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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 and other sources around the world. 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. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.
Iraq’s Interior Minister Thanks U.S. Troops for Liberating Iraq -- [CNS News]
A top Iraqi official visited wounded American troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to thank them for their part in ending Saddam Hussein’s rule in his country.
“We have come … to express our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these great warriors, soldiers, in freeing the Iraqi people and in helping us in Iraq recover from tyranny and dictatorship,”
Iraq can go to Olympics. -- [FOX News]
A last minute decision by the Internal Olympics Committee (IOC) allows Iraq to participate in the Beijing Olympic games after a previous ban of Iraqi athletes due to the suspension of Iraq’s new National Olympic Committee.
The IOC had insisted the old committee be reinstated even though four members were kidnapped two years ago. Their fates remain unknown.
Petraeus: Conditions on the Ground Should Drive Troop Reductions
From Counterinsurgents to Peacekeepers -- [Michael Totten]
“It's not the end of fighting,” they wrote. “It looks like the beginning of a perilous peace.” This is exactly right, but millions of Americans still have no idea. Coverage from Iraq has diminished as much as the casualty rates since General David Petraeus implemented an effective counterinsurgency strategy in early 2007. At least we’re finally seeing a media consensus emerge after a year and a half of looking at the data as though it were inkblots on a Rorschach. It’s nearly impossible to work in Iraq anymore and deny what has happened.
Even so...
In The Fight: Episode 17 Promo -- [DVIDS]
We now return you to our regularly scheduled blog -- [From the Halls to the Shores]
Tell you what though, Baghdad is a pretty quiet place all things considered. I only heard those couple thumps that I wrote about early on, and the only fire I saw was directly related to - get this - victories by the Iraqi National Soccer Team.
Suffering for their sins -- [Armed and Curious - in Iraq]
...They had tried to be the Hezbollah of Iraq trying to take care of the people instead of the government and the media gleefully reported on their efforts while ignoring that the money to do these things came from extortion, blackmarketing, kidnapping and sponsorship from Iran.
...It has been an honor to watch the emergence of a new direction and its just good to see the world starting to hear the truth of what is happening on these ancient streets, the fertile marshes, the mountains, the beautiful fields of wheat and the hot desert wadis.
`Martyrs' List' tallies Mahdi Army's troubles
Iraqis' hunt for insurgents in Diyala unearths only ghost towns and drought -- [Times Online]
A wild dog was the first sign of life as Iraqi soldiers, supported by US troops, ventured into a village northeast of Baghdad.
...the buildings stand empty, all inhabitants and their belongings gone. Further searches throughout the rest of Fatamia reveal that only three or four families remained. Six months ago there were 30 to 40 families.
This eerie scene has...
Operation Omens of Prosperity begins in Diyala -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The rural northern and eastern districts are the likely target of the operation. Iraqi troops redeploy in Kirkuk, police detain three Ansar al Islam operatives.
Glad Tidings? -- [Collabman's Thoughts]
Well, you don't have to look very hard to see the news related to the Diyala province. It has been swirling around the net over night and today.
...Also in Diyala, read how Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment is responsible for squadron level targets related to economics, essential services, and governorates in Diyala...and the challenges they have - Humanitarian crisis: Displaced in Diyala
Series of suicide bombings mark Shia pilgrimage to Baghdad -- [IN-Iraq - embed in Iraq]
At 8 a.m. this morning I was awoken by one of the largest-sounding explosions I've heard. Followed by gunshots. I looked out the hotel window of where I was staying and saw the security detail looking up, probably at the rooftop guards, but no one appeared too concerned. They knew we weren't the ones being attacked.
The neighborhood was being rocked by suicide attacks targeting Shias while they marched toward the Kadhimya shrine where one of their important Imans is buried.
But you said we lost? -- [Dude, where's the beach?]
...Now that we've come so close to Victory why hasn't anyone brought up the surrender proclamation these guys made last year? Why hasn't anyone made them account for their actions... for emboldening the enemies of the West, and for prolonging the battle?
I will never forget their attempt to initiate a cut and run policy that would have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. They tried to abandon the Iraqi people, and they tried to surrender to the enemy.
Following -- [Playing in the Sandbox - in Iraq]
Of the many surprises I’ve had since arriving here, seeing how children react to our presence has been one of the more interesting. Driving through any of the nearby villages almost always yields small groups of kids standing on the sides of the roads, waving as we pass by. Waving back is one of the small pleasures I take from daily life here. I wish I knew exactly what was going on in their minds at that moment.
But driving by them is nothing compared to
New sheik takes stand against AQI -- [Fearless 1st Marines’ blog]
Amar Abdullah Husain al-Jumaili received his official appointment as a sheik, replacing his uncle, Sheik Ahmed Sarham, who was killed along with 20 other sheiks and three Marines after a suicide bombing at a meeting in Karma.
Auditor: Rebuilding Funding Should Cease -- [Los Angeles Times]
Rising production and skyrocketing prices could more than double the Iraqi government's expected bonanza in oil revenue this year, leading a top US government auditor to call for an end to American funding of Iraqi reconstruction projects. The Iraqi government had projected 2008 oil revenue of about $35 billion. But a
Is Victory in Iraq Worth the Damage? - [Los Angeles Times]
Today's question: Would victory in Iraq be worth the war's cost? Previously, Cirincione and Rivkin debated whether declining violence in Iraq signals a major turnaround for US forces.
Getting shot at.... Part II -- [THE CI-ROLLER DUDE - in Iraq]
...When we got back into the camp, the Marine sniper dude who was our over watch said: "Sorry, that dude shot at you, but I couldn't fire on him because there were woman and kids around him."
I was pissed...not at the Marines, but at the assholeIraqi who had shot at us. I wanted to go look for him. He missed, but he was trying to kill me. That really pissed me off...but I'm still alive.
This was the first and hopefully last time I was shot at... and I'm still pissed off that I couldn't go after the little terrorist who did it.
MilBlogs TV: Anbar Rising (part two) -- [Greyhawk]
Iraqi Army Scouts -- [Strategy Page]
...Iraqi commanders used their scouts they way they often rely on American troops.
...Each Iraqi division has at least one company of scouts. These troops have been available for several years now, and the terrorists and militias have tried to destroy them by attacking them or their families at home. Some scouts quit the army over this, and some were murdered (along with wives and children). Most scouts remained at their jobs, and the number of volunteers for scout training has increased.
Oh no, I am "Them" -- [Miserable Donuts]
I have had the most terrible realization in the whole time I have been here in Iraq. Since I moved up to Baghdad and began working for MNSTC-I, I have become one of the people at the "Puzzle Palace". I'm one of the guys at the Head Shed. I'm part of the "they" as in "they @#$%ed things up, back there in Baghdad" as spoken by people in the field (I know, I was one of 'em).
A Place For My Stuff -- [Brad's Excellent Adventure - in Iraq]
It’s kind of amazing how much stuff I accumulated in two years here. Even more amazing when you consider that my room is only about 7 ½ x 11 feet. But I’m sort of a packrat, I tend to overpack when traveling, and I like books and movies. So it’s no wonder I could barely turn around in here!
US Had Warning of Attack in Nuristan -- [A Battlefield Tourist]
...As an interpreter for US forces, Qourbon is seen as both a patriot and a traitor. In the mirror, Qourbon sees a man who helps those that are helping his country during some very dark times. Now that war was on the doorstep of his small mountain village, he knew he had to return home. His first thought is to help protect his family. A second thought is to warn the soldiers he’s committed to that a large scale militant attack on their base is imminent.
Marines Reach Out To Afghans
Taliban capture 25 Pakistani security personnel in Swat -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
A large Taliban force surrounded and overran a police and Frontier Constabulary post in northern Swat. This comes just days after Mullah Fazlullah held a high-level planning session with Taliban leaders and threatened to resume suicide attacks.
The Real Enemy Stays In The Shadows -- [Strategy Page]
The thing you have to understand about the violence in Afghanistan is that it isn't all, or even mostly, about the Taliban. The religious zealots of the Taliban grab all the headlines abroad, but the real causes are a long list of tribal feuds, plus
Earthquake shakes buildings in Southern California -- [AP]
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The strongest earthquake to strike a populated area of Southern California in more than a decade rattled windows and chandeliers, made buildings sway and sent people running into the streets on Tuesday. But there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or major damage.
Canadians aren't ready to welcome Khadr home -- [Calgary Herald]
CALGARY -- What to do with Omar Khadr?
Is he a child soldier who must be saved from the clutches of a U.S. military tribunal? Or is he a terrorist who is committed to fighting against western values and our very way of life?
I suspect it's the latter, but the recent release of a videotape showing Khadr being interrogated by CSIS agents has apparently sparked a fierce debate amongst Canadians, prompting many to call on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to intervene and bring Khadr home.
Bush Blasted by Pakistan PM - [The Australian]
Pakistan's Prime Minister lashed out at George W. Bush during talks in Washington yesterday, "reproaching" the US President over a US Hellfire drone missile strike inside Pakistani territory only hours before the leaders met.
Pakistani Intelligence Aiding Taliban and al-Qaeda -- [Jawa Report]
Not really too surprising since the Taliban are basically a creation of Pakistan's ISI service.
Intelligence, Pakistani Whispers and 'Fighting The War For Ourselves' -- [Threats Watch - Steve Shippert]
Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani’s demands that the United States hand Pakistan intelligence and allow the Pakistanis to exclusively “do the job” themselves has been irking me all day and into this morning. Again, here’s what he said right after meeting...
Strike on Iran Still Possible - [Los Angeles Times]
Bush administration officials reassured Israel's defense minister this week that the United States has not abandoned all possibility of a military attack on Iran, despite widespread Israeli concern that Washington has begun softening its position toward Tehran.
Chavez to U.S. Navy Humanitarians: Back Off! -- [Danger Room]
Two weeks ago the U.S. Navy reactivated the long-defunct 4th Fleet to oversea American warships in South American waters. It was part of the Navy's new emphasis on the world's former backwaters, Africa included. The idea? To use a little gunboat diplomacy, plus humanitarian missions and international exercises, to shore up security in developing countries and prevent simmering conflicts from becoming crises.
But Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez doesn't see it that way.
How Terrorist Groups End -- [Rand - Seth G. Jones, Martin C. Libicki ]
All terrorist groups eventually end. But how do they end? The evidence since 1968 indicates that most groups have ended because (1) they joined the political process (43 percent) or (2) local police and intelligence agencies arrested or killed key members (40 percent). Military force has rarely been the primary reason for the end of terrorist groups, and few groups within this time frame have achieved victory.
Iraq’s Interior Minister Thanks U.S. Troops for Liberating Iraq -- [CNS News]
A top Iraqi official visited wounded American troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to thank them for their part in ending Saddam Hussein’s rule in his country.
“We have come … to express our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these great warriors, soldiers, in freeing the Iraqi people and in helping us in Iraq recover from tyranny and dictatorship,”
Former Landstuhl CSM releases statement on Barack Obama’s canceled visit to Ramstein and Landstuhl -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Today, Command Sergeant Major Craig Layton, USA (Ret.)—who served as the Command Sergeant Major at Landstuhl—issued the following statement on Barack Obama’s canceled visit to Ramstein and Landstuhl:
Blackhawk Down Pilot Slams Obama For Ignoring Wounded At Ramstein - With Video -- [Pat Dollard]
I’ve spent time at Ramstein recovering from wounds received in the service of my country, and I’m sure that Senator Obama could have made no better use of his time than to meet with our men and women in uniform there. That Barack Obama believes otherwise casts serious doubt on his judgment and calls into question his priorities.”
Jerral's new ride (Video) -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Jerral Hancock, former tank driver with the 1st Cavalry Division (and one of "my" favorite former patients), with his awesome new ride thanks to Phil Rush of Relaxed Customs and other great Americans of the Ventura County, CA community.
When Phil says that "people do actually give a damn about our guys and gals over there who get hurt", he means it.
Flag-raising Marine recognized as an American citizen -- [Stars & Stripes]
The flag raising at Iwo Jima has become an iconic American image, so federal officials were surprised to learn recently that one of the men was never fully recognized as an American citizen.
World Can't Wait and Their Quest for Relevance -- [C.H.U.D. Busters]
Description of Attack: World Can't Wait is struggling for relevance in the post-communist era. They have tried slapping more exclamation points on their website, and they penned a CHUDeriffic Op-Ed in the Berkeley Daily Planet on "Why I Don't Support the Troops". Now, they've jumped on the Code Pink bandwagon to protest the Marine Recruiting Station in Berkeley. Zomblog has captured the above CHUD propaganda with Abu Ghraib imagery, which has become a modern Neverending Story, fueling CHUD attacks for 5 years now.
Iraq War Vet “Spitter” Identified - Updated: MySpace Link - With Video -- [Pat Dollard]
The video of the “Peace Protester” spitting on an American Iraq War Veteran which we initially put up right here at PatDollard.com a little over a week ago, thanks to our friend Katie O’Malley from Human Events, from Matt Wolking at Wolking‘s World, and from the videographer himself, Iraq War Vet, and now good friend of mine Ross Nolan, has really made the Internet rounds and even landed Ross and Ryan McNicholas, of the UCSB College Republicans, a spot on Hannity & Colmes, click on the pic below to see that interview.
Demo -- [Acute Politics]
Tomorrow is the first day of “real training”- today and yesterday have been administrative-heavy with settling in to living quarters and sorting out the rush of confusion that accompanies shipping hundreds of men and tons of equipment to a base hundreds of miles away from home.
Dismissed Haditha Charges Appealed -- [AP]
SAN DIEGO - Prosecutors have appealed the dismissal of charges against a Marine officer accused of not investigating the killings of 24 Iraqis, a defense attorney said July 29.
Military prosecutors filed the appeal July 28 seeking to reinstate charges against Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, civilian defense attorney Brian Rooney told The Associated Press.
Lt.Col Jeffrey Chessani -- [Matel - in Iraq]
Please see below. I have no personal knowledge of this, but I do know Haditah and the Marines. The Marines I know are honorable. It was a difficult and confusing situation. I have never come close to experiencing what they did, but I saw some of what was left. I side with the Marines on the ground, which is why I am posting what I got in email today.
...We now have 20 days to file a response brief. Your donation now (click here) sends a message to all our combat troops that you will stand with them when they need your help.
DV EmbarkVII: The Other Side -- [FBL]
Breakfast was an interesting experience. The petty officer warned us that we would be cutting in line "because we're on a tight schedule." But the looks we got from the long line of sailors waiting their turn almost made me defy the PO for the second time that morning. As he instructed a sailor to make room for us, the small tightening of the sailor's expression made his opinion clear despite the quick accommodation. I turned to look at all the sailors who would be behind us and they all had similar expressions.
Air Force Officer Dead; Likely a Suicide -- [Danger Room]
The Air Force's bad year just got a whole lot worse. A general who spent nearly two years as the executive officer to the recently ousted Air force chief of staff has died in an apparent suicide at his home in Alaska, AP reports:
National Guard unit returns from Iraq to heroes welcome -- [Quartzsite Times]
"It is occasions like this when we can welcome home our troops and show them our support that makes all the work worthwhile, especially knowing how much it
The Obama Doctrine: Bringing Us Into Submission -- [Scott Ott]
Every time you hear Sen. Barack Obama say that Afghanistan is the central front in the war against terror, you should cringe, and then stock up on imperishable food, gold coin, jerry cans of diesel, and ammo…lots of ammo.
Obama is trying to adopt Afghanistan as his war -- [GulfNews]
"As far as he is concerned, this is Bush's war and must end in lack of success, if not actual defeat." Nevertheless, Obama knows that most Americans believe ...
Obama's Devastating 2006 Antiwar Performance-- Now on YouTube -- [Gateway Pundit]
Here is the devastating performance he gave in Chicago on how best to declare defeat and surrender Iraq to Al-Qaeda:
Obama. Hope and change doesnt work in Iraq
From the Fact Check Desk: Did Obama Say During the Debate Over the Surge That "There's No Doubt that Additional U.S. Troops Could Temporarily Quell the Violence?" -- [ABC Blogs]
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, on January 10 2007 predicted (watch HERE) that the surge of troops in Iraq would fail.
...Four days later he told CBS's Face the Nation, that "we cannot impose a military solution on what has effectively become a civil war.
... "I know that there's that little snippet that you ran," referring to the MSNBC clip, "but there were also statements made during the course of this debate in which I said there's no doubt that additional U.S. troops could temporarily quell the violence.
Barack Obama will NOT end war. Troops must stay and fight.
Obama's War Party -- [Town Hall]
Barack Obama has joined the party of war.
Since it became clear that he would be the Democratic presidential nominee, Obama has left behind his peacenik rhetoric and seems eager to inform anyone who will listen that as president he would escalate U.S. military intervention -- in Afghanistan.
Click for larger image
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