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

Let Freedom Ring -- [America's Son - in Iraq]
Well, it's almost game time. In days, the Iraqi citizens will elect a 275 member parliament. We are promised that the insurgents will step up their efforts to derail the democratic process here in Iraq. Our response? "Not on our watch". We simply will not lose this battle. While we fight for the Iraqi people, we also fight for our brothers who have given their lives for this cause. We will not dishonor the memories of these warriors by cowering to fanatics. Let it be heard from the mountaintops, "WE WILL NOT LOSE!

On Route Michigan -- [ThreatsWatch - Bll Roggio - in Iraq]
An IED sweep down the meanest street in Ramadi
RAMADI, IRAQ: In war, the ability to adapt to the enemy’s tactics is crucial to maintaining the initiative. The insurgency in Iraq does not have the ability to defeat the Coalition using conventional means; in every engagement at the platoon size or greater, the insurgency has been thoroughly defeated. Because of this, the insurgency adapted its tactics and is relying on a political defeat of the largest Coalition partner, the United States, to achieve victory.

A Shift in Operations -- [ThreatsWatch - Bill Roggio in Iraq]
The Wild West of Anbar isn't so wild anymore; the insurgency shifts back to the core
RAMADI, IRAQ: If you have a discussion with military officers in Western Anbar Province about the current and future status of military operations in the region, invariably the conversation will lead you to the reconstruction efforts of the Coalition. The phrases “switching from kinetic to non-kinetic operations” or “moving from kinetic operations to reconstruction” are often voiced.

After the Terrorism -- [Strategy Page]
December 11, 2005: For the third time this year, the Sunni Arab terrorist groups are trying to halt national elections. The attacks this time are concentrated on candidates for the National Assembly. The terrorists appear to have given up their attempt to stop Iraqis from voting. Instead, they are trying to discourage candidates they feel that, if elected, will be hostile to terrorist goals. However, this time

Congratulations Iraqi Soccer top team in West Asia! -- [Hammorabi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Iraq 2 Syria 0
Congratulation to the Iraqi football team and all Iraqis!

Iraq got the golden medal as the top team in the West Asia competition.

I thought it was the Big One... -- [Courage without Fear - in Iraq]
But it was really just Iraq beating Syria in World Cup Soccer.

We though it was a big coordinated attack against the International Zone tonight when we heard gunfire in every direction around us. The odd thing was, all the rounds were going up in the air. Usually if you're attacking, you want horizontal gunfire, not vertical.

We immediately were instructed to get all or our body armor and helmets on....

December 11, 2005 -- [While Away - in Iraq]
We went to bed around 10pm last night so we could get enough sleep for our 4am workout. Just as we were drifting off, gunfire rang out everywhere. Bam-ba-ba-ba-bam bam. From the sound of it, anyone would swear we were being invaded and you could tell that these weren't piddily little guns. Bam Bam! Ba-ba-ba-bam bam! It sounded like people were sending and recieving fire - like it was a war outside.

Ohhhhh.....Ahhhhhhh......Oooooooo! -- [Eunuch's World - in Iraq]
FLASH! CRUMP! RPG round fired at least a mile from us. We don't see where it hit, just the see the flash and hear the explosion. Tracers fly over the camp, peppering some of the buildings. Nothing is aimed, of course, but a stray round can still hit us. I start hearing sounds behind me, possibly "plink, plink" but I'm not sure, so of course, now I'm realizing that these rounds are impacting the camp and the life support area. Tracers continue to fly hundreds of yards above our heads. It's not the tracers that burn out directly above us that worry me, it's the tracers that burn out halfway between where I'm standing and where they were fired from!

... we hear the Giant Voice sound system announcing "Victory Base Complex is NOT under attack, I repeat, Victory Base Complex is NOT under attack. This is celebratory fire..."

Celebratory fire* my ass! Come to find out that it started as celebratory fire following a win in a soccer match.

IM BACK....DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!!! -- [Mike's Iraqi Adventure - in Iraq]
Last night there was a couple thousand Iraqi's shooting their guns off into the air celebrating a soccer victory. It appears that a lot of them were aiming into the IZ because a significant amount of bullets were found this morning. People said they could hear the bullets hitting the tops of the buildings and in the rocks outside their doors.

Raining bullets -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
Last night a few of us were playing Civilization IV in our hooch. When we do have free time, this is one of the ways we choose to socialize. The game is complex, challenging, fun and time consuming. We have started lots of games, but haven’t finished any, because someone always has duty and so we start a new game with a slightly different group of players.

A Better Use for Bullets -- [GI.John - in Iraq]
We had a bit of excitement last night which was both alarming and humorous. While working inside our building, we began to hear some pretty heavy gunfire outside our compound. I quickly assumed this must be one of our operations or from a weapon test. The firepower seemed much too heavy and persistent to be an insurgent attack. After I confirmed it was not coming from us, it became apparent that the gunfire was coming from every direction around the compound and it was getting more intense. If this was an attack,...

Right at the End -- [Lag in Iraq - in Iraq]
I don't normally write about our casualties over here. One, it makes me depressed. Two, I have to be extremely tactful to avoid getting in trouble to the point that it's rarely worth the effort. (not complaining, I think the blogging policies are good) Three, I don't want to worry people at home.

But, we've had three casualties since Thanksgiving, the most recent being a heart attack. They had a ceremony for him yesterday. Just so close. Once again, I feel like my company has been spared.

Right Now -- [WORDSMITH AT WAR - in Iraq]
Right now there is a female sergeant running a PX on a base in western Iraq. There's only one room, and it’s hard to keep the dust off of the merchandise. To the average American, it would look like the poorest excuse for a convenience store in the world. But to her customers – the 1000 or so soldiers stationed on the base – it is an oasis. Hers is a place they can go to buy magazines, batteries, snacks, beverages, and even some video games and electronics. Sometimes they come in and just look around, chit the chat. ...

Right now there are countless soldiers standing in complete darkness in guard towers in the Middle East. These soldiers have brothers, sisters, parents, wives and children who think about them and miss them all the time. These men have a very important, but monotonous job. They keep the bases secure so that soldiers can work in relative safety, planning missions, training, and taking care of personal business. These men see the night through thermal imaging scopes and night vision goggles. ..

Red eyes -- [Fun With Hand Grenades - in Iraq]
...In reality I’m scared shitless and I think everyone else is too. We just don’t openly admit it or even talk about it. It’s something that goes unmentioned, as if it doesn’t exist as long as we don’t bring it up. I’m usually not scared on missions. You take that fear and you push it as far down as possible, burying and temporarily forgetting about it by doing things like checking and rechecking your equipment a million times over or getting lost in the buzz supplied via cigarettes and dip. ...
...When the mission comes I’m excited, energized, and more than happy to do my job. The fear that does occasionally surface during the mission is the worst ever experienced. You get a ...

The Trial -- [Major K - in Iraq]
The other day, I sat in one of the offices of the Iraqi 6th Infantry Division Headquarters last night with several of the General Staff Officers as they all had gathered around the TV watching the trial of Saddam Hussein Trial.

Saddam Trial IV -- [Iraqi Bloggers Central]
One last Saddam Trial post before the election.
As everyone knows Saddam did not show up for his own criminal trial on Wednesday. Well, actually, he did show up, he did "participate in an unjust court": he had to go to court to make a written and verbal request of the judge to be excused. The judges met privately with Saddam and his attorney's and declared that they chose to not to require the defendant's presence in court based "on law".

Marine Gunners Trained for Civil Affairs Work -- [Strategy Pge]
December 11, 2005: The U.S. Marine Corps has told it’s artillerymen that they will now have to train for a secondary job in civil-military operations (CMO). This involves working directly with civilians in peacekeeping operations. Other marines would deal with the security issues, and go after any local bad guys.

Another soldier -- [Steven Kiel - in Iraq]
If you have stuffed animals, I have a name and address that I can give you. He's collecting them to drop from Blackhawks. Just send me an e-mail for the address.

Medical Platoon: By the Numbers -- [They Call Us, "Doc"]
During our deployment, the 3/278th RCT Medical Platoon was tasked with many different missions. Here are a few of the numbers:

Playing 20 questions -- [Just ask the soldiers - in Iraq]
-If there was one thing that you absolutely needed that you did NOT have, what would you want and why?
-What are the living conditions like for you?
-Are you in the direct line of harm's way? Have you seen anyone in your squadron killed and if so, how did you handle it?
-Do you plan to stay in your branch of military after your deployment is done, and if so, where would you like to be stationed? If you plan to get out, what would you like to do?
-How have you been able to cope with being deployed and away from your families? How do you feel about other soldiers who have NEVER been deployed?
-How often are you able to get on the internet? Is it difficult to be on long since there are others in line who want to send messages back home?
-Have any of you been to Saddam's palace? If so, how did you feel about being there?
-Do you feel your mission is being accomplished, and what else do you feel could be done?
-Do you think the "war on terror" will ever be won? Do you think the US is doing this alone, or has there been sufficient assistance from other countries?
-Are you guys (and gals) able to eat healthy and receive medical attention? How are you doing emotionally? ...

MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ

Survey finds optimism in new Iraq (BBC News)
An opinion poll suggests Iraqis are generally optimistic about their lives, in spite of the violence that has plagued Iraq since the US-led invasion. | But the survey, carried out for the BBC and othe...

Early Voting Begins in Iraq Elections -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq- Patients, soldiers and prisoners began voting Monday in parliamentary elections, a few days ahead of the general population, while insurgent violence killed at least nine people and wounded more than two dozen, police said. To prevent militants from disrupting Thursday's main balloting, the government said it will close its borders, extend a nighttime curfew and restrict domestic travel starting Tuesday.

Voting begins at Iraq's prisons, hospitals -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD - Special voting began in Iraq's hospitals and prisons on Monday, with security forces, detainees and the ill kicking off the country's first elections for a full-term parliament since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Abuse Discovered at Iraq Detention Center -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraqi and U.S. military officials say an inspection of an overcrowded detention center run by the Interior Ministry discovered 13 prisoners who required medical treatment, the victims of apparent abuse.

Iraq president says no idea who took German hostage -- (The Star/Reuters)
| BERLIN - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday he did not know who had kidnapped German archaeologist Susanne Osthoff but he did not expect them to kill her because Germany had not...

Embedded With the 101st Airborne -- (AP)...Ryan Lenz
EDITORS NOTE: AP writer Ryan Lenz is embedded with the 3rd Brigade of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division in Iraq and will be filing periodic reports on life in that unit.

The darkness. It struck me first about this place even through the flames from gas flares at an oil refinery on the horizon that dazzle the sky outside Beiji in a burst of orange.

...One Blackhawk crew mistakenly left me stranded about 15 miles outside Baghdad at Camp Taji, a former Iraqi airfield where an aviation brigade of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division flew Apache helicopters. (My screams of I-Z, short for International Zone, must have sounded too much like Ta-ji through the din.)

AFGHANISTAN

No Reports

MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN

Taliban issue decree urging death for Karzai -- (Reuters)
| SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan -- Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas have issued an Islamic decree calling for President Hamid Karzai to be killed for serving American and British "infidels".

AFGHANISTAN: FOOD AID GIVEN TO FORMER FIGHTERS -- (AKI)
Kabul, 12 Dec. - Needy ex-fighters and their families in Afghanistan have begun receiving United Nations food packages under an initiative of the country's New Beginning Programme. The nearly 1,000 families benefiting from the distribution will receive wheat, oil, salt, beans and other foodstuffs. The deliveries, which began last week, will run until mid-January.

Taliban exploit drug trade to step up Afghan attacks -- (The Guardian)
Resurgent Taliban forces have forged an alliance with drug smugglers in the lawless Afghan province of Helmand, underscoring a worrying slide in security just months before thousands of British troops...

Coke fizz back in Afghanistan -- (Hindustan Times)
After 15 long years, Coca-Cola is back in Afghanistan with the commissioning of a $25 million bottling plant on the outskirts of Kabul. It represents a major investment for the troubled country. |

OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

More on Russia's gas -- [Peace like a River]
Russia is using its supply of natural gas as leverage over its neighbor, Ukraine. Russia would like Ukraine to pay triple what is paying for gas now, and to pay in cash. According to a report at the Jamestown Foundation:

Australian Race Riots -- [Obnoxious Droppings]
For several years, Arabs in Australia would take their women to beaches where they would swim pretty much fully clothed. While there, the Arab men would yell all sorts of insults at the Australian women who were in their normal swim attire.

Last weekend, a couple of Aussie beach lifesavers at Cronulla Beach were severly beaten by a group of Arabs. That's where the fun begins.

Focus On North Korean Human Rights at One Free Korea -- [GI Korea - in S Korea]
There has been some excellent blogging over the past few days over at One Free Korea which has this week featured Andy Jackson of Flying Yangban fame guest blogging from the three day North Korean Human Rights Summit in Seoul. Here is a compilation of links of his excellent posts regarding the summit:

MSM REPORTS ON OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Racial Unrest Strikes Australia -- (AP)
SYDNEY, Australia -- In one of Australia's worst outbursts of racial violence, thousands of drunken white youths attacked police and people they believed were of Arab descent at a Sydney beach, angered by reports that Lebanese youths had assaulted two lifeguards....

Neo-Nazis blamed for Sydney riots -- (The Guardian)
Australian PM condemns race riots in Sydney as 'totally unacceptable' and calls for ethnic and religious tolerance.

Iran Offers U.S. Share in Nuclear Plants -- (AP)
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran opened the door Sunday for U.S. help in building a nuclear power plant - a move designed to ease American suspicions that Tehran is using its nuclear program as a cover to build atomic weapons....

WAR ON TERROR / TERRORISM

Monday's Winds of War: 12 Dec 2005 -- [Winds of Change]
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Monday's Winds of War briefings are given by Peace Like a River and Security Watchtower.

Al-Qaida Celebrates Oct. 2005 Hotel Bombings in Iraq as the "Battle of Badr al-Baghdad" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq (led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi) has released new documents and a video recording commemorating the October 24, 2005 suicide car bombings in Baghdad targeting the Sheraton Ishtar and Meridian Palestine Hotels--an attack known by Al-Qaida as "the Battle of Badr al-Baghdad." According to Al-Qaida, "Shaykh Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s guidance... played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this attack.

MSM REPORTS ON WAR ON TERROR / TERRORISM

Unknown group claims killing of anti-Syrian -- (Reuters)
BEIRUT - A previously unknown group claimed responsibility on Monday for the assassination of Lebanese lawmaker Gebran Tueni, a fierce critic of Syria.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Year-end Message from the Director of Soldiers' Angels -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Dear Friends:

It has been an exciting year at Soldiers’ Angels. All of the efforts of our friends, family and supporters have resulted in the word about our mission being spread all over the world. We have met some wonderful people and have had the privilege of working with them to further our vital mission.

A True Christmas Story -- [Yikes]
OK, here is a super-sweet, true christmas story i MUST share ~ If you are currently active in adopting and otherwise supporting our dear deployed heroes out there, it will inspire you to KEEP GOING... if you aren't really sure you can make a difference, this will prove to you that YES YOU CAN!

A True Hero -- [They Call Us, "Doc"]
I spent most of the day, along with members of the American Legion Post 19 of Columbia Tennessee, visiting with wounded and ill veterans at the Murfreesboro VA hospital. It was quite an honor for me to be there, in the presence of such wonderful people; People who I think are TRUE heroes. These men and women are the reason that we are all able to enjoy the freedoms that we have today.

MILITARY / MILITARY LIFE

THE FEW THE PROUD -- [One Marine's View - in Iraq]
What the heck is up with you Marines a man asked me once. I asked what do you mean? He continued and said you guys have this indescribable bond that even though you may not even know each other personally you automatically are great friends and start talking like you haven’t seen each other in awhile regardless of age, rank or gender and take care of each other as if you were brothers. I laughed and told him yes, it’s a respect thing I guess. We recognize each other as Marines and know the training the other has gone through and earned.

Video Games for the Rest of Us -- [trategy Page]
December 11, 2005: The American armed forces have gotten into computer games in a big way. This is nothing new, but it’s gotten really huge with the development of more realistic, and easier to use, game development technology over the last decade. Since the 1970s, civilian wargames have been adapted to military use. These earlier games were time consuming to learn, and use. That changed as computer games arrived, and the technology that

POLITICS

A Soldier's Ode to the Protesters -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
I may not know your name
but know that I care
I'm going to share some things with you
so you are aware

You march in protest
with your signs in hand
You say war is not the answer
it's not god's plan

Well I don't agree
or at least choose the words you may
But here I stand
defending to my death your right to say...

Democrats ready to surrender -- [The Makaha Surf Report]
At least that's what the new republican attack ad will say according to the Drudge Report.

IMHO it's about time someone nailed the Dems to the wall with their constant schizo games of "we support the troops while we try to ensure their defeat."

Another One... Yet another statement from John Kerry, who has supported troops as far back as Vietnam, has come out with more support of our troops. Apparently, even though troops are meticulously taught the Rules of Engagement (pic)

Super Genius -- [Dude, where's the beach?]
Deep Fried in the South, my Southern 'Brotha from anotha Mutha' took up my Photoshop Challenge and hit the nail on the head. It's absolutely perfect. Please pass this around! I want to see it posted everywhere to get the message out because it's so important in today's politically charged world. A lot of folks don't realize that what they say costs lives. Please don't forget to credit him for his work

SENATOR CALLS ON BUSH TO TAKE DOWN ATTACK AD -- [Drudge Report]
"The Republican Party’s latest ad is a shameful and disgusting attempt to distract the American people from the problems in Iraq. It may improve the President’s political fortunes, but the American people and our troops will pay the price. I hope that President Bush realizes how shameful it is to play politics when what we really need is leadership, and that he will direct his Party to take down this ad immediately."

MSM REPORTS ON POLITICS

Torture protest spans Olympia -- (THE OLYMPIAN)
OLYMPIA — Barefoot and blinded by the hood over his head, Josh Elliott rolled on the ground as Cristina Maza pretended to kick him in the gut. Maza towered over him holding a cardboard gun.

It caught the attention of several drivers Saturday as they passed Maza, Elliott and others from the Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace who were calling attention to the abuse and torture of U.S.-held prisoners taken in Iraq and Afghanistan.

...“We want this to be seen by people doing their Christmas shopping. We want them to be reminded that people are being tortured, and human rights violations are going on,” said Nikki Miller, 23, of Rochester, who wore camouflage fatigues.

Lieberman's Iraq Views Alienate Other Democrats -- (NPR)
As President Bush seeks to reshape public opinion on his Iraq policy, the issue is driving a wedge between Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and fellow Democrats. Lieberman's strong public defense of the president's handling of the war puts him at odds with a majority of his party.

Moderates Want Iraq Rhetoric Toned Down -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - Moderates are imploring colleagues in Congress to tone down the rhetoric on Iraq as debate about President Bush's war policies has become increasingly bitter and partisan. Their pleas are likely to be ignored.

His Search For A New Groove -- (TIME. com)
The President has had a dreadful year, and his approval ratings are anemic. What Bush is doing to try to reverse his second-term slump
The Yuletide decorations at the White House are simpler this year. The gaudy tinsel and the 155,000 lights of 2004 have given way to a more natural look of Christmas trees decorated with white lilies and pink roses that are replaced as they wilt. Guests at the holiday parties are noticing a different tone to George Bush too. He has never liked the 26 receptions, the thousands of punishing or limp handshakes, the graceless requests for souvenir cuff links with the presidential seal. But at some of the smaller gatherings this year, Bush has freed himself from the photo line to circulate with an intensity his friends haven't seen before. An adviser who encountered Bush on one of these reconnaissance missions through the Red Room last week tells TIME, "He's listening a little more because he's looking for something new.

Democrats Test Themes for `06 and `08 -- (AP)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- To hear Democrats tell it, an anxious and isolated public craves a sense of national community and would galvanize behind a leader who asks people to sacrifice for the greater good. John Edwards says he's that leader....

THE MEDIA

Press caught telling truth again -- [Uncle Jimbo - BlackFive]
In a remarkably candid admission, a UPI correspondent admitted that they have been less than vigilant regarding what insurgent/terrorist propaganda they send out: ...

Al-Reuters takes truth serum too -- [Uncle Jimbo - BlackFive]
Jonah Goldberg, of National Review, who has a long history with the cheese-eating surrender monkeys, catches a moment of clarity at Al-Reuters:

HUMOR

Further Proof of Global Warming.... (pic)

CONGRATS

The Brotherhood -- [A Female Soldier 2 - in Iraq]
I must announce that I have passed my board for sergeant and soon will be know as
SGT Grey Eagle

I need to address the issues of the comments. There are other websites that are devoted to and encourages you to conduct the war that is raged on both sides in the comments. While I know it is not intentional, your battles, while childishly entertaining at times, is driving away visitors to my website. A website that was created for the support of the soldiers, and to learn of life for me and Charlie Company in Iraq, not the debate on administration policy.

It's My First Blogaversary -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
WHOOOHOOO!

I put up my first post one year ago. It's been an interesting year for sure... but I sure am glad you have been along for the ride.

LTG is having a birthday! -- [Long Time Gone - in S Korea]
Yes, dear reader(s) this blog turns one year old today. It’s been interesting experience to say the least. LTG has not turned out to be exactly what I expected or hoped for perhaps, but then life is generally like that, isn’t it?

WELCOME HOME

Home and ready to reflect. -- [The Makaha Surf Report - home from Iraq]
I've been back from Iraq for a little bit now and I have finally caught up on house issues, spent some quality time with the Missus, and had time to reflect on what my third tour in Iraq taught me. You see each time I go "over there" life teaches me a lesson that I think makes me a better human being. I learned two things this time in Iraq that I want to share.

Thank You!!! -- [A Long Strange Trip - home from Iraq]
Well, I am back in El Paso after my great reunion with my family. Hopefully I will be out of here again soon.
I want to thank EVERYONE of my family members who met me at the airport even if it was late at night and everyone took the time to go through security at MPLS and just to say hi to me! I also want to thank the family members who came over on Friday night to welcome me back. If I didn't get time to talk to you all that much I hope I at least got to chat for a little bit. Remember, Christmas time is almost here and I am certain I will see all of you at some point.

Back in Mississippi -- [Medicine Soldier - home from Iraq]
1010am CENTRAL TIME!!

I made it to Camp Shelby, MS late last night. I have minimal email access until we get set up, and we are going to try to get a PO Box. It is weird but good to be back.

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