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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.
Never type in an MRAP -- [THIS WE'LL DEFEND - in Iraq]
Bagdad is at it's lowest level of violence in years, shops are open, kids go to school, there are political posters up and down the streets advertising for the upcoming elections this fall. Yes, there is still violence, sectarian and otherwise. People are still getting blown up. But not as many as before. And it's declining. AQI is considered kind of a joke.
What do we do as advisors? Our team is broker into sections and each one has a counterpart in the Iraqi battalion. For instance ...
US Army creates non-lethal platoon to handle reconstruction as violence subsides -- [LWJ - Bill Murray]
A Stryker platoon is assigned to administer reconstruction and security projects in northern Diyala province.
Shabaniyah -- [LT Nixon Rants]
Al-Jazeera English says that the pilgrimage to Karbala, Iraq to commemorate the birth of the Imam Mahdi has been a success. They quote Ministry of Interior Bolani saying "The day will come soon when we will announce that al-Qaeda's coffin has been thrown in the garbage of history." This is in stark contrast to last year's pilgrimage where Sadr's band of thugs fought with the Iraqi Security Forces in Karbala (many of them Badr corps)...dozens of civilians were killed in the cross-fire. No word yet from Sadr's enablers in the American media about this event,
Iraq moves against some US-backed Sunni fighters -- [AP]
BAGHDAD (AP) -- The Shiite-led government is cracking down on U.S.-backed Sunni Arab fighters in one of Iraq's most turbulent regions, arresting some leaders, disarming dozens of men and banning them from manning checkpoints except alongside official security forces....
Raid Report Aug. 17
This edition features stories on Iraqi Army Soldiers detain four citizens who are suspected of planning a attack, Iraqi Soldiers who discover a weapons cache and a Sons of Iraq member who lead coalition forces to a weapons cache.
Marine Corps’ top enlisted visits Marines on Camp Baharia -- [Fearless 1st Marines’ blog - in Iraq]
...“You know, it means a lot that he’s out here,” said Sgt. Scott Patterson, a section leader with Wpns. Co., 3rd Bn., 6th Marines. “Most of the stuff that he talked about answered questions that Marines had going into the meeting. It took a lot of stuff off people’s minds, which is important, especially out here. He really drilled home the fact that the Marine Corps isn’t (pulling out of Iraq) anytime soon.”
Rigging the Game? -- [Abu Muqawama]
The failure to pass a provincial election law is not the only dark cloud on the election front. On Dr. iRack's recent Iraq voyage, many U.S. commanders, coalition officials, and Iraqis expressed growing concerns that the "Powers That Be" (Dawa, ISCI, the IIP, PUK, and KDP) will use their monopoly on official power--including their dominance of governors, provincial councils, and the Iraqi Security forces
Iraqis blame US for increasing Iran influence -- [Middle East Online - Ahmed Ali and Dahr Jamail]
Chaos in Iraq as pro-Iran US-backed militias clash with anti-Iran US-baked militants.
...The Badr militia has itself been blamed for carrying out several attacks against Sahwa forces in some areas of Iraq. Many anti-occupation militants are now members of the primarily Sunni Sahwa forces – also backed by the US
"The militants believe that the Shiite officials are from the Badr militia, who are trained and strongly directed by Iran, with of course the knowledge of the Americans," said a Sahwa leader, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A Young Commander's Uneasy Assurances -- [Soldier's Home]
...The Americans knew the residents of this area had legitimate cause to be nervous. Prior U.S. Army operations into the region were comparatively short, and resulted in the arrests of Iraqis suspected of aiding the insurgency. Now, citizens like the school teacher had no assurances that if they gave the Army intelligence, the soldiers would remain to ensure they were protected from retribution by hostile forces.
McDonald later observed that perhaps his greatest asset during the opening moments of these types of conversations is the ability of his Iraq-born translator to observe the mannerisms of a subject that may be imperceptible to the non-Arabic speaker. While the person may appear to the American as welcoming and hospitable, the translator can usually tell whether there is there is a nervousness or anger in the speaker’s voice.
Presents For Patients
Members of the 416th Civil Affairs Bn. delivering toys and textbooks to the Ibn Al Atheer Pediactric Hospital.
A Little Ain't Enough -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
Hey Joe, I just want you to know that I had three cups of chocalate... FOR BREAKFAST! And it was delicious! This one is for you, kid. Keep your chin up. One day you too you will be a corporal and you will fuck things up in your own way.
Yes, you too can be deployed without ever leaving the USA!
How?
Iraqi Falafel -- [Matel - in Iraq]
The ordinary is the extraordinary in a place like Anbar. I was reminded of that during a recent visit to a falafel stand in Hadithah. Instead of the usual chow hall fare, we decided to go out for lunch. It was a big deal, requiring a convoy, but I think it was worth it. The shop owner was delighted to have us come in and I think we contributed to the general feeling that peace and normality is returning to this recently-war-torn city. Reports of these kinds of gestures pass by word of mouth and have strong impact on local attitudes. Of course, we are not the first. The Marines at the nearby camp are the ones who told us about the shop, so they presumably have eaten here too.
Day off -- [Fobbits need ice cream too - in Iraq]
En route to the truck today, I was stopped by the convoy commander (and my squad leader) and told our mission was canceled. I'm not sure why missions randomly get canceled; we're not that high in the food chain. I'm glad to not go, the pilgrimage to Karbala is going on right now and the other night while coming back south, we passed thousands of cars packed full of people from Iran. We usually deal with maybe 10 cars a night normally. These guys were coming at us across all 6 lanes and since they're from Iran, they have no idea how we run the show on the road. Pretty crazy stuff.
The old colonialism of reconstruction -- [IN-Iraq - embed in Iraq]
I know I'm a naive American. But the Iraq reconstruction provides all manner of eye-opening observations on how raw economics and power really work. Private contractors handle everything in Iraq from smorgasbord super cafeterias to security for diplomats and USAID workers in Baghdad.
China begins work on $900 million power plant and agrees to develop oil field in southern Iraq -- [Azzaman]
The Chinese firm, Shanghai, has started constructing a major thermal power plant in the southern Province of Wasit, the Ministry of electricity said.
Electricity Minister Kareem Waheed attended the laying down of the foundation stone for the plant, the largest ever project a foreign firm begins constructing in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion.
US oil company says it has ended talks with Iraq -- [AP]
A major independent U.S. oil producer said Wednesday that it has ended negotiations with Iraq to develop an oil field. A spokeswoman for Anadarko Petroleum Corp., Paula Beasley, gave no reason for the decision but said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that "we do not intend to pursue additional interests at this time."
Wheee! -- [Miserable Donuts - in Iraq]
I had jumped into the Blackhawk with my helmet sliding around - chinstrap askew, goggles knocked about - when a passenger ...
International: "Foul Ball: Muslim Women Banned from Sports Participation" -- [WLUML]
14/08/2008: In this essay, Rochelle Terman considers the role of Muslim women in sports on the global scene, especially in light of the current Olympic Games.
"Mehboba Ahdyar, a 19-year-old sprinter from Kabul, has been an inspiration and role model to many Muslim women with a passion for sports. As the only woman representing her team from Afghanistan in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Ahdyar was considered by many to be the poster-child for everything the Olympics stood for. Not only did she symbolize the hope and resurgence of a country devastated by war, but her presence was meant to demonstrate a new, post-Taliban gender equality. But just three weeks before the Games, Mehboba Ahdyar fled from an Italian training camp, giving up her dream to compete in Beijing to apply for asylum in Europe. She said she was too scared of reprisals from those disapproving of her sports career, and feared for her life.
More Afghan women attending Shuras shows progress -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101]
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 13, 2008) — More than 100 local women attended the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Woman's Shura in Anaba District, Aug. 4, participated in the welfare of their villages and addressed ongoing issues. Air Force Capt. Jillian
Attack on Afghan Independence Day kills 10 -- [AP]
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The top U.S. general in Afghanistan issued a rare public warning Monday to Afghans celebrating Independence Day that militants planned to attack civilian, military and government targets. Only hours earlier, a suicide bomber killed 10 Afghans outside a U.S. base....
Afghan Commandos, Coalition forces disrupt Taliban stronghold in Zeriko Valley -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101]
A team of Afghan National Army Commandos, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, attacked a Taliban sanctuary in western Afghanistan’s Zeriko Valley recently.
The combined forces sought to liberate locals in the stronghold established by a Taliban commander, who is coordinating both the acquisition and movement of weapons and supplies, and the movement and employment of Taliban fighters within Farah province.
Task Force 2/7 raids Taliban headquarters -- [From the Stan]
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines conducted their first major assault on a Taliban headquarters in NowZad, Afghanistan.
The Marines’ major accomplishments of the raid were the destruction of several enemy buildings, fighting positions, IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and the capture of a Taliban fighter.
NEFA Foundation: Focus on the Taliban's Official Al-Somood Magazine -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
In reflection of the growing intensity of Taliban activity in Pakistan and Afghanistan, over the coming weeks, the NEFA Foundation will be releasing a stream of content drawn from Al-Somood, a monthly Islamic magazine published by the Taliban’s media center.
Welcome to Camp Phoenix, where morale and intitiative go to die... -- [Cheese's MilBlog - in Afghanistan]
Well it's finally happened. They've broken me. We've been waiting around for the other shoe to drop for some time now, and the official word came today. Soon, my company will be taking over towers and the front gate. Let me repeat that...the company that has set the standard since mobilization training began has been assigned to GATES and TOWERS! Not only that, but we're getting 32 of our people back from all over the country and are completely reorganizing our platoons to include them.
More C-130s leave Ramstein AB for Georgia with aid, relief personnel -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
115 Soldiers from Immediate Response 2008 exercise remain in Tblisi, medical team on stand-by in Germany. Flights to continue until further notice, Naval expansion planned.
U.S. aid lands in Georgia
U.S.' Gates scoffs at Russian warnings to Poland -- [Reuters]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pentagon chief Robert Gates dismissed as "empty rhetoric" on Sunday Russian warnings that Moscow would target Poland for a possible military strike because Warsaw agreed to host part of a U.S. missile shield
Don't stop U.S. broadcasts to Russia and Georgia -- [The Examiner]
Ten days before Russian tanks and infantry invaded the democratic and pro-Western Republic of Georgia, the federal government’s Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) terminated all Voice of America (VoA) radio broadcasts to Russia, The Washington Examiner has learned. This means that throughout the still unfolding international crisis, a key communications tool that helped win the Cold War for the United States has been mute
South Ossetia, a hummer-top AAR. -- [John of Argghhh!!!]
...It's a clear victory, short term, for the Russians. Long term, maybe not so much. The Poles, who were playing cute over missile defense - and the recipient of warnings themselves about things like that - suddenly developed an intense interest in the subject - and no doubt Ukraine and Byelorussia are taking notes - as clearly the Baltic states are. NATO and the Europeans have been reminded that the Russian bully they have feared and despised for so long - is no longer the drunken bully who is staggering around, more a danger to himself than others.
On Georgia and NATO -- [The Tank - Steve Schippert]
It is a relief that Georgia was not permitted into NATO ahead of Russia's clearly orchestrated invasion. Yes, you heard correctly, a relief.
Why? Here's why: Is there anyone who thinks for a second that any of the NATO members would have risen to the occasion to defend a newly admitted Georgia against "mighty Russia"?
President resigns, leaves Aiwan-e-Sadr -- [GEO TV]
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf has vacated Aiwan-e-Sadr after stepping down from the office of President.
He was accorded a 'guard of honour' before leaving the President’s House.
Before departing, the former president met with many important figures including the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
President Pervez Musharraf resigns
British anti-Americanism ‘based on misconceptions’ -- [Telegraph]
British attitudes towards the United States are governed by ignorance of the facts on key issues such as crime, health care and foreign policy, according to a new survey. — A poll of nearly 2,000 Britons by YouGov/PHI found that 70 per cent …
USA Gold Medalists that You should know -- [Blackfive]
A few of you have sent stories about our military Olympians.
I believe that the first gold medal won by the USA was not by a swimmer or gymnast. It was a US Army Specialist shooting double trap.
BEIJING BEAT: Embattled nations savor Olympics -- [AP]
BEIJING (AP) — An Iraqi sprinter whose coach had to bribe militiamen so she could train. A Palestinian swimmer unable to use the Olympic-size pool nearest her home. A pioneering runner from war-wracked Afghanistan who placed last in the 100 meters.
No medals await athletes like these, from beleaguered nations with scant sports resources. In some cases, their compatriots back home received only sketchy accounts — if any — about their performances.
Space Today Online - Iran space satellite launch -- [Space Today]
Iran is planning to modify one of its powerful Shahab-3 ballistic missiles and use it to blast a satellite to space, according to news reports from the ...
Al Qaeda At 20: Some Thoughts -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
I think Peter Bergen's Outlook section piece in the Washington Post was very useful in looking at al Qaeda at 20. It is hard to believe they have been around that long.
Al-Sahab Distributes Al-Zawahiri's Audio Message to Pakistani Army and People -- [MEMRI]
On August 16, 2008, the Islamist forum Al-Ikhlas posted an audio message by Al-Zawahiri, titled "To the Pakistan Army and the People of Pakistan."
In the message, Al-Zawahiri urged the soldiers and officers of the Pakistani army and the people of Pakistan to rise up against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Dear Private Tobacco, -- [War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
just letting you you know that you've outdone yourself with your most recent 'update'. i gotta let you know that when i was celebrating Itzahk’s birthday...you remember him don't you? Have you told [THE TCN] about what a spunky little guy he is? Ah...i digress. So back to the party. the one image that i'm unable to let go of is that of Ariel Haddar clinging helplessly to a cheap little neck pillow with an image of you attached. [My wife got one of those “Daddy Dolls”] I guess that's his surrogate daddy. Either way, I can't hold back from telling you that i'm so sick of seeing that pathetic smile/grimace on your face everytime you feel the need to update us on your GI Joe mission. You can already see where i'm going with this can't you? Just remember, you are not a hero, nor will you ever be one. you are a deserter...plain and simple.
take us off your mailing list.
Dave Bellavia from Iraq -- [BlackFive]
Big Wave Dave cut a video for all you here at Blackfive while he was in Iraq. He talks about the current situation there and points out what looks like some BS from AT&T about supposed 300 minute phone cards that yield less than an hour of actual talk time.
Do You Knit, Sew or Crochet? -- [SOLDIERS' ANGELS TEXAS]
Soldiers' Angels Crochet and Craft team is in need of those willing to sew, crochet and knit items for our VA Nursing Homes and VA Hospitals across the country.
Blankets & Soccer Balls -- [Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana]
SOCCER BALLS: I just got a request for soccer balls to give to the Iraqi children during Ramadan. If you can contribute, contact me gretaperry@gmail.com
Fringe Group on the Streets of NYC Says Fuck the Marines -- [C.H.U.D. Busters]
The 90s-era Giuliani purge of all things undesirable on Times Square apparently forgot to ship off the Black Israelites to Jersey. A NY Times article from a decade ago notes how they have continued to set up shop in NYC, advocating for the enslavement of white people. This bit must've gotten old, because now they are ...
Parents of the National Guard -- [Parent Zone]
National Guard Parents – more on the invisible portion of the OnePercenters.
As a military parent, you become more and more aware of the gap between the military and the civilian worlds. Mostly, because you are trying to straddle it – and the gap grows and grows, as your child becomes a soldier, as they go for more training and become a Marine, as the ship farewells become a fact of life. But even in this little clan, there is a sub clan, that has a whole different and unique set of problems.
A Day In The Life -- [War & Health]
If I could convey one message to the general public about the USS Kearsarge’s mission, it would be this: Off the coast of Nicaragua 1500 Americans, Canadians, Dutch, and even a German are working 18+ hour per day, seven days a week, to provide health care and a better life to the residents of Puerto Cabezas. The Kearsarge is parked three miles off the coast of Puerto Cabezas. For the 100+ medical and humanitarian professions who go ashore each day, this means one hell of a commute. The following is a multimedia time line of an average day in the life of someone on board the USS Kearsarge, using all my own videos and photos:
Learning to Fly -- [Jason's Iraq Vacation - home from Iraq]
...There are still residual effects from the deployment. I think anyone who returns from a deployment has to deal with things they never thought would bother them. Don’t know what I mean? Let's just say the 4th of July has gone from 1st to worst in my holiday list.
This is going to be the last post I enter into this blog. I guess it’s like the happy ending I always hoped for during my deployment. I know I am lucky - there are many more who return without any support and struggle to cope with re-adjustment into society.
Chasing Ghosts -- [THE CI-ROLLER DUDE]
From the Soldier side: I just read a good book- Chasing Ghosts. LT Rieckhoff writes so well that I thought I had actually been there...oh, I was.
Now, keep in mind that each solider, Marine, Sailor and Airmen will have a different point of view from this war....oh, not too much unlike some of our last wars. The LT did what
...If you have a weak stomach, don't read the book. If you want to know the crap some troops had to put up with, read the book.
Mitchell Also Circulated Obama's Conspiracy Theory Over Cancelled Troop Visit -- [NewsBusters]
In asserting a "pattern" of such behavior by Mitchell, what did Davis have in mind? Almost surely it included a very similar stunt that Mitchell pulled in connection with Obama's cancellation of his planned visit to injured troops while in Germany for his speech in Berlin. As I noted here at the time, Mitchell passed along the Obama camp's unsubstantiated conspiracy theory that McCain had pulled strings with Pentagon buddies to have them withdraw permission for the visit.
NBC's Andrea Mitchell Floats Idea McCain Cheated -- [NewsBusters]
Think John McCain did pretty well in last evening's Saddleback Civil Forum on Presidency hosted by the Rev. Rick Warren? You're not the only one. The Obama campaign thinks he did well too -- so good, in fact, that they think he might have cheated. And on this morning's "Meet the Press," Andrea Mitchell wasted no time floating the Obama campaign's "private" concern:
McCain Camp Blasts NBC's Cone of Liberal Bias -- [Gateway Pundit]
The McCain Camp sent a letter to NBC confronting the network on its liberal bias and unsubstantiated attacks--
Aftrer the outrageous attacks on John McCain by NBC hack Andrea Mitchell yesterday- saying that McCain did so well in the Faith Forum because he was able to hear the questions- the McCain Camp responded with a letter to NBC.
McCain on Iraq war: 'I intend to win it' -- [The Swamp]
Republican John McCain, addressing fellow veterans of foreign wars in Orlando today, is telling them that both he and Democratic rival Barack Obama plan to bring U.S. forces home from the war in Iraq - "the great difference is that I intend to win it first.''
McCain 1 - Obama 0 -- [Cajun Tiger's Rants and Raves]
Last night's Saddleback forum was the first time McCain and Obama have "met" on the same stage. If you didn't watch it, try to see the repeats over the next couple of days b/c it was very informative. It is very clear why Obama is avoiding debates as much as possible, especially the town hall type forum. McCain was clearly the winner last night and it wasn't even close.
McCain needs to get his stories out more about his time in the prison camp. The two stories he told last night about sacrificing his freedom for his code of conduct and friends as well as his story about the Christian guard say so much about the man he is and everyone needs to know that side of him.
Swiftboating: Not a Big Deal to Obama -- [LGF]
You know that “swiftboating” thing Barack Obama’s campaign is always moaning about? Apparently it’s all behind them now: Obama deflects Swift Boat question.
NBC’s Mitchell Reveals How McCain Breached Cone -- [ScrappleFace]
(2008-08-18) — NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell today explained how Sen. John McCain may have violated the ‘cone of silence’ at Saturday night’s forum with Pastor Rick Warren, allowing him to get a sneak preview of questions posed to Barack Obama before he took the stage to answer the same questions.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
