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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.)
What’s black and white and red all over? -- [American Citizen Soldier - in Iraq]
The blood-soaked headlines, the negative news reports, and the pessimistic press coverage sprints ahead at full gallop. Live from Iraq: it’s the Meme of the Month. Didn’t you hear? The country is in the midst of a calamitous downward spiral into Civil War. (All things considered, it’s really not much of a war and it’s sure far from civil.) But Al Jazeera said so. Or was that CNN? Is there really even a difference anymore?
...The lack of security is the story, they say. Frankly, I'd be feeling pretty insecure too if I was so lousy at my job. Do these Green Zone FOBgoblins ever emerge from their Baghdad belfries long or often enough to properly collate the Big Picture they lay such exclusive claim to? Or are they merely hunkering down and ordering in, passively relying on the local Iraqi stringers who are bylining around the block to feed them information and in the process dispensing freelancing blows to the other half of the truth that rarely bleeds and certainly never leads.
Hello, room service? Yes, I’ll have the sectarian special, medium rare -- terrorist toast with insurgent jam -- a mosque bombing with a side of corruption, and a chilled can of diet hope. Oh, and hold the progress, please.
Electricity in Iraq -- [Grandma in Iraq]
Today, I’d like to tell you a little about electricity in Iraq. This is a picture of the Khor Az Zubayr Power Plant which is now officially operating under the Ministry of Electricity and the Basrah Province Director General for Electricity. The plant is providing 250 additional megawatts of power generation to the Iraqi national power grid.
I’ve been to this plant South of Basrah at least a dozen times in the last seven and half months.
Small Business - the back bone of any thriving democracy - is growing in Iraq. -- [No End but Victory]
Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, U.S. Director of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office, recently highlighted the tremendous economic progress in Iraq in his recent report on the 27th of March.
Gang Wars -- [Strategy Page]
March 30, 2006: The March 26 raid, on a kidnapping gang hideout, turned into an embarrassing media circus for the radical Shia Arab militia led by pro-Iran cleric Moqtada al Sadr. The Sadr people promptly came up with photos and interviews asserting that the raid (by Kurdish police commandoes) actually hit a mosque and killed sixteen innocent worshipers. About fifty Iraqi police were involved in the operation, accompanied by 25 American troops (some of them advisors to the police unit.)
Impossible dreams of Arabs -- [Iraqi Pundit]
I must admit that I nearly fell out of my chair when I read this in the New York Times report about the Arab summit in Khartoum:
"Analysts in the region feel that Iran is being rewarded for adopting a confrontational approach. Even though Iran has supported terrorist groups and defied the West's admonition to abandon its nuclear program, Arab countries fear that the United States may cut a deal with Iran that further weakens Arab influence in Iraq."
Arab influence in Iraq? What influence are these supposed analysts operating under? Arab countries traditionally sided with Saddam against the Iraqi people.
Iraqi, American Soldiers live together, fight together -- [Operation.Iraqi.Freedom]
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Patrol Base Warrior, located in the Sadr Yusufiyah area, at one time was the lavish home of a sheik, who is now detained on charges of terrorism. Now, it is not much different than most patrol bases in Iraq: missions are planned and executed from the outpost just like any other base.
What is unique about Warrior is the atmosphere that exists there. American and Iraqi Soldiers have gone from having mutual respect for each other to developing genuine friendships.
Counter insurgency platoon follows Iraqi army patrol -- [Operation.Iraqi.Freedom]
BALAD, Iraq - Trailing behind like a protective shadow, members of Bulldog Battery’s Counter Insurgency Platoon followed an Iraqi army patrol in an area south of Logistical Support Area Anaconda.
The Soldiers were there to ensure their IA counterparts properly conducted each phase of the operation and offered constructive criticism when the group rallied at Forward Operating Base O’Ryan after the patrol.
I have poster board, can I come too? -- [T.F. Boggs - in Iraq]
On the third anniversary of the Iraq invasion a lot of people chose to voice their opinion about the ongoing “war” in Iraq. People took to the streets in different cities across the world to gain media attention to their cause while at the same time chanting catchy anti-war slogans. They held up signs pleading for the war to end, Bush to be impeached, Mumia to be freed, and Palestinians to finally be allowed to return to their “rightful” home. The day turned out to be an all-encompassing rally cry for all causes extreme left.
What I noticed about these protests continues to disturb me as it always has before.
Iraqi Perspectives Project - Part IV -- [The RedHunter]
The Iraqi Perspectives project is "an unclassified historical report in book form on the Iraqi view of coalition military operations conducted in Iraq." Published in book form by the U.S. Joint Forces Command’s Joint Center for Operational Analysis, the project "the perspectives of the Iraqi civilian and military leadership involved in major combat operations gathered through interviews conducted during the fall and winter of 2003/2004, and an extensive review of Iraqi historical documents done in the months since then."
You can download the report here. It is 230 pages and about 7.5Mb.
MO Guard Soldier Helps Children in Mosul -- [GX: The Guard Experience]
Mosul, Iraq—Missouri National Guard Soldier MAJ Dan Crouch serves with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mosul, Iraq.
When MAJ Crouch arrived in Mosul, his University of Missouri Health Care co-workers from Columbia, MO, asked, “What do you need? What can we send to you?” MAJ Crouch responded that he personally needed nothing; however, he saw the Iraqi children had a need. School supplies were scarce and he knew the positive affect school supplies would have on Iraqi students.
Terrorist Cell Leader Captured; Soldiers Destroy Weapons Caches -- [Defense Link]
Iraqi and U.S. soldiers captured a terrorist cell leader, and more weapons caches have been found and destroyed, military officials reported.
Officials at Forward Operation Base Kalsu said soldiers from 4th Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, conducted the main assault effort to capture the terrorist March 26 in the town of Haswa, about 60 miles south of Baghdad. U.S. soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provided outer cordon security, officials said.
The terrorists of 'The Revenge Brigades' have released a video shot just prior to Jill Carroll's release. -- [The Jawa Report]
The Jawa Report has obtained a copy of the video.
...In it Jill Carroll seems more than eager to give the 'correct' answers asked by her captors. It's quite sickening some of the answers she gives, but understandable under the circumstances. But, before you accuse Jill of being a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, keep in mind that she was under duress.
For instance, Jill Carroll can be heard saying that the CIA and Americans were not as smart as the mujahidin given the fact that they were unable to rescue her. That her ordeal made it clear that the mujahidin would win the war in the end. She wants the American people to understand the mujahidin as they really are, and not the lies they hear in the media about them being terrorists, etc. The mujahidin are only trying to defend their country, etc. President bush needs to stop this war, etc.
Very scripted, ...
Iraq Soldier Backs U.S. On Deadly Raid -- (CBS)
The Iraqi commander during a controversial raid by American and Iraq forces is backing the U.S. version of a battle that left 16 Iraqis dead, CBS News correspondent Lara Logan reports.
<...>
The commander insisted his Iraqi Special Operations troops had to fight their way into the target building where they killed gunmen guarding a hostage and found various weapons including rocket launchers and heavy machine guns.
"We know this, the building, is used for to capture the civilians, the civilian people, by bad guys and they need money," the commander tells Logan.
A man who claims he was held hostage in the building, says of his captors, "They beat me, they kicked me and they used an electric drill on me. I thought I was going to die."
Exclusive: Iraqi Commander Says, "We Didn't Find a Mosque" -- (Time)
After a bloody raid against anti-U.S. militias in Baghdad, the war of words rages on.
When is a mosque not a mosque? Under U.S. military rules of engagement it's when it's used to house weapons, hostages and gunmen firing on American-backed Iraqi special forces. So it was in Sunday's explosive raid in a Baghdad quarter controlled by a Shi'ite, anti-American militia. Primed to bust up a vicious kidnapping cell linked to an insurgent group, Iraqi commandos and elite counterterrorism force members, with their U.S.
American Death Toll In Iraq Hits 2-Yr. Low -- (New York Daily News)...Richard Sisk
U.S. casualties fell to their lowest totals in two years this month as Iraqis increasingly aimed attacks at each other rather than coalition forces, the U.S. military said yesterday.
The US propaganda machine: Oh, what a lovely war -- (The Independent)
The Lincoln Group was tasked with presenting the US version of events in Iraq to counter adverse media coverage. Here we present examples of its work, and the reality behind its headlines.
IRAQ: RADICAL SHIITE CLERIC ACCUSES U.S. OF COLLABORATING WITH AL-QAEDA -- (AKI)
Baghdad, 30 March. (AKI) - Cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Iraq's radical Shiites, has accused the United States army of knowledge of al-Qaeda's activities in Iraq and of doing nothing to stop attacks being carried out by groups headed by the terror network's number-one in Iraq, Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi. In an interview with a local TV network that was also re-transmitted by Iranian televison, Saheb Ameri, one of al-Sadr's right-hand men, said he is "in possession of vital documents that disclose the close cooperation between al-Qaeda and the US occupation forces."
"These documents prove without a shadow of doubt that groups linked to al-Qaeda and to al-Zarqawi are coordinating their attacks with the tacit consent of the US military command in Iraq," said Ameri.
Shiite Ayatollah Ignores Letter From Bush -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A letter from President Bush to Iraq's supreme Shiite spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, was hand-delivered earlier this week but sits unread and untranslated in the top religious figure's office, a key al-Sistani aide told The Associated Press on Thursday....
Would-be refugee tells of Iraq horrors -- (Globe and Mail, Canada)
Joshua Key, the first US deserter with combat experience in Iraq to apply for refugee status in Canada, told the board he witnessed numerous atrocities ...
Iraq at the 11th Hour -- (New York Times)
The fate of the entire US enterprise in Iraq now hangs in the balance, as the war has entered a dangerous new phase. It is the phase ...
Iraq accuses US of damaging ancient city -- (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- American forces are damaging the ancient city of Kish and must withdraw from the 5,000-year-old archaeological site, an Iraqi ministry said ...
U.S. Reporter Released by Captors in Iraq -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - American reporter Jill Carroll's three-month hostage ordeal ended Thursday when she was left on a Baghdad street in front of a Sunni political party office. She appeared composed and eager to talk about her 82 days held captive in a tiny room. "It's important people know that I was not harmed," she said.
Man Arrested in Carroll Extortion Attempt -- (Breitbart.com/ AP)
German authorities have arrested a man who is accused of trying to extort $2 million from the Christian Science Monitor by promising to win the release of American reporter Jill Carroll, who was freed from captivity in Baghdad Thursday.
How the Sunnis Will Use Jill Carroll's Release -- (Time)
The hostage's release has already become a political tool in Iraq's ongoing sectarian strife
Freed Iraq hostage says he believes ransom was paid to secure ... -- (Khaleej Times)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Former Iraq hostage Harmeet Sooden said on Friday he suspects a ransom was paid to secure his release and the freedom of two other ...
Family Kept Gay Hostage's Secret -- (CBS/ AP)
(AP) Fears that Iraqi captors might harm a Canadian hostage if they knew he was gay forced his partner to remain silent as loved ones called for an end to the ordeal, a director from the freed hostage's aid group said Monday.
Afghan Rapper.......is all lost? -- [Miserable Donuts](Video)
It really is pretty good. I'm digging the footage of the Afghan Army. I don't want to know where the Hummer2 came from. Respect!!!! Alot of good stuff at this site. Much footage from FOB Salerno.
Jbad to Agam, Part II -- [Afghani Dan - in Afghanistan]
The continuation of my jaunt into southern Nangahar province...
While our interpreter Rocky (they all have great nicknames, like callsigns) greets a friend of his, and local boys run up to the scene.
Kill Zone - [Kevin Sites - journalist embed in Afghanistan]
As the weather heats up in Afghanistan, so do attacks on American and Afghan forces.
He had made the speech almost every day, every time 1st Platoon went outside the wire. Lt. William Mariani could do it in his sleep.
"If you're not in the kill zone, don't go in the kill zone. If you're in the kill zone, drive through the kill zone. If the vehicle in front of you is disabled in the kill zone, push that vehicle out of the kill zone. If there are injured in that vehicle, drive to opposite side of where they're taking contact, evacuate the injured from the vehicle and move out of the kill zone."
Converting from Islam to Christianity -- [Afghan Lord - an Afghani in Afghanistan]
As the news of Abdul Rahman vastly spread out in the world of Christianity, many countries called for sympathetic and supporting him. In the first days President Karzai received a phone call from the U.S foreign ministry Condelasa Rice doubled tension among those Muslims toughed believers in the country. Converting to another religion from Islam is not easily driving to death but cogitating and more analyzing the condition and the situation.
Years in a Kabul prison -- [Misadventures of a Not-So-Intrepid Development Practitioner - contractor in Afghanistan]
I have an Afghan counterpart who does a parallel job to me. This week, I discovered that he had been in Afghanistan for almost all the wars -- Russian, Mujahideen, Taliban and Coalition. I had wrongly assumed that he was one of those posh emigres or refugees who only returned post-2001. And then he added -- oh yes, I was even imprisoned for four years.
What You Didn't Know About Afghanistan -- [Afghan Reality - an Afghani in Canada]
"My spirit will remain in Afghanistan, even though my soul will go to Allah. My last words to you, my son and successor, are: Never trust the Russians." "The first and most important advice that I can give to my successors and people to make Afghanistan into a great kingdom is to impress upon their minds the value of unity; unity, and unity alone, can make it into a great power."
Abdur Rahman Khan Amir of Afghanistan (1880-1901)Considered by western scholars as the "founder of modern Afghanistan".
Afghan Police Chief Accused of Killing 16 -- (AP)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan authorities have detained a border police commander accused in the killings of 16 Pakistanis, a provincial governor said Friday....
AFGHANISTAN: RELEASE OF CONVERT TRIGGERS NEW POWER STRUGGLE -- (AKI)
Karachi, 29 March (AKI) - (by Syed Saleem Shahzad) - The release of Abdul Rahman, an Afghan citizen who has been freed after facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity, has mobilised the former mujahadeen and other influential figures in the newly formed Afghan parliament, giving them an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the US-backed administration of president Hamid Karzai. Abdul Rahman, a Christian for 16 years, was charged with rejecting...
Indo-Afghan nexus - II -- (The News International)
Asif Haroon With the end of the cold war, the USA lost interest in Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan. The latter's nuclear programme that had been ignored throughout the war became an eye-sore once...
The Iran Crisis: A "roundtable" discussion at Princeton University -- [TigerHawk]
Last night I attended "roundtable" discussion of the Iranian nuclear crisis at Princeton University. I originally wrote my report up as a "live-blogging" session, but it was sometimes tough to hear through the accents and some of it turned out to be a bit basic for our readers, so I have rendered it into an after-action report
Terrorizing Room Service -- [Strategy Page]
March 30, 2006: The war on terror is making life uncomfortable for American troops stationed in European bases. That's because the need for background checks on civilian workers has caused a shortage of workers. The security checks can take up to six months, because of a shortage of security personnel to do the work. The civilian jobs on U.S. bases don't pay much to begin with, and many applicants aren't going to wait around for months so that their background check can be completed. As a result,...
RUMORS OF CASTRO’S DEATH CIRCULATE IN LATIN AMERICAN PRESS -- [Publius Pundit]
I just came through reports, in Spanish, about the likely death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. The news, strangely, has been given by several news sites, among which the far-leftist Indymedia in Argentina, which quoted some Latin American media as having reported the news. The Cuban regime has immediately dismissed the claims.
Blackburn mosque cancels Rice invitation -- (The Guardian)
Muslim leaders yesterday withdrew an invitation to the US secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, to visit a mosque in the Blackburn constituency of the home secretary, Jack Straw.
Defiant Sabre-Rattling -- (London Times)...Richard Beeston
IRAN is planning to send a blunt message to its enemies today, when thousands of troops are due to take part in a week-long military excercise stretching the length of the Gulf.
Strong Quakes Kill at Least 50 in Iran -- (AP)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Three strong earthquakes and their aftershocks reduced entire villages to rubble in western Iran early Friday, killing at least 50 people and injuring hundreds, state media reported. At least 13 tremors jolted the mountainous region throughout the night, state television reported, saying the first one had a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 and struck around 1 a.m. local time.
Bahrain Boat Capsizes; 48 Bodies Found -- (AP)
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) - A cruise boat carrying up to 150 people capsized Thursday night in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Bahrain, and at least 48 bodies were recovered, the country's coast guard chief said. American divers and a U.S. helicopter aided the rescue effort. Coast guard chief Youssef al-Katem said at least 63 people survived. A passenger on board the boat calling from his cell phone was the first to alert officials that the ship was listing, he said.
Cries for help go unheard on edited tapes -- (New York Daily)
The city today will publicly release parts of some 130 emergency calls placed by victims of the World Trade Center attacks - but the recordings won't include the words of anyone who died.
60 MINUTES: OSAMA BIN LADEN'S FORMER PERSONAL BODYGUARD IS CERTAIN THE AL-QAEDA LEADER IS PLANNING A NEW ATTACK AGAINST THE U.S. -- [ Drudge Report]
In the First Television Interview of an Al-Qaeda Member Close to Osama Since 9/11, Abu Jandal Offers First-Hand Details About the Most-Wanted Man in the World.
Islamic Internet Resources -- [Strategy Page]
March 30, 2006: There are more signs of increased Internet vulnerability to Islamic terrorists. First, there was the revelation that a British man, a Moslem immigrant, had been arrested for providing expert Internet services to al Qaeda and other Islamic terrorists. He called himself "Terrorist 007." His real name is Younis Tsouli, and he was arrested last October, as the result of capture of a suicide bomber in Bosnia..
Al Qaeda's Zarqawi shifts tactics - U.S. military -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Al Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has shifted tactics, focusing his suicide bombers on Iraqi forces and civilians instead of American troops, the chief U.S. military spokesman said on Thursday.
INTERVIEW - Al Qaeda bioterror threat remains real -Interpol -- (Reuters)
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - using biochemicals and the threat of a strike remains real, a top Interpol official warned on Wednesday.
John Abbott, chairman of Interpol's bioterrorism sub-committee, said national police forces and health services lacked preparation for an attack using dangerous toxins and had insufficient knowledge and powers to handle such an event.
At Sept. 11 Trial, Tale of Missteps and Management -- (NY Times)
Documents released in the sentencing of Zacarias Moussaoui have offered an eerie parallel view of Al Qaeda and the F.B.I.
'Cell Phones For Soldiers' Wins Grant -- (America Supports You)
Robbie Bergquist, 13, who started "Cell Phones for Soldiers" two years ago with his sister Brittany, is among nine "BRICK Award" winners competing for a second $5,000 grant from "Do Something," a national organization that encourages young people to become involved in community service.
Letters Of Appreciation -- [Patriot Guard Riders]
Dear Marty,
I came across your name and email address on the Patriot Guard website so I hope you don't mind me
contacting you. My brother is Robert Kells who you rode for on March 16th from Ballwin to Jefferson
Barracks. When my family received the phone call from the funeral home to contact Lee Lesh (I believe he was the organizer), we all felt so damn proud and honored that you would do this for Bob. When I heard the bikes rumble into Schrader's parking lot, I walked outside to just an awesome sight. The love and support we felt from people we'll never get to know was amazing. The way you and Rough Rider described the scene was perfect. What a sight it was to look out the window and see all the bikes and the American flag flying in my brother's honor. I too noticed the cars pulling off the road and heard the horn honking for your mission.
He loved his Country and he loved his bike and I know ...
How Low Can the Anti-War Crowd Get? -- [Iraq War News]
There is a War Protest with a cemetery display at my son's college here in St Louis. They have tomb stones with the names of those that were killed in the war. Alex went through and removed the names of those he know who would not want to be associated with this type of protest. As he told the student who organized this you do not have the permission of those killed or of their families to use their name to represent your cause, I am needing this out so that any family who has a loved in who was killed in Iraq if you want to call or write the Dean of Students and let them know how upsetting this is to you please do so or email me and I will with your premission remove the name for you please email me privately...
Mudville... -- [Jack Army]
...is where I live. Tomorrow, my platoon will run through the obstacle course half-mile mud pit for PT (physical training) then a cross-country run mud slog for about another mile. Should be fun nasty.
Ranger Chuck (Reconstructed) -- (Sgt Hook)
I had an oppurtinity to serve as a recruiter for the Army a few years back in central Maine and know all too well the resistance and sometimes rude attitudes our recruiters face when telling the Army story and trying to fill boots. Recruiting duty wasn’t something I sought out, but when a Soldier is told to do something, he/she does it. So I did the duffel bag drag up to Maine and started filling boots.
...So I smiled at Chuck, and looking at Uncle Jack said, “I’m sorry Chuck, I won’t put you in the Army with a GED. You need to stay in school and get your diploma.” Uncle Jack smiled and nodded holding back an “I told you so.”
I explained to Chuck that although it was possible for a GED to enlist, he wouldn’t be able to become a Ranger without a diploma and that there would be a lot of obstacles in his way.
Broken Thinking & the Defense Budget -- [ROFA Six]
Broken Thinking and the Defense Budget is written by a guy who is a friend of the military. He doesn't worry about the "toys" the military is developing or producing. His focus is instead on our taking care of our troops by providing for adequate force structure.
His message is simple. Before 9/11 the JCS told Congress that troops and their families were being worn down by high OPTEMPOs.
Time, Gentlemen! -- [Chapomatic]
I just learned of the FLAPEX going on involving a submariner milblogger.
My two cents:
Penny the first: It sure seems to me that conflicts in a military social environment must be resolved at the lowest competent level. Someone with the training to know how conflicts should be resolved is not necessarily doing a proper job by going high order early afer a single email exchange, or going public publishing an accusation rather than making an issue known in a less blatantly public manner. IGs are for important things. People could get their lives and careers squashed with an investigation; it causes the leadership on the ship to scramble, and the over-reaction that can occur correcting one error can result in much larger errors
Soldiers Can't Wear Own Armor -- (Houston Chronicle)...Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
Soldiers will no longer be allowed to wear body armor other than that issued by the military, Army officials said Thursday, the latest twist in a running battle over the equipment the Pentagon gives troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
One in six reservists plans to quit forces -- (Scotsman)
GETHIN CHAMBERLAIN CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT | ONE in six members of the army's reserve forces plans to quit in the next year, with nearly half saying they no longer find serving their country "enjoyable...
Army Hopes To Cut Combat Tours -- (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)...Jeremy Redmon
Army officials want to slash combat tours for soldiers by as much as six months, the service's top general said Thursday during a vist to north Georgia.
Pentagon To Test A Huge Conventional Bomb -- (Washington Post)...Ann Scott Tyson
A huge mushroom cloud of dust is expected to rise over Nevada's desert in June when the Pentagon plans to detonate a gigantic 700-ton explosive -- the biggest open-air chemical blast ever at the Nevada Test Site -- as part of the research into developing weapons that can destroy deeply buried military targets, officials said yesterday.
Mistrust Grows In Secret World -- (Tampa Tribune)...Richard Lardner
...Although the mission performed by the more than 1,000 employees assigned to Centcom's intelligence directorate is crucial to supporting deployed U.S. forces, the organization suffers from the same dysfunctions as any in the private sector.
Sudden Spokespersons of Patriotism -- [Dadmanly]
Wednesday’s issue of the Online Journal’s Best of the Web had an item linking to an interesting article by Columbia University journalism and sociology professor Todd Gitlin in The Yale Daily News.
The Journal quotes Gitlin in describing the problem the left has with Patriotism:
Is Congressman Tom Tancredo (R) the only man in Washington pushing for a liberal solution to illegal immigration? -- [The Gun Toting Liberal]
can’t believe so many “liberals” are in favor of the “guest worker” ideas being currently debated on Capitol Hill right now. Well, actually I can. I admit, I once (not so long ago; last week even) thought that the President’s proposals for a guest worker program sounded like a pretty damned good idea. It’s natural, after all, because… we Liberals CARE about people. People first, then prosperity will always follow… it’s inevitable.
Hugh Hewitt and Bob Beckel Discuss ‘06 Elections, ‘Painting The Map Red’ (VIDEO) -- [Expose the Left]
Radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt and Democratic strategist Bob Beckel appeared on Hannity & Colmes tonight to discuss the ‘06 elections and Hugh’s new book, “Painting the Map Red“. Hewitt says that the key for Republicans winning in ‘06 is identifying with President Bush as his approval ratings improve.
Later in the interview, Beckel tries to shed the right-wing in bad light by saying he gets death threats all time. Hannity countered that he and Hewitt get them too,
Kingston, Dems Spar In Closed Hearing Over Iraq War Critics -- (National Journal's CongressDailyAM)...Susan Davis
A closed hearing of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee turned contentious Thursday as Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., Subcommittee ranking member Jack Murtha, D-Pa., and others sparred over the meaning of anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, heroes and military service.
Gallup: In Shift, More Americans Now Call Themselves Democrats -- [Editor & Publisher]
By E&P Staff. NEW YORK In a (perhaps) historic shift, more Americans now consider themselves Democrats than Republicans, the Gallup organization revealed today. ...
Al-Jazeera Cares -- [Andi's World]
Al-Jazeera is concerned about the mental health of our troops.
Facing wartime recruitment shortfalls, the U.S. army is desperately seeking to recruit and keep soldiers in Iraq. The Stop-Loss option in soldiers’ contracts keeps them in uniform for months or years after the expiration of their service term. The National Guard is being sent overseas to a previously unprecedented extent. And military standards have been lowered to meet recruitment goals, that criminal misconduct or alcohol and drug abuse no longer disqualify new recruits.
Erasing American History, One Hero At A Time -- [Villianous Company]
It often strikes me, listening to insincere media mea culpas about how they cannot find any positive stories from Iraq and Afghanistan, that they are missing the most obvious source of all: the inspiring tales of kindness, leadership, bravery, and self-sacrifice to be found on any military web site. Sites like these contain a virtual microcosm of everything fine and decent about America, but this good news about the war, placed on the Internet for easy access, is apparently invisible to professional journalists who manage to ferret out the tiniest needle of scandal no matter how large the haystack. Perhaps good news is hard to find because it is so cleverly hidden -- right in plain sight.
Fair Reporting and The Tipping Point -- [Winds of Change]
...So I'm having an exchange in the "Open Letter to Reformist Muslims" thread, and there's a point I want to make more prominently.
"...just as we wish to media to report both the good news and the bad news from Iraq in a fair way, fairness demands that we cover the people like Ali Eteraz in addition to alerting our readers to the genuine jihadi threat."
Scalia's Message To The Media -- [Stop The ACLU]
The Boston Herald are bragging they were right about Scalia's sign language to them the other day, and come out with the photo. Ronald A. Cass at Real Clear Politics sums up my feelings on the topic better than I word them. Scalia's gesture said, "I've got strong views and strong religious beliefs, but as...
Journalistic Irresponsibility -- [Just a Woman - Blog]
Michael Ware is chief for Time Magazine in Australia. He is based in Baghdad, covering the war in Iraq. He was interviewed by Hugh Hewitt yesterday. I highly recommend you listen to it.
...As I listened to the interview, I could not help but think that his tone and his careful consideration of the language he used in reference to the insurgents (much more than the ease and quickness by which he criticized the West) was reminiscent of Stockholm Syndrome. Granted that Ware is not a captive; he chooses to engage the enemy. However, he sounds as though he has come to "understand" them to the point of sympathy. That is not good reporting at least and it borders on being a hindrance to the war effort at worst.
What David Ignatius Doesn’t Seem to Understand -- [The Ugly American]
I already mentioned this in my blogrolls best post but I thought it deserved a post of its own.
This morning David Ignatius has an article titled Courage in Coverage praising two men I am very proud to call friends. 24 Steps to Liberty and Treasure of Baghdad. In fact they are two of my three Blogs of the Month for March.
After reading his article I wrote an email to Mr. Ignatius and I thought I would share it with you all. ...
Courage In Coverage -- (Washington Post)...David Ignatius
...Supporters of the Bush administration sometimes argue that journalists should report more good news. Certainly we need to tell the stories of the thousands of brave and decent Americans and Iraqis who are trying every day to make the country better. And if an Iraqi unity government can take hold and restore stability, there will be a stampede of reporters to cover this success. But a reporter's job is to tell the truth, even when it hurts.
Noah's Finally Getting His Purple Heart! -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
Tomorrow morning 0900. Ft. Benning, GA
Of course, he only found out late this afternoon so there is no time for me, his Dad or anyone else to get there to witness it. Ggggggrrrrrr. Is it of so little consequence to the Army that this could not be planned and announced in advance? Could it really be that someone just decided today that they should do this tomorrow? I would hate to think that Purple Hearts are so commonplace that the Army can't be bothered to honor their wounded appropriately...
Good news and sad news -- [Homefront six]
First, the good news:
BIL(K) is home from Afghanistan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had QUITE the busy/adventurous year. IED encounters, raids on Taliban strongholds, etc. kept him on the go (and most of us worried) for most of his time over there. But he's home, safe and sound. THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!
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.)
Those That Can't, Consult -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
...This morning they had Juan Cole on to talk about something. I'm not exactly sure what it was, I lost interest as soon as I saw him. He's been so wrong on so many things about Iraq, I wonder how on earth he's considered an expert on the middle east.
...Just before we left to come over here, one of Juan's fellow professors at the University of Michigan came to talk to us about the middle east. I won't name him here. Knowing the Army, I'll bet we paid him handsomely for his expertise. The audience was made up mostly of soldiers who had been in the middle east many times. He was so wrong about so many of the things he put out in his brief to us ...
Iraqi Perspectives Project - Part II -- [Red Hunter]
Today I will review what I've gleaned from the Introduction and Chapter 1: The Nature of the Regime.
A DOD press release describes the Iraqi Perspectives Project as an
...unclassified historical report in book form on the Iraqi view of coalition military operations conducted in Iraq.
Creaming That Damn Sand Fly -- [Strategy Page]
March 28, 2006: American soldiers have finally defeated the dreaded sand fly, with a new topical cream that erases the unsightly sores, caused by sand flea bites, in less than three weeks.
Suicide Prevention for the Desk-Bound Soldier in Iraq: -- [The Irish - in Iraq]
Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Making the Most of it.
1. Remember all that cool, high speed pre-deployment training you got at Ft. Bliss? No, you don't? Good, because you will never use it.
2. Guys that go outside the wire always make sure they all have their sensitive items. Body armor, helmet, weapons , etc. Your sensitive items: your pen and a stylist.
3. Put in a request for transfer to everyone in your chain of command. Listen carefully as each one of them tells you "no, you're too important where you are." Know that they are lying, and die a little inside.
4. What's that? You're not admin? You don't think you should be behind a desk when there's a war going on? "Well, soldier, the Army sends you where the Army needs you." (Roger that, colonel, but doesn't the Army need guys actually doing Army stuff more than it needs me here sitting on my ass for 12 hours?)
Iraq War Books and Other Topics -- [Boots on the Ground]
Muqtada Al-Sadr is up to his old tricks again. I seriously get frustrated that a man like this is running around free with his own militia. The guy has a warrant for his arrest for murdering Abdul Majid Al-Khoei yet he is still free causing havoc. I seriously think this is a criminal trying to get into power by shooting his way in. I also don't really think he is very sane, in that I've heard about some of his surmons sounding like it was coming from a drunken raving lunatic. Now it is also pretty clear that...
Getting ready to go! -- [That Arabic Speaking Chick]
I was never scared when I was in Iraq. I might have been overwhelmed at times, but far from scared. (even the time I fell out of a moving Humvee, but I will tell that story later) When we left to go overseas though I was a hair away from terrified. I think it was more fear of the unknown. I had never been deployed before then, and I had never even been out to the field for real training. Sure I did all of that high speed training at basic training, but that was far from preparing me for what I had to do in my first unit. I didn't realize just how much I didn't know until we got to Kuwait. I still thank God that we had a bit of a wait in Kuwait, because that is where I learned some of the more technical aspects of being a soldier first and not just an interrogator.
Family Readiness Group Newsletter - March 2006 -- [1st LT Charles Bradley Triplett - in Iraq]
There was some fear that when the guys came back from Habbaniyah there would be some separation between them and the guys that stayed in Ramadi. Our fears where over estimated because they came back like they had never left. This ability to integrate back in so easily can be attributed to the great soldiers and leaders that went to Habbaniyah. We are incredibly happy to again have all of our guys back in one place.
The change over has been completed and we are now in charge of running defense for the whole base. Our guys have taken over this mission and are making this base a safer place for everyone.
About Fathers Going to War: A Letter to their Kids -- [The Online Chaplin]
Dear Kids,
I am the chaplain of your dad’s battalion. There are nearly eight hundred soldiers in our battalion and many of them are dads. So, I would like to tell you about them so you can understand why they are not home. They are important men and it is my job to tell their story. A chaplain is kind of like a solider-pastor. I tell soldiers about God and tell God about soldiers. So, I spend a lot of time talking about God and praying to God. It’s a great job and I love what I do.
Saddam and al Qaeda: Overarguing denial -- [Tiger Hawk]
The United States government is releasing a huge cache of documents captured in Iraq and Afghanistan, some of which are indeed tantalizing in their hints at contacts between the Iraqi Ba'athists and al Qaeda or its allies. However, my gut tells me that the 911 Commission's basic conclusion will stand even after all the evidence is in: that the relationship between the two was tentative, and did not lead to any actual operations. Peter Bergen pushed me further in that direction this morning, with his assertion that "not one of the thousands of documents found in Afghanistan substantiate such an alliance, even though Al Qaeda was1 [sic] a highly bureaucratic organization that required potential recruits to fill out application forms." Since Bergen is a credible guy with deep knowledge of his subject matter
True Or Not, Report Of 'Massacre' Angers Iraqis -- (Christian Science Monitor)...Scott Peterson
The public perceptions swirling around a "massacre" - as some Iraqi officials have charged - are the latest incident to stall the creation of Iraq's new government.
Bush Opposes Iraq's Premier, Shiites Report -- (NY Times)... EDWARD WONG
Shiite officials said they have been told that President Bush does not want Ibrahim al-Jaafari to remain the leader of Iraq.
Codel Frustration On Iraq -- (The Hill)...Albert Eisele
The chairman of the House Select Intelligence Committee returned from his seventh visit to Iraq last week “extremely frustrated” by the failure of Iraqi leaders to form a new unity government, which he called “the key to the future of Iraq.”
Thousands of Iraqis Flee to Avoid Spread Of Violence -- (Washington Post)
Fear, Threats Push Muslim Sects Apart
BAGHDAD, March 28 -- Sectarian violence has displaced more than 25,000 Iraqis since the Feb. 22 bombing of a Shiite Muslim shrine, a U.N.-affiliated agency said Tuesday, and shelters and tent cities are springing up across central and southern Iraq to house homeless Sunni and Shiite families.
Iraqi documents: Saddam's delusions -- (BBC News)
In particular, an assessment by US military analysts has shown Saddam Hussein's confusion as he was caught between trying to assure the UN that he had no weapons of mass destruction while wanting to... (photo: USAF/Staff Sgt. Scott Turkol)
Gunmen Kill Eight Workers at Iraqi Firm -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen lined up 14 employees working at an electronics trading company in Baghdad Wednesday morning and shot them all, killing eight and wounding six, police said. The motive of the attack at the al-Ibtikar trading company in the upscale Mansour neighborhood was not immediately clear. According to survivors' accounts to police, the assailants first asked for the company's manager, who was not there, before firing on the employees.
A Message from a Hero -- [Iraq War News]
Dear Soldier Supporter-
I am the Battalion Chaplain of the 37th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) attached to 10th Mountain Division. You may remember sending some packages, letters, or cards to me when I was in Baghdad, Iraq last year with the 2nd Battalion, 8th (US) Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division. A lot of you wanted to know when and if I ever deployed again. Well, I'm deployed again, but this time to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VII. You sent us great stuff last time and I wanted to give you another opportunity again, if you chose to do so.
Jbad to Agam, Part I -- [Afghani Dan - in Afghanistan]
I got outside the wire this past weekend, a couple hours' drive away, and attempted to scribble a running diary of sorts (no easy task on Afghan "roads") as the convoy transited areas that were all new for me, starting with Jalalabad itself.
Losing faith in Afghanistan -- (Asia Times)
By Syed Saleem Shahzad KARACHI - Even as the Bush administration steps up pressure on Afghanistan over the plight of a Christian convert, thousands of youths are...
Afghan MPs condemn release of Christian convert -- (Reuters)
KABUL (Reuters) - Members of the Afghan parliament condemned the release of a man who denied Islam, insisting on Wednesday he should not be allowed to leave the country, as Italy appeared ready to offer him asylum.
Italy Offers Asylum to Christian Convert -- (AP)
ROME (AP) -- Premier Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday that Italy would be glad to give asylum to the Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity....
Taliban say Afghan offensive is on, 22 dead -- (Reuters)
KABUL (Reuters) - Insurgents in Afghanistan attacked a military base on Wednesday and an American, a Canadian and at least 12 militants were killed as a Taliban spokesman said a spring offensive had begun
THE AMERICAN FLAG COMES SECOND -- [Michell Malkin]
scroll for updates...new photo added below of a student in Dallas screamed at by an angry mob for carrying an American flag...plus fence-hopping at Montebello H.S...***
You will not see this heart-stopping photo on the front page of the NY Times or on the lead story of the major news networks.
Tanker Brothers: Race Traitors? Think Again! -- [Tanker Brothers]
Okay...it's no secret, the Tanker Brothers are both Hispanic.
Yep, brown as the day is long.
That being said, may I remind you that I often post in a few forums. Two are German Language, one is a Mini disc forum, etc... One of these forums is rather, eh, lets say "Progressive". I am one one of the lone Conservative voices in the Wilderness. I catch a lot of flack in there (my Land mines idea for securing the US-Mexico border didn't go over too well). I wouldn't really let the flame attacks bother me too much. For a time, they were even a bit amusing.
Until today.
Just in case you were wondering ... -- [Bloodletting]
...about my position on the recent large protests against Sensenbrenner's bill
First off, my wife is an immigrant. Actually, she is a refugee if you want to be specific. I tell you this because I don't want to hear any bullshit about how "I don't understand the plight of the immigrant." That's absolute crap. I do know what I am talking about. My wife came to the US 16 years ago. Her family spoke no english, and they had about $200 for the six of them, and two suitcases each. Well, in that time, they have gone from having next to nothing, to now. Now, My wife is a doctor. She gets better marks than I do. Her sister is in the top one half a percent of her high school, and will be going to college next fall.
Like Herpes, Malaria Is Also "Forever" -- [Totum dependeat - in Djibouti, Africa]
Contemplating the many “forever’s” in my life seems to be an everyday occurrence here in Djibouti. This is not your normal “port of call” by any means unless your port is full of raw sewage, rusting or sunken ships and an original look and smell all of its own that stings senses like a slap to the face with acetone-laden 80 grit sandpaper!
This is the Horn of Africa, baby!…
Here Comes The Navy...(There goes the Neighborhood!) -- [Totum dependeat - in Djibouti, Africa]
Djibouti can be a relatively quiet place on the weekends - well, as far as an American standard weekend is concerned anyway. Thursday and Friday are the normal "weekend" days here in this part of the world, and the Americans are hard pressed to figure out exactly why. Most don't even care because getting outside of the camp and out into town can be all the incentive a Marine needs in order to go and find a good time. The Marine philosophy of "work hard - play harder" is fine until your playtime in the "sandbox" is interrupted by your less than normal, gawky, cheese-colored, pansy-asked half brother from the Navy...
Thousands of students walk out for another day of immigration demonstrations -- (WRIC)
UNDATED Nevada students are joining California and Texas teens who are abandoning their classrooms for immigration demonstrations on the street.
A schools spokesman in Las Vegas says several hundred high school students walked out and some headed toward the Vegas Strip to protest legislative crackdowns on illegal immigration.
Immigration debate triggers more protests -- (USA Today)
Thousands of students took to the streets in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas and other cities Tuesday to protest a proposed toughening of immigration policy. ...
There Is No Evidence to Support Moussaoui's Claims -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
This morning I appeared on NBC's "Today" program to discuss the claims by Zacarias Moussaoui yesterday that he was supposed to hijack a fifth jetliner with Richard Reid and fly it into the White House as part of the September 11, 2001 attacks. You can see a clip of my appearance as posted on The Investigative Project on Terrorism website, and here is the full transcript:
Democrats pledge to ‘eliminate’ bin Laden -- (MSNBC/ AP)
WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats promise to “eliminate” Osama bin Laden and ensure a “responsible redeployment of U.S. forces” from Iraq in 2006 in an election-year national security policy statement.
Al Qaeda detainees contradict Moussaoui testimony -- (Reuters)
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia (Reuters) - Top al Qaeda operatives and others in U.S. custody said in testimony on Tuesday that Zacarias Moussaoui was untrustworthy and not part of the September 11 attacks...
Al Qaeda bioterror threat remains real: Interpol -- (Khaleej Times)
SINGAPORE - Al Qaeda has the ability to carry out attacks using biochemicals and the threat of a strike remains real, a top Interpol official warned on Wednesday. | John Abbott, chairman of Interpol's...
FISA Judges Say Bush Within Law -- (Washington Times)...Brian DeBose
A panel of former Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judges yesterday told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that President Bush did not act illegally when he created by executive order a wiretapping program conducted by the National Security Agency
German Angel and Paratroopers busting a Poser -- [Soldier's Angel Forum]
...Dale claimed to be a Recon Ranger in the Kill Team of the 3rd/506 he also told everybody that his son stepped on IED and lost a leg(remember the prayers I requested?) and that he was in Walter Reed. I unoficially adopted his son while he was on deployment. Dale has given an APO Adresse to me and I started sending packages to his son.
...I asked Dale if my Package arrived, he said yes, it arrived but one day later the package came back with a big red Stamp on it. That was the point when I contacted the Army Paratroopers and talked to them because I thought if there is someone that can find out then it must be the Paratroopers itself. They made a lot of research. Meanwhile Dale started to send Porn and Nude Pictures to me, telling me he would love me and dream of me, on Military.com
Through email contact I've had with a VN LRRP he replied they could find no record of Dale having been in the 3/506th and by replies from six team members and a platoon Sergeant that were in VN all through 69, no one remembers Dale. They state their records are incomplete, but highly doubt Dale was ever in their unit.
Good Friend Needs Good Thoughts -- [Gunn Nutt]
On Tuesday the 21st, tragedy struck the family of FreeRepublic's most ardent military supporters when a drunk driver struck and critically injured the son of Cindy-True-Supporter.
Gavin is a college senior at Johns Hopkins University, graduate of Airborne school and Robin Sage, and was to receive his ROTC commission in May.
Anysoldier Needs Help -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
On March 23, 2003, Sue and Marty Horn started an effort to support their son who was deployed in Iraq for the earliest stages of the war. Wanting to also help the soldiers serving with their son, Army SGT Brian Horn, Marty started Anysoldier.com in August of the same year.
Since the site was created two and a half years ago, about 430,000 troops have been helped. Packages have been sent to soldiers by individuals and large corporations alike. For those 2 1/2 years, they’ve gone out of their way to make sure as many soldiers as possible are taken care of.
But now, Anysoldier needs OUR help.
"I'd love to help." "How can I help?" "Count me in." -- [Steffan Tubbs Blog-On the road in Iraq!]
- numerous emails to me the past two weeks
DENVER -- It's been ten days since I left the Middle East, and the response to the charity drive ideas has been tremendous. We've heard from sporting goods stores, packaging companies, the Colorado Rapids, dental insurance companies, dentists and countless people like you who want to help with soccer balls, dental care products and school supplies.
list Lacey's email is because of an email she sent me last week. Now, I won't name the major coffee chain that supposedly turned them down (you can surmise) but get a load of this. According to Lacey (NOT confirmed by me yet) someone wrote this major coffee chain based in Seattle asking if perhaps they could send over some coffee beans -- a taste of home -- while they were in Iraq. Lacey wrote that the coffee folks wrote them back stating they wouldn't send anything over because "they didn't support the war." Again, this chain (which I am addicted to) has not confirmed this. But if true, I couldn't help but think what bad PR that is. I plan on checking things out to confirm this for myself. But should you have an extra pound of beans, maybe a soldier or two would be able to enjoy a cup on you. For now, I am focused on the soccer ball thing.
Army Denies Enlistment To Man Given Choice Of Military Or Jail -- [SAILORS, MARINERS & WARRIORS LEAGUE]
Queried by Stars and Stripes at the time, Army spokesman Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty said that the Army does not accept people who want to join to get out of pending charges. When Guerra asked about joining the Army, recruiters told him he was ineligible as long as charges against him were pending, said Sgt. Andrew Patterson, commander of the Army recruiting station in Tonawanda. Still, Guerra said he believes the Army chose not to take him because of the publicity surrounding the case, said his attorney, Matthew P. Pynn. “It was disappointing that he didn’t get in,” Pynn said.
Military Correspondence Kit -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
World Prep, Inc. sent me this kit to review. It’s a new product and they were seeking some military member feedback about it. Since many of my readers belong to the Adopt A Platoon organization I wanted to share it with you.
...The Military Correspondence Kit is just that: a kit designed to facilitate military correspondence. It basically consists of a couple of notebooks, a couple of pens, some envelopes, and a zippered cover with pockets to keep such things as photographs and letters. As you’ll see below, the kit fits easily into the leg pockets of our uniform and isn’t bulky to walk around in.
... I took the kit with me for about two days to see how it worked. Here are my findings exactly as I emailed them to he company:
Justices Hint That They'll Rule On Challenge Filed By Detainee -- (New York Times)...Linda Greenhouse
...At least five justices — Stephen G. Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, David H. Souter and John Paul Stevens — appeared ready to reject the administration's argument that the Detainee Treatment Act, passed and signed into law after the court accepted the case in November, had stripped the court of jurisdiction. It was less certain by the end of the argument how the court would then go on to resolve the merits of the case, a multipronged attack on the validity of the military commissions themselves and on their procedures.
Andy Card Resigns -- [Macsmind - News, Conservative Commentary and Common Sense]
No big news here, we were all expecting a shake up, but this really isn't it. Card, like a lot of public servants can make a heck of lot more money on the outside (ask Newt), and being COS takes a lot of time from family. "Bush said Card had approached him earlier this month about the possibility of stepping down, and Bush accepted his offer this weekend, when the two were at Camp David."He's been here 5-1/2 years. The average tenure of chief of staff is two years,"
Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain “too sexy”? -- [Gun Toting Liberal]
...I admit; after seeing the Senator’s most recent Glamor Shots, I must grudgingly concur with Ms. Stones’ sentiments…
White House Shake-Up May Help Bush -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush has come under increasing pressure from within his own party to shake up his White House staff in an effort to revitalize his troubled presidency. His naming of budget director Josh Bolten to replace Andrew Card as chief of staff was greeted by Republicans as a step in that direction....
Democrats in Vermont to Weigh Impeachment -- (AP)
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- Leading Democrats in Vermont plan to decide in April whether to urge state lawmakers to petition for President Bush's impeachment using a little-known provision in the rules of the U.S. House....
Bush Meeting Reporters Off the Record -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- At a low ebb of his presidency, George Bush is quietly meeting with small groups of White House reporters in off-the-record sessions....
March 27, 2006 MSNBC's Weekends with Maury & Connie -- [White Rose's Adventures - civilian contractor in Kuwait]
It never ceases to amaze me how our media can be so outrageous. This time they are slandering, running down and degrading all civilian contractor’s working in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Below is part of at post that was made on one of the groups as the wife of a contractor was watching the show.
OMG!!
They are making fun of and completely dogging contractors....
DimWittery Alert: Press Coverage Of Iraq -- [Villianous Company]
Here we go again. The latest excuse for the relentless drumbeat of negative press coverage from Iraq comes from Slate Mag's John Dickerson... [wait for it]:
The Good News From Iraq: We Can't Hear It - The Bombs Are Too Loud
Far be it from this military wife to point out that perhaps that's why the Good Lord gave us five senses. Whatever happened to the media's eyesight? Did their cameras stop working too?
But it gets better:
Excuse me, I'm not the problem -- [topblog - a contract stringer for The AP, Aviation Week & Space Technology and the Anchorage Daily News.]
...Iraq is a mess. There is a civil war. The country is coming apart at the seams and 140,000 of our troops are stuck in the middle of the ever-increasing shit-storm. We are more vulnerable because Bush invaded Iraq.
Put the blame where it belongs. The media didn't create the situation -- Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz did.
I unashamedly support our military and those who volunteer to serve and protect our nation, our allies and friends.
I am the only journalist in Alaska that covers the military full-time. I attend every ceremony, deployment and homecoming I can. I freely give digital files of my pictures to members of the armed forces and the units to which they belong. When I sell prints, I sell them for cost (unlike those at Halliburton and KBR who rake in billions sticking it to the US Government).
Voxblogoli 2006.1: Michael Ware Unplugged -- [Hugh Hewitt]
Radioblogger has posted the transcript of my interview with Time Magazine Baghdad bureau chief Michael Ware.
NYT: You, Too, Can Second-Guess the Government -- [Media Blog]
I found this article in today's NYT reporting on the thousands of Iraqi documents recently released to the public. According to the NYT — er, the experts — this is just a political move to boost President Bush's poll numbers.
The Hiring Bias: Liberal Begets Liberal -- [Media Blog]
Howard Kurtz's column today raises interesting questions about newspapers hiring journalists from liberal publications:
No More Nil Nisi Bonum: Countdown's Cheap Shot at Cap Weinberger -- [NewsBusters]
Keith Olbermann might be on vacation, but that doesn't mean MSNBC's mean-spiritedness took a day off. If guest host Alison Stewart was auditioning for the Olbermann seat, she might well have ingratiated herself with her MSNBC bosses with the disdain she dispensed on the day of Caspar Weinberger's death.
The Milblog Conference: Why? -- [Fuzzilicious Thinking]
This all sounds like tons of fun, but I have to admit that were not friends using their frequent flyer miles for my ticket, and were not I sharing a discount hotel room with a fellow blogger, I wouldn't be willing to go into deep debt to attend--though I'd be very sad to miss it. I've spent a lot of time asking myself, "Why?" Why is this event important? Can I expect to accomplish anything or get anything out of it more than just "fun and fellowship?" Why have a milblog conference? Here's what the ....
Blog Carnival on German-American Relations -- [Soldier's Angel Germany]
I'm late on this, but wanted to make sure you checked out the second edition of the Blog Carnival on German-American Relations.
There were over 40 submissions from German and American bloggers, and the three blog carnival hosts have presented selections in their carnival coverage.
A Day For the Heroes -- [Paulette- Yahoo blog]
On Saturday I went to Ft. Stewart where the USO was putting on a welcome home day for the 3rd ID. Local food places donated food and a carnival was set up for the soldiers' families. Jeff Foxworthy performed and so did Chely Wright. It was a great day! But a couple of things made it stand out in my mind. First I'll tell you about Jeff Foxworthy. He was as funny as ever of course, but when he finished his "act" he said some truly heartfelt things to his audience. He told them thank you. He told them how much they were appreciated. Most of all he told them how honored he was to be there. When he was finished he came over to the fence near where I was standing. Of course a huge crowd soon came over also. But what made this crowd different was 90% of the men around me were wounded soldiers. Some on crutches..some leaning on canes..some just walking with a limp.
A Hawk Who Preferred Not to Fight -- (LA Times)
He built up the military under Reagan and later was indicted in the Iran-Contra scandal.
Caspar W. Weinberger, the anti-Soviet hawk who oversaw the nation's huge peacetime defense buildup as the secretary of Defense during most of President Reagan's two terms, died of pneumonia. He was 88.
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.)
Americans Clash with Mahdi Miltiamen -- [Healing Iraq]
American forces clashed with Mahdi army militiamen at the Ur district (Hayy Ur), west of Sadr city in Baghdad. It seems an American force attempted to raid a husseiniya in the area and was resisted by militiamen inside.
Between 18 and 21 militiamen have been killed, and the Al-Mustafa Husseiniya was reported to be badly damaged in the ensuing firefight.
I was on the phone with a colleague who lived there and he described it as a battlefield. Apache helicopters and jet fighters are still circling the area.
Following yesterday's raid... -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
The Iraqi government, or more precisely the UIA part of it is obviously so outraged by the joint US-Iraqi army raid on al-Mustafa husseiniya that took place in eastern Baghdad yesterday.
Actually the reactions to this incident are so intense compared the reactions when 30 or 4 beheaded or strangles bodies are found on nearly daily basis in Baghdad in a way that it makes me question the intentions of this part of the government even more; this incident has received more attention and was met by more objections that it deserves, or to be more accurate; other more worrisome and tragic deaths in Iraq are receiving far less attention that they should be.
Why the Future is Fallujah -- [Strategy Page]
March 27, 2006: The battle of Fallujah, in late 2004, is still being studied by U.S. Army and Marine historians and doctrine ("how to fight") experts. The Fallujah fighting was quite intense, even by historical standards, something that the media missed. What was noticed was how quickly the army and marine troops blitzed through the city, clearing out the 4,000 very determined defenders.
Another night in paradise -- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
Yesterday, our curse stayed in effect. Our platoon, we joke, is cursed. Sectors we drive through blossom with activity, but on after we leave, before we get there, or on the other side of the sector. Nothing happens within a km from us. Yesterday there was a suicide bomb in Kisik, probably an hour or two after we drove by there. Blew up a bunch of IAs and LNs during a recruiting drive, including a local sheik who came out to support the recruiting effort. Last night, during our patrol there were two IEDs found miles from where we were, but on the same road. Nothing near us, though.
A Can-of-Snuff Night -- [Dispatches from Iraq - journalist embed in Iraq]
Operation Scorpion, in all its intricacies, almost didn’t happen. It had been planned for the night before, but was scrapped at the last minute when someone in the Iraqi Security Forces was caught tipping off a target, according to Lt. Col. Marc Hutson, 1-327th commander. The mission resumed only after Hutson sent local police on a diversion mission in hopes of throwing any other dirty soldiers off the scent.
Living on a base among Iraqi soldiers -- and potential infiltrators – didn’t weigh heavily on Evans, though. “They’re not a direct threat,” Evans said. “In the middle of an infantry battalion is not a good place to start a fight.” Leading 3rd platoon is the 23-year-old new lieutenant’s first go at leadership. Evans is eager and voluntarily spends a good bit of his time on the Iraqi side of camp trying to build rapport. “They’re pretty good, especially when they’re in bigger elements and they feel supported. They’re starting to feel like an actual army and not a militia,” Evans said. “Soldiers act like soldiers when they feel like soldiers.”
Embedded With U.S. Troops in Ramadi -- [AP - journalist embed in Iraq]
...The recruiting drive in Ramadi ended with only 31 people coming through. U.S. military officials had hoped for hundreds, but said even this small turnout was a step in the right direction. It is Ramadi, afterall, a heart of the insurgency.
Iraqi army officers said they'd find it hard to trust these new guys. They suspected them of being insurgents, or at least, some of them. Two other men who came by were suspected of trying to scope out the glass factory instead.
...Today, these guys said the same. Though they operate independently in some areas in Ramadi, they rely on U.S. forces for just about everything else: medical support, logistic support, firepower support. It won't be easy to fill all those gaps. One Iraqi soldier told me that if the Americans left, so would he.
Did You See That Dog? Why Yes, The Sky Is Blue -- [Hardtack and Havoc - in Iraq]
Fact is we, for what ever reason, built a pretty fierce set of teeth in the IA dragon and then somebody (prolly a Loggie) said "Cool set of sharp vicious teeth on that thing, but where's the tail" and then everybody collectively said "Tail, what tail? Oh, Sh*t, the dragons gotta have a tail! Won't work without one, and we can't go home till this dragon works!" Then there was much gnashing of teeth and many staff weenies and coffee pot generals (all operations types I'm sure) wrent their clothes then pouted and sulked in sack cloth and ashes because the IA dragon had no tail." Some poor soul looked upon this scene and said "you know, I think we might have a pretty big tail behind the teeth on our dragon, I never noticed it before cuz I generally
IRAQ WRAPUP 5-Amid confusion, Iraq Shi'ites accuse US troops -- (Reuters)...Michael Georgy and Alastair Macdonald
(Updates with call for calm, U.S. statement)
BAGHDAD, March 26 (Reuters) - Politicians from Iraq's Shi'ite majority accused U.S. troops of massacring 20 worshippers at a Baghdad mosque on Sunday but police and residents said many died in clashes between Shi'ite militia fighters and Americans.
US troops defend raid, say Iraqis faked "massacre" -- (Yahoo News/ Reuters) ...Alastair Macdonald
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. commanders in Iraq on Monday accused powerful Shi'ite groups of moving the corpses of gunmen killed in battle to encourage accusations that U.S.-led troops massacred unarmed worshippers in a mosque.
Storm Over Iraq Mosque Raid -- (Arab News)
BAGHDAD, 28 March 2006 — Iraq’s ruling Shiite alliance yesterday demanded US forces return control of security to Iraqis after what it called the cold-blooded killing of unarmed people in a Baghdad mosque during a US-Iraqi raid.
U.S. Officials Defend Raid Following Shiite Backlash Accounts of Deadly Attack Diverge Sharply -- (Washington Post)... Jonathan Finer and Naseer Nouri
BAGHDAD, March 27 -- Facing a scathing backlash from Shiite Muslim leaders a day after a deadly U.S.-Iraqi raid in Baghdad, U.S. military officials defended the mission Monday, saying it was a "hugely successful" operation against an insurgent hideout packed with weapons used against soldiers and civilians.
Iraqi cleric expected to gain from US raid -- (The News International)
BAGHDAD: Iraq's radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr may turn to political advantage the bloody results of a US-Iraqi raid on a mosque compound in Baghdad.
Tank-infantry team denies insurgent presence in rural regions near ... -- [Marines.com]
DRA DIGLA, Iraq(March 27, 2006) -- Insurgents no longer have free reign in the rural farmlands north of Fallujah. A platoon of Marines ...
Marines Helping To Line Up Sunnis For Iraq's Army -- (San Francisco Chronicle)...John Koopman
...The 1st Battalion controls this area of Anbar province and helped with the recruiting drive, which was coordinated by the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters based in Fallujah. It's part of the U.S. military effort to get more Sunni Muslims into the Iraqi army.
Suicide Bomber Kills Iraqi Army Recruits -- (Los Angeles Times)
At least 40 Iraqis were killed and 30 wounded Monday in a suicide bombing at an Iraqi army recruiting office near the gate of a U.S.-Iraq military base about 20 miles east of Tall Afar in northern Iraq, Iraqi officials said.
Saddam's ex-deputy lobbies for insurgents -- (Times Online)
SADDAM HUSSEIN’S former deputy resurfaced yesterday, calling on Arab leaders to support the Iraqi insurgency and drop their recognition of the Government in Baghdad.
Rumsfeld: U.S. Failing In Battle Of Ideas -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Associated Press
The United States is faring poorly in its effort to counter ideological support for terrorism, in part because the government does not communicate effectively, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said yesterday. Rumsfeld made the remark in response to a question from a member of his audience at the Army War College, where he delivered a speech on the challenges facing the country in fighting a global war on terrorism.
Rumsfeld: We're Losing Battle Of Ideas -- (Carlisle Sentinel)...Linda Franz
...Rumsfeld acknowledged that a large percentage of the War College class have led troops in Afghanistan or Iraq. "Those of you who served there will look back in 20 or 30 years with pride at what you and your families have sacrificed for your country," he said.
Iraq parties demand U.S. cede control -- (Rueters)...Omar al-Ibadi
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's ruling parties demanded U.S. forces cede control of security on Monday as the government launched an inquiry into a raid on a Shi'ite mosque that ministers said saw "cold blooded" killings by U.S.-led troops.
Iraqi Documents Are Put On Web, And Search Is On -- (New York Times)...Scott Shane
...Under pressure from Congressional Republicans, the director of national intelligence has begun a yearlong process of posting on the Web 48,000 boxes of Arabic-language Iraqi documents captured by American troops. Less than two weeks into the project, and with only 600 out of possibly a million documents and video and audio files posted, some conservative bloggers are already asserting that the material undermines the official view.
Prewar Bush-Blair memo leaked -- (alJazeera)
The U.S. President George W. Bush told UK Prime Minister Tony Blair that he is determined to invade Iraq two months before the war began, according to a confidential memorandum leaked to The New York Times.
Iran becomes Iraq’s No. 1 trade partner, minister says -- (Azzaman/english)
Iran tops the list of countries trading with Iraq, said Industry and Minerals Minister Osama al-Najafi.
He said other neighboring countries and states in the Arab Middle East were still reluctant to resume normal trading with the country.
Iran to invest $1 billion in Iraq -- (Azzaman/english)
Iraq has agreed to invest $1 billion to rehabilitate the country’s industrial sector, said Industry and Minerals Minister Abdulaziz al-Najafi in a statement.
The statement, obtained by Azzaman, said the money from Tehran will be invested in several industrial projects and Iraqi entrepreneurs were welcome to make use of it
Afghans still struggle with violence, poverty and constant power shortages. But can the memory of the past keep them moving forward? -- [Kevin Sites - journalist in Afghanistan]
KABUL, Afghanistan - This is where past and future collide: the Kabul City Center. The ten-story shopping mall could have been plucked from New York's Fifth Avenue. Inside it is all polished marble and brushed steel in a softly-lit atmosphere.
JBad PRT Team in Stars and Stripes -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
Our Civil Affairs team made the 20 March 2006 issue of Stars and Stripes. We had a reporter here with us for about a week. I was actually expecting more in depth reporting than this after a full week, but at least it makes us look good!
Today's Cultural Relativism Comment: -- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
You say that it is your custom to burn widows. Very well. We also have a custom: when men burn a woman alive, we tie a rope around their necks and we hang them. Build your funeral pyre; beside it, my carpenters will build a gallows. You may follow your custom. And then we will follow ours. --General Sir Charles James Napier
This is relevant in the light of the case in Afghanistan.
...Afghanistan will have to make a decision whether it is to become a part of the world as a whole, or whether it will remain a pesthole, to be exterminated as it becomes a threat again.
God's Own Shade Tree Mechanics -- [Miserable Donuts]
After disposing of a piece of unexploded ordnance in the village of Gojurkhel, one of our HMMWVs stalled out. One of the local mechanics raced over and offered to help. He was all over the engine before you could say "uh, sure, try your best". He spotted the problem, but with all the electronic parts involved, he couldn't fix it.
Afghan Convert Released From Jail -- (Washington Times)...David R. Sands
An Afghan man who faced a death sentence for converting to Christianity was released late last night from jail in Kabul. U.S. and U.N. officials had said earlier they expected he would seek asylum abroad.
Qatar -- [a mobilized year - in Qatar on R&R]
To give soldiers a break from their wartime missions and for some units (like mine) to reward soldiers who have been doing an exceptionally good job, the Army has a pass system. For our unit, the people who are awarded a pass get to go down Qatar for four days. Qatar is a peninsula country offshoot of Saudi Arabia located on the Persian Gulf.
Support the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
This just in from our friend Ingrid. She and her fiance Tony, who returned from a deployment in Iraq last year, are Patriot Guard Riders.
Thank You VI -- [Basic Training - in Iraq]
Packages for the Abu Ghraib elementary school children arrived from:
Eileen Zaleski, Philadelphia, PA
Deb, CA. The Yankeemom.
Daily Standard: Free to Dissent -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Hamdan v. Rumsfeld case. This will be a significant case for determining the role of federal courts in the global war on terror, as the Supreme Court will consider whether the Bush administration can try Guantanamo detainees in special military tribunals, or whether the detainees' cases have to be heard in federal court. But the current controversy surrounding this case is whether Justice Scalia should recuse himself because of remarks he made in a March 8 speech at the University of Freiburg in Switzerland.
Veterans Watch As Bill Is Signed -- (Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader)...Roger Alford, Associated Press
Flanked by National Guard soldiers and veterans of all ages, Gov. Ernie Fletcher yesterday signed into law legislation designed to keep protesters away from military funerals. The measure is aimed at members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., who have been holding demonstrations at funerals for soldiers killed in Iraq.
Maker Of Body Armor Is Under Fire -- (Long Island Newsday)...Thomas Maier
SEC probes DHB Industries and founder as investors allege stock scheme and feds review vests' adequacy.
Documenting Francophobia -- [TigerHawk]
If you haven't checked out the presidential campaign "hotel demands" of John Kerry and Dick Cheney, now available at The Smoking Gun, please do. No matter who you are, your reaction to these disclosures will probably reinforce your conviction that you voted for the right ticket in November 2004.
Card Resigns as White House Chief of Staff -- (Washington Post)
White House chief of staff Andrew Card has resigned and will be replaced by budget director Josh Bolten, an administration official said Tuesday
Senate Panel Approves Immigration Bill -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Immigrant supporters claimed their first major victory since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks after a bipartisan group of senators approved legislation that would give millions of illegal immigrants a chance at citizenship. "It's a big day for us. We may not have a lot of big days, but this is a big day," Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, a pro-immigrant group, said after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a package of immigration and border security measures Monday.
Not so independent journalism -- [Michael Totten]
The New York Times had the usual, and now standard, credulous article about al-Jazeera, with a focus on its new attempt to enter the English-language market. We are significantly informed that on al-Jazeera:
Guests have questioned the right of the Saud family to rule Saudi Arabia.
No surprise there given that the channel is controlled by Qatar which does not have close relations with the next door Gulf kleptocracy. Such questions do not elevate al-Jazeera to the level of true journalism.
Media's coverage has distorted world's view of Iraqi reality -- [Complete the Mission - in Iraq]
All right, I've had enough. I am tired of reading distorted and grossly exaggerated stories from major news organizations about the "failures" in the war in Iraq. "The most trusted name in news" and a long list of others continue to misrepresent the scale of events in Iraq. Print and video journalists are covering only a fraction of the events in Iraq and, more often than not, the events they cover are only negative.
...What about the media's portrayal of the enemy? Why do these ruthless murderers, kidnappers and thieves get a pass when it comes to their actions? What did the the media show or tell us about Margaret Hassoon, the director of C.A.R.E. in Iraq and an Iraqi citizen, who was kidnapped, brutally tortured and left disemboweled on a street in Fallujah? Did anyone in the press show these images over and over to emphasize the moral failings of the enemy as they did with the soldiers at Abu Ghuraib?
Stranger in a Strange Land -- [Fire and Ice - recently returned home from Iraq]
...So, here I am back stateside groking America, feeling a little like a stranger in a strange land. This past week the actor Richard Belzer, from a bully-pulpit provided by HBO and Bill Maher, condescendingly disparaged the very same young Americans into whose able hands I placed my own life and limb into day after day in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm going to do my dardnest to tell the real story of these kids, but I find it a tad discourageing knowing that our culture has more of an appetite for the Belzers and Joel Steins (author of the LA Times "Warriors and Wusses" article) running rampant across the airways and printed pages of America.
HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, NOAH !!!! -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
There are few words to tell you, Noah, how much we love you and how proud we are of you!! You know how much I love birthdays and how I believe birthdays are the one day every year that the rest of the world gets to tell you how happy they are they you are in it... and so we say to you, "We are so happy that you are a part of our world!!"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAVE! -- [Dave's not Here - in Iraq]
Monday, 3/27 is Dave's birthday! While we can't be there to decorate his office, sing off-key, or help him blow out the many candles that should be on his cake, please make sure and leave him happy notes, so he knows how loved he is!
Homecoming -- [Tribune Blogs - journalist embed in Iraq]
The 120 soldiers of the 115th Maintenance Company may be back in Utah by Easter.
The unit, which began its one-year tour of duty in Najaf, Iraq, before moving to Tallil for the final few months of duty, is now in Kuwait, where its soldiers are preparing to travel home. The final member of the 115th left Iraq on Friday, soldiers from the company reported.
Soldiers and a Marine remembered -- [Afghani Dan - in Afghanistan]
...Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division, which now comprises the bulk of the U.S. forces in country, bow their heads. The four warriors who died on March 12 were engineers from the 391st Engineer Battalion, a reserve unit based in South Carolina. They cleared routes so that others could safely travel on the roads of this unstable region, and were struck while performing that bold mission.
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.)
This Is Our Time Now -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
Not that anyone should believe an Iraqi soldier, especially if what he says contradicts what a NYTs reporter is writing about Iraq from poolside at the Palestine Hotel, but occasionally the Iraqi soldiers talk about what's going on in their country. And occasionally what they say is worth listening to.
Iraqi Soldiers - 26 March 2006 -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
An Iraqi soldier from 5th Battalion, 4th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security during Operation Scorpion in Hawijah. Pic: SPC Barbara Ospina
Interview with a soldier who just returned from Tal’Afar (Tall Afar) -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
I’ve interviewed one of the soldiers in my unit, SPC David Claffey, who just returned from Tal’Afar. Here are some of the things he had to say:
A brief silence -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
Iraq is floating the middle of a sea of carefully orchestrated violence. It’s awash in disinformation campaigns. Everyone here has an agenda. Bearing that in mind, remember that the coalition’s mission is to provide basic infrastructure, security and what boils down to hope for humanity by providing choices in government. In particular this involves creating a government that respects human rights and values life. For three years, the old guard evil that lives in and around Iraq has been fighting against these things.
It's Payback Time -- [Strategy Page]
March 26, 2006: Deaths from revenge killings now exceed those from terrorist or anti-government activity. Al Qaeda is beaten, and running for cover. The Sunni Arab groups that financed thousands of attacks against the government and coalition groups, are now battling each other, al Qaeda, and Shia death squads. It's not civil war, for there are no battles or grand strategies at play. It's not ethnic cleansing, yet, although many Sunni Arabs are, and have, fled the country. What's happening here is payback.
Iraq Report, 27 Mar/06 -- [Winds of Change]
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Joel Gaines of No Pundit Intended and Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com.
Living on bread alone -- [Talking Salmons - in Iraq]
Kids.
“Mista Mista, give me a dollar!”
“Mista Mista, I want a football. You give me football.”
“I want bullet. You have me bullet.”
The importance of the perception of victory: replying to Tbogg -- [TigerHawk]
Lefty blog TBogg and his commenters are mocking me for this post, in which I asserted that we should all want the perception that al Qaeda has been defeated in Iraq, whatever our personal politics. Specifically:
169 Film Stills to Choose From and They Pick Ours! -- [The War Tapes]
Click the link to see TWT publicity still of Soldier with Camera Mike Moriarty on the top of the indieWIRE article announcing the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival lineup. From the indieWIRE article:
Screw That-- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
There's a bit going around about posting antiwar songs.
Yeah. Like a lead balloon. The best intro to this song is from
http://www.amberhawke.com/lyrics_cambreadth.html
This is the song we call, "The Incredibly Wimpy Pacifist Band Sings A Song About War and Death." It's a modern song that sounds like it was written by a pissed-off Viking in the 9th century, about to take someone's head off with a battle-axe..but the songwriter looks like such a nice lady on her website. Go figure. It's also *very* popular with the filkers, try Googling "Cambreadth" or "Cambreath" sometime...
Traveling Northwest to Najaf -- [Grandma in Iraq]
...As I leave the relative safety of my home at Camp Adder and start my journey to Najaf, I wonder if our trip will be longer than usual because immediately outside the camp many vans and buses with Arab men are on the road and parked along side of the road. Many men wearing the red or black checkered traditional head wraps were walking to and from a roadside pool of water, perhaps washing or getting their containers filled with water for the journey...
IED strike: 13 Sept 05 (story) -- [Team Med-fah]
I figure I will just jump in to this next phase of the blog with both feet. Contrary to what we may have implied or even told our friends and family while over there, yes, we did get shot at. At times, quite a bit. “F---o the Clown” (a nickname for the insurgents that I stole from the Brigade MTT when we first got into country) tried to take most of us out at one point of another. The biggest threat to us hands down over there was IEDs. SSgt Walsh for one will back me up on this.
Shiite Fighters Clash With G.I.'s And Iraqi Forces -- (New York Times)...Jeffrey Gettleman
American and Iraqi government forces clashed with Shiite militiamen in Baghdad on Sunday night in the most serious confrontation in months, and Iraqi security officials said 17 people had been killed in a mosque, including its 80-year-old imam.
Iraqi Doctor Says He Killed Patients -- (Washington Post)...John Ward Anderson
A doctor has admitted killing at least 35 Iraqi police officers and army soldiers by giving them lethal injections, reopening their wounds or engaging in other deadly acts while they were being treated at a hospital in the northern city of Kirkuk, according to Kurdish security sources and Kurdish television.
16 Sadr Loyalists Killed In Assault -- (Washington Post)...Jonathan Finer and John Ward Anderson
...Elsewhere in Iraq, army and medical officials in Diyala province, northeast of Baghdad, said 30 headless bodies were discovered at 6:30 p.m. in a deserted brush area in Tarfiya, a village outside Baqubah, 35 miles from the capital.
Bomb explodes at US-Iraqi base in Mosul, 30 dead -- (Reuters)
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - At least 30 people were killed in a bomb blast inside a joint U.S.-Iraq base in Mosul on Monday, police said.
War policy is not up to the troops -- (Times Union)
There was a running joke in my Marine units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Each grunt thought he was the best, the platoon above him was good, the company above that was mediocre and the overarching...
Go back to the ranch, insurgents tell Bush -- (Independent online)
Paris - An Iraqi insurgency group on Sunday suggested that United States President George Bush take a vacation at his ranch in Texas and reflect on how he "is losing the war" in Iraq. | "Mr Bush, we a... (photo: White House)
The rancid relationship -- (The Guardian)
A senior British military commander in the invasion of Iraq said the other day that Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary, should be tried for war crimes. He was...
The Post and the Whole Picture in Iraq -- (Washington Post)
When the Iraq war started, more than 700 reporters were "embedded," traveling with U.S. troops in the field. Embedding brought a newfound respect between reporters and soldiers. Members of the media and the military hoped that this would bring a new day of military-press relations and help bury the resentment that had lingered from the Vietnam War.
Saddam's No. 2 Seeks Help for Insurgency -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Saddam Hussein's chief deputy, who has eluded capture since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq three years ago, purportedly called for Arab leaders to back Iraq's Sunni-backed insurgency, in an audiotape broadcast Monday. The tape, which Al-Jazeera television said was made by Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, appeared to be an address to the Arab League summit in Khartoum, Sudan, this week.
Saddam planned to deploy 'camels of mass destruction' -- (Telegraph)
Saddam Hussein planned to use "camels of mass destruction" as weapons to defend Iraq, loading them with bombs and directing them towards invading forces.
U.S. to Probe Russia on Iraq Intel Report -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration will ask Russia about a report that Moscow turned over information on American troop movements and other military plans to Saddam Hussein during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday....
Dems Want More Pressure on Iraqi Leaders -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is pushing Iraqi leaders to step up the pace in forming a unity government, hoping insurgents do not take advantage of the political uncertainty, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday....
Abdul Rahman Will Be Released -- [Stop the ACLU]
However, as we see here, the root of the problem is still there, and his life is still in danger. In essense what ruling has done is to postpone his death. It may very well be an excuse to diffuse International pressure, but in no way has it solved the root problem of a lack of religious liberty in Afghanistan.
'I Have 600 Suicide Bombers Waiting For Your Soldiers' -- (London Sunday Telegraph)...Massoud Ansari
The senior Taliban commander in Afghanistan's lawless Helmand province has vowed to unleash a brigade of 600 suicide bombers against the British Army when it arrives in the area this summer.
The Afghan Christian: Freed but Not Free -- (Time Magazine)
Abdul Rahman's case is dismissed, but Afghan laws on religious conversion may mean a showdown with the U.S. is simply postponed
AFGHANISTAN: DISMISSAL OF CONVERT CASE STIRS ANGER -- (AKI)
Karachi, 27 March (AKI) - (by Syed Saleem Shahzad) - The Afghan man charged with converting from Islam to Christianity is set to be released from jail while his case is reviewed. Under Afghanistan's legal system based on Sharia law, Abdul Rahman was facing execution if he refused to renounce Christianity. The case drew international attention with the United States and its allies calling for Rahman's release but observers say that it also appears to have united Afghan...
Terrorism Is A Universal Problem, Karzai -- (Turkish Press)
ANKARA - ``Terrorism is a universal problem, and there is need for an international cooperation to fight against this biggest threat``, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Thursday. Taking the floor...
The Garden of Turbulence: -- [Grim's Hall]
If you had the standard American social studies classes as I did, there came a point at which you were introduced to the problem of immigration. The textbook contained a few paragraphs on the massive Irish and German immigration of the 19th century, and probably a few nasty political cartoons from the day showing the racist contempt Americans had for the new arrivals. There was a sentence or two recognizing that there was some social turmoil, but wound up pointing out that the two groups eventually became part of our vibrant American stream, enriching it greatly.
Size of L.A. March Surprises Authorities -- (AP)
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Thousands of immigration advocates marched through downtown Los Angeles in one of the largest demonstrations for any cause in recent U.S. history.
More than 500,000 protesters ...
Immigration Debate Heating Up in Senate -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Founded by immigrants and praised as a haven for the oppressed, the United States now is struggling to decide the fate of as many as 12 million people living in the country illegally. The Senate takes up the emotional debate on the heels of weekend rallies that drew hundreds of thousands of people protesting attempts to toughen laws against immigrants. Among the election-year proposals that President Bush and members of Congress are considering:
Democratizing the World 1 Torture Victim at a Time -- (Scoop)
Analysis of the Long, Repulsive History of the United States Inflicting Torture on Its "Suspected Enemies" (in Conjunction with a Review of A Question of Torture by Alfred W. McCoy)
Psychological torture, sleep deprivation, brutality, severe sexual humiliation, and murder summon visions of a dank dungeon in a remote region of pre-invasion Iraq, Iran, or North Korea, replete with evil inquisitors and hooded executioners.
Red Sky Brothers: Exposing Child Abuse -- [Tanker Brothers]
My son will be a year old in one week.
When I see children that are indoctrinated like this little girl, it makes my blood boil. I can’t hear this “Religion Of Peace” crap anymore, and see Muslim extremists indoctrinate their children to hate.
Hamas Minister Vows to Protect Terrorists: No Arrests -- [ThreatsWatch]
Fatah's Abbas Seeks Secret Peace Talks as Hamas Minister Loses Taqiyyah and West May Drop Nuance
Hamas has appointed their new Interior Minister, Saeed Seyam, who arrived on the scene leaving few questions regarding the Hamas approach to internal security. “The day will never come when any Palestinian would be arrested because of his political affiliation or because of resisting the occupation,” he said in an interview. He swore to protect Palestinian terror groups in the name of resistance proclaiming, “Saeed Seyam did not come to the government to revive any security cooperation or to protect the occupation and their settlers. I came to protect our people and their fighters, to protect their trees, their properties and their capabilities.” Sayem pronounced that, under his watch, the various Palestinian groups, rather than be arrested for attacks on Israelis, will be coordinated with for ‘day-to-day’ security issues.
Monday's Winds of War: 27 Mar 2006 -- [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 Peace Like a River and Security Watchtower.
Congress to Examine Nuclear Terrorism, Terrorist Financing, and Shoulder-Fired Missile Threat -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Congressional committees will hold a number of open terrorism-related hearings during the week of March 25, including two hearings on the threat of nuclear terrorism; a hearing on offshore banking and terrorist financing; one on the terrorist threat from shoulder-fired missiles; and another on counternarcotics strategies in Latin America (timely in light of the FARC indictments this week
Terrorist 007, Exposed -- (Washington Post)
For almost two years, intelligence services around the world tried to uncover the identity of an Internet hacker who had become a key conduit for al-Qaeda. The savvy, English-speaking, presumably young webmaster taunted his pursuers, calling himself Irhabi -- Terrorist -- 007. He hacked into American university computers, propagandized for the Iraq insurgents led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and taught other online jihadists how to wield their computers for the cause.
National Support the Troops Day! -- [Soldiers' Angels New York]
Pasadena, CA, March 21, 2006 (Open Release) – The Soldiers’ Angels salute Michigan teenager, Alexandra McGregor, Michigan State Representative Robert Knollenberg and Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow for the recent passage of legislation in both the US Congress and US Senate to establish a National Support The Troops Day. This is intended for recognition of our active duty troops and the first date is set for March 26, 2006.
Letters Of Appreciation -- [Patriot Guards website]
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the PGR,
After a long journey and an even longer two weeks, my wife and I have finally arrived back at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. I checked my email knowing that there would be too many messages to respond to just yet. However, there was one message that had to be sent immediately and this is it. Thank you. Thank you for honoring our Soldier Girl - PFC Amy Duerksen with roaring bikes and saluting hands. Thank you for honoring our family with kind words and outstretched arms. Thank you for honoring God with bowed heads and prayers in His name. Thank you for honoring our country with pure hearts, good deeds, and American flags. Thank you for giving up your personal time and resources to ride miles upon miles and hours upon hours to honor, serve, and pay tribute to people that you have never met.
Soldiers Angels in Landstuhl -- [Soldiers' Angel Germany]
Last Friday the road was wet, we had a lot of rain, sky the grey and I had an appointment with our Major from National Guard Liaison office in Landstuhl. He was so nice and picked me up at the Gate and wrote me in.
Punks mar hero’s memorial -- (Boston Herald)
The heartbroken family of a fallen Bay State soldier was devastated yesterday to find his memorial defaced by callous anti-war vandals who scrawled “Oil” and “Christian Crusade” on a sign commemorating his sacrifice.
Wounded Warrior -- (Los Angeles Times)...Tim Maxwell
I AM A MARINE — a lieutenant colonel. I know about war. I have studied it for more than 20 years. I have been deployed overseas six times. Three times since 9/11.
Media Impact on Marines -- [Fight Pundit]
Thanks to the Media hype and the political nature of the people that represent us; we now have to much armor in Iraq.
Some Marines Declining Extra Body Armor
We have to climb over walls and go through windows,” said Sgt. Justin Shank of Greencastle, Pa. “I understand the more armor, the safer you are. But it makes you slower. People don’t understand that this is combat and people are going to die.”
The hard cold facts of life as told by Marines all over the world. But the media wants to make the public think that the military/administration doesn’t support or work for the safety of the Americans in harms way. hence what the media is trying to get out is that the Administration is evil and that we need to do everything to protect our armed forces (bring them home)….
China Marine -- [Sgt Hook]
watched and listened as Gus engaged in conversation with the others, providing opinions on everything from Dale Gordon to Bill Clinton. At one point he turned to me and asked, “You in the service young man?”
“Army,” I replied, setting my empty beer bottle onto the circular O’Doul’s coaster in front of me. “Am I correct to guess that you’re a China Marine sir?” I asked in return.
“Gottdamn kid, don’t call me sir and what do you know about the China Marines?” he boomed.
American Legion Continues Push For Anti-ACLU Bill -- [Stop the ACLU]
Indiana’s John Hostettler is trying for the fifth consecutive Congress to prevent the American Civil Liberties Union from receiving government funds when it succeeds at legal challenges to public expressions of religion.
...Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State described Hostettler’s bill as “deeply misguided and mean spirited.” He went on to tell BP that, “It is an attempt to deny Americans access to the federal courts to ensure their religious liberty rights.” However this statement is either deceptive or very uninformed.
Cindy, Cindy, Cindy… tsk, tsk, tsk… -- [Gun Toting Liberal]
Okay, I’ve ranted on this Cindy Sheehan subject before, but after visiting my ole’ “right wing” pal, Timmer’s Righting America blog (Timmer took the Political Compass Test recently, by the way, and was shocked to discover he is actually a “lefty” who had mistakenly just assumed he was a “righty”), I saw the vid of Michelle Malkin interviewing an unsuspecting Sheehan, and what ensued next was frankly, disturbing to say the least.
Republicans On The Run -- (Time Magazine)
As midterm campaigns gear up, Bush's party fears a backlash that could end its 12-year hold on the House
Immigration Debate Heating Up in Senate -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Founded by immigrants and praised as a haven for the oppressed, the United States now is struggling to decide the fate of as many as 12 million people living in the country illegally. The Senate takes up the emotional debate on the heels of weekend rallies that drew hundreds of thousands of people protesting attempts to toughen laws against immigrants. Among the election-year proposals that President Bush and members of Congress are considering:
Our intrepid war correspondents -- [Winds of War]
Two years ago, some dumb sex therapist in California triggered at least one huge suicide bombing simply by posting an essay on the internet, for US consumption, in which she used rape as a metaphor for the US invasion of Iraq. Rumors flew all over the Middle East that thousands of US troops were raping Iraqi women.
Friday night, Time Baghdad bureau chief Michael Ware got drunk on camera for Bill Maher, live from a city where alcohol is frowned upon (to put it mildly), in front of a cheering laughing studio audience, made vague allegations about US soldiers "manhandling" Iraqi women
True Reporting from Iraq -- [T.F. Boggs - in Iraq]
This is primarily the problem soldiers have with the media. However, I believe there is another problem that hasn’t fully been looked at yet. When the media willingly chooses not to cover positive stories coming out of Iraq like infrastructure rebuilding, free medical care being provided by soldiers, complete changes for the better in cities like Tal Afar, and the kindness shown towards the children of Iraq by soldiers everyday to name a few, then soldiers feel slighted by the media. It is almost as if the media is saying, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, those are all great things but they don’t sell so I am not reporting them.” Soldiers tend to feel that media types do not care about what they are doing and do not care about telling the truth. These sentiments often lead to believing that the media has an agenda whether they actually do or not.
The Washington Post & My Embed -- [The Fourth Rail]
The Washington Post's Ombudsman addresses the issue of my embed
Iraqi voters line up to vote in the December 15, 2005 Parliamentary Election. Photograph by Bill Roggio.
Last December, Messrs Jonathan Finer and Doug Struck wrote and article titled “Bloggers, Money Now Weapons in Information War” (byline - U.S. Recruits Advocates to the Front, Pays Iraqi TV Stations for Coverage), which basically equated my embed in Iraq with a military information operation. I responded, and explained the numerous flaws in the Washington Post article, and in January the newspaper issued a correction for three of the basic factual errors.
Harper's Magazine has gone insane -- [TigerHawk]
I subscribed to Harper's Magazine for many years, but gave it up a few years back when my subscription lapsed. It has developed such a case of unreconstructed "Bush derangement syndrome" that it has moved from the credible center-left to to the barking moonbat left. The March issue was given over to the magazine's campaign for the impeachment of the president. Now, the April issue devotes its cover story to the prospect of an "American Coup D'Etat" (no link). The opening paragraph reads thusly:
Ingrates and Idiots -- [Those Wacky Iraqis - in Iraq]
The lack of public praise for our first rate shadow warriors bothers me tremedously but what bothers me even more is the complete lack of thanks shown by the three freed ingrates. Not only that but the contempt and abuse they heap upon the efforts here. The following was posted in a Toronto newspaper today.
Hr>
The Post and the Whole Picture in Iraq -- (Washington Post)...Deborah Howell
Many readers see the Iraq war through their own political prisms -- and far differently from the reporters covering the conflict....
...Those complaints anger journalists who risked their lives to cover a war in which 67 of their colleagues have been killed and many others, including ABC-TV's Bob Woodruff, have been injured. There are other risks; Jill Carroll of the Christian Science Monitor is still held captive by terrorists.
After talking and corresponding with Post staffers and other journalists with Iraq experience and experts in and outside the military, I find no easy resolution to the complaints.
Here's why:
Editors strive to offer "all layers" of Iraq war -- (Seattle Times)
Seattle Times executive editor
George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld aren't the only ones frustrated with news coverage of the Iraq war. So are some of us at The Seattle Times.
As the war entered its fourth year, the president, vice president and secretary of defense all voiced criticism of how the war is portrayed back home. For example, at his news conference last week, Bush said that "for every act of violence, there is encouraging progress in Iraq that's hard to capture on the evening news." Cheney and Rumsfeld both said that media coverage presents a distorted picture of what is happening in Iraq
Poll: Blog readers signal desire for media to start reporting better, stop faking polls -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
A large majority of blog readers think traditional media sources should withdraw completely from reporting within a year. The Will to Exist reports that the poll of 100 bloggers, conducted by Will to Exist International, found that only three percent of blog readers felt the traditional media sources continue to remain unbiased and/or relevant as reliable sources of accurate reporting about world events. Although the poll, conducted in March of 2006, was carried out without Pentagon approval, The Will to Exist International said they did have the approval of commanders in Iraq.
Happy Birthday!!! -- [Speed of Thought - Blue Star parent]
The little girl is 21 today:
Seems like yesterday...
Monday, March 13, 2006 -- [Another Airman]
So here is our little one. The first ultrasound we got the baby looked alot like a bean... but these are WAY better. Enjoy!!
Afghan Judge May Throw Book at Christian Convert -- [ScrappleFace]
A judge in Afghanistan said today that Abdul Rahman, the man charged with converting to Christianity, would face the death penalty, or worse, if convicted of the crime.
“We could behead him and then throw the book at him,” said the judge presiding over the case, raising the specter that the punishment could include intentional abuse and damage to Mr. Rahman’s copy of the Bible.
The threat to the Bible comes as retribution for reported incidents of Koran desecration last year by ...
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.)
Confusion Leads to Suspicion (III) -- [IBN_ALRAFIDAIN - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...Frankly speaking, I have learned in the past three years to trust some politicians. I never believed a word of what Saddam had said when he was in power, and likewise the Arab leaders. But when I hear Mr. Bush speeches, I feel relieved. Each time he assures me, as an Iraqi, that he is a persistent leader as in these words:
Anyone Smell Smoke? -- [Michael Yon]
The Iraqi Civil War
...I wrote those words more than one year ago. Hatred that has been pressurized is a potent and malevolent fuel. Although I’d been in Iraq for just two months, I’d seen enough to know it was too late to talk about hiding the matches—a fire had broken out. The tangled briars of tribal enmities had overgrown, dense from decades of Saddam Hussein’s genocidal death squads. Wrenching that dictatorship changed the political landscape and in the process pumped fresh air into a smoldering fire.
Should we pull out now? -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
Sometimes I get upset about the way the media reports things. I have a hard time believing their polls and quotes and so on. I would love to know which troops Zogby interviewed to get these results...
...I conducted my own informal survey of random people I work with daily. You can hear the results for yourself, uncensored and spin free. They differ significantly from Zogby’s findings, which I have no idea what he had to do to scrounge up his numbers. He certainly didn’t call those folks during their dinner hour. Anyway, hear for yourself what some people on the ground think about pulling out now.
Entering stage three. -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
It's time again to go back to the political process in Iraq and shed some light on the latest developments regarding the discussions for forming the new government.
Today, newspapers in Baghdad brought many relevant reports and statements given by politicians in the past day or two and most of them indicated that next Saturday will mark the beginning of what they called "the third stage" of the negotiations with a warm-up meeting scheduled for Friday (to eat some more lamb) and get ready for the next stage which is expected to be final and decisive.
The Media Does It Again -- [T.F. Boggs - in Iraq]
Ok well I used to have two photographs here but due to my lack of copyright knowledge I have taken them down. The photos were of about 10 Iraqis holding their guns in the air next to a couple of cars. You can see the photos for yourself here, and here.
...Some people ask me why I distrust the media and think I am over the top for doing so. Well these pictures are the perfect example of why I have no faith in the MSM. As you can see they are the same picture but with completely different captions. Why is that you may be asking? Well my answer is that there is no accountability for media coverage about Iraq outside of the bloggers who happen upon these things like I did today. How can we believe anything the media says after they have proven time and time again in the past 5 years that they cannot be trusted? They cannot accurately label photographs and they cannot leave their hotels in Iraq to find out what is going on for themselves.
Northern Lights & Other Counterinsurgency Ops -- [The Fourth Rail]
Iraqi and Coalition forces have increased the tempo of multi battalion sized operations in the outlying regions surrounding Baghdad. Two multi-battalion operations, Iron Strike and Northern Lights were conducted in the past two days in the towns of Salman Pak and Abu Ghraib. Meanwhile, Operation Scales of Justice, which began when a battalion of the call forward force was deployed from Kuwait to provide additional security during the "run-up to [the Muslim holiday of] Arba’een and over the vulnerable period of the formation of the new Iraqi Government."
Doc's War journal update -- [101st. Combatmedic -- dispatches from Iraq]
Let me keep you up to speed on what is going on over here. I've been out of the hospital and back with my unit for 5 days now. Before I go into what happened I want to tell everyone that I am fine. I will be sore for a while, but fine.
Ok, here goes....
On March 8th we were on a routine patrol following our Iraqi counterparts around our AO (near Sadr City is all I can say). It was the usual checking of Iraqi Army check points, and the checking of illegal Jaish al Mahdi check points. We drove around and played the dismount and pull security, and mount up and drive game for four hours. All seemed well until we called into main that we were returning to base. We were following our usual route home, then we took an unexpected right turn and started heading towards the square. We just got passed the square and it sounded like it was pouring outside. It wasn't a torrential rain. It was massive gunfire on the Iraqis who were leading the convoy.
Dawn Over Baghdad -- [Open Fire]
As we often witness, the media thrives on portraying bad news and horrific events that take place in Iraq. News of thousands of Iraqi schools being rehabbed and reopened is boring. Peaceful religious marches are considered dull. Thousands of Iraqis marching in Baghdad shouting “No, no to terrorism! Yes, yes to democracy!” is hardly mentioned in Western television. Many liberal journalists live by focusing on any friction occurring in Iraq.
Not On Their Life -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
Before his capture, Tom Fox wrote:
"We reject the use of violent force to save our lives, should we be kidnapped, held hostage or caught in the middle of violent conflict situation."
Unlucky for Tom, his captors didn't share his belief in using only non-violent means to an end.
Hostage Rescue -- [Cool Blue Blog]
... "Release", not "rescue". But do they credit the "release" of their brethren to the Military? No
They knew that their only protection was in the power of the love of God and of their Iraqi and international co-workers.
Do they blame the abductors for the abduction? No
No More Stability -- [Dadmanly]
Please.
Look no further than Mark Steyn for a cogent analysis why toppling Saddam and liberating Iraq was a good idea three years ago, and still a good idea three years in.
How It’s Looking -- [NRO]
...To mark the three-year anniversary this week of the Coalition going into Iraq, National Review Online gathered a group of experts for their read of how things are going. We asked, broadly: "What do you consider the most important points to keep in mind when considering Iraq three years after the Coalition invasion?" Here's what they had to say.
Lies, Damn Lies, and (MSM) Statistics -- [RedState]
On the third anniversay of the Iraq war, the MSM keeps bombarding us with stories and statistics trying to compare this war to the carnage in Vietnam, trying to make us think that US soldiers are dying at an alarming number due to Bush's failures.
While every lost serviceman and servicewoman is certainly tragic and should be mourned, the actual statistics tell quite a different tale from the MSM and Democratic doom-and-gloom outlook.
Civil Affairs unit helps Iraqis help themselves -- [Operation.Iraqi.Freedom]
...Spc. James Hunter-49th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from Company A, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, distributed about 100 blankets, 50 hygiene kits and a box of soccer balls to Iraqi families Saturday during a humanitarian assistance mission in Karkh.
The Boy Grunt -- [Green Again - in Iraq]
I see him, or one like him, almost daily, standing in line at the mess hall, waiting his turn at the phone center, or sometimes even at the base chapel on Sunday. He lives out in the city, sleeping on floors, on rooftops, or in the walled courtyards of Fallujah with his buddies, surviving on adrenaline and MRE’s. He comes back to the camp periodically to get a shower, a hot meal, a haircut, and some clean cammies. Maybe even a day off to send home an e-mail or make a telephone call. But it never lasts. Soon enough, he’s back outside the wire, doing what grunts do.
Art work -- [MREater]
A couple of photos showing some ofthe art work
around the FOB. The window looks like you're looking into a western cabin, complete with cavalry hat. It was painted on a piece of plywood that was covering a window. Almost every window was covered,
Dreams of the War -- [Blog Machine City]
I sometimes have dreams about finding out that I'm going to be deployed to Iraq again. You might think that such dreams would be reason for me to wake up in a cold sweat, or otherwise gripped with terror, but not so. Invariably, my feelings are an equal mix of anxiety and excitement - fear of the unknown, and of separation, on one hand; and the thrill of adventure on the other, a sensation that can't be described because it seems perverse to the uninitiated and obvious to the salty veteran.
US Embassy, Baghdad -- [Just Another Thunderhorse Roughneck]
It’s the first time I been there. It nice. Really, really nice. It was like walking into paradise.
UPDATE ON WOUNDED MILBLOGGER
More on the lateset -- [American Soldier - injured in Iraq]
AS is back in states. His injury has brought him home to recover. He is, for the moment, in a military hospital. He has run the gamet of testing to determine the outlook of things. And right now it’s a matter of time. He will be taking it slow for some time. ...
Challenge for U.S.: Iraq's Handling of Detainees -- (NY Times)...EDWARD WONG
U.S. troops are trying to train Iraqi forces to battle the Sunni-led insurgency without resorting to abductions, torture and murder.
Of Course It's A Civil War -- (Washington Post)...Charles Krauthammer
...Now all of a sudden everyone is shocked to find Iraqis going after Iraqis. But is it not our entire counterinsurgency strategy to get Iraqis who believe in the new Iraq to fight Iraqis who want to restore Baathism or impose Taliban-like rule? Does not everyone who wishes us well support the strategy of standing up the Iraqis so we can stand down? And does that not mean getting the Iraqis to fight the civil war themselves?
Not Even Close -- (New York Post)...Ralph Peters
If surgeons wielded scalpels as carelessly as to day's journalists misuse language, the mortality rate in our hospitals would soar. The latest example of this deadly abuse of terminology was the media's declaration of "civil war" in Iraq.
Did Russian Ambassador Give Saddam the U.S. War Plan? -- (ABC News)
raq Archive Document Alleges Russian Official Described Locations, Troops, Tanks and Other Forces Before Operation Iraqi Freedom Began
March 23, 2006 — Following are the ABC News Investigative Unit's summaries of five documents from Saddam Hussein's government, which the U.S. government has released.
U.S. Military Asserts Most of Iraq Peaceful --(San Fransico Chronicle/ AP)
The U.S. military spokesman in Iraq asserted Thursday that major violence is largely confined to just three of the country's 18 provinces, but fighting there raged on with at least 58 people killed in execution-style slayings, bombings and gunbattles.
"A Model Democracy Is not Emerging in Iraq" -- (Speigel Online/English)
Francis Fukuyama was a life-long neo-conservative prior to the election of the Bush Administration. The Iraq war led him to change his mind. SPIEGEL ONLINE spoke to Fukuyama about the US handling of Iraq, the moral superiority of America and Europe's dangerous addiction to anti-Americanism.
Iraq on its own to rebuild, U.S. says -- (Indy Star / USA Today)
Total cost reportedly $70-to-$100 billion, up from $60 billion from a 2003 estimate
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The head of the U.S.-led program to rebuild Iraq said Thursday that the Iraqi government can no longer count on U.S. funds and must rely on its own revenues and other foreign aid, particularly from Persian Gulf nations.
U.S., U.K. Forces Rescue Hostages in Iraq -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Without firing a shot, U.S. and British forces stormed a house Thursday and freed three Christian peace activists who were bound but unguarded, ending a four-month hostage ordeal that saw an American in the group killed and dumped along a railroad track....
Envoy Accuses Iran of Duplicity -- (Washington Post)
U.S. official says Tehran professes support for Iraq's political process even as it aids insurgents
Communication Breakdown -- (Washington Post)...David Ignatius
...Ask senior military commanders what they think about Bush and they will tell you they love his toughness -- but wish the White House could communicate its Iraq strategy better.
Report: Military Errors Held Up Armor In Iraq -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Joseph Tanfani
Miscalculations and problems in the military supply pipeline created delays in armoring the Army's truck fleet in Iraq, leaving soldiers at greater risk from lethal explosions, according to a new government study.
Message On Iraqi Oil: 'Invasion Has Backfired' -- (Houston Chronicle)...Gregory Katz
The invasion of Iraq has weakened the United States' energy security and contributed to the recent surge in oil prices, energy experts said Thursday at a one-day conference of international oil executives and experts from think tanks.
No escape for fearful Palestinians in Iraq -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD, March 23 (Reuters) - Reports of kidnappings, murder and discrimination against Palestinian refugees in Iraq have forced many to try to flee, but for most there is nowhere else to go.
IRAQ-JORDAN: BORDER REOPENS -- (AKI)
Amman, 24 March (AKI) - The Jordan-Iraq border reopened early Thursday morning, a government official told local daily The Jordan Times, saying the question of 88 Palestinian refugees who had tried to enter Jordan illegally on Sunday had been resolved. The border at Karama was closed on Monday and the Palestinians were accompanied to a camp in no-man's land between Jordan and Iraq. Government spokesperson Nasser Judeh said Jordan had refused entry because the group held only Iraqi travel documents but no passports, and that the Iraqi authorities had now agreed to take the Palestinians back.
Did Russian Ambassador Give Saddam the U.S. War Plan? -- (ABC News)
raq Archive Document Alleges Russian Official Described Locations, Troops, Tanks and Other Forces Before Operation Iraqi Freedom Began
March 23, 2006 — Following are the ABC News Investigative Unit's summaries of five documents from Saddam Hussein's government, which the U.S. government has released.
Iraqi CBS cameraman to face military trial -- (Army Times/ AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi cameraman working for CBS News when he was wounded and detained by the U.S. military will be tried next month, CBS officials said Wednesday.
...Charges against Hussein have not been made public.
Hussein was taken into custody after being wounded by American forces as he videotaped clashes in Mosul in northern Iraq in April 2005. Doyle said he received an e-mail from the U.S. task force at Abu Ghraib saying Hussein “appeared to be instigating a crowd” in Mosul.
Pace Wants Review of Propaganda Program -- (The Guardian/ AP)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The U.S. military should say so when it pays foreign journalists for favorable news, and the Defense Department should review policies that let it secretly pay Iraqi media, the Pentagon's highest ranking officer said Thursday.
Insurgents Kill 3 Baghdad Police Officers -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Suspected insurgents killed three policemen and wounded another in a drive-by shooting in west Baghdad Friday morning, police said. North of the capital, more drive-by shooters gunned down three power station employees on their way to work in Taji, police said.
Soldier back from Iraq dies in accident -- (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
BANGOR, Mich. -- A decorated soldier died after crashing an all-terrain vehicle on the day he returned to his Army base in Kentucky from his third tour of duty in Iraq.
Pivot Points -- [Kevin Sites - journalist in Afghanistan]
The war on terror isn't over in Afghanistan, and the remote villages near the border with Pakistan are on the front lines.
The small villages in Afghanistan's Paktika Province, near the border with Pakistan, occupy pivotal ground in the war on terror.
Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, U.S. forces have maintained a strong presence in eastern Afghanistan, as part of the ongoing fight against al Qaida and Taliban remnants there. But outside the capital, Kabul, much of Afghanistan remains lawless.
New Wave of Insurgency in the South -- [Afghan Warrior - Afghani in Afghanistan]
...Everyone knows that the terrorists cross the border from Pakistan and carry out their attacks. Many Pakistanis have been arrested which proves that there is an organization in Pakistan that trains and supports these terrorists. A few weeks ago an ex-Pakistani intelligence member was arrested in the Paktia province and he confessed that he came to plan attacks and target the Afghan and foreign forces. Almost 90% of Afghans believe that Pakistan interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs.
... Our people celebrated new year on Tuesday and they are hoping that the new year will be a peaceful year. We thank all those countries who have sent their troops to Afghanistan in order to strengthen peace and stability and
Above the Hindu Kush -- [Afghani Dan - in Afghanistan]
No matter how many times you tell them not to, the aircraft just love to hop and skip through their airfields...it's always fun watching the Apaches hover around as they maneuver into flight position. The flight lines are always busy, as we are utterly dependant on air travel for almost everything in this country.
Things that make you go..wha?! -- [Miserable Donuts]
Eventually I found out that this ... er, launcher was being turned in under the program to disarm the area militias.
Fishing in Afghanistan -- [CDR Salamader]
I know, it is kind of like Holiday in Cambodia.
Something tells me this won't be on the Bill Dance show, or be an MWR approved event.
AFGHANISTAN: PROVINCIAL ULEMA DEMAND DEATH PENALTY FOR CHRISTIAN CONVERT -- (AKI)
Jalalabad, 24 March (AKI) - The ulema or Muslim scholars trained in Islam and Islamic law in the eastern Afghan province of Ningarhar, have insisted on the death penalty for the Afghan man, Abdul Rahman, 41, who converted from Islam to Christianity. According to a report on the Afghan Islamic Press, the ulema said that Rahman should be tried in a court of law and if found guilty he should be awarded the death penalty according to Sharia law and the constitution of Afghanistan, so that his case will be an example to others.
Blast at Afghan Ammunition Depot Kills 2 -- (AP)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A huge explosion ripped through a depot of confiscated munitions in central Afghanistan, killing two people and injuring 45, and damaging scores of houses, officials said Friday....
Optimism Lost: Security Council Deadlocked on Iran -- [ThreatsWatch]
Britain, France Consider Forcing a Vote as Russia and China Renew Opposition
As the Security Council’s possession of the Iranian nuclear crisis spills into its third week without unanimity, China and Russia proclaimed that they remain united in the two countries’ approach to resolving the Iranian nuclear crisis. Vladmir Putin had been in China for talks since early in the week. Said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, “Under current circumstances, Russia’s proposal is a helpful way to break the impasse. We call on all parties concerned to step up their negotiations and demonstrate flexibility.”
India Offers 'Treaty of Peace' to Pakistan -- (AP)
AMRITSAR, India (AP) -- India's prime minister invited Pakistan on Friday to join his country in a "treaty of peace, security and friendship" to end nearly six decades of tension between the nuclear-armed nations....
U.S. Treasury Department Designates Hizballah's Media Arms as Terrorist Entities -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The U.S. Treasury Department today designated the al-Manar television operation, al Nour Radio, and the Lebanese Media Group, parent company to both al-Manar and al Nour Radio, as Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entities. Under Secretary Stuart Levey made it clear why the media arms were designated: "Any entity maintained by a terrorist group – whether masquerading as a charity, a business, or a media outlet – is as culpable as the terrorist group itself." Al-Manar has also supported the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.
Jihadi vs. Jihadi: Zarqawi Threatens 'Moderate' Terrorist -- [Jawa Report]
I just love this CNN interview with the son of Hamas founder Abdullah Azzam explaining the division that erupted in the late 1980s between Azzam and Osama bin Laden. Apparently Azzam's "kill all the Jews" policy was a little too moderate for bin Laden. The Muslim Brotherhood, the radical Egyptian organization which bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri once belonged to, is believed to be behind Azzam's murder. The family feud continues today when the adopted heir to the al Qaeda legacy, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, recently delivered a personal threat to the son of the Hamas founder, Huthaifa Azzam.
Are we at war, or are we not? -- [Gun Toting Liberal]
It’s time for the U.S. Government to stop BS’ing us. If there is a terrorist threat to our country which is worthy of great fear, we need to shut our borders in the next two hours… PERIOD; you know, much in the same manner that air travel was halted for hours and hours as the Feds crawled over every airplane in every airport in every state and in every township as they did immediately following 9/11.
General: War on Terror Will Last for Years -- (AP)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The war on terror will continue long after Iraq and Afghanistan are stable, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told military officials from around the world Friday. Speaking at the Global Terrorism and International Cooperation Symposium, Pace called for patience and collaboration, repeating U.S. assertions that it will be a long campaign.
Moussaoui Shouts His Intention To Take The Stand -- (Washington Post)...Jerry Markon and Timothy Dwyer
Prosecutors concluded their argument yesterday that Zacarias Moussaoui is eligible for the death penalty, and the al-Qaeda operative made it clear in his typically theatrical style that he intends to take the stand.
Al Qaeda's Nuclear Option -- (Washington Times)...Arnaud de Borchgrave
...Paradoxical though this may seem to Washington's armchair strategists, the defeat of the al Qaeda-Sunni insurgency in Iraq would actually heighten, not lessen, the danger of a September 11 CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) attack. Defeated by the U.S. in Afghanistan and again in Iraq, al Qaeda would have to conclude its strategy of forcing the U.S. into a humiliating, Vietnamlike retreat has failed.
A little "Manual" Labor -- [SandGram - just returned from Iraq]
I had a great time up in DC at my folks house and on Friday night was able to go protest in front of Walter Reed Hospital against the Pinko's who give our Marines and Soldiers a hard time when they are bused in there on Friday nights. You guys would be proud of our supporters who have coffee and pizza out to make the night go by nice and fast. One of my Mom's friends "GunNut" was out there and I wanted to thank her for my present!! You are awesome girl!! If you live in the DC area and can visit these guys on a Friday night, go help out to let the troops know that the Pinko's are down the street and mean nothing. Also, AnySoldiers.com is needing some funding, if you can send them a donation, it will be going to the most important cause around!!
Leftists Support Our Troops? Hardly! -- [Daley Times-Post]... Doug Hagin
Maybe it is just me being irritable, but the cheap shots being constantly taken against the mission, character, and intelligence of America’s armed forces is wearing on my last nerve. The most recent example of the Leftist ideal that they can support the troops and insult them at the same time comes from actor/comedian Richard Belzer. Belzer, who stars in the NBC series “Homicide: Life on the Streets” and “Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit”, recently took the opportunity of an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher” to demean the intelligence of our troops.
I think I hate all of my "Friends" -- [175 lbs. of Tweisted Steel - in Iraq]
Throughout all of Highschool, and middle, and hell some of elementry, Ive known some of you people. I have been there for a lot of you, and some of you know me, and more than most of you dont. I go half way across the world, and I dont even hear from you, you dont even contact me, you dont even give support to those who are close to me, like my family, or Heather. I truly wish the for the worst to happen to you, and karma will come around and get you in the end. Again this does not inculde those who are truly my friends, who do take the time to talk to me, or support me, or be happy for me. You know who you are. I thought that when I left for here, Id have a great group of people back home to come too, I was sorely mistaken.
Taking time to NOT forget! -- [A Long Strange Trip]
...Well, for us here I have found the Minnesota Military Family Foundation that supoorts families of soldiers while deployed in financial hardship or need. It provides grants when families need it. I know they have helped people make mortgage payments, and car payments, and that is one I will pledge to support. So if you live in the midwest, know that you have a mass of folks leaving the area for our countries greater good.(Don't be fooled by the left, we are in too deep, and leaving now would provide a greater danger to YOU!) If you know someone deployed, take care of their family, check up on their family periodically...
Riders Shield Mourners -- (Washington Times)...Jennifer Harper
...The motorcycle group which has vowed to shield military families from protesters during the funerals of fallen troops has surged in the past five weeks, adding more than 15,000 riders.
The USAF Finds Oil in a Coal Field -- [Strategy Page]
March 23, 2006: With oil at $60 a barrel, and likely to stay that high, it now becomes economically feasible to get fuel from other sources, like coal. So the U.S. Air Force, which currently consumes nearly 80 million barrels of oil a year, is trying to build a coal-to-oil plant that would supply about 14 percent of those needs.
Tribeca Film Festival Premiere Tickets for Charlie Company -- [The War Tapes]
THE WAR TAPES will have its international premiere April 29th at 3pm in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Its really important to me that Charlie Company be there to share in this, so we've gotten some free tickets for any Charlie Company member and a guest set aside. If you are interested you need to email
Future - March 17th, 2006 -- [My Turn - in Iraq]
I find it rather ironic when I look down at my shirt and see my last name and "US ARMY". Through out going to school, hearing about war... thinking how stupid it was and why people would even think about joining the service... and here I find myself, looking at my shirt wearing this "US ARMY" uniform.
...So here I am, in the army, somewhere in Iraq, away from all of my friends and family... and everything that seems/feels familiar. For... college money? Yes, and job experience... however now I've got stories to tell, I can say I've been at war (if you want to call this a war), and I can tell my dad "Thanks" on veterans day... and he can tell me the same thing. There's a few kicks for being in the service... good and bad... however right now I see a very bright future ahead of me, so this whole military gig hasn't been too bad.
The REAL Navy... -- [ezprezzo.com]
A video of the REAL Navy - courtesy of google.video.
Vietnam Deserter Admits Mistake -- (Washington Times)...Associated Press
The Vietnam War-era deserter who was caught crossing into the United States and held for a week says he made a mistake when he fled the Marine Corps in 1968.
Mother Of Dead Soldier Upset Taliban Official Is Able To Attend Yale, Colmes Defends (VIDEO) -- [Expose the Left]
Natalie Healy, the mother of deceased Navy Seal Dan Healy, who was killed in Afghanistan, appeared on Hannity & Colmes tonight. Healy was killed when his helicopter was shot down by the Taliban. A Sean Hannity report that his mother, Natalie Healy, was shocked when she found out that former spokesman of the Taliban is attending Yale.
Hillary Clinton's Lost Translation of the Bible -- [Confederate Yankee]
You knew she couldn’t keep her inner liberal quiet forever, but you would at least hope she wouldn't resort to rewriting the Bible for political gain:
A Very Special Note For Hillary Clinton -- [Wizbang]
From The Salvation Army:
Jesus was a criminal. He was arrested, tried by the legal system of the day, deemed guilty by a selection of the public, and was tortured and executed by the state authority. That he was innocent, the victim of an unjust legal system, does not change the fact that he was, in his time, a convicted and punished criminal. He suffered a criminal's death between two thieves whom he spoke to and with whom he identified. One of the criminals was promised a place with him in paradise that very day.
Fake, Wrong, Whatever! -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
This letter is supposedly from a serviceman who is in Iraq on his second tour.
It is not.
My guess is if this person was actually in the service, they had, at best, maybe 6 months of service, and was likely kicked out of the military for "failure to adapt", the polite term used by DoD to get rid of dirtbags, like this guy.
Volunteers for Endless War -- [Cindy Sheehan - Gold Star Families fo Peace]
Being on the road constantly and being in the trenches for peace leave me little time (and, if truth be told, little inclination) to keep up with George's dishonest and oftentimes incoherent ramblings; nonetheless, this week two of his more calculated comments caught my attention.
A Soldier Challenges The Hollywood Left -- (Letter) -- (Washington Times)...Capt. Paul Carron, USA
...I wish Bill Maher, Richard Belzer and the young adults of my generation who comment from campuses and talk shows all over the country and mistake knowledge for understanding could see what's really happening over there. I welcome their right to disagree, but I wish they would educate themselves well enough to disagree intelligently.
Some GOP Flee From Bush, but Not His Money -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Many worried Republicans on the ballot in November have been pushing away from the White House, not wanting to be dragged under by President Bush's sinking approval ratings and growing anxiety over Iraq. That doesn't mean they're also fleeing his cash offerings, however. Despite approval ratings in the mid-to-upper 30s, Bush remains the nation's most successful fundraiser. Vice President Dick Cheney, whose poll numbers are even lower than Bush's, is not far behind. Both have raised tens of millions of dollars for GOP congressional and gubernatorial candidates running in this year's midterm elections.
Resume of Clinton Challenger Questioned -- (AP)
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A former Pentagon official seeking the Republican nomination to run against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton this year may have puffed up her resume....
ABC NEWS EXEC: 'BUSH MAKES ME SICK'; E-MAIL REVEALED -- [Drudge Report]
**Exclusive**
A top producer at ABC NEWS declared "Bush makes me sick" in an email obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.
John Green, currently executive producer of the weekend edition of GOOD MORNING AMERICA, unloaded on the president in an ABC company email obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.
Foiled Attacks Can Lull Public -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
In looking at the linked articles on the right side of the blog, I was struck by the number of attempted major terrorist attacks in different parts of the world that were foiled and thus unlikely to register in the public consciousness.
If reported at all in the U.S press, the overseas news reports were relegated to the inside pages or a fleeting mention on the media. Thus, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, that the international terrorism threat is receding.
BuckSargent on the CNN Interviews and MSM "Coverage" of the War -- [Hugh Hewitt]
BuckSargent's e-mail to me (reproduced with his permission):
...If Anderson Cooper wants the real, real deal, he'll find BuckSagent, and put him on with Michael Yon and Michael Ware, and let it run for an hour.
Pundit In Chief: An Interview with Fred Barnes -- [The Real Ugly American]
I was very honored to have the opportunity to speak for a bout 45 minutes with Fred Barnes (whose notable work will be detailed in just a moment) about his new book Rebel in Chief.
UA: Now you mention in the book how president Bushes opponents continually misunderestimate him to use the word. Do you think his democratic adversaries really think he is stupid?
FB: Yeah I think a lot of them do. They think he is stupid and they think he is a tool of Dick Cheney or Karl Rove and it’s obviously not true. Look anybody who saw his press conference yesterday had to think that he’s a master at that form. He did awfully well.
President Bush endorses blogs -- [CDR Salamader]
This is a great example of where President Bush is in his element - unfiltered. He sure doesn't look like a guy ready to quit. In case you can't get the video below, here is the transcript.
Am I on double secret probation? -- [kosovodad]
...Before I go further, let me explain my view on that. I definitely believe it’s a good idea that the Army is reading blogs, especially blogs by soldiers. It’s a good idea for many reasons, not just operational security, but more so because it gives you a good idea about what people are really saying, without having it filtered by the mainstream media. Blogs are a great way of telling you what kind of relationship you have with folks.
The war about more than hurt feelings -- (Townhall.com)
...I asked Matt of the excellent military blog Blackfive for his take on the recent efforts of those in the media to determine how the troops feel (Military blogs, referred to as milblogs, are the weblogs maintained by individual members of the military and often include their personal accounts of their experiences in the field, sometimes even including pictures from war zones).
Happy Blogoversary...to myself! -- [Ma Duece Gunner]
I realized today that I have been 2 weeks past my blogoversary. Whoops. I even missed my 100,000th visitor.
I must apologize for my lack of posting. I will pick it back up, mark my words.
Update - 22 Mar 06 -- [Team Med-fah - home from Iraq]
...We’ve been back for a month now, arriving in to Cherry Point MCAS on 17 Feb 06 after about 30 hours of traveling). Truly hard to believe. Our arrival into North Carolina went pretty smoothly. Once we arrived in Kuwait, we stayed for less than 24 hours at Camp Victory before being bused to a different airport for embarkation on a 747. Prior to embarkation, we were linked up with about 200 other Marines who would be traveling back with us, and together, we began the Customs goatrope. Of course, by then, it was night. We got the standard briefs about no ammo, no explosives, no dirt, no pets, no drugs, etc, etc. Then, we had to head outside, find all of our gear (find your green seabag in the pile of 250+ green seabags), and then drag all of that crap into line to run it all through an X-ray machine.
Pacifist hero Doss, 87, dies in Alabama -- (Washinton Times)
Desmond Doss, a Christian pacifist who received the Medal of Honor for his heroics as an Army medic on Okinawa in World War II, died yesterday at his home in Piedmont, Ala. He was 87.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006 -- [A place for Cranky Monkies and Pirates - in Afghanistan]
... Well, It's been a weird couple of weeks and what not since I last posted. I hate to write on a sad note, but my unit and myself lost 4 comrades. I knew the guys....one was an Iraqi war vet also. They were an amazing group of guys and never turned down a mission. I was supposed to be rolling with them and I would have been more than honored to roll with them but God has blessed me and let me live another day. Everyone please pray for their families. To my comrades......farewell....I bid you the fondest adieu and we will see eachother again....I was honored to have served with you while I could. It always seems that the best ones go down. I really feel for the families.....but they served with courage and honor....and believe it or not helped soldiers and Afghans every day by doing what we Combat Engineers do best.
Busy Day!
If you missed it last night, Michael Yon, Hugh Hewitt appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, opposite of Michael Ware of Time Magazine and Nic Robertson of CNN. Subject was the Medias coverage of Iraq.
Hugh weighs in on Michael Wares part of the interview here andMichael Ware's war coverage here
Hugh also interviews Christopher Hitchens on the media coverage of Iraq, and whether some on the other side are recognizing what they've wrought
Here's Christopher Allbritton, former AP and New York Daily News reporter with a blog. He's in Iraq now and reports for a variety of outlets including TIME Magazine. No Bias here (Cough)
Ian has more on Negative Reporting In Iraq
Here are a few headlines concerning Iraq:
From the Associated Press
Attacks in Iraqi Capital Kill Nearly 20
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A car bomb explosion at a major crimes unit in downtown Baghdad killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 30 Thursday, police said. A suicide bomber drove up to the entrance of the Karradah building housing the unit - which is run by the Interior Ministry - before detonating the vehicle, police Lt. Col. Falah al-Mohammadawi said
3 Western Peace Activists Freed in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Multinational forces freed three Western hostages early Thursday in a military operation, ending a four-month hostage drama in which an American among the group was shot to death and dumped on a Baghdad street....
AP's Bush 'Straw Man' Story: News Analysis Or Unlabeled Opinion?
The viewpoint, as often happens in Washington, depends on whose blog you are reading, and what you consider opinion and analysis. Still, the article by reporter Jennifer Loven sparked an interesting debate on the blogosphere, and in some newsrooms, over how such an examination of a public figure can cross the line from reporting to opining. Since the piece was not labeled a column, or even analysis, it raised some eyebrows as it veered into a sharp attack on Bush's use of such tactics.
The article has drawn reactions ranging from a supportive mass e-mailing from MoveOn.org to criticism by the conservative Powerline blog and American Federalist Journal. But an AP spokesman says editors want more of these types of wire stories.
From Reuters
Aid workers rescued in Iraq
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces freed three Christian peace activists held hostage in Iraq on Thursday in an operation mounted two weeks after the kidnappers tortured and killed their American colleague.
US targets Iraqi deaths "misinformation"
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military hit back on Wednesday at what it called a "pattern of misinformation" following Iraqi police accusations that its troops shot dead a family of 11 in their home last week.
From Time
Iraq hostages are freed -- Norman Kember, a Briton, and two Canadian aid workers freed in Baghdad today after four month hostage ordeal in which one colleague was murdered
Words can't fill in policy gaps left by the bombs -- By Bronwen Maddox
TONY BLAIR’S speech was a heavy-handed attempt to substitute a philosophy of the War on Terror for success in Iraq.
He was helped by President Bush, who gave a simultaneous press conference in the White House, to defend the Iraq invasion on its third anniversary.
He was not helped by Iraq itself, where gunmen stormed a police station north of Baghdad, killing at least 22 policemen and freeing 33 prisoners.
From MSNBC/ Newsweek/
The Salvador Option’
The Pentagon may put Special-Forces-led assassination or kidnapping teams in Iraq
What to do about the deepening quagmire of Iraq? The Pentagon’s latest approach is being called "the Salvador option"—and the fact that it is being discussed at all is a measure of just how worried Donald Rumsfeld really is. "What everyone agrees is that we can’t just go on as we are," one senior military officer told NEWSWEEK. "We have to find a way to take the offensive against the insurgents. Right now, we are playing defense. And we are losing." Last November’s operation in Fallujah, most analysts agree, succeeded less in breaking "the back" of the insurgency.
Attacks kill at least 68 in Baghdad {Editors Notes: Beware of gory pic}
Bush says Iraq, on brink of civil war, must choose between 'chaos and unity'
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A series of suicide attacks, car bombs and mortar barrages rocked Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least 68 people and wounding scores as Iraq teetered on the brink of civil war.
Another attack kills U.S. soldier
Convoy struck near town of Ramadi; 2 others hurt
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A U.S. soldier was fatally wounded and two others were hurt in a blast near the flashpoint Iraqi town of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Friday. It was the second confirmed death of a U.S. soldier in about 24 hours as Iraqi rebels stepped up their resistance to a massive counteroffensive the U.S.-led coalition launched last month.
From CNN
Peace group hostages freed in Iraq
U.S. and British forces have freed three Christian aid workers held hostage in Iraq, ending a four-month ordeal in which an American captive was found dead on a Baghdad street. No shots were fired and no captors were present when the hostages -- Briton Norman Kember, 74 and Canadians James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32 -- were freed early Thursday, officials said
Car bombs kill 23 in Iraq
For Iraqis, a time of confusion and danger
Manage Alerts | What Is This? BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Four car bombs exploded in Baghdad on Thursday morning, killing 23 people, including at least 13 police officers, Iraqi police said.
Six months for Abu Ghraib dog handler
FORT MEADE, Maryland (CNN) -- A soldier found guilty of using a military dog to terrorize inmates at Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib prison was sentenced Wednesday to 179 days confinement and will be discharged for bad conduct.
From NY Times
Insurgents Shower Iraq Police Center With Mortar Shells --By EDWARD WONG
In the predawn attack, insurgents laid siege to the headquarters of a police paramilitary unit near Baghdad, killing a senior officer.
Bush Pressing the Iraqis to Build a Governing Coalition Quickly
WHEELING, W.Va., March 22 — President Bush took his campaign to convince Americans that the United States is winning the war in Iraq to a former country music concert hall here on Wednesday and declared to applause, "If I didn't think we'd succeed, I'd pull our troops out."
Iraq Abuse Trial Is Again Limited to Lower Ranks -- By ERIC SCHMITT
In the conviction of a dog handler, a military jury again decided higher-ranking officers were not to blame for Abu Ghraib abuses.
From Washington Post
3 Hostages Freed in Iraq
The Christian peace activists -- two Britons and a Canadian -- were colleagues of Tom Fox of Virginia, who was shot to death two weeks ago.
In their own Words - Veterans' Voices On Iraq
Iraq was bad, nearly all of them agreed. "Not knowing day to day what was going to happen." "Hard to figure out who the enemy was." "Never being able to relax." "The rules are that there are no rules."
But it was not bad in the ways they see covered in the media -- the majority also agreed on this. What they experienced was more complex than the war they saw on television and in print. It was dangerous and confused, yes, but most of the vets also recalled enemies routed, buildings built and children befriended, against long odds in a poor and demoralized country. "We feel like we're doing something, and then we look at the news and you feel like you're getting bashed." "It seems to me the media had a predetermined script."
And here are a few from Centcom and Defense Links:
CITIZEN'S TIP HELPS MND-B SOLDIERS FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT
Description: BAGHDAD, Iraq – Responding to a tip from an Iraqi citizen, a patrol from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, foiled a kidnapping attempt at approximately 2 p.m. March 19 in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
Soldiers received a tip from an Iraqi citizen that armed men were driving around in a black car. The patrol located and pulled over the vehicle.
Soldier Killed in Baghdad; Previous Casualties Identified
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2006 – A U.S. soldier was killed in Baghdad today, and the Defense Department has identified two previous casualties.
IRAQI CITIZEN'S TIP LEADS TO SEIZURE OF WEAPONS CACHE
Description: BAGHDAD, Iraq – After providing a tip to the whereabouts of a weapons cache, an Iraqi citizen led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to the site.
Bush Challenges Nation to Promote Freedom by Supporting Troops
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2006 – The best way for the American people to promote freedom and liberty around the world is to stand behind the U.S. armed forces, President Bush told a group yesterday at the City Club of Cleveland.
Iraqi soldiers roll in armor, thanks to Marines
CAMP HABBINYAH, Iraq -- Iraqi soldiers in Fallujah are rolling in armored humvees, just like their Marine counterparts.
U.S., Iraqi Forces Net Suspects, Seize Weapons, Foil Kidnapping
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2006 – U.S. and Iraqi forces have detained 32 suspects and seized three weapons caches in Iraq since March 19, with one detention resulting from an Iraqi citizen's tip that foiled a kidnapping, Multinational Division Baghdad officials reported.
New Water Pipeline Established to Iraqi Army Training Base
KIRKUSH, Iraq, March 22, 2006 – Building a 16-kilometer pipeline in eastern Iraq recently took well over its originally scheduled month and cost much more than dollars. But the water it carries will improve the quality of life for Iraqi soldiers and workers here.
STORAGE TANK PROJECT SUPPORTS FRESH WATER FOR IRAQIS
Description: TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers tested water storage tanks March 20 in four communities north of Baghdad, signaling the successful completion of the vital project to supply the local citizens with fresh drinking water.
Soldiers from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment and Company A, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, are building relationships with the Iraqi citizens of local communities by assisting them with infrastructure improvements and providing essential services designed to improve their quality of life.
“We are happy,” said Sheik Modar Thamir, the leader in one of the communities. “Now we have fresh drinking water.”
If you'd like to hear what the troops have to say start here
And this makes for interesting reading:
Rough Draft -- (Slate)
The gross unfairness of an all-volunteer Army.
Three years after the invasion of Iraq, the United States does not feel much like a country at war. Nearly 20,000 American soldiers have been killed or injured to date, but the more comfortable among us find it shockingly easy to forget about the conflict for weeks at a time. Most middle-class professionals, academics, and journalists don't have relatives or friends serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. We have not been called upon to make any sacrifices, financial or otherwise.
And:
Rober Ferrigno author of Prayers for the Assassin
And if you need a laugh, leave to Scott
Moussaoui Prosecutors Now Confident of Execution
Justice Department officials said today they have a new plan to get the so-called 20th hijacker executed, despite a TSA attorney’s bungling that may have allowed Zacarias Moussaoui to escape the death penalty under U.S. law.
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.)
Write it off -- [Chris Whong - in Iraq]
Couple traveling over “new” routes with maintenance issues, a pretty serious accident, and a few unplanned detours, and that’s what I just came from. However, if you factor in dedicated soldiers, good escorts, and motivated, friendly contractors, you can mitigate most of it. We got through it together, soldiers and contractors working as a team.
Our accident happened in a not-too-friendly area of northern Iraq, I hurried the rest of my convoy into the nearest FOB, and then ...
In the first person: suriving an IED blast -- [An independent look at Iraq -- Ind. journalist embed in iraq]
...Out here in the deserts and farmlands surrounding Ad Dawr, the Bad Boys plant them. There's some talk among the Joes the IP are involved in it, either directly or by association. Talk like this isn't new; it went on in 2004. But is too far fetched when you patrol daily, and an IED goes off less than 150 meters from a police checkpoint?
Tourists. -- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
...Unfortunately, the Buffalo is attracting its share of tourists. Senior folks who want to go 'out on patrol' riding in a big, comfy armored vehicle. It drives me nuts. Depending on who it is, it can be a huge distractor. 1SG is pretty cool when he rolls with us. He even brings his own truck and driver. Not bad. Some of the other guys they are working into the schedule? And of course some of them have their two cents to throw in about how we do business. We do these patrols all the time, at a hectic pace. And some guy who sits in an airconditioned office and
SGM Woes -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
The Sergeants Major around here must be going crazy. The soldiers in 4th ID have a mishmash of uniforms to wear. We have our new ACUs, the old DCUs, and when it was raining a month or so ago, the only rain gear most of the soldiers had was the BDU Gore-Tex. I didn't even have that, all I had was the BDU poncho. My flak vest is the ACU material, but a lot of soldiers have the DCU cover. I have the DCU camelback and DCU pouches attached to my ACU vest. And to top it off (and make some SGMs madder than wet hens) protective eyewear is required,
Three Years Ago -- [The Adventures of Chester]
Three years ago today (and I may be off a day or two) I was in a convoy on the way to Jalibah Airfield, soon to be renamed "Landing Support Area Viper." We arrived around 3am, circled the wagons in the area staked out for our battalion, then after a headcount, my three staff officer compadres and I all crashed in our Hummer.
Around 6 we rolled out, with a lot of aches and pains. It was a beautiful day: Sunny and not too hot. You could see for miles.
Iraqi Report On U.S. Raid In Village Contradicts Police Official's Version -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Matthew Schofield
Iraqi police investigating the deaths of 11 people in the town of Ishaqi after a U.S. military raid last week reported that each of the bodies bore multiple wounds, according to a preliminary report reviewed by Knight Ridder News Service. The report contradicted an Iraqi police commander's contention Sunday that each of the dead had been shot once in the head.
U.S., Iraqi Forces Trap Dozens of Gunmen -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. and Iraqi forces trapped dozens of insurgents Wednesday during a two-hour gunbattle at a police station south of Baghdad, a day after 100 masked gunmen stormed a jail near the Iranian border and freed more than 30 prisoners, most of them fellow insurgents. Sixty gunmen, firing rocket-propelled grenades and automatic rifles, attacked the Madain police station before dawn, police Lt. Col. Falah al-Mohammadawi said.
Bush: Troops to Stay in Iraq for Years -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Tuesday that American forces will remain in Iraq for years and it will be up to a future president to decide when to bring them all home. But defying critics and plunging polls, he declared, "I'm optimistic we'll succeed. If not, I'd pull our troops out." The president rejected calls for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, chief architect of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Listen, every war plan looks good on paper until you meet the enemy," Bush said, acknowledging mistakes as the United States was forced to switch tactics and change a reconstruction strategy that offered targets for insurgents.
Bush Says U.S. Troops Will Stay in Iraq Past '08 -- (Washington Post)
President Bush acknowledged yesterday that the war in Iraq is dominating nearly every aspect of his presidency, and he served notice for the first time that he expects the decision on when all U.S. troops come home to fall on his successors.
Iraq's Real WMD -- (Newsweek)
Deadly Puzzle: IEDs are killing U.S. soldiers at a scary clip. At war with an insidious weapon.
They call it "running the gauntlet." Army Capt. Gregory Hirschey and his bomb squad would go looking for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the streets of Baghdad. They would find them in donkey carts, paint cans, trash bags, plastic bottles and in schoolyards—explosive charges ready to be detonated by insurgents lying in wait.
3 years later, Iraqis see future dark and difficult (Video) -- (Abu Dhabi TV, UAE)
Iraq's Factions Agree to Form Security Council -- (LA Times)
Iraqi officials agreed Sunday to set up a council that would give each of the country's main political factions a voice in making security and economic policies for a new government.
Iraqi police arrest leader of Jamat Al-Tawhid Wal Al-Jihad -- (KUNA)
IRBIL, March 21-- Iraqi police said on Tuesday it has arrested the leader of the Jamat Al-Tawhid Wal Jihad west of the the northern city of Kirkuk.
Police director of Kirkuk Brigadier Sarhid Qader said his forces carried out the arrest west of Kirkuk adding that questioning is underway.
Troop pullout to be decided by future presidents, Bush says -- (San Jose Mercury New)
WASHINGTON - Struggling to turn the tide of rising public opposition to the war in Iraq and burnish his own tarnished credibility, President Bush sought Tuesday to ease the "sense of uncertainty ...
Dog Handler Found Guilty of Abu Ghraib Abuse -- (Washington Post)
An Army dog handler who worked at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq was found guilty yesterday of improperly frightening detainees with his black Belgian shepherd, the latest in a line of convictions for military police soldiers who were depicted in notorious photographs of abuse taken in late 2003 and early 2004.
No Breach Seen In Work In Iraq On Propaganda -- (New York Times)...Thom Shanker
An inquiry has found that an American public relations firm did not violate military policy by paying Iraqi news outlets to print positive articles, military officials said Tuesday. The finding leaves to the Defense Department the decision on whether new rules are needed to govern such activities.
State Dept. Spokesman On The Media And Iraq's 'Two Realities' -- (Washington Post)...Sean McCormack
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack offered a defense of news media coverage in Iraq at his regular briefing yesterday.
Kill This Myth Before It Grows -- [Strategy Page]
March 20, 2006: Here's an example of how misleading news gets made. A story about the Taliban getting their hands on batteries, for their American made Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, has been circulating around South Asia. The rumor is that "Pakistani government officials" have given Stinger batteries to the Taliban, so they can revive their 1980s vintage Stinger missiles, and proceed to shoot down lots of U.S. aircraft. The reality is a bit different.
A New and Worthy Project -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
...something has come up recently that has renewed my vigor and as crazy as it sounds has had me regretting that I have such a short time left! Well, to be more accurate, I'm regretting that I didn't meet these guys a year ago. Just last week I got a letter from a reader who turned me on to an ongoing film documentary project about Civil Affairs:
www.winninghearts.org
Interestingly enough, it was inspired by the writings of Rob Schultheis in his book Waging Peace that I had put up on my Recommended Readings section back in September! Mr. Schultheis is involved directly with the project as well.
Some Afghan Government Officials Should Be Added to the US Immigration Exclusion List -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
...As this story emerges, human rights and Christian advocacy organizations around the world are expressing outrage. Curiously, there has so far been a muted response from the US Government. In view of the fact the “new” Afghan government is responsible for bringing these charges under the “new” Afghan “democratic” constitution the US was so instrumental in installing after we invaded and occupied that country, having routed the radical Islamic jihadist Taliban in that process.
Child Bride -- [Kevin Sites - journalist in Afghanistan]
Married at the age of four, an Afghan girl was subjected to years of beatings and torture, finally escaping to discover that within all the world's cruelty, there is also some kindness.
PM pleased with Afghan post-war progress -- (The Star)
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has expressed his happiness over the development Afghanistan has achieved over the last four years and also the ongoing progress in the...
White House Seeks Mercy For Christian Convert -- (Washington Times)...David R. Sands
The Bush administration yesterday appealed to Afghanistan to spare the life of a man facing the death penalty for converting to Christianity, but said the matter was one for the Afghan government and courts to decide. In a case that has sparked international outrage, the remarks of Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns were in sharp contrast to condemnations of the trial by lawmakers and by leading European allies.
Afghan Convert May Be Unfit to Stand Trial -- (AP)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - An Afghan man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity may be mentally unfit to stand trial, a state prosecutor and presidential adviser said Wednesday. Abdul Rahman, 41, went on trial last week in Kabul. He was arrested last month after his family accused him of becoming a Christian. The conversion is a crime under Afghanistan's Islamic laws, and a death sentence is possible.
Afghan Troops Kill 15 Suspected Taliban -- (AP)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) - Afghan security forces attacked a group of suspected Taliban rebels after they crossed the border from neighboring Pakistan, killing at least 15 of them, an army commander said Wednesday. Among the dead was a midlevel Taliban commander, Mullah Shien, who for months has allegedly led several cross-border raids from secret bases on the Pakistani side of the border, said Abdul Razak, the frontier security commander. Shien's followers would regularly attack foreign and Afghan troops and bomb trucks hauling gasoline for the U.S.-led coalition, he said.
Prosecutor: Taheri-Azar Cannot be Charged with a Terrorist Offense -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
I've blogged a couple of times (here and here) about how, in my judgment, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar couldn't be prosecuted for a terrorist offense. I reasoned that North Carolina doesn't have a terrorism statute that can be brought to bear against him, and the federal sentencing enhancement for terrorism is inapplicable because no federal crime was committed. On Thursday, the district attorney who will be prosecuting Taheri-azar confirmed this analysis. A local news channel reports:
Blair wants battle of ideas with terrorists - (Reuters)
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday will call for a global, interventionist approach to confront terrorism head on and win a battle over values and ideas.
Moussaoui Memo Unseen, Court Told -- (Washington Post)...Jerry Markon and Timothy Dwyer
A former top FBI counterterrorism official testified yesterday that he never saw an urgent memo sent to his office three weeks before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks warning that Zacarias Moussaoui was a terrorist intent on hijacking an airplane.
Military Connection and "Talking With Heroes" Join Forces--
...The site contains several useful features to support the military's unique needs with links to hospitals, schools, news, state tax boards, yellow pages, a military pay calculator and a "virtual mall," she hopes, will help military families make smoother transitions between duty stations. The site also provides options for help on resumes and advice for what to do at a job interview.
Supporting our Injured Troops -- [Marine Corps Moms]
USMC Major Steve Danyluk spent a few months in Iraq back in 2004, working to make Iraq a better place for the people who live there. During his stay, he took some wonderful photographs that were debuted at an exhibition hosted by The Wounded Bookshop last June. Now, he's put his photographs on a website and is offering them for sale with all proceeds generated to the Semper Fi Fund, a 501c3 that benefits wounded Marines and their families.
Have you been Sempertoon'ed? -- [Marine Corps Moms]
That's a question that GySgt Wolf, Art Director of the Marine Corps Recruiting command, wants us to have fun with. He noted in a recent email, "Humor is the best medicine and Sempertoons is the Military CURE!!!" I agree - judicious use of humor in highly stressful situations is a terrific anxiety reducer and Sempertoons is a wonderful way to smile at the idiosyncrasies of the Corps. He's just started a 4-part series, leading up to Easter, and here's the first one:
Soldier Feels Abandoned In His Courtroom Battle -- (Washington Post)
Cpl. Kendall D. McKibben was prepared to sacrifice his life for the Army. He says he almost did repeatedly over a year of patrols dodging bullets in Baghdad and dealing with a grape-size brain tumor.
So the 33-year-old says he can't understand why the military is refusing a routine subpoena that he believes could help him avoid a 13-year prison sentence.
Cpl. Kendall D. McKibben is charged with assaulting a police officer during what he and military doctors believe was an epileptic seizure. (By Michael Robinson-chavez -- The Washington Post)
McKibben goes on trial today in Howard County District Court on charges of assaulting a police officer during what he and his doctors believe was an epileptic seizure related to his now-removed brain tumor.
No retirees’ Tricare fee hikes — for now -- (Army Times)
In a major concession, the Defense Department has told Tricare contractors to cancel plans for an Oct. 1 increase in health care fees for military retirees under age 65.
Bush in Cleveland: Eloquence from unexpected (and expected) places -- [TigerHawk]
Following a suggestion from one of Glenn's readers, I took the time to watch the C-Span feed of the President's speech to the City Club of Cleveland. The set speech was fine and worthwhile, but the question and answer session afterward is must-see TV. Bush was far more eloquent and engaging on a number of pressing issues of the day, including particularly the war in Iraq but also immigration reform and various domestic policy controversies, than he seems to be via network sound bites. The quick response of the opposition will be that that is because he appeared before a "friendly" audience rather than the Washington press corps. But that isn't really true.
Duckworth Holding Slim Lead Over Cegelis -- [CQ Politics]
Democrat Tammy Duckworth — the wounded Iraq war veteran whose primary campaign in Illinois’ open 6th Congressional District has attracted national attention — was clinging to a narrow lead late Tuesday with 89 percent of the vote counted.
Duckworth, a first-time candidate, had 43 percent of the vote. That was just ahead of technology consultant Christine Cegelis, the district’s 2004 Democratic nominee, who had 41 percent.
It’s Time to Censure Former President Jimmy Carter -- [CensureCarter.com/ Move America Forward]
(SAN FRANCISCO) – The nation’s largest pro-troop grassroots organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org) has launched an effort to have former President Jimmy Carter censured by the Congress.
Two can play that game -- [The Daily Brief]
...There are several things in that article that just set my teeth on edge. The biggest one is the disconnect between what Mr. Maher and Mr. Belzer think the Army represents. They both remark how the people serving in the military are there “because [they] probably couldn’t find other employment,” and “couldn’t get a job.” I’d like to point out that being in the Army is a job. And it’s a job that’s a damn sight better than most entry level positions available to a fresh-out-of-high-school kid. You can find jobs that pay better, but between the GI Bill, full health and dental insurance, and vocational training that is second to none, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better opportunity for a kid who just walked across the stage. And I doubt I need to mention the pride, honor, and respect that come from wearing the uniform, things hard to come by when you’re asking “do you want fries with that?” while doing the jobs most other recent grads are going into.
Muncha$$hole Syndrome -- [Don Miguel de la Piedra - Blue Star father]
In Muncha$$hole Syndrome, the sufferer feigns, exaggerates, or creates delusions of knowledge in himself or herself in order to gain attention, sympathy, and comfort from admiring supporters.
...Sufferers mimic real expertise, presenting a great problem to themselves and their adoring fans. The disorder is named after a television drama figure, Detective John Munch, a fictional person who is portrayed in real life by actor Richard Belzer, a famous teller of conspiracy theories.
Donald Rumsfield on Operation Iraqi Freedom -- [Blue Star Chronicles]
...everyone seems to be ignoring what the troops are saying. No one is listening to what the people who are actually there have to say about what is happening.
Politicians are vying to position themselves for higher offices, journalists are scrambling to find something controversial (but not too dangerous to themselvs) to report in order to further their own careers and the loudest of the American people are waiting for ‘the Government’ to take care of everything for them.
A tough old cuss with a hard head -- (Washington Times)
...George W. is a stubborn old cuss, tough as a razorback even if he is a Texican, and he's likely to continue doing it his own way. We can all be grateful for his stubborn streak, inherited most likely from his mama, because his single-minded pursuit of evildoers is what has protected us from a reprise of September 11. That's probably why almost nobody showed up for the weekend anti-war rallies, either here or in London or in Europe.
Citing low viewership and its own ambitions, The Gallup Poll is cutting its ties to CNN this summer. -- [Free Republic]
Reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, Gallup Poll publisher Steve O'Brien confirmed that his company's partnership with CNN is not being renewed. It runs through the end of June, he said.
Sen. Reid Says Bush Suffers ‘Doubt Deficit’ -- (Scrappleface)
After a White House news conference today during which President George Bush professed continuing confidence in the U.S. strategy toward Iraq, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid expressed concern that the president suffers a ‘doubt deficit’ that could make him unfit for
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 third anniversary...sacrifice, fear and hope. -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
The question keeps ringing…
Was it the right decision to remove Saddam?
I say yes, and that's what most Iraqis said and still say even if they became divided over what happened later…the truth is that virtually no one wants Saddam back.
I will just ignore the weepers, whiners, teenagers and half educated naïve people and their silly rallies as I don't want to waste time on people who can do nothing but blindly oppose everything without thinking.
I will ignore them and focus on the more important goals we want to reach here…
After 3 years; is Iraq better or worse? -- [Hammorabi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Iraq is bleeding and incubates foreign organisms which try to kill and divide its body into non-viable parts. The antidote for such organisms and poisons are not complicated but the people of Iraq left alone to fight terrorists from different kinds and supported by big neighboring countries. These countries are now pushing the country into civil war. The aim of these countries is to tell the others and their people that their countries needing dictator regimes and not democracy. In one word they want the American to fail in Iraq and escape without achieving any kind of security in Iraq.
Everything at roundbout !!! -- [Children's Voices - an Iraqi in Iraq]
Abdulrahman was six years old he joined to school it was his first year his father bought him schoolbag and some stationeries...
...Therefore Abdulrahman and traffic policemen at roundabout became friends in summer Abdulrahman visits them with his small uniform and comes home he used to spend his times with them, sometimes Abdulrahman’s cooks food for traffic policemen in that roundabout and Abdulrahman takes it to them.
...One-day terrorists tried to plant bomb on side road close that roundabout but traffic policemen called cops and cops came arrested 2 of terrorists and other 2 ran away and they failed to make explosion, but terrorists knew that traffic policemen informed so they prepared revenge for them.
... two of terrorists were waiting Abdulrahman to come at roundabout, when Abdulrahman was going to roundabout two terrorists gave him bomb but they put it in dishes with food to take it t them, when Abdulrahman arrived roundabout ...
Monday, March 20, 2006 -- [The Mesoptamian - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...Yesterday, as I was watching a program on “Al-Iraqia” T.V. dedicated to the anniversary of the start of the war on Saddam, one caller said something that is very revealing. How I wished then that the whole World could listen to this man. There was much discussion and many views expressed regarding the situation and the pros and cons; then this ordinary man of the people protested with passion and anguish in his voice, that he was a prisoner in Saddam jails for 16 years, that his father and two brothers were executed; then he started to recount some of the horrors that he had seen in jail (which I do not care to repeat); then he said this: “God has willed that Saddam commits the blunder of invading Kuwait, which brought upon him the punishment by President Bush to whom I am personally indebted and grateful, because had it not been for his heroic soldiers of liberation (these were the exact words used by this man of the people to describe the American troops), I would still be in jail today.
Yes, Prime Minister -- [Iraq Pundit - an Iraqi in Canada]
Jaafari, who served as interim prime minister and is clinging to the office, describes his performance in that role in fantastic terms. His description of his political achievements is truly absurd.
In a statement that signals his detachment from the Iraqi street, Jaafari says: “During my term as elected prime minister, Sadr's group has not attacked any coalition troops.” Maybe that’s good for the soldiers, but what about Iraqi civilians? It has been widely reported in Iraqi, American, and European publications that Sadr’s Mahdi thugs have killed Iraqis everywhere. Is Jaafari such a typical politician that he is not concerned about the lives of ordinary Iraqis?
As Usual, We Shouldn’t Agree With Each Other! -- [24 Steps to Liberty - an Iraqi journalist in Iraq]
I have witnessed the first session of the Iraqi, full-term parliament yesterday. I was in the same room in which the lawmakers announced the formation of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and saw and heard the members swear the oath. It was amazing, in different ways!
...“The country is going through a difficult period and big crisis,” Pachachi said in his speech advising the council’s members to “prove to the world that a [civil] war is not going to happen in Iraq,” and to learn the lesson of the past three years and not to “allow the ethnic and religious loyalty to weaken our will.”
...He kept suggesting and advising the politicians on how a national unity government is very important to lead Iraq and save it from a civil war. I was looking at Jafari, the current PM, and Mulla Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic revolution in Iraq, or SCIRI. They weren’t comfortable with what Pachachi was saying, because as I said before, they think they inherited Iraq from their parents and no one can decide its future but them. They were whispering to each other each time Pachachi said a sentence including “far from ethnic and religious divisions,” they didn’t like what he was saying. I could sense it from several feet distance.
“The day of your liberation is near,” Bush said three years ago -- [Treasure of Baghdad - an Iraqi journalist in Iraq]
...When Saddam’s statue was downed, I was stunned. Oh my God! Saddam is gone. We are free. Yes, we are free. The Americans liberated us. I was so happy. A huge burden was removed. We can work, study, have fun, and live like others. I did not expect that I was too optimistic to the extent that I believed what was said. When I first saw the US army in the streets, I said these are the ones who broke all the locks that Saddam and his gang have imprisoned us with. I didn’t know that the locks coming later are bigger and much bigger than Saddam’s.
Three years have passed. I feel so disappointed. I thought this war was the last as we were told and promised. I did not expect it would be the opposite, the beginning.
News From Iraq and My Thoughts -- [The Real Ugly American]
...To my friend Treasure of Baghdad I can only offer hope for the future and these words of solidarity and encouragement as I know more people he cares about will suffer and die before this war is over.
We are not ignoring you any longer my friend. Please do not push away the people who desperately want to help you. People I care about will also suffer and die. No doubt more sacrifice will be required of you, please do not forget that others are sacrificing for you as well. I know this has not always been the case but today Americans, Italians, Poles, British, Australians, and others, are dying for your freedom. This is the opportunity of your lifetime. To live free to live in peace. Do not waste it.
I blame the decision-makers -- [A Family From Mosul]
There had been close calls before for Fadhil Al-Kazily’s family in Iraq.
A U.S. solider had shot and killed Fadhil’s 81-year-old uncle, Saadi Al-Tahi, as he drove through an intersection in Mosul, Iraq.
...After speaking to his family in Iraq, Fadhil typed up a few lines telling his friends of his uncle’s death.
Among those who received Fadhil’s short e-mail message that night were Laurie and Russell Loving of Davis. Their son is a 21-year-old corporal serving in the U.S. Army — in Mosul.
“My heart stopped,” said Laurie, who will also speak Sunday as a representative of Military Families Speak Out. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, what if my son killed him?’ Then I decided it was unlikely. But I still felt terrible and responsible somehow.”
The next morning, Laurie spoke on the phone to her son, whose name she prefers not to use for fear of reprisals against him because she is an anti-war activist. Her son said he didn’t know about the shooting.
Operation Swarmer images -- [An independent look at Iraq - a journalist embed in Iraq]
This op -- billed as the largest air assault since the March 2003 invasion -- is indeed a big one. About 50 attack and transport helicopter flown by the 101st Airborne Division, of course, flew all 1,500 of us out to various Landing Zones early March 16.
The unit I flew out with from FOB Wilson to FOB Remegan (close to Samarra) was a combined platoon of Americans and Iraqis.
War Isn't Sexy -- [Soldier's Diary -- military dispatches from Iraq]
...My next point has to do with perception. I mentioned in my last entry how I saw on TV a report about the "Operation Swarmer" air assault led by the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. An air assault is an attack using helicopters as the means of transport. Well, what film footage was aired? Footage of a tank and some trucks burning on the side of the road!! Both shots were filmed during Operation Iraqi Freedom I.
Due to a lack of reporters embedded with units and soldiers for the long haul, the news network could only air 3-year-old stock footage. Moreover, the editor who cleared this story overlooked the fact that no air assault unit in the military has tanks BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO HEAVY TO BE CARRIED BY A HELICOPTER. Was this bias? No. However, it may have created a negative perception.
...If reporters were to embed with our units now, they would have footage of young soldiers and NCOs (noncommissioned officers) coming up with creative, nonviolent solutions to help the Iraqi people.
But that is not good television.
More on "Civil War" in Iraq -- [The Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio]
The meaning of civil war, and political and military developments in Iraq
With the advent of the three year ‘anniversary’ of the liberation of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the common headline has switched from an indomitable insurgency to impending civil war, if not an existing civil war. Richard Hernandez looks at the issue in detail, and postulates “the shift of meme from the "insurgency" to a "civil war" is a backhanded way of admitting the military defeat of the insurgency without abandoning the characterization of Iraq is an American fiasco.” We believe there is merit to this argument.
Taking Fire in Iraq -- [Reporting for Duty - military dispatches from iraq]
We took our first indirect fire last night. I was in the flight planning room when all of a sudden people charged into the room in full battle rattle, Kevlar helmet sand body armor, telling us "IDF ... no joke, this is not a drill!"
Little Buddy... -- [Tanker Brothers]
US Soldiers are making a difference in the lives of Iraqi men, women, and especially children.
...Of this, I am confident: the children of Iraq are seeing US Soldiers as friends, willing to sacrifice themselves to make a better future for them and their families. The generation of Iraqis who are growing up right now, the children who have known freedom, and nothing else, will remember us, and pass down their perceptions to future generations.
The easy way out -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
There are a lot of Americans who want to take the easy way out of Iraq. Maybe they are lazy. Or it’s possible they are scared. Maybe they truly think we’re just here for the oil. Some of them blindly hate the President and would campaign against him even if he suddenly did a 360 degree spin and ordered all American troops home immediately.
Letter to Congressman Murtha from Dave Rockwell -- [Complete the Mission]
Dear Congressman Murtha,
Although it is difficult to keep up with politics from over here, your comments on immediate withdrawal have been noted by all of us. I cannot tell you the overall sense of discouragement, sense of betrayal and the feeling that few appreciate our efforts your comments have created. 1BCT has been frequently deployed in support of the War on Terrorism and we believe it is the correct fight and we believe we are winning. We have seen a significant improvement on the ground since we began combat operations in Baghdad three months ago.
EASTERN EUROPE VACATION -- [Dan in the Desert - DOD contractor in Iraq]
...Since I have so many pictures, I will have to break this into several entries, starting with my journey out of Iraq...
Guns 'n Guitars. Not quite a rock group, but a very interesting photo. We are loading our bags onto a cargo truck, before climbing into the Rhinos. Those blue helmets are the obvious sign of the United Nations, although I really don't know what they do out here. And barely visible in the background is the defunct Believer's Palace. Click here, to read about my visit inside.
Sunday, March 19, 2006 -- [Dispatches in Iraq - USA Today journalist embed in Iraq]
...The reality, however, is often frustrating for those soldiers-turn-instructors on the ground who feel they are not only fighting a battle with the insurgency, but also a culture. Take for example Seyfried’s sparring Iraqi units at the nearby Northern Oil Company. A portion of Iraq's oil wealth is located in the Kirkuk region, making pipelines and crude processing facilities attractive targets for insurgents. Seyfried and his battalion are working to help the state-owned oil company and it’s specialized military, the Oil Protection Force, shore up perimeter weaknesses at aging facilities by teaching Iraqis how to erect dirt-filled blast barriers. While building the barriers, the Oil Protection Force discovered it needed a piece of machinery owned by the Northern Oil Company. The Northern Oil Company, however, wasn’t anxious to share -- despite their common goal of protecting the infrastructure.
“It’s like two kids fighting. You don’t want to step in too much,” Seyfried said. “Our job is to supervise.”
This type problem often requires U.S. forces to weigh in. Responsibility for the security of the electrical and oil infrastructure in this region also extends to the Ministries of the Interior and Defense, yet U.S. forces see little coordination. Seyfried blames the ministries’ narrow view of their responsibilities.
When News Almost Isn't News -- [Strategy Page]
March 21, 2006: The initial document dump of captured Iraqi materials has already produced one major find. This is a letter reporting a discussion with Taliban leadership shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001. This is the second document to emerge that confirms a relationship between Saddam Hussein's regime and al Qaeda, the first being a memo recovered by a Toronto Star reporter in April, 2003, shortly after the liberation of Iraq.
Camp Fallujah: First Impressions -- [Reporter's Notebook -- FOX New journalist embed in Iraq]
...For three days we have talked their ears off trying to grasp the reality of Iraq today, but our tour has taken us to only three locations: Baghdad, Fallujah and the small town of Garmah, nearly six miles from base. Clearly, we can't speak to the entire country, but everyone here talks of progress.
AP Corrects Iraq-Road-Ahead Headline -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A March 11 AP story on Iraq-The-Road-Ahead carried a headline that contained the phrase "after four years." The war is entering its fourth year....
Corrections: For the Record -- (New York Times)
... last Saturday profiled Ali Shalal Qaissi, identifying him ... clear, Mr. Qaissi was not that man. ... adequately research Mr. Qaissi's insistence that he was ...
Corrections: For The Record -- (New York Times)
Because of an editing error, an article on Thursday about violence in Iraq misidentified the Shiite Muslim holy day that millions of pilgrims began celebrating in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, raising a security concern that caused the assigning of extra American troops to those cities. The observance is Arbaeen, which commemorates the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed by an overwhelming force of rival Sunni Muslims near Kerbala in A.D. 680. (Ashura, when Shiites re-enact Hussein's death, falls 40 days earlier.)
Corrections And Clarifications -- (USA Today) EDITOR'S NOTE: DIRECT LINK TO CORRECTIONS FOUND NO WHERE ON THEIR SITE
A cover story Friday about the California National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment should have said that the soldiers guarding a Baghdad power plant where an Iraqi detainee was abused were assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon.
Corrections And Clarifications -- (USA Today) EDITOR'S NOTE: DIRECT LINK TO CORRECTIONS FOUND NO WHERE ON THEIR SITE
A story Monday on the anniversary of the Iraq war should have said an anti-war protest in Portland drew about 10,000 protesters.
CORRECTED - US offers Iraq journalists new safeguards -- (Reuters)
In BAGHDAD story headlined "US offers Iraq journalists new safeguards", please read in paragraph 2 ... Major General Jack Gardner ... instead of ... Major General John Gardner ... (reflecting interviewee's preference) and in paragraph 22 ... Hameed said ... instead of ... Mashhadani said ... (correcting journalist's identity)
US military probes claims of civilian 'massacre' -- (Times Online)
The United States military today began a criminal investigation into allegations that its soldiers shot dead 15 members of two Iraqi families, including a girl of 3, after the death of a Marine in a roadside bomb.
In its original statement about the incident in November 2005, the Army said that the victims were killed in either the explosion or an ensuing exchange of fire in the town of Haditha, an insurgent stronghold on the Euphrates, 140 miles northwest of Baghdad.
Time magazine this week published an article about the incident asking if it was self-defence or "cold-blooded revenge".
U.S. massacres in Iraq probed -- (alJazeera)
The U.S. army opened two criminal investigations into reports that marines indiscriminately shot dead more than 26 Iraqi civilians in two separate incidents.
U.S. probes charge troops killed Iraqi family -- (Reuters)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Tuesday it was investigating Iraqi police allegations that its soldiers shot dead a family of 11 in their home last week.
Soldiers said they killed four people, including a militant.
The probe comes a day after a magazine published allegations that U.S. Marines killed 15 civilians in another town last year. A criminal inquiry into those deaths was launched last week.
Iraqi police claim US troops executed family -- (The Guardian)
Iraqi police have accused American soldiers of executing 11 Iraqi civilians, including four children and a six-month-old baby, in a raid on Wednesday near the city of Balad, it was reported yesterday.
Iraqis Say U.S. Troops Massacred Families -- (Houston Chronicle)
Residents gave new details Monday about the shootings of civilians in a western Iraqi town, where the U.S. military is investigating allegations of potential misconduct by American troops last November.
Did Marines Commit Crime in Iraq Civilian Deaths? -- (ABC News)
WASHINGTON - A bloody videotape shot by a local Iraqi journalism student has prompted the Pentagon to launch a criminal investigation into an incident that left at least 15 Iraqi civilians dead in the city of Haditha.
The details of what happened four months ago in Haditha are just now coming to light with the release of the videotape by an Iraqi organization called Hammurabi Human Rights.
An Iraq Success Story's Sad New Chapter -- (Washington Post)
As President Bush tells the tale, the battle for Tall Afar offers a case study in how U.S. and Iraqi forces working together can root out insurgents and restore stability. "The example of Tall Afar," he told an audience here Monday, "gives me confidence in our strategy."
Iraqi diplomat gave U.S. prewar WMD details -- (MSNBC)
In the period before the Iraq war, the CIA and the Bush administration erroneously believed that Saddam Hussein was hiding major programs for weapons of mass destruction. Now NBC News has learned that for a short time the CIA had contact with a secret source at the highest levels within Saddam Hussein’s government, who gave them information far more accurate than what they believed. It is a spy story that has never been told before, and raises new questions about prewar intelligence
'Situation Seems To Be Getting Worse' -- (Chicago Tribune)
...On the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion, anxieties in the capital are high, and Iraqis--politicians and average citizens--are debating whether their fragile country is tearing apart at the seams. Even Iraqis who considered themselves optimists about their country's future say they fear the deepening Shiite-Sunni strife will push the country into a dark abyss.
Pace Gives Status Of Iraqi Military Forces -- (New York Times on the Web)
...Pace arrived in Islamabad Monday and met with senior Pakistani defense officials, including his counterpart Gen. Ehsan Ul Haq, at the Pakistan Joint Staff Headquarters. He was greeted with full military honors, including a short parade of Pakistani service members and a band. (THIS ARTICLE APPEARED ONLINE, NOT IN THE ACTUAL NEWSPAPER.)
US forces detain 48 suspects, uncover arms and explosives in Samarra -- (Mosaic: World News from the Middle East/ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Mosaic features selections from daily TV news programs produced by national broadcasters throughout the Middle East. The news reports are presented unedited and translated, when necessary, into English. Mosaic includes television news broadcasts from selected national and regional entities listed on the right. These news reports are regularly watched by 280 million people in 22 countries all over the Middle East.
Iraqis Increasingly Take Lead in Anti-Terrorist Operations -- (DOD)
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2006 – Iraqi and coalition forces continued in recent days to detain terrorist suspects and search, find and destroy weapons caches through a series of patrols and operations designed to bring stability to that country, officials in Iraq reported today.
Palestinians Try To Flee Iraq, But Are Stopped By Jordan -- (New York Times)
...A group of 20 insurgents attacked the Iraqi Army headquarters in the northern oil city of Kirkuk, using mortar bombs and heavy machine guns, but fled after American helicopters swooped into the area, said Capt. Raed Hussein al-Jumaili of the Iraqi Army. There were no reported casualties in the firefight.
Iraq rebels launch deadly assault to free prisoners -- (Yahoo News / AFP)
MUQDADIYA, Iraq (AFP) - Rebels stormed an Iraqi police station in a pre-dawn raid to free inmates, triggering the deadliest firefight this year that left at least 18 police and 10 insurgents dead.
Army and police commando reinforcements were rushed to the town of Muqdadiya northeast of Baghdad to hunt down the large rebel force and recapture the 32 prisoners freed in the assault.
New Business Blooms In Iraq: Terror Insurance -- (New York Times)
...So last month, Mr. Said, a slim, baby-faced 23-year-old, did what a small but growing number of Iraqis are doing: He walked into the offices of the Iraq Insurance Company and bought a terrorism insurance policy. It looked like an ordinary life insurance policy, but with a one-page rider adding coverage for "the following dangers: 1) explosions caused by weapons of war and car bombs; 2) assassinations; 3) terrorist attacks."
The Planet of Unreality -- (Washington Post)
This is not good. The people running this country sound convinced that reality is whatever they say it is. And if they've actually strayed into the realm of genuine self-delusion -- if they actually believe the fantasies they're spinning about the bloody mess they've made in Iraq over the past three years -- then things are even worse than I thought.
Paper Bullets in Afghanistan -- [Strategy Page]
March 21, 2006: The Afghan army, composed now of well trained officers and troops, is being picked apart by wealthy drug gangs. It's easier to offer the troops money, than to fight with them. That's the Afghan way, and the drug kingpins are energetically buying, or, to put it more accurately, renting, soldiers.
The Things They Carry -- [Kevin Sites - journalist in Afghanistan]
What do these troops carry for good luck on the battlefield in Afghanistan?
PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Eastern Afghanistan - American service men and women wear body armor and Kevlar helmets to protect them from the perils of war. But for many that's just not enough. They also feel the need for a little extra help — a talisman that can provide comfort, protection, even power, when faced with the prospect of killing, dying or even just separation from their families.
Suspected Taliban Gunmen Kill Four Afghan Policemen -- (Washington Post)...Reuters
Suspected Taliban gunmen on motorbikes shot and killed four Afghan policemen on Monday in a lawless southern province where 3,300 British troops will soon be based, a provincial official said.
Off Course In Afghanistan -- (Washington Post)
...Under these circumstances, the current plan to replace the 2,500 U.S. troops in southern Afghanistan this spring with contingents of Canadian, Dutch, British, Romanian and Australian troops is a mistake. Given the intensifying Taliban insurgency, these allied forces should augment, not displace, U.S. forces. We should also reassess the administration's proposal to turn over the command of most U.S. troops in Afghanistan to NATO by early next year.
Ahmadinejad Demands West’s Apology -- [ThreatsWatch]
Britain offers resolve and Bush offers a warning as the Iranian proxies lose their distance
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad demanded an apology from the West over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying, “Today they tell our nation that nuclear energy is a bad thing and it is not necessary for our people to have it. But the nation of Iran has stood. Those who head war and crimes accused the Iranian nation of war seeking. They insulted our nation. I do advise them to apologize.”
Blue Roof Program Ends -- [Officers Club]
BATON ROUGE, La. (Army News Service) – Another chapter in what has become one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history came to a close as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency closed its Blue Roof program for victims of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
This was one of the best programs I saw when I was deployed to Katrina’s epicenter in the Gulf Coast.
...The media found it more interesting to blame people during the post-Katrina disaster than cover the real successes in the region, like this program.
FBI agents told: you can't have emails -- (The Guardian)
The FBI's office in New York is supposed to be on the front line of America's defences against terrorism, but it is so strapped for cash it cannot afford email accounts for its agents, according to a news report yesterday.
Iceland Chilled By Loss Of U.S. Base -- (New York Daily News/ AP)
Iceland says the U.S. is giving it the cold shoulder by yanking American troops out of the island nation.
N. Korea Suggests It Can Attack U.S. First -- (Yahoo News/ AP)
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea suggested Tuesday it had the ability to launch a pre-emptive attack on the United States, according to the North's official news agency. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the North had built atomic weapons to counter the U.S. nuclear threat
'US Could Wipe Out Iran Nukes In 2 Days' -- (The Jerusalem Post)
Another voice has been added to those who believe that air strikes should halt Iran's quest to develop nuclear weapons.
Gary Berntsen, the former senior CIA operative who led the search for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in late 2001, believes the United States has the ability to easily destroy Iran's nuclear facilities. He said the US could use bunker-buster bombs and other weapons to carry out the operation.
A Message of Thanks to Sew Much Comfort -- [Andi's World]
Many of you are aware how much I believe in and support Sew Much Comfort, an organization which provides adaptive clothing to our wounded troops, free of charge. Recently, the organization received an email from a Colonel who saw firsthand what a difference they make in the lives of our troops. I've omitted personal information for the privacy of the Colonel.
Patriot Guard Riders Commendation Resolution Introduced into House of Representatives -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Linda D., Soldiers' Angel and Patriot Guard Rider sends along the following news:
Thought you would like to see this. There were just a little over 1100 members countrywide when I signed up middle of Nov 05 and today there are 19,229 members countrywide.
Check out VFVC On The Air Live -- [Soldiers' Angels New York]
Listen to VFVC On the Air Live
Veterans for Veteran Connections
Hate-Mongering Group Protests Soldiers' Funerals -- (ABC news)
March 20, 2006 — Nearly 2,300 soldiers have been buried across the country in the last three years. More than 100 of those funerals in the last nine months have been interrupted by what some call nasty and vile protests.
“Fuzzy math” starting to add up quickly -- [Gun Toting Liberal]
AllWorld Language Consultants Inc., a Rockville firm, is seeking experienced military interrogators to work in Iraq for $153,500 a year plus bonuses, with proficiency in Arabic “preferred but not required,” according to Yahoo’s Hot Jobs listings.
“Yahoo’s Hot Jobs listings”??? Are ya kiddin’ me??? As pathetic as that is, it’s not my biggest problem with it… nope, not at all.
How much damned sense does it make to privatize the military, and pay out this kind of money to a CONTRACTOR, who must pay his/her overhead first, and pad his/her bank account next after brokering the job for $153,500 to an employee?
When Eagles Soar Together -- [Grey Eagle - returning to Iraq after R&R] Editor's Note: A must read for the husbands left behind!
...She had grown, she was independent, she was solid, she was directed, she had become a soldier, worthy of the Screaming Eagle patch she wore on the shoulder and I admired her, she also scared the hell out of me. If you are a male or a husband reading this, you know we take pride in protecting the woman we love, we aspire to being that “rock” in their lives to which they seek refuge. Suddenly, I discovered that I was no longer the required “rock”, mortars, rockets, wounded soldiers and bodies and life at the FOB had taught her that what I already knew about her, she was stronger and more courageous than she ever knew existed within her.
American Poll Shows Troops Respected Far More Than Critics -- [Strategy Page]
March 20, 2006: A recent Harris Poll, asking Americans which "institution" they admired the most, the military came out on top, with 47 percent saying they had a great deal of confidence in the military
Land Ho! More Sailors Go Ashore -- (San Diego Union-Tribune)
...Even as the Pentagon looks for ways to cut its Middle East ground force of 168,000 troops, the Navy's top officer has pushed aggressively to find more shore-based roles for his sailors so they can fill in for soldiers and Marines.
Military Retaining More Gays -- (Boston Globe)
The US military allowed at least 36 gay soldiers last year to stay in uniform, despite efforts by their commanders or fellow soldiers to have them discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, according to a review of hundreds of cases in which soldiers sought to remain in uniform without denying their homosexuality.
Major general calls on Rumsfeld to resign; Rumsfeld says leaving Iraq would be like handing Germany back to Nazis -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
Really? I think that’s sort of delusional. Firing Rumsfeld would be the key that would turn this war around? One man is responsible for all the mistakes we’ve made in Iraq? Wow. If only things were really that simple. Maybe someone should poll the rest of the world first though, so we can all be sure that Rumsfeld is the crux of all our problems. Yes, a poll would certainly ferret out the truth, just as it jcategorically proved once and for all my suspicion that more than 80% of the troops are against this war and want to come home immediately (insert sarcastic tone here, just in case you missed it).
Political Cartoons and President Bush -- [GI Korea - in S Korea]
...I can understand a debate about President Bush being incompetent or arguements over the war in Iraq but to call Bush "evil" is just taking things to far. I find it interesting that the cartoonists feel so free to demonize Bush but are to scared now to print Islamic cartoons for fear they will be attacked and murdered. Yet Bush and the Republicans are the "evil" ones.
PICTURES FROM AN ANTI-WAR DUD -- [Michelle Malkin]
Yaaawn. My friend Bryan Preston and I went to the moonbat fizzle in Washington, D.C. earlier today. Journalists and camera crews made up one-fifth of the crowd of about 100. (No sign of Susan Sarandon.) I interviewed several protesters, including, yes, Cindy Sheehan--who seemed to have no problem making the long walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon despite the recent "injuries" over which she's apparently suing New York City officials. I asked her about this controversy. Our conversation was interesting.
Best job market in 5 years for grads: report -- (Reuters)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. college graduates are facing the best job market since 2001, with business, computer, engineering, education and health care grads in highest demand, a report by an employment consulting firm showed on Monday.
Oil Falls Near One-Week Low on Speculation U.S. Supplies Rose -- (Bloomberg)
March 21 -- Crude oil fell to less than $60 a barrel in New York amid speculation U.S. stockpiles of oil grew last week to their largest in almost seven years.
Bush tumbling -- (CNews)
SALT LAKE CITY -- U.S. President George W. Bush's ratings now appear in freefall and Republican strategists are looking at mid-term November elections with little speckles of perspiration showing up on their brows.
If the GOP loses control of the Senate or House of Representatives this fall, the Democrats will hammer and hogtie the president at every artificial opportunity they can muster.
Filibuster and even impeachment will be in the arsenals of tools they will use to thwart Bush's every move.
I'm boss, Hil tells Bill -- (NY Daily News)
Daily News Exclusive: After being surprised by her husband's role in the Dubai ports deal, Sen. Hillary Clinton has insisted that Bill Clinton give her "final say" over what he says and does, well-placed sources said. And the former President has agreed to give his wife the veto power; "He knows it's Hillary's time now," said an adviser.
A War Against The Iraqi Media -- [No Pain No Gain - an Iraqi in New Zealand]
...why are Iraqi born journalists killed for trying to forget the cruelty of reality that still exists in the land of the 2 rivers by providing educational and cultural TV shows?
It simply is a mass destruction. It is as though these criminals are like the Weapons of Mass Destruction, only that it is not weapons. It is humans of mass destruction who are slowly and one way or another eating up what is left over of Iraq. The local media is reflected to be a bad influence because when Saddam was around, journalists were never really able to interview who they wish.
...The war against the Iraqi media happens to be very annoying for these killers because they seem to be entitled to make their mind up that the media is interfering with the Iraqi minds for having the purpose to go along with the future government of Iraq. All the news, political debates, the remaining Arab channels from Lebanon, UAE, Egypt of music, poetry, live events, plays and movies...are affecting the minds of Iraqis because the more freedom they observe even in the most corrupted Arab nations, the more the Iraqis seem to want it and attempt to publicize a similar event in their own home.
Notes, Video & Transcripts from CNN Appearance -- [Fourth Rail - Bill Roggio]
A transcript and video clip from this week's appearance on CNN's On the Story are available below. The video is a bandwidth hog, please download only if you haven't seen it...
Here are some of my brief (and I mean brief) impressions of the appearance. I found it very interesting that a large majority of the CNN audience did not "have confidence" in the news they were receiving from Iraq. It would have been interesting to have explored the reasons for this further. After watching the interview again, it was obvious Barbara Starr and I were talking about two entirely different subjects. Ms. Starr was discussing the administration and "strategic communications, information operations, spin, spin, spin," as well as the difficulties reporters encounter in Iraq.
Military Spouses Suffer From "Pseudo-Patriotic Delusions" -- [Andi's World]
The television show ER decided to insert some political edge into a recent episode by having one of their characters espouse an anti-war message at the gathering of a support group for the spouses of deployed soldiers.
...Check in with some real-life military wives:
Patiently Waiting - Husband just returned from Iraq
ArmyWifeToddlerMom - Husband was deployed to Iraq for 18 Months
Homefront Six - Wife of a Hooker
Air Force Wife - Husband recently returned from Iraq
Military Spouse - Husband recently returned from Iraq
Al's Girl - Husband recently returned from Iraq
Jo's Cafe - Husband deployed to Afghanistan
Running on Coffee - Long line of military service in her family
Melinda - Military Wife
And me. My husband is deployed, and if I had been cast opposite Dr. Neela Rasgotra, I'm quite sure that the good Doctor wouldn't have had the last word.
Oh, Daring! -- [Neptunus Lex]
We went to see a movie together, that being one of the things we used to do. “V for Vendetta,” it was. British film. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.
I did a bit of pre-screen research – seemed to be about a “terrorist” fighting for freedom in some futuro-fascist Great Britain. Had some good names on the cast list too. Natalie Portman, for example. Which it’s hard to get too much of her, ordinarily.
Ha Ha Ha America: Chinese Film Mocks America at Sundance -- [The Jawa Report]
Talk about a lost in translation moment! Here is a film at the Sundance Film Festival Website with the title Ha ha America. The theme of the film seems to be something like, "America sucks, China rules." You can check out a few vidcaps from it here.
Ultrasound was done today... -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
I had an ultrasound today, to try and better guess the baby's due date. Turns out I'm 10 1/2 weeks along instead of just turning 9 weeks. I'll take that, it's better than going backwards! I wasn't sure what to expect with an ultrasound so early in the pregnancy, but I was surprised. There, in my still flat tummy, was a baby with arms and legs, little fingers just starting to be obvious - and it started sucking its thumb! It was so cute I tell you.
First Steps! -- [Tanker Brothers]
Unrelated to the war on terror, but still pretty dang cool!
My Son, taking his very first actual walking steps!
Happy Birthday My Love!! -- [Hardtack and Havoc - in Iraq]
Okay. His birthday is not really today but it is this week. We do want to surpise him with message of good wishes.
The Return -- [America's Son - home from Iraq]
We have all shared our war stories and videos from combat operations and are amazed at how similar our experiences have been. There is one noticeable void and we have all been reluctantly hush-mouthed about it…Adam. We all feel it and it will be a long time before we are healed and over his heroic passing in Ramadi. There has been very little mention about him, and the few times I heard his name in conversation, it was said with heads hung and only referenced his absence. We all know that it wasn’t suppose to be this way. We were suppose to come together and leave together. Now, we are a man short and it hurts. I am going to miss this. This brotherhood that I have. It is not self-serving. We do for the good of the group. There are no favorites. If we lose one, we are weaker than we were before. We look out for each other and genuinely have one another’s best interest foremost in our minds. We are warriors and have a warrior’s bond which no nine-to-five could ever begin to offer. I will miss the life of a warrior.
Families say welcome home to 100 troops -- [AJC Blog / AP]
FORT STEWART — After nearly a year in Iraq, about 100 citizen-soldiers from the 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia National Guard returned home before dawn Monday to cheers and tears from their families.
In memoriam -- [Intel Dump - in Iraq]
The Pentagon formally released news of the deaths of two soldiers in my battalion today:
...These two soldiers died when a mortar attack hit Contingency Operating Base Speicher, a large U.S. base north of Tikrit. I lampooned the base last month while I was stuck there in a transient status on my way to R&R leave in the states as the "land of the fobbits," perhaps a bit unfairly. This attack reveals, yet again, one of the basic truths about Iraq: there are no front lines; there are no rear areas. There is no sanctuary in Iraq from the dangers of war, including indirect fire. Everyone serving in Iraq faces some degree of risk, whether they serve on the flightline at Balad, in the Green Zone in Baghdad, on a FOB, on an adviser team like mine, or in an infantry unit fighting through Samarra.
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.)
Water... the lifeblood of Southern Iraq -- [Grandma in Iraq - in Iraq]
...I just put out a press release about a $16 million project that will provides cleaner and more reliable water supply to the 2.5 million residents of Basrah and Thi Qar Provinces. The project is part of what the Iraqis call the Sweetwater Canal and in this case the refurbishment was at Basrah/Umm Qasr Water Supply.
...Everytime an Iraqi contractor bids on a reconstruction project, hires local Iraqi workers that are brave enough to work facing intimidation threats to themselves and their families, it is a sign that democracy is winning here. Every step toward reconstruction is significant and has an immediate impact on the health, security, safety and welfare of the Iraqi people.
Operation Swarmer -- [An independent look at Iraq - journalist embed in Iraq]
iI just got back in from the field covering Operation Swarmer. So I am a tad exhausted after running around the desert covering what is guerilla war -- chasing ghosts.
...Anyway, I was the only embedded journo out there for the op's first day. I embedded with a squad of junedis and another of American Grunts. We -- along with 1,400 soldiers and junedis who flew or drove to other spots -- flew out in Blackhawks to an isolated Landing Zone way out in the desert. The closest house was about four klicks out. Suffice to say it was a long, slow two days.
UPDATE -- I've been working pretty hard today trying to get this dispatch out. It's gonna be a big one too; several short video clips, around 20 photos and an account of the op from H-Hour.
Mar. 19th, 2006 -- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
I'm a bit put out. You all have heard of that Operation Swarmer thing down in Samarra? Well, half my platoon in there. Seems not all the guys went in via helicoptor, and we are (I guess) one of the only Engineer units to bring a certain piece of equipment to Iraq. We certaintly are the only ones in the 101st Airborne Division. Did I mention that? Our divisional HQ is 101st so we are likely to get authorized to wear that combat patch. Big whoop. I'm sticking with my 4ID. Or as I put it, how many dictators did (FITB unit) arrest here?
Monday, March 20, 2006 -- [Chairborne Stranger - in Iraq]
I've been back and out in an the local area living with the Iraqi Army. Very interesting (and isolated) times. Usually very boring, punctuated by the random small arms engagements that break out near or at our location.
...I will say that, for all the press, in my area of Iraq I haven't seen any crazy civil wars or even more violence, it seems to be about the same as always. And I live in the 'volatile' al Anbar province.
All quiet in the heart of Baghdad -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
The last few days have been eerily quiet here in the Green Zone. An injection of American troops coupled with Operation Swarmer to our north seem to have changed the routines quite drastically. Things are happening behind the scenes too, as negotiations continue on shaping the government. It has been slightly more than three months since the elections in which Iraqis voted in much higher number than we do back home in the U.S. The media continues to try and give the impresssion that Iraq is embroiled in a full scale civil war, doing Iraqis and the coalition a great disservice.
Released Iraqi Mukhabarat Notes Translated -- [ThreatsWatch]
Document Released by FSMO Joint Reserve Intelligence Center Translated to English
With the recent release of FMSO DOC-EX Operation Iraqi Freedom Documents, much remains in Arabic. One such document titled the Iraqi Intelligence Service (Mukhabarat) document is an English printout of an FAS look at Iraq’s Mukhabarat.
Visit to Kirkush -- [Murphy Around The World - in Iraq]
I spent a couple of hours last night talking to Col R., the Iraqi LNO that we have supporting us. We had him all day for our trip and had some time to kill waiting for our flight out of Kirkush. It turns out that Col R knows quite a bit of English, much more than my pathetic Arabic. We have a terp with us but I didn’t need him for this.
...He was recently selected for promotion to General but turned it down because he’d have to relocate to Ramadi or Fallujah or Baghdad. He says he’s very happy to stay in the relative safety of Balad and besides, he calls the Headquarters in Baghdad corrupt and full of thieves. It is an old boy’s network and you’re either in or you’re not. He doesn’t have any relatives in high places but achieved his status thru service.
Speaking truth to pinheads -- [Wizbang]
With the anniversary of the war in Iraq (or, as I like to call it when I'm feeling formal, the Iraq Campaign of the War on Terror), I think it's long overdue time to actually LOOK at some of the anti-war crowd's charges and give them the slightest shred of credence, for at least long enough to rip them to pieces.
I don't recall the original source of the statement "if you repeat a lie often enough, people will eventually believe it," but it's a fair observation of human nature. The anti-war crowd has taken that concept and proven it beyond their wildest dreams:
View From The Front: "The difference between now and two years ago is incredible." -- [Soldier's Angel Germany]
Some timely perspective for this day, the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
Letter received by Soldiers' Angel Lisa from a CO on progress in Iraq, media coverage of the war, and thanks for support.
Iraq three years on: taking stock, Part I -- [TigerHawk]
The media and the blogosphere are taking stock of the Iraq war from various angles. Belgravia Dispatch has famously despaired, the Guardian has published a progressive case for the war, Donald Rumsfeld conjures up his own wishful thinking, Gateway Pundit is looking at various wrong predictions made by critics of the war, and Canadians compare Bush to Hitler (as if that were news).
The War Tapes - [BlackFive]
I recently had the privilege to view "The War Tapes" - a 94 minute documentary told by soldiers on deployment to Iraq. The War Tapes was born from an idea that Deborah Scranton, the director, had of melding technology and documentary film making - an idea that she describes as "living journalism."
American Muslims Hating US Troops -- [LGF]
A pro-US article posted on an Islamic web site by a Muslim serving in the US armed forces provokes some very disturbing responses:
To Lisa in Italy -- [Midnight in Iraq - in Iraq]
I recently found an email in my inbox from Lisa, a 23-year-old journalism grad student at Rome University. She is doing her graduation research on “blogs from Iraq” and polled a few milbloggers. I thought I would share part of our brief conversation (my answers inserted):
Q: Why in the first place did you decide to go in Iraq?
A: I am a product of September 11th. To be quite honest I didn’t really understand what was happening on that fateful Tuesday, but after I figured it out it ignited a rage in me that took me through two and a half years of training and thousands of miles to bring me where I sit right now. Make no mistake: I want to be here.
Q: As a soldier you sure thought this war was necessary but, on a personal basis, as a man what was your genuine feeling? A: My genuine feeling is that this war is necessary for the safety of my nation and my loved ones.
Q: Do you think that the situation is better now in Iraq thanks to you contribution?
Who's Fighting For You: 2 -- [T.F. Boggs - in Iraq]
Here is the second interview in the Who’s fighting for you series. The interview is with 20 –year-old Specialist Jodrey. I hope you find him as good as a guy as I do. He is a genuine and caring soldier and I think everyone will be able to tell from the interview.
Q: What do you think history will say about what we did here?
A: Well I believe it will say that we had a good part in, I guess, in establishing a good government. I think that the country does have hope and I think history will say good things about what we are doing. Right now a lot of people may not agree with what we are doing but the same thing happened in Vietnam.
Dadmanly -- [Basil's Blog]
Q:What do soldiers think of the mainstream media's portrayal of the situation in Iraq?
A:Most of us decided long ago that most of what's found in MSM is hopelessly slanted, politically driven, and completely out of touch with reality on the ground. Embedded reporters, especially those working during the active ground combat phase of the war, produced some great stuff. You could get a good idea of what it was like to be a soldier, how incredibly fast everything happened, how stunning and complete our military victories.
Q:What is the most important thing Americans need to know about Iraq and its people?...
Mission #6 Photos -- [Basic Training - in Iraq]
I know I have photos from my 5th mission still to put up, but I really like these. They were the first chance I've had to interact with the public and as you can see, the kids were definately excited to get the school supplies and toys that many of you have sent.
New visitors can get information about what I am collecting for our brigade to pass out to school-aged children in the Abu Ghraib neighborhood.
As I mentioned the main purpose of the mission was to provide medical care to the people in this village. The line was fairly long.
INTRUDER ALERT! -- [Those Wacky Iraqis - in Iraq]
Iraqis come in many shapes and sizes. We have the standard brown eyed, black haired sterotypical Arabs; red haired, brown eyed circassians; brown haired, blue eyed Kurds, etc. Because of this there is no ability to profile people according to look. This adds to the security issues on post.
If anyone tries to come through the gate without going through proper checks they are challenged. If they don't stop deadly force WILL be used. This was not the case the other evening. This local Iraqi came walking through the gate and did not respond to the challenges.
Saturday, March 18, 2006 -- [Chapter: War - in Iraq]
Its crowded as I walk around taking in all that is in front of me. People bustle about, bumping into me and each other, seeking items on their lists. I am in the main PX at BIAP, otherwise known as Baghdad International Airport.
Im dirty, there is mud caked on my uniform and boots, and I smell of gunpowder.
People of all nationalities shop and work here making it a true international setting, but not the one Saddam imagined I am sure. People from Fiji, Tahiti, the Phillipine Islands. Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Indians. There are Thai, and Eastern Europeans, soldiers of all nationalites, and mysterious civilian contractors armed to the teeth.
...Im in awe. I had no idea there was anywhere in Iraq that would have this much for sale in one place at one time.
Definite articles -- [Talking Salmons - in Iraq]
Whew I made it back to my room. Traveling outside has become very hazardous, not from enemy fire, but the threat of Article 15s – the military’s “shame shame, you knew better” Uniform Code of Military Justice article.
...You see, there was a new memo from our command: after a certain time in the afternoon, no one can travel outside without a “battle buddy.” This makes heading home from the office for guys who aren’t blessed with a nine to five “fluff” job an adventure, as I’m one of the last to leave my office.
“Battle buddy,” “fighting friend,” whatever the hell you want to call it, is the Army’s way of reducing what’s called “non-battle injuries.”
So, if I have to use the latrine (down the street), I should wake up my roommate?
Shoot, I need to take my laundry to the drop-off point...anybody going? Hello? You? How about you? Not today? No? Crap
U.S. abuse continued in wake of Abu Ghraib -- (NY Times)
As the Iraqi insurgency intensified in early 2004, an elite Special Operations forces unit converted one of Saddam Hussein's former military bases near Baghdad into a top-secret detention center. There, American soldiers made one of the former Iraqi government's torture chambers into their own interrogation cell. They named it the Black Room.
Iraqi Report: U.S. Killed Villagers -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)
An Iraqi police document accuses U.S. troops of executing 11 people, including a 75-year-old woman and a 6-month-old infant, after a raid Wednesday on a house about 60 miles north of Baghdad.
Clashes, Accusations Mark Anniversary Of Iraq Conflict -- (Boston Globe)
Clashes between U.S. forces and suspected insurgents, and allegations of American troops killing noncombatants, marked the third anniversary Sunday of the start of the American-led invasion of Iraq.
Veterans' Voices On Iraq -- (Washington Post)
Voices of 100 Veterans: The War in Their Words
...But it was not bad in the ways they see covered in the media -- the majority also agreed on this. What they experienced was more complex than the war they saw on television and in print. It was dangerous and confused, yes, but most of the vets also recalled enemies routed, buildings built and children befriended, against long odds in a poor and demoralized country. "We feel like we're doing something, and then we look at the news and you feel like you're getting bashed." "It seems to me the media had a predetermined script." The vibe of the coverage is just "so, so, so negative."
Three years on, U.S. troops say steadfast in Iraq -- (Reuters)
HILLA, Iraq (Reuters) - Three years to the day after they invaded Iraq, most American troops still believe in their mission but know that the general population has -- at best -- mixed feelings about their presence.
Bush Urges U.S. to See Progress in Iraq -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After three years of war in Iraq, President Bush is trying to get Americans to look beyond the unrelenting violence that dominates news reports and see progress....
Bush Using Straw-Man Arguments in Speeches -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- "Some look at the challenges in Iraq and conclude that the war is lost and not worth another dime or another day," President Bush said recently....
Children's Sorrow -- (Arizona Republic (Phoenix))
...Today, on the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, 63 soldiers with Arizona ties have died in the Iraq war, leaving behind at least 45 children who have lost a parent in the war. Across the nation, more than 40 percent of the 2,314 U.S. military war dead were married, and an estimated 1,600 children have lost a parent in the Iraq war.
Analysis: Envoy Dives Into Iraq Diplomacy -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Zalmay Khalilzad spends a lot of time these days in a soundproof room at the U.S. Embassy, sitting in front of television cameras and repeating a single message: Iraq must have a unity government and Americans must be patient until that happens....
Students killed in Tal Affar as security worsens -- (Azzaman/English)
Unidentified gunmen killed nine students from Tal Affar, the city which a few months ago was the scene of fierce fighting between U.S. troops and Iraqi resistance groups.
“Criminals now roam freely in the city,” said Sheikh Mohammed Taqi, a member of parliament representing the Tal Affar
Iraqis May Protect Volatile Areas by 2007 -- (AP)
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) - Iraqi Army forces may be able to take over the more volatile regions of their country by the end of this year, as long as they have the equipment and logistical support they need, the top U.S. military commander said Monday. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that by year's end the Iraqi army will have recruited all of the units it needs, and the U.S. will have trained "a vast majority of their Army."
Rumsfeld: Leaving Iraq like giving Nazis Germany -- (Reuters)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leaving Iraq now would be the same as handing postwar Germany back to the Nazis, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said in a column published on Sunday, as retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton called Rumsfeld incompetent and urged him to resign.
Iraq War Enters 4th Year With More Deaths -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Suspected insurgents marked the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq Monday with roadside bombings that killed at least seven policemen, and authorities reported finding 10 more bullet-riddled bodies dumped in the capital, one of them a 13-year-old girl. The violence took up where it left off Sunday when at least 35 people died.
Saddam's Philippines Terror Connection -- (Weekly Standard)
SADDAM HUSSEIN'S REGIME PROVIDED FINANCIAL support to Abu Sayyaf, the al Qaeda-linked jihadist group founded by Osama bin Laden's brother-in-law in the Philippines in the late 1990s, according to documents captured in postwar Iraq. An eight-page fax dated June 6, 2001, and sent from the Iraqi ambassador in Manila to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, provides an update on Abu Sayyaf kidnappings and indicates that the Iraqi regime was providing the group with money to purchase weapons. The Iraqi regime suspended its support--temporarily, it seems--after high-profile kidnappings, including of Americans, focused international attention on the terrorist group.
The Stuff That Happened -- (NY Times)
Three years ago, the United States invaded Iraq. We can all run the story through our minds: Shock and Awe, Coalition of the Willing, Mission Accomplished, looting, "Stuff happens," no W.M.D., suicide bombers, purple fingers, blasted shrine.
St. Paddy's in the 'stan! -- [AfghaniDan - in Afghanistan]
It was no accident that Powell, the fire support officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Support Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, was playing his bagpipes on this day, and an appreciative audience of soldiers and Marines was happy to take it all in.
On Frequent Rotations and Morale -- [Miserable Donuts]
Part of the problems I am having right now might stem from something a lot of servicemembers might wish for... short rotations. Not mine/ours, mind you - but those of other services, and other nations. And not for the reason you think. I was not jealous or resentful of USAF 3-4 month tours, USMC 6 month rotations, or the 4 months at a time the RAF Regiment spent in theater. What bothered me was that I formed friendships with these people, only to have them leave.
Afghanistan: Who exactly is the enemy? -- [Cao's Blog]
...This is the reason why Mullah Omar was removed from the most wanted terrorist list, along with Gulbadin Hekmatyar.
If you read the news reports and think about it- the evidence is clear–that’s precisely what they’re doing and that’s why the news of the recent GI killed and releasing 47 enemy combatants at Bagram is so disappointing and upsetting while Jack Idema and his men are being held at Pulacharke as “political prisoners”.
Topic: Jonathan Idema -- [Factbites]
IDEMA
Idema claimed he was in Afghanistan as an adviser to the Northern Alliance, a militia opposed to al-Qaeda and the then-ruling Taliban government.
Idema's transformation from penniless ex-con to counterterrorism super-spy was a collaborative work in which the mass media played a crucial, if unwitting, role, according to journalists and military personnel who watched it happen.
Idema said the income from those tapes helped fund his future missions in Afghanistan, possibly including the private prison and interrogation operation that is the focus of his current trial.
Afghan jailers want to unload gang of 3 -- (Chicago Tribune)
PUL-ICHARKHI, Afghanistan -- For the men who run Afghanistan's biggest prison, the toughest challenge is not the occasional prison break, Al Qaeda and Taliban inmates or the recent riots.
Instead, it's the three Americans.
...The three men--former soldiers Jonathan Keith "Jack" Idema and Brent Bennett and cameraman Edward Caraballo--were arrested in July 2004 on charges of running a private jail and torturing prisoners in their own war on terrorism.
Afghan May Face Death For Alleged Conversion -- (USA Today)
A man in Afghanistan is being prosecuted in a Kabul court and could be sentenced to death after being charged with converting from Islam to Christianity, a crime under the country's Islamic sharia laws, a judge said Sunday.
Homeward bound -- [SandGram - on his way home from Iraq]
...They put us in a super nice hotel about 20 minutes from the airport that included it's own pub. Since all we had on were our desert cammies, we were NOT allowed outside of the hotel for any reason. Also, the State Department had reported a growing number of political anti-war protesters in Ireland harassing troops, so they warned us not to speak to any of these folks if they approached us in the hotel. I am here to tell you that we never ran into such persons while there. The pub was full of the most kind and gracious folks in the world. They even let me get up and sing Elvis with the band around 11 pm.
Anti-War Anniversary Protests a Bust -- [Gateway Pundit]
In Australia... Saturday's protest of 500 people was small compared to the mass demonstrations that swept across the country in the buildup to the invasion — the largest Australia had seen since joining U.S. forces in the Vietnam War.
Thousands Around Globe Call for End of War -- (AP)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Protesters marking the third anniversary of the Iraq war made their voices heard across the world over the weekend, with the largest marches in London, Portland and Chicago, though in numbers that were often lower than in previous years....
North Korea Assails 'Axis of Evil' Comment -- (AP)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea berated President Bush on Monday for repeating his earlier description of the communist state as part of an "axis of evil," saying it shows the United States intends to attack it....
Al-Qaida in Saudi Resurfaces with Martyrdom Video of Abqaiq Mastermind Fahd al-Farraj -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
On March 15, Al-Qaida’s Committee in the Arabian Peninsula released the first edition of a new video series titled “Blood that will never be forgotten” commemorating its “martyred” operatives in Saudi Arabia. This first edition, subtitled “The Battle of Al-Yarmuk District in Eastern Riyadh” featured the recorded will of Al-Qaida commander Fahd bin Farraj al-Juwair al-Farraj, who headed the organization at the time of his death. Al-Farraj—one of the original participants at the notorious Al-Battar training camp inside Saudi Arabia during 2002-2003—was also named by Al-Qaida as the mastermind behind the failed February 2006 suicide bomb attack on a major oil refinery in the eastern Saudi town of Abqaiq.
Starve Terrorism: Naif -- (Arab News/ AP)
Austrian President Heinz Fischer meets with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal at the Guest Palace in Riyadh.
RIYADH, 20 March 2006 — Interior Minister Prince Naif said yesterday that the war on terror was far from over. Answering a question after his meeting with Austrian President Heinz Fischer, the prince said: “The Kingdom is in a state of war with these people (terrorists). There will be no end to terrorism unless its roots are starved.”
Liberal Lie: Dick Durbins Claims He Supports Our Troops -- [Expose the Left]
On FOX News Sunday, Senator Dick Durbin (D) attempted to show his support for the troops:
DURBIN: Well, let me say first I want to thank the general, as you did, and all the troops in uniform for their service to our country and risking their lives every single day for us.
Durbin was singing a different tune last summer:
Federal Ban of Military Funeral Protests Proposed -- [Jawa Report]
Disgusted by the antics of the Westboro Baptist Church hate cult, US Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI) will introduce legislation that would prohibit protests an hour before or after a funeral and keep protesters at least five hundred feet away from family members of the deceased.
Combat Lifesavers -- [a mobilized year - in Iraq]
The combat lifesaver is taught advanced techniques in casualty assessment, hemorrhage control, and the treatment of tension pneumothorax. Among other training, the combat lifesavers are also taught basic techniques on casualty stabilization and administering IV fluids.
...Time and time again as indicated in after actions reports involving injuries, one of the first things soldiers mention about the incident is that they were so glad that they had a combat lifesaver in the gun truck.
War Letters, Past and Present – Part I -- [Wordsmith at War - in Iraq]
This is a letter written by Lloyd Maywood Staley to his sweetheart Mary Beatrice Gray. Mr. Staley’s grandson maintains this website of many war letters written by his grandfather during World War I. Here is some historical reference from the same website that puts the following letter into perspective:
Some Troops Headed Back To Iraq Are Mentally Ill -- (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Besides bringing antibiotics and painkillers, military personnel nationwide are heading back to Iraq with a cache of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications.
Ill-Equipped Guard Units Alarm States -- (Chicago Tribune)
The conflict in Iraq, launched exactly three years ago as bombs began lighting up Baghdad's midnight skies, has left America's National Guard as one of the most critically wounded casualties of the war.
Political Props -- [Fuzzilicious Thinking]
When it comes to politics, the members of the military walk a fine line. For example, they cannot use their uniform or rank to endorse or reject a politician. I know that many are simply reluctant to talk politics at all and when pressed often decline to associate themselves with an organized political party.
...However, the Democrats apparently have no such concerns about using the military. The Washington Times has obtained a strategy memo from the office of Democratic Leader Harry Reid that consists of nothing but guidelines and suggestions for how to attack President Bush by exploiting the military.
Durbin: It's Too Early to Censure Bush -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A top Senate Democrat said Sunday that President Bush should be held responsible if he violated the law in authorizing the domestic spy program. But Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said it is too early to tell if either censure or impeachment of Bush would be appropriate....
Libby Trial May Be Embarrassment for Bush -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Lawyers for Vice President Dick Cheney's former top aide are signaling they may delve deeply at his criminal trial into infighting among the White House, the CIA and the State Department over pre-Iraq war intelligence failures....
Times Admits To Lying About Abu Ghraib Prisoner -- [Sweetness & Light]
Ah, another quiet Saturday morning.
The day when the New York Times sneaks out its admissions about the lies it posted on its front page throughout the rest of the week when everybody was paying attention.
Our boys on the front are not EVIL! -- [Girl on the Right]
Rosie Dimanno is on the front page of the Toronto Star today making our soldiers out to be bastards.
Belzer Proclaims He Knows Better About Iraq than Uneducated Soldiers in Iraq -- [NewsBusters]
When Congresswoman Ileanna Ros-Lehtinen contended Friday night, on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, that servicemen she's met in Iraq are “saying 'we're proud of our mission, we know what we're doing over here. We don't want you guys in Washington to lose it over there,'” actor/comedian Richard Belzer condescendingly fired back, claiming that to “ask them” is “bullshit” since, apparently unlike him, “they don't read twenty newspapers a day.”
...The Republican Congresswoman from Florida countered that her stepson is a college graduate, leading Belzer to snidely denigrate the military: "You think everyone over there is a college graduate? They're 19 and 20-year-old kids who couldn't get a job.”
Latest News - [Michael Yon]
Robert Kaplan embedded with US forces in Mosul shortly after I left that city. Mr. Kaplan is a highly respected journalist and author. His lengthy and detailed accounting of the situation in Mosul can be used as a reference point for framing our thinking about the process of building democracy in Iraq. Readers of my dispatches about the outstanding successes of US and Iraqi forces in Mosul, likely will find much of what Mr. Kaplan says imminently familiar. This is probably due to the fact that Kaplan and I are among the few writers who spent enough time in Mosul to discover how isolated incidents and individual threads of concern fit within the larger context.
They Just Can't Help Themselves -- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
But like most writers for the NYTs, he just couldn't keep his Lefty mindset from entering the writeup he did for the book. Trying to show how hard it is for a black man in America (and of course, completely missing the point of the book that was written by the successful black brother), he writes:
"What happened to Robert Wideman after his arrest is all too familiar in a country where one finds a disproportionate number of black males in jail, in the army or in the morgue as homicide victims."
...What I can't understand is why this would be seen as three negatives. I see two negatives, one positive. That's just me I guess.
THE DEFIANT WAR -- (San Fransico Chronicle)
She's averaging just two days per month here. The next morning she will fly off again, the surreal star of what is -- depending largely on one's political perspective -- either an epic tragedy or a farce. After stops for protests in New Orleans and Washington, D.C., she will breakfast in Manhattan with actress Susan Sarandon, who is set to portray her in a biopic movie. A crew will film Sheehan for a weekly reality series on the Sundance Channel. Her letters to President Bush inspired "Peace Mom," a one-woman monologue show in London. A memoir is due to her publisher April 1.
Welcome home, 3rd ACR -- [Murphy Around The World - in Iraq]
I'm posting this in its entirety. My brother received it from the Commander of the ACR Unit that his son Paul was attached to in Iraq. They were up in the northwest corner, the wild, wild west near Tal Afar. It's a tremendous account of Iraq from last year to about 2 weeks ago. Paul was assigned to Sabre Squadron.
March 13, 2006
Dear Squadron Families,
Going home -- [Going Down Range - on his way home from Aghanistan]
The interpreters I worked with wished me good luck and a safe journey home. I told them that I would visit them in a few years with my family and show them where the TICs and IEDs were at. I gave them a hug and wished them a safe, peaceful and prosperous future.
What is interesting is how many soldiers are going to the Active Army from the reserve. A lot. A few requested Iraq. That was a surprise. A couple of soldiers are ETS’ing or leaving the army, but many more re-upped to stay in the reserves. This is a post in it self.
Homeward bound -- [Sandgram - home from Iraq]
...I will have to change my blog to reflect that I'm home now, but part of me is still over there. I think they should bring back the draft, or a choice of four things for every 18-year-old in our nation. Either go into the military and see the world; go into the peace Corps and help out folks in our own back yard vice Africa; go into the border patrol and keep all the deadbeats out; or join some sort of CCC like they had in the thirties and forties. This will give our nation's youth and future leaders a greater understanding of just how great America truly is!!
DELICACY -- [Tribune Blogs - journalist embed in Iraq]
Jerome Gourley finds solace in his 9-month-old granddaughter, Addison, as he awaits the return of his son's body.
In his words (click for larger view):
SORROW -- [Tribune Blogs - journalist embed in Iraq]
Colleen Parkin follows the casket of her son, Matthew Smith, killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq.
In her words (click for larger view):
Remembering SSG Newman -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
I've been meaning to write this post for nearly a month now. SSG Clint Newman died north of Deh Rawod in central Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee on February 13th. The loss of SSG Newman has been the hardest so far for all of us. Having been with the 321st for several years, Clint was a close friend to many there and part of the core group that made the 321st what it was.
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.)
EDITORS NOTE: Top of the Morning to you, and Happy St Patrick's Day. Due to technical difficulties we've been offline, some of these stories today are couple of days old but well worth reading. Time to play catch-up
The Big Lie - embed vs embed -- [Back to Iraq - embed journalist in Iraq]
BAGHDAD — And no, I’m not talking about WMDs or anything like that. More in my quixotic feud with noted fiction writer Ralph Peters, who came here for a little while and declared All is Well, and “the media” are aiming to undermine the heroic mission here in Iraq with all that bad news. Why, he himself saw Iraqis cheering his patrol as he rumbled through Baghdad atop an up-armored humvee.
Updates from the 222nd -- [Dispatches- Matthew D. LaPlante - embed jounalist in Iraq]
...Civil War? Ramadi is composed of about 90 percent Sunni, so we have not seen the sectarian violence you see in the media happening in Baghdad. However, talking to the local Iraqis, they say the media is exaggerating the violence between Sunni and Shia and things are getting better and not that bad. Time will tell what the future of Iraq will be. My personal opinion is that the Iraqi Government is making progress and there will not be a civil war, but the foreign insurgency sees a window time that is beginning to close, so they must do what they can now.
March 14, 2006 -- [Steffan Tubbs - On the road in Iraq - embed journalist in Iraq]
I will never leave a fallen comrade. I will always place the mission first." This trip has made me so much more aware of the military (obviously) and I've proved to myself that I took what they all do for granted big-time.
Again, this is a Pentagon-sponsored trip. Yet I am objective, as unbias as I can possibly be (save for the soccer ball/school supply thing) and I am not 'snowed' by my guides nor a military PR guy. But please believe me when I say there are POSITIVES here, as well as all the bad. And yes of late, things have been attrocious. But let's not forget the big picture. Thursday Iraq's newly-elected Parliament will take shape. It'll be ugly, rough and disorganized. Yet remember where this country was three years ago to this minute.
Torniquets and other first aid training. -- [An independent look at Iraq - embed jpurnalist in Iraq]
...The classes in basic first aid were taught by teams of Iraqi and American medics. We didn't stay for long so the classes were short. It turns out the girls had been taught most of it before. It was a good time nonetheless.
What I saw really went beyond basic first aid classes. It was really about closing cultural gaps. The gap between Americans and the Iraqis is immense. While little events like this won't close it, they show them we're humans too.
Operation Swarmer: Legit or Theater? -- [The Fourth Rail]
Swarmer is the latest in a series of Air Assault missions, not a "wag the dog" moment
As soon as Operation Swarmer kicked off, the pundits rushed to assign political motivations to the operation. One author of this school of analysis is Richard Beeston, the Diplomatic Editor of the London Times, who claims the air assault is "politically opportune for both the Bush Administration and the fledgling Iraqi government in Baghdad," "a show of US strength" and a "demonstrate that that they [American and Iraqi commanders], in fact, are in charge."
Rubbish.
Operation Swarmer Fulfills Three Missions -- [The Rolling Barrage]
The military operation yesterday is satisfying three distinct missions:
1. The destruction of an assemblage of insurgents.
2. The dismissal of the impression that the United States Military has ceased offensive operations in Iraq.
3. The display of offensive capabilities to enemies in the region, including Iran.
While it is difficult to say that this operation provoked Iran to accept two party talks with the United States that thought is appealing.
Life in a combat zone; an information warrior’s perspective -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
...I am a public affairs specialist - my mission is to refine and produce information for internal and external audiences. In plain English that means I am part of a unit filled with soldiers who have specialized technical training. We produce military newspapers. We run military radio stations. We take pictures. We shoot video and produce newscasts. We escort the civilian press and try to facilitate their access to other soldiers and servicepeople in theater, so they can tell our story and the story of Iraq to you folks back home.
Faith No More -- [Chapter War - in Iraq]
...Have Americans back home forgotten that the current President told us from the beginning that this would be a long war and that we would need strength and resolve to see it to its end?
What has happened to the ethic and strength of the American people?
Politicians back at the table while death goes silent -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
...The statements given by the politicians who attended the meeting were mostly vague but there were a few points they said they agreed upon; one is forming a committee from members of the major blocs to write down a draft system for the work of the cabinet. This draft system when written will be submitted to the leaders of the blocs to be revised, approved and later adopted by the new government. Which means there's an inclination towards making the new government work under the umbrella of a program written in accordance between the major blocs instead of one proposed by the PM or the largest bloc alone.
No One Left Behind -- [Green Again - in Iraq]
...For some of the young Marines, it would be their first exposure to traumatic death. Being in law enforcement, I already had the benefit, if it could actually be considered as such, of being exposed to death in various forms, although nothing on the scale of that caused by an IED blast. While concerned, I was also confident that these Marines were properly trained and prepared for what they were about to experience. I would not be disappointed.
Once on scene, my team leader and I met with the site commander, who gave us all of the pertinent details, plus an added caveat: They had also taken small arms fire after the IED was detonated, so we needed to be on our toes. To make matters worse, the nature of our task would require white lights, so we would truly be sitting ducks out there. Fortunately, our Marines were up to the task
Long time gone -- [Sappersgt - in Iraq]
...Still doing EOD escort, which is hit or miss. One day we are out 20 out of 24 hours, the next we staged out to a smaller FOD on standby for a few hours, and otherwise did nothing. We did get to see a cool show when we rolled out to the podunk town which had an IED on the bridge. Iraq doesn't have the transportation net it should, and frequently a small town will be served by perhaps 2 or 3 main arteries, and loosing a bridge would be a Big Deal. Still, the robot did its thing, the bridge was kept intact, and I'm learning a bit about water impulse charges and their usage. Any idiot can throw together a door charge, but EOD can do surgery with those things. It was fascinating seeing the interactions at that site because site security was IA, IP, Peshmerga (Kurdish 'militia') and US Army all together. Most of the roadblocks were manned by only one of the local forces and the ad hoc command post had all three.
Massive attack’ on Green Zone foiled -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
As a resident of the International (aka Green) Zone, I have a deeply personal interest in this story:
Security officials foiled a plot that would have put hundreds of al-Qaida men at guard posts around Baghdad’s Green Zone, home to the U.S. and other foreign embassies as well as the Iraqi government, the interior minister told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Al-Qaeda is increasingly desperate. Their own foolish and murderous choices leave them with eroding support from Iraqis.
How Saddam Fooled Everyone, Including Himself -- [Strategy Page]
March 16, 2006: As thousands of captured Iraqi documents are translated, it becomes clearer why all the world's intelligence services were misled about Saddam's nonexistent weapons of mass destruction (WMD). A decade of UN WMD inspections did indeed destroy Saddam's WMD arsenal. But Saddam believed that he could not outright say he did not have any WMD. He believed that Iran would come after him if they believed Iraq did not have WMD.
BAGHDAD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS -- [2006 Tour of Duty - in Iraq]
These students are walking to class at the Baghdad University. A lot of the students walk as far away as two miles to get to class.
Dress up -- [Fun With Hand Grenades - in Iraq]
My interpreter is the coolest Iraqi ever.He’s kick ass to hang out with and I can ask him all sorts of questions about Iraqi culture without him getting offended or thinking I’m a dumb ass because of my sheltered American ignorance. On top of that he couldn’t give two shits what religion you are. I don’t meet too many people that don’t get up in arms about my views on organized religion.
Close Call - [Pass the Brass - in Iraq]
Almost got blowed up the other night…it’s all good though…noone hurt and minimal damage, so these wannabe terrorists were more along the lines of jokers because they suck at it.
It was after sunset too so that just made the whole thing that much more annoying in that there was no way we were gonna find a trigger man unless they started shooting at us, or something else stupid like that. We just drove on with our bad selves and called it a night.
Iraq Pictures 11 March 2006 -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the commander of MNC-I talks with the Al Abarra Electric sub-station foreman about who does and who does not have power in the Abarra area.
I’ve learned so much today. -- [Just Another Thunderhorse Roughneck - in Iraq]
...Staff Sergeant mentioned something to me. The problem with some people is that they want people to like. You can’t do that as a leader. If they respect you and like you then that’s great. People want others to like them. That’s my problem. I wanted T-Rex to like me. I would do everything to appease him so he would like me. I shouldn’t be looking for that in him. I shouldn’t look to become liked. That’s where I failed. That’s where I fell apart.
Run to the Border -- [48th BCT - in Iraq]
...The “Road Warriors” of 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, 48th BCT, take the lead for the combat logistics patrol; convoys of sometimes over 100 eighteen-wheeled trucks driven by “third country nationals,” that provide the fuel, water, food, repair parts and other classes of supply that are requisitioned by units operating in the western sector of Iraq.
Communicating from the Combat Zone -- [Wordsmith at War - in Iraq]
I find the way soldiers communicate with their families from the combat zone very interesting. Of course, I am an amateur radio operator, an Army trained Signal Officer, and a bit of a computer geek, so I sometimes find myself talking about a project I’m working on, while the person I’m talking to gives me that “Only you think this is cool” look. Walking aimlessly around Best Buy or Radio Shack for electronics is something my wife came to dread, because she couldn’t figure out what I wanted or how much cash I planned to spend. That’s the fun part – spontaneous gadget purchases. It’s almost as nice as searching the aisles of a vintage bookstore or cozy library…almost.
JOURNALISM UNDER SIEGE IN BAGHDAD, Part 2 -- (Asia Times)
Remote reporting and the Green Zone
(For Part 1, click here.)
That Western journalists now find being embedded a kind of liberation from imprisonment in their bureaus is something of an irony, especially in view of the debate three years ago whether embedded reporters were accepting conditions that restricted their freedom to describe the war. Now they readily accept these limitations, because working as a "unilateral" has become practically impossible. At least with the military they see the killing in the streets at first hand.
... In fact, as I was told by those few Iraqis I was able to meet, the Ministry of the Interior has a deserved reputation for lawless, Shi'ite partisanship. Until Edward Wong's story on the ministry in the New York Times of March 7, no journalist I know of had been able to show in any detail just how the ministry works and what relations it may have with the Shi'ite militias.
U.S. Begins Big Assault in Iraq; New Parliament Convenes -- (NY Times)... Edward Wong
The American military announced today that it had begun its largest air assault since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, while Iraqi legislators convened the long-awaited first session of the new Parliament in the capital, even in the absence of any agreement to form a full government.
Iraq at a ‘very crucial’ time; no civil war but conflict could escalate: -- (United Nations News Service)
UN envoySaying that Iraq is at a “very crucial” time, the top United Nations envoy for the strife-torn country said today that while there is no civil war, the situation could descend into “ungovernability” unless all Iraqis come together in the political process.
Iraq's civil war threat tests US military strategy -- (Turkish Press)
Suddenly, subtly, the nature of the war in Iraq has changed, confronting the US military with the threat of a civil war and what may be its biggest test since the US-led invasion three years ago.
When the cheerleaders admit they were wrong, we'll move on -- (The Guardian)
By the time you get to bed tonight, more will have died brutal bloody deaths in Iraq. The toll in the two weeks after the destruction of the Samarra mosque was 500, which averages 35 people a day -...
Newly released document links Saddam to al-Qaida -- (World Net Daily)
Indicates regime was cooperating with bin Laden group to strike U.S.
Among the pre-war documents posted online yesterday by the Pentagon is a letter from a member of Saddam's intelligence apparatus indicating al-Qaida and the Taliban had a relationship with the regime prior to the 9-11 attacks.
The letter by the member of Saddam's Al Mukabarat to a superior, dated Sept. 15, 2001, reports a pre-9/11 conversation between an Iraqi intelligence source and a Taliban Afghani consul.
'Operation Swarmer' Air Assault Launched in Iraq -- (Fox News)
Coalition forces launched the largest air assault in Iraq since U.S. forces invaded that country in 2003, the U.S. military confirmed Thursday.
Iraqi PM 'prepared to step down' -- (ABC Online)
Iraq's Shiite Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari says he is willing to withdraw his nomination for a second term if asked to step aside.
"If my people ask me to step aside I will do this," Mr Jaafari said after Iraq's first parliamentary session was convened.
Was it worth it? An Iraqi family debates. -- (Christian Science Monitor)
On the eve of the three-year anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, the Methboubs, like most Iraqis, feel a mix of frustration, disappointment, and hope in the face of daily sectarian violence.
Report: Halliburton Didn't Protect Troops' Water -- (Fox News)
WASHINGTON — Halliburton Co. failed to protect the water supply it is paid to purify for U.S. soldiers throughout Iraq, in one instance missing contamination that could have caused "mass sickness or death," an internal company report concluded.
Kurds Destroy Shrine in Rage at Leadership -- (NY Times)
The violence was the most serious popular challenge to the political parties that have ruled Iraqi Kurdistan for the past 15 years.
Laptop and School Supply Donation -- [Fortunate Son - in Afghanistan]
I donated my old laptop and a bunch of school supplies sent from home to the neighborhood elementary school today! What a way to start the day. It was just an old laptop to me I've had for years, but to them it was a really big deal. These are the moments that really make all the sacrafices worthwhile.
Changes for Command & Me -- [AfghaniDan - in Afghanistan]
Yesterday my regional command held their transfer of authority ceremony, officially ending Task Force Devil--which is a shame, as answering to Devil was easy for me--and launching Task Force Spartan. It was a hectic day, as my section had to cover it all as well as escort local media, and we had arranged a press conference post-ceremony. But all went well, and Spartan it now is...I'm sure the local men will warm right up to that name on Thursdays.
"Education is the Future of the Nation" -- [Miserable Donuts]
As seen at a school opening in Parwan Province. I had the banner translated to me as "Education is the future of the Nation". I am glad the Afghans (at least in Parwan) think this way. Note the contrast with other banners recently seen in Pakistan:
Bombing a peacemaker -- [Misadventures of a Not-So-Intrepid Development Practitioner - in Afghanistan]
So I wasn't thinking about the implications of Mujaddedi's attempted assassination. But thankfully, fellow Kabubble occupant and blogger, Q, is keeping his finger on the pulse with this article from Washington Post.
The article, slightly deceptively entitled Kabul Bombing Could Set Back Talks With Taliban, focuses largely on the current enmity between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Afghan police arrest men with letters from Mulla Omar and Zawahri -- (Daily Times)
JALALABAD: Afghan police said they arrested two suspected Taliban insurgents on Thursday carrying letters from the movement’s fugitive leader and Al Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri. The Afghan nationals were arrested separately close to the border with Pakistan in Nangarhar province, said Mohammad Ibrar, border security forces provincial deputy chief. “One of them was carrying letters from Mullah Omar and Ayman al-Zawahiri,” said Ibrar.
Afghan television stations banned -- (Gulfnews/ AP)
Quetta: Pakistan yesterday banned two Afghan TV channels and stopped cable operators from airing their content because they had blamed Pakistani security forces for trying to kill an Afghan politician, an official said.
The National Security Strategy -- [Peace like a River]
The White House has released an updated National Security Strategy. (It can be read here in html, or it can be read here in PDF.)
It is notable for the threats it identifies. It names names.
US Willing to Talk with Iran on Iraq -- [ThreatsWatch]
US Will Not Discuss Nuclear Issue, Zalmay Khalilzad Likely to Take Point In Any Discussions
The White House said today that the United States is willing to talk with Iran about Iraq, but will not allow any such talks to spill over into Iran’s nuclear confrontation with the West. US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, an American of Afghani birth, will most likely be the point man in any such talks.
Irish fear St Patrick's Day mahem -- (TIMES Online)
As the world goes green for the day, all is not well in the old country
IT’S St Patrick’s Day so the Irish Government must be abroad. Every year Ireland celebrates its patron saint with a very public round of hand-wringing about how awful the occasion is
Bolton: U.N. Will Send Iran Strong Signal -- (AP)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said Thursday the U.N. Security Council appears determined to send a "strong and clear signal" to Tehran about its suspect nuclear program, after a meeting of the powerful U.N. body that he described as the best so far. In an informal gathering of the 15 council members, diplomats agreed to hold the first formal Security Council consultations on Friday - a sign that a split between Britain, France and the United States on the one hand, and China and Russia on the other, may have closed somewhat.
The Buck Stops at the Bottom in the TSA -- [The Jawa Report]
MSNBC headlines its report that federal investigators recently passed homemade bombmaking materials through checkpoints at 21 US airports, "Airline screeners fail government bomb tests":
The Captured al Qaeda Death List -- [Strategy Page]
March 14, 2006: Coalition forces in Iraq are believed to have captured some very sensitive al Qaeda documents. Apparently, one of these is a "Death List," giving the names of prominent Iraqis of all factions whom al Qaeda believes opposes its efforts to establish an Islamist state in the country. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the names on the list are of Sunni tribal and religious leaders who have been less than enthusiastic in their support for al Qaeda. Sadly, a number of those on the list have already been slain.
How Many Terrorist Watch "Hits" Were Illegal Aliens? -- [The Counterterrorism Blog]
Here is an interesting story ("6,000 terror watch list hits inside U.S.") that leads to more questions about the supposed strategy of our nation in defending itself against the next possible terrorist attack. It is clear that there are people inside our country, even as you read this, who are believed to have an involvement with terrorism. While it is hard to know how many different individuals were encountered multiple times to generate the 6,000 hits noted in the article, it is clear that there are a significant number of individuals within our borders who may pose a threat to the safety and well being of our nation and our citizens. It only took 19 terrorists to create the disaster of 9/11.
PAKISTAN: CONFIRMATION REQUESTED ON ARREST OF MADRID BOMBER -- (AKI)
Karachi, 16 March (AKI) - The US state department is reportedly seeking confirmation from Pakistan of the arrest of a suspected al-Qaeda leader believed to be the mastermind of the Madrid bombings in March 2004. In November, the Pakistani authorities said that they were trying to confirm if Syrian-born Mustafa Setmariam Nasar, 47, who holds Spanish citizenship, was arrested in Quetta.
Making It Legal to Comfort Wounded U.S. Troops -- [Strategy Page]
March 15, 2006: The United States, in an attempt to prevent corruption among military personnel in charge of purchasing, it's illegal for anyone to give anything worth more than $20 to a soldier. Exceptions can be made if there is a formal, and time consuming, ethics review. This proved to be a problem as people began sending goodies to U.S. troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Helping Heroes founder arrested -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
This article just points to one more reason to donate to registered, reputable non-profit organizations like Soldiers Angels.
From the Herald & Review ...
Yale and Valour-IT, Update -- [Fuzzilicious Thinking]
[Update: Clinton Taylor's original column about directing donations away from Yale and toward troop support charities is getting a lot of attention. Today in the WSJ's Opinion Journal, John Fund looks into Yale's response.]
Last Wednesday I pointed out that Clinton Taylor had mentioned Valour-IT in a column on Townhall.com and that he would be trying to highlight Valour-IT during his appearance on Fox News last Thursday. His column had encouraged Yale alumni to donate to Valour-IT and four other charities rather than Yale, in protest of Yale's recent acceptance of a former Taliban spokesman as a student.
Pro-Victory Videos -- [Soldiers' Angels New York]
Here are some television spots that are actually pro-victory and supportive of our troops, which I doubt you will ever actually see on television. They are at America's Majority TV Ads & Videos.
"Don't Forget Them....They Haven't Forgotten Us" -- [Sleepless Mind -
My adopted soldiers have finished up and are, or close to being stateside. So I've adopted some new ones. Three so far, One Army, One Airman, and One Marine. Two are in Iraq and one is in Afhganistan. I told them in my letter that I think I might be a good-luck charm, cause those that I've been sending noodles and Jerky to, all came home safe to their families. So even though I may be more like a old rabbit's foot than a four-leaf clover, maybe I can send them some luck also. I certainly include my prayers.
T-Shirts for my Troopers -- [German Princess]
It's just a day ago that I was talking about HOOAHRADIO. Since I am listening to them I am addicted to it. Today I was talking to DJ Dom (Happy Birthday Dom) and we were talking about the Shirts you can get when you donate to the Radio. He said I should talk to his wife about the Shirts, and we did talk about them. Usually you donate and get a Shirt.
In my case they are donating the Shirts to my Troopers, isn't that awesome?
Scholarship programs for Veterans and Wounded Troopers -- [Miserable Donuts]
Take time to pass the information onto our comrades in arms. This school has been providing resident and online programs to military members and families for years.
'Sup? Of Snow and Purple Hearts -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
I have been following the post-deployment stories of the wives, mothers and girlfriends on a private 3ID website and it seems the number one topic of discussion almost across the board is dealing with some very short-tempered soldiers. We've been told that restlessness, impulsiveness and anger are normal reactions to re-integration and judging by the number of comments about it, the 3ID guys have it in spades. I had a hard enough time dealing with the short-tempered thing with Noah the first few months he was home and that was just on the phone.
Gang Activity In The Military -- (KFOXTV)
The El Paso FBI office has renewed its focus on gang activity after discovering some U.S. soldiers are affiliated with one of the most violent gangs in country. El Paso FBI agents are now focusing on identifying soldiers they believe are affiliated with the Folk Nation gang.
Cindy's Flop -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
...At one point I heard a raised voice insistently screeching something about mass murder and whatnot. Two gentlemen from the other side had come over to talk with us. Funny how aggressive these "peace people" often are. Not being a masochist, I declined to engage but others did. As an example of their knowledge of actual historical facts, the gentleman was categorically stating that Saddam had nothing to do with terrorism as another reason the war is "illegal". Astonishingly, he had never heard that Abu Nidal was found in Baghdad in 2003. To his credit, he made a note of it.
HuffPost: One Stop Shopping For Fake, But Accurate Blog Posts -- [Villianous Company]
I will...not...laugh.
OK, I lied. Bwa-ha-ha-ha!!!
I'm glad we got that over with. Sadly for us, we're told Clooney's faux post has been airbrushed from the HuffPo. Whatever happened to the blogging convention of leaving up one's mistakes, annotated with the appropriate mea culpa or correction, we snarkily wonder?
Georgia Senator Wants To Honor Jane Fonda (VIDEO) -- [Expose the Left]
Darnell at The Independent Conservative writes in about legislation in the Georgia Senate that would honor Jane Fonda:
Georgia Senate Rejects Honor for Jane Fonda -- [Outside the Beltway]
The Georgia Senate easily defeated a resolution honoring Jane Fonda.
Jane Fonda’s 1972 trip to North Vietnam is haunting her again. The Georgia Senate on Thursday nearly unanimously defeated a resolution that would have honored the actress’ charity work in the state. The Democratic sponsor had tried to withdraw the resolution after a rocky reception from colleagues and a phone call from Fonda’s office, but a Republican leader forced a vote, saying members of his caucus wanted to go on record against it.
Blogwars: Clooney clashes with Huffington over 'approved' posting -- (The Guardian)
George Clooney has no problem being called a liberal - too many people in the US, he said recently, act "like it's a dirty word" - but he draws the line at being called a blogger. The leftwing actor has fallen out with the leftwing commentator and socialite Arianna Huffington over whether he authorised his words to appear on her blog, The Huffington Post.
Senate Passes $2.8 Trillion 2007 Budget -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress pushed the ceiling on the national debt to nearly $9 trillion Thursday, and the House and Senate promptly voted for major spending initiatives for the war in Iraq, hurricane relief and education. The House approved $92 billion in new money for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and for relief along the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast.
GOP Irritation At Bush Was Long Brewing -- (Washington Post)
President Bush's troubles with congressional Republicans, which erupted during the backlash to the Dubai seaport deal, are rooted in policy frustrations and personal resentments that GOP lawmakers say stretch back to the opening days of the administration.
Bush Says Republicans Don't Fear Future -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush delivered a partisan pep talk Thursday night to Republicans who may be jittery about midterm elections while his approval rating is at an all-time low....
Mark Steyn's position on commissions. -- [Radio Blogger
HH: I begin this Thursday as I do most with Mark Steyn, columnist to the world. Mr. Steyn, we begin a story that centers on you. What has happened to the Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator? The Hugh Hewitt listeners want to know where the Mark Steyn material is. ...
The Other Bill Putnam -- [An independent look at Iraq - embed jpurnalist in Iraq]
...The cases of mistaken identity picked up then. People would email us thinking they were talking to the right Bill.
...Most recently, Bill and I were mixed up by a NPR listener after she heard my Baby Noor story. She googled my name (hopefully not after Bill tried picking her up at a club) and found us both. Then she mixed up our pasts and said NPR shouldn't run any more of my work because of my past association with the military. Seems people are cynical these days.
Terror alert -- (The Scottsman)...STEPHEN APPLEBAUM
COULD AN ASTONISHING NEW MOVIE CHANGE the way Americans talk about terrorism? In mainstream discussions since 9/11, the question that few have dared to ask is: Why? Why does terrorism happen? What makes people turn to violence? "Why" is the elephant in the corner that hardly anyone wants to acknowledge. To do so demands that one break the taboo against seeing terrorists as human beings and move beyond the facile contention that they are simply evil people. End of story.
Venue for the 2006 Milblog Conference -- [Andi - MilBlog Conference 2006 Blog]
The Milblog Conference will take place on Saturday, April 22 in Academy Hall at the AED Conference Center in Washington DC.
Address for the Conference Center:
1825 Connecticut Ave., NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
The Conference Center is only four blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro Stop. To plan your commute using Metrorail, click here.
Click here for driving directions.
More information on lodging opportunities
Blog of the Month: T.F. BOGGS -- [The Real Ugly American]
Filed by The Ugly American on March 14th, 2006 at 08:18 under News From Iraq, Blogs Of The Month
I am very happy to introduce the newest blog of the month T.F. BOGGS Tim Boggs is a 23 year old Sergeant in the Army reserves and is currently about half way through his second deployment to Iraq. He volunteered for his second tour.
The Technorati Top 100 Blogs List Has Jumped The Shark -- [Wizbang]
I was surfing around and ran across this link, Technorati 100 Here Today Gone Tomorrow, by Tristan Louis. In the piece Louis looks at changes in the Technorati Top 100 Blogs list between 2005 and 2006. There's quite a bit of theorizing about what the change in status for individual blogs indicates or doesn't indicate. In that regard it's somewhat entertaining, but one key point is not addressed... that the Technorati Top 100 Blogs as a measurement tool sucks ass.
Right on! -- [An American in Italy]
...Hubby's getting promoted! All Sergeants First Class, watch out 'cause here my baby comes! The list isn't officially out yet, but they always let the people involved know a little early. I'm so proud of and happy for him! He's wanted this pretty badly and he's doing pretty well for having 11 years in the Army, if Ido say so myself. The downside is that he'll have to go to ANCOC at some point, more time away, but I'll deal. This is so cool. And it makes us eligible for Senior Quarters! Woohoo, a whole new set of bitches to fight with.
Home for real! -- [A Soldier's Diary - home from Iraq]
I am home! Sweet, huh? It has been really wonderful to be back in the states and to spend lots of time with my family and friends. Susan and I spent most of a week alone together at my new apartment and then we had three different celebrations of Christmas. It was awesome to say the least. I got to see my sister from far far away and her husband and the entire immediate family.
Welcome Home, 29th Support Group!! -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
The 29th Support Group, 21st TSC returned home this week to Kaiserslautern, Germany from a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan.
Happy Days, He's home! -- [Patiently Waiting.... - husband home from Afghanistan]
...I started scanning the squads searching for him, hoping to make eye contact while they made their one minute speeches. I couldn’t find him, but kept searching. When the call for dismissal was made, my heart skipped a beat. Where the hell was he? I stood on my toes cursing my shortness, looking, searching and starting to get teary wondering where in the hell was my man? I turned and locked eyes on the woman who was sitting in front of me. Her eyes too had the look of panic, tears welling up as we both said to each other “Where the hell is my husband?”
Sorry busy day, here's a few things definitely worth checking out:
A local Colorado Morning News show host of 850 KOA, Steffan Tubbs begins his second week in Iraq embedded with the US military. He also shares some personal experiences with our troops and all throughout his 'blog' he is posting email addresses of soldiers wishing to receive communication from Americans back home. A must read.
Ralph Peters would like to dispell the Myths of Iraq
I left Baghdad more optimistic than I was before this visit. While cynicism, political bias and the pressure of a 24/7 news cycle accelerate a race to the bottom in reporting, there are good reasons to be soberly hopeful about Iraq's future.Across the Pond in Iraq, shares his week and what an interesting week it was:
...The patrol leader stepped up to the door with the interpreter and knocked on the door. The gentleman opened the door and immediately started smiling and asking us to come in and sit down. It turns out that we were in the nephew of a sheik’s house. It seems our guys stop in there regularly to talk with him. He is a very prominent person in the area with a bit of influence. He was very courteous to us and offered us to sit down and relax. Of course you can’t really relax but it was nice to sit down for a few minutes.Midnight in Iraq has a "few Mantras to live by" that could come in handy
During the conversation, the funniest thing was said. We had asked the guy if he could turn off his spotlights in his yard for they blinded the guys on guard duty at the base. He said of course, that he would turn them off and that he would be marked with a certain color. If the guards saw anyone else in his yard or near his house after hours to shoot them. I couldn’t’ believe this guy said that. He said he wanted to get rid of the bad guys.
-The Ugandan soldiers that guard the chow hall are polite, but they only know about eight words of English. Don’t force the conversation out of those eight words and they won’t delay your entrance to the chow hall.Iraq the Model gives us the current situation in Iraq-Eye contact is powerful. If you don’t like what a local is doing just hold eye contact for a few seconds. They will quickly stop or move along. ...
...in spite of the admirable job the army is doing in Baghdad, I expect the capital to be the focus of the conflict for a long time given the demographics of the city and its suburbs and I expect these limited battles (and I don't like the term "all-out civil war" that many choose to use) I expect these battles to be concentrated in Baghdad, its suburbs as well as probably a few provinces with mixed populations while the majority of the 18 provinces will remain relatively calm because the parties of the conflict on either side will try to keep their territories of support safe and as far as possible from the frontlines.Meanwhile, Free Iraqi gives us the details of what's going in Iraq with Sadr
In an interview on Al Iraqiya with Ambassador Khalil Zada, the host asked the ambassador about Sadr continuous verbal attack and accusations against US policy. He replied "I want to remind Sadr that Saddam killed his father and that the US toppled Saddam. Without the efforts of the US Saddam would have been in power now and most likely would be followed by his sons and grandsons. He owes us his gratitude for what the American people have done and without us I believe his life would have been in danger. This is the message"Russ Vaughn writes an open letter to Congress
...We are of the belief that the release of captured Iraqi tapes and documents now in the possession of our government should be expedited with all haste. We believe that information contained in those documents would substantiate our government’s stated reasons for going to war with Saddam’s regime. For too long, too many Americans have been led to believe that their government lied to them and subsequently are lukewarm on support of the war and by extension of our troops.Agora has an interesting interview with Mullah Krekar, a ... well er, see for yourself:
Islam will be Victorious against the WestStop the ACLU has the latest on Iran
...“They may take away our freedom to walk the streets and the mosques, but our freedom hasn’t been taken from us on the internet”, he says, smiling.
...Krekar doesn’t represent the Moslem majority in Norway, Europe or in the Moslem world. But he is the representative of an ideologi, a world view and a historical interpretation which is central to the militant Islamist movement from which Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda and other groups have sprung.
The background of this first interview in the aftermath of the Muhammed affair is an article Krekar has published on a radical Islamist website about what he thinks is an ongoing war between the mindset of the West and that of Islam.
...While the administration advances on the diplomatic front regarding Iran by bringing the issue to the Security Council, which is expected to declare Iran in violation of nuclear treaty obligations, the Pentagon is looking into the possibility of Israel launching a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
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.)
Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing. -- [SPC Shawn M. Perkins, US Cavalry -in Iraq]
Today working our gate we had a convoy of Iraqis in 1114 trucks come through. For those not in the military, that's the best of the classes of Humvee for protection and armament. Now they were kinda ate up, weaknesses I won't expose here. I helped correct them, their commander seemed pleased about it, and they learned quick. Hopefully, for their sake, it sticks.
Perhaps it's my suddenly optimistic stance of the last few days, but I had a great filling feeling of hope seeing those trucks roll by. The enthusiasm of the Iraqi Army's best soldiers; that they had high quality equipment that they might even know how to use. I've seen them in new armored vehicles before, 113s (tracked armored personnel carriers) in Baghdad among other places, but today was different somehow, and not just because I interacted with them (I work with the Iraqi Army at the gate everytime I'm there).
We can still win this one.
U.S. Casualties Continue to Drop Sharply -- [Strategy Page]
March 13, 2006: Apparently most Shiite religious and political leaders are working hard to dampen attacks on Sunnis by radical Shiites, in an effort to reduce sectarian strife and avert the threat of civil war.
Iraq Report, 13 Mar/06 -- [Winds of Change]
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Joel Gaines of No Pundit Intended and Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com
Speaking of positive memes -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
How many surgeons do you think the Iraq insurgency employs?
I’m sitting here trying to figure out how to describe the miracle of what we’ve seen the last few days. The experience has been overwhelming in many ways: the severity of the wounds we’ve seen, the intensity of the ER and operating rooms, the delicate care in the intensive care unit. My first day here I watched
Friday, March 10, 2006 -- [Just Another Thunderhorse Roughneck - in Iraq]
I am now a combat veteran. We got hit by and IED, and I’m not just talking about the Platoon either. I’m talking about our Humvee. It got hit. Me, I, we. We were within 10 feet of the thing. How we survived without a scratch, I don’t know. The Humvee wasn’t damaged and I didn’t no one got hurt. No broken windshield, damaged body, no cuts or concussions. Thank GOD. We all made it in one peace. We pulled up right on the darn thing. We were just sitting there then all of a sudden there it was, POW! I immediately got down. I knew we had got hit but I didn’t expect it to be so close. It had our name on it. We were engulfed in a cloud of smoke and debris.
In Country -- [Green... again - in Iraq]
...It’s been asked, so before I go any further, I want to make it clear- I’m not a grunt. Those Marines are the ones out there on the roads and on foot every single day, sweating, hurting, bleeding. They have all of my respect. My active duty MOS was Military Police, but when I came back in as a reservist, I found that there were no MP units in my area, so I was basically stuck without a real home. I volunteered for this deployment to fill a billet in Personnel Recovery & Processing (a.k.a. Mortuary Affairs). We are responsible for any service members who come into the surgical unit and pass away there, or those who are brought in by their unit after being killed in action. Additionally, we’re responsible for recovering from the battlefield any coalition forces killed in action if the unit is unable to do so.
Essentially we begin the process of getting those who pay the ultimate price back to their families as quickly as possible. Many people fail to understand why anyone would want to take on such a grim task.
God Bless the Corpsmen -- [Green...Again - in Iraq]
He walked by the hatch to our office this morning, heading around to the back of the building, probably to get cleaned up and change his cammies. They were soaked in blood, you see. Not his own blood, mind you, but the blood of a Marine. One of his Marines.
He looked to be about twenty-three, maybe twenty-four years old, tops. But the expression on his face and the look in his eyes was without time or age. It was indescribable. I won’t be so arrogant as to assume I know anything about what was going on in that young man’s mind. But if it’s true that the eyes are the windows to the soul, well…
Rants and Raves from a Madman -- [Bahgdad Guy - in Iraq]
...So “uniform standards” over here are freakin’ killing me. Some of it I understand (Kevlar when doing any sort of mission, boots, etc.), most I don’t. Have to wear throat and nut guards on the IBA even when in a situation where there is absolutely no need, as it is both safe, and there are other soldiers in the vicinity without any IBA. Already took my Velcro patch off my shoulder that had my blood type on it (too much common sense). Can’t wear my 506th Infantry unit PT shirt to do PT here (probably shows too much unit pride that these mech boys would choke on). At least no one has had anything to say to me about my hair, which I have been growing out a bit, far longer than I ever have since I joined the Army...
LT Harer, LT ConnellyMcDowell and Me -- [Johns Iraq Blog - in Iraq]
1LT ConnellyMcDowell was a marine convoy commander that was a regular down at the marshallng yard. She became one of our favorites because no matter what was going on she was upbeat and motivated and could say oohrah (the marine equivilant of Hooah) more times in a 5 minute conversation then most marines say during the whole deployment. Despite her small stature she was into martial arts and I am quite sure that she would have kicked butt and taken names if Haji had given her the chance.
Iraq Pictures -11 March 2006 -- [Iraq Pictures - in Iraq]
SFC Rollie Guinn, of the Military Police Platoon, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, reacts to a hand grenade thrown at one of the units humvees in the city of Hawija. Pic: SSG Russel Lee Klika
Today I Salute You… -- [Midnight in Iraq - in Iraq]
On a base full of Marines, in a combat zone, inside a gym, you still feel the need to exert yourself as the alpha-male. You let us all know who’s in charge, just by the majesty of your orgasmic howl. There are times when regular breathing just won’t do, and you know exactly how to kick it up a notch: huffing and swearing like an asthmatic Turrets patient. Oh yeah. Can’t finish those last few reps? Better let Al Anbar province know with an earsplitting obscenity.
Transfer of Authority -- [MREater]
I'm going to upload some of my favorite pictures, starting with some of soldiers.
This is a photo from our outgoing transfer of authority, when we handed the battle off to the 101st Airborne. This shows our Commanding General saluting. Our unit crest is below him, and he's surrounded by both the US and Iraqi flags. Our soldier is in tan, and the 101st soldier is in the new ACUs.
So, after a long break... -- [Writing in the Sand - in Iraq]
...So as I mentioned in my last email a few weeks ago, we are starting to wind down here. Obviously, this is a wonderful thing because it means we get to leave and go back to our lives in the States with our families and friends. On the flip side, it is sad because we have made some great friends here that we will very likely NEVER see again.
...the locals we have worked with and the Iraqi Army we have fought with who will be here for the rest of their lives. To compound this, most of them don't speak a lick of English (opposed to my Kurdish or Arabic, riiiiight.....) so email or phone won't do us any good, either! So, sadly, we are coming to grips with the fact that these brothers of ours will simply be removed from our lives. Not happy, that.
Tapes Reveal WMD Plans By Saddam -- (Washington Times)...Rowan Scarborough
Audiotapes of Saddam Hussein and his aides underscore the Bush administration's argument that Baghdad was determined to rebuild its arsenal of weapons of mass destruction once the international community had tired of inspections and left the Iraqi dictator alone.
Dash To Baghdad Left Top U.S. Generals Divided -- (New York Times)...Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor
...This account of decision-making inside the American command is based on interviews with dozens of military officers and government officials over the last two years. Some asked to remain unidentified because they were speaking about delicate internal deliberations that they were not authorized to discuss publicly.
The Home Fires Are Burning Out -- (New York Times)...Tanya Biank
HERE'S a message from the military home front: Our volunteers are tired and need hired help. While husbands (the United States military is 85 percent male) crisscross the ocean for second, third and even fourth tours in Iraq, military wives (the overwhelming majority of volunteers are wives) are burdened not only with running households, caring for children and holding down jobs, but also with assisting families of deployed soldiers.
Iraq: The reckoning --(The Independent)
What have we achieved three years on from Shock and Awe? To mark the anniversary of this bloody adventure
President George Bush is about to embark on one of the toughest campaigns of his second term. Tomorrow, with the third anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq looming, he will make the first of a series of speeches to convince the American public, a sceptical world - and perhaps even himself - that things are going the right way in Iraq.
...Far from creating a stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq, whose benign influence would spread to the rest of the Middle East, the United States and its faithful ally, Britain, have created what Foreign Office minister Kim Howells yesterday called "a mess". Iraq could no longer attack its neighbours or develop nuclear weapons, he said, adding: "So yes, it's a mess, but it's starting to look like the sort of mess that most of us live in."
...But for all the efforts of the political establishments in the US and Britain to play down the problems, reality persists in breaking through. The latest example of this for Mr Bush, whose handling of Iraq is now supported by fewer than 40 per cent of Americans, is the death of a US hostage, Tom Fox, one of four kidnapped Christian peace activists who include the 74-year-old Briton Norman Kember. Rather than being the kind of bad news that masks quiet progress, it illuminates the daily threat to Iraqis.
The Great Stampede -- (NRO)
Conservatives are losing their nerve on Iraq.
In recent weeks prominent conservatives — William F. Buckley, Niall Ferguson, Francis Fukuyama, George Will, to a name only a very few — have, in various ways, suggested that the war in Iraq was either a mistake or unwinnable, or both. The blowing up of the shrine at Samarra, together with subsequent sectarian killings in Baghdad and the failure so far to form an executive branch, were the most recent catalysts that apparently pushed a great number of wearied observers over the edge.
Can He Make Peace Bloom? -- (Time)...Aparisim Ghosh
...But the dilemma for Khalilzad is the one facing the Bush Administration as it tries to find an honorable way out of Iraq: Once you get your hands dirty, how do you avoid being held responsible for cleaning up the mess? Khalilzad is searching for answers. TIME accompanied him last week on a whirlwind round of parleys with the key political players, providing a glimpse into how he navigates through the complexities of Iraqi politics.
How Bush Helps Jihadists -- (Washington Times)...Michael Scheuer
These days Osama bin Laden must fear that Muslims will begin to believe the United States is his sponsor, and that Washington is doing all it can to ensure al Qaeda's victory.
Sectarian Fighting Changes Face Of Conflict For Iraqis -- (Washington Post)...Ellen Knickmeyer
...The past two weeks have changed the war in Iraq, shifting its focus from a U.S.-driven fight against Sunni insurgents to a direct battle for power and survival between Iraq's empowered Shiite majority and disempowered Sunni minority.
48 Die in Attack on Baghdad Shiite Slum -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The feared resumption of mass sectarian violence erupted Sunday in a Baghdad Shiite slum when bombers blew apart two markets shortly before sundown, killing at least 48 people and wounding more than 200. The bloody assaults on Sadr City came only minutes after Iraqi political leaders said the new parliament will convene Thursday, three days earlier than planned, as the U.S. ambassador pushed to break a stalemate over naming a unity government.
Al-Sadr Blames al-Qaida for Baghdad Attack -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose directives can send thousands of heavily armed militiamen spilling into the streets, called for calm Monday and blamed al-Qaida in Iraq for the carnage in Baghdad's Sadr City slum that killed at least 48 people....
Radical Iraqi Cleric Expands His Reach -- (Los Angeles Times)...Borzou Daragahi
...Sadr's status has alarmed U.S. officials hoping to wind down the American presence and leave behind a stable government. U.S. and Iraqi officials worry that his movement, with its arsenal of weapons and radical ideology, poses a threat to any central authority and inspires other political movements to take up arms.
Detainee In Photo With Dog Was 'High-Value' Suspect -- (Washington Post)...Josh White
...Ahsy's story, and his months of intense interrogations, contrast with statements by U.S. officials that the images of abuse at Abu Ghraib depicted malfeasance of a few soldiers randomly selecting victims on the night shift.
On Call in Hell -- (Newsweek)
... who speaks in a gentle, matter-of-fact voice, occasionally strained by memories of the men he saved and lost, it was to be a journey to the other side of hell. ...
more terrible loss -- [AfghaniDan - in Afghanistan]
This is NOT a photo I took...it's a region I haven't yet seen with my own eyes. These were taken by Sgt John Lindsay, a Marine combat correspondent in Kunar, during a recent operation there. I'm posting it now because today we lost four soldiers in an IED attack in that very region.
Spring Offensive Sprung -- [Strategy Page]
March 13, 2006: Apparently the anticipated Taliban "spring offensive" is already under way. The number of attacks across Afghanistan soared in late February and early March by more than 20 percent.
Consolidating Power in Talibanistan -- [The Fourth Rail]
Fighting continues in North Waziristan; Shariah law declared in South Waziristan; The worst-case scenario
The Battle of Talibanistan continues to rage. Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Agency regions of North and South Waziristan have become de facto Taliban and al-Qaeda strongholds, despite government attempts to establish control. Throughout the week a series of battles and skirmishes between Taliban and foreign "miscreants", and Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces have occurred in Miranshah, the regional garrison in North Waziristan, and outlying towns and villages of Mir Ali, Norak and Datakhel.
How (and by whom) To Rebuild -- [Miserable Donuts]
School Watchman at Deh Qadzi
Wretchard points out that Robert Kaplan ("The Coming Anarchy" which I had read for my ILE-CC, isn't military education great?) has taken stock of the situation in Iraq (and Afghanistan) . In his Atlantic Monthly (no link - sorry, subscription only) article he wonders if we are seeing the emergence of a new way to turn from externally imposed "nation building" to more of a use of force that allows the forces of order within a nation-state to exert themselves.
Jeff Goldstein asks the natural follow up questions - How? Who will do this? Who will pay for this effort?
Team Photo with Supplies --[Operation Flintstone - in Afghanistan]
The shipments came in three different waves, but we finally got it all. Some of it has already been distributed to the children around the PRT that have vitamin-difinciency diseases, like rickets. However, I was out at the time and was unable to take photos of the distribution.
Everything came in a few weeks ago, but I wanted to get a team photograph with the supplies in front of the PRT sign and with leave and travel, we didn't have everyone back together until last week.
4 American Soldiers Killed In Afghan Blast -- (New York Times)...Sultan M. Munadi
Four American soldiers were killed in a roadside-bomb explosion in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, and two suicide bombers in a car blew themselves up next to the vehicle of the chairman of Afghanistan's upper house of Parliament here in the capital, killing at least two people and wounding at least seven others, officials said.
US forces capture insurgents after Afghan bomb 4 minutes ago -- (Yahoo News/ Reuters)
KABUL (Reuters) - U.S. forces captured 11 insurgents believed responsible for a roadside bomb that killed four U.S. troops, the U.S. military said on Monday
Profits from Afghan poppy crop sowing terror seeds: secret Canadian report -- (Canada Dot Com)
OTTAWA (CP) - Afghanistan's lucrative narcotics trade is helping fund terrorist attacks in the struggling country, warns a top-secret Canadian threat assessment....
Afghan Poppy Eradication Campaign Launched -- (Houston Chronicle)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Narcotic agents on tractors launched a massive campaign Wednesday to destroy fields of poppies in the main drug belt of Afghanistan _ the world's largest producer of...
Afghan ex-president survives bomb, blames Pakistan -- (The Star/ Reuters)
By Sayed Salahuddin | KABUL (Reuters) - A former Afghan president who heads a commission trying to encourage Taliban defections was slightly wounded in a suicide car bomb attack on Sunday that officia...
Tripartite meeting on Afghan refugees kicks off in Mashhad -- (Tehran Times)
Tehran Times Political Desk TEHRAN -- The 9th meeting of the tripartite commission on the joint program for voluntary repatriation between Iran, Afghanistan, and the United Nations High Commissioner...
Harper makes surprise visit to Afghanistan -- (Canada Dot Com)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a surprise visit to war-torn Afghanistan on Sunday, bringing message of support for Canada's 2,200 troops h...
Secret No More: Iran’s Underground Command Complex in Tehran -- [ThreatsWatch]
Deep Chambers and Interconnecting Tunnels Revealed as Tehran Claims US Sues for Peace
Iran has completed in secrecy an underground command center in north central Tehran, not far from Iranian governmental buildings nor, ironically, far from many foreign embassies. [Red stars on the map indicate embassies to the west of the Mosalla prayer grounds.] The underground bunker complex was revealed by the same group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), that originally exposed Iran’s secret nuclear facilities in 2002.
Russian meddling -- [Peace like a River]
You may recall in this post I wrote about the Transnistria region, a Russian-speaking area between Ukraine and Moldova that would like its independence from Moldova. It is a poor region, and rife with crime and illicit trade.
Ukraine and Moldova are now taking steps to do something about the problem.
Russia says Iran still considering nuclear deal -- (Yahoo News/ Reuters)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Iran is still considering a Russian compromise deal aimed at defusing fears Tehran wants an atomic bomb, despite previous comments to the contrary from Iranian officials, Interfax news agency reported on Monday
Last Warning to American People -- [ROFA Six]
According to various Jihadist web sites this is the "Last Warning to American People." From now on we are really gonna get it. Click on the link above to read the whole thing.
This latest warning comes from the the Global Islamic Media Front (GIMF) and has been posted on multiple Islamic websites. It advertised as the "final warning" to the American people, on behalf of "Rakan Ben Williams."
The warning on the website includes this:
CAIR Supports Imam Jalil's Hateful Views -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Brian Hecht of Steven Emerson's Investigative Project on Terrorism has prepared the following post; please quote Brian:
Yesterday, the "New York Post" broke the story of an anti-Government, anti-Semitic speech made by the chief Imam of New York City’s Department of Corrections. On an audio tape obtained by the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT) at a 2005 Muslim Students Association conference in Arizona, Umar Abdul-Jalil, also the Imam of the Masjid Sabur mosque in Harlem, complained that “the greatest terrorists in the world occupy the White House” and that the “Zionists of the media” have portrayed Islam in a negative light. Responding to the news of Imam Jalil’s comments, New York City has placed him on administrative leave pending a further investigation. As reported by the Post:
A Major Victory for Al Qaeda -- [Strategy Page]
March 13, 2006: In the past three weeks, there has been a political firestorm caused by misreported facts about the purchase of P&O by Dubai Port Works, and scurrilous attacks on the UAE by pundits, which has led to the betrayal of America's most loyal and useful an ally in the Persian Gulf. The fallout from this betrayal will make it difficult to recruit future allies in the war on terror.
TERRORISM: AL-QAEDA TAKES PROPAGANDA WAR TO SCHOOLS -- (AKI)
Rome, (AKI) - The most chilling footage in a new al-Qaeda video comes near the end of the hour-long extravaganza of bomb blasts, sheep-slaying, and maimed Americans. It shows hooded militants at work in a primary school class in the Iraqi city of Ramadi. Children are asked to sing jihadi songs, quizzed on what they think of America and rewarded with pens, rulers and erasers. The video, of which Adnkronos International (AKI) has obtained a copy, is the work of Ansar al-Sunna, part of the galaxy of Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and seeks to show the extent of militants' control in the restive al-Anbar province.
2,600 members of the MN National Guard bound for Iraq this week -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
...And while you're at it, go visit the Patriette and give her a word or two of encouragement. Her husband is one of those 2,600 soldiers deployed from Minnesota, and he started his deployment last month. She's 7 months pregnant, and her hubby won't be home until March 2007. He's been gone since September 2005. Think about that the next time you feel the need to complain about the small things, and say a prayer for these people instead.
Sarge Speaks -- [Soldiers' Angels New York]
The following was written by a Sergeant (retired Air Force and civilian law enforcement), and the father of two Sergeants (one active duty Army, and one Army Reserves).
...The Sgt. gave me permission to share this. I felt it important that people hear this message again especially in light of some discussions I have seen lately around the blogosphere about lack of support for our troops by some factions of our country.
Are you supporting the troops? If not, why not? Indifference? Lack of info? Ask me how.
Pinko Permit Problems Persist at Walter Reed -- [Gunn Nutt]
Then I went after their signs claiming that they support the troops. One sign said that they love the troops. I detailed some of the things that were said at the Code Pink event on Tuesday night. I asked them how they can claim to support of love the troops while just a few days earlier their organization was claiming that U.S. troops were committing atrocities in Iraq, they were intentionally machine-gunning civilian vehicles carrying families, bombing hospitals, and beating or assassinating doctors and other health care workers.
Greeters Give Troops A Taste Of Maine Patriotism -- (Washington Post)...David A. Fahrenthold
...After traveling from Iraq's Anbar province to Kuwait to Frankfurt, Germany, they had reached a place that takes very seriously its role as the first place many returning U.S. troops touch American soil. Very seriously. Black said this was the 993rd time she had helped greet a military plane here.
Web sites, coupons can help soldiers -- (Pocono Record)
In a recent column I wrote about using coupons ethically, such as paying attention to expiration dates and being careful to use unexpired coupons. However, most of us cut out more coupons than we use and then face the dreaded task of clearing the expired coupons out of our organizers.
Did you know that you can actually turn your trash into someone else's cash? Overseas military base shoppers can use coupons up to six months after their expiration date. Because military families overseas do not get coupon circulars in their newspapers, they do not have a ready source of coupons as we do. But their military base stores commissaries do accept coupons, and most military families would appreciate being able to stretch their dollars.
Kalama family provides treats for the troops -- (The Daily News)
KALAMA -- A box of simple items -- shampoo, toothpaste, cookies and playing cards -- can be a welcome reminder of home to a soldier overseas.
Fifth-grader Emily Stiles of Kalama set a goal of sending 25 boxes of "home" to soldiers overseas. She met that goal earlier this month.
"I thought it was a good goal, cause that's a lot of boxes," said Emily, 12.
During her winter break from St. Rose Elementary School, Emily found the Web site www.anysoldier.com, which allows her to send packages to soldiers overseas who disperse the contents to others in their unit.
Hecklers harass families of US soldiers killed in Iraq -- (Breitbart/ AFP)
Five women sang and danced as they held up signs saying "thank God for dead soldiers" at the funeral of an army sergeant who was killed by an Iraqi bomb.
For them, it was the perfect way to spread God's word: America was being punished for tolerating homosexuality.
Army Shuns 75 Percent of Age Eligible Recruits -- [Outside the Beltway]...James Joyner
According to a shocking Associated Press report, the United States military is discriminating in recruiting against a whopping 75 percent of those of eligible age.
Get it done! -- [Macsmind - News, Conservative Commentary and Common Sens]
General Haig though sometimes only remembering for getting the chain succession (I'm in charge!) just after the President Reagan assasination attemp, is still a soldier and a stand up guy. For a long time I and other military vets past and present have lamented, "Let's just get this thing over with" as far as Iraq is concerned. General Haig agrees:
Military Candidates Fall Short -- (Washington Times)...Associated Press
"Uncle Sam wants you," that famous Army recruiting poster says. But does he really? Not if you're a Ritalin-taking, overweight, Generation Y couch potato -- or some combination of the above. A tattoo also can be grounds for rejection.
Troubles are brewing -- [Gun Toting Liberal]
First, for the GOP. Seems a bunch of them got together on Saturday to lament their current state of affairs. Overheard at the little “get together”:
A bold vision of the future -- [WizBang]
John Kerry was in New Hampshire this weekend, laying groundwork for a second failure -- er, attempt -- at the presidency. While campaigning for a Democratic state senator, Kerry spelled out his dynamic, controversial, inspiring positions. For example:
I can't count that high either -- [TigerHawk]
This has to be the most asinine headline of, well, this week. If it weren't for the Associated Press, I would have had no idea that four years had elapsed since the invasion of Iraq. Time flies.
Censorship in Britain (Updated) -- [AMERICAN FUTURE] HT: Winds of Change
[Update – See Solomon2's comment to this post regarding Mark Steyn's banishment from The Telegraph]
On February 19, The Telegraph published an article by Alasdair Palmer entitled "ENGLAND: The day is coming when British Muslims form a state within a state." If you click on the link, you won't find the article. Instead, you'll be treated to this message: "This story has been removed for legal reasons." What those legal reasons are isn't said.
US - The Kos Kurse -- [US Neverdock]
The New York Times takes a look at "screw them" Kos's new book and likes what it sees. No surprise there is there?
Anarchy in the U.K. -- (Newsweek)
March 20, 2006 issue - V for Vendetta" will get its share of dismissive reviews—probably more than enough to convince hard-core fans that the movie was simply too smart and dangerous to be given safe passage. In point of fact, though, "Vendetta" is not good. The film may spark interesting debates—about the nature of terrorism and governments, about the inalienable right of artists to shock and provoke—but what we're dealing with is a lackluster comic-book movie that thinks terrorist is a synonym for revolutionary.
A Few Words from Lieutenant K -- [Wordsmith at War]
It has come to my attention that most people who read blogs, including myself, have a tendency to read the latest posts and disregard the rest. New readers of a particular blog miss out on some worthy content this way. Blogging is instant publishing, pure and simple, and it has a way of becoming immediate, or right in the moment. But many times a blog, especially a military blog, is a travelogue- the sharing of a journey. If a novel we liked was only published one chapter at a time, we wouldn't be content with reading only the latest one. I recommend that you take some time to discover the archives when exploring a military blog that you like.
Were you ever Afraid? -- [Fire Power Forward - home from Afghanistan]
Even in the 21st century world of civilian aviation, our Lufthansa 747 didn't depart as scheduled, but the time was made up enroute and we slid on to the DIA's runway as scheduled 9 hours later. After waiting what seemed a veritable eternity for my lone checked bag to materialize, I made my way to the customs agent.
"What countries have you visited since leaving the U.S. on this trip?" asked the agent without looking up.
I wanted to laugh.
"Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, and Germany."
The agent peered up at me over her glasses
"Business?"
I displayed my ID card.
"Welcome Home." she said with a smile handing back my passport.
"Can I lick your Foam???" -- [SandGram - home from Iraq]
Sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a mighty trip..." Flashback a couple of weeks to when I cleaned out my room in the tower and moved into one of our extra little white flimsy "Tornado Magnets" (if we lived in Texas), for the few days before we departed TQ for home. The bonus to the move was I no longer carried the brick around, thus it was harder for the new Col to track me down. Can I say that a sonic boom was heard around the Camp that weekend??? Yes, that was the sound of my quick release straps coming undone and this heavy pack, screaming down to mother earth at the speed of sound.
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.)
Unhappy with Jafari -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
...What’s different about Iraqis being unhappy with their leaders? Under Saddam, there were no free expressions of displeasure available to you - not if you lived in Baghdad. Assuming an Iraqi was able to blog to begin with, a sentiment as expressed above would have been an almost certain death sentence.
Forming Iraq's new government...With voting or accordance? -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
The political dispute between the UIA and the rest of the political bodies is still up and growing with both parties stubborn and not showing signs compromising.
The UIA still insist that their decision to choose Jafari for PM must be respected while the Kurdish alliance, Accord Front and Iraqi list are still pushing towards changing Jafari with someone else from within the UIA (or to a lesser possibility from another bloc).
Born ready -- Ernest Goes to Iraq - in Iraq]
...Al-Qaeda is desperately making another flailing stab in ways like these in hopes of creating chaos, the only environment where they can hope for control. Unfortunately, even their bombing of the mosques lately in hopes of starting a schism between cultures here resulted in greater unity between them. Sorry, no civil war. (ever notice how pessimists are almost always wrong?) And as I stated before, progress here continues unabated.
The New & Improved Iraqi Highway Patrol -- [Strategy Page]
March 9, 2006: As Iraq rebuilds its police forces, some of components come out looking much better than they were under Saddam. One of the best examples of this is the Highway Patrol. In Saddam's time, the ownership of automobiles were controlled, and the various secret police and intelligence organizations kept an eye on traffic. Back then, the Highway Patrol had only 600 men
Rolling Along -- [Sgt Hook]
Your Army goes rolling along…
The 4th Infantry Division will turn over FOB O’Ryan to the Iraqi Army this week, while the 10th Mountain Division turned over FOB Constitution to the Iraqis last week.
IED-Making Site Destroyed; Iraqi Forces Free Hostage -- [GX Online]
3/8/06, Washington, DC—Coalition forces destroyed an improvised explosive device-manufacturing site in Fallujah, Iraq, yesterday, and Iraqi forces freed an Iraqi hostage March 6 in Balad, military officials in Iraq reported.
The coalition forces were conducting a raid looking for an al Qaeda in Iraq military operations leader and discovered the IED manufacturing site in a terrorist safe house about 10 miles east of Fallujah.
The Chatter -- [a mobilized year - in Iraq]
...What I've noticed that is common among soldiers who exhibit the Chatter is that it occurs most often when soldiers run into the enemy for the first time (or after one of the first few times). The soldier exhibits unusually high levels of exhilaration, excitement, and intensity. In talking to the soldiers, there's also a sense of relief that they made it through the event (or series of events) without serious harm.
Ringing the alarm for Iraq -- [IraqPundit -- an Iraqi in Canada]
The least informed of the "experts," Juan Cole, has decided that it isn’t a very good idea for Iraqis to try to find a new prime minister at this time. He wrote on his blog:
“Personally, I think that given the parlous security situation in Iraq, it is absolutely crazy to be playing these political games. In the wake of the destruction of the Askariyah Shrine in Samarra, you want to go to the Shiite community and say, 'you cannot have your choice of prime minister and there is going to be a tyranny of the minorities'? Oh, that will calm things right down.”
What about Iraqis who are disappointed with Ibrahim Jaafari, who accomplished absolutely nothing as prime minister for nearly a year? Never mind them; right, professor?
AXIS OF UPHEAVAL -- [American Citizen Soldier - in Iraq]
Misdirection. One of the tried and true tactics of military lore, and a key ingredient in deception of every stripe. Used by magicians, generals, politicians, and con men the world over, misdirection buys crucial time to makes one's move, after which it is too late for the opposition to effectively counter. American armies have exploited this tactic against their adversaries with great success.
Purple Heart Ceremony -- [MREater]
This is a photo of a purple heart award ceremony, held at the unit which received, by far, the most purple hearts.
Zogby Poll: Lots of questions, few answers -- [Faces from the Front]
This line from the Press Release:
"Four in five said they oppose the use of such internationally banned weapons as napalm and white phosphorous."
of Zogby's new poll of military personnel in Iraq struck me as odd. What is odd about it is that 80% of infantrymen carry white phosphorous grenades on missions.
So, ethier most of resondents are not currently aware of what infantrymen strap to their flak vests when they go outside the wire, or disapprove of their infantry bretheren carrying WP grenades or the question was poorly worded, or some combination.
A Top Shiite OKs Session Of Iraq Forum -- (Los Angeles Times/ AP)
Iraq's Shiite vice president finally agreed Wednesday to sign a presidential decree calling parliament into session, a critical but precarious step in forming a government.
Fear Flies High At New Iraq Air Force's First Base -- (Reuters)...Nick Olivari
There are no fighter jets and the officers are too frightened to reveal their identities, but Iraq's new air force finally has its own field. Nestled deep inside the massive U.S. military complex which surrounds Baghdad International Airport, Muthana airfield comprises one runway, a giant hangar, some pilots, aircraft and ground crew from Iraq's fledgling air force.
Gunmen Abduct 50 Iraqis; Bombing Kills 9 -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen wearing commando uniforms of the Shiite-dominated Interior Ministry on Wednesday stormed an Iraqi security company that relied heavily on Sunni ex-military men from the Saddam regime, spiriting away 50 hostages. The ministry denied involvement and called the operation a "terrorist act." On Thursday, a roadside bombing targeting an Iraqi patrol killed at least nine civilians and injured six, police said.
Official Says Shiite Party Suppressed Body Count -- (Washington Post)...Ellen Knickmeyer
Days after the bombing of a Shiite shrine unleashed a wave of retaliatory killings of Sunnis, the leading Shiite party in Iraq's governing coalition directed the Health Ministry to stop tabulating execution-style shootings, according to a ministry official familiar with the recording of deaths.
Carter Urges Troop Withdrawal From Iraq -- (AP)
SEATTLE (AP) -- Former President Jimmy Carter criticized the war in Iraq on Wednesday, urging a troop drawdown as the United States enters its fourth year of conflict in Iraq....
U.S. Expands Training To Address Iraqi Police Woes -- (Los Angeles Times)...Solomon Moore
U.S. officials have revamped and expanded training programs for Iraqi police units amid mounting concern that their focus on fighting insurgents, and not protecting citizens, has created an unaccountable force plagued by corruption and rights abuses.
War In Iraq Drains Guard Of Equipment -- (Military.com/ Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
The war in Iraq has badly depleted the National Guard's domestic store of vehicles, weapons and communications gear, officials with the service say, leaving units with one-third of the equipment needed to meet requirements for homeland security, its primary mission.
Warlord Management in Afghanistan -- [Strategy Page]
March 9, 2006: Despite Afghan government and Coalition efforts to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, tribal and provincial militias, these private armies have persisted. These militias have been a long-stranding tradition in Afghanistan, where the central government has always been rather remote and weak. While probably good for local security and defense against a somewhat resurgent Taliban, the survival of the militias signals a continuing weakness by the Afghan central government.
Fate of ex-intelligence chief -- [Afghan Warrior - Afghani in Afghansitan]
...Asadullah Sarwary was sentenced to death while the government run a program called "national reconciliation program" and announced amnesty for the Taliban and other criminals. If the Taliban who are carrying out suicide attacks every day, burning the schools, killing the teachers and doctors can join this process, how come they don't let Assadullah Sarwary to join this process? He has been held in prison for almost 14 years. Is that not enough punishment for him? Also the president Karzai announced that the prisoners who are more than 60 years old should be free from prison and Mr Sarwary is 64 years old and already spent 14 years in prison. It shows that the court's decision was made under the threat of some high jihadi members in the current government. So we hope ...
Electioneering in Afghanistan -- [Miserable Donuts]
A billboard for presidental candidate Younis Qanooni in Kapisa Province. If you look at it closely, you can see ...
Envoy attempts to calm Afghan fears with commitment vow -- (Financial Times)
Ronald Neumann, the US ambassador to Afghanistan, said America's commitment to Afghanistan would not be compromised when Nato troops take command of the country's restive south later this year. Mr...
Afghans Begin Poppy-Eradication Program -- (Washington Post/ AP)...
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Driving tractors through fields of poppy plants, Afghan counternarcotics agents started a major opium eradication campaign Wednesday in the heartland of the world's largest producer of illicit drugs.
Buzz Versus Bluster -- [Strategy Page]
Iran's neighbors are nervous about Iran's nuclear weapons program, but they believe that the radicals currently in charge will soon be out of power. There is constant traffic between Iran and the other Gulf States, and Arabs are big believers in what the buzz on the street is. The buzz in Iran is that the Islamic radicals running the country are unpopular with the majority of Iranians.
Islamic Hackers Targeting Korea -- [GI Korea - in S Korea]
I would love to see these hackers try and hit Korea:
The National Police Agency's cyber terror department said yesterday it had received a tip that Islamic hackers would launch attacks on Korean Web sites on or near March 20, the third anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.
Ariz. Governor Orders Troops to Border -- (AP)
Gov. Janet Napolitano on Wednesday ordered more National Guardsmen posted at the Mexican border to help stop illegal immigrants and curb related crimes.
National Guard troops have worked at the border since 1988, but Napolitano signed an order authorizing commanders to station an unspecified number of additional soldiers there to help federal agents.
Iran Threatens U.S. With 'Harm And Pain' -- (Washington Post)...Molly Moore and Colum Lynch
Iran on Wednesday threatened the United States with "harm and pain" if the U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program. Its statement came just before ambassadors to the council began discussing possible action concerning
Tapes Refresh Debate Over Katrina, Levees -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Much of the controversy has focused on 10 words: "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees."...
Dubai Deal: Dead, Dead, Dead -- (Slate)... Mickey Kaus
Even The Note realizes it!
Updated Thursday, March 9, 2006, at 5:33 AM ET
Pinch vs. Floyd--Krugman's "power relations" in operation: The NYT's visionary leader addresses his grateful employees, who wonder why he's paying himself a half-million dollar bonus (for meeting all of 59% of the company's earnings target). ... 1:30 A.M.
Can't See the Forest for the Gang of 500! A time-line of Dubai ports deal analysis:
House panel votes to block ports deal -- (Reuters)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to block an Arab-owned company from managing American ports, defying President George W. Bush who has vigorously supported the deal.
Bush Looks to Senate to Save Ports Deal -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - After an election-year repudiation by a GOP-led House committee, President Bush hopes to avoid getting steamrolled in the Senate over a deal allowing a Dubai-owned company to take control of some U.S port operations. By a 62-2 margin, the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday voted to bar DP World, which is run by the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, from holding leases or contracts at U.S. ports
No security threat in N.Korea missile test: analysts -- (Reuters)
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's test-firing of two short-range missiles was more about checking performance than rattling sabers during a stalemate in talks on ending Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions, analysts said on Thursday.
Can Mohammed Taheri-Azar Be Prosecuted for a Terrorist Offense? -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
On Friday, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove a Jeep through a crowd at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, hitting nine people. Fortunately, none of the nine were seriously injured. Taheri-azar has been charged with nine counts of attempted murder for his actions. The case has garnered quite a bit of press attention because Taheri-azar may have had a terrorist-type motivation. A search of his apartment suggests that Taheri-azar planned the attack for months and was disappointed that he didn't inflict more damage. He told police that he believed the U.S. was "killing his people across the sea," and that his actions reflected "an eye for an eye."
Moussaoui had dream to hit W.House: witness -- (Reuters)
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia (Reuters) - September 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui talked of his dream to fly an airplane into the White House more than a year before the hijacked aircraft attacks, a witness linked to al Qaeda testified in federal court on Wednesday
Osama Bin Laden Fan Clubs, Jihad Recruiters Build Online Communities -- (USA Today)...Kasie Hunt
Al-Qaeda sympathizers are using Orkut, a popular, worldwide Internet service owned by Google, to rally support for Osama bin Laden, share videos and Web links promoting terrorism and recruit non-Arabic-speaking Westerners, according to terrorism experts and a survey of the sites.
Negative Perception Of Islam Increasing -- (Washington Post)...Claudia Deane and Darryl Fears
As the war in Iraq grinds into its fourth year, a growing proportion of Americans are expressing unfavorable views of Islam, and a majority now say that Muslims are disproportionately prone to violence, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Honoring the Real Heroes -- [The Ammo Crate -Philip A. Winn, Jr]
Seeming to always articulate my thoughts, Ben Stein astutely notices that on a huge stage, there was no acknowledging our soldiers overseas, especially bothersome in a time of war. Ben on the Oscars:
PFC. JOSHUA SPARLING UPDATE -- [Michelle Malkin]
Many of you will remember the story of Pfc. Joshua Sparling, the wounded soldier who received a disgusting death-wish greeting card in December while hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Sean Hannity has kept close contact with Sparling and interviewed him yesterday about his condition. Sad news:
Sparling's leg will have to be amputated below the knee--but he wants to "get back to [Fort Bragg] and "jump right back in his unit
Rumsfeld Visits Troops in Vail -- [Traq War News]
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld chats with retired Army Staff Sgt. Heath Calhoun, a 101st Airborne Division soldier wounded in Iraq, during the Vail Veterans Program. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles
I'm Learning Something - This Isn't So Hard To Do! -- [Soldiers' Angel - Holly Aho]
For those of you wondering - how can I create a local event in my area for supporting our troops, not a rally or anti-protest but an actual event to show support and all that good stuff, here's how the process is going for me and what I'm learning. First - there is no right way or perfect time to get started. Just jump in and it will get done. Here's what I did starting with a budget of $0 (pretty usual around here)....
Soldiers' Angels Fundraiser -- [Soldiers' Angels New York]
Attention all NY Metro & NJ Troop Supporters:
Soldiers' Angels Fundraiser Luncheon
Saturday, March 25, 2006 -- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $10 per person
VFW Post 493
271 Washington Avenue
Nutley, NJ
It's A War Of Words -- [The Tampa Tribune]
...When Kelley, an Army private, went overseas in November, Stacey Kelley posted the sign outside their home. For her, the sign is a daily reminder of the sacrifice her husband and fellow soldiers are making.
But officials of Westchase, in northwest Hillsborough County, view the sign differently. They say the 2-foot-high sign violates community rules. Stacey Kelley, 24, received a letter from the homeowners association last month stating she could be fined $100 a day if she does not remove the sign.
Finding a Name for the ARH YRH-70A? -- [ROFA Six]
The Army's Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), being produced by Bell Helicopter, has officially been designated as the YRH-70A. The ARH's popular name is still pending review and approval at the Army level. Traditionally, Army helicopters have been named for Native Americans. But all that was before political correctness made naming things after "Native Americans," (once called American Indians) no longer an acceptable practice. I am waiting for the popular name announcement with great anticipation to see how the Army handles this conundrum.
Details of ’07 targeted pay raises unfold -- (Army Times)
Pentagon comptroller Tina W. Jonas provided a few more details Tuesday on the Pentagon’s plan for target pay raises in 2007.
The Pentagon’s plan calls for 2.2 percent increases in basic pay on Jan. 1, 2007, which would apply to basic pay and drill pay for all service members, with additional targeted raises of up to 8.3 percent on April 1 for noncommissioned officers, petty officers and warrant officers, Jonas said.
8,000 desert during Iraq war -- (USA Today)
At least 8,000 members of the all-volunteer U.S. military have deserted since the Iraq war began, Pentagon records show, although the overall desertion rate has plunged since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
Since fall 2003, 4,387 soldiers, 3,454 sailors and 82 Air Force personnel have deserted. The Marine Corps does not track the number of desertions each year but listed 1,455 Marines in desertion status last September, the end of fiscal 2005, says Capt. Jay Delarosa, a Marine Corps spokesman
Military's Fuel Costs Spur Look At Gas-Guzzlers -- (USA Today)...Steven Komarow
The Pentagon hasn't emphasized fuel efficiency for its aircraft, ships and vehicles, despite shortages that slowed U.S. troops in the two Iraq wars and warnings from its own experts.
But Who's Laughing? --- [4 Mile Creek - in Iraq]
The old joke went like this:
Q. How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A. That's not funny!
The joke works, of course, because it is connected to the reality of many who hear it. As Steve Martin put it, "A good joke is perfect knowledge in a nano-second." The "perfect knowledge" of this joke is the lack of humor for many on the left. I'm sure there were plenty of feminists and Alan Alda-types who heard this joke and just didn't get it. Intelligent, well-educated people who didn't have the experience base to make the connection, that nano-second of "perfect knowledge."
The line-item veto -- [TigerHawk]
The Boston Globe has come out in support of President Bush's request that he be given a "line-item veto" of sorts. More to the point, so has John Kerry.
The request was at least superficially strange. President Bush, after all, has appeared for all the world as though he does not know what the word "veto" means, or even that the Constitution grants the President that power. No one can avoid noticing that Bush does not otherwise seem to have a hard time locating executive powers within the Constitution.
Mcain Humiliated Me... -- [Drudge Report]
...An insider tells Margolick that Abramoff blames competing Republican lobbyists and Arizona Senator John McCain-with whom Abramoff says he's had a contentious relationship-for his downfall. Abramoff tells Margolick that McCain staffers deliberately humiliated him, doling out embarrassing e-mails to the press.
Judges, Lawyers, and the ACLU - Enemies of the People -- [Stop the ACLU]
Where the riff-raff are, the ACLU will be there to defend them. Deny it if you wish but you if you do you are living in the land of denial. The ACLU is nothing more than Ambulance Chasers with cause. And their cause is to take cases which will place national and local policies designed to defend morality and shred them in their precious cause of civil rights.
Sheehan says she won't join protests in Germany -- (Stars and Stripes)
Anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan says she will not be near Ramstein Air Base or participate in a protest march from Landstuhl to Ramstein on Saturday if she goes through with a planned trip to Europe. Despite uncertainty clouding Sheehan’s visit, protesters and counterprotesters still plan to gather outside Ramstein Air Base on Saturday afternoon.
...“If I am there, I won’t be anywhere near the air force base ... or participate in the march,” wrote Sheehan on Wednesday. “I was brutalized in New York the other day by the NYPD (New York Police Department) and I need to go to the doctor today (Wednesday).”
When asked why she would not protest near the air base, Sheehan replied: “I don’t want the soldiers to feel we don’t support them, and soldiers can’t redeploy themselves.”
ACLU Sues On Behalf Of Anti-War Groups -- (San Francisco Chronicle)...Joe Garofoli
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the Defense Department, hoping to force the Pentagon to promptly disclose whether it has spied on two Bay Area student anti-war organizations and to release any information it has gathered on the groups.
Vanity Fair: Bush Had Ties to Abramoff -- (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff says President Bush knew him well enough to joke with him about weightlifting. "What are you benching, buff guy?" Abramoff said Bush asked him. The president has said he doesn't know Abramoff....
Programs & Events: Other Press Conferences -- (National Press Club)
Sponsored by:America's Majority: Location: Murrow Room. Friday, March 09, 2006. 1:00 PM Iraqi Freedom (News Conference)
Description: U.S. Soldiers Defend Operation Iraqi Freedom
Ahem: -- [Grim's Hall]
A short article from the Associated Press, by a writer with the glorious name of Robert Burns. It begins:
The U.S. military command in charge of counterterrorism campaigns is putting small teams of special operations troops in U.S. embassies to support the global war on terror, officials said Wednesday.
The presence of these teams, which began at least two years ago but has not been publicly announced by U.S. Special Operations Command, was first reported in Wednesday's editions of The New York Times.Of course it was.
We can't have the military keeping secrets in small matters like special operations directly targeting terrorists, can we? Won't do.
T-Rex got promoted today. -- [Just Another Thunderhorse Roughneck - in Iraq]
He’s no longer a Private. I think he deserves the rank of Specialist. It’s about time. He’s been waiting a while for it. I didn’t think he needed to be a Private First Class anyway. Some of the other Joes got promoted today as well. That’s good. It’s kind of funny because this morning when the Lieutenant told us that we were going to have a formation we asked if it was bad news or good news.
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.)
ONLY A VIDEO? -- [Pettifog]
Give THIS a “spin” - play it to the end. Better than the average politician. A very impressive, not to mention brave lady.
Muslims against terrorism? -- [Free Iraqi - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...When I looked at the pictures in the original Arabic site my suspicions were confirmed. Yes, some of the signs carried by the demonstrators called for unity between Sunnis and She'at, but it really doesn't mean anything, as such calls were present in Iraq's demonstrations too and are used to conceal the sectarian nature of those demonstrations. Now there's nothing wrong with She'at demonstrating against insulting their sacred places but we should not fool ourselves and believe that this could mean the start of a wide and active rejection of terrorism among Muslims.
Mortars were louder than reason in Baghdad today... -- [Iraq the Model - Iraqis in Iraq]
Me: Is there going to be no role for politics?
Dad: What politics are you talking about?! We are dealing with deeply-rooted beliefs…Yes, in politics everything is possible but with religion you find yourself before very few options to choose from and our people have mostly voted for the religious.
Me: And what's America's role here? Will they stand by and watch while things go against what the way they desire?
Dad: Why do you always put America in the face of the canon? America is a super power but it's not superman. These are our problems now and America has nothing to do with it. We have to fix our mess or no one will.
Teeti Teeti, Mithil Ma Rihti Jeeti! -- [24 Steps to Liberty - an Iraqi in Iraq]
...Three years of waiting for the full-term government and the politicians are still fighting over power and positions. Well, to be more accurate, since 1963 Iraqis are waiting for their politicians to agree and to put what the Iraqis want as their priority. Since then, the Iraqis are waiting for someone to come and ask “how can I serve you?” and stop hearing the common question “how can you benefit me?”
What can I say about today? -- [Just Another Thunderhorse Roughneck - in Iraq]
We didn’t see too much. Well, I really can’t say that. It’s just that not much happens when we go to the IZ. It’s a pretty controlled area and it’s generally safe compared to the other parts of Baghdad. It’s pretty amazing how it’s controlled compared to other parts of the city.
...I was talking with an IP, having a conversation on the political situation. It concerns me mainly because I’d like to see us finish this mission here. We spoke of the Shiite and Sunni Muslims. I got the impression that he as Shiite from talking to him. He’s glad to see the Americans there and he didn’t have much admiration for the Sunnis. I told him I couldn’t understand why they can’t get along. I told him that there are all sorts of different religions in America and we all get along. We’re not having gun battles over religion. It ridiculous. He told me that he’s lost some of his friends and that his patience is wearing out.
The Future of Iraq -- [T.F. Boggs - in Iraq]
After spending a deployment and a half in Iraq I have come to a conclusion about the future of Iraq. Many people speculate whether or not Iraq even has a chance to survive the current turmoil and become a full-fledged democracy. People often say that a democracy will not work in a predominately Muslim nation. People say that civil war in Iraq is inevitable. Well people say a lot of things, and just because they do so doesn’t mean that what they say is going to come to pass.
Building the proper mindset to win the war in Iraq -- [The Will to Exist - in Iraq]
...The civil war has been going on for two years from what I can tell. It’s a low intensity consequence of having removed the strongman which allowed a thousand year old larger conflict that affects the entire Muslim world to flare back up. Yes, there have been short sighted bad decisions made.
Nearly the entire body of reporting on the situation in Iraq by the mainstream media is also short-sighted.
Ralph Peters: Sucker or Liar? -- [Back to Iraq 3.0 - Journalist in Iraq]
BAGHDAD — I’m sorry for not posting more. Still some latent server troubles. But I have to address an issue: Ralph Peters, who is currently traipsing around Baghdad with the 506th Infantry Regiment, is, to be blunt, full of shit.
He’s currently a favorite of the pro-war set, who say we reporters have “agendas” to undermine the troops and get our civil war on, ‘cause, you know, that makes Bush look bad… or something.
...he says, “If reporters really care, it’s easy to get out on the streets of Baghdad. The 506th Infantry Regiment — and other great military units — will take journalists on their patrols virtually anywhere.” Well, no, they won’t. Some reporters I know are having trouble getting embeds because they’re not the “right” reporters. They don’t write the “right” kind of stories — meaning they don’t follow the military’s playbook.
Iraqi Air Force Stands Up Its First Operational C-130 Squadron -- (Mideast Stars and Stripes)...Lisa Burgess
The new Iraqi air force opened the gates of its first air base and announced the “stand-up” of its first operational C-130 transport squadron Tuesday, the New Al Muthana Air Base at Baghdad International Airport.
Iraqi Counterterror Unit Proves Its Mettle In Hostage Rescue -- (Mideast Stars and Stripes)...Monte Morin
A retired government official who was kidnapped more than three days ago and beaten was rescued from captivity in dramatic fashion Monday by a little-known unit of Iraqi army counterterrorism soldiers trained by and modeled after the U.S. special operations forces.
Mixed Messages On Iraq -- (Philadelphia Inquirer)...Ron Hutcheson
Vice President Cheney said yesterday that conditions in Iraq were improving steadily, but the American ambassador in Baghdad has said the U.S. invasion opened a "Pandora's box" of ethnic and religious violence that could inflame the entire Middle East.
Iraq’s Little Armies -- (New York Times)... Matt Sherman
Washington - While the violence that followed the bombing of the Golden Mosque at Samarra in Iraq last month has abated, the larger problem it exposed continues: ever since Saddam Hussein fell, armed militias have roamed the country dispensing justice and retribution to other ethnic and religious groups as they see fit. Ideally, not only can the government and its American supporters stop this vigilantism, but they can also channel it into a productive role within the legitimate security services of the fledgling state.
US Envoy, Top Shiite Meet; 23 Bodies Found -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The U.S. ambassador held talks with a top Shiite leader Tuesday as Iraqi factions wrangled over a new government. The prime minister declared he would not be "blackmailed" into stepping aside, and the Shiite majority balked at convening the parliament. The inability to agree is threatening to crush American hopes of beginning a troop pullout this summer as violence rages on. Bombings, mortar blasts and gunfire killed 19 more people throughout the country Tuesday, and police also reported finding four more bullet-riddled bodies - two of them with their eyes gouged out.
IRAQ: EIGHTEEN BODIES FOUND IN BUS -- (AKI)
A US security patrol reportedly found the bodies of 18 men, bound and blindfold, in a minibus close to a mainly Sunni Arab district of the capital, officials said on Wednesday. It was unclear how the men died, an interior ministry spokesman said. The men, found just before midnight local time in a bus between the Amiriyah and Khadra districts, have not yet been identified.
American Kidnapped in Iraq Not on Video -- (AP)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- The American among four Christian Peacemakers activists kidnapped last year in Iraq was absent from a videotape broadcast Tuesday of the exhausted-looking men purportedly appealing to their governments to secure their release....
Troop Drawdown In Iraq A Delicate Balance -- (Mercury News/ AP)
Gen. John Abizaid and his aides huddled around tables on his personal aircraft to discuss one of America's pressing domestic issues: whether to bring some U.S. troops home from Iraq this summer.
Stranded? Almost. -- [AfghaniDan - in Afghanistan]
Greetings from Gardez, a province west of my base in Khost and much higher in altitude. It's largely because of that change in elevation actually that I was almost stranded for the night, "weathered in" for awhile at the Afghan army base here...which turned out to be a great experience.
When They Called This Guy The "Elder" I Believed 'Em -- [Miserable Donuts]
This gentleman is the Elder of the village of Sahibkheyl, in Parwan Province. He looked the part too. He was fairly, er, vigorous in stating what his village needed to continue it's recovery (it had the living snot pounded out of it during the Taliban/Northern Alliance fight).
Afghan Official: We Need Help For 15 More Years -- (Military.com/ Mideast Stars and Stripes)...Anita Powell
A rash of new American-funded projects has brought new life to Afghanistan’s southern Khowst province, but military officials say the larger challenge is getting Afghans to take the lead in rebuilding their own country.
Afghan, US troops capture militants in Afghanistan -- (Xinhuanet)
KABUL, March 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Troops of Afghan army backed by the U.S. military captured Sunday several anti-government militants in the southeast Khost province close Pakistan, spokesman of the U.S.-led coalition troops said Monday
Envoy Attempts To Calm Afghan Fears With Commitment Vow -- (London Financial Times)...Richard Morarjee
Ronald Neumann, the US ambassador to Afghanistan, said America's commitment to Afghanistan would not be compromised when Nato troops take command of the country's restive south later this year.
Reports of child abuse in Palestine -- [TigerHawk]
According to an Israeli newspaper, the dominant political party of the territory that wishes to be the nation of Palestine has put up a web site encouraging children to commit suicide:
