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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.
Transition Transition Transition -- [S4 at War - in Iraq]
We’re working hard towards implementing the security agreement on 1 January (actually, I don’t have a huge role in that particular area. I’m more focused on closing bases). I’ve been busy trying to understand all the legal hoops we have to go through in order to hand over our FOBs to the GOI. Beds, bookshelves, anything not bolted down all has to be offered to any DOD agency, then any State Department organization, then Homeland Security before it can be given to the Iraqis.
Green Zone Chaos -- [Zen Traveller - in Iraq]
The Iraqis, on the first of January, are assuming security responsibilities for the International Zone, aka the Green Zone. In the past, the U.S. military controlled access to the "city within a city"; home to the Coalition and the seat of Iraq's government. As of tomorrow the U.S. Army will turn over all of the access control points (checkpoints) to the Iraqi army
Diyala Sons of Iraq transfer underway -- [MNF-I]
BAGHDAD (Diyala province) – Along with a new year, Iraq is ringing in an important step toward national reconciliation and sovereignty on Jan. 1, 2009. On that date, the nation’s government will take over control of the Sons of Iraq from Coalition forces in four key provinces across the country -- including Diyala, one of the most diverse provinces, where al-Qaeda in Iraq once terrorized and intimidated local residents.
New Rules in Iraq Add Police Work to Troops’ Jobs -- [New York Times]
In late November, around the time the security agreement between the American and Iraqi governments was ratified, an order came down to Company C at its Sadr City outpost.
In accordance with the agreement’s new rules on searches and detentions, troops from Company C of the First Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, were to begin operating under a policy called “warrant-based targeting.”
Rule Number Two -- [Brad's Excellent Adventure - in Iraq]
Yesterday did not go the way I had planned. Sunday is a regular work day for us, but is usually a relatively quiet one when I can get some things done without too many interruptions. I had several important tasks that have really been needing to get done and that keep getting pushed aside. Finally I had dedicated time for them, and was determined to get them knocked out.
VIP Tragedy -- [Notes from Iraq]
A few days ago, there was an unfortunate incident, in which friendly fire resulted in death of new Iraqi lieutenant, LT Low'a. His battalion, fellow Soldiers and family mourn his death today. Tragic. I only know the rough version of what happened. The Iraqis Army was traveling on a major road south of Baghdad when they encountered an Iraqi VIP convoy.
Christmas, A Brief Update -- [Fraser from **** - in ****]
...A big “Thank you!” goes out to everyone that has sent us goodie packages and Christmas wishes via email.
Football watching is great here. But it always starts right at the beginning of our sleep cycle. We can catch it the next day on a replay, but by then we’ve already searched ESPN Online and found out the score.
OK, it’s cold over here, long johns are a must. But my best purchase for this detachment was a pair of “Crocks”. That’s right, those ugly clog looking rubber shoes. They beat the hell out of flip-flops. Going from our pod to the shower trailer, two football fields away, now includes no stubbed toes, no rocks caught between the foot and the flip-flop.
The Christmas Trip and Other Observations... -- [The Intrepid Reporter - in Iraq]
Hi Ho! Merry Bah Humbug and all that rot… Christmas is OVER thanks be to God! OK, granted the holiday is supposed to be a celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ and all, but to those of us here in Iraq its just another day, especially those of us who are missing our families…
An Iraqi City Divided, and Defined, by Its Walls -- [WaPo]
An Hour at a Crowded Baghdad Checkpoint Reveals Pervasive Nature of Capital's Hated Barriers
Rule Number Two -- [Brad's Excellent Adventure - in Iraq]
Yesterday did not go the way I had planned. Sunday is a regular work day for us, but is usually a relatively quiet one when I can get some things done without too many interruptions. I had several important tasks that have really been needing to get done and that keep getting pushed aside. Finally I had dedicated time for them, and was determined to get them knocked out.
Taliban Burning, Beheading Its Way Through Pakistani Valley -- [FOX News]
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Taliban militants are beheading and burning their way through Pakistan's picturesque Swat Valley, and residents say the insurgents now control most of the mountainous region outside the lawless tribal areas where jihadists thrive.
The deteriorating situation in the former tourist haven comes despite an army offensive that began in 2007 and an attempted peace deal. It is especially worrisome to Pakistani officials because the valley lies away from the areas where Al Qaeda and Taliban militants have traditionally operated and where the military is staging a separate offensive.
"You can't imagine how bad it is,"
Close Air Support and Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan -- [SWJ]
American airpower seems to have lost some of its mystique in the war in Afghanistan. American air dominance, including its ability to conduct airstrikes in close air support of coalition troops, has been and continues to be critical to the Afghan war effort. Close air support, in particular, is allowing the United States and NATO to fight an energized insurgency with far fewer troops than it needs. Yet...
US to Widen Supply Routes in Afghan War -- [New York Times]
The United States and NATO are planning to open and expand supply lines through Central Asia to deliver fuel, food and other goods to a military mission in Afghanistan that is expected to grow by tens of thousands of troops in the months ahead, according to American and alliance diplomats and military officials.
The plan to open new paths through Central Asia reflects an American-led effort to seek out a more reliable alternative to the route from Pakistan through
Santa Gave us C4! -- [Afghanistan Shrugged - in Afghanistan]
...I have two main cirteria that I use to determine if dudes are bad; or not. These were developed through rigorous research and study. The bulk of the research into bad guy determination was conducted by noted social scientist Don T. Killme and published in his book titled, "Hey, those dudes are BAD" You may not be able to find this on Amazon but if you act now and send me $50 I can find you a copy.
Criteria number one:
Pakistan Launches Assault in Northwest - [Washington Post]
Pakistan's military launched a major offensive Tuesday in the northwestern tribal region known as Khyber Agency, temporarily closing a key route used to supply US and allied forces battling insurgents in neighboring Afghanistan.
33rd BCT takes charge of TF Phoenix -- [Miserable Donuts]
The 33rd BCT has held the Transfer of Authority and is now TF Phoenix. Their charge is to develop and assist the Afghan security forces. The have a tough job, but they are tough men.
More 6-4 Cavalry Photos from Bob Strong of Reuters -- [From Cow Pastures to Kosovo]
Additional photos can be viewed here
For those of you who have emailed to ask me why mail can take a long time to arrive at the remote outposts, hopefully the following photo will help to explain
Make love, not war -- [Washington Times]
...The officer who described the meeting said that he returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception, and the Afghan chieftain had a big grin on his face. The officer said the man gave up lots of information about Taliban movements and supply routes. He then asked for more pills.
"Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people, whether it's building a school or handing out Viagra," said one longtime CIA operative.
This is surely a better approach to extracting information than waterboarding. Not many would describe consensual sex as torture.
Handing out Viagra pills to aging Afghan warlords is a strategy for reducing, uh, tension.
Today's Military Leadership... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
WARNING: SEVERE BITCHING AND MOANING EMINENT. DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ME BITCH.
So I have been all high on the holidays for the last few posts, and now that is gone because I have been brought crashing down by the leadership around me, mostly above me.
Record 151 US troops die in Afghanistan in 2008 -- [Stars&Stripes /AP]
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A record 151 U.S. forces died in Afghanistan in 2008, the deadliest year yet in a seven-year war that military officials say is likely to get even bloodier in 2009, as thousands more American troops pour into the country....
The "Z" is NOT for Zorro -- [ThreatsWatch]
The gruesome violence will not stop with the tolling of the New Year’s bells, nor will it stop at the U.S. border. Many have written about the nexus of crime and terrorism; the fact is that drug crime and terrorism, mixed in with a healthy dose of youth gangs lies in front of us. Ask local law enforcement officials, but don’t necessarily look for it to be reported in your local newspaper. You won’t find much either about the increase in home invasions.
Earlier this month, the former girlfriend of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the Sinaloa cartel showed up dead, and with a “Z” carved on her body as a reminder from Los Zetas. This is no warning. It is, regrettably, a sign of things to come. It is reality.
...The habits and behaviors of “normal” Americans are changing because of the drug cartel violence. People continue to die because of drug cartel violence. People are reconnecting their home intrusion detection systems because of fear. By definition, this is terrorism, and a threat to our ways of life.
Death Dance -- [Neptunus Lex]
It seems to me that all this talk about “proportionality” in the ongoing brawl between Israel and Hamas misses the point. This has nothing at all to do with proportionality, nor even the relative merits of their various arguments, and everything to do with the mutual aspirations of the antagonists. These aspirations overlap in a ven diagram of violence.
Hamas knows it is too militarily weak to follow its dream to its oft-stated end, and push every last Israeli into the sea. Their only hope of achieving eventual victory is to inflame Arab opinion against Israel while stoking Western guilt (and stacking Western gelt) to more thoroughly isolate Israel from its core of civilized support.
What Would a Proportionate Response Look Like? -- [Michael J. Totten]
“If someone was sending rockets on my house where my daughters were sleeping at night, I would do everything to stop it, and I would expect Israelis to do the same thing.” – President-elect Barack Obama - Now that Hamas’s long war against Israel is matched with a short war in Gaza, protests are erupting everywhere from the blogosphere and Arab capitals to the United Nations, and they began on the very first day. Salon.com "blogger Glenn Greenwald calls the Israeli retaliation to more than a year of rocket attacks a “massively disproportionate response.”
Israel Rejects Immediate Cease-fire with Hamas -- [Voice of America]
Israel has rejected an immediate 48-hour cease-fire with Hamas, saying it will push ahead with its military assault on the Gaza Strip.
Israeli officials say Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his defense and foreign ministers made the decision after discussing the French-proposed truce during a meeting overnight.
Israel and Gaza -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
...the unfortunate part of this is that I've been unable to watch any news stories on this because, here in Iraq, the only TVs that I can regularly get to are the ones in the dining facility, which need to cater to the masses. And today, the masses wanted to watch Stand By Me.
Fortunately, I have been able to get on the Internet a little more recently, and have noticed a good post on Abu Aardvark which discusses the reactions from the Arab world. For those of you who think that there's a monolithic "Arab World" out there, you'll find that you're sorely mistaken, as there's been not only condemnation but also support (yes, support from Saudi Arabia.
Volunteer suicide bombers seek to attack Israel -- [Stars&Stripes/AP]
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Hard-line Iranian student groups have asked the government to authorize volunteers to go carry out suicide bombings in Israel in response to the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip....
Iran activating its proxies -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Iran is smartly playing its cards, using its main Sunni and Shiite proxy to create havoc in the region and de facto making it stronger. At this point, Iran’s next step is uncertain. But it is quite possible that Hezbollah will decide to open a second front against Israel. Also the destabilization operations against the Sunni regimes in the region hostile to the Islamic Republic are likely to continue unabated. At this point when it comes to terror, all roads lead to Tehran.
Pakistan Terror Commander Admits Aiding Mumbai Attacks -- [FOX News]
Pakistan's own investigation of terror attacks in Mumbai has begun to show substantive links between the 10 gunmen and an Islamic militant group that its powerful spy agency spent years supporting, say people with knowledge of the probe.
Hamas Women Vow to Become 'Martyrdom-Seekers' and Blow Themselves Up Among 'the Apes and Pigs' -- [MEMRI]
Masked woman clad in explosives belt: "I, the martyrdom-seeker Umm Suheib, have dedicated myself for the sake of Allah, and for the sake of redeeming my family, from which I have lost eight martyrs so far. I swear by Allah that I will turn my body parts into a fire that will burn the occupation soldiers, if they move towards my house.
"My beloved people, if Allah supports you, no one will be able to overcome you. We are confident of the support of Allah. There are thousands of martyrdom-seeking women like me, waiting for the occupier, in order to avenge these massacres.
La Salle resident comforts wounded soldiers -- [News Tribune] HT: Shelle
Once an elf for Project Santa, Pat Scanlon of La Salle has made spreading cheer to soldiers overseas a year-round endeavor. This holiday season she spent nearly a week in Germany inspecting the fruits of her labors.
During the first week of November, Scanlon’s days were comprised of visiting injured American soldiers and preparing care packages with the Soldiers’ Angels organization in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in southwestern Germany.
“I wanted to see what was going on. The need is so great and it was so rewarding,” said Scanlon. She said the troops would show much appreciation for even simple gestures.
Happy New Year To The Troops Show 2009! -- [Tanker Brothers]
This show was scheduled earlier today after many conversations with several people yesterday, last night and early this morning. Feel free to tune in on BTR (link here). I, for one, know exactly what it is like being far away from home in a distant and hostile land and after the GREAT success of the Chandlers Watch, Buffman and Wrench and Do The Right Thing Christmas Shows for The Troops, what could be more appropriate than to hold a special show specifically for New Years?
The Adventures of Chuck and Toby -- [Briefing Room]
Today, Chuck and I are on our way to give a brave young hero the documentation to face the harsh world with all the validation he requires to conquer. There is a young man whose identity I will protect that is facing the ugliest of enemies, Intrusive Growth. This young man has travelled before his own affliction to Walter Reed and spoke with the wounded and commented on thier strength and courage now must draw on his own. We are making a small treck via rental car to visit this young inspiration and commision him in the US Army. Secretary Geren will find out about this after the fact but this young man will become the youngest LT in the Army and draw from that Army Strength to fight and defeat this affliction that is interupting him from Dodge Ball and regular life. This kid is Brave and Courageous but today he will become ARMY STRONG!
ARMY YEAR IN PHOTOS 2008 -- [US Army]
This annual year-end special features the best of Army.mil's feature photos, drawn from a variety of Defense Department sources. These photos capture the essence of America's Army - the Soldiers and their Families - the Strength of the Nation.
Marines attract a few more good men -- [Washington Times]
Buoyed by more recruiters, bigger bonuses and an elite reputation, the Marine Corps has grown by nearly 27,000 members in a little more than two years -- half the time that military officials believed it would take.
The Red Cross and the Military -- [ON Point]
We all know the Red Cross from blood drives and Santas ringing bells as they beg for money, but in fact the American Red Cross (ARC) has a long history of providing support to members of the Armed Forces; they’ve been doing so since their inception in 1881. Military members can be confident that when they are deployed, in training, or stationed far from home –– often without phone or email access –– they are not out of touch. The ARC offers emergency communication, emergency financial assistance, counseling, and services for veterans at absolutely no cost to families in need
YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN -- [The Sandbox - CPT Beau Cleland]
made it. Barring some mundane tragedy here in Kuwait, I will have survived deployment number two. A cursory review of the odds reveals that this isn't a statistically significant event, but if you're a member of the unlucky percentage you would probably disagree with that statement. I haven't been in significant danger since I left Sadr City after Mookie cried uncle back in June, but there was always the chance of a random rocket or mortar. On the whole, it still feels good -- there were a couple of episodes where my team and I could have easily been casualties, but we made it out with just one Purple Heart among us.
2008 Weblog Awards -- [John of Argghhh!!!]
Well, The Weblog Awards is finally off and running, meaning Kevin Aylward is running around with his hair on fire.
My Contract With You - The 2008 Weblog Awards -- [Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
If there is one thing I’ve tried to give everybody over the past couple of months, it is quality and inconsistency.
When you come to this blog, you never know exactly what to expect. The banner may be changed. The essay may be funny, or poignant or irreverent. But here is what I know: you guys seem to like stopping by, and I try to give you a piece of quality writing.
Public Affairs and Information Operations -- [John of Argghhh!!!]
[Cross-posted at Small Wars Journal]
Public Affairs and Information Operations are seemingly competing and complementary missions and agendas, complicated by regulatory language created in a much different strategic communications environment, overlain with a frisson of the biases of persons of sensitive politics - from both ends of the spectrum.
Dubious News Reports from Afghanistan -- [Free Range International]
There were two interesting articles in the news concerning Afghanistan today which illustrate (to me) the dire straits we now face. One article reported on the clever use of Viagra by CIA case officers; the other was a mildly negative critique of the US AID reconstruction efforts made by a senior US AID officer. Both stories represent a total lack of situational awareness as 2008 draws to a close. When you have lived in a poorly understood, distant country like Afghanistan as long as I have it is easy to find mistakes in the international press. I am not nitpicking two main stream news reports because they report as fact things I know to be completely untrue. You get that a lot from the press these days. What I find alarming is ...
Why Is This Not Fit For The Evening News? -- [The Eagle's Nest Blog]
After living in Saint Paul for a number of years he moved to Dearborn, MI where there is a large Iraqi population and became a US citizen. I'll tell you more about Ali's story at a later date.
Ali told us of massive demonstrations in the streets of Dearborn following the shoe throwing incident in Baghdad. Unfortunately, we never saw reports in the main stream media about these demonstrations. Why? Because these demonstrators were showing support for President Bush.
Kill Your TV -- [Abu Muqawama]
I will say this vis a vis Israel and Palestine: if you are trying to gather news on what's taking place via American television, I am sorry. Talk of biases aside, there's just very little reporting. I think Bristol Palin's baby got more coverage on NBC this morning than Gaza and Israel did.
A Few Big Ideas -- [NY Times]
Over the past several months, we’ve discussed the many, severe challenges confronting America’s military services and recommended a set of urgent fixes to relieve the stresses on the men and women fighting overseas and keep the country safe. It is also worth exploring more long-term ideas. Here are three that have particularly impressed us, that we hope will help stimulate a wider debate.
Talk About Surrender -- [The Australian]
The media took great delight in reporting the encounter between US President George W. Bush and a pair of flying shoes during his final visit to Iraq two weeks ago. But the great bastions of free speech missed the true significance of an Arab reporter throwing his shoes during a press conference in Baghdad.
A Toast to Old Media’s — and Old Medea’s — Defeat in Iraq -- [PJM]
As 2008 ends, two things should not be forgotten.
First, it was the year that the war in Iraq became successful to the point where many started calling it victory. Perhaps cynics can dismiss writers like Zombietime or opinionated editorialists like those at Investors Business Daily as Pollyannas. But they have nowhere to run or hide when an observer on the ground like Michael Yon, who had the independence to tell us we were in danger of losing not all that long ago, comes out and says, “The Iraq War is over. … The civil war has completely ended.”
As U.S. Succeeds In Iraq, Network TV Pulls the Plug -- [Newsbusters]
Nearly two years after reporters such as NBC's Tom Brokaw derided President Bush's troop surge as "a folly" and suggested the war itself was a "lost cause," American troop deaths are at their lowest level since the Iraq war began in March 2003, and the death toll among Iraqi civilians is also down sharply in 2008.
So right on cue, Monday's New York Times reports that ABC, CBS and NBC have all pulled their full time reporters from Iraq.
What If They Gave a War and No Reporters Came? -- [LT Nixon]
The above picture of lovely Iraqi ladies is a shot from the Baghdad beauty pageant a few weeks back depicted in WaPo's Unseen Iraq, and unless you count the shoe-throwing guy, it was probably the most in-depth reporting from Mesopotamia by an American outlet in weeks. That's probably why it comes as no surprise that the American networks are pulling the plug in Iraq.
Democrats Split, Confused, and Dazed Over Israeli Counterattacks on Hamas -- [Flopping Aces]
Ok, get your scorecards ready, and try to determine WHERE the Democratic Party, America’s Congressional leaders, America’s incoming President, and his administration stand on this issue.
Harry Reid: A Man Of Letters -- [Riehl World View]
In light of the Blago appointment controversy, some may recall Harry Reid sending a letter to Rush Limbaugh falsely accusing Limbaugh of demeaning our troops. Rush used the foolhardy letter to demean and diminish Reid and raise over $2 Million for our troops on Ebay.
To much fanfare, Reid recently issued another letter, signed by all the Democrats in the Senate, to Blagojevich:
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
