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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.
U.S. Military Signs Over Camp Ramadi to Iraqis -- [Defense Link]
RAMADI, Iraq, Jan. 22, 2009 – U.S. military officials signed over Camp Ramadi to the Iraqi government Jan. 20, signifying another step toward increased Iraqi responsibility and control.
Iraqi army and U.S. military officials signed the memorandum of agreement at Camp Ali, an Iraqi segment of Camp Ramadi here in Anbar province, west of Baghdad. The memorandum outlined the areas of the camp that coalition forces will continue to use through 2011.
Obama Directs Military to Plan ‘Responsible’ Iraq Drawdown -- [Defense Link]
President Barack Obama directed key defense and military officials he met with yesterday to come up with plans for “a responsible military drawdown in Iraq.”
Obama declared yesterday’s meeting on Iraq productive and valuable. Participants in the late-afternoon session during his first day in office included Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates; Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command.
US Envoy Notes Risks of Earlier Withdrawal From Iraq - [WSJ - Gina Chon]
US Ambassador Ryan Crocker said that a precipitous withdrawal of American troops from Iraq could give al Qaeda in Iraq a chance to regenerate and leave the country vulnerable to possible negative interference from neighboring nations.
Hey Mr. President, What Do You Think Of This... -- [Embrace the Suck - in Iraq]
I am about to ask Barack Obama some questions and then I am going to answer them for him. Not to mention I am going to throw a little commentary at you about the conservatives in the military and I just love to say that to them. YOU’RE GOING TO BE FINE, YOU’RE GOING TO BE JUST FINE… To whom do I say this little gem? Pretty much everyone I know at one time or another.
Iraqis Demand Death And Taxes -- [Strategy Page]
The Iraqi government wants Iraqi employees, of the U.S. military in Iraq, to have income taxes deducted from their pay. Seems reasonable enough, although this practice is only a few generations old in the West. But in Iraq, this request has revealed some unpleasant realities of Iraqi life. For one thing
RHIP -- [Blogs over Baghdad - in Iraq]
When I went around and asked the young soldiers to give me their boarding passes, they did not know what was going on. However, when I came back and gave them their first class boarding passes, it was evident. It was only a two-hour flight, but it was enough to let them know they were just as important as everyone else.
Skip ahead six weeks to FOB Prosperity here in Iraq. This time, the perk was improved billeting. Although the rest of the unit was only given room in two tents (nice tents, but still very crowded tents), the commander and I were offered a trailer (see previous email about CHUs). The trailer was pretty spartan — a pair of single beds, two night stands, and two wall lockers (mine was even broken). As soon as it was offered, the commander and I began to talk about our possible courses of action. “Sergeant major,” he said, “I don’t feel right about having this while everyone else is in the tent.”
In less than two weeks, the Iraqis will vote again. -- [Free Republic]
And that desolate airport I arrived in five years ago is a bright, bustling hive of activity, with shops, cafes and restaurants, clean restrooms and comfortable gate waiting areas. Another 17 daily flights were recently added and more airlines are signing contracts to fly in and out of Baghdad. In just a few months, there will be direct flights to Europe by major carriers, soon to be followed by direct flights to the US.
Godspeed, Iraq and may you continue to go forward and embrace the bright light of liberty and peace.
Pieces of Flair -- [Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
...“Yea,” I say. “It’s a combat patch. You just kind of get one for showing up. I don’t wear it.”
“Why? Everybody else wears it.”
“Not really,” I said. “After we had our patch ceremony, when the first sergeant told us to fall out, all you heard was ripping Velcro. A lot of first deployment guys ripped them off their uniforms.”
“Why?”
“The men are upset about the mission. We got promised Area Security Operations and ended up standing at Entry Control Points watching the rest of our battalion leave the gate. The men ripped their patches off because we aren’t in combat. I don’t know where the hell we are, but it’s not combat. When signal units are out doing route clearance and infantry units are guarding the gate, you kind of become disillusioned quickly.”
“What about you? “ Moshe Dayan asks. “What about 2004? You had that bombing…”
“I did nothing,” I say
Logistics is… -- [S4 at War]
…somehow getting 2000+ beers to my FOB in time for the Superbowl in a supply system that hasn’t ever had to supply beer to us before. Here is how it works: The people at the top said beer would be permitted only at Commanders’ discretion. Once Odierno said it was good then each MND Commander had to decide. Once they decided it trickled down to the Provincial level and finally reached us, about three days before I have to go and pick up 2000+ beers. It gets better. If, by chance
Baghdad…Finally -- [Stone Report - in Iraq]
By the time everyone reads this, I’ll be in my first day of work as a broadcaster. The unit we are replacing is ready to go and we get to hit the ground running. This is going to be a good 10 more months because I’m going to ensure it’s a good 10 months because I have good friends and confidence to know we can make anything happen.
Obama ready to cut Karzai adrift -- [The Independent]
As support for Afghan leader wanes, rivals go to Washington for meeting with new President — Barack Obama's arrival in the White House and the wind of change sweeping through Washington could lead to the ousting from power of Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan, The Independent has learnt.
British Hated Because of Musa Qala -- [The Captain’s Journal]
...We have also covered the deal the British struck with one Mullah Abdul Salaam, a so-called mid-level Taliban commander who allegedly sided with the British, with the British thinking that Salaam would field fighters when the British and U.S. attacked Musa Qala to retake it from hard core Taliban fighters. As it turns out, Salaam was pretty much just a despicable and cowardly weasel.
Approaching the Tipping Point -- [Free Range International - in Afghanistan]
He tells me that, despite the very mild winter we have had to date, that poverty is driving people to desperate measures. Frequently voices call out to him from the shadows at night “we are Taliban give us your wallet, watch and cell phone.” They are not Taliban but men he has known for years. I asked why this was happening because our understanding of Pashtun culture would prohibit such gross criminality inside one’s own community.
Nuristan PRT assists village with growth and development -- [Combined Joint Task Force - 101 - in Afghanistan]
The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team recently visited Zirat village to assess the effectiveness of completed projects and work with villagers on solutions for overcoming hardships. Until February of last year, the main income for the villagers was earned
Make them taste the misery of horror: Al-Qaeda leader demands terror attacks in Britain to avenge Israel invasion of Gaza -- [Mail Online]
An Al Qaeda leader called yesterday for terror attacks on Britain in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Abu Yahya al-Libi urged the terror network's followers to rise up like 'angered lions' and declared: 'It is high time that this criminal country, I mean Britain, paid the price of its history.'
The rallying call came days after Al Qaeda's leader Osama Bin Laden broke nearly a year of silence to call for attacks against Israel and its supporters.
In the 31-minute video, al-Libi said 'infidel capitals' should be made to experience the same horrors as civilians in Gaza during the three-week Israeli offensive which was halted at the weekend.
'Make them taste the bitterness of war and the tragedies of homelessness and the misery of horror,' he said.
Has Obama Ended the "War on Terror"?Has President Barack Obama ended the "war on terror"? -- [MotherJones Blog]
On his second day in office, he signed an executive order that would prevent any officer of the US government from engaging in torture. As he placed his name on the order--keeping a prominent campaign promise--he declared that this move "effectively ensures that anyone detained by the United States for now" will be interrogated in a fashion consistent with the Army field manual, which notes that the use of force, threats, or inhumane treatment is prohibited by law. "We can abide by a rule that says we don't torture," Obama maintained. In other words, good-bye to waterboarding.
Freed by U.S., Saudi Becomes a Qaeda Chief -- [NY Times]
BEIRUT, Lebanon — The emergence of a former Guantánamo Bay detainee as the deputy leader of Al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch has underscored the potential complications in carrying out the executive order President Obama signed Thursday that the detention center be shut down within a year.
A Promise Tucked In A Bag -- [A Soldier's Mind]
Death of a loved one is very hard for any of us to handle. Anytime one deals with the death of a loved one, it’s often difficult to find closure and move on with life, without that person. When a parent has to bury their child, it’s often very difficult, as under most circumstances, our children will outlive us. When our loved ones die as a result of a traumatic event, such as a traffic accident or in combat, we’re often left with many unanswered questions. For one Michigan woman, some of her answers were finally answered on Saturday, when she met the medic who was present when her son, 29 year old Carl Thomas was killed as a result of an IED in Iraq on September 13, 2004. While the pain of the loss of her son remains and will remain with her for the remainder of her life, and she’ll never have full closure, being able to have her questions answered about her son’s death, provided Alfeeria Johnson with some measure of comfort.
Are You Ready to Get Angry? -- [Thunder Run]
What? The Super Bowl won’t let the military color guard stay and watch the big game? Yes you read that right. Was I skeptical? At first, but after I contacted the Tampa Bay host Committee through their official website and spoke to Katie Wagner, I was assured that yes in fact her email inbox is full of emails from upset Marine Mom’s all asking for an explanation. To Ms. Wagner’s credit, who by the way was extremely gracious during my questions the Host Committee has no control over game day decisions; that authority rests solely with the NFL.
What has become a common yet gracious act of allowing a military color guard to stay and watch the game from the side lines, in honor of their service to our country, this time has them being treated as if they are the unwelcome guests, common servants to be whisked away as soon as their task is completed.
NFL Refuses to Let Honor Guard View Super Bowl -- [CJ - You Served]
The NFL has allowed the military troops presenting the national colors at the Super Bowl to stay and watch the game after the ceremony since 2002. The military plays a large role in most of the Super Bowls, providing color guards, fly-overs, and paratroopers that land on the field during opening ceremonies. But, this year, those troops are being snubbed by the NFL.
From Email: Fairness, Life, Secrecy, Caroline -- [The Anchoress]
...THANKING YOU for your prayers: This military family writes to tell me that Beloved is finally home, and doing well, with physical therapy to loosen up the muscles that have atrophied in recovery. His situation had been very grave. The family specifically thanked all of you for your prayers. Prayer works.
A Janitor's 10 Lessons in Leadership -- [Col. James Moschgat, 12th Operations Group Commander] HT BlackFive
Those who had before left a mess for the "janitor" to clean up started taking it upon themselves to put things in order. Most cadets routinely stopped to talk to Bill throughout the day and we even began inviting him to our formal squadron functions. He'd show up dressed in a conservative dark suit and quietly talk to those who approached him, the only sign of his heroics being a simple blue, star-spangled lapel pin. Almost overnight, Bill went from being a simple fixture in our squadron to one of our teammates. Mr. Crawford changed too, but you had to look closely to notice the difference. After that fall day in 1976, he seemed to move with more purpose, his shoulders didn't seem to be as stooped, he met our greetings with a direct gaze and a stronger "good morning" in return, and he flashed his crooked smile more often. The squadron gleamed as always, but everyone now seemed to notice it more. Bill even got to know most of us by our first names, something that didn't happen often at the Academy. While no one ever formally acknowledged the change, I think we became Bill's cadets and his squadron. As often happens in life, events sweep us away from those in our past. The last time I saw Bill was on graduation day in June 1977. As I walked out of the squadron for the last time, he shook my hand and simply said, "Good luck, young man." With that, I embarked on a career that has been truly lucky and blessed. Mr. Crawford continued to work at the Academy and eventually retired in his native Colorado where he resides today, one of four Medal of Honor winners living in a small town. A wise person once said, "It's not life that's important, but those you meet along the way that make the difference." Bill was one who made a difference for me. While I haven't seen Mr. Crawford in over twenty years, he'd probably be surprised to know I think of him often. Bill Crawford, our janitor, taught me many valuable, unforgettable leadership lessons. Here are ten I'd like to share with you.
Obama flashes irritation in press room -- [Politico]
...Asked how he could reconcile a strict ban on lobbyists in his administration with a Deputy Defense Secretary nominee who lobbied for Raytheon, Obama interrupted with a knowing smile on his face.
"Ahh, see," he said, "I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can't end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I'm going to get grilled every time I come down here."
Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter's shoulder and staring him in the eye.
"Alright, come on" he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. "We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys - that's all I was trying to do."
Adam Kokesh; not feeling the hope -- [This Ain't hell]
The other day, in DuPont Circle at the Shoe Bush protest, the day before the Inauguration, I saw Adma Kokesh, poster child for everything that’s wrong with IVAW, threaten that he was throwing a combat boot at the 30-foot blow-up doll of George Bush on that day, but that he was saving the other boot for Obama.
...But the whole reason I video’d Kokesh was to catch him calling himself “Sergeant Kokesh”. To his credit, he has stopped that. Below is Kokesh’s DD214 which proves what I’ve been saying the last few years; he’s not a sergeant.
Obama blows off Medal of Honor recipients [Jonn] -- [This Ain't hell]
According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). Some background on the ball
Wounded vets walk out during inaugural ball concert -- [Wa Times]
An inaugural ball honoring U.S. military veterans ended in a kerfluffle as several veterans walked out when a musical act's attempt at humor backfired.
During the Heroes Red, White & Blue Inaugural Ball honoring the nation's veterans, a vocalist with George Clinton and the P. Funk All-Stars held up a white towel with large block letters saying "[Expletive] GEORGE," perturbing many audience members who walked out after the display, interpreting it as a jab at the outgoing commander-in-chief, George W. Bush.
Obama Sworn In Again, With Right Words -- [WaPo]
After flubbing his one role on Inauguration Day -- administering the oath of office to Obama -- Roberts traveled to the White House to re-administer the oath.
Just to make sure. "We decided it was so much fun . . .," Obama joked while sitting on a couch in the Map Room. Obama stood and walked over to make small talk with pool reporters as Roberts donned his black robe.
...After a flawless recitation that included no Bible and took 25 seconds, Roberts smiled and said, "Congratulations, again."
Obama to Lift Ban on Funding for Groups Providing Abortions Overseas -- [FOX News]
President Obama will issue an executive order on Thursday reversing the Bush administration policy that bans the use of federal dollars by non-govermental organizations that discuss or provide abortions outside of the United States.
Obama will sign the executive order on the 36th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
