the repeated warnings of military leaders, including the commander in Iraq, General Petraeus, who declared in Baghdad this week that the conflict cannot be resolved militarily.”
(By the way, the bill also includes $20 billion for non-military "pet projects" - described by the Times as simply "unrelated provisions that can attract votes". Perhaps there will be a "deal"?)
"...the conflict cannot be resolved militarily". Not only did he not say that, in his January Senate confirmation hearing,
When questioned directly, Petraeus said he would not be able to do his job as commander of MNFI without the additional 21,000 troops President Bush has pledged to Iraq.But don't expect the General to provide clarification to the confused - he's already been advised against that - at those same hearings:
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) asked Army Lt. Gen. David H . Petraeus during his confirmation hearing yesterday if Senate resolutions condemning White House Iraq policy "would give the enemy some encouragement."I think it will be worthwhile to "go back and examine the transcript" whenever anyone quotes the General from here on out.Petraeus agreed they would, saying, "That's correct, sir."
Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.), ...later explained to the general that he needed to be more careful about appearing to wade into a political debate...
"I hope that this colloquy has not entrapped you into some responses that you might later regret. I wonder if you would just give me the assurance that you'll go back and examine the transcript as to what you replied with respect to certain of these questions and review it, because we want you to succeed."
But the last word on this one goes to General Petraeus - from his first message to the men and women of his new command:
Together with our Iraqi partners, we must defeat those who oppose the new Iraq. We cannot allow mass murderers to hold the initiative. We must strike them relentlessly. We and our Iraqi partners must set the terms of the struggle, not our enemies. And together we must prevail.The way ahead will not be easy. There will be difficult times in the months to come. But hard is not hopeless, and we must remain steadfast in our effort to help improve security for the Iraqi people. I am confident that each of you will fight with skill and courage, and that you will remain loyal to your comrades-in-arms and to the values our nations hold so dear.
In the end, Iraqis will decide the outcome of this struggle. Our task is to help them gain the time they need to save their country. To do that, many of us will live and fight alongside them. Together, we will face down the terrorists, insurgents, and criminals who slaughter the innocent. Success will require discipline, fortitude, and initiative--qualities that you have in abundance.
...on the Montel Williams show.
(Via Andi, who says: "I expected more from Montel Williams than this".)
For the record, anthrax shots are curently optional for those deploying to Iraq - trust me on that.
There are two sorts of congressional representatives in America - those who've visited Walter Reed, and those who haven't.
Both sorts are now rightfully screwed:
Imus: Have you been aware, even since 1981, of the state of treatment that veterans have been receiving throughout the Veterans Administration hospitals?He might want to visit the one in the capital city of his home State some day - especially now that he's been invited:Schumer: Yes, it’s gotten much worse in the last seven or eight years because the funding was just cut, cut, cut, cut, cut. I get stories all the time of veterans wounded in Iraq, they get good treatment over in Iraq . . . The Veterans Administration has just been decimated in terms of funding and it’s unbelievable because . . . we ask these people to serve us and in the DoD part, at least in Iraq, and initially when they are wounded from all reports they are treated well, after that they are just sort of forgotten about and the VA is just in terrible shape, terrible shape . . . It’s a little like FEMA with Katrina. They put the wrong people in charge. They don’t really care.
<...>
Imus: Here’s another question. Have you ever been over to Walter Reed?Schumer: Ahh, not in a while, no.
Imus: How long has it been since you’ve been over there?
Schumer: Oh, before Iraq.
Imus: So, before Iraq since you’ve been over to see the soldiers. So, we have elected you — first in the Congress and now in the Senate — and you’ve got a bill now to do something we’ll get to in a minute; but you haven’t even been to Walter Reed Hospital.
Schumer: No, no, no. But I have visited regularly the veterans' hospitals throughout my state. That’s where I have focused on . . .
Imus: Well, you must have seen the state of affairs there . . .
Schumer: I did.
Imus: Well why didn’t you do something about it?
Schumer: We did . . . I did . . . I tried, I have been pushing . . .
Imus: Well nothing happened, Senator.
Schumer: No, nothing happened, I agree with you. It’s a shame. It’s a disgrace.
Imus: Did you vote to authorize the president to go to war in Iraq?
Schumer: Yes.
Imus: Good . . . So why wouldn’t you, once you voted for the president to go to war in Iraq, why wouldn’t you go over to Walter Reed — since the Iraq war has begun its been going on longer than World War II — to see the consequence of your vote. They are over there with no arms and legs, Senator.
Schumer: I did see the consequence throughout my state. I went to many, many veterans’ hospitals there. Did I visit every veterans' hospital? No, but I spent a lot of time; I mean, three weeks before this crisis happened, I was throughout the cities of my state meeting with guardsmen and reservists about the bad benefits they got in terms of health care.
Imus: But you need to go see the kids with no arms and legs . . .
Schumer: I am going to go to Walter Reed. You know, probably I should have gone there . . .
Imus: Without question, you should have . . .
Schumer: . . . but I did visit many veterans’ hospitals.
But Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, the VA hospital used by most veterans in the Oneonta area, is a far cry from Walter Reed, said Stratton’s director and a current patient from Hobart.In fairness, there are 12 VA Medical Centers in New York, and several smaller facilities, so visiting them all is more than a day's work.
<...>
Customer-satisfaction surveys continually show high marks for the 55-year-old facility, which serves 22 counties in the state, Piche said."The VA’s Albany hospital is not the stuff you see on 60 Minutes,’" said Peter Tiller, a retired Army reservist from Hobart who was wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2003.
<...>
Schumer said he couldn’t specifically speak for Stratton."(Schumer) needs to pay us a visit," Piche said.
Of course, the Dems "new direction on Iraq" now includes $20 billion in pet projects not related to the war or its veterens.
Two steps backward, and a tragic test of the new strategy in Baghdad:
Paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment fired upon a vehicle failing to respond to visual warning signals March 9 in a northern neighborhood of the Iraqi capital.That "northern neighborhood" is Sadr City:The vehicle failed to respond to paratrooper’s warning signals as it approached their patrol in the Adhamiyah security district. The paratroopers followed established protocol for escalation of force but the vehicle continued to advance toward them forcing them to disable it with small arms fire.
Three Iraqis were wounded and three were killed in this incident. The wounded were provided immediate medical assistance. Iraqi police and national police secured the area and Iraqi police evacuated the wounded.
The incident is under investigation.
U.S. soldiers were accused Friday of opening fire on a car carrying a family in the Baghdad district of Sadr City, killing a man and his two young daughters and wounding his son.The rules of engagement, the positioning of U.S. and Iraqi troops together in small neighborhood enclaves, and the thus-far quiet reception afforded their presence in Sadr City will now be put to the test. As has been reported elsewhere, there are those who will welcome the event - who until now have been relying on rather unlikely claims:The allegations were made by the man's wife, who was in the car, and members of the Iraqi police, who were at the scene. The U.S. military command said it was investigating an episode in Sadr City involving "an escalation of force," but it could not confirm any details of the account given by the man's wife.
The woman, Ikhlas Thulsiqar, said her family had turned from an alleyway onto a main street guarded by U.S. soldiers. Seconds later, she said, a fusillade of bullets ripped into the car.
"They killed the father of my children! The Americans killed my daughters!" she sobbed, sitting crumpled on the floor of Imam Ali Hospital in Sadr City, where rescuers had taken the victims, including her daughters, 9 and 11, and her son, 7.
"That is a serious allegation, and we'll take a look and figure out what happened," Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Garver, a military spokesman in Baghdad, said.
The Mehdi army is not responding to the raids with fire, but they are trying to undermine the security plan by spreading rumors about alleged crimes committed by US soldiers, specifically against the Shia. The latest of these rumors was a ridiculous one I heard yesterday from a taxi driver from Sadr city. His story, quite similar to one told by a Sadr city council member, is that US soldiers are raiding Shia homes, arresting innocent civilians, and then dumping them at night near strongholds of Sunni insurgents, blindfolded and handcuffed so that the insurgents would find them defenseless and slaughter them!For them, there will be no acceptable resolution. But there's no denying the scales have been tipped in the wrong direction. Whether enough so to change momentum we'll soon see.
How many infiltrators does it take to destroy an Iraqi unit from within? How many to destroy the trust developing between an IA unit and the U.S. unit it is living with in a Baghdad outpost?The answer is that it depends on the leadership and men of both units.
How many suicide bombers does it take to shake the faith of a neighborhood in the capabilities of the coalition forces down the street?
How many false (or, God help us, real) atrocity charges from certain quarters does it take to turn those neighbors into suicide bombers themselves? (See recent rape claims against Shi'ia and Sunni responses for example.)
The race isn't to "victory" - the real race is to the "tipping point" beyond which victory is assured. Our tactics in this race are fairly straightforward, the enemy's are described in my questions above.
The AP reports on Farm Aid:
All told, farmers would get $4.3 billion in disaster aid, aimed chiefly at the drought-stricken Great Plains and California farmers hurt by a hard freeze earlier this year.(Obey is currently starring in an internet "viral video" - see here.) Such subsidies have their supporters and detractors, of course. I'm no expert, so I'll stay neutral. What's interesting - to me at least - is that these earmarks are part of the Democrats' Iraq war "plan":The drought disaster aid package has been scaled back, in part to make room for $74 million for a peanut storage program that pays storage and handling fees as farmers market their crop. And Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., is pressing for $25 million for spinach farmers who pulled produce from market shelves after last year's E. coli outbreak.
Meanwhile, House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., isn't waiting on the upcoming farm bill to extend income subsidies aimed at small dairy farms. Obey's 13-month extension would cost $283 million.
Some critics say the Democrats are simply being opportunistic — using a must-pass measure for funding U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to carry items that can't advance as easily on their own.We were certainly promised a "new direction" on Iraq - you can't fault them for delivering.
<...>
Already, money in the bill not directly related to the war exceeds $20 billion.
<...>
Democrats insist they aren't being bought off."Absolutely not," said Rep. Jim Costa, a Democrat representing a farm district in California's Central Valley. The California delegation is demanding help for citrus, avocado and other farmers facing $1.2 billion in losses from a devastating January freeze.
"I would support this one way or another," said Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., a driving force behind the drought aid package.
<...>
There are a few lawmakers — such as Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore. — whose support for war funding is contingent on add-ons. In DeFazio's case, it's $400 million to extend payments to rural counties hurt by cutbacks in federal logging.The billions of dollars not requested by Bush include $1 billion to prevent or prepare for a possible avian flu epidemic and $400 million in additional heating subsidies for the poor.
Previous entry here.
Andi says:
Pre-registration for the 2007 MilBlog Conference is now open. Click here for details.There are only a few hotel rooms at the discounted rate still available. If you haven't made your room reservation, better hurry. Once our reserved block of rooms are sold out, there is no guarantee that you will receive the discounted rate.
We noted tomorrow's regional security conference in Baghdad a few days ago.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Sunday that countries invited to the Baghdad meeting of Iraq's neighbors, including Iran, as well as the US and other UN Security Council permanent members plus Egypt and Bahrain, will attend the regional and international meeting on Iraq.The story hasn't gotten much attention in the U.S. (it's one of those non-military signs of progress that would make certain members of congress look rather, ahem, obstructionist in their current actions.)
But the NY Times found a way to spin the story and declare failure today:
U.S. and Iran May Steal the Show at Iraq’s Security MeetingSo they'll be able to excoriate the administration should the two countries fail to kiss and make up.WASHINGTON, March 8 — On Saturday, Iraq will convene its “neighbors” meeting in Baghdad, which is supposed to be about Iraqi security.
But the big question everyone is asking is this: Will the United States and Iran finally end more than a quarter century of communicating primarily through emissaries, and talk directly to each other?
“If we are approached over orange juice by the Syrians or the Iranians to discuss an Iraq-related issue that is germane to this topic — a stable, secure, peaceful, democratic Iraq — we are not going to turn and walk away,” David Satterfield, the State Department’s special adviser on Iraq, said Thursday.
Critics of the administration say that given the grave issues at stake, that stance may be too aloof. “How immature is it that we have to pretend for American domestic political reasons that we’re going to get cooties from the Iranians unless they go to the bathroom first and wash their hands?” said an exasperated George Perkovich, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Are we a major power or not?”
Trouble is, Iran has already said "no"...
"Meeting with Americans on the sidelines of the Baghdad conference is not on the agenda of Iran, for the time being," said Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, in his weekly news briefing.That's not in the NY Times report, of course. It was in the first link above.
Even Reuter's has a better report then the Times, and offers at least a sense of the significance of the event:
Speaking on the eve of an unprecedented Baghdad conference, Abdul Azziz al-Hakim, one of Iraq's most powerful leaders, said the meeting should boost the transition to elected government.Meanwhile, the LA Times says
<...>
"We call on the regional and international countries to support Iraq because we believe it will reflect positively on international and regional peace," Hakim told tens of thousands of black-clad Shi'ite pilgrims in the holy city of Kerbala."We want every country participating in this meeting to enhance the achievements made in Iraq in the last four years."
Persistent violence has marred efforts to establish a stable and democratic government since U.S.-led troops invaded Iraq in March 2003 and toppled Saddam Hussein.
U.S. And Iran Have Been Talking, QuietlyThe White House insists that the United States won't talk directly with Iran until Tehran suspends its nuclear program. But U.S. officials have been discreetly meeting their Iranian counterparts one-on-one for more than a decade, often under the auspices of the United Nations.
...about the President, who apparently
...made the facile claim that we must send troops ..."because problems that start beyond our borders can quickly become problems within them." Among these problems, he cited "the spread of organized crime and weapons of mass destruction and drug trafficking."That's President Clinton, of course.
Or simply: "Teach your children".
Looking back at the anti war movement of the 1960s, one can see that Iraq isn't really like Vietnam on the homefront, either.
But some would have it otherwise.
Recently an odd character showed up in the comments on a MilBlogs post about protests in Seattle:
Oh, cool overtly statist assumption. Many of us are against the war, the state's war, against the war of military hardware against children and, more importantly, social guerillas who are not chickenhawks, who can actually fight against the empire, but we are not against all violence. The fight, our fight, is against the coercive authority of governments and capital, against the commodity spectacle and state-military apparatus. More and more of us are beginning to realize that self-defense (from cops, especially) is not violent in the same way as capitalism and statism. We like to call it liberation. How about you haul your overweight, white, tv-addicted [pottymouth! deleted by blog owner] out to the next anti-militarization demo in Tacoma and try to [pottymouth! deleted by blog owner] stop us. Some of us even carry slingshots loaded with epoxy studded with broken glass for patriots like you, mother[pottymouth! deleted by blog owner].Those edits were mine, btw. Turns out the individual was posting from a computer at Oberlin College, "a small, selective liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio". (More on that idyllic spot in the comments that followed.) Shortly thereafter, the same person returned.Posted by deacon at 0151Z
Time will come when you won't see protesters just laying down and taking punishment from the cops, you'll see the violence of the righteous, the truly free, the war of liberation, to end the wars of nations and postindustrial capitalist bloggers. Seriously, though, even though I am not personally in Tacoma, come on out to an antiwar protest with your protestwarrior buddies, with your flags, beer, whatever, just come on out and have a good time getting hit in the face with slings and axe hafts. This old structure you're defending is riddled with dry rot, and every blow we strike takes us closer to total collapse, which we read as total victory.Now, threats of violence on weblogs really won't get too much of a rise from folks whose jobs involve the application of real violence, and who don't share your romantic illusions about combat. (You'll soon see that described as "the sort of rubbish one would expect from privileged white youth who had no experience of real violence and its effects" - read on.) But the comments from "Deacon" did prompt a couple responses from a couple concerned members of a (most likely) slightly older generation:
PS You should read some contemporary media theory (Baudrillard, Virilio, etc.) and then keep blogging like it even means anything. (Hint: it doesn't really mean anything. You're a [pottymouth - deleted by blog owner] moron.)Posted by deacon at 0047Z
Seriously, Deacon - on the off chance you might actually be serious - here's some honest advice I've given before. If you're a young college student, your seniors in "the movement" would really like to see you killed while protesting - believing it could really help advance the cause. Don't fall for the line of crap you're sharing above. We've had a few chuckles here at your expense, but I'm really not kidding now.Posted by Greyhawk at 0335Z
Deacon,It did indeed, and it left those students irrevocably dead.Greyhawk is right.
The shooting of four students at Kent State University by National Guardsmen was really a turning point in the anti-war movement in 1970.
But then...the protest involved more then several dozen...more like several dozen thousand.
But the shooting of the students did in fact inflame the nation.
Posted by Soldier's Dad at 0351Z
Folks like "Deacon" are always around. By "Folks like Deacon" I mean young people who've convinced themselves they're willing to die for an actual pointless cause (but believe themselves invincible), and who have elders perfectly willing to facilitate the sacrifice for it's potential advancement of their own ideology. (The very myth that same faction applies to the American soldier young and old.) But the current scarcity of such is another reminder that the desire for Iraq to be "another Vietnam" is still a dream for those same elders, many of whom remember Kent State all too well and fondly, and yearn for the rebirth of a movement perhaps just a few dead protesters away.
Dean Kahler was inspired by one of his professors in 1970:
"We were invading another country. I thoroughly agreed with the history and political science department at Kent who, the next day, on May 1st, buried a copy of the Constitution because they felt that he had overstepped his powers as Commander-in-Chief by sending troops into another country. The mood kind of changed on campus at that point in time."A few days later he would be shot and paralyzed by an Ohio National Guardsman.
Perhaps it was a more innocent era:
The fact that the Guard members carried live ammunition shocked the protesters and students covering the protests as journalists, along with many people across the nation.Perhaps that poli/sci prof believed the weapons were merely phallic symbols, too.
Or perhaps not.
Philip Caputo is a Vietnam vet, USMC. He returned to the U.S. in 1966, and left the Corps to began a career in journalism, reporting for the Chicago Tribune. An early assignment to Kent State would lead - years later - to his book 13 Seconds: A Look Back at the Kent State Shootings
In the spring of 1970, I was a 28-year-old general assignment reporter for the Chicago Tribune, three years out of the United States Marine Corps, with which I had served a tour of duty in Vietnam. In March, the paper had sent me to cover a student protest at the University of Illinois in downstate Champaign-Urbana.
<...>
Before reporting in to the city room Monday morning, I got a call from the day city editor. The disturbances in Kent had grown serious over the weekend. Store windows had been smashed in town, radicals had burned down the ROTC building, firemen had been driven off by mobs slashing hoses and throwing stones, and the Kent city police were unable to cope with the situation. The Ohio National Guard had been ordered in and were now occupying the university. The national desk wanted me to get there immediately. Evidently my coverage of the University of Illinois demonstrations the month before qualified me as the paper's campus protest correspondent.
Since I've given you the answer, you should be able to pass the quiz.
The just-released "2007 Pig Book" from the group Citizens Against Government Waste should be a bit embarrassing (it definitely would be, in a sane world) to congress members loudly bemoaning the treatment of troops at Walter Reed.
While un-armored Iraq and Afghanistan vets battled rats in their Washington hospital rooms, congress generously funded numerous medical research projects in the defense budget last year:
$59,000,000 for medical research projects ranging from cancer to diabetes to gynecological disease. As important as this research may be, there is no mention as to why these programs should receive money from the Department of Defense. One program which weighs heavily on taxpayers in this category is $1.35 million for the “Obesity in the Military Research Program.”Perhaps they can replace the Burger Kings on every military installation with Tofu Huts.
Projects in the Congressional Pig Book Summary must "meet at least one of CAGW’s seven criteria, but most satisfy at least two":
Requested by only one chamber of Congress;One guy who made out big in Defense was Senator Harry (No relation to Walter) Reid:
Not specifically authorized;
Not competitively awarded;
Not requested by the President;
Greatly exceeds the President’s budget request or the previous year’s funding;
Not the subject of congressional hearings; or
Serves only a local or special interest.
$72,720,000 added for projects in Nevada by then-Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), including: $7,000,000 for the SA-90 airship persistent surveillance program; $3,750,000 for a counter-drug program for the Nevada National Guard; $3,000,000 for large aircraft infrared countermeasures; $1,950,000 for heat dissipation for electronic systems and $1,300,000 for the study of the structural reliability of smart munitions and lightweight structures at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Sen. Reid bragged about securing millions of dollars for money-hungry programs by announcing funding for “Nevada defense projects including operating expenses at Nevada military bases, research projects at state universities, and grants to private companies developing high-tech defense systems in Nevada.” This occurred before the time when now-Majority Leader Reid attempted to block expanded earmark reform in the Senate in January 2007, and was embarrassingly defeated when a few Democrats and most Republicans stood up against him.But that's nothing compared to Daniel Inouye's (D-Hawaii) score:
$319,655,000 for projects in the state of then-Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), including: $20,000,000 for the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB); $11,500,000 to fund Pan-STARRS to develop a large aperture telescope with the University of Hawaii to prevent space objects from colliding with Earth; $5,600,000 for the Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences, $4,500,000 for chitosan bandage component which utilizes natural compounds found in shrimp heads; and $1,000,000 for a wave power electric generating system. The ACUB works on “conservation planning at the ecosystem level to ensure that greater benefits are realized towards species and habitat recovery.” The Army’s objectives with this program include: “Reduce training restrictions, meet Endangered Species Act recovery responsibilities, prevent development along installation boundaries, and prevent future threatened and endangered species listings.” Thanks to programs like ACUB, the ecosystem for oinkers is thriving in Hawaii.Yup:
ACUBs support the Army's responsibility as a federal agency to comply with all environmental regulations, including endangered species habitat protection. By working in partnership with conservation organizations, ACUBs can coordinate habitat conservation planning at the ecosystem level to ensure that greater benefits are realized towards species and habitat recovery.(Insert your own Walter Reed "habitat" joke here.)
Even Ted Stevens (R-Bridge to nowhere) couldn't bring home that much bacon - but he tried:
$209,900,000 added for projects in the state of then-Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), an increase of 127 percent over the $92,425,000 for Alaska in the fiscal 2006 defense bill, including: $59,100,000 for upgrades to the Pacific Alaskan Range Complex in Red Flag; $4,000,000 for the Northern Line Extension, and $3,200,000 for HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program), which has received $109.1 million in pork since 1995. The Northern Line Extension will provide a direct route from North Pole (pop. 1,778 in 2005) to Delta Junction (pop. 840 in 2000), which is a whopping 82.1 mile drive on one highway between the two villages according to MapQuest. The Alaska Railroad Corporation said, “The proposed rail line would provide freight and potentially passenger rail services serving commercial interests and communities in or near the project corridor.”Not all the pork projects are that big, and some may ultimately end the obesity problem:
$1,650,000 added by Senate appropriator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to improve the shelf life of vegetables. According to the senator’s July 2006 press release, “This project will help our troops in the field get fresh tomatoes…” The funding would help “establish and evaluate variant populations of bell pepper, cantaloupe and strawberry.” The money is being directed toward Arcadia Biosciences, a company based in Seattle. In all, Sen. Murray claims to have “secured $55 million in federal defense work for Washington state companies in the Fiscal Year 2007 Defense Appropriations bill.” On Capitol Hill, Sen. Murray has already extended the shelf life of her own pork products.A million six could buy a lot of rat bait, but I'm sure looking forward to fresh Strawberry shortcake in Baghdad - where I won't have to worry about some alien invasions:
$1,000,000 added in the House for the Allen Telescope Array in Mountain View, Calif. This “alien” project is part of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). SETI describes the telescope as “dedicated to astronomical and simultaneous search for extra-terrestrial intelligence observations.” No word on how it will help defend the world against an alien invasion.And in a salute to old-school military intelligence,
$1,000,000 secured by now-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to fund the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center. In a September 2006 press release announcing her pork victory, she said the center will serve as an “education center and project to preserve the site of the U.S. Army’s first language school established in 1941.”Too bad they couldn't have done that for building 18. Ironically, back in '41,
Despite the doubt of such a program succeeding, Rasmussen was given permission and a $2,000 budget to start a school.While once it was the country's oldest operating military installation, the Army closed San Francisco's Presidio (the location of the school) in one of the first Clinton-era budget cutbacks in 1994.
But Nancy also nabbed
$2 million to continue the restoration of the parade ground at the Presidio’s Main Post and Educational Center. The parade ground will serve as the center of activity for the Presidio, and its restoration is part of an effort to create a site for public education about the impact of the military on American life.Should they ever want to do the same for congress, an empty wallet might be a fine symbol.
(Here's more, and here's even more.)
"Finally we feel there is security, it's better" said a man who brought his daughter outside to see the US soldiers.
- NBC News report from Sadr City
A great quote from Iraq, the sort a journalist can get every day if they want to. Last month I wrote of Mike Yon at MilBlogs
Mike's story adds the details and life that no press release can. Though sometimes you'll find a gem of a quote included like that in the third paragraph above, it's more often than not like the difference between reading the final score of a football game you hadn't seen and reading a full account by a reporter who did, and knows more than the score.Mike's still delivering gems from the war zone:Worse, the mainstream press, for some odd reason, generally chooses to provide only the oppositions "score".
I'm not addressing that failure here - that's a given. I actually want to point out the magnitude of the failure. Over the past week I've collected not a handful, not a dozen, but 55 such press releases here - and there are others I simply didn't have time to add. Fifty-five stories that could have been told in the way Mike did; unembellished, un-hyped, and simply factual, but with the level of detail that a press release can't provide. Fifty-five stories lacking only the teller to be told.
On the 18th, we drove from Baghdad to Ramadi for a “Transfer of Authority” from the 1st Brigade 1st Armored Division, to the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division....but as should be obvious from the first word of this post, someone other than Geraldo has shown up to report from Iraq. NBC News anchor Brian Williams, who, in fact, just gave us an opportunity to follow Yon's advice regarding Lt General Ray Odierno:Geraldo Rivera was there. He’s got a cool mustache. Monte Morin of Stars & Stripes was there. Monte’s a serious war correspondent. Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno was there. Odierno is a serious general who runs a huge portion of this war. Next time Odierno comes on the news, it can be good to stop and listen.
And this is what the general heard Monday about how warmly the locals now view the Americans.Along with Williams, retired General Wayne Downey"They do not want us to leave. They want to see the police come through," says U.S. Army Col. John Charlton.
"The people here are very glad to see us — very hesitant for us to go. They want us to stay and to keep beating down the insurgents," U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Ferry says.
Brian Williams (to Col. Charlton): You just said, “They don't want us to leave.” That's the 10th time today I've heard that. I've got to go back to the States and do a newscast that every night has another politician or 12 of them saying, “We have got to get out of that godforsaken place.”
"They can talk about policy, OK, and that's what they have to do back there," says Odierno. "My mission right now is to provide protection for the Iraqi people so this government can grow."
And Williams has even carried the message to MSNBC's Hardball program, where host Chris Matthews was deeply concerned that the Walter Reed story might be hurting troop morale ("Is it clear that the people feel that we're letting them down at home?"). Williams seems to think that's not the case. The conversation then turned to Iraq (by the way, note the "so called surge" reference - Williams knows the score.):
NBC's Brian Williams, Richard Engel, and Retired General Wayne Downing
Photo by Michael Yon“Brian, every single one of them, I ran into a lot of officers and NCOs that I served with -- every soldier that I ran across today I asked him: 'How do you feel about what's going on, what do you know about what is going on back in the states?' And without exception -- this was spontaneous, especially when you start talking to PFCs and Spec 4s, they're going to tell you the truth, no party line. Very proud of what they're doing. Very, very dedicated. Many of these guys, Brian, are back here on their second and third tours. These are one-year tours. Extremely well trained and very professional.”
MATTHEWS: Now I want to ask you the big question. How is the surge going in Baghdad?Yup. Kudos to Brian Williams and NBC.WILLIAMS: Well, I`ll tell you. It`s in its early stages and with - if you mention the so-called surge, you have to talk about it in tandem with this new policy of these small outposts, these - what they are really is glorified police stations.
We saw it today in Ramadi. There is patently no way a few weeks ago we could have stood outside an armored vehicle and had a conversation as we did today in Ramadi.
They have changed policy there. The war has changed.
Is it better? That`ll be for other people to judge. But it is already being felt here, that is, the increase in troops. The first ones are already here.
There`s a huge field behind us they are clearing for the 3rd Infantry, for their next tour of duty here. And so, we`ll have to wait and see. It`s on a continuum.
But, again, the combination, with this change in policy - getting out, decentralizing, going into the neighborhoods, grabbing a toehold, telling the enemy we`re here, start talking to the locals - that is having an obvious and palpable effect.
MATTHEWS: Do they - have you been there long enough, Brian, this time over, to sense whether it`s different than the last time you were there?
WILLIAMS: Already there are some obvious differences in security in some spots. It doesn`t take that long on the ground to instantly compare it to previous visits. So, yes.
We covered a lot of ground in one day. And when you travel with a three star and a Black Hawk, you can do that. We had a lot of heavy armor on the ground to facilitate our travels.
Still a very dangerous place. There are pockets of peace and serenity where the soldiers can go to relax, the contractors can do their jobs.
But yes, Chris, all of them revolving around the issue of security. There are some very obvious differences, starting with the arrival at the airport.
MATTHEWS: Has there been any cost to morale? And again, it`s a hard one to get perhaps this quickly after a couple of days there, Brian.
But the British withdrawal of troops from Basra, are people feeling we`re out there on point all alone as a country now?
WILLIAMS: I heard no talk of that, and that`s all I can speak to.
Today, the message that we`re prepared to report tonight on "NBC Nightly News" is this kind of tale of two wars.
I`m fresh from, you know, weeks of putting together "NBC Nightly News" and televising this debate in Washington, a lot of members of Congress saying we should be out now.
And today, we literally airlift into a place like Ramadi, where they are so proud of the latest city block they say they have been able to "peacify." They have been able to forge an agreement with the local religious leaders and knock al Qaeda one city block further away from the center of town.
They are so involved in the battle. Many, many soldiers told me today the local people are so worried they`re going to leave cities like Ramadi and Hit. That`s the war they know.
And they say very politely, they can talk all they want in D.C.; we`ve got to enforce the policy, the job we`re here to do.
But the last quote - and the best on troop morale - is from Mike Yon: "If their morale could be bottled, it would probably sell like crack, then be outlawed."
Update/Related: Video of day two of US and Iraqi ops in Sadr City.
This is included in the report below, but deserves additional attention. From Bill Roggio
Thursday's battle in the village of Amiriya, just south of Fallujah, highlights the ongoing battle between the Sunni tribes and al-Qaeda in Anbar province. At least 50 al-Qaeda were killed and 80 captured in the largest battles between al-Qaeda and Iraqi police, Army and the Anbar Salvation Council in Anbar province this year.Read it all. Bill says (via email) "The media is barely scratching the surface on what is going on in Anbar."
<...>
But the full story, according to an American military officer and an American intelligence source, is that al-Qaeda in Iraq, under the banner of the Islamic State of Iraq, assembled several hundred fighters to attack a prominent leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, the grouping of local tribes and Baathists, and former insurgents who now oppose al-Qaeda in Iraqi. The leader of the Anbar Salvation Council was to attend the funeral of one of those killed in last week's suicide bombing in Habbaniyah.
(And other news from the first four days of March in Iraq)
A new phase in the Baghdad security plan begins:
Hundreds of U.S. soldiers entered the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City on Sunday in the first major push into the area since an American-led security sweep began last month around Baghdad.Perhaps unintentionally the AP headline slights the Iraqi troops involved in the joint effort.Soldiers conducted house-to-house searches, but met no resistance in a district firmly in the hands of the Mahdi Army militia led by radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, said Lt. Col. David Oclander.
The move into Sadr City came following negotiations with political leaders in the neighborhood.
Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a U.S. military spokesman, told Al-Arabiya television U.S. officials have had daily dialogue with community leaders in Sadr City.
The Chicago Tribune offers a more complete account:
U.S. troops to live in Sadr CityMNF-I has deeper background:
Soldiers will join Iraqi forces inside militia strongholdBy Liz Sly
Tribune foreign correspondent
Published March 4, 2007
BAGHDAD -- The U.S. military has reached an agreement with representatives of the Shiite community in Baghdad's Sadr City enclave that will allow American forces to maintain a permanent presence in the militia stronghold for the first time since 2004, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Saturday.Under the agreement, the U.S. will open one of the joint security stations that are a prominent feature of the new Baghdad security plan, with American soldiers living alongside Iraqi forces in a police station just inside the impoverished neighborhood, said Rahim al-Daraji, one of Sadr City's two mayors.
New plan for greater securitySadr himself has allegedly responded through "associates" from his unknown hiding place (perhaps deep in Iran):
By Sgt. Mike Pryor
2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAOBAGHDAD – Coalition and Iraqi security forces are bringing new ideas into the ongoing operation to secure Baghdad.
Sadr City is being included in negotiations through efforts on all sides. Commanders from the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and 2nd Brigade Combat, 82nd Airborne Division met with a civic leader of Sadr City, Raheem Al Darraji, on March 1 in order to discuss upcoming security plans for Sadr City and the infusion of national level Iraqi security forces. The meeting took place at a police station in Sadr City that will soon become the area’s first Joint Security Station, manned 24 hours-a-day by all elements of the security forces including U.S. forces.
“It was a very positive meeting,” said Col. Don Farris of Lone Star, Texas, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., “They’ve shown they are willing to reach out to the government of Iraq and coalition forces.”
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division is the first of several BCTs that will flow into Baghdad in the coming months as part of the troop surge to combat sectarian violence. They are already having an impact in the key area of Sadr City.
Farris’ unit has been establishing small bases called combat outposts on the edges of Sadr City since early last month, positioning themselves for a significantly increased presence in the densely populated six square mile area. That move, which at one time would have been politically unthinkable for the Iraqi government, is now becoming a reality.
This time rather than barricade them off, it appears that leaders in Sadr City are ready to work with coalition forces when they come.
Weary of a cycle of violence and militia activities, as well as al-Qaeda attacks in the area, Mr. Raheem Al Darraji stressed again and again during the meeting that he welcomed the presence of Iraqi and U.S. forces, and the help they could provide his people.
“We want you here sooner, rather than later,” Al Darraji said. Initial reports indicate the overall Baghdad Security Plan – which has placed thousands of additional troops on the streets of the Iraqi capital – has achieved reduced levels of violence thus far.
Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of the 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, a joint partner said there is no reason why the successes of the security plan in other parts of Baghdad can’t be replicated in Sadr City. “We will do the same as we did in Adhamiyah. It is one nation and no one is above the law,” Kareem said.
Farris also stressed that point. The Iraqi Government and its coalition partners have the authority to go after criminals, extremists, and insurgents wherever they are located.
“There are no sanctuaries, anywhere,” Farris said.
Sadr, in a statement issued by associates, did not threaten force against the troops, but he rejected U.S. and Iraqi officials' statements in the last week that negotiations had cleared the way for the establishment of the joint security station in Sadr City.Meanwhile,Sadr's words carry huge weight in Sadr City, a teeming poverty-stricken area in northeast Baghdad, and his opposition to the presence of American soldiers could throw a wrench into plans to set up the station.
Just hours before Sadr's office issued its statement, dozens of civic leaders in Sadr City met to discuss the security plan. They said they would cooperate with it but also issued a written statement urging U.S. troops to leave Iraq as soon as possible. Failing that, they said, U.S. forces should "come into Islam and declare publicly taking Islam as their religion."
Iraq's prime minister said Saturday he will shuffle his Cabinet within two weeks and pursue criminal charges against political figures linked to extremists as a sign of his government's resolve to restore stability during the U.S.-led security crackdown here.
<...>
Al-Maliki has been under pressure from the U.S. to bring order into his divided government of Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds since it took office last May. Rumors of Cabinet changes have surfaced before, only to disappear because of pressure from coalition members seeking to keep power.Nevertheless, al-Maliki said there would be a Cabinet reshuffle "either this week or next."
<...>
The prime minister did not say how many Cabinet members would be replaced. Some officials said about nine would lose their jobs, including all six members loyal to radical anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, an al-Maliki ally.
For more of what "the surge" has brought about, the same story offers a few details of next Saturday's planned regional security conference in Baghdad. Representatives from all Iraq's neighboring states, along with the five permanent U.N. Security Council members, are expected to attend.
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's neighbors, including Iran and Syria, have agreed to join U.S. and British representatives to discuss the Iraqi security crisis at a regional conference March 10 in Baghdad, the government said Wednesday.From China:
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said he will be issuing formal invitations shortly to the neighboring countries and the five permanent U.N. Security Council members -- the U.S., Britain, France, Russia and China -- to send deputy foreign ministers or senior officials to the meeting.
On Tuesday, the Iraqi government formally invited UN Security Council's five permanent members of the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France to take part in the Baghdad meeting, along with Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey.Iranian news:
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Sunday that countries invited to the Baghdad meeting of Iraq's neighbors, including Iran, as well as the US and other UN Security Council permanent members plus Egypt and Bahrain, will attend the regional and international meeting on Iraq.But while Iran may attend, the Jerusalem Post reports:Maliki said at a press conference that despite ongoing insecurity, all those invited are eager to attend the meeting.
He said the meeting will be held to discuss issues related to Iraq and ways of cooperation to end tension and fight terrorism in Iraq.
"Meeting with Americans on the sidelines of the Baghdad conference is not on the agenda of Iran, for the time being," said Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, in his weekly news briefing.Future plans, from Turkey:
Sources added that if the initial meeting goes well, a second meeting at the foreign ministerial level is planned for April. Turkish diplomatic sources said that there will be several alternatives. "One is to meet in Cairo with the participation of the foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors," said one. "Another alternative is to meet in Istanbul with the participation of UN permanent Security Council members and G8 countries' foreign ministers. The third alternative is to meet in Cairo, and then a third meeting will be in Istanbul."
Back in the United States, congress appears willing to ignore the situation for a while, after Jack Murtha's "slow bleed strategy" to destroy the U.S. Army in Iraq failed to gain support from beyond the extremist fringe. While it may encourage the enemy, this effort probably won't go far either:
Representative Barbara Lee, Democrat of California, a co-chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a founder of the Out of Iraq Caucus, is drafting an amendment that would allow financing only to protect American troops in Iraq pending a full withdrawal under a set timetable.Ms Lee was the "lone dissenting vote in Congress against the resolution authorizing the president to use force to respond to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001."Assuming the supplemental bill is unsatisfactory to the caucus, war opponents are discussing whether to threaten to vote against it when it comes to a vote in the House floor in mid-March, unless the House leadership also permits a vote on the amendment from Ms. Lee.
Ms. Lee said her goal was to shift the discussion to a “fully funded withdrawal” from “cutting off funding.”
“There’s a distinction between cutting off funding and using the funding to begin a speedy and secure withdrawal within a specific timeframe,” she said.
Other news from Iraq
Thursday's battle in the village of Amiriya, just south of Fallujah, highlights the ongoing battle between the Sunni tribes and al-Qaeda in Anbar province. At least 50 al-Qaeda were killed and 80 captured in the largest battles between al-Qaeda and Iraqi police, Army and the Anbar Salvation Council in Anbar province this year.Read it all. Bill says (via email) "The media is barely scratching the surface on what is going on in Anbar."
<...>
But the full story, according to an American military officer and an American intelligence source, is that al-Qaeda in Iraq, under the banner of the Islamic State of Iraq, assembled several hundred fighters to attack a prominent leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, the grouping of local tribes and Baathists, and former insurgents who now oppose al-Qaeda in Iraqi. The leader of the Anbar Salvation Council was to attend the funeral of one of those killed in last week's suicide bombing in Habbaniyah.
He's right - although the New York Times did recently "discover" the Anbar Salvation Council.
Considering the progress made, it's worth remembering that up to now only one of the five American "surge" brigades has been operating in Baghdad. That's about to change:
4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division begins mission in Iraq
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the Fort Riley based 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division completed their movement into Iraq this week. The arrival of this Brigade from Kuwait will assist Iraqi Security Forces in stemming sectarian violence and protecting its citizens.Although technically part of "the surge", the brigade is actually deploying as scheduled last year.The brigade includes approximately 3,100 Soldiers.
Their mission will be to assist Iraqi Security Forces to clear, control and retain key areas of the capital city in order to reduce violence and to set the conditions for a transition to full Iraqi control of security in the city. This Brigade closed in country Feb.
28.“The brigade will play an important role in increasing the amount of pressure applied to insurgent groups conducting violent activity in Baghdad,” said Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. “The additional Soldiers will also allow the Iraqi’s to train their security forces to a level that will enable them to maintain security. It will allow their government to continue to mature.”
Even more news follows. Given the sheer volume, we'll limit ourselves to just a fraction of reports from the last four days.
March 4:
Joint operations nab 50 terrorists
TIKRIT, Iraq – Soldiers from Task Force 1-319 and the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division detained more than 50 insurgents during three days of operations focused on terrorist cells in Abu Ajeel, Wynot, and Owja near Tikrit in Salah ad Din.Iraqi Forces capture suspected weapons smuggler in BasraParatroopers from Task Force Loyalty’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, detained more than 40 personnel in the Abu Ajeel area with assistance from an Iraqi Emergency Services Unit, and the Iraqi army. The operation disrupted an Improvised Explosive Device Cell that has been operating in the area as well as delivering an insurgent cell leader who has been spearheading attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces in recent months.
Soldiers from Task Force Loyalty’s Battery B detained more than 10 insurgents involved with financing and executing attacks on coalition forces in the towns of Wynot and Owja.
During the raids, members of Battery B engaged numerous insurgents killing three who were poised to conduct a deadly roadside ambush on coalition forces during the operation.
“The combined efforts of the Iraqi security forces, Task Force Loyalty, and the Iraqi citizens have achieved improved security not only in Abu Ajeel, Wynot and Owja, but throughout Tikrit as well,” Lt. Col. Barry Di Ruzza, commander, Task Ford Loyalty. “The key to our success has been the outstanding [information from local citizens], derived jointly by the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and our intelligence section. This cooperation is what enabled us to execute simultaneous Intel-driven operations and take a significant positive step toward increased security for these local citizens.”
Baghdad – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured an alleged weapons smuggler and trafficker during operations with Coalition advisers Mar. 4 in Basra.AIR STRIKE LEADS TO HOSTAGE RESCUE; WEAPONS CACHE UNCOVEREDThe suspect reportedly funnels weapons and improvised explosive devices to rogue Jaysh Al Mahdi elements for use in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.
Iraqi forces captured the alleged trafficker without incident. The operation, against a suspected rogue JAM member, demonstrates that Iraqi forces operate at will throughout Iraq to combat criminal and violent elements undermining the security of Iraq.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – An assessment performed by Coalition Forces following an air strike in Arab Jabour on Saturday led to the rescue of four Iraqi citizens and the uncovering of a terrorist weapons cache today.March 3:Four Iraqi citizens were liberated from a building near the site of yesterday’s air strike. According to one of the liberated hostages, the terrorists holding them captive fled immediately after the air strike. All four hostages were treated on site for various injuries. One of the hostages said he had been held captive for 50 days.
At the site of the air strike, Ground forces also found remnants of an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun known as a DShK and multiple rocket propelled grenades and grenade launchers. Additionally, a DShK Tripod was found dug in the ground along the Tigris River with spent ammunition cartridges.
Coalition Forces called in the air strike yesterday after they began receiving small arms fire from several armed men across the Tigris River and were unable to safely subdue enemy fire.
Coalition Forces used two precision guided bombs in the strike destroying a small structure and killing seven terrorists hiding inside. A large secondary explosion was noted after the initial bombs were dropped on the target, indicating the presence of explosive material within the structure.
Second large cache in three days
TORTIA, Iraq – Following a massive weapons cache find Feb. 26 near the village of Maalef, Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division, supported by 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment troops discovered more illegal weapons, this time near the village of Tortia March 1.NINE SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DETAINED DURING RAID NORTH OF TAJI; TWO BELIEVED TO BE FOREIGN FIGHTER FACILITATORSThe cache, located in the vicinity of historical caches, was found inside two large freezers and four large barrels and contained the following:
• Approximately 300 rounds of assorted small arms ammunition
• 18 rockets
• 34 120mm mortar rounds, to include white phosphorous and high explosive
• 26 cans of 14.5 mm ammunition
• 12 cans of fuzes
• 95 PG-7 rocket-propelled grenades
• 26 OG-7 grenades
• 103 Chinese MP6 projectile fuzes
• Five rocket-propelled grenade launchers
• Two 60mm mortar tubes
• 30 60mm high-explosive rounds
• 19 60mm smoke rounds
• One bucket of approximately six TNT blocks
• Multiple blasting caps, bags of propellant, and several pieces of communication gear.“This is another good example of the 2IAD, working together with the 5-82 FA, taking the fight to the enemy by denying them weapons and battle space,” said Sgt. 1st Class Luis Perez, liaison officer to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division for 5-82 FA.
Coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal teams were on site conducting an assessment of the find and preparing the items for transportation and eventual reduction.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained nine suspected terrorists during a raid Saturday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq, two of whom are believed to be foreign fighter facilitators.Cache found in northern GhazaliyaIntelligence reports indicated the targeted individuals are linked to the movement of foreign fighters into Baghdad. The targeted terrorists who were captured this morning are also believed to have recently harbored senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders.
“Coalition Forces are working diligently to eliminate foreign terrorists trying to hijack the development and building of a new stable and peaceful Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.
BAGHDAD – Before the sun came up over northern Ghazaliya, a weapons cache was discovered March 2 as the result of a tip from a resident in this western Baghdad district.March 2:Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment conducted the early morning raid as a part of the new security plan for Baghdad.
“As we were dismounting to conduct the raid, I felt something was wrong with the house adjacent to the target house,” said 2nd Lt. Joel Rhea, the platoon leader conducting the raid.
Finding nothing at the target house, the patrol went to the house next door. While searching that house, Rhea’s troops found two automatic weapons, one pistol, one hand grenade, and a large amount of ammunition. Also found inside the house were roadside bomb-making materials.
The house was occupied by two males who were taken into custody by the Fort Bliss, Texas Soldiers for further questioning.
The discovery of the cache was within eyesight of the Joint Security Station (JSS) located in Ghazaliya. The JSS is an integral part of the new security plan. It is jointly run by the Iraqi and American forces, and has been credited with several success stories in the few shorts weeks it has been operational.
Since the creation of the JSS, violence in the surrounding neighborhoods has been significantly reduced. The capture of two militia members and the confiscation of their weapons should result in level of violence being further reduced.
Rhea said the emergence of helpful tips, like the one which led to the discovery of a cache, from local residents is leading to a greater number of weapons confiscations and suspect detentions.
EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED DURING SALMAN PAK RAID
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists during a raid Thursday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq operating in the Salman Pak region.Golden Dragons discover massive cache southwest of BaghdadIntelligence reports indicate a significant number of individuals involved with the AQIZ terrorist network currently operating in the area. Activities in this area have been linked to a roadside and vehicle-borne explosives network. Terrorists in the area are also believed to be involved in smuggling weapons and facilitating foreign fighters.
During the raid, in which Coalition Forces were repeatedly confronted by small arms and mortar fires, Coalition Forces identified three armed terrorists maneuvering toward them with hostile intent. Ground forces engaged the enemy, killing the three terrorists.
Twenty minutes later, ground forces were again confronted by eight terrorists who began firing upon them. Ground forces returned fire, killing four terrorists. The other four fled the area.
Ground forces also witnessed armed terrorists in a vehicle who were accessing a weapons cache and removing small arms. Coalition Forces engaged, killing one terrorist. Two terrorists were wounded and fled.
Coalition Forces recovered several sniper rifles, AK-47s and rocket-propelled launchers from one of the engagement sites.
“Successful coalition operations continue to disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, restricting freedom of movement and reducing the organization’s manpower pool,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesman.
YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad troops found and seized a massive weapons cache along one of Baghdad’s main highways Feb. 28.Golden Dragons discover six more caches in operationSoldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) discovered the cache while conducting a combat patrol along Mulla Fayad Highway, west of Yusufiyah.
The cache consisted of two Sanger missiles with launch tubes, 200 meters of fuse, 1000 12.7mm Dishka rounds, two 122mm rockets, 18 60mm mortar rounds, 80 hand grenades, six rocket stabilizers, 10 120mm mortar tail fins, 100 60mm mortar fuses, five 106mm artillery rounds, one 57mm rocket, one rocket-propelled grenade, one 57mm anti-aircraft round, two RPG-9s, 60 120mm mortars, two unknown mortar rounds, one RPG launcher, one 60mm mortar illumination round, one Dishka heavy machinegun receiver, 20 canisters, 10 [Note: abridged at source]
YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to find weapons caches along Mullah Fayad Highway during an ongoing operation southwest of Baghdad, Feb. 28.Paratroopers find large ammunition cacheAs reported earlier, Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) found a massive cache along the highway as part of Operation Commando Viper, an operation intended to deny terrorists’ freedom of movement in southwest Baghdad.
After continuing to scour the area, the ‘Golden Dragons’ found an additional six caches along the highway, just west of Yusufiyah, March 1.
The first cache consisted of 12 mortar warheads, 28 tear gas grenades, 150 cassette tapes, a 200 round ammunition drum, 20 feet of wire, 29 mortar charges, three rocket propelled grenade sights, a rifle scope, an AK-47 magazine, four chest-rigged AK-47 kits, four small cloth bags of gun powder, 250 loose 7.62mm rounds, a battery charger, an alternating current adapter, three rifle slings, and various bomb making materials.
The second cache, smaller than the first, included 22 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 300 feet of detention cord, a 62mm high-explosive anti-tank rounds and a 106mm anti-tank round.
The third cache had two unknown aiming tools, three AK-47 magazines (two full and one empty), 100 7.62mm rounds, a box containing 1,000 7.62mm rounds, 11 cloth bags filled with gun powder, 20 feet of time fuse, 20 feet of detonation cord, two RPG-7 rounds, 10 blasting caps, a 57mm warhead, an AK-47, a bottle of unknown liquid, a spotting scope, four cell phones, two mortar sights, an RPG sight, an unknown electronic site, various digital and paper archival equipment, and initiators for improvised explosive devices.
In the fourth cache were four RPG-7 rounds, 22 81mm warhead rounds, 39 60mm warhead rounds, 25 mortar charges, an 81mm mortar round, three high-explosive assembled warhead rounds, two RPG-9 rounds, 55 various grenades, 16 blasting caps, five AK-47 chest kits, six AK-47 magazines, a set of binoculars, an RPG sight box, a machine gun rod, an unknown aiming device, a mortar sight and a test light.
The fifth cache had three AK-47 magazines, a two-way radio, a plastic grenade, 300 7.62mm rounds, a spool of wire, a camera bag, a tripod, a hand drill and an improvised explosive device kit.
The last cache included five RPG-9 rounds, two 81mm mortar rounds, three blasting caps, a mortar site, a warhead, a homemade rocket launcher, 22 boxes of mortar charges, an 81mm warhead, two 60mm warheads, a ammunition can, 20 feet of detonation cord, a set of binoculars and a cell phone battery.
“The Soldiers of 2-14 are putting a huge dent in the terrorists’ capabilities,” said Maj. Brock Jones, the 2-14 Inf. executive officer and native of Lakewood, Ohio. “Each large caliber round is one less (improvised explosive device) the enemy can emplace.”
The Soldiers will continue to search the area in hopes of finding more caches.
An explosive ordnance detonation team destroyed the contents of the caches and the operation is still ongoing.
KALSU, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered a large ammunition cache containing more than 100 mortar rounds south of Baghdad March 2.Iraqi, U.S. troops unearth large weapons cachesParatroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division located the cache near Bahbahani while on a dismounted patrol.
The cache contained 87 60mm mortar rounds, 15 82mm rounds, two 120mm rounds, one 122mm round, 16 130mm rounds and two 155mm rounds.
An explosive ordnance disposal team secured the cache for a controlled detonation.
YUSUFIYAH, Iraq — Military operations southwest of Baghdad snared extensive weapons caches March 1 near Yusufiyah, Iraq, hindering terrorist activity.Mar 1:Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted search missions into an area known to coalition forces as Janabi Village, uncovering multiple caches and detaining several Iraqis suspected of being involved in or having knowledge of terrorist operations.
The caches included five AK-47s and 19 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four bandoliers for ammunition, a flare, an unknown type of machine gun, an Iraqi Army-issued radio, a radio tuned to the Iraqi national police frequency, four false identification cards, three rolls of copper wire, a garage-door remote control, a log book and paperwork documenting terrorist operations, a collapsible baton, two sniper rifles, an 82mm mortar system with 64 rounds and 400,000 Iraqi Dinar – about $312 in U.S. currency.
Also found were two 155mm rounds, 46 105mm rounds, a directional charge, a roll of detonation cord, eight 120mm rounds, three 60mm rounds, an Iraqi soldier’s load-bearing vest, a bag of unidentified powder, a remote timer, altered identification papers, a camera, two lengths of crush wire, two long-range cell phones and command detonation wires.
The Iraqi and U.S. troops also found a Dragonov sniper rifle with telescopic sights, 800 rounds for a PKC machine gun, a pressure-wire improvised explosive device, a rifle with a telescopic sight, two shoulder-fired rocket launchers, a receiver for a Dishka machine gun, a bipod, a bottle of homemade explosive, 20 shotgun shells, two gas masks, two air-delivered bombs, 70 unidentified fuses, a used rocket shell, two Katyusha rockets, 44 60mm mortar rounds, three small artillery charge bags and one large artillery charge bag, two 70mm rockets, two video cassettes, two hand grenades, five electric switches, a Japanese-made grenade, 46 mortar charges, 19 155mm mortar fuses and a destroyed camera.
“The caches found by the 4/6 and the 2-15th Soldiers will definitely have an impact in the Sayyid-Abdullah corridor,” said 2-15th executive officer Maj. Douglas Mayzel.
The two units are working together as part of Operation Commando Viper, said Maj. Web Wright, a spokesman for the 2nd BCT.
“The mission is being conducted to deny the enemy freedom of movement in southern Baghdad,” he said. “We have found multiple caches throughout the area of operations.”
Iraqi Police Detains 6 during Raid against AQI in Karma
Baghdad – Fallujah Iraqi Police detained six suspects during operations with Coalition advisers Mar. 1 in Karma targeting al Qaeda in Iraq facilitators.Iraqi Army Detains 5 Suspects During Operations Against IED BuilderIraqi Police were targeting several suspected insurgents responsible for providing funds, weapons and transportation to al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists and insurgents conducting attacks against Iraqi civilians and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.
There were no reports of Iraqi civilians, Iraqi forces or Coalition Forces casualties.
BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army forces detained five suspects during operations with Coalition advisors March 1 in Baghdad, targeting an improvised explosive device builder.THREE TERRORISTS KILLED, 16 OTHERS DETAINED IN OPERATIONSDuring operations, a Coalition force over-watch element observed a man armed with an assault rifle moving from roof top to roof top appearing to track Iraqi Forces and Coalition force members on the ground. The man positioned himself in a vantage point where he had a clear sight of the ground forces. The suspect was then observed raising his weapon and aiming it in the direction of Iraqi Forces and Coalition force members, posing an immediate threat to them. The Coalition over-watch element shot the man neutralizing the threat.
Coalition force and Iraqi Army medics rendered immediate aid to the gunman to help stabilize him for movement to a hospital. The man died before he was able to be transported.
There was minimal damage to the objective. There were no Iraqi Forces or Coalition force casualties.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 16 suspected terrorists during operations Thursday morning targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq.During an operation west of Ramadi, Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation.
South of Baghdad, Coalition Forces killed one armed terrorist who charged at them as they entered a targeted building.
Six suspected terrorists allegedly associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq were detained in operations in Bayji, and four others with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation were detained in Ramadi.
“Coalition Forces will continue to successfully kill or capture al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists regardless of where they may hide or operate,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “No place is safe for a terrorist in Iraq.”
Meet Bud Day:
George E. "Bud" Day is the nation’s most highly decorated soldier since General Douglas MacArthur. In a military career spanning 34 years and 3 wars, Day received nearly 70 decorations and awards of which more than 50 are for combat. Most notable of his decorations is our nation’s highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, presented to him by President Gerald Ford.Meet Rosa Brooks:
Rosa Brooks is nothing but a small-minded runt of a writer, who, in the process of disparaging a panel entitled "The Left's Repeated Campaign Against the American Soldier" manages to serve up - drumroll, please - an ignorant smear campaign against America's most decorated living serviceman....in the LA Times.
Not likely. But recently American media sources have begun to notice developments in Anbar. The New York Times:
Sheik Abdul Sattar said his tribe, the Rishawi, which accounts for a tenth of the 400,000 residents of Ramadi, had always tried to make peace with the Americans in Anbar. That was one reason his father was killed while attending a funeral more than two years ago, he said. Al Qaeda had begun killing sheiks and clerics, even selling videos of the crimes.For background on this group, here's our initial report from last fall. Further coverage - drawn largely from Arab media sources and MNF-I releases, can be found below.“They became people who didn’t distinguish between right and wrong, and that’s when we believed these people were terrorists,” he said.
Recent violence in Anbar has underscored the brutality of the fighting among the Sunnis there.
Two soccer players in Ramadi had been shot dead in front of teammates by masked gunmen who had accused them of having ties to the Anbar Salvation Council. On Thursday, a car bomb in Falluja killed at least seven people in a policeman’s wedding party, while intense fighting broke out in Amariyat, a community to the south where residents say tribes aligned with Al Qaeda have been battling nationalist insurgent groups.
A car bomb next to a Ramadi mosque killed 15 people on Monday, and a truck bomb exploded in Habbaniya on Feb. 24, killing at least 31 people and wounding dozens, outside a Sunni mosque where the imam had been preaching resistance to Al Qaeda.
In their clashes with Al Qaeda, the sheik’s tribal fighters have captured about 80 militants and put them into a “prison” in Ramadi, the sheik said.
Saudis and Syrians were among them, he said. The Saudis, under interrogation, said they had been recruited in their home country by being shown anti-American propaganda, including images of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, the sheik said. Then they were shipped off to Syria to enter Iraq.
The sheik has little love for the Syrian government. One morning as he ate breakfast in his hotel room, a television program about the assassination of the Lebanese cabinet member Pierre Gemayel on Nov. 21 came on. “This is all Syria’s doing,” he said. “Syria is doing bad things.”
Just as nefarious is Iran, with its ties to the Shiite militias, Sheik Abdul Sattar said.
“In my personal opinion, and in the opinion of most of the wise men of Anbar, if the American forces leave right now, there will be civil war and the area will fall into total chaos,” he said. “If we complete the police and the army, if we make them strong enough, it’ll be possible for the American forces to leave and go home, and they’ll be friends of the Iraqis.”
The evening call to prayer echoed through the streets of Baghdad as he ended the talk. Darkness had fallen. The sheik got up to show two foreign visitors from his room, warning them that no one could ensure their safety at that hour.
Four of his men were shot dead while driving through the capital the previous day, he said, and they surely would not be the last.
It's good to see American media taking note of developments in Iraq beyond the death toll. The past months have seen a vast number of compelling stories going untold, while simple body counts, half truths, and political diatribes have been presented as news. Perhaps in America, as in al Anbar, that trend is reversing.
Via Iraq War News:
Ft. Rucker, Alabama, was hit hard by yesterday's tornados and storms. The local area, military families have lost loved ones and homes have been destroyed.
Soldiers Angels is on the job and will be establishing funds to support Ft. Rucker soldiers and families.
On March 1, 2007 a band of severe thunderstorms swept across the South. The storms were accompanied by tornadoes which left a swath of destruction in their wake. The agricultural town of Enterprise, Alabama was hit especially hard. The town newspaper, The Enterprise Ledger, reports, " The tornado struck downtown Enterprise around 1 p.m. Thursday, destroying homes, flipping vehicles and collapsing the ceiling and walls in parts of Enterprise High School. Reports concerning the number of dead and injured vary wildly, with state officials reporting as many as 5 possible deaths in the city." Its high school sustained a direct hit and many students were injured when a wall collapsed. Several of the injured students are from families stationed at nearby Fort Rucker. There are reports of deaths among the students, but the school system has yet to provide confirmation of this tragic news. Fort Rucker is the home of the United States Army Aviation Warfighting Center and many of its families live in Enterprise and their children attend its schools. The governor of Alabama has declared a state of emergency, but in a situation like this, with so many people in need, the government cannot immediately help everyone. Soldiers' Angels is determined to make sure that none of our military personnel or their families are overlooked.
Soldiers' Angels has several members who are in the area and they have rallied to provide aid and comfort to the military families who are suffering. Additionally, in an effort to help these families, Soldiers' Angels has established the Fort Rucker Military Family Relief Fund. This fund is dedicated specifically to helping the members of the Fort Rucker who have lost family and their homes as a result of this terrible event. Soldiers' Angels will use the fund to provide emergency relief to the families. Items such as clothes, food, personal items and even shelter will be provided. Please help the families and our soldiers at Fort Rucker.
How can you help?
To volunteer time please contact Bonnie- BonnieInBama @ gmail.com
FT RUCKER FAMILY RELIEF FUND
SA-FT. RUCKER FAMILY RELIEF
Item #20-0583415
or send GIFT CARDS: WalMart, Amex CREDITS OR VOUCHERS: Holiday Inn, Days Inn, Comfort Inn to:
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE, Attn: Sue
BUILDING 5700
NOVOSEL, ROOM 390
FT. RUCKER AL 36362*****************************
UPDATE: If you need to get an idea of just how bad the damage is, NOTR has pictures posted here
Stealing the following in it's entirety from Andi:
Read this first. The television show will air Saturday, March 3. Check here to find out what time it will air in your area. Congratulations again, Kat.You can bet we'll be watching at house Greyhawk.
Update/correction: On some local affiliates it will air this weekend, on others next week.
Forgive my recent lack of posts here. It's been a busy two weeks - but at least a few days of "normal" ops lie ahead.
But others have been offering actual news from Iraq in my absence.
Like the Washington Post:
Iraqi Troops, Tribesmen Kill 50 Suspected InsurgentsAnd the NY Times:Fierce Battle in West Lasts Several Hours
By Joshua Partlow, Washington Post Foreign Service
BAGHDAD, March 1 -- Iraqi security forces backed by Sunni tribesmen killed dozens of suspected Sunni insurgents over several hours of fighting Wednesday in a village in western Iraq, Iraqi police officials said Thursday.
The fighting was unusually fierce for an Iraqi-led operation and was also notable because of the collaboration of tribesmen in volatile Anbar province. In recent months, the U.S. military has aligned itself with dozens of tribal sheiks who are collaborating in an effort to drive the Sunni insurgent group Al-Qaeda in Iraq from the vast desert territory.
U.S. And Iraqi Forces Arrest 16 Suspected In Killings And KidnappingsPerhaps this marks the start of a trend. Maybe some day we'll even see headlines like those on page one.By Kirk Semple
BAGHDAD, Feb. 27 — American and Iraqi troops on Tuesday stormed several buildings in Sadr City, Baghdad’s main bastion of Shiite militancy, and detained at least 16 people suspected of participating in militia violence including killings, kidnappings and torture, the American military and local officials said.
The early morning raids appeared to be the largest military operation in Sadr City since the new American-led crackdown began this month, intended to wrest control of Baghdad, the capital, from sectarian militias.
Mrs Greyhawk, meanwhile, has chastised me for not pointing out that I do contribute to another blog besides this one, and that I have done a few posts there these past few weeks. I say readers here are aware of that, but obviously I yield to her wisdom.
At Blackfive:
Ralph Nader voters are not as scarce in the Army as you might think. I've actually met two in previous trips to Iraq. Spc. Linsay Burnett was the third. But that was just the beginning. Burnett, a 2003 graduate of the College of William & Mary, is probably the least likely soldier I have ever met. What caught my attention was that she was reading Johnny Got His Gun, a classic antiwar novel of World War I. Then it turned out that she was a Nader supporter, vegetarian, labor organizer, founder of an Amnesty International chapter, and former war protester. Not the typical model of a modern soldier.But like Jonathan Hutto, Burnett joined the Army after the invasion of Iraq. I suppose it's possible she simply didn't heed John Kerrry's warning about studying hard, but regardless of whatever led her to seek a career as an enlisted troop in the Army, ("Curiously, she didn't think very much about deploying to Iraq when she enlisted in February 2004. She needed a job and health insurance; the Army offered both. So she signed up for Army public affairs and broadcast communications") she's now touting Appeal for Redress in the New York Times.
“There is a sense of betrayal,” said Specialist Linsay Burnett, 26, who recently returned from Iraq with the First Brigade combat team of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee. The division is readying for its third deployment.Apparently few authentic voices - at least, the New York Times can't find them.“These soldiers stand up to fight, to protect their country, but we are now on the fifth reason as to why it is we are in Iraq,” added Specialist Burnett, who has served as a public affairs specialist and as a military journalist focusing primarily on the infantry. “How many reasons are we going to come up with for keeping us over there?”
<...>
“The Army has many ways to make your life very difficult,” Specialist Burnett said, adding that she had come forward largely because “there are not many voices out there for the men on the ground.”
Via email...
Greetings,
The following is my translation of a news article from Iraq’s ‘Alsabah Aljadeed or New Sabah’ of Feb 26 2007
Al-Maliki said, hundreds killed and arrested in the new security operationHaider's comments:Iraqi PM Noori Al-Maliki said, ‘U.S. and Iraqi forces killed around 400 armed suspects since the beginning of the Baghdad security operation’. Al-Maliki visited the HQ for the security operations and prompted them not to fall under sectarian influence. Al-Maliki said in a press conference that 426-armed suspects have been arrested, and another similar number were killed since the beginning of the operation in mid February.
The Iraqi interior ministry reported that in northern Baghdad Iraqi forces with U.S. Air support have killed dozens of armed insurgents in an insurgent camp early Saturday morning. General Abdul Kareem Khalaf, spokesman for the ministry, said, ‘a large contingency of Iraqi forces clashed with armed men in a rural area at dawn and U.S. air strikes destroyed the insurgent base’.
Al-Maliki said, ‘Baghdad security plan will spread to other provinces as soon as it is successful in calming Baghdad. I am very optimistic about this plan, because of the support and cooperation between civilians and the security forces. There will be no peace for all the outlaws and all must know there will not be a country or security unless Laws rule. The government alone has the responsibility for the security of its citizen’s and national security’. He added, ‘the country will pursue all outlaws regardless of their affiliation. There will be no leniency for any outlaw and all security procedures will be implemented with out hesitation and completely devoid of political influence.
General Abud Qatier commander of operation ‘Enforce the Law’ (or Rule of Law) briefed the PM on the progress of operations and implementations achieved by the Iraqi forces daily. With its goal of defeating terrorism at its core and brining about security to Baghdad. The PM asserted the importance of respecting the rights of the individual by the security forces, and the manner in which they treat citizens especially as they search their homes, he added, ‘a soldier must not discriminate in his treatment of suspects and those who do will be dealt with accordingly. The soldiers are also responsible for spreading understanding, equality and brotherhood between all Iraqi sects’.
Al-Maliki said, ‘our battle with the outlaws is a battle of intelligence (as in uncovering secrets and information) and the security effort will help disassemble the foundation for the terrorist organizations. The average citizen has become the most effective and reliable intelligence source. The cooperation between citizens and the Iraqi security forces and the cooperation between the Iraqi security forces and the multi national forces will solidify our victory. The PM pointed out the positive outcomes of the operation over the last few days. Dismantling a number of terrorist cells, the foiling of many plots to kill civilians and the return of hundreds of families to their original homes. The country will provide returning families with security as well as financial rewards for damages. I promise that security officers will stay until security is achieved.
The PM was asked about attacks by terrorist groups against some of the returning families. He replied that these terrorists will be dealt with, with no leniency and will be arrested and sent to justice no matter what their affiliation. The PM was then asked about the meddling of some politicians with security operations and the statements they make (negative ones). The PM said, ‘I have instructed the commanders, of operation Enforce the Law, to not allow any political figure to interfere with security matters. These politicians have official governmental channels to use if they want information. As to their statements, it is a pity that some politicians have their own political agenda and some long for the old days. They must respect the national decision and the Iraqi people’s will, which the Iraqi people expressed at the ballet box. Mr. Abdul Kadir Mohamed Jasim the defense Minster and General Abud Qatier commander of operation ‘Enforce the Law’ accompanied PM.
Operation enforce the law is so far going better than expected and appears to continue this way. I spoke to my father in Baghdad, he said that the street is very impressed by the operation and receiving much cooperation from the people. They have done in four days what we thought would take them over a month. Shiites love the Americans and want them stay to help the Iraqi security stand on its feet he said. He also told me the street knows that Iran is no great friend of Iraq. Reading the PM, Al-Maliki, order the soldiers to respect the rights of the individual is still amazing to me. What large difference from just four short years ago. I am not worried about my family from the security forces; I am only worried about them from the terrorist. Before we liberated Iraq the security force were who worried me. This is the same sentiment my family has in Baghdad and Nejef. They now trust and look to the security forces for help. What a turn around, and all squarely due to our training of these new Iraqis and the Iraqi’s willingness to learn and serve. There have been problems with some of the security personnel and most of those are being and have been addressed, as is evident from the PM’s directive of nondiscrimination and no favoritism. The support of the average citizen in Baghdad for this operation is nothing short of remarkable. Of course, this only comes if the citizens feel safe tipping off the Iraqi security forces. This also shows that the terrorists are loosing much of their support base in Iraq.
Regards
Haider Ajina
McKinleyville
