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Bad apples -- [Major K - in Iraq]
There are many things that I have to post about, but this is the elephant in the room that I must get out of the way. We have apparently found evil in our midst. I cannot comment on the ongoing investigation save to say that I am disgusted by the actions of a few that have tarnished the good work of so many others. I am not involved in this situation, and for that I am thankful. Morale has taken quite a hit, but the NightStalkers will bounce back, and be stronger and better for it. The Battalion is currently under a microscope, and many people have been relieved or moved. I, although not involved, got moved as well. I think that someone found out there was an infantry officer in charge of the intelligence section when there should be an intelligence officer doing that job - ...
Moving On [MOAB - Journalist in Irag]
The fear felt during that attack wasn?t just my own. One young Marine in the back of the 7-ton with me looked particularly ashen after the mortars stopped. He stood up as the truck cleared the scene and threw the only punch he could at his faceless enemy. "I hate this f-----g country!" he yelled at the top of his lungs into the rushing air, arms stretched outwards with clenched fists.
Why are Citizen-Soldiers in Iraq? -- Six More Months - in Irag]
Reading this OP-ED Piece in the NYTimes by Stanford history professor David Kennedy, claiming that today?s Army does not reflect the mainstream of America, brings to mind a conversation I had while I was home on leave.
Calm before the storm -- [ Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
The month of July has been one of the quietest in terms of enemy activity since we've been here. That is not necessarily a good thing, however, because long lulls in enemy activity often precede spectacular attacks. We count on this happening and one of the challenging (practically impossible) jobs of our S2 folks is to try and predict when and where (and how) those attacks will happen.
This month, it happened the day before yesterday,...
Death is Too Good For Them [Graham's Journal - in Iraq] (pics)
We've passed by the Sadeer Hotel several times while on missions. This day was different however, because the day before a minibus packed with explosives pulled up to the checkpoint and detonated, destroying several homes and businesses and killing twelve people. The target was the Sadeer Hotel, which is sometimes used by American contractors. But the stupid bastards couldn't even get through the gate. So instead, they killed a bunch innocent bystanders outside the hotel's fortifications who were just trying to get on with their lives. (pics)
new pictures and video [Boots in Baghdad - in Iraq] (video and lots and lots of awesome pics)
New pictures have been posted at Boots In Baghdad Photographs.
I have posted two video clips at Boots In Baghdad Films and am working on getting more up. Check back in a day or two and more should be up.
WE GOT SANDBLASTED BY CHINOOK HELICOPTERS LAST NIGHT -- Dixie Sappers - Kevin Kelly - in Iraq]
Last night as I was watching a DVD, I heard a helicopter coming in. It sounded like it was coming from the opposite direction than normal flights and it sounded big. It was big. It was a Chinook. I thought that it was going to land on the building at first. I told you ...
Sharing Gifts [A Soldier's Blog - in Iraq]
I want to thank every family member, friend, acquaintance, and blog reader for sending items to me to hand out. The adults and children thoroughly enjoyed receiving each and every item. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, me or them, who knows? Also, each guy in my platoon who went out on the missions got a chance to help the US give to the average person here. The farmer who got some toys for his three children, the mother who received four goodie bags with school supplies for her kids, the old man who waited patiently for a winter coat, and all the children who received beanie babies, pencil, candy, school supplies,>>> THANK YOU SOO much for your generosity.
IRAQ: The Unsavory and Popular Alternatives to Democracy -- [Strategy Page]
July 29, 2005: It's out in the open now. American commanders are making plans to reduce troop levels next year. That all depends on Iraqi security forces being able to get sufficiently trained and organized to deal with the political and criminal gangs. Over two years of recruiting and training new soldiers and policemen, coalition military advisors believe that the Iraqis can do the job. But the problems the Iraqis face are more than dealing with criminals, it's dealing with a criminal (to Western eyes) mentality that pervades much of society.
MOVE TO TIGERLAND -- [2005 Tour of Duty - in Iraq]
As my old CSM use to say "the only thing constant is change". I packed up my gear and moved to Tigerland. It was a good move. Now I am closer to work only 7 minutes away instead of 15, which means I get an extra 7 miuntes of sleep time and an extra minute to dress. (Pics)
Riverine forces in action!! -- [CDR Salamander]
Having bad flashbacks to my Midshipman days, I just received and email from a Marine Gunnery Sergeant (AKA Gunny or GySgt) in Iraq who took me to task for my poor research in my FEB post, and he is right on target. I should have mentioned the great work being done by the Army and Marines more in my second post, but was too blinded at my anger at my own service for letting others do our job. I can't stand it when some have to unnecessarily pick up the slack of others....
Anyway, here is a quick summary of what GySgt and his Marines are doing to bring the fight to the enemy
Saddam's Friends and Family Sell Him Out -- [Iraqi Expat - an Iraqi in London]
I bet he thought they were loyal to him because he was the "great hero"! I am sure there are lowlife stupid shameless people who love Saddam and are loyal to him because they think he is the "great hero"; however, I am also sure that members of the rotten Baath regime only loved him and were loyal to him because of their shameless selfishness, greed for power and money, and fear of the devil.
Are we going to let them win? -- [ Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Did Syria and Iran win in their indirect war on Iraq?
This question has been occupying my thoughts in the last few days and to reach an answer, we should first know the goals of the US in the region and whether these goals have been failed or they're merely witnessing slow progress?
And are we going to see some determination on reaching these goals or are we going to see strategic changes from offense to defense in the plans?
I think the changes in the Middle East do not originally represent an American desire but they're more like a need that imposed itself on the US and the world as instability in this region negatively affects many parts of the world.
Million signatures claimed for Iraq troop pullout petition -- [Drudge Report]
Radicals within Iraq's Shiite majority community said Friday that they had collected one million signatures demanding the withdrawal of US-led troops.
"We obtained the Iraqi signatures demanding the withdrawal of the occupation troops as asked for by Sayyed Moqtada Sadr," said Sheikh Abdel Zahra al-Suwaidi, an aide of the Shiite radical leader.
Military Mission In Iraq Extended -- (Miami Herald)...Unattributed
El Salvador's Congress has approved the extension of the country's military mission to Iraq, agreeing to send a fourth group of soldiers to the troubled nation.
When Will It Be OK To Use The 'Q' Word Regarding Iraq War? -- (Arizona Daily Star (Tucson))...Andrew M. Greeley
The Big Muddy is deeper and darker. Two Pentagon reports this week show just how muddy. In a survey of the morale of soldiers in Iraq the Pentagon found that more than half said morale in their units was either "low" or "very low."
Bush's Jane Fonda-Esque Mistake -- (Los Angeles Times)...Rosa Brooks
...To U.S. military leaders, one lesson of Fonda's escapades was that preventing war crimes is not only a matter of law and morality, but also crucial to preserving military morale and public support for the troops. In the three decades since the Vietnam War, our armed forces have worked hard to integrate material on the Geneva Convention into every soldier's training, and to develop internal procedures to prevent and punish violations. Members of the Judge Advocate General's Corps work with service members at every level to ensure the mistakes of Vietnam are not repeated.
Colonel Offers a Helping Hand -- (LA Times ...David Zucchino)
On Oct. 7 in central Iraq, mortar shrapnel tore into Maxwell's skull, causing severe brain damage and lacerating the left side of his body. Seventeen days later, a rocket exploded near Ferguson in western Iraq, shredding his lower left leg.
The two Marines had never met before the 40-year-old colonel sought out the 22-year-old corporal in the physical therapy ward of the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune this month. Their encounter was part of an extraordinary endeavor by a Marine officer with a faulty memory and a speech impediment, in which the walking wounded helped care for injured comrades.
Even as Maxwell recovers physically and psychologically, he patrols military hospitals and barracks to comfort and counsel a handful of the U.S. service members injured in Iraq, which number about 14,000.
5 Moons and Counting (pic) -- [Firepower Forward - in Afghanistan]
Since our move to Metropolis I haven't been as cognizant of this as in Salerno, but we have now been in Afghanistan long enough to witness the waning and waxing of 5 full moons. Here in BAF all the nocturnal celestial bodies are fairly well neutralized by the plethora of lights. Having not had to use a flashlight for 2 full months now, It takes a conscious effort to remember how much of this country lives and dies, sometimes literally, around the phases of the moon
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Forced to Recruit Kids to Keep Going -- [Stategy Page]
July 25, 2005: The Taliban have lost over 500 fighters so far this year, and these defeats have not only reduced the number of active fighters, but made it more difficult to recruit replacements. As a result, surviving Taliban are recruiting kids as young as 14. These kids are often from the family of dead Taliban.
Gratuitous Afghanistan Photo of the Day (44) -- [Miserable Donuts - back from Afhanistan]
The leaders of the village of Rogmati. We met them at an important town facility...no, not a mosque, but the pharmacy. When we came into town, 3 of them whipped out cell phones and called the others to come meet us. No matter where you go, you cannot avoid cellphones... (pic)
Six militants killed in Afghanistan; earlier report contradicted -- (Middle East Times)
US-Afghan forces on July 29 killed six insurgents and captured 10 more after coming under fire in southeast Afghanistan, the US military said.
U.S. Helicopter Crashes In Afghanistan, 2 Hurt -- (Reuters)
A U.S. Apache helicopter crashed during a routine training mission in Afghanistan, injuring the two crewmen aboard, a military statement said.
Dust Blamed In Chopper Crash -- (Honolulu Advertiser)...William Cole
An investigation into the CH-47D helicopter crash on April 6 in Afghanistan that killed two Schofield Barracks soldiers and 16 others found that the aircraft ran into a severe dust storm with winds topping 45 knots and the pilots became "spatially disoriented."
They Expected An Easy Ride, Then The Enemy Struck Back -- (London Times)...Catherine Philp
Soldiers hardened on the battlefields of Iraq were looking forward to a spot of peacekeeping in Afghanistan. They got much more than they expected.
Corsi: Horrifying evidence of mullahs' rule of terror -- [Regime Change Iran]
Dr. Corsi, WorldNetDaily:
Kurds in Iran's western city of Mahabad are rioting against the Iranian government after the torture and brutal death of activist, Shovaneh Ghaderi, at the hands of the police. Shovaneh was a member of the Revolutionary Union of Kurdistan. His crime evidently was to call for autonomy in Kurdistan.
U.S. Evicted From Air Base In Uzbekistan -- (Washington Post)...Robin Wright and Ann Scott Tyson
Uzbekistan formally evicted the United States yesterday from a military base that has served as a hub for combat and humanitarian missions to Afghanistan since shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Pentagon and State Department officials said yesterday.
The Fools Around Us Will Be Nigh The Death Of Us! -- [GM's Corner]
Stupidity comes in all forms, shapes and sizes. There are lefty fools, commie fools (low may their numbers be), righty fools (although to my way of thinking far fewer of them than of the lefty variety). There are libertarian fools, socialist fools (a whole lot of that variety) and then there are the PC fools. Oh, I know, some of you folk will say "Hey, wait, PC is a product of the right." And you'd be wrong to say that. As a therapist, I've heard time and time again from my peers: "Don't be judgmental." What a load, wrapped in PC and expressed as an escape from making a decision.
London Attacks Should Remind Us of ?Blackhawk Down? -- [Counter Terroism Blog]
As the investigation into the 7/7 and 7/21 terror attacks in London continues to make headway, we are now learning that at least some of the suspects have links to and are from Somalia. This really should not be surprising, as we have known Somalia has been a hotbed of Islamic radical violence for many years, and has been an African base of operations for al-Qaeda in the past.
re: "If Kerry was president . . ." -- [Consul-at-arms]
"You and all the other decent people in the military are too good (both as human beings and as soliders) for this current administration. They treat soliders like toddlers with a toy: mangeled and banged around until they break then discarded. "
Think about this - UPDATED (again) - Michael Graham & Islam -- [My Right Wing Conspiracy]
If the Boy Scouts of America had 1,000 scout troops, and 10 of them practiced suicide bombings, then the BSA would be considered a terrorist organization. If the BSA refused to kick out those 10 troops, that would make the case even stronger. If people defending terror repeatedly turned to the Boy Scout handbook and found language that justified and defended murder ? and the scoutmasters in charge simply said ?Could be? ? the Boy Scouts would have driven out of America long ago
How Can Muslims Say That They Are Against Terrorism When Their Leaders Are Not? -- [Mr Minority]
There are some Muslim organizations that now coming out and denouncing Islamic Terrorists, but then you have diplomatic leaders from Muslim nations that will NOT admit that suicide bombers are Terrorists or that it is wrong to kill innocent people in the name of religion.
Captured - all five 21/7 bomb suspects -- (Times Online - Daniel McGrory, Stewart Tendler and Sean O?Neill)
EVERY suspected member of the July 21 suicide bombing team was under arrest last night after an extraordinary day of police operations stretching from a West London housing estate to the backstreets of Rome.
'I was Osama's bodyguard' -- (Independent Online, South Africa)
London - Haroon Rashid Aswat, the Briton held in Zambia linked to the London terror attacks, has told his captors he was once Osama bin Laden's bodyguard ...
Rocket Alert -- (Washington Times)...Michelle Malkin
...But not everyone is fighting the War on Terror blind. Some U.S. military personnel have been given a very clear and un-politically correct mission: Be on the lookout for Middle Easterners carrying rocket launchers
Seven French 'died for al-Qaeda' -- (BBC)
At least seven people from France have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere fighting for al-Qaeda, the French interior minister has told a newspaper. | "At least seven people from France have died
Soldiers Angels in Germany -- [A Soldier's Angel - Holly Aho]
I received this great email today from one of our soldiers angels in Germany. (They have their own blog too which you can find here - Soldiers Angels Germany). Here's the email:
"Hello Angels,
....In the next week I am in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) by a meeting from the KONTAKT Club (German/American friendship club). Since last month we have now a new KONTAKT Club in Landstuhl and Kaiserslautern. Natalie Behrens, a Soldiers Angels, too, is now the manager from the KONTAKT Club Landstuhl. We both are interested to support each other, to cement the German and American friendship here in Germany. Please excuse my english I am not perfect."
Web of Support, Colonel North and Wired Mag -- [A Line in the Sand]
The Web of Support Tour around the country continues to be one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. You can read all about it, as well as see some of the pictures from the road trip, at www.webofsupport.com. In the meantime, I have been fortunate enough to have some coverage of the project by Oliver North, as well as an excellent story to raise awareness for milblogs in Wired Magazine. The article from Colonel North can be found here, and includes the wonderful quote in an open letter to Jane Fonda...
See Your Soldier is Live! -- Truth Lies & Common Sense]
Free live voice and video chat connecting those deployed with those at home.
Get the word out to our deployed military and their spouses! This is such a great idea I'm jealous that I didn't think of it first. I wish this group the best of luck and many successes supporting our soldiers and sailors.
A LOOK INTO THE NATIONAL GUARD -- [Current events and news from the right ]
Many of us have some kind of an idea what the National Guard is? You train on the weekends, and are called up in an emergency, right? In this article I would like to honor the brave men and women serving our country in the National Guard, and offer some additional information that the reader may not have seen.. First of all, a little background on the National Guard
San Diegans Fight to Keep Vet Memorial, Cross -- [New MilBlogger! - Beast7's How it ought to be]
One more instance of an atheist wackjob seeking to assert a perceived right to freedom from the proximity to religion took a damaging blow in left-coast California Wednesday. Demonstrating that they have a far better grasp on what right looks like than the liberal activist judges responsible for 15 years of adverse court rulings, 75 percent of San Diego voters decided yesterday to transfer the city-owned site to the Federal government, to be designated as a war memorial. (pics)
Why is it that the only ones who want to bring back the draft are liberals? -- [KadNine]
Could it be because their heyday, their crowning achievement, their day in the sun was during Vietnam? Could it be that they're feeling just wee bit miffed that they're out of power these days?
This commentary in the New York Times is so egregious as to be offensive. And I'm going to fisk it line by line.
In other news, the Air Force acquires submarines? -- [Intel Dump - Jonathan Caverley]
According to a favorite source of Defense Department gossip, Defense Weekly (subscription required), the Navy is considering the development of its own combat battalion:
The U.S. Navy may create an expeditionary combat battalion of sailors, a force that could execute commando-style raids ashore, maritime interdiction operations and other combat missions similar to those of Marines or SEAL commandos.
U.S. To Pull Out Of 13 German Bases -- (Los Angeles Times)...Associated Press
The U.S. Army will pull out of 13 bases in southern Germany as part of its repositioning of American forces around the world, its European headquarters said Friday.
The ACLU Needs A Curfew of Its Own -- [Stop the ACLU]
KNIGHTDALE ? While the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina described its visit to Knightdale on Thursday night as a community forum to discuss the town?s new curfew, many residents clearly thought the group was there to start trouble. Source
So the ACLU shows up to the party as an univited guest, and tries to run the show. With complete disregard to the democratic process, as always. It seems the concerned crowd was a large one for such a small town, with enough citizens concerned that it had to be moved from the library to the town hall.
Is Anti-Immigration the New Mercantilism? -- [Outside the Beltway]
I have to wonder if the anti-immigrant people are not some sort of new version of Mercantilism. Mercantilism was a view that a country could achieve economic prosperity via economic regulation, primarily of trade. Right there a red flag should go up. How can every country have a favorable balance of trade at the same time? The idea is that by putting tariffs in place for our markets we protect them from foreign competition and at the same time our industries will be able to sell in foreign markets. A great theory is you assume the politicians/policy makers in other countries are complete dolts.1
Lets kick the pants out of an article -- [Making Tomorrow Military Today]
"Military recruiters aggressive with teens"
....None of this is aggressive. These journalists do not know what aggressive is. The kid in the last paragraph was promised a 4,000 bonus for enlisting AND completing his initial training, known as A-School for the navy (AIT for the army, etc). OF COURSE he has not received the money.
News: Truth or Fiction from Fact ... or Both? -- [Sisyphean Musings]
...I consider the next step in journalism an infusion of news story telling with such modest admissions of inescapable fallibility. This is an important step in line with the change in the noetic field. From "journalism as lecture" to "journalism as conversation" and "my readers know more than I do".
<...>
If an outcome of the Carnegie-Knight project is curricula to teach journalists to write news stories in accordance with, and moving forward, the change in noetic field - that would be progress.
DeFede Update-O-Rama -- [Florida Cracker]
Where am I today? Focusing on updates to the Jim DeFede firing.
From the reaction of journalism community, nobody has ever been fired before for poor judgement, ethics violations, or breaking the law. It's quite fascinating to follow this groundbreaking event as it unfolds.
Take a good, close look at this champion of intellectual diversity: -- [Brain Shavings]
She's cleaning out a newspaper rack full of the latest issue of The Sentinel and dumping the papers in the trash. The Sentinel is Ohio State University's student conservative newspaper, and its fine writing obviously continues to anger campus leftists in Columbus ... because it has the perplexing quirk of disappearing from the racks before leftists in training students get a chance to read the latest commentary from the right. Happily, this Thought Policeperson got caught on camera by the paper's staff.
Ice on Mars --[Smash - Indepundit] (pic)
THE ABOVE PHOTO, taken from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter, shows a giant patch of water ice in a crater on the surface of Mars. The crater in which the ice patch sits is approximately 23 miles wide.
This find raises the intriguing possiblitity that some form of primitive life may still exist on the Red Planet...
Astronomers Claim Discovery of 10th Planet -- (New York Post)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - It's icy, rocky and bigger than Pluto. And according to scientists who found it orbiting the sun, it's the newest planet on our solar system's block. The planet - the farthest-known object in the solar system
Guardsman Punished After Criticizing Iraq War -- (Arizona Republic - Joseph R. Chenelly, Army Times)
...Clark violated Article 92 by "releasing classified information regarding unit soldiers and convoys being attacked or hit by an improvised explosive devices on various dates, discussing troop movements on various dates," according to the statement.
He also was found to have released tactics, techniques, procedures and rules of engagement, MCF-Iraq said.
The two Article 134 specifications had to do with releasing specific sensitive information "that the enemy forces could foreseeably access . . . such that with that information it was likely that the enemy forces could cause death or serious bodily harm to U.S. forces engaged in the same or simi- lar mission," the statement said.
Clark and his site's Webmaster did not return several e-mails and phone calls seeking comment.
Happy 16th Anniversary Tina -- [Siegrist Blog - in Afghanistan]
Happy Anniversary Tina. Its hard to belive that we have been together for 16 years already. As they say time flys when you are having fun, and these last years have went by at ludicrous speed I would not trade these last 16 for anything in the world. I'm sorry that I could not be with you this year or the many that have come and gone due to deployments.
Papa Sarge -- [My Army Life]
...Flash forward to July 27, 2005. At 332pm, central time, my daughter Katie gave birth to my first grandchild, Eleanor Louise Gordon, in Oklahoma City. Due to my current active duty situation, I wasn't able to be there for her birth. I won't get to see her until August 12 when I get back from Belgium. But I am sure that my memories of that first meeting will be ones that I carry for a long, long time, right up there with the other first time meetings. I won't get to be there every day for her like I did for Aimee and Katie since she will be in Oklahoma City, or Japan, or Germany or Alaska depending on where Travis will be stationed, and I'll be in Florida.
Happy Anniversary! -- [Law and Ordnance]
One year ago today, God cut me a break and gave me the most amazing, beautiful woman in the world to be my wife. Without her, I don't know what I'd do. Happy Anniversary, sweetie! I love you!
Army Chaplain Corps Birthday -- [The Ammo Crate]
From its establishment on July 29, 1775 by the Second Continental Congress, the Army Chaplaincy has had a long and inspiring record of service for God and Country. The Army Chaplaincy is the oldest of the American military Chaplaincies, predating the Declaration of Independence by almost a year.
Friday Fripperies -- [Argghhh!]
happiness on natal anniversary to youuuu,
happiness on natal anniversary to youuuu,
happiness on natal anniversary, big-tribble-with-leeeeggggssss
happiness on natal anniversary to youuuuuuuuu!
...Heh. All Denizennes, Denizens, Visitors and Lurkers are invited to stop in for the party. Just don't stand too close to the cake when we fire up the candles--the halon extinguishers all went off last year and Just this guy's been fiddlin' with the deluge sprinkler sensors...
Viva Laaas Vegas -- [Ramrod Blog - Iraq]
I'm at Doha right now, waiting to get on the plane to go home for my R&R. Good god. It couldn't have come at a better time. Weather's at an All-Time shitty. Things are starting to get on my nerve. My patience is starting to dwindle, which in turn, makes me an asshole. So ya, going home is good.
Frist: Stem Cell Study May Cure Tax-Dollar Addiction -- [ScrappleFace]
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist today announced his support for expanding federally-funded stem cell research in hopes of finding a cure for his own addiction to tax dollars.
Welcome Aboard -- [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Mosul, Iraq
Across Iraq, I keep running across American troops who are not Americans. Many of these soldiers and Marines are working towards attaining U.S. citizenship while in uniform, under fire, in Iraq.
I was privileged to witness the award ceremony for 12 new American citizens in Deuce Four recently. I hope America makes them feel welcome. If the folks at home could see what these people are doing in Iraq, they would make these special troops feel as honored guests. But now, better yet, they are honored citizens, giving life to the concept of active citizenship.
Typical day on the ground -- [ American at heart - in Iraq]
We?ve been busy, busy, busy. Early mornings, long days, and hot weather (135F on Sunday) were my companions these past few days. We are now going on missions with the IA. They do raids with coalition forces help, and we watch them to make sure they don?t mess up. Our goal is to approve them as ?ready to go on their own? so that coalition forces can leave the country to the Iraqi security forces. We performed around 4 raids these past few days, back to back. We searched around 12 villages, some as large as 8,000 people. We cordoned them off and searched each and every house. We found LOTS of stuff. I?m sure we have prevented countless deaths throughout the country.
An Iraqi Shia Editorial: ?They think that religion is only a matter of having a beard? - [Austin Bay]
The first post from ?The Iraqi? drew an interesting array of comments. ?The Iraqi? is a brave and honest man. A commenter asked to read something with ?Shia and Kurd perspectives.?
The following editorial from Al Adala was emailed to me this morning. I read it and thought, okay, here?s a Shia. I can?t vouch for the translation?s accuracy, but I?ve very good reasons to trust the emailer. Al Adala is a newspaper published by the Shiite Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq. I?ve looked for a link but can?t locate one. Al Adala?s editor, however, does have a yahoo email address.
An emergency conference... -- [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Iraq's constitution drafting committee called for an emergency summit for the leaders of political parties and religious factions in Iraq in order to override the remaining obstacles that are hindering finishing the final points of the constitution....
This piece of news was mentioned this morning on several Iraqi newspapers and this call for a big conference obviously came after the semi-complete draft was released last Tuesday which was faced by a lot of disagreement and objections in the Iraqi street and from several political parties especially those of minorities.
The Night Time is the Right Time -- [Lost in Iraq - in Iraq]
No news is good news right? There?s no news, so here's some insight into one of the minor differences between home and Iraq. It?s the nighttime. At times, it gets really dark here. We don?t have streetlights, or flood lights outside our building to brighten our 100-degree evenings. We simply have to rely on flashlights or the moonlight to move around at night.
Over time a strange phenomenon has developed.
12 November: Broken Arrow....or Something Like It [Armor Geddon - back from Iraq]
Something to jog your memory
I looked at my crew and recalled, ?You know something. I remember being back in Vilseck in the freezing snow in January. We were standing in the parking lot in front of Company. And SGT Meadows was giving that stupid IRT(individual readiness training) with the mine probe.? The mine probe was this fiberglass rod with a rubber handle. And if you were ever stuck in a minefield, you were supposed to poke gently at the ground at a 45 degree angle about 30 times per square foot. Make sure there were no mines in the ground. And then you could take a step forward.
Combat Medic signs up for Thrird Tour -- [Echo9er]
Here is a Soldier with a mission. He has already been deployed for a year, and has begun a second consecutive tour, and in February 2006, he will start a third consecutive tour. At present, he is talking to his leadership to see if he can stay until his ETS in 2009.
Be thankful you are an American *very graphic* -- [Big Al's Army - Al's in Iraq]
As you guys probably remember, Al's MOS in the National Guard is the same thing that he does in civilian life ---> he's a nurse. At his location, he's not really needed to treat soldiers very much because he is in a relatively 'safe' area - and they let the medics run the clinic primarily - unless somebody is super sick and then they call in a doctor.
One thing that Al has gotten to do while he has been there though is to do several "Medcap" missions. This consists of them getting together humanitarian aid of all kinds, food, medicine, personal care items, ceiling fans, etc. - and then going to a remote, rural location and providing assistance to the Iraqi nationals. He has sent me videos of the missions and they are very hard to watch.
CMOC Kids --[5th CAG's Experience - in Iraq]
Here are some shots of the children out front this morning. The chaplain's assistant came out today and we helped hand out shoes, coloring books, and stuffed animals. These kids are just so cute that it breaks your heart not to be able to do more for them.
I hope that by the time they're teenagers this country will be well on its way to being a Middle Eastern powerhouse.
Bomber Kills 25 Iraqi Army Recruits (AP- Yahoo News)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A suicide attacker detonated an explosives belt in a crowd of Iraqi army recruits Friday in a town near the Syrian border, killing at least 25 and wounding 35, a police general said. The U.S. military put the toll at 20 dead and 25 injured.
Officials said the attack in Rabiah occurred in the midst of recruits training in a secured area, and they speculated some of the guards might have allowed the bomber to enter the post about 230 miles north of Baghdad.
Security costs slow Iraq reconstruction -- (MSNBC)
Efforts to rebuild water, electricity and health networks in Iraq are being shortchanged by higher-than-expected costs to provide security and by generous financial awards to contractors, according to a series of reports by government investigators released yesterday.
Taken together, the reports seem to run contrary to the Bush administration's upbeat assessment that reconstruction efforts are moving vigorously ahead and that the insurgency is dying down.
Iraq Affects Troops' Mental Health (Military .com)
WASHINGTON - Thirty percent of U.S. troops surveyed have developed stress-related mental health problems three to four months after coming home from the Iraq war, the Army's surgeon general said Thursday.
In Jordanian Case, Hints Of Iraq Jihad Networks -- (New York Times)...James Glanz
...Estimates of how many foreign fighters are in Iraq have been hazy, but a Western diplomat said a variety of analysts had concluded that hundreds of Jordanians had gone to Iraq to fight since the beginning of the war. A common route, they say, is over land through Syria and across Iraq's porous and still violent western frontier, the same route Mr. Horani and his friends are said to have used.
Iraq Can Survive This (Washington Post)...David Ignatius
...Iraq is in torment, but the Lebanon example suggests that with patient help, its institutions can survive this nightmare.
Confronting Complacency (Washington Times)...Rep. Jim Saxton
Like it or not, every U.S. citizen is engaged in the Global War on Terror. This war was forced upon us on by cowardly terrorists on September 11, 2001. It seems apparent some members of Congress have not yet grasped that the U.S. and its allies are at war to defend our freedoms and way of life.
The Truth About Abu Ghraib -- (Washington Post)
FOR 15 MONTHS now the Bush administration has insisted that the horrific photographs of abuse from the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq were the result of freelance behavior by low-level personnel and had nothing to do with its policies. In this the White House has been enthusiastically supported by the Army brass, which has conducted investigations documenting hundreds of cases of prisoner mistreatment in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but denies that any of its senior officers are culpable.
Mixed Signals On Bringing Troops Home (Baltimore Sun)...Jules Witcover
...General Casey's conditional prospect of some reduction in the 138,000 U.S. troop level and Mr. Rumsfeld's refusal to set a timetable send mixed signals - but hardly the only ones in this war of controversial decision-making.
Live-Blogging "Over There" -- [Reasoned Audacity]
"Over There" tonight at 10 EST. The new television series about the Iraq war. I'm skeptical. So I've decided to live-blog it. If you're watching, too, send comments.
Live Blogging "Over There" -- [The Middle Ground]
First thing I see is a soldier smoking pot. Not that I think that soldiers are perfect but that is definitely some left over 60's post Vietnam imagery.
Second thing, woman soldier saying good-bye to her kid.
Third thing, which seemed pretty accurate, was guys taking fire from a mosque and they are yelling about al jazeera reporters inside and they are not able to return fire. There is a really pissed of sgt that is angry he's been stopped loss, angry that he has a bunch of FNGs and just freaking angry.
Forgive Me for Lack of Interest in 'Over There' -- [The Word Unheard]
...Last night I received final confirmation that 'Over There' was bunk. I happened to be in the same room with a TV tuned to MSNBC's Hardbull with Chris Matthews as he was interviewing the program's creator/producer. I looked up reluctantly from reading the Pentagon's Congressional Report, "The Military Power of the People?s Republic of China 2005".
"Over There" met with some hostility -- [A healthy Alternative to Work]
...Well, I guess I'm not completely surprised, by the content of the show or by the reaction of the MilBlogosphere. [N.B.: Wouldn't it be more fun to call it the Blog-O-Sphere? Or the Blog O'Sphere?]
Anything less than a glowing account of professional soldiers going into a tough situation and consistently doing the right thing was going to draw fire from military supporters around the world, and that's understandable. But it seems a lot of people are upset with the depiction of soldiers falling into hackneyed archetypes. I think I know why this might have happened.
"Over There" -- [Smash]
...Mrs. Smash recorded it for me. It was like a bad Vietnam movie, filmed in what was clearly the Mojave desert filling in for Iraq. I even spotted a Joshua Tree in the background.
Simple, stereotypical characters. Not much depth.
Over There -- [BlackFive]
Okay, I've been getting a few emails every minute or so with negative reactions to the FX show "Over There". I had checked the site a few days ago and found the characters to be cartoonish and stereotypical. I figured it wouldn't be very complimentary or truthful or real.
"Over There", Report by Ry -- [Argghhh!]
Okay,"Over There" report: It's pretty bad. Has just about all the old war movie cliches
"Over There" -- [Target at Centermass]
I?ll admit, I went into tonight?s premier of FX?s Over There with much trepidation. Simply put, I generally don?t trust Hollywood.
More thoughts later, but I?d like to throw out a few initial observations.
It just wouldn?t be Hollywood if we didn?t quickly show drug use and racial tension in the ranks
Over where? -- [CDR Salamander]
Yep, I saw it. Last night I forced myself, against my better judgement, to watch the new FX show "Over There."
I'm not an Army guy so I won't comment on the ground details, but this show just didn't make it.
Over There -- [Eric Grumbles Before the Grave]
"Over There" debuted, a TV "drama" about Iraq. As has become my norm for twenty years now, I basically ignored yet another piece of what I deemed to be Hollywood trash that would not reflect any sort of military reality and would have a political agenda to push. Let's quickly distinguish here between works of historical fiction, like "Patriot" or "Gladiator". I recognize these for what they are and watch them as entertaining fictional dramas.
"Over There" TV series on FX.... [Singaleer]
I Tivo?d it. I lasted less than 10 minutes before I deleted it.
Made it through the introduction of characters (of course none of them could be well-adjusted) and to an NCO berating his troops about how put-upon he was for having to lead them while doing nothing and receiving fire.
So now I know it isn?t worth my time.
"Over There" -- [Air Force Pundit]
The new tv show by Steven Bochco finally premiered last night. I had been really psyched to see it from the previews over the past few months. Then, in the last week I started to read reviews and became much more hesitant. Anything that the lamestream media is going to praise about a military show means that it is going to pretty much suck. I have to agree with my brothers in the USArmy- this show sucked. The dialogue was
Over There -- [The Daily Brief - Sgt Mom]
A lot of the criticism centers around the details: The Taster?s Choice slam, for instance, was excellent. Other details, like the buried IED, with a little flag on the trigger, where down-right idiotic. Bochco certainly needs some qualified technical consultants involved in production.
The most prevalent negative opinions though, seem to center around the stereotyping of the characters, and the matter of good taste, over producing an entertainment program while people are fighting and dying.
"Over There" -- [Watch Your Six]
I just watched the first episode of "Over There" on F/X. I'm not impressed. It's certainly not this generation's "Platoon."
The acting was thin (I've seen better acting in Army training films), the plot (if you could even recognize one) was random, and everyone had a dorky nickname.
Over There -- [Fixed Bayonets]
The new Fox series "Over There" premiered last night. The best that can be said is that it was an embarrassment but, also, that there is no where to go but up.
Steven Bochco, creator of the new series, claims that the show is "not about politics." Inasmuch as nothing was said for or against the war aims per se, I'll agree with that statement in a minor way but, only in a minor way. Though not discussed, politics was a definite undercurrent via the use of age old stereotypes.
Over There: Under Fire (more Video Clips) -- (Military.com)
FX Networks presents the epic original series, "Over There." Here is one of two short clips from the show.
Finding Reality in Fiction: 'Over There' (NPR news)
Commentator Leroy Sievers, a former Nightline producer, says Steven Bochco's new TV drama about the frontlines in Iraq raises an important question: Can a fictional account of war do a more effective job of showing the public the realties of life for soldiers and Iraqi civilians than the news can?
Baghdad Blues -- (New York Metro)
Stephen Bochco?s Over There, about the war in Iraq, struggles to capture a conflict that?s still going on.
Steven Bochco ought to have been the perfect executive producer for a dramatic series about something as problematic?something as post?Light Brigade?as the American war in Iraq. Bochco?s Hill Street Blues, after all, was the first post-liberal, post-social-worker, wised-up eighties cop show.
How will 'Over There' go over over here? -- (Miami Herald)
At a press conference in an air-conditioned tent on a hill overlooking the show's set, one reporter wondered out loud if a military action at the end of the third episode had a political underpinning. (I would disagree.) Another asked Bochco and Chris Gerolmo, the co-creators of the show, how they felt about the real Iraq war.
"I'm not even going to answer the question," Bochco said. "I don't want to politicize the show in any way.... I think the moment you take a political position, you're not doing what art is supposed to do, which is to ask provocative questions.
These soldiers say 'Over There' is 'bogus' -- (M.L. LYKE SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER)
A truck tire hits a flagged wire, a roadside bomb explodes, a handsome private with shredded leg screams in agony. In the bloody chaos of the moment, his soldier buddies panic. One pukes.
Stop the cameras! Sir!
Over There? takes the offensive -- (Kansas City Star -AARON BARNHART)
Bochco smashes complacency with drama from Iraq People have already begun asking producer Steven Bochco why he was so gung-ho to make a TV show about the war in Iraq.
War out of harm's way -- (Newsday... DIANE WERTS)
War is hell, everywhere. It's hell in the trenches American soldiers dig in the sands of Iraq as enemy rounds pound their position. It's hell in the hospitals where amputees lie screaming after the morphine wears off. It's hell back home as spouses left behind struggle to cope with kids, infidelity, uncertainty.
Licking and Salting War's Open Wounds -- (New York Times)
This show doesn't have a lawyer plunging to her death down an elevator shaft. It doesn't have a foul-mouthed cop making broadcasting history by mooning more than 20 million viewers. What it does have - and what makes it unmistakably a Steven Bochco production - is plenty of button-pushing. It's called "Over There," and it's a television drama that takes direct aim at the single most polarizing subject in the United States right now: the war in Iraq.
TV's Iraq War Drama Profiteering To Some -- (Washington Times)...Jennifer Harper
The war in Iraq has gone Hollywood. Street fights, improvised explosive devices, roadblocks -- they've all become bloody plot devices for a new TV series on the ongoing conflict. "Over There" debuted on the FX cable network Wednesday, courtesy of Steven Bochco, producer of "NYPD Blue" and other dramas. He is not apologetic for tapping into the war for material.
'Over There' brings battlefield home -- (MSNBC)
Producer Stephen Bochco, the brains behind such hits as "NYPD Blue" and "Hill Street Blues", has put a new spin on soldiers in action. "Over There," a hard-hitting new show on FX, follows the exploits of a fictional Army platoon. With politics aside, the show explores the dueling forces of carnage and courage while at war.
Bochco joined 'Hardball' host Chris Matthews to discuss how the series reflects these complexities that U.S. soldiers currently face in the Middle East.
'Over There' pulls 4.1 mil for FX duty -- (Reuters)
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Over There" has won its first key battle.
Producer Stephen Bochco's Iraq war drama got off to a good start Wednesday, drawing 4.1 million viewers in its 10 p.m. premiere on FX, the night's most-watched show on cable, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Of the total, 2.4 million were aged 18-49, also No. 1 for the night in that coveted demographic, Nielsen said. An 11 p.m. repeat attracted 1.7 million total viewers.
Politics hard to avoid in "Over There" -- (Seattle Times)
...But that is absurd. "Over There," which debuts tonight at 10 on FX, cannot help being full of opinion. It starts with the material put in or left out. The content here is both stunning and grating. In its frantic desire to make viewers sit up and pay attention, "Over There" has the least organic feel of any Bochco show in memory ? an opera just short of the soap. Yet I know I'll watch to the end.
The show's urgency is understandable and perhaps laudable. FX president John Landgraf, who first had the idea of a weekly wartime series, perceived a growing void in attention to the lives of soldiers in Iraq.
War (in a General Sense) Is Hell -- (Slate)
Over There, the Steven Bochco-produced drama about the war in Iraq that premieres tonight at 10 p.m. ET on F/X, is being hailed everywhere as a groundbreaking television experiment ? the first American series to fictionalize a war while that same war is actually going on. There's a sense, in much of the press coverage of the show, that its mere existence is somehow salutary.
Over There ? Hollywood Joins the War Party -- ([Anti-War.com])
... It isn't about Iraq, it's all about the Americans ? their feelings, their class and ethnic divisions, and their endless narcissistic banter.
Tying it loosely together is an overarching view of soldiering as an inherently noble and valorizing activity, one that is not necessarily tied to country or ideology.
Letter from a soldier -- [Sunday Morning Coffee]
... I'd like to press on to July, more than two months subsequent to my last long e-mail. Life in Iraq isn't fun. Since my last, we have moved twice, been shot at a few times, responded to 3 or 4 bombings, and almost got bombed again. We (my platoon) were stationed a goodly ways north of Baghdad, but we moved in the beginning of June and re-joined our company in Rustamiyah. We stayed there for nearly two weeks then moved to this, our present location. A few noteworthy incidents which occurred while still up north were an accident and a bombing. I was involved in the former, but we merely responded to the latter.
Almost there...and my one and only editorial -- [Martin in Afghanistan]
We went out for lunch today with one of the local officials we have been dealing with for the past six months. We have done a lot of projects in his area and the people of his area have really appreciated it. I cannot remember what the name of the food was, but it was lamb cooked in a pressure cooker with onions and tomatoes. We had a different kind of bread with it this time. I will be getting all the names of the foods from our interpreters, before we leave. I did give the Dogh another try. I felt I had slammed the drink pretty hard the first time I tried it - mainly because I was already sick and dehydrated at the time - and since then was told that it is better ice cold, etc. One of our interpreters chopped up some cucumber and mixed it with the yoghurt or sour milk (not sure which) and I tried a bit again. I have to say that it was actually quite good. I could see the potential, even though the guy making it pointed out that he didn't have half the proper ingredients. I will try it again, if we can get the proper stuff to make it.
Chinook Destroyed By Fire In Afghanistan -- (New York Times on the Web)...Associated Press
A Chinook helicopter carrying six U.S.-led coalition crew and 25 Afghan troops was destroyed by a fire after making a hard landing near the Pakistan border, the U.S. military said Thursday. No one was hurt.
Afghan Women Put Lives On Line To Run For Office -- (Washington Post)...N.C. Aizenman
The note slipped under Mahmoud Shah's front gate was written in a tidy, graceful hand. But the message brimmed with venom: "If you don't stop campaigning for Noorzia Charkhi, your life will be in danger. Also tell Noorzia Charkhi that she should give up her candidacy. Aren't you ashamed to put up posters of your family's women in the bazaar?"
Over 400 Louisiana Guard Soldiers Re-enlist -- [Jack Army]
More significant than the number of soldiers who simultaneously extended their service to the military is that these National Guard soldiers did so in a combat zone.
Sulphur, LA, is just down Interstate 10 a few miles, literally, from where I live. Little tidbit for your noggin. Anyway, he said what many feel: I love the Army and I can't imagine not staying in. Sure, many others don't share that love, but that's ok, doesn't mean they don't care.
Adios, Jim -- [Florida Cracker]
There's one less sob-sister at the Miami Herald today.
Jim DeFede was fired for illegally taping a telephone conversation with Art Teele, who commited suicide in the Herald's lobby last night.
Reporter Finds U.S. Sniper in Iraq Who Shot Knight Ridder Correspondent -- [Toni - My View]
This story is disturbing to me. To be honest, I don't know if I had heard about this event and it appears from this particular article it occurred in June of 2005. I am also thoroughly amazed that a reporter would actually investigate anything since that appears to be a lost art among reporters today. But I guess when it comes to one of their own finding the truth makes a difference or at least the truth which satisfies their perception.
Next is the fact that this "reporter" LIED to get into the US Military embed program. Hmmmm. So, the Media wonders why people in the military don't trust "Reporters"?
REPORTER VOWS TO 'KILL SELF' IF CHENEY RUNS FOR PRESIDENT -- [Drudge Report]
Veteran wire reporter Helen Thomas is vowing to 'kill herself' if Dick Cheney announces he is running for president.
The newspaper HILL first reported the startling claim on Thursday.
Nancy Pelosi - Lunatic? -- [Balance Sheet]
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (bio), House Minority Leader, was furious on a Fox News clip over the CAFTA vote. She stated that Republicans were out to prove their manhood. I don't think Nancy was mad about her lack of a twig and a pair of berries. It must have been something else.
Pelosi, in a statement straight out of junior high school related...
Hilly versus Howie- Democrats duel -- [Uncle Jimbo - Madison.com]
There is currently a battle underway for the heart of the Democratic Party. The two factions have widely differing ideas about how to make the Dems competitive again. Having lost control of both houses of Congress and two Presidential elections in a row, they know they need a change but the question is moving left or right.
Nancy Pelosi: CAFTA Contra -- (Forbes ...Rich Karlgaard)
This week our dunce's cap gets passed to Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives. In coming out against the Central America Free Trade Agreement, which passed the House this week, Pelosi made the familiar (and disingenuous) left-wing case: CAFTA, written by greedy capitalists, fails to include protections for labor and the environment. Otherwise she'd have voted for it.
Texas Republican Switched Vote on CAFTA -- (AP- Yahoo News)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For weeks, Rep. Robin Hayes (news, bio, voting record), R-N.C., was colorfully adamant in his opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement.
"What does CAFTA sound like? NAFTA," Hayes declared. "It's not in the best interests of a core constituency I represent. Every time I drive through Kannapolis and I see those empty plants, I know there is no way I could vote for CAFTA."
State Dept admits Bolton gave inaccurate answers -- (Reuters)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department reversed itself on Thursday night and acknowledged that President Bush's U.N. ambassador nominee gave Congress inaccurate information about an investigation he was involved in.
Bush to Senate Judiciary: Release Your Own Records -- [ScrappleFace]
(2005-07-28) -- The White House today called for members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to release all of their tax records and other personal documents so Americans can gain insight into the judicial philosophy and character of those who will help choose the next Supreme Court Justice.
Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! Thumb! Finger! -- [Baldilocks]
The leftists are in an uproar because some of them think that the president flipped off the press. Not that they don't deserve it, but, for the record, I saw this on TV;
Happy anniversary -- [Chrenkoff]
Best of the Web is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Congratulations to James Taranto, and thanks for half a decade of news and commentary delivered with just the right dose of wry humor.
News from Iraq -- [Long Time Gone - US Civ. in S Korea]
I had the honor of working with a Colonel during my first couple of months in Korea. He volunteered for Iraq and recently sent the following email:
A little slow today (not necessarily a bad thing), so I?ll try to bring you up to date on what we are doing over here. Apologize for the length.
Was up in Kurdistan in northeastern Iraq two weeks ago on a recon for future operations. It is quite different from the desert part of Iraq. It is rolling, grass covered hills that turn into mountains as you approach the border with Iran. The Kurdish people also have a different approach than the general Arab population. They are much more direct in their dealings, and have more drive to get the task done. Because of this, and the fact that we did not do much fighting in that region, their infrastructure is well ahead of what we find in most of the rest of Iraq. It is also one of the issues the Iraqi Constitutional Committee will have to resolve as they struggle with the concept of federalism. We had a little down time before our meeting with the Kurdistan Minister of the Interior, so our interpreter took us to the site of the former Ba?athist police HQs and prison, which...
Perspectives on Tragedy -- [Duke in Iraq]
The other night I was asked to come to the ER to clear a patient for aerovac. As I entered the section of tent that is the emergency room, I could see immediately who I needed to clear. Lying on an elevated cot, the tent version of a hospital bed, was the wounded warrior. He had multiple injuries and I asked him what had happened. He was very calm as he described the incident that had brought him down this road. He was riding on a helicopter, not inside but on the outside standing on the narrow piece of metal tubing that is the ?landing gear? for this type of helicopter. They were flying very close to roof tops outside of Baghdad and a blanket on a roof was sucked up and somehow wrapped itself around part of the helicopter. The helicopter was momentarily out of control. During this time the warrior fell from the helo and landed on the roof breaking a leg in numerous places, then as the helicopter spun out of control the tail rotor swung by and cut off the other leg just below the knee. He looked down ...
Face in the Mirror -- [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
...Yesterday I was more sad than angry, (I was oh so angry), so my sadness was tremendous, and there is of course fatigue. We are all tired, and today was no different. This morning the extent of my patriotism was putting my boots on, and going back to it. The day was nothing out of the ordinary, then as dawn spread across Los Angeles news of ?the article? began to spread, and the usually empty Internet cafe was full. The hunting and pecking was hypnotic, those who don't normally type were giving it one hell of a college try, some were responding to emails others were angrily hitting backspace to correct a spelling error, others were hitting enter to address a chatroom slight. A soldier asked me if I'd seen the article. I hadn't, I really didn't need to. I am here in the middle of it. For those of you who don't know this BN was in the Los Angeles Times (yet again), and our woes are now quite public.
Gunner Palace -- [Bloviating Inanities]
My brother did the soundtrack to this movie. The good news is it's mentioned in today's NRO. The bad news is that fatboy Michael Moore is using it in his bullshit film festival in Michigan. Apparently he's using it to show "the boring hopeless" that is Iraq.
Obviously I saw Gunner Palace and let me tell you, it's not an anti-war film by any stretch. It's a film...
Warning Shots -- [The Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio ]
Syria?s involvement in hosting and facilitating foreign terrorists and elements of the Iraqi insurgency has been common knowledge for some time now. While the Asad regime claims to continue with the arrest and deportation of foreign terrorists entering Iraq, the Iraqi government appears to be losing patience. Iraq?s Minister of the Interior Bayan Jabr has stated he has have made specific requests to Syria to turn over wanted members of the insurgency. Predictably, Syria responds by using the Israeli card.
Meet ?The Iraqi? -- [Austin Bay]
I?ve known this man for several years. A native Iraqi, he has friends throughout Iraq and the Middle East. Last January, prior to the Iraqi election, I asked him to contribute a post to this blog, but he demurred. He would still send me comments about the Arab press, perceptions of US politics, and reports of what was going on in his home town. (I won?t name the town, but I can say I have visited it. Folks don?t realize that there are indeed many pleasant places in Iraq. When the place is blessed with peace, I intend to go back as a tourist.)
But a few days ago...
July 26 RR Podcast -- [Reverse Retna from the Sandlot - in Iraq]
This is the second of my podcast. After talking to my wife I realized that not everyone reading this may be aware of what a podcast is or how to use it. A podcast is basically an MP3 placed on the internet for download using RSS/XML technology. Without getting too crazy the best way to listen is to use a program that you tell to go and get the new feed.
Engineers Work to Complete Repairs
At Baghdad Power Plant -- [Centcom - Mr. Norris Jones, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]
QUDAS, Iraq - A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repair project at the Qudas electric power generating station 25 kilometers north of Baghdad is 85 per cent complete.
Going Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
Leave. R&R. A Break. Call it what you wish. I am getting out of here for a few weeks.
My bag is sitting packed by the door, a brand new clean uniform neatly folded inside. Just the basics for traveling...books, shaving kit, candy and stuff for the flights. I got my tentative flight time, just counting the hours.
IRAQ: AL-ZARQAWI ISSUES VIDEO-HISTORY OF HIS TERROR GROUP -- (AKI)
Baghdad, 27 July- In the propaganda war waged in parallel to the bloody attacks by Jihadi terrorists around the globe, the Internet and video images are paramount. The latest salvo from Jordanian terror chief, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, is a 46-minute video, of which Adnkronos International (AKI) has a copy.
Ill-Equipped Soldiers Use Excess Force -- (Washington Times)...Rowan Scarborough
U.S. Army soldiers have used "excessive" and "unauthorized deadly force" in Iraq to defend supply convoys because they did not have the proper weapons, according to a commander's secret internal memorandum.
Video shown of new Saddam interrogation -- (Middle East Times - REUTERS)
EVER DEFIANT: Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein speaks during his initial appearance before the Iraqi Special Tribunal in Baghdad on July 21.
Iraqi ousted president Saddam Hussein was shown on July 21 being interrogated by an investigating judge over crimes against Shia Kurds.
2 Panels Cite U.S. Problems In Stabilizing After Combat -- (New York Times)...Thom Shanker
Two new studies by independent panels are harshly critical of the way the United States government prepares for stabilization missions after major combat, such as in Iraq, and they place the blame on an interagency process that does little to harness the various departments and agencies for unified action.
The Ambassador's Own Scorecard -- (Boston Globe)...Daniel Serwer
The new American ambassador in Baghdad has given the public an unusual opportunity to gauge his success. Based on his widely lauded work as US ambassador in Kabul, the new envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, has developed a checklist for the United States when it undertakes nation-building after a conflict.
In Web Posting, Terrorist Group Says Algerian Diplomats Were Slain -- (New York Times)...James Glanz
Two Algerian diplomats who were kidnapped in broad daylight less than a week ago have been killed after receiving a death sentence from what was described as a religious court, a group led by the Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi said in an Internet posting on Wednesday.
Labor Resolution Urges Pullout Of Troops In Iraq -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Jane M. Von Bergen
Pushed by Philadelphia labor leaders, the traditionally hawkish labor movement called on the Bush administration "to level with the American people" on the Iraq war and to bring U.S. troops home quickly. "Our soldiers... deserve a commitment from our country's leaders to bring them home as quickly as possible," said the resolution passed overwhelmingly at the AFL-CIO's convention.
Baghdad Residents Criticize Living Conditions -- (Detroit Free Press)...Leila Fadel
...The Iraqi capital of Baghdad is crumbling around angry residents. Narrow concrete sewage pipes decay underground and water pipes leak out more than half the drinking water before it ever reaches a home, according to the U.S. military.
Guard Unit Tied To Elite Iraqi Force -- (Los Angeles Times)...Solomon Moore and Scott Gold
Members of a California Army National Guard company that was placed on restrictive duty in Iraq after being implicated in the latest detainee abuse scandal have trained and conducted joint operations with Iraqi police forces, including an elite unit accused of brutality.
Iraqi Boy, After Dream Trip To U.S., Hates To Go Home -- (New York Times)...Jeffrey Gettleman
After two fairy-tale weeks of pampering, shopping, top-notch medical care and limitless Pepsi, Ayad al-Sirowiy, the 13-year-old Iraqi boy who came to the United States to get the tattoo of war removed from his disfigured face, is going home.
Chinook Reported Down in Afghanistan -- [ROFASix]
As you have probably noticed this website has a bias for helicopter related stories. Hence, when I saw the headline flash across the AP wire, ?Chinook Copter Destroyed in Afghanistan,? it go my immediate attention.
New CDR -- [The Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
Here is a pic of Ed and the CO. We had the Afghan Air Force fly in a few days ago and set up a static display. They brought along two HIPs and two Hind's. When they arrived they hovered into parking on Steel Beach one at a time. The last Hind had to hold over Foxtrot Taxi way, where they proceeded to brown them selves out. Everyone was waiting for the parts to start flying. When the dust settled the helo was...
BBC Responds to Kabuli's Charges -- [Commitee to Protect Bloggers]
CPB received a note from Mike Gardner, Head of Media Relations at BBC World Service, in response to our inquiry about the charges made by Sohrab Kabuli the Afghan blogger. He alleged that he received death threats sent from a BBC computer.
Here is Mr. Gardner's response.
After Riot, U.S. Forces Hand Over Afghan Suspects -- (Philadelphia Inquirer - News in Brief)...Associated Press
The U.S. military moved to defuse tension after a riot outside its main base in Afghanistan by handing six villagers accused of being bombmakers over to local authorities, officials said yesterday.
An Honor, And Then Tragedy For Soldier -- (Miami Herald)...Phil Long
When Army Sgt. Michael Schafer called his folks in Spring Hill from Afghanistan last weekend, the 25-year-old soldier was thrilled that he'd just been promoted to staff sergeant.
Iranian Elections and Shoe Bombers -- [The Universe and Other Things]
Here are some interesting tidbits for you.
One of my Persian Professors from the University of Arizona wrote a piece on the elections in Iran. He was not able to write about them while there, but has some news now that he has returned to the safety of the United States. Check it out at...
I May Have Visitors -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
North Korea is reported to be asking the United States to remove all it's nuclear weapons from the peninsula before the North Koreans would get rid of theirs. The United States has no nuclear weapons currently in Korea because the US can destory North Korea quite easily with nuclear weapons from forward deployed submarines. The US does not need fixed sites in South Korea.
However,...
Britain - The last days of 'Londonistan' -- [USS Neverdock]
Not if Mr Blair's wife, Cherie Booth, a lawyer, has her way.
She told a conference in Malaysia that Britain should not take measures that would "cheapen our right to call ourselves a civilised country".
Mrs. Blair fails to understand that Britain is at war and in times of war civil liberties may suffer temporarily so that the "civilized country" can survive.
There's more, lots more.
Colombia wants to meet rebels to talk hostage swap -- (Reuters)...Hugh Bronstein
Colombia has offered to meet Marxist rebels at a time and place of their own choosing to negotiate an exchange of about 70 hostages -- including a former presidential candidate and three Americans -- for guerrillas held in state prisons.
About 300 people fall ill from heat (AP)
BOWLING GREEN, Va. ? About 300 people, most of them Boy Scouts, were sickened by the heat Wednesday while waiting for President Bush to arrive at a memorial service for four Scout leaders who were killed while pitching a tent beneath a power line.
North Korea Seeks U.S. Aid Before It Halts Its Nuclear Program -- (New York Times)...Jim Yardley
North Korea on Wednesday criticized an American plan to defuse the nuclear crisis, saying the proposal demands too many steps toward dismantling the country's nuclear program before providing any corresponding aid or energy assistance, a senior United States official said in a background meeting with reporters.
Bush Is Facing Reality On India -- (Los Angeles Times)...Jacob Heilbrunn
The notion that President Bush blundered in promising to help India develop its nuclear energy program is understandable, widespread ? and wrong. With the Pentagon warning in a new assessment of the long-term threat posed by China's military buildup, and a Chinese general huffing about lobbing nuclear weapons at the U.S. (although Beijing officially and predictably said he wasn't speaking for the government), Bush's move is long overdue
Nine Arrested in Failed London Bombings -- (New York Times)...Assoc. Press
LONDON (AP) -- Anti-terrorist officers arrested nine men early Thursday in connection with the botched July 21 attacks on London's transit system.
Scotland Yard police headquarters said the men were arrested under the Terrorism Act at two properties in the neighborhood of Tooting, south London.
Good News: We're No Longer In A "Global War On Terror" -- [Scott's Conservative News & Commentary]
No, the times of global war on terror are over. Now were are in a "global struggle against violent extremism," as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers say. General Myers told the National Press Club on Monday that he had "objected to the use of the term 'war on terrorism' before, because if you call it a war, then you think of people in uniform as being the solution." Well good God, man! Jim Bob Stanton down the street in his jeans and wife beater isn't squaring off in the circled sandbox against the terrorists!
THE TERRORISTS' LITTLE HELPER: JUDGE JOHN COUGHENOUR -- [ Michelle Malkin]
Reckless judicial arrogance was on display in Seattle earlier today during the sentencing hearing for al Qaeda operative Ahmed Ressam, the would-be Millennium bomber.
A War By Any Other Name -- (Los Angeles Times)...Juliette Kayyem
...But the White House should be prepared for the possibility that its new catchphrase ? the global struggle against violent extremism ? may not bring the same benefits that GWOT once did.
U.S. Muslim Scholars To Forbid Terrorism -- (Washington Post)...Caryle Murphy
An organization of top American Muslim religious scholars plans to issue a formal ruling today condemning terrorism and forbidding Muslims to cooperate with anyone involved in a terrorist act, according to officials of two leading Islamic organizations.
Scaring Us Senseless -- (New York Times)...Nassim Nicholas Taleb
...It is hard to avoid feeling vulnerable to this invisible enemy who does not play by known or explicit rules. Of course, that is precisely the anxiety that terrorists seek to produce. But its opposite - complacency - is not an option.
A Picture of You -- [via email]
Hello....Mrs. Greyhawk.....I have a website which features a military support video that you may like.
The currently released single Picture of You? is dedicated to our troops and military families who fight to protect freedom and liberty throughout the world.
A Liberal and His Breakfast Table -- [Froggy Ruminations]
Perusing John McIntyre?s fare over at RCP this morning, I noticed a peculiar headline, ?Bus search must have bin Laden smiling?. Bill Johnson, the author of the column, refers to a picture of the NYPD investigating a terrorist threat by searching a bus with bomb sniffing dogs and proning out 5 suspects in a fortunately unfruitful search for explosives. His reaction...
CNN seeks Pulitzer for discovering overworked sergeant's editing mistake! -- [Quill News]
...I went to the CNN webpage to see if the story was anywhere to be found and instead became distracted by an item from Baghdad that was the second most popular story on the CNN site. (CNN) Apparantly some (no doubt) overworked staff non-com in the 3rd ID press office messed up in the editing of a routine news item. CNN decided to make it international news. This is cheap shot score settling ? a routine press operations glitch that does not deserve more than a shout across the news room: ?hey did you guys know you messed this one up?? (Update:..
Jacques Brunson: Leaving kids ?pained him? -- [The 48th Goes to War -(AJC) - Charles Yoo]
Sylvester ? Before his 30th birthday last month, Spc. Jacques ?Gus? Brunson asked his family not to send him any presents in Iraq.
Instead, he requested coloring books, crayons, pencils, sunglasses and toys for the Iraqi children he would see while on combat patrols. ?He was caring and he would do anything for you,? said Jennifer Hunt, 24, Brunson?s youngest sister.
Brunson, 30, was one of the four members of the Georgia Army National Guard?s 48th Brigade Combat Team killed Sunday by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
The Coveted Patch -- [Fire Power Forward - in Afghanistan]
Well, I feel as though I have achieved the apex of my career and have been tangibly recognized for all my long hours, hard work, dedication, and devotion to duty. In a moving ceremony rich in heritage and tradition, myself and 5 others were officially presented with the coveted "Good Dude" tab by LT Tucker Mahoney and all the Good Dudes of his Operations Section. Other "Good Dude tab recipients included Major Short, Lieutenant Giera, SFC Ramerth, SFC Wilson, and Specialist Rashawnda Stogner.
Safe And Somewhat Sound -- [Pass the Brass - back from Iraq]
Guess who?s back?back again?.
Well, I have arrived at my appointed place of duty?finally rid of that wretched place. And to all my fellow warfighters that I left behind??Here?s to the homies?. I?m currently working on a nice little piece in regards to my journey back, but I wanted to jump on here and just give you all the thumbs up for arrival.
Paradise [A Day in Iraq - in Iraq]
I haven?t posted anything in the last month or so for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that we?ve been busy moving. We, meaning my Battalion, have moved from the somewhat friendly confines of Baquba to the ?restive? city of Ramadi. Restive is the term I most often see in the news describing this beautiful place. What the hell does restive mean anyway? Actually, I know what it means, but I just don?t think the term accurately describes this place. I looked it up in a thesaurus, curious as to what other words are synonymous with it. I found edgy, fidgety, high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous, nervy, overstrung, uneasy, uptight, in suspense, wound up, and aroused. Maybe it?s just me, but I?ve been here for two weeks and haven?t found anything remotely arousing about Ramadi. I think shitty would be a more appropriate description of this city, since it?s probably the biggest shit hole in Iraq, maybe in all the known universe. ?Two high profile targets were captured today in the shitty city of Ramadi.....?
THE POLITICS OF "OCCUPATION" THE CATCH 22 OF POST ?MAJOR COMBAT? IRAQ [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
...My roommate, LT Irish, has been nearly killed for a third time today. The Durkas are tossing TNT at us now. A stick bounced off of LT Irish?s HMMWV, he told me that the first thing he thought as it bounced less than a foot from him, the only thing between him and it was thick armoured glass. He said he wondered why they were tossing road flares at him in daylight. Using them for signaling in broad daylight didn?t make sense. Then he realized what it was. Irish, is one of the most decorated soldiers in this BN, and to the chagrin of the Infantryman here, he is a Field Artillery Officer, (his Military Occupational Specialty is desperately trying to find relevance in post ?major combat? Iraq. He works as a pseudo politician, dealing daily with local Iraqi politicians. Dealing daily selfish, self-interested, local politicians. He by default is an ?ambassador? if you will. Yet he is allowed to make no official statements. I am also considered an ambassador of good will, and deal on a continuous basis with Kurds, their director of Intelligence, and various Sheikhs, and Imams. Yet ...
Village South of Bayji [Lost in Iraq - in Iraq]
Here are a few pictures from the other day when a few of us went into one of the poorer villages outside of Bayji to setup a medical tent for the medics to provide medical attention to people that may not be able to receive medical attention otherwise. This was a joint operation including Coalition Forces and elements from the Iraqi Army unit located here in Bayji with us. The medics saw a variety of different patients and treated kids with burns or other ailments. Afterwards we all passed out clothes, shoes and toothbrushes for everyone. It was personally rewarding
Castpost [MaDeuce Gunner - in Iraq]
I recently opened a CastPost Media Blog, which allows users to host video and audio for free. Go check it out.
Comrades in 48th, families mourn 4 [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
At midnight Monday, 200 soldiers from the 48th Brigade Combat Team gathered at Camp Stryker in Iraq to salute the caskets of their fallen comrades. Back home in Georgia, the families of four citizen soldiers killed over the weekend in the deadliest attack on the unit since it arrived in Iraq absorbed the heartbreaking news and began planning funerals. Family members released the names of two of the dead Tuesday...
One more drip [Six More Months - in Iraq]
The most rewarding part of my job here is the occasional opportunity to participate in Civil Affairs missions. Our unit is currently refurbishing a school near the base, and we are using some of the civilian expertise of our soldiers to help plan and execute infrastructure repairs to several villages in the area. I got to roll out on one of these missions today as part of the security element for several officers who were meeting with local village leaders to discuss their needs and how we can help. It was a...
If this is going to be the final draft, then I'm going to say "NO". [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
This morning, Al-Sabah had the exclusive right to publish the current draft of the constitution.
This draft will be submitted to the national Assembly to get the Assembly's approval before putting it to the October referendum.
Of course the draft is tool long to fully translate and it would've taken me a few more days to do that so I have chosen the most important parts of it and translated them.
Here are they for you to read...
Back in Iraq [A Soldier's Thoughts - in Iraq]
Some of you are now relieved that I am back on the net blogging, others are perhaps angered, others still are excited and would like to know what will come next, and the rest are probably just sad that I am still around. To all of you, those who love me (my family and friends) to those who disagree with me, to even those that hate me, I would like to say that I am back in Iraq (I went home for 2 weeks to visit my family). The short time I was home was surrounded by the hell that is military travel.
New Sadr City Water Treatment Plant Opens
[Centcom News - U.S. Army Maj. Russell Goemaere 2nd Brigade Combat Team]
SADR CITY, Iraq, July 21, 2005 ? The first of 27 new compact water treatment units officially opened in Sadr City July 19.
"The compact water units bring needed water to the residents while the expanded water system for Sadr City continues to develop," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gary Luck, commander of 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the coalition unit which works with Sadr City.
US Army Corps of Engineers rebuild essential services in Fallujah [Centcom News]
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Fallujah City Council and the Fallujah Reconstruction Committee, has made considerable progress in restoring water, sewage and electrical service in the city of Fallujah to levels that existed prior to Operation New Dawn (Al Fajr) in November 2004.
Elevated water storage tanks have been repaired and water is now at pre-November 2004 levels. Projects are underway to increase the capacity of the current system to modern standards. These projects will upgrade the current capacity of fresh water in the city by three million gallons per day.
Iraq seeks quick withdrawal (USA Today)...Unattributed
BAGHDAD ? Iraq's transitional prime minister called Wednesday for a speedy withdrawal of U.S. troops and the top U.S. commander here said he believed a "fairly substantial" pullout could begin next spring and summer.
Illusions Of Iraq Echo Vietnam (Baltimore Sun)...Gordon Adams
...Our forces are seen as occupiers, much like the British before them, and the Iraqis want us to leave. The failure to understand this similarity to Vietnam is dangerous for U.S. forces and policy. The United States becomes less popular the longer it stays.
Baghdad blues (LA Times)... Robert Lloyd
"Over There," Steven Bochco's new American-troops-in-Iraq series, uneasily walks a difficult line ? just like its characters.
Showing the true horrors of war through fiction.
Premiering tonight on FX, "Over There" is the network's second series, after "Rescue Me," to have sprung, in a general way, from the events of 9/11.
Set in contemporary Iraq among the members of a small, variously employed combat unit, and to a lesser extent among the people they left behind, it shares with the earlier, FDNY-set series elements of unusual stress and heavy gear. Co-created by "NYPD Blue" mastermind Steven Bochco (who was approached by FX to develop the series) with Chris Gerolmo, it's technically accomplished, convincingly played and reliably diverting, and it raises a lot of questions
The Drama Of Iraq, While It Still Rages (New York Times)...Alessandra Stanley
Timing is the questionable element in "Over There," Steven Bochco's 13-episode series about soldiers fighting in Iraq. It is not only the first television drama about the conflict, but also the first American television series that has tried to process a war as entertainment while it was still being fought.
For Iraq Vets, Fiction That Rings True To The Bone (Washington Post)...Thomas E. Ricks
"Over There" gets a lot of the little things wrong but does a pretty good job of capturing the core feeling of the war in Iraq -- the ambiguity, tension and grinding difficulty of the mission.
Military Eyeing Bomb Busters For Road Threats (Miami Herald)...Drew Brown
As Iraqi insurgents become more skilled at hiding deadly roadside bombs, the Pentagon is scrambling to find new ways to protect American troops.
Veteran of Iraq, Running in Ohio, Is Harsh on Bush (New York Times)...JAMES DAO
CINCINNATI, July 22 - In the Second Congressional District of Ohio, which Republicans have controlled for the last two decades, the quickest route to political oblivion could be the one chosen by Paul L. Hackett: calling President Bush a "chicken hawk" for not serving in Vietnam and harshly criticizing the decision to invade Iraq.
Washington's too hot? Try Iraq (Washington Times)...Edward Cen and Guy Taylor
The mercury level in Washington crested at 99 degrees yesterday -- about 21 degrees below the high in Baghdad.
While Washington's summer swelter prompted complaints from tourists in shorts, tank tops and flip-flops, U.S. troops in Iraq face the desert heat in helmets, Kevlar vests and combat boots.
"If you're out on patrols and Joe takes his helmet off because he's got an itch, it's a team or squad-level infraction," said Army Lt. Col. Barry Venable, a Pentagon spokesman.
IRAQ: NEW CONSTITUTION PREVENTS CITIZENSHIP FOR JEWS, SAYS MP (AKI)
Baghdad, 27 July - The first draft of the new Iraqi constitution will prevent Iraqi Jews, stripped of their nationality in the 1940s and 1950s, from re-obtaining it, Mundhir al-Fadl, an Iraqi MP and member of the constituent assembly's constitution commisssion, has told Adnkronos International (AKI). Al-Fadl, one of the commision members responsible for drafting the constitution's chapter on "rights and duties" explained that one paragraph of the draft says that "the Iraqi nationality is a right acquired by every Iraqi, which cannot be withheld for any reason and is the basis of his citizenship."
Iraq, U.S. Need Allies To Pony Up (The Hill)...Albert Eisele
The U.S.-led effort to rebuild Iraq?s devastated infrastructure is falling short because of a lack of financial support from other countries, the head of the Army Corps of Engineers said.
Sonu Nigam's concert: an embarrassment to all Afghans? [Afghan Reality]
The residents of Kabul were eagerly awaiting the first ever arrival of one of the most popular Indian music icons, Sonu Nigam, in the Afghan capital.
Posters of the concert could be seen almost in every major intersection and on the main roads in Kabul. After the fall of the Taliban, this was seen as a major foreign musician visit to Afghanistan and obviously 'fun time' for the people, especially youths.
Closing out more projects [Martin in Afghanistan]
We closed out a few more projects today. We have only 5 left to complete. I will post a definitive list of what we accomplished in the next few days. It has been a long and busy tour, and I am looking forward to coming home. Already people are starting to leave, as new faces show up. Pretty soon, it won't be our show any longer, but rather under the command of the new people coming over.
I guess the highlight of the day was that myself and my Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) were awarded the Task Force Commander's Coin for our efforts while here. For those not in the know, a Commander's Coin is a decorative challenge coin presented by the Commander to people who have been selected for extra recognition.
Back to the 'Stan [The Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio]
As Afghanistan's September 18 election approaches, fighting intensifies in country and along the Afghan-Pakistan border. In an assault on a Taliban base camp, 50 were killed and 25 captured. Reports indicate more dead are being discovered. This follows on the heels of battles along the Pakistan border, as well as in Pakistan's tribal region of North Waziristan, where about 100 Taliban were killed or captured (Security Watchtower has the details). While Pakistan's efforts to secure the border leaves much to be desired, the murder of tribal leaders working with the Pakistani government indicates the Taliban/al Qaeda supporters view the cooperation as a threat.
Afghan Civilians, Not Soldiers, Provide Most Of Medics' Workload At FOB Sweeney (Mideast Stars and Stripes)...Jason Chudy
They?re trained to take care of wounded and sick servicemembers, but medics assigned to the small aid station at this base?s front gate spend much of their time treating Afghan civilians.
Crowd Rushes Gate At U.S. Base In Afghanistan (Washington Post)...Associated Press
More than 1,000 stone-throwing Afghans tried to break down an outer gate at the main U.S. base here Tuesday while demanding the release of eight detained villagers. Afghan troops fired warning shots and used clubs to beat back the mob, and U.S. troops fired into the air.
Egypt Got Tip On Bombing [Captain's Quarters]
The Scotsman reports tonight that Egyptian authorities had received a warning about the bombings at Sharm el-Sheikh that killed 88 people and injured hundreds more. Security officials misunderstood the intended target of the al-Qaeda terrorists, however, leaving the hotels unprepared for the attack:
Today's ROK And Roll [Barbarian Envoy - in S Korea]
Another 7-11 Clerk: Anthony Faiola interviews Korean War vets and gives another guy a chance to waste newsprint. I won?t quote it, but adoshi abuses the word, ?brother?, again in that special Korean way reminiscent of fascists at a revival, or a convenience store employer manual on holdups. Faiola also lets adoshi have the last word, actually a rhetorical question, which should be answered: what else can we do but give Pyongyang handouts? If this article is any indication, it?s South Koreans, who have a stunning lack of good ideas and common sense.
Which Countries Are on the Brink of Failure? [Outside the Beltway]
Foreign Policy has partnered with the Fund for Peace to issue the first annual Failed States Index. Here's the Top 20...
<...>
No real surprises here. What's equally unsurprising (though nonetheless appalling) is how little coverage the press is giving the high-ranking countries...
Our Extreme Makeover (Los Angeles Times)...Max Boot
Favorable impressions of the U.S. are being detected around the world, including inside Muslim countries.
Egyptian police 'identify bomber' (BBC News)
Egyptian security sources say they have identified a man suspected of being one of the bombers who carried out last week's attacks in Sharm al-Sheikh. The security sources said they believed Moussa Badran ...
Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit Shit [Dude, Where's the Beach]
Debris Spotted Falling From Discovery
A collective "Holy Shit" was heard echoing throughout NASA.
Terror Attacks and ?Muslim Opinion? [Austin Bay]
I put ?Muslim Opinion? in quotes because there is no ?mass Muslim opinion? any more than there is ?an Arab street.? StrategyPage has been reporting for months on the change in spin by Al Jazeera and other Arab media regarding terror in Iraq. I speculated that the 7/7 attacks may have been a media/information watershed.
Getting a Hand on Jihad [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
This morning I stumbled across an article published by Daniel Pipes in the New York Post back in December 2002. Even though it is 2-1/2 years old, I think it is very useful in helping keep our eye on the ball regarding terrorism and understanding the underlying idea that drives it - the Islamic concept of Jihad.
I also think it is especially relevant given the recent trip of Condoleeza Rice to Sudan and the horrors that have been going on there for decades.
The 1 weapon necessary for victory [Redleg's Perspective]
Read this. I just got from Illinois from our little exercise break and this one screamed out at me.
It's the one thing the DNC and the "bush lied" people can't seem to get through their heads. We can't lose the war in Iraq or Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world. We can lose it right here at home. Check your history. It should be right under the title: Vietnam.
The 1 weapon essential for victory
Tipping Points, And a Slap in the Face With a Wet Haddock [The Daily Brief- Sgt. Mom]
Once upon a time in the West? during the eighties to mid nineties, to be specific? there was a sporadic but continuing rumble in the American news media about the so-called militia movement. The journalistic great and the good descended on occasion from their palatial bi-coastal aeries to frown gravely, and unreel serious and lengthy articles about the goings on in fly-over country. Basically, for about a decade, concatenations of good-old-boys in cammies and serious gummint surplus gathered in the woods to play war-games with everything short of light artillery, and bitch about the federal government, the ominous plans by the UN for one-world government, invasion by someone or other, the depredations of mysterious black helicopters, fluoride in the water, and for all I know, the banning of Pete Rose from the Baseball Hall of Fame. I suspect that mostly the guys bitched a lot, and drank a lot of beer. Before the massacres in Rwanda, and the Place Known as the Former Yugoslavia, the mighty military minions of the UN were seen as a potent threat? maybe all the beer would account for that, since in actuality, a brigade of Girl Scouts might have been more effective in some UN-sponsored situations.
"World's Top Terrorist Hunter" [Grim's Hall]
Did you know there was a "World's Top Terrorist Hunter"?
Did you know he was French?
The world's leading terrorist hunter is on a secret mission in Sydney to investigate Australian links to global terrorism[.]
A secret mission, you see...
A Deadly Summer (Washington Post)...Unattibuted
THERE MAY NOT be specific connections between the bombings in London and Egypt, or the relentless wave of suicide attacks in Iraq, or the near-collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire following a terrorist strike. But the overall pattern this summer is plain: The forces of Islamic extremism, which at the beginning of this year appeared significantly weakened by the war against terrorism, have managed a counterattack of surprising strength.
Victory For The BSA [Stop the ACLU]
Last Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist introduced an Amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. Well, it came to a vote tonight. And we have some excellent news via FoxNews.com.
...I congratulate all 98 Senators who voted on their wisdom and common sense in appoving such a neccessary activity. Both for our youth and our Armed Forces.
The Democratic Underground compare the Boyscouts to the Hitler Youth Army.
Ranting again... [A Peek into my Insanity]
...They are soldiers, through and through, and they deserve that respect. If a woman signs up and then pusses out, throws the "I'm a girl" card to get out of the hard work, she deserves to get her ass kicked. I depend on the soldiers in the Army to protect my husband in battle, to have his back if shit goes down. A girl who admittedly cannot even shoot straight is not able to do that. That is BULLSHIT.
Here is the site I'm talking about. When I stumbled upon it I immediately felt my blood pressure rising, because this "woman" is a disgrace to my sex, and a disgrace to the Army. I pondered how to deal with my anger at this pitiful display, since I'm a big believer in clicking that little X at the corner, or hitting the back button. Free speech and all that, this is the internet after all. However, I couldn't shake the words from my mind, the arrogance of this writing, and the insults to military families everywhere.
Profiles: The CO [Dadmanly - in Iraq]
This is the start of a series profiling the people I work with here at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Iraq. Today's profile: The Company Commander (CO).
Many MILBLOG readers will no doubt have a good handle on the role of the CO and his or her importance to the Army, and my regular readers probably have a good sense of it, too. As a First Sergeant, I work directly for the Company Commander, and represent his primary means of implementing any decision he makes. The CO directs, the 1SG makes it happen.
Don't Make Me Whip Dis Out [Baldilocks]
Let me see.
Talking about conditions under which WMD might be used is out; talking about using WMD in the event that one or more is used on us is definitely out. And talking about potential targets of WMD in the event that one or more is used on us is mega-out and bigoted to boot.
So why don't we just dismantle them all right now?
LETTERS OF SUPPORT [2005 Tour Of Duty - in Iraq]
This picture is taken to say thanks for all the support from the American people back home. These are letters sent from the Costa Mesa area in California. We appreciate you guys for sending us letters to cheer us up...
Patriotic Art Show to Counter Attorney General's Exhibit (SacUnion.com)...Staff Writer - (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A painting titled "T'anks to Mr. Bush!" by attorney-artist Stephen Pearcy, is displayed in the Department of Justice cafeteria in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, July 19, 2005.
This coming Thursday the heated political debate surrounding an art exhibit co-sponsored by State Attorney General Bill Lockyer will intensify when conservative opponents of the Lockyer-sponsored exhibit put on their own, counter exhibit.
Mark Williams to Protest Attorney General (SacUnion.com) ... Mark Williams -(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A painting titled "T'anks to Mr. Bush!" by attorney-artist Stephen Pearcy, is displayed in the Department of Justice cafeteria in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, July 19, 2005.
The tone in the bully?s voice was almost exuberant; it was certainly smug and self-satisfied. The bully is a creep named Steven Pearcy, and he was trying to buffalo his way onto my Sacramento talk show on KFBK 1530 AM to bask in the glory of the attention he felt due him.
A Terrible Idea [Neptunus Lex]
(Note: This entry being moved back to the top temporarily, since the Milblogfather has a post up to which I'd like to lend support.)
And a way to fight it...
Like most of you, I've been dimly aware of the brouhaha surrounding the International Freedom Center, planned by its organizers to be a major element of the World Trade Center Memorial Complex. Although it's obvious that no one needs a history lesson on this, the WTC attack, and the attack on the Pentagon, were the straws that broke the camel's back - they roused a
AIR AMERICA: STEALING FROM POOR KIDS?! [Michelle Malkin]
Air America is being investigated in New York for diverting federal funds--possibly "hundreds of thousands of dollars"--meant for inner-city kids and senior into the station's coffers.
Um, why isn't the New York Times, which has spilled tons of adulatory ink on the liberal radio network, covering this scandal on its front page?
President's job gets harder when 10 senators want it (USA TODAY)...Susan Page
WASHINGTON ? Add to President Bush's list of worries: the 2008 presidential race.
Operation Coverup (LA Times)
Scandals metastasize. That is the pattern since Watergate. What starts out looking like a small, isolated incident gradually reveals itself to be part of a larger abuse of power. Meanwhile, an unraveling coverup adds new elements. Is that happening now with the scandal over White House leaks of the identity of a CIA agent?
Threading the Needle (NewsWeek)
The Democrats' dilemma: Fight now, or save their fire for the next round?
Aug. 1 issue - Wait for the subway in the Capitol and the press will inundate you on the platform. As a former senator, Fred Thompson knew that, which is why he steered Judge John G. Roberts Jr. onto the sidewalk that runs beside the tracks. On rounds of Senate drop-bys last week they were an odd couple: the shy, almost diminutive judge; his towering, foghorn-voiced bodyguard. Amiable but cautious, Roberts chatted about benign matters of Washington establishment life as he strolled...
Clinton Angers Left With Call for Unity
Senator Accused of Siding With Centrists (Washington Post)... Dan Balz
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's call for an ideological cease-fire in the Democratic Party drew an angry reaction yesterday from liberal bloggers and others on the left, who accused her of siding with the centrist Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) in a long-running dispute over the future of the party.
Britain - Dangerous Biased Media [USS Neverdock]
Next to Muslim terrorism, Britain's biased media is the most dangerous challenge facing Britons.
Due to its sheer reach of viewers and listeners, the BBC poses the most danger of all. If you've never visited Biased BBC you owe it to yourself to do so. Be sure and read the comments section as there is a lot of spirited debate from both sides of the Atlantic. I also recommend The Case Against the BBC which contains links that document the BBC's bias.
Mullah Omar Answers Call Of "Allah Allah Oxen Free!" [The Nose on Your Face]
The Nose On Your Face has received information that world- renowned "hide-n-seek" champion Mullah Mohammed Omar will be retiring from international competition sometime this fall.
Omar issued the following statement during a recent cave-side press conference...
It?s Amazing, the Desperation [A Soldier's Perspective]
It seems that almost no matter what I do, these people will never see through me. I got another letter from my friend Joy. This is the next step in any African nation scam. First they make contact with a sappy story of tragic loss, then they push you off onto someone else. Next, they?ll most likely be asking for account numbers and Western Union. Here we go with her response to my last email:
Happy Birthday to Me! [Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
That's right, today is my birthday! I turned 28 today. It's been a pretty good day, all things considered. I got "happy birthday" phone calls from my Mom, Grandma and Papa, and Phil's mom this morning. And this evening I got to talk to my Dad and my sisters (Shelly and Jenny), too. Phil said that he would give me a call tonight at his usual midnight calling time.
Day 203 - Happy Birthday to STACY!!! [Big Al's Army Life - Al's in Iraq]
Hey y'all! Guess what? It's my deployment buddy's birthday today!! Whoo Hoo!! I have wanted to tell you for a long time what a special person she is, and how she makes this deployment bearable for me, but I have been waiting for her birthday to tell you --- so I could make a big, sappy post about it and embarrass the heck out of her. LOL.
Back in the States [CaliValleyGirl]
I have been back in the States for exactly one week now. And it feels good. It's like I have become hyper-aware of all things American. And super proud and happy of the support towards soldiers. I love seeing cars with ribbons on them, and houses with flags flying out front.
Very soon to be Mrs Dustman [Doc in the Box] (pic)
The Dawn Patrol takes quite a bit of time to compose, so if you find something in the Dawn Patrol and use it, a Hat Tip would be appreciated.
Whats a nice girl like you doing in Iraq? [ROFASix]
Why would someone with no military background and a growing journalism career chuck it all and go to Iraq? She had the perfect set up. As a freelance reporter, she regularly worked for Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine, Financial Times of London and Aviation Weekly. She had traveled to Iraq in 2003 wrote about aviation subjects. In Jun 05, she went back as an embedded freelance reporter. Now she is embedded with US Marines in Iraq?s Al Anbar Province and based out of Camp Hit.
A Weekend In Hadithah [MOAB -- Mother of All Blogs - in Iraq]
...The convoy began, like all the others, with our 7-ton embedded inside the line of Humvees. When we took our first turn, however, our truck pulled into the intersection to protect the dozen or more vehicles behind us as they made the turn. Once everyone cleared, our truck pulled into the last position, bringing up the rear. And once again, I was in the caboose, running through my head all the reasons why that was statistically the safest position.
BOOM!
First Female Iraqi Army Graduates Broll [DVIDS] (More video)
The first all female Iraqi Army Basic Training Class Graduates. Broll footage includes soldiers presenting arms to flag, Iraqi officials address troops in Arabic, soldiers taking oath.
1LT Lauren Rowe Feature [DVIDS] (Video)
First Lieutenant Lauren Rowe is one of the few women in the 3rd Infantry Division involved in combat operations. She serves as Platoon leader for 2-3 Brigade Troops Batallion Military Police.
Special Note Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Stand by: Next Dispatch is on the way.
Special Note: American experts who examined the 26 Surface to Air Missiles captured in "The Devil's Foyer," say 23 of those missiles could have been used to attack aircraft.
Iraqi women discuss the constitution [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Day by day and as the deadline for finishing the draft of the constitution approaches, we see more hot debates and more active public activities and more interaction with this historic event that will decide the future of life on the lands of Mesopotamia and it's interesting (yet not surprising to me) that daily-life concerns couldn't stop Iraqis from engaging discussions and debates when it comes to writing the constitution.
QRF [Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
...Tonight, after about 20 minutes on shift, we got a report of an IED strike just on the outside of our task force boundary. Technically, we didn't have to do anything, but we were the closest FOB and had the capacity to respond the fastest. Since we didn't know the severity of any injuries, we sent the QRF with medics to secure the site, assist in caring for any wounded and to make recommendations as to whether they needed additional combat power.
OPERATION GREEN ZONE BAGHDAD [THE MESOPOTAMIAN - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Hi, I have been trying to get down to tell you about this for some time now, but the pressure of trying to survive makes it difficult just to find the time.
You see, ?Operation Lightening? was a good start, but it was only a beginning and needed to be developed in the right way. Now it has rebounded.
Baghdad Barbarella [Lance in Iraq]
I can't decide whether to be angry about this or be overjoyed that she's accepting advice from Karl Rove:
According to the press coverage yesterday, Baghdad Barbarella is going on a cross-country bus tour next March to call for withdrawal -- i.e., retreat -- from Iraq.
Iraq: Facts vs Failure [The Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio]
The media?s portrayal of Iraq as a miserable failure proceeds apace. Dexter Filkins and David S. Cloud, in an article titled Defying U.S. Efforts, Guerrillas in Iraq Refocus and Strengthen,, declare the following about the insurgents:
Corrections (New York Times)...The New York Times
An article on Saturday about a federal judge's order regarding photographs and videotapes related to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal misstated a deadline and the response by Defense Department lawyers. The government was given until Friday to black out some identifying details in the material, not to release it. Defense Department lawyers met that deadline, but asked the court to block the public release of the materials. They did not refuse to cooperate with an order for the materials' release.
Sunnis Rejoin Iraqi Constitional Panel(The Guardian)... (AP) SAMEER N. YACOUB
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Sunni Arab members of a committee drafting Iraq's new constitution ended their boycott Monday, six days after they walked out to protest the assassinations of two fellow Sunni constitution framers.
CRUMBLING IRAQ Is the Country Heading for Civil War? (Spiegel Online)
From the outside, it seems like chaotic violence. But it's worse than that. In Iraq, Sunni Muslim suicide commandos are launching bloodbaths among the Shiites, gradually edging the country toward civil war.
50,000 Iraqi Insurgents Dead, Caught (Washington Times)...Sharon Behn
U.S. and Iraqi forces have killed or arrested more than 50,000 Iraqi insurgents in the past seven months, a former top general who has headed repeated Pentagon assessment missions to Iraq said yesterday.
Howard in secret Iraq dash (The Australian)...Dennis Shanahan
JOHN Howard made a lightning trip to Iraq last night, meeting Iraqi leaders in Baghdad and visiting Australian troops in the strife-torn nation.
Beyond bombs, traffic causes despair in Baghdad (Reuters)...Hiba Moussa
BAGHDAD, July 26 - Beyond the bombs, the shortages of power and water, and the constant threat of crime, there is another seemingly mundane affair that drives Baghdad residents closer to despair each day -- the traffic.
US Accepts Polish Withdrawal From Iraq (Sydney Morning Herald)...Reuters
The United States has accepted Poland's plans to pull most of its 1700 troops from Iraq at the beginning of next year, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski said today
Our Shaky Position in Afghanistan [Cutler's Yankee Station]
I realize I'll get flak from friendly quarters for saying this, but I've never, ever, bought the idea of Afghan democracy. From a strategic point of view, it is a decades long task that isn't worth the effort [and judging by the British and Russian experiences, too risky, better a low profile]. Even if it was worth the effort, however, it would be unlikely to succeed.
This was inevitable...
About 1,000 protest outside main US base in Afghanistan after arrests 9 (China Daily)
More than 1,000 protesters on Tuesday chanted "Die America!" as they banged on the gates of the main U.S. base in Afghanistan to demand the release of three local villagers detained in a raid.
Good news, links and entertainment. [Going Down Range - in Afghanistan]
Good new from Afghanistan. Read all of this and you will know more about Afganistan than 99% percent of the world.
More links from soldeirs in A'stan
Mullah Omar Speaks [Andi's World]
Since the United States brought democracy to Afghanistan, nobody has heard from the ousted Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. According to one report, he has just released a statement calling for supporters to continue the jihad.
Taliban On The Run But Far From Vanquished (USA Today)...Paul Wiseman
...Four years after they ousted the radical Islamic regime, U.S. forces are still locked in a deadly contest with Taliban holdouts in the badlands of southern and eastern Afghanistan. The ongoing war here, overshadowed by the chaos in Iraq, defies easy analysis.
Up to 50 Taliban said killed in Afghan fighting (Reuters)
By Mirwais Afghan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - U.S. and Afghan forces killed up to 50 Taliban fighters in central Afghanistan, a provincial governor said on Tuesday after the latest burst of violence in the run-up to September's crucial elections
Should Korea Be Given Visa Waivers? [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
Here is an article from the Heritage Foundation that tackles the issue of if Korea should be entered into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Here is why Korea currently is not eligible for the VWP:
The ROK is currently ineligible for the VWP because the refusal rate for nonimmigrant visas for its citizens exceeds the 3 percent maximum allowed under the VWP. The ROK?s refusal rate currently hovers just below 4 percent. [1] Because South Korea is not a VWP member, South Koreans must endure a complicated and protracted process to obtain a tourist or business visa, which has unfortunately contributed to growing animosity towards the United States.
PM 'appalled' by imam's defence of bin Laden (ABC ONLINE)
Prime Minister John Howard has criticised the Imam of Melbourne, Sheikh Mohammed Omran, describing his defence of Osama bin Laden as appalling.
Mr Howard has accused some Islamic leaders in Australia of failing to denounce the latest terrorist attacks.
Iraq not the root cause of terrorism [Madison.com - Uncle Jimbo]
...This stems from a misunderstanding of the difference between tactics and root causes. There are many complaints that the jihadis adjust according to current events but there is only one root cause for Islamic terrorism, Islamic terrorists attempting to restore the Caliphate, starting in the Middle East but eventually spanning the globe. If you don't want to take my word for it read Bin Laden.
See no Israel, hear no Israel [Chrenkoff]
Pope Benedict is getting his ears chewed off about leaving Israel off the list of countries recently hit by terrorism.
A few days ago, the Pope prayed for God to stop "the murderous hand" of terrorists who recently struck in "countries including Egypt, Turkey, Iraq and Britain".
Hey, at least the Pope mentioned Iraq, unlike Tony Blair who omitted both Israel and Iraq from his list.
Tube bomber prepares to strike (Telegraph)... John Steele
It is the most mundane of scenes, one experienced by millions of passengers on the London Underground every day. A man with a rucksack stands near the double doors, apparently looking up at a Tube map. His fellow passengers pay him little attention. (pic)
SAUDI ARABIA: BIN LADEN FAMILY REQUESTS SURNAME CHANGE (adnkronosinternational)
Riyadh, 26 July (AKI) - The family of Osama bin Laden has asked the Saudi monarchy for permission to change its surname. The on-line newspaper Arabian Business reports that "the relatives of the 'sheikh of terror' no longer want to be recognised as belonging to the bin Laden family and have therefore asked to change the surname on their passports." The royal family is thought to have approved the request, according to the newspaper, which it describes it as "unprecedented".
Coke Fiend Bin Laden (New York Post) ...Dan Mangan - Subscription needed(LINK Via Fox News)
Osama bin Laden tried to buy a massive amount of cocaine, spike it with poison and sell it in the United States, hoping to kill thousands of Americans one year after the 9/11 attacks, The Post has learned.
How Osama bought bomb
Al-Qaida directs poppy cultivation under noses of U.S. occupation of Afghanistan
Osama bin Laden has spent billions of dollars on the successful purchase and development of nuclear weapons ? money his al-Qaida terrorist network earned by directing poppy cultivation in the fields of Afghanistan, right under the noses of U.S. occupation forces, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
Dear Osama bin Laden ... (Newsweek)...Malcolm Jones
Aug. 1 issue - It is hard to imagine an uglier coincidence: Chris Cleave's stunning debut novel, "Incendiary," the story of what happens after a bomb kills more than 1,000 people in a London soccer stadium, was published in England on July 7, the day of the London bombings. (The American edition is out Aug. 2.) No one seemed to know what to do. The publisher pulled its advertising but didn't recall the book; one bookstore chain ...
Purple Hearts pulled from ?Crashers? site [Patriot Voices]
WASHINGTON - Following complaints from a congressman, the producers of ?Wedding Crashers? on Monday yanked from the movie?s Web site a printable Purple Heart advertised as a gimmick to pick up women and get free drinks.
As Recruiting Suffers, Military Reins In Abuses At Boot Camp (New York Times)...Erik Eckholm
...Pentagon leaders reject the notion that training is aided by humiliation and hazing. And now, as the military struggles during wartime to fill its ranks, commanders appear to be more sensitive than ever to accusations of abuse.
Jane Fonda: Out of Iraq or my bus runs you over! (If it doesn't run out of oil first.) [GM's Corner]
Jane Fonda, who did a stint in Viet Nam, is calling for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq and will kick off her "anti-war movement" with a national bus tour. In announcing her coming out, she said, "I have not taken a stand on any war si...
THE FUNERAL CRASHER: SORRY EXCUSES [Michelle Malkin]
I just got off the phone with Sal Sirabella, Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll's chief of staff. They are in the midst of drafting a letter of apology to Marine Staff Sgt. Joseph Goodrich's family, which I will post as soon as Sirabella faxes it over. Sirabella read parts of the letter on the phone, and it will include boilerplate pablum about how Knoll "supports the troops" and is "sorry for the misunderstanding" (as if the family is somehow to blame for misinterpreting her anti-war sermonizing at Staff Sgt. Goodrich's mass?).
Morning Papers ([Washington Post - Blog])
Good Morning.
The New York Times and the Washington Post focus on the continuing Roberts paper chase, with news embargoed until late last night (reportedly to avoid an instant Democratic response) that the White House will allow release of some documents (the early Reagan years, which newspapers are already mining) but not others, such as papers from Roberts service in the Office of the Solicitor General
Soldiers' Angels update [HoodAThunk?]
...After sending 2 letters and a care package, I was preparing to write a third and "scheduled" myself to have it done tonite. In today's mail, I found a small envelope with my name on it coming from my soldier. I had a huge grin on when I saw that and found that my efforts were, indeed, appreciated. My soldier had never heard of Soldiers' Angels, but he told me he's glad someone put him on the list. Toward the end he commented on it specifically:
See Your Soldier . . . Live [VFW NC WebCOM Network]
via MilitaryWebCOM.org is pleased to announce a brand new service designed to help military families communicate with their service members and military personnel via audio, video and text chat worldwide.
Posted by Blogmaster
Astros visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. (Houston Astros Press Release) HT: Peggy Schmitt
HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros players and coaches, joined by owner Drayton McLane, President of Business Operations Pam Gardner, and General Manager Tim Purpura, visited with injured soldiers today (July 22) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Army hospital visit moves Astros (Houston Chronicle)...JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ HT: Peggy Schmitt
WASHINGTON ? From one corner of the clubhouse to the other, the Astros kept talking about the impressive young woman. They invoked the reverent tones they usually saved for majestic home runs, impressive fastballs or acrobatic defensive plays.
They talked about grit, passion, heart.
The Astros visited Walter Reed Army Hospital on Friday and Saturday with the hope of cheering up wounded servicemen. They left the hospital in awe.
Many of the Astros returned to RFK Stadium for their game against the Nationals with vivid memories of the young woman who had her legs shot off when insurgents in Iraq shot through the bottom of the helicopter she was piloting.
"And she still landed the helicopter," said Phil Garner.
Update on the "Classy Protestors" [Parrot Check]
After doing some research of my own after being tipped off by Brian at the possible suspects of the protestors at a soldier's funeral, I have confirmed that it is not Leftards who are responsible for this atrocity. Yes. It is something much,
A genuine hero [Combs Spouts Off]
Go read this. Be patient, it's a long page with lots of pictures (well-chosen and worth the wait). Go get the Kleenex while it loads.
This is the story of a genuine hero, the kind of story that, in a just universe, would be widely reported on the network and cable news shows and in the papers. It's the story of how Capt. Brian Chontosh earned the Navy Cross, our second-highest award for combat bravery.
"The four Seals had landed in a trap" US Navy Seals' Afghan disaster [Dude, Where's the Beach]
An interesting article that says very little on how so many Navy Seals died, yet goes in depth about how poorly the U.S. is doing in Afghanistan. Maybe it's just my interpretation, but coming from...
New Alaskan Sub Blogger [The Stupid Shall be Punished]
WTFO is a new blog from submariner loddfafnir in Alaska. Not much content yet, but it looks like he's off to a good start. Stop by and welcome him to the fold!
Hugh Hewitt Gets Taken For a Ride [Froggy Ruminations]
Hugh, my friend, feel thou not slammed. Just a bit of constructive criticism, Froggystyle.
Hosting Hassam Aloush (?) the SoCal head of C A I R for the first two hours of his program today, Hugh unwittingly turned the keys of his radio show over to an organization that has a long track record of apologizing for islamic terror.
Blogged up(New Hampshire Sentinel Source)
?There?s a good reason why American Soldier and other milbloggers keep pseudonyms: to stay out of trouble with military brass.? So writes Mark Glaser on the Annenberg School for Communication?s online review. Glaser is referring to members of the military in Iraq who have been posting their observations and comments online, for the most part anonymously. A sampling of this writing can be found on the Mudville Gazette Web site (www.mudvillegazette.com).
Aslam targeted by bloggers (The Guardian)...By a staff reporter
Rightwing bloggers from the US, where the Guardian has a large online following, were behind the targeting last week of a trainee Guardian journalist who wrote a comment piece which they did not care for about the London bombings.
The story is a demonstration of the way the 'blogosphere' can be used to mount obsessively personalised attacks at high speed.
Russia?s Biggest Spammer Brutally Murdered in Apartment (MosNews)
Vardan Kushnir, notorious for sending spam to each and every citizen of Russia who appeared to have an e-mail, was found dead in his Moscow apartment on Sunday, Interfax reported Monday. He died after suffering repeated blows to the head.
Bush Energy Bill: Defeat the Arabs, Take Their Oil [ScrappleFace]
The Bush administration today unveiled revisions to the energy bill, currently moving through Congress, designed to decrease U.S. dependency on foreign petroleum.
IRAQI SGT. KICKS TERRORIST BUTT [Publius Pundit] HT: USS Neverdock
Pounding a beat, pistol in hand, an Iraqi woman soldier is a novelty in Baghdad:
Pounding her Baghdad beat, wrapped in a bulletproof vest and brandishing a pistol, Sgt. Bushra Jabar definitely stands out in the new Iraq.
She?s the only woman in the Iraqi Army unit patrolling the Kharkh district in the heart of the capital.
PLP Meeting [5th CAG's Experiences in Iraq ]
Today I had a meeting with Engineer Hamed Hamad, one of those who have emerged recently as one of the true leaders of Fallujah. Hamed sits on the Fallujah Reconstruction Committee, the Fallujah City Council, and was elected to the Al-Anbar Provincial Council. That's Hamed in the center of the picture. (pic)
48th Brigade helps bring water to Iraqi farmers [Via comments from a Public Affairs Officer working with U.S. Central Command]
YUSUFIYAH, Iraq - The Tigris River is the lifeblood of the Arab J'Bour village and other rural farming communities in Yusufiyah, Iraq. With that in mind, 48th Brigade Combat Team civil affairs Soldiers paid a visit to the Yusufiyah water pumping Station on July 4 to follow up on the progress of military engineering efforts there.
IT IS FINALLY RELEASED, BUT NOT WHAT I EXPECTED [Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE WRITTEN MORE ABOUT THIS, BUT OVER 100 INSURGENTS IN ONE SINGLE MISSION WASN'T THAT BAD WOULD YOU SAY? THE MOST THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN IN ANY ONE DAY IN A LONG TIME AND THE BOYS FROM MISSISSIPPI DID IT. I CAN'T GO INTO ANY MORE DETAIL THAT WHAT WAS RELEASED, BUT THIS WILL HAVE TO DO.
U.S. Soldiers capture insurgents, weapons and explosives...
Dispatches from Iraq [Dave's World]
What follows is the second half of Matt's two-part entry. For new readers, Matt is a good friend of mine who is a sergeant in the Stryker Brigade based in Ft. Lewis, WA. He is in the middle of a one-year tour of duty in Northern Iraq. The first part of this entry ran two weeks ago. If you missed the original installment click here first, then come back. We've taken out the names of others involved in this story and simply changed them to phrases like "my buddy" or "another solider."
I was sure something I've long dreaded was finally a reality -- sure that we had lost someone. A brother called up on the radio, ?Turn around! 2-4?s been hit!? I relayed the information throughout the cab of our Stryker, and as we turned around, small arms fire echoed from our 5 o?clock.
New Video: Tankers [Armor Geddon - in Iraq 2004] HT:Chaotic Synaptic Activity
(video) SPC Camp's first production...Long before we took back Fallujah.
0:03 Mechanics and others flying into theater on C-17s. Most of us drove the 500km from Kuwait to FOB Scunion in wheeled convoys. It was the longest road march ever. By the end, people were hallucinating and sleep-driving from being up so long. But it was awesome and hilarious. Seeing stuff that isn?t there is like being on drugs...without the criminal offense and all.
Local art [Lance in Iraq]
A few artists in the area sold some of their work on the base recently. Much of it was on the theme of their newfound freedom. (pic)
The Iraqis are Making Strides [Assumption of Command - in Iraq]
If you have been reading my site for a while you know that I agree with the President Bush in that the key to the war here is helping the Iraqis learn to stand up for themselves. In that theme, I have tried to find good things from the Iraqi Army in the press. I have some more to share and I am also spreading out to include the Iraq Security Forces as well.
I found 3 good articles. ...
GET IT IN WRITING [2005 Tour of Duty - in Iraq]
This Iraqi Farmer would not let me leave until he had a reciept for the loaned equipt-ment we picked up. So I wrote out a reciept and took a picture. This incident reminded me of the times when the crop adjuster's apprasial was different than how the farmer remembered it. "Get it in writing"...
Everybody Loves Dorman... [NEW MilBlog Ring Member - Sisyphus Today... - in Iraq ]
...I figured I would take some time and answer some interesting questions from readers. It just so happens that the other week I was emailed a nice list of questions.....so here it goes.
Another Example.... [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
Another great opportunity showcasing liberal emotional reactions to challenges to their ideology has presented itself. In a recent post titled The Love of Truth, I presented my ideas about how the love of the lie leads to desperate and absurd efforts by some to ignore and deny truth, and tell more lies to justify the previous lies. It's an amazing thing....
The Little Things [Ghraib Danger at Abu Ghraib]
This is a picture of Abu Ghraib's newest bar & grill. Well, actually, it's Abu's only bar & grill. Well, actually, it's not really a bar & grill at all. Up until
Day 185 - Weekend Briefs [Waynes World - Wayne's in Iraq]
Shoe Update!
I woke up early, first to the telephone, then to Wayne's Instant Messenger brrrring! Describing women and children receiving over 500 pairs of shoes from Louisiana and Mississippi, Wayne said, "They were going nuts! One little girl tried to pick up a box bigger than she was to carry it on her head!"
I'm BACK!!! [A Female Soldier 2]
I am now back and will begin posting to the blog on a more regular basis than I have been doing recently. I am sorry for getting so far behind, but I will now begin posting. Remember that now the blog is located on the menu.
The soldiers from my 101st Company will be using this website to post comments, stories, and messages for their loved ones. So, the website will actually become a hub for the unit.
<...>
I also want to point out that the video page link has been repaired and now you can view the sights and sounds from Iraq. Click Here
Mad grannies on the warpath [Counter Column]
Just when I thought the antiwar movement couldn't get any dummer, They pull something like this:
TUCSON, Arizona (AP) -- A group of anti-war senior citizens calling themselves the "Tucson Raging Grannies" say they want to enlist in the U.S. Army and go to Iraq so that their children and grandchildren can come home.
Update 24 July [From my Position - at Walter Reed]
..Amongst all of the above, we have had the honor to meet some amazing people this week. Today was the best... we met General Meyers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife. They are two wonderful, genuine people and it was a real honor to meet them and chat. Chuck told General Meyers his story and the General was quite impressed w/ Chuck and who he is as a soldier and leader. Alice was beside herself talking to General Meyers. You don't realize how much you respect a person until you are in their presence and see the "human" side. Just like we felt when we met President Bush.
What Bush Doesn't Know (New York Times)...Bob Herbert
I remember the arrogance that accompanied the "shock and awe" bombing campaign that kicked off the war in Iraq more than two years ago. The war was supposed to be quick and easy, a cakewalk. The enemy, we were told, would fold like a dinner napkin.
All Quiet on the Home Front, and Some Soldiers Are Asking Why (New York Times)...Thom Shanker
WASHINGTON, July 23 - The Bush administration's rallying call that America is a nation at war is increasingly ringing hollow to men and women in uniform, who argue in frustration that America is not a nation at war, but a nation with only its military at war.
Shots To The Heart Of Iraq (Los Angeles Times)...Richard C. Paddock
...The continued shooting of civilians is fueling a growing dislike of the United States and undermining efforts to convince the public that American soldiers are here to help. The victims have included doctors, journalists, a professor ? the kind of people the U.S. is counting on to help build an open and democratic society.
Terrorists In Among Iraqi Cops (New York Daily News)...Derek Rose
Iraq's police recruits include illiterates, criminals and insurgents, a U.S. government report to be released this week is said to conclude.
Defiantly, They Ignore The Bombs And Queue To Join The Iraqi Army (London Daily Telegraph)...Thomas Harding
...The young men and handful of women in the queues say they are as keen for the private's salary of $400 a month as they are to serve their country to rid it off insurgents.
Army Women Defy Insurgents, Taboo (USA Today)...Rick Jervis
When Sondos' sister was murdered by insurgents for working with the Iraqi army, the 30-year-old exacted her revenge: She signed up for the military.
Dad Of Marine Killed In Action Still Supports War, Bush (USA Today)...Judy Keen
Bill Langley knows better than most people how decisions made in Washington can change a family forever.
In Harm's Way: Titan In Iraq (San Diego Union-Tribune)...David Washburn and Bruce V. Bigelow
...Operation Iraqi Freedom has put into practice the Pentagon's thinking that the U.S. military can wage a cheaper, more efficient war by outsourcing many of the behind-the-lines support functions. But the lines between warriors and civilians have blurred amid the carnage of Iraq's insurgency. Employees of Titan and other corporations have become part of an experiment in government contracting run largely by trial and error.
Gratuitous Afghan Resturant Photo II [Miserable Donuts - recently returned from Afghanistan]
(pic) This was probably the only Afghan resturant on a US military base in Afghanistan, for a while.
Afghan Blasts Wound U.S. Troops, Afghan Policemen (New York Times on the Web)...Reuters
A bomb exploded on a main road in Kabul on Monday, critically wounding three Afghan policemen at an improvised checkpoint a day after a U.S. soldier was killed and seven wounded in attacks in the provinces.
U.S. Military Wants To Hire Afghans (Miami Herald - World Briefs)...Unattributed
With escalating violence threatening Afghanistan's future, the U.S. military has a new focus: employ as many of the poor as possible to rebuild schools and medical clinics so they don't join the Taliban or al Qaeda.
Now This Is Digusting [GI Korea - in S Korea]
(pic) No that is not water they are washing their faces with, but feces from the cans at the bottom of outhouses. I further checked out the link where this picture came from and I found even more interesting pictures: (pics)
Jubilation! [Greg, Stuck in Qatar]
I am so pumped.
Today I got my first hatemail!!1 w3wt!!
It comes from Ms. Stella Darron, who writes:
How could you be so ungrateful? While your military brethern are toughing it out in a Baghdad hellhole, you complain about being bored in Qatar while stuffing your face??? Why don't you request to have your ass shipped to Iraq and get some action if your so bored. You piss me off.
Stella
To which I promptly replied:...
Tunnel Found under Northern Border [ROFASix]
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a press release Friday titled, ?Tunnel Discovered Between Canada And US,? that caught my eye. You expect to hear about tunnels from Mexico, but not Canada.
The ICE said the tunnel started ...
Michael J. Totten: The Logic Of Pacifism [GM's Corner]
Michael Totten has penned (pixeled?) a brilliant essay on the "Logic of Pacifism over at Tech Central Station. A sample:
Analysis: The Sharm el-Sheikh Bombings [The Fourth Rail - Dan Darling]
First of all, I'd like to thank Bill Roggio for giving me the opportunity to blog on recent events concerning the Sinai bombings while WoC is having its Good News Saturday. For those who haven't been following the recent trend of Islamist violence in Egypt I would recommend this post covering the Taba bombings as well as the relevant results from this search on Rantburg. Oddly enough, for those who know my history, this is one of those rare moments when I find myself agreeing with Juan Cole in his initial analysis of the attacks.
Ever since terrorism came back on the radar screen ...
The Best Army We Can Buy (New York Times)...David M. Kennedy
...The implications are deeply unsettling: history's most potent military force can now be put into the field by a society that scarcely breaks a sweat when it does so. We can now wage war while putting at risk very few of our sons and daughters, none of whom is obliged to serve. Modern warfare lays no significant burdens on the larger body of citizens in whose name war is being waged.
Insult to Injury [Andi's World]
PFC Tim Hines was injured in Iraq on Father's Day by a roadside bomb. He subsequently died from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on July 14. He was survived by his wife Katy and one daughter, two-year old Lily.
After Hines death, Katy moved in with her parents in Fairfield, Ohio. The funeral for PFC Hines was held this past Friday in Springdale, Ohio. Katy's parents had lined their lawn with American flags as a tribute to their fallen son-in-law. Shortly after the funeral,
Remembering the Gruesome Two-some [Cutler's Yankee Station]
This AP dispatch takes the cake:
Title - In Saddam's Birthplace, Fond Memories of Uday and Qusay
"Awjah, Iraq (AFP) - Villagers of the town where former dictator
Saddam Hussein was born said they retain fond memories of his slain sons Uday and Qusay, but had good reasons for not going to pay their respects on the second anniversary of their deaths."
Who knows the truth? [NEW MilBlog Ring Member! - Six more months - in Iraq]
As I was surfing through several news sites yesterday, I read a couple of editorials I found interesting. One, from National Review, detailed a tour of Iraq by conservative radio talk show host Michael Graham. During his tour, he spoke to at least 100 soldiers on the ground throughout Iraq and Kuwait. All, according to him, support the war and believe we are ultimately winning. The other editorial, from my hometown StarTribune, had a very different view, believing that our swift departure from Iraq is the most likely way to ensure progress here. I have always believed that when you hear widely divergent views, the truth lies ...
Guardian Whitewashed Terror Links [Alenda Lux]
The Guardian recently "let go" Dilpazier Aslam, a trainee journalist who called suicide bombers "sassy," claimed Britain deserved the July 7th terrorist attacks and belongs to the fundamentalist group Hizb ut-Tahrir that calls for the establishment of an Islamic state (the caliphate). His involvement in ...
Who is reading what [Redleg's Perspective]
This was part of a research project looking at bias in the media during the last election and this gets it about right.
1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.
2. The New York Times is read by people who think they run the country.
3. The Washington Post is read by people who think they should run the country.
4. USA Today is ...
John Burns on Iraqi Civil War [Austin Bay]
I?ve written that the Iraqi civil war began in the summer of 2003 ? perhaps in July 2003. Saddamists with money stashed in Syria and elsewhere began one insurgency, complementing (and sometimes collaborating with) Al Qaeda?s efforts.
John Burns has a different take in today?s NY Times....
Clinton speaks before Hispanic civil rights conference (The Morning Call online) [HT to New MilBlog Ring Member - meBreezy]
Speaking to the nations' largest Hispanic civil rights organization, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., received a standing ovation Monday when she vowed her support for legislation that would allow illegal immigrant high school students to attend college.
Liberals Not Playing With a Full Deck [NEW MilBlog Ring Member! - Beast7's How it Ought to Be]
Seems like the higher up the liberal food chain you go, the shorter your memory. (Reckon that?s why the Republican, and not the Democrat, symbol is the elephant? No question about the jackass, that?s for certain!)
Democratic Sen. John ?do as I say?not as I do? Kerry urged the White House on Friday to release ?in their entirety? all documents and memos from Supreme Court nominee John Roberts? tenure in two Republican administrations.
White House Won't Show All Roberts Papers
WASHINGTON (AP) - John Roberts worked for two Republican administrations, offering private legal assessments that have yet to be opened to historians or the public. Now that Roberts is President Bush's choice to join the Supreme Court, some Senate Democrats want to see the documents he produced - all of them.
Roberts Listed in Federalist Society '97-98 Directory
Court Nominee Said He Has No Memory of Membership (Washington Post)...Charles Lane
Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. has repeatedly said that he has no memory of belonging to the Federalist Society, but his name appears in the influential, conservative legal organization's 1997-1998 leadership directory.
Judge John Roberts, Come On Down! [WuzzaDem]
Thank you for your remarks, Judge Roberts, and for your patience. We have a long session ahead of us and I know the members of this committee are anxious to ask you a few questions, so I yield to my colleague from Delaware, Senator Joseph Biden.
Kerry Practices Fillibuster Technique at Tour De France [The Palmetto Pundit]
From the " Sometimes A Comment Warrants It's Own Post Department", this from Independent Sources:
Caption Contest [Outside the Beltway]
Time for the Monday OTB Caption ContestTM
Time for a Challenge
Birthday Surprise [The Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
I want to thank my wife and Cpt. T for thinking of me on my birthday. I woke up today and tried to get out of my room and was trapped due to all the streamers and balloons on the outside of my door. What did I wish for you ask? Well I wished for ...
The Bathroom [Jon Jivan - in Iraq]
Maybe I should stop breaking my leave of absence record with each new entry, ha. I had a really hard time finding good guard duty stories I could tell and guard duty pictures I could show without jeopardizing security, but the good news is I'm done with that now! Hooray! I'm going to miss all my new Iraqi Army friends (these guys are hilarious), but I'm ready to go back to a job that doesn't require me to wear twenty pounds of body armor and a helmet to work.
(Updated!)
I warned readers last week that the release of the new Harry Potter book was a threat to the Dawn Patrol - and as expected the Mrs is busily turning pages even now. Thus, I'm left to fumble through the lists, attempting to create my own pale imitation of her unbeatable daily round-up.
Ted Turner to Go to North Korea [GI Korea Blog - In Korea]
American billionaire Ted Turner is to go to North Korea next month. Allegedly the trip is for environmental conservation reasons:
Diplomatic sources in Washington said that Turner, accompanied by a huge CNN media corps, was planning a visit to North Korea in mid August to discuss North Korea?s ecosystem conservation measures in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with the Turner Foundation, an international environmental conservation organization which he runs.
Towards a Worker's Paradise
Dr. Andrei Lankov describes the fruits of a Socialist State:
In the late 1980s, before the collapse of the North Korean state economy, a Party secretary (that is, a CEO) of a large plant received some 250 won a month, while a skilled worker at the same plant had a salary of 100 won. However, the CEO was given rationing coupons for meat, fish, and eggs _ products that were available to a humble worker only a few times a year.
Pyongyang Pasta [Budaechigae II]
The first Italian restaurant in Pyongyang, Byeolmuri (Galaxy), recently opened its doors on Changkwang street in Pyongyang, the Chosun Sinbo reported in its Saturday edition.
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT? [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - In Iraq]
There are 24 hours in a day. we; (the good guys) work in shifts. I have tried the working until I drop thing and well, unless the Durka's are using the human wave/mass attacks (refer to Korea, and Vietnam) then there is no need to work until I collapse. I was an infantryman, I am no longer a "grunt". Again, there is no need for me to work 48, 60 or 70 hours in a row. As for whining, well perception is reality. If you perceive me to whine, then if I post once a month, or once every hour, will your perception of it change? As I said early in my postings, this blog serves largely one purpose it is my scribe, to remind me, later what I felt and have gone through here. The fact that some people find it of interest or helps them understand what a soldier on the ground here feels is serendipitous. The fact that it angers some people who think our efforts here are a waste doubly serendipitous!
I got out of the office (Updated) Yes it is my Birthday! [Assumption of Command - In Iraq]
Okay I know it has been a couple days since posting anything, but as everybody knows I have work to do here. Iraq is not just all fun and blogging. I went to LSA Anaconda for a few days.
My trip to Anaconda was on the worlds ugliest aircraft, C-23 Sherpa.
Not bombers or insurgents, they're terrorists. [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
This post has been updated with photograph that was taken by Iraqi blogger Sabah Jasim immediately after the terrorist attack that that killed a hundred Iraqi civilians in Mussayab city last week.
Hamas in Gaza - Is it too late to stop this train? [Dadmanly - In Iraq]
It is so long past time that we emphasize that one of Saddam Hussein's primary lines of attack against the U.S. was his very active support of Palestinian terrorism and terrorists. From $25,000 death gratuities for Palestinian homicide bombers, to terrorist training camps, to safe haven, to Iraqi efforts to gain WMD that could be used against Israel in supposed sympathy to the Palestinian cause -- Saddam Hussein viewed the Palestinians as useful stooges in his ongoing vendetta against America and his competition with Iran as the pre-eminent Middle Eastern power.
London.....Again. [Ma Deuce Gunner - In Iraq]
The terrorists have hit London again.
From Baghdad to London to Sharm Al-Sheikh... [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
I could sense fear in the words of Britons mixed with serious thinking that the attacks were designed just to drive the UK of Iraq and I started hearing people considering compromising with the terrorists to get out of this bloody situation.
Unfortunately many people fail to realize (or remember) that terror is targeting the human civilization without discrimination and although some attacks may seem connected with specific conflicts, the reality remains that terror is waging a full scale war against our way of living whether we're actually living it or dreaming of it or in a broader way; any other way of living that doesn't match their vision.
...I do believe that these waves of attacks in Egypt and London as well as Al-Qaeda's threat to Europe prove that their plans in Iraq are not working out.
Friday Musings [Neptunus Lex]
Oh, read an interesting editorial in the local today: Turns out a member of the Muslim community has been seeing all the bloodshed in the world and thinks it's time to speak out against.... (wait for it:) Racism.
Right. It's not enough, as Norm Geras has done, to recognize that there are those among us who think that maybe the killers had a point. That maybe anonymous commuters ought to die for the purported sins of their political class. That maybe it's all our fault, because of Iraq (and Afghanistan, too?). Who conveniently forget that this has all been going on for quite a while before ever a dangling chad was counted in Florida. No - not only is it our fault, but we're probably going to be bigots about it, too.
Oh, it's all the usual pap. Mr. Bisharat is concerned that, what with all the blowing up of London commuters, and the attempted blowing up of London commuters, some folks over here might come to the wrong conclusions with respect to Islam and its adherents. Jerry Falwell is called out, Timothy McVeigh too. Don't forget the IRA.
Tell you what, Bish: I'll put it on my list of stuff to worry about. But I have to admit, until grievance-crazed Methodists start blowing themselves up in SoCal mosques, and the mainstream churches tut-tut that, well it was awful really, but we had to think of the root causes of Methodist terror, it won't go very far towards the top of my list. And my list is very long, with only the top five or so getting any actual CPU cycles.
No, Mr. Bisharat. You don't get to do this. You don't get to watch your co-religionists kill anonymous commuters and use the opportunity to lecture us about occupations, or to try on the mantle of victimhood. You just don't, not in my house. Very sorry.
Gay Leaders in UK Targeted By Islamist Terrorists [Gaypatriot]
Now wait just a minute.... the Human Rights Campaign and National Gay & Lesbian Task Force have drilled it into my head that the biggest immediate threat to my safety and security is President Bush, Dick Cheney, Rick Santorum and the lack of gay marriage in the USA!!!
You mean they don't know that the Islamist terrorists are waging war against Western society? Why haven't they told me that Islamists hate gay people? What is their position on the War on Terror aside from marching with anti-American, anti-Western, anti-war groups like A.N.S.W.E.R.?
Oh... and has HRC and NGLTF heard about the hanging of two Iranian gay men earlier this week? Or are they too consumed with their pro-abortion agenda and opposition of Supreme Court nominee [INSERT NAME HERE]?
This is Egypt you dogs of hell [The Big Pharoah - In Egypt]
The Sharm El Sheikh resort is literally the epicenter of the tourism industry. One of Egypt's most beautiful spots. The terrorists knew where to hit. They knew where it will hurt. Up till now we know that 4 car bombs killed 43 people. The explosions were in different places across the resort.
Update: 85 people killed
WAR-POSTURING PRODUCES BLOWBACK [Instapundit]
Soldiers from Massachusetts and Hawaii who work at the U.S. military detention facility at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, gave visiting home-state senators a piece of their mind last week.
Iraqi Bride Among 16 Slain In Rebel Attacks (Los Angeles Times)
BAGHDAD ? Iraqi army Capt. Wissam Abdul-Wahab and his bride were riding home Friday, a day after their wedding, when gunmen sprayed their car with bullets, killing her and wounding him.
Relatives were too distraught to tell Abdul-Wahab that his 23-year-old wife was dead.
"My poor Sally, she was very happy yesterday," her mother-in-law, Latifah Mohammed, said, sobbing.
Abdul-Wahab lay in a hospital bed as doctors removed fragments of bone and shrapnel from his right hand, begging to know what happened to his wife.
His brother Ahmed, his eyes filled with tears, said, "She is fine. She is fine, believe me."
In Iraq, Search For 2 Envoys Ramps Up (Philadelphia Inquirer)
BAGHDAD - Police tightened security in an upscale Baghdad neighborhood yesterday as the search intensified for two Algerian diplomats kidnapped there. At least 16 people died in attacks in Baghdad and elsewhere.
Rebels Banking On U.S. Pullout, Official Says (Los Angeles Times)
Coalition commander in Iraq says the insurgency could last months. Fighters apparently hope to weaken the government, take over.
BAGHDAD ? Insurgents in Iraq will probably sustain the current rate of bloody attacks for at least six months, through the next elections, and expect the United States to give up on Iraq within five years, senior defense officials in Baghdad said Friday.
Increasingly violent suicide and roadside bombings are expected to continue at a rate of 65 daily ? nearly 500 a week ? as insurgents still hold enough popular support to carry them out, the officials said, outlining the U.S.-led coalition's latest intelligence assessment of security here.
Hoping that support for the Iraqi government will wane, rebel forces are banking on a coalition withdrawal that will allow them to eventually take power, said the officials.
World In Brief (Washington Post)
LADHA, Pakistan -- Assailants killed five tribal elders who had helped Pakistan's army hunt for militants linked to al Qaeda in a remote, lawless region near the Afghan border, residents and officials said.
The elders were gunned down in three attacks in various parts of South Waziristan, a deeply conservative mountainous region run by local tribes and only nominally ruled by Islamabad.
Terrorist Camps Thriving (Long Island Newsday)
Operating under new names and with the implicit approval of the Pakistani military, schools that train jihadists are an open secret
PESHAWAR, Pakistan - As President Pervez Musharraf renews his crackdown on Muslim militant factions after this month's terrorist bombings in London, new evidence has emerged that Pakistan has continued to let such groups run military-style camps to train guerrilla fighters.
For years, the camps have been only half a secret.
"Everybody has known they were there, but no one would officially admit it," said a Pakistani official who was interviewed recently and requested anonymity. "And they were kept hidden; no ordinary people could go there."
Muslim Groups Rally In Pakistani Capital (Washington Post)
Crackdown on Radicals Condemned
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 22 -- More than 2,000 supporters of a coalition of radical Muslim groups rallied Friday in the Pakistani capital to condemn a crackdown on Islamic militants that has netted more than 200 suspects.
Chanting "God is great" and "Down with America," the protesters -- mostly Islamic students and members of a coalition known as Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal, or United Action Forum -- marched on a main road in Islamabad, clashed briefly with police and demanded the release of all detainees.
British Police Kill Man On Train (Washington Post)
Link to Abortive Attacks Is Cited
LONDON, July 22 -- Plainclothes police chased a South Asian man into a crowded subway car Friday morning and shot him dead in front of terrified passengers, as the hunt intensified for four suspects believed to have carried out abortive bomb attacks on the transit system the day before.
Koran Abuse Halted Last Year, Says Freed Afghan Prisoner (Miami Herald)
An Afghan prisoner released from Guantᮡmo Bay said he witnessed abuses of the Koran by guards, but said it ceased late last year.
KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan man released from Guantᮡmo Bay said he saw guards throwing the Koran, but all such abuse stopped late last year after a loudspeaker announcement that U.S. soldiers have no right to touch Islam's holy book.
Moheb Ullah Borekzai made the comments Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press, three days after he was freed from the prison camp in Cuba and flown home to Afghanistan.
Government Defies An Order To Release Iraq Abuse Photos (New York Times)
Lawyers for the Defense Department are refusing to cooperate with a federal judge's order to release secret photographs and videotapes related to the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal.
The lawyers said in a letter sent to the federal court in Manhattan late Thursday that they would file a sealed brief explaining their reasons for not turning over the material, which they were to have released by yesterday.
The photographs were some of thousands turned over by Specialist Joseph M. Darby, the whistle-blower who exposed the abuse at Abu Ghraib by giving investigators computer disks containing photographs and videos of prisoners being abused, sexually humiliated and threatened with growling dogs.
Imam Case Could Widen (Chicago Tribune)
BERLIN, GERMANY -- German prosecutors said Thursday that they were probing whether purported CIA operatives who allegedly kidnapped a radical Muslim cleric ever touched German soil, possibly widening a case that is straining U.S.-Italy relations.
If prosecutors find the abductors touched German ground while passing through Ramstein Air Base--considered U.S. territory--they will launch a formal inquiry that could lead to new charges, one said.
In Surprise Trip To Beirut, Rice Hails 'New Lebanon,' Scolds Syria (Washington Post)
BEIRUT, July 22 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit here Friday to bolster the first government formed after Syrian forces departed this spring. She warned Syria to stop interfering in Lebanese politics and demanded that it end a border tightening that threatens to hurt Lebanon's fragile economy.
"Good neighbors don't close their borders to their neighbors," Rice said at a news conference with the incoming Lebanese prime minister, Fuad Siniora. "It is a very serious situation on the Lebanon border where Lebanese trade is being strangled."
New Device Counters Terrorism, Keeps Troops Alive [GX The Guard Experience]
7/21/05, WASHINGTON ? The Army has developed a new device to thwart terrorist activities while saving service members? lives.
<...>
The ICE device, which is roughly the size of a bread box uses commercial and military technology to thwart enemy IEDs said MAJ Raymond D. Pickering, who helped lead the ICE design team at White Sands during its development. Thousands of ICE systems are being utilized by all of the military services, and thousands of more are on order according to Pickering.
Marines & Sailor Killed - Close to Home [5th CAG's Experience - in Iraq]
By now you've all heard about the SVBIED (Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improved Explosive Device) attack on our convoy on 23 June in which 5 Marines and a Sailor were killed, and 13 more were wounded. Some of those killed and wounded were "our girls" as we called them, meaning they worked right here at the CMOC, searching female Iraqis before they were allowed to enter our perimeter. I've attached a couple of pictures so you can remember CS1 Regina Clark (KIA) and Cpl Sally Jane Saalman (WIA) and pray for them and their families, as well as the other Marines who were killed and wounded in the attack.
Midnight raid [Phil and Becky - Phil in Iraq]
For the second consecutive night, I came into the TOC to find something different: patrols outside the wire. Most nights, all of the daily operations are complete and I am greeted by a quiet TOC with nothing going on.
Yesterday, one of the companies executed a midnight raid with their partnered Iraqi Army company.
UPDATE... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
We got some news about our recently injured soldiers. The news is good.
All seem to be in good spirits. One of them is already moving around on crutches. Another wants nothing more than to be able to come back here and be back "with the guys".
The soldier who lost his legs has...
Training Soldiers [A Soldiers Perspective]
Yesterday, we began our new mission to train soldier on identifying and defeating IEDs. Instead of the roles we used to play as town mayors, reporters, NGO (non-governmental organizations), police, etc, we transitioned into terrorists. I?ve seen more IEDs explode on our soldiers than I care to admit. I?ve seen the destruction these things cause in person, on the news, and surfing terrorist websites. Now, I?m taking all the knowledge and putting it to good use on the NTC ?battlefield.?
Iraqis: We will not kneel to these criminals [Small Town Veteran]
By email from my friend Haider:
Greetings,
The following is my translation of a headline and article in the July 21st Edition of the Iraqi Arabic newspaper ? Kululiraq?:...
Million dollar conex party [Blog Machine City - in Iraq]
This morning was the final inspection of the shipping containers carrying our excess personal gear back to the United States. As you can see, it's an incredible amount of crap - and what's in the picture is only about half of the company's stuff.
Signs of Progress: Souvenir Shop [Jack Army]
(pic)... there was this DoD report to Congress that said a bunch of stuff about the political process not being derailed by attacks and how infrastructure attacks are down despite the high level of terrorist bombings. But the really good news is that photo. I think the road to freedom is paved with capitalist bricks. Nothing like a free market to highlight and accentuate personal freedom. And
Acclimation [Times Union]
...Our offices have moved (again) and now we are in a huge double decker metal box. It reminds me of a submarine. Low ceilings, no windows and when mortars and car bombs go off nearby, the building moves just like a sub would under the water. When someone asks where my office is, I tell them ?midship, second deck.? (Navy Chief Donnie Bunch taught me that!) The Navy guys feel quite at home here. Yes, we have Navy personnel in the middle of a desert. Talk about a fish out of water!
It takes some time to get used to the new set up and the new temperatures but we always manage somehow. I am amazed at the resiliency of the people I serve with.
Hot, humid, and busy [Phil Carter - in pre-deployment training]
CAMP ATTERBURY, IN -- Even out here at Camp Atterbury, where my unit is going through its pre-deployment paces, the word of last night's SCOTUS nomination made the news. Most people here aren't talking much about it; we're far too busy getting ready for our upcoming deployments. However, it's clear that many soldiers here remain engaged with society even while preparing for war. To paraphrase George Washington, when we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.
Young Republican [Who's your Baghdaddy? - in Iraq]
Our unit's Civil Affairs team was on a mission and found this young boy sporting a handsome t-shirt. I'm not sure who has his hands around his neck...but he must be a Democrat. (pic)
Another trial update. [Iraq the Model]
...Saddam looked quite tired and his hair was longer than usual.
He started talking by accusing the tribunal of being "illegitimate because the government isn't legitimate" but the judge replied calmly saying "the current government was elected by the people".
Saddam didn't like this reply and mumbled some obscure words like "you're a man of law and you know this whether you're Iraqi or not?".
The judge continued reading Saddam his rights of remaining silent and appointing a lawyer
Algeria's Top Envoy Is Abducted In Iraq (Washington Post)...Andy Mosher and Khalid Alsaffar
Algeria's top diplomat in Iraq was abducted Thursday by masked gunmen, witnesses said, nearly three weeks after the group called al Qaeda in Iraq kidnapped and killed an Egyptian envoy and threatened to seize more diplomats.
Sunnis Set Terms Of Return To Panel (Los Angeles Times)...Alissa J. Rubin
Sunni Arabs laid out the demands Thursday that they say must be met by the Iraqi government if they are to rejoin the committee drafting a permanent national constitution, warning that it would be a dire mistake to move ahead without Sunni participation.
Iraq War Veteran Runs For Congress (Washington Times)...Associated Press
...Hackett, a Democrat, is running in a special election Aug. 2 in a bid to become the first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress.
Visualize Iraq ? In Space (Seattle Times)...Lawrence J. Korb and Peter Ogden
President Bush will soon announce whether the United States military is going to occupy yet another region of the world, and, if anything, this new occupation will be as costly and counterproductive as the one in Iraq.
Australia Reassesses Afghan Effort (Christian Science Monitor)...Janaki Kremmer
The move by Australia to redeploy 150 special forces to Afghanistan in time for the September elections has been dismissed by experts here as a largely symbolic move designed to keep the US off Canberra's back - at least for now.
Something Shady Going on at Camp Kwangsa-ri [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
This story in today's Stars and Stripes is strange but really not surprising:
Local police are seeking a South Korean man who works for the U.S. military in connection with the discovery of about 12 tons of U.S. military shell casings and live ammunition in a commercial warehouse Monday.
Camp Kwangsa-ri is located between Dongducheon and Uijongbu just off of Highway 3. The camp is mainly run by the ROK Army with a handful of civilian workers and even smaller contingent of US soldiers. All training ammunition is
Where Is Korean Liberalism? [Barbarian Envoy - in S Korea]
Hahm Chaibong (via Budaechigae II) has another useful article on South Korean politics, specifically the development of the conservative and progressive factions from LIberation Day, 1945 to the present day. Without getting too bogged down in the...
Malaysian PM warns foreign navies to keep out of Malacca Straits [EagleSpeak]
According to the The Jakarta Post:
Malaysian leader Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday warned foreign navies to keep out of the Malacca Straits, an apparent message to the United States which has proposed sending an elite U.S. unit to help secure the piracy-prone waterway.
Storm Charlie [Reflections in an Icecap - somewhere near the North Pole (?)]
We are now in Storm Condition Charlie (on an A-D scale, D being a lethal situation) so evacuation has begun of certain facilities, the special Storm Operations Center has been activated, which allows us to command the base from the officer's dorm, all travel is restricted as is water usage
Resurgence of piracy highlights terror risk (MSNBC)
Political obstacles to security
Since early last year, under pressure from the United States and other trading powers, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia have been struggling to devise a plan for better security in the narrow bottleneck.
North Korea Ties New Issue To 50's War (New York Times)...Jim Yardley and Joseph Kahn
North Korea said Friday that the crisis over its nuclear weapons program could be resolved if the United States was willing to normalize relations, including replacing the cease-fire that has existed since the end of the Korean War with a permanent peace agreement.
Everything that came before Iraq War [The Anchoress]
World Trade Center 1993 (pic)
Khobar Towers 1996 (pic)...
<...>
Let?s not forget the 1985 hijacking of the Achille Lauro, during which Abu Nidal murdered Leon Klinghoffer - before taking refuge in Iraq.
Let?s not forget...
Friday Sermon By Leading Saudi Imam Al-Sudayyis in Mecca: "Oh Allah, Liberate Our Al-Aqsa Mosque... Punish the Occupying Zionists and Their Supporters Among The Corrupt Infidels... Oh Allah, Scatter and Disperse Them" [MEMRI: Latest News]
Sheikh Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sudayyis, imam of Islam's most holy mosque, Al-Haram in Mecca, holds one of the most prestigious posts in Sunni Islam. Following the terrorist attacks in London, Al-Sudayyis's controversial June 2004 visit to the U.K. for the opening of the London Muslim Centre has been headlined in the British media.
A month before his visit to London last last year, Sheikh Al-Sudayyis had been barred from Canada, where he planned to give a series of lectures. The ban followed a report about his sermons by MEMRI that included Al-Sudayyis calling Jews "the scum of the earth" and "monkeys and pigs" who should be "annihilated." Other enemies of Islam were referred to by Sheikh Al-Sudayyis as "worshippers of the cross" and "idol worshipping Hindus" who must be fought.
TMG Editor's Note : Here's an old video from 2004that shows what kind of people are behind this.
Why Do They Hate Us? Not Because of Iraq (New York Times ...OLIVIER ROY)
The terrorists' only true cause is global Islamic dominion.
Musharraf Deflects Concerns (LA Times)
Pakistani leader renews vow to battle extremism, but says Britain must face its own problems.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan ? Under pressure to deliver on promises to root out Islamic militants, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf sought in a speech Thursday to shift some of the blame to Britain and the United States.
In an address televised nationwide, Musharraf said ...
Musharraf urges holy war on terror (Washington Times)...From combined dispatches
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- President Pervez Musharraf called on Pakistanis yesterday to join a jihad, or holy war, against preachers of hatred and violence and announced steps to rein in militant Islamic schools and
U.S., Russia Descend Into Mutual Mistrust (San Francisco Chronicle)...Anna Badkhen
Growing disputes between the United States and Russia are threatening to significantly chill the once warm relations between the two countries. They also may seriously undercut a major front in the U.S. war on terrorism.
Words Mean Things: Why Is That A Hard Concept To Grasp? [GM's Corner] Editor's Note: Warning Pottymouths quoted.
In current political parlance, there seems to be a major disconnect between the terms "debate," "free exchange of ideas" and the left. So often in the last years, the left has been particularly nasty in it's interaction with the right. Now, I'm not foolish enough to believe that there is not ANY nasty, snarky, mean-spirited, stuff coming from the right, both now and in the DOC (Day's of Clinton), but it seems to be worse now on the part of my unfavorite leftoids.
Who's Homophobic Now? [Reasoned Audacity]
Call it the Mary Cheney Strategy. Call it desperation. Some on the Left have started a "maybe he's gay" whisper campaign against John Roberts.
It started with Manhattan Offender in a post yesterday asking...
Amusing: John Roberts is NOT a Member of the Federalist Society [Outside the Beltway]
Funny that everybody claims he is (kos--okay actually a commenter, a commenter at Washington Monthly, the Washington Post, Democrats.com, NewsMax, etc.).
Everybody update your talking points.
Ann Coulter, plagiarist? [AlterNet - Blog]
Obviously, it's no surprise that she's a bad journalist, but at least she could be original, right? The Raw Story's John Byrne writes that "a column penned by the doyenne of right-wing rhetoric Ann Coulter has come under fire for alleged plagiarism".
Enemy Within Part I
Recently the ACLU has been in a panic, shredding documents with one hand, and grabbing for Freedom Of Information with the other. What are they wanting? They want their hands on the 1,173 pages the FBI are investigating related to the ACLU.
The Court Nominee as a Young Pragmatist (Washington Post ...Jo Becker and Amy Argetsinger)
Reagan-era memos show John G. Roberts Jr. tackled tough issues with a conservative ideology and cocksure confidence.
A six-pronged strategy for defeating Roberts (MSNBC ...Tom Curry)
It will be friends of 'the hapless toad' versus Bush?s high court nominee
WASHINGTON - Although defeating Judge John Roberts, President Bush?s nominee to the Supreme Court, is an uphill climb for Senate Democrats and the liberal groups allied with them, the outlines have emerged of a strategy to challenge, if not defeat Roberts.
Going to be a long day. [Greg, stuck in Qatar]
Weee.
I turned 23 today! Rad! Nothing really planned for tonight. Jessi's birthday is in a week or so, and we are going to have our combined coming home and birthday parties when we get back to Tampa. It's going to be fun, we are trying to have Fred Flemming's ['Where the hog meets the log'] BBQ cater it. I am psyched.
Did I mention that Anne was pregnant? [New MilBlog Ring Member! - Partamian Report]
We're having a kid. This will be our first. I'm pretty excited about it. Anne is about 3 months along right now and so far so good. I think we will be able to tell if it's a girl or a boy in a few more weeks. Anne wants to wait, but I want to know ASAP. I want to narrow down the names somewhat.
Last Comanche Code Talker Of WWII Dies (USA Today)...Unattributed
Charles Chibitty, the last of 20 Comanche Indians who used their native language as a code to transmit messages for the Allies during World War II, has died. He was 83.
The Devil's Foyer [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Mosul, Iraq
...Separately, in an undercover operation, the Iraqi police detained four men whose kidnaping cell had abducted the 28-year-old wife of a Mosul journalist. This group was known to behead their victims, holding the world vicariously hostage with their crude cinemtography. This raid was interesting; information had recently come in that the terrorists were plotting to kill a journalist here in Mosul, and some officers believed the target was me. There is an interesting aside about a spy that Deuce Four detained who was actively trying to persuade me to visit what he described as a "safe" place in Iraq. While he is now in Abu Ghirab, I am still with Deuce Four, both of us "safe" for the moment.
No "official religion" was mentioned in the constitution of Al-Medina. [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Iraqi blogger Samir Hassan (Arabic) raised a very important point that apparently most Muslims had forgotten; it's the important fact that the in 1st constitution written for a dominantly Muslim society (and by no less than the prophet himself) there was no mention of Islam as the official religion of the state!
DIFFERENT WAYS TO DEFINE SUCCESS [Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sapppers - in Iraq]
...I?m exhausted both physically and mentally. This morning we headed out on a mission into a village. The thing about this mission was it started several days ago that required a lot of extra time and attention to things on my part to help the soldiers in the line platoons. I know that the internet was shut down yesterday so no one could say anything about the mission. It isn?t fun when they shut it down, but it is the only way to make sure our soldiers are as safe as possible.
We met up about 3:00 this morning and started getting ready to go.
The Plate and the Bruise: Body Armor Works [Jack Army]
Yeah! He got shot in the chest and lived. We talked about it here and here. Saw the video here. Well, he had something to say about it:...
Squaring Bob away [The Makaha Surf Report - in Iraq]
Well I made it to Kirkuk. Lots of Helicopter flights were involved, but here I am, safe and in one piece. I was catching up on the blogs and came across this interesting post courtesy of BLACKFIVE. Apparently Bob is a tad bit concerned that every member of the military is plain evil.
It's 130 degrees and they open a coffee shop... [Sic Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
As the heat slowly dies away, they march single file towards the approaching helicopters. They came in low and fast descending from the skies above, birds narrowly escaping the rotor wash. For a moment it seems if if they will slam into the tarmac yet at the last second the pilots raise the nose of the birds and nearly simultaneously touch down. Clouds of dust obscure my vision only for a moment, the sounds of the rotors rips through the air every second breaking the sound barrier with a whipping sound that pierces the night air. The whine of the engines decreases for the moment, as the soldiers deplane
The sweatbox ... um, sandbox Ryan and Christy's place - [Ryan's in Iraq]
Whew. It's 120-plus degrees over in Iraq. I've never know any heat that compares to that, nor do I ever wish to. Sadly Ryan does now, though he said once that he thought the heat/humidity in Mississippi last summer was worse. Did he say that in a heat-induced stupor? I don't know.
<...>
Sgt. Robert Bonnett, 32, said a nearly 135-degree day last week caused a bag of microwave popcorn in his Humvee to pop on its own.
Sadly, I bet butter wouldn't last a minute over there.
Finally and Fully Back! [Dadmanly - in Iraq]
It is a pleasant idea that the process of the Army sending Soldiers home on R&R (Leave) reflects an admirable expediency. Policies, processes, and the core mechanics of the task favor the departing Soldier and gaining him or her maximum advantage in reaching final destination (home, vacation spot, whatever). Less pleasant is that the gathering back in of returnees is anything but.
Email From Iraq [Southern By Blog]
The SPC from 2/299 sent me an email last night. I must admit that I enjoy receiving them. No matter if it's a short note just letting me know he's got the latest package I sent or one where he takes the time out of his 18-20 hour day to give me some small tidbits about life where he's at, the messages always make me feel proud to be able to support the soldiers defending me and my family. My last email to him, I'd asked if he had seen the items called Misty Mates which are getting some rave reviews on a couple of Mil-Blogs I read. If your sending packages to soldier take a look at their website, they offer a discount for those sending to soldiers serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. The email:
Off Course in Iraq (NY Times)
For those of us holding onto the hope that the war could bring freedom and equality to the citizens of Iraq, this week brought disheartening news on multiple fronts.
Survey: Morale Improving Among Soldiers In Iraq (Washington Post)...Josh White and Ann Scott Tyson
Morale among U.S. soldiers in Iraq has improved since the start of the war in 2003, and the soldiers' suicide rate dropped by more than half last year, according to an Army mental health survey released yesterday.
Deadly Attacks Fail To Deter Iraqi Recruits (USA Today)...Rick Jervis
Less than an hour after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives vest outside an army recruiting center here Wednesday, killing at least six people, Iraqi security officials were talking about the next working day.
Killings Will Not Derail Constitution, Iraqis Vow (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Hannah Allam
The writing of Iraq's permanent constitution will be finished on time by mid-August, despite the unsettling assassinations of two Sunni Muslims involved in drafting the document, key Iraqi officials said yesterday.
Across Iraq, A Small Tribute To Victims Of Suicide Bombings (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Tini Tran, Associated Press
Iraqis stepped from their cars, emerged from shops, and stood under the blazing sun yesterday in a moment of silence to honor victims of suicide attacks - believed to be the first such memorial in this war-ravaged nation.
Her mission in Iraq (Philadelphia Inquirer, PA)
To her daughters, Minnie Hiller is a "tough cookie." To the soldiers with whom the grandmother of six works, Hiller is more like a mom. The 50-year-old sergeant first class will have to play both roles when she arrives in Iraq later this week with the 50th Main Support Battalion of the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Score one for the 48th, Iraqis [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - 48th Goes to War]
Forward Operating Base Mercer, Iraq ? The Iraqi soldiers were two minutes from letting a detained driver continue on his way.
The soldiers had stopped the blue Opel sedan because the driver tried to avoid a military checkpoint and didn?t have registration papers for his vehicle.
Update 20 July [From My position - at Walter Reed]
Of course, we are moving forward as far as Chuck's recovery, but we still have many unkowns and "what ifs" that we can't do anything about... except wait. So wait we shall. Alice was also a military spouse. Chuck's dad was enlisted in the Army for 17 years (and was medically retired due to non-hodgkin's lymphoma). So Alice can more than identify with the feelings I have as a military spouse. Military families do not often have control of their lives... where they will be stationed... when will the soldier deploy and for how long... will we get to live on post or have to find a place off post... and the list goes on. So of the FEW things we CAN control in our lives, we take hold and run like the wind! Then we have times like these where we have to revert back to that sense of not being in control and we fight our way through it (or cry or laugh or scream our way through it - usually all of the above).
Democracy was only an afterthought (The Guardian ...Sidney Blumenthal)
The situation in Afghanistan is one of barely managed chaos
On the day of the London bombings, President Bush proclaimed: "The war on terror goes on." Through the 2004 campaign, his winning theme was terror. He achieved the logic of a unified field theory connecting Iraq to Afghanistan by threading terror through both, despite the absence of evidence. He insisted that if we didn't fight the terrorists there, we would be fighting them at home.
Big Windy over lake @ 10,000 ft. MSL [The Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
This flight was thru the highlands in central Afghanistan. This lake is located at 10,000ft MSL. This country has a lot to offer the outdoor type, now we just need to clean up the mines and kick the TB to the curb.
Taliban Working to Seize Power in Afghanistan [Outside the Beltway]
The Taliban has stepped up terrorist operations in Afghanistan, in hopes of destabilizing the Karzai government and seizing back power.
Karzai under siege from Taliban in run-up to polls (Independent)
Next Step In Helping Iraqis: Set A Withdrawal Date (Christian Science Monitor)...Helena Cobban
...Some Americans seem not to understand how deeply, in most postcolonial societies, including Iraq, the fears of foreign domination still linger. So long as President Bush refuses to set a date for withdrawal, these fears will continue to multiply.
Six killed in Afghan blasts (International News)
| KANDAHAR: Four Taliban militants were killed when a roadside bomb they were laying blew up prematurely and a blast under an army truck killed two soldiers, officials said on Wednesday. | Meanwhile, ... (photo: U.S. Marine
BRITON NAMED AS BOMB PLANNER; MET WITH BIN LADEN [Drudge Report]
Terror investigators hunting the London bombing mastermind are to question a suspected Al Qaeda planner held in Pakistan.
British-born Haroon Rashid Aswad was seized at a religious school with a suicide bomb belt, explosives and GBP 13,000 in cash.
Security sources in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, claim he had up to 20 telephone conversations with London bombers Mohammad Sidique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer. One of these is believed to have been just hours before the blasts.
Huge Riots in Yemen [Ladies of the Cotillion]
Twenty dead, hundreds injured, no photos allowed
via email:
We are all worried. Things may get out of control. In my neighborhood and around it today, there was a total loss of control. Nothing held people except that they all view the gov as the enemy. In other areas, things went differently. Demonstrators smashed cars, signs, and glass windows. They ransacked some gov buildings, banks, and other key buildings.
Yemeni Riots. (pics) [WILLism]
The political situation is heating up in Yemen. Freedom House notes that the Yemeni people cannot change their government democratically:
Give a nod to the "Good Germans" [CDR Salamander]
For those who missed it, today is the 61st Anniversary of the best attempt, albeit late, by the German military to take out Hitler before he took Germany down with him...
Explosions reported on London tube, bus -police (Washington Post -Reuters)
LONDON - Up to four explosions hit London's transport system on Thursday, exactly two weeks after more than 50 people were killed in blasts on underground railway trains and a bus.
No one was reported injured in the blasts that caused major disruption and shook the nerves of an already jittery city.
Sudanese Guards Rough Up Rice Delegation (My Way News ...(AP))
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a congratulatory round of meetings with officials of the new unified Sudanese government Thursday, but expressed outrage after security forces manhandled aides and reporters accompanying her.
U.S. warns of Saudi attacks, bomb factory found (Red Nova ...Dominic Evans)
The United States warned its citizens in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that militants were planning fresh attacks in the world's biggest oil exporter and security forces said they had found a militant bomb factory.
"The American embassy in Riyadh advises all American citizens living in Saudi Arabia that it has received indications of operational planning for a terrorist attack or attacks in the kingdom," the U.S. embassy in Riyadh said in a statement.
Schieffer Calls Troop Cut Unrealistic (Japan Times)...Kanako Takahara
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer expressed reluctance Wednesday over downsizing the forces in Okinawa, saying the U.S. military presence is strategically important to the U.S. and Japan, and to the stability of the region.
China's Zhu-Doo Diplomacy (Washington Times)...Don Feder
Late last week, Maj. Gen Zhu Chenghu of the People's Liberation Army forecast a nuclear first-strike against the U.S. if America interferes with China's plans to take Taiwan. Dismissing this as Marxist bravado would be a tragic mistake. China is preparing for a war with us and will not hesitate to use any means to achieve its strategic objectives.
Livingstone blames West for stirring terrorism (Sam Knight, Times Online)
Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, today blamed Western interference overseas for the growth of Islamic extremism and for creating the conditions to drive terrorists to commit acts such as the London bombings.
Transformation, Death Spirals & the Pentagon [Winds of Change - Joe Katzman]
Those of us who pay close attention to military maters are seeing 3 really big things these days: [1] The attempt to transform the U.S. military; [2] The global war; and [3] Cost issues as a whole slew of weapons systems come due for replacement, and the US faces major affordability issues despite rising budgets. Some of us would add [4] A funding timeline for #3 that will begin to extend into the USA's demographic crunch, even as deficits have become an issue right now.
It's not a problem unique to the USA - but it's a big, big under the radar phenomenon. And it's rarely discussed as a coherent and linked set of issues.
I can't connect the dots for everyone today, but I'm going to throw out some links that cover each aspect and will make you think, hard....
New commemorative US Marine Coins [ A Soldier's Perspective]
The US Mint has created a silver dollar to commemorate the 230th Anniversary of the Marine Corps. Here?s what the Mint has to say about them:
THE SON, THE SMIRK, THE SICKOS [Michelle Malkin]
So, last night during the SCOTUS press conference, you may have noticed the facial expressions of President Bush and John Roberts' wife. Glenn Reynolds did.
So did the readers at Daily Kos.
Why the faces? Because John Roberts' adorable little son decided to break dance during the momentous event. Dirty Harry has the hilarious photos. Here's one:(*Update* Must-see video here.)
Ringside for History: John Roberts for Supreme Court [Reasoned Audacity]
This has been a great day for those of us who are accused of being idealists.
The President did what he promised to do. He nominated a man who appears to take the Constitution seriously. And he didn't cave in to gender politics. He didn't make the O'Connor vacancy into the "women's chair."
It Would Seem .... [Eric's Grumbles Before the Grave]
That there is still at least one issue that can jolt the average citizen out of their complacency and remind politicians who elected them. That is their own property. Apparently the Kelo decision has motivated a significant number of people to contact their local politicians and tell them that eminent domain for private to private transfer is unacceptable.
Wife of Nominee Holds Strong Antiabortion Views (LA Times ....Richard A. Serrano
WASHINGTON ? While Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr.'s views on abortion triggered intense debate on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, there is no mistaking where his wife stands: Jane Sullivan Roberts, a lawyer, is ardently against abortion.
MoveOn's Brains Aim Straight for Heart (LA Times ....Mark Z. Barabak)
With their powerful advertising, the creative partners behind the online advocacy group energize Democrats and infuriate Republicans.
Smash! Crash! Crunch!
Bill Zimmerman and Pacy Markman have unleashed a band of marauding elephants on Washington, D.C., and they chortle merrily as their mischief plays across a computer screen in their Santa Monica office.
Sending Reporters To Do An Intelligent Person's Job [The Stupid Shall be Punished]
With apologies to the experienced, thoughtful military affairs reporters out there, I found another example of the dangers of having people with no military experience covering the military. Not that this one'll put any lives in danger or cause riots, but it's still an example of an easily checkable error making it through the newroom "editing" process.
May the Source Be With You [Wayne's World]
Last night?s interview with Christopher Lydon was more like talking to a newly found cousin than to a radio host.
Broadcast from National Public Radio station WGBH in Cambridge, Open Source is an interactive radio-internet show that takes a flying leap into an ?unmistakable a border-crossing conversational culture.?
The Origins & Meaning of "Idiotarian" [Winds of Change - Joe Katzman]
While working to fix the Wikipedia article on the subject, I realized that no-one has really put this together. It's an important piece of blogosphere history, so let's begin at the beginning. Prof. Glenn Reynolds started the ball rolling when he said on Jan. 5, 2002:
"What bloggers are more than anything, I think, is anti-idiot.
July 20, 2005 [Fourth Rail - Bill Rice]
Last Monday, my world changed. After some complications with the end of my wife's pregnancy it was decided it was best to encourage the labor early. At 8:48 pm, my dear sweet Catherine Elizabeth was born!
While I have been looking forward to being a father for a long time, words cannot explain the joy I felt with God's precious gift to my wife and me
Oh yeah.... It's my birthday! [American at heart - in Iraq]
What a birthday present, my internet is back in action. It had been MIA the last week for various reasons. Well, happy birthday to me.
This is the third year in a row that I've "missed" a birthday because of the military. I'm sure there will be many more, so i'm not too concerned. Great memories though...
Frances Langford, Trouper on Bob Hope Tours, Dies at 92 (New York Times) HT: GreyEagleO6
Frances Langford, a mellow contralto who ventured into combat zones with Bob Hope's troupe during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars to serenade tens ...
Poverty Thoughts [a Soldier's Blog - in Iraq]
...Friday evening myself and four other troops in my platoon had prepped material gifts for Iraqis (pics above). Go figure that God had taken my thoughts of me me me on my birthday, and given me another focus. Sometimes we need reminders to see the trees and not just the forest.
In Response to a Comment... [5th CAG's Experiences in Iraq - in Iraq]
"SSgt, USMC" asked to see more photos of the CMOC entrance, as he used to work here.
Here is one taken on a typical day. You can see the literally hundreds of people who come for assistance.
Post without a name [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
?Teach us to care and not to care. Teach us to sit still.?
T.S Elliot
I don't know much, I haven't been alive long enough to be wise. I have seen more of the world than most, but am not worldly. What I do know it this. Chamberlain was right (more than one hundred years ago, near Gettysburg, we are fighting a new kind of war, with a new Army. We are fighting for an ideal. Freedom, such an intangible notion, such a simple thing, such a complex thing. We can quantify the price in blood, we can quantify the price in dollars. What is so simple here in B'dad, is so lost on so much of America... Freedom.
Mexico [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
This morning the sun bled into the sky in slow motion, the acetylene light scattering off the broad sheet of dust that shrouds the Baghdad skyline. As the sun clawed ever higher the gathering rays started to knife through the dirty haze, the light slowly shifting through the spectrum. And then it broke through its dirty chains, flaring in a brilliant second sunrise. The light show almost took my mind off the upcoming mission. Almost. The mission wasn?t anything special, just a jog to the IZ to pick up some supplies. But the everyday missions can be every bit as lethal as a combat patrol, so when I ...
Baghdad hospital doctors on strike against soldiers [Soldier's Perspective]
No not American soldiers, but this story illustrates the way the Iraqi people were brought up. In the past, before we came, Saddam?s regime used coercion and outright threats to get the populace to say and act how he wanted them to. Fear was a common and prevailing emotion during his regime. During the first Gulf War, Saddam actually imprisoned and tortured one of his top generals for suggesting that defeated the American Coalition would be difficult if not impossible. Even Saddam?s most trusted advisors were not allowed to express doubt about his policies and tactics.
Unfortunately, this is the ...
Lunch In Fallujah [A Soldier's Perspective]
While I was in Fallujah, I ate many meals in the homes of Fallujahns there. Contrary to what the general populace thinks, there is a major population of people in that town that love us. We made many friends and were able to capture many terrorists based off their reports. We were often invited into shops and homes for tea. This picture was taken at the home of one of the shieks in Fallujah as he prepared a huge meal for us. In Iraqi culture, when you invite guests to dinner, it?s a BIG affair. Judge for yourselves:
Some Fun with Pictures [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
I finally found some of the military hardware that the Americans armed Iraq with.
Here are a few aircraft parked in a dirt lot near the airfireld at Taqaddum. I know they must be American, but they look eerily similar the Russian IL-28 "Beagle" short range bomber. None of these are operational - in fact they have probably been out of service for 20-30 years - or more. This aircraft first entered service in 1951. Thousands were sold to various other countries.
SHEIK MARINE. [Southern Appeal - in Iraq] HT: Grim
In the Rebel Yell section of a particularly kind post by Steve, Grim asked if I had ever worn the headdress in the picture. In answer to his question I offer up the following pictures. (pics)
Looking for some help [Courage Without Fear - in Iraq]
I 'm looking for a good artist who can create digital images. We're going to be setting up a webstore for soldiers and their families to buy apparel and items with the company logo. Unfortunately our current logo doesn't turn out too good when blown up to t-shirt size
Stryker units again clash with insurgents in western Iraq (Army Times)
Joint mission also involves Marine, Air Force and special operations forces
RAWAH, Iraq ? U.S. forces destroyed a suspected terrorist safe house with a 500-pound bomb today after shooting dead two insurgents during a brief gun battle.
Civilian Toll In Iraq Is Placed At Nearly 25,000 (New York Times)...Hassan M. Fattah
Almost 25,000 Iraqi civilians were killed in the two years since the United States-led invasion of the country, more than a third by American forces, according to a report released Tuesday that is sure to stir debate.
3 British Soldiers Face Abuse Trials (New York Times)...Alan Cowell
The British attorney general announced Tuesday that three British soldiers would be tried on war crimes charges for the abuse of Iraqi detainees, one of whom died.
Soldiers Exonerated On Obscenity Photo (Boston Globe)...Robert Burns, Associated Press
Army investigators concluded that soldiers who photographed American-born Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh in captivity in Afghanistan with an obscenity written on his blindfold were guilty of ''barracks humor" but not intentional wrongdoing, according to documents released yesterday.
The Rural War (New York Times)...Robert Cushing and Bill Bishop
Which American communities pay the highest price for the war in Iraq? A look at the demographics of soldiers killed reveals that Iraq is not the war of any one race or region. Rather, it is rural America's war.
Illusions Of Iraq Echo Vietnam (Baltimore Sun)...Gordon Adams
...Our forces are seen as occupiers, much like the British before them, and the Iraqis want us to leave. The failure to understand this similarity to Vietnam is dangerous for U.S. forces and policy. The United States becomes less popular the longer it stays.
What the Hell Was I Thinking? [Firepower Forward - in Afghanistan]
It's well known and heralded fact that the Evil Flight Planning Voo-Doo Witchdoctor has a long-running blood-feud with Short the Great. You know this, the world at large knows this, and I, of all people, know this only too well. Why then would I ever consider trying to get on the same airplane with him lest I become collateral damage to the Dark One's powers. This is how it happens. Firepower 6 says "I need 2 people to go to K2." And of course Short the Great and myself are the only 2 people in the room when he says
Spirtual Warfare 2005 [BlackFive]
Tom C. sent an email to bring attention to a blog by a Navy Chaplain in Afghanistan. Chaplain (Lieutenant) Daniel Mode has responsibility for the needs of Catholic (and other) military members in Southern Afghanistan.
The ONE [Froggy Ruminations]
...After awaking from unconsciousness, the ONE was once again being closed upon by enemy forces. Apparently the ONE is a rather large fellow, and not known particularly for his long distance running. So he ran for a while, stopped and shot a few taliban, then repeated that for a while until he was shot in the a$$ at which point he stopped? and laughed. This went on for a while under darkness fell and he was able to get into a more concealed position. Eventually he was discovered by a local tribesman who took him into his village and notified US forces of his location.
NATO To Add To Afghanistan Troops (International Herald Tribune)...Judy Dempsey
The U.S.-led NATO military alliance is sending more than 2,000 extra troops to Afghanistan to provide additional security during the run-up to parliamentary elections in September, a senior NATO official said Tuesday.
Afghan police thwart rocket attack on dam (Boston Globe)...Daniel Lovering, Associated Press
Police said Tuesday that they had thwarted a rocket attack against a hydropower dam near Kabul, the latest threat to stability in Afghanistan ahead of September's parliamentary elections.
Afghanistan?s Karzai says some madrasas preach hate (Khaleej Times)
SINGAPORE - Afghan President Hamid Karzai says some madrasas, or Islamic religious schools, were training camps for 'merchants of death' and had to be closed down immediately.
5800 to contest Afghan polls (The Austrailian .... from correspondents in Kabul, Afghanistan)
NEARLY 6000 candidates have been declared eligible to contest Afghanistan's first post-Taliban parliamentary polls in September, more than 10 per cent of them women, election officials said today.
A total of 2778 candidates will stand for the 249-seat lower house Wolesi Jirga elections and 3027 will stand for provincial councils, Bismillah Bismil, chairman of the UN-backed electoral commission told reporters.
Tony Blair, Islamic Scholar (& Memetic Warrior) [Joe Katzman Winds of Change]
I'm reading a post at AlwaysOn called Tony Blair As An Islamic Scholar, and something crystalized. So I thought I'd throw it out there and share. The author writes:
Al Qaeda warns Europeans to quit Iraq (Dawn the Internet ed. - Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper)
DUBAI, July 19: The Al Qaeda network has warned European nations to pull their troops out of Iraq within a month or face more attacks like the London bombings, according to an Internet statement.
Area filmmaker seeks defense aid [Small Town Veteran]
Prof sues him over Kerry documentary
DILLSBURG - The producer of a documentary that slammed Sen. John Kerry's Vietnam War record and may have helped cost him the presidency is asking for donations to defend himself against a lawsuit that arose from that film.
The Women's Chair on the Supreme Court: Fill it with a Man
The talk surrounding the Supreme Court over the weekend centered on the possibility of a female nominee. But my argument is that the President shouldn't choose a woman:
Assessing John Roberts - Day 1 [Outside the Beltway]
Despite having been nominated only hours ago, the evaluations of Judge John Roberts are pouring in. Thus far, the consensus seems to be that he's both a match for the judicial philosophy that conservatives demand and yet sufficiently judicious as to be easily confirmable.
Met a Fellow Milblogger [Soldier's Mom]
I figure that eventually I will get to meet some of the other bloggers that I read and that read my blog? Many are already kindred sisters & brothers (and some, daughters!) But today, I met a wonderful young milblogger, Chris Missick.
Well, Chris ? accompanied by two of his friends, Kyle and Ryan -- recently embarked on a cross-country trip to connect with supporters he had met through his blog but now wanted to meet personally. They kicked off the project in Carson City, NV the other evening at a reception attended by many people, including the Governor of Nevada. Describing the project on WEB OF SUPPORT.COM: The Blog (http://www.missick.com/warblog.htm), he writes:
IRAQ
Some of What I Learned in Baghdad [Voices of Soldiers - in Iraq]
...On all of my patrols I noted that many Iraqis in the red zone, but children in particular, waved and smiled as our troops went past. I asked one of the Iraqi interpreters whether Iraqis liked us or not. His reply was that 50% of Iraqis liked us and 50% did not like us, but 95% of all Iraqis were glad we were there and Saddam Hussein was out of power! (Recent polling of Iraqis indicates that 82% believe that things are getting better in Iraq and that they have a better future).
One Last Note From The Absurdity File [The 48th go to War - in Iraq]
A popular line of T-shirts at the Camp Stryker PX indirectly addresses the policy question of whether the U.S. military is stretched too thin by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The T-shirts come in varieties that say my brother, sister, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, mother or father is ?over there,? superimposed on a map of Iraq.
The flow of information [The "Mike Golf's" OIF3 Blog - in Iraq]
The last couple of weeks I have been able to get out some, do a air assault mission from a helicopter and help the Iraqi Army nab a few bad guys. But now my unit is back on red cycle again and I?m back in the company communications center. The good thing is that during red cycle, I can get a bit more time on the internet.
That is what I started to do today but then ...
Shomali 2 [Who's your Baghdaddy? - in Iraq]
We took another trip to Shomali the other day. This time we went to the Mayor's house for lunch where we also met the Iraqi Police Chief, his Captain, and the local sheik. The food was much the same as the meal we had at the police station, except for the addition of fish and boiled lamb. The boiled lambs head was in a bowl directly in front of me. Since it's teeth and jawbone were exposed it was if it was smirking at me the whole time. I just smirked back and stuck with the chicken.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 [Sgt Humphries - in Iraq]
Yesterday, our TOC burned to the ground. Something exploded in a burn barrel and is undergoing investigation. I am speechless. No one was hurt, fortunately.(pics)
Shoes and News [Waynes World - in Iraq]
Groups from Louisiana and Mississippi recently sent hundreds of shoes to Wayne, to be distributed to local Iraqi children. Here's news from Wayne received during the night:
Coordinated Efforts Net 39 Suspects in Iraq [GX: The Guard Experience]
Iraqi and U.S. forces established a joint/combined operations center to develop intelligence and track operations during a series of missions July 15, military officials in Baghdad, Iraq, said.
Coordinated Efforts Net 39 Suspects in Iraq [Lance in Iraq]
The sophistication of Iraqi Army training is bearing fruit:
Iraqi and U.S. forces established a joint/combined operations center to develop intelligence and track operations during a series of missions July 15, military officials in Baghdad, Iraq, said.
Prowler Mission [Iraq War News]
U.S. Navy sailors assigned aviation mechanic duties repair an EA-6B Prowler on the flight line at Al Asad, Iraq, July 8, 2005. The Prowler, from Navy squadron VAQ-138 attached to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, is currently at Al Asad supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia
Letters from War [The (not so) Daily Me]
My second cousin once removed, Sgt. Evan Byler, served in Iraq recently. The Iraq tour was his third overseas tour of duty. He is currently with 276th VA National Guard. He's a great guy with whom I have played basketball a couple of times. He is currently working at the Pentagon. I want to share some of his letters with you as well as an article from Yahoo/Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Information Warfare - [Grim - Fourth Rail]
Donald Rumsfeld has a piece in today's Wall St. Journal on the subject of information war. Subscribers can read it here. The piece is interesting in two respects.
The first is that he mentions "Tokyo Rose" by name. That interacts well with the fact that people searching for this piece by him, who type "Rumsfeld information" into Google News, will find as their first hit this item, which accuses us of waging information war by using Iraqi secret police to silence Iraqi bloggers.
Nervous in Baghdad - Do Americans have the will to stay the course? Part 2 [Seeker Blog]
"The mood of how this war is going in Baghdad and Arab capitals is better than in Washington and London," Abizaid said.
This Part 2 focuses upon the critical reality that there are two adversaries that must be overcome, and includes below an Open Letter To the Directors of the NYT, BBC, NPR and CBS . The adversaries are:
Three brothers fighting in OIF III [Live in Iraq]
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(July 16, 2005) -- Most Marines call home in their free time to talk to family, but three brothers deployed here can save that dime.
The Andrews brothers, Kraig, Kolby, and Kyle, are all serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and have a different kind of brotherhood than Marines usually talk about when describing their camaraderie with each other in a combat zone.
I?m still standing! [American Soldier - recently returned from Iraq]
I am happy to be home but the camaraderie that is inside of me still misses my Soldiers and the people I became good friends with. At one point last week I sent an email to our unit admin asking what it would take to get me over there. He said that I need to get fixed first. He didn?t want to see me get hurt because I could not function at 100%. It?s a tough pill to swallow but it?s reality.
18 July 2005 0507 EDT [Hokie - just back from Afghanistan]
It's been 48 hours since we landed here in the States. I've started a list in my head of all of the things I am finding pleasurable since my return. It's a shorter list than you would expect, but I'm finding that I'm interestingly differently amused these days by: my family, my house, my car, cable modem access, the fact that a bathroom can be co-located with the rest of the house; and the fact that my sister left so many things exactly where I left them over a year ago...to include my Avril VCD on my coffee table that Ben got me, magazines and books in my living room, bottles of shampoo in the shower, and random trash around the house. Decorating and/or cleaning has never been one of her strong suits. She's pretty much a boy when it comes to a lot of that, I think.
To Paradise and Back Again [2Slick's Forum - just back from Honeymoon]
Thanks for the nice well-wishes and all that. The wedding was fantastic. It happened on July 2nd in NYC- probably the most beautiful day the city will have this year. The honeymoon was beyond spectacular. It kicked off on July 4th with dinner and fireworks on a Maui beach. It only got better from there. My wife is the greatest, and I'm now officially the luckiest man in the world.
Baghdad hospital doctors on strike against soldiers (Reuters) ...Mussab Al-Khairalla
BAGHDAD - More than two dozen doctors walked out of one of Baghdad's busiest hospitals on Tuesday to protest what they said was abuse by Iraqi soldiers, leaving about 100 patients to fend for themselves in chaotic wards.
Bomb Damage To Iraqi Boy's Eyes Is Worse Than Expected (New York Times)...Jeffrey Gettleman
...American Army doctors examined Ayad within months after he was hurt in April 2003 but failed to detect the rising pressure in his right eye. The pressure was caused by bomb fragments that scarred his eyeball and left thick, milky scar tissue over his cornea, which trapped an abnormal amount of fluid inside his eye. Esen Akpek, a cornea surgeon at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, examined Ayad yesterday and said that if he had been given eyedrops soon after the injury, the pressure would not have built and destroyed his optic nerve.
Bush lacks credibility on Iraq (Chicago Sun Times)...Jesse Jackson
...This nightmare sensibly haunts the administration. Thus, Seymour Hersh, the New Yorker reporter who has done more to bring forth the truth about the war than anyone, reports that the administration sponsored an ''off the books'' covert effort to fix the elections in Iraq to deny Shiite parties a majority.
The White House hailed the elections as a grand success, ...
Iraq's Dangerous New Friend (Los Angeles Times)...Robert Scheer
...Now, thanks to the U.S. invasion, a new alliance is being formed between Iran and Iraq that threatens to further destabilize the politics of the Mideast. It wasn't supposed to work out this way.
Frustrated Iraqis ready to take law into own hands (Reuters)...Alert News
Iraqis have begun barricading themselves in their homes and forming neighborhood militias in an effort to fend off relentless suicide attacks, residents in the capital said yesterday.
U.S. Criticized On Iraq Rebuilding (Los Angeles Times)...T. Christian Miller
In language both sharp and subtle, Iraqi and international officials on Monday criticized the U.S.-led rebuilding effort for moving too slowly to improve the lives of Iraqi citizens.
Will This War Ruin The Army? (New York Post)...Mackubin Thomas Owens
EVEN those of us who supported the decision to go to war in Iraq have to acknowledge that the U.S. military, especially the ground forces, are being stretched to near the breaking point.
Dangerous Work [Froggy Ruminations]
After I attended the SEAL Memorial at the Punchbowl last week, I had the opportunity to visit the new SDV Team area for a reception. It was here that I was able to spend some time with long lost friends from the Teams, get some free food, and drain a couple kegs with the boys. I was very pleased to have reunited with a very close friend from BUD/S that I had not seen or heard from in 9 years.
Gratuitous Afghanistan Photo of the Day (XXXIV) [Major John of Miserable Donuts - recently returned from Afghanistan] HT: CaliValley Girl
If you are ever shopping for carpets in Kabul, stop in at Haji Qandi Shah on 123 Chicken Street, Shari-Now district and tell 'em I sent you. That's Haji Zabiullah on the right and his younger brother Jaweed on the left. (pic)
The Real Mission Begins [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan] HT: CaliValley Girl
The trip to Jalalabad was uneventful in the military sense. But I was fascinated by my surroundings and by my reaction to same. I?d been to the ?third world? several times before, but always as a reluctant guest. Today, it was as a brother. Life is so much harder for these people from just about anyone?s perspective, yet there is a light behind the eyes and a trueness in their smiles that I?ve deeply missed somewhere in my soul. Sure, there are a few angry, jaded types in every crowd but the vast majority are friendly, hospitable and curious to know more about their strange visitors. Anyone who would tell you we are unwelcome ?invaders? here should come spend a day with me on the streets of Jalalabad.
New pics [Martin in Afghanistan] HT: CaliValley Girl
Another Friday done. The days sure go faster when you've got lots to do. We cleaned weapons and did some planning for the next couple of weeks. Same old, same old.
I posted some new pictures here:
Afghanistan Weighing Tribunal For War Crimes (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Daniel Cooney, Associated Press
After a quarter-century of fighting that has left more than one million dead, Afghanistan's government is considering setting up a special war-crimes court and a truth commission to document atrocities, an official said yesterday.
Former Afghan Warlord Found Guilty Of Torture (Los Angeles Times)...Times Wire Reports
A British jury convicted a former Afghan warlord of torture and hostage-taking after what prosecutors called the first trial in Britain of a foreigner for crimes in his homeland. Victims testified via video from the British Embassy in Kabul.
A break from the HEAT! [The Real World Uzbekistan] Editor's Note: Love the them song. HT: CaliValley Girl
Today was forecasted to be 111 degrees but only got 98 so far. Being from Texas 98 is a hot day, but here in Uzbekistan it's actually a break from the heat. You can actually walk around outside and not feel like your clothes are going to spontaneously combust into flames.
Fighting Terrorism The Law Enforcement Way [Alenda Lux]
A big topic during the Presidential campaign was whether to treat terrorism as a law enforcement problem or a military problem. Throughout the 1990s, the Clinton administration used the former approach. Bin Laden was convicted in absentia (not exactly a bold move), arrest and surveillance warrants were difficult to obtain, sources were compromised, the 1993 World Trade Center bombers that we caught were tried in court and sentenced to prison as if they had robbed a bank. Few inroads were made into determining who was behind these bombers. Other terrorists or wanna-be terrorists were tried and duly sentenced to jail. And we patted ourselves on the back.
Get It Right (UPDATED) [Baldilocks]
Even hawks are distancing themselves from the remarks of Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) regarding a theoretical nuclear strike on Islam?s holy sites and a theoretical nuclear strike on our soil by Islamists. It shouldn?t surprise readers of this blog, however, that I disagree. First, let?s examine what I'm disagreeing with; I do not disagree with Mr. Tancredo's remarks, but the characterization of them. Let's see what he said on the radio show in question, the Pat Campbell show.
Another 9/11 Catastrophe Inevitable, Observers Warn (Arizona Daily Star (Tucson))...Knight Ridder Newspapers
The U.S. government has done almost nothing to repair the problems that led to the Sept. 11 attacks, and another catastrophic terrorist strike is virtually inevitable, a panel of government whistleblowers and investigative journalists warned Sunday.
Romanian, U.S. Soldiers Train Together in ROMEX [GX: The Guard Experience]
7/18/05, BABADAG TRAINING AREA, ROMANIA - The final group of U.S. and Romanian Soldiers arrived at the Babadag Training Area July 17 in support of ROMEX 05, the largest bi-lateral exercise conducted in Romania with both U.S. and Romanian forces training side by side.
I Know! Let's Design Cheaper Subs! [The Stupid Shall be Punished]
The House added language to the 2006 Appropriations Bill today urging the Navy to design a lower cost submarine for the future, the so-called "Tango Bravo" option. The things people are saying reminds me a lot of the debate that went on in the 90s when they decided to cut the Seawolf class in favor of the design that became Virginia.
Recipe for disaster [Watch Your Six]
Here's a recipe for fielding a combat ineffective reserve unit:
- Lie about your strength for years before 9/11. If your sodliers don't show up for drill, still count them as present. If your soldiers can't pass the PT test, pass the weigh-in, or qualify with their weapon, you still count them as "combat ready." In the larger sense, if you are a state national guard or reserve RRC, tell your boss (HRC, or NGB) that you are manned at 100% strength even when you know you couldn't field more than 60% of the people you are supposed to have.
Day 196 - Great Article!! [Big Al's Army Life - in Iraq]
This is the best article on supporting someone through a deployment that I have ever read. The only thing that I can't figure out is a way to get this to my friends and family without being mean about it - lol. Perhaps I can print out copies of it and keep it in my purpose to distribute as needed. Hope everyone has a good start to their week!
Poll: Public Likes Democrats Less than Republicans [Outside the Beltway]
A new poll for NPR reveals that a majority simultaneously disapprove of President Bush's handling of the economy and thinks their own economic situation is fine. More interestingly, even though President Bush and the Republicans have very poor approval ratings, the Democrats are doing even worse.
Can Hillary Be Elected Commander In Chief? (USA Today)...Bill Nichols
...The United States has never had a female commander in chief. But while Clinton consistently brushes aside questions about whether she is eyeing a White House run in 2008, the pro-military views and tough talk on defense that have surprised Herberger and others might help the former first lady break one of America's enduring glass ceilings.
NY Times - Biased "News" Photos [ROFASix]
Both the headline and the first line of this caption suggest that Israel targeted the armored vehicle. Only the second sentence of the caption clarifies the real story ― that this is a scene of internal Palestinian fighting.
Why Are Gail Collins and David Shipley Still Employed At The NY Times? [Austin Bay]
I realize this latest NY Times? example of zilch integrity has already been examined at other sites (eg, powerline, Michelle Malkin). But for an editor to drop ?push phrases? into a piece by an Army officer? phrases clearly designed to promote the editorial pages anti-Bush agenda?
Left-Wing Bloggers are good for Republicans [Lovex5]
Why the rise of the left-wing blogosphere has been bad for the Democratic party.
This article has reminded me that most liberal blogs have been good for Republicans. One of the best compliments I ever received online was when a man followed a link to my site and e-mailed to tell me that liberal bloggers like the one bashing me only urged him to vote Republican. He was sick of the intolerance and hatred that his political party was exhibiting and didn?t want to belong to a party that shamed him.
Closing Shop [Major Mike]
I have come to the honest conclusion that I am not doing this well. Although I have the inclination, and generally the capacity to do this well, I simply am not. The demand of my full time job, my home life, and the few extra activities I afford myself, are not leaving me enough time to write interesting, well-researched, and well written pieces. I find myself rushed to get something out, and then cringe at the lack of depth and insight in what I have published. So, rather than be ashamed of my effort, I think I'll close up shop.
Hubbub on the blogs (Washington Times)...Tod Lindberg
...One of the great virtues of the blogosphere is that it proceeds on the assumption that everyone is adequately informed on the basic facts of the subject at hand -- or at most a few clicks away from such information, to the links provided. This makes for a huge sense of immediacy. But there is a downside: Participants in the debate are even less obliged than, for example, newspaper writers to go back and retell the essential elements of the story from the beginning -- to provide the context, that is, for
Little Miss Backwards, Inside-out and Upside Down [Schadenfreude]
As a parent, words escape your lips that you had never imagined yourself saying; ?Don?t bite the birdbath.?, ?Stop licking the dog.? , ?We do not dance naked in the driveway!?, ?You painted yourself blue.?, ?Don?t drink your brother?s bath-water.?
She sneaks into our bed at night, a stealthy little moon-shadow, and
R.I.P. Gen. William Westmoreland [Counter Column]
General Westmoreland is gone.
It will serve no purpose to dwell at length on his failures. Others have done that exhaustively. Perhaps I may come to that later.
I think the nation should be grateful for the yeoman service he gave us all in WWII and in Korea:
William C.
Westmoreland [American Soldier]
A great leader in Military history past away last night. General William Westmoreland. I thought it would be appropriate to tell a little bit more about him other than the fact that he has left us.
Scum [Who's your Baghdaddy? - in Iraq]
Early yesterday morning there was an insurgent attack to the north of our base camp. This in and of itself is not unusual, but the nature of the attack serves to illustrate the level of depravity of these sumbags.
In the morning hours there was a funeral procession traveling along the main highway that eventually leads into Baghdad. As the procession was moving it came under insurgent attack, which resulted in a few dead and several wounded civillians. Subsequesntly, an Army Military Police unit was notified of the attack and moved into the area to provide support. Once they arrived and secured the area it appeared the insurgents had left the scene so the MP unit began treating the civillian wounded. Unbeknownst to them, ...
Not bombers or insurgents, they're terrorists. [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
More than a hundred victims was the result of yesterday's barbaric attack that targeted civilians.
All that death doesn't seem enough to wake some people up from their illusions and selfishness.
This is terrorism?and it brings nothing but death.
The government here announced Wednesday a national mourning day in solidarity with the families of the victims of the latest two massacres in Iraq.
But we hear nothing from our Arab "brothers" not even a word of consolation, rejection, condemnation; no nothing.
Even Annan condemned the attacks with a few words while the secretary of the Arab League, Amr Mousa didn't utter a word.
Nervous in Baghdad: Bay in The Weekly Standard [Austin Bay]
Perhaps the title ought to be, ?Nervous in Washington.? Here?s a link to my latest Weekly Standard article.
Losing It [Ghraib Danger - at Abu Ghraib in iraq]
A soldier died today. Many soldiers died today in Iraq, Afghanistan, and soldiers from other countries in other locations. But the specific soldier I speak of died in the courtyard our office shares with the FOB hospital. This afternoon, while processing files because we're always processing files, we all heard an explosion, ... a loud explosion, the second loudest explosion I've heard since I've been here. It was ...
I Will Fear No Evil [Wayne's World - in Iraq]
When I woke up yesterday morning, my Inbox was flooded with news alerts from Karbala, Iskandariyah and Babil.
Before I went to bed last night, I read Kevin Kelly?s calming answer to Lauren?s question why we had not heard from Wayne as scheduled:(pics)
The IED report we like to get [Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
Earlier this month, I posted about some insurgents who blew themselves up while driving with a car full of IEDs. This afternoon, we received a report of another Darwin Award worthy insurgent.
The report was sketchy at first, as always. An IED detonated along one of the routes in our area of operations with one civilian killed, but the incident was curious because there were no coalition forces in the area at the time of the blast.
Yes, I know I am a Nerd... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
I am a giant gun nerd. Not as much as Kim Du Toit, but a nerd nonetheless. Today I got to hang out for a while in the arms room of the local IP SWAT team...and being the nerd I am, I had to get photos of me with their more exotic weapons. So, check out the gallery below. (pics)
A River Runs Through It [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
If there is one single feature that separates Baghdad from the rest of this hellish desert it is the sinewy curves of the Tigris River. There are no promenades along its shores, just a sharp band of grey, rough hewn rock separating burnt soil from cool water. In the areas where the sand flows into the river you will see the most obvious works of man - the lithe curves of wooden boats and the artless shimmer of mass produced aluminum runabouts. Although the shores are dozens of degrees cooler then the hive of Baghdad?s neighborhoods the supercharged sun still beats its bright hammer on the boats ? all of them ...
Hussein charged for his crimes: [Balloon Juice]
The Iraqi Special Tribunal set up to try Saddam Hussein said in a statement today that Mr. Hussein and three others will be referred to criminal court on charges related to the killings of about 150 Shiites in the Iraqi town of Dujail in 1982. The tribunal said that investigations into millions of documents and the questioning of thousands of witnesses have been completed...
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Good. Now watch Democrats shoot themselves politically by running around saying things like "Sure Saddam Hussein was a bad person but was it worth _____________."
Saddam's trial update. [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
The latest announcement from the special tribunal in charge of suing Saddam and his aides was on air a few minutes ago.
The announcement was read by 'interrogation judge' Raed Juhi who considered this announcement as the actual beginning of Saddam's trial.
Juhi stated that investigations are going on according to the schedule and the deadline will not be exceeded.
He added that investigations will
Out of Focus: Selling the War in Iraq, Saddam's Regime Corruption, and Weapons of Mass Destruction [Bobby's World - in Afghanistan]
Just over two weeks ago, I noted the tragic analogy between the Truman Administration's decision to pursue a vigorous anti-subversive crusade at home in order to support his anti-Communist agenda abroad, and the Bush Administration's decision to use Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) as the practically exclusive justification to invade Iraq in our greater Global War on Terror. The tragedy of...
Home Sweet Home [My vacation in Iraq - just left Iraq]
Made it home yesterday at about 1 pm. Been kinda busy so I haven't been able to post but I just thought I would write and say that I am home; and how sweet it is.
Weekend Of Slaughter Propels Iraq Towards All-Out Civil War (London Times Online)...James Hider
IRAQ is slipping into all-out civil war, a Shia leader declared yesterday, as a devastating onslaught of suicide bombers slaughtered more than 150 people, most of them Shias, around the capital at the weekend.
U.S. Says It Did Not Carry Out Plans To Back Iraqis In Election (Washington Post)...Dafna Linzer
...A U.S. official who was heavily involved in preparing for the vote said U.S. officials ultimately offered a variety of less organized Iraqi parties support in the form of "cell phones, printing billboards and pamphlets and poster bills advertising the electoral choices. That is what we eventually opted for, and the truth is, the effort ended up not helping the parties that we wanted to help most."
Protecting Iraqi Security Forces (Washington Times)...Adriana Lins de Albuquerque and Michael O'Hanlon
In his recent speech to the nation on Iraq, President Bush said "a major part of our mission is to train [Iraqi security forces] so they can do the fighting, and then our troops can come home." This aspect of administration strategy makes eminent sense. But what does not make sense is the mediocre way we are now helping to keep those forces alive.
Iraqi Boy's Journey To Erase The Scars Of War (New York Times)...Jeffrey Gettleman
...Mr. Reilly used his influence to get Ayad into the United States, where the boy joined a small but growing circle of Iraqi children who have been airlifted to the country for medical help.
TV Goes To War In Iraq (USA Today)...Bill Keveney
...Uncertainty ? ratcheted down several notches ? is a watchword for Over There itself, the first TV series to depict a war while fighting goes on. The drama is tangled up in potentially explosive questions: Is it too soon or too much? Is it believable? How will it be received by a divided public?
Some Veterans See 'Good'; Some See 'Misperceptions' (USA Today)...Unattributed
A group of Iraq war veterans offered a review of FX's Over There (premieres July 27): It's a good show, but a number of details are inaccurate.
Media Too Free For Some Iraqis (Dallas Morning News -subscription)...Tod Robberson
...In little more than two years, Iraq has gone from three tightly controlled television stations and fewer than a dozen newspapers to 29 domestic television stations and about 170 newspapers, according to Iraq-based media-monitoring groups. Satellite receivers now bring hundreds of international television channels into Iraqi living rooms.
Sordid Images On TV Repel The Kurds, But They Raise Some Skepticism, Too (New York Times)...James Glanz
Sheik Zana has said that he was closely affiliated with extremist Islamic terrorist groups in Iraq, and that much of what he did was a kind of training program intended to produce ruthless killers.
The programs, distributed to television stations by Kurdish intelligence and security services, are intended to expose terrorist recruiting tactics and punch holes in their religious sales pitch.
Even in a heavily edited format that has cut out the most explicit acts, the images of gay sex are vying with those of beheadings in attracting the attention, and revulsion, of viewers. Nadia Mohamad, 49, a government employee who was watching the program with her husband and children while having dinner at the Sky Cafe in downtown Erbil on Thursday night, said the beheading of a terrified youth on the first program - shown before the sex scenes began appearing - had literally sickened her...
The Long Ride Home [Fire Power Forward - just left Afghanistan]
A couple of weeks ago, just after my last entry, I found myself sitting in one of the canvas seats that lined the side of the C-17. Thirteen other people sat to my left and right and thirteen others sat in the seats on the other side facing us. Uncharacteristic of a flight headed out of a combat theater, there was no laughing or joking. All the normal yelling and good natured taunts were replaced with a stoic silence as we gazed at the two rows of caskets between us, each meticulously covered with an American flag. The plane leveled out, and some began to shift in their seats to get comfortable for the long ride. One of the two Slovakian soldiers on the other side stared at the casket nearest him with an expression that was not irreverent but seemed to indicate that he couldn?t comprehend something...
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...what we did know was that a formation of Apaches, Blackhawks, and Chinooks were traveling up a mountain valley north of Asadabad near the Pakistan border. As they approached their landing zone, the smaller Blackhawks slowed to allow the Chinooks to move ahead. A Blackhawk Crew Chief looking from his side window as the ill fated Chinook moved ahead saw the smoke trail of an RPG from the trees below then the explosion as the round hit the rear of the Chinook.
Report Criticizes U.S. Approach In Afghanistan (Los Angeles Times)...Halima Kazem
Washington's short-sighted approach in Afghanistan has put warlords in power and allowed U.S. military forces to engage in prisoner abuse and criminal activities, a human rights report released Sunday said.
Ties To U.S. Made Britain Vulnerable, Report Says (Washington Post)...Glenn Frankel
Britain's position as a subordinate ally of the United States has been a "high-risk policy" that has left it vulnerable to terrorist attacks such as the recent bombings of London's transportation system, according to a briefing paper released early Monday by one of the country's most prominent foreign affairs research groups
GITMO and Abu Ghraib [John Holdaway-Intel Dump]
The results of another investigation came out this week (a busy week for those keeping score on detainee operations scandals). The most interesting analysis came from Josh White in the Washington Post.
Mr. White tries to make ...
Some Ga. troops blister tattered desert uniforms [The 48th Goes to War - in Iraq]
Soldiers in the 48th Brigade Combat Team were thrilled to be the first to march off to war wearing the Army?s new mint-green, digital camouflage uniforms.
But after almost two months in the sands of Iraq, the reviews on the new duds are decidedly mixed.
Durbin Abuse Case Not Verified (Washington Times)...Rowan Scarborough
Military investigators did not substantiate major charges of prisoner abuse contained in one FBI agent's e-mail that was read on the Senate floor by Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin as an example of U.S.-sanctioned torture at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Why Return to Service? [NEW MilBLog Ring Member! -Medic 119 - Far From Perfect]
First off, go read this. This Marine says almost exactly what I am feeling. He just beat me to the punch by a few hours. In fact, he forced me to to re-write my article into a pale version of the original in order to avoid accusations of plagarism.
I know there is probably more than one of you wonder what kind of crazy person goes back into the Army, especially after being out for eight years!? Its not an easy thing to decide to be sure, and there were many factors and reasons behind it.
Soldiers Re-Enlist Beyond U.S. Goal (USA Today)...Dave Moniz
Soldiers are re-enlisting at rates ahead of the Army's targets, even as overall recruiting is suffering after two years of the Iraq war...
political pornography [BobKrumm.com]
?Republicans want to kill us . . . They want to kill me and my children if they can. But if they just kill me and not my children, they want my children to be comforted -- that while they didn't protect me because they cut my taxes, my children won't have to pay any money on the money they inherit . . . That is bulls*** national defense, and we should say that."
These are the words of former Clinton Advisor Paul Begala from a recent speech to the first-ever Campus Progress National Student Conference.
An Empty Apology (New York Times)...BOB HERBERT
President Bush has been as devoted as an acolyte to the Republican Southern strategy, which, racist at its core, still lives.
The Love of Truth [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
For years I have watched - and marveled - at the efforts so many people make to believe lies and make up new ones. I thought that at some point the lie would be so absurd, so obvious, so insane, that the truth would finally burst forth and the liars would be exposed and terribly ashamed. I no longer think that. Oh sure, the lies are getting obvious and absurd, but those who believe them simply make up new ones to justify the previous lies. They have no shame. They become caught in their own web of make believe and held there by pride and prejudice. Such is the way conspiracy theories are born.
Guardian Columnist Islamic Extremist [Outside The Beltway]
The Guardian is standing by columnist Dilpazier Aslam even after revelations that he is a member of the radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Moreover, they allowed him to write on the London bombings without disclosing that affiliation.
Richard Cohen, Stop Lying [Villainous Company]
No, Mr. Cohen, the real outrage is that you insist on spreading lies.
I am so tired of this. When is it going to end? Are you illiterate? Can you not read? Journalism is your business.
I am a former housewife, for God's sake. If I can Google a source, why can't you summon the basic competence to get the facts right?
Just the Facts Sir [Right in Raleigh]
The N&O continues their tradition of dragging out every issue that might damage the Bush administration by running a Rove story for the 4th day. This one chooses to not mention some important information.
The article states: Wilson, on a mission authorized by the CIA, went to Niger to investigate whether Iraq was seeking uranium for nuclear bombs in Africa. He reported that there was not evidence to support that suspicion.
Now how hard would it be to clarify 2 issues. First
Blogger Under Death Threat [Eric's Grumbles Before The Grave]
Chris of Anarchangel has had a Fatwah issued against him and his family according to conversations he has had with the FBI in recent days. The FBI says that the fatwah is a credible threat and is because of Chris' blog posts on the doings of Team Infidel.
A New Milblogger... [Jack Army]
worth your time and encouragement. I'd prefer everyone keep our AH64D Longbow pilots happy!
My pleasure to introduce Outlaw 13 at Guidons, guidons, guidons!
Korea, A Nation of Bloggers? [GI Korea - in Korea]
According to this Blogcount article Korea is a nation of bloggers:
"It is asserted that there are 11.9 million bloggers in South Korea, a country with a population of around 50 million people. This means that over 20 percent of the people in the country, including old ladies and babies, are bloggers. This is a laughable and needy assertion. IBM cannot even muster 0.1 percent of its employee base, and Korea manages over 20 percent of its entire population? This is how delusional the blogging-crowd members have become about their hobby. And, frankly, I don't get it. Everyone has to conform. It's the 'everyone must become a blogger because I am one' mentality."
Update 16 July [From My Position - recovering at Walter Reed]
Chuck has made many great strides this week. Wednesday he sat on the edge of his bed and stood up, briefly, but he was able to finally stand on his own two feet. Thursday he got out of bed (with assistance) and sat in a recliner chair that PT brought into his room. He said he sat there for a few hours. He was so excited to finally be out of bed! Friday he walked across his room, unassisted, but w/ a PT close by... and Alice and I were probably too close, but we were being very protective! Then today, Saturday, he walked down the hall!!! He walked unassisted, but had the PT close behind. He even got to open a door in the hallway and breathe in some fresh air. It was so wonderful to see the smile on his face and watch him walk. He moves very slowly, of course, but he is able to support himself on his own two legs. I could see it in his face... how good it felt not just to stand up, but to walk w/o anyone holding on to him. The last four days have been amazing.
Another Prayer Request.... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
My company had another casualty yesterday. Again, I am not going to mention a name, but he lost both legs from an IED attack. Bastards. He was a young, motivated kid,...
Angels Among Us [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Mosul
Sixty Stryker tires were strapped five-high into the belly of a C-130 cargo plane heading for Mosul. After weeks of riding in a Humvee with CSM Mellinger and crew, at times sharing a dusty but air-conditioned tent in Baghdad with bold mice, it was time to go "home."
Each day Stryker tires get blown off, sometimes sailing hundreds of feet before landing smoldering on a rooftop, or a car, or the ground. So the belly of the airplane was filled with replacement tires, and three passengers: an Australian Naval officer, a US Army officer, and me.
Operation Lightning Guides Iraqi Army [DVIDS] - Video
The Iraqi Army takes the lead with Coalition Forces guiding them in the right direction during Operation Lightning. Soundbites from Sergeant Christian Jones, 156th Basic Combat Team, Major Eric Wagner, Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade of the Iraqi Intervention Force. Produced by Marine Corporal Mike Browning, American Forces Network Iraq.
The Rebound [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
The most valuable armor a soldier can own isn?t government issue. It isn?t crafted in a metallurgical lab, or spun out of some advanced composite. It isn?t a tangible quantity; it can?t be measured or gauged. And it certainly can?t be bought? regardless of how much money you have. The armor I am speaking of is the arcane psychological plating that shields your psyche from the condensed misery of a warzone. It is something that hovers far below consciousness, silently intervening when the murderous environment attempts to leave its loathsome imprint on your being. It doesn?t help keep you alive, but what it does protect is as dear as life itself.
Rambling, Tired Observations [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
In the past week I have flown a dozen missions or so of various types. Casevac, raids, Cordon and knock, Convoy escort, etc. As mentioned before, the Iraqi army is really getting involved in their own security as well as hunting down terrorists in their own operations. Clearly terrorists are murdering, disrupting, destroying, maiming, and...... terrorizing.... people as much as possible in a desperate attempt to topple the Iraqi government, throw the country into civil war/anarchy, and ultimately establish an authoritative Islamic regime.
Unfortunately, terror seems to be
Requiem... [Gun Line]
...The difference between Jarhead Dad and me are simple, in that, it's not watching my son depart from me, it is knowing what is waiting for that Marine when he reaches his destination...
I have stood at the spade grips of a .50 caliber machine gun and provided security for a fireteam of Marines. I have held a rifle in my shoulder, ready to ventilate the first son of a bitch who comes out of that doorway while my Marines are checking out the situation on the street.
Greetings from Baghdad [Forth Rail - SSG Levi in Iraq]
Greetings all from Baghdad. First off let me say THANK YOU ALL for your gift of the phone cards. To a man, they are greatly appreciated. Even our families stateside were overwhelmed by the generosity of complete strangers, who may very well even be their neighbors, when told of the origin of the calling cards. Again, thanks to all the readers of The Fourth Rail for your support.
Hearts [Tiger Hawk]
In this photo released Friday, July 15, 2005, by Jonathan Powers is U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan Powers with an unidentified orphan at a playground at the Adhamiya Public Orphanage in Baghdad, Iraq. Powers, 27, is director of the upstart Orphans and Street Kids Project, whose goal is to coordinate the country's ill-equipped orphanages and offer vocational training for children living on the streets and out of the facilities' reach.
Operation Teddy Drop [Assumption in Command - in Iraq]
They can be seen parachuting into various areas around Baghdad -- specially trained individuals recruited during Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, whose primary mission is to bring smiles to the faces of Iraqi children.
Good to Hook [Bayonet - in Iraq]
Today was quite an exciting one, we had mutliple suicide bombers attack a nearby checkpoint, just down the road from us. Everyone in Team Bayonet is OK, there were no US casualties.
Iraqi Police rescue child, detain four, and seize large weapons cache [Stryker Brigade]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) ? Iraqi Police and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom rescued an Iraqi child, detained 13 suspected terrorists, and seized a large weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Rebels in Iraq kill people, then bobby-trap them [The 48th goes to War]
Mahmudiyah, Iraq ? The deadliest weapons of the Iraqi insurgency ? roadside bombs ? are growing in size and sophistication and are being hidden in a bewildering variety of places.
Buried under
This is what empty slogans led us to... [Iraq the Model - Iraqi in Iraq]
Yesterday was the 14th of July; on the same day back in 1958 the nation that was moving towards becoming a modern and civilized nation was crushed under the tracks of a tank lead by a young officer.
Sadly, the Iraqi political spectrum is still divided over whether what happened in 1958 should be considered a good revolution or a bad coup.
Truth in Iraq Tour [Andi's World]
I've been listening to radio talk show host Michael Graham (WMAL) broadcast from Iraq this week, he's had some amazing interviews. Michael has been a bit slow with the postings, but here's his blog, click here
Write Ring Radio [Waynes World - son in Iraq
Radio talk show producer Robin Amer has requested family members of the 150th go to Radio Open Source web site to post comments and tell stories about their experiences for a program scheduled to air Monday, July 18.
Here are some things she's interested to know:...
3rd Brigade Soldiers Reenlist in Iraq [Defense Link]
TAJI, Iraq, July 15, 2005 ? U.S. Army soldiers from 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division recently reenlisted for another term of service
Iraq bombs kill police, British troops (Reuters)
Suicide bombers killed seven Iraqi policemen on Saturday and three British soldiers died in a roadside blast, piling pressure on the government a day after militants blew themselves up across the capital.
Suicide Blasts Kill 13 Across Baghdad (LA Times)
The eight attacks, which were aimed at security forces, fuel doubts about claims that a U.S.-Iraqi crackdown in the capital has been a success.
BAGHDAD ? Suicide car bombers launched eight attacks across Baghdad on Friday, killing at least 13 people and further calling into question U.S. military claims that insurgent suicide cells in the capital had been disrupted by more than a month of targeted operations undertaken with Iraqi forces.
Marine had cousin shoot him to avoid Iraq (MSNBC)
19-year-old feared returning to Iraq; told police he was randomly shot
CHICAGO - A young Marine who feared returning to Iraq persuaded his cousin to shoot him in the leg, then told police he was hit by random gang gunfire, authorities said.
The shooting early Saturday was meant to keep 19-year-old Moises Hernandez from going back to Iraq, prosecutors said.
Surely no one can approve turning an American soldier into a pseudo-lap-dancer or having another smear fake menstrual blood on an Arab man. These practices are as degrading to the women as they are to the prisoners. They violate American moral values - and they seem pointless.
The Women of Gitmo (NT Times)
Does anyone in the military believe that a coldblooded terrorist who has withstood months of physical and psychological abuse will crack because a woman runs her fingers through his hair suggestively or watches him disrobe? If devout Muslims become terrorists because they believe Western civilization is depraved, does it make sense to try to unnerve them by having Western women behave like trollops?
Editor's Note: Most of these MilBloggers have rotated out. Hope to find some new ones soon.
Pace Thanks Troops During Afghan Visit [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2005 ? When U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Afghanistan recently, the gratitude of the people was proof to him that progress is being made in the country.
Army Captain Helps Deliver Afghan Baby [Defense Link]
LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, July 15, 2005 ? During her first visit to a civilian hospital in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Capt. (Dr.) Jacqueline Naylor got the chance to do more than assess the needs of the hospital ? she helped bring a baby girl into the world.
Oliver Stone vis-a-vis 9/11 (Washington Times)
It was with the greatest regret that we heard Paramount Pictures had chosen Oliver Stone, the conspiracy-addled director with a soft spot for dictators, to direct Hollywood's first major movie about September 11.
The SEAL Ethos [Froggy Ruminations]
Recently, several of my teammates came together in an effort to compose a SEAL philosophy or ethos. This is something that the Teams had neglected to formally do for far too long. Nevertheless, I am very pleased and impressed with the result:...
A Story Within a Story - Heroism Times 2
I'm glad to see Grey Eagle of A Female Soldier back again. I say back, because I was regularly reading the blog of this 35 YO mother who enlisted in the Army because she wanted to do something for her country. I really have to admire a peson that old, an especially someone with plenty of real world considerations to not volunteer, who just puts up their right hand and then makes sure she'll be carrying a serious responsibility along in the midst of the fighting. A few months back, my link quit working to her blog. I was afraid she had decided with the upper level scrutiny that she just packed it in rather than register her "place of business."
A Story Within a Story - Heroism Times 2 [Chaotic Synaptic Activity]
She's back at the link above. This morning, a picture with the caption "Charlie's Angels" (three female medics assigend to C Company) cuaght my eye. By clicking on each of their names below the picture, you get a one page story about them.
Why I and Other Female Soldiers Do What We Do [Female Soldier 2 - training for deployment]
Do you wonder why I and so many other women would join the Army? Why would a 33 year old (at the time) wife and mother quit her job as a Director of Operation for a Pharmaceutical company and go to basic training in order to make a difference (hint: it certainly wasn't for the pay)? Why volunteer for a combat unit such as the 101st Airborne Division, knowing they are going to be deployed? I hope to answer these questions in my Blog (which I know I am behind on, but we are now entering the final phase for deployment and I am putting in 15-18 hour days every day and I'm exhusted when I get home).
Media Blindness in the Military [Joe Katzman - Winds of Change]
A while back, I wrote Military Blindness in the Media - And Beyond. Here's another facet of the phenomenon, full of solid suggestions from a national journalist who is also in the Army Reserves, and whose understanding of what was really going on prevented TIME from looking as stupid as Newsweek did just before Baghdad fell. Writing in the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings magazine, he says:
Anchoress quoted, but carefully?carefully [The Anchoress]
This is pretty funny - Ms Musings points to an article in the Chicago Tribune which quotes little ol? me, and my piece on the London attack.
...Why, exactly did they need to edit out ?so cowardly they will not wear a uniform??? Seems true enough, to me.
Even more interesting, I think, that the paper printed my thoughts on the 1970?s and 1980?s and omitted the whole part about the 1990?s. In case you don?t remember, it went like this:
Liberal blogs hurting Democrats [Lance in Iraq]
Dean Barnett is right on the money with this piece. Libs on the Internet don't even seem interested in winning elections. Fine by me.
Yet only Democratic politicians have concluded that "their" blogs somehow represent a new norm. As left-wing blogs have become ascendant, the left's politicians have become increasingly strident and bilious.
30 in Iraq
While for most of us it is still Friday, July 15th 3:01PMCST, it is now Saturday, July 16th 12:01AM, for Shawn in Iraq. On this 16th day of July, my husband turns 30 years young! While I had imagined spending this day with him and throwing him a party to celebrate this birthday, I can only do what technology will allow me to do by putting a posting on his blog to ask everyone to help wish Shawn a Happy 30th Birthday!!!
CG Sniper Video [Jack Army]
Via email: "The video tape was taken from captured terrorist scum in Iraq - you've got to watch it. The footage was recorded by a terrorist sniper team (who were later captured by coalition forces, hence, we have the tape). It just came out of a briefing in Iraq in the last few days. In it, a Soldier takes a hit from a sniper square the chest - it knocks him right on his back, ...
I FOUND A VERY LOYAL MSU FAN TO POSE WITH FLAG [Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
...we had an old man approach us. We asked him if there were any more adult males at home and he said no, only him. We had a group go inside to look around while we talked to the old man. While talking, we saw another man walking from the house toward us. We asked the man if that was all the males and he said yes. Wrong answer, then another came out and then another. We finally got all of them out. Wrong answer again, there was one more. I guess since most of the males and females here all tell us the truth, yeah right, we would believe them and not look in the house. We...
Round 2 of the Property Lease Program in Fallujah [5th Cag's Experience - in Iraq]
In case you can't tell, I'm in awe of the Marines who run the entrance to the CMOC. There's a Sgt in charge, and several other Marines, to include "our girls," the female searchers, as well as some Iraqi Public Order Brigade soldiers. True professionals, all.
Commander's Message - 15 July 05 [TASK FORCE DRAGOON - in Iraq]
...The soldiers of TF Dragoon continue the great work they have been doing here in northern Salah Ad Din Province, despite the heat and sandstorms.
One indicator of our success has been clear: the number of attacks against Coalition Forces in our Area of Operations is down significantly for the month, as TF soldiers capture bomb and rocket cell members, effectively breaking their ability to plan, target, fund and construct these weapons. Make no mistake, it is hard, thankless work most of the time, but ...
Suicide Bomber Stopped Near Checkpoint Before Attack [GX: The Guard Experience]
7/14/05, WASHINGTON? Iraqi and Task Force Baghdad forces wounded and captured a suicide bomber today before he could blow himself up near a coalition checkpoint in central Baghdad.
Wow, What a Day! [Voices of Soldiers - in Iraq]
My day started at 7:00 AM as I was going out on foot patrol with the Iraqi Army. Over the course of the day I went on 3 patrols and saw several trouble spots in the red zone.
Others in our group were taken to see the reconstruction projects as well as going on patrol and visiting an orphanage in the red zone adopted by our American Soldiers! I was 1/2 mile from the suicide bomber.
You should be so proud of the wonderful job our soldiers do. Children flock to the Humvees whenever they stop. It is no wonder the murdering terrorists have gone to the softest targets of all, children accepting candy and gifts from our soldiers!
AJC Reporter Reflects on Experiences in Iraq [Banter in Atlanter]
Reporter Dave Hirschman and photographer Curtis Compton have been alongside Georgia's National Guard Troops (108 AR 48 BCT) serving in Iraq. Today Hirschman reflects on his experiences in Iraq and the amazing men and women that he's been priviledged to spend time with. His post really does give some insight that, for the most part, you will not get from reading a normal daily newspaper or watching the nightly news. Here's an entertaining tidbit, but I suggest reading the rest for yourself.
Day 189 - Joe [The Story of Us - husband in Iraq]
HOLY CRAP! Im not even sure where to start, so bear with me. For starters, yes it is 4:30 and yes Im still awake, can NOT sleep, worrying....
Joe got online at 4am, so I guess its good I wasnt.
....There was ALOT of "I love you" scattered through that, but I didnt want to bore yall with that, so I did take them out, but that was our conversation. All 20 mins of it.
Im a little blown away right now ...seizures?! cat scans?! OMG!
What Iraqi bloggers are saying (Special to The Daily Star)...William Fisher
Writing in the Wall Street Journal's Opinion Journal last May, US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz called attention to "Omar, one of the new Iraqi 'bloggers.'" He was referring to those Iraqis who have a weblog, or "blog," a simplified, often free personal website that looks like an online diary, and that allows virtually anybody to post his or her thoughts on the web.
Wolfowitz quoted from an entry Omar posted to his blog after a suicide car bombing killed Iraqi interim Governing Council president Ezzedine Salim last May: "We cannot ... protect every single person, including our leaders and the higher officials who make favorite targets for the terrorists - but we can make their attempts go in vain by making our leadership replaceable."
U.S. Discloses The Capture Of A Top Terrorist In Iraq (New York Times)...Kirk Semple
The American military command announced Thursday that a group of 30 insurgents captured during raids in recent days included a senior commander of a terrorist group with ties to Al Qaeda. The commander is also suspected of involvement in the abduction and killing of Egypt's top diplomat in Iraq, and in drive-by shootings that failed to kill senior diplomats from Pakistan and Bahrain.
Time to Pull Out. And Not Just From Iraq. (New York Times)... John Deutch
...America embarks on an especially perilous course, however, when it actively attempts to establish a government based on our values in another part of the world. It is one matter to adopt a foreign policy that encourages democratic values; it is quite another to believe it just or practical to achieve such results on the ground with military forces.
8 Months After U.S.-Led Siege, Insurgents Rise Again in Falluja (New York Times)...Edward Wong
..."Some preferred the city quiet, purified of the gunmen and any militant aspect," said Abdul Jabbar Kadhim al-Alwani, 40, the owner of an automotive repair shop, expressing a widely held sentiment. "But after the unfairness and injustice with which the city's residents have been treated by the American and Iraqi forces, they now prefer the resistance, just so they won't be humiliated."
A Poverty of Dignity and a Wealth of Rage (New York Times)...Thomas L. Friedman
A few years ago I was visiting Bahrain and sitting with friends in a fish restaurant when news appeared on an overhead TV about Muslim terrorists, men and women, who had taken hostages in Russia. What struck me, though, was the instinctive reaction of the Bahraini businessman sitting next to me, who muttered under his breath, "Why are we in every story?" The "we" in question was Muslims.
Children, candy, death (LA Times)...Unattributed
The disavowal could indicate worry about a backlash against the deaths of youngsters. Iraqis have asked why insurgents were killing their fellow citizens in an attempt to force coalition troops to leave. Now they ask again, "Why kill children?" ...
...Even those who want coalition troops to leave immediately should understand that a nation can't be built on the bones of murdered children.
Rocket attack, mines, anwsers, new links and quote [Going Down Range - in Afghanistan]
Yes, there was a rocket attack here. I am all right. Don?t worry, I what did I was suppose to do and I will not go into much detail other that when you hear a rocket fly over your head, it sounds like God is ripping a big bed sheet and a loud bang like an artillery cannon going off, but with a different pitch when the rocket impacts. I understand two civilian contractors were seriously injured, but basically it was harassment fire....
12 July 2005 1724z [Hokie - in Afghanistan]
We left Bagram some time around 0400z this morning and arrived here in Bishkek two hours later. Yesterday was an interesting day to say the least. I was woken up by a couple of sirens followed by the giant voice. Four detainees had escaped during the previous night, and they were sounding the alarm to alert everyone to the possible threat. Under normal circumstances, the alert probably would have inspired at least a modicum of concern; but being that we were scheduled to leave the country in just a few hours, it served as more of an annoyance than anything else. The largest complaint was that the D-fac was closed due to the fact that local national workers would not be allowed on post. In addition to that, Disney Road, the main street on post, was all but deserted because each of the camps had restricted traffic in and out while they searched the area for the escapees.
Out of Afghanistan [The National Guard Experience - just out of Afghanistan]
And awaaaaay we go...
Well, I finally left Afghanistan and I'm here in Krgyzstan now. Things got weird earlier this week on Bagram after4 prisoners escaped. The really strange thing was, every soldier on Bagram carries a weapon. But the base was on total lockdown and we were confined to our living areas.
Greetings from Kabul [Adventures in Afghanistan - In Afghanistan]
Some of you were a bit wary about me making a trip down to Kabul, but I did it anyway. This has been a goal of mine for months now, and I'm excited to have finally done it. Let me give you a quick background as to why I was so anxious to get down here:...
Renovated Bank Opens in Kabul Province [GX: The Guard Experience]
Afghanistan continues to march along the path to reconstruction as a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held July 7 for a newly renovated bank branch.
"This shines as yet another example of the many positive steps forward occurring in this great country,"
Taliban Say Qaeda Escapees Safe In Guerrilla Haven (Boston Globe)...Reuters
Four Arab al Qaeda militants who escaped from a heavily fortified U.S. detention center in Afghanistan this week reached a Taliban haven safely on Thursday, a spokesman for the guerrilla movement said.
North Korea to Become US Ally? [GI Korea - in Korea]
Now Playing: Maybe We Could Add Them to the Coalition of the Willing
The meeting between Kim Jong Il and Chinese officials this week must of been quite interesting:
Kim said "the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was the behest of President Kim Il Sung," his late father and the North's longtime former leader, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday.
I'm theorizing that the Chinese must have put some big time pressure on Kim to resume the negotiations and begin saying the right things. The Chinese want to get this nuclear issue wrapped up before the 2008 Olympics so it doesn't over shadow China's chance to be the world's center of attention and they may be ...
Misconceptions and Misconceptions [koreasjournal(ed) - in Korea]
Here is a list of what the Korean Amb. to the US says are common misconceptions about South Korea held by the US media and intellectuals --
The five are:▲ anti-American sentiment is rife in Korea; ▲ Koreans no longer want U.S. troops in their country; ▲ Koreans place greater importance on their ethnic unity with North Korea than their alliance with the U.S.; ▲ President Roh Moo-hyun is overly progressive; ▲ Korea is leaning toward China and away from the U.S. ...
Today's ROK and Roll [Barbarian Envoy - in Korea]
...Today?s theme (sob!) is how the world doesn?t understand South Korea.
...Mission To Brainwash: Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Hong Seok-hyun wants to tell Americans what they should think about South Korea.
China stockpiling oil? Preparing to invade Taiwan? [General's Quarters]
The Vodkapundit postulates about the Chinese economy, oil consumption, and Taiwan. Neither he, nor I, like how it reads.
I?ve been wary of the ChiComs for a long time now, and that bit of blogging reinforces my wariness. The responses to the post also uderscore my wariness. This stuff smells. Smells BAD.
N. Korea may take up alleged US nukes in S. Korea, Japan at talks (Japan Today)
SEOUL ? North Korea wants to take up the alleged presence of US nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan at the upcoming six-nation talks aimed at persuading ...
Chinese General Threatens Use Of A-Bombs If U.S. Intrudes (New York Times)...Joseph Kahn
China should use nuclear weapons against the United States if the American military intervenes in any conflict over Taiwan, a senior Chinese military official said Thursday.
18 and death to go [Bloodletting]
...Now, since he was 18 years old, this would mean that he was about 14 when 9-11 happened. 14 years old. At 14 years old, it is still possible to mold a young mind. This means that the moderate muslims failed. They said that they were a religion of peace, but apparently, they failed to teach that to their young boys, and now, even after seeing where it leads, the muslim community of which he was a part refused to send a clear signal to him, or anyone else within their community that terrorism was against Allah. Had they done so, then undoubtedly, undoubtedly, he would have, at the very least, tried to figure out who was right; the "extremist msulims" of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, or the "moderate muslims" of Britain.
Thailand Terror
Well this sucks:
BANGKOK, Thailand - In a show of force, suspected Islamic separatists set off at least four bombs and fired at security personnel in an evening attack Thursday on a provincial capital in southern Thailand, killing at least one person. [Alexander the Average]
The three weeks that my unit spend in Thailand last year at Cobra Gold were a wonderfully enriching experience. We made friends with many of our Thai counterparts, and I hope none of them were hurt. The Thai soldiers are tough and competent, and ...
A Brit Calls for More Flag-Waving HT: Andi's World
In the aftermath of the terror attacks in London, Boris Johnson, writing for The Daily Telegraph, believes some introspection is in order. Americans can certainly appreciate a Brit who has come to realize that perhaps America's "flag-waving" reputation isn't so bad after all.
We seem to have pulled off the rare feat of breeding suicide bombers determined to attack the very society that incubated them; and the question is why. Why does America import its suicide bombers, while we produce our own? Last summer we had a magnificent holiday driving around America, and for a cynical Brit it was astonishing to see the way the Americans fly that flag of theirs.
On every porch, on every flagpole, on every bumper: there were the stars and stripes, unabashed, exuberant, proud. Contrast our treatment of the Union Flag,...
Britain's home-grown terrorists (CNN)...Matthew Chance
Terrorists don't usually attack their own. It happens, of course: In Iraq, for instance, insurgent bombers all too often kill Iraqi civilians.
But, till recently, it's been terrorists from one community killing people in another:
Al Qaeda's Information War (Washington Times)...Austin Bay
...In the 21st century, intense media coverage magnifies the terrorists' capabilities. This suggests winning the global war against Islamist terror ultimately requires denying terrorists weapons of mass destruction and curbing what is now al Qaeda's greatest strategic capability: media magnification and enhancement of its bombing campaigns and political theatrics.
Of heroes and hatred (townhall.com)...Oliver North HT: View From Tonka
In the midst of one of the greatest challenges we have ever faced, we in the Western world have developed a serious communications problem. In this era of hyper-sensitivity and political-correctness, words no longer have meaning. Those who are good are too often portrayed as evil; indefensibly wicked acts are made less so by the way they are described. Words like "hero" and "hatred" have lost definition. In the midst of a struggle for survival, the inability to discern attackers from allies, friends from foes and heroes from cowards is potentially catastrophic.
<...>
...The flip side of all this is also painfully obvious. The word "hero" no longer means one who has willingly put himself in grave physical jeopardy for the benefit of another. Heroes are people who overcome evil by doing good at great personal risk. Through self-sacrifice, fortitude and action -- whether they succeed or fail -- heroes provide a moral and ethical framework -- and inspiration -- for the rest of us.
Unfortunately, our modern definition of "hero" has been corrupted to include all manner of people who do not warrant the title.
Update 13 July [From My Position - Recovering at Walter Reed]
Another day, another post! Alice and I went to the post office today to mail some things and we were excited when we saw EIGHT cards in the mailbox! Thank you all so much for the cards! I opened each one and gave them to Chuck to read. He is able to hold the cards b/w his fingers on his right hand. He was very touched by the cards and I know they are helping him keep his spirits alive! I have also read (to him) all of the other cards that he has received. So we thank you all for the cards!
Almost one year [Letters to Iraq - Husband in Iraq]
...So much has happened to keep me busy and so much has happened that he has missed. We have moved into a new house and added on two more bedrooms and made lots of other changes and improvements. The two oldest children are now married and one is expecting a baby by Christmas. We have obtained full custody of his middle son, who is now living with me full time. We have buried his mother and dealt with many cruel blows from his extended family during the process. We have discussed and made decisions regarding finances, children and religion via a telephone and the internet.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 [Military Bride - husband in Iraq]
We've seemingly mastered the art of a deployment phone conversation as well. Randomly throughout the conversation we'll throw in our "I love you"s and "I miss you"s just incase the call gets dropped (which happens all too often), and I'm so used to the delay now I hardly even notice it. Some days I wonder if I hallucinated there ever being a delay - I remember all too well how annoying it was to have either long periods of silence or just an enomorous jumble of overlapping conversation, and the inconsistency of it now makes me wonder if it's not as big of a delay as it originally was or if I really just am that used to it. And fighting. Thankfully we haven't really "fought" since Matt's been gone though we have had a few conversations that left me feeling like I was toting around an anvil in my stomach, and I think it's important to mention to girls (and guys) just starting off on the Deployment Adventure that being thousands of miles apart doesn't exempt you from the rules of a relationship - you probably will fight. What's important is how you handle it and not to lose your head over it, which is certainly harder said than done; when you get in a fight with someone on the other side of the world and have absolutely no control over the situation, it's an awful helpless feeling, but stressing out over it isn't going to help alleviate the circumstances any - it'll only make it worse for you.
Missing our husbands [Military Wife - husband in Iraq]
Ok I've noticed, on a few blogs I've that we all are missing out husbands today, me included. Why today? I miss my honey I miss him a lot. I went into V. Secret today and I think that made me miss him even more. They have such cute stuff in there, and why buy anything if it's just going to hang in your closet for the next however long.
The Range [Army Girl]
It was kind of disheartening to see the soldiers that were getting out. I can't blame them for getting out but I do feel like we're on different sides now. They were so sick of everything and were complaining and talking about all of the things they were going to do and NOT do when they get home.. like, no pt.. no more waiting in lines.. no more people treating them like shit. And I had to laugh. They are so naive. It doesn't matter where you go, you're still going to have issues. It's just a different package. Most of them have been in since they were 17/18 and they don't have a clue as to how to live life on the outside.
<...>
It's a different world.. and I know they'll make it. But I can't help be feel worried for them. I've done the civilian thing for a while.. and I know it's trade offs.. and if I thought that were much better.. I'd be doing it again, instead of on this volunteer tour for two years.
Various Happenings In My World [Julie Anna-Infantry Wife ]
...My friend's husband just came home for leave from Iraq the other day. He seemed tired and a little weary of his surroundings. Poor guy jumped after the lid on a trash can slammed shut. But everyone around here is used to that sort of reaction from a soldier who just got back- it's expected, actually. My friend *S* kept looking at him, soaking every detail of him in, a sort of disbelief that he was actually standing there. I remember doing that. You literally have to touch your husband to make sure he's real. It took me awhile after hubby came back from Iraq to get used to the fact that he was really home. I was afraid to let him out of my sight for days because when he was gone, at work or the doctors, my mind would play cruel tricks and I would be convinced that he was still in Iraq.
Gloom, despair, and agony on me... [Castle Argghhh!]
Hmmmm. Interesting confluence of stuff here the last two days. The Dems are playing serious ball to get the White House back - and Hillary is in the thick of it (this is the same article I linked to yesterday - stay with me, I'm not suffering from Alzheimer's). They are trying to show they *can* be tough on Defense. (If this *is* a true change in spots, you can thank the GOP for forcing it)
We have Morning Sun commenting on that post:...
First thing that came to my mind since the Dems suggest it so often is a Draft.
Odd at a time when quote " recruitment numbers are down " that thinking to increase troop strength is the thing to do. ...
We aren't just concerned about recruitment. We also have some retention issues, though while they report out well, in some places, there *is* a dark side to it. There are some ugly stories - but that doesn't mean the Army is "trapping" everybody with threats of stop-loss. But I don't doubt this happens: ...
Green, again. [Red State Rant]
At Lance?s request, I?m proud to announce on Red State Rant that after an extended effort, I?ve finally been accepted back into Uncle Sam?s Big Green Gun Club. A little background:
My efforts began on September 11, 2001, when the news about the terrorist attacks in New York City came over the radio. I immediately drove to the recruiter?s office to inquire about reenlistment options.
Re-enlistment (pics) [Steven Kiel - in Iraq]
I decided to re-enlist for six more years. Below are a few pictures from my ceremony today. There was a nice bonus, so I joked around about getting a big check to carry it around, like Happy Gilmore. SSG Wheaton made it happen with a little help from SGT Arce and SGT Andrade.
Novak Told Rove About Plame [Captain's Quarters]
The New York Times now has a source within the grand jury proceedings in the Robert Fitzgerald investigation into the alleged leak of Valerie Plame's status as a CIA operative. The new article for tomorrow's edition by David Johnston and Richard Stevenson reveals that Karl Rove spoke with Robert Novak before he released his column -- but that Novak told Rove about Plame, including her name, and not the other way around:...
Wilson: My Wife Wasn't Undercover at Time of Leak [The New Editor]
Joseph Wilson told Wolf Blitzer in a CNN interview that his wife wasn't undercover at the time her name was leaked in Robert Novak's now infamous column.
O'Connor Urged to Reconsider Retirement [Starboard]
Please Sandy, don't leave. It just won't be the same without you. What can we do to get you to stay? Better parking space? Free gas? How about Chief Justice for a year? Well, two out of three she already has. It is the third carrot that liberals and left-leaning Republicans are dangling in front of Associate Justice O'Connor if she stays on pending the retirement of Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
"Inflamed by the participation in the Iraq war"? The Washington Post invents the news. [Hugh Hewitt]
The left is focused on Karl Rove. Serious people are focused on this:
"A government memo published in the Sunday Times last weekend warned that a loose group of 'extremist recruiters' sympathetic to the al Qaeda network was targeting susceptible young Muslims, especially those with technical and professional qualifications in engineering and computers. Most did not have police records, it said....
Why does the BBC have a hard time calling terrorists "terrorists?" [Counter Column]
Well, that's what happens when you go out of your way to recruit your top newsroom management from Al Jazeera.
SEAL's Crosses [Froggy Ruminations]
I had never been to a SEAL memorial before. Of course I have had many friends die in training and combat, but I was never able to attend any of their services. So when 11 Frogmen died at 8,000 feet in the Hindu Kush, I felt compelled to attend one of the memorial services. The first one that I heard about was for the fallen members of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE at
Lance Armstrong Honors Fallen SEALS [BlackFive]
First, be sure to visit (Navy SEAL) Matthew Heidt's Froggy Ruminations and read about the visits made to the memorial ceremonies honoring the fallen SEALS.
Matthew Heidt Attends the SEAL Memorial at the Punchbowl...
Scott King Attends the East Coast Memorial
Denise R. sends this link from a SEAL Officer at SOCOM:...
Mosul [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Emails coming in by the bucket, soldiers stopping me on the road, all asking if the leadership in Baghdad really knows what is going on with soldiers in combat. I cannot answer whether the top generals know what is going on; I did not ask. I can say, however, with complete confidence, that CSM Jeffrey Mellinger, who is the top non-commissioned officer in the theatre, knows more about the situation in Iraq than anyone I have met.
We're not to blame [In Iraq for 365]
A terrorist loaded a vehicle full of bombs, waiting for the moment he could ram it into American Soldiers. Meanwhile American Soldiers were cordoning off a section in Baghdad searching for weapons. In between searches, like we do on nearly every mission, these soldiers passed out candy to Iraqi children.
Now They?ve Gone Too Far [A Soldier's Perspective]
...With that all said and my frustrations aired, let me add some perspective?soldier?s perspective. Did you know that just yesterday there were 7 IEDs (just that I know of) that were either detected or exploded with no damage or casualty, except to the poor shmuck trying to emplace it? Did you know that this happens on a daily basis where IEDs explode, killing their makers or just detonate with no one around? These children?s lives will serve a greater purpose. Iraqi?s are smart people. They aren?t oblivious to what?s going on. If this story is kept alive, the people will increase their desire to organize and defeat these terrorists.
wandering around in the cities of Kirkuk, Erbil and Sulaymania. Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
I've been hearing a lot about how beautiful and quiet the city (Sulaymania) is and it didn't disappoint me at all; the city is living in peace and a great degree of order.
The funny thing is that in Kurdistan you can find restaurants and shops named after American cities like Washington Restaurant or Miami Jeans Store and stuff like that, you can even find American flags at jewelry shops along with crosses, Quranic verses, hearts and evil-kicking turquoise stones!
Lets Talk About The National Guards [An Average Iraqi - in Iraq]
...One other thing, did you know that the uniforms of the National Guards and Police forces in Iraq are being sold in certain areas of Baghdad, especially Bab Al-Sharjy, which is almost a market of everything, anything can be found there. For example right after the war there, a friend of mine tells that he did see a commercial written by hand on a wall saying (Solve your problems for just 1500 Dinars) which is a little less than a dollar, guess what you will by that, a HAND GRENADE. Anyway I guess I drifted off point, back to the National Guards, anyone can get their uniforms, Imagine the chaos that could create, it has been known for some terrorist groups to mimic national guards units and do whatever they please in their name, which isn't exactly what we can call popular in Baghdad.
New Twist in the Information War: Zarqawi Clashes With His Spiritual Mentor [Austin Bay]
The AP and USA Today report that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has threatened his Ismalist spiritual mentor, Isam Mohammed al-Barqawi. Earlier this month Barqawi (B, not Z) was detained by Jordanian authorities.
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To Zarqawi this means his spiritual adviser is listening ?to Satan?:
Desert Alchemy [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
Today the wind returned, a stifling current of air that flowed through the FOB like the hot breath of some infernal entity. By midmorning the air was little more then an overheated conduit of raw energy. As I walked across the FOB I closed my eyes for a minute and felt like I was standing behind a jet turbine spooling up for takeoff. By early afternoon the thermometer that hangs outside our building was no longer a reliable gauge, the mercury had already pushed past 120 degrees.
New Definitions [Ghraib Danger in Abu Ghraib]
There has been continuous sand storms over the past couple of weeks. The sand here is as fine as baby powder and blows up at a moments notice at the slightest movement of wind. One night my friend Derek and I were walking back to the hooch, and it was night so we couldn't really see much on the walk home, but around the LSA is lighted, and just from walking and talking through a mild sand storm on the way home which is probably 4 minutes at the most, a film of brown had built up on Derek's teeth. This place is crazy. It still seems so surreal that I'm even here. The worst part is you know you're breathing it in. Because the sand appears innocuous enough. It just looks like a little fog has rolled in. Sometimes visibility is not that bad, and sometimes you can't see more than 25 yards. But it's so fine, at first blush, it's easily mistaken for fog. Except when you start coughing and sneezing later and your mucous is disgusting dark colors, and you know you haven't been smoking...
July 13, 2005 [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
As mentioned earlier, there has been somewhat of a surge in operations here. The involvement of Iraqi army and police has increased significantly over the past few months. I have also read many reports about the lack of electricity, but from my observations there are lights on all over Iraq as far as I can see. Any power outages are due to terrorist activity, not a lack of infrastructure. Two nights ago I flew over a new powerplant under construction....
Scenes from Iraq: Life in the war zone [The 48th Goes to War]
My older brother asked me halfway through this assignment whether Iraq has changed me. I answered in all sincerity at the time that one hot shower and a cold beer would cleanse me of this place forever.
After all, I?ve only been with the 48th Brigade Combat Team about three months, not the full year that soldiers must spend in the war zone. And I?m an observer, a bystander, not a combatant.
Thoughts on paying respect [Phil and Becky - in Iraq]
...Iraq is a strategic front on the war on terror with the ultimate objective being a thriving, liberal democracy in the heart of the Middle East. This is how our civilian leadership has decided to wage the culture war and turn the tide against a generation of anti-American vitriol that has saturated the Middle East. In one view, the liberation of 25 million Iraqis was a positive side effect, but not necessarily the primary motivation behind our efforts here.
Iraqis March Against Terror [BlackFive]
There was a protest march of Iraqis against terror on July 5th. You probably haven't heard about it from Peter Jennings or Dan Rather:
QAYARRAH, Iraq: Citizens of the southern city of Qayarrah, of the northern province of Ninewah, gather to demonstrate their defiance against terrorism during the March Against Terror.
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All photos were taken by Army Specialist David Nunn. (pics)
Iraq's Rush To Failure (New York Times)...J Alexander Thier
...Despite President Bush's no-retreat-no-surrender rhetoric, the military and political truth about Iraq is growing clear: the American military will not defeat this insurgency. The rebels can be defeated only by political reconciliation among Iraqi leaders, and the constitutional process is the essential step.
Data Shows Faster-Rising Death Toll Among Iraqi Civilians (New York Times)...Sabrina Tavernise
Iraqi civilians and police officers died at a rate of more than 800 a month between August and May, according to figures released in June by the Interior Ministry. In response to questions from The New York Times, the ministry said that 8,175 Iraqis were killed by insurgents in the 10 months that ended May 31
The White House spin cycle (MSNBC ...David Shuster)
I don't know if things are getting better or worse in Iraq. But I do know, from a close friend who works at the White House, that the Bush administration is now panicked over the erosion of public support for the occupation.
Recent attacks suggest we're not safer (USA Today)...Alexander Rostocki
When I read the editorial "After 7/7, people begin putting terror into context," I thought USA TODAY was ignoring the elephant in the room.
Foreign Digest - Hussein's Trial Could Begin As Early As Aug., Judge Says (Baltimore Sun)...Unattributed
Saddam Hussein could go on trial as early as next month for his alleged role in a massacre 23 years ago, a top judge said yesterday. He said the deposed dictator could face the death penalty.
Why Iraq Oil Money Hasn't Fueled Rebuilding (Christian Science Monitor)...Howard LaFranchi
WASHINGTON ? First, the good news: With oil prices at record highs, Iraq is on track to bring in $20 billion or more in oil revenue this year.
That may sound like a lot of petrodollars, especially for a war-torn country with tremendous needs in infrastructure repair and services delivery.
But the bad news is that very little, if any, of that money will actually be used in the country's stalled reconstruction - despite past lofty predictions that oil-rich Iraq would be financially self-sufficient by now.
Bagram, Afghanistan: A Patrol [Austin Bay- In Afghanistan]
And a video. Thanks to Trey Jackson and Glenn Reynolds.
Afghans, not the U.S., deposed the Taliban (LA Times -Letters)
In the July 11 editorial, "Still a land of danger," you write: "In the months after 9/11, U.S. troops quickly ousted Afghanistan's Taliban rulers." But U.S. troops did no such thing. Before the fall of Kabul to the Afghan Northern Alliance in November 2001, there were no U.S. regular combat formations in Afghanistan.
SUPPORT THE TROOPS
Support The War?.But Don?t Support The Troops [Pass the Brass]
Thanks to Brian H for bringing this little Jewel to light. As controversial as it is?.it almost appeals to me. I?m freakin weird.
...Need I remind the reader that it is our flag, not the troops, that we salute? It is our nation-state, not a bunch of 20-year-olds in parachute pants, that deserves our allegiance. As a patriot and true American, my heart sings at the thought of the Pentagon, and the zealous, calculating measures undertaken by the proud military bureaucracy of this great superpower. I feel a surge of pride when I think about our high-tech GBU laser-guided bombs, capable of carrying a 2,000-pound warhead. I tied a ribbon around my tree for the safe return of our nation?s F-16s, because our military aircraft are instrumental to finishing our work in Iraq. And on the back of my car, I have a sticker stating my support for the CIA?s ongoing efforts in Iraq.
Ford Jr. insults TN soldiers again Lance in Iraq]
The lightweight Congressman visited Carroll County and again referred to soldiers in Iraq as "oil cops" (via Bill Hobbs). The first time he made that derogatory statement I thought he was throwing a little red meat to anti-military Democrats. However, if he's using that phrase while visiting with newspaper editors it's a core part of his message.
The Left Does Not Support the Troops - And Here?s Why [Euphoric Reality]
There?s a phenomenal article at townhall.com about the Left, and how they need to quit saying ?support the troops? when they do anything but.
Eyewitness account from Underground Bomb in London [Reaching for Lucidity]
This is from ITV News (video)
Who Wants 72 Virgins [Kerfuffles]
...The actual number of virgins allotted to the faithful, seventy-two, is found nowhere in the Koran. For this promise Muslims must read the Hadith, traditional sayings traced to Muhammad. Hadith number 2,562, known as the Sunan al-Tirmidhi reads, "The least [reward] for the people of Heaven is 80,000 servants and 72 wives, over which stands a dome of pearls, aquamarine and ruby."
Enough?stop it..you manslayers [Iraq at a glance - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...I just want to discuss why the suicide attacks always done by Muslims? Have you ever heard a Christian or someone from any other religion bombed him/herself? NO...
Muslims Condemn, Applaud Bombings [Smash]
PROMINENT BRITISH MUSLIMS have condemned last week's terror bombings in London.
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But another British Muslim, Yamin Zakaria, offers a dissenting view...
The True War: Within, And For, Islam (Washington Post)...Jim Hoagland
...The only case of panic coming out of the London bombings seems to have been a knee-jerk Pentagon warning to U.S. Air Force personnel to stay out of London for their own safety. The order was quickly rescinded, but Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld owes the people of London a lot more, beginning with an official apology.
THE TEACHER BOMBER (Sky News)...Unattributed
One of the bombers who brought carnage to London taught disabled children, it has emerged.
Mohammed Sadique Khan, 30, of Dewsbury, was a supply teaching assistant who taught disabled children in Beeston, it has been revealed.
Hasib Hussain: The boy who grew up to bomb the No 30 bus (The Independant News Online)...Arifa Akbar and Ian Herbert
He was the tallest boy in his class. Hasib Hussain, aged 10, in his final year at Ingram Road Primary School in Holbeck, Leeds, was already showing signs of being a promising athlete and had ambitions to be a professional cricketer. But he was always an unassuming child.
A few years later, however, Hussain was to become one of Britain's first home-grown suicide bombers at the age of 18.
7th Century meets the 21st century [CDR Salamander]
After a few months break, it is time to get back to the case of Theo Van Gogh.
No reason to rehash the background or brutal nihilism of the murder, you should know them by now. If not, go ahead and buy your daughter a burka. (OK Dhimmi, here you go...
?I cannot feel for you ? because I believe you are an infidel.? [Parrot Check]
The above was said to the mother of murdered Dutch filmaker Theo Van Gogh by the Islamic fascist who shot Van Gogh 15 times, stabbed him mulitple times and then, just to make sure I guess that Van Gogh would not survive, the murdering dog slit the filmers thoat. And all of this because Van Gogh made a film noting the abuses of women under Islamic law. Maybe this explains why these animals can slice the head off innocent civilians without even blinking an eye and even praise God Allah as they do so.
Luke Air Force Base Complaint
The following complaint was recently documented at Luke Air Force Base. The responses are from a senior officers.
A letter to the Editor;
Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?
<...>
To his credit, the complainant, Mr. MacRae, tendered a written apology which was published in The Republic on 9 July:...
The Unhinged Minority by Pat Sajak
...Republicans are painted as power-mad fiends eager to turn back the clock on all the social progress this nation has enjoyed under the ?enlightened? rule of the Democrats. It?s more power they want, and they?ll stop at nothing to get it! Despite having lost the Presidency, both houses of Congress, the majority of Governorships and an increasing number of state legislatures, Democrats seem to have convinced themselves they are the victims of some massive evil scheme.
Hollywood Mafia [Florida Cracker]
I hope none of y'all own desirable property in the city of Hollywood. Their commission is eminent domaining to benefit a developer for the second time this month and they plan to keep on doing it:
When Commissioner Cathy Anderson asked what the public purpose was, City Attorney Dan Abbott did not hesitate.
"Economic development," he said, "which is a legitimate public purpose according to the United States Supreme Court."
The vote was unanimous.
Nevada Young Republicans 'Imploded' [Balloon Juice]
This will be making the rounds of lefty bloggers tomorrow, so you might as well see it here first:
Nevada's chapter of the Young Republicans has basically imploded, leaving its chairman with up to $25,000 in personal debt and allegations that he mishandled money.
thoughts on the press [Boots in Baghdad - in Iraq]
We went out this morning and did school assessments. School assessments consist of going to the schools in our area and seeing what they need, whether it be supplies or increased security. We have been joined by an Iraqi television journalist. He is a nice guy and will be with us for a few days. A couple of days ago we went into some of the poorer parts of our area and handed out several hundred chickens. There are pictures at Boots In Baghdad Photographs.
The Beeb's "Terrorist" Problem [Alenda Lux]
There has been much coverage in the past couple days about how the BBC, in its initial coverage of the London terrorist attacks, abandoned its past poliy of calling those who blow up innocent civilians "militants" or "extremists." This article from Tuesday's Telegraph summarizes the story.
The BBC has re-edited some of its coverage of the London Underground and bus bombings to avoid labelling the perpetrators as "terrorists", it was disclosed yesterday.
Early reporting of the attacks on the BBC's website spoke of terrorists but the same coverage was changed to describe the attackers simply as "bombers".
The Ba'athist Broadcasting Corporation's editorial policies specifically say that the word "terrorist" is to be avoided.
Parallels [Horologium]
The news media loved to make parallels between Afghanistan and Vietnam; here's another one:...
MSM? Are corporations abandoning the news biz? Or has the audience left? [Quillnews]
Quillnews saw a few straws in the wind indicating what corporate America thinks about the news outfits within their corporate sheds. Consider the chatter that must have taken place at last weekend?s gab fest at Idaho?s Sun Valley sponsored by investment bankers Allen & Company for communications industry big shots:
Reasoned Audacity on CNN -- the Cable Industry and Indecency [Reasoned Audacity]
I didn't know that the CNN show that I taped awhile back did finally make it on air. Today I stumbled across a transcript over at
SpeakSpeak.org that Amanda Toering has posted under "Stupidity Affects Us All."
This blog, one year later [American Soldier]
American Soldier says,
This blog is officially a year old. I remember the day I sat down and decided to write my thoughts. At first I was very raw and aggressive in my entries. The time was full of so much uncertainty. I wasn?t sure where or when I was going to leave but I knew something would occur.
VACATION DAY, BUT ONE SMALL REQUEST Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
I am taking a vacation today, but do ask one small favor of you. Today is MAJ Bratu's birthday and I think he is close to 50 now. I just found out about it when his dad wanted me to make sure he got a good surprise. I'm sure he would love it if he got a lot of birthday wishes from people all over. I'm sure that Ricky wouldn't mind forwarding a few emails to MAJ Bratu. I like the OLD MAN even if he does bark at me all the time. I'll write more tomorrow. God Bless, Kevin
Walking the Line V [Michael Yon]
One Journey Ends
Six months of patience paid off, when I finally had the opportunity to ride along with Command Sergeant Major Mellinger as he traveled across Iraq on his continuous mission to assess conditions of the troops. For three weeks, as we traveled in Iraq, Kuwait and on the North Arabian Gulf, he diligently captured the most comprehensive first-hand picture of what is happening here.
Re-enlistment [Steven Kiel - in Iraq]
I decided to re-enlist for six more years. Below are a few pictures from my ceremony today. There was a nice bonus, so I joked around about getting a big check to carry it around, like Happy Gilmore. SSG Wheaton made it happen with a little help from SGT Arce and SGT Andrade. (pics)
TRAVELING WITH THE PRIEST [Montana Thunder - in Iraq]
Meeting new people all over Iraq. The country is changing, the climate is changing, change is in the air in the North you can feel it. Not sure towards what direction, but there is a new season here.
My brother Sol sent me some amazing pictures from Alaska. I must get there soon. Beautiful land and the fishing, hunting and outdoor adventures he has experienced are priceless. He and Alex look happy and living the life. I love to see people happy and living the life. I have seen enough sadness and trapped, bitter people in Iraq to last my lifetime. Freedom is a great concept but some people do not understand the responsibility that comes with freedom and don't know how to handle it. I love seeing people who understand real freedom and live it.
IRAQI DATES EXPORT VENTURE [New MilBlog Ring Member! - 2005 Tour of Duty - in Iraq]
We are currently looking for venture capital to export Dates from Iraq. Here is a sample of the finished product. Anyone interested email me and I will give you the details...
Pictures From Town [Lost in Iraq - in Iraq]
Above are a few pictures of some locals. The pictures were taken during various trips into town. It?s amazing how much the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police have accomplished thus far. These guys are just as much hero's as we are. They are why we?re here. These guys will eventually take over for us. More and more often the Iraqi Security Forces are being targeted and under the same pressures that we're under, but ...
A PRETTY BORING, BUT BUSY DAY [Kevin Kelly- Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
...Last night we had a visitor in our room. LTC Morris came to visit us. She is the psychologist that is attached to us. She just came on in, got a non-alcoholic beer out of the fridge and just had her a seat and watched TV with us. We told her that she might not want to talk to us because she might go crazy trying to figure us out. She is really a nice lady and I know she is bored to death. She is here as part of our medical team to make sure that everyone is mentally sound with all the missions and things that happen with them. When the FOB is filled with guys that knows everyone here, the last thing you want to do is
REALITY TV, IRAQI STYLE.... [BrainPost]
(H.T. Iraqi Files)
I must admit I cannot tolerate watching reality TV or much of anything outside of 4 or 5 channels, but after reading this story, I thought there may be hope to bringing the lefties in Hollywood around to thinking of the bigger picture.
Love from the home front [Ryan and Christy's Place - Ryan in Iraq]
There is one thing that continues to amaze me about being deployed so far away from home and that is the huge amount of love and support from people in the states. I say this in that I have never seen such an outpouring of love from not only my family but from so many people I don't know or barely know.
Today I got a reminder of how much people do care about our country's soldiers when I received two packages from my alma mater, The University of Tennessee College of Communications. My former professors and staff members that I came in contact with there all pitched in to send me two large boxes of food items from home. I was truly touched by this because normally when a student graduates from any institution they seem as if they are forgotten about or don't fit in anymore.
Day 187 - Hot Blooded [The Story of Us - in Iraq]
Phone call
him: hi honey
me: hey baby
him: i had an accident, im gonna hand the phone to SGT S to tell you about it, cuz i cant hold the phone
me: ummmm, ok
SGT: hi, this is SGT S, first off your husband is fine. the temp got to 109 today and he had a PT test this evening, during which he got a little hot. he actually suffered from heat cramps and heat exhaustion. it was through no fault of his own, he did all he was supposed to do, drinking lots of fluids and such. the heat just affects some people worse than others, and the PT test prob didnt help. hes real weak right now, barely even able to hold the phone. but, he wanted to make sure that he got ahold of you to keep you from worrying. as it might be several days before you hear from him, and he didnt want you freakin out.
red phase [Blog Machine City - in Iraq]
Inconceivable as it may seem, some day I'm going to leave this place, and that day is approaching - though much too slowly.
With the approach of our departure, a sensation akin to disappointment settles over me. It's a disappointment borne from the fact that I realize that there isn't going to be a climactic finale, an epic closure to our long, bizarre trip. Rather, one day I'll wake up, drive over to BIAP, walk up the ramp of a C-130, and forty-five minutes later I'll be in Kuwait, out of Iraq and out of the war and only days from being home. It's an anticlimax if there ever was one.
Radio Hosts In Iraq and Kuwait [BlackFive]
If you get a chance, be sure to tune to these Radio Hosts broadcasting from Iraq and Kuwait. I'll definitely be checking in to hear what Buzz Patterson has to say this week and will try to listen to the others.
U.S. Says Zarqawi Aide Caught (Los Angeles Times)...Times Wire Services
American forces in Iraq have captured a key operative of militant leader Abu Musab Zarqawi, Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday.
Iraq Dangers 'Misrepresented' (Washington Times)...Associated Press
The dangers faced by American troops in Iraq have been exaggerated, adding to the difficulty of recruiting soldiers at home, the Army general in charge of National Guard forces said yesterday.
U.S. Can't Leave Iffy Iraqi Forces (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Trudy Rubin
You see them everywhere in the Iraqi capital - careening down city streets in white Toyota pickup trucks with mounted machine guns; manning checkpoints to foil suicide bombers. These are the new Iraqi security forces.
What's The Value Of Victory? (USA Today)...Ralph Peters
In classical economics, an item's value is determined by the price someone will pay for it. By that measure, Iraq is the world's most valuable real estate to Islamist terrorists.
U.S. Commander Gets Personal With Ordinary Afghans (USA Today)...Paul Wiseman
...Eikenberry knows he can learn only so much barricaded in his office in Kabul. So every weekend he heads into the Afghan hinterlands for a firsthand look at attempts to build a functioning democratic government in a country known for anarchy, war, corruption and religious extremism.
Australia To Send Troops To Afghanistan (New York Times on the Web)...Associated Press
Australia will send 150 elite troops to Afghanistan by September to fight a growing tide of insurgent-led violence by remnants of the Taliban and al-Qaida, the prime minister said Wednesday.
THE EU STRIKES BACK; INTEL'S OFFICES RAIDED ACROSS EUROPE [Hundredpercenter News]
It looks like the strong, brave men of Europe have decided to put down their gelati's and panini's in order to combat terrorism. At least they think they are.
The euro-libs, soon to be eurabia, have raided the corporate offices of Intel- due to anti-trust concerns.
London gets hit with the biggest attack since WW2 and the fem-men of the EU strike back by raiding the corporate offices of America's largest semiconductor company.
Rather symbolic isn't it?
Go On The Offensive Against Terror (Los Angeles Times)...John Yoo
The bombings in London demonstrate the perils of playing defense, rather than offense, in the war on terrorism.
Bloggers: Join the President and call for the release of dissidents in Iran
- Special Report: [Regime Change Iran]
Thousands of Iranians defied their government today and demonstrated in Tehran in support of an Iranian political dissident Akbar Ganji. Remarkably, he has defied the Iranian government, saying he is willing to die if he is not immediately and unconditionally released. Today, he is on his 31st day of a hunger strike.
The regime was out in force and there were clashes with the security forces. Dr. Corsi and Ken Timmerman both provided reports. See photos here and here.
Last Saturday, 3oo Iranian intellectuals and scholars called for a demonstration today, to press the Islamic government to release Akbar Ganji and other political prisoners.
Absofrickinlutely Ridiculous [The Stupid Shall be Punished]
(Intel Source: LGF) The British House of Commons passed a law today outlawing written material and public verbal comments "that are threatening, abusive or insulting [and] likely to stir up racial or religious hatred." Anyone convicted under the law could be jailed for up to seven years. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill failed in an earlier attempt to pass due to strong opposition in the normally powerless House of Lords, and likely faces the same opposition there this time. The bill was drawn up to "protect" Muslims, but there was some concern that it could backfire on them:...
The Ugly Korean? [GI Korea Blog - in Korea]
It appears that one airline had an interesting evening on Sunday:
Cathay Pacific CX 416 was scheduled to leave Hong Kong for Incheon International Airport at 4:20 p.m. on Sunday. The airline delayed the flight twice, first to 5:30 p.m. and then again to 6:00 p.m.
The airline said it made four announcements of the delays, both in the terminal and at boarding gates. But with the airport bustling and the broadcasts made in English and Chinese, some of the Koreans were unable to understand them.
...I have been delayed for up to five hours before and all I got was a meal coupon. So what Cathay Pacific was offering in compensation seems pretty good in comparison to my experiences with flight delays. Anyway this is what some Korean passengers decided to do: ...
First Day Back In Busan Barbarian Envoy - in Korea]
JH and I returned to Busan today from Osaka, Japan. We had a very illuminating trip. From the food to the temples and the castles, it was 2 full days and 2 half days of nonstop subway transfers, map checks, and, we both agreed, very beautiful women and ugly men.
Will Anyone Protest This?
The Chosun Ilbo is reporting that an agreement has been struck between the US and ROK governments to build the new US embassy on the grounds of the current US Army Yongsan garrison: ...
S. Korea to Purchase US Spy Aircraft (Korea Times)...Jung Sung-ki
The Defense Ministry has officially requested the United States sell its high-altitude, long-range surveillance aircraft as part of its mid to long-term arms acquisition plan, ministry officials said Tuesday.
South Korea Offers To Supply Energy If North Gives Up Arms (Washington Post)...Glenn Kessler
South Korea has offered to supply the North with electric power equivalent to the output of two unfinished nuclear plants if the communist state gives up its nuclear weapons, South Korean officials said Tuesday.
Danish Man Sentenced To Jail For Not Serving French or German Customers [Southern By Blog]
God Bless the fellow, he's gonna do 8 days in jail for "discrimination" because he refused to serve French and German customers because of their government's failure to support the liberation of Iraq. Here's the article. From it:...
Report: Radical Kuwaiti Imams Drowned Out in Pro-American Protests by Local Worshippers [Counterterrorism Blog]
From the Al-Siyasah newspaper "The Imam of al-Jabiriyah preached against the Americans and the Worshippers shouted 'O' Allah, make America stronger!"
OK Ramblers, Lets Get Ramblin' [Stuck in Qatar - in Qatar]
I went to see the re-enlistment counselor today. I was not able to get the options I wanted, so I am waiting a little longer to re-enlist. Right now my MOS is balanced, meaning it has optimal manning according to the needs of the Army, in other words I can not be released from my MOS for retraining into a non-critical MOS. I have been looking at two new MOSs, Army journalist and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operator (drone pilot.)
Radical Islam's Ugly Face in the Netherlands [ROFASix]
In the land of tulips, dikes and windmills there was shocked silence as Mohammed Bouyeri said, ?If I ever get free, I would do it again.?
Bouyeri shot, stabbed and attempted to behead filmmaker Theo van Gogh last November as van Gogh begged to live and tried to reason with his attacker. After he completed his gruesome crime, Bouyeri affixed a 5 page religious rant to Theo van Gogh?s body with his knife. Van Gogh?s crime? In Bouyeri?s eyes, van Gogh had insulted Islam.
Today?s Bangkok Post article, ?Van Gogh killer will kill again if set free,"
Crackdown In Uzbekistan Reopens Longstanding Debate On U.S. Military Aid (New York Times)...Thom Shanker and C. J. Chivers
The street demonstrations that helped depose the corrupt leadership in post-Soviet Georgia were at a tipping point in 2003 when that country's military commanders decided to sit out the crisis, allowing a bloodless change of power that became known as the Rose Revolution.
IRR Orders [My Desk]
Well, orders have been published- again. They have sent me new orders, ammended orders, whatever- 6 times. I report in November, with a end date of a month and 5 days past my ETS date- Guess i?m stop lossed?
Love our hometown newspaper!
A Little Bit of Family [Julie Anna-Infantry Wife]
...My sister had also claimed the bag of love letters that my grandpa had sent to my grandma during his deployment in World War 2. I have rarely had a true pain in my heart, the only other time being when my husband broke up with me in our early dating years... but this was a true pain I felt. It would have meant the world to me to have those letters in my possession. And I really believe Grandma would have liked me to have them. See, when my husband first joined the military, my Grandma was the first and only person to truly reach out to me, to tell me that she knew how it felt to be a military wife. She was as computer illiterate as I was at the time- but she would occasionally get online with an important purpose- to send me a message of encouragement. She once had been a newly married, 17 year-old warbride and had to send the love of her life off to war...she clearly knew the pain and lonliness I was dealing with just to have my husband fresh in the army, and away for months of training.
Terminology [TacJammer]
Eugene Volokh and Jim Lindgren of the Volokh Conspiracy offer critiques of the term "homicide bomber."
This has irritated me for quite a long while, too.
? "Bomber" by itself implies "homicide," which makes "homicide bomber" redundant. Are there bombings which aren't meant to kill people and/or destroy things?
Holy Swift Boats, Batman ... [Small Town Veteran]
... Dem guys is at it again!
For those of us who remember how hard the Kerry camp worked at keeping you from seeing the Swift Boat Veterans For Truth ads, this really isn't all that surprising:..
Rove Vindicated [Uncle Jimbo]
Double Secret Update
Just because I can, I call. Judith Miller told Scooter Libby who told Rove, and she knew Plame wasn't covert 'cuz she is tight with the same crowd as Plame and Wilson.
UPDATE: John Podhoretz from NR now picks up the fun thought I had in this piece, that it may be Judy Miller from the NYT who outed Plame. Oh that would be rich.
"What if -- and here's where it gets really interesting...
Sandbox Bound [DarthVOB of Musings of the Imperial Senate] Editor's Note: Darth has been a MilBlogger since November 25, 2003. Go wish him well.
It?s happened.
The unit I took command of on 15 March 2005 was sourced by National Guard Bureau soon after. I received the Alert and MOB orders from FORSCOM on 03 June 2005.
More to follow.
Surge Ops [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
Things have been very busy here for the past few days - and probably will continue for a few more. I am flying several missions in any given 24 hour period and don't have much time for anything else. I'll check in as soon as things slow down a bit.
I can't share details obviously, but the new Iraqi army is certainly getting some experience. They are...
Shomali [Who's your Baghdaddy? - in Iraq]
I went with my battalion commander to a local villiage the other day along and had lunch with the police chief and mayor. The experience was rather interesting. The fare was the same as every other local meal I've had here; chicken on a bed of rice, freshly made flat bread, a tomato broth with egg plant, and some freshly cut vegatables.
<...>
I have stated before, there is still very much a welfare mentality here. The discussion largely revolved around "we need this or that" and "how can you help us with this or that situation." After 30 years of Saddam's regime a majority of the people do not know how to take initiative to solve their own problems. This is why it is so crucial that we continually hand more and more responsibility ...
Hot, Dry and Dusty [Bayonet - in Iraq]
You know it's bad when you look forward to dust storms. The temps have been hitting the hundred and teens here in the IZ, but when the dust blows in, it brings it down into the single digit one-hundreds. Of course there is all the dust everywhere and the fact you can't see much further.
The New Hummers Are In (or: Your Tax Dollars At Work) [Courage Without Fear - in Iraq]
We got trucks! On Saturday we picked up two brand spanking new M1114 Up-Armored Humvees. They are so new that there is still plastic on the seats.
These things are state of the art, air conditioning, improved suspension, improved gunners shields (the steel plates surrounding the gunner who rides standing out a hole in the roof) and MUD FLAPS! Woo HOOOOO!
Marines ensure supplies, growth of Iraqi economy [Live in Iraq]
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 12, 2005) -- It takes a lot of planning and coordination to ensure service members obtain the adequate living supplies and gear needed during a deployment. A small group of Marines based here are responsible for acquiring and distributing the essential gear and services needed at installations throughout Iraq.
More About the British Memo (UPDATED) [Baldilocks]
Bill Kristol thinks that the British Memo stems from a big misdirection play, one that pits the military planners against its civilian leadership, with the rank and file military as cast as the victims of Donald Rumsfeld's treachery. The reason for the plans laid out in the British memo?
Iraq Report, 11 July/05 [Winds of Change]
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Joel Gaines of No Pundit Intended and Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com.
The War's Realists (Washington Post)...E. J. Dionne Jr.
...If British troops fighting in Iraq did not stop the terrorists from striking London, then what is the logic for believing that American troops fighting in Iraq will stop terrorists from striking our country again? Intelligence reports -- and Townsend's own words -- suggest that Iraq has become a terrorist breeding ground since the American invasion. How, exactly, has that made us safer?
Iraqi Official Says Iran Will Not Train Troops (Washington Post)...Andy Mosher
Iraq's defense minister said Monday that a military agreement reached with Iran last week does not include any provision for the Iranian armed forces to help train Iraqi troops, contradicting reported assertions by his Iranian counterpart.
Iran Suspected Of Backing New Suicide Attacks (Washington Times)...Nicholas Birch
A series of suicide bombings in previously peaceful northern Iraq has aroused suspicions that elements of the Iranian regime are backing efforts to destabilize the region.
Tough Times For 5th Brigade Of Iraq's Army (Los Angeles Times)...Ashraf Khalil
Unsanitary conditions at Baghdad base erode morale, officers say. Many soldiers have quit.
I can't eat, I can't shower...but they still give me internet access [Adventures in Afghanistan - in Afghanistan ]
So I?ve had quite the eventful day, although originally I wasn?t going to tell you about it. That happens sometimes out here ?- things go down that are most definitely blog-worthy, but that aren?t necessarily supposed to become public knowledge. Such has been the case today.
Rude Awakening? [All Along The Watch Tower - in Afghanistan]
There?s nothing in this world that?ll get your undivided attention faster than a rocket attack, absolutely nothing. Apparently, Hadji snuck up near the perimeter fence last night just before dawn and launched three rockets into our hitherto happy little base. The news said four rockets, but we only saw and heard three.
Change of Command [The Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
Today at 0200Z Big Windy said fair well to Maj Wilhelm during our change of command. Maj Wilhelm has been with us for almost two years to the day. I can't believe how fast time has gone by.
Navy Seal's body found after failed Afghan mission (Guardian)
Body of US Navy Seal commando is located in eastern Afghanistan, bringing to end ill-fated mission.
Kyrgyzstan's New Plight... Russia and China [Dude, Where's The Beach?]
It seems that yesterday's democratic elections in Kyrgyzstan were a success for acting Kyrgyz leader Kurmanbek Bakiev, scoring a landslide victory in the poll, winning 89% of the votes. The Kyrgyz people have rightfully earned this opportunity, risking everything to get to this point. I congratulate them on their successes.
On the surface, this election and it's outcome seem fine, but Bakiev's very first news conference as the elected President was very troubling. Instead of praising his people, the international election observers, and his nation, Bakiev immediately questioned the need for the U.S. air base in his country.
TOUR DE BLAH [trying to grok]
...We drove to Mulhouse yesterday for the finish line, and I was quite disappointed with my Tour experience. We waited for two hours at our spot at about 750 meters from the finish line, and then when Rasmussen finally arrived, this is the photo I got, thanks to the jackass standing next to me. (pic)
That's the winner of the stage, right behind the stupid balloon some guy waved in my face. I managed to get a good photo of Voigt and Moreau as they took second and third, but then the peloton came screaming by and I couldn't even find Lance, but I got to listen to my husband rave about how cool it was to see him.
Can a Concert "Make Poverty History"? [Reasoned Audacity - live blogging G8 in Scottland]
After attending the final Live8 concert Thursday night 6 July, in Edinburgh, I left you in the wee hours of Friday morning with a teaser -- Bob Geldof's challenge to the G8:...
Hurricane Tips [My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy]
I found this on eBay, and since hurricane season is long from over, I?m posting the information here (it?s not an auction, it was put on eBay as free information):...
US bans military staff from travelling to London (Guardian Unlimited)
... Patricia Yates, a spokeswoman for the UK tourism authority VisitBritain, said the US military's behaviour seemed at odds with the attitude of many American visitors
The Inevitable (Washington Post ...Candida Crewe)
We're All on Blair's Front Line Now
I cannot say that last Thursday morning came as a great surprise. I mean, why should our country, with Blair so much in Bush's pocket, and so much a part of the Iraq fray, have continued to get off scot-free?
Surrender?
Chris Hitchens says, "No."
"(The jihadists) demand the impossible - the cessation of all life in favour of prostration before a totalitarian vision. Plainly, we cannot surrender. There is no one with whom to negotiate, let alone capitulate."
Some would say that the bombers had grievances. Hitchens agrees, and usefully, reminds us what these grievances are:
Chronological History of "Terrorists" Up to 9/11 [A sailor in the Desert]
I received this from my BlogMom, Indigo at Indigo Insights, a few days ago. Since the terrorist attack on London on 7/7/05, there seems to be a good deal of chatter that would make one think that terrorism only began on 9/11 and that it became more prevalent after the US invasion of Iraq. If we would only leave Iraq, some would have you believe, the terrorist attacks would go away. Poppycock (A nicer way of saying bullshit.)! Terrorism has been rearing it's ugly head for almost 40 years now. Here is a list of those terrorist attacks: ...
Tortured Arguments (Washington Post ...Juliette N. Kayyem)
The Rules Are for Us, Not the Terrorists
The incredible fact is that, nearly four years into the war on terrorism and despite three Supreme Court decisions and countless lower court rulings, we still seem to be making up our detention and interrogation policies as we go along. Or, rather, the Bush administration seems to be making them up with almost no input from the other branches of government.
(pic)-Ankle Cuffs In An Interrogation Room, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 6, 2005 (Andres Leighton - AP)
Is it that the American public somehow accepts torture in pursuit of the administration's war on terrorism? Does our fear of new attacks -- now bolstered by last week's transit bombings in London...
The Dangerous Comfort of Secrecy New Yor Times ...Unattributed
The Bush administration's addiction to classifying documents is making an unnecessary casualty of the openness vital to democracy.
Not in my name [Chan?ad Bahraini] (HT: Assumption in Command]
A candlelight vigil was held this evening in front of the British Embassy to Bahrain to show solidarity with the British people, and to express our complete rejection of the terror attacks in London that took place on Thursday. It was attended by over a hundred people and was organized by a wide range of civil societies: Islamists, Leftists and human rights groups.
Cop-Bashing [Smash]
ANARCHISTS IN SAN FRANCISCO put a cop in the hospital with life-threatening injuries, then brag about it on Indymedia.
Azerbaijanis are hoping their turn for democracy is next! [Gateway Pundit]
10,000 demonstrate against Government in Baku today!
The Opposition is holding another rally in the capital of Baku, today. Meanwhile, British and US Ambassadors turn up the volume for democratic change on talk shows and TV interviews.
The Left Says that US is a "Terrorist Nation"
I heard this today and could not believe it. This woman was clearly out of her mind. It is nice to know that she is a writer for USA Today!
From "Sean Hannity's Radio Show" today as reported by NewsMax:
Semi-regular USA Today columnist Julianne Malveaux said Monday that President Bush is "a terrorist" and that America is "a terrorist nation."
Benjamin: Iraq Has Made Us Less Safe [Outside the Beltway]
Posted by James Joyner at 16:40
Former Clinton National Security Council Daniel Benjamin purports to explain, "Why Iraq has made us less safe" in a CNN column promoting his new book The Next Attack: The Failure of the War on Terror and a Strategy for Getting It Right.
BBC edits out the word "terrorist" [Counter Column]
I pulleth not thine leg.
The BBC has re-edited some of its coverage of the London Underground and bus bombings to avoid labelling the perpetrators as "terrorists", it was disclosed yesterday.
Yeah, this is what passes for critical thinking among journalists today.
When Talking About Cutting Edge Military Technology [The Kallini Brothers]
It helps if morons like, say, journalists, aren?t responsible for writing up the stories.
For years, the U.S. military has explored a new kind of firepower that is instantaneous, precise and virtually inexhaustible: beams of electromagnetic energy. ?Directed-energy? pulses can be throttled up or down depending on the situation, much like the phasers on ?Star Trek? could be set to kill or merely stun.
Photoblog - Marines MOUT training [A Healthy Alternative to Work]
After an already-busy morning, I wound up heading out to one of Fort Knox's proudest fixtures: the Zussman Urban Combat training center, one of the U.S. military's premier MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) sites. I shot photos of Marine Reserve Company E, 4th Tank division, working on anti-insurgent operations in driving rain. Here are some photos:
Married to the Military [Doc in the Box]
A couple of days ago NPR?s American Radio Works put out a program called Married to the Military and since I?m getting married in the very near future, it made me think (yes Tragic heard it too, I'd recommend it to any military spouse). As this war progresses, each day, news of the war moves further out of the forefront as fresher news stories take the place of the work that people like me are doing in far off lands. The circle of support is much smaller as the story moves further back in the paper.
Military Children Win Scholarships [Patriot Voices]
The Military Child Education Coalition is sending 15 children from military families to the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., this year.
When the education coalition started the Bernard Curtis Brown II Memorial Space Camp scholarship award four years ago, there was only enough money to send one student to the camp.
Veterans Support Our Troops -- More info coming soon [Small Town Veteran]
TACAN, Rurik and I, and some other Viet Nam [see the correction below] vets who prefer to remain out of the spotlight for the moment, are still in the early stages of planning a series of public demonstrations to let the decision makers in this country know that we won't sit by idly and let our current generation of warriors be stabbed in the back like we were. I hereby call bullshit on those who claim to support our troops but not their mission.
SEAL Memorial at Punchbowl [Homefront Six]
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
(pics)The Blackhawks from 2-25 Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division performed a missing man formation flyby during the memorial ceremony while the bagpipes played "Amazing Grace".
Freda [The Hole Card]
OCEAN CITY, Md. -- Freda Wright-Sorce, the wife of radio personality Don Geronimo and a frequent contributor to the popular nationally syndicated "Don and Mike" show, died in a traffic accident Sunday.
I knew something was up when I was listening to the radio and Mike O' Meara was referring to Freda in the past tense. When he almost burst into tears at the end of the broadcast,...
Happy Birthday To Me... [Gun Line]
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday,
Happy Birthday to Me!
On this day, fourty years ago, at zero-dark thirty, yours truely was born in the Naval Hosptital, Charleston Naval Base, South Carolina... Momma and bady did fine, pappy was at sea on patrol in a submarine.
Aftermath.. [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
The terrorists tried to hit the hospital today. THE HOSPITAL!!!!!!!!!!! More on that in a minute.
A BMW pulled up to the gate at the hospital and a guy got out and ran. So, the IP's guarding the hospital gave it a shove, and it went Ka-blooey. I don't know if there were casualties in that one.
Moments later, another guy pulls up in this station wagon, and ...
The Books of Salah al Din [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
Poverty is not the basic problem in Iraq. A helicopter flight over cities and villages reveals thousands of satellite dishes, thousands of automobiles driving about, and power-lines crisscrossing the country. The people are starved, however, but the commodity for which they hunger is knowledge and information, particularly the kind that comes unfiltered. Yet many of the terrorists who make the misery they later feed on, wish to cut ties to the outside world.
In the months immediately following the collapse of the Saddam regime, but before the tumor of insurgency invaded the body, medical officers attached to the 4th Infantry Division met with doctors and...
Fatal hi-Tech needed for Iraq [A Free Writer - an Iraqi]
Anti kidnapping high tech. solutions introduced to the world many electronic chips , and it is available on the internet for ordinary users.
It?s very strange , many cases of kidnapping happened each month in Iraq for diplomatic workers, Iraqi officials , and Journalist but no one so far used this technology that allow security forces to detect easily the kidnapped person with few meters mistakes only.
Is it possible that western technology that was designed for such conditions , not to be used in Iraq !!
Family bonds [Phil and Becky - in Iraq]
I had a discussion with one of our platoon leaders the other day about our expectations of cooperation from the Iraqi people in terms of finding and arresting insurgents. There is the popular notion that familial and tribal bonds are so strong in the Arab mind that Iraqis will continue to shelter known AIF instead of turning them over to outsiders.
[Note: Bias alert -- I do not think that there is any such thing as an "Arab" mind or a "Chinese" mind or an "American" mind.
Dispatches from Iraq [Daves World] (HT: Stryker Brigade)
...I had just lost my buddy who had never been to New York, in the Bronx, in the middle of the night.
<...>
I get to my friend's place, and there's Matt at the front door, waiting for me. He remembered my friend lived on W 28th, deduced the city worked on a grid street system, and found his way back from there.
It was at that point, if I had any doubts to begin with, that I knew Matt was going to be able to handle himself in the desert.
<...>
Just as we were about to depart for the Kurdish outpost, we received a quick recon mission that we needed to complete prior to assuming guard duties. The "ears in the sky" had overheard a band of terrorists plotting around the eastern highway through Mosul. We loaded up in to our Strykers in the late afternoon and headed out.
Reasons To Be Optomistic About Iraq [Signaleer]
Iraq's economy is growing at 17 per cent this year.
Unemployment has dropped by as much as 50 per cent.
Per capita income rising from less than $700 at the liberation to a projected $1200 in 2007.
Iraq's schools are educating 4.3 million children.
There are 23 commercial (not government) television stations, 80 radio stations, 170 newspapers and magazines.
Sunni clerics inside Iraq have issued fatwas encouraging young Sunni men to enlist in the Iraqi security forces - and despite the attacks on police stations, the ranks of the Iraqi forces continue to grow.
Today there are more than 76,000 in the Iraqi armed forces. Of that, some 530 are navy and 190 are air force personnel, according to a U.S. State Department report. Last year, there was merely one operational Iraqi army battalion.
The Iraqi navy now has ...
Iraq Lacks Women Trained In Security (Washington Times)...Rowan Scarborough
The U.S.-led coalition has not trained enough Iraqi women to operate checkpoints in Iraq, forcing the job on American female troops, such as the two Marines and sailor killed last month in a car bombing.
How The U.S. Shortchanged The War (Chicago Tribune)...Steve Chapman
...We've poured more than $200 billion down the drain in Iraq. If even a small part of that money had been spent on homeland security, Americans would undoubtedly be safer today. U.S. soldiers might have been used to hunt down those enemies who want to carry out atrocities here or in Britain, instead of fighting insurgents who merely want us out of Iraq.
It Just Gets Worse (New York Times)...Bob Herbert
...Americans are paying a fearful price for Mr. Bush's adventure in Iraq. In addition to the toll of dead and wounded, the war is costing about $5 billion a month. It has drained resources from critical needs here at home, including important antiterror initiatives that would improve the security of ports, transit systems and chemical plants.
Body of missing SEAL recovered [Jack Army]
h/t Indepundit, from CNN.com:
The body of a U.S. Navy SEAL has been found and recovered in Afghanistan, a senior defense official said Sunday.
This would account for the fourth member of a reconnaissance team that disappeared two weeks ago in Afghanistan. Only one of the four survived.
So, obviously, our media was duped again into being the propaganda machine of our enemies. Failing to independently verify claims that the Taliban had indeed done what they claimed, they printed a story which did nothing but terrify the fallen SEAL's family and friends.
10 Slain On Patrol, Afghans Report (Boston Globe)...Noor Khan, Associated Press
A border patrol was ambushed Saturday in the desert near the frontier with Pakistan, a provincial governor said, reporting that 10 Afghan soldiers were killed and beheaded.
The UK and US: Solidarity Against Savagery [Howdy's Blog - in Iraq]
I have watched the recent all too familiar events in London with much dismay and very little surprise. Savages take instruments of every day society and spread their fear, hate and death to foreign lands in the name of a god that does not look upon them favorably. Fear and destruction is all they bring like a wave of pestilence spreading throughout the areas they hope to conquer.
Evil men do evil things.
Americans Injured in London Attacks [ROFA Six]
(pics) an news item I have been looking for since the 7/7 attack. The LA Times, ?American Sisters Remain Hospitalized,? reports only four of the the 700 injured and killed in London last week were Americans. My spouse and I spent one July in London. Americans were everywhere that Summer. I had expected it to be much worse.
Do the London Bombing's Lead Back to Iran? [Regime Cange Iran]
Earlier today, the Sunday Times reported that the top suspect in the London bombing is Mustafa Setmariam Nasar, a former a European intermediary for Al-Qaeda. If this proves true, it spells trouble for Iran.
U.K. Memo Cites Plans For Pullout From Iraq (Washington Post)...Glenn Frankel and Josh White
...Reid on Sunday did not dispute the authenticity of the document, but said that no decision on troop levels had been made. In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman said officials there had not seen the document.
British Memo Details A Plan To Cut Troops (New York Times)...Alan Cowell and David S. Cloud
..."I wouldn't want to predict when the conditions could be such that U.S. forces would be able to be there in smaller numbers," said Bryan Whitman, a senior Pentagon spokesman. He said the British memo's assertion that "emerging U.S. plans" envision steep troop cuts in 2006 "is not inconsistent with the goal." But he added, "With respect to timelines, I wouldn't want to speculate."
W Adviser Blasts Dem On Iraq 'Lie' (New York Daily News)...James Gordon Meek
President Bush's top terrorism adviser yesterday zinged a Democratic leader for peddling the "lie" that the Iraq war won't prevent attacks such as the London bombings.
Hurricane Dennis Passes U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay (Navy News Stand)
Stacey Byington, U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs
Hurricane Dennis passed by U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay July 7, causing minimal damage.
There were no injuries to any personnel.
?U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay has an excellent destructive weather plan,? said Capt. Les McCoy, base commanding officer. ?We take precautions as the storms approach, and all actions are predicated on ensuring the safety of all personnel. We had no damage from Hurricane Dennis other than a few broken tree limbs and debris washed up along the shoreline.?
Blogging From Egypt [Andi's World]
I was browsing some middle-eastern blogs and came across one that caught my attention. The Big Pharoah blogs from Egypt and tells us how the Egyptian media dealt with the recent execution of its envoy to Iraq.
All Hell Breaks Loose at Camp Humphreys [GI Korea Blog]
(pics) There was a very violent protest that broke out at Camp Humphreys on Sunday. The protesters were protesting the ROK governments move to buy adjacent farm land around the camp to begin building the needed facilities in order to move soldiers stationed on Yongsan and the 2ID area to Camp Humphreys by 2008. Camp Humphreys for the most part is surrounded by rice paddies on three sides which makes Camp Humphreys the ideal place to expand a camp to relocate soldiers.
I Own Many Leather-Bound Books and My Apartment Smells of Rich Mahogany. [New MilBlog Ring Member! - Greg, Stuck in Qatar]
We were able to go off-post today. We decided to head to the mall, shop around for our wives, and see a movie. I was dead tired most of the day because I didn't sleep last night. I don't know what it is about this place, but I have slipped deeper in to the clutches of insomnia. I thought I was bad before I got here, but I sleep less than four hours a night on a typical weekday.
The car ride over was intense, I thought we were going to die, like eight times. Right after my catharsis, I realized how many American fast food joints were here... (pics)
والاعراب أشد كفرا ونفاقا [The Mesopotamian - an Iraqi]
Friends,
Translation of the above words from the holy Koran, may come as a surprise to you : ?And the A?arab are the worst in Kufr [ faithlessness ] and hypocrisy?. The A?arab are the nomadic Arabs. This is the judgment of the Koran of the Muslims itself concerning the Bedouin nomadic mentality. Let us use the name Al-Qaeda to symbolize this murderous frame of mind which is plaguing the world right now. It is the living embodiment of the worst of all that is evil in the Arab Bedouin genetic subconscious. As I survey the reaction in the Arab media and those of some of my non-Iraqi Arab acquaintances, and alas, some of their Sunni Iraqi kin, to the latest outrage in London and also to the murder of the Egyptian ambassador in Baghdad, I am strongly reminded of these particular words in the holy Koran.
Iraq - The Terrorist Connection [USS Neverdock]
Christopher Hitchens bitch slaps Ron Reagan good - on TV!
...you end up where you ended up, saying that the cause of terrorism is fighting against it, the root cause, I mean. Now, you even said, extraordinarily to me, that there was no terrorist problem in Iraq before 2003. Do you know nothing about the subject at all? Do you wonder how Mr. Zarqawi got there under the rule of Saddam Hussein? Have you ever heard of Abu Nidal?
Terror Musings [Baldilocks]
Watching a History Channel presentation on the Ku Klux Klan yesterday, I was struck by a few thoughts.
...Today?s international terrorists have many similarities to our domestic terrorists of old. Today?s terrorists kill in secret but leave their victims? bodies by the side of the road or hanging in public view, as was so in the cases of the Blackwater Four and of Nicholas Berg (warning: even more graphic). They also murder international envoys sent in peace, just as our terrorists murdered prominent peacemakers.
Markets Factor in Acts of Terror [Outside The Beltway]
One of the things about the 9/11 attacks that many people talked about was how it was in part planned to have an impact on Wall Street and Capitalism (i.e. market based economies). And I don't think many can argue with this. However, one...
Analysis By Random Data Mention [Chapomatic]
So Barry sends me this link and says it needs a good kick in the pants. Okay then.
To make sense of this campaign, I compiled data on the 71 terrorists who killed themselves between 1995 and 2004 in carrying out attacks sponsored by Osama bin Laden?s network. I was able to collect the names, nationalities and detailed demographic information on 67 of these bombers, data that provides insight into the underlying causes of Al Qaeda?s suicide terrorism and how the group?s strategy has evolved since 2001. Most important,...
So, by knowing the name, home country, and age/sex of a few people you find out strategic goals? Did I miss the Genius Train on this one, or perhaps you?re not able to logically get there from here?
Al-Qaeda Has Changed; Bush Strategy Also Needs To Shift (USA Today)...Wesley K. Clark
...Preventing attacks probably can't be accomplished by the administration's preference for taking out ?state sponsors.? And it's going to be very difficult to employ military means. National intelligence efforts, special police activities and local community policing efforts, which focus on identifying and targeting terrorist individuals and organizations, are required.
Lessons of London: What's next in war on terror? (USA Today...Rudolph W. Giuliani
On July 7th, I was traveling in London. I was having breakfast at a hotel very near Liverpool Street Station when the first explosion was detonated. Hearing the sirens and seeing London's emergency personnel respond to the bombings brought back vivid memories of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
We Can't Win This War The Old Way (Los Angeles Times)...Timothy Garton Ash
...This does not mean being passive in response to these atrocities. But the right response does not lie, as commentators on Fox News would have us believe, in more military firepower to zap "the enemy" in Iraq or elsewhere. It lies in skilled policing and intelligent policy. Quietly refusing the melodramatic metaphor of war, officials of London's Metropolitan Police described the sites of the Tube and bus bombings as "crime scenes." That's right. Crimes.
Airman Fights His Way Back To Iraq [Patriot Voices]
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Although a rocket attack cut his time short on his first deployment, an Airman from the 64th Combat Search and Rescue helicopter maintenance unit pledged to himself that he'd endure whatever pain was necessary to get back in the fight.
Following a year and a half recovery from serious injuries to his hand which could have ended his Air Force career, Senior Airman Douglas Batchelder, an armament systems journeyman, is back in Iraq at Balad Air Base.
Mailing address and update [From My Position - at Walter Reed]
On Saturday Chuck was able to talk to the man that saved his life - CPT Jason Spencer. It was very emotional (for me), but I managed not to lose it. It was the first time Chuck has been able to talk to Jason directly since he was injured. Chuck also got to talk to LT Meeks and 1SG Williams... two other very important people to Chuck. He talked to them about 20 minutes, and in those 20 minutes you would of thought he was back in Iraq just chewing the fat w/ his men. It really helped bring his spirits back up. The men in his company mean so much to him. Fortunately, they are all okay. I keep in contact w/ our Rear D Commander to check on Chuck's men for him. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers.
The Fourth of July (POSTED JULY 9) [In Iraq for 365]
The three men were all scared of what came when the night sky arrived. Since we?ve been home, fireworks have not been our friend. The bursts remind of us of mortars falling nearby and bottle rockets sound exactly like a 107 mm rocket flying overhead. But we had to be there, to see our first Fourth of July celebration since our return home. We guzzled enough beer to numb our initial jump or twitch, and most importantly, we all had our significant other there to rub our heads, to calm us. Then, the fireworks began. They lasted for 45 minutes, and with each blast rather than feeling scared, I felt joy. With each colorful display, I thought of how much I love my country. I thought of the girl sitting beside me, and my feelings for her. But most of all, I thought of my friends who died for the green crops, the little kids and the farm houses that make up America.
And for the first time, a tear or a sad feeling didn?t overcome me when I thought of T & Mitts. Rather a smile. It?s as if they were looking down from heaven, watching the country they died for and patting me on the back.
3 Million [BlackFive]
Thanks to all who've visited over the years. Today, Blackfive received it's 3 millionth visitor early this morning:
The 2,999,999th visitor came from Little Green Footballs - thanks, Charles!
Frank's 3rd Blogiversary - How to Celebrate. [IMOA]
Frank has been blogging now for 3 years as of today.
So of course you are thinking, "Where's my free ice cream?" CUT IT OUT!
You selfish free ice cream demanders need to stop, and step back for moment and think of Frank for a change. Think about his needs, desires and quest for world domination.
To paraphrase, John Kennedy, the Democrat responsible for U.S. involvement in Viet Nam,...
Saluting the troops with the right hand:
B-Sides: Me Edition (Single) [Goldfalcon]
I comment a lot on music, sometimes pretty harshly. I am not above offerring my own work up for critique, so here is a tune I wrote yesterday:
(*Note*: This is just barely demo quality. You?ll hear some mistakes. I did everything in one take with the exception of the lead guitar parts, which were a different track that I laid down in one take, mistakes and all. That?s in keeping with the spirit of The B-Sides. I?d rather hear mistakes than over produced, pitch-shifted, fixed-in-the-mix crap. You may think the song is crap, but it certainly won?t be because it is overproduced.)
Here are the lyrics:
My Pretty Ones
He slides out of the driveway,
points his headlights toward the highway
still tryin? hard not to make that sound.
Got two in bed and one at the door,
pretty soon there?ll be one more.
They?re all cryin?, askin? him to stay.
He says ?Oh, no, my pretty ones.
There?s a need for men and guns,
and it ain?t enough to sit and pray.
Sometimes even good men go away.?
Yeah, Daddy?s gone a soldier,
got an Eagle on his shoulder,
flag on his arm and he?s gonna make ?em pay.
Back home they?re scared of fightin?
sayin? ?You don?t have to die, son?.
The kids say ?Daddy, are you comin? home today??
He says ?Oh, no, my pretty ones.
There?s a need for men and guns,
there?s just too much at stake.
There?s some things in life you gotta face.?
Well there?s a letter in a locker,
when she gets it, it?ll drop her.
It?s sittin? underneath some baby boots she made.
It says ?Oh, no, my pretty ones,
I guess this means my time is done.
Like gypsies who never stay,
Daddies only come to go away.?
Greyhawk notes: Just go listen. This is awesome.
Saluting the troops with the left hand:
T-Shirt [Trying to Grok]
I got an email from Mrs. Sims today. She belongs to a support group for OEF and OIF widows. Apparently most of their correspondence deals with anti-war messages they see and hear, things that would have made their husbands cringe. Mrs. Sims was especially appalled by a t-shirt she saw and the accompanying message from its creator:
The Troops:
"We'll put a Boot up your Ass--It's the American Way": Marines from Bravo One Five Looking for Mr. Thuggie [The C-Square]
Major General William Webster Jr, commander of the Army's 3rd Division, said in Baghdad that thug operations are "mostly blunted".
I like that, heh, mostly blunted. He should have said: Thuggies are Sucking Hard Wind. Keep them thuggies rolling. Move them out. Roll them out. Head them out. Keep them thuggies moving--- the steam roller of Democracy is paving a new road right up your tuckas.
These are some of the men from from my old alma mater Bravo One Five that made Operation Lighting a huge success that had thugs scrambling for cover away from 2,500 check points, 500 midnight house raids, and netted 1700 "suspected" thuggies.
It Ain't Much... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
...But today, out on patrol, we drove on the left side of the road. Ya know, as a show of support for our Brit friends. We pretty much drive wherever we want, and the Iraqi's are used to it, so we just hauled off down the wrong way.
London [Maj K - in Iraq]
I have been feeling rather British over the past few days. My heart goes out to the people of London after the unspeakable barbarism unleashed upon them by the arhabi scum. My brother and sister-in-law were just there on vacation, luckily returning to the USA just before the bombings. The Brits continue to be America's greatest and most consistent ally. Watching the coverage on CNN, I was thinking two things. First, I was glad to be here, as I'll be damned if I'm going to give this country back to the arhabi as a training base. Second, I wondered how long it was going to be before the Iraq war was named as the cause of the bombing. Unfortunately, I did not have to wait very long.
Freedom Rest Day One [IRR Soldier - In Iraq]
Last night I convoyed back to Camp Liberty so I could catch a ride this morning to "The Green Zone" for a four day pass called Freedom Rest.
Others:
UM AL-RASAS/BON APPETIT! [The Red Zone]
Down Basra way, the country most preoccupying the locals is not Amrika, but that brooding, seething, over-cleric'd Mordor to the east, Iran. Whether its supporting religious parties, smuggling oil and gas, sabotaging the energy infrastructure, orchestrating sectarian assassinations or other neighborly deeds, Basrawi detect the stealthy hand of Tehran in nearly every aspect of their lives. "We don't talk about this in public," a professor at Basra U. told me. "Get too explicit and you get 'disappeared.'"
Mainstream media:
Secret Plan To Quit Iraq [Daily Mail]
Britain And America are secretly preparing to withdraw most of their troops from Iraq - despite warnings of the grave consequences for the region, The Mail on Sunday has learned.
A secret paper written by Defence Secretary John Reid for Tony Blair reveals that many of the 8,500 British troops in Iraq are set to be brought home within three months, with most of the rest returning six months later.
The leaked document, marked Secret: UK Eyes Only, appears to fly in the face of Mr Blair and President Bush's pledges that Allied forces will not quit until Iraq's own forces are strong enough to take control of security.
Mainstream media:
Stevens: Bombers 'almost certainly' British [Daily Mail]
Former Metropolitan Police chief Sir John Stevens has warned the London bombers were "almost certainly" British and that there were many more born and bred here willing to attack.
Lord Stevens, who served as commissioner for five years before retiring this earlier year, said last Thursday's bombers were "totally aware of British life and values" and although international terrorists may have provided the expertise, it was "wishful thinking" to suspect the perpetrators came from abroad.
Leaked No 10 dossier reveals Al-Qaeda?s British recruits [Times Online]
AL-QAEDA is secretly recruiting affluent, middle-class Muslims in British universities and colleges to carry out terrorist attacks in this country, leaked Whitehall documents reveal.
Yesterday it emerged that last week?s London bombings were a sophisticated attack with all the devices detonating on the Underground within 50 seconds of each other. The police believe those behind the outrage may be home-grown British terrorists with no criminal backgrounds and possessing technical expertise.
A joint Home Office and Foreign Office dossier ? Young Muslims and Extremism ? prepared for the prime minister last year, said Britain might now be harbouring thousands of Al-Qaeda sympathisers.
Read the document: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Mastermind of Madrid is key figure [Times Online]
Spanish investigators said Nasar, now believed to be in Iraq, had set up a ?sleeper? cell of terrorists in Britain. But they believed he was planning an attack to coincide with the British general election in May, rather than the G8 summit last week.
'Foreign terrorist cell' was behind London bombings [Telegraph]
Police were last night searching for a foreign-based Islamic terrorist cell after it was disclosed that three of the four bombs that hit London last Thursday exploded "almost simultaneously".
Ministers now believe that the bombings - which left at least 49 people dead in Britain's worst terrorist attack - were the work of a "very, very small number" of individuals who arrived from mainland Europe or North Africa on false passports within the past six months.
Birmingham evacuated after 'real' threat - police [Daily Mail]
Birmingham's police chief today defended his decision to evacuate some 20,000 people from the city centre last night, insisting there had been a "real and significant" threat to lives.
At a press conference at West Midlands Police headquarters, the Force's Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee admitted the packages were neither bombs nor hoax explosive devices, but stressed information received by officers had been significant enough to warrant the evacuation.
I'm just a regular working mom, says America's most famous spy [Telegraph]
America's most famous spy was doing her best to stay out of the unwelcome limelight last week. "I'm just a mom getting dinner ready for my kids," Valerie Wilson said with a smile at her hilltop home in one of Washington's best neighbourhoods. "You better talk to my husband."
Too Rich; Too Too Rich!!! [GM's Corner]
(Cartoon)
Jailed Journalist Reports NY Times Desecration [ScrappleFace]
Law enforcement authorities in major U.S. cities put riot police on high alert today after recently-jailed journalist Judith Miller complained that prison guards had desecrated her copy of The New York Times.
IRAQ
Our Coalition versus Theirs The Makaha Surf Report - in Iraq]
I was in the Corps DFAC this morning watching the news out of London when I looked around the DFAC and saw the most inspiring sight. In case people don't know Camp Victory is home to the MNC (Multi National Corps) Command structure, all nations of the coalition are represented here. I saw a grouping of people from the free world watching the coverage of the cowardly acts in London and there was anger on their faces. But what was truly amazing was how everyone was seated. American enlisted sat next to Polish officers, Korean NCOs and Australians sat together, Mongolians and Slovakians were together, as well as Albanians and Macedonians. I thought about last nights meal in the DFAC and I saw the same thing then too. The nations of the free world (those with the courage to stand and be counted) are so similar and so strong. Culturally we couldn't be more different, but the same ideals drive us and fill our hearts. All of us, Italian, Brit, American, Bulgarian, whatever country we are from, all of us would rather be with our families, but we are here at the front lines of freedom doing our duty.
Saturday, July 09, 2005 [Sgt. Humphries World - in Iraq] (pics)
The scarriest wake-up call in Iraq. A rocket landed too close for comfort. Thank God and KBR for these barriers. Can you tell they work?
Marines ' dog battle terrorism in Ar Ramadi [Live in Iraq]
...?Often when we?re patrolling through a street, the Marines will say, ?hey dog handler, come check out this car,?? he said. ?A lot of times it?ll be a vehicle that is a suspected car bomb. It?s nerve-racking when Kestor and I have to go up to it and inspected it knowing we could get blown up.
Kentucky Rides Again, and How to Fix an Iraqi Hose [IRR Solier - -in Iraq]
On to the Iraqi hose. I've noticed, since I've been working with the Iraqis, that they are a very resourceful bunch. They're completely comfortable with thinking outside the box. Not only in things like problem solving but also in law enforcement and human rights. My first glimpse at this was when they were trying to run some wire from one side of the building to the other. The building we live in is shaped like a "U" if you look at it from above. So from the hallway just outside of my second floor room I can look out the window and see the other wing across the courtyard. One day the Iraqis decided they needed to run a wire from our wing to the other wing. This does, on the surface, present a few problems. How do you get the wire across the courtyard, how do you get the wire from inside the hallway to the outside of the hallway, and once on the other side how do you get it back inside the other hallway?
After the Thugs, Marines from Bravo One Five Check out the neighborhood [The C-Square] (pics)
Major General William Webster Jr, commander of the Army's 3rd Division, said in Baghdad that thug operations are "mostly blunted".
These are some of the men from Bravo One Five that made Operation Lighting a success that had thugs scrambling for cover away from 2,500 check points, 500 midnight house raids, and netted 1700 "suspected" thuggies.
Science Question.... [Ma Duece Gunner - in Iraq]
Being the grunt that I am, and only having taken one semester of college, therefore having not reached the level of education warranting the taking of thermo-dynamics, I have a question.
We have a big chest freezer in our building. Since it is insufferably hot in this country, the entire freezer is dedicated to water bottles, with exception of the Otter Pops my wife sends me. We take frozen water bottles out on patrol with us so we have cold water throughout our patrol. Anyhoo...
I was checking to see if I needed to add more bottles. The freezer was moderately full. I picked up a bottle of water that looked clear to check the temperature. It was cold. When I squeezed it, it immediately
Iraqi Night [Jon Jivan - in Iraq]
Being the space geek that I am, the night time sky has always fascinated me, even in at home in Ohio when I?m lucky enough to pick out the Big Dipper through the light pollution. Out in the Iraqi desert, the stars multiply by the thousands, so I can?t help but take the occasional peek upwards between my guard duty scans. A starlit night, more than anything else, always hits me in the face with how beautiful, enormous, and awesome God?s creation really is. Take for example the Milky Way (which I photographed a small glimpse of above). Though very had to see in populated areas, here it stands out beautifully, providing a white cloudy glow stretching across the sky.
MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ
General Says Insurgency Weakened In Baghdad (Washington Post)...Andy Mosher
The U.S. commander of military forces in and around the Iraqi capital said Friday that insurgents apparently are no longer capable of carrying out more than sporadic attacks in Baghdad after a seven-week security crackdown.
U.S. Commander Says Enemy In Baghdad Blunted (Washington Times)...Rowan Scarborough
...Gen. Webster did not rule out an insurgency revival.
"I think in an insurgency, it's not helpful at all to talk about turning the corner or nearing the end," he said, noting the country's porous borders. "I don't think we can say this is a permanent solution, but I would say in the next couple of months we will not see sustained, long, bloody months in Baghdad."
IRAQ, BERLUSCONI: GRADUAL PULLOUT, NOT DUE TO LONDON (AGI)
Gleneagles, July 8 - Italy will begin its pullout from Iraq in September, withdrawing 300 soldiers, but this isn't due to the London bombing, said PM Berlusconi after the G8 summit in Gleneagles, once Reforms Minister Calderoli said he hoped for an immediate pullout. "We will stay on in the Iraqi mission, as we declared, and abiding by the Parliament's mandate. We will keep our promises, we don't leave things unfinished. Berlusconi reasserted that "in September, Italy will begin a partial pullout, withdrawing 300 soldiers" from Iraq, assuring that this reduction in the presence of Italian troops "will not lead to a drop in security", neither for the troops, nor for the local population.
The Bombings Elicit Shock And Shrugs From War-Weary Iraqis (Los Angeles Times)...Borzou Daragahi
...Iraqis reacted with shock but also shrugs at the London bombings, the kind of attack that has become as common to Baghdad as drizzle is to the British capital.
Iraq rebuilding fails to deliver (BBC News)
It was blown up by insurgents at the weekend. They knew exactly where to place the charge for maximum damage. It has taken out the water supply for more than half of Baghdad.
"We've been affected badly," complained one man in the area. "We don't have any water to drink. What are we supposed to do? Sometimes they cut the power as well. It's all the fault of the Americans."
AFGHANISTAN
More Progress In Afghanistan You're Likely To Have Missed [Captain's Quarters]
The Army News Service reports that eighteen top Taliban commanders have turned themselves over to the Karzai government for its amnesty program. The commanders come from the splinter Taliban group Hezb-i Islami, which often found itself at odds with Mullah Omar:
08 July 2005 2100z [Hokie.US - just back from Afghanistan]
The other half of my platoon flew up from Ghazni this morning; and after I gave them some time to settle in, we gathered in the battalion classroom for our platoon after action review. Basically, we sat around and talked about how things went this last year and a half. We brought up good points, bad points, things we could have improved on, and so forth. For me, a lot of what was said wasn't all that surprising, but it was still a good exercise because it allowed a lot of the younger soldiers to share their opinions about how things were done. The main goal of a session like this is to identify lessons learned and whatnot; but it also helps because it gives all of the soldiers an opportunity to say their piece and be heard. In a platoon setting, even in a close platoon, some people will inevitably hold back. My platoon is no exception. I know that there were a few issues that they didn't bring up. But I am proud for the ones who did speak their mind and saw this as a way to build on experiences instead of making it one big bitch session like some AARs tend to become. Either way,
Stung in an Afghan 'hornets' nest' [Jack Army]
From the BBC:
A routine mission for a small unit of US troops based here turned into a fight for their lives when they came up against a group of suspected Taleban militants along the border with Pakistan.
It did not make any headlines. It was just another incident among many in this volatile region.
MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN
Heavy Toll In Afghan Fight For Navy's Proud Elite (New York Times)...James Dao
It was a risky maneuver: sending a slow-moving helicopter during daylight into rugged mountains teeming with heavily armed Taliban fighters. But to Rear Adm. Joseph Maguire, head of the Naval Special Warfare Command, his special operations unit had no choice.
Afghan President Says Bin Laden Not There (Miami Herald)...Amir Shah, (AP)
...Also Friday, a purported Taliban spokesman reiterated a claim that a missing American commando was being interrogated by the Taliban and would soon be killed.
Taliban claims to kill ?captured? American (Reuters)
KABUL, Afghanistan - Taliban guerrillas said on Saturday they had killed a missing American commando they claimed to have captured in eastern Afghanistan last month, but the U.S. military said it had no information to support the claim.
LONDON
London Later on 7.7.05 [Reasoned Audacity - in London]
I have a lot to tell you about the events of this last week. My plan today was to write up my notes on the George Clooney appearance qua briefing; yesterday's afternoon protests in Edinburgh; the Wolfowitz speech on trade to the German Marshall Fund; and the mixed reaction I had to last night's Murrayfield Geldof/Bono concert. I will yet do those posts, but priorities suddenly shifted today.
<...>
When we finally did reach London much later in the afternoon, a group of us jumped in a cab to try to reach the city, despite warnings that the roads were impassable. We sped toward the city on the M4 and the A40, however, without any difficulty. Those trying to get out of the city were not so lucky and faced bumper to bumper traffic.
A New Battleground [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
Like most, I have been following the latest in the global war against all infidels declared on August 23, 1996 by Osama bin Ladin. London is the latest ?battleground?, but most certainly won?t be the last?.
Will Britain quit like the Spanish and submit to irrelevance and dhimmitude? I certainly hope not ? and I doubt that they will. One thing I am certain won?t quit is the sniveling, whining sobs of the ignorant, naﶥ left ? calling for us to quit in Iraq while blaming all the problems in the world on America, Israel, Bush, oil, Haliburton, Jews, SUV?s, etc. etc. ad nauseum?.
Reaction To London Terror Attacks [GI Korea Blog - in Korea]
Over here in Korea, the South Korean government has condemned the terrorist attacks:
South Korea on Friday condemned the bombings in London and pledged to support an international drive to root out terrorism. The government also stepped up security around airports and other public facilities, and warned the 3,500 South Korean troops stationed in Iraq to maintain heightened vigilance against possible terrorist attacks.
With the APEC summit coming up in November Korea needs to begin a heavy security preparations to crackdown on any potential terrorist threats. Good police work, intelligence, immigration control, and security SOPs will do more to deter a potential terrorist attack here in Korea than sending in the Insurgent Rebel Clown Army. (see pic)
Londonistan Attacks London: Product of Accepting Non-Assimilation [The Word Unheard]
Let us be clear: This is not about al Qaeda. This is about an ideology.
To some extent, al Qaeda surely was involved in London's transit bombings. It will likely surface that this attack was not carried out by an al Qaida team, but rather by like-minded less-professional animals who immigrated without assimilation to London. The bus bombing was likely a mistake, as the tubes had been shut down before the bus detonation. A proud non-assimilated London Jihadi collected his virgins because he could not reach his primary target. At any rate, the persuit begins with a possible lead already.
MSM REPORTS ON LONDON
Tony Blair's Summit Meeting (New York Times)
Thanks largely to the foot-dragging of the United States, the summit meeting for the G-8 fell short of the world's expectations in important ways.
History's New First Draft (Newsweek)
More than ever before, citizen journalists provided some of the best coverage on Thursday's London bombings.
Even as the last shockwaves of Thursday?s horrible bomb blasts ripped through London, the first photographs and eyewitness accounts had begun to circulate. But it wasn?t through the mainstream media that many of these stories and pictures first gained traction. Through photo sharing Web sites like flickr.com and individual and group blogs,
TERRORISM
A Strategic and Tactical Analysis of al-Qaeda [Chaotic Synaptic Activity]
Or: What do the terrorists, the Japanese in WWII, cell phones, CAP actions in Vietnam and recent Army recruiting woes have in common...
Your Homeland Security Tax Dollars at Work [Alexander the Average]
Now this is an interesting use of your tax dollars.
Deep inside the cave-like laboratories of the legendary research center that created the atomic bomb, scientists have begun work on a Manhattan Project of a different sort.
<...>
Analysis: The most powerful simulation in the world is not going to be able to account for human behavior. But, I see value in this program especially when I read this:..
THE MEDIA
Take The Log Out Of Your Own Eye Before You Complain About The Mote In Someone Else's Eye [GM's Corner]
The Imam's are "worried!" Oh please! You want to insure that there are no retalitory actions, then begin to police your own "Racist Right Wing" Islamo-fascists. Start a call from the pulpit against them. Issue a Fatwa or Twenty! Scream it from the Minarets that this is a perversion of Islam. Maybe then, maybe you can rest easy. Hypocrites!
From the Times Online:
MUSLIM leaders voiced fears yesterday that racist right-wing groups are already seeking to stir up hatred against their community after the bomb attacks.
MILITARY ISSUES
Strength" [Big Al's Army Life]
I had something pretty awesome happen to me this morning --- I opened up my email and a blog reader had written to me telling me that they admired my strength in this deployment - and that they were about two months into their deployment, and did I have any good tips or advice that I could give them so that the next year and a half wasn't the worst one of their life. Well, I wrote a small novel back to that gentleman - he is supporting his girlfriend who is a deployed soldier - and I thought that it might be a good thing to post my advice here for anybody else who might be dealing with a similar situation.
OPSEC Importance [Patriot Voices]
This is an excellent commentary by Col Stewart. Sometimes we don't realize the tid bits of information that we talk about can be used against us. Or as we called it when I was in the Air Force - Essential Elements Of Friendly Information (EEFI's). Discussing current or future operational issues was always a no-no. We definitely don't want to endanger our troops any more that what they already are.
CONGRATS
Good friends help [Big Al's Army Life - Husband in Iraq]
Yesterday was my 5th Anniversary with Hubby. So it was a bit of a low day for me, at least until evening when I was able to spend almost an hour on Yahoo messenger with him. I don't really feel like delving into yesterday, as even thinking of it seems to be bringing me down again.
Happy Birthday [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
Happy Birthday my love. I wish that I could watch you blow out those candles...
BLOGGING
Hot Links [Florida Gator]
*Jeanene Garofolo is guest-posting over at WuzzaDem's. Her dissent will not be stifled! (Smear vasoline or any viscous, opaque substance onto your eyeballs before clicking.)
*Liberal Larry is offering sage advice regarding the tragedy in London:
HEROS TO REMEMBER
West Pointers, Baseball Players, heck, anybody who cares [Castle Argghhh!]
Greetings, Castle Regulars and those just passing through, Things like this pop into my inbox with a sad regularity.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers and eight sailors who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
...From that list above, Major Steve Reich, someone you should know...
<...>
...Attached is an article written and published on ESPN a couple days ago about Steve ? he is one of the greatest baseball pitchers to ever play at West Point (he still holds the record for most wins at the school) and was heavily recruited to play major league ball. He turned them all down and eventually became a Special Operations helicopter pilot. He was on his fourth tour in the Stan when his bird was shot down.
07/09/05 [Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called "Monday Night At Morton's." (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.
How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?
A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.
The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosul even after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.
IRAQ
Attacking our Family [Michael Yon - in Iraq]
The American soldiers here in Iraq who have seen the news about the attack on London, are angry. When the United Kingdom is attacked, our family is attacked. We are seeing news here in Iraq that civilians and children were killed in London. This is very distressing, as when we see the savages killing children here in Iraq.
Tonto Speaks on Freedom [Howdys Blog - in Iraq]
Once in a while you hear you read something somebody says that rings true, the best you can do is pass it along as a must-read. This is an article written by a buddy of mine and fellow Cobra pilot callsign of "Tonto." Cliffy to some, but Tonto is better. Drop him a line. We joke that we may be related since his in-Laws and my parents went to Sharon High School in Sharon, PA. How does that make us related? It doesn't. We don't get to watch a lot of TV, we make our own SITCOMs.
SONG OF BASRA [In the Red Zone - in Iraq]
...A stocky, dark-skinned, middle-aged Iraqi with soft, sympathetic eyes, Samir is the editor-in-chief of one of Basra's largest newspapers. A secular man, he is nevertheless respectful of, but not beholden to, the religious parties that currently run his native city. "I am a real Iraqi," he is fond of saying. "Not Sunni, not Shia, not Christian, not Arab or Kurd--Iraqi." He's also as native a son of Basra as you can find--not only has his family resided in the city since the days of the Mongols, but twelve generations of his fathers have dwelt in the very house he lives in today.
AN EMAIL FROM IRAQ: [Andrew Sullivan]
This is as good a time as any to print an encouraging email from a military medic in the field. Some excerpts:
...This past Saturday, an event took place that could be remembered as another milestone in the history of the new Iraq. In Quyarrah, over a thousand citizens and police held the first "march against terrorism". It was led by sheiks, mukhtars, and imams.
My emailer tells me this guy is not a dreamer; that his previous emails have been pretty gloomy. He sees progress. If he does, so should we. The war in London will be won in part in Iraq. Resolve in one place is indistinguishable from resolve in the other.
U.S. Marines in Shadyville [Iraq War News]
A Marine with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment provides security, June 29, 2005, at a street corner in a village outside Saqlawiyah, Iraq, codenamed ?Shadyville.? Company A personnel assisted the Iraqi Security Forces during ?Operation Shadyville,? a mission that netted several suspected insurgent supporters, two improvised explosive devices, and 50 AK-47 assault rifles. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mike Escobar
Securing Terror Target No. 1 [Austin Bay - in Iraq] - (via washington Times)
NORTHERN PERSIAN GULF, Al Basrah Oil Terminal -- Desert and ocean, sand and salt, collide in the brown-white haze above the Persian Gulf's blue water.
It's noon, 109 degrees, and I'm standing next to a U.S. Navy petty officer who mans a machine gun on the Al Basrah Oil Terminal's (ABOT) shadeless upper deck, 16 miles off the Iraqi mainland. ABOT's the tight spot where oil and water meet, if not quite mix.
THE MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ
Iraq War's Escalating Toll (Detroit Free Press)...Joseph L. Galloway
...Anyone who writes critically of the conduct of the war in Iraq is asked, over and over, why we focus on the bad news and never write the good news about that country, its people and our soldiers who are caught in the middle of a very bloody birth of some version of representative government. That would be because there is a dearth of good news in Iraq.
LONDON
Solidarity [Smash]
A FOREIGN FLAG has never been raised at the U.S. State Department.
Until today.
I'm alive... [Procrastination Central]
I was not hurt in any of the blasts. However, ND (Notre Dame) students are staying about a block from Russell Square, where the double-decker bus exploded. I don't know if everyone is ok. I'll keep everyone posted. And please, pray that everyone is ok.
**Update** - All ND students have now been accounted for.
Surviving a Terrorist Attack [Pfff...My esponse to anything negative]
Fate is a strange thing. On this particular day a series of events transpired such that I ended up on a Tube train that was destroyed by terrorists. Fortunately it was only the carriage in front of me, but tragically it resulted in a serious amount of injuries. This is my story.
I boarded the train at King's Cross after a series of line closures forced me onto a Circle Line train; little did I know at the time that this was probably the worst thing I could have done.
London Blasts Claimed by Al Qaeda [Back to Iraq - in Iraq]
Today's blasts in London have been claimed by Al Qaeda's European chapter, Qaeda't al-Jihad in Europe. A statement has been posted on a site often used by Qaeda agents, www.qal3ati.com. The statement follows (translated by one of my staff here in Baghdad): ...
From GITMO to the UK with Love [Fourth Rail - Justin B ]
Combing the archives of some old BBC news, came across this story from March 2004.
Lawyers and families of the freed Guantanamo Bay detainees say they are "absolutely delighted" at the men's release from British custody.
Britain - Attack: Muslim Leaders React [USS Neverdock]
The BBC reports on the reactions of some Muslim leaders.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie of the Muslim Council of Britain said he utterly condemned the attacks.
...One thing for sure, according to Sacranie, they weren't Muslim terrorists who did this. Speaking of Britain's proposed religious hate bill, Sacranie had this to say:
Dog Day: 7-7 [Florida Cracker]
Editors Note: Must see pics of our Homeland Security in the Works
Londonistan Attacks London: Product of Accepting Non-Assimilation [The Word Unheard]
Let us be clear: This is not about al Qaeda. This is about an ideology.
To some extent, al Qaeda surely was involved in London's transit bombings. It will likely surface that this attack was not carried out by an al Qaida team, but rather by like-minded less-professional animals who immigrated without assimilation to London. The bus bombing was likely a mistake, as the tubes had been shut down before the bus detonation. A proud non-assimilated London Jihadi collected his virgins because he could not reach his primary target. At any rate, the persuit begins with a possible lead already.
London... [Ma Duece Gunner - in Iraq]
London has fallen vicitm to terror today...
...Britian has stood shoulder to shoulder with the US in our collective struggle against terror. They have now been bloodied on their homeland, and unlike Spain, I can see that this will only strengthen their resolve to fight homicidal extremist terrorists.
THE 7/7 ATTACKS: REACTIONS FROM THE AMERICAN LEFT [Michele Malkin]
From the Democratic Underground:
- Its (sic) a war. My country's army is killing civilians; am I a "fair target?"
- the root causes of terrorism are what needs to be addressed in order to get a handle on changing these circumstances. There are myriads (literally) of terrorists who have reasons for what they are doing and planning on doing? This is not insanity. Nor is it helpful to attach the term "evil" to these events.
Newsflash: Kos Says Bush Was Wrong [Am I a Pundit Now?]
Well I was looking for reactions to the London bombing today around the blogs, and I thought to myself 'I wonder how long before someone says fighting the terrorists in Iraq rather than at home is a false rationale.'
How long did it take? About a nanosecond.
The ever-snotty Kos: "Well, that didn't work out quite as planned, did it?"
Looking at the Bright Side of the London Attacks [Froggy Ruminations]
First of all I would like to offer my personal condolences and sympathy to the victims, their families, and to the brave and stalwart people of the United Kingdom who have stood by the United States through thick and thin. I would also like to congratulate, belatedly, the British people for having reelected a man of character and resolve as their Prime Minister.
Terror Attack In London [BlackFive]
Al Qaeda struck our staunchest and bravest ally today, Great Britain. Of course, my first thought was if I had any family there today (brother is in London frequently and we have family in Chesire).
The second thought was a prayer for all of the people hurt by this horrific and cowardly act.
The Madrid Strategy [Jawa Report]
As I write this there's some confusion about whether there were four, or up to seven separate attacks on the London mass transit system. Early reports were confused by the fact that some explosions took place between metro stops and generated reports of attacks at the stops on either end. But it's not clear whether the current high estimate of seven was influenced by this misjudgment. Some sources are still saying only four attacks.
Tony Blair's George W. Bush Moment. (pics) [WILLisms]
I hate to trivialize the dastardly deed committed today in London by those terrorist cowards, but I can't help but wonder what Tony Blair was thinking when making his statement to the press:...
Can we please start profiling now? [Uncle Jimbo - Madison Post]
Racial profiling is such a common sense tool for use against terrorism that it is sad it is tarred by it's use by racist police. There are certainly legitimate law enforcement applications that also go unused because of abuses in the past. But the current threat is a very specific one, and we can absolutely identify the race, gender, religion, and likely birthplace of virtually all the terrorists. Given this information, I need to be schooled as to why we don't watch young, Arab, Muslim men (YAMM) from about 10 Middle Eastern countries.
THE MSM REPORTS ON LONDON
AN ATTACK ON ARAB LONDON. (The American Prospect Online)
News reports are in about the location of the Tube bombs, and the stations picked for the horrific rush-hour assaults are especially chilling. These attacks were not just attacks on our closest ally, but on the very idea of Arab and Muslim integration into the West. Among the targets in the worst attack on London since World War II was the Edgware Road station, located in the heart of wealthy, assimilated Arab London. Middle Easterners of a variety of religions and South Asian Muslims are a substantial minority of the population in London, and the Edgware Road area is the pre-eminent Arab neighborhood in the city, with a fantastic variety of Lebanese coffee shops, Saudi grocery stores, and Persian restaurants. Some even call it "Little Lebanon," though the residents and shop clients come from all over the Middle East and North Africa, and the area especially attracts a young, hip crowd that compares it to Amman or Dubai. Edgware Road is Arab London's main street.
A Grim Reminder To Complacent Americans (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Deroy Murdock
...Those who carp night and day that Guantᮡmo is not a Club Med finally may abandon their endless whining. The enemy combatants detained there are being interrogated specifically so officials can prevent the homicidal outrage that now tries Londoners.
Let's Stop Lying To Ourselves: We Are Not Safer! (Miami Herald)...Leonard Pitts Jr.
...At this writing, roughly 38 people are said to be dead in the London attack and 700 injured. Meantime, the U.S. casualty count in Iraq -- dead and injured -- stands at 15,088 and rising. It occurs to me that false comfort has come at a very high price.
Our Ally, Our Problem (New York Times)...Peter Bergen
...As declining populations in Europe are replaced in part by rising Muslim emigration from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, economic resentment and sectarian strife seem likely to grow. Tinkering with visa regulations might help, but it is unlikely to change the reality that Islamic militant groups in Britain, as in several other major European countries, represent a growing threat to the United States that will continue for many years to come.
The struggle against terrorism cannot be won by military means (The Guardian ....Robin Cook)
The G8 must seize the opportunity to address the wider issues at the root of such atrocities
I have rarely seen the Commons so full and so silent as when it met yesterday to hear of the London bombings. A forum that often is raucous and rowdy was solemn and grave. A chamber that normally is a bear pit of partisan emotions was united in shock and sorrow. Even Ian Paisley made a humane plea to the press not to repeat the offence that occurred in Northern Ireland when journalists demanded comment from relatives before they were informed that their loved ones were dead.
Statement on the London bombings (George Galloway on behalf of Respect - Socialist Worker Online)
...We urge the government to remove people in this country from harms way, as the Spanish government acted to remove its people from harm, by ending the occupation of Iraq and by turning its full attention to the development of a real solution to the wider conflicts in the Middle East.
Only then will the innocents here and abroad be able to enjoy a life free of the threat of needless violence.
OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD
Japan Maintains a Steady Helm [StarBoard!!!]
For some reason, the MSM enjoys belittling the efforts of coalition members. Personally, I don't care how many troops a nation commits -- just that the world presents a united front to these murderous bastards.
Remember, today?s tragic event was not an attack against G8 attendees -- it was a murderous attack against good, hard working Brits. It was an attack against a peaceful Thursday morning.
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Finally, someone gets it.
In Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura reiterated that the blasts would have no bearing on the troop dispatch.
You Don't Have to Believe Me...: Uzbeks May Demand Withdrawal of US Air Bases [Bobby's World - in Afghanistan]
Two weeks ago, a lot of people sent email taking me to task for my support of what I call the Bush Administration's "Democratic Crusade." Among my most controversial statements, apparently, was my claim that,
THE MEDIA
Guardian Blames America, Calls For Tolerance, Understanding [Alenda Lux]
This is part two of a round-up of today's Guardian editorial page, which, in several columns, calls for understanding, tolerance, the promotion of unrelated political issues, laying blame on America and, in one case, unconditional surrender to the terrorists.
See parts one and three of this series....
More Prisoner Abuse Reports Coming [The Quonset Hut]
Get Ready. A new report is going to be adding fuel to the fire of liberals against the military. This new information makes what has been reported thus far seem (almost) tame. Starting at the beginning, last month the Air Force New Service reported ?principles and procedures for U.S military medical personnel when working with detainees under control of U.S. armed forces?.
Today Reuters is reporting:...
BLOGGING
Bloggers call for protests and solidarity (Times Online)
Bloggers have called for a mass protest against today's bombings and have insisted that Londoners will not be intimidated by the string of attacks on their city.
BREAKING NEWS : TERRORIST HIT LONDON!
Four Blasts Hit London, Killing at Least 2
LONDON (AP) -- Three explosions rocked the London subway and one tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday. The blasts killed at least two people and injured about 190 in what a shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called a series of "barbaric" terrorist attacks.
IRAQ
Dry Holes [Major K - in Iraq]
We got another "hot tip" from our higher headquarters the other day. An arhabi big shot was supposed to be meeting with several lieutenants at a location in our AO - Area of Operations. We happened to have already hit this location before, and recently. We informed the folks upstairs about this and while they raised their eyebrows, they insisted that the location was good. I complied as I am a Soldier and that's my job, and also because the way the arhabi move around to avoid capture, there was a very remote chance that this informant's information was good.
Good gambling partners and not so good gambling partners [Phil and Becky - in Iraq]
This evening, they were conducting route clearance along one of our routes, as usual, when they came under attack by small arms and RPG fire. One of their vehicles took an RPG round square into the engine block but everyone inside escaped unscathed because the round failed to detonate. Those are the guys you want as your gambling partners when you go to Atlantic City or Las Vegas.
A long road to freedom [Live in Iraq - in Iraq]
After fleeing from his native Iraq in 2001 and embarking on a journey, which took him through five different countries and eventually to the United States as a refugee, an interpreter with II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), has returned home to aid Marines in the rebuilding process in the city of Fallujah.
Iraq Army Making Progress [Assumption of Command - in Iraq]
From time to time I like to go to Google News and do a search on "Iraqi Army". And it never fails to produce articles on the progress the Iraqi Army is making towards being self sufficient. Today was no differant. Here are some link to some I have found today:...
...One in particular caught my attention.
What allows freedom and human rights to flourish? [Lance in Iraq]
(pic)
The little item in the upper right hand corner, that's what. You could add up all the UN resolutions from now til doomsday and not reach the outcome in this picture: three siblings playing together without fear.
Chicken and his Counter Part in the Back Seat [Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
...On the way back to the FOB, we stopped a couple of cars to check the drivers out. We got one car that was pulled over and we checked ID's and then went to inspect the vehicle. You should have seen the guy's eyes when the M-1 tank pulled up beside them at a safe distance and turned its main gun toward the vehicle. I guess they thought at first we were going to shoot them or something. Needless to say, whatever we asked them to do, they did it as fast as they could. I'm sure I would have done the same thing. When we got to the vehicle, the driver didn't want to open up the back door and kept pointing inside. I now know why he didn't want to open the back door. In the back seat was a live chicken as well as a bucket of fried chicken sitting on top of a block of ice.
Iraq Broadcast [A soldiers perspective - in Iraq]
If you?re wondering what?s really going on in Iraq, various AM talk show hosts will be broadcasting from the theater. I wrote about this in the last post, I believe. To find what all this is about just read the Just Desserts (Part II) post.HERE is a list of the broadcast times and places, or you can just click on the following links:...
An American Boy Grows Up [Patriot Voices]
This link was sent by one of our soldiers in Iraq. Please take a few minutes to listen to the entire presentation. Feel the pride. Let the goosebumps rise. Shed a tear or two.
Five American Terrorists Arrested in Iraq [Outside the Beltway]
The U.S. military has arrested five American citizens in recent months for anti-American terrorist activity in Iraq. Oddly, the five have no apparent connection to one another except for shared hatred of their country of citizenship.
MSM REPORTS ON IRAQ
West turns blind eye as police put Saddam's torturers back to work (TIMES ONLINE)
IRAQI security forces, set up by American and British troops, torture detainees by pulling out their fingernails, burning them with hot irons or giving them electric shocks, Iraqi officials say. Cases have also been recorded of bound prisoners being beaten to death by police.
Durbin: U.S. won?t leave Iraq for years (DAILY HERALD)
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Tuesday it would take a miracle to get U.S. troops out of Iraq within three years and hinted Democrats will filibuster a Supreme Court nominee they find too conservative.
Time For Straight Talk On Iraq (BOSTON GLOBE)...David L. Phillips
President Bush failed to offer any new ideas on how to win the war in Iraq during his recent speech at Fort Bragg, N.C.
So, Mr Bremer, where did all the money go? (GUARDIAN)
At the end of the Iraq war, vast sums of money were made available to the US-led provisional authorities, headed by Paul Bremer, to spend on rebuilding the country. By the time Bremer left the post eight months later, $8.8bn of that money had disappeared. Ed Harriman on the extraordinary scandal of Iraq's missing billions
The Enemy Spies (NEWSWEEK)
In the shadows: The insurgents' most powerful weapon may be their vast network of infiltrators and spies?forces strengthened by talk of American exit plans. A secret CIA study frets about a whole new generation of master terrorists.
CHUCK - UPDATE
Update 06 July [From My Position - Wounded in Iraq]
...Chuck did not have any skin grafting done on Tuesday. The surgeons wanted to see if any of his wounds would heal some more so there would be less grafting. And they are healing well... His right leg now has two "smaller" wounds instead of one large one. The surgeons were able to stitch some of the skin on his leg, so now the wound is not as big. His left leg will not need any gratfing, and he has two wounds on that leg that are stitched up. His left bicep and forearm need grafted, as well as the two wounds on his right leg.
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On a more somber note, Chuck's battalion suffered a KIA recently. The soldier was in HHC, not Chuck's company. Please pray for this soldier's family and the soldiers of 2-34 AR as they mourn the loss of a Brother in Arms. There is also a soldier from HHC (2-34 AR) who will soon be coming to Walter Reed. Please pray for him and his family as well.
Compare and Contrast: Malaria and the Iraqi Insurgency [Chaotic Synaptic Activity]
The correlation between the interaction of man with a disease and the US and it?s coalition with the Iraqi ?insurgency? have something in common.
Laurie Garrett published her lengthy work, ?The Coming Plague? in 1994. While the book is not about malaria, that is one case study she presents to show how we made some poor decisions, which allowed the disease to carry on, even today.
AFGHANISTAN
Mountain Marines [The Siegrist Blogs - in Afghanistan]
This photo was taken in the Abad area of operations. We have been supporting these hard charging Marines during their search for hard core TB fighters in the mountains. Since the operations are still on going I'll have to with hold info of what exactly we are doing but needless to say Colalition Forces are bringing the smack to the bad man.
Taliban claims to hold SEAL, offers no proof (MSNBC)
A purported Taliban spokesman reiterated a claim Thursday that his group is holding a missing U.S. commando and said insurgent leaders had decided to kill him. He offered no proof to back up the claim.
MSM REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN
In Afghan Crash, Deadly Chain Of Events For U.S. (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER)...Daniel Cooney, Associated Press
The last radio contact was an urgent appeal for help. Night was falling, a rainstorm was threatening, and four Navy SEAL commandos were surrounded by a dozen enemy fighters in rugged, wooded mountains. They needed reinforcements. Their hurried call set in motion a chain of events that would lead to one of the U.S. military's deadliest blows in Afghanistan.
U.S. Medical Team Attacked By Afghan Insurgents (WASHINGTON POST)...Associated Press
Rebels attacked a U.S. military medical team as it was helping villagers in the same region of eastern Afghanistan where a U.S. airstrike last week killed as many as 17 civilians, the U.S. military said Wednesday.
OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD
According to this article Toyota is opening a new plant in Canada and not the US because our workers are stupid: [Intel Dump - Kris Alexander]
"The level of the workforce [in Canada] in general is so high that the training program you need for people, even for people who have not worked in a Toyota plant before, is minimal compared to what you have to go through in the southeastern United States," said Gerry Fedchun, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, whose members will see increased business with the new plant.
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He said Nissan and Honda have encountered difficulties getting new plants up to full production in recent years in Mississippi and Alabama due to an untrained - and often illiterate - workforce. In Alabama, trainers had to use "pictorials" to teach some illiterate workers how to use high-tech plant equipment.
Vector Control [Foxholes and Dog Tags - in Kosovo]
Last week I got an opportunity to work in one of my more neglected job fields in the army, that of Vector Control.
See, Preventive Medicine has a broad variety of duties, to include entomology and medically important arthropod control, meaning if there is a problem with bugs that make people sick, it is our job to control them.
Or, well, it was at one time. That is one of the job duties that got contracted out to civilians.
But that's ok, because the Civilians don't mind if we tag along a bit to train up on these tasks.
July MEDCAP [Jim's Blog - in Kosovo]
Last weekend we conducted the first-ever MEDCAP in Pozaranje. Actually it was a DENTCAP/OPTCAP where we planned on only providing dental and optometry services. The KPC showed up with a doctor and medical team, so we ended up giving them a room to do medical care. We saw 197 people, gave 150 eye exams and 50 dental exams. In a typical MEDCAP we see more people, but an optometry exam requires more time than a doctor visit. (pics)
THE MEDIA
Terrorists: Attack Here [Alenda Lux]
MSNBC ran an Associated Press article today with the headline "Study: 100 chem plants could be terror targets: Lethal chemicals found near most populous U.S. area, report finds."
Well, if they weren't targeted before, you can bet they are now.
Chicken Hawks II [Outside the Beltway]
I was going to ignore the idiotic rantings of Frank Lautenberg on the Senate floor yesterday, since they essentially refute themselves. Plus, I've discussed the issue before (here and here and, less directly, here).
Matt Yglesias has an attempt at a more nuanced version of this issue, though, creating a chicken hawk taxonomy:...
Sometimes breeding shows [Wizbang]
Now, the Bush twins have been a great source of amusement for most people as they repeatedly get photographed partying and doing other sorts of things healthy people of their age are wont to do. In fact, a few liberal bloggers have demanded to know why they haven't enlisted in the military and gone off to fight Daddy's war. "I guess they have more important things to do," is the sniffed followup.
Well, according to this story, in Barbara's case it just might be true...
Pataki's Son - Marine Now or JAG Later [Blackfive]
The left wing nutjobs are working themselves into a frenzy because of Governor Pataki's son, Teddy Pataki, was recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps and wants to defer his service until he completes Law School....
POLITICS
Dean raps GOP 'culture of corruption,' but fellow Democrats won't join [Cadillac Tight]
For someone holding a M.D., Dean is remarkably stupid. Democrats don't want to start slinging around corruption charges because they are, if anything, more corrupt than Republicans.
Nancy Pelosi got caught not reporting all her trips. [Primary Main Objective]
Pelosi Turns In Delinquent Reports for 3 Sponsor-Funded Trips
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) filed delinquent reports Friday for three trips she accepted from outside sponsors that were worth $8,580 and occurred as long as seven years ago, according to copies of the documents.
The filing is among hundreds of revisions from members of both parties who have amended missing or incomplete reports as scrutiny of lawmaker travel has intensified.
Where's the liberal outrage?
And this weeks Desi Award Goes To?. [Parrot Check]
A real bright apple. Someone who, when speaks through the written word, makes you think, ?Wow! How do people who think like that actually sleep at night. Besides being heavily sedated?.?. Yes, this weeks winner for the Desi Award for Extreme Absurdity is??.
CONGRATS
Happy 1st Anniversary [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
...You might think that against the backdrop of this war ? a war that will determine the future of nations ? everyday life would seem bland and unimportant. But you would be wrong. I?ve spent a hundred evenings dreaming about leaving work and coming home to my loving wife. The brightest part of my soul never made it to Iraq, it is back in California with my better half. And I do mean better half ? every quality I possess she eclipses a thousand-fold. That?s why I married her. A year ago today. Happy Anniversary my love. You are my? everything.
EEW!
And I thought Kaleb was ugly..... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
Kaleb is my father-in-law's dog. He is a German Wire-haired Terrier. He is a great bird dog, and mouser, too, but not the most handsome dog ever. He looks like a million bucks next to this one. Click at your own risk, this pooch looks like the Crypt Keeper.
Iraq
INDEPENDENCE DAY [The Mesopotamian]
BELATED CONGRADULATIONS TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY. MAY THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES LAST AND BECOME STRONGER AND STRONGER TO BRING THE FINAL DEFEAT AND EXTERMINATION OF ALL THE VERMIN AND TERRORIST SCUM IN THE WORLD.
A special July 4th edition from Duke in Iraq: [Broken Masterpieces]
I witnessed an interesting event at the dining facility the other night and thought it was perfect to share for the Fourth of July.
The dining facility here holds probably 1000-2000 people. There are multiple cafeteria style lines to get food from. There are tables lined up that hold about eight people each and there are TVs that are set up in the corners of the rooms usually showing news or movies on Air Force Network. The TVs are largely ignored except by those who are close to them. However, on this night it was
different. After I had picked up my food I noticed that almost everyone in the facility was watching the TV. It was relatively silent so the dialogue could be heard even from far away. And many like me stopped where they were to watch what was on.
So what show had quieted the room. It was...
Happy 4th of July [Lost in Iraq] (pics)
Happy Fourth Everyone!!! It?s crazy to think that this is our second 4th of July on deployment. It?s nice to see the end of all this madness drawing closer and closer. We?re all enjoying ourselves as best we can and couldn?t have picked a better group of people to be here with.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM ABU GHRAIB, IRAQ!!! [Ghraib Danger - in Iraq]
Happy Independence Day everyone! We didn't do much special here other than have our friday night fights moved up to tonight. It's not much, but it's entertainment, and everyone on the FOB loves them. We have boxing matches every Friday night. Anyone can join in, and it appears the more amateur the better.
Independence Day [The "Mike Golf's" OIF3 Blog - in Iraq]
All said, today was a good day for the guys in my group.
We started finial preparation for the ?Grillin? in the Grotto, ?05? cookout at 2 hours until grill time with a couple of my right hand men going to the chow hall to acquire more goods. We had a bunch of beef burgers and kosher hot dogs that had already been picked up the night before. They were able to get sodas and condiments to add to the meal. A half hour past grill time and the fire was in full blaze and people were waiting in the grotto for their share. All said and done, it was a good cookout with a lot of stories and laughs being shared. A few of us stayed and talked about the first OIF into the night and the crazy stories of last time we were here. Then we went up to the roofs to watch the battalion set off fireworks. Actually was quite a lot of little rockets and poppers. It was pretty cool being for the fact that we are over here and it could have been just another day in the cycle of OIF3, but it wasn?t. We actually got to sit back and relax some.
Our Fourth [Neptunus Lex]
I felt like I was obligated to write something patriotic yesterday, like somehow I owed it to someone. But I guess being on leave put me out of sorts for obligations, even of the self-imposed kind. And a quick wave of the flag, some thoughtless gesture of patriotism, didn't seem right to me either, although I don't condemn how others deigned to celebrate the holiday.
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The 4th of July has always seemed to me too much of a holiday except at those times when it is too little.
Thoughts drift overseas at Freedom Fest [Stryker Brigade]
BY HEATHER WOODWARD, THE OLYMPIAN
FORT LEWIS -- The sun was out, the air smelled of funnel cakes and the sound of children's delighted shrieks echoed across the U.S. Army post.
But as carloads of families arrived at Fort Lewis on Monday for Freedom Fest -- a daylong festival to celebrate the Fourth of July -- many couldn't help but think about those who were absent.
Today's "Doh!" from Iraq [Chrenkoff]
If you are an insurgent who wants to stash a large quantity of weapons and munitions at their house, please make sure that you don't paint the building's outside walls with anti-Coalition slogans.
That can, sort of, attract the attention.
Insurgents do the darndest things [Chrenkoff]
Insurgency in Iraq might be a relatively sophisticated operation, but some of the participants are certainly a few fuses short of a working Improvised Explosive Device and consequently are likely to end up way short of the promised 72 virgins.
Item 1: If you are an insurgent who wants to stash a large quantity of weapons and munitions at your house, please make sure
Trouble sleeping... [Who's your Baghdaddy? - in Iraq]
We received some intel last night that our base was going to be mortared (a mortar is an indirect fire weapon which has a range of approximately 3 to 7 kilometers depending on the size). Our area has been relatively quiet for a while now. We've had a few incidences outside the wire, but there has not been a direct attack on this base for about 10 months. However, ...
I found some Canadians! [Courage without Fear - in Iraq]
After almost 4 months in this God forsaken place I finally found some Canadians!
While waiting for one of the other Lieutenants to get a haircut at the PX, I was sitting in the lobby minding my own business. I happen to look up and see 2 men walk into the store with a small flash of red and white on their left shoulders.
The Left - No Clarity, No Ideas,....No Clue [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
Earlier today I read a Washington Post column by William Raspberry titled No Clarity on Iraq, but I think what it clarifies most is the fact that the Left in America just doesn't "get it." Like all arguments and articles I have read from the Left, no solution is ever offered other than - Quit. Of course, they usually embellish it a bit with the F word....
Raspberry asks at one point: "In what way does our engagement in Iraq make us stronger and more likely to be taken seriously?
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Well, if we don?t Quit Mr. Raspberry, but demonstrate resolve, strength, and courage in helping Iraq become a free, democratic country, how does that make us weak and less likely to be taken seriously?
Commander's Message - 02 July 05 [TASK FORCE DRAGOON - in Iraq]
More recently, elements of the TF uncovered a large weapons cache just north of the FOB which included a number of Improvised Explosive Devices already prepared for use. One of our new units, the 173rd Long Range Surveillance Detachment was instrumental in this capture along with the TF Scouts and our Infantry companies
Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrate against terrorism in Mosul [Small Town Veteran]
From my Iraqi American friend Haider Ajina:
Greetings,
The following is my translation of a headline and article in the July 6th. Edition of the Iraqi Arabic newspaper ?Shabab Al Iraq?
Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrate against terrorism in Mosul
Hundreds of Iraqis gathered in Alqiar area south of Mosul in a demonstration showing opposition to terrorists and terrorism....
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A turnaround of attitude has taken place along with the recognition that terrorism leads to defeat and loss of representation and legitimacy. This fundamental change in the common Sunni Arab?s attitude is drying up the recruiting grounds for the terrorists, and...
Armor kits for trucks ready [Lance in Iraq]
This is a surprisingly straight forward take on the armor issue from the AP (via Army Times):
Since February, he has worked many strings of seven-day weeks, with only a couple days off in about six months. Basically, he worked, ate, slept and then worked again.
Vietnam vet deploys to Iraq [CMR Salamander]
Yep, there are still a few of these guys around. You find a lot of them in the National Guard; and they are still serving.
The MSM Reports - on Iraq
Sandstorms Disrupt Daily Life in Baghdad (Guardian - AP)
Blinding sandstorms swept across the Iraqi capital Tuesday for a fourth straight day, disrupting air travel, slowing traffic and blanketing the city in a gritty film.
A gray dust hung over Baghdad early Tuesday, making it impossible to see across the Tigris River which divides the city.
We Must Be Patient About Progress In Iraq (Seatle Times -Donald Rumsfeld)
One year after World War II ended ? a leading news magazine published an article about postwar reconstruction efforts in Germany. It was titled: "Americans are Losing the Victory in Europe."
The author despairingly wrote: "Never has American prestige in Europe been lower. People never tire of telling you of the ignorance and rowdy-ism of American troops, of our misunderstanding of European conditions."
The year was 1946. In retrospect, it was not a time to despair but to build ? as they did.
Spin Vs. Reality In Iraq (Washington Times)...Harlan Ullman
Make no mistake. Despite the president's speech last week at Fort Bragg, N.C., the United States and Iraq are not winning the battle to make that country into a democracy. Worse, we may not be winning the struggle to bring peace, stability and the rule of law to Iraq.
Escaped Hostage Ready To Go Back (Washington Times)...Guy Taylor
...A truck driver for KBR, a major contractor for U.S. forces in Iraq, Mr. Hamill, 44, was held 24 days before escaping his shedlike prison and flagging down a group of passing American soldiers
In Baghdad, Uncertainties Of War End In A Fatal Error (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Nancy A. Youssef
...Many Iraqis say they understand why U.S. forces must be here - to keep the country intact, protect its fragile new government, and stop the violence. But enough civilians have been killed in one-sided encounters with frightened U.S. troops that Baghdadis often cower when Americans are near. Whenever U.S. troops leave their bases, they say, everyone is vulnerable.
Iraqis Uneasy With Bush's Handling Of War (Detroit Free Press)...Niraj Warikoo
...In the run-up to the war, former Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz visited Iraqi Americans in Dearborn and then repeatedly cited in public their support as a reason why the United States should invade Iraq. But now, the Defense Department and other federal agencies aren't in touch as often, except to recruit Arabic speakers to work in minor jobs, said Al-Husainy.
Afghanistan
RIDE ALONG WITH AUSTIN BAY IN AFGHANISTAN [Instapundit]
as he discusses the war with veteran war correspondent Mike Hedges in this video. (Quicktime version here).
The MSM Reports on Afghanistan
Wounded Paratrooper Recounts Attack (Fayetteville (NC) Observer)...Kevin Maurer
Spc. Derrick Christianson couldn't see the enemy fighters, but he could see the blood as he launched grenade after grenade at their position in a ditch near the Afghanistan border.
Navy SEAL From The District Died Leading Rescue Mission (Washington Post)...Allan Lengel
...Kristensen, 33, a lieutenant commander in the Navy SEALs, was leading a mission to rescue other SEALs on June 28 when his CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down by Afghan insurgents in Konar province. All 16 Navy and Army personnel aboard died.
A Hot Afghan Summer (Washington Times)
THE DEATH of 16 U.S. Special Operations troops and at least two members of a reconnaissance team they were seeking to rescue last week in Afghanistan was the largest American combat loss in that country since the beginning of the U.S. intervention there in 2001. It was also a jarring reminder for anyone who has not been following developments in the smaller of the two ground wars the United States is fighting. As in Iraq, violence by local insurgents and foreign terrorists has been surging in Afghanistan this spring and summer, along with American casualties. And once again, confident declarations by senior U.S. officials that the enemy was nearly broken have proved premature.
Other Parts of the World
NASA forgot to consider her 'feelings' [doubleplusgood infotainment]
Russian Astrologer Sues NASA Over CometNASA's mission that sent a space probe smashing into a comet raised more than cosmic dust - it also brought a lawsuit from a Russian astrologer. Marina Bai has sued...
China vs. Unocal: Lost in Translation? [Quill News]
That's what I mean by China's communist rulers not being quite up to speed on how to get along with the other kids in the sand box. (QN) Like an immature school yard bully, China still doesn?t quite get it yet. China? A word of advice from Quillnews: Nix with the threats. To be successful, you are just going to have to learn how to play well with others. China walked right into it yesterday.
ChickenHawks
Atrios - All Chicken And No Hawk [BlackFive]
Armed Liberal at Winds of Change responds to more claims of "Chickenhawks" from the left side of the aisle...but first a definition of "Chicken hawk":...
Arlington West, the "chickenhawk" fraud and false individualism in the antiwar argument [TigerHawk]
A week ago, in the opening days of the TigerHawk family California vacation, we visited Santa Monica. There I happened across "Arlington West," an anti-war demonstration that purports to honor the American soldiers who have died in Iraq. Arlington West is a project of the Veterans for Peace, but the crosses were built by one Andy Manoff, an "honorary member" (presumably because he is not a veteran, rather than because he is not for peace). The demonstration occupies a huge proportion of the beach, which is public land, only because the city fathers of Santa Monica allow it to
Beinart Makes An Oopsie [Chapomatic]
So Peter Beinart is the New Republic editor who is getting beat on by Michelle Malkin for remarks he made bashing a bunch of talk radio guys going to Iraq:
My last minute thoughts on our trip. [Voices of Soldiers]
On this 4th of July as I am taking care of last minute details and packing for my trip to Baghdad, I was sent a copy of a news story calling our ?Voices of the Soldiers? tour a ?propaganda tour?, and once again I am torn by the divide in our nation over the Iraqi war. In the news article ?left? leaning journalists contend that anyone who is not of ?their mind set?, meaning anti-war, anti-Bush, can?t report fairly about the war in Iraq and the War on Terrorism.
Chickenhawks Get Feathers Ruffled Over Iraq Trip [Wonkette]
Peter Beinart, the editor of The New Republic, is taking some heat from the right side of the blogosphere for daring to pooh-pooh the morale-boosting visit of some pro-war commentators to Iraq. Quoted by Fox News, Beinart called the visit "pathetic" and declared, "They have no idea what journalism is, and to pretend they are journalists is laughable...You do not achieve victory by not facing reality."
The left is developing quite a flair for bathos. [Baldilocks]
"This is the most pathetic thing I've heard in a long time. They should be ashamed of themselves," Peter Beinart, editor of left-leaning The New Republic magazine, said.
What?s Mr. Beinart talking about? Why a group of talk-radio hosts who are headed to Iraq to see what?s going on for themselves and report back, that?s what.
The Power to Name is the Power to Define [Rox Populi]
One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter and all that.
Anyway, Malkin has whipped her idiot minions into a slow news day frenzy over this non-story as part of the Right's ongoing effort to discredit all of MSM. Because, you know, there was absolutely no real news this holiday weekend!
Yep, keeping the proles focused on the irrelevant is the oldest trick in the book and yet it's amazing how it still works its magic in the information age.
[Yeah. I know. Comparing Michelle Malkin to Leni Riefenstahl is quite unfair. Riefenstahl had talent.]
Politics
Connected Blogs: 7/5/05 (VIDEO) [Political Teen]
Connected?s Tony Maciulis gives out links to blogs that are talking about Valarie Plame and 100 people that are screwing up our country...
Two Constitutions: Republican and Democrat [Outside The Beltway]
Brett Marston, guesting at PoliBlog while the Taylors vacation, links an academic paper on the views the Republicans and Democrats have of the Constitution. The Republicans have frozen their constitution at Brown. It is the by gone world of ...
They are more like our enemy, Part II [Daily Kos]
Last night I wrote "How the Islamic crazies are like the Right" to hammer home how fundamentalist Islam has more in common with the radical religious right, the American Taliban, than it does with the American Left.
...The reasons we hate the American Taliban are the same reasons we hate fundamentalists of all stripes -- they seek to impose their own moral code on the rest of society, and do so with the zeal and moral absolutism possible only from those who believe they are doing "God's work".
Kelo before Kelo was Kelo [Starboard]
For a little more than a week now, the Blogosphere and airwaves have been inundated with all things Kelo. While it is impressive to hear and see such an uproar regarding personal property rights, Kelo's much more sinister second cousin has been quietly eating away at the right most Americans cherish
The Media
Damned if We Do, Damned if We Don't [Iraq Ear News]
Came across this early this morning, on the MSN home page, and had a "Stan-from-South-Park-pinch-the-bridge-of-the-nose" moment...
"Who's in the Army Now? - Why we can't send more troops to Iraq" -By Fred Kaplan (Slate)
This "military analysis" plays off of the fears of the draft, sings the old "Bush's world domination" song - all the usual goodies.
The Sky is Falling! [Parrot Check]
Yes indeed. The sky is indeed falling. The world as we know it is coming to an end. Atleast that is what I get from the Main Stream Media and the defeatists on the left. So I have decided to coin a new name of the MSM. They shall henceforth be known on this blog as the CLM. Or the Chicken Little Media. After all, all we get is the bad news of how the U.S. is failing in the unfaltering power of the minute men freedom fighters insurgents terrorists. Don?t forget that we lost more soldiers today. Don?t forget that support for the war at home is faltering. Don?t forget that we, the CLM, will continue to question in every way possible why we are fighting until it becomes blatantly obvious that we, the CLM, want the U.S. to fail.
Just read this article from the founder of USA Today. An excerpt follows:...
Blogging
The Fourth Of July, 2005 [Kim du Toit]
My sadness comes because I wanted to write a piece about Independence Day, and what it means to me as an immigrant, and how I value the principles of the Republic which were established by the Founding Fathers.
But, like George, I find myself facing this year?s July 4th with a feeling of utter desolation. Consider just these (there are more), and ask yourself whether the Founding Fathers would have approved:...
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don?t trust the Congress, no matter which party controls it; I don?t trust the decisions of the Supreme Court; and I no longer trust the Presidency?regardless of who sits in the Oval Office.
This is not the country I wanted to live in. This is not the country I agreed to support when I swore my allegiance to the Republic, and dedicated my life to its defense.
This blog will be closed until further notice
An open letter [Bloodletting]
I had origanally intended to write this to Kim DuToit, but then I found Misha going along the same lines, and figured that I had better just address it to everybody out there who feels a bit morose this Indepence day.
MSM editor on bloggers "who... hate" MSM [John in Carolina]
In his July 3 column, Raleigh News & Observer public editor Ted Vaden said:
Let's don't get so spooked by the current animus against anonymous sources, much of it fanned by talk show hosts and bloggers who love to hate the "mainstream media," that we deprive readers of information that can't be obtained any other way.
What Vaden calls "the current animus against anonymous sources" is actually a well-founded and growing public distrust of how MSM sometimes use anonymous sources.
Journalists: Evolve or die. [Counter Column]
Via The Last Call, Gary Trudeau is buying into the media misinterpretation of the blogging phenomenon:
Isn't blogging basically for angry, semi-employed losers who are too untalented or too lazy to get real jobs in journalism...
I mean, if half the market really valued what you say, wouldn't somebody pay you for it?
I suppose it's human for journalists who've been stung, or who have seen their friends stung, by blogger criticism, to sort of lash out. You know, like spoiled children. But this sentiment misses the mark in a lot of ways.
Trudeau Makes Everything Better [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
There is no military secret to overcoming the inner struggles that come with living in this broken land. All that you can do is square your shoulders and keep moving forward, even when your actions seem bereft of purpose. Or maybe I should say especially when your actions seemed bereft of purpose.
I finally managed to pull out of the tailspin this morning ? and oddly enough it was a comic strip from Gary Trudeau that did the trick. Our ?daily? newspaper, The Stars and Stripes, usually arrives 1 to 2 days late, so the Doonesbury strip I read this morning was actually a cartoon from July 3rd. The comic accused bloggers of being ?angry, semi-employed losers who are too untalented or too lazy to get real jobs in journalism?.
New Milblogger: Smith [Jack Army]
Already has some great pics up on his blog, check them out.
His profile is particularly interesting to me. I hope he succeeds. Of course, I offer any help I can provide, as limited as it may be. One thing I can offer in limitless amounts is encouragement. You can, too!
New Blog Alert! [Righty in a lefty state]
Welcome new blogger MSG Keith to the blogworld, over at My Army Life. If you have been hanging around Castle Argghhh!, you will recall that Keith was in Afghanistan this past year, and was a wonderful source of great news from there. Now he can tell his stories directly for us to link!
Congrats
PROMOTION [Trying to Grok]
One time at a military ball, we sat across from a MAJ Hook. My husband leaned over and whispered, "I bet it was a long seven years as CPT Hook." I nearly spit my wine across the table.
Some names and ranks just go together. And some you just get so used to hearing that it feels weird when they change. But a promotion is a wonderful thing, even if we have to learn a new title. So I guess we'll just have to get used to calling the sweetest woman on the planet MAJ Patti now.
Congrats on your promotion, MAJ Patti!
Tributes
Geez ...Can We Be Any More Cluto? [Major Mike]
...Wake up America, there is a war on, and brave men and women are holding the line against terrorism and oppression...get the clue!
A personal note to Tom from Peoria...there are people who get up at 0300 everyday to protect your 0900 sleeping ass, and I hope you choke on the squadron's CO's reply, you smart ass.
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Blockquote>Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special? Any response would be appreciated.
- Tom MacRae, Peoria
Flyby honored fallen comrade Jun. 28, 2005 12:00 AM Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday):On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.Capt.
A Tribute (to our rescuers) [John of Arabia - in Iraq]
It starts with a single drum tapping, beating subdued time through a black cover. One pipe sounds a note, then is joined by others, swelling into a mournful wailing. The song is always the same, the departments? anthem, more suited to happier times.
<...>
I can feel the tension in the ranks behind me, even though all of these men have been to dozens more of these in the past few weeks. I have heard their angry comments, felt ashamed when they have asked me, ?When are we going to get these bastards??. I am powerless to do anything, merely clench my teeth, hold my useless weapon in front of me, squeeze the plastic and steel as the coffin passes. I can do nothing but render honor, and wish it had been us, the trained soldiers, and not them, the rescuers.
In Memory Of...
VADM James Stockdale dies at age of 81 [Backcountry Conservative]
...Stockdale was also President of The Citadel. The school issued a release over the weekend about the death of Lt. Gen. George M. Seignious. I have heard that the school's relationship with Stockdale hasn't been good since he was on campus. I'll be interested to see if any mention of Stockdale's death is mentioned on the school's website.
Memorial Service for SEAL Team TEN Operators That Perished in Operation Red Wing [Froggy Ruminations]
There will be a memorial service held at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, VA theatre on Friday July 8th at 10:00 am to honor the fallen members of SEAL Team TEN. Unless you have a military ID or ...
Iraq
Does anybody want to answer this guy for me? [Assumption in Command - in Iraq]
Benny Layton, a new commenter here, has written some comments, while in a polite tone, I don't agree with:
The unprovoked invasion of Iraq is the most senseless blunder ever undertaken by the U.S. and the world sees it. Apparantly now the majority of Americans do too. You will lose and it will be HUMILIATING. Remember the withdrawl from Vietnam? From Lebanon? From Somalia? Get ready for America's next humiliation, this time at the hands of poorly-armed, untrained Rebel fighters who have only one thing going for them. Not night-vision devices, not heavy armor, certainly not the on-call air support that the U.S. military so cowardly relies upon to bomb every single enemy foxhole when it encounters two guys with rifles. No, they have what Americans lack: COURAGE.
How low can they go? [Major K - in Iraq]
To anybody who still may have doubts about who the bad guys are here, I direct your attention to this little piece of overlooked news: The arhabi have actually attacked the water supply to the city about 10 days ago. I guess attacking the oil and electricity infrastructure wasn't enough. It was obviously not designed to hurt us, because our FOB's are self-sufficient. In fact, we found ourselves scrambling to not only fix the damage to the pipes but to find a way to get alternative sources of water.
Fallujah [Michael Yon]
On 23 June 2005, the enemy rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into a truck carrying our troops, ending the lives of one sailor and five Marines.
The 8th Regimental Combat Team of the United States Marine Corps held a memorial for six fallen comrades.
The attack gained worldwide attention, threatening to turn the memorial into the customary frenzy, so the military banned media-borne cameras from the memorial. The camera-ban resulted in few media attending the service.
3/4 maintain vigilance in Fallujah [Live in Iraq]
FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 5, 2005) -- Dreaming of friends, family, fast food and parties, the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment are closing in on the end of their third deployment to Iraq.
Although thoughts of home are ever present in their minds, the seasoned veterans of the battalion refuse to let ?short-timer? anxiety affect their operations here.
Trudeau Makes Everything Better [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
There are times when the weight of everything settles on your chest like a murderous vise. You can take huge, swooping lungfuls of air but there is no cracking those invisible bands of stress. It just hangs there, threatening to splinter you like a ship in a sea of shifting ice. There is no preparing for it and no dodging it. Eventually the collective force of the squalor, the heat, the violence, the sense of loss and the separation from loved ones will find you, and test you. I managed to make it nearly six months, but last week the numbing sense of displacement and bitterness settled on me with the glacial force of artic ice. There is no military secret to overcoming the inner struggles that come with living in this broken land. All that you can do is square your shoulders and keep moving forward, even when your actions seem bereft of purpose. Or maybe I should say especially when your actions seemed bereft of purpose.
Are we winning? [Phil and Becky - in Iraq]
Before our network went down, Becky emailed me with strict instructions to comment on a post in the Mudville Gazette. For some reason, I seem to be having difficulty linking to that post. Anyway, it asks readers to weigh in on a two-part question: Are we winning, and, if so, why don't people seem to know it? As ordered, here is my two cents' worth. :)
Iraqi Charades [IRR Soldier - in Iraq]
First I?ll set the scene. It was me and about five Iraqi soldier and officers sitting on a wooden bench outside the detention facility just as the sun was setting. Usually I have an interpreter with me wherever I go, but not this time. We were pointing at things around us and saying what the English word was and what the Arabic word was.
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The words flowed pretty well until we got to the word pistol. Most Iraqis can write Arabic words using our alphabet to spell the words phonetically. Most of them can even sound out English words but have no idea what they are.
US Troops Delight in Iraqi Rebel - al-Qeada Fighting [Chaotic Synaptic Activity]
I'm not one to gloat out loud, but this is funny in a strategic way, if you know what I mean...
It seems the Iraqi "rebels" and al-Queda guys are duking it out on the Syrian Iraq border, under the watchful eyes of our troops...
Fallujah Fight - In the Words of the Cigar Marine [Blackfive]
Major (ret) Duncan sends this report from Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch - the Cigar Marine - who was wounded in Iraq. It's been cleared for everyone to read. It's a great read and has details about Gunny Popaditch's fight in...
S.O.S. [All the Kings Horses - The only Milblogger to remove himself from the MilBlog Ring]
On this day, may you not be napalmed by an invading Army. May you not be tortured for a parking violation. Today, may your hometown not be bombed. When you sit down to eat tonight, may armed men not barge into your house and search your wife's underwear drawer. May you not be zip-tied, marched outside, beaten and shot in the face.
God Save America.
What independence means for me. [Free Iraqi - an Iraq in Iraq]
When I was a kid the word independence meant almost nothing to me. It was mainly because I rarely heard the word given any real importancein our media. The reason was that we got our independence through the cooperation between the British and the constitutional monarchy they helped establish in Iraq. That wasn't something the "nationalists" who ruled from 1958 were interested in presenting to the public in any good way.
Profiles of Saudi Terrorists [Winds of Change - Bill Roggio]
What is the profile of the average foreign fighter entering Iraq to fight the nascent Iraqi government and US forces? As Saudis make up the majority of those entering Iraq (about 55%) it is instructive to look at the history of the Saudi Islamists killed in Iraq. Evan Kohlmann has profiled some of the Saudis that have entered Iraq to fight against the US military. The Saudis can be roughly classified into two categories: the uninitiated and the veteran jihadis.
Afghanistan
Night Stalker Down - More facts surface [ROFASix]
Recent reports now indicate that the mission of the Night Stalker MH-47 shot down near Asadabad in Konar Province was to find and recover a missing 4-man SOF team that went off the air on 28 Jun.
Update- US Navy SEALs are hard to kill [Uncle Jimbo- Madison's Favorite Hawk]
Earlier I posted that it looked like all the folks on the chopper and the ground were dead. I've rarely been happier to be wrong. They have recovered one and made contact with a second who is safe and will soon be picked up.
Words of Wisdom [Froggy Ruminations]
As this situation has unfolded thousands of miles away, we have all been riveted on media reports, many of them false, and have tried to reconstruct the events of the past week. This week has been a difficult one for the Naval Special Warfare community, and undoubtedly these events will be scrutinized within the Teams and elsewhere. The identity and ?story? of the SEAL that was recovered today will probably never become public knowledge, and that?s the way it has to be.
A Year Spent in Afghanistan [Nat'l Guard Experience - in Afghanistan]
It's almost the end of my deployment. I can't believe I'm getting ready to leave this dump after an entire year. Over the last six months I've finally learned what it takes to be a successful milblogger. First, you need a big ego. Check. That, and you must be extremely handsome. Check (most milbloggers fall short on #2, except for me apparently). You must also have total disregard for other people's feelings. Check (and to keep 'em coming back, just tell them you're joking, even though you're not.
Afghan Sauna Life in X Minor - in Afghanistan]
Whack shack,
Sweat shop,
Shithouse,
Urinal Oven,
It has a million names, but every soldier knows the torture and sweet relief of the FOB port-o-pots. Blue, White, Mauve and so many other drab yet calming colors in the shape of a rectangular temple to human enginuity. The port-o-pot is truly the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Other parts of the World
Germany -- A Soldiers Right to Disobey [Starboard!!!]
This very illuminating topic came via The Week Magazine (news McNuggets on good paper).
Because of our country?s Nazi past, said Reinhard M?in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, German soldiers have long been given the right to refuse orders to do anything they consider ?patently wrong,? such as killing a prisoner, or bombing a hospital.
I do believe the key word in that sentence was "consider."
A federal court has just expanded that right, ruling that a soldier can also refuse to do anything that might?even indirectly?further the cause of a war he does not believe in.
Shut up and Sing [Glossy Red Lips]
Just think, If all the multi-millionaires that crossed all the stages at Live8 would just donate one hundred thousand dollars each, what a wonderful thing that would be to help the regular joe's who only make a living by working regular jobs.
Sorry if Africa wants help, then straighen out your political house and stop the genocide. I'm not unfeeling, but there are a lot of things the countries in Africa can to the help themselves. Throwing money at the problem in not going to solve it. How many years have we been throwing money at the problem...have we solved it yet?
Live 8 [Blonde Sagacity]
Can I ask a question...?
How the hell is this helping the people of Africa? I am not being facetious ?this is a serious question. They charged $35 admission for Live Aid (and that was A LOT of money back then)...but this is free. And though the coverage looked and felt like a telethon --it wasn't. So, help me out here. How is Bon Jovi in his brown Zorro shirt and mustard yellow pants playing for free helping HIV+ Africans?
Live 8... live blogging the performances [KadNine]
I didn't care for Madonna [London feed] all that much. I thought Bob Geldolf's introduction of the woman saved as a child by Live Aid twenty years ago was powerfull stuff. But Madonna had to go and ruin the moment by running up and kissing her on the lips. Those were the same lips that kissed Britany and Christina so how does a kiss mean much anymore when you know just where those lips have been? Cheap publicity stunt, Part X.
Supporting the Troops....for Real
How To Support The Troops [Winds of Change - Joe Katzman]
(published March 24, 2003; last updated July 5, 2005)
Stuck on the home front, but still want to make a difference in the War on Terror? Well, you can.
I'm still updating this list, validating its links and accepting new submissions.
FYI, A reader has a message for many of the organizations listed here: If your organization is a registered U.S. nonprofit (usually 501c3), please head over to http://www.guidestar.com and input your organization's EIN and information. This will help alert people to who you are and what you do - EIN # is needed for those people who work for corporations that give matching gifts.
Military
The Military Wife [NEW MilBlog Ring Member! - Running on Coffee] Editor's Note Love this!
The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into His sixth day of
overtime when an angel appeared.
She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one.
What's wrong with the standard model?"
The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order.
She has to be...
I AM VERY ANGRY!!!!!!!!!! [A Female Soldier]
I am in total disbelief and angry over the fact that my website was shut down. Shortly after the website was featured in the USA TODAY the host Network Soultions shut down the website and notified the domain carrier to shed the DNS. They have to this date failed to explain why, and I can only assume that it had to do with being a MilBogger.
Old Phish, New Pond [American in Italy]
Everyone's gotten those phishes before: Hi my name's So-and-So, I'm from some craphole country and got my hands on big cash in some illegal way. I need a way to funnel it out of the country. Just send me your checking account number and I'll put the money in your account.
Of course the goal is truly to siphon every cent they can out of your account, and leave you wondering how much more gullible you could have been.
Today I got a new twist on the old phish, and I have to say it pissed me off:
Satire
Gender Rules, Or the Ms. Manners guide to proper etiquette in the battle zone. [Femme La Guerre]
We?re all committed those embarrassing faux pas on the battlefield, like using up all three minutes of hot water in the field shower, washing our hair for that special moonlight stroll by the latrine bog with our favorite sergeant first class.
Fortunately, the wise and stalwart Ms. Manners, a fresh, noble voice in contemporarty times, during what can only be called a blight on proper social grace, has...
The MSM Reports
Iraq Now Is No. 1 Extremist Training Spot, Studies Say (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Warren P. Strobel
Iraq has replaced Afghanistan as the prime training ground for foreign extremists who could travel elsewhere and wreak havoc, according to U.S. counterterrorism officials and classified studies by the CIA and the State Department.
Troops Take On Battle Of Bulge (Honolulu Advertiser)...Marilynn Marchione, Associated Press
...Besides terrorists, germ warfare and nuclear weapons, military officials increasingly worry about a different kind of threat ? troops too fat to fight.
Swing And A Miss (Albuquerque Tribune)...Jeffrey Gardner
Sen. Ted Kennedy glared down at Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and said: "In baseball, it's three strikes and you're out. How many strikes does the secretary of Defense get?"
Bush Is Serving Up the Cold War Warmed Over (LA Times...Robert Scheer)
The "war on terror" is turning out to be nothing more than a recycled formulation of the dangerously dumb "domino theory." Listen to the way President Bush justifies the deepening quagmire of Iraq: "Defeat them abroad before they attack us at home." If we didn't defeat communism in Vietnam, or even tiny Grenada, went the hoary defense of bloody proxy wars and covert brutality in the latter stages
Chuck Update - A Quiet Day [From My Position]
Hello to all of you! As always, I thank you for keeping us in your prayers. The prayers are working, I promise!
I say today was quiet because Chuck finally slept most of the day. Yesterday was rough... he was in a lot of pain all day and Alice and I spent 8 hours straight at the hospital. It's not the fault of the nurses or doctors... they have tried numerous things to help manage Chuck's pain. Chuck just burns through pain meds so quickly and it is hard to find a balance. Fortuntaley, today he had a balance in pain meds and got some badly needed sleep. He still has his sense of humor and we joke around every now and then. I know he wants to blog so badly, and he will soon enough. In the mean time, he knows you all are out there praying for him and it really means a lot to all of us involved.
Happy 4th of July!!! A Video Dedication [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho] Editor's Note: As always AWESOME!
My 4th of July video dedication to America, our troops, and those who support them. God bless and have a safe and happy 4th of July!!!
4th of July Thank You to the Troops [Minivan Mom]
Filed under: Shout Outs! ? Epiphany at 2:34 pm on Monday, July 4, 2005
I know I already posted this for Memorial Day, but on this 4th of July, I felt that our soldiers need another ?Good Job? and ?You are loved!? So, without further ado, I give you the memorial day post?posted again for the 4th of July
For all of the men and women...
Declaration of Independence [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
Two hundred and twenty nine years ago a document was signed by fifty six men, and with the stroke of a pen the course of human history was fundamentally altered. That single document was the fontspring of all our rights and privileges, but have you ever looked into the fate of the founding fathers?
Happy Independence Day [Maduece Gunner - in Iraq]
Happy Independence Day, All...
Today our nation celebrates it independence from tyranny. We celebrate our freedoms gained and maintained by the blood of men and women who stood to defend their countrymen, their republic, their liberty. We hoist our colors proudly, launch our fireworks powerfully, and sing our anthem vigorously. We remember our Founding Fathers, who risked their lives, families, homes and their entire way of life to create a new nation.
I think not, Mr. Willams... [Maduece Gunner - in Iraq]
Brian Williams yesterday compared the Founding Fathers of The United States of America to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and said that the Founding Fathers could have been considered terrorists by the British Crown.
I beg to differ, sir.
Let us dissect this ludicrous assertation...
Our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor... [Major K - in Iraq]
Happy Birthday America! It is July 4th here, and other than some decorations and a fancy cake in the chow hall, it is just another day in the sandbox. I plowed through piles of intelligence reports, drove around Baghdad with my security team, met with a new informant, and inspected the security layout for a major infrastructure facility. This is one of my favorite holidays. It is right up there with Thanksgiving, but not quite as important as Memorial Day.
A productive morning [Lance in Iraq]
We took a few things to some folks that live around here earlier today. Time well spent.
BAPTISM SERVICE AT DOGWOOD [Kevin Kelly - Dixie Sappers - in Iraq]
This morning we had our 4th of July church ceremony. We had it at Sapper Square right next to our MWR center. The outside was decorated with American Flag as well as battalion colors displayed behind the podium, a huge tub for the baptism service and Red, White and Blue plastic covering the back wall behind the podium. It was very nicely set up. We also had a sound system that was even hooked up to for our new Praise Band. The praise band consists of (at this point) SPC Grimes ? vocals/guitar, SPC Ewing ? keyboard/vocals and SPC Jones ? guitar
Pig roast [Phil and Becky - in Iraq]
This past Friday, we had an organized "draw down" day as part of our Fourth of July festivities. As a clever operational security ruse, we celebrated the 4th of July on July 1st. :)
It was a nice opportunity for the soldiers who go on patrol day in and day out to have a break. Obviously, we did not completely stand down. We sent patrols out in the morning and intermittently throughout the day, but we did our best to make sure that as many soldiers as possible could participate. We also closed the FOB to Iraqi civilians, freeing up the soldiers on escort duty.
MY COUNTRY TIS OF THEE [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
Across America on this holiday weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate the birth of these United States. In New York City, there will be thunder in the skies above Manhattan and as children sit atop the shoulders of their Mothers and Fathers their eyes will witness the wonder and majesty of the rockets red glare as night turns to day one burst of brilliant color at a time. In Boston, the harbor will hold tall ships transformed into a million points of light resting on the waters under the electric sky. In St Louis, the VP fair will hold thousands under the Gateway Arch, as the masses surge for a better seat on the grasses and concrete on the bank of the mighty Mississippi.
Independence Day [Dave's Not Here - in Iraq]
Last night I was outside enjoying the dusty (we had a dust storm yesterday) summer evening with a few of my friends here on Liberty when I noticed fireworks flares in the night sky over Victory. I'm not sure of the reason for the flares, since I didn't hear the usual patter of gunfire in the distance I just chalked it up to a substitute for fireworks on Independence Day.
As a result of the dusty conditions the flare set the entire night sky aglow in a wash of brilliant red which faded gradually to orange, then to black.
Iraq Files Store [Steven Kiel - in Iraq]
Check out our latest offerings at the Iraq Files Store. Just in time for the 4th of July, we have more patriotic bands, sandals and hats. And as always, free shipping!
Civil Affairs Mission, Musayyib [Iraq War News]
U.S. Army Spc. Mason Garner maintains convoy security while on a civil affairs mission to the city of Musayyib, Iraq, June 12, 2005. Garner is assigned to Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, part of the 155th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. military personnel attached to the 155th Brigade Combat Team are deployed to Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Edward G. Martens
229 years later, here we are. [Blog City Machine - in Iraq]
...Call me a jingoistic American sheep-being, but the more I travel, the more I love the United States. I've traveled to England, Germany, Italy, Japan - and now, Kuwait and Iraq - and they've all been nice places to visit (ok, maybe not the last two) but I wouldn't want to live in any of those countries. There's just something about the vast diversity of America - the densely packed birthplace of our nation on the East Coast, the vast spaces of the West, the easygoing life in the Midwest, the West Coast home of Hollywood and Starbucks.
Obscure Patriot [Hurl's Blog - in Iraq]
I am finally re-settled back at al Taqaddum air base. The journey was ? long, hot and miserable?. I felt like a piece of 3rd class mail. Oh well, it?s over. At least I wasn?t puking like many other poor souls?.
As some know, I am very much a history buff. For this Fourth of July, I would like to draw attention to an obscure patriot that was tremendously significant to the founding of our country. The following account, reprinted here in full, is the best of about half a dozen that I have read - drawing from various sources.
Happy 4th of July! [The National Guard Experience - in Afghanistan]
I can't write poetry for shit. Yep, there, I went and said it. Surprised? Don't be. Most of you will find that I have a unique flair for milblogging, nay, a talent for garbage, but poetry, it's never worked for me. However, I can spot talent. Anyway, one of my contractor buddies down in Ghazni writes poetry. It's good stuff. He let me post this poem exclusively on The National Guard Experience.
Fireworks for the Fourth [NEW MilBlog Ring Member - Tac Jammer - Editor's Note: About time]
The impact portion of NASA's Deep Impact cometary probe mission appears to be a complete success...
How will you spend your Fourth of July? [ AJC]
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Members of the 48th Brigade and their families will be apart this holiday. If you are a family member, what will you be doing this weekend? What do you expect it to be like? If you are a soldier deployed in Iraq, what are your plans and what will the observance mean this year?
The Declaration of Independence has room for your signature. GM's Corner]
Will this weekend be just another "Fourth of July" with a day off from work and maybe a cookout with the family...or, will you take a moment to remember why we celebrate this day and to honor our founders and this nation? I hope you do both. You know how to do the first. Let me suggest something to help you with the second.
First, why do you think we celebrate Independence Day or the Fourth of July,
Have a good Independence Day weekend [Chrenkoff]
And why not celebrate it by letting the troops know that you support them and appreciate their dangerous but valuable work? You can do it through American Supports You - the website mentioned by President Bush is his recent speech. Its traffic had multiplied 100 times as a result, but you can never have too many messages of good will.
The Cotillion July 4th Gala! [A Mom and Her Blog]
Finally, it's time for The Cotillion July 4th Gala. Yes, you heard me right. The Cotillion is throwing yet another party....and it's not even Tuesday yet!
We ladies have banded together and decided that it's time to spotlight some of the deserving menfolk out there. And where better to find deserving men than the men of Milblogs.
Debutantes in Boots [Steal the Bandwagon]
Debutantes in Boots? What's that? It is every female who serves her country or every wife who lives the wild life of a military wife. They are tough and disciplined. They do their jobs well. They don't always take no for an answer and they are too stubborn to give up. But they are also women. Women who shine and love and care. They are elegant but they will kick your butt if they need to. Want to meet some of them? I thought so. Here on 4th of July, along with the July 4th Gala at Cotillion, we're honoring some of our female milbloggers. Here they are:
July 4th Gala [Ladies of Cotillian]
July 4th is a special time of celebration for our country. Picnics, parades and boat rides occur as children's fingers become soaked with the juices of a ripe watermelon. Spend a few minutes watching the family gather on a blanket as the anticipate the fireworks and you'll be watching a view of everything that is so right with this country. This is a special time indeed, for such a special country.
Happy Fourth Of July! [Villainous Company]
First of all, Happy Fourth of July! As part of my duties with the Cotillion, I am happy to be part of our July 4th Salute to the Milbloggers. Luckily for you, I scored an interview with one of my absolute favorite milbloggers, Grim of Grim's Hall. This was not as easy a task as it might appear: not only can the Male Milblogger be extremely wily, but he also is notoriously unfond of spotlights and can be difficult to corner.
The Minutemen and April 19th [Eric's Grumbles Before the Grave]
230 years ago today, on April 19, 1775, the British forces occupying Boston moved towards Lexington and Concord with the intention of capturing Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington and seizing arms and munitions stored in the area. The Massachussetts rebels were aware that General Gage, the military governor of the colony, was likely to order this operation and had plans to warn Adams and Hancock and safeguard their firearms. This is the source of Paul Revere's famous ride (a true story, not simply mythology of a romanticized revolution) and the equally famous "one if by land, two if by water" method of sending the warning. When the British Redcoats arrived in Lexington the American rebels were armed and standing their ground. Both sides tried
4th of July Tribute [Euphoric Reality]
Filed in All Articles, Military, He!d! by HE!D! on Monday 4 July 2005 at 02:12
Tomorrow, most of us will be celebrating Independence Day. It is my favorite holiday of the year - a time for getting together with family and friends, and for remembering the history of our nation - in all its tragedy and great glory. I love the Fourth of July parade: I smile when the kids go by in their Girl and Boy Scouts uniforms and Little League uniforms, I grin when
Veterans Confront a Taste of Battle [Stryker Brigade]
GETTYSBURG, Pa. The petite young woman with the ponytail, hoop earrings and little red knapsack holds her fingers in her ears and shudders with each crash of the cannon.
One by one, the line of Civil War-era artillery pieces goes off -- shh-BOOM! --
Liberty!! Part IV - "Cast off the Bonds of Tyranny" [Mr Minority]
"The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can" - John Gardner
"Now, not tomorrow, is the time to cast off the Bonds of Tyranny that the Gov't has shackled it's people with." - Mr Minority
Yes, I created that last quote, and yes, I feel that America is being bound by unjust laws, we are seeing the erosion of our God Given Rights, being shackled with Nanny Laws and the Morality of our Nation is being flushed down the toilet of secular humanism.
Independence Days [No Pundit Intended]
Our independence was gained by people brave enough to fight and die for it. That fight didn't end with the conclusion of the revolutionary war - it has yet to end.
I know it's just another day off for some people - that's fine. I am not trying to change your thinking so that you finally "get it". You don't have to understand all of the reasons for your freedom to enjoy it. That's a beautiful thing, isn't it?
51,000 Casualties in One Battle [Kerfuffles]
These were the words of President Abraham Lincoln commiserating with the nation's sorrow at the horrendous 51,000+ casualties, including the loss of more than 7,000 young American lives in just one battle to keep the states united. With his speech at the war cemetery, the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln re-dedicated the nation to the war effort and to the ideal that no soldier at Gettysburg, whether Union or Confederate, had died in vain.
Meet the Troops [National Review Online]
What I?m thankful for this Independence Day.
By Emily Cochran
On Saturday nights, Pat Troy pays tribute to U.S. military men and women with a toast, a prayer, and a song. The mood starts out upbeat and light: Pat, an Irish pub owner in Alexandria, Va., leaps onto the stage with a fuzzy unicorn head strapped to his own and leads patrons in a hilarious rendition of the Unicorn Song. The Guinness flows as people sway and sing along. Then Pat?s program turns patriotic.
? Emily Cochran is communications director for the Helping Our Heroes Foundation. The foundation launched a fundraising campaign this week to raise $40,000 to fulfill emergency grant requests that have been recently submitted.
An e-mail from SoldiersAngels: [Hugh Hewitt]
"I wanted to let you know that our Adoptions Unit has been swamped over the last 3 days. We have processed over 900 adoptions in the last 72 hours... Additionally, Patti has indicated we have raised over $3,000 through on-line donations in this time period as well...It couldn't have come at a better time.
We are working really hard on a couple of projects right now and I just wanted to let you know should anyone ask:...
Iraq
Today I leave for the war [The Makaha Surf Report]
Well it's time to go and do what I have been called to do. Today I head for to the war for the third time and I have some things to say. To me this is a blessing, a calling from God to do what I can to help our brave men and women in uniform. Also this...
Quit being a Bitch [Wandering Wayward]
i am in iraq. i've been here a while. i love my job. i love being a soldier. i don't like the army. i love iraq and i hate iraq. more than anything i hate ignorant american's who don't like the fact that we (america) are in iraq and don't have a f---ing reason. that is pretty much 99% of kids my age. i hate michael moore for making up bull s--t to make a buck. a lot of ignorant f--s took farenheit 9/11 as fact. what a manipulative prick. he doesn't get all the credit. what an ignorant generation.
Fled to Mexico [Major K]
Another one of Fabian Urrea's relatives has been arrested for helping him escape to Mexico. I hope he is not able to hide there in impunity the way other murder suspects have. Apparently, A Current Affair has picked up the story, and I am told that America's Most Wanted will be profiling the case on Saturday night. I hope he is caught and brought back ASAP. To all of those that blame Diana, and talk about what a great guy that Fabian is; there are two facts that render all of that irrelevant.
Saturday, July 02, 2005 -Much has happened in the week-and-a-half [The Jman 021's xanga site]
Much has happened in the week-and-a-half that I've been back. First of all, I never thought I'd do it, but I finally quit smoking! Although I might not have been able to do it on sheer will power alone, I have done it. I never realized how hard it would have been to quit without being forced to until I actually did it. Now I have much more respect for those that have successfully quit before me. SSG Kiel apparetnyl used to smoke, and so did my old squad leader, SSG Baxter. SFC Jessup quit for a while, and I think that counts for something...
Latest post from Duke: [Broken Masterpieces]
I have flown over much of the country of Iraq. I am impressed at how beautiful parts of the country are and also how stark and desolate it can be just a few miles away. I have already written before about the life giving water, where there is water it is green and beautiful where the water stops so does the lushness.
How the News Got Strange [Strategy Page]
July 3, 2005: Iraq?s Sunni Arab rebels are trying to capitalize on the hostility of Europeans, and some Americans, to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Many foreign journalists have created a mythology that there is a legitimate ?insurgency? in Iraq, composed of men who are valiantly attempting to ?liberate? their country from ?foreign occupation.? The Sunni Arabs are actually trying to restore their dictatorship, and resume decades of brutal oppression towards the Kurds and Shia Arab majority. Their al Qaeda allies want to turn Iraq intro an Islamic dictatorship. Many foreign journalists have gone along with the Sunni Arab propaganda, despite growing protests from the Iraqi government that this policy is supporting terrorism and efforts to return Saddam Hussein's government to power.
Afghanistan
30 June 2005 1840z [Hokie]
This evening, I sat down with one of my soldiers and we just talked for an hour or so. Part of it was about business, the Army and whatnot. But we ended up getting nostalgic and started to reminisce about the first few months we were in country. It was a nice talk. As a platoon leader, it's something that I haven't done as much as I should; and now that my PL time is running short, I'm wishing that I got more QT in when I had the opportunity. Near the end of our conversation, I kinda lay into him a little. I feel a little bad about that, but I wanted to be honest. In the past, I think I've been worried about being PC too much, and now I want to be more direct and open with people. I think that's what it takes for the military to work right. One of the problems with the guard is that the civilian in all of us works to avoid conflict, and that's just not how the infantry is supposed to work.
Support the Troops
30-Year PX Veteran Braving Baghdad 'For Our Troops' [Washington Post]
About the time you're celebrating the Fourth of July, Lena Haddix will be en route to Iraq. She's a 73-year-old great-grandmother who recently finished a six-month deployment to Kuwait and then signed up for a six-month deployment to Baghdad.
Haddix is a store manager for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and volunteered to work overseas because she wants to support the youngsters in the military.
"I'm doing it for our troops," Haddix said in a telephone interview from her home in Lawton, Okla.
A message from our good friend Joe
I challenge everyone who reads this, DO SOMETHING!!
Send the care packages, do the ?any solider? program, adopt a unit, something.
Fly the colors, welcome soldiers home, voice your support, give your time, anything.
This weekend is Independence Day and for most of us reading this blog, it means a cookout, fireworks and maybe a parade. Shake that veteran?s hand that is walking in the parade, buy him a cup of coffee, JUST SAY THANKS! Shame on everyone of us who just walks by that guy in uniform in the airport without saying something to him or says ?I?m to busy to get a package together?. BULL! They are doing their duty, you do yours!
The Armed Forces Service Center-Greet Troops at the Airport [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
I want to take a minute to tell you all about another opportunity that is available for you to support our troops. This opportunity is in Minnestota here, well at least this particular organization is, although I'm sure there are similar organizations and opportunities in your neck of the woods. I'll give links to a few I know that have websites you can visit at the end of this post.
Final Blogathon Stats [Molten Thoughts]
Hours of Blogging: 24
# of Bloggers: 2
# of Posts: 297
# of Contributions: 10
$$$ Raised: $214
Iraq
Walking the Line IV [Michael Yon]
Baghdad, Iraq
I am supposed to meet CSM Mellinger in twenty minutes for a trip to "the cash." He visits hospitalized soldiers twice per week...
The doctors, nurses and other staff seem pleased to see Mellinger and eager to start guiding us to the patients. Our first stop is by the room of an American soldier. He?s got a bad thigh wound...
We head down the hallway and into a room with two patients; an Iraqi man who is unconscious and breathing erratically, and little Iraqi girl. A nurse says the girl is eleven. She is sedated, her face is very pink, her skin has been burned. She has no shirt and her chest and stomach are smooth and without injury. She breathes slowly and regularly but her hands are horribly burned, charred and cracked, covered in some kind of medicine. She?s been here for three weeks, a nurse explains, but the girl has a long way to go before she can be released.
The girl could have been blown to bits, but the flash of the bomb only burned her, searing her skin as if over a grill. Flash burns are common; soldiers often cut-off the fingers of their gloves for better dexterity, only to end up with charred finger tips, such as this little girl suffered on her hands and face. The mercy of her sedation doesn?t extend to her visitors, visibly upset to see one so little so badly hurt. The Australian slowly shakes his head.
?Where are her parents,? I asked the nurse. Her father is living at the hospital until his child can get skin grafts. The staff provides her father?along with any other parents of wounded children?rooms to live in, and meals while they stay and care for their children. The Australian sailor looks saddened as he puts a stuffed animal at the foot of her bed.
Laying in a bed close to the burned girl is a man who?s been shot three times in the torso. He?s an insurgent.
Chuck speaks!!! [From My Position]
Chuck wanted me to share a few things with you all. I told him how much you all miss hearing from him, so here are a few things he wanted to say:
...Yes, we met President Bush today. He is an AMAZING man! As human as we all are... and genuinely cares about the American people. I will not go into detail about what we talked about, that will be up to Chuck. Let's just say it was a day we will never forget. If you do not support Bush, that is your choice... please do not post your opinions (if they are negative) on this blog. I do not want a political debate. My husband met his Commander in Chief - and the honor was all ours.
President Visits Injured Troops [Washington Post]
President Bush expressed his gratitude to the nation's men and women in uniform yesterday, praising them for "laying the foundation for peace for generations to come."
Bush visited 37 soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
"Every time I come here, I am struck by the remarkable resolve and courage of the men and women who are treated here," he said.
The Three Rules of War [Marine Corps Moms]
Letters home from our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan describe the reality of combat from those who experience it with stunning clarity. Col. Brett Wyrick, Commander of the 154th Medical Group, Hawaii Air National Guard, is currely deployed as a surgeon in Balad with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group. He recently wrote a letter home to his father, describing the valiant efforts of a top-notch group of medical professionals to save the life of a young soldier. Read the letter in full here.
Body of Evidence [LGF]
Stephen Hayes wrote a book about the links between the Saddam Hussein regime and Al Qaeda terrorists, and today he blasts the mainstream media?who are almost universally deceiving the American public about this important issue: Body of Evidence.
Afghanistan
Team of U.S. GIs Missing in Afghanistan (AP - Yahoo News)
A small team of U.S. soldiers was missing Friday in the same mountains in eastern Afghanistan where a special forces helicopter was shot down earlier this week, and U.S. forces are using "every available asset" to find them, a U.S. military spokesman said.
Accountability Update [Froggy Ruminations]
I am going to refrain from analysis on this report because the implications of it are clearly self evident. Coupled with this Army Times report, a possible scenario for the SR element is emerging although certainly not confirmed. Scott and I are aware that there are family members and friends focusing their attention here, and in light of that we think it would be wise to defer speculation on a whole host of issues.
Loss and Anger in Afghanistan [BlackFive]
I was on the Hugh Hewitt show last night with LCDR Smash (Navy Reserve), Col (ret) Austin Bay (Army Reserve), Michael Yon (former Special Forces Sergeant), and Matt Heidt of Froggy Ruminations (Navy Seal in the Naval Reserve). Hugh started the show with Marc Steyn. That's some amazing company I had. Unfortunately, we were discussing the downing of the MH-47 in Afghanistan
Supporting the Troops...for Real
1 Day Left Until the "Rear Echelon" Blogathon Makes the Karpal Tunnel Community's Day Molten Thought
MoltenThought's "Rear Echelon" Blogathon to support the Armed Forces Relief Trust is nearly upon us. A few short hours from now, WordGirl and I will arise from our respective underground lairs and take our stations before the virtual oars of the metaphorical Roman slave galley we'll be propelling for the next 24 hours.
Why do we row?
For the troops, of course
DoD Announces Increase in Death Gratuity and SGLI [Small Town Veteran]
The Department of Defense announced today a significant increase in the death gratuity for the survivors of service members killed in action and the Servicemembers? Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for service members deployed to designated combat zones.
Protest
Boobs for Peace [Baldilocks]
Summer?s here and you know what that means! Folks taking their clothes off for anything for peace. And such people are a great bunch; always ready to help you in sticking to your diet by ruining your appetite.
Politics
Maxine Waters: George Bush 'a Liar,' Dick Cheney 'a Thief'
Using unusually intemperate rhetoric even for a Democrat, firebrand Congresswoman Maxine Waters is blasting President Bush and Vice President Cheney over their conduct of the Iraq war, calling Bush "a liar" and Cheney "a thief."
<...>
Waters' comments went unreported by the mainstream press, only to be picked up by the People's Weekly World Newspaper - a Communist publication.
Howard Dean on Sandra Day O?Connor [Outside the Beltway]
Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean had some kind words for retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's service. He then offered some advice to President Bush:
John Cornyn, Next Supreme Court Justice? [Willisms]
Hearing through multiple inside sources that President Bush is seriously considering Texas Senator John Cornyn to replace the outgoing Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court.
NANCY PELOSI SAID WHAT? [Michelle Malkin]
I know I'll be sentenced to Operation Respect: Don't Laugh at Me camp, but there is only one proper reaction to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's attempt to conceal her ignorance of the Kelo decision:
Snort.
Snort. Snort.
Guffaw.
BWAH-hah-hah-hah.
Presiden'ts Approval Plunges to 21% [USS Neverdock]
USS Neverdock: Reporting on Terrorism, Terrorists, Islam, and biased media
The President's approval rating plummeted to just 21% in a recent poll.
The Media
Iraq is not Vietnam [Balloon Juice]
Interesting piece on Iraq in the NY Times: IRAQ is not another Afghanistan. Notwithstanding what President Bush said in his...
MSM ignores NBC anchor's remarks while bloggers report and comment [John in Carolina]
Once again bloggers are covering an important news story MSM news organizations are ignoring. As with Eason Jordan and Linda Foley, this story reflects poorly on one of MSM's own.
In this instance, it's NBC anchor Brian Williams' remarks equating the leaders of the American Revolution with Islamic hard-liner and alleged hostage taker, Iran's president-"elect" Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The MSM Reports
General: Iraqi Police Stood Against Attackers In Mosul (Washington Times)
Iraqi police in the northern city of Mosul stood their ground during three attacks on their headquarters last week, a stark contrast from last fall when the same unit was routed by an insurgent offensive.
Why Victory Not A Matter Of Troops (San Francisco Chronicle)
It's called "cordon and talk," and it epitomizes everything that works and does not work about the American military presence in Iraq.
In Bid For Recruits, Military Has Allies In Nascar And Fans (New York Times)
...Now, every branch uses Nascar as a recruiting tool.
Congrats
Day 163 - Wayne's 22nd Birthday [Wayne's Worlds]
Probably the only one who cares more about a birthday than the one who celebrates is the mom who actually did the birthing.
I?ve thought a lot about the Virgin Mary today. Theology aside, you gotta hand it to the Catholics for honoring the Mother part of one of history?s most amazing women.
Here She Is! [Brown Hound]
Beautiful baby Photo
Iraq
Shell Shock? [Confessions of a Caffinated Zoomie - in Iraq]
OK. Yes. I will admit it. I got a bit of shell shock right now. Last night I am driving to chow with one of the new guard guys. No not the goober. Well driving down the road, nice and quite like, a little drousy.... and WHAM! I'm like.... ok, what is EOD blowing stuff up for right now anyways? It is super late at night. Then another one... BLAM! Closer to us. When the next two hit back to back about a block behind us and to the right I realize this aint EOD, its an attack. I keep driving a bit faster, next thing you know....... BAM!!
MY GENERATION [Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - in Iraq]
The days grow hotter and longer in this, my generations war. The heat rises, without mercy, by dawn as the sun engulfs the darkness of the night it burns away my hope for manageable temperature, the heat moves in so fast it is as if the night itself retreats from it. Two days ago I rose from my dreamless sleep to venture into the morning calm, a breeze blew past me and it chilled me. For the first time in months I was cold, the gentle caress of the breeze put a smile on my face for the first time in days.
Constitution update. [Iraq the Model]
Baha' Al-'Araji, a member of the constitution drafting committee told Al-Mada paper yesterday that there are going to be 5 spots in each Iraqi province where citizens can find designated boxes where they can put their opinions and suggestion as to the process of writing the constitution.
Only Baghdad will be an exception due to its high population so there will be 5 spots in each main quarter in the capital.
Marine survives sniper shot [Live in Iraq]
CAMP HURRICANE POINT, AR RAMADI, Iraq(July 1, 2005) -- The operation had gone smoothly. The Marines who the machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment was providing security for were loading into their vehicles, when a lone shot rang out knocking him from his vehicle turret.
A sniper bullet deflected off his helmet and impacted on the armor of his turret leaving him dazed but alive.
Saddam's palaces to be cultural centers. [Free Iraqi]
The minister of culture Mr. Nouri Al Rawi announced today that all the 170 places that Saddam built for himself will be turned into cultural centers that will be open to all Iraqis.
From Radio Nawar (Arabic link).
I've never been to any of these palaces and it was scary to even get close to them. We used to hear many unfortunate stories about people being killed just because their cars broke down near one of Saddam's palaces or
The Endgame [365 and a Wake Up]
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
- George Santayana
I was looking at the spattered dust outside my room today when it hit me. Someday our soldiers will leave this ugly, barren FOB. The high guard towers will lay empty, their glowering profile softened by unruly nests of squawking birds. The sandbags will
Communication Blackout [Courage Without Fear - in Iraq]
Well, here it is, my first time to write on Micah's blog and boy do I have something to say! I mentioned the other day that maybe I should get my own blog to write about things from the other side of deployment and I guess Micah took it to heart.
<...>
I'm not just mad about the communication blackout, I'm mad about the safety of my husband. I can't believe someone would put our soldiers in possible danger by giving out information about their mission. Its hard enough to have my husband over in Iraq and not have a clue of what he might encounter from day to day, and now I have to know that the "bad guys" might be able to find him more easily.
Interview with GySgt Furczyk & PO3 Vollmer about their conversion to Islam [DVIDS Video]
Fox news talks to Gunnery Sergeant Anetra Furczyk (hometown: Pasadena, TX) a communications system manager, 2nd Force Service Support Group and Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Vollmer (hometown: London, Ontario, Canada) emergency room corpsman, 2nd Forward Service Support Group. Both converted to Muslim and are now stationed in Taqaddum. They talk about their reasons for converting and challenges they face because of their religion.
Meet Dr. Germ [The Quonset Hut]
Meet ?Dr. Germ,? the woman many consider the mother of all Iraqi biological weapons. She is Rihab Taha, an unassuming British-trained scientist who has been identified by United Nations arms inspectors as the driving force behind Iraq?s development of a weapons stockpile that, at least in the past, contained
Transformation, Nation Building, and the Federal Government [Alexander the Average]
...I?ve done several interviews and a ton of research. I?ve started noticing some patterns and trends in terms of reconstruction. Basically, we?re not very good at it. The political clamoring about ?no nation building? wasn?t just rhetoric. It?s a fact. We ?don?t do nation building? by design. And that?s a problem if we?re serious about winning the GWOT.
Smiles Are For Everyone [a Soldier's blog]
Its been a while since we last gave kids gifts from America. So, I organized a trip with another unit on my FOB, who was all about us joining them for a day. The school supplies, beanie babies, and toys were piling up so much that we were running out of room in our hooch...
A Marine Grunt's Wish List for Iraq [Winds of Change - Joe Katzman]
Over at In From the Cold, spook86 discusses a wish list submitted by a Marine in Iraq and passed up the chain of command recently.
A Soldier's Commentary on Troop Support [Marine Corps Moms]
...A U.S. Army Captain recently back from the sandbox wrote this editorial on his view of the support provided to our troops by America. His words mirror the sentiments I've heard from other returning troops who are amazed at the level of support they've received. It's well worth reading - and remembering, the next time you see a young man or woman in uniform. A quiet "thank you" will make their day. And yours.
Here are the words of Capt. Steve Alvarez:...
GIs building Iraqi army from scratch [The 48th Goes to War]
Mindful of Iraqi sensibilities, Sgt. 1st Class Joe Dyer of Cedartown avoids eye contact and motions women and a child to proceed.
Mahmudiyah, Iraq ? The bustling bazaar here has long been off-limits to Americans.
The crowded marketplace was considered too dangerous because it is at the center of a lawless, Sunni-dominated region south of Baghdad known as the Triangle of Death. Here insurgents plant roadside bombs every day and fire mortars and rockets at American military bases many nights.
Good News From Iraq [Balloon Juice]
It appears that Baghdad is becoming safe enough for more foreign embassies to re-open. Well... safe enough for the Syrians:...
The MSM Reports - on Iraq
Inside the Mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber (TIME Online ED.)
IN A RARE INTERVIEW, A TERRORIST IN TRAINING REVEALS CHILLING SECRETS ABOUT THE INSURGENCY'S DEADLIEST WEAPONS
One day soon, this somber young man plans to offer up a final prayer and then blow himself up along with as many U.S. or Iraqi soldiers as he can reach. Marwan Abu Ubeida says he has been training for months to carry out a suicide mission. He doesn't know when or where he will be ordered to climb into a bomb-laden vehicle or strap on an explosives-filled vest but says he is eager for the moment to come. While he waits,
Pace Of Troop Deaths Up In Iraq (USA Today)
U.S. military deaths in Iraq increased by about one-third in the past year, even as Iraq established its own government and assumed more responsibility for battling the insurgency.
America Held Hostage (New York Times)
...Despite everything that has happened, many Americans still want to believe that this war can and should be seen through to victory. But it's time to face up to three realities. First, the war is helping, not hurting, the terrorists. Second, the kind of clear victory the hawks promised is no longer possible, if it ever was. Third, a time limit on our commitment will do more good than harm.
As Usual, Rumsfeld Stares Down The Storm (Los Angeles Times)
...Yet in Washington's own brand of reality television, where Machiavellian intrigue is not a ratings game, Rumsfeld has done far more than survive. Five months into President Bush's second term, Rumsfeld's influence within the administration shows no sign of waning.
June Is 5th-Deadliest Month For U.S. Troops In Iraq War (Philadelphia Inquirer)
...At the close of 2003, U.S. commanders put the number of insurgents at 5,000. Yesterday in Baghdad, U.S. Brig. Gen. Donald Alston said there were 15,000 to 20,000 insurgents, though he said not all of them fight every day.
What Iraq Needs Is A Walter Cronkite (USA Today)
President Bush went on the air this week to pretend again that things are OK in Iraq. Shades of President Lyndon Johnson and Vietnam nearly 40 years ago.
2 Iraqis held trying to cross Mexico border [Washington Times]
Two Iraqis who paid alien smugglers in Mexico to help them gain illegal entry to the United States were arrested yesterday by Mexican authorities in a border town near San Diego.
The Mexican Attorney General's Office said Samir Yousif Shana and Munir Yousif Shana were taken into custody by Mexican federal agents, along with two suspected alien smugglers, in the Paso del Aguila district of Tecate, some 30 miles east of San Diego.
Saddam may sue over Sun pictures (The Guardian)
A leading London media lawyer is to advise on Saddam Hussein's prospects of success in a high court human rights claim over photographs of him in his underpants which appeared on the front page of the Sun.
An E-Mail From Iraq Can Make Dad's Day (Washington Post)
This is the first war in which an American stationed many thousands of miles from home has been able to shop for a used car online, consult with his dad back in Southern Maryland and settle on a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta for $14,975 -- all negotiated in a flurry of e-mail flying from Baghdad to Waldorf and back.
Afghanistan
Something is going on, news, detective, image and quote [Going Down Range - in Afghanistan]
I hate to tell some people back in America but there is still a war going on in Afghanistan. Right now American forces are going after the Taliban and they are killing lots of them. Remember that the Taliban ruled Afghanistan and an overwhelming majority of Afghans do not want the Taliban and their al Qeada overlords back. All they are trying to do is discredit the Afghan
A Lost Platoon [Froggy Ruminations]
Over the past few days the SEAL community has been in a state of shock and painful anticipation to hear the full measure of our loss. I have been trying to use the blog as a clearinghouse for updates and information as it became available from media and confidential sources. While the details are not known (and may never be) it seems apparent now that we have lost 12 of our brothers on the field of battle.
Nebi the Barber [stardotstar - in Afghanistan]
Nebi is a Turkish barber. He works at the ?beauty salon? instead of the barber shops, though. Like most of the TPN?s he hardly speaks English. TPN is ?Third Party National.? There have to be thousands of them here. They are brought in from all over the world. I usually ask people where they are from and mostly I get these answers: Phillipeans, Turkey, Sri Lanka, India
Iran
Iran's Terrorist President [Smash]
(updated)
IRANIAN PRESIDENT ELECT Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a terrorist.
Soon after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Ahmadinejad, who was studying in Tehran?s University of Science and Technology, became a member of the central council of the Office for Strengthening of Unity Between Universities and Theological Seminaries, the main pro-Khomeini student body.
U.S. Calls on Iran to Release Imprisoned Journalist Ganji [Regime Change Iran]
U.S. Department of State, The Washington File:
The United States has called on Iranian authorities to release Iranian journalist Akbar Ganji from prison, where he is being held, the State Department said, for his political views and peaceful activities in support of free speech and journalistic integrity. Ganji is known for his efforts to uncover information on extra-judicial killings by Iranian security forces. READ MORE
This is a major development. The U.S. government appears to be preparing to support the Iranian dissidents in much the same way as it did with the Soviet dissidents in the past. The blogosphere can help remind the world of the corruption of the Iranian government and the bravery of its dissidents. We need to make the names and faces of the leading dissidents know to the world. You can help
Fallen Heros
Fallen Heroes Funerals Protested [BlackFive]
This is so wrong and sad. While SSG Christopher Piper was laid to rest properly and honorably (thanks to the Marblehead Police)... Protest at Soldier's Funeral Brings a Massachusetts Town Together A big turnout and police bagpipes drown out a..
Support for our troops.... For Real
Toby Keith : American Soldier
Recruiting
I'd Still Do It... Here's Why [NEW MilBlog Ring Member! - Politics of a Patriot]
One of the reasons all of my family who are anti my decision to join the Navy is because they just know that everyone is "lying" to me. They tell me I can't believe anything the recruiters say, that they will make all these wonderful promises and I will be in for a rude awakening. Can I tell all of you something? It may come as a shock to you.
If everything they told me is lies, I'd still do it.
If they weren't paying me a dime, I'd still do it.
If I could never go to college, I'd still do it.
Happy Mission Day! [Making Tomorrow's Military Today]
I am going to get down to the nitty gritty with this article. This is an editorial at least. My first problem is that the writer is attacking the President's one line: "To those watching tonight who are considering a military career, there is no higher calling than service in our Armed Forces." I applaud the man for putting the idea out there in such a public manner.
Then the author then puts his uneducated 2 cents in:
Enlistment is down. What is the solution?
Our troops in Iraq are stretched thin. [Current events and news from the right]
Enlistment is down.
What is the solution? What about the draft?
Would it really be such a bad thing? Maybe it would even be a good thing?
Maybe we need to go one step further.....
Read the following article..
The Media
Victory disregarded... [Major K - in Iraq]
The UK's Guardian manages to snatch a defeatist headline from the jaws of a true victory. The arhabi threw everything that they had at the local Iraqi Security Forces in our sister Battalion's sector, in one of the largest coordinated attacks that we have seen since we got here. They failed. We had a few patrols nearby that jumped in just to help out, and they caught the bad guys with their pants down, big time. Read the article. LTC Funk is right. I'm sure any reporter can find someone to complain after the shooting stops. Once again, they also fail to report that a nearby mosque was used as the primary coomand and control center as well as weapons cache for the terrorists.
Some Patience, Please... [Ma Deuce Gunner - in Iraq]
Now, my wife will laugh when she reads this, because when it comes to some things, I am NOT the most patient individual around -- not by a long shot. But I believe a little patience is called for here.
I have seen, over the past couple of days, items in the news that are to this effect: "One Year After Sovereignty, Iraq Still Violent" or "Iraq: A Year Later...What Has Changed?" (These are not quotes, but generalizations of what I have seen or heard.) Come on, people, gimme a break...
BRIAN WILLIAMS SAID WHAT? [Michelle Malkin]
Durbinization alert:
Tons of readers are e-mailing me about NBC News anchor Brian Williams' comments tonight in which he apparently compared the Founding Fathers to modern-day terrorists. The remarks seem to pooh-pooh the story about Iranian president-elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's alleged involvement in the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran.
Williams previewed his argument on his MSNBC blog:
Idiot of the Day [In From The Cold]
A number of bloggers offer weekly awards to the liberal politician, Hollywood celebrity, or MSM twit who offers the most idiotic or absurd comment during a specified period of time.
Given the hysertia that currently engulfs the American left and its media wing, there is never a shortage of worthy candidates for an idiot award.
Troops Silence at Fort Bragg Starts a Debate All Its Own - New York Times [Outside The Beltway]
Some critics of the Bush Administration are taking the lack of applause from the Fort Bragg audience at the presidents speech Tuesday night as a sign that the troops do not support the war. Defenders say the troops thought they were under
Reuters anti-american? Nahhhh... [KadNine]
I know I'm not the first to stumble across this today, but this has got to be the most blatant example of Al-Reuters-speak I've seen yet.
"AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A Dutch woman who swears by a daily helping of herring for a healthy life celebrated her 115th birthday on Wednesday as the oldest living person on record.
Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper, a former needlework teacher, was born in 1890, the year Sioux Indians were massacred by the U.S. military at the Battle of Wounded Knee."
Huh? Is that the most germaine factoid that they can
Blogging
Packing My Bags for Bono-Blogging! [Reasoned Audacity]
Reasoned Audacity is headed on the road. . . with U2 to the G8 Summit!
On Sunday, I'll be meeting up with Josh Trevino of Redstate.org, Steve Beard of Thunderstruck.org, and Joe Aravosis of Americablog.com, to join Bono, U2 and the Live8 crew to fly to Gleneagles, Scotland for the G8 summit. . .We'll be there covering the summit all week long.
Blogger My Ass, I'm Respectable [Ballon Juice]
I regret to inform you that as of right now, Balloon Juice is no longer a weblog. This is now a web magazine:
Blogs Becoming Online Magazines [Outside The Beltway]
Apropos the ongoing controversy over bloggers and campaign finance laws, Duncan Atrios Black asks, Why is somebody who prints up and mails out weekly vanity newsletter entitled to the media exemption but not me? Why is Michael Sa
On Blogging - from AIM [ROFASix]
How blogs are changing advertising, the media, and how we communicate is addressed in Sherrie Gossett?s, ?Citizen Journalism Growing,? article at Accuracy In Media. It just makes one want to hug ol? Al Gore for inventing the Internet!
The growing popularity of blogs and citizen journalism is only increasing as inventive citizens collaborate on news ideas to improve their offerings,
So Long And Thanks For All The Fish [Ipse Dixit]
There's a very nice article about a number of local bloggers on the front page of today's Courier-Journal. A couple of the bloggers mentioned are old pals of mine, so it's good to see them getting some attention.*
And on that note, it's time for me to retire. I don't particularly want to, but it seems I pretty much have to. I'd very much like to explain why here but, unfortunately, I cannot. My friends are welcome to email and I will explain in private. Perhaps some of you can even help.
FIRED [Ragged Edges]
I can't believe the truth of the words I am about to type: Today I was fired from my job as an assistant prosecutor with the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. The reason? - my opinion as expressed in my blog post immediately preceeding this one: "I Hate Cowardice."
At the risk of giving satisfaction to those who orchestrated my demise, I admit that I am wounded . .
