Fathers' Day

Just finished reading Virtual Light, an early 90's sci-fi book by William Gibson. Gibson is credited with creating the "cyberpunk" sub-genre; I'd read his Neuromancer trilogy some time ago and enjoyed it.

Virtual Light is the first book of another trilogy, but I don't know if I'll bother with the rest. It's not bad, but the setting is the "near future" - and that future is now, or close enough to now that it becomes obvious that the future was not quite so bleak as full enjoyment of the story would require.

That of itself provides interest - but of a sort that wasn't the author's intent. I suppose there could be another sub-genre of science fiction: the bleak future that didn't happen. Watch almost any pre-Star Wars sci-fi films of the 70's - Silent Running, Soylent Green, Logan's Run, et al - and you'll see examples what I mean.

Of course, one can't consign such stories into that category ahead of time, right?

And anyhow, perhaps the authors were just off by a few years in timing. We still have a future in which any number of things can happen.

For instance, did you know the Earth was getting hotter?

An autobiographical bit:

In 1967, Gibson went to Canada "to avoid the Vietnam war draft", appearing that year in a CBC newsreel item about hippie subculture in Yorkville, Toronto. He settled in Vancouver, British Columbia five years later and began to write science fiction. Although he retains U.S. citizenship, Gibson has spent most of his adult life in Canada, and still lives in the Vancouver area.

I don't get enough sleep, though. Mostly that's due to long hours. But some days aren't so busy. One Sunday I almost went to bed early - it was Father's Day, in fact. I'd already read and replied to the emails from the kids who really aren't kids any more, and was about to log off and call it a day.

Then into my inbox popped a message from my brother in the states: I'd been invited to view an online album of photos from our niece's wedding.

The event had been planned for a year, at least, and even when I first heard of it I knew I couldn't go - knew I'd be in Iraq on that day.

Our family scattered around the country, my parents' generation and my own. None are left in my hometown, and that wasn't my parents' hometown anyway. Since the third generation is now starting out on their own, we'll see if the trend continues.

"Where are you from?" I'm asked from time to time. If you're looking for a place that defines me, the answer is "I'm not sure."

But from time to time the family gathers, and this time the gathering wasn't far from the fictional setting of Virtual Light. Sometimes I'm there, this time I wasn't. But here was my chance to be there in a virtual sense, after the fact.

Who'd have thought such things were possible, just a few short years ago?

So I clicked the link in the email, and waited while 200+ thumbnails made their agonizingly slow appearance on my screen... Who are these old guys hanging out with the beautiful girls I've known for years? And who are these young adults who look so much like the kids who used to visit Grandma's? ... I'd have to click through for the full version for answers. Those loaded slowly, too.

So much for sleep. I wouldn't miss this for the world.

I think I've already mentioned a memorial at headquarters. I saw a new face among the collection of photographs of the fallen the last time I passed by, as I do every time. This time, "... killed by indirect fire".

"Indirect fire" means rockets or mortars, launched in the general direction of camp. Most land in the middle of nothing, others don't. Here was one that didn't.

I did not know this person, who was on a base other than mine. But like all the faces, hers looked familiar. Like family.

Such is life on the FOB.

The first picture I saw from the virtual wedding album was one of family at a table. My older brother, the father of the bride, was not among them. But on a shelf in the background, I saw his picture. A picture in a picture, small, visible only upon clicking the thumbnail for the larger image, and waiting and waiting for the pixels to make their way from California through the lens of a digital camera then through cyberspace to me in Iraq. Though his photograph in the background was small it was recognizable to me because it was a college yearbook photo, a copy of which hung proudly on a wall in my parents' home in my hometown, when it was there.

He was in college through the last few years of the Vietnam war. I can remember my being concerned he could be drafted. That was a possible future, but it didn't happen. Instead he graduated, got married, and got a job doing something with computers out in some place people started calling Silicon Valley...

Years later and years ago, I visited him at his home in California. I was returning from two years in Korea, on my way to an assignment near my hometown where one member of my family still lived. Our younger brother, who was getting married a few months later, to a girl who looked the same when I saw her in photos on Fathers' Day this year.

A couple years later the three of us got together in California. Good times.

On one of those visits out West he gave me some paperback books he'd finished reading. Among them, Virtual Light, by William Gibson. I can't recall if he'd given me his opinion of it - probably not.

But years later and a few months ago I was packing to come to Iraq, and grabbed a couple of books off my shelf for the trip. That was one of them.

And a couple months later and a couple weeks ago I clicked through pictures from my older brother's daughter's wedding, sent to me by my younger brother via cyberspace.

No matter how many works of science fiction prove faulty at predicting a disastrous future, people will eagerly consume the next pronouncement of doom. There's a market for such things. There are people who thrive on imagining a future hell.

In the 70's it was nuclear war, overpopulation, pollution, and numerous other threats to all mankind that distracted our attention from that which was truly important. By the early 90's it was the economy, stupid, that was going to bring us down.

Sacrifice: some of us miss family weddings and other big events, others die from indirect fire.

Others get to leave early:

Him: You've been stationed in Germany, right?
Me: Yes...
Him: Ever been to Landstuhl?
Me: Yes. Shit, you heading that way?
Him: Yes... doc says I've got a tumor.

He was worried about his future, he knew I'd been in Germany, and he needed my advice: "So, what's there to do over there?"

He's heading your way, MaryAnn. I told him to say hello for me.

So, on my last trip out to California - unbelievable to me now it's been over ten years - I had a conversation with my older brother and his then teen-age daughter.

"She wants to ask you something". He said.

She was quite solemn, and quite serious.

"When the time comes and I get married, if Dad can't do it, would you walk me down the aisle?"

She wasn't just worrying needlessly about the future. Her father had cancer, and though he preferred to say he was "living with cancer", he was also dying from it.

Such things matter. Such things are non-trivial, and not to be taken lightly. I am the father of two daughters myself, and I know.

I told her I'd be honored.

He died on Christmas Eve, 1996, and left a wife and two daughters. From her wedding pictures I saw in Iraq on Father's Day, 2007, the wedding held on the weekend that included his birthday, they are all quite beautiful, and he would be proud.

May you sleep well tonight, wherever you are. Elsewhere rough men ride, and tomorrow will be a fine day indeed.

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

The “Surge” Can Not Yet Have Failed -- [Michael J. Totten - in Iraq]
You can be forgiven if you thought the United States military’s “surge” in Iraq has failed. At least you’ll be forgiven by me. I quietly assumed some time ago, before I had ever even heard of the surge, that the U.S. is going to lose this war in Iraq because the American public doesn’t have the will to stick out a grinding insurgency that might not ever be winnable. I’m not saying it isn’t winnable. I really don’t know. How could I possibly know? But we live in a democracy with civilian control of the military. If Americans want to give up – it’s over.
But the surge is only just now beginning.
Two weeks ago Dave Kilcullen, Senior Counterinsurgency Advisor to General Petraeus, said the following to Austin Bay...

Another installment from Matt Green -- [FOB Tacoma - in Iraq]
It's been a few weeks since we last heard from Lt. Col. Matt Green, the former Fort Lewis officer who for several months now has been leading a team of advisers to an Iraqi National Police commander in Baghdad. This piece was written June 21 but was held up due to a communications blackout.
...About two weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a few Iraqi men down in one of our market places. A few middle-aged men had approached me and were skeptical about the work we were doing and said he wished that he could trust the Americans, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do so. I asked if things had gotten better since February when we had arrived. He admitted that they had, but reminded me that that was only four months out of four years. I agreed, and talked about some of the positive civic improvements that were going on around him. He said he would try and be hopeful, and maybe he could meet me there in a few more months and tell me if his mind had changed.
His friend, who had remained silent broke in and asked, “why is it that when you invaded Kuwait, the country was fixed in just a few months, and is now once again very rich and prosperous?”
I choked up on my bat, ready to knock this one right out of the park.
“Well sir, that is pretty easy. None of the Kuwaitis ever shot at us when we tried to help them. More importantly they didn’t waste time attacking each other. Four years later, you all can’t seem to put your weapons down long enough to build anything!”

The Iraq Offensive -- [The Fourth Rail]
A status update on Operation Phantom Thunder
Iraqi and Coalition forces maintain the pressure against al Qaeda, Sunni insurgents, and the "rogue," Iranian backed "secret cells" of the Mahdi Army and the Qazali network. Operation Phantom Thunder is underway inside Baghdad and the Belts, as well as against al Qaeda's network nationwide. Also, the northwestern region of Iraq has been a focus of U.S. and Iraqi operations.

Lt. General Ray Odierno Multinational Corps Iraq Commander

Unreported Tragedies -- [Strategy Page]
June 27, 2007: One of the great tragedies of the Iraq war was how much it was politicized. A simple matter of ousting a tyrannical minority (the Sunni Arabs, who were 20 percent of the population) and allowing the entire population to form a democratic government, was twisted into a number of unfamiliar shapes to fit the political and media needs of many groups, foreign and domestic. But for those who were paying attention, you could follow the progress of the war, despite the misleading reporting and partisan rhetoric.

MySpace, courage, and an amazing young Marine
My buddy RJ is a Navy doc in Iraq. He's been volunteering at the base CSH ER to help out. He wrote this incredible story the other day.
Working in the hospital has been an amazing experience for me. I get to help Iraqi and American Marines and Soldiers and keep my clinical and emergency skills sharp, but sometimes the best lessons I learn through the stories that come out of that place - stories of strength and hope.

Iraq B1 Engages Targets

New Monitoring Networks Control Electricity in Iraq -- [US Army Corps of Engineers - in Iraq]
AN NASSIRIYAH, Iraq — In an ongoing effort to improve electricity supply in Iraq, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks to monitor and control electrical transmission and generation systems throughout the country.
The main function of SCADA is to serve and check power loads for each province through a digital connection and control loads easily by connecting them to the central power distribution points, according to electricity sector project manager Lewis Tyler, USACE Gulf Region South district.
“Turnover packages are being prepared for transition to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE),” he said. “The MoE will be able to continue with this project at their convenience.”

Iraqis recieve Clean Pottable Water -- [US Army Corps of Engineers - in Iraq]
Today in Iraq -Approximately 4,000 local residents will receive clean potable water from the completed Rural Water (10) Albo Mkheebr project, in Al Anbar, Al Anbar Province. .... - Up to 24,000 residents of Abo Fillis will receive clean potable water from the completed Rural Water Supply Abo Fillis (G5) project, in Ramadi, Al Anbar Province ....View ArchivesToday in Iraq -Approximately 4,000 local residents will receive clean potable water from the completed Rural Water (10) Albo Mkheebr project, in Al Anbar, Al Anbar Province. .... - Up to 24,000 residents of Abo Fillis will receive clean potable water from the completed Rural Water Supply Abo Fillis (G5) project, in Ramadi, Al Anbar Province ..

OP Arrowhead Ripper Update: Troops continue to clear Baqouba, deliver food to locals -- [MNF-I]
BAQOUBA, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Lightning Soldiers continued clearing and securing Baqouba, while providing humanitarian aid to citizens there June 27 as Operation Arrowhead Ripper entered its ninth day.
Since the beginning of the operation, ISF and Coalition Forces have provided approximately 265,000 pounds of rice and flour to residents of Baqouba and handed out over 10,000 vegetarian humanitarian rations, and thousands of bottles of water.

U.S. officials highlight progress in Iraq -- [MNF-I]
...Bergner highlighted several recent accomplishments, including an operation on Saturday south of Hawija in the al-Tamin province where Coalition forces killed two senior al-Qaeda leaders. One helped smuggle insurgents into Iraq for al-Qaeda operations. The other leader was a courier for the same al-Qaeda cell and was a close associate to other senior leaders within al-Qaeda.
Bergner also praised the work of Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces in Baqubah.

Second Published Claim In As Many Days That Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Troops Have Entered, And Are Operating In, Iraq -- [Pat Dollard]
The article totally and specifically vouches for the Sun’s claim yesterday, and gives some very intense, and very astounding elaboration. A brief and highly recommended read.

Candy -- [Jack Army - in Iraq]
It is supposed to be for the kids.
Sometimes, jundi can't help but take a piece or two for himself. So, ...

Eye of the Shitstorm -- [The Unlikely Soldier - in Iraq]
Each of these days are starting to slide and meld together into blurry mush and its hard to seperate what happened when, and even the events of today are a minor struggle to pull together.
Some of these houses are REALLY nice, you'd be surprised. I'm still not sure exactly how to articulate the way these people live their lives, so I guess I'll leave that one for another day. The people in the neighborhood were really awesome, and I saw some of the cutest little kids. I entertained them, and by them I mean me, by making duck noises at them. I didn't even make ONE kid cry today! Not saying that none of us made any kids cry, just that it wasn't me...
Now you know the drill, I have to spare plenty of details. So here's the big blur, and hopefully it makes a little sense.
"Hey, how long has that guy been there?"
"Uh...just a little after we got here I think."
"Lemme see the binos."
"Got anything?"
"I dunno. Here, keep watching him with these, tell me if he pulls out a cell phone."

Soldiers Dancing With Kids in Iraq

Pictures From the Z -- [Jake's Life - in Iraq]
On the roof with snipers.(pic)
Taking over carrying the radio for one of our heat casualties.(pic)
Me and Colbert, with our "damn we made it" faces after the 400 meter machine gun dash. (pic)

Enroute Care -- [TQ Surgical - in Iraq]
Photo montage of medical facilities and equipment use to care for our soldiers

Muslim redneck -- [Calvery in Iraq - in Iraq]
Greetings from Baghdad!
A quick funny note is all I have time for. Some of the unsung heroes of this war are our Arabic linguists, also called interpreters or terps for short.
A few of them were born in America and learned Arabic at an Army language school or in college.
But most of them are native Arabic speakers from a multitude of countries. Many, of course, are from Iraq originally. Many have lived in America for years and became American citizens long ago, but never forgot how to speak in their native language.
There is one guy that I work with sometimes that jokingly calls himself "the Muslim redneck." He is a

More Truth Than Fiction -- [Far from Perfect - in Iraq]
I saw this sticker on the back of a Fobbit Humvee. Unfortunately, it is more true than most service people would like. Nothing like wearing your reflective belt in a combat zone!!

Deciphering the Code -- [Badgers Forward - in Iraq]
to any US Army post and you will see various signs of unit pride and espirt d'corps. At the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, a mound of rocks is covered in paint, done by different units to remind future visitors of the victories those Soldiers had there.
...This phenomena though is not uniquely American, rather it seems to me to be quite universal at least among service members.

Anbar Waffle House opens for business -- [Desert Flier - in Iraq]
A dear friend whipped up a fantastic idea: surgical team waffles! She send out a waffle iron, pancack mix, maple syrup, buttermilk powder, and a can of pumpkin.
All I had to do was "procure" some milk and eggs. Grocery stores, or "Souks" are off-limits. Haven't found any Wa-Wa's or 7-11's yet. No easy task; this took a coalition of the willing and ...

The Hour Approaches -- [Major Olmstead - From the Front Lines]
Once we're on the ground, we'll spend about two weeks conducting what is known as RIP/TOA: relief in place/transfer of authority. Since we want to minimize the disruption to our Iraqi unit, it's important that we learn as much as we can about how the team we're replacing operates so we can continue in that vein. That way, the Iraqis may be dealing with different faces, but they're not having to learn a whole new means of operating.

AFGHANISTAN

RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: 30th May 2007

Entry 60 -- Mines left over from the Russian occupation of Afghanistan present a constant threat to the coalition troops. Most minefields are marked, but not all.

Week 22--Progress Continues -- [Richard's Deployment - in Afghanistan]
..I can't speak for everywhere, but I know what we do here at FOB Salerno. We have a mandate to treat any patient if their injury is caused by Coalition Forces, and we provide the same level of care to everyone; US or Afghan, men, women and children, young or old, enemy or friendly. But, above and beyond this care, I can personally name many children we have treated; with burns, gunshot wounds, amputations, sharpnel wounds, falls and vehicle accidents. And these injuries were not caused by Coalition Forces. They are just everyday tragedies that occur in a violent, dangerous country. Still, we treat those we can, and we train the Afghan doctors and nurses to care for their own better, so that when we leave they will do well on their own. We are building independence, not dependence on US Forces.

RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: SPECIAL FEATURE: Apaches in action

SPECIAL FEATURE: The Gunners start their day test firing weapons out on the range where hotshot Cpl Hardy show them how it's done. Later they team up with the US troops who are working with an Apache helicopter in the air to destroy mock targets.

The Rain Dance Worked -- [ETT PA-C - in Afghanistan]
Hi everyone. Hope you all are well. We finally made it to Lash. It’s been a tough few days getting our tent in order settling in our new home. The Brits have been a very welcoming bunch thus far. We’ve tried not to John Wayne ourselves in the place being that this is a British FOB. So, in normal fashion we’ve traded and charmed our way as far as we can. You know, “Here’s this, thanks for all your help and having us around….”
Building relationships is what many call it. We like to refer to it as

Playing To The Media -- [Strategy Page]
June 28, 2007: The province where the Taliban has been most active, Helmand, is also the source of most of the poppy crops, and heroin production. Over half the national poppy crop is in Helmand, and the Taliban was going to get paid big time by the drug gangs if the police and army could be driven out of the province. That didn't happen, and now the government is planning to shut down the drug industry in Helmand. While the production will go elsewhere, this will take time and money, and the government will just chase the new production.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

The Unreported War -- [Strategy Page]
June 27, 2007: France continues to pursue latest "pressure on Khartoum" policy. France's new government are making Darfur a big deal. France just hosted a meeting in Paris of several major international aid organizations, political representatives from the G-8 nations, and China. The subject was "reconstructing Darfur." That's an objective, but the meetings are designed to embarrass the Sudanese government. French and Chinese diplomatic contacts do worry the Sudanese government. Sudan has relied on China to cast a veto in the UN to avoid truly biting sanctions. The French diplomatic offensive includes the pitch that France and the international community need to guarantee Chad's stability and Chad's borders. Sudan and Chad have a border war that flares up occasionally.

MSM All But Ignores Dedication of Memorial to Victims of Communism -- [News Busters]
...Did you know that a monument to the many millions of victims who died during the Cold War as a result of communist oppression was dedicated in Washington DC on June 12th? You would be excused if you didn't know anything about it if the coverage of the event by the MSM is any measure because they all but ignored the unveiling of this moving monument.
The dedication was attended by many notables with President Bush saying a few appropriate words during the ceremony and the monument seems an appropriate design for a change, unlike so many of our other so-called monuments of late.
Shocking that a communist nation would complain about a memorial to their victims, isn't it?
In fact, there are more Google hits from Chinese sources than any other.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

Middle East Quarterly: Jihad's New Leaders -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross]
Over the past year, a number of prominent terrorists -- including Shamil Basayev and Abu Hafs al-Urdani -- were killed on the battlefield, and there have also been a host of less publicized kills and captures. But although the death of any prominent terrorist is a victory for the United States and its allies, our terrorist enemies possess what CIA director General Michael Hayden has described as a "'deep bench' of lower-ranking personnel capable of stepping up to assume leadership responsibilities." As new terrorist leaders emerge, terrorist strategy is shifting discernibly.

New from the NEFA "Target America" Series: "The PATH Tunnel Plot" -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Evan Kohlmann]
On the heels of the foiled plots targeting Fort Dix and JFK Airport, the Nine Eleven Finding Answers (NEFA) Foundation announces the release of the fifth in a series of reports examining the multitude of terrorist plots directed at the United States since 9/11. This week's report details the plot to bomb the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey. Describing the plot, which allegedly was directed by "a self-initiating foreign cell that had access to al-Qaeda's connections," FBI New York Director Mark Mershon asserted that the planned attack involved "martyrdom" and "explosives."

U.S. Efforts against Terrorism Financing: A View from the Private Sector -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Matthew Levitt]
On June 15, 2007, Robert Werner addressed The Washington Institute's Policy Forum seminar series. Managing director of Merrill Lynch's Monetary and Financial Control Group since December 2006, he previously served as director of the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and, before that, as director of the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Mr. Werner is therefore uniquely positioned to comment on the private sector perspective on the kinds of programs he oversaw at OFAC and FinCEN.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

One Week - Not Impossible! -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
Soldiers Angels has so MANY great projects and programs going on for our soldiers this summer, some new projects, as well as the regular programs that run all year. This time of year, everyone has time to dedicate to helping our troops, and plenty of time to think of new ways to support them, but the giving is usually below average as we are all out having summer fun. I want to encourage all of you to take a minute or two before you head out for the park, the golf course or the pool to click the donation button above and donate a dollar or two or ten to Soldiers Angels. It's fast and easy, and you don't need an account at Paypal to do so if you use a debit or credit card.

MILITARY

A Legacy of Honor -- [Sgt Stryker]
For those of you who haven’t been through boot camp, Family Day is held the Thursday before graduation. The men who have managed to survive the late nights and early mornings, the relentless screams and constant demands for perfection from their drill instructors, the back breaking humps and arm killing push ups and the test of endurance and strength that is The Crucible, are only a day away from graduation….and from freedom from the al seeing eyes of their drill sergeants. Family Day is the first time they have been allowed to see their families since they boarded those buses all those weeks ago. It is also the first time they have been allowed to wear their service uniform. Instead of the familiar cammies, they meet their families in the green service uniform of a Marine, complete with the prized Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
On this day, I was able to sit and watch these reunions. Mothers who had waved goodbye to boys, were suddenly faced with men. Fathers who berated their sons for staying out past curfew or failing a class were shaking hands with changed men. Gone were last year’s high school graduates, and in their place stood our newest Marines.

POLITICS

Et Tu, Brute? -- [Tanker Brothers - in Iraq]
It's no secret that, generally speaking, Republicans are more supportive of the military, and of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Very rarely do you read or hear of a Republican "flip flopping" and deciding he or she no longer supports the efforts of US and Coalition Forces to fight and defeat our enemies abroad.
Notice I said "rarely".
It happens. And sometimes, the staunchest of allies will commit rhetorical fratricide on our efforts.

A Study in Contrasts -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Someone concerned about national security and familiar with military operations:
It is clear from recent major offensive operations in Diyala and the other provinces surrounding Baghdad that Gen. David A. Petraeus now has the wherewithal not only to clear areas in Baghdad but to seal off those parts of the provinces where al Qaeda and the insurgents have fled to corner and kill them. ...
Someone concerned about their political career:
After four years of combat and more than 3,560 U.S. deaths, two Republican senators previously reluctant to challenge President Bush on the war announced they could no longer support the deployment of 157,000 troops and asked the president to begin bringing them home.

Surging to Defeat -- [The Corner - J .D. Johannes]
Is it possible to win a war on the ground, and lose it in Congress?
...The Indiana Republican endorses a downsizing and redeployment of the U.S. military mission in Iraq as an essential precondition to reasserting these vital national-security interests, which he defines thus:...

THE MEDIA

The Media and Congress -- [Jason's Iraq - in Iraq]
..."The bottom line is that after three months of studying the U.S. effort . .. we cannot assess the operational capability of these forces," the report said. "We are actually left with more questions than answers." Of course you are - I still don't even know what the hell I'm doing and I've been here over 2 months! I can assure you that 3 months would not be close to the amount of time required to write a congressional report. "And we've seen over the last few days and weeks that they are not even operating in the lead." Wow, you've seen that over the last few days! Great job - so statistically speaking, those few days with one or two small size units are representative of the entire Iraqi Security Force (ISF) and Army (IA)?
...What I get from this article is that the congressional "subcommittee" and the Department of Defense are having a little power struggle and so to emphasize this a report is published criticizing the DoD. I am by no means saying that I believe the ISF or IA are ready to take full control. However, that doesn't seem to be the focal point of this article and that's what pisses me off. Instead of highlighting all the negative opinions that we are so tired of hearing repeated by congress over and over, why not list some factual stats that illustrate where the forces are and where they need to go? Instead, this media article, like so many others, seems to be written to further fuel anti-war sentiment and public opinion.

Week 22--Progress Continues -- [Richard's Deployment - in Afghanistan]
We got some good press last week. BBC news was here in Afghanistan reporting on the progress of the war.
...Now, the funny thing is, they could do these stories every day. Every day the news media could do stories on the good things we are doing here in Afghanistan or Iraq or in any country where US Forces are currently serving. I can see the headlines now: hospitals opened, schools opened, roads built, lives changed and hope restored. Instead, they choose to focus on our mistakes or failures. It can be frustrating, knowing the truth and seeing the reports. But I guess that's the price of a free press.

HUMOR / SATIRE

Day By Day

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

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Free Camp for Kids of Military Parents Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007

Scott Ott emailed me and asked me to pass this around to reach those that would benefit the most.

Faithful ScrappleFace readers know that editor Scott Ott is also director of a Christian children’s camp called Victory Valley Camp, in Zionsville, Pennsylvania.

As an expression of gratitude for the sacrifice of our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Victory Valley Camp is offering a free week of day camp (ages 5-to-11) or overnight camp (ages 8-to-13) for their children during summer 2007.

This offer applies to families of troops deployed to either of these theaters of operations during the 2007 calendar year. A week of Valley Day Camp normally costs $135. A week of overnight Camp or Outpost costs $335. For these families, we will charge nothing.

We’re doing this as an act of honor and love for these families who have given so much of themselves that the rest of us might live in a nation where we’re free to worship the Lord.

We appreciate that a week of camp for these children will not only provide a joyful time of God’s word in God’s creation, but it also offers a much-needed week of respite for the stateside spouse.

For more information, click the flag of the United States of America at VictoryValleyCamp.org

May the Lord bless the families and the troops who hold freedom more dear than life. We count it all joy, and a privilege to serve you.

Victory Valley Camp has no fund set aside for this effort. We’re doing it because it seems like the right thing to do. People who wish to help, may contribute online or by mail. To learn more, click here. But whether folks give or not, the offer stands.

If you know someone who would enjoy some fun in the sun share this story

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

Quote -- [Jack Army - in Iraq]
Heard on the FOB:
Americans are like machines - you work all day and all night, you don't sleep, and keep doing this all year long...
-An Iraqi Interpreter

Marines make presence known, win hearts and minds -- [MNF-I]
“Showing a presence in the area does a lot more than people would think,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph A. Cervantes, squad leader, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2. “We mainly do two types of patrols, one being security patrols, which are designed to have a deterrent effect on anything that happens in the area.”
...“They seemed a little distant and cold at first,” said Martin. “They’ve always been friendly, but you can tell we’re now winning them over. They’re beginning to trust us and (they’re) glad we’re here.”
Martin recalled a recent 16-hour operation when the Marines were welcomed with open arms by the locals.

Troops Find Execution House -- [Defense Link]
BAQUBAH, Iraq, June 25, 2007 — Iraqi security forces and Task Force Lightning soldiers discovered an execution house and an illegal prison in the Baqubah neighborhood of Khatoon yesterday during the sixth day of Operation Arrowhead Ripper

Operation Arrowhead-Ripper

Stryker Soldiers of B Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Division take up blocking positions on the western outskirts of Baqubah, Iraq in support of Operation Arrowhead-Ripper, a major military offensive to clear insurgents from the city. They make sure no one gets in or out of Baqubah, ensuring insurgents do no escape the city. Soldiers are equipped with the new Land Warrior System.

Drilling for Justice -- [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
On 19 June American forces sealed off Baqubah and began attacking targets within the city. The immediate goal of Arrowhead Ripper was to free Baqubah of al Qaeda, by trapping and killing its members, but according to American officers here, public remarks by senior military officials may have flushed many AQI leaders before the attack. Despite this frustrating and significant setback, progress toward the end-state goal of Arrowhead Ripper—turning over Baqubah to Iraqi government control—appears to be working, at least in terms of the removal of the current AQI leadership and its quasi-government. There are conflicting signals about how many of the AQI leadership escaped before Arrowhead Ripper launched.

Prayers -- [Jake's Life - in Iraq]
I'm sure you hate seeing that headline on this blog as much as I hate typing it. Unfortunately I am bringing you all another prayer request for two of our guys who were badly wounded the second night we were out in the Zaidon.
...My squad and I went out on a pretty routine mission with them to sweep for weapons caches. We found an abandoned house that had bullet casings all over it and we spent about 20 minutes investigating. Satisfied that nothing was to be found there, we began to make our way out of the building. I was the second to last man out. As I was walking away, LCPL Arguello followed behind me and I heard a loud bang. The whole squad hit the deck, thinking a grenade had been thrown behind us. ...
I moved up with the engineers to investigate a little more. What we found scared the living hell out of me.

Bad Days -- [All Quiet on the Southwest Asian Front - in Iraq]
...A second assistance column sent by another battalion ran into even more. They spotted 5 IEDs on the way there, but not the sixth. They escaped serious damage from that one, but then the SAF (small-arms fire) ambush started up, including RPGs (Rocket-propelled Grenades). They had to stop and fight that one out.
The worst part of it was they could clearly see that some of their attackers were children.

Ar Ramadi -- [The Gunner's World - in Iraq]
With a quick smack from my right hand the magazine slides into place, my left hand pulls the upper receiver of my pistol back and letting it slide forward it goes home with a click driving the first round of the clip into the chamber, 15 left in the clip, locked and loaded. With the command of "Condition One" all weapons loaded the three other Marines and myself all climb back in the HUMMER. I feel the sweat dripping down my back and down my ribs as the flack jacket I am wearing hugs my upper torso, with my helmet and goggles strapped on the sweat just keeps coming, partly from my heightened heart rate and the increasing heat at only 10:00AM. I am riding with the Marines of 2nd Battalion 5th Marines through the streets of Ar Ramadi.

Operation Arrowhead Ripper

B-roll of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. Scenes include U.S. Soldiers using night vision, patrolling streets, entering buildings and roofs, and interviewing local Iraqis. Produced by Spc. Samantha Szesciorka. Visit www.dvidshub.net for full-length and broadcast quality versions. Clips in video: Operation Arrowhead Ripper.

Slave to the System -- [Desert Flier - in Iraq]
...The patient did well. Stable for the flight, I busied myself with watching his oxygen status, changing out oxygen tanks, and giving IV fluids and some pain medications. Flight medic taps me on the shoulder and signals "two mikes out". I have just enough time to clamp and store his IV fluids back into the "hot pocket" and check the oxygen tank one more time. Once we touch down, it's too late for housekeeping. We count tasks in seconds, and have precious few to spare. Flashes of light off to my right as our Blackhawk launches countermeasure flares. In all reality, I'm too busy taking care of the patient to care. It registers in the back of my mind "Hmm, wonder why we're launching chaffe?" I hear the pilots and crew chief talking over the "comms", and they don't know why it launched, either. Our countermeasure flares can be triggered manually, but are always on sensors, too. The helo computer sensed some sort of heat threat, ...

Saturday, June 23, 2007 VIDEO -- [LT Mark Green - in Iraq]
...I Know its been a while since I last posted any video or pictures but fortunately we have not been that busy, which means not many people have been getting injured. This video is a compilation of our past three weeks here in Ramadi. Quite a few O.R. pictures and alot of faces of people here doing a great job, and some just taking a nap (imagine that). Anyway hope you enjoy the video, and thank you for your continued support.

Tokens of Home -- [Acute Politics- in Iraq]
There's a small charm that hangs around my neck. Many soldiers carry some small token or good luck charm- Saint Christopher medallions, coins, crosses, sometimes even hand blown glass hearts. Mine is a stylized fishhook carved and polished out of bone. The Maori call it Hei-Matau; they believe it will bring strength, peace and good health. My sister bought mine for me while in New Zealand this winter, and I've worn it ever since. The Maori say that with time, part of the essence of the bone and of the wearer will swap places, and the necklace will become a small part of one's self. Mine has certainly changed in the six months I've worn it- one side has become even more highly polished from the constant rubbing of my cotton shirt, and the other shows dark streaks along the pores of the bone and hints of color from months of sweat and dust.

Yesterday’s Hotel Bombing Was A Very Bad Sign For Al Qaeda, Indeed -- [Pat Dollard]
Now there’s no doubt that yesterday’s heinous assasination of four U.S.-allied Sunni sheiks was a bit of a loss to our side. However, we certainly did not lose our alliance with those tribes. The sheiks who will take their place will not only remain in the fight against Al Qaeda, but will now be even further motivated to crush them. Fresh, fierce blood vendettas are like that. Most importantly, these assasinations represented not only yet another dramatic setback for Al Qaeda’s ambitions in Iraq, but for its very survival there.

No Significant Spike in Violence Following Latest Askariya Attack -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross]
The day after the al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra, Iraq was bombed for the second time in a year and a half, I wrote that the second bombing was "potentially disastrous." Analysts feared that, similar to the first attack on the al-Askariya Mosque on February 22, 2006, this provocation could spark sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias. Fortunately, about two weeks after the event, Iraq has not witnessed a major spike in violence.

Iraq Report: al Qaeda Strikes at the Seams -- [The Fourth Rail]
Today's report includes: Al Qaeda strikes with five suicide attacks; four members of the Anbar Salvation Council killed; update on operations north and south of Baghdad; Senior al Qaeda leader killed in Mosul; raids against al Qaeda networks focus on central Iraq; targeting the Mahdi Army and the Iranian secret cells.

Mayor of Iraq town ask what you need?

Sadr bites the hand that feeds him -- [Iraq the Model - iraqis in Iraq]
In our last post we briefly mentioned a statement in which Sadr’s office accused Iran of hosting and assisting al-Qaeda, today I’ll talk about that statement in more detail.

Anonymous Sources: Iranian Forces Invade Iraq -- [Confederate Yankee]
Well, we saw this coming:
Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have been spotted by British troops crossing the border into southern Iraq, The Sun tabloid reported on Tuesday.
Britain's defence ministry would not confirm or deny the report, with a spokesman declining to comment on "intelligence matters".
An unidentified intelligence source told the tabloid: "It is an extremely alarming development and raises the stakes considerably. In effect, it means we are in a full on war with Iran -- but nobody has officially declared it."
...As it so happens, Michael Yon was there, and wrote about the attack in his dispatch, Death or Glory

ON Point UPDATE #2 on Operation Phantom Thunder, by Andrew Lubin -- [ON Point]
Yesterday, ON Point talked with LTC Gregory Baker, deputy commander of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. Based at Wheeler Army Air Field in Hawaii, the 25th has been in Iraq for 11 months. The brigade’s attack weaponry consists of the Kiowas (1/82nd, scout weapons 2/6 Cavalry), the Chinooks (for troop/cargo transport) of 3/25th, and the Blackhawks of the 2/25th Aviation Battalion (also for transport). The unit is split between Mosul, Tal Afar, and their current...

Troops rescue local sheik -- [MNF-I]
RUSHDI MULLAH — A local Sunni man who had escaped his al-Qaida kidnappers arrived at an Iraqi army checkpoint pleading for help in rescuing his brother, a local sheik, late at night June 23.

Wounded Soldier Heals, Returns to Unit in Iraq -- [Gazing at the Flag]
BAGHDAD, June 25, 2007 - Army Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic won't spend a full 15 months in Iraq like the rest of the soldiers in his unit. Still, he knows all too well about the sacrifices of war.
The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division's Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6.

Understanding Current Operations in Iraq -- [SWJ - Dave Kilcullen - in Iraq]
I’ve spent much of the last six weeks out on the ground, working with Iraqi and U.S. combat units, civilian reconstruction teams, Iraqi administrators and tribal and community leaders. I’ve been away from e-mail a lot, so unable to post here at SWJ: but I’d like to make up for that now by providing colleagues with a basic understanding of what’s happening, right now, in Iraq.
This post is not about whether current ops are “working” — for us, here on the ground, time will tell, though some observers elsewhere seem to have already made up their minds (on the basis of what evidence, I’m not really sure). But for professional counterinsurgency operators such as our SWJ community, the thing to understand at this point is the intention and concept behind current ops in Iraq:

Water -- [My Desert Adventure - in Iraq]
You are looking at acres of pallets of bottled water. As the temperature goes up, this “water field” has been getting bigger and bigger. All of our water comes from the Tigris River and I guess it gets purified along the way (I’m sure the recent case of flesh eating bacteria had nothing to do with the water). Somewhere I read that the water from the river is just as clean as the water in any reservoir back home. Considering how dirty it is outside the wire, I doubt it. Once it bakes a while outside, it tastes something like dirty bath water

You know you are really going home when... -- [Foreign and Domestic]
...your replacements arrive. After January's bad news of the extension, no one wanted to get too excited about going home this time. The odds were of course astronomically against another extension, but you just never know.
But this last week saw two sure signs of our imminent departure.
First, we loaded all of our non-essential gear into a connex to be shipped home. Second, our replacements arrived. In the military, one unit replacing another in a combat zone is a very complicated process. The new unit arrives, gets their bearings, and then gradually assumes more and more responsibility, as we will have less and less. One of the most important things we have to do is

AFGHANISTAN

CLOTHING DONATIONS FOR AFGHANISTAN -- [Afghanistan Jag - in Afghanistan]
If you are interested in sending clothing donations to help the people in Afghanistan, please contact me at my email address, which you can find under the "my profile" section to the right.

New Forensic Technology -- [A JAG in Afghanistan - in Afghanistan]
...The officer Merrill is writing about is COL Rahmatullah and it didn’t surprise me in the least when I read that it was him. As Merrill writes, more than anything these people need more education to help them progress. To him, I’m sure this was a perfectly logical request and he had every reason to believe that such technology exists out there. This just accentuates why we need to be here and why we need to continue to be here.

I'm still here... actually I moved to up there. -- [Partamian Report - in Afghansitan]
I am no longer at KAF. I moved north to the Uruzgon province. I'm just outside the thriving metropolis of Tarin Kowt (that's a joke). Our little camp is attached to a big Dutch FOB. There are also a lot of Australians here as well. We've been here for about a week. The day we got here, there was a lot of fighting going on in the area, but we were not involved.

RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: 29th May 2007 -- Added: 7 hours ago

Tonight the patrol is headed to a village where rockets have been launched at the airbase. Although things have been quiet for the last month the RAF are careful not to become complacent.

ISAF troops discover IED factory, detain 13 -- [ISAF - in Afghanistan]
TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan (June 26) - ISAF soldiers discovered an improvised explosive device factory here that may have played a role in the suicide attack a week ago in Chowreh district.

Military investigates press report of detainee abuse -- [ISAF - in Afghanistan]
KABUL, Afghanistan (June 25) – ISAF and U.S. military officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding an article written by Wolfgang Bauer in the German magazine “Focus”, accusing U.S. and Afghan soldiers of witnessing and participating in alleged detainee abuse in Ghazni province.
On June 10, during the conduct of a combined patrol, the article alleges a detainee was tied to the back of a military vehicle. According to the article, the vehicle's engine was then turned on, and the man was told he would be dragged across the road if he did not cooperate. Additionally, the article alleges threatening of the detainee’s family members. ISAF and U.S. military officials are conducting formal investigations into the matter.

Little Boy Suicide Bomber -- [The Tank - W. Thomas Smith Jr.]
In this morning's Military Roundup we linked to a post over at Little Green Footballs about a six-year-old boy being recruited as a suicide bomber by the Taliban.
Details were sketchy then. The AP has more now about little Juma Gul and his story of what the Taliban was doing to him, "provoking tears and anger" from Afghan tribal leaders

Taliban Tells 6-Year-Old His Suicide Belt Will Spray Flowers -- [Gateway Pundit]
The Taliban told the 6-year-old street child to go "spray flowers" on the Americans.
Afghan boy Juma Gul ,6, right, has lunch with his brother Dad Gul at a joint U.S.-Afghan military command center in Andar district of Ghazni province, west of Kabul, Afghanistan on Saturday, June 23, 2007. The story of Juma Gul, who says he thwarted an effort by Taliban militants to trick him into carrying out a suicide bombing against U.S. troops provoked tears and anger at a weekend meeting of tribal leaders. Though the Taliban dismissed the story as propaganda, at a time when U.S. and NATO forces are under increasing criticism over civilian casualties, both Afghan tribal elders and U.S. military officers said they were convinced by his dramatic account.

Afghanistan Briefing 26 June 2007

Taliban Admits Defeat -- [Strategy Page]
June 25, 2007: The Taliban has admitted defeat, in their own unique way. In recent media interviews, Taliban spokesmen announced a shift in emphasis to suicide bombings. The Taliban also admitted that the Americans had infiltrated their high command, which led to the death or capture of several senior Taliban officials, and the capture of many lower ranking ones as well. There have also been some prominent defections recently, which the Taliban spokesmen did not want to talk about.

Inevitable: Some Democrats now calling for withdrawal from Afghanistan -- [Hot Air]
A.k.a. home of the “real” war on terror, the good fight that the left had been spoilin’ to win before Bush went and distracted them with that “fake” war that’s killed ten times as many troops. “You don’t hear people saying, ‘We need to get out of Afghanistan,’” declares Russ Feingold, followed immediately by a bunch of people saying we need to get out of Afghanistan.

U.S. AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

House Moves to Cut Funds for UNDP, Human Rights Council -- [One Free Korea]
Each entity has recently brought particular discredit on itself, and in each case, there is a North Korea nexus. The UNDP recently failed a UN internal audit after U.S. diplomats outed the organization for allowing its Pyongyang operations to become, as a U.N. staffer put it, “an ATM machine” for the regime. It turns out that North Korea used some of the funds to buy overseas real estate and dual-use equipment, and that the U.N. even had a stock of counterfeit currency in one of its safes that handled North Korea program-related funds.

Iran Has a Plan to Break the Arms Import Ban -- [Strategy Page]
June 25, 2007: Iran is using Syrian arms purchases from Russia, as a way to get around a UN and U.S. arms embargo. The latest example of this is a billion dollar purchase of Russian MiG-31 and MiG-29 fighters. These are the latest models of both aircraft types. Five MiG-31s have apparently already been delivered. About two dozen aircraft are involved, and Syria will keep some of them, but the rest will show up in Iran.

U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Lebanese and Syrian Figures -- [MEMRI Blog]
Official U.S. sources have told Al-Hayat that the White House is shortly to issue a presidential decree against several Syrian and Lebanese figures on charges of undermining Lebanese stability. The decree will impose economic sanctions on these figures and ban them from entering the U.S. Among the Lebanese named in the decree are MPs close to the Syrian regime, including Abd Al-Rahim Murad and Nasser Qandil.

WAR ON TERROR /TERRORISM

Terrorists Keep Blogs, Too -- [Danger Room]
Islamists use the Web to spread propaganda, communicate anonymously, share training guides, get organized -- even sell t-shirts. So it's not exactly a shock that Muslim extremists are blogging, too.
Dancho Danchev reviews a handful of terrorist blogs -- and warns that "these are just the tip of the iceberg, but yet another clear indication of the digitalization of jihad."
One particularly active site Dancho highlights is Jihad Fields are Calling: Allah Send Us To Bring People Out From the Slavery of The People to The Slavery of Allah. And it's got all the features you'd expect from a top-flight -- if crude -- propaganda operation. Here's a diary from a woman who claims she was drugged and raped in Abu Ghraib.

SUPPORTING THE TROOPS...OR NOT

US troops Nazis, according to anti war weasels --[BlackFive - Uncle Jimbo]
I have always had fairly cordial relations with the large collection of liberals, progressives, moonbats, anarchists and other assorted lefties here in Madison. I've even been to an Independence Day Tea Party and Re-Revolution that was decent theater. This truce was tested on Memorial Day when some anti-war wankers decided to try and stop me from filming in a public park. It didn't work out for 'em and it made me question their peacefullness.

"We the soldiers love and appreciate you too... " -- -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Hello,
Greetings from Baghdad, Iraq.
I just want to thank those Angels assigned to me who have wrote me a letter or sent me a card. I appreciate your love and support. It's an honor and privilage to serve this great nation we live in and to fight for our freedoms. I also appreciate your prayers.
I know I have seen your mail going out to many of our troops. Thank you so much, we love all of that love and support we're getting from you Angels. It really boosts our morale when we receive some love from people back home and it makes our jobs easier knowing we are being supported by our people back home in America - people like you.

Virtual Installations -- [SgtStryker]
It is never easy for the families left behind when a loved one deploys. The daily duties of running the household, taking care of the children, paying the bills and dealing with the constant stress and worry of knowing your spouse may never come home again can be overwhelming for military families. Families of active duty service members who live on or near base have access to the many resources and services available to military families. They can go to Community Services, base counseling, The Red Cross, legal aid, even the service emergency relief societies if the need arises. But what about the families of National Guardsmen or reservists who may not live near a military base? What about the wife of an Army reservist who lives in Evenston, Wyoming hundreds of miles from a commissary, exchange or volunteer network?

Soldiers' Angels Receives US Army's Commander's Award for Public Service -- [Soldiers' Angels Kansas City]
Dear Angels,
We have HUGE news to share with you! Soldiers’ Angels received the US Army’s Commander's Award for Public Service on Saturday, June 17th, 2007 in Sacramento, CA. at the Military Order of the Purple Heart National meeting.
This award is the fourth highest public service honorary award that may be granted and is given for service or achievements that contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the mission of an Army activity, command, or staff agency.

The Passing of the Sword -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
This past Saturday we were in one of the dayrooms at the Landstuhl outpatient facility unpacking the groceries we had just purchased at the Commissary. Soldiers' Angels provides fruit, cereal, microwave meals and other late-night snacks for the patients arriving after regular meal hours.
I'd been told there were some VIPs scheduled to come through but didn't think much of it because that happens all the time. So when First Sergeant Lowe came in the room and said, "MaryAnn, I'd like you to meet CSM Mellinger", I was speechless.

IN MEMORY OF...

Remembering the fallen - VIDEO -- [Military Times]

Flag Waving--Marine Charles Lindberg Dead at 86 -- [Matt Sanchez]
The raising of the flag at Iwo Jima ensured the survival of the Marine Corps for another 200 years.
Within five weeks, over 6000 Marines had perished in a battle to occupy a small island that was named for the sulfur in it's bowels. The taking of Iwo Jima allowed for the landing of planes and the continuation of the island hopping campaigns that eventually lead to the defeat of Japanese Imperial forces.

MILITARY

Free Speech, The Military, And National Interest -- [Chapomatic]
That’s the title of an interesting article from 1980 that describes the legal history of how military folks are restrained or not in their speech at various distances from a war zone. It’s a good read, particularly in light of the dustup Skippy and I had the other week about what limits retired generals should have when speaking in that capacity. The article discusses the unique position of senior officers, but only obliquely mentions retirees.

Field Training -- [A Soldier's Perspective - SGTHuckleberry]
...One of the things we do is train units preparing to deploy to a combat zone. We focus on small unit tactics and dismounted operations. We train them to deal with IEDs, VBIEDs, angry mobs, desperate citizens, you name it. It get sort of repetitive after a while but I like the predictability of it here. Even though we tend to do similar operations with each rotation, they are all different enough that we learn something from each one. When you come in from the field you feel a great sense of accomplishment that the guys leaving will be better prepared for whatever they will face during their next deployment.

POLITICS

A New Push For A Different National Iraqi Makeup -- [RedState]
The Bush Administration is concerned that it will be forced to fight repeated battles aimed at keeping the reconstruction effort in Iraq going. Naturally, much--if not all--of its concerns stems from the belief that eventually, one of those battles will be lost to a Democratic Congress and the reconstruction effort will be short-circuited.

Great Cheney Switch, v7.0 -- [Captain's Quarters]
I'd like to have a shot of what Sally Quinn's drinking. In today's Washington Post, Quinn tells us that Republicans have decided that Dick Cheney has to go, and will start devising plans to force him out of an office to which he has been twice elected. Quinn believes that this has reached the Goldwater-to-Nixon scenario in the summer of 1974, only this time Cheney stands accused of hurting the GOP's chances in the next election rather than any lawbreaking.

THE MEDIA

Fallout From MSNBC Report -- [Real Clear Politics]
A few heads have rolled following MSNBC's investigation into journalists who gave to candidates:
...The paper which dropped Cohen's column was the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, WA. He is still employed at the Times.

Brian Williams Highlights Students Asking Bush to Stop Torturing Prisoners -- [NewsBusters]
On Monday's NBC Nightly News, anchor Brian Williams highlighted a "surprise" letter presented to President Bush by high school students visiting the White House who wanted the President to "stop the practice of torture." Williams: "When they got there, 50 of them [out of 141] presented him with a handwritten letter that they had signed demanding that the United States stop the practice of torture."
During the 37-second segment, Williams recounted the story and at one point showed a copy of the letter on-screen with the sentence "We do not want America to represent torture" blown up so it was readable to viewers.

Earning the Trust of the Public -- [Accuracy In Media]
The question is not whether unfairness and errors persist in the news media. Glaringly, they do. But how should the media eradicate them, so that biased reporting will not continue to taint the good name of the fourth estate of the realm?
In this respect, the media cannot ignore the recent speech by outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism in which he accused the media of abandoning their ethics of impartial reporting and accuracy.

Brzezinski's Latest Blast: 'Whatever Happened to Iraq Study Group?' -- [NewsBusters]
Mika Brzezinski is at it again. As noted here and here, the daughter of Jimmy Carter's former National Security Advisor is inclined to inject her personal political views into her MSNBC newsreading role.
At 6:10 am EDT on today's "Morning Joe," Mika read an item reporting that Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) had called for a change of course in Iraq and expressed support for the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by James Baker and Lugar's fellow Hoosier, Lee Hamilton.
Mika couldn't restrain herself, archly asking:
MSNBC NEWSREADER MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Whatever happened to the Iraq Study Group, because I believe President Bush asked for those pieces of advice, correct?
Host Joe Scarborough immediately called Mika on her editorializing.
MSNBC HOST JOE SCARBOROUGH: The thing is, Mika, if you write for the front page of the New York Times, they don't let you go into the editorial room.

HUMOR / SATIRE

Day By Day

Extreme Makeover Iraq Edition

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

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

"That Was Some Scary Shit" -- [Jack Army- in Iraq]
Yesterday, I experienced something I didn't think I ever would, but knew was a possibility.
I told you recently about some force protection upgrades we were working on for our Iraqi Army (IA) brothers in an outpost in this area. Yesterday, we stopped by that outpost in a small town to perform several tasks. My boss met with the city leaders, I checked in with the IA and others on our team were going to meet with various other folks in this town. The barriers were in place and the IA guards were well positioned and understood their jobs. The IA commander of this outpost felt he understood the dangers in this town and this area but I'm certain that he only had a partial understanding of what was going on. His outpost had been attacked on the very first night his unit arrived. It was a very ineffectual attack with no casualties on either side, but it seemed that the attack was more a message than an attempt to engage in a serious battle. The message being, "we know you're here and we don't like it." Hence the new barriers and such.
...It didn't take long for the news to pick it up. All the "facts" in these reports aren't exactly right, but the gist of the reports are about right.

Terrorist fires on own family during raid -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 29-suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its foreign fighter network Friday.
Two coordinated operations in Mosul targeted a Kurdish extremist known for helping al-Qaeda in Iraq facilitate foreign fighters and conduct financial and media operations. Coalition Forces entered the first targeted building, isolated the women and children and moved further into the house. While maneuvering through the target building, an armed man engaged the ground force with small arms fire, endangering the force and the innocent family members. Coalition Forces defended themselves and the women and children by killing the armed terrorist.

The IED War --[RedState]
It is generally acknowledged that the IED is the weapon that keeps the war in Iraq going.
One would think we would be doing everything in our power to stop this threat but are we?
...Yes, an organization has been established to combat this threat. Predictably, it is having difficulties in developing an operations tempo and some in the field are underwhelmed by the tech reps they see.
Units are taking a decidedly low-tech approach to the problem, which in my view is where the answer lies:

Arrowhead Ripper: Surrender or Die -- [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
...I am with 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. I’ve run a few missions with them in Baghdad, and they have fought all over Iraq. This Brigade has much recent combat experience, and is expertly commanded. A person does not need to even meet the commanders (though I do each day) to know they are running a tight ship. The professionalism of 3-2 is particularly high, and they are very competent fighters who are maximizing their assets, including the incredible Stryker vehicles.

We welcome you to the home page of the 3rd "Arrowhead" Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis, WA; the first Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). -- [Arrowhead" Brigade - in Iraq] HT: The Tank
The 3d Stryker Brigade Combat Team was the first brigade to undergo a massive transformation initiated by the Chief of Staff of the US Army. That initiative, the "Stryker Brigade Combat Team", was the first ever medium weight brigade unit in the history of the US Army. Visit the page and go to official sites that will help explain better what the SBCT is all about!

Operation Phantom Thunder: The Battle of Iraq -- [The Fourth Rail]
A status update on the operations in the Baghdad Belts and beyond
Operation Phantom Thunder, the name of the overarching operation to secure the Baghdad Belts, is now in its fifth day. As noted yesterday, Phantom Thunder is a corps-level operation, with multiple U.S. and Iraqi divisions engaged on multiple fronts. Iraqi Security Forces and Multinational Forces Iraq are engaged in intense fights in four main theaters: Baghdad proper, and the belts regions consisting of Diyala and southern Salahadin provinces to the north, northern Babil province to the south, and eastern Anbar province to the west of Baghdad. The fighting has been the most intense in the city of Baqubah, the provincial capital of Diyala.

Iraqi Police Training In Fallujah -- [Right Wing News - Matt Sanchez in Iraq]
Sometime after 0200 Operation Alljah began in a middle-class neighborhood in northern Fallujah. The Marines of the 2nd Battalion 6th Marines occupied a police precinct and began a swarm or strategic blocking off of the streets, in order to control access both in and out of the neighborhood. That morning, by the time I arrived with the 5/10, an artillery unit crossed-trained for civil affairs, the 2/6 were firmly ensconced in the east side of the concrete precinct.
Since traveling north from Kuwait on an Army convoy, and crossing into Baghdad, and later Camp Fallujah, I had always heard stories of how bad, corrupt and unprofessional the Iraqi police (IP) is. "They smile at us when we drive by, because they know there's an IED planted ahead," said one platoon leader.

Citizens gather to join ranks of Lutifiyah’s Iraqi Police -- [MNF-I]
LUTIFIYAH — During a time when Iraq needs help the most, citizens are stepping forward and volunteering their services to help make the country a better place.
Iraqi police from the surrounding areas of Lutifiyah, Iraq, held a recruiting drive in Lutifiyah, June 17.
“Lutifiyah needs a local police force and this recruiting event was a good thing to see happen,”

Iraq And US Forces Take On The Militants.

US paratroopers and iraqi police take on militants,with the Iraqi force commanding ultimate respect from the US forces in their bravery after dodging flying bullets but still battle on

Here's What You Miss From the MSM- Real Progress In Iraq -- [Gateway Pundit]
The goal of U.S. security strategy in Iraq is to develop the Iraqis’ capacity to security their country while carrying out a campaign to defeat the terrorists and neutralize the insurgency. (DOD)
And, despite the reports from the biased media, real progress is taking place in Iraq.
The current map -June 2007- of Iraq shows Iraqis controlling operations in 7 out of 18 Iraqi provinces.

Admiral surprises Soldiers with candid, detailed answers -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD — When the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff showed up to speak to 1st Cavalry soldiers here yesterday, soldiers were a bit surprised by how in tune he was with the current situation in Iraq.

America can’t just walk away from the fight with al-Qaeda, US general insists -- [Times Online]
Despite four years of bloodshed, the US soldier in charge of restoring security to Iraq tells Richard Beeston that Britain is still important to the continuing battle

Kidnapped GIs' Leader Disputes Report -- [Military.com]
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - A commander of three U.S. Soldiers killed in Iraq in an ambush-kidnapping disputes military investigators' findings that the troops had been told to guard a bridge for up to 36 hours straight.
In his first public comments on the gruesome attack last June, Lt. Col. Thomas Kunk told The Associated Press that Soldiers were asked to come back to base often for rest. But he also said checkpoints were undermanned, and that his commanders rejected his requests for more troops in the particularly dangerous part of Iraq where the Soldiers were attacked.
"I don't believe that they were there for 36 hours, to be quite honest with you, because that's not the way rotation schedules were set up,"

June 21st Update-Focus on Iraq -- [Spirit of America]
This email includes updates and information on:
Army SSG Steven Gardner stationed in Iraq since 2003!
Good News (yes!) from Marine 1stLt Josh Walker stationed in Ramadi Iraq
*Troop outreach under way!
ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE (AAFES) - REQUEST HELP IN REMOTE REGION OF IRAQ
Meet SSG Steven Gardner, pictured below with the Headmaster at a primary school near Habur Gate, Iraq.

AFGHANISTAN

News of Afghanistan - The Return III (Edition 59) -- [Miserable Donuts]
I still have smoke pouring out of my ears from a lovely 4 1/2 hour meeting with a room full of lawyers and other insurance people... but here is the News, such as I can find!

Give Afghans An Alternative to Poppy Crops -- [Spirit of America]
Thanks to YOU, our new project, Army Request to Aid Afghan Farmers, is off to a fantastic start! We received almost $50K to support the request of Army personnel to help destitute farmers in Southern Afghanistan.

US troops in dramatic rescue - VIDEO -- [BBC News]
US soldiers rescue a pregnant woman as they patrol the volatile border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

U.S., Afghan Troops Rescue Enemy-Held Hostages -- [Defense Link]
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 21, 2007 – Two people who’d been held hostage by Taliban and al Qaeda militants were rescued today by U.S. and Afghan forces during raids in the Zaghun Shah district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province, U.S. officials reported.
Intelligence indicated that three Afghan citizens from the district had recently been abducted by Taliban and al Qaeda fighters.
During raids conducted today, U.S. and Afghan troops discovered one of the hostages being held at a compound, while another hostage held nearby was being led away by his captors to another location.

RAF AFGHAN DIARIES: 25th May 2007

SAC Paul Goodfellow's Afghanistan diary - Entry 55 -- There are several members of the RAF Regiment Reserves (also known as the Royal Auxillary Air Force Regiment) with 51 Sqn in Kandahar, providing essential skills and support for the full time troops. Paul chats to Gunner Tom Gordon who serves as a member of the British Police Force when back in the UK.

Taliban using illegal, immoral methods to fight -- [ISAF News Release]
KHOWST, Afghanistan (June 22) – Taliban extremists have been desecrating cemeteries and burial sites, using children as bombers, and violating Islamic tradition, according to ISAF officials here.