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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.
Iraqis no longer ask, 'Are you Sunni or Shiite?' -- [McClatchy - Nancy A. Youssef]
...When a relative used it recently, a soldier admonished the driver and the passengers. "'We are Iraqis, and you shouldn't say such a thing,' " recalled Hashim.
The 35-year-old mother of three said that for her and countless other Iraqis, the fact that soldiers are now using nationalist rather than sectarian language is a significant change. Being a Shiite is no longer key to her survival.
Sons of Iraq -- [Greyhawk]
The sub-headline - "The US military is trying to transition 103,000 Iraqi neighborhood guards into steady work" - seems like the right answer to me*.
Continue reading "Sons of Iraq "
But the careful reader will see a subtle difference between that statement and this one from within the story:
Abu Ahmed and the Fight for Anbar -- [The Captain’s Journal]
There are many (sometimes competing) versions of the campaign for Anbar, which is why The Captain’s Journal has a category for The Anbar Narrative. We hope to bring some clarity to this part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While we have covered many nuances of the campaign in Western Iraq, one theme is irrefutable, consistent and prominent. It is that security trumps everything else in counterinsurgency. An important account from the very Western reaches of Anbar was recently published by AFP entitled Abu Ahmed, a ’sheriff’ in Iraq’s far west.
Variety of Factors Contribute to Progress in Iraq, General Says -- [MNF-I]
The surge did much to improve security in Baghdad and other regions, he said, and “Sons of Iraq” citizen groups have assisted Coalition and Iraqi forces in the security effort. At the same time, he said, Iraq’s army and police forces have continued to mature.
Coalition Forces Transfer Security Responsibility in Diyala to ISF -- [MNF-I]
A transfer of responsibility from Multi-National Division – North Soldiers to Iraqi Security Forces was finalized in the southern Balad Ruz area of the Diyala province of Iraq Aug. 2.
The volatile area of Diyala, where two operations are currently being conducted, has seen success with security for the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and local residents.
Raw: Iraq forces arrest 189 Al-Qaeda suspects in Diyala, Iraq
Iraq forces, supported by US troops, arrested 189 al-Qaeda suspects during the fourth day of military operations against insurgents in the Diyala province Friday.
History Repeats Itself -- [Strategy Page]
...Iraq is a model worth emulating. While many Iraqis are not sure that this democracy thing will work for them (and many in the West agree with this), the majority of Iraqis are united in fighting the violent Sunni Arab minority groups trying to regain control of the country, and for negotiating new arrangements to rule in a democratic fashion.
AP IMPACT: Long haul starts in Iraq for Minn. GIs -- [AP]
In the end, Chad Malmberg put his framed Silver Star on the wall and stowed away his helmet, some old uniforms and the dusty combat boots he had worn in the Iraqi desert.
He was a hero, now, and proud of it. Malmberg had quickly entered his last semester of college, blending easily into the anonymity of campus life. Within months, he had his degree.
It took months, too, to break some habits. Such as hugging the center line when he drove and swerving whenever he saw anything on the road, fearing hidden bombs. And ticking off a check list — gun, ammo, food — every time he went outside.
He was home, he was safe, he was whole.
So many others could not say as much:
Part II: Welcome to Iraq, and a long separation -- [AP - International Herald Tribune]
National Guard troops reach their stations in Iraq while family members back home begin a hard adjustment. Second of a seven-part series on the longest deployment of the war.
"I am where I need to be," he answered cryptically, not wanting to disclose his exact location in Iraq. He probably would have waited to call home to Minnesota, but April 8, 2006, was special
Elections Bill In Iraq Stalls On Kirkuk -- [Washington Post]
...Sudarsan Raghavan and Qais Mizher
...Several Iraqi lawmakers said U.S. pressure could throw Iraq into further political chaos. "The Americans are pushing for the elections at any price, and that is incorrect," said Mahdi al-Hafidh, a Community Party lawmaker. "The country is not quiet, and there is not a good climate for this election."
USAF Eyes For Iraqis -- [Strategy Page]
August 3, 2008: The U.S. Air Force sees itself becoming a larger player as Iraqi troops increasingly take over combat chores from American ground forces. For example, it will be a decade or more before Iraq can provide the kind of air support U.S. troops now get. Thus the U.S. Air Force is planning on being in Iraq for a long time.
Reporting from Iraq: War steals comforts, sometimes tears families apart -- [Ventura County News - Scott Hadly - embed in Iraq]
...I stayed hidden, waiting for something to happen.
Stepp and Griffy bet on whether they'd make it back to the base by lunchtime or whether this patrol would be another "12-hour cluster."
As Capt. Ryan Johnson scurried along the lines in a low crouch, making sure everyone in the squad remained alert, I wondered if I should be nervous.
"Do you have a gun?" Stepp asked me.
I didn't bother explaining the rules concerning noncombatants and reporters remaining unarmed.
"They don't care if you're a reporter, you know."
..."So did they say you had to come here?" he asked, speaking about my editors back in Ventura County.
"I didn't have to, no."
And then Stepp asked the one question I kept hearing since the moment I arrived in Iraq.
"So why, exactly, are you here?"
Good question.
In Pictures: US and Iraqis in Tarmiyah -- [LWJ -Nathan Webster]
The Sons of Iraq, US soldiers, and Iraqi troops work together to secure Tarmiyah, a former al Qaeda stronghold in Salahadin province.
$1 million lottery winner says third tour is his 'duty' -- [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]
...When the 81st got call-up orders in October, he was told he didn't have to go but volunteered anyway.
Although he won a $1 million Washington Lottery scratch ticket prize in February, Leyde says he has no regrets.
"We each have a duty," Leyde said as he and the rest of 1st Platoon, Delta Company, prepared to practice loading stretchers into a UH-1N Huey Medivac helicopter. "This is my duty. I chose it."
Barrier Art -- [ThunderRun]
A T-barrier wall provides security for residents of the Sadr City District of Baghdad, Aug. 2, 2008. The walls, which are typically a dull, gray color, were painted by residents to illustrate national themes of hope and unity.
Moving day -- [Fobbits need ice cream - in Iraq]
This morning (actually around 2300 or 11pm for you civilian types), we got the ok from the platoon daddy (platoon sergeant or PSG) to move a good friend and fellow joe in the platoon (we'll call him Jim) into our tent. Jim's new spot was previously occupied by the driver of my truck, who went AWOL while on his 12 day R&R. Let me tell you about this guy...
Another day another dollar -- [Fobbits need ice cream - in Iraq]
So today (this morning) we had what we call a somo run. This involves us prepping trucks as normal and escorting them to the Kuwait/Iraq border to customs. However, once through customs, instead of suiting up and riding out, we turn them over at the border to a private security firm run by Iraqis
Securing Iraq -- [ubdumb|
U.S. Soldiers teaching the Iraqi police how to search females. Scenes include female Iraq soldiers receiving search procedures.
Posing, with weapons -- [Miserable Donuts - in Iraq]
I have noticed that no matter where I go, and which army I encounter - everyone wants to check out each others weapons. And once they get ahold of it - they want a photo...
Day 43 -- [Rocinante's Burdens - in Iraq]
Went out for another night mission. The purpose was to discourage bad guys from shooting mortars at our camps. The mechanism for accomplishing this is just to drive around in the dark and intimidate the bad guys with our very presence.
Day 44. -- [Rocinante's Burdens - in Iraq]
We went out today to destroy some old captured bombs, rockets, mortar shells and other explosives.
How NOT to load a truck with old rusty high explosives:
Iraqi Kid's give us a Song
Afghans Making Strides in Ability to Plan and Execute Operations, Colonel Says - Audio(Mp3) -- [DefenseLink Blogger's Roundtable]
The Afghan National Army has made great strides in their ability to plan and execute operations, Army Col. Thomas McGrath, commander of Afghanistan Regional Security Integration Command South, told bloggers and online journalists. McGrath came on the bloggers roundtable to reflect on his 14 months in southern Afghanistan, as he prepares to return home to the United States, and the mission to build the capacity and capability of the Afghan army and police. “Through the efforts of very many brave men and women, tough men and women – soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines – we’re completing our mission,” he said. “And we’re setting the stages for the future operations and for the future of the Afghan army and police and bringing stability to this country.”
The Wars inside the War: Pakistan, India and Afghanistan -- [Castle Argghhh! - Kat]
...Pakistani Intelligence Like Woman With Many Lovers [Or, why they play footsie with America while trying to maintain their terrorist friends - we're in a global war while they are still subject to regional realities. Realities, apparently, we have yet to determine how to alleviate
Degrading Afghanistan Security Situation Points to Pakistan -- [The Captain’s Journal]
...Fighters are coming across the Pakistani border in increasing numbers, but the problem runs far deeper than cross border operations. In what is finally a good report about the depth of the problem in the Pakistani ISI, we are hearing that the involvement with the Taliban is by more than just rogue elements of the ISI.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas Supports Africa Partnership Station Audio(Mp3) -- [DefenseLink Blogger's Roundtable]
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Robert Wagner, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas, talked with bloggers about the cutter’s various efforts throughout West and Central Africa in support of Africa Partnership Station. One effort the captain discussed in detail was a joint law enforcement exercise with the Cape Verde coast guard. “This is the first time a foreign law enforcement detachment has been deployed from a U.S. military ship to exercise another nation’s sovereignty over their waters,” Wagner said. “We spent ten days patrolling Cape Verdes’ exclusive economic zone with a law enforcement detachment of Cape Verdes’ coast guard aboard.”
Tyson Foods Replaces American Holiday with Muslim Holiday -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
I have no problem with companies giving Muslim employees time off to celebrate their religious holidays. After all, the biggest holiday (and day off) in this country is Christmas - a Christian Holiday (though it's been bastardized into obscurity by political correctness and non-Christians). But, I DO have a problem when Muslim holidays REPLACE American holidays that have been around since 1894
Keep in mind that Tyson Foods isn't ADDING another day for Muslims to take off work, instead of REPLACING an already existing holiday. So the issue isn't that Tyson catering to providing Muslims with more days off than non-Muslims but replacing Islamic celebrations with American ones.
Al Qaeda confirms death of top bomb maker Masri -- [Jawa Report]
Confirmed... Abu Khabab al-Masri, a chemical weapons expert DEAD
And we are left with a bit of a mystery...
Terrorist Attack in China -- [Jawa Report]
(Xinjiang Province, China) Early this morning, at least 16 police officers were killed and 16 others were injured in a terrorist attack at a Chinese border patrol station.
Two trucks smashed through fences into a camp compound as terrorists tossed grenades among troops and then hacked policemen with knives.
THANK YOU FROM THE MARINES (By Kat) -- [ThunderRun]
I arrived home after a funeral today to find a special treat (and much needed smile) in my mailbox. Seeing that "free mail" always does the trick! This letter was received in response to our recent Operation Love From Home 4th of July card drive. Y'all truly made a great difference for this bunch of Marines (and several others, as well!).
Darryll Sharratt Haditha Marines
Wounded Soldier Returns Home From Iraq -- [WPBF]
People held "Welcome Home" signs, American flags and balloons to show their appreciation for the soldier. They lined the concourse cheering and crying at
Mokena woman on mission to welcome home troops -- [Joliet Herald News]
Up to 150 people have attended the Angels' welcome-home parties. The group relies solely on volunteers and donations. Barr, 50, is a three-time cancer ...
Update: 871st Troop Command Receives Heroes Welcome -- [Today's THV]
More than 30 soldiers from the 871 Troop Command received a soldier's welcome home. The Freedom Salute Ceremony at Camp Robinson also recognizes the heroes
The Deployed Gentleman's Guide (continued) -- [Castle Argghhh!]
In the interest of maintaining the Castle’s reputation as an asylum run by the inmates a bastion of calm and decorum in the midst of a somewhat chaotic and freewheeling internet, I sensed John’s usual grumble to get the damned lead out and post something the gentle call of the Muse urging me to – once again – add a chapter to The Deployed Gentleman’s Guide.Lesson the Second: A Recognition Guide to the Armed ForcesThe first thing the Deployed Gentleman will note upon recovering from incipient heatstroke his composure after moving into his new sewer pipe with windows demesne is...
Rape in the Military -- [Villainous Company]
I am having a real problem with this:
...This is where I start to lose it.
Get your story straight, people. Which is it? Is is 15 percent? 40 percent? Or is it some inspecified, "jaw-dropping" number that is "possibly far higher"?
...This whole scenario doesn't really make much sense; especially when one looks at studies of job satisfaction in the military and learns that women in general (and black women in particular) are more satisfied with their military careers than their civilian counterparts. Are we really to believe there is an "epidemic of rape in the military" that is worse than what exists in the civilian sector
Training For The Worst -- [Strategy Page]
August 2, 2008: The U.S. Army developed a simulator to show troops how to escape from an overturned vehicle. This has saved hundreds of lives. A major cause of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan has been vehicle accidents.
Blogging from a war zone -- [Fraser From Iraq]
Allison Batdorff in a Stars and Stripes article “Blogging rules by branch” on July 8, 2008 summarized the variations of rules for each branch of the service. I republish this article here to allow our readers to understand why this blog can't read like an action film script.
B.C.-born soldier in U.S. Army lauded for film on Iraq war -- [Vancover Sun]
Growing up in B.C., Toby Nunn never imagined he'd join the army, go to war, or become a celebrity -- let alone one of the most famous non-commissioned soldiers to serve with American forces in Iraq.
"I was just a scrawny kid from the bush up in Canada," he says.
Nunn, 33, shot to fame in the U.S. this year as the star of Bad Voodoo's War, a groundbreaking film from Iraq, broadcast to wide acclaim on PBS Television's Frontline documentary program in April.
Bill Would Open Military Funerals To Media -- [AP / Fayetteville (NC) Observer]
A North Carolina congressman says the news media should be allowed to cover military ceremonies honoring troops who died while on active duty as well as the arrival of remains at military bases.
Should We See Dead Americans -- [Abu Muqawama]
Today, Clark Hoyt, the Public Editor of the New York Times, wrote a well-thought-ought piece on the debate over whether journalists ought publish and be allowed to publish images of dead Americans on the battlefields of Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This was sparked by the uproar over the decision of an embedded freelance reporter, Zoriah Miller, to publish the image of a dead Marine after his family was notified of his death--and the Marines subsequent decision to bar Miller from covering the Marines in Iraq.
The Obama campaign's continuing denial of reconciliation in Iraq -- [TigerHawk]
With the great statistical improvement in violence in Iraq, the response from the left has been to claim that sectarian violence has only declined because the massive amount of it that has already occurred has greatly diminished the opportunity for more of it (because Iraqis have segregated along sectarian lines, for example). Well, if this is not a great sign of the subsantive "national reconciliation" that critics of the Petraeus strategy have been claiming has not happened, I do not know what would be:
Exclusive: Obama Unfit to Hold Supreme Command of the American Military -- [Family Security Matters]
Let's boil it down even simpler: If you were flying with an experienced commercial-airline pilot who poorly flew the aircraft in which you were traveling, would you next time hope to fly in the same type of aircraft with a pilot whose experience was limited to a flight-simulator? Of course not. But that is exactly the kind of thinking the O-crowd wants us to buy into.
TWO TRACKS OF "UNFITNESS"
Fact is: Obama is not fit to be CIC. Someone else may argue the case of his fitness -- or lack thereof - as regards the other executive duties of an American president. But my focus here - and in subsequent pieces we will be publishing over the next weeks and months leading up to the November elections - is his unfitness for supreme command of the American military.
The Looming US Invasion of Darfur -- [ROFA Six]
Under President Obama, there is only one question regarding his order to US forces to invade Darfur in order to end the horror there. It is, "How long will it be after he takes office before he issues the order?"
Since we're talking Africa, someone will doubtlessly call me a racist for suggesting that lies ahead, ignoring completely that I too might be of African heritage. But, the US invasion of Sudan has nothing to do with race and has everything to do with the modern liberal worldview of socialists like Barack Obama.
The North Carolina Coalition to Stop War on Iran -- [GOE]
As part of a nationwide campaign sponsored by StopWarOnIran.org, the local chapter of F.I.S.T. staged an anti-war protest around the capital. ...Numbers: It seems everyone always wants to know about the numbers. Head counts are something I never remember to do, but others tell me it was 42 to 31. That's 42 commie moonbats, and 31 patriots. So my original estimate of 30 from mid-last-week appears to have been more accurate than the RPD's prediction of 300. But that's the way it always goes, we never know what's going to happen till it happens. I'm happy to report that Rolling Thunder accounted for a substantial portion of that number.
BREAKING: Zawahiri Dead, Global Warming Suspected -- [ScrappleFace]
(2008-08-02) — CBS News foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan, in an exclusive, Friday reported that al Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri may be dead, and a local Taliban leader blames global warming.
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