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

What Did the CIA Tell President Bush About Iraq? -- [Powerline]
Earlier today, Scott discussed a recent article by Paul Pillar, in which Pillar defended the CIA’s performance on Iraq. Pillar, who was largely responsible for Iraq intelligence, wrote about the Senate Intelligence Committee’s release of two reports that were authored by the National Intelligence Council, under Pillar’s direction, in January 2003: Principal Challenges in Post-Saddam Iraq and Regional Consequences of Regime Change in Iraq. Pillar begins with an admission that the intelligence community was wrong about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. The thrust of his argument, however, is that the existence of WMDs did not mandate the overthrow of Saddam, and that, if the administration had paid proper heed to the intelligence community’s other reports, it would not have invaded Iraq.

Dangerous, but Perhaps Necessary, Alliances -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Douglas Farah]
The U.S. military and intelligence community appear to have concluded that the only way to fight the al Qaeda-related groups in Iraq is to enlist the help of Sunni groups hostile to the United States. This is a risky strategy that carries almost as many dangers as it does possibilities.
Having seen efforts to divide radical groups through material inducements (Marxist groups and paramilitary groups in Latin America, primarily), it seems clear that the U.S. will have to offer the Sunnis something tangible to make such an alliance more than a one-night stand where there is deep remorse on all sides almost immediately.

Ramadi’s Rocky Road -- [Jules Crittenden]
WaPo reports on rifts in Anbar’s Salvation Council and raises questions of whether buying loyalty in Anbar is a good idea. Includes the following Cordesman observation:
It’s been reported from the beginning that money, development and services are key, and there is nothing new about the notion of buying the loyalty of Arab tribes. There are no sure things in Iraq, and few good options. Nothing new about that, either. But failing to pursue the best options you have only ensures failure. Ideology is great, but failing to back it up with tangible economic and infrastructure improvements doesn’t make any sense. This is what the war critics have been saying all along. Failing to work with the tribal structure also doesn’t make any sense, and the notion that that might be a rollercoaster ride is not particularly surprising.

Destroying rocket launchers near Sadr City

Current Events & Some Opinion -- [Mission Iraq - in Iraq]
Things are runnning smoothely here and the light at the end of the tunnel has grown from the width of a pin to the width of a #2 pencil.
We have begun our negotiations with the AF folks who own us at Balad AB (primary AF base and hold on all things AF in Iraq) for the outbound journey. As of today, I should be rolling home in accordance with my count down timer.
Interestingly enough, the Sunni tribes in Baghdad have declared they are more interested in fighting the al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) than the Coalition Forces. They realize we will eventually leave, but the AQI may never leave unless driven out or killed.

Death or Glory Part II of IV -- [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
...Despite the British press reports that make their own soldiers out to be cowering on bases in Basra, truck after truck of them here were in high spirits. News flash: Those reports are false. Derelict media coverage is another aspect of this war British and American soldiers share, and it rankles here in the southern part of Iraq as deeply as it does everywhere else. Practically no one writes about the Brits down here. Important pages in history remain unwritten, while policy decisions are based on the public perception that all is lost here. That this public perception is based on what I have called “The Green Gator Phenomenon” is an irony that is noted, but not appreciated.

Seeing -- [Chris Muir - while in Iraq]
FOB Marez, Mosul, Iraq
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division: the people here definitely make up for the weather. It is somewhat odd to be addressed as ‘Sir’, and everyone is polite. I wanted to come here, primarily after reading Michael’s dispatches, to see if I could get some background for my character Zed, an ex-military guy, for my comic strip www.daybydaycartoon.com. Want to know how soldiers feel on the front, what they think there? Well…read Yon.
I decided to come here to get a ‘feel’ for what Zed might experience arriving at such a place, hear what soldiers say generally—especially their slang—and get a handle on military acronyms.
So, I did. I heard. And, I flunked military acronyms totally.
MP3 Audio - Chris Muir Interviews Mosul Soldiers

Kirkuk Police Academy Graduates Its First Female Officers -- [Defend America]
KIRKUK, Iraq, June 5, 2007 — The first women to train at Kirkuk Police Academy were among the 980 police officers and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to graduate from the academy, June 3, 2007

Iraq Report: al Qaeda strikes the security forces -- [The Fourth Rail]
Al Qaeda in Iraq has stepped up its bombing campaign nation wide against the Iraqi security forces. Since Friday, al Qaeda has conducted five separate major bombings or attacks, all outside the capital of Baghdad.
On June 8, three separate attacks occurred; a bombing in the northern city of Daquq, another in Qurna in the south, and an attack on the home of a Diyala police chief. "At least 34 others were killed in two bombing attacks, one in the northern city of Daquq, about 30 miles south of Kirkuk, and the other in the southern city of Qurna, 60 miles north of Basra," the New York Times reported. "In a familiar pattern, both bombings involved successive explosions set at close quarters in crowded areas, a technique often used to maximize casualties."

11th Flight -- [Me Over There - in Iraq]
...It is truly a joy working with the Army flight crews, all but 2 of my flights have been with them in the Blackhawks. Last night's flight was with the Medic from my very first flight, and I am continually amazed by their skills and knowledge. When not carting a nurse around to manage our (relatively) stabilized Patients (usually post-operating room), these are the men and women that are flying to point of injury, into hostile areas, to pick up the patient and stabilize before they ever even get to us.
It is no secret that this last month+ has been slow, and it sounds like traditionally over the last couple years that has been true, but never this slow. For that we are thankful.

What's At Stake -- [Jack Army - in Iraq]
While I'm on a roll, answering emails and checking out links sent to me, I figured I'd lift the following email and my response into a post:
...Thanks for taking the time to shoot me an email and I'm glad to hear that you support the troops as we fight this war. I agree with you that there have been mistakes and poor decisions made at many different levels and by many different political operatives during the prosecution of this war. I think the most important thing for people to remember is that the very nature of war demands that SOMETHING is attempted to stop the enemy from achieving victory and while that something may not be the most perfect plan, especially when viewed with the benefit of hindsight, it is imperative that we do our best with what we have to counter the enemy's attempts to overcome our defenses, defeat our allies and spread their ideology to the point that it threatens our very existence. This, I believe, is what we are fighting for and I also believe that we must win.

Meet Suhad -- [Desert Flier - in Iraq]
After two surgeries to repair her liver, diaphragm, and stomach, Suhad finally made it back to Charlie Medical last night.
...With no sign of pain or discomfort, she and her brother talk while she plays with some of the toys and stuffed animals donated this morning. We took some pictures, and her brother asked me if I could print some out for them to take home. They both seemed to like the picture printouts more than the toys!

IRAQI 500 -- [The One Wire - in Iraq]
...So, the Iraqi 500...the drivers here are crazy. They don't follow any general rules of the road. Speed limit: Yeah right! Lane courtesy: Not even close! Patience: Not a recommended quality! The Iraqi drivers drive very aggressively...to their own demise. When an American convoy is travelling on the roads, the convoy "owns" the road. The armored and heavily gunned vehicles of an American convoy use all the road...and I mean all the road. If the convoy is headed north, they will sometimes use the southbound lanes(opposite flow). If there is a "traffic jam" ahead, the convoy will either proceed into the oncoming lanes or with horns blaring, fire warning shots to ensure the Iraqis move out of the way. Now before anyone says, "See that's just driving like a jerk." Realize, in Iraq, you don't want to get stuck behind a traffic jam or get boxed in...ever.

Where do we get such men ... -- [The Landlocked Sailor - in Iraq]
We had yet another Hail and Farewell today. With the temporary nature of these assignments, we rotate a bunch of folks through each month. Today was kind of special, though. We were saying goodbye to our PSD. The PSD is a Personal Security Detachment. They’re the guys who’s job it is to protect our Commanding General and Sergeant Major (the Army holds the senior enlisted man in the command almost equal to the Commanding Officer, kind of like a co-Executive Officer
...The CG made a point today of giving the history of each of the members of the PSD. To a man, they had all had multiple tours in Iraq and most had recently returned from a tour in Iraq when they volunteered for this assignment.

AFGHANISTAN

News of Afghanistan - The Return (Edition 57) -- [Miserable Donuts]
OK, the month off was lovely, but you are back to being stuck with me. Raise your cup of Alokozay Tea to the World's Greatest Military Contractor as he recovers from a spot o' medical difficulty and read on:

Senior Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan Commander: -- [MEMRI Blog]
"This Summer Will Be... a Sword that Will Crack Your Skulls Open; Your Centers Will be Blown Up and Your Limbs Will Be Scattered"
On June 6, 2007, Islamist websites posted a 20-minute video by Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan Commander Abu Yahya Al-Libi, in which he eulogizes former Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, and declares that this summer will be a season of victory for the mujahideen. Following are excerpts:

Afghan Civilians Aid Police, Coalition -- [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2007 – A tip from citizens led Afghan National Police, along with coalition forces, to a munitions cache 15 kilometers southeast of Chamkani in Afghanistan’s Paktya province yesterday, military officials said.
Afghan village elders informed Chamkani police of a possible improvised explosive device facilitator operating in the area. Police located and searched the suspect’s compound, where they discovered an underground tunnel containing 30 Afghan National Police uniforms, more than 30 improvised explosive devices, 25 mortar rounds, 18 rocket-propelled grenade rounds and four RPG launchers. All serviceable munitions were recovered, but the IED facilitator was not found.

Developing city management -- [A Year in Afghanistan - in Afghanistan]
As I mentioned last week, this group focuses on training city leaders on how to manage their infrastructure and services. One recurring problem with the development projects here is that after a donor has funded the construction of something, or donated some equipment, there is no one around who has the skills to keep the project in good repair. So the idea of this project is to train city officials and staff in administration and management, in order to keep the infrastructure in good shape, or at least to control its inevitable depreciation.

Kabul, Afghanistan, June 2007 -- [McNeilly's Perspective - in Afghanistan]
...Camp Phoenix is a mostly concrete paved compound that is leased by the Government. Because it is leased, the improvements are sparse. So the buildings are all temporary housing, most made of plywood. Plywood is hard to clean, creates its own dirt, and is a fire hazard. The two other alternatives are Connex housing; Think about the boxes on the back of 18 wheelers; or group tents, where I am currently residing with about 80 or 100 other fine soldiers. Based on the way people overlap in country, we are living about as well as can be expected, unless of course you are in the Air Force or Navy, in which case we are truly suffering. I don't know why, but the Air Force has figured out how to take care of airmen far better then the Army ever will, it is almost a reverse snobbish attitude on the Army's part. I wish it would suck some more....

Week 20--Groundhog Day, Again. -- [Richard's Deployment - in Afghanistan]
I guess I'm not the most consistent blogger, and that must be frustrating for some of you. Around here every day is Groundhog Day; the days all run together with nothing to break up the monotony. It makes it hard to find things to write about.
...to mark the passage of time I've been documenting the progress on the new hospital and the new "brick and mortar" building being constructed near my TOC (Tactical Operation Center). As I've said before, it's facinating to watch the construction, particularly since they use only the most basic tools. I've never been good with tools or construction, but I'm facinated by those who can build and create using wood and stone and tools.

RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: -- [royalairforce]

Romanian Soldiers Love The Internet -- [Partamian Report - in Afghanistan]
As you can tell, life here at KAF is pretty chilled out for the moment. We are getting our equipment together piece by piece and it may be a little longer than we had expected for the push out to our respective FOB's. I can't honestly say I mind. Each day I am here is a day off the deployment without being blown-up or shot at. There will be plenty of time for that this year and I'm not in a hurry. Although, I would like to get to where I'm supposed to go, if only to stop living out of my duffel bags in a giant tent with 50 guys. They say we'll have one man rooms in the B-Huts, where I'm going.

The Poop Pond -- [ETT PA-C - in Afghanistan]
It came to me that I haven't explained the "poop pond" concept after writing yesterday's notes. You see, when KAF was built, obviously the prevailing winds were not taken into effect. The sewage treatment plant is no more than 150 meters away from the MWR, Gym, Computer/phone room and the start of the common permanent quarters area. So, when you get up to go to chow or get coffee in the morning, the first thing you smell on normal days is excrement.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

This Explains A Lot... -- [Iraq War News]
Want to know why people don't seem to get it about the War on Terror?
Well, when people on the streets of New York believe that the 9-11 attacks consisted of a bunch of Hindus attacking only New York in October of 2000, what do you expect?
Think I'm kidding?
Sadly, no. (click for video)

A US base in Africa? -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Olivier Guitta]
While this issue has been on the table for a long while already , no final decisions have been made. It looks like Morocco is the favorite but nothing is less sure.
Anyway this idea is being very much debated and talked about in Africa.
For proof this story from The Croissant:
According to an Emirati newspaper usually well informed on these matters, African countries including Algeria and Libya are negotiating tooth and nail with the US to prevent the installation of American military bases in Africa. Algiers and Tripoli are making the case that these bases are not going to be beneficial either for Africa or Washington or even less for the fight against terrorism.

The US – Iran – Syria triangle -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Olivier Guitta]
While many in the US are calling for a "dialog" with Syria, Tehran is very much noticing.
For proof, this article from The Croissant:
Syria and the US are getting too close for Iran’s comfort. In fact, Iran is allegedly very unhappy with Syria’s actions and its eagerness to get closer to the US.
First, Tehran is upset about Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Moallem‘s eagerness to meet with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Sharm el Sheikh, outside of the frame of the Iraq conference.
Second, this tension between the two countries really started publicly after the Damascus visit of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

South American Leftists Solidify Union With Radical Islamists -- [Gateway Pundit]
The union between Radical Islamic Regimes and the Central-South American anti-US Leftists is now complete.
The visit yesterday by Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua to Iran solidified relations between the anti-American leaders.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

How Islamist Internet Forums Are Used to Inform Mujahideen of News from Western Media -- [MEMRI]
Islamists have long used their Internet forums as major conduits for disseminating useful information to the jihad fighters. [1] A comprehensive examination of postings on Islamist forums reveals that they are used not only to spread jihadist propaganda, but also to disseminate information from the Western media that can help the mujahideen in the field or can raise the morale of Islamists around the world.
...An analysis of the postings on Islamist forums reveals that Islamists monitor the Western media for information that has immediate operational implications for the jihad fighters on the battlefield, namely, information that can increase their effectiveness or can help them to identify potential targets and threats. The following are examples of postings alerting the mujahideen to Western news reports of this sort.

Al-Qaeda’s Shadowy Presence in India? -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Once again, suspected Al Qaeda commanders claimed its presence in India, declaring jihad (Holy War) against the country and Kashmir as the gateway of Jihad against India’ for the first time ever. In a video message, [received by a Jammu and Kashmir based local news agency Current News Service (CNS) on June 08], a masked man identified himself as Abu Abrahim Al Asim voiced the statement (in Urdu) on behalf of Abu Abdul Rehman Al Ansari, the suspected chief of the Al-Qaeda for India.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

What do our brave fighting men in the 1-182 Field Artillery Need Most? -- [Soldier's Angels - Medical Support]
Huh?
That's what I said when their medic emailed me asking for Vagisil.
"There is one thing I would like to request if you can. On the road soldiers suffer from cases of trench foot the powder doesn't help... the cure is Vagisil. It works better than Tinactin, and it lasts."
So take that, John Madden.
Of course, this means I had to run to the drug store and, yes, once again buy feminine hygeine products by the case.

Jeff Bader on Pundit Review Radio -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Jeff Bader is married to Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers' Angels. Jeff joined Kevin and Gregg last night to discuss how SA got started, how it's grown and what he’s learned from the experience.

3 1/2 Weeks - What could you do? -- [Soldiers' Angels - Holly Aho]
It's the middle of the year. No big holidays in sight, no special seasons that inspire our generosity. And yet this is the time of year when donations are so very needed to help support our military men and women. The wonderful donations given to Soldiers' Angels at Christmas have long since been used, and yet the need is still great. I'm sure even the troops have noticed the trend - during Christmas and other big holidays they are swamped with carepackages and letters of support, which is great - really it is! Yet it has to make them wonder where that support is the rest of the year. Do we give because we are 'supposed to' during the 'season of giving'?

10th Mountain Scholarship Fund -- [Soldiers Angels New York]
From the Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division:
The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mt. Div. has formed a fund raising committee to raise funds so we can provide our soldiers and their family member’s annual scholarships from a self perpetuating fund. The selection criteria would be initially weighted in favor of family members of those KIA but, as more funds become available, broader criteria would be used to increase our selection base. The Need is Now and It is Growing: It is important that we move out on this project as rapidly as possible so that we can award our first scholarships for the academic year 2007-2008. To date there have been ...

WELCOME HOME

Sunday, June 10, 2007 -- [Sgt Dub - home from Afghanistan]
I'm home! And in the usual Army standard, 45 minutes early. You would think that would be a good thing, except for the 65 soldiers arriving, maybe 6 families had shown up by the time we got there, so as the families finally started making it there, they realized they were late, but all is good.
We had a great reunion at the airport and then went for breakfast. We have been up for the last 24 hours, the Army planned stuff for us for each hour of the night before so we couldn't go to sleep. After breakfast we came home were I took a nap of about 3-4 hours.

MILITARY

Backroom Attack Sinks Gen. Pace -- [The Tank - Elaine Donnelly]
...I have no inside information, but I see the fingerprints of SASC member Sen. Hillary Clinton all over this. To win in 2008, the New York Democrat and feminist must convince voters that she supports the troops and can be trusted as Commander in Chief. A vote on the re-nomination of Chairman Pace would have put her on the spot between her gay activist constituency and millions of voters who admire Peter Pace.
Sen. Clinton has a way of getting senior men of both parties to do her work for her. Pre-emptive removal of Gen. Pace excuses candidate Clinton of the responsibility to vote for or against re-confirmation. As a bonus, Hillary and other feminist senators get to vote for a liberal admiral, CNO Mike Mullen, an ardent advocate of “diversity” quotas and other controversial goals for the military.

POLITICS

Politico Playbook: Powell effect -- [ Hot Air]
Good morning, and happy Monday. HBO viewers learned last night that a finale isn’t always the end. (“He says he wants to get past the hate – focus it only on the terrorists.”) That’s certainly true in Washington, where some people never stop believin’. Colin Powell teased us once about a presidential campaign. Might he actually have one in him? And might he make some more history as part of an Obama-Powell ticket? Could THAT be a way to regain the luster he lost for his complicity in Iraq decision making?

Albania Loves The United States -- [Flopping Aces]
Bush can do no wrong. While much of the world berates Mr. Bush for warmongering, unilateralism, trampling civil liberties and even turning a blind eye to torture, Albania still loves him without restraint. ...

Bush in Albania 2007 -- [videoshqip]

President Bush is given a hero's welcome in Albania. This is the first visit ever of a serving president of USA to visit Albania and will be remembered long time, even though it only lasted eight hours.

THE MEDIA

'Today' Tags W's Warm Welcome in Eastern Europe 'Over the Top' -- [NewsBusters]
Can you remember the last time you heard "Today" or other MSM outlets describe in terms such as "over the top" rabid anti-Bush protests by the likes of the Cindy Sheehan crowd, the Code Pink girls, or the folks pictured below? Neither can I. Conversely, when Bill Clinton receives similarly enthusiastic receptions overseas, the MSM breaks out the "rock-star" analogies, with no sarcasm in sight.
But let President Bush receive a warm welcome from Eastern European crowds who appreciate his leadership on behalf of their freedom, and "Today" just can't take it.
On this morning's "Today" at 7:04 am EDT, NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reported from Bulgaria on the president's European trip, in which crowds in Bulgaria and notably in Albania greeted him very enthusiastically.

The New York Times discovers jihadi ideology -- [TigerHawk]
To its credit, the New York Times has devoted the front page of its "Week in Review" section to a story about jihadi ideology regarding the killing of civilians, which the Times calls "jihadi etiquette." There is nothing in this that right-wing bloggers have not been discussing for years, but much of it will be new to the Grey Lady's readers.

HUMOR / SATIRE

Poll: Majority Says Paris Hilton’s Plight Good for America -- [ScrappleFace]
(2007-06-10) — An overwhelming majority of Americans say they’ve never felt better about themselves than during the past several weeks as they follow the story of Paris’ Hilton’s conviction and incarceration.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said one poll respondent, a resident of suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Just knowing that rich, famous, beautiful people can be miserable, pathetic losers gives me hope that my own troubled existence may have meaning. I can’t get enough of this story on TV. Every moment is like a multivitamin for my ego.”

Day By Day

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