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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.
Iraqi Elections - [Soldiering On - in Iraq]
...I spoke to an Iraqi Army major yesterday about the election. He observed that in our election, he knew Obama had won when Obama won Florida. We marveled at how American elections so often come down to Ohio and Florida. He said he is glad Iraq has their system, even if it is confusing. He is a fan of Maliki. Most of the members of the Iraqi Security Forces seem to be fans of the Prime Minister (at least when asked). The general consensus seems to be that Maliki, Allawi and the Islamic Party (Sunni) will do well. The hope is that this might form a moderate center that can bring Sunnis and Shi’a together against the extremes on both the Sunni and Shi’a sides. Of course, only time will tell.
Imad Allawi offers a secular Shi’a alternative and is viewed as a uniter. Prime Minister Maliki is a Shi’a nationalist who is seen as standing for a strong Iraq. The Iraqi Islamic Party is the strongest Sunni party (because they didn’t boycott the last election). It was interesting watching Iraqi television ...
Witness to History - Part 2 - Marine General Sounds Off About Iraqi Election -- [BlackFive]
Major General John F. Kelly writes this note to Seamus about the elections, our Marines, and Iraq
Something didn't happen in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, today. Once the most violent and most dangerous places on earth, no suicide vest bomber detonated killing dozens of voters. No suicide truck bomber drove into a polling place collapsing the building and killing and injuring over 100. No Marine was in a firefight engaging an Al Qaida terrorist trying to disrupt democracy. What did happen was Anbar Sunnis came out in their tens of thousands to vote in the first free election of their lives. With the expectation of all of the above (suicide bombers) they walked miles (we shut down all vehicle traffic with the exception of some shuttle busses for the elderly and infirm) to the polling places. I slept under the stars with some Grunts at Combat Outpost Iba on the far side of Karma, and started driving the 200 miles up the Euphrates River Valley through Karma, Fallujah, Habbiniyah, Ramadi, Hit, Baghdad and back here to Al Asad.
...One of the things I've always said was that we came here to "give" them democracy. Even in the dark days my only consolation was that it was about freedom and democracy. After what I saw today,
Election Day -- [Bullet Wisdom - in Iraq]
...As the clock ticked, we bit our lip and held on. Everyone waited by the radio, waiting for a report from a polling station of a monstrous attack. Coalition and Iraqi Quick Reaction Forces stood by, ready to handle the worst.
The worst never came. The Iraqi people again pointed their signature ink-dipped fingers in the air, again showing a sign of victory and defiance. We still hold our breath, waiting for that big, attention-grabbing attack. Waiting for someone to break the quiet. When it comes, our Iraqi counterparts are ready, and we will be there alongside them.
Sunnis I-Rock the Vote -- [NRO - Pete Hegseth]
On my visit back to Samarra, Iraq, this past August, numerous locals told me: “Al-Qaeda will never come back here!” Military security was the true grandfather of political progress and reconciliation.
However, on that very same trip—which occurred deep in the heart of the Sunni triangle—I once again witnessed the lingering scars of political exclusion. While the streets were safe, shops opening, and the city council holding session, the reconstruction money and coordination needed from higher levels of the Iraqi government were not yet reaching Samarra.
Western media ignores… or disses… historic Iraq electoral successes. *ALL* hardline Islamic parties lose ground! -- [Flopping Aces]
it comes as no surprise that it takes a UK (not a US) publication, The Guardian, to report on some very notable successes in the wake of the Iraq elections over the weekend.
Despite a lower than expected turnout of 51%, there were no boycotts based on ethic or sectarian lines. In fact, the Sunni turnout in some areas was as high as 60%… a big difference from the 2005 elections. “It was also the first election to have international observers in all 712 constituencies.”
U.S. Soldier Shot by Iraqi Sniper -- [ga Great Americans]
An unbelievable true story of Sgt. Steven Tschiderer shot by sniper fire in Baghdad, Iraq. Miraculously he survives thanks to state of the art body armor. In a turn of events Sgt. Tschiderer saves the life of the sniper that attempted to take his. Watch the actual footage unfold as filmed by Iraqi insurgents!
This video was edited from a segment on the History Channel titled Shockwave.
Dog saves handlers life -- [Task Force Mountain - in Iraq]
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – A military working dog saved his owners life while on a routine mission near Najaf, Iraq recently.
Not gonna do it -- [FP: The Best Defense - Tom Ricks]
I'm gonna wait a couple of weeks before I try to sort out the Iraqi provincial elections. When I was in Baghdad in November, an American official preparing for this period said that the key wouldn't be the run-up to the elections or the vote itself, but the month or two afterward, when winners and losers became clear. The two key questions, he said, were...
Eye on Anbar: did the provincial elections make things worse? -- [FP: Abu Aardvark's Middle East Blog - Marc Lynch]
I'm a bit confused by the rapturous reception across the board of the Iraqi provincial elections. I'm as delighted as everyone that the Iraqi provincial elections went off without major violence. But as I've been warning for many long months now, the dangerous part of the provincial elections comes when those groups who expected to win find out they didn't.
Iraq Probes Possible Voter Fraud -- [Washington Post]
The head of Iraq's electoral commission said Tuesday that it is investigating "serious" allegations of electoral fraud in Anbar province that, if corroborated, could alter the outcome of Saturday's election, providing the clearest indication yet that voting irregularities occurred during provincial balloting.
Iraqi policemen, still a long way to go
Violence Looms in Iraq After Muslim Brotherhood Steals Anbar Elections -- [PJM - Patrick Poole]
Voting fraud claims threaten to unravel the hard-won peace achieved in Anbar.
Iraq’s road to democracy -- [The Examiner]
It took Iraq a little under six years to get from a dysfunctional police state under a mad dictator whose religious and ethnic factions seemed hopelessly at odds with each other, to the Jan. 31 elections, under which the outlines of a vigorous and diverse democratic system have begun to take shape.
Iraq’s road was too long and too messy and much too mishandled, but then so was Britain’s. By rational standards, this is no failure. It is a muddied and bloodied heroic success.
Iraqi woman had 80 women raped then recruited as suicide bombers -- [Herald Sun]
A WOMAN suspected of recruiting more than 80 female suicide bombers has confessed to organising their rapes so she could later convince them that martyrdom was the only way to escape the shame.
Iraqi woman had 80 women raped to recruit suicide bombers
U.S. and Iraqi forces also detained more than 100 people who were considered a threat to the recent peaceful provincial elections. -- [LA Times]
Reporting from Baghdad -- In the 72 hours before last week's provincial elections, U.S. and Iraqi forces targeted more than 100 people considered threats to peaceful balloting in the capital, the top American military commander in Baghdad said Tuesday.
Obama Backs Out on Iraq Appointment -- [Washington Times]
The Obama administration asked retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni to be US ambassador to Iraq but abruptly withdrew the appointment without explanation, Gen. Zinni said Tuesday.
A Super Farewell -- [Notes From Iraq - in Iraq]
Today, my team not only celebrated the Super Bowl by grilling out at midnight, we also wished farewell to one of our interpreters. Evan (aka 'Eazy T') will depart Iraq in order to make the trek to the States in a few weeks. He will set up residence while he waits to be issued his green card, upon the receipt of which he will enlist in the U.S. Army. You might wonder if the Iraqi Army officers felt less than complimented by his departed Iraq to join the U.S. Army. The answer is a definite 'yes.' I was present for more than one uneasy conversation on this topic. In reality though, this opportunity is awesome for Evan. And, to be honest, the United States is getting the good end of this deal
Groundhog Day -- [Blogs Over Baghdad - in Iraq]
There’s a running joke in the Army, that every day is like the movie Groundhog Day. We just keep re-living the same day again…and again…and again…except when we don’t. Today, on the actual Groundhog Day, I realized how different our days have been so far. From our sleepless arrival and the unending BaggageFest ‘09, to our transition into our CPIC jobs, to our move from the transient tents to trailers, every day has been a little bit different. And a little bit historic, even.
How a news idea becomes a news story -- [Blogs Over Baghdad - in Iraq]
How does the idea of a reporter become a news or feature story in the newspaper or on the radio or TV? Here in Iraq, it almost always includes some support from military Public Affairs, and that support is almost always more complicated than the average person might think. You can’t just show up to interview or shoot pictures in a combat zone; people don’t like being surprised. Here is one example:
Hello families of the HQ! -- [Whatever It Takes - in Iraq]
We have finally made it to Camp Taji, Iraq. This may be the first time you have ever heard of it, but it is now our new home away from home. It is much nicer here than we expected. We have two-man rooms with heat, AC, soft beds, and internet service. Not far from our rooms we can find a luxury item we have not seen for quite a while, flush toilets! It is the simple things in life that are worth treasuring.
Military/Afghanistan - Kesterson At War [HT: Bouhammer]
U.S. photojournalist Scott Kesterson spent 15 months embedded with Canadian troops in Afghanistan in an effort to understand the conflict. (VIDEO)
GAFFNEY: S-U-B-M-I-S-S-I-O-N -- [Washington Times]
'For the last few months, Obama has been receiving and sending feelers to those close to al Qaeda on whether the group would end its terrorist campaign against the United States,' a diplomatic source said. 'Obama sees this as helpful to his plans to essentially withdraw from Afghanistan and Iraq during his first term in office.' "
If surrender in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran were not enough, upcoming opportunities for Mr. Obama to exhibit American submission to Islam include
Rescued From Comments: Anonymous Vern -- [Bill and Bob's Excellent Afghan Adventure]
...I guess I come at this from a different perspective from most of the contributors. Having a nearly 40 year interest in South Asian Islam and history, a graduate degree in Islamic history and just happened to be married to an Afghan, a Pushtun, to be exact, has really focused me. I have witnessed much suffering over there, most of it inflicted by the Afghans upon themselves. I say this based on three tours to Afghanistan myself, tours in which I did not hide in FOBs or at Bagram or Kabul, but actually went out and about (alone and afraid, often enough). I have witnessed some really amazing attempts by US military and civilian personnel to provide assistance in a humane and localized manner that would benefit locals and not the wallahs in Kabul or former warlords. I have witnessed the callous disregard for truth by western journalists (in one case, the journalist was actually standing on a destroyed wall, beneath which lay the bodies of dead civilians as she loudly searched for the bodies to blame on US fire). I have...
Russia cuts a supply line to Afghanistan -- [Hot Air - Ed Morrissey]
Send to a Friend | Share on Facebook | printer-friendly Just two weeks after supposedly agreeing to expand supply lines into Afghanistan, Russia cut one of the more important supply lines available to NATO. Vladimir Putin gave Kyrgyzstan over $2 billion, and the Central Asian country not-so-coincidentally booted the US from their air base
Who's the Enemy - The Taliban or the Paks? -- [Military Observer - Andrew Lubin]
The news from the front today is that the Taliban blew up a bridge and halted the main supply route from Karachi port to the Khyber Pass. The attack took place outside of Peshawar, and as too often happens, the Pakistani Army security guards who were supposed to be guarding the bridge against just such an occurrence…were nowhere to be seen.
Inside an Afghan battle gone wrong (VII): What it tells us about the Afghan war -- [FP: The Best Defense - Tom Ricks]
A friend who has read this series on the small but deadly battle at Wanat last summer suggested that we should consider one more issue-that is, what this incident might tell us about the war in Afghanistan.
I think the insights of this infantry veteran, who must remain anonymous because of his position, are important. Let him explain: ...
...Not only are his points important but they get at a key problem that the battle of Wanat highlighted: the ongoing, long-running confusion between a counterterrorism mission and a counterinsurgency one.
More U.S. Troops Needed in Afghanistan to Set ‘Baseline of Security’ -- [Defense Link]
More U.S. troops are needed in Afghanistan to confront insurgent violence and to establish “a baseline of security” there, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters here today.
The "Americanization" of ISAF -- [The Torch - in Afghanistan]
So, one brigade has arrived, three more will be coming, plus an aviation combat brigade. In late 2008 the US had only two brigade combat teams in the country, plus some 2,000 Marines and an Army battalion working with the CF at Kandahar--of which MND MacKay seemed quite unaware.
It's striking that all this US planning seems to be taking place largely unilaterally--even under the new, improved President Obama, to be presented to NATO leaders in April essentially as a fait accompli. That's what happens when most NATO members are unwilling to pull their weight. And leads to an inevitable "Americanization" of the ISAF mission.
Scratch Obama's Afghanistan Rhetoric -- [Reihl World]
Wait a minute. Bush's whole problem was that he didn't keep enough troops in Afghanistan to literally scour the countryside for that evil bin laden because of Iraq, right?
Or not. Same as it ever was. Hopefully he has the sense to realize Afghanistan would make Iraq look like a cakewalk and his campaign rhetoric was "just words".
Plans Emerge for New Troop Deployments to Afghanistan -- [Wall Street Journal]
Senior US commanders are finalizing plans to send tens of thousands of reinforcements to Afghanistan's main opium-producing region and its porous border with Pakistan, moves that will form the core of President Barack Obama's emerging Afghan war strategy.
The Dead Babies Strategy -- [Strategy Page]
NATO and U.S. commanders are crafting a new information campaign that will capitalize on the fact that it's the Taliban, not foreign troops, who are the greatest danger to Afghan civilians. This is because one Taliban strategy that is working is to simply make a big deal in the media whenever foreign troops kill Afghan civilians (about 80 percent of civilian deaths are caused by the Taliban, but that has successfully been played down,...
Afghans threaten US troops over civilian deaths -- [Bouhammer]
Most rural Afghans barely care about their children as it is, so what stops them from sacrificing little Abdul for a few thousand US dollars? I mean, the family can say he was martyred (because that lie will make them feel better and justified), have one less mouth to feed, and collect money on his head.
This sets a very, very bad precedence.
You may be thinking that I am being harsh and cruel, but I am being realistic. Go back in this blog and read about kids being ran over by cars and not even cared about, or dying on on a US gurney and the father mumbling “En’ Shala” (God’s Will) or talk to anyone that has been over there and they will tell you that the general Afghan populous really does not give a crap about human life….
Team improves future prospects for Afghan village -- [One Marines View]
Members of the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province visited Zirat village this month to assess the effectiveness of completed projects and to develop ideas for future initiatives.
The Island of Kabul -- [A Battlefield Tourist: - in Afghanistan]
For years I have kept faith that the experiment in democracy here in Afghanistan would lead to better lives for millions of Afghans. While this is true in many ways, there is a lot of concern in the capital that this experiment is moving rapidly toward failure. As I sit here and brainstorm what is happening around, I find myself shaking my head in confusion because the elements that compromise this problem are so numerous that even optimistic people, like myself, are starting to doubt in a major way.
Nun serves God and Army -- [Washington Times]
She's an Army captain, a Catholic sister and a doctor.
Deirdre Byrne wears many hats — quite literally: a scrub hat when she's doing surgery and a habit as part of her everyday attire. The statuesque, graying 52-year-old recently exchanged her habit for a helmet and uniform
Specialist Gerardo Llamas Makes First Delivery to Orphanage in Afghanistan -- [Mrs Lieutenant]
Here are some pictures of my first delivery to a local orphanage. It was a great experience. I can't believe how happy these kids were.
Royal Marines Turned Away From Wetherspoons -- [In Training]
Going to get their first pint after serving in Afghanistan
Dan Buchanan, 21, and Kelvin Billings, 22, were turned away at the Isambard Kingdom Brunel pub in Portsmouth when doormen said they didn’t look old enough. They showed the cards – which included their pictures and dates of birth – but managers at the JD Wetherspoon pub insisted they were not an acceptable form of identification.
Arkansas National Guard Provides Ice Storm Support
Footage of Arkansas National Guardsmen providing support in the recent ice storm. Scenes include aerial footage showing ice coverage on the land and buildings, Guardsmen clearing fallen trees from the road, power lines being repaired, Guardsmen canvasing a rural area checking on citizens and two interviews with Guardsmen. Provided by Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office.
FEMA leader to visit Kentucky today -- [Kentucky.com]
The top official in the Federal Emergency Management Agency is scheduled to be in Kentucky Wednesday to tour areas ravaged by last week's ice storm, and to attend Gov. Steve Beshear's State of the Commonwealth Message, the governor's office said Tuesday.
At this time, President Barack Obama has no plans to visit sections of Kentucky that were affected by last week's ice storm, the White House said Tuesday.
As of Tuesday night, the state was waiting for a response from the Obama administration on a request to declare a major disaster in the state, help cover storm costs that already have exceeded an estimated $45 million and pick up costs incurred for the use of National Guard troops.
...Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also sent Obama a letter asking the president for "timely and serious consideration" of Beshear's request. As for visiting the state, Sen. Jim Bunning said, "I think it is up to President Obama, but there is precedent for visiting disaster areas just to make sure that FEMA is doing everything necessary and that those affected are getting what they need. This is one of the worst storms in the history of Kentucky, and I know many folks are suffering right now."
Iran's Report of Satellite Launch Stirs US Concern -- [Wall Street Journal]
Iran said it launched its first domestically made and propelled satellite, sparking concern in Washington and among US allies that Tehran may be more inclined to flex its muscle than engage in negotiations on its nuclear program.
News of the launch came as North Korea appears to be taking steps to test-fire missiles,
Iran Launches Satellite in a Challenge for Obama -- [New York Times]
Iran has fired a satellite into orbit and a shot across the bow of American diplomacy.
With Obama in White House, North Korea Steps Up Big Talk -- [Washington Post]
Stinging insults, sudden cancellations of military agreements and dark warnings of "unavoidable" war are spilling out of North Korea almost daily. On Tuesday, news media reports here and in Japan said North Korea is preparing to test-launch a long-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
USFK Commander Warns North Korea -- [ROK Drop - GI Korea]
USFK Commander General Sharp is now weighing in on the recent escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula by North Korea:
...One Free Korea has the Google Earth images posted of where the Taepodong-2 site is located that are worth checking out.
North Korea Said to Be Preparing Long-Range Missile Launch -- [One Free Korea]
The new activity is being observed in a different location, a new site on North Korea’s northwest coast. Judging by the apparent new construction, the North Koreans plowed right along with building the site despite two U.N. resolutions clearly prohibiting it (but that is now the stuff of household parody). Here are some Google Earth images of the massive complex. In the bottom image, the launch gantry is clearly visible.
Click the images for full size.
Testing the New Guy II- Everybody plays -- [BlackFive - Uncle Jimbo]
McQ had an excellent post about Putin pressuring Kyrgyzstan to close the K2 airfield putting w big wrench in our efforts in Afghanistan. But it's not like they are the only ones. You'd be hard pressed to find any of our nemeses? nemesi? whatever who are not poking the lion, or in this case the Obamaicorn. Here are some of the others.
India... North Korea... Iran... Pakistan... Afghanistan...
China increases submarine patrols - report -- [AFP]
China nearly doubled the number of patrols by its fleet of attack submarines last year, surpassing Russia but still far behind the United States, the Federation of American Scientists reported Tuesday.
Cheney warns of new attacks -- [Politico]
Former Vice President Dick Cheney warned that there is a “high probability” that terrorists will attempt a catastrophic nuclear or biological attack in coming years, and said he fears the Obama administration’s policies will make it more likely the attempt will succeed.
New al Qaeda Video: Zawahiri Says America is Evil or Something -- [Jawa Report]
Fresh on the heels of several reports saying that al Qaeda has been virtually decimated comes a new as-Sahab produced video featuring none other than Osama bin Laden's right hand man, Ayman al-Zawahiri. Remember the day before inauguration when all the reports were that Bush had been distracted by Iraq? Oh how one Messiah with a (D) next to his name and no change in policy can affect reporting!
A Bit of Change -- [Reason Online]
He's closing Gitmo, but will Obama fight a Bush-like "war on terror"?
Grilled by Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the incoming Director of National Intelligence ducked and weaved and, much to the consternation of left-leaning bloggers, refused to say that waterboarding constituted torture. The following day, a CIA drone launched missile strikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan, a nominal U.S. ally, killing 20 people.
Dozens More Secret Bush Terror War Memos Found, May Be Released -- [CQ: Spytalk - Jeff Stein ]
...Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., confirmed Monday, has indicated that a number of them may be made public.
Considering the background of President Obama's choice to head the OLC, the Justice Department will almost certainly tilt toward publication of at least some of the memos.
Gunny Tritt -- [The War on Big Tobacco - in Iraq]
What makes me mention Gunny Tritt now? Devil Dog Brew, a coffee company run by a retired Marine, offered to send me some coffee and help sell my t-shirt. I told them that I had plenty of coffee and instead to send it Vampire 6 in Afghanistan. They told me that this was not optional, they will send coffee to Vampire 6, and they are sending me some anyway whether I liked it or not.
Soldiers with Mortgages -- [Task Force Mountain]
Many Soldier home-owners in our community are experiencing difficulties selling their homes when they receive PCS orders. While the economy and home mortgage crisis affects everyone, most people aren't forced to move every few years like Soldiers and their Families. What, if anything should be done to help them through this?
The NFI - Lockheed Martin Military Fatherhood Award. -- [From my position... On the way!]
This award is given each year to a military father who goes above and beyond his duties - both as a serviceman and as a dad! - to make sure he and his family stay connected throughout the stresses of military life.
The awardee is chosen from a pool of nominations by moms, wives, kids, friends, and others from across the country and around the world! This year's awardee will be brought to Washington D.C. with his family and will be recognized at a special ceremony on June 9, 2009.
You can get more information and nominate a father you know at http://www.fatherhood.org/Gala/MilitaryAward/
Please note - nominations are only accepted until February 27th!
At Fort Leavenworth, officers are marching on a new target: the blogosphere -- [Kansa City News]
...Like every other officer at the CGSC, located on the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Simonds has to ignore the chip on his shoulder concerning the press. That's because Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, who oversees the CGSC and 17 other schools and training programs, decided last year to make media savvy a requirement for graduation. Each war-college student must complete a course of "strategic communication" in order to graduate. It's an extracurricular activity — no class covers it exclusively. Officers must participate in an interview with a television, print or radio reporter, publicly address a community group, write an article or opinion piece for publication (it need not actually be published), and blog under his or her real name.
86-Year Old World War II Veteran Blogs About His War Experience -- [Milblogging.com]
Fein, who is 86, didn't learn how to use a computer until 10 years ago, when he was living in Flemington, N.J. Students at a high school were offering an afterschool class to teach seniors how to use computers, so he decided to give it a shot.
Fein, a World War II veteran who served during the Normandy invasion, started a blog in April 2007 to share his stories of the war. Like many veterans who have seen combat, the minute details of Army life are imprinted in his mind. The blog gives him a chance to explore and share his experiences in one of the most public of forums.
Help Me Out... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
Alright, this post is staying at the top for one week.
Due to unforeseen circumstances and a readership that has expanded into places that I don't want it to go, in one week or so I am switching this blog to private invited only readers.
I can have up to 100. So send me your email address using the email link in my profile so you don't have to post it up in the comment section.
I didn't want to have to do this but for my own professional safety I am going to do it. I apologize but you all know how it is. "Whatever sucks the most"
Anyways, hopefully you all send your emails and keep reading, because I am going to keep writing. Whether they like it or not...
Commentor:
Anonymous said...
hahaha...I KNEw they'd take down your POS blog. You're screwing up OPSEC and military "secrets" when you talk about broken planes, and delays you DUMBASS!!
So I Think These Are The Rules... -- [Embrace The Suck - in Afghanistan]
Army Is Offering Civilian Workers More Training -- [Washington Post]
The Army has launched a new effort to improve the training of its enormous civilian workforce, seeking to repair a long-neglected system for those employees who don't wear uniforms to work.
Speed and Angels HT: Neptunus Lex
CLICK Speed and Angels link for larger view
The Medal of Posthumous Honor -- [Castle Argghhh!]
The Medal of Honor is a perplexing thing - trying to scry out the why's and wherefore's of who gets one.
Among our allies in the Long War, the Brits, the Aussies, and the Kiwis all have something in common - they have living recipients of the Victoria Cross, awarded for actions that occured during their participation in the Long War. The Victoria Cross is the Commonwealth equivalent to the Medal of Honor.
The United States has none.
Now It Can Be Told: NPR Report Calls Al Qaeda "Decimated" -- [Ace]
DrewM. notes that The Lightworker said the following at the first presidential debate:
...al Qaeda is resurgent, stronger now than at any time since 2001.
And now, having been in office for a week and a half -- Al Qaeda is "decimated."
As DrewM. says: Damn, he is good.
Father of Beheaded Journalist Daniel Pearl: When Will Our Luminaries Stop Making Excuses for Evil? -- [Ace]
She takes on the media and Jimmy Carter.
NBC Host Throws Out the Obama Is Lenin Comparison (Video) -- [Gateway Pundit]
CNBC “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer compares Barack Obama to Communist leader Vladimir Lenin and lauds Communist China for protecting their profit driven economy during this difficult time:
The Study That Launched a Thousand Moonbats -- [Jawa Report]
Remember that Lancet study that claimed 655,000 Iraqi civilians had died as a result of the US-led invasion? Even though the figure was widely criticized at the time as being far too high an estimate, Left wing moonbats from Cindy Sheehan to the now mainstreamed Daily Kos clung to its accuracy as an article of faith.
It turns out...
So, Can We Question Their Patriotism Now? -- [Gateway Pundit]
We know from the libs and the media that it was un-American to question Democrats for slandering the troops, bashing the troops, mocking the troops, and constantly repeating the "war is lost."
Thankfully, Joe Biden set us straight on what patriotism was all about:
Iraq Is Obama's Mideast Pillar -- [WSJ]
What's in fashion, electorally speaking, are secular parties, as well as the moderately religious Dawa Party of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. This wasn't supposed to happen. The Palestinian parliamentary election of 2006 that put Hamas in power was taken in the West as proof that Arab democracy was destined to yield illiberal results. Saturday's election suggests otherwise, assuming there is a structure that guarantees that Islamists must stand for election more than once.
What about security? A month ago, Gen. Ray Odierno predicted that "al Qaeda will try to exploit the elections because they don't want them to happen. So I think they will attempt to create some violence and uncertainty in the population." But al Qaeda was a no-show on Saturday. Meanwhile, more U.S. soldiers died in accidents (12) than in combat (4) for the month of January. The war is over.
So what are you going to do about the one bright spot on your map -- an Arab country that is genuinely democratic, increasingly secular and secure, anti-Iranian and, all-in-all, on your side?
On IPS, Patriotic Dissent, Listening to Generals -- [On IPS, Patriotic Dissent, Listening to Generals -- [Villainous Company]
“Mr. President, please change course. Listen to your generals. Listen to former generals. Listen to the Iraq Study Group.” - Joe Biden
Back in January of 2007 the Democrats were wildly promoting the statements of any general willing to undermine the sitting Commander in Chief. And if one of them inconveniently turned out to support the Surge, that didn't prevent patriots like Keith Olbermann from claiming he was agin' it (and durnitall it was dangerous if not downright unAmerican to disregard the military's advice)!
Liberals Propose Fast-Tracking Treaties -- [FSM - Cliff Kincaid]
The liberal Brookings Institution has come up with a controversial way to get costly and unpopular treaties ratified by the U.S. Senate. Their answer is to bypass the constitutional requirement that treaties obtain two-thirds of the vote of the Senate before passage by redefining the treaties as statutes. Then, they would only need a bare majority for passage in both Houses of Congress, which just happen to be controlled by Democrats.
Obama's defense budget mystery -- [Washington Times]
There has been some confusing reporting in the last few days regarding President Obama's plans for the Defense Department budget. Officially the Office of Management and Budget is claiming that the budget will increase by 8 percent. But because most of the Iraq and Afghanistan war costs have been funded through supplemental appropriations, rather than the regular Department budget, total military funding remains a mystery. Mark me down as suspicious.
After 14 Days Obama Already Tired of the White House -- [Ace of Spades]
"We were just tired of being in the White House," the president candidly told the gleeful second-graders at Capital City Public Charter School.
"We got out! They let us out!" Mrs. Obama said as the kids and their teachers laughed.
Group Calls On Obama To Deport Aunt -- [WCVB Boston]
A national group is calling on President Barack Obama to deport his aunt, an illegal immigrant who was living in Boston.
Four years ago, an immigration judge instructed her to leave the country after her request for asylum from her native Kenya was rejected.
"President Obama has promised the American public that his administration will honor the principles of open government, the Constitution and the Rule of Law," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "Obama must either deport his aunt or destroy his own credibility by showing her favoritism."
THOSE PESKY LITTLE FACTS -- [Antynomys]
...The President chews the fat with Iran and Syria, does not want to hear what his victorious generals have to say about furthering victory, and appoints people whom he owes to help him and themselves. Uhm...what about the country, like, you know, that you lead? Funny how fast things go South when you are a majority President who can't blame anyone but a talk radio host for his problems.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
