Dawn Patrol

Holly Aho

Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. (We have a daily "Open Post" too, if you have something on another topic you can link there.)

The Greyhawks are on vacation, so I'm filling in as the guest blogger while they have a well deserved good time! While I'm at it I want to let you know how much work the Dawn Patrol is to put together. If you haven't yet hit the Greyhawk's tip jar I highly recommend you do so! This much work on a daily basis deserves a well rounded tip. So, without any further procrastination, and hoping I'm doing at least a satisfactory job at this, here's the Dawn Patrol.....

~Holly Aho

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IRAQ

Looking for items for my troops -- [Courage Without Fear - In Iraq]
If you've visited my site in the past, you may have noticed the Amazon.com Wish List I had on the right side of the page...I've decided that instead of putting up a list of things I want, I should change it to a list of things my soldier's need. Currently the Wish List has some items on it that my mechanics really need.

New Kinds of Interaction -- [Dadmanly - In Iraq]
I wrote a few weeks ago about visiting the Iraqi Army. That was quite an experience, and I'm glad I had the opportunity while I was here. We really haven't had any contact with average Iraqis, we are in our own compounds, and the Soldiers of our unit don't have the kind of jobs that get them out into the villages or the city.

Samarra learning from Talafar... --[IRAQ THE MODEL -- an Iraqi in Iraq]
Yesterday, the minister of defense met delegates from Samarra in his office. The visit arranged for by the head of the Sunni mortmain department sheikh Ahmed Al-Samarrai came after the minister declared that that the government is going to send troops to other cities including Samarra.
The minister was straightforward in his speech and warned the delegates that if the city doesn't cooperate with the authorities in eliminating terror and criminal gangs, troops will have to enter the city and clean it up in a way similar to what happened in Talafar and the minister said that one month will be given to allow the city to take positive steps before power is used.

New Home --[Reverse Retina - in Iraq]
I'm moving locations...This is the last time you'll see the podcast here...Go to www.reverseretina.com to continue enjoying my lovely and wonderful outlook on things...

Allah Tahlize --[Sisyphus Today...]
In F.E. Peters' Course, One God, Three Faiths, Judaism, Chritianity, and Islam are compared and contrasted using themselves as their own perspectives. To clarify, Peters makes no judgment on the validity of the religions, merely pronounces what a subscriber to that belief would say about that religion. Each religion is evaluated in its own light, on its own merit. Historical context is also weighed against the religion as a framework to show the development and spread.
Here are 2 chapters that pertain to my points...

Change of Pace --[Stardotstar.org]
Here is my blog knuckle-ball. No rant no story. Just a question. What would be some appropriate gifts I could get for the people who work on base. Many of them are pretty interested in America, but could never afford to travel there. One guy has already asked me to get him some motorcross videos, so Mel is going to burn some to DVD using our Tivo. I?d like to get something that is distinctly from America, and can?t be bought here at the PX. It seems like so many popular American products are imported. Anyways, I?m asking anyone who reads this blog to submit an idea either by comment or email.

An Interesting Day... --[Warriorsvoice]
Sending a loved one off to Iraq is not easy to do (as some of you may know), but when hearing about instances like this, it makes it easier to deal with.
Below is a message sent from Jason this week.

Don?t Eat Yellow Snow --[MREater - in Iraq]
And watch what you?re drinking. We get Gatorade and Crystal Light packets to mix with water, as well as instant tea, and Kool Aid. Most soldiers just figure out the proper amount to pour into a half liter or one and a half liter bottle and mix the beverage in the bottle. You?ll see soldiers drinking red, green, orange, purple, yellow or brown liquid form the water bottles.

Of course, soldiers also use the bottles to spit in when they chew tobacco. And, the one and a half liter bottles are popular to use as, uh, chamber pots.

MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ

Suicide attack on Iraqi Shi'ite mosque kills 11 --[Reuters]
A suicide car bomber blew himself up outside a Shi'ite mosque north of Baghdad on Friday, killing 11 and wounding 24, the latest attack in a three-day surge of violence that has killed more than 200 people.

As Saddam's day in Iraq court nears, hiccups emerge --[Reuters]
Some predict it could be the "trial of the century" but bringing Saddam Hussein to justice has hardly gone smoothly and may get rockier still.

Deadly Toll Continues in Iraq, as Car Bomber and Gunmen Strike --[NY Times]
Insurgents continued their deadly week of attacks in Baghdad today, killing at least four people in drive-by shootings, including two men hoping to be hired as day laborers.

Latest Iraq Blast Targets Shiite Mosque --[AP]
A suicide car bomber hit worshippers leaving a Shiite mosque in a northern Iraqi town shortly after midday prayers Friday, killing at least 10 people. Twelve other people were killed elsewhere by militants as the Sunni-dominated insurgency pressed its "all-out war" against the government.

AFGHANISTAN

Long Trip To Germany --[The Siegrist Blogs]
After 2 days of total BS I arrived in Germany to start my R&R. The trip was long and hard when I spool down here I'll give you all a blow by blow, for now all I can tell those who are getting ready to head home, stop by the TMC and get a frontal lobotomy before you head out. Yes its that bad. More to follow....

Afghanistan Parliamentary elections in Picture --[Afghan LORD - an Afghan in Afghanistan]
Afghanistan Parliamentary Elections in Picture: Please go to my photo blog in Flicker or view as a slideshow (pic)

MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN

Candidate killed; Taliban urge Afghan poll boycott --[Reuters]
Suspected Taliban militants shot dead a candidate in Afghanistan's weekend elections, an official said on Friday, as the guerrillas warned voters they could be hurt unless they boycotted the polls.

Voting May Be Life-and-Death Choice for Afghans --[NY Times]
A newly emboldened insurgency in Afghanistan has stepped up a campaign of threats and thuggery on the eve of elections.

OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

ROK Marine Corps Veterans Defend MacArthur --[GI Korea Blog]
Veterans and retirees of the ROK Marine Corps turned out in force to commemorate General Douglas MacArthur at Inchon's Freedom Park.

Press freedom suffers setback in Japan --[Riding Sun]
Japan Media Review has an amazing article by Tony McNicol about a Japanese magazine publisher arrested and thrown in jail on the suspicion that certain stories he ran legally constituted defamation...

Indian Submarine Fleet To Grow --[The Stupid Shall Be Punished]
Winds of Change has a good article, with lots of links, on the growing Indian submarine fleet, and in particular their recent decision to build six French/Spanish-designed Scorpene subs. The current Indian submarine force consists of either imported or indigeniously-produced Type 209 (German) or Kilo Class (Russian) boats; they got rid of their old Foxtrot-class boats a few years ago.
Of special interest is the stated Indian intention of constructing their own nuclear submarine.

Batebi: Political Prisoner on the Run --[America's Liberty Security Force]
Cyrus News Ahmad Batebi was a young student leader several years ago. He was attending Tehran University when the uprising of 1999 occured. He was imprisoned by the Iranian Guard and sentenced to death. With the outcries from all over the world, the sentence was reduced to 15 years.

During a temporary release, Batebi managed to escape about 4 months ago.

MSM REPORTS ON OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

China draft raises hopes at North Korea talks --[Reuters]
The United States threatened to freeze North Korean assets if the reclusive state did not toe the line in talks aimed at ending its nuclear weapons program, but a new proposal from China raised hopes for progress.

Bush gives Iran-EU nuclear talks new life: Iran --[Reuters]
Comments by U.S. President George W. Bush underlining Iran's right to a nuclear energy programme have given fresh impetus to Tehran's talks with the European Union, a senior Iranian official said on Friday.

Two years of discussions between Tehran and the EU trio of Britain, Germany and France broke down last month after Iran rejected an EU proposal to resolve the nuclear issue and broke U.N. seals at a uranium conversion plant.

Iran Promises Proposals to End Nuclear Stalemate --[NY Times]
Iran's president said he would present "new proposals" to break the impasse with Western nations over his nuclear programs.

Sharon Tells U.N. It's Time for Palestinian Peace Steps --[NY Times]
The prime minister challenged Palestinians to demonstrate their commitment to peace now that Israel has withdrawn from Gaza.

N. Korea Rejects China's Nuclear Proposal --[AP]
North Korea rejected a Chinese proposal to end the stalemate over its atomic weapons agenda, repeating Friday it would not give up its peaceful nuclear program without concessions the United States is unlikely to grant.

HURRICANE KATRINA

Surprising Results at ABC --[Balloon Juice]
ABC News producers probably didn?t hear what they expected when they sent Dean Reynolds to the Houston Astrodome?s parking lot to get reaction to President Bush?s speech from black evacuees from New Orleans. Instead of denouncing Bush and blaming him for their plight, they praised Bush and blamed local officials.

One who was there? --[Mostly Cajun, All American and Opinionated]
This note is from a girl who I work with named Robin. She?s in Louisiana and amid all the turmoil there. When I read her story I got the chills; this is horrible. I?m sending this to all of you to spread the word, PRAY. There are local churches where she lives who will be housing the homeless. Here?s her note: ***

Looking at the the Press & Katrina --[ROFASix]
Is the Katrina story all over except the finger pointing and the shoveling of cash into the region? After watching the President?s speech this evening from New Orleans I was heartened that at least some of the ideas that I discussed in a recent posting may actually happen. Bush had a choice, he could either be part of the problem, or show leadership and take charge of fixing the problems that we saw arise with Katrina. Tonight, it looks like he choose the latter, to his credit.

The (current) President,FDR,and pay-per-view. --{From My Position..On the Way!]
I am mistaken. Thankfully, there is a person in charge of this country who set my thinking straight tonight. While everyone seemed to be grousing about who or what was to blame for the damage that Katrina wrought, our president focused his efforts on what can be done to help the people that were affected. I'm humbled by the amount of work that he has done, both asking Congress for relief and also coming up with plans to help the people that have had their lives turned upside down. Not just a plan to give them a hand out; or to say "here's some money go help yourself." Rather, he came up with a plan to help people start businesses back up, and to rebuild their houses and their city.

MSM REPORTS ON HURRICANE KATRINA

Bush Vows U.S. Gulf Coast Will Be Rebuilt --Washington Post]
President pledges unprecedented federal assistance for one of world's largest reconstruction efforts.

Poll: Some Won't Return Home --[Washington Post]
Two-thirds of New Orleans evacuees planning to relocate want to remain in the Houston area.

Mayor Announces Plan to Reopen New Orleans --[AP]
In a few days, residents will begin moving back into this city one ZIP code at a time, speeding the revival of the economy in places like the French Quarter - the bawdy enclave that suffered relatively minor damage in the hurricane but is still without electricity. Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced plans Thursday to reopen some of New Orleans' most vibrant and least flood-ravaged neighborhoods over the next week and a half, including the French Quarter.

French Quarter races to reopen --[Reuters]
New Orleans' famed French Quarter is racing to open its bars and clubs, spurred by President George W. Bush's promise to rebuild a city where rescuers are still picking up the dead of Hurricane Katrina.

TERRORISM

Al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia Responds to Counterterrorism Raids in Dammam --[The Counterterrorism Blog]
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Saudi Arabia has released a new communiqu頡nd audio recording in response to recent armed clashes that took place in the eastern city of Dammam between Saudi police and wanted Al-Qaida members beginning on Sept. 4. According to the communiqu鬠Saudi Interior Ministry representatives were incorrect in claiming that the militants possessed large amounts of explosives and that wanted Al-Qaida operative Mohammed al-Suwailmi was among the casualties from the battle.

Photographing jihad --[TigerHawk]
Don't you wonder how photographers get pictures like this? (pic) It seems that the insurgents would only allow themselves to be photographed if they believe that the publication of the pictures will serve the purposes of the insurgency. So either the person who took the picture was helping the insurgents at their behest, or they were unaware that their picture was being taken because the photographer was hiding from them at great risk to life and limb.

Americans on the Side of Terror --[Andi's World]
There have been a handful of times when I sat down to blog about something, but had to think long and hard before I did. This post is a perfect example of one of those times. As I mentioned here, my husband and I participated in the Freedom Walk which took place on September 11 in our Nation's capital. While the event itself was free of political overtones, we encountered a rather disturbing event during the walk.

While driving to the Pentagon, my husband looked at me and asked, "Will CodePink be there?". Without hesitation, I said, "No. No way. This isn't a political event, this is about 9/11, even they wouldn't disrupt this event." I was right, CodePink didn't show. But someone else did.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Come Out and Show Your Support for Our Troops --[Andi's World]
Move America Forward's pro-troop tour is underway. This a cross-country bus tour meant to show support for our troops. It began in California and will end in Washington, DC. You can find the schedule here. For those of us in Washington, tomorrow night will be the warm-up for the 23rd, when the tour comes to Walter Reed.

Long Lost Letter --[The Patriette]
WWII Soldier's Last Letter Makes It Home
It is indeed amazing that the letter reached the soldier's family after so many years - cheers for the man who found it and managed to track down the family and get it to them.

1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas ask for help! --[Soldiers Angels Germany]
Operation: A Bit of Home has been asked by the First Cavalry to help support the Heroes assisting in the Katrina Relief efforts, and they have asked Soldiers' Angels to assist them, and to help get the word out. Below is the request they received. If you would like to donate funds or items, please visit the Operation: A Bit of Home website. I've got a soft spot for the 1st Cavalry, as my first adopted Soldier is a 1st Cav Trooper.

POLITICS

Red Skelton Audio on Pledge and "Under God" Addition --[GM's Corner]
Many of you remember Red Skelton, a popular comedian, clown, actor, and television host. On a show in 1969, he explained the meaning of every word in our "Pledge of Allegiance." His presentation has touched many and has been read into the Congressional Record and received awards. Red Skelton ends the lesson by discussing the special meaning of "under God" in the pledge. This ties in with G.M.'s entry below and is worth taking the time to hear.

The Left's Tax Increase Catch-22 --[Molten Thought]
Another great Lefty idea: raise taxes in the wake of Katrina.

I love the Left---raise taxes when times are good because we can "afford" to pay more taxes, raise them when times are tough because it will "stimulate" the economy.

MSM REPORTS ON POLITICS

Amid the Ruins, a President Tries to Reconstruct His Image, Too --[NY Times]
George W. Bush introduced himself last night in an unfamiliar and somewhat uncomfortable new role: domestic president.

Chief Justice Nominee Speaks Volumes, While Saying Little --[NY Times]
Judge John G. Roberts Jr. made clear that his approach to interpreting the Constitution is varied and flexible.

MSM REPORTS ON RELIGION & FOOD?

The Market McDonald's Missed: The Muslim Burger --[NY Times]
French fast-food chains are tapping into the growing Muslim market by serving food conforming to Muslim dietary laws.

THE MEDIA

Moonves: CBS News is "Back to the Drawing Board" --[Media Blog]
CBS honcho Leslie Moonves sees big changes ahead for CBS News. According to this story, Moonves told investors yesterday that CBS News had to go "back to the drawing board":

When asked about the progress of the revamp of the low-rated "CBS Evening News" prompted by the departure of longtime anchor Dan Rather in March, Moonves conceded CBS News isn't close to the radical makeover he has envisioned to boost the fortunes of the show.

Is the ?Bathroom Break? photo a set-up? --[The Anchoress]
I downloaded the photo and resized it to 800 pixels wide by 458 pixels tall. It is very clear that the comment ?I think I may need a bathroom break?? was written in block letters by a person other than the one responding to it in this photo. The hand in the photo, if it is President Bush?s, is clearly writing not only in script, but at a slightly different size, with a different amount of force than the person who wrote the block comment.

WELCOME HOME

Safe at home --[It's a living...sorta]
It sounds like the title of an entry for a baseball story, doesn't it?

"He's rounding third and heading for the plate... Here comes the relay throw, it's gonna be a close play... and he's... SAFE AT HOME!"

We actually got home yesterday, but I was sure that you all would understand if the first thing I did when I arrived had absolutely nothing to do with the computer, the internet, my blog-friends, or anything like that.

HUMOR

I Have An African Brother!! --[A Soldier's Perspective]
I haven?t done a Nigerian-type scam in awhile and I?ve been holding this one until I could. I literally get about 5 of these things each day. It?s insane. Anyway, here?s the letter I got not long ago that I?m using as my next victim...And here?s my response email..
"Dearest Mr. Barrister Williams esq (I once knew a man named Bill S. Preston esq, a friend of Ted?s),

Your letter brings me much grief. Unfortunately not the way most people think. Brian was always the favorite in the family. My mom would always say, ?why can?t you be more like Brian?? My response was always, ?who?s Brian?? Personally, I think she was a little psychotic and imagined things, but since you say my brother has been spotted in Nigeria, he must be real. Good thing too, because Brian owes me money. I hope that the crash was a painful one and his thoughts were about the nonexistent brother he left back in America.
Anyway, I?d really like to help you, but..."

Bush Accidentally Delivers Rejected Draft Speech --[ScrappleFace]
The White House communications team scrambled this morning to explain how President George Bush accidentally delivered a rejected draft speech in New Orleans last night on national TV.

Rules of Thumb for Cleaning, Packrats and Slobs --[A Soldiers Angel - Holly Aho]
If you have packrat tendencies, or don't realize you're a slob....or perhaps are married to one and can't seem to keep up, here are a few guidelines and indicators that should help.
How to know if you are a slob...

(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)