Dawn Patrol

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.)

IRAQ

The Battle For Mosul IV - Soldiers, Spies, and Sheep - [Michael Yon]
They fled. It was all over the news. When the bullets flew, they fled. Leaving stations, abandoning posts, forgetting duties, hundreds of police fled. When the police response to gunfire was to simply run away, the city fell into lawlessness. Pundits rushed to the airwaves, proclaiming the city?s future hopeless.

My Friend, 2LT Homer J. Wright III
Second Lt. Homer J. Wright III bit off a chunk of his tongue when he rocketed out of his seat and smashed his head on the roof. Blood oozed from his mouth and chin.

10 Days to the Referendum -- [An Average Iraqi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
10 Days are left to the referendum of the constitution. The Iraqi street is in tense because of it. There are checkpoints at every main street in Baghdad now. In some areas, there are fortified checkpoints, and even tanks sometimes. These are the areas that are so violent they switch sides between the Americans and the insurgents overnight.

A Day for Smiles -- [MREater - in Iraq]
We went on a knock and search today, accompanied by some Iraqi Police, and it struck me that many of the families whose homes we searched were happy to see us. Smiling, some laughing, didn?t appear to be irritated at all.

Iraqi police academy in Tal Afar -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
(pic) Local volunteers line up to enroll in the Iraqi police academy in Tal Afar. Iraqi army security forces, with assistance from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and 82nd Airborne unit, provide security in the Tal Afar region in order to...

Al-Qaeda #2 to Zarqawi: Not Good News -- WarriorsVoice - in Iraq]
Al-Qaeda's number 2 man, Ayman al-Zawahiri, wrote a letter to Zarqawi detailing the disappointments in Afghanistan and complaining about Zarqawi's tactics in Iraq. This news is actually coming from one of the MSM outlets.

Last Trip Through -- [JD's Blog - Faces from the Front - in Iraq]
The city so alive with commotion, traffic, horns honking and smells and
voices is silent at night.

Flourescent lights hum...and small fires burn, but only Marines are on the streets.

The Marines of Silver and Gold have turned over their Humvees and are making one last trip through downtown Fallujah in the back of 7-Ton Trucks.

Email From Iraq. October 6 Edition -- [Southern by Blog]
Here's the latest email I got from the Specialist in 2/299 (Hawaii National Guard). Check out the hours they are working now. They should form a union or call OSHA...

Good Thoughts Needed -- [Gunn Nutt]
Sorry for light posting. I haven't heard from my adopted Marine, LCpl Pete, in two weeks and yesterday I saw that he was deactivated from AnySoldier.com. Naturally, I freaked out!

Fortunately, the kind people at AnySoldier are used to this, and they gave me someone to contact. It seems Pete has a serious illness (I don't know any details) and has been transfered to Landstuhl. Not being family, I must compose myself and be patient. News will come eventually. (*bouncing off the walls!*)

MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ

US says letter shows al Qaeda dispute over Iraq -- (Reuters)...Will Dunham
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said on Thursday the United States had obtained a letter written by al Qaeda's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahri, to the network's leader in Iraq saying tactics being used such as bombing mosques and killing hostages might alienate the Muslim masses.

U.S. Obtains Treatise By Bin Laden Deputy -- (Washington Post )... Ron Wright
The United States has obtained a letter from Osama bin Laden's deputy to the leader of Iraq's insurgency that outlines a long-term strategic vision for a global jihad, with the next phase of the war to be taken into Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, according to U.S. officials.

Iraq Slips Away
IRAQ STANDS less than 10 days away from a momentous vote on a new constitution, the first of a series of events that in the next several months will make or break the U.S.-backed attempt to unite the country under a new political system. A successful exit for U.S. troops, or a deepening military quagmire, hangs in the balance. Yet serious discussion of the Iraqi political process in Washington seems to have faded to a whisper.

Police find 22 bodies in southeast Iraq -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD - Iraqi police have found the bodies of 22 men handcuffed and shot dead in an area near the Iran border, officials said on Friday.

U.S. Offensive in Iraq Kills 29 Insurgents -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. offensive aimed at uprooting al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents in western Iraq before next week's constitutional referendum killed 29 militants, including 20 who died when warplanes bombed an abandoned hotel they had commandeered, the military said Friday. The fighting occurred Thursday during one of two offensives being conducted by thousands of U.S. troops and hundreds of Iraqi soldiers in several Euphrates River towns that insurgents were virtually controlling after the withdrawal of most Iraqi police and soldiers.

AFGHANISTAN

Interesting development -- [Martin in Afghanistan - back from Afghanistan]
For anyone interested, the "Break Fast for Afghan Orphans" at which I am speaking is being held Sunday, October 16th at Carmen's Banquet Hall, 1520 Stonechurch Road East, Hamilton, ON from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. Remember that is "break fast," meaning to eat after a period of not eating, as opposed to "breakfast," a morning meal.

Photos from Afghanistan -- [OrlandoSentinel - reporter in Afghanistan]
Here's a new photo from Afghanistan (click to enlarge): This one shows Sgt. Andrew Dishman, left, of Winter Springs, and Spc. Benjamin House, of Tallahassee, looking down on a busy market street in Herat from the top of the city?s ancient citadel.

MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN

U.S. troops kill four Aghan police with "friendly fire" -- (Reuters)
KABUL - U.S. troops killed four Afghan policemen and wounded another after mistaking them for militants during an operation in southern Afghanistan in which two Afghan soldiers died, officials said on Friday.

KATRINA

?Shelter Commander? -- [Mostly Cajun, All American and Opinionated]
This post at Wasted Electrons details what the commander of the storm shelter at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi was faced with before, during, and after Katrina. It?s quite a story. As I sit here trying to keep a lid on my own company?s operations here in Southwest Louisiana, I can identify with SOME SMALL AMOUNT of his travails, but mine is AFTER the storm.

My Louisiana Tour [Where I Satand](pics)
Since we were already there, the Utah National Guard selected my team to travel south to Louisiana on a search and rescue mission. We were notified Saturday night that we needed to be on a noon flight on Sunday. None of us had the opportunity for much if any sleep that night as we packed personal and team gear for an extremely short notice deployment. I was very surprised when we packed, palletized, performed a readiness review (frequently a three day process itself), and traveled to Alexandria, Louisiana in less than 24 hours

MSM REPORTS ON KATRINA

Families may find hurricane dead in New Orleans -- (Reuters)
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Since federal and state search missions have been called off, it is families returning home who may discover the dead bodies that Hurricane Katrina left behind in New Orleans.

TERRORISM

Terrorism and Data Protection: Balancing Privacy and Security -- [CounterTerrorism Blog]
The threat of terrorism has given rise over the past four years to an expanding array of new security measures in Europe and here at home that intrude into areas previously considered by many as protected by rights of privacy.

MSM REPORTS ON TERRORISM

Subway security boosted in response to threat -- (NewsDay)
Police flooded the city's subways Thursday night amid disputed intelligence reports that terrorists with links to Iraq had planned to possibly bomb the system with baby strollers fitted with explosives -- a threat the mayor called the most specific yet against the nation's largest mass transit network.

Bush: U.S. Foiled at Least 10 Terror Plots -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - President Bush said Thursday the United States and its allies had foiled at least 10 serious plots by the al-Qaida terror network in the last four years, including plans for Sept. 11-like attacks on both U.S. coasts. In a speech designed to revive flagging public support for the war in Iraq, the president also said the U.S. and its partners have stopped at least five more efforts by al-Qaida to case targets or infiltrate operatives in the United States.

Bomb threat disrupts Rolling Stones concert -- (MSNBC)...Reuters
WASHINGTON - A bomb threat halted a Rolling Stones concert in Charlottesville, Virginia overnight, but police found nothing and the band returned to the stage about 45 minutes later, officials said on Friday.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS

I've Said It Before...This Soldier Confirms It -- [Holly Aho - a Soldier's Angel]
My blog posts on this subject have been clear on what I think real support for our troops means - actually doing something to support our troops. Support as a verb. I came across this article in Front Page magazine, 'Supporting Your Troops', written by Allan Wall, who is currently serving in Iraq.

For Friends and Family of Military in Iraq -- [Holly Aho - a Soldier's Angel]
I read a message a mom had posted at Soldiers Angels that I thought might be a good one to answer here. Perhaps she is not the only one with the question. Her son is leaving for Iraq in December, and she wanted to know more about the camp he would be staying at so she could send better care packages based on his needs.

Letter Writing Team Sends 30,122 Letters to Deployed Soldiers in Q3 -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
From Linda D. of the LWT (Letter Writing Team) at Soldiers' Angels.
The Soldiers' Angels LWT sends letters to soldiers and units needing extra support.

MILITARY LIFE

Day 276 - This is Good! -- [Big Al's Army Life - Blue Star wife]
Thursday Inspiration!

For today?s entry, I wanted us to examine for a moment the things that happen to us in our life ? and the way that even a negative experience can be used to benefit us . . .

I received this story in my inbox last week, and I thought that it was very applicable to what our theme was going to be for this week ...

Very emotional times --[Nuts at Home - Blue Star Wife]
Last Saturday I got that dreaded call from my husband. He started off with his truck had been hit while out on a mission. Well, then he said now I have good news, better news and bad news, what do you want? I thought a moment on what could be the bad news heck his truck had already been hit. So I said give me the bad! He said that he had been hurt.

Thinking about home -- [Another Day in Paradise - in Kosovo]
Of course, I haven't stopped thinking about home since I left, but now in particular, as we begin our descent past the midpoint of our sojourn, thoughts of home are a mixed bag.

MSM REPORTS ON MILITARY

San Antonio Proudly Lines Up Behind the Military Recruiter (New York Times)...DAMIEN CAVE
The Army, which has struggled to sign up new soldiers, has found the San Antonio area to be a reliable source of recruits.

POLITICS

Criticizing Tolerance: Karen Hughes, Women Drivers, and Eliminating Islamist Sanctuaries for Jihadism -- [Bobby's World]
Sometimes I just can't figure out the "No Right Answer Game." The President's reputed double-treatment of the Saudis has been a flashpoint for liberal America's criticism of the Bush Administration's foreign policy, and certainly for his decision to initiate Operation Iraqi Freedom. The argument goes that President Bush ignored the Saudi oil barons' support for terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda because of their oil industry, while instead invading Saddam Hussein's Iragi regime that did not support terrorists.

The president?s speech - an analysis, part 1 -- [One Hand Clapping - Blue Star Dad]
As I posted earlier today, I think this morning?s speech by President Bush was one of the finest (probably the finest) he has given on this subject, and really on any subject. It was lucid, well organized and detailed. Herewith my commentary on the first half or so. Second half to follow.

Top Democrats Complain About President's Speech -- [Open Fire]
Yesterday morning I heard a good portion of President Bush's speech about why we must maintain our resolve in Iraq. I find it pathetic that We The People must be reminded of why we have to keep on trying to kill those who want to kill all of us before they actually manage to kill all of us - or many of us.

No! -- [All the Kings Horses - in Iraq]
The vote - scheduled to take place no later than one week from today - will forge the foundation for Iraq's new democratic government. A "yes" on the fifteenth will mean the country will move ahead with general elections in December. Conversely, a "no" will dissolve the current parliament, and the whole process would restart from the beginning.

Can We Remember Who Our Friends Are? -- [Captain's Quarters]
I disagree with Hugh Hewitt to a large degree on the Harriet Miers nomination to the Supreme Court. I base my support for Miers on a wish to avoid a destructive party schism that will threaten our hold on one or both houses of Congress next year, a loss which we cannot afford during the war on terror.

Bad omens: -- [Southern Appeal]
From the WashPost (via Professor Kerr):
In an initial chat with Miers, according to several people with knowledge of the exchange, Leahy asked her to name her favorite Supreme Court justices. Miers responded with "Warren" -- which led Leahy to ask her whether she meant former Chief Justice Earl Warren, a liberal icon, or former Chief Justice Warren Burger, a conservative who voted for Roe v. Wade . Miers said she meant Warren Burger, the sources said.
That's a disaster. An utter disaster.

MSM REPORTS ON POLITICS

FBI FREEH UNLOADS ON CLINTON: 'CLOSETS WERE FULL OF SKELETONS' -- [Drudge]
Louis Freeh Speaks for the First Time About his Terrible Relationship with the President

Former FBI Director Louis Freeh says publicly for the first time that his relationship with President Bill Clinton ? the man who appointed him ? was a terrible one because Clinton?s scandals made him a constant target of FBI investigations.

Legal Experts: Rove Testimony a Risky Move -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - Presidential aide Karl Rove's upcoming fourth appearance before a federal grand jury investigating the leak of a CIA officer's identity is a risky legal move because it opens him up to making statements that are inconsistent with what he previously has said, legal experts say. Rove offered in July to return to the grand jury and Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald accepted last Friday, lawyers familiar with the investigation said Thursday, speaking only on condition of anonymity.

President Bush's Major Speech: Sounding Old Themes on Iraq -- (New York Times)
If President Bush still cannot acknowledge the flaws in his policy on Iraq, how can he fix them?

THE MEDIA

When Journalists are the Enemy -- [The Jawa Report]
I've written extensively about Bilal Hussein and the traitors at the Associated Press who employ him. Since I know a number of soldiers from Centcom's Iraq offices read this blog, here's a hint on how to catch some more terrorists: put a bug on Bilal Hussein.

BBC uses propaganda video to claim rebels have taken control of several western Iraqi towns
The BBC is now running video from Ramadi containing the same locations, props and actors as described in our previous post on AP/Reuters photographer Bilal Hussein. To view the Windows Media or Real Video clip go here and click on the link in the right sidepanel called "See areas where insurgents have imposed their rule" (yes that's right - some things are beyond parody).

Headline Distortion -- [Right in Raleigh]
I sent this note to the paper in the morning, and was glad to see Mike Williams pick up on the same problem this afternoon:
If I remember correctly from my week on the Front Page meetings, your staff is often constrained by the standard fare of biased wire service stories, but you do choose the headlines.

MILBLOGGING /BLOGGING

OPSEC and Blogs -- [Watch Your Six - in Iraq]
I just got handed a bunch of printed powerpoint slides (that's how the Army communicates with itself these days) and was told to read them and sign a sheet acknoledging that I had read them. This is another one of those 100% compliance things the Army throws at me every other day or so.

CNN Doesn't Look Inside the Blogs Closely Enough -- [Media Blog]
CNN's "Inside the Blogs" segment did not look inside the blogs closely enough when they did a segment on MoveOn.org's dirt-digging e-mail campaign.

WELCOME HOME

My Seabee Is Home -- [A Seabee & His Angel - coming home from Iraq]
I'm leaving for the airport in 30 minutes to go pick up my honey who is coming home tonight! WOOHOO! I wanted to buy him something like a cake or something...but of course he doesn't like cake. So I bought a peach pie (his favorite) and the lady at the Bakery decorated it with "Welcome Home" !

Husband is on his flight back!! -- [The Hooker and his Girlfriend - coming home from Afghanistan]
YAY !! Finally.....
Iam going to pick him up in a few hours!
I can't wait and can't get sleep at all, right now,...eventhough I have to get up in the morning to pick him up.

As it Should Be... -- [Sondra K]
Welcome home and thank you:
BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) ? A Marine Corps battalion that lost 48 members in Iraq arrived home Thursday to cheers and a parade attended by thousands of people.

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