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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
