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Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs and other sources around the world. If you're a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link to any of these stories, add a link to the Dawn Patrol too and your trackback will be added to the list. Hat Tips to the Dawn Patrol are greatly appreciated.
Iraq SOFA Approved -- [Greyhawk]
Thanksgiving in America, and in Iraq the Parliament approved the Status of Forces Agreement. The news was scarcely noted on our shores as coverage of our national day of plenty gave way to that of the busiest shopping day of the year even as both vied with reports of terror in faraway places for the attention of those not otherwise engaged.
U.S. security pact concerns Iraq's top Shiite cleric -- [AP/Post Gazette]
Iraq's top Shiite cleric has expressed concern about the country's security pact with the United States, fearing it gives too much power to the Americans and does not protect Iraqi sovereignty, an official at his office said yesterday. . . .
Sunni, Shi’a, Christians work together to equip Iraqi Security Forces -- [MNF-I]
Senior Iraqi and Coalition leaders marked the transfer of the 3,000th armored Humvee to the Government of Iraq on Nov. 22 through a program employing 522 Iraqis from different ethnic and religious backgrounds including Sunni, Shi’a and Christian.
Almonds and Base Closures -- [S4 at War - in Iraq]
Stay tuned for a post on how one goes about closing a FOB. I’d write about it now but I haven’t exactly come up with a plan yet. I’ll be doing that over the next few days just in case the SOFA requires us to close our FOB and collapse to the larger COBs.
Bosnians mark end of mission -- [MNF-I]
In a ceremony at Hope Chapel on Victory Base Complex Nov. 29, a contingent of military forces from Bosnia-Herzegovina was honored by their Coalition partners for their service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The historic event marked the end of a commitment that started in June 2005.
Funny how things go -- [Armed and Curious]
Its been an interesting time in Baghdad according to my friends still there. Most of my colleagues are finding themselves in incredibly quiet times watching the Iraqis take more and more of the mission out of our hands. My media friends are about sick of the whole SOFA discussion.
They passed it with an agreement to put it to a referendum for the whole country by July. So that gives them a provincial election in January, the referendum for the SOFA in July and then district elections in the fall. Man, they love their elections in Iraq. They just eat that whole democracy thing up.
But in spite of it all ...
Field Report #1: -- [Grim's Hall - in Iraq]
I've said below that the violence is a shadow of what it was a year ago. About this time last year, AQI cells south of Baghdad were attacking checkpoints with technicals (i.e., a civilian truck with a heavy weapon mounted on it, DSHK-type machineguns in this case). They crashed one and burned the town of Hawr Rajab, in retaliation for their loss in a 24-hour battle with the then-new Sons of Iraq movement in that area. Arab Jabour was Indian country. All that is gone.
In the war: Iraqis save NPR reporter from car bomb -- [Newsday]
An American journalist and three Iraqi colleagues escaped injury yesterday when a bomb attached to their car exploded as it was parked along a street in west Baghdad. Ivan Watson, 33, of National Public Radio, on temporary assignment in Iraq from his normal post in Istanbul, ...The group returned to their armored car about 45 minutes later but were stopped by Iraqi soldiers who said they had been informed minutes earlier that a bomb was attached to the car, Watson said. The bomb, which had been placed under the driver's side, exploded about 15 feet from the NPR journalists. It destroyed the car but nobody was injured, according to NPR.
Band of Geldings -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
This is the third time that I have eaten Thanksgiving dinner out of a Styrofoam tray because I have been deployed.
Boo fucking hoo. Poor me. Hey, I should write a heartfelt, rambling post where I act like I’m smarter than everybody and spend the entire post complaining. Better throw in some pictures of the Iraqi sunset too.
Full Circular Saw -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
...Note that my commander is a very smart man and always talks like he is trying to sell something. He speaks:
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. You know, the whole convoy thing isn’t really set in stone because I need a couple knuckleheads to replace the ones I give up. So you know, it’s not really there, but its there, you know what I’m sayin’?”
I have no fucking clue what he is saying.
“Yes sir, I understand,” I say.
Iraq Controls Its Coast -- [Strategy Page]
November 29, 2008: Having recently received several new patrol boats, and after several years of training, Iraqi sailors and marines are now beginning to take over complete responsibility for patrolling and guarding offshore oil facilities and...
US military defines Mahdi Army as "militia insurgency group" -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The move may signal a change in posture against the Mahdi Army and Muqtada al Sadr. It also highlights the decline of the Sadrist movement over the past two years.
Thanksgiving in Iraq -- [Chris' Almost-Daily Update - in Iraq]
Another milestone has been passed during my time here in Iraq. I was here last month for Halloween as well, but this holiday brought a more acute feeling of being apart from home. I've grown accustomed to having to choose a family to spend the holidays with, but this year I'm away from everyone. I'm still feeling okay. I'm surrounded by my
brothers in arms, and that's good enough.
Awards -- [Fobbits need ice cream too - in Iraq]
Today we had a battallion (squadron) formation. Our company was inducted into the Order of the Golden Spur, authorizing us to wear golden spurs on our ACUs or Class A footwear while attending a Cav function or while attached to a Cav unit. We can also wear Stetsons (the Civil War era cowboy hats). I was awarded an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal as well as a Squadron and Company coin. Shit like this used to excite me but it doesn't anymore.
30NOV08 -- Major Wentworth's Promotion -- [Notes from Iraq - in Iraq]
Today, Aaron Wentworth of Michigan was promoted to major from captain. We had a cookout to celebrate, and Major Wentworth invited the Iraqi Army to participate. Read more »
On Fence Sitting and Operating in the Fringe -- [Afghanistan Shrugged - in Afghanistan]
..."I did, I told you they were here, what else do you want from me"
He's right, the doctor has done more than 80% of the people would do, he told us they were here and left. We can't protect his guy at night and they will cut his head off. He won't even get the dubious honor of having it done on the internet, it'll just be done in the dark of night and we'll get a report about it after several days.
That's the central issue here, how do you protect them? Those who defend everything, defend nothing. We aren't here at night and the ACM are. When we roll in they roll out. It's whack a mole on steroids! We try to build the ANA and ANP, the last two ANP chiefs were shot in the face in broad daylight by ACM
The doctor is indicative of a great number of the population. It's not that they hate us they just don't know if we're going to win. We will, we just have to show them in tangibles. Promises are empty. Deeds not words. If the ANA says that they'll protect them then they have to 100%.
It's a battle of inches, slow, plodding, and deliberate. It's low tech. We dig through the trash to find them. It's happening here. Predator, Reaper and all of the other cool billion dollar weapons systems help very little. As T.F Farenbach wrote, "It is a battle of wills in the dirt".
How Pvt. Monica Brown Won A Silver Star -- [60 Minutes]
Pak shifts from Afghanistan to India -- [PRESS TV]
Pakistan may pull out nearly 100000 troops from its western borders with Afghanistan and will deploy them on the eastern border with India
Afghanistan not in crisis: UN Security Council -- [AFP]
KABUL — Afghanistan is not in a security crisis and disillusionment and recriminations about its situation should be avoided, a UN Security Council team said at the end of a three-day assessment tour.
There were even reasons for "cautious optimism," the delegation told reporters before wrapping up a visit which comes as attacks linked to the insurgency led by the Islamic Taliban are at record levels.
Taliban Leader Wearing Burqa Killed -- [Military.com]
KABUL, Afghanistan - Gunbattles and airstrikes by NATO and Afghan troops killed 53 militants in Afghanistan, including a wanted Taliban commander who tried to hide from Soldiers under a woman's burqa, officials said Saturday.
IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES part 1 -- [Soldier's Angels - Medical Support]
One of my contacts is a Sgt with a combat stress unit. They travel all over the outlying country by chopper and convoy, distributing snacks, Monster energy drink, advice, counseling and a shoulder when needed.
You might think that a "social worker's" job is pretty routine; not when it's in Afghanistan. Here's his latest update:
Bare Feet -- [The Left Captain - in Afghanistan]
...What do you tell a man who beats his fist against the table, once for anger, once for pain, and once for shame because his body and mind went silent when he saw the children's bare feet and small fingers curled and still.
Soldiers Spend Thanksgiving In Afghanistan -- [The Left Captain - in Afghanistan]
Steve Inskeep checks in with four members of the New York National Guard, currently deployed to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan. They are spending Thanksgiving overseas and talk about what they're thankful for — and what they'll be telling their families when they call home today.
Computer Virus Hits U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan -- [US News]
U.S. military officials speculate the cyber attack may have originated in China
KABUL—The largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan was hit by a computer virus earlier this month that affected nearly three quarters of the computers on the base, U.S. News has learned.
Afghan Army Suffers Major Losses in Baghdis -- [Battlefield Tourist]
A miles long resupply convoy in northwestern Afghanistan was attacked November 27 by up to 300 militants resulting in 13 dead and another 16 missing. The casualties are a mix of security forces, including Afghan National Army. ...International troops called to the scene say as many as 40 of the militants also died in the battle.
Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security -- [WaPo]
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials.
Holiday Spending Up 7 Percent Over Last Year, Early Reports Show -- [Washington Post]
By Ylan Q. Mui Consumers swarmed the nation's stores over the weekend in search of deeply discounted electronics and apparel, sending sales rising and giving retailers a little Christmas cheer, according to early reports released today.
Mumbai probe focuses on Pakistan-based militants -- [AFP]
MUMBAI - Investigations into the Mumbai attacks shifted further towards the suspected role of the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba Monday, threatening a fragile peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Pakistan Declares Baitullah Mehsud Patriot -- [Captains Journal]
"While the new Pakistan administration sees the need for the war against the Taliban and al Qaeda, the Pakistan Army mostly doesn't and wishes not to be fighting their own people.
War hero returns from the front to be beaten up by police -- [Daily Mail]
A soldier who served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan was allegedly ... War hero returns from the front to be beaten up by police
Brutal Police Attack On War Hero
Iran proposes nuclear plants with Arab countries -- [AP]
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The head of Iran's nuclear power agency said Sunday the country is willing to help neighboring Arab countries build joint light-water ...
U.S. Forces Help Lebanese Military Assert Control -- [Defense Link]
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2008 – The U.S. military is helping the Lebanese military establish itself as the sole arm of the democratically elected Lebanese government, a senior Pentagon official said in a recent interview.
Chavez seeks indefinite re-election, again -- [AP]
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - President Hugo Chavez asked supporters Sunday to petition for a constitutional amendment that would let him seek indefinite re-election and buy more time to build a socialist economy in Venezuela.
Panel Fears Use of Unconventional Weapon -- [New York Times]
An independent commission has concluded that terrorists will most likely carry out an attack with biological, nuclear or other unconventional weapons somewhere in the world in the next five years unless the United States
A Quick Backgrounder on Lashkar-e-Taiba -- [Bill Roggio]
There is a lot of talk about Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group that is strongly suspected of being behind last week's terror assault in Mumbai, India. Below is a quick primer on Lashkar-e-Taiba I've excerpted from an update on the situation in Mumbai I wrote yesterday. There is far more to the terror group than this, but it should help explain the relationship between what is called "al Qaeda Central" and their affiliated groups. There are a lot of people out there twisting themselves in knots to disassociate Lashkar-e-Taiba from al Qaeda. They are wrong to do so.
The U.S. Terror Support Network Exposed -- [PJM - Patrick Poole]
The Holy Land Foundation trial unveiled the extent of the financing of terrorism among leading American Islamic organizations.
Al-Qaida No. 2 to US: Overcome meltdown with Islam -- [APN News]
Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader appeared in a new video posted Friday calling on Americans to embrace Islam to overcome the financial meltdown, which he said was a consequence of the Sept. 11 attacks and militant strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ayman al-Zawahri, whose 80-minute recording touched on a number of subjects, also lashed out at Afghanistan's government and said any U.S. gains in Iraq will be temporary.
Zawahri's new recording came in the form of a question-and-answer session with an off-camera interviewer.
The War Against Terror, in case you forgot -- [This ain’t Hell]
It’s been easy to forget that the war against terror is actually a war against terror the last few years while Iraq and Afghanistan became (and still are) political footballs. With the Left trying to call the war “imperialistic” and “immoral” they seem to forget that there are folks out there trying to kill us all. The action in Mumbai last week has brought that home to those of us who remain sane.
Ten Terrorists Caused "India's 9/11"? Correction: 20 to 40? -- [Ace]
Above the Post Update: The NYT reports estimates of 20 to 40 terrorists -- the nine killed and one captured are just the hold-outs and the ones who didn't flee.
Troubling: "Deccan Mujahideen" YouTube Video from THREE WEEKS AGO [UPDATED] -- [Jawa Report]
Here's a video commenter "./." found over at YouTube titled "Deccan Mujahideen". The most troubling part? It was added on November 3rd, which means it preceded the Mumbai attacks by three weeks.
I Have PTSD (MTV's True Life) -- [A Soldier's Perspective - White Rose]
Over the last few months, MTV's show "True Life" has followed my oldest son, Kenny, around from time to time. They are doing a show on soldiers coming back from Iraq with PTSD. When MTV left a message on my blog months ago asking for help in contacting soldiers with PTSD, I was a bit nervous. Kenny was living with me at the time and making progress in healing from his PTSD. After his being suicidal back in February and my knowing what I know about PTSD, I wasn't sure I wanted him contacting the show.
...So, after having a camera in my house for several days and ...
'Angels' helping wounded soldiers with electronic gifts -- [jconline, Lafayette, IN]
..."I've seen the smiles, and seen soldiers get jobs and reconnect with their families and buddies," Patton-Bader said. "All kinds of things come out of this. It helps the actual patient.
"We're in the midst of a big, harsh and strong war and it's up to all of us to heal the heroes who are returning."
Through Project Valour-IT, wounded members of the military also can receive Wii equipment and personal GPS systems.
Iraq Veteran Gives Thanks
Topps Salutes the Troops With Trading Cards -- [You Served - CJ]
I’m constantly in search of good stories about our troops. I’m even more interested in stories about name brand companies honoring the troops in some way. As a former collector of trading cards of all types - from basketball to Magic: The Gathering - so this sort of speaks to me.
Need to buy Christmas Cards? -- [Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana - Greta]
If you have a business or need at least 2000 Christmas cards, I would like to suggest Prudent Publishing’s GalleryCollection.com. During these tough economic times, this company made a generous donation of $10,000 to Project Valour-IT.
Fight For The Troops -- [Miss Ladybug]
I've now seen several commercials promoting Fight For The Troops. It seems that UFC and SPIKE are teaming up to raise money to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. UFC Fight For The Troops is a charitable services fund of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
You can make a donation - from yourself, or in honor of someone else, or even in memory of someone
RAFFLE FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR SOLDIERS -- [Anysoldier.com]
Any Soldier Inc. has been approached by Steve & Natalie Skyrm of Prince Frederick, Maryland, to donate the net proceeds from the sale of their home to our non-profit organization for the support and care of our soldiers in the United States military.
Any Soldier Inc. with the help of over 39,000 volunteer contacts and countless supporters worldwide, has served over one million troops!
It is our hope to raise money so that we can continue our efforts. The Any Soldier® effort has given hope to most and inspired many of our soldiers knowing we will care for them and support them until they return home safely.
Deserter applies for asylum in Germany -- [This ain’t Hell]
Meet Andre Shepard, the latest in a short line of deserters from the US military. Shepard is unique in that he has applied for asylum to Germany. Asylum. As if he’s persecuted in his own country, instead of being one of the unique few who’re allowed to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Why did he desert? Well, because he had a revelation of sorts;
Soldiers Returning From Iraq Trigger Baby Boom At Ft. Bragg
U.S. Army Desertions Drop 24 Percent -- [Strategy Page]
November 30, 2008: Desertion in the U.S. Army declined 24 percent last year, to 3,559 (the army fiscal year runs from October to September). In the last five years, the U.S. military has had about 30,000 deserters.
Welcome, thanks returning troops -- [Chronicle-Tribune]
We also encourage Grant County residents, when you run one of these soldiers in church, in a restaurant, in town, to offer your welcome home and thanks.
Troops showered with warm welcome home -- [Clarksville Leaf Chronicle]
With a double-stroller donning a sign that read "Welcome Home, Daddy," Crowell stood in the rain until she was sure her husband, Capt. ...
Hero's welcome -- [Today's News-Herald]
Trubia and the attending supporters were invited into the American Legion for a reception of refreshments and pizza to complete the welcome home festivities
Families welcome home Fighting 69th from Afghanistan -- [Newsday]
The 306 soldiers of the New York National Guard unit were sent to Afghanistan late last year and early this year and are expected to return home sometime
NY Times Scurrying To Give Obama Victory Credit For Their Shared Defeat In Iraq -- [Confederate Yankee]
Barack Obama and his Democratic allies have famously done everything in their power to try to lose the Iraqi War while President Bush is in office, but now that everyone with any understanding of the conflict knows that the war is effectively won, Democrats are trying to steal credit for the victory they fought so hard against:
Will networks ignore military analyst report? -- [Politico]
"Through seven years of war an exclusive club has quietly flourished at the intersection of network news and wartime commerce.
Turner: KGB 'Honorable,' Iraq 'Naked Aggression' Like Soviets in Afghanistan -- [NewsBusters]
“The KGB, I think, was an honorable place to work” with “worthwhile” achievements, CNN founder Ted Turner contended in an interview aired on Sunday's Meet the Press in which he blamed the U.S. for starting the battles with Vladimir Putin “by putting the Star Wars system in Czechoslovakia and Poland” and, when host Tom Brokaw recalled that Leonid Brezhnev reacted to Jimmy Carter's outreach by invading Afghanistan, Turner retorted with moral equivalence: “Well, we invaded Afghanistan, too, and it's a lot further -- at least it's on the border of the Soviet Union.” Brokaw called it “naked aggression on the part of the Russians at the time,” prompting Turner to charge: “Well, going into Iraq was naked aggression on the part of the United States.”
Snap Damn! -- Must Read -- [Abu Muqawama]
"On NBC and in other public forums, General McCaffrey has consistently advocated wartime policies and spending priorities that are in line with his corporate interests. But those interests are not described to NBC’s viewers. He is held out as a dispassionate expert, not someone who helps companies win contracts related to the wars he discusses on television."
Great reporting or unfair smear?
Couple Claims CNN Endangered Their Lives During Mumbai Attacks -- [NewsBusters]
A British couple caught in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, last week claimed Sunday that CNN endangered their lives by broadcasting their whereabouts.
High Praise For Obama's National Security Team -- [US News]
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to announce his national security team today, and media reports reflect virtually unanimous praise for Obama's selections
Episode 47 BACK IN BLACK The Sgt. Freedom Campaign
'Gays Too Precious To Risk In Combat,' Says General
'Gays Too Precious To Risk In Combat,' Says General
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
