Dawn Patrol

Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and other sources around the world. 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.

IRAQ

Heavy hands…-- [American Soldier - wounded in Iraq]
The wounds revealed and the stories that go along with it. The many reasons behind our flag are vast. For most the comprehension of what is given in order to preserve freedom is unimaginable. The loss of life. The failed marriages. The absolute horror to see your friend choke on his own blood. The sound that never leaves when he begs to just not die. You sit there and hold his hand and help him die slowly, you are helpless.
...F***k the MSM and the lies that they yield....
...Support your soldier, not by bringing them home but allowing them to finish what we have started. If we leave in vein or for a political belief then all that has been sacrificed will be shamed.

Cell phones bought in US being used to kill our troops in Iraq -- [Jawa Report]
Now why does this not surprise me at all?
Northeast Intelligence Network - Visitors to this site may recall our reports of suspicious bulk cellular telephone purchases and the subsequent controversy about this issue. The essence of the argument involves the intended use of the cellular telephones purchased in bulk – in the majority of cases by young men of Middle Eastern appearance or origin.

In His Eyes, A Hero -- [The Tank - Steve Schippert]
....To that end, referring to LTC Miciotto Johnson, a man recently posed the question his native Atlanta:
“Where did you guys come up with a hero like this?”
The man asking the question was not from Charlotte. Nor was he from Chicago, nor Fargo, nor Bakersfield. He wasn't even an American praising one of his own.
He was, rather, an Iraqi. From Ramadi. Speaking of his American "brother" in their common fight against al-Qaeda terrorists.

Building A Police Force -- [Outside the Wire - in Iraq]
"Where are you going to be?" the Iraqi Police Lieutenant asked the Army Corporal.
"Here, we're staying here."
The Lieutenant looked at the Corporal, the Corporal looked back at the Lieutenant.
This would be the first time Iraqi police officers from the Civil Camp police station walked the beat at night without Soldiers and Marines at their side.

Iraq Report: Diyala Salvation, Politics, Sadr Sleight-of-hand -- [Roggio Report]
In Iraq, the major developments over the past two days occurred in the political realm. First, the tribes of Diyala are beginning to organize along the lines of the tribes in Anbar province and have now vowed to battle al Qaeda. "Tribesman Sheikh Wameed al-Jabouri told al-Hayat that a number of tribes had signed a cooperation agreement to undertake this mission and to bring the city [of Baqubah] back to how 'it used to be,'" notes Deutsche Presse-Agentur. "The agreement could be considered 'a national charter' that proves their rejection of the actions of the terrorist groups, al-Jabouri said." This development

Blood Is Thicker Than Religion -- [Strategy Page]
May 10, 2007: U.S. commanders have made deals with Shia militias to help provide security for Shia neighborhoods. The Sunni terrorists now concentrate in killing as many Shia civilians as possible, rather than risk losing suicide bombers trying to attack military or government targets. Similar deals have been made with Sunni Arab tribal leaders, to try and shut down the suicide bomb factories and safe houses in Sunni Arab neighborhoods. The remaining Sunni Arabs are falling all over themselves trying to be nice to the Americans.

SUNNI TRIBAL HEAD IN IRAQ: AL-QAEDA A CANCER IN OUR LAND -- [MEMRI Blog]
Sheikh Majd Suleiman, head of the Al-Duleim tribes in Al-Anbar, has accused Al-Qaeda in Iraq of "fighting the residents of the country, not the Americans" and called the organization "a cancer in our land."

Iraqi Special Ops demonstrate capabilities -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Special Operations Forces battalion soldiers recently demonstrated their improved capabilities during an exercise at Baghdad International Airport, which included skills in marksmanship and clearing structures.

Deja Vue, Monseiur -- [Desert Flier - in Iraq]
Sit down to dinner with Tim, D squared, and Eric. Chaplain is a few tables down and comes over with his radio: "Guess what guys? GSW to the chest 15 mikes out."
Five minutes later "chaps" is leaving and says "Sorry guys, but the patient just rolled up." Eric is up and gone in a flash. This seems to be the recurring chow routine. Still missing at least a sip of coffee before we check out. Tim and I collect the leftover trays and make our way.

Nothing Happened Today -- [All Quiet on the Southwest Asian Front - in Iraq]
For which I am very greatful. Well, 1-8 CAV had a solitary IED, but that's just background noise around here. There were no VBIEDs on civilian markets, no EFPs tearing a HMMWV to shreds, 50lbs-of-C4-buried-in-the-road IEDs, no snipers making headshots on the tower guards (fortunately, only a light wound. Thank Heaven for bulletproof glass and Kevlar.).
All that, God help me, was last week.
But today was quiet.

ABC: F-16s Destroy al-Qaeda Terror Camp in Al Anbar -- [Pat Dollard]

...Dramatic Video Documents Strike The Department of Defense gave ABC News first access to imagery of the night operation that was carried out a little more than 48 hours ago.
The three-minute video begins with imagery from an unmanned aerial vehicle. The operator of the drone first spotted a truck with anti-aircraft weaponry mounted on it driving in the area. The drone followed the truck as it drove to a nearby training compound.

Good News: Diyala establishing own salvation front -- [Air Force Pundit]
The Diyala Salvation Front: Tribal leaders in the troubled province organize against al Qaeda
In March, we noted the successful model of the Anbar Salvation Council will very likely be replicated elsewhere in regions where al Qaeda has established bases of operation. We singled out Diyala in particular, as al Qaeda's campaign of murder and intimidation was beginning to anger the tribes much as it did in Anbar province. Al Qaeda's establishment of its Islamic State of Iraq, with its capital in Baqubah made the province ripe for a major Coalition operation in the region. In early March, Al Sabaah reported the local sheikhs in Diyala were organizing against al-Qaeda and its Islamic State of Iraq, "which [is] spreading corruption in the province districts." Today,
Iraq Vol. 1 -- [zackmccary]

A video I made of me and my freinds in Iraq

Battle Wounds -- [Making the Leap... - in Iraq]
About a week or so ago, I was waiting at the bus stop when male Soldier walked up. His face looked dirty -- like he had been splashed with paint and didn't bother to wash it off. As he got closer, I realized that it wasn't paint. All of those little splotches were scabs. He had been hit by a roadside bomb. Now I wonder

Coalition investigates, then destroys IED factory

Coalition UAV catches insurgents testing an IED near Fallujah. Troops search the insurgent hideout, finding chemicals, munitions and other bomb-making materials. Finally, and air strike destroys the IED factory. (more)

Video for the Folks Back Home -- [Guidons, Guidons, Guidons! - in Iraq]
Below you'll find a video that was made and posted to You Tube for the folks back home by some people that are very near and dear to me...

AFGHANISTAN

Soviet K-9 Dog Kennels -- [Afghanistan JAG -- in Afghanistan]
Soviet Combat Engineers used dogs to sniff for land mines during their war in Afghanistan. German shepherds were the breed of choice.
These pictures show the remains of a Soviet K-9 dog barracks. They were built using the same mud construction that the Afghans use for their homes.

Afghanistan: May 10, 2007 - Avoiding Civilian Casualties -- [Afghanistan Watch]
"Canadians conduct our business as we conduct it and we're very much reflective of Canadian society," said Ruff. "We had a couple of incidents where the Taliban were hiding amongst women and children inside compounds but we won't engage them. It's not what we do.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

More Iranian Hostages -- [A Soldier's Perspective - in Iraq]
If you think Iran is done with its hostage taking, think again. Only this time they've got Americans!! Why isn't this front page news?!

Latest on Kansas Tornado Conspiracy- The Hand of Howard Dean -- [Gateway Pundit]
What did Senator Sam Brownback hear and when did he hear it??
BREAKING NEWS From the Quinn and Rose Show/www.warroom.com
Same Words -- Different Mouth Piece
By Rose
PLEASE NOTE: The following is information we have received from a reliable source. We have never been misinformed by this person in the past.
When will Howard Dean and the rest of that crowd learn that if they are going to write the script for their Democratic team members -- they should probably mix it up a little. They are just so darn predictable. The mantra is always the same; "It's Bush's fault!"

The President visits, and the National Guard helps clean up... -- [John of Argghhh!]
...in Greensburg, Kansas
President George W. Bush thanks U.S. Army Soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard in Greensburg, Kan., May 9, 2007. The town was struck by a massive tornado May 4. Approximately 400 National Guard members have been called up to assist with the cleanup, provide security and perform other disaster response functions.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

British Terrorists Headed for the U.S.A. -- [Strategy Page]
May 10, 2007: The U.S. is putting pressure on Great Britain to identify Britons of Pakistani origin who might be terrorists. This is all because, under current rules, any British citizen, without a criminal record, can visit the United States without a visa. All they need do is carry their passport. What has the United States upset is that so many of the 2,000 terrorist suspects the British are keeping an eye on, have no criminal record. In addition, there are some 400,000 Britons (mostly those of Pakistani origin) who visit Pakistan each year. Most of these are

IIRO announces bold new expansion of international support for orphans, including in countries where its offices have been shuttered for supporting terrorism -- [Zachary Abuza - Counterterrorism Blog]
Yesterday the IIRO, one of the largest Saudi Arabian charities, announced that it was going to sponsor some 250,000 orphans around the world in the coming years, up from the current level of 92,000.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Operation Fresh Air -- [Villainous Company]
DC area readers, we need your help with an exciting project!
From the inimitable Carrie Costantini:
Operation Fresh Air is offering wounded vets from Bethesda and Walter Reed and their families a day of fishing, relaxation and fun at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.

Into the light: A wounded Marine and his Vietnam Veteran father -- [Soldiers' Angel Germany]
I've never written about Josh Cooley, but not a day has passed since July 7, 2005 that I haven't thought about him.
That was the day I received an email from Sandy Gay, whose husband Norman worked with Josh at the Pasco, FL Sheriff's Office. Josh had been hurt in Iraq two days before. It was bad, and his wife and mother were flying to Germany on orders.

RE: OIF Troops Need USO -- [A Soldier's Perspective - in Iraq]
Absent are the "amazing 428,521 performances" by more than "7,000 entertainers" that would travel overseas. … Where are all those entertainers who "support the troops?" Toby Keith can only do so much.
We’ve had two concerts while I’ve been here in country. One was a Jimmy Buffet tribute band that I can’t remember the name of. Yeah, not really from my generation so I skipped that one

Military Spouse Appreication Day Redux -- [Badgers Forward - in Iraq]
Today is the day. None of us over here could do this without them.

Andi's World
The Life and Times of a Butterfly Wife
An Army Wife's Life
ArmyWifeToddlerMom
Jill Army
Homefront Six
Villanious Company
Trying to Grok
The Lemon Stand
Sighs of my Life
Shannon's Life
Proud Liberal Army Wife

Give them all a shout out.

MILITARY LIFE

Coping with Homecoming -- [War in the SandBox... - home from Afghanistan]
This may sound silly, in fact at first it may make you think I am crazy. But the fact is that for the last few weeks I have really missed Afghanistan. I have given this a lot of thought, and I have discussed it with a few people, including some veterans, and I have realized that perhaps it is not as crazy as it may initially seem. You see I have realized that it's not Afghanistan that I miss. I don't miss the crappy living conditions, I don't miss being shot at, and I don't miss carrying a weapon everywhere. What I do miss is the camaraderie that I shared while I was there. I built friendships in a mere 18 months that usually take years or even a life time to forge.

POLITICS

An Open Declaration of War Against The House Republican Leadership -- [RedState]
The House Republican Leadership just does not get it and they will not take us seriously until we flex our muscle against them. We must fight the House GOP and we must fight today.
Today, I declare war on the Republican Leadership of the United States House of Representatives. We must scalp one member. That member's name is Ken Calvert.

Dem funding delays killing troops? -- [Uncle Jimbo - BlackFive]
The Democrats have disgraced themselvs by turning the funding for our ongoing war into a game of political point-making. I hope they suffer for that come next election, but what about the effects this is having on our operations right now. I mean they wouldn't be doing it if it was actively harming the troops right now would they?

Appeal Part 2 -- [Foreign and Domestic - in Iraq]
First, a mea culpa. We may have missed a chance for a live TV interview yesterday. I honestly hadn't considered the possibility of doing live TV, and at 7:00 in the evening, even in a war zone, the office types are all off duty. I'll be checking on the TV capability of Al Asad this morning, so that if another chance comes up we wont miss it.

Iraq & The RINO's -- [Flopping Aces]
How in the world is anyone surprised that the group that has fought us for years, and has wanted us out of Iraq for years, is now trying to do it politically?

THE MEDIA

Press Ignores 2,700 Troops -- [Jawa Report]
So 2,700 active-duty troops petitioning Congress to support the war isn't news.
Retired generals who have been against the effort for years are suddenly news. Three of them.

Problems with the Wire Service Model -- [INDC Journal]
Bryan Preston documents an error by the Associated Press:
This problem is at the heart of why it's vital that wire services and major outlets get their facts straight the first time. The first report, whether it's true or not, might get picked up by thousands of outlets worldwide. ...

Wisconsin Columnist: We Just Need to 'Understand', 'Educate' These 'So-Called Terrorists' -- [NewsBusters]
It is no wonder that jihadists everywhere imagine we can so easily be beaten when western MSM outlets are often filled with capitulators and defeatists. The Wisconsin State Journal has just such a foolish, western dupe in it's May 10th issue in a column by Kevin J. Mack who is scolding us all that these "so-called terrorists" just need a little understanding... as if they are merely errant teenagers who need a stern talking to and a little parental lovin'. And, Mack's sentiment that it is really all our fault is all too common in the media today.

Sympathy for the Devil? -- [Blonde Sagacity]
The capture of the Ft. Dix jihadists is truely amazing and reads like a Season One of Sleeper Cell...but,
The NYT has an article that seems to sympathize with the would-be Ft. Dix bombers...implying (ever so subtly) that it may have been the FBI informer that pushed them into setting their sites one bigger targets:
"...Since 9/11, law enforcement officials have praised the work of such informers, saying they have been doing exactly what they should be doing — gaining access to the world of a possible threat, playing along to see just how far suspects were willing to go, and allowing the authorities to act before the potential terrorists did.

MILBLOGGING

Literary Battle Fatigue -- [Phil Carter - Intel Dump]
In Slate today, I question the wisdom behind the Army's new "Operational Security" regulation, which would sharply restrict the writings of its personnel, first reported by my colleague Noah Shachtman in Wired. I argue this policy will further aggravate the civil-military divide in America, and that it may help the war effort more to allow dissenting views and honest perspectives to percolate up and out of the ranks:

HUMOR / SATIRE

Moderate Republicans to Bush: Push for Victory -- [ScrappleFace]
A group of moderate Republican House members, led by Rep. Charlie Dent, R-PA, met privately with President George Bush in the White House yesterday to urge him to “press on to victory, no matter the cost.”
According to Rep. Dent, the lawmakers encouraged the president to “put aside concerns about his own plunging personal popularity and do the right thing by getting out of Iraq so that we can get re-elected in our home districts.”

Day By Day

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