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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.
For U.S. and Sunni Allies, a Turning Point -- [WaPo - Letters]
BAGHDAD -- First Lt. Justin John, 6-foot-4 and built like a linebacker, plopped down on a sofa in front of Ibrahim Suleiman al-Zoubaidi, one of the leaders of the mainly Sunni armed groups that have helped the U.S. military quell violence in Iraq since last year.
Odierno Ready For New Post-Surge Mission -- [CBS News]
"You're targeted as the heavy-handed general. Back then, the charge was that your tactics helped fan the insurgency," Stahl pointed out.
"I think that that depiction is grossly exaggerated. But what I would say is first off, the area I was in was a very complex area. I was in the center of Saddam Hussein's Iraq. I was where he was from. But don't get me wrong. We made some mistakes," Odierno replied.
...I don't want to exaggerate, but he became somewhat of a hero. It has to be a little daunting," Stahl said.
"It's not uncomfortable for me to be here and feel that I have to, you know, live up to General Petraeus. I mean, I feel like I was also part of the success and part of the improvement that we made," Odierno replied.
“There Are 17 Marines Who Are Amputees Fighting In Iraq” -- [Pat Dollard] HT: Castle Argghhh
...Today, there are 17 Marines who are amputees fighting in Iraq. I am certain that there are as many soldiers doing the same for the Army. Recently, I received a widely distributed email from Col (Dr.) Brett Wyrick. He was a trauma surgeon at Balad Air Base in Iraq. He wrote: “If I ever hear (anyone) griping and complaining, I jump into them pretty quickly, now. Most people over here have nothing to gripe about compared to Marines. Marines are different. They have a different outlook on life ". .
A Study in Irregular Warfare -- [SWJ - William S. McCallister]
Iraq’s mainly Shia central government appears intent on limiting the power of the U.S. military backed Sons of Iraq (SOI) and its approximately 100,000 armed security volunteers. The SOI has been credited by the Coalition Forces for helping turn the tide against al-Qaeda in Iraq and are as of this writing remains on the U.S. military pay roll in return for providing security in local neighborhoods throughout the country. The Maliki government initially consented to Coalition Forces recommendation to integrate approximately 20% of these fighters, many of which are former insurgents, into the state’s security forces and to assist in providing vocational training for the remainder. But the Maliki government has begun to hedge on its promise
Ironhorse Report 64
US, Iraq step up operations against Iranian terror groups -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
US forces detained five members of the Hezbollah Brigades in Baghdad on Saturday as part of a renewed push to blunt the return of Iranian-backed Shia terror groups reentering Iraq. The Iraqi and US military have stepped up operations against the Special Groups over the past two weeks. Iraqi and US forces killed two Special Groups fighters and captured 107 since Sept. 16.
American and Iraqi Christians Join Together - [NY Times]
BAGHDAD — Amid grave fears for the future of Iraq’s dwindling Christian community, a group of American military chaplains and lay preachers met with Iraqi Christians at the Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad. It was a rare encounter for the Iraqis, many of whom have had family members killed, kidnapped and threatened in anti-Christian attacks since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, but who came in through the Green Zone checkpoints to sing and pray with their American fellow Christians.
Iraq signs billion-dollar power deals with GE, Siemens -- [Iraq Updates]
Iraq has signed preliminary deals worth billions of dollars with General Electric Co and Siemens for equipment to almost double electricity generation capacity, an energy official said on Saturday.
Iraq And The Calendar -- [Washington Post]
The White House is still hoping to wrap up a long-term strategic agreement with Iraq before year's end, but Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki offered a hint at some of the political difficulties in a little-noticed interview with Iraqi journalists earlier this month.
Dear Iraqi Friends -- [NY Times - THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN]
From: President George W. Bush
To: President Jalal Talabani of Iraq, Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashadani
...For the past two years, there has been a debate in this country over whether to set a deadline for a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. It seemed as if the resolution of that debate depended on who won the coming election. That is no longer the case. A deadline is coming.
Bully -- [Zen Traveller - in Iraq]
Driving out of the compound yesterday I watched in horror as a young Iraqi man raised a 2-foot piece of black rubber hose above his head and violently brought it down onto one the the street dogs that populate the neighborhood. If the dog hadn't leaped out of the way he certainly would have hit the dog. The man stood there and laughed as he raised the hose again for another try.
Exile! -- [The Left Captain - in Iraq]
The rumors of this being the end of the world are true. Everyone here joked that I was stuck for a good two weeks once I got off the helo. Today was my theoretical departure day but there is no flight scheduled. I've already settled into a sustainable rhythm, so it doesn't really matter how long I'm here. I have what I need: books, my laptop, a comfortable place to sleep, food, a small gym. I've seen a few patients which justifies my visit, but there really isn't much work for me to do
Sniper Mujahidin
Another Change for CPT G -- [Kaboom - in Iraq]
As this deployment continues, I am beginning to realize that nothing comes easy for CPT G. It seems that as soon as some order is put into place or he is told of some change, something completely different ends up happening. For example, just a few weeks ago I posted that CPT G was becoming a “fobbit” and would be placed in charge of Information Operations. That all changed a few days after I posted “Attention Please.”
Basically, after only ten days of regular showers, normal sleep patterns, and three meals a day, CPT G was told he would become a PL again.
Golden Hour... -- [Collabman's Thoughts - son in Iraq]
Evening...again...It has been a while since I have blogged twice in one day. However, the work of combat medics with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment's evacuation platoon is more than worthy of another blog. The combat medics for the 2nd SCR highlighted in this article face challenges well beyond their job. I am humbled by their efforts and so very glad to have them in the fight...especially during that golden hour when they first reach a warrior who has been wounded. See what you think...Here is a tip of the hat to these brave women who would tell you..."just doing my job." - well done! Enjoy...
Taliban Conscripting Sons In Pakistan -- [ThreatsWatch - Steve Schippert]
A Frontier Corps officer in the tribal region in Pakistan says that the Taliban has conscripted sons in the region, threatening families if they refuse to submit their male children. On Friday, a Pakistani military commander accused insurgents of forced
Locals Join Fight Against Taliban
Pakistan's military has launched a major offensive against Taliban and al Qaeda militants in tribal areas. Some 1,000 militants have been killed in Bajaur region in the last month. Alex Crawford reports from the area where locals have joined the fight.
Another Al Qaeda Last Stand -- [Strategy Page]
September 29, 2008: The Taliban and their al Qaeda allies have been fighting a large, and losing, battle against the army in the Pakistani region of Bajaur (right on the Afghan border). The fighting has been going on for a month now, and the terrorists have lost about a thousand dead, while the army has lost only 27 dead. The large disparity in losses is largely due to the Pakistani use of air power (bombers and helicopters) and artillery.
173rd's Dragon Platoon in Afghanistan HT: MaryAnn
British Operations in Helmand Afghanistan -- [SWJ - Dr. Daniel Marston]
I’m going to try to provide an overview of British operations, called HERRICK, in Helmand (HLD) province, Afghanistan, over the last couple of years. The situation in southern Afghanistan (RC South) is widely considered to be worsening, with the Taliban controlling entire districts and launching major attacks. The British, along with the rest of our allies, have faced heavy criticism for their prosecution of the war in the south. I will look at how the British have adapted to changing conditions, and their understanding and application of COIN principles.
4 LANCS Patrol Kabul
Territorial Army soldiers from 4th Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (4 LANCS)in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Commanding presence -- [Daily Gazette - Lt. Col. Paul Fanning]
The commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow) came to Afghanistan on Sept. 25 and 26 to visit deployed members of his command serving in Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII. Brig. Gen. Paul Genereux was accompanied by division Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Fearnside to see members of the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which falls under the command of the 42nd Infantry Division back in New York.
Taliban kills top Afghan female police officer -- [CBC News]
Sep 28, 2008 ... The most senior female police officer in Afghanistan was killed Sunday in a shooting in Kandahar city
Michael Yon Needs Our Help and We Need Michael Yon! -- [From Cow Pastures to Kosovo]
I've recently been in email and IM contact with Michael Yon. Michael is currently in Afghanistan but not for much longer. He's planning a trip back to Iraq. He has hopes of returning to Afghanistan for several months after Iraq but will not be able to do so unless he gets some SERIOUS financial backing and SOON! Here's part of an IM conversation I had with Michael a couple of days ago:
TRINITY (part 1) -- [Eject! Eject! Eject!]
...the United States stands astride the world as the most economically, militarily and culturally powerful force history has yet revealed.
Why?
Well, one reason is because here in America, a practically broke 19 year old kid can be the President of a Corporation, that's why. Of course some of these fail. Most of them fail, spectacularly fail, flaming wreckage, oh-the-humanity failures. I've had many of these, personally. More will no doubt come. It's easy to succeed in a country that lets you fail this often and this easily. The ingredients for greatness, goodness, success, happiness and prosperity are not hard to find, and yet so much of the world is a political and economic disaster.
Again: why?
Because folks, it ain't the ingredients. It's the recipe.
Somali Pirates: Under the Eyes of the U.S. Navy -- [EagleSpeak]
U.S. Navy photos showing pirate boats around Fainna and pirates on board the captured ship. Click on the photos to enlarge.
UPDATE: Pirates reduce ransom demand and one crewman has died as set out
Editorial in Saudi Daily Attacks the U.S. Administration, Supports the Gulf-Turkey Strategic Alliance To Counter the Iranian Threat -- [MEMRI]
Iran's Arrogant Stance Stems from "The Foolish American Policy"
"In light of Iran's recent threats against the security of the Gulf states, and its [warnings about] the impending disasters, perdition, and [other] terrible calamities that will befall the Arab Gulf states, whose policy is characterized by moderation and conciliation, it was inevitable that these countries should seek a strategic ally to counterbalance Iran's rising power. [This] was inevitable, since Teheran has been using increasingly aggressive and extremist language in its political discourse, arming itself, and provoking the world in its attempt to obtain a nuclear bomb. "The new strategic situation, which has brought Iran to this arrogant stance, stemmed from the foolish American policy, which eliminated Iraq from the strategic regional power equation, and turned it into a torn country, beset by bitter conflict, and - at the very least - into a pro-Iranian state. Teheran has even [gone so far as to] threaten Washington with an attack on the allies of the American forces in Iraq!"
Al-Jazeera Host Dr. Faisal Al-Qassem: The Cold War is Back, What a Relief; Egyptian Liberal Kamal Ghobrial: Despite the Arabs' Hopes, No Cold War -- [MEMRI]
On August 23, 2008, Al-Jazeera host Faisal Al-Qassem wrote: "The dominant mood of the Arab public is one of relief now that relations between America and Russia have come to a head, in accordance with the principle of one people's misfortunes being another people's gain.
"Without a doubt, many Arabs always hoped that what the late Russian president Boris Yeltsin called the 'cold peace' between Russia and the West would turn into a new cold war. How could it be otherwise, given that our lives were many times better in the days of the Cold War than they are now under the unipolar hegemony [of the U.S.]?
"You can't blame the Arabs for their elation at Russia's return to the international stage
Bush Sends His Negotiator For Talks In North Korea -- [New York Times]
The Bush administration is dispatching its chief North Korea negotiator, Christopher Hill, to Pyongyang this week in a last-ditch effort to rescue what the White House had hoped would be a singular foreign policy achievement: an accord leading to the country’s nuclear disarmament.
The Ayers-Weatherman Terrorist Attack as It Might Have Happened -- [PJM - Bob Owens]
"Just some guy in the neighborhood" who almost blew up the Fort Dix NCO Club.
...The attack planned on Fort Dix was an entirely different animal, as authorities carefully sifting through the rubble would eventually discover.
Four 12″ pipe-bombs stuffed with dynamite, using roof nails as shrapnel designed to add lethality to the blast, were recovered in the remains of the basement bomb factory. So were more than 50 sticks of dynamite, some of it fused in eight-stick bundles that could level entire buildings. Had these bombs not detonated hours before in a Greenwich Village basement, the attack imagined above could have easily come to pass. In fact, the terror attack described above would have used less than half of the bombs built by Bill Ayer’s Weathermen.
Osama, Zawahiri to be tried in Pakistan if captured -- [Flopping Aces]
Mmmmm, yeeeeeeeeeeah. Somehow I don’t see that happening under GWB or McCain or even under Obama. GWB’d likely pay or do anything to get him to the US. McCain as well. Obama’d be forced to do anything/pay anything to get them to the US for a fair trial. Besides, I don’t think Pakistan’s govt wants to deal with the blowback from executing people commonly seen as heroes in their own country.
U.S. Urged To Go On Offense In Cyberwar -- [Washington Times]
The United States needs to do more to develop an offensive cyberwar capability rather than just focus on defending its networks from attack, says the chairman of the House cybersecurity subcommittee.
"Mama, they brought me back to life!" -- [Soldiers' Angel Germany]
From yesterday's Stryker Brigade News, this amazing story:
On Feb. 8, 2008, Hixon, a Soldier with 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, was driving his Stryker through streets in Iraq when it was struck by a 500-pound improvised explosive device.
The IED ripped through the cab of the vehicle, killing four of the five Soldiers riding inside. Hixon, left dangling upside down in the twisted remains of the Stryker, was the only one left alive.
Two hours later, he was freed and on his way to Balad.
Bane Support Raffle -- [Soldier's Perspective - CJ]
As you know, we're trying to help raise money to send to fallen blogger Bane's family to help pay for funeral and hospital expenses. Bane was in the hospital before passing away on Monday. To help raise the funds and keep from just asking for money, I thought it would be fun to auction the now famous "Paratroopers of Blackfive" shirt I had made for the 2008 Milblog Conference.
What is success? -- [SouseBuzz - AWTM]
I was reading an article this morning on the success of reintegration, reunion, and the transition of Military families.
How does one measure "sucess in reintegration?"
VA to Raise Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits -- [MilBlogs - Soldier's Mom]
VA to Raise Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Benefits
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs announced last week changes to its schedule for rating disabilities for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the "signature wound" of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Marine's Widow Hits Visa Snag. -- [Stars&Stripes]
The phone call devastated Robin Ferschke, the mother of a Marine killed in Iraq.
Her Okinawan daughter-in-law, six months pregnant with the couple’s child, tearfully called earlier this week and said she was having problems getting a residency visa to live in the United States. . . .
Starbucks in Afghanistan? Well, Thanks to the Patron's of the Starbucks in Southaven -- [From Cow Pastures to Kosovo]
Several of the Starbucks stores in the Memphis metro area are having drives to collect coffee for the 6/4 CAV currently deployed to northeastern Afghanistan. I received an email today with photos of the first shipment being repacked for delivery out to the remote firebases and outposts. Many thanks to the store manager, Dana, and all of the patrons of the Starbucks in Southaven, MS who donated for this particular shipment
Summary of FY09 Defense Authorization Act -- [Some Soldier's Mom]
Active Duty Issues
- Pay Raise: 3.9% pay raise effective Jan 1, 2009
- End Strength: Army +7K USMC +5K Navy -2.8K USAF -12.5K (did not restore previously proposed cut for USAF, even though SecDef has stated that the planned USAF cut will not be imposed)
VOIP Vanquishes The Cards -- [Strategy Page]
September 27, 2008: The U.S. of phone cards (to pay for telephone calls home) in Iraq has fallen from 12 million minutes (at about 20 cents a minute) a month last Fall, to about half that now. The main reason for this has been the introduction of high-speed internet at military bases. This was made possible by the construction of high speed internet links into Iraq, where the there was very little access until Saddam was overthrown in 2003.
Soldiers in Combat Develop a Powerful Attachment to one Another -- [Soldier's Perspective - Roman General]
The question about will a soldier seek out help when they are losing sleep and exhibiting signs of PTSD. Probably not if they are still in the military, because the military has a deep ingrained belief that PTSD is a weakness.
Children in Battle? -- [MilBlogs - Greyhawk]
...John S. D. Eisenhower: "Presidential Children Don’t Belong in Battle"
Personally I think we should put an age limit on military service - say, 18 years old - to ensure that no children are ever sent to battle. As I understand the author, who spent part of his childhood as a major in the Korean war (presumably commanding younger, less experienced children), this exemption should only apply to candidates.
For those who think that's too exclusionary:
Punishing Bad Generals -- [Strateguy Page]
September 29, 2008: Eight U.S. Air Force and Army generals have been punished for a shipping error two years ago. The error sent four electronic components for nuclear warheads to Taiwan (where they were expecting some helicopter batteries.) None of the generals (ranging in rank from one to three star) lost their jobs, but this black mark on their records will hurt their promotion prospects (badly) and possibly the size of their pension.
Back in Iraq -- [Another Adventure - in Iraq]
I'm home from leave. I had to shut down my blog until I completed a briefing, something I couldn't do from Minnesota. I'm not sure if I will be able to repost my preveous blogs.
Defense establishment opens arms to military bloggers
...He, like most milbloggers, is unabashedly pro-military and supports the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said his bias — "to counter all the negativity" and "expose the successes of the war" — is known to all who read his blog.
But Grisham said he is no tool for the Army, and he is sensitive to his blog’s being labeled as propaganda, as some have suggested.
"I don’t shy away when the Army screws up," he said.
As an example, he said, the Army provided a one-star general and sergeant major in April to talk to milbloggers about the scandal erupting over deplorable conditions at a Fort Bragg barracks for young soldiers. Grisham said the leaders received a number of "pointed questions" by bloggers who "all know how barracks life is and how it works."
"Initially it was probably a rude awakening," Grisham said. "We didn’t give them a f
Come Safely Home -- [Matel - in Iraq]
My year is finished. I have accomplished all that I will and I have come safely home. So … how did we do?
Reunions delayed for soldiers returning from Iraq -- [Indianapolis Star]
"It's no longer just about a welcome-home ceremony; it's not so simple as that," said Belinda Ireland, a counselor with the Guard's family programs division ...
Soldier's welcome -- [Record-Searchlight]
"You get off the airplane and they put you in an airport hangar, and there are a lot of 'Welcome Home' banners up and there are news crews,"
'Fight the Smears' Website Admits Obama was Kenyan Citizen: Where's the MSM? -- [Newsbusters]
Following the controversy over the authenticity of Barack Obama's birth certificate can be a bit confusing with all its detailed analysis. Your humble correspondent will leave that up to the experts. However, in response to the charge that Barack Obama is not an American citizen, Obama's Fight the Smears website, quoting FactCheck.Org, has made a bombshell admission...Barack Obama was once a citizen of Kenya. You read that right, Obama had Kenyan citizenship until 1982.
A Tale of Two Bracelets -- [Greyhawk]
I wish this wasn't a story - but it is.
...Regarding Barack Obama: According to the father, Tracy Jopek wrote to the Senator: “She had asked him not to wear the bracelet.”
Soldier's mother 'ecstatic' about Obama's bracelet -- [AP/Boston Globe]
...Jopek criticized Internet reports suggesting Obama, D-Ill., exploited her son for political purposes.
"I don't understand how people can take that and turn it into some garbage on the Internet," she said.
Jopek acknowledged e-mailing the Obama campaign in February asking that the presidential candidate not mention her son in speeches or debates. But she said Obama's mention on Friday was appropriate because he was responding after Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee, said a soldier's mother gave him a bracelet.
Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis
The catalyst that caused the economic collapse -- [ROFA Six]
I continue to be amazed at the number of people who blame George Bush and his administration for the housing collapse and economic crisis. This administration did not cause this collapse. But there is no doubt that it's legacy will be a greater economic disaster story that has yet to be written. The "economic bailout" promises only greater pain for our economy.
Documents Reveal Obama's Close Ties to Terrorist -- [Gateway Pundit]
Of course this connection has been reported here several times but it looks like there's finally a crack in the media wall of silence surrounding Barack Obama and his close terrorist friends.
A Special Message from Barack Obama's Teleprompter -- [Iowahawk]
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
