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Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. (We have a daily "Open Post" too, if you have something on another topic you can link there.)
Breaker 1-9 This is Teddy Bear -- [Sisyphus Today... - in Iraq]
Ya, just got back from another convoy. Finally had something mildly exciting to do....if you consider driving a gun truck through Iraq mildly exciting. Driving is so much more fun than being on the radio.
#1,998: Final Extract -- [JD's Blog - Faces from the Front - in Iraq]
The Marines 'stacked up' outside the door of a brick and stucco building near Haqlaniyah, Iraq. The stack, a modern version of Greek phalanx where metal breastplates have been replaced with ceramic and Kevlar and rifles have replaced pikes and swords, is the formation of choice for Al Anbar streetfighters.
All Al-Tikriti's Men -- [The Adventures of Chester]
Social network analysis can be a powerful tool for discovering and mapping the web of relationships between a group of people. Journalists regularly perform such analysis, as do lawyers -- though they might not call it such -- noting the length of acquaintance between two people, their financial ties, how much time they spend together and so forth. Their targets are usually criminal defendants or public figures. An excerpt from this FoxNews article, of last week, U.N. Procurement Scandal: Ties to Saddam and Al Qaeda provides an example:
Ramadan -- [Medicine Soldier - in Iraq]
...It was my first time on a dismounted patrol where we walked for blocks away from the safety of our machine guns and seven-ton HMMWVs. It was not a big deal. I have complete confidence in the soldiers I work with. I was just thinking how far we are from the stereotypical Hollywood image of some kind of chiseled, rugged soldier. We are citizen soldiers, just average people doing the best we can. It is true that the insurgent cartography is a checkerboard mosaic spread out through and among the towns. We are trying to use the friendlier pockets as spheres of influence to sway public opinion on the less friendly areas.
stuff -- [LT Dave's Space - in Iraq]
The last couple of days we have been working on a safety test that shows that we know how to do our job safely atleast according to all the manuels we had to look up the questions in. 3 of my guys go over to the new FOB tomorrow and then we go later this week.
The last time we went out to the OP the IED that was placed for the military found some civilians. Its sad that it came to that for the people to want to help us stop the Insurgents that are placing IEDs on the roads.
Iraq Pictures - Sunday, October 30, 2005 -- Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
Iraqi students from the newly restored Al Aashreen Primary School, line up to receive their backpacks donated by the 6th Civil Affairs Group,2nd Battalion Attachment, 2nd Marines Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, in Kharma. Pic: Sgt. Paul S. Mancuso, USMC
Saturday, October 29th -- [Headlines and such here - in Iraq]
I don't think any Soldier's heart is filled with hate. Although, the Soldiers who lost friends and comrades to this war may be angry and hate the insurgents who refuse to engage us on the open field of battle, where they would most assuredly lose. More so I think Soldiers are filled with the desire to do their part and come home safely. Much like Soldiers from the dawn of time.
We don't measure time by the dead. We can't. -- [Peace Like A River]
This week past was a somber reminder of the cost of freedom, as the number of American deaths in Iraq has topped 2,000.
(Of that total, a little over 400 are non-combat related deaths. Also, something that isn't talked about nearly enough, over 15,000 have been wounded in Iraq, over 7,000 severely enough to require evacuation.)
As this article points out, though, it is an artifical milestone, ...
No Reason, but Hate -- [Dadmanly in Iraq]
...Every time somelike like Kevin makes this rebuttal argument, they underscore the point of "Why Iraq?"
In the geopolitical realities that faced the Bush Administration, the choices made have been entirely rational and logical. Attempts to derive ulterior motivations, while some may find them emotionally satisfying, reveal more about biases than actually realistically describe the likely points of decision since 9/11.
Friendly Fire -- [Basic Training - in Iraq]
I was outside the gym after PT this morning waiting for my buddies to come outside. About 30 feet in front of me a see a flash, which is followed by a loud bang - about what you would get from an M-80. Naturally, I flinch, and then I hear 3 bullets zip not too far over my head, so I duck and head back inside....
Loved one -- [One Marine's View - in Iraq]
Many enemy weapon caches have been found this week in mosques and homes. The enemy continues to attack with the usual IEDs. One of our convoys was attacked this afternoon with small arms by a small group of scumbags but we quickly overwhelmed them with firepower and made them pay for engaging us. The Marines did good and reacted accordingly to their training and made sure the scumbags knew they were attacking Marines. IDF (Indirect Fire) is ever present as both sides continue to
Passing the Torch -- [They Call Us, "Doc" - leaving Iraq]
It's a bittersweet ending, as I'm leaving a good group of Iraqi Army medics, but soon returning to my own home and family. These guys have continuously worked hard during our time together. The medics from the 101st Airborne are enthusiastic about their new found partnership and excited about continuing to build upon the foundation of medical knowledge and skills that we built, as the 278th.
October 30, 2005 -- [While Away - in Iraq]
TOOO FUNNY! We had a lockdown today due to a 'suspicious package' found outside the DFAC? What could it be? Only (Insert Name Here) 's backpack containing his running shoes and clothes! Fortunately for him he got out to the 'suspicious package' before it was blown up. ;) hahaha. It would've been funnier (for us anyway) if they had blown it up. Would've taught him to not leave his stuff lying around. I wonder if he has the same problem at home? ANYWAY..
The Scars of War -- [Training for Eternity]
Once in while I have the honor of meeting and speaking to a person who is in a different league. Today I met just such a person. I'll call him Sergeant K. He and I had a very interesting conversation. Actually I asked questions and he told stories. I say he is in a different league because he is what I wish I could be were I not a Chaplain. I would not change places with him for all the money in the world, but if life had pushed me in another direction, I would hope I had the kind of internal fortitude that I heard in his voice and saw in his eyes and felt in his hands.
Ramadan About to End, Eid About to Begin -- [An Average Iraqi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
When the fasting month, Ramadan, ends. Eid is to follow. Eid is a Muslim festival. It lasts for a few days. There are two Eids in the Hegri calendar. One is the incoming one, after Ramadhan, which lasts for three days. The other is after the pilgrimage to Mecca the holy city. Lasts for four days. First one is known as "Eid Al-Fetr", second one is known as "Eid Al-Adha". But we rarely call them those, better known as "The small Eid" and "The big Eid". Easier huh??c
some facts on iraq -- [Cat's Space - in Iraq]
Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in
Iraq?
Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million
Iraqi people?
Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are
under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new
schools have been built in Iraq?
Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20
Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all
currently operating?
Did you know that ...
Only in Iraq -- [jonjivan's Xanga Site - in Iraq]
The story goes: the donkey wandered straight through the entrance of the base. Since the guards are told to keep terrorists out, not donkeys, she apparently didn?t have much trouble accomplishing this
Iraqi Children -- [Our Soldier - Blue Star Mom - in Law]
David sent us this pic earlier this week. He talked about how good it makes him feel when they go through villages while on their missions and the treats he and his comrades give to the children, and how the kids look forward to our soldiers coming through their town. It helps him to know he is making a difference for them.
Kids Wish To Die Because They Don?t Want To Be Kidnapped! -- [24 Steps to Liberty -an Iraqi in Iraq]
I went to an elementary school to help in a story my friend is writing. We talked to kids about their lives and how they like school and why. After the bullshitting like ?I like to study and love my teachers? because the assistant principle in the room with us while interviewing them, I tried to drag them to say something they really feel and want to speak out. So I started to encourage them with certain questions and examples. Then, they spoke it out.
Tikrit Two-Step -- [MediaCitizen]
First Lieutenant Gregg Murphy writes from Iraq responding to my posting about his role in last Thursday?s press event with the president.
My response follows his. Others are welcome to chime in using the comment thread. But, please -- and this goes out especially to the shrill horde visiting from Michelle Malkin?s ?hyper-informed? blog -? keep the death threats to yourselves.
From First Lt Murphy: ...
A new liberal lobby emerges in Baghdad... -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
Today, Mohammed and I had the privilege to be invited to attend a conference organized by a group of civil society organizations to announce the launch of a new community under the name ?Ahd Al-Iraq? or (the oath of Iraq).
Saddam: where is the money? -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The French press has been focusing in the past few weeks on Saddam Hussein?s villas on the French Riviera. Indeed Saddam owned two estates one in Cannes valued at over $14 million and the other one in Grasse valued at $8 million. These properties were purchased in 1982 by a Liechtenstein company, owned by a close associate of the Iraqi despot. Saddam must have liked the region that he visited along with then French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac in 1975:
Limited Security In Iraq Limits War Coverage, Journalists Say -- (Forbes)...Associated Press
Deteriorating security in Iraq has made it much more difficult to provide the news coverage Americans need to understand the war and reconstruction efforts, several journalists said Friday.
An Iraqi city becomes turnaround story -- (Christian Science Monitor)
BAQUBA, IRAQ ? Last January, Baquba was symbol of everything going wrong in Iraq - and its neighborhood of Buhritz was a symbol for everything going wrong in Baquba.
Assassins kill Iraqi vice president's brother --
(Bradenton Heral / Washington Post)...John Ward Anderson
When a white-haired man in a business suit interrupted an interview that the Iraqi vice president, Adel Abdul Mahdi, was giving to four reporters at his office in Baghdad on Sunday morning, it was clear something was wrong.
Funds Fade, Deaths Rise And Iraq Rebuilding Is Spotty -- (New York Times)...James Glanz
As the money runs out on the $30 billion American-financed reconstruction of Iraq, the officials in charge cannot say how many planned projects they will complete, and there is no clear source for hundreds of millions of dollars a year needed to operate the projects that have been finished, according to a report to Congress released yesterday
Unity Pulls Battalion Through Anxiety, Losses -- (San Francisco Chronicle)...Anna Badkhen
...Ten months of hunting down insurgents and high-stakes diplomacy -- every moment on hair-trigger alert -- has worn out the soldiers. They are weighed down by the pain of losing comrades, the constant anxiety of driving on roads rigged with explosives, and the frustration of fighting in a country where the landscape, language and culture are unlike any they have ever encountered.
Coalition Forces Disrupt Terrorist Ambush -- {DefenseLink}
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2005 ? Coalition forces foiled a terrorist ambush in an area northwest of Baghdad late Oct. 29, military officials reported today. The coordinated combat operation involved U.S. Army ground and aviation forces and close-air support from a U.S. Air Force F-15E.
At 2,000, Iraq's Military Deaths Got The Media's Full Attention -- (New York Times)...Katharine Q. Seelye
When the death toll of Americans in Iraq reached 1,000 back in September 2004, The Omaha World-Herald ran a respectful article in a single column down the right side of its front page. "A grisly milestone reached in Iraq," read the headline.
Operation Flintstone - Final Push -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
We're hoping to raise as much as we can, as soon as we can for the purchase of medical and health supplies for the refugees currently flooding into Nangarhar province where I am stationed. We're calling it "Operation Flintstone" (because we're buying a lot of childrens nutritional supplements amongst many other things) and its got its own page. I wanted to make sure to post on the main site to remind everyone that we're trying to get a shipment out the door ASAP so that it gets here in time for winter. Please visit the link and please pledge.
HIV increasing in Afghanistan -- [Afghan Lord - an Afghani in Afghanistan]
Minister of Kabul public health minister Dr. sayed Mohammad Admin Fatemi has told to media that Health Ministry has joined the UN and the world mass mobilization on October 25th under the title of ?be united in the cause of children? and ? be united for campaign against AIDS?.
Gratuitous Afghan Photos Return XV -- [Miserable Donuts]
Winter is coming, so I thought this picture of Narjan Kala (Parwan province) would put everyone in the mood.
Back in the Stan -- [A Storm in Aghanistan - in Afghanistan]
Well, I made it back.
Apparently, from talking with the staff, they were quite determined to get the 120+ of us that were backed up waiting for Kandahar... out of there. The higher ups had started to get involved as we were holding the R&R for other Soldiers (10% rule - since it IS combat, units aren't allowed to have more than 10% of their strength on R&R). The Air Force, unable to provide C-17's due to other committments (the war, Pakistan, etc) provided two C-130s for the flight back.
The Lost AA Blogs: Special Reconnaissance -- [Where I Stand - back from Afghanistan]
The last time I was in Afghanistan the Americas Army game team asked for soldiers to submit blogs about life in the Army. I answered this call and submitted some articles. It appears that their blog project had a low priority since it took a couple of months for each article to get posted and my last three articles were never posted. So, now that they have had 18 months to post them, I will make them available here.
US units lure Taliban into losing battles -- (Christian Science Monitor)
It's mid- morning on June 21, and Lt. Timothy Jon O'Neal's platoon has just been dropped onto a dusty field north of a mud-walled village of Chalbar. Their mission: to check out reports that a local Afghan Army commander has defected to the Taliban and burned the district headquarters, and is prepared to fight.
Province's anti-poppy effort is an Afghan success story -- (The Boston Globe)
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Last year, this parched land grew more heroin-producing poppies than nearly any other place on earth. The windfall of profits reaped by local people -- estimated at ...
Tactical psyops stopped in Afghanistan, for now -- (Army Times)...Sean D. Naylor
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan ? The U.S. military has halted all tactical psychological operations in Afghanistan until commanders have received instruction on how to bridge what a senior general here called ?an emerging gap? between Afghanistan?s Islamic customs and what is permitted under the Geneva Conventions.
2 U.S. Soldiers Are Charged With Assaulting Afghan Prisoners -- (New York Times)...Carlotta Gall
Two American soldiers have been charged with assaulting two Afghan detainees and could face court-martial in Afghanistan, the chief United States military spokesman here, Col. Jim Yonts, said Sunday.
Arab Peace Process -- [Open Fire]
Peace loving citizens living in Iran took part in a demonstration calling for the genocide of Jews by demanding the death to the state of Israel.
North Korea Demanding More Aid -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
The aid that South Korea is giving to North Korea is now reaching the point of ridiculousness which is evident by this latest request: ..
US weighing sanctions against Uzbekistan -- (Christian Science Monitor)
Meanwhile, UN worries about uprising trial, party leader imprisoned, and BBC closes its offices.
Radical Wackos -- [Doc in the Box]
Has anyone noticed that there seems to be a worldwide movement of radical Muslims against any religion that isn?t theirs or against other Muslims that aren?t radical enough? 3 school girls beheaded? What?s image does that put out to the world.?
?Look, my religion says it?s alright to be serial killers and behead young girls
The project of the Muslim Brotherhood to conquer the world -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
According to Sylvain Besson, a Swiss investigative reporter, Swiss authorities found a fascinating document when they entered Yusuf Nada?s villa in November 2001. Nada is by the way viewed as one of the bankrollers of Al Qaeda; he is the head of the Al Taqwa Bank. The document seized entitled ?The Project? is a fourteen page leaflet dated December 1982 calling for the Muslim Brotherhood?s conquest of the world.
Something?s Rugged in Denmark -- [Neptunaus Lex]
If anyone thinks that Western Europe has not opened its eyes to the threat of militant Islam with the same degree of intensity that we ourselves have in America, they could chided and then forgiven - the question is less whether or not radical Islamists in Europe were recognized as problematical than what was to be done about them while still keeping true to foundational principals and western notions of justice.
Troops Can Eat Free of Charge on November 14 -- [Andi's World]
Kudos to Golden Corral for showing their appreciation for our troops. Nothing like a good steak. For a Golden Corral near you, click here.
CALLING ALL CITIZENS AND VETERANS OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
SPC Timothy D. Watkins was one of the soldiers from Noah's unit killed in an IED attack in ar Ramadi on October 15, 2005. By all accounts Tim Watkins was a devoted Christian, a dedicated soldier and a good son.
...I am calling upon all available citizens, veterans and military in the area of the Calvary Baptist Church in Yucca Valley, California on Tuesday, November 1st (Phelps plans to be there from 9:00AM-10:00AM) to counter this demonstration by whatever method works for you...
She Came, She Saw, She Left -- [Andi's World]
I arrived at Walter Reed just after Cindy Sheehan had walked through the gates and entered the complex. We heard that Sheehan was going to deliver get-well cards to the troops. It must have been lonely inside of Walter Reed without cameras or reporters present, so rather than visit with the wounded and give of her time, I'm told by a source inside that Sheehan marched in, went to the ladies room and marched out. It would seem that Walter Reed was a mere potty break for the grieving mom.
What a Great Weekend -- [Gunn Nutt]
Another great FReep at Walter Reed, the end-of-season race banquet, a visit with some terrific soldiers at Malogne House, and a half a day with LCpl. Pete, USMC!
...I went with some friends to the Malogne House to deliver a few items we'd bought for the wounded warriors. We met SSG Luther Richardson who is in charge of lodging for the entire complex. He's been dealing with his own injuries and complications while looking after the housing requirements of on average 900 patients. "Rich" has a terrific "I can handle anything" attitude.
Sgt. 1st Class Smith -- [The world according to Michlos] HT: Jump Blog
Filed under: General, Military ? michlos @ 3:16 pm
The makers of America?s Army have made a video based on the incident for which Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
?Stop Loss? -- [What is truth?
?Stop Loss? as many people know and as many don?t is a situation where if a unit is going to war, then at a certain point, in order to maintain the consistency of the training and quantity of personnel in that unit, no one is allowed to leave that unit except if they are found physically and mentally incapable of going to war. Goetz of ?All the King?s Horses? is a an example of someone who is ?Stop Lossed?. Many people who are ?Stop Lossed? are bitter about it.
DoD Lowers QDR Ambitions -- (Defense News)...Gopal Ratnam
Three months before the Pentagon presents the results of its Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), the top official responsible for the effort said the Defense Department must build a consensus within the military and among lawmakers about the future of U.S. strategy, force structure and threats.
Global Warming: A Challenge, & Scare Tactics/Bad Science From The Left! -- [GM's Corner]
Not long ago, one Mark A York infested this neighborhood, this spot on the web that I call my blog. I banned said York following some rather vulger comments, and I deleted the most offensive of his verbage. I'm amazed at how trolls feel they have the right to come into your home (so to speak) and crap on your couch. At any rate, this isn't about York as much as it is about the assertion by York that Global Warming (GW) is readily accepted by the "vast majority" of scientists, and so well documented as to be incontrovertable. York "challenged" thusly: ...
Bush Selects Alito for Supreme Court -- (Washington Post)
President Bush today named appeals court Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court. His record on abortion rights and church-state issues has been applauded by conservatives
When Men Will Talk About 'Feelings' -- [Holl Aho - a Soldier's Angel]
Ladies, if you are new to dating or marraige, hell....if you haven't been in a serious relationship for at least 5 years - men can be a little confusing. Some might even say contradictory at times. We've all heard that men don't like to talk about 'feelings', and yet sometimes they are happy to, and other times they run from you as if you are Typhoid Mary. So what gives? Perhaps these little guidelines will make it easier for you to know in advance which reaction you should expect.
IG May Investigate AFN Radio -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
Democrat Congressional Representatives are trying to force AFN radio to air liberal talk radio:
Democrats are demanding an investigation into defense officials?E decision to delay a liberal talk show debut on American Forces Radio last week.
"The New York Times" should be renamed "The New York Lies" -- [Warriors Voice - in Iraq]
The NewYork Times is at it again. It seems those masters of half truths and lies decided to take one or two sentences out of context from a young warriors last letter to his girlfriend . However, they did not expect to be exposed by the warriors uncle who emailed Michelle Malkin the whole letter. Here is what the New York Times wrote: ...
Now here is what Cpl Starr actually wrote:...
Friday, October 21, 2005 -- [Grassbullet's - in Iraq]
...Hmm, today I got my 4th Excellence coin since I deployed along with a certificate of achievement. Not much else happened besides the fact that I was at the PX last night until 7 O'clock. and it gets dark here at about 5. So I was scared that I'd have to walk home and miss curfew and get the life smoked outta me. But luckily the bus came and I didn't have to do all that walking...
Sunday, October 30, 2005 - Happy Birthday - [ So Far From My Home - in the Balkans]
The Fat Lady Sings -- [Making the NIA - home from Iraq]
...We boarded the plane and the flight attendant made a special announcement regarding my presence, though it would have been hard not to notice anyone boarding this small craft. The passengers erupted in applause and I was humbled.
Back from Iraq -- [Dave World - dispatched from Matt, home from Iraq]
I was walking through my local supermarket parking lot on my way to pick up some Pepsi the other day when I stopped mid-step.
Something felt odd.
The obvious answer might have been that I was in a parking lot a few blocks away from my apartment rather than a desert thousands of miles away. Another apparent answer would be that I wasn't wearing body armor, carrying an assault rifle, or getting shot at. But that couldn't explain what I was feeling.
(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)
Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. (We have a daily "Open Post" too, if you have something on another topic you can link there.)
Sgt. D's IED Problem -- [JD's Blog - Faces from the Front]
By Sgt. Christi Prickett CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(Sept. 28, 2005) -- Most Marines in Iraq consider themselves lucky when they walk away from one improvised explosive device attack, but two, or even three?
The Politics of Greatness -- [Training for Eternity - in Iraq]
Over the past few days there has been much in the news about the death toll in Iraq. Fox News, CNN, even AFN News are discussing and spinning the magic number 2000 to the point of nausea. Frankly, one is too many. But this is a war, after all. Blood will spill, lives will be lost, and families will mourn. It is the nature of what we do. The problem is that every news source that I have access to is focusing on our casualties. One of the results is that the American soldier is demoralized. Not because one or more of his buddies may have given their all, but because he feels like the American people do not really understand what he is doing and are therefore not truly behind them. There are two sides to every story, but the American people only seem to be getting half of it. A basic understanding of Operational Security (OPSEC) forbids me from divulging details of some of the things I've seen and heard. However, there are some things I can mention. ...
Iraqi children hold first pinewood derby -- [Peace like a River]
A co-ed International Scouting group formed this summer in Hasar held its first-ever pinewood derby Oct. 6 thanks to leaders? efforts and cars donated by families of 116th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers.
A Few New Pics -- [They Call Us, "Doc" - in Iraq]
Today, I met a very brave, young boy. He is the five year old son of an Iraqi Army soldier. His eye injury was caused by a horse and he had initially been treated by a local hospital. As of now,
Conclusion -- [Dadmanly - in Iraq]
I am no doubt down to the last few of any communiqu鳠I will generate as a soldier serving in a combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) III.
I try to craft a rhetorical conclusion, a packaging of themes that sums up my time here, our time here, military web logging (blogging), or the entire mobilization experience.
Shiites to Stay Together to Contest Ballot -- (NewsDay)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The alliance of Shiite religious parties that swept Iraq's historic election in January has agreed to remain together to contest the Dec. 15 parliamentary ballot,
Marines take over civilian homes -- (Concord Monitor)...Antonio Castaneda, Associated Press
...The Marines call it a necessary evil -- taking over houses and buildings for military use. For the Iraqis who become unwilling hosts to the Americans, it can be anything from a mild inconvenience to a disruption that tears apart lives...
US One Step Behind 'Iraqi Phantom' -- (London Daily Telegraph)...Adrian Blomfield
Some senior Iraqi officers call him a phantom. In certain western coalition circles, he is known as Macavity, the mystery Ba'athist.
Iraqi Forces Thrust Into Major Role In Haditha -- (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)...Antonio Castaneda, Associated Press
Two months after a crash course on the basics of soldiering, hundreds of Iraqi troops have been thrown into a bitter fight here ? tasked with helping keep the peace and restore local security forces in this restive Sunni Arab city.
Americans Won't Let Democrats Lose Iraq -- (Los Angeles Times)...David Gelernter
A FEW DAYS AGO, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) made a speech urging the U.S., in effect, to get out of Iraq the way we got out of Vietnam.
US EMBASSY SPITS ON FIRST AMENDMENT IN AFGHANISTAN -- [Cao's Blog]
US State Department tried to shut down the Afghan Newspaper that called for Idema?s release. NDS and FBI agents Seize 10,000 Afghan papers from Kabul printing press before this weeks issue was released with another story about Idema and Team, including US and Afghan government documents reprinted proving Idema innocent. Karzai government issues arrest warrants for Newspaper Publisher!
Gratuitous Afghan Photos Return XIV -- [Miserable Donuts]
This is a translation of a leftover leaflet from the earliest days of the Coalition coming in to hammer the Taliban. Blunt and to the point - I rather liked it.
Osama used to hang here -- [OrlandoSentinel.com - Blog]
KANDAHAR ? It?s no wonder this is a less friendly city that most in Afghanistan. After all, it was the Taliban?s stronghold for years -- and the home of Taliban leader Mohammad Omar. And Osama bin Laden liked to hang out here, drink some chai and talk politics and religion with the guys.
UN report highlights Afghan human rights concerns -- (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Escalating violence, torture and forced child marriages are some of the rights abuses still blighting Afghanistan four years after the removal of the fundamentalist Taliban government, the United Na...
Wilma Pictures -- [Right-Wing of the Gods]
Taken outside my back window around 8:00 a.m. as the winds were at their peak. It Shows my back porch right after the ficus went down. Shortly before, the neighbor to the left of the pic had a tree land in her backyard. Unfortunately this was the only pic taken during the cane that came out decent.
Power Slowly Being Restored in Florida -- (AP)
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. - Four days after Hurricane Wilma hit, simple tasks like buying gas, cooking food and turning on the lights got a little easier Friday as power had been restored to nearly half the homes and businesses that lost it during the storm.
Cuba Accepts US Offer Of Storm Relief -- (Boston Globe)...Anne Gearan, Associated Press
Cuba has unexpectedly agreed to a quiet US offer of emergency aid following Hurricane Wilma, and three Americans will travel to Cuba to assess needs there, the State Department said yesterday.
Jenkins Appears On 60 Minutes; Provides More Evidence of North Korean Abductions -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
Former US Army deserter Charles Jenkins recently appeared on 60 Minutes and provided evidence and testimony that North Korea has abducted more than just Japanese nationals over the years: ...
Iran's "clarification" is not accepted -- [TigerHawk]
Even Russia, Iran's friend and ally, has rolled over on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's campaign to destroy Israel. The Iranian diplomatic corps is trying to repair the damage, but President Ahmadinejad will have nothing of it:
U.S. Asked To Set Deadline -- (Moscow times)...AP
A top official in a regional security group dominated by Russia and China said Thursday that it wants the United States to set a precise deadline for its withdrawal from bases in Central Asia.
New State Department Official on Bioterrorism, Threats from S.E. Asia & Latin America, and on Saudis (updated) -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The new State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Henry Crumpton, testified today before the terrorism subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee, chaired by Rep. Ed Royce. Mr. Crumpton has a long career in counterterrorism at the CIA and recently assumed the position held by Cofer Black until late last year. Mr. Crumpton made some news in response to Congressmen's questions:
TERRORISM: INTERNET TERROR THREATS TO OMAR SHARIF -- (AKI)
Rome, 28 Oct. - Death threats to the Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif have appeared in Islamist forums on the Internet, after Sharif's appearance as a Christian, Saint Peter, in an Italian biblical epic for television. A threatening message from user 'bachirma1' on one of the forums used by jihadi groups linked to al-Qaeda, reads:"In my view Omar Sharif is an infidel - enter here". Inside it continues; "He is a crusader who offends Islam and Muslims and is applauded by the Italian people. I give you some advice, my brothers, you should kill him."
The Valour-IT Fundraising Competition Is Coming! -- [Holly Aho - A Soldier's Angel]
Updated at the bottom...
A fundraising competition for Project Valour-IT is coming to the blogging world November 2! From Fuzzilicious Thinking - bloggers who would like to participate in this fundraising competition are encouraged to pick a team, teams divided along military branches, with civilians "up for grabs."
I will be joining the competition with my blog, and as a civilian I sat wondering which team I should add my voice to when I read this:...
Taking advantage of the hits -- [Courage without Fear]
...As aways I'm looking for stuff I can get my troops to help them do their jobs. Right now, I'm trying to come up with ideas for stuff for my Medics. If you have an idea, please post it. If you have a few bucks to donate, drop them in the Tip Jar on the right side of the page.
ABLE DANGER -- [Iraq Pictures]
NORRISTOWN - Senior Pentagon officials were warned not to let the USS Cole dock in Yemen two days before terrorists attacked the ship five years ago killing 17 sailors, according to Congressman Curt Weldon, who said the crucial intelligence was gleaned from the former secret defense operation, "Able Danger."
Fake Vigil -- [Red Hunter]
What these people claim to be doing is holding a vigil to "mark the death of the 2,000th reported U.S. military death in Iraq and to say that the country?s pro-peace majority wants Congress to stop the deaths by stopping the dollars that are funding the war."
Bush Stung As Miers Withdraws Nomination -- (My Way News)
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a striking defeat for President Bush, White House counsel Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to the Supreme Court on Thursday after three weeks of brutal criticism from fellow conservatives. The Senate's top Republican predicted a replacement candidate within days.
Bush Appears Relaxed As Tension Mounts -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- After weeks of anxiety about possible indictments in the CIA leak investigation, President Bush showed no signs of strain Friday, smiling and joking with aides as he left to make a speech on terrorism in Norfolk, Va....
Newsview: Withdrawal Shows Bush's Weakness -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' sudden withdrawal underscores the strength of the social conservatives who form President Bush's political base and the weakness of a president buffeted by one political misfortune after another....
Source: Rove Won't Be Indicted Today -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - Karl Rove won't be indicted Friday as prosecutors and his lawyers try to resolve questions in the CIA leak investigation, two people close to Rove told The Associated Press. The White House still braced for an indictment against another top aide. In discussions Thursday, Rove's lawyer was told by Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's office that investigators had not completed their investigation into Rove's conduct in the case and they would continue investigating, the people said, speaking only on condition of anonymity because of grand jury secrecy
Conference Report #2 -- [Adventures of Chester]
[I'm going to write a little at a time about the recent Media, Communications & Technology in the Age of the Blogger conference. So, a post here and there about it over the next few days -- with two caveats: first, I'm not a reporter and though I write a lot and interpret quite a bit, I don't report on actual events very often, so if something needs clarification or even correcting, please let me know. Second, I'm still in New York til Sunday and plan to see the City a bit with Mrs. Chester. So, I won't be doing any super long posts . . . but of course will pick up in full on Monday.]
How To Write A Military Blog -- [BlogCritics.org]
At Milblogging.com we claim to be the world's largest index of military blogs - searchable by a variety of attributes - providing an unprecedented depth of information necessary to find your favorite milblog. But we just don't allow any type of military blog to be added to our database - here's a list of rules we suggest all military bloggers live by...
Halloween Cavalcade of Horrors! -- [The Right Place]
I Know What You Did the Summer Before Last
Stars: Patrick Fitzgerald, Judith Miller, Robert Novak, Lewis Libby, Karl Rove, Joe Wilson, Valerie Plame
Spectres from the past come back to haunt those who couldn't keep a nonexistent secret and some seem sure to "get the hook."
Dems Urge Bush to Pick Reid's 2nd Court Choice -- [ScrappleFace]
In the wake of Harriet Miers' aborted Supreme Court nomination, Democrats have urged President George Bush to replace her with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's second choice for the high court.
MUC - Wednesday, October 26, 2005 -- [In Iraq for 365]
It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce that my unit ? the 139 MPAD ? received the military?s Meritorious Unit Citation award for our service in Iraq. This is the highest award given to a unit of our size. Congrats all 139 padsters. We worked our butts off and deserve the recognition!
One Year Blogiversary -- [Adventures of Chester]
This whole time, I had thought that the 27th was my blogiversary. But it looks like I was off by a few days: it was the 22nd . . . that's ok, I'll celebrate today:
Today marks one year of The Adventures of Chester.
This And A Quarter Will Buy You A Quarter -- [Camp Katrina]
Check this out: Build yourselves a cake or something, Katrina Campers; this blog celebrates hitting ten thousand page views today. That's a paltry amount for some sites, but we're proud of reaching it in such a relatively short time.
Oct. 24 -- [War, Beer, and Boots - home from Iraq]
Suppose i realized it was time to do something about what i had on this site. Just looking at this website and glancing at my previous entries while i was deleting them one by one was a reminder of alot of bad things. I am so glad to be home and completely terrified of getting called back up to "do my duty" or more of my duty I guess. Seeing video's and stories from Iraq keep a dark spot in my heart encased in glass with break in case of recall written on it.
Leave time -- [Phil and Becky - Phil coming home on R&R from Iraq]
Sorry for the light posting lately. I've been keeping busy making sure that everything was straight before I go on leave. But the time for preparing is over because tomorrow morning I will begin the hopefully quick but sometimes painful travel process home for my R&R leave break. I am one of three people on the very last group of soldiers in the battalion to go on leave. It was a long wait, but well worth it.
(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)
Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. (We have a daily "Open Post" too, if you have something on another topic you can link there.)
WINDS OF CHANGE -- [THE MESOPOTAMIAN - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...Therefore the percentages really reflect the percentage of Sunnis in Iraq. It is interesting that in Baghdad, roughly the same proportions of Yes & No?s as the overall figures, which goes to show that Baghdad has a sectarian mix almost representative of the whole country.
Not all those who voted No are terrorist sympathizers. The terrorists would rather have people boycott the referendum.
Weekly Roll Up - Sunday, 23OCT05 -- [NEW MILBLOGGER! -Weekly Newsletters from SSG Paul Farr in Iraq]
...This has been a very busy week, which is the way we prefer it as it helps the time go by quicker. We visited the two water projects this week and I?m happy to report they are 100% complete as far as we are concerned. Now it?s up to the Mayor to hold up his end of the bargain and get the pipe netting to run to houses, as he promised. The completion of the two water projects marks an end to the bulk of our missions these past two months, overseeing every step of the projects. From the selection of the projects, to the selection of the contractors, to checking on the projects weekly to ensure the terms of the contracts were being met, we are proud of the work done.
On Tragedy and Round Numbers -- [Neptunus Lex]
Two thousand American soldiers, Sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have now given their lives fighting in Iraq ? whether that number encompasses only combat deaths or deaths by mischance or accident is immaterial: They went there to fight for their country and as a result of that service they died. Now we mourn them.
Democratic Revolutions Slow, Painfully Incremental Miracles -- [Strategy Page]
The Iraqi constitution -- now ratified by the Iraqi people -- is another signal that the democratic revolts of 2004 and 2005 won't be defeated by murderous tyrants and autocrats.
Al Qaeda Losing Sunni Arab Support [Strategy Page]
October 26, 2005: The new constitution was approved by 78 percent of the ten million Iraqis who voted. It took nearly two weeks to count all the votes. Most of the 22 percent who rejected it were Sunni Arabs, who turned out in large numbers. The Sunni Arabs indicate that they will turn out in large numbers again in December for the parliamentary elections.
Press Release for recent Humanitarian Mission -- [Courage without Fear - in Iraq]
Helping Hands 1 (Humanitarian/Medical Civilian Assistance Program Mission)
On September 28, 2005, HHC 126 Armor went to a small Iraqi community to perform a Humanitarian and Medical Civilian Assistance Program mission. Upon arrival to the community, we established security and set out all the items we brought. Our two medics,...
Iraq Pictures - Thursday, October 27, 2005 -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq](pic)
A Task Force Baghdad Soldier examines a crater caused by one of three car bombs near hotels in central Baghdad
What was it really like? -- [NEW MILBLOGGER! greenzone - just home from Iraq]
Surprising number of people are asking "What was it really like being in Iraq? Are we getting the right story in the news that we watch?"
Good question, because I asked myself the same thing while I was in Iraq. I would sit in the briefings in the mornings at the Strategic Operations Center and then listen to the Headline News later in the day. Not always the same story. What the coalition forces accomplish on a daily basis is not being reported. What the insurgents and criminals perpetuate seems to always be highlighted.
Backscatter -- [365 an a Wake Up - in Iraq]
...Despite the visual enhancement driving in blackout remains a pulse quickening ordeal. To get a flavor of just how difficult the process really is grab a toilet paper tube, and lash it to your eye. Then tape your other lid shut and get behind the wheel. You will quickly get a sense of just how challenging night driving can really be. And that isn?t even taking into account craters large enough to swallow a HMMWV, the specter of newly emplaced IEDs, and the throat clogging clouds of dust.
Following Saddam's... -- [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Ahmadinejad warns Israel and the Muslim and Arab countries from the fire of the Islamic nation: ...
Cats can burn also -- [Kurdistan Bloggers Union - an Iraqi in Iraq]
?Since our village is a big village with 200 houses, a security station is established in it. It was the middle of June in 1993. Since it was very hot in the summer, my father and brothers were on the roof. Suddenly there was an explosion. At first we couldn?t understand what was happening. People were running forth and back. We were looking out from the window. Somebody on the street told us to go inside. The soldiers were shooting towards the village. We didn?t know where my father was. My mother heard that somebody yelling that my uncle was shot. I suppose my father must have gone to look for him. Till the morning we stayed under the bed. The shooting continued. In the morning the soldiers brought us all in the village yard. It was there that my mother saw my father?s corpse.
Getting ready to go -- [MREater - in Iraq]
The greeting in vogue right now is ?How long you got left?? Soldiers see others in the chow hall, or the restroom, and that question always gets asked, and the answer is always served with a smile. I heard one soldier reply, ?I?m a one-digit midget.?
The new guys, although they haven?t formally taken authority, are not shy about taking over. They?ve been painting over unit signs and vehicle numbers, rearranging offices, and generally taking charge.
'We don't need al-Qaeda' (Mail Guardian South Africa)...Ghaith Abdul-Ahad
Abu Theeb is a tall, handsome, well-built man with a thin beard and thick eyebrows. His name is a nom de guerre: it means Father of the Wolf. He is a farmer during daylight and a commander of a mujahedin cell, a group of holy warriors, at night. He and his men roam the farmland north of Baghdad in search of prey -- a United States armoured Humvee, perhaps, or an Iraqi army unit.
Shi'ite and Sunni lines drawn for Iraq vote -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD - Members of Iraq's ruling Shi'ite-led coalition patched up their differences on Thursday, a day before a deadline to register for December 15 polls where they face a challenge from a new Sunni bloc as well as old rivals
U.N.: 2,000 Cos. Gave Iraq Illicit Funds -- (AP)
UNITED NATIONS -- More than 2,000 companies paid about $1.8 billion in illicit kickbacks and surcharges to Saddam Hussein's government through extensive manipulation of the U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq, according to key findings of a U.N.-backed investigation obtained by The Associated Press
Gratuitous Afghan Photos Return XIII -- [Miserable Donuts]
This fellow is moving toward downtown, along the main east-west road in the city of Charikar, Parwan Province. (pic)
Afghanistan welcomes extradition of rebels -- (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)-- Afghan officials Thursday welcomed the extradition of 14 suspected Taliban members from Pakistan, saying they hoped the move would hail a new era of cooperation between the neighbors.
Wet Behind the Ears -- [Camp Katrina]
PVT Andrew Standley, who serves with the 1-186th Inf. in the Oregon National Guard, writes Camp Katrina to tell us about a muddy experience he had in Opelousas, Louisiana while there for hurricane relief efforts:
New Katrina relief plan may involve no new funds -- (Reuters)
WASHINGTON - The White House is considering a plan to fund the next phase of the hurricane recovery by dipping into existing disaster relief funds to pay for projects like road and bridge rebuilding, congressional sources said on Wednesday
Gov. Bush Takes Blame for Slow Wilma Aid -- (ap)
Gov. Jeb Bush took the blame Wednesday for frustrating delays at centers distributing supplies to victims of Hurricane Wilma, saying criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was misdirected.
Wilma-ravaged Floridians scramble for ice, gasoline -- (Reuters)
Floridians took cold showers and lined up for gas, water, ice and money on Wednesday as power crews worked to restore electricity to 5 million people two days after Hurricane Wilma hit Florida's most populous region, killing 10 people.
With most traffic lights out and residents complaining of long lines for emergency water and ice, gasoline and groceries, life for many from Miami to West Palm Beach was a tedious wait for basics.
Behind the Scenes of the Relief Effort -- [FirePower Forward - from Afghanistan to Pakistan]
Well, I haven?t been forward in a few days. Sometimes I wonder how it is that I have found my way into the forefront so many high profile situations when it is the traditional lot of us logisticians to make camp in the rear echelons. For the past few days I have been working at the airfield where all the helicopters performing the relief missions are staged and it is taking on more and more of the flavor of what I imagined the Allied airfields in England to be during WWII.
U.N. Nearly Doubles Quake Donations Target -- (The Guardian)
GENEVA (AP) - The United Nations on Wednesday raised its appeal for donations for victims of the South Asia earthquake to $550 million ahead of a donors conference, the world body's top humanitarian...
In southern Sudan a woman's value is measured in cows, not education. -- [Kevin Sites in Africa]
She attends school every day. Her teacher says she has the best attendance of anyone in the class. It's a promising start for Rebecca Achol, who says she wants to be a medical doctor. The problem is, she is a 40-year-old widow, a mother of four and illiterate.
Israel Wants Iran Expelled From U.N. -- (AP)
JERUSALEM - Israel's vice prime minister said Iran should be expelled from the United Nations after its new president said Israel should be "wiped off the map," and Britain summoned an Iranian diplomat Thursday to protest the remarks. Italy on Thursday also condemned the words of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, telling the Iranian ambassador the comments were "unacceptable" and that they confirm worries over the political positions - and nuclear intentions - of Iran's new leadership.
Al Qaeda Takes Credit For Hotel Bombing - Ahmadinejad: "Wipe Israel Out!" - 278th RCT to Redeploy - -- [NEW MILBLOGGER! - Daily Intel Briefing]
From Laura Mansfield Stategic Translations:
The following is a translation of the statement of responsibility issued by Al Qaeda for the attack on the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad.
A copy of the video is on the website at...
Good Times for Terrorists -- [Strategy Page]
October 27, 2005: The government will try to increase it's militia of Islamic conservative gunmen (the Basij) to over a million men, with the formation of 2,000 battalions. They may not be able to get that many volunteers, but it certainly shows the government is willing to fight to maintain power. The Islamic conservatives believe they have the moderates and reformers (who comprise, according to opinion and election polls, some 80 percent of the population) on the run.
TERRORISM: MEMBER OF Al-QAEDA IN INDIA TO HIT AMERICAN INTERESTS -- (AKI)
Mumbai, 27 Oct. - Indian security forces are hunting down a terrorist linked to the al-Qaeda network, who may have succeeded in entering the country with the aim of targeting American interests in India. Behind the recent alarm issued to the US consolates and cultural centres in major Indian cities, is the figure of Mohammed Majoodi, according to national inteliigence sources cited in the national daily, 'Times of India'. Majoodi is an Islamist expert in car-bombs who until now has been based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Video That SHOULD Be On TV -- [Holly Aho - a Soldir's Angel]
As an update to this post of mine, I am taking it one step further than complaint over what is...I'm showing how it should be. I'm saddened to say that this is how some Americans think it is. And while that group may believe they speak for all - others have been saying it differently and more eloquently. These are the videos that should be played on t.v., for these are the voices that are relevant no matter the current events....
"We need to make it our jobs to defend them here as they defend us there" -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Email from a Soldier?s Spouse to Soldiers' Angel Cherise:
Morning!
Something happened today that I just had to share with you that really, how should I say, ripped me off, I'm being gentle. I saw some Anti-War protesters today along the street, they were quite peaceful, at least until I parked my truck. I soon felt like a target for their anti-war opinions; which I did listen to. I listen to anything whether I agree with it or not.
A 40th Anniversary for 1st Cav Vietnam Vets: We Shall Remember -- [The Patriette - a Blue Star Wife - Iraq]
[As a sidenote: The author of the article below, Joseph L. Galloway, is the co-author of "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young," which he co-wrote with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Hal Moore.]
Letter to my wife: -- [Iraq War News]
Dear Dawn,
A friend of mine went to visit you last week. I met this friend when I first arrived here in Iraq. I am a soldier, as you know, fighting to free this country from a horrible regime. I have seen many terrible things in my short time here. Many people are homeless and poor. They live in fear and poverty, struggling for a better way of life.
More Plame Speculation -- [Balloon Juice]
Via the comments in a previous post, this tidbit: Prosecutors investigating the leak of a CIA agents identity returned their attention to powerful White House advisor Karl Rove on Tuesday, questioning a former West Wing colleague about
Stop The ACLU Interviews Alan Sears, President of the Alliance Defense Fund -- [Stop The ACLU]
First of all, I want to thank you on behalf of Stop The ACLU, all of our contributors, and supporters. It is an honor to have this interview with you. We appreciate the Alliance Defense Fund does for America by fighting the ACLU, and protecting life, and liberty.
Miers Withdraws -- (FOX News)
Supreme Court nominee ends her bid for benchPresident Bush 'reluctantly' accepts Harriet Miers' resignation amid questions from both right and left.
Danforth Criticizes Christian Sway in GOP -- (AP)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former Sen. John Danforth said Wednesday that the political influence of evangelical Christians is hurting the Republican Party and dividing the country....
Democrats Try to Protect Hurricane Voters -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- Concerned that political operatives may try to manipulate the battered Gulf region's voting process in upcoming elections, House Democrats on Wednesday asked the Justice Department to vigilantly defend the rights of people displaced by recent hurricanes....
Newsview: Bush Following Well-Worn Path -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- Amid White House anxiety over the CIA leak investigation, President Bush is heading down a path well worn by other modern second-term presidents embroiled in scandals. He's avoiding confronting the unpleasantness publicly, contending he's too busy doing "my job."...
Gee thanks for the compliment, I think ... -- [IraqPundit - an Iraqi in London]
The New York Times editorial today gives Iraqis a back-handed compliment. The newspaper's editorials have often fantasized about a civil war and what an unnatural country Iraq is, because the writer argued, we are people who have nothing in common but are forced to live together within arbitrary borders.
...The writer's admiration for us is quickly replaced by the writer's contempt for Iraqis.
Proof The Media Sucks -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
Are network reporters giving the public an inordinately gloomy portrait of the situation, as some critics charge? Are the positive accomplishments of U.S. soldiers and Iraq?s new democratic leaders being lost in a news agenda dominated by assassinations, car bombings and casualty reports?
MSM Makeover: Condi Rice -- [California Conservative]
This morning, Michelle Malkin points out the following circumstances regarding a recent photo in USA Today.
Blogs provide connection for military families -- (Northern Lights)
...After learning of Bohling?s death, Jennings spent several days searching the Internet for information about him. That?s how she came across the Web log of Some Soldier?s Mom. Soldier?s Mom had attended the memorial honoring Bohling at his home base in Georgia and had described the experience on her blog.
School Orders Students to Remove Blogs -- (AP)
NEWARK, N.J. - A Roman Catholic high school has ordered its students to remove personal blogs from the Internet in the name of protecting them from cyberpredators. Students at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta appear to be heeding a directive from the principal, the Rev. Kieran McHugh, to remove personal postings about the school or themselves from Web sites like myspace.com or xanga.com, even if they were posted from the students' home computers.
Fitzgerald: Who Leaked Google Classified Ad Service? -- [ScrappleFace]
In an effort to produce "some kind of result" after two years of investigating who leaked the name of CIA operative Valerie Wilson, special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald today announced formation of a new grand jury to probe who leaked Google's classified ad service.
Happy Birthday, My Dearest Husband -- [Some Soldier's Mom] Editor's note: We keeping you close to our hearts here in Germany
Happy Birthday, DH!!
Happy Birthday to the man who makes my life so good. I can not remember a day in my life that I didn't love him (time started the day I met him) and I can't imagine a day in my life that I won't. The best part of my day is falling asleep next to him and the best part of my day is waking next to him... and all the hours in between.
Free at Last!!! - [Lost in Iraq - home from Iraq]
I don't know what to say... I can't believe we're home! It was amazing pulling in to the armory Thursday night. Talk about a hero's welcome!
Fully home? -- [NEW MILBLOGGER! - greenzone - home from Iraq]
Before heading to Iraq, I was resonsible for providing briefings to returning soldiers at Ft. Drum, NY. As these soldiers returned from their deployment, I helped greet them at the airport, offer prayers, encouragement and presence. I have provided reunion briefings for returning soldiers for so many times, I have the briefing memorized.
Hot off the Sunday presses -- [Ryan and Christy's place - Ryan's home from Iraq]
Hey all,
I am back in the states in Camp Shelby, Miss., and it feels so great to be back in the United States. So many exciting things to come in the next week, and I just can't wait to get home to Tenn. to be with Christy and the rest of my family. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers so very much. I'll make another longer more detailed post later. Take care all!
.... here is my latest from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, which ran last Sunday. There should be two more stories about coming home and our overall mission coming out soon as well. :
Elections mark final mission for 278th unit
Hugs welcome Tennessee troops -- (Tennessean.com)
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. ? Star Smith of Ashland City heard the diesel growl of the sleek chartered buses before they rolled into view.
"Here they come," she said.
Sure enough, her ears did not deceive. In a moment, the dark-tinted windows of the first bus appeared at the crest of a hill leading onto this National Guard camp deep in the piney woods of southern Mississippi.
Voice of Jolly Green Giant dies -- (Washington Times)
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) -- Elmer "Len" Dresslar Jr., who extolled vegetables to generations of TV watchers as the booming voice of the Jolly Green Giant, has died. He was 80.
Mr. Dresslar died Oct. 16 of cancer, said daughter Teri Bennett.
(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)
Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. (We have a daily "Open Post" too, if you have something on another topic you can link there.)
KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE -- [AMERICAN CITIZEN SOLDIER]
Is Iraq the central front in the war on terror, or an unnecessary distraction? The answer would likely depend on who you ask, so let us start with the enemy himself.
Why did al Qaeda target media's hotel? -- [Winds of Change - Donald Sensing]
As the news media have almost endlessly repeated, yesterday there was a fairly sophisticated attack of three al Qaeda bombers in or near Firdos Square, Baghdad. This was the square where US Marines pulled down a statue of Saddam Hussein on April 9, 2003 (here and here and here).
Ducks in a row Pt.1 -- [Salemonz News Service - in Iraq]
...What was a little sketchy on the safety factor was the soft-top Humvee I had been assigned. Actually, I had volunteered to ride in it, since everyone was chicken. While our up-armored Humvees boast all-around armor plating, this poor thing had make-shift armored doors slapped on the sides. The roof was cloth and had a big, gaping hole cut in the middle for roof access. The guys looked at it with nervous eyes.
Warms the Heart -- [They Call Us, "Doc"]
This is Duniya (pronounced: doo-nee-yah). Duniya is the 10 year old daughter of an Iraqi Army officer and was injured in a car accident over 7 years ago in which she fractured her spine. She lost the use of her legs, but has more than made up for it with the huge amount of love in her heart.
TASK FORCE BAGHDAD SOLDIERS UNCOVER WEAPONS CACHE -- {CENTCOM}
TAJI, Iraq -- Task Force Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache while conducting combat operations north of Baghdad Oct. 24.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment attached to 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division excavated more than 120 mortar rounds, 49 tank and artillery rounds, eight cases of small-arms ammunition, dozens of rockets, three boxes of mortar fuses, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and two anti-aircraft gun barrels.
Accident Brings U.S. Toll in Iraq to 2,001 -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. soldier died in a vehicle accident in southern Iraq, the U.S. military announced Wednesday, bringing the number of American servicemembers killed in the war to 2,001. The soldier died Tuesday, the same day the U.S. death toll reached the somber milestone of 2,000. Some Iraqis sympathized with U.S. forces. But others noted that many more Iraqis had died in the conflict and said they hope the U.S. "occupiers" will soon go home.
Iraqis React Differently to Military Death Toll -- (FOX News)
BAGHDAD, Iraq ? Some Iraqis sympathized with U.S. forces on Wednesday after hearing the American death toll in the Iraq war had reached 2,000. But others noted that many more Iraqis had died in the conflict and said they hope the U.S. "occupiers" will soon go home.
Iraqi Sunni parties form coalition for polls -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD - Three Sunni Arab parties announced on Wednesday they have formed a coalition to run in Iraq's parliamentary elections in December.
Analysts Warn of Effects of Iraq Civil War -- (AP)
AMMAN, Jordan -- Any all-out civil war in Iraq could shake the political foundations of places beyond that stricken land, sending streams of refugees across Iraqi borders, tempting neighbors to intervene, and renewing the half-buried old conflict of Sunni and Shiite in the Muslim world, Middle East analysts say....
Iraq war forces Western military rethink -- (NZ Herald)
LONDON - Western military powers are being forced to rethink strategy because conflict in Iraq has shown the limits of their conventional armies, said t...
Government performances report -- [Afghan Lord - an Afghani in Afghanistan]
Afghanistan Government is going to release a report on performance of the past one year. This report would cover the performances of all ministries and independent departments which launched over the past one year.
Gratuitous Afghan Photos Return XII -- [Miserable Donuts]
At the Charikar Orphanage. These gentlement were in charge of the instruction the children received - education both secular and religious. Note the...
Militants attack Kabul, killing eight -- (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Militants killed six civilians in a botched ambush on a U.S. troop convoy south of Kabul, officials said Tuesday, while to the east, attackers gunned down two senior police offic...
Afghan leader extends aid to Pakistan -- (Taipei Times)
NEIGHBORS: Hamid Karzai arrived in Islamabad, bringing medical officials and supplies with him, even as strong aftershocks struck the area, leaving five dead in Afghanistan
7,000 Koreans Protest Leftist Anti-American Hate Groups -- [GI Korea Blog - in S Korea]
7,000 people from Korean conservative groups showed up in force at City Hall to voice their opinions against the leftist hate groups in Korea that are slowly eroding the US-ROK alliance: ...
In The News: UN council endorses start of Kosovo status talks -- [....one missionary in Kosovo - in Kosovo]
Big stuff today from most of the major media outlets. The UN has endorsed moving ahead with final status talks for Kosovo. As you know, Kosova is still legally part of ?the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.? It may not be for much longer, however.
"SEASON'S GREETINGS" -- [So Far From Home - in Kosovo]
This morning everyone in our Task Force was given an opportunity to make a holiday greeting video that will be shown back home by our respective local television stations. Given that, SGT. Stubbs and I went up to the DFAC and created a video. The funny thing is that after doing it, I haven't the slightest idea what I said. I just hope it sounds good.
North vs. South -- [Kevin Sites in Africa]
Sudan's long, bloody civil war may be over, but "former" rebels in the south say they still don't trust Arabs in the north.
...Some have uniforms, a mix of camouflage from any number of world armies. Others are just wearing street clothes: sports jerseys or t-shirts with the images of American rap stars. Some tote battered AK-47 assault rifles while others carry sticks.
Iran Leader Calls for Israel's Destruction -- (AP)
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's hard-line president called for Israel to be "wiped off the map" and said a new wave of Palestinian attacks will destroy the Jewish state, state-run media reported Wednesday. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also denounced attempts to recognize Israel or normalize relations with it.
U.S. Agrees to Move Okinawa Air Station -- (AP)
TOKYO -- The United States accepted a Japanese proposal for the relocation of a U.S. air station on Okinawa on Wednesday, resolving a dispute that had blocked progress on military realignment talks and caused friction between the two allies....
EXCLUSIVE: LTC Perry Interview from Lake Charles, LA -- [Hooah Wife - husband in LA]HT: Camp Katrina
Q. Chevy: Having been to Lake Charles' casinos on several Sunday trips, I'm wondering how they've fared? Are they open for business?
UN Still Struggling With Comprehensive Anti Terrorism Convention -- [The Counterterrorism Blog]
The behind the scenes negotiations at the United Nations on a new comprehensive anti-terrorism convention are coming to a close with little result. The working group set up by the General Assembly?s Sixth (Legal) Committee October 3rd to hammer out continuing differences submitted its report on October 21st. Unable to develop new recommendations it referred bracketed texts to the Sixth Committee for further last ditch consultations in the hope that some compromises might be reached.
Four Arabs Convicted in German Plot -- (AP)
DUESSELDORF, Germany -- A court Wednesday convicted four Arab men of plotting to attack Jewish targets in Germany and found three of them guilty of being members of a terrorist organization....
Supporting Your Troops -- [FrontPageMagazine.com - Allan Wall]
Do you support the troops?
Doesn't everybody?
Both supporters and opponents of the war are quick to inform us that ?I support the troops.?
Great. The next question is, ?How do you support the troops??
Pearl Harbor - Of Horror and Heroes -- [Iraq war news]
When I found out I was coming to Hawaii, the first thing I wanted to do - the only thing I saw as a must, really - was a visit to Pearl Harbor. It was a very solemn experience, and I shed more than a few tears. It's hard not to.
I wanted to make the trip to honor those who fell here. I'm glad that I did.
The Big 2K: The Coming Media Myth -- [Mind in the Qatar - in Qatar]
Get ready for the big news...that isn't necessarily true....
The MSM is starting to gear up (and the anti-war left has been ready for a while) to present us with the story of "the milestone of 2,000 U.S. military deaths in Iraq".
Unfortunately, this story is bogus for a few different reasons. Please keep in mind I am military, and none of that which follows is to make light of any of the deaths not matter what column they fall into, but rather to point out that those that make hay about this milestone, and actually celebrating it to further their own cause.
Light up the sky like a plame, Plame! -- (Peace like a River)
Stephen Hayes is a model of what a journalist should be. He has done tremendous work at the Weekly Standard documenting the relationships between Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Al Qaeda. (Yes, those who read only the MSM will be stunned to learn there were relationships between the two.)
CIA leak charges set to be handed out -- (Finacial Times)
Indictments in the CIA leak investigation case are expected to be handed down by a grand jury on Wednesday, bringing to a head a criminal inquiry that threatens to disrupt seriously President George W. Bush's second term.
Newsview: Cheney Again at Center of Drama -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- It should surprise nobody that Vice President Dick Cheney is at the center of another firestorm. He's got his hands in just about everything at the White House....
Miers Isolated From Social Turmoil As Teen -- (AP)
DALLAS -- Harriet Miers spent her teens in an all-white high school far removed from the racial and social upheaval of the early 1960s, consumed instead with academics, tennis and even a stint as the school newspaper's assistant sports editor....
Negotiators on Torture Bill Feeling Heat -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- Congressional negotiators are feeling heat from the White House and constituents as they consider whether to back a Senate-approved ban on torturing detainees in U.S. custody or weaken the prohibition, as the White House prefers....
Sheehan: Oppose Clinton if She Backs War -- (AP)
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Cindy Sheehan, who became the face of anti-war sentiment after her son died in Iraq, urged foes of the war to thwart Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's political aspirations unless the New York Democrat opposes the conflict....
In some ways, I'm a War Correspondent. -- [Dadmanly - in Iraq]
Not that that's what I set out to be, but that's in effect what role I've taken on, trying to communicate sense and sensibility from the middle of a combat zone.
Sablogs Forums - 24/7 Advice, Stories and Help! -- [Holly Aho - A Soldier's Angel]
Ok, if you didn't make it all the way to the bottom of my last post, then you missed out on the news that I installed a forum on sablogs.com. I did it for tutorial purposes, but then decided it might be fun to keep it and actually use it. So, it's staying. You can find the forum here: SAHA Forums.
Dean: Celebrate 2,000th Iraq Death with Dignity -- [ScrappleFace]
Democrat National Committee Chairman Howard Dean urged party members to "restrain their joy" during nationwide celebrations of the 2,000th American fatality of the Iraq war, "out of respect for the untold thousands who have been killed by our troops."
Almost home! -- [Ryan and Christy's Place - Ryan coming home from Iraq]
Ryan's safe at Camp Shelby, Miss.! After a looooonnngggg flight, he's there, safe, back on U.S. soil, on the next-to-last leg of this long journey. I'm beyond words at this point. More to come later!!!!!
278th lands in Gulfport from Iraq -- (The Daily News Journal)
The first wave of the 278th Regimental Combat Team ? the largest of Tennessee's Army National Guard units to serve in Iraq ? returned to Gulfport, Miss., Monday.
An estimated 150 soldiers landed at Gulfport's Air National Guard Field on a chartered commercial airliner shortly after noon Monday, ending more than a year's deployment in the Iraqi war theater.
(Need more? The previous Dawn Patrol is here.)
