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. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.

IRAQ

Different Narrative -- [Matt Sanchez]
Pete Hegseth just filed another dispatch from Baghdad. He noted something extraordinary that most people back home do not understand.
These gains, however, were costly. In their first 30 days in Doura, the unit was attacked over 50 times. On the very streets we’re walking today, LTC Crider has lost nine good men, with dozens more injured. But the unit persisted — honoring the sacrifices of their brethren — and has not been attacked in their sector since September 27. As compelling testimony to the unit’s dedication to the task, LTC Crider’s squadron had the highest reenlistment rate in all of Baghdad in 2007, exceeding their goal by over 500 percent.

Marne Forward - Sons of Iraq

Inside Iraqi politics – Part 5. A look at legislative progress: Sunnis’ and states’ rights -- [The Long War Journal - Bill Ardolino]
A significant measure of political progress in Iraq is the parliament’s ability to pass laws on sectarian reconciliation and those stipulating the government’s long-term design. To those ends, the most significant pieces of legislation include the Unified Retirement Law, the Accountability and Justice Law, the General Amnesty Law, legislation on the status of Kirkuk, and the Provincial Elections and Powers Law. Some of these measures have passed, while others remain contested.

Politics rears its Iraqi head -- [Belmont Club]
Today brought some bad news for the Surge. "Iraq's three-member presidency council has rejected a draft law to hold provincial elections and returned it to parliament, the president's office said on Wednesday." Fortunately, the other two laws which were part of the reform package "the 2008 federal budget and a general amnesty" passed. But "the law to hold provincial elections has not been approved and has been sent back to the parliament".

Williams Reports From Iraq -- [Blog-ah]
CSM Tommie Williams called this morning from Iraq to talk with me about the progress being made to stand up the Iraqi Army and police forces.
Williams is serving in the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq.
From the sound of it, progress is being made.
“We’re building the security forces across the country,” said I Corps and Ft. Lewis’ former Command Sergeant Major. “The teamwork is there; the good work is there; we are making significant progress on all fronts,” he added.

A largely successful Arba'een -- [Sergeant Grumpy - in Iraq]
...The Shia in my observation* are obsessed with suffering and, as might be said in America, immerse themselves in a culture of being the victim. During Ashura they beat and cut themselves to show their devotion to Husayn and his suffering. They also have a bizarre tradition where they put their sons in a tent which is then lit on fire. All the kids are supposed to run out, but we have had to treat some poor boys who were badly burned.
...As you might imagine, this is a nightmare from a security perspective. It would be easy for a suicide bomber to blend in with crowd.

Iraqi leaders say 'Chemical Ali' will be executed -- [International Herald Tribune]
BAGHDAD: Iraqi leaders said Friday that they had found a way to execute Ali Hassan al-Majid, the man known as Chemical Ali who was one of Saddam Hussein's most notorious henchmen.

Most recent techniques in killing innocents -- [The Last of Iraqis - in Iraq]
It seems like the old methods of road side bombs, explosive packs in garbage and dead bodies and even kidnapping are old and aren't exciting anymore for the fanatics and criminals.
New methods are deployed recently to overcome the troubles they faced; like the lack of recruiters because of the awakening movements and the increasing difficulties of their movement because of the awakening movements too so they tend to find a way out, and the most modern way is sticking explosive packs!! AlQaeda is using this techniques instead of the explosive cars, they use a sticking explosive packs and stick them to innocent's cars, they usually choose cars that attract least attention like family cars or women's cars and they either use a timer or remote control to explode it...

Little Savages -- [Northern Disclosure - in Iraq]
I decided to give them something different today and to not throw it at them driving by, but to treat them like humans and not animals on the side of the road we are feeding our table scraps to. We had banana's, apples, cookies, and to cases of juice boxes. All kids love juice boxes right! We stopped at the selected site and I took Doc Voo Doo with me to help give the food away. As soon as I got out the children ran away, spooked so perhaps whoever had stopped before had given them reason to be fearful, I hoped this was not the case and they were just being apprehensive. I walked toward them calling out in Arabic for them not to be afraid

Sometimes you just gotto' take the chance! -- [CI-ROLLER DUDE]
I still get questions like: "what did you do to survive your tour in Iraq?"
I was the unit Combat Comic...I had to do things to keep up moral...
How many Soldiers or Marines do you know with the balls to find a sleeping First Sergeant, walk up to him and stick a rubber chicken in his face and take a picture of it?
It was worth the effort...nobody thought I would do it... but, I had to. I 'm glad I did it, and I'd do it again if I was deployed. So, my tip for the day...

AFGHANISTAN

Yankee Magic Terrorizes Taliban -- [Strategy Page]
February 29, 2008: The Taliban are having a bad Winter. The Pakistani army offensive against the Pakistani Taliban has cut off a source of reinforcements. Battles on the border, as Afghan and NATO troops catch Taliban crossing, have declined over a third. As a result, more foreign fighters are being found among dead and captured Taliban. The manpower shortage has caused the Taliban to abandon areas they had long maintained a presence in, particularly in Helmand province.

Preparing for spring -- [Yellowhammering Afghanistan - in Afghanistan]
I can remember when prepping for spring meant doing some spring cleaning around the house, planting some flowers or herbs in the garden and cleaning the grill to get ready for the barbecue season.
ANP learn to search dead bodies and call in reports. Here in Afghanistan, we prepare for spring a bit differently.

The History of Electrical Power -- [ETT PA-C - in Afghanistan]
I encourage you to look it up then get on your knees and thank the Almighty God, creater of all things, especially scientists and engineers, for giving us the ability to harness it. Where is this coming from you may ask.....a few GIs that don't live on big bases and depend on single generators to provide electricity occasionally lose them (generators, that is). And when that occurs in the middle of a cold ass desert, nights get long. REAL LONG.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Iraq veteran is Washington's newest millionaire

Open letter says China not 'civilized' enough to host Olympics this summer -- [International Herald Tribune]
BEIJING: Chinese petitioners have written a letter to lawmakers questioning whether the communist government is "civilized" enough to stage the Beijing Olympics, a watchdog group said Friday.
At least one person who helped organize the open letter has been seized by police after its release, according to China Human Rights Defenders, an international network of activists and rights monitoring groups.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

Egyptian al Qaeda leader reported killed in South Waziristan airstrike -- [The Long War Journal - Bill Roggio]
Yesterday's attack in the South Waziristan tribal area run by Mullah Nazir appears to have claimed al Qaeda operatives from Egypt, Turkistan, and Pakistan's Punjab province. Zawahiri is not the only Egyptian operating in Pakistan's tribal areas.

The Dark Side of Luck -- [Strategy Page]
February 29, 2008: For the West, the most dangerous Islamic terrorists are not members of al Qaeda, but rather young Moslems living in the West. This is especially true in Europe, where many Moslems have not integrated with the local culture. That means many young men are uneducated and unemployable. Many refuse to blame themselves or the cultural habits they brought with them from the old country, and instead put it all on the country they have moved to. European governments have made it worse by tolerating this separatism.

American Traitor Adam Gadahn is Dead Update -- [Jawa Report]
...This week a trusted contact revealed to me that he was hearing from Pakistan that Gadahn was most likely dead. I asked him if his sources weren't the same as NBC? No, he replied, he had a different source of information.
Then why hasn't the U.S. confirmed Gadahn's demise? Too many body parts, he said. Very little left of any one on the ground. Could take some time, or we may never have confirmation.
How much do I trust the person who told me this? On a scale of 1-10, he's an 11. It's more a question of his sources than anything else.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

Paratroopers Fighting in Afghanistan Need to Hear from You! -- [BlackFive]
Now, as if the Taliban and Al Qaeda, bad weather, and lack of support here at home weren't bad enough, the New York Times has published a one-sided view of the paratroopers tour in Afghanistan.
And so now we have cause to band together again and send massive support down range. Here's why:
...Our paratroopers are in the fight of their lives and they need to hear that America loves them.
Please send an email of support to skysoldiers173rd@gmail.com
Due to security reasons in Afghanistan please do not put addresses or phone numbers on any correspondence. All emails will be printed out here in the US and mailed to Afghanistan as they do not have the resources to receive a large number of emails.

Let's show the Sky Soldiers some love -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
...A dear friend has told me that if she saw what I do on a regular basis she'd be in a perpetual state of pissed off-ness.
Which, in fact, I am.
But it's been a while since I've been this disturbed. I've met quite a few Sky Soldiers at Landstuhl, including a couple of those shown covered in blood in the photo gallery of this article.
Picture this. You're standing beside a hospital bed. The guy lying in the bed has been shot or blown up just a day or two before, and has lost friends. And you both know that while HE has been out there killing terrorists to keep YOU safe at home, YOU have let the media stab him in the back.
Now hold that thought while executing on the following action items: ...

Your Story Is Important To Me -- [Miss Ladybug]
When I think of an American soldier, four words come to mind, Honor, Respect, Freedom and Valor.
Your story is filled with Honor and Respect. Honor for our country and all we hold dear. These brave men and women risk their lives to honor this great nation. All of the service men and women show great respect for our flag and everything it stands for. With everything these wonderful people do, I don't think we show them the respect and honor they deserve in return. I can not think of a more honorable profession than to be a United States Soldier.

Texas Veteran Project -- [Random Thoughts of ABW’s Friend]
The Texas Veteran Project is a group of Bed and Breakfasts and small inns/hotels in central Texas (31 are currently listed at the website). The purpose of the organization is “to support returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their spouses by donating 1 or 2 night stays at their establishment. Each proprietor is thankful for veterans’ service to our country and feels honored to recognize the sacrifices of their time, talents, and in many cases, health.”
What the website doesn’t mention is that the project was started by two B & B owners whose son served in Iraq as an Army surgeon.

My Two Cents: I've Said It Before; I'll Say It Again. -- [Iraq War Today]
I've been criticized in the past for saying that the anti-war crowd almost invariably turns anti-troop. They'll tell you they're not.
Even when they do this, and this, and this, and this, and this.....and the list goes on.
Still, they'll tell you they're not anti-troop. And as it was forty years ago, and sixty years ago, and in every conflict where they've decided to slither in, it's a lie.
And now, once again, they're at it in D.C.

IN MEMORY OF...

How Hero SF Soldier Was Killed -- [MoD News - Afghanistan]
A Special forces hero gave his life in a daring bid to save 15 comrades — after they were cornered by seventy Taliban gunmen next to a bridge.
Brave sergeant Paul Bartlett tried to sneak past the bloodthirsty killers on a mission to fetch help as his ambushed patrol — including its wounded commander — took refuge in a ditch.
The fanatics spotted him and he was gunned down in a hail of terrorist bullets.

WELCOME HOME

Home Sweet Home -- [1romad - home from Afghainstan]
Just a short note and update:
Weather and scheduling cooperated wonderfully and Jon and I arrived at Hurlburt Field, FL, in the wee hours of the morning this past Tuesday. The next day we flew Delta air to our home unit, where we were greeted with friends and family and flags and welcome signs at the airport!! It was a wonderful welcome party, and after a few hours of inprocessing it was back to the hotel to relax with my family.

El Paso Hosts Texas-Sized Homecoming Parade for Returned Cavalry Troops -- [DefenseLink News]
EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 28, 2008 – The 1st Cavalry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team may be a relative newcomer here, but more than 3,000 of the unit’s soldiers got a Texas-sized hometown heroes’ welcome yesterday as the city hosted a homecoming parade to honor them for their service in Iraq.

POLITICS

Bush Sends a Zinger at the Senate -- [LT Nixon Rants]
“Congressional leaders are still sounding the same old call for withdrawal. I guess you could say that when it comes to pushing for withdrawal, their strategy is to stay the course.”

Bush: Dems Stay the Course on Withdrawal Mantra -- [bottomlineupfront]

Pew: Majority now believe U.S. effort in Iraq will succeed, 53-39 -- [Hot Air]
In case you were wondering why the Democrats are running from this debate, it’s because the more public opinion shifts, the more their willingness to abandon Iraq looks less like a “realist” exit strategy than calculated defeatism. Even so, note how inelastic most of the results are despite the security gains (especially in Anbar). The microresults show impressive shifts — click the image and follow the link to see double digit swings in the “Growing Perceptions of Iraq Progress” graph — but the baseline results below are static. I wonder why.

HE PLANS ON DISARMING AMERICA

Obama's Incoherence -- [IraqPundit]
What did Barack Obama mean Tuesday when he told Tim Russert that if, following his promised withdrawal of U.S. forces, "al-Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq, then we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad"?
Surely Obama is aware that much of the military activity in Iraq for some time has been devoted-- successfully -- to pushing AQI out of those areas (Anbar, for example) where it had previously established itself. Isn’t he?
...bama’s later statements on the matter haven’t clarified matters.

THE MEDIA

Fewer U.S. Dead = Less TV Coverage of Iraq -- [NewsBusters]
One year ago, liberal journalists depicted the surge of U.S. troops to Iraq as a certain failure. “A lot of people are going to go to bed tonight terrified,” MSNBC’s Chris Matthews opined just minutes after President Bush announced the policy on January 10, 2007. Other journalists were only slightly more subtle.
One year later, the President’s surge strategy is well on its way to succeeding. Several milestones have been reached in Iraq in both the political and military spheres of action. U.S. military deaths have also declined, falling from 126 in May 2007 to 40 in January 2008 and just 29 so far in February, with two days left in the month.
Yet this good news seems to have diminished the media elite’s interest in broadcasting any news from Iraq

NBC Claimed Bush Allowed Al-Qaeda in Iraq Before War, Media Now Ignore Pre-War Presence -- NewsBusters]
While it is currently conventional wisdom in the media that there was no Al-Qaeda presence in Iraq before the 2003 invasion, as evidenced by the media's failure to correct Barack Obama's recent claim that "there was no such thing as Al-Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq," for several years dating back before the Iraq invasion, there have been media reports of former Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's connections to Osama bin Laden, and his use of Iraq as a base to plot terror attacks against other countries before the war. In fact, ...

Harry goes to war -- [Hot Air]
A “world exclusive” that was actually leaked two months ago and then dutifully suppressed by the British media. How badly have they wanted to write about this? Count the number of articles on the Telegraph website that have appeared in just the past few hours. Drudge is patting himself on the back but I’m curious what our readers think about the ethics. The story itself is genuinely awesome — he’s seen action, called in airstrikes, done patrols (”I’m still a little bit conscious (not to) show my face too much, in and around the area”), and got the word about his deployment from grandma herself — but the brass is none too happy that his cover’s been blown. British chief of staff Gen. Dannatt:

George Galloway: media blackout on prince harry in iraq

MILBLOGGING

Air Force Blocks Access to Many Blogs -- [Danger Room]
The Air Force is tightening restrictions on which blogs its troops can read, cutting off access to just about any independent site with the word "blog" in its web address. It's the latest move in a larger struggle within the military over the value -- and hazards -- of the sites. At least one senior Air Force official calls the squeeze so "utterly stupid, it makes me want to scream."
Until recently, each major command of the Air Force had some control over what sites their troops could visit, the Air Force Times reports.

Facebook Threatens Soldiers, Canada Warns; '80 Percent' of Enemy Intelligence Gleaned From 'Net
Canadian soldiers: "Be careful who you are poking, al-Qaeda may be watching. The Canadian military is warning soldiers not to post personal information on social networking sites such as Facebook, due to security concerns."

HUMOR / SATIRE

Day By Day

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