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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.
Cognitive Disconnects... -- [Castle Argghhh!!! - Bill - in Iraq]
…an Iraqi coming toward me with a drawn knife -- is looking to borrow my ceramic sharpener……one of my hootchmates chows down on kimchi and peppers drenched in hot sauce and then complains that the bottled water here gives him gas……an obscene period of time elapses between the *last* rockets smacking in and the “Take Cover” warble, but mere seconds elapse between a distant clap of thunder and the “Alarm Red” announcement…here’s a better chance I’ll be electrocuted in the shower than killed by an incoming rocket, mortar, or RPG…
ISI War Minister Threatens: Countries Taking Part in Iraq Coalition Will Be Attacked on Their Own Soil -- [MEMRI Blog]
In an audio message published October 24, 2008 by the ISI media company Al-Furqan, ISI War Minister Abu Hamza Al-Muhajir threatened the coalition countries with attacks on their own soil. He specifically threatened to target...
US turns over control of 12th Iraqi province -- [AP]
BABYLON, Iraq (AP) — The U.S. relinquished control of a southern province that includes Sunni areas once known as the "triangle of death," handing security responsibility to the Iraqi government on Thursday. In the capital, where insurgent attacks continue nearly daily, a car bomber targeted a government minister's convoy, killing at least 13 people. Babil is the 12th of 18 Iraqi provinces to be handed over and a sign of the improving security. U.S. forces will remain in the area to assist the Iraqis when needed.
At a transfer ceremony held near the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq, said security gains have been remarkable — with the number of attacks falling about 80 percent from an average of 20 per week a year ago. But he cautioned that "while the enemies of Iraq are down, they are not necessarily defeated."
Patrol Base Inchon Transfers from Rakkasans to Iraqi Army
Iraq: US forces hand over Triangle of Death -- [Telegraph]
US forces in Iraq have handed over control of a province once part of a so-called 'Triangle of Death'.
The fall in violence coincided with the "surge" of thousands of extra US troops deployed in Iraq.
But America and Iraq are now trying to reach agreement over the future presence of US and coalition forces in the country. The United Nations mandate allowing their deployment expires on Dec 31.
America wants to conclude a "Status of Forces Agreement" (SOFA) allowing its troops to stay beyond this deadline. But Iraq wants guarantees that any US forces on its territory will not attack its powerful neighbour, Iran.
Iran urges Iraqi solidarity on SOFA -- [Middle East Times]
TEHRAN, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Iranian officials said all Iraqi ethnic and political groups should stand in unity in negotiations with Washington over the long-term security arrangement.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a meeting in Tehran with Kurdish President Massoud Barzani that the American presence in Iraq only serves to undermine unity and create friction in the region, the Islamic Republic News Agency said Thursday.
Egyptian Daily: Only National Resistance Will Expel U.S. Occupation From Iraq -- [MEMRI Blog]
The Egyptian daily Al-Gomhouriyya has accused the U.S. of forcing the U.S.-Iraq security pact on the Iraqi government despite the Iraqi people's extensive opposition to it.
It also said that only national Iraqi resistance can expel the U.S. occupation from Iraq.
On the SOFA -- [MilBlogs -Greyhawk]
...Most of my concern is due to the abbreviated descriptions provided in the story. In addition to "complete" (???) draw down, for instance, what exactly does this mean: "Iraq will also be in control of its air space once the agreement comes into effect." I can offer five different definitions of "in control of its air space" off the top of my head. At least one of those (no US Forces performing actual air traffic control) scares the living Shiite out of me (though maybe they've advanced and expanded more than I know). Other possible interpretations (UAV flight approval) raise other concerns. Again, that's one example of many, the AFP report does not provide anywhere near the fidelity required for cogent analysis or additional comment, might be inaccurate, and is assuredly incomplete. Other than that, no problem.
Inside Story - Iraq security deal - Oct 24 - Part 1 with Bill Roggio Speaking
Iraq News: Someone Take This SOFA To The Dump -- [LT Nixon]
The Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq (SOFA) has been a topic of conversation in the media ever since Ambassador Crocker had to explain to the Iraqis, American politicians, and everyone in between that it would not mean permanent bases. But now this political beast has taken on a life of its own, and implications of coalition troops staying past the U.N. mandate (which expires on Dec. 31) have become increasingly controversial.
Inside Story - Iraq security deal - Oct 24 - Part 2 - with Bill Roggio Speaking
Adventures in ROE: Waiting on the Lawyers -- [Captain's Journal]
In Prosecution of U.S. Troops Under Iraq SOFA we broadly outlined some problems we have with the draft Status of Forces Agreement awaiting Iraqi parliament approval. Review of the draft SOFA raises even more questions and forces the conclusion that things could very well be worse than first suspected. A few examples are in order, followed by a review of international lawyer hand-wringing over Somalian pirates.
Iftar dinner in Hilla. -- [HILLAS' HISTORIES - in Iraq]
This news may be a little dated, but it was just reported by the US Embassy: PRT Shares Iftar with Iraqis in Babil Province. Saying good-by to Al-Tufail tribe leader Sheik Al-Shanan at the end of Iftar.
"The [PRT's] yearly tradition of hosting an Iftar dinner during Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for members of Babylon's local government to come together with local NGO representatives, tribal leaders and businessmen.”
Iraq Stock Exchange Enjoying a Boom
The ISX index has soared 40 percent since September, boosted by increasing confidence in security gains and largely ... The ISX index has soared 40 percent since September, boosted by increasing confidence in security gains and largely shielded from international market woes by its isolated status. Stock market chief Taha Abdul-Salam explains. (Oct. 12)
Honey, I'm Home -- [Outside the Wire]
To paraphrase the Jr. Senator from Illinois, "this is not the Baghdad I used to know."
Organized soccer matches between teams in uniforms. Children and families on playgrounds. Packed restaurants.
In the spring and early summer of 2007, those were things you did not see in Baghdad's West Rashid District. In the early days of the surge, Baghdad residents referred to West Rashid as "the arena." Sunni and Shia assassins added to the daily body count in a blood fued for hire that sprialed nearly out of control.
Ghost of Anbar: One Marine: A Model Approach by Michael Yon
A note, Michael Yon is currently in Afghanistan and posting dispatches, he gets access many do not and has an insight most reporters cannot.
Oh, That Way Madness Lies; Let Me Shun That -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
...I trudge back to my room, saluting on the way. I have to be straight with you. I love the Army. I love the infantry. I love my unit and I have faith in my commander and my soldiers. We are a good team with a good mission and I am happy to be a part of something greater than myself. We are an army that has set a nation free from years of oppression. I see this on the faces of the Iraqi Army as they come to work in the morning determined to steer their country toward peace and prosperity. Even though I may not like my useless job in the BDOC, I am honored that I am a part of this great American effort. I am proud that I did my part.
Two-Year Anniversary of the Only Missing Iraq War Soldier -- [A Soldier's Home - David Botti]
Two years ago today Army Specialist Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, a translator and native of Iraq, went missing as he visited his wife's family in Baghdad. He remains the only U.S. soldier still missing in action from the current war in Iraq. The Associated Press provides the latest information on the search for al-Taie:
Rough Men Stand Ready -- [Annex B - in Iraq]
...Your Army is a practical Army. We have to be since we deploy in the most ugly, God-awful locations. So, when we stop somewhere and stay awhile, such as at places like COB ADDER, we start to make things better. We paint rocks....line them up and call it ‘Improving our foxhole.” When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? Well, KBR is fresh out of lemons but they have provided us with a few thousand concrete barriers. They come in all shapes and sizes and paint adheres to them very well.
The Obligatory Crossed Swords Post -- [Miserable Donuts]
The former parade ground for the Iraqi military still has the famous "Crossed Swords" at both ends. If you are in Baghdad, you simply must have your picture taken there. I am no different, so here it is.
Insurgents use children as human shields -- [ISAF]
Insurgents used two Afghan children as shields while they attempted to emplace IEDs in a road in Farah province Oct. 18 ...Marine snipers shot two of the positively identified insurgents as they emplaced an IED. After the initial shots were fired, the other two insurgents grabbed the two children they had brought with them and held them in front of them to use them as shields.
Thousands protest killing of Afghan civilians by Taliban -- [AFP / Canada.com]
MIHTARLAM, Afghanistan - Thousands of people took to the streets of eastern Afghanistan Friday to protest against the killing of 27 civilians by Taliban insurgents.
Taliban commander arrested in S Afghanistan -- [Xinhua]
Afghan police on Thursday carried out an operation against a notorious Taliban commander, Mullah Juma Gul, Thursday morning and arrested the target successfully in southern Afghan province of Uruzgan, said a police official on Friday.
QRF and EOD
The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in Afghanistan who still have to respond to roadside bombs although they are in Bamyan, one of the safer areas of Afghanistan.
Lashed to vehicle, wounded SAS soldier fought on -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
...DESPITE being shot twice during an ambush in Afghanistan, an SAS soldier lashed himself to the front of his patrol vehicle so he wouldn't be left behind if he passed out from loss of blood and kept on fighting. The Digger is expected to be recommended for a high level bravery award.
Suffering from serious upper body wounds, the soldier struggled on to the front of his SAS long range patrol vehicle (LRPV) and, under heavy fire, used a rope to attach himself firmly between the vehicle's bull bar and radiator. Once he was secured, and there was no chance that he would fall off if he fainted, he picked up his rifle and ...
Afghan National Police and Army Work Together to Save the Day -- [Afghan Regional Security Integration - in Afghanistan ] - HT: Bouhammer
The Taliban are so distraught that coalition forces are kicking their butts lately, that they have begun attacking villagers to include women and children, as witnessed recently, in an effort to force Afghans into supporting their campaign against U.S. and coalition forces here.
Villagers and their small, local Afghan National Police (ANP) detachment were under attack and upon learning what was happening, the Afghan National Police and the Governor of Kandahar, Rahmatullah Raufi, requested support for rescue of wounded police and civilians caught in a perilous situation.
NEFA Foundation: Taliban Reject Notion of Iraq-Style "Awakening" Movement in Afghanistan -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The NEFA Foundation has obtained a new statement from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) rejecting the notion that a U.S.-sponsored "Awakening" movement in South Asia -- styled after the model recently developed in Sunni areas of Iraq -- has any chance of success in Afghanistan. According to the statement, "the Americans should not look at Afghanistan in the context of Iraq. Here sectarian differences do not exist
Exclusive New Interview With Pakistani Taliban Deputy Commander Maulana Faquir Mohammed -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The NEFA Foundation has obtained an exclusive new interview with Maulana Faquir Mohammed, deputy commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). During the interview, Maulana Faquir insisted that the TTP closely supports the activities of Al-Qaida in Pakistan and Afghanistan because these jihadi operations represent the "will of all Muslims."
What the Taliban's media campaign fails to mention... -- [ISAF]
Afghanistan Photostory: The Taliban's media offensive is as notable for what they don't show as what they do. This photostory gives a few examples.
Home, for now -- [Military Times - Reporter’s Notebook]
I learned a lot on our assignment - the Afghan people are resilient and resourceful; the Afghan army and police are still struggling but they’re making progress; we need more troops on the ground; we need to better understand the role of the United States and its ISAF allies; we need to define, if possible, success in that country.
I also learned that while our troops are stretched thin in that vast, unforgiving country, they are working hard to make things better. Sometimes it’s frustrating because progress seems to come so slowly, but the troops we met just kept pushing forward.
Heavy Fighting in Oruzgan Province Leaves Dozens Dead -- [A Battlefield Tourist]
...The fighting erupted on October 21 when coalition intelligence pinpointed the location of Taliban commander Sharif Agha. Agha was spotted, with 14 other militants, near a river bed as they were preparing an attack against a Coalition patrol. An air strike was called in killing all 15 militants.
The War Briefing -- [Frontline]
The War Briefing begins in the mountains of northeastern Afghanistan, where FRONTLINE embedded with Bravo Company
Pakistan on the Taliban: "Dialogue must now be the highest priority" -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
A unanimous 14-point resolution passed by parliament on extremism in Pakistan stresses talks and fails to mention a counterinsurgency plan for the turbulent northwest.
Coalition, Afghan forces battle Taliban in Uruzgan -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
More than 70 Taliban fighters, including a senior commander, are killed in three days of clashes in the southern province.
Pakistan on the Brink of Collapse -- [Captain's Journal]
In NATO and Pakistan Commitment to Defeat Taliban Wavering we discussed the deep ambivalence of the Pakistan parliament towards the fight against the Taliban. The parliament has little stomach for a protracted counterinsurgency against the Tehrik-i-Taliban. The problems with properly understanding the horrible danger they are in run deep, and so do the overall problems with Pakistani society, both culturally and financially. In fact, the country itself is on the brink of collapse and civil war.
Jihadist Ideology and the Targeting of Humanitarian Aid Workers -- [Stratfor]
...In September 2007, we discussed the burgeoning kidnapping industry in Afghanistan and how the Taliban were beginning to focus on humanitarian workers — not only as a moneymaking enterprise, but also as a political lever. Indeed, reports from organizations such as the Afghanistan NGO Safety Office (ANSO) and the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief indicate that attacks on aid workers have increased dramatically in 2008. According to ANSO, the 19 humanitarian aid workers killed in the first half of 2008 surpassed the 15 killed in all of 2007, and the death toll has continued to mount.
Today's News Update 24 October 2008 -- [A Major's Perspective]
The OPEC cartel on Friday decided to slash oil production by 1.5 million barrels a day as of next month in an attempt to stem plunging prices for crude.
...But prices sagged, suggesting that the market was more concerned with the economic turmoil reaching into all corners of the globe than crude availability. If economies in the U.S. and other leading crude consumers continue to deteriorate, industries will use less oil, making it a buyer's market.
U.S. Stepping Up Sanctions On Iran -- [MEMRI Blog]
Iranian Interior Minister Ali Qordan has announced that Iran would not permit the Iranian-American Council to open an office in Tehran.
At the same time, it was reported that Washington was stepping up sanctions against Iran, including another bank, the Tatwir Saderat bank that is suspected of helping Iran's nuclear program.
Al Qaeda's Propaganda Aims to Affect US Election and future Strategies -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
A recent Associated Press report and a Washington Post article reported that al Qaeda's web sites have expressed a strategic preference of their organization for the next President of the United States. The Washington Post analysis, observing that multiple sites and commentaries close to the Bin Laden group expressed a similar point of view, concluded that this indeed is al Qaeda's agenda: that a John McCain Presidency would benefit the Jihadi goals.
Ayers' Weathermen planned "re-education", genocide
I asked, “well what is going to happen to those people we can’t reeducate, that are diehard capitalists?” and the reply was that they’d have to be eliminated.
And when I pursued this further, they estimated they would have to eliminate 25 million people in these reeducation centers.
And when I say “eliminate,” I mean “kill.”
Twenty-five million people.
I want you to imagine sitting in a room with 25 people, most of which have graduate degrees, from Columbia and other well-known educational centers, and hear them figuring out the logistics for the elimination of 25 million people.
And they were dead serious.
A Blemish on America From Not Long Ago -- [LT Nixon]
As much as I like to bitch about all the anti-military crazies these days (cf. C.H.U.D. Busters), it was probably peanuts compared to what the Vietnam veterans had to go through. Zombietime has a detailed look at a Weather Underground manifesto (of which Ayers co-wrote): Prairie Fire. From the "Strategies for Revolution" section
Eco-Terrorism Possible Motivation Behind Canada Pipeline Bombs -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Two bombs detonated along Canada's natural gas pipeline on the border between Alberta and British Columbia in the last two weeks. The first explosion, which occurred on October 11, did not rupture the pipeline but did create an eight-foot wide by four-foot deep crater. The device was placed at a vulnerable point where the pipeline emerges from the ground. The second bomb detonated in the early hours of October 16th and caused a gas leak that forced the energy company to shut the pipeline down temporarily.
Operation: Wrapped in Holiday Spirit -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
...During this time of political division, Americans can reach across our divides to support the troops. This December, an estimated 180,000 men and women will be serving overseas, away from their families for as much as a third or fourth tour in a combat zone. Wrapped in Holiday Spirit helps ensure each deployed hero is touched by the generosity of Americans the Holiday season.
"Together as a country, we can make a difference in a soldier's winter Holiday. Soldiers' Angels is proud to offer America the chance to directly impact those who serve our great country by giving them a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package full of love and support," says Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers' Angels.
Quadriplegic Veteran on Adventurous Trek -- [Soldiers Angels]
Veteran Paul Christian is on a mission... from his wheelchair. Paul will be spending the next eighteen months traveling the U.S.--alone--to meet with fellow wounded or ill veterans and other people overcoming disability. He will be blogging his preparations and the trip itself on his website, Seize Adventure, as he speaks to veterans groups about the technology and benefits available to them, volunteers at the Disabled Veterans Summer and Winter Sports Clinics, and volunteers at both the 2010 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada. He also hopes to visit much of the the American countryside and its people, whom he has spent so much of his life protecting as a soldier and defense contractor.
A quadriplegic due to his service in the Army as part of Operation Desert Storm (1991), Paul is motivated by the challenges he sees the current generation of severely-wounded veterans facing.
Through The Eyes Of A Gold Star Mom -- [A Soldier's Perspective - Amy - Gold Star Mother]
On August 20, 2006 my life changed forever. With a visit to Utah from President Bush scheduled in ten days, I was busy sending out emails to encourage people to turn out for a rally to support the troops and our Commander-In-Chief. Seems easy enough, but with Salt Lake City’s mayor Rocky Anderson leading a protest against the President and the war, aided by anti-war, anti-military activist Cindy Sheehan, we had work to do. As it turned out I was the one who would not be present to show my support because in ten days I would be attending my son’s funeral.
Forever in our hearts -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
“It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives – the one they were living and the one they would have lived.
PILOTS INTERNET BLOG -- [BlackFive - Maj Pain]
'We have H. R. on this flight', she said. (H. R. stands for human remains.)
'Are they military', I asked.
Yes', she said.
Is there an escort', I asked.
'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck, you can board him early', I said.
A Broken Toe, or Two… Perhaps -- [Seize Adventure - Paul]
Usually, when in my wheelchair, I wear some sort of shoes or slippers, even in the house. The only time that I go barefoot is when laying in bed or on the couch. The reasoning behind this is that I have no feeling (other than nerve induced pins-and-needles) in my left foot and only some in my right foot.
We have pain for a reason… to let you know that you’re doing something stupid to your body. In my case (and other people with disabilities) No Pain = Not Knowing that you’re injuring yourself.
Military Life From Two Different Perspectives -- [SpouseBuzz - Andi]
Here at SpouseBUZZ, we generally examine life from the perspective of being a military wife, but it's nice to examine other perspectives, too. ....Milspouse Thomas addresses a study which appears to have concluded that male milspouses cope better with deployments than their female counterparts. Click here to see what Thomas has to say about that.
The Personnel System at War -- [SWJ - Robert Goldich]
A View from the Generation at the Tip of the Spear
Five junior officers, all veterans of combat, recently came together for a day-long dialogue with current and former senior manpower and personnel officials from the Department of Defense. Their major assessment was that an "industrial age" personnel system is being used to fight an "information age" war.
Are Milblogs Still Relevant -- [You Served - Veteran and Military Blog - cj]
Are MilBlogs Still Relevant? from Nathan Long on Vimeo.
Is the outlook bleak for military blogging? -- [MilBlogging.com]
"Thinking about launching your own blog? Here's some friendly advice: Don't. And if you've already got one, pull the plug. Writing a weblog today isn't the bright idea it was four years ago. The blogosphere, once a freshwater oasis of folksy self-expression and clever thought, has been flooded by a tsunami of paid bilge. Cut-rate journalists and underground marketing campaigns now drown out the authentic voices of amateur wordsmiths. It's almost impossible to get noticed, except by hecklers. And why bother? The time it takes to craft sharp, witty blog prose is better spent expressing yourself on Flickr, Facebook, or Twitter..."
Now, although there is quite a bit of truth to this story, I really don’t think there's any impact to military blogs. Sharing raw experiences from the frontlines and the homefront is what separates us from nearly every other genre of blog on the internet. In my opinion, some (not all) journalists should stay in the mainstream media. As you can see, based on the Nick Meo Embedded Journalist story. Those in the MSM who can't blog, should just stick with gripping and breathtaking reports on cream cheese and the weather.
The New Cadre of War Reporters -- [Nathan Long]
The New Cadre of War Reporters from Nathan Long on Vimeo.
Editing Their Way to Oblivion: Journalism Sacrificed For Power and Pensions -- [PJM - Michael S. Malone]
The traditional media is playing a very, very dangerous game. With its readers, with the Constitution, and with its own fate. ...So, when I say I’m deeply ashamed right now to be called a “journalist”, you can imagine just how deep that cuts into my soul.
A PEW POLL STATES THE OBVIOUS Most Voters Say News Media Wants Obama to Win: -- [InstaPundit]
"Voters overwhelmingly believe that the media wants Barack Obama to win the presidential election. By a margin of 70%-9%, Americans say most journalists want to see Obama, not John McCain, win on Nov. . . . In the current campaign, Republicans, Democrats and independents all feel that the media wants to see Obama win the election."
AN OLD-MEDIA BAILOUT IN THE OFFING? -- [InstaPundit]
"The reason the press are going to such shameless lengths to drag Obama across the finish line is because he's their last best hope at restoring the old media environment, including a new Unfairness Doctrine for radio, and regulation of the Internet."
MEDIA REFUSING TO REPORT, INSISTS CONTRIBUTIONS ARE REAL-- DESPITE OCT. 9 NYT REPORT NOTING FICTITIOUS CONTRIBUTORS -- [Ace of Spades]
Mark Steyn cautions, though: Stop donating just to test it out. It's clear it's deliberately set up to facilitate campaign donation fraud, from both people going over the limit and of course Saudis, Pakistanis, and Gazans donating illegally.
"Testing it" at this point just puts more money in this cocksucker's pocket.
NewsBusted 2-12 -- [NewsBusters]
Topics in today's show: Fidel Castro endorses Barack Obama, Washington state sends ballots to felons Warner Bros. blocks "Hanoi Hilton" to avoid helping John McCain, and a movie about Dan Rather's "Memogate" controversy?
Frank envisions post-election stimulus from Democrats -- [SouthCoastToday]
In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.
The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said.
BarackObama.com's Lax Security Opens Door to Online Donor Fraud -- [Next Right]
I just contributed $5 to Barack Obama. I didn't want to. Ideally, I could have contributed $0.01 and cost them money. But it was the only way to confirm the root cause of the fraudulent micro-donations to the Obama campaign ("Doodad Pro" for $17,300 and "Good Will" for $11,000). The Obama campaign has turned its security settings for accepting online contributions down to the bare minimum -- possibly to juice the numbers, and turning a blind eye towards the potential for fraud not just against the FEC, but against unsuspecting victims of credit card fraud.
Fred Thompson on the election
Archbishop attacks Obama on abortion -- [Wa Times]
The archbishop, without getting into much detail, said, "Senator Obama, whatever his other talents, is the most committed 'abortion-rights' presidential candidate of either major party since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973," adding that "the party platform Senator Obama runs on this year is not only aggressively 'pro-choice,' it has also removed any suggestion that killing an unborn child might be a regrettable thing" and is "clearly anti-life."
War Briefing -- [Frontline]
The next president of the United States will inherit some of the greatest foreign policy challenges in American history--an overstretched military, frayed alliances, and wars on two fronts. FRONTLINE gives viewers a hard, inside look at the real policy choices the next president will face. The report features strategists and diplomats giving their best advice about how to correct past failures and how to shape a realistic foreign policy approach in the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Protester Attempts to Handcuff Karl Rove for 'Treason' -- [FOX News]
An anti-war protester confronted former Bush administration aide Karl Rove while he spoke at a San Francisco mortgage bankers' meeting. A statement by the group Code Pink identified the woman as 58-year-old Janine Boneparth, who tried to handcuff Rove in what she called a citizen's arrest for "treason."
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