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

Breaker 1-9 This is Teddy Bear -- [Sisyphus Today... - in Iraq]
Ya, just got back from another convoy. Finally had something mildly exciting to do....if you consider driving a gun truck through Iraq mildly exciting. Driving is so much more fun than being on the radio.

#1,998: Final Extract -- [JD's Blog - Faces from the Front - in Iraq]
The Marines 'stacked up' outside the door of a brick and stucco building near Haqlaniyah, Iraq. The stack, a modern version of Greek phalanx where metal breastplates have been replaced with ceramic and Kevlar and rifles have replaced pikes and swords, is the formation of choice for Al Anbar streetfighters.

All Al-Tikriti's Men -- [The Adventures of Chester]
Social network analysis can be a powerful tool for discovering and mapping the web of relationships between a group of people. Journalists regularly perform such analysis, as do lawyers -- though they might not call it such -- noting the length of acquaintance between two people, their financial ties, how much time they spend together and so forth. Their targets are usually criminal defendants or public figures. An excerpt from this FoxNews article, of last week, U.N. Procurement Scandal: Ties to Saddam and Al Qaeda provides an example:

Ramadan -- [Medicine Soldier - in Iraq]
...It was my first time on a dismounted patrol where we walked for blocks away from the safety of our machine guns and seven-ton HMMWVs. It was not a big deal. I have complete confidence in the soldiers I work with. I was just thinking how far we are from the stereotypical Hollywood image of some kind of chiseled, rugged soldier. We are citizen soldiers, just average people doing the best we can. It is true that the insurgent cartography is a checkerboard mosaic spread out through and among the towns. We are trying to use the friendlier pockets as spheres of influence to sway public opinion on the less friendly areas.

stuff -- [LT Dave's Space - in Iraq]
The last couple of days we have been working on a safety test that shows that we know how to do our job safely atleast according to all the manuels we had to look up the questions in. 3 of my guys go over to the new FOB tomorrow and then we go later this week.
The last time we went out to the OP the IED that was placed for the military found some civilians. Its sad that it came to that for the people to want to help us stop the Insurgents that are placing IEDs on the roads.

Iraq Pictures - Sunday, October 30, 2005 -- Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
Iraqi students from the newly restored Al Aashreen Primary School, line up to receive their backpacks donated by the 6th Civil Affairs Group,2nd Battalion Attachment, 2nd Marines Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, in Kharma. Pic: Sgt. Paul S. Mancuso, USMC

Saturday, October 29th -- [Headlines and such here - in Iraq]
I don't think any Soldier's heart is filled with hate. Although, the Soldiers who lost friends and comrades to this war may be angry and hate the insurgents who refuse to engage us on the open field of battle, where they would most assuredly lose. More so I think Soldiers are filled with the desire to do their part and come home safely. Much like Soldiers from the dawn of time.

We don't measure time by the dead. We can't. -- [Peace Like A River]
This week past was a somber reminder of the cost of freedom, as the number of American deaths in Iraq has topped 2,000.

(Of that total, a little over 400 are non-combat related deaths. Also, something that isn't talked about nearly enough, over 15,000 have been wounded in Iraq, over 7,000 severely enough to require evacuation.)

As this article points out, though, it is an artifical milestone, ...

No Reason, but Hate -- [Dadmanly in Iraq]
...Every time somelike like Kevin makes this rebuttal argument, they underscore the point of "Why Iraq?"

In the geopolitical realities that faced the Bush Administration, the choices made have been entirely rational and logical. Attempts to derive ulterior motivations, while some may find them emotionally satisfying, reveal more about biases than actually realistically describe the likely points of decision since 9/11.

Friendly Fire -- [Basic Training - in Iraq]
I was outside the gym after PT this morning waiting for my buddies to come outside. About 30 feet in front of me a see a flash, which is followed by a loud bang - about what you would get from an M-80. Naturally, I flinch, and then I hear 3 bullets zip not too far over my head, so I duck and head back inside....

Loved one -- [One Marine's View - in Iraq]
Many enemy weapon caches have been found this week in mosques and homes. The enemy continues to attack with the usual IEDs. One of our convoys was attacked this afternoon with small arms by a small group of scumbags but we quickly overwhelmed them with firepower and made them pay for engaging us. The Marines did good and reacted accordingly to their training and made sure the scumbags knew they were attacking Marines. IDF (Indirect Fire) is ever present as both sides continue to

Passing the Torch -- [They Call Us, "Doc" - leaving Iraq]
It's a bittersweet ending, as I'm leaving a good group of Iraqi Army medics, but soon returning to my own home and family. These guys have continuously worked hard during our time together. The medics from the 101st Airborne are enthusiastic about their new found partnership and excited about continuing to build upon the foundation of medical knowledge and skills that we built, as the 278th.

October 30, 2005 -- [While Away - in Iraq]
TOOO FUNNY! We had a lockdown today due to a 'suspicious package' found outside the DFAC? What could it be? Only (Insert Name Here) 's backpack containing his running shoes and clothes! Fortunately for him he got out to the 'suspicious package' before it was blown up. ;) hahaha. It would've been funnier (for us anyway) if they had blown it up. Would've taught him to not leave his stuff lying around. I wonder if he has the same problem at home? ANYWAY..

The Scars of War -- [Training for Eternity]
Once in while I have the honor of meeting and speaking to a person who is in a different league. Today I met just such a person. I'll call him Sergeant K. He and I had a very interesting conversation. Actually I asked questions and he told stories. I say he is in a different league because he is what I wish I could be were I not a Chaplain. I would not change places with him for all the money in the world, but if life had pushed me in another direction, I would hope I had the kind of internal fortitude that I heard in his voice and saw in his eyes and felt in his hands.

Ramadan About to End, Eid About to Begin -- [An Average Iraqi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
When the fasting month, Ramadan, ends. Eid is to follow. Eid is a Muslim festival. It lasts for a few days. There are two Eids in the Hegri calendar. One is the incoming one, after Ramadhan, which lasts for three days. The other is after the pilgrimage to Mecca the holy city. Lasts for four days. First one is known as "Eid Al-Fetr", second one is known as "Eid Al-Adha". But we rarely call them those, better known as "The small Eid" and "The big Eid". Easier huh??c

some facts on iraq -- [Cat's Space - in Iraq]
Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in
Iraq?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million
Iraqi people?

Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are
under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new
schools have been built in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20
Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all
currently operating?

Did you know that ...

Only in Iraq -- [jonjivan's Xanga Site - in Iraq]
The story goes: the donkey wandered straight through the entrance of the base. Since the guards are told to keep terrorists out, not donkeys, she apparently didn?t have much trouble accomplishing this

Iraqi Children -- [Our Soldier - Blue Star Mom - in Law]
David sent us this pic earlier this week. He talked about how good it makes him feel when they go through villages while on their missions and the treats he and his comrades give to the children, and how the kids look forward to our soldiers coming through their town. It helps him to know he is making a difference for them.

Kids Wish To Die Because They Don?t Want To Be Kidnapped! -- [24 Steps to Liberty -an Iraqi in Iraq]
I went to an elementary school to help in a story my friend is writing. We talked to kids about their lives and how they like school and why. After the bullshitting like ?I like to study and love my teachers? because the assistant principle in the room with us while interviewing them, I tried to drag them to say something they really feel and want to speak out. So I started to encourage them with certain questions and examples. Then, they spoke it out.

Tikrit Two-Step -- [MediaCitizen]
First Lieutenant Gregg Murphy writes from Iraq responding to my posting about his role in last Thursday?s press event with the president.

My response follows his. Others are welcome to chime in using the comment thread. But, please -- and this goes out especially to the shrill horde visiting from Michelle Malkin?s ?hyper-informed? blog -? keep the death threats to yourselves.

From First Lt Murphy: ...

A new liberal lobby emerges in Baghdad... -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
Today, Mohammed and I had the privilege to be invited to attend a conference organized by a group of civil society organizations to announce the launch of a new community under the name ?Ahd Al-Iraq? or (the oath of Iraq).

Saddam: where is the money? -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The French press has been focusing in the past few weeks on Saddam Hussein?s villas on the French Riviera. Indeed Saddam owned two estates one in Cannes valued at over $14 million and the other one in Grasse valued at $8 million. These properties were purchased in 1982 by a Liechtenstein company, owned by a close associate of the Iraqi despot. Saddam must have liked the region that he visited along with then French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac in 1975:

MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ

Limited Security In Iraq Limits War Coverage, Journalists Say -- (Forbes)...Associated Press
Deteriorating security in Iraq has made it much more difficult to provide the news coverage Americans need to understand the war and reconstruction efforts, several journalists said Friday.

An Iraqi city becomes turnaround story -- (Christian Science Monitor)
BAQUBA, IRAQ ? Last January, Baquba was symbol of everything going wrong in Iraq - and its neighborhood of Buhritz was a symbol for everything going wrong in Baquba.

Assassins kill Iraqi vice president's brother --
(Bradenton Heral / Washington Post)...John Ward Anderson
When a white-haired man in a business suit interrupted an interview that the Iraqi vice president, Adel Abdul Mahdi, was giving to four reporters at his office in Baghdad on Sunday morning, it was clear something was wrong.

Funds Fade, Deaths Rise And Iraq Rebuilding Is Spotty -- (New York Times)...James Glanz
As the money runs out on the $30 billion American-financed reconstruction of Iraq, the officials in charge cannot say how many planned projects they will complete, and there is no clear source for hundreds of millions of dollars a year needed to operate the projects that have been finished, according to a report to Congress released yesterday

Unity Pulls Battalion Through Anxiety, Losses -- (San Francisco Chronicle)...Anna Badkhen
...Ten months of hunting down insurgents and high-stakes diplomacy -- every moment on hair-trigger alert -- has worn out the soldiers. They are weighed down by the pain of losing comrades, the constant anxiety of driving on roads rigged with explosives, and the frustration of fighting in a country where the landscape, language and culture are unlike any they have ever encountered.

DOD Reports

Coalition Forces Disrupt Terrorist Ambush -- {DefenseLink}
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2005 ? Coalition forces foiled a terrorist ambush in an area northwest of Baghdad late Oct. 29, military officials reported today. The coordinated combat operation involved U.S. Army ground and aviation forces and close-air support from a U.S. Air Force F-15E.

At 2,000, Iraq's Military Deaths Got The Media's Full Attention -- (New York Times)...Katharine Q. Seelye
When the death toll of Americans in Iraq reached 1,000 back in September 2004, The Omaha World-Herald ran a respectful article in a single column down the right side of its front page. "A grisly milestone reached in Iraq," read the headline.

AFGHANISTAN

Operation Flintstone - Final Push -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
We're hoping to raise as much as we can, as soon as we can for the purchase of medical and health supplies for the refugees currently flooding into Nangarhar province where I am stationed. We're calling it "Operation Flintstone" (because we're buying a lot of childrens nutritional supplements amongst many other things) and its got its own page. I wanted to make sure to post on the main site to remind everyone that we're trying to get a shipment out the door ASAP so that it gets here in time for winter. Please visit the link and please pledge.

HIV increasing in Afghanistan -- [Afghan Lord - an Afghani in Afghanistan]
Minister of Kabul public health minister Dr. sayed Mohammad Admin Fatemi has told to media that Health Ministry has joined the UN and the world mass mobilization on October 25th under the title of ?be united in the cause of children? and ? be united for campaign against AIDS?.

Gratuitous Afghan Photos Return XV -- [Miserable Donuts]
Winter is coming, so I thought this picture of Narjan Kala (Parwan province) would put everyone in the mood.

Back in the Stan -- [A Storm in Aghanistan - in Afghanistan]
Well, I made it back.

Apparently, from talking with the staff, they were quite determined to get the 120+ of us that were backed up waiting for Kandahar... out of there. The higher ups had started to get involved as we were holding the R&R for other Soldiers (10% rule - since it IS combat, units aren't allowed to have more than 10% of their strength on R&R). The Air Force, unable to provide C-17's due to other committments (the war, Pakistan, etc) provided two C-130s for the flight back.

The Lost AA Blogs: Special Reconnaissance -- [Where I Stand - back from Afghanistan]
The last time I was in Afghanistan the Americas Army game team asked for soldiers to submit blogs about life in the Army. I answered this call and submitted some articles. It appears that their blog project had a low priority since it took a couple of months for each article to get posted and my last three articles were never posted. So, now that they have had 18 months to post them, I will make them available here.

MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN

US units lure Taliban into losing battles -- (Christian Science Monitor)
It's mid- morning on June 21, and Lt. Timothy Jon O'Neal's platoon has just been dropped onto a dusty field north of a mud-walled village of Chalbar. Their mission: to check out reports that a local Afghan Army commander has defected to the Taliban and burned the district headquarters, and is prepared to fight.

Province's anti-poppy effort is an Afghan success story -- (The Boston Globe)
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Last year, this parched land grew more heroin-producing poppies than nearly any other place on earth. The windfall of profits reaped by local people -- estimated at ...

Tactical psyops stopped in Afghanistan, for now -- (Army Times)...Sean D. Naylor
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan ? The U.S. military has halted all tactical psychological operations in Afghanistan until commanders have received instruction on how to bridge what a senior general here called ?an emerging gap? between Afghanistan?s Islamic customs and what is permitted under the Geneva Conventions.

2 U.S. Soldiers Are Charged With Assaulting Afghan Prisoners -- (New York Times)...Carlotta Gall
Two American soldiers have been charged with assaulting two Afghan detainees and could face court-martial in Afghanistan, the chief United States military spokesman here, Col. Jim Yonts, said Sunday.

OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Arab Peace Process -- [Open Fire]
Peace loving citizens living in Iran took part in a demonstration calling for the genocide of Jews by demanding the death to the state of Israel.

North Korea Demanding More Aid -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
The aid that South Korea is giving to North Korea is now reaching the point of ridiculousness which is evident by this latest request: ..

MSM REPORTS ON OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

US weighing sanctions against Uzbekistan -- (Christian Science Monitor)
Meanwhile, UN worries about uprising trial, party leader imprisoned, and BBC closes its offices.

TERRORISM

Radical Wackos -- [Doc in the Box]
Has anyone noticed that there seems to be a worldwide movement of radical Muslims against any religion that isn?t theirs or against other Muslims that aren?t radical enough? 3 school girls beheaded? What?s image does that put out to the world.?

?Look, my religion says it?s alright to be serial killers and behead young girls

The project of the Muslim Brotherhood to conquer the world -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
According to Sylvain Besson, a Swiss investigative reporter, Swiss authorities found a fascinating document when they entered Yusuf Nada?s villa in November 2001. Nada is by the way viewed as one of the bankrollers of Al Qaeda; he is the head of the Al Taqwa Bank. The document seized entitled ?The Project? is a fourteen page leaflet dated December 1982 calling for the Muslim Brotherhood?s conquest of the world.

Something?s Rugged in Denmark -- [Neptunaus Lex]
If anyone thinks that Western Europe has not opened its eyes to the threat of militant Islam with the same degree of intensity that we ourselves have in America, they could chided and then forgiven - the question is less whether or not radical Islamists in Europe were recognized as problematical than what was to be done about them while still keeping true to foundational principals and western notions of justice.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Troops Can Eat Free of Charge on November 14 -- [Andi's World]
Kudos to Golden Corral for showing their appreciation for our troops. Nothing like a good steak. For a Golden Corral near you, click here.

CALLING ALL CITIZENS AND VETERANS OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
SPC Timothy D. Watkins was one of the soldiers from Noah's unit killed in an IED attack in ar Ramadi on October 15, 2005. By all accounts Tim Watkins was a devoted Christian, a dedicated soldier and a good son.
...I am calling upon all available citizens, veterans and military in the area of the Calvary Baptist Church in Yucca Valley, California on Tuesday, November 1st (Phelps plans to be there from 9:00AM-10:00AM) to counter this demonstration by whatever method works for you...

She Came, She Saw, She Left -- [Andi's World]
I arrived at Walter Reed just after Cindy Sheehan had walked through the gates and entered the complex. We heard that Sheehan was going to deliver get-well cards to the troops. It must have been lonely inside of Walter Reed without cameras or reporters present, so rather than visit with the wounded and give of her time, I'm told by a source inside that Sheehan marched in, went to the ladies room and marched out. It would seem that Walter Reed was a mere potty break for the grieving mom.

What a Great Weekend -- [Gunn Nutt]
Another great FReep at Walter Reed, the end-of-season race banquet, a visit with some terrific soldiers at Malogne House, and a half a day with LCpl. Pete, USMC!
...I went with some friends to the Malogne House to deliver a few items we'd bought for the wounded warriors. We met SSG Luther Richardson who is in charge of lodging for the entire complex. He's been dealing with his own injuries and complications while looking after the housing requirements of on average 900 patients. "Rich" has a terrific "I can handle anything" attitude.

MILITARY

Sgt. 1st Class Smith -- [The world according to Michlos] HT: Jump Blog
Filed under: General, Military ? michlos @ 3:16 pm
The makers of America?s Army have made a video based on the incident for which Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

?Stop Loss? -- [What is truth?
?Stop Loss? as many people know and as many don?t is a situation where if a unit is going to war, then at a certain point, in order to maintain the consistency of the training and quantity of personnel in that unit, no one is allowed to leave that unit except if they are found physically and mentally incapable of going to war. Goetz of ?All the King?s Horses? is a an example of someone who is ?Stop Lossed?. Many people who are ?Stop Lossed? are bitter about it.

MSM REPORTS ON MILITARY

DoD Lowers QDR Ambitions -- (Defense News)...Gopal Ratnam
Three months before the Pentagon presents the results of its Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), the top official responsible for the effort said the Defense Department must build a consensus within the military and among lawmakers about the future of U.S. strategy, force structure and threats.

POLITICS

Global Warming: A Challenge, & Scare Tactics/Bad Science From The Left! -- [GM's Corner]
Not long ago, one Mark A York infested this neighborhood, this spot on the web that I call my blog. I banned said York following some rather vulger comments, and I deleted the most offensive of his verbage. I'm amazed at how trolls feel they have the right to come into your home (so to speak) and crap on your couch. At any rate, this isn't about York as much as it is about the assertion by York that Global Warming (GW) is readily accepted by the "vast majority" of scientists, and so well documented as to be incontrovertable. York "challenged" thusly: ...

MSM REPORTS ON POLITICS

Bush Selects Alito for Supreme Court -- (Washington Post)
President Bush today named appeals court Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court. His record on abortion rights and church-state issues has been applauded by conservatives

HUMOR / SATIRE

When Men Will Talk About 'Feelings' -- [Holl Aho - a Soldier's Angel]
Ladies, if you are new to dating or marraige, hell....if you haven't been in a serious relationship for at least 5 years - men can be a little confusing. Some might even say contradictory at times. We've all heard that men don't like to talk about 'feelings', and yet sometimes they are happy to, and other times they run from you as if you are Typhoid Mary. So what gives? Perhaps these little guidelines will make it easier for you to know in advance which reaction you should expect.

THE MEDIA

IG May Investigate AFN Radio -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
Democrat Congressional Representatives are trying to force AFN radio to air liberal talk radio:

Democrats are demanding an investigation into defense officials?E decision to delay a liberal talk show debut on American Forces Radio last week.

"The New York Times" should be renamed "The New York Lies" -- [Warriors Voice - in Iraq]
The NewYork Times is at it again. It seems those masters of half truths and lies decided to take one or two sentences out of context from a young warriors last letter to his girlfriend . However, they did not expect to be exposed by the warriors uncle who emailed Michelle Malkin the whole letter. Here is what the New York Times wrote: ...

Now here is what Cpl Starr actually wrote:...

CONGRATS

Friday, October 21, 2005 -- [Grassbullet's - in Iraq]
...Hmm, today I got my 4th Excellence coin since I deployed along with a certificate of achievement. Not much else happened besides the fact that I was at the PX last night until 7 O'clock. and it gets dark here at about 5. So I was scared that I'd have to walk home and miss curfew and get the life smoked outta me. But luckily the bus came and I didn't have to do all that walking...

Sunday, October 30, 2005 - Happy Birthday - [ So Far From My Home - in the Balkans]

WELCOME HOME

The Fat Lady Sings -- [Making the NIA - home from Iraq]
...We boarded the plane and the flight attendant made a special announcement regarding my presence, though it would have been hard not to notice anyone boarding this small craft. The passengers erupted in applause and I was humbled.

Back from Iraq -- [Dave World - dispatched from Matt, home from Iraq]
I was walking through my local supermarket parking lot on my way to pick up some Pepsi the other day when I stopped mid-step.

Something felt odd.

The obvious answer might have been that I was in a parking lot a few blocks away from my apartment rather than a desert thousands of miles away. Another apparent answer would be that I wasn't wearing body armor, carrying an assault rifle, or getting shot at. But that couldn't explain what I was feeling.

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