 |
|
 |
| Monthly Archives | [−] |
Prev | List | Random | Next |
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.)
The Iraq story: how troops see it
This comes from yesterday’s Christian Science Monitor and is a must read if you want to understand the reality of the day to day situation in Iraq. ...
...Yet as perceptions about Iraq have neared a tipping point in Congress, some soldiers and marines worry that their own stories are being lost in the cacophony of terror and fear. They acknowledge that their experience is just that - one person's experience in one corner of a war-torn country. Yet amid the terrible scenes of reckless hate and lives lost, many members of one of the hardest-hit units insist that they saw at least the spark of progress.
"We know we made a positive difference,"
I'm Reporting Progress That I Saw in Iraq, Not Perfection" -- [Media Blog]
Sen. Joe Lieberman followed up on his Wall St. Journal op-ed with a solid performance on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. One of the most interesting exchanges occurred when Blitzer asked Lieberman how he could be so upbeat about Iraq in the face of stories like this one and this one. Lieberman responded:
The New Old Plan -- [Cool Blue Blog]
It appears that finally, after much haranging and bellicose behavior, Democrats are at last on the same page with the Administration. Or at least columnist David Broder thinks so
It has taken a long time, but the Democrats finally have come close to defining a sensible common ground on the issue of Iraq....
After noting that Democrats have been all over the map on the war...
'Quitting is Not an Exit Strategy' -- [Mary Katharine Ham - Hugh Hewitt]
The Rumsfeld defense briefing was a lively one this morning, with Rummy getting raw on a couple of reporters with that "don't get stuck on stupid" tone he gets sometimes. His comments are all over the cable news networks right now, but "quitting is not an exit strategy" is the quote of the moment.
Awaiting the elections with worries, dreams and hope... -- [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Baghdad looks almost like one huge billboard now that one can easily get distracted by them from his original destination! As to drivers, these posters can cause serious troubles if a driver wanted to read each one (or set) of them while driving.
Ramzi Clark and Saddam -- [Hammorabi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
The fact that needs no trial at is that Saddam Hussein has committed genocides against the Iraqis and the neighbors of Iraq as well as many other people. In fact no need for a long trial for a very well known criminals like SH and his fellows.
For the Iraqis we know very well those who took our money and oil ...
Saddam's Shop of Horrors -- [Kevin Sites - Journalist embedded in Iraq]
Torture and execution were staples of the Iraqi army's Red Security headquarters in northern Iraq. Now the building is a monument to Kurdish resilience
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq -- It is a most startling image: a life-sized figure of a Kurdish rebel hanging by his wrists from a metal hook, his arms bound behind his back -- a position intended to use the prisoner's weight to dislocate his shoulders.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 -- [ballinbaghdad - in Iraq]
Sometimes it's just too much, and just when you think that all is lost and you are doubting why you are over here.....a complete stranger sends you an e-mail out of the blue...for those of you who were on the phone with me last night.....you know...Yesterday was the worse day of my life....What timing? God works in mysterious ways. Last night I showed a side of myself I've never shown my friends....I hope you don't think I'm crazy...or wierd....
Subject: I Didn't Know
Of course I didn't know. How could I?
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 a
The Rock -- [Peace like a River]
In this post, I touched briefly on the sobering number of casualties involving Humvees, and how that vehicle is not an adequate vehicle for the environment in Iraq or Afghanistan. I listed the casualties from Nov 1 through Nov 8 involving Humvees. Here are casualties since then, where Humvees were specified as being involved.
Old polls. -- [Jack Army]
They've been up for a long time now. Time for new ones.
What are your thoughts on these two polls?
Thoughts of A Soldier's Mom in a Time of War... -- [A Soldier's Mom]
As we approach the redeployment in the next few months, I have begun reflecting on these past 10 months. I have never been to war but I have sent a child to war.
...And for our entire family and the friends of our family -- and even the readers of this blog -- the rest of our lives will be forever altered by knowing how close we came.
Smoggy Baghdad Day -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
On the way to take care of some business, I got someone to get a shot of me on the water in Baghdad. There are always fires burning in this city, and the air quality is far from healthy
1st Camel Spider I Saw in Iraq -- [Casper's Calamity - in Iraq]
One night at about 2 AM I was spending some leisure time with friends after a long hard day. This bugger caught my eye as it scurried back and forth across a sidewalk in the dimly lit area. I grabbed a friends flashlight, zeroed in and ...
Congratulations Iraqi Soccer! -- [Hammorabi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Iraq 1 Kuwait 0
Congratulation to the Iraqi football team and all Iraqis!
This is the first time Iraq and Kuwait play since 1990. In the past Iraq and Kuwait football games used to be the most excited one in the Gulf region. It seems to be...
Overlooked Iraq Redeployment -- (Washington Times)...Donald Devine
Why does no one know 30 U.S. bases in Iraq have been turned over to Iraqis with American forces withdrawn to more remote and defensible fortifications?
IRAQ: RUMSFELD BANS THE WORD 'INSURGENTS' -- (AKI)
Washington, 30 Nov. - The US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld has banned the use of the word 'insurgents' when referring to the militants operating in Iraq. "Over the weekend I thought to myself. 'You know, that gives them a greater legitimacy than they seem to merit," he told journalists during a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday. "It was an epiphany," he said, throwing his hands in the air.
Bush: Iraqi Forces in State of Readiness -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - President Bush is trying to convince skeptical Americans that Iraqi forces are increasingly able to protect their nation but the president is not ready to set dates for withdrawing U.S. troops. In a speech Wednesday at the U.S. Naval Academy, Bush was detailing the training of Iraqi security forces and talking about the territories Iraqis control nearly three years after the U.S.-led invasion. The White House also was issuing a 35-page plan titled "Our National Strategy for Victory in Iraq."
Bush to lay out Iraq 'victory strategy' -- (The Australian)
US President George W. Bush was to unveil a "strategy for victory in Iraq" today, hoping to convince a sceptical US public two and a half years after the war began that h...
Nowhere to run -- (The Guardian)
After what has been described as the most foolish war in over 2,000 years, is there a way out of Iraq for President Bush, asks Brian Whitaker
There is a remarkable article in the latest issue of the American Jewish weekly, Forward. It calls for President Bush to be impeached and put on trial "for misleading the American people, and launching the most foolish war since Emperor Augustus in 9 BC sent his legions into Germany and lost them".
Iraqi Cauldron -- (New York Sun)...NIBRAS KAZIMI (Iraqi) HT :Alphabet City
Three ingredients are necessary for failure in Iraq, and all three are being poured into the bubbling cauldron that is Baghdad at this very moment. The recipe includes Ba'athists believing that they have been given a seat at the table and thus have achieved a prelude to total victory, and the Islamists supposing that if they cinch these next elections, then they will get their theocracy. The third element is ...
Analysts Foresee Bleak Road Ahead in Iraq -- (AP)
Two senior Army analysts who in 2003 accurately foretold the turmoil that would be unleashed by the U.S. invasion of Iraq offer a bleak assessment in a new study of what now lies ahead in that bloodied land....
Japan 'to extend mission in Iraq' -- (BBC News)
Japan is set to extend its military involvement in Iraq for up to another year, Japanese media have reported. | The country's non-combat mission is set to expire on 14 December, but the cabinet is poi
U.S. Military Covertly Pays To Run Stories In Iraqi Press -- (Los Angeles Times)...Mark Mazzetti and Borzou Daragahi
As part of an information offensive in Iraq, the U.S. military is secretly paying Iraqi newspapers to publish stories written by American troops in an effort to burnish the image of the U.S. mission in Iraq.
Hillary Clinton Defends Pro-War Vote -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday defended her vote to authorize war in Iraq amid growing unease among liberal Democrats who could determine the potential 2008 presidential candidate's future....
General: Americans Must Stop Iraqi Abusers -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- The nation's top military man, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, said American troops in Iraq have a duty to intercede and stop abuse of prisoners by Iraqi security personnel....
Cheney accused on prisoner abuse -- (BBC News)
Col Wilkerson has been critical of Mr Cheney in the past
A top aide to former Secretary of State Colin Powell has launched a stinging attack on US Vice-President Dick Cheney over abuse of prisoners by US troops.
Col Lawrence Wilkerson accused Mr Cheney of ignoring a decision by President Bush on the treatment of prisoners in the war on terror.
Fixing a School -- [Miserable Donuts]
Deh Qadzi ("Place of the Judge") was a bit of a problem area for us. The HIG (Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin) had been whispering to the folks there that the Americans didn't like them because they were devout Muslims, they have never done anything for you, etc. We had been shot at from the area more than once too. One time when we asked the Parwan Provincal governor if...
In Case You Missed It: Senator Sieve
From Opinion Journal's Political Diary -- [GOP Blog - John Fund]
Is Senator Harry Reid all that swift when it comes to U.S. Intelligence matters? Last Wednesday, the Minority Leader appeared on KRNV-TV's "Nevada Newsmakers" program and dropped a stunning revelation. He had been informed just that day that Osama bin Laden was killed in the giant Pakistan earthquake last month. "I heard that Osama bin Laden died in the earthquake, and if that's the case, I certainly wouldn't wish anyone harm, but if that's the case, that's good for the world."
Karzai urges Omar to speak on murder -- (Dawn)
| KANDAHAR, Nov 29: Taliban leader Mullah Omar should confirm if the group was behind the murder of an Indian worker last week so Afghanistan can know its ‘enemy’, President Hamid Karzai said on Tuesd...
Karzai warns Afghan poppy farmers of world backlash -- (AFP)
| KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned farmers Tuesday to stop growing opium poppies which produce heroin or the world would unite against them as it had against terroris...
From Tehran -- [Afghan Lord - an Afghani in Iran]
I am in Tehran nowadays. It is my first time visiting Tehran the capital of Islamic Republic of Iran. A nice city with a nice figures, good architectures and nice folks.
...now when I am going to read news about military or checking my Flickr photos I can't go inside. Suddenly a message appears: “This is restricted due to Un-Islamic issues in it!!!!!”
...Against all enemies, foreign and domestic... -- [The World From 1250 Feet AGL. - in Qatar]
Today, I signed on that dotted line again. I remain in the inventory of the United States Army for the next 5 years.
...I know this will sound sappy and whatever, but who cares... I love the Army. I can not imagine a greater life than that of a Soldier. Just like every job - it has it's ups and downs, but I would not trade places with any civilian for anything. My country is still embattled in a global war on terror, and the coming years will prove to be some of the most difficult in our nation's history. We have to prove to these terrorists that we will not be bullied - that we will continue to fight them until this war has been won.
Merkel urges action on terrorism and economy -- (Reuters)
BERLIN - Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed on Wednesday not to be blackmailed by kidnappers holding a German in Iraq and said terrorism was a threat to core values of freedom, tolerance and respect.
At the outset of her first major speech to parliament, Merkel focused on the kidnapping of a German woman who was seized in Iraq on Friday and has been threatened with death.
Iran Buying Satellite Know-How -- (Washington Times)...Ali Akbar Dareini, Associated Press
Iran's space agency is trying to snap up technology from abroad as fast as possible for its satellite program, fearing the West will seek to impose restrictions like those put on the Iranian nuclear program.
Insurgent Cross-Pollination A Serious Threat -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
It is now clear that the phenomenon much feared by the intelligence community and military in fighting global terrorism is now well-advanced--the cross-pollination of techniques and strategies of different groups, able to share lethal technological innovations across national boundries to comrades battling elsewhere. The Washington Post on Monday carried a lengthy story on how tactics from Iraqi jihadists are showing up in Afghanistan.
Someone elses Rant -- [Way Down In Kosovo - in Kosovo]
Okay, this one isn't mine, but I could never EVER say what I think better than this. Posting this is my way of affirming to all and sundry that I firmly refuse to apologize for Al Qaeda or other terrorist prisoners being fed better in prison than I ever was in the field, getting to have showers a whole hell of a lot more than I ever did back in the day, and who probably get a hell of a lot more sleep than I ever did. This is awesome.
Desert Protectors Meet Miss Al Qaeda -- [Blackfive]
(click on thumbnail for larger version) Ubaydi-A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist was captured in an Ubaydi hospital dressed in women's clothing. The terrorist was discovered by a Desert Protector, specially trained scout unit of soldiers recruited from the Al Qa'im region. Desert Protectors are
Disgusting -- [Balloon Juice]
...Excellent. In other words, according to the rocket scientist who wrote this, we need to authorize torture so we can beat people relentlessly for four days until they confess to ‘war crimes,’ or other such useful and ‘accurate’ information.
Zarqawi’s extended family and clan disown Al Qaeda in Iraq leader -- (Khaleej Times/AP)
AMMAN - More than 370 members of the clan of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi joined his family on Tuesday in publishing a full-page letter in Jordan’s newspapers that disowns the most notorious terrorist in Iraq.
FRANCE: MPS APPROVE NEW ANTI-TERROR BILL -- (AKI)
Paris, 29 Nov. - French MPs on Thursday approved interior minister Nicholas Sarkozy's new anti-terror bill that will boost video surveillance in France, impose stiffer prison terms for convicted terrorists, and increase the amount of time terror suspects may be held without charges. The bill must be approved by France's Senate to become law. Sarkozy says the new measures will have no effect on civil liberties, but critics argue they may be used to keep closer...
Sidestepping Courts in the War on Terrorism --(LA Times)
U.S. seeks leverage by moving detainees or changing their status before scheduled hearings. Critics call it legal dodge ball.
WASHINGTON — The timing of the government's indictment last week of terror suspect Jose Padilla, after holding him more than three years without charges, seemed hardly coincidental.
The Painful Goodbye -- [Andi's Worl]
Yesterday, my husband walked out the front door to begin a long journey that will put him in a land far away from home, and far away from me. I will not lie - it hurts. It hurts badly. I can't seem to find my stiff upper lip, I've talked God's ear off and asked repeatedly that he keep my soldier safe. I'm sure he will, but my heart is broken shattered nonetheless.
It's impossible to stay strong at the outset of a deployment. You look around the house and there are reminders of the new void everywhere. It's not what I do see that hurts so badly, photos and memories we've created over the years, but rather, what I don't see. His wallet and beret aren't on the ledge in the foyer, and his boots are not under the coffee table.
Mail Call -- [Updates from Your CWFour - in Iraq]
After I got back from R & R I found that I had quite a bit of mail waiting for me. A veritable stack-o-mail. Most of the boxes and letters were from strangers.
My Aunt Marjorie has listed me with an organization called the Falmouth Military Support Group, in Massachusetts.
Do We Get What Is Sent. -- [Ask The Soldiers - in Iraq]
The question: we see a lot of links out there for supporting you guys with various small items that we think yall would appreciate (say maybe some tabasco sauce). Do these items ever make it to you?
Iraq Pictures - 30 November 2005 -- [Iraq Pictures- in Iraq]
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Soldiers with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Group, 3rd Infantry Division pose in their new college football jerseys. More than 40 jerseys were donated by
Stockings for Soldiers UPDATES! -- [Keystone Soldiers]
Thank you so much for everyone who has sent us stockings and stuffing items for them! We have received so many packages in the last few days that we have had little time to update you on our progress. The elves here in Fleetwood have been working night and day to get everything shipped so that the troops have it in time for Christmas.
We will post a list of the names or organizations that we have received items from in the comments of this story.
Thank you for your service ... -- [Proud infantry Wife]
I got this email yesterday that brought tears to my eyes and then this morning it was posted on a military support group web site I am a member of, so I took it as a sign that I too should pass it on.
This one is for you Greg and Brian as you prepare to return home to families anxious to hold you in their arms once again.
The Myth of the Underprivileged Soldier -- [Thunder Run]
Tim Kane and Jay Carafano, both military veterans, and research fellows at the Heritage Foundation published an editorial in the Sunday November 27th USA Today taking on the myth that military recruiters prey on poor, disadvantaged and under-educated youths in an effort to swell the ranks and meet quotas. Bob Herbert, columnist with the New York Times continually writes, “…likely there would be no war if rich kids had to fight.”
How I stopped worrying and learned to love white phosphorus -- [Counter Column]
WP is a useful tool for the control of fires on the modern battlefield. Without it, we would have to use HE for spotting rounds. HE has a vastly greater lethal radius. HE fills the air with red hot metal. If it hits you, it will burn the crap out of you.
The guys who get hit with fragmentation rounds will tell you. They’ll cuss up a storm and tell you “it burns, it f-cking burns!”
Moveon.org Continues to Cater to the Clueless -- [Generation Why]
Moveon.org tries to exploit our brave men and women by producing a commercial about American soldiers stuck in Iraq over Thanksgiving.
Here's the video... and the heartwarming photo of the soldiers... is a picture of British soldiers!
Biden Hypocritical In Opposition To Alito -- [GOP Blog]
On Fox News Sunday Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) said of Judge Samuel Alito "clearly, clearly, you'll find a lot of people, including me, willing to do whatever they can to keep him off the court." Biden was upset over Alito’s dissagreement with the 1962 Supreme Court case Baker vs. Carr, which Alito expressed in a 1985 job application.
DNC1 Virus Mutates, Scientists Say -- [Camp Katrina]
The DNC1 strain of moonbat liberalism seen in Democrat cases in certain cities has mutated as compared with strains found in other parts of the country, scientists say.
Cindy Sheehan Claims Photos Falsely Implied Her Book Signing was a Flop -- [ROFA Six]
Cindy is irked! She claims that photos of her sitting at her bare table waiting for someone to come by and have her sign her book misrepresent reality. If there is anyone who knows about misrepresentation of reality it has to be Cindy ...
Excellent Washington Times Editorial on Bush’s Amnesty in Disguise Program -- [Jammed Gun]
Well, it is good to see that one prominent newspaper in this country gets it … about illegal immigration, that is – and about the lunacy of the Bush-Kennedy-McCain-Cornyn-style of “guest worker” program that will legitimize, recognize, and reward lawbreakers.
Supreme Court to Get Abortion Rights Case -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will consider its first abortion rights case under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, with an unpredictable outcome because of the court's changing makeup. The stakes are significant in the dispute over a New Hampshire law requiring minors to tell a parent before ending a pregnancy, although the case does not challenge the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that said abortion is a fundamental constitutional right.
Bush Cites Tools to Fight Illegal Immigration -- (AP)
EL PASO, Texas -- President Bush on Tuesday watched border patrol techniques ranging from men on horseback to infrared cameras that help keep watch in the dark, and he said the country needs more of both to keep out illegal immigrants....
SUCO to pay Sheehan $11,000 -- (The Daily Star Online)
ONEONTA — The State University College at Oneonta has booked a Fox News Channel military analyst to counter a lecture tonight by anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan.
Lt. Col. Scott Rutter, who retired from the Army in November 2003 after leading a mechanized infantry battalion into Baghdad, will give a presentation sponsored by the student-run College Union Activities Council at noon Friday in the Hunt Union Square.
...Sheehan is getting paid $11,000 for the hour-long talk, while Rutter will receive his standard fee of $600 for his presentation, Dromgoole said.
Former President's Son May Run for Senate -- (AP)
LAS VEGAS -- The son of former President Jimmy Carter has launched a Web site soliciting donations for a possible run for U.S. Senate....
Bush says congressman taking bribes 'outrageous' -- (Reuters)
EL PASO, Texas - U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday verbally slapped a congressman from his Republican party for taking bribes, calling it "outrageous."
Hastert Wants 'Christmas,' Tree Together -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- If it's a spruce tree adorned with 10,000 lights and 5,000 ornaments displayed on the Capitol grounds in December, it's a Christmas tree and that's what it should be called, says House Speaker Dennis Hastert....
Officials Decry Use of Outdated Gitmo Images -- {Defend America}
U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, Nov. 29, 2005 — Leaders at the U.S. detention facility for enemy combatants here wonder why media outlets continue to use outdated images of defunct facilities to accompany news reports about the base.
Not Funny…Trivializing Saddam’s Horrors -- [Talisman Gate - an Iraqi columist at New York Sun]
The Washington Post ran this cartoon by Tom Toles on its editorial page today. It has the ‘lawyer’ asking Saddam: “Tell us about your death squads and secret police and torture and executions…We need some tips on getting this country under control…[bottom-right] If you cooperate, we may let you off with the presidency.”
I got to thinking that the Washington Post would never run a flippant cartoon featuring Adolph Hitler, but somehow with Saddam...
A Puzzling Response to "The Freedoms We Fight For" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
A reader, Peter Murray, has a truly bizarre response to "The Freedoms We Fight For" (see my article here and my blog entry about it here):
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (and homecoming pics) -- [Ryan and Christy - Ryan just returned home from Iraq]
Somebody's 24 today.
Happy birthday, Ryan! Glad this year's better than the last.
I Fought the Law and I Won -- [Incoherant Ramblings - in Kosovo]
Ok, for those of you who have been curious for the last couple of days, my blog was down. This was in respect to a direct order I recieved from my Chain of Command. It was also in regards to me posting pictures when I was ordered not too. Now, granted, I probably shouldn't have posted the pictures and I posted them anyway, but from my understanding of military regulations, and my research on it, it seemed to me that my posting the pictures was not in violation of any military regulation, other then a disobeyment of a direct order that I thought was not entirely lawful.
Bad Blogs, Burned Bridges, and More -- [Euphoric Reality]
The blogosphere is aflurry with the Weblog Awards, the OSM scandal, and the typical interblog chatter and clique drama that seems to never stop. Now on the scene are the Bad Blog Awards, hosted by Beth of MVRWC.
Some of the categories include “Worst email spamming link whore”, “Worst comment link-dropping link whore”, “Most self-worshipping blogger, “Blogger who takes him/herself MUCH too seriously”, and
Texas Guard Unit Heading Home -- [Target Centermass]
My dear friend William J. Hartmann, my former tank crewmate and close buddy of several years, prepped for deployment to Iraq. He served there. Now, he and his comrades from the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Brigade are honorably returning home.
The Dallas Morning-News recently covered this deployment and ...
(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.)
The Honest Broker -- [Major K - in Iraq]
There were protests the other day over the murder of a fairly prominent Sunni Sheikh here in Baghdad. The murderers were dressed in Iraqi Army uniforms and it happened in a sector patrolled by the Iraqi Army. The Iraqi Brigade Commander tried to meet with the family of the Sheikh and the protesters to try to calm the situation. He made little progress as he was not trusted by the Sheikh's relatives. This matter was immediately elevated to the highest military levels on both the American and Iraqi sides. Several Iraqi Officers here in the TOC suggested
Slow day = good day -- [Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
Today was a slow day, which means that it was a good one. Our partnered IA bubbas handled a couple of IED situations, but nothing that merited our attention.
It is encouraging to see the Iraqis take care of IEDs without any help from us. There was a time when we had to do all of that sort of thing by ourselves.
Parting the Waters -- [365 and a Wake Up - in Iraq]
A little after the sun settled into its twilight cradle the radio in the CP hissed out a message from our tank platoon; apparently the Iraqi Army soldiers they were parked beside knew the location of a fresh IED. I told 1LT Mac to hold the element in place and put out a quick guidance to my NCOs. By time I suited up and stepped outside the vehicles were almost prepped, and a few minutes later we rolled towards the link up site. When we arrived1LT Mac jumped off his M1 and gave me a quick backbrief on the situation. Apparently a helpful local had reported that there was a newly emplaced IED lurking about a kilometer down the road, and the Iraqi police officers would be able to identify the exact location.
Through the Looking Glass -- [Kevin Sites - Journalist embedded in Iraq]
ERBIL, Iraq - It's Friday at dusk. People are strolling through the gardens, lounging on the grass, reading, eating snacks and chatting near the refreshment stand.
Zirar Abdullah poses his young son and daughter on the playground spinner, then snaps their picture in the perfectly diffused golden light.
"I come here with my family every Friday," Abdullah says. "I feel very secure. I feel free to do what I like."
Soldier's Story -- [Across the Pond - in Iraq]
ATTENTION BLOGOSPHERE!! After almost a year of blogging here and surfing around the net, I have noticed alot, and I mean alot of blogs are dedicated to politics and Iraq in one fashion or another. A few are from actual soldiers, but most are from the citizens of our great nation and many others around this small world. So, myself and Mr. Matt over at As Confusion Sets In have decided to kinda steal the idea from Zubegirl, Painting Chef, and Bonanza Jellybean and try an open forum for the world to ask us questions concerning Iraq and the War on Terrorism whether it be political or whatever.
BUSY DAY FOR IRAQI, COALITION FORCES -- [Iraqi bounty hunter]
TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. forces continued the fight against terrorists operating throughout the north central region of Iraq Saturday.
Sixteen suspected terrorists, including one female, were captured in a series of unrelated events.
In an early morning cordon and search mission near Baqubah, Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers detained nine suspected terrorists and seized fuses used for detonating explosives along with several anti-aircraft artillery rounds.
Things behind eyes -- [Children's Voice from Iraq - an Iraqi in Iraq]
I posted many real stories that shows how kids get hurt directly by the situation they are at it, Now I want to explain how kids get hurt indirectly. May be kids don’t know that and some people think it is for some thing else but I tell no it is same target against Iraqi kids when be against our kids it will be against us, Here is some of it.
Saddam's Torturer: Working In Iraq Interior Ministry -- [Iraqi Bloggers Central]
Certain elements of the Iraq Interior Ministry have recently been to discovered maintaining some pretty ghoulish penal policies. here here Riverbend doesn't seem to remember anything like this happening under Saddam, and was horrified/satisfied to see it happening in New Iraq. Hammorabi, however, does remember how things worked under Saddam and he says (paraphrasing) "good enough for them":
The trial...again. -- [Iraq the Model - an Iraqi in Iraq]
It’s the trial again, and the streets in Baghdad are nearly empty as most people are sitting at their homes watching the proceedings of the trial; the best way to describe this is to say that it feels as if it were world cup in soccer where Baghdad usually looks like as if it were under curfew!
My trip to the U.S.A -- [Treasure of Baghdad - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Amman, first step. Treasure of Baghdad’s diary
...The Associated Press reported that Saddam had a brief but heated exchange with Amin, the chief judge complaining of having to walk up four flights of stairs in shackles because the elevator wasn't working.
The judge said he would tell the police not to let that happen again. Saddam snapped: "You are the chief judge. I don't want you to tell them. I want you to order them.
I assume the trial is being broadcasted everywhere in this world so I do not need to report on what’s happening inside the court hall but I can add a few notes on the atmosphere outside; ...
Iraq Pictures - 29 November 2005 -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, C Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, control the crowd of Iraqi civilians eager to receive medical aid at Al Hadba Girls School, Mosul. Pic: SGT L. Campbell
would you go back? -- [Blog Machine City]
One of the more interesting (well, probably one of the only interesting) questions that I've had after returning from Iraq is whether I would want to go back. I replied - almost without hesitation - that if I was single I would definitely go back. The woman who asked was flabbergasted - "but isn't it dangerous there?," she cried, as if I had just stated my desire to volunteer for the Atomic Codpiece Testing Squadron. I went on to explain how I was basically in the safest place in the country in the lowest-risk job imaginable, played video games for a year, etc, etc. She then asked why I would go back. That question proved much harder to answer, and is the catalyst for this entry.
Iraq Sunset Taji -- [Casper's Calamity - in Iraq]
Clouds are a rare site in central Iraq. As the weather gets cooler and the days shorter, breathtaking moments sometimes reveal themselves. This was the sunset today and worth taking a moment to remember there are beautiful things in the world even in the dirt pits of Iraq.
More Iraqi Battalions 'In The Lead' Against Rebels -- (Washington Times)...Robert Burns, Associated Press
A growing number of Iraqi troop battalions -- nearly four dozen as of this week -- are playing lead roles in the fight against the insurgency, and American commanders have turned over more than two dozen U.S.-established bases to government control, officials said yesterday.
Ted Turner: Iraq 'no better off' after U.S.-led war -- (Atlantic Journal-Constitution)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Media mogul Ted Turner said Monday that Iraq is "no better off" following the U.S.-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.
More Than A 'Mistake' On Iraq -- (Washington Post)
A line is forming outside the Iraq confessional. It consists of Democratic presidential aspirants -- where's Hillary? -- who voted for the war in Iraq and now concede that they made a "mistake." Former senator John Edwards did that Nov. 13 in a Post op-ed article, and Sen. Joseph Biden uttered the "M" word Sunday on "Meet the Press." "It was a mistake," said Biden. "It was a mistake," wrote Edwards. Yes and yes, says Cohen. But it is also a mistake to call it a mistake.
A Way Out Of Iraq -- (USA Today)
Support for the war is dwindling, and Americans want a plan for completing the mission. What to do? Find a consensus, be realistic and make sure we're ultimately doing what's best for the United States.
In the past few weeks, the war in Iraq has finally emerged to center stage in Washington.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly that Iraqi forces should assume the lead in the war in 2006 so that the United States could begin a phased withdrawal.
In Cairo, the Iraqi factions meeting under Arab League auspices actually agreed on something: They urged the United States to announce a timetable for withdrawal.
Now, our nation needs to agree on a withdrawal strategy. Four elements define a departure plan:
War Kills 100th State G.I. -- (New York Daily News)...Richard Sisk
...With the death of Reynolds, New York became the fifth state to lose at least 100 residents in Iraq. California had the most fatalities with 221, followed by Texas with 188, Pennsylvania at 106 and Ohio with 102, but the highest state death rate was in Vermont, which had 14 killed in a population of 640,000 -- seven of them from the Army National Guard.
Sunnis Accuse Iraqi Military Of Kidnappings And Slayings -- (New York Times)...Dexter Filkins
As the American military pushes the largely Shiite Iraqi security services into a larger role in combating the insurgency, evidence has begun to mount suggesting that the Iraqi forces are carrying out executions in predominantly Sunni neighborhoods.
IRAQ: GERMAN ARCHAEOLOGIST AND DRIVER KIDNAPPED -- (AKI)
Baghdad, 29 Nov. - A German archaeologist and her driver were abducted on Friday, according to the German TV station ARD. The woman, who is around 40-years-old, has lived in the country for years and speaks Arabic fluently. The kidnappers sent a video to the broadcaster's offices in Baghdad in which they showed the hostages and threatened to kill the woman if the German government does not suspend every form of cooperation with the Iraqi government.
Ex-Powell Aide Criticizes Bush on Iraq -- (AP)
WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell's chief of staff says President Bush was "too aloof, too distant from the details" of post-war planning, allowing underlings to exploit Bush's detachment and make bad decisions. In an Associated Press interview Monday, former Powell chief of staff Lawrence Wilkerson also said that wrongheaded ideas for the handling of foreign detainees after Sept. 11 arose from a coterie of White House and Pentagon aides who argued that "the president of the United States is all-powerful," and that the Geneva Conventions were irrelevant.
U.S. decimating foreign fighters -- (Washington Times)
The U.S. is seeing significantly fewer foreign fighters on the battlefields of Iraq, because the coalition has killed or captured scores of terrorists in recent months and is doing a better job of securing the long border with Syria.
MASSIVE WEAPONS CACHE DISCOVERED NEAR KIRKUK
TIKRIT, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers discovered more than 2,700 mortar rounds near an abandoned Iraqi Army base south of Kirkuk Sunday morning.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and explosive ordnance disposal experts began the task of unearthing the weapons from a mound located in a field full of similar mounds. Iraqi and U.S. forces are securing the site and preparing to excavate the remaining mounds in search of additional weapons.
CACHES FOUND IN OPERATION TIGERS --{CENTCOM}
AR RAMADI, Iraq – Early morning efforts of Operation Numur (Tigers) by Soldiers of the Iraqi Army and Task Force 2-69, U.S. Army, have netted several caches, including two that were found along a railroad track used by local citizens.
The caches found consisted of numerous artillery and mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, high explosives, small arms weapons, small arms ammunition, bulletproof vests and bomb making equipment.
NEW WATER PLANT OPENS IN AL HASAIN
CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Multinational Division Central-South Soldiers and local authorities opened a new water plant for al Husain village near Afak (30 km east of Ad Diwaniyah) Nov. 23.
The new facility provides potable water to about 3,000 local citizens.
Communicators lay foundation for future of Afghanistan
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – As U.S. forces prepare to return control of the airport terminal and tower to Afghan control, combat communicators assigned to 451st Air Expeditionary Group communications flight here recently stepped up and out of their lanes to provide critical communications by installing more than a mile of copper and fiber cabling.
Mail Thieves Busted
-- [Strategy Page]
November 29, 2005: Just in time for Christmas, U.S. Army criminal investigators have arrested a dozen troops in Afghanistan, and accused them of stealing mail meant for other American troops. Three of those arrested have already been convicted, and sentenced to between four and 30 months in jail, plus being fined, busted down to the lowest rank and dishonorably discharged.
Desecration Update -- [Afghan Warrior - Afghani in Afghanistan]
Even though the burning of the two dead Taliban bodies is not against the Geneva Convention, it's still against the Afghan culture and tradition. Most Afghan people were not upset over the burning of two Taliban dead bodies, but Afghan people were upset because the villagers were insulted by some US soldiers.
Most Afghan people don't really care about the burning of the dead Taliban bodies because they don't have a good memory of the Taliban. During their government life was very hard and they were teasing people for no reason. In my opinion
Non-Gratuitous Afghan Photo of the Holiday Season I -- [Miserable Donuts]
I hadn't seen this photo for a while - it is from the village of Deh Hazara, in Parwan Province. I think that of all the places I went in that country, that village made the deepest impression upon me. I often wonder how the people there are faring. I know we helped give them a chance at a little peace and that comforts me.
U.S. 'Lenient' In Body Burn Case - Afghans -- (New York Daily News)...Associated Press
Afghanistan's government said yesterday the U.S. military has been "very lenient" in punishing American soldiers for burning the bodies of two Taliban rebels in an incident caught on camera.
Conflicts in Africa -- [Peace like a River]
The continent of Africa has seen so much suffering. Disease, AIDS, poverty, famine, drought. Yet so much of the suffering has come from human hands. Africa has experienced numerous conflicts, wars, civil wars, oppression, brutal dictators, violence.
Here are some very brief descriptions of conflicts in different African countries over the years. This is not an exhaustive list.
French Tighten Immigration Controls -- (AP)
PARIS -- French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin on Tuesday announced tightened controls on immigration, part of the government's response to unrest that shook the country this month....
Gauging Progress in Combating Terrorism -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
How do we measure the progress being made in the War on Terrorism? That is the theme of a recent Congressional Research Service report prepared by CRS terrorism expert Raphael Perl. The report reflects concerns that we really have not developed the criteria necessary to judge the effectiveness of our anti-terrorism actions. Perl holds that in the absence of such criteria the Administration has simply measured progress retrospectively against what it has done. “And of course since we've done some stuff, we've made progress….” Rather than measure progress against agreed benchmarks, he says, the administration has cited statistics on kills, captures, and funds frozen. But,
The Most Successful Propaganda Techniques -- [Strategy Page]
November 29, 2005: A list of the most common, and successful, propaganda techniques currently in use. If you spend any time at all consuming mass media, you will find these techniques familiar.
Blasts Kill 8 in Two Bangladesh Cities -- (AP)
CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh - Bombs exploded in two Bangladesh cities on Tuesday, killing at least eight people and injuring 66 in what appeared to be the latest attack by militant Muslims intent on imposing harsh Islamic law, officials said. No one immediately claimed responsibility, but police investigators suspected the outlawed Islamic militant group Jumatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, blamed for similar attacks this year.
Miami Police Take New Tack Against Terror -- (BREITBART.COM/ap)
Miami police announced Monday they will stage random shows of force at hotels, banks and other public places to keep terrorists guessing and remind people to be vigilant.
Turf Wars Hinder US Attack on Terror Cash, Agency Says -- (New York Times)
... 11 attacks, "the US government lacks an integrated strategy" to train ... with strategies to fight terrorist financing because of turf battles, investigators ...
PAKISTAN: INDIAN CRIME LORD 'LINKED' TO AL-QAEDA -- (AKI/DAWN)
Washington DC, 29 Nov. - Dawood Ibrahim, one of the most wanted men in India, is working closely with groups like al-Qaeda and Lashkar-i-Toiba, says the US News and World Report magazine in its latest issue. Dawood runs an organised criminal network which operates in 14 countries and is now the target of two US investigations, according to the Washington-based periodical.
Becoming a Good Gift Getter -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
...Right now many Americans are coming to the realization that our nation's military men and women are giving much of themselves, risking life and limb, for the benefit of America. We are grateful and appreciative. Americans are also coming to the realization that our military members need to feel that appreciation, and we want to do something to show it. Cash donations to various organizations, carepackages sent, letters written...those are all ways that we are letting these soldiers (and marines, and sailors) know how much we appreciate them.
The problem is that many soldiers have difficulty accepting such gifts.
Christmas Wish from a Child -- [Yikes]
OK, so today I get home and there are the 600+ cards from Vicki G. just waiting to be dived into and packed into boxes for my Dear Deployed Heroes!!! Yay, Vicki, THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!! I'm not even CLOSE to halfway thru reading them and sorting them, but have been brought to tears MANY times. I had to share this one particular letter written by a child (I believe middle-school age)... TISSUE ALERT!
14 Day Pushback - Protesting the Protesters -- [The Gunn Nutt]
...Every so often their interest will be piqued by some "peace activists" who are receiving negative coverage in the blogosphere or "new media". Take for instance the FreeRepublic.com article by Kristinn Taylor about CodePink's $600K grant to Fallujah terrorists. It got no notice in the MSM who saw nothing newsworthy about a clear-cut case of treason. *Yawn* we don't care what commies do. Add Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) to the story via FrontPageMagazine.com To Fallujah, With Love by Ben Johnson and what do you get? *Sigh* give us a story about Haliburton. It took Marc Morano's CNSNews article Anti-War Protests Target Wounded at Army Hospital to get some real attention.
Military Mail: Santa For Sergeants -- (Washington Post)...Unattributed
Santa delivers on Christmas morning. Everyone else, especially those with loved ones in the U.S. military overseas, had better get moving before then if packages are to arrive in time for the holidays.
Diversity in the military -- [Resurgemus - in Alaska]
A while back PawPaw posted some thoughts on diversity in the military.
Paw-paw is spot on when he describes the military as a meritocracy.
While not completely color blind, the military does an admirable job taking college aged men and women from diverse backgrounds and getting them to work together as a team. I've heard of colleges assigning dorm rooms, or even entire dormitories, based on race. In the military, there's no black barracks or white barracks. You live together, eat together, work together, and learn to tolerate...
Experienced Troops Returning to Service -- [Strategy Page]
November 29, 2005: Despite problems getting new recruits, the U.S. Army is having a lot more success getting troops who have done their time and left, to come back. In 2004, the army got 8,246 troops, who had recently gotten out, to sign up for another tour of duty. That’s up from 4,565 in 2003. This year, the trend continues, with the help of cooperative recruiters, and cash bonuses (up to $19,000) if you have a skill that is in high demand right now.
Go Army. Beat Navy -- [dougpetch]
The last time I went to Philadelphia to see Army play Navy was 1998 and I'm happy to report that Army won, 34-30. They've only managed to beat Navy once more since then (2001), so I'd say they're overdue for a win. Add in a four game winning streak, the opportunity to win the Commander-in-Chief's Cup by beating both Air Force and Navy, and the fact that I will, once again, be in Philadelphia for the game and it's hard to see how they can lose.
I won't, however,
Recruiting Is Big In Small Town -- (Honolulu Advertiser)...Matt Sedensky, Associated Press
...There is no single explanation for why Key and his colleagues are so successful. But if you follow them as they make their rounds in Missouri's small towns, if you talk with those who sign up, you'll hear certain refrains: They need the money, they seek an escape from dead-end lives in dead-end towns, they hew to a kind of heartland patriotism.
Army Recruiters Thrive Downstate -- (Chicago Tribune)...E.A. Torriero
This is U.S. Army country, where even in the leanest of recruiting years, even in a time of war, young people step out of farms and tiny towns of rural America to enlist.
Camouflage Cool -- (Los Angeles Times )... Carina Chocano
Army's filled with the spirit of giving: watches, saxophones, stints in Iraq.... How awesome is the Army? You really have no idea until you send away for the "Stand Ready: Being a Soldier in the Army Reserve" DVD, as advertised on MTV. Because "learning more" is usually not enough incentive to get the kids on the phone — especially the kinds of kids who sit around watching MTV all the time — the Army was throwing in a free camo hat, the way Sports Illustrated might offer a free sneaker phone with your subscription, to sweeten the deal, if you call now.
I called then. Actually, I went to the Go Army! website and filled out an online form. Three e-mail requests; a brief but terrifying phone conversation with a recruiter; and six to eight weeks of anticipation, then patience, then the total loss of hope later, the DVD arrived. There was no hat in the package — the gift had been upgraded to a sports watch. Does that sound weird? Well, watch the DVD and learn — the Army is all about giving.
Produced by Leo Burnett USA, whose Army contracts totaled about $350 million this year, and directed by Hank Vincent of Avalon Films, "Stand Ready: Be a Soldier in the Army Reserve" opens on a video loop of super-macho, sepia-toned, high-contrast images of modern soldiering. A square-jawed soldier glistens in profile, a chopper flies low overhead, a soldier in a helmet raises a flag. It's very retro, very now. And that's just the menu screen.
Post Hoc Polling Data, Ergo Blame Bush -- [Media Blog on Nation]
Several readers have written in to comment on an exchange between FNC's Chris Wallace and Sen. Carl Levin on Sunday (Political Teen has the video) in which Wallace called out Levin for taking President Bush's pre-war statements about Iraq and al-Qaeda out of context. I was glad to see someone actually hold Levin accountable for this, but Wallace missed an opportunity to correct Levin on another point during this exchange:
More Hate From The Left -- [WarriorJason - in Iraq]
Michelle Malkin received this cartoon by another America hating liberal.
"From the unhinged cartoonist/columnist who sneers at our volunteer troops as murderers for Halliburton and derided Army Ranger Pat Tillman as an "idiot" and a "sap," comes this new slander of the troops."
Once again this just add more proof that the hard left, and sometimes even moderate left, hate our military, the warriors and the United States.
Alito backed tougher civil rights penalty -- (Reuters)
By Thomas Ferraro | WASHINGTON - As a top U.S. Justice Department lawyer two decades ago, U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito backed tougher punishment for certain civil rights violation...
Liberalism Can Lose The War Against Militant Islam -- [Open Fire]
Yesterday on the way to the ice rink I was listening to Rush Limbaugh and took notice of the radio when he said we could lose the war against militant Islam because, as a culture, we don't have the stomach for it. He cites our self-indictment over Gitmo as some evidence i.e. we want to be "nice" and "humane" to an enemy that is anything but nice and humane. In being this way, we reveal to our enemy our lack of resolve and squeamishness towards violence.
Cindy Sheehan’s Media Motivations Exposed -- [GOP Blog]
In a blatent grab for attention this weekend, infamous anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan posted an Internet letter to Former First Lady Barbara Bush, accusing President Bush of killing her son who died in Iraq.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writer Salena Zito opines “Sheehan's shameful letter to Barbara Bush ends any pretense of her being a peace activist. She is an anti-Bush activist using her personal tragedy as cover…This very public saga no longer is about her son.
Bush Trying to Help Republican Candidates -- (AP)
PHOENIX - Despite his low standing in the polls, President Bush is working to help Republican House and Senate candidates build their campaign war chests while promoting his own troubled agenda. The president is expected to assume the campaign role more often in the coming months as the 2006 congressional election year begins
Calif. Congressman Admits Taking Bribes -- (AP)
SAN DIEGO - After months of insisting he had done nothing wrong, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham tearfully acknowledged taking $2.4 million in bribes, saying: "The truth is I broke the law." The eight-term Republican and former Vietnam fighting ace pleaded guilty to graft Monday and resigned, admitting he took money mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors.
Omen on the High Court? -- -- (Washington Post )
Marble Falls From Building's Facade, Spurring Theories of Symbolism
For some, the chunk of marble that fell from the facade of the Supreme Court yesterday was a frightening safety hazard.
But this is Washington, after all, where people search for hidden meaning in anything that happens at places such as the nation's highest court.
Media Lies -- [Thunder Run]
Despite what you might be reading in the press recently Col. John Murtha, D-PA is a not a Hawk suddenly turned Dove, for Congressman Murtha has been promoting his cut and run policies since Somalia, and never backed the war on terror when it wasn’t politically expedient to do so. The media loves to find old soldiers that have turned their back on their fellow brothers in uniform, and tout them as some holier than thou hero, that has suddenly seen the evil of their past ways, former President and current disgrace Jimmy Carter is another one of these heroes the Media loves to talk about and lavish attention on. He and many others like him according to the Media have absolute moral authority when commenting upon all matters military, but the truth is ...
Marine In Iraq Says Morale Is High, But Troops Dismayed By MSM Coverage -- [GOP Blog
The Washington Times (11/22) runs a field report from an anonymous Marine, relayed through his father, a retired marine, “According to [name redacted], morale among our guys is very high. They not only believe they are winning, but that they are winning decisively. They are stunned and dismayed by what they see in the American press, whom they almost universally view as against them. The embedded reporters are despised and distrusted. They are inflicting casualties at a rate of 20-1 and then see s*** like ‘Are we losing in Iraq?’ on television and the print media. For the most part, they are satisfied with their equipment, food and leadership.”
Early Present -- [Desert Odyssey]
Great news...I'm not sure why, or how, but out of the blue today the computer police suddenly gave up access to blogs here in Qatar. Not only that, but I now have access to my OWN blog, so I can upload pictures and make things a hell of a lot more interesting (at least to me) on here. I've already gone through and added a bunch of photos that I've come across in the past few months, and started my Blogroll to recognize those who have recognized me. What can I say...when you don't have a whole lot to keep yourself occupied, little victories such as this become HUGE.
So long Iraq.......... -- [sandboxmedic - home from Iraq]
Damn, it's been so long since I've signed in I couldn't remember my password.
Well like the title says I’ve left Iraq. It was getting time to move on and try something different plus I needed to get registered for classes anyways. I’m going to miss the paycheck and some of the people but overall I’m glad to be back. I owe Jean a huge thanks too for getting me back in such a timely manner- thanks!
(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.)
THE LITTLE ONES -- [One Marine's View - in Iraq]
Its 1000 am and nice out for a winter day. I watch the cigar smoke rise as I sit under the camie netting and see the sun poking through. It’s quiet, peaceful and scary how quickly it can turn ugly. That thought is gone now and we are flying out the gate on yet another convoy. Chest tight and ready for anything. “Where are you, you little SOBs, I know your out here.” I think to myself. There is an approaching convoy on our road and we will need to move over to make room for the 7-ton trucks approaching. I don’t have to wait long for an answer to ...
Drained -- [Six more months - in Iraq]
...I found out on Thanksgiving afternoon that an old friend, who had deployed with another of our Batteries only to be sent home when he was diagnosed with cancer, had died. He was my age, and his sons are the same ages as my daughters.
I was still dealing with the loss of a friend and the simultaneous peek at my own mortality on Friday when I heard that 2 soldiers I knew and had worked with at the Gate had been hit by an IED and were Medevaced. The patrol captured the suspected triggermen, and was bringing them in for questioning, so I grabbed my Intell Sgt and volunteered our services to help question the bastards.
The Hounds of Husaybah -- [The Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio - in Iraq]
I'm at Camp Gannon, here's my take on a night patrol in the city of Husaybah - The Hounds of Husaybah: A night on patrol with the Jackals of Lima Company
The decisive operation(s) -- [Phil and Becky - Phil's in Iraq]
Critical to understanding the conflict here in Iraq is the realization that the decisive operation is not combat. I realize that the country of Iraq is like a patchwork quilt with some areas more violent and some areas more stable than others. It is very possible, therefore, that there are parts of Iraq where combat is the decisive operation. But I do not assess that to be the case in our little corner of the world nor do I see it as the path to ultimate strategic victory (which is what we are obviously working towards in the long run).
CHILDREN OF THE GRAVE. a three part series -- [Sisyphus Today... - in Iraq]
Part 2 - Justification for "Staying the Course"
Bill W recently enumerated The Plan on which we are "Staying the Course". I suppose I heard this so often and saw things so differently that it lost its meaning. But Bill captures it completely when he states:...
Side by side -- [No End but Victory - an Iraqi in Iraq]
That was the message I got from my brother who took these pictures. When I looked at the pictures I noticed that the American soldiers weren’t wearing anything to protect themselves and they were calmly watching the Iraqi soldiers they trained, I guess they were feeling real good in that beautiful sunny day. They stood side by side with the Iraqis to watch the parade I can feel how proud they are to help those men to make Iraq more secure. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and I hope you will too.
The Nightmare That Won't Go Away -- [Strategy Page]
November 27, 2005: Sunni Arabs are becoming increasingly nervous about their ability to remain in Iraq. To frequently paranoid Sunni Arabs, it's already beginning. In western Iraq, the attacks against terrorist strongholds, in Sunni Arab areas, continue. The military pressure has been constant on the terrorists for most of the year. The most recent attack force was smaller than earlier ones, with ...
Female Marines guarding the gates of Fallujah - [Live in Iraq]
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -(Nov 28 2005)- Walking or driving into the city of Fallujah is no longer a simple process for Iraqi civilians because of constant attacks that previously ravaged the city.
Now with guards posted at all times, vehicle and personnel searches, the city is much safer, however, i...
War, Oil and Money -- [Howdy's Blog]
I was recently directed towards a very long article regarding our need to invade Iraq to retain the US Dollar (USD) as the currency for exchange used by OPEC nations. Read this long article here. I recommend if you don't have the time to read it, focus on the summary and synopsis areas.
I read the article and forwarded the following to the gentleman that sent it to me.
[Sir],
Thanks for forwarding this along. I read the entire document as you encouraged. I need to make a couple of points for the forwarding audience regarding my experience during two tours in Iraq and general observations about the US military.
1. The paper is grossly incorrect on US military's morale...
Glenn McCoy -- [Major K - in Iraq]
This one is from the Stars & Stripes. It speaks for itself.
Downtown Jalula, Iraq -- [Lance in Iraq]
Notice the wonderful roads Saddam provided his people with all that oil cash.
(pics)
Almost as lovely as the sewer systems he built.
My trip to the U.S.A -- [Treasure of Baghdad - an Iraqi traveling to the U.S.]
Amman, first step. Treasure of Baghdad’s diary
Although I know I will return back to Baghdad, I left my beloved city with tears in my eyes expecting more and more violence to happen. Farewelling every building, tree and stone in Baghdad, I was singing Kadhum al Sahir’s song, “Escaping”. A tear dropped from my eyes when I reached “I am escaping from a great house which every eye wishes to see. Under its shadows, you and I were like birds. We used to share the laughter and the tear.” Of course, the house is my beloved homeland, Iraq.
Happy Thanksgiving -- [A Female Soldier 2 - in Iraq]
Happy Thanksgiving To Everyone
I sincerely hope that each and every one of you had a happy holiday and had many blessings and reason to give thanks for. I have discovered that there are so many wonderful Americans stateside and I know that this Thanksgiving one of the things I give thanks for was the opportunity to get to know many of you in a little personal way through your comments and email. The other things I give thanks for this Thanksgiving Day are: ...
Happy Thanksgiving -- [Dan in the Desert - in Iraq] (EN: awesome pics)
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! This was my second "Turkey Day" out here in the Middle East, and again, it's always difficult being away from family. The local DFAC (Dining Facility) did its best to serve up some of that home cooking, but man, I'm starting to miss home.
Anyhow, I made it back to Baghdad once again. I was down in southern Iraq for
Glad tidings of great joy -- [Fast Bunnies - in Iraq]
Because I was at LSA Diamondback for Thanksgiving I missed Aaron Tippin, who, according to photos, looks dashing in body armor and a kevlar helmet. All joking aside, there are two types of celebrities (and I will grant him celebrity status, not having any clue who he is): the type that entertains soldiers and the type who does not. Even the ones who do it as some self-serving PR campaign, and I suspect it is many, are still bothing to come out here, and it gets the soldiers excited. Hell, it gets the Generals excited, as they hustle...
Ramsey Clark Defending Hussein -- [Stop the ACLU]
BBC
Former US attorney general Ramsey Clark, an outspoken critic of the trial, was seated alongside the defence team.
Mr Clark, 77, who flew in from the Jordanian capital Amman on Sunday, said he wanted to protect Saddam Hussein’s rights.
...Mr. Clark doesn’t have that great of a success record, but he has a long history as an international lawyer practicing his favorite pastime, America bashing, and defending America’s enemies.
Pulling US troops would lead to 'disaster' -- Kissinger -- (BREITBART.COM)
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warned that a hasty pullout of American troops from Iraq would lead to political and military "disaster", and called on the US administration to stay the course there.
...He added that the global nature of terrorism makes it particularly difficult to chart a US exit strategy from Iraq.
"The terrorism is not confined to Iraq. It has gone from Bali in Indonesia to central Europe across many countries -- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, in some respects India," the former diplomat said.
US admits 50,000 troops to quit Iraq -- (The Australian)
THE White House has admitted it has an Iraq withdrawal plan, arguing that a troop pullout blueprint unveiled this past week by a Democratic senator was "remarkably simila...
Bruce Willis comes out fighting for Iraq’s forgotten GI heroes -- (Times Onliine)
ANGERED by negative portrayals of the conflict in Iraq, Bruce Willis, the Hollywood star, is to make a pro-war film in which American soldiers will be depicted as brave fighters for freedom and democracy.
American Citizen Reported Missing in Iraq -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - An American citizen has been reported missing in Iraq, the U.S. Embassy said Monday, a day after a Canadian Parliament official said that four humanitarian workers had been kidnapped. Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary for Canadians abroad, said two Canadians were taken on Saturday, and Britain said one of its citizens was among the four.
Militant looms as Iraq kingmaker -- (International Herald Tribune)
Men loyal to Moktada al-Sadr piled out of their cars at a plantation near Baghdad on a recent morning, bristling with Kalashnikov rifles and eager to exact vengeance on t...
Iraqi President hits back at Allawi abuse claims -- (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
| Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has hit back at former prime minister Iyad Allawi for saying human rights abuses in Iraq were as bad now as they were under Saddam Hussei...
Plot to Kill Judge in Hussein Trial Foiled, Police Say -- (The Washington Post)
Tribunal Will Resume Today; Four Aid Workers, Including Two Canadians, Reported Kidnapped
Hussein, Back in Court, Is Combative and Feisty -- (NYTimes)
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 28 - Saddam Hussein returned to court on Monday and quickly seized the floor for a verbal assault on the American military guards who he said had manhandled him on his way to the courtroom, calling them "occupiers and invaders" and demanding that the chief judge in the trial reprove them.
Saddam Trial Resumes, Then Is Postponed -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The trial of Saddam Hussein for alleged crimes against humanity resumed in a heavily guarded courtroom Monday with the former Iraqi president angrily complaining about having to walk up four flights of stairs under foreign guard. A former U.S. attorney general sat with the defense team. After a short session during which the first testimony was read into the record, Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin adjourned the trial until Dec. 5 to allow time to find replacements for two defense lawyers who were slain and another who fled the country after he was wounded.
Text of Saddam Trial Deposition -- (Ap)
This is the deposition from witness Wadah Ismael al-Sheik taken just before his death from cancer. The text is as read by Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin in Arabic and translated by The Associated Press:...
WHITE HOUSE PLAN IF SADDAM FOUND 'NOT GUILTY' -- (Drudge Report)
Senior Bush administration officials have considered the unthinkable: What if Saddam Hussein is found not guilty in his trial?
"There will be more charges filed against him, and more charges after that...
Warner Urges Public Openess From Bush -- (AP)
WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Sunday suggested that President Bush use an FDR-style presentation to update people on progress in the war in Iraq....
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONGRESSMEN_INJURED?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">Two Congressmen Hurt in Iraq Vehicle Flip -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A military vehicle carrying three congressmen overturned on the way to the Baghdad airport, injuring two of them, the U.S. Embassy said Sunday.
Body burning investigation update: In which someone gets hung out to dry -- [Counter Column]
Centcom has just released its executive summary of the investigation into the body burning incident in Afghanistan.
There were four separate investigations launched, including a criminal investigation.
The bottom line: The investigation found that U.S. Coalition forces did not violate the Law of War.
Soldiers get ready for Christmas in Kabul -- [Roger Roy - OrlandoSentinel/blog - in Afghanistan]
KABUL – It was a cold, gray day, the coldest yet, I think, the kind of weather where you could see your breath all day.
Some of the soldiers were hanging Christmas decorations, and the chaplains were putting garlands and trees on the porch of the chapel here at Camp Phoenix.
Kashmir Earthquake -- [seeminglynaive - missionary in Afghanistan]
For the past six weeks I’ve been in Kashmir responding to the 7.6 earthquake that left over 80,000 dead and 3.3 million people homeless. I was primarily sent to set up much needed communications but also afforded the opportunity to help out as a medic.
I can hardly describe my experience in the earthquake zone; I know because I’ve tried. I made it back to Kabul just in time for Thanksgiving.
Faizabad -- [Dans le meilleur des mondes possibles - an Aid worker in Afghansitan]
...Unlike its sister Khorog, Faizabad in Afghanistan is not a particularly green city. Taloqan is greener. Faizabad is also not especially clean, either. And the people- they keep burning down humanitarian offices, staging marches against NGOs, and so on. It’s one of the least safe cities north of Kabul. The road to Faizabad is only slightly better than the road to Khorog, and that only because it’s not as high in the mountains.
But there were some positive points:
–> It is the city that gave the Northern Alliance refuge- which sounds much better when you consider that they were given refuge from the Taliban.
–> There is a really great song by the Tajikistan group Farzin, ...
Afghans Confront Surge in Violence -- (Washington Post)
Afghan and international officials are concerned that Taliban guerrillas are obtaining support from abroad to carry out strikes that increasingly mimic insurgent tactics in Iraq.
US soldiers face punishment for burning bodies -- (Taipei Times)
INQUIRY VERDICT: Troops who provoked an angry response after cremating the corpses of Taliban rebels in Afghanistan face disciplinary action but not prosecution | Advertising Four US soldiers face dis...
NATO to expand peacekeeping duties in Afghanistan -- (Taipei Times)
Advertising NATO has agreed to plans extending its International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) peacekeeping mission into Afghanistan's more volatile south, but concerns remain over who will provide... (photo: Getty Images)
Doing deals with the devil is risky business -- Peace like a River]
First, a note of caution. You and I don't really have the means to judge the accuracy of this report. But, some interesting news, if true, in the Telegraph today...
Is Korea Putting the Nation's First Astronauts or Tourists into Space? -- [GI Korea - in S Korea]
I am wondering after reading this if Korea is really putting an astronaut or a tourist into space?:
South Korea has decided to put out an open application for the country's first person in space, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute announced Tuesday.
Standing Ovation -- [Desert Odyssey - in Qatar]
We had our “Operation Season’s Greetings” (http://www.afrc.af.mil/hq/band/osg/) visit last night. The Air Force reserve band started great but kind of fizzled, and the New England cheerleaders were, well, cheerleaders, but there were only four of them there. I stayed for John Popper, former lead singer of Blues Traveler. Even though his band only had a couple of big hits he was phenomenal. That guy can make music with a harmonica like nothing I’ve ever heard before. When he played the National Anthem I got chills down my spine. Not wanting to ruin that I left before Trick Pony came onstage. I hear their good, but I haven’t listened to country music for quite a while.
Merkel zooms in on US -- (News24 SA)
| Berlin - The United States is hopeful that new German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help make all of Europe a more reliable partner for Washington, analysts said here a...
Monday's Winds of War: 28 Nov 2005 -- [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 the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Monday's Winds of War briefings are given by Security Watchtower and Peace Like a River.
New Daily Standard Article: "The Freedoms We Fight For" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
I previously blogged about the threat to Omar Sharif that was posted on a jihadist website after the actor spoke glowingly about playing St. Peter in an Italian TV film. I've also noted on this blog that Sharif isn't alone in being threatened for allegedly offending Islamic sensitivities; rather, there is a disturbing trend of people being threatened, and sometimes killed, when radical Muslims take umbrage at their speech. Now "The Freedoms We Fight For," an article I wrote for the Daily Standard that documents and analyzes this trend, has been posted. An excerpt:
Apparent Zarqawi Clone in Morocco Threatens Suicide Attacks on "Infidel Colonizers" and "Apostate Rulers" -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
A previously unknown group calling itself the "Tawheed wal-Jihad Islamic Movement" has issued a new communiqué threatening to wage jihad against the King of Morocco and his secular, pro-Western government. According to the statement, "Let the perverted king know that there are many young Moroccan men who are seeking martyrdom and we have no fear of him or his followers. Let the criminals know that, if Allah wills it, we will set the ground underneath their feet ablaze...
TERRORISM: EASTERN EUROPE NEXT AL-QAEDA TARGET, EXPERT SAYS -- (AKI)
Essen, 28 Nov. - A German expert in international terrorism has warned al-Qaeda will launch "massive attacks" in Eastern European countries - where the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently been alleged to be holding terror suspects in secret prisons. "I can't rule out the existence of such prisons," Rolf Tophoven, director of the Essen-based Institute for Research on Terrorism and Security Policy (IFTUS) the online daily Netzeitung.
Hurry, Hurry, HURRY -- [A Texan Abroad - Blue Star Wife]
Send a message to the troops! Go to Stars and Stripes before MIDNIGHT, TONIGHT (28 November)! and they'll make the print deadline. You can even upload a photo (under 2 Meg) to go along with the message you want to send. You've got about 4 1/2 hours, so GO NOW!!!
New sportbags and backpacks for the National Guard -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Isn`t it wonderful! A car full of sportbags and backpacks for our wounded Heroes!
We are glad that we can support the National Guard.
It is great to know that every wounded National Guard ...
The Brains & Breeding of the US Military -Some things the MSM Isn't telling You....
Caught up in the fervor of the anti-war/anti-Bush movement, some prominent democrats (Namely Charlie Rangel) and Michael's Moore's Fahrenheit 911 made claims that the military is primarily made up of undereducated, poor, urban minorities. This notion somehow took hold and many Americans cling to this belief. It's not true.
A new study done by the Heritage Foundation, that was meant to counter calls for a draft, is...
Congress Shuts Out its Veterans -- [The Analyst Blog - in Iraq]
I'm a little upset about this one, and I think most of you will back me up on this one.
For more than 50 years, the leaders of veterans groups have met with a joint session of Congress to discuss legislation regarding our military's veterans, such as the GI Bill, healthcare, and so on. But this week, The Congress has decided that it no longer wishes to hear from its military veterans each year.
Off the Fence and Off the Cuff -- [Stryker - Digital Warfighter]
All the talk about Republicans being big supporters of the military is bullshit. If there’s someone insulting a vet and calling him a coward, chances are it’s a Republican who’s never served. If there’s a choice between money for shit people really need or a sexy new weapon system built by a company that donates heavily to the Party, the company will profit.
A picture says a thousand words -- [The Makaha Surf Report (Forward Deployed) - in Iraq]
This is priceless, known antiwar activist, bereaved mother, and known batshit insane leftist Cindy Sheehan was photographed in Crawford, Texas at a book signing for her book. Unfortunately it seems not many people want to have her autograph, nor waste their time listening to her rants.
Cindy all alone
A Suggestion for Sandy Berger -- [Camp Katrina]
Check it out: word is that Former FEMA Director Michael Brown is starting a disaster preparedness consulting firm to help clients avoid the sort of errors that cost him his job. From the story:
Measuring President Bush By His Own Words -- (WorldNews)
WorldNews Guest Writer Beverly Darling. | On September 12, 2002, President Bush addressed the United Nations General Assembly in a stirring speech entitled ‘A Decade of Deception and Defiance.’ Mr. Bu...
Ex-Green Party Member to Challenge Clinton -- (AP)
ALBANY, N.Y.-- A former Green Party member who advocates an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq says he will challenge incumbent Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2006 Democratic nomination for Senate....
Bush Seeks Momentum for Immigration Plan -- (AP)
WACO, Texas -- President Bush is trying to build support for a comprehensive immigration strategy even though Congress has shelved the issue for now....
New York Times: U.S. Candy Convoy "May Have Been Parked" -- [Camp Katrina]
Here's an update for those of you who visited Camp Katrina to read about a recent article in the New York Times that included an interesting omission: namely, the Old Grey Lady failed to mention U.S. soldiers were handing out candy to kids at the site of a hospital bombing in Iraq.
CNN OPERATOR FIRED AFTER SUGGESTING 'X' OVER CHENEY WAS 'FREE SPEECH'
A CNN switchboard operator was fired over the holiday -- after the operator claimed the 'X' placed over Vice President's Dick Cheney's face was "free speech!" -- [Drudge report]
