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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 Set to Control ‘Sons of Iraq’ by April - Ashley Rowland, Stars and Stripes -- [Stars & Strpes]
The United States will transfer control of the "Sons of Iraq" to the Iraqi government by April, officials from both countries said Sunday.
The transfer appears to be going faster than expected.
Iraq: Peter Beinart and la phrase obligatoire -- [Roger Simon]
Peter Beinart has a new column in the Washington Post aimed at his fellow Democrats - Admit It: The Surge Worked. And it did. Beinart even cites supporting examples from the New York Times, in case you missed them months before on the Strategy Page. He wants Democrats to acknowledge the surge’s success for their own good, even though “[t]hat acknowledgment may not do much for Bush’s legacy.”
Training at Taji -- [Bullet Wisdom - in Iraq]
National election are coming up rapidly. The new Security Agreement between Iraq and the US is already in effect. The bottom line is things are continuously changing and we have arrived here at a challenging time. Regardless of what you see on the news, or how peaceful you might think things are at the moment, you must always be vigilant, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. So far, with the personnel we have on our team, I think ...
Thursday -- [Ramblings from a painter - in Iraq]
I went to a meeting today at the Al Rasheed Hotel. This was once a 5-star hotel, now grown a bit shabby but still pretty nice, particularly for a place like Baghdad. The Al Rasheed is one of the places that all the news crews lived and worked during the war. These days, it's packed with businessmen from around the world, coming in to land contracts for rebuilding the country and providing any kind of services. It's also the prime meeting area for westerners and Iraqis.
The Iraqi Dream… -- [The Gun Line - in Iraq]
We’re still in a combat zone, against an enemy that uses deception and stealth (because they can’t face us in a stand up fight…) so access by local nationals is strictly controlled. Most of the folks on this base haven’t met an Iraqi, and certainy haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk with one…
Thoughts on helicopters -- [Bad Dogs and Such - in Iraq]
Although the birds come and go all day and all night, we still look when it’s light (my roomie, in fact, loves the helicopters and will occasionally throw on her night vision and go watch them in the dark. Strange woman). We glance up, throw the flight into a mental classification (the bird bringing the colonel to visit, the bird bringing the guys back from leave, the regular bird to Big Brigade Base, etc) and move on.
But one makes us stop and do the instant mental inventory of the Soldiers we own. The MEDEVAC bird.
Regimental Combat Team 1 completes third Iraq tour -- [Fearless 1st Marines’ blog - in Iraq]
Marines with Regimental Combat Team 1 turned another page in the history books, completing the regiment’s third tour in Iraq in only four years, Jan. 20.
...Iraq’s provincial elections are scheduled to take place Jan. 31, a short time after Marines with RCT-1 have made their way home to reunite with friends and family in the U.S.
Though they are leaving Iraq behind, possibly for the last time, their efforts and sacrifices will live on.
“While this deployment may be closing the Iraq chapter in RCT-1’s illustrious history there is much we can look back on and be proud of,” said Barrett. “We continue to mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters we have lost on the battlefields and we can honestly say that they did not die in vain; the Marines and sailors of RCT-1 served their memory well and there are literally hundreds of thousands of Iraqis that have their sacrifice to thank as they look towards a bright and prosperous future.”
War Reporting Conundrum -- [Fraser From Iraq - in Iraq]
We’re all wondering what the new boss, President-elect / Commander in Chief-elect Obama is going to do when he takes office. We see things happening all around us. The Sand Box has lost its sex appeal. The hot blonde around the corner with the double D’s has gone to Afghanistan. ...you can really see the press shifting from covering the Sand Box to covering Afghanistan and the search for Osama Bin Ladin
...Put a timer on the next sound bite you see on the Sand Box, and then compare it to the coverage of what Obama’s interior decorator is going to do with the White House living quarters, or the planning and cost of the inauguration, or what school the Obama kids are going to, or what breed the first dog is going to be…etc. etc. etc.
Sticky Mud -- [Fraser From Iraq - in Iraq]
The other night I flew with those disposable hand warmers in the toes of my boots. I shouldn’t bitch, because the door gunners in the back are hanging out of the aircraft in the slip stream dressed like Eskimos, but are still freezing their asses off. We have a heater in the aircraft, but with the doors and windows open at 130 knots, it doesn’t work very well. Correction. It makes you feel warmer by turning the switch on. But really doesn’t do anything.
I have friends that actually believe it’s 100 degrees here 12 months of the year. Have I ever mentioned that Americans are not very well versed in geography or climates outside their own city or town? I’ve had people send me suntan lotion. Thank you for sending it! But I haven’t seen the sun for almost two months now.
We’ve noticed that we usually don’t get mortared or shot at when it’s this miserable outside. So that’s a good thing.
A Little Bit of Labor -- [S4 at War - in Iraq]
I had to hire some labor for a few days to help out with some projects on our FOB. This is pretty standard practice. Instead of using our soldiers to do work-thereby taking what little down time they may have-we employ some locals for a week or so. I contacted one of the vendors I use and he said he’d have ten guys at my FOB the following morning. At 0800 ten individuals pulled up to our gate in a bongo truck. I quickly collected their IDs and then realized that I was looking at a group of 2 older males and 8 younger kids…I mean about 11 years old each. Their IDs were...
Sitting in Saddam’s former palace -- [Blogs over Baghdad - in Iraq]
Just an update for all family members — we are ALL here in Baghdad and doing fine. Most of us arrived yesterday afternoon (see yesterday’s blog about baggage handling) and one more of us — PFC Christine Bernat — followed behind us by a day as she completed some required medical appointments
Where it All Began -- [Far From Perfect - in Iraq]
I have set foot on the place where civilization began. Where the Sumerians and Babylonian ruled. Where Hammurabi’s Code was written, and where the wheel was invented. The place is known as Ur, and you can even find it in the Bible. I might have mentioned this before, but I love history, especially practical history and anthropology. Screw the dates, show me the how. So you can imagine what a great experience this was for me, even in ACUs.
Rollin' in Hash -- [Michael Yon]
Our people in the fighting tell their stories better than anyone. This photo-essay just came to me from Afghanistan. Our soldiers are not professional writers, nor photographers, but they are very good at what they do. The rawness and simplicity of this powerful essay rings truer than any of us writers/photographers seem to be able to capture. It also reminds me of why I am so happy to be in the United States, away from the fighting, and how much I distress about not covering our people when they are in need.
Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton -- [Associated Press]
Foreign Ministry Rangin Dadfar Spanta said Saturday that it is "absolutely wrong" to classify Afghanistan as such, though the minister readily admitted that
The Others -- [Strategy Page]
The Taliban are shifting strategy in response to heavy losses fighting foreign troops. The Taliban has not been able to come up with a counterstrategy for the smart bomb and UAVs, which give foreign troops an unassailable advantage in battles. The word has gotten around, and Afghans are demanding more money to take up arms and join a bunch of Taliban.
Afghanistan: We Can Do Better -- [WaPo - Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (Nato)]
It has been seven years since Afghan forces supported by the United States toppled the Taliban and denied al-Qaeda the terrorist haven, training ground and launch pad that Afghanistan had become. Since then, there has been clear, substantial progress, including democratic elections, the liberation of many Afghan women to take their place in public life, and improvements in health care and education.
But an honest assessment of Afghanistan must conclude that we are not where we might have hoped to be by now
Danica Patrick Hates Me!! -- [AFGHANISTANSHRUGGED - in Afghanistan]
...I was reading through my blog the other day and came away with an interesting impression. Combat and Afghanistan sounds really cool and exciting. After reading I was thinking,” Dude; this is cool I want to be there” and then I realized I was there. It’s just not that cool and exciting. 95% of the time it’s pretty monotonous.
Much of my time gets spent on the mundane, trivial and downright boring
Two Soldiers In A Combat Zone, Watching A Musical...and Puppies... -- [Embrace the Suck - in Afghansitan]
...Lastly, above are pictured a couple of the puppies we found under one of the B-huts here at the FOB. AWWW, They're SOOOO Cute! The next few months are going to be interesting as I am trying to get one of these guys home, and the rest to an animal rescue place up in Kabul. Given our command policy regarding animals this is going to be entertaining to say the least. It is kind of funny though, throughout my time in the military I have been in trouble for drinking, for insubordination, for fighting, for...you get the idea. I find it a little funny that here in AssCrackIstan, I am going to get into trouble for smuggling puppies!
N. Korea toughens position on nukes -- [Wa Times]
Sees better ties with Obama
North Korea has hardened its stance on disarmament, saying it has "weaponized" plutonium into warheads, but hopes for better ties with President-elect Barack Obama, a U.S. researcher who visited the North said Saturday.
Officials say the weapons cannot be inspected, and Pyongyang might keep them even if it normalizes relations with Washington,...
North Korea threatens South with war -- [Telegragh]
On Saturday, a dour man in military uniform appeared on North Korean television, flanked by army flags, and read a statement saying the country was now on a war-footing. He said the North would take an "all-out confrontational posture" against its neighbour.
Although North Korea regularly issues threats against the South, a spokesman for the South Korea Unification ministry said it was the most serious threat since 1998.
The television broadcast accused the South of "opting for the road to confrontation with the help of outside powers, ignoring the call for conciliation and cooperation".
Russia strategy needed -- [Wa Times]
In rebuilding the trans-Atlantic alliance President Barack Obama will need to confront Moscow's ambitions to divide Europe into permanent "spheres of influence." Facing a belligerent Russia and a fractured European Union, Mr. Obama must combine practical engagement with the Kremlin on issues of mutual concern, such as anti-proliferation and counterterrorism, with a strategic assertiveness that strengthens the Atlantic community.
It's Official: War on Terror Is the Most Successful Military Campaign In US History -- [Gateway Pundit]
Before President George W. Bush leaves office it's only fitting to give credit to where credit it due. Although you would not know this from the anti-Bush media or democrats, the US military has waged the most successful major military campaign in American history these past 8 years.
Black Death... Al-Qaeda Catches Plague- 40 Dead -- [Gateway Pundit]
Apparently, rats must have infested their cave.
40 Al-Qaeda rebels died after catching the plague in Algeria.
The Sun reported: ...The victim was a terrorist in AQLIM (al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb), the largest and most powerful al-Qaeda group outside the Middle East.
It trains Muslim fighters to kill British and US troops.
Now al-Qaeda chiefs fear the plague has been passed to other terror cells — or Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.
Bio-Weapon Gone Wrong Killed Algerian Terrorists? -- [Reil World View]
Hmm. The Washington Times cites a national security source who disputes the Sun report of the plague killing some al Qaeda members in Algeria.
Unleashed CIA Zapped 8 Qaeda Lieutenants Since July -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
In one of his final acts in office, President Bush has been trying to settle unfinished business in his internationally-unpopular “global war on terror.” No, he hasn’t killed Osama Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri or Abu Ayyub al-Masri. No, he hasn’t pulled all U.S. troops out of Iraq. No, he hasn’t closed Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib or Bagram’s prisons.
The Al Qaeda Version Of Hell -- [Strategy Page]
Pakistan has turned into a dangerous place for al Qaeda. The terrorist organization has been in the region since it moved to Afghanistan in the late 1990s. In late 2001, most surviving al Qaeda members fled to Pakistan. There, many of them married women from Pushtun tribes. While some of the newly married remained in the terrorism business (either in Pakistan or farther away), the rest sought to make a living locally.
Video Showing German al Qaeda Emerges -- [Jawa Report]
A video showing a German member of al Qaeda has been released by the terrorist group's media wing, as Sahab productions. The title of the video in German is "Das Rettungspaket fuer Deutschland", which translates as "The Rescue Package for Germany".
Niiiiiice: Canada Turns Bill Ayers Away at the Border -- [Jawa Report]
Friend of Barack Obama and unapologetic former terrorist Bill Ayers was scheduled to speak at the University of Toronto today in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Given King's commitment to non-violence, this is ironic, no?
But when he showed up at the border yesterday the Canadians wouldn't let him in.
All the President’s Warriors -- [Flopping Aces]
Last December 22nd was President Bush’s last trip to Walter Reed as commander-in-chief.
BDSers have raked President Bush over the coals with great cynicism in regards to his relationship to the troops. It drives them stir-crazy knowing that the majority of those in the military support their commander-in-chief just as strongly as he, them.
He has dramatically increased funding to support and care for those serving our nation.
Here are some accounts of President Bush and the wounded warriors and their family members…
Dear Sister Thistletwat’s Third Grade Class -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
Thank you so much for all of those drawings and letters from the class. I know that many of you think that the desert is hot, but it gets very cold at night. Our heater in the BDOC doesn’t work, so we break up forklift pallets and burn them in a barrel outside. Each of us takes turns going outside to warm up, and those drawings are very useful for starting the fire. Please send more drawings with construction paper. They tend to burn slower and hotter than notebook paper.
Order your Valentine Kits now for your hero.... -- [Soldiers' Angels Network]
Send Care Packages to your Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman or Any hero!
For a donation of $39, A Red and White Care Package will be sent out to a new hero to Soldiers' Angels or your hero of choice. This is perfect for Valentines Day
This kit includes
The day I learned having 3 boys is almost as cool as having your own squad! -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
While at Landstuhl, Bill spent his time reading CTs and MRIs as well as giving some continuing education lectures for the Military radiologists.
Lisa and her sons volunteered with Soldiers' Angels. I can't believe how much we got done!
Linda Ferrara interview with AFN (Armed Forces Network) -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
AFN's TSgt Colleen Armstrong interviews Gold Star mom Linda Ferrara and patient SPC Stephen Stout during a Soldiers' Angels-sponsored visit to Landstuhl hospital in Germany.
Bill Faith - "Aim High" My Friend -- [Old War Dogs]
It is with a saddened heart that I just heard from another Old War Dog, Zero Ponsdorf, that Michelle Malkin reported the death of Old War Dog founder and webmaster Bill Faith. I missed a couple of opportunities this year as I traveled through Southern Illinois, to stop and meet Bill in person. This is a mistake I will regret for the rest of my life.
Bill Faith, R.I.P. -- [Malkin]
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of blogger Bill Faith. He died of a heart attack and had been in ill health.
Bill ran the blog Small Town Veteran and founded/contributed to Old War Dogs. I linked to his work many times over the years. He was also a valuable commenter here at mm.com.
Sheep by the Water, Qarghuli Tribal Region: -- [Grim's Hall - in Iraq]
It was with surprise that I read in my email that Bill Faith has died. Bill Faith was the blogger who wrote "Small Town Veteran," one of the early milblogs -- he was a Veteran of the Vietnam conflict. He also founded Old War Dogs, which is where the poetry of Russ Vaughn is first published. That fact shows the quality of the men who chose to associate with him.
On Faith -- [Castle Argghhh! - FbL]
Via Michelle Malkin and Uncle Jimbo, comes sad news.Last year I had fallen away from reading Bill Faith regularly and missed the good news about his finally sorting out the Social Security/VA thing. So, my image of him up until last Fall was the one he had shared previously on his blogs--a disabled veteran who was living on a financial shoestring... struggling, but never giving in to discouragement or self-pity, and always leading by example in faith and generosity.
Godspeed Bill Faith -- [BlackFive]
Jimbo put it into words first. I needed some time to figure out what to write. I had planned on sifting through some emails from 2004 when Bill and I were working on trying to stop "reverend" Phelps and his family/"church" from protesting at our Fallen funerals.
More Americans Joining Military as Jobs Dwindle -- [NY Times]
As the number of jobs across the nation dwindles, more Americans are joining the military, lured by a steady paycheck, benefits and training. — The last fiscal year was a banner one for the military, with all active-duty and reserve forces meeting …
The battle between small, heavy and hybrid wars rages on... -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
So the debate is heating up regarding "next-war-itis". A number of prominent military thinkers have taken sides in this debate which regards the future posture of the US military.
Seven movies later... -- [The Left Captain - home from Afghanistan]
When we touched down a huge cheer went up from the rows of Soldiers and Airmen.
We were back on US soil.
Big Hollywood -- [Andrew Breitbart]
I Pledge to Ridicule Celebrities Who Refuse to Recognize We Are At War With People Who Want to Kill Them, Too — Many of the celebrities that were central to demonizing and making life impossible for President Bush for eight loathsome years NOW want to help with the heavy lifting of bringing America …
Celebrity's The Presidential Pledge
MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge
The future of war reporting -- [Abu Muqawama]
Now, this is utter genius!
If you follow media issues, you'll know that newspapers, magazines and broadcasters are getting poorer. And the cash sink hole that they need to cut is foreign reporting. It costs loads to cover, and brings in little in the way of readership, viewers etc.
Bush's Real Sin Was Winning in Iraq -- [WSJ]
...perhaps the most important reason for this unpopularity is the one least commented on.
Here's a hint: It's not because of his failures. To the contrary, Mr. Bush's disfavor in Washington owes more to his greatest success. Simply put, there are those who will never forgive Mr. Bush for not losing a war they had all declared unwinnable.
Celebrating the Last Full Day of “43″ -- [Flopping Aces]
It’s been an amazing run!
Just like the Bush presidency, our Bush Thankathon steams into it’s last full day. It’s been a great look back at the man and the stories that haven’t always made the headlines, but give us a better measure of the man and how history may view him.
Unsung Hero Ryan Crocker Awarded Medal of Freedom -- [Gateway Pundit]
Before he left office President George W. Bush made sure to honor Ambassador Ryan Clark Crocker for his outstanding service to his country.
Crocker is the top US diplomat who delivered Iraq from chaos to democracy.
The Next War President -- [NY Times]
In synagogue on Saturday, before saying the customary prayer for our country, the rabbi asked us to reflect on the fact that a new president would be inaugurated on Tuesday, and urged us to focus a little more intently than usual on the prayer
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