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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 various 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.
Dramatic Advances Sweep Iraq, Boosting Support for Democracy — [ABC News/BBC/NHK National Survey of Iraq]
Dramatic advances in public attitudes are sweeping Iraq, with declining violence, rising economic well-being and improved services lifting optimism, fueling confidence in public institutions …
Cheney: US 'succeeded' in Iraq -- [Seattle Post Intelligencer]
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said in his first television interview since leaving office that the Iraq invasion was "worth doing" and the US succeeded ...
US forces shot down Iranian drone-Iraq official -- [Reuters]
US forces shot down an Iranian drone aircraft that ventured inside Iraq several weeks ago, a senior Iraqi ...
Sadr City streets renovated at $2.4 m -- [Aswat Al Iraq]
BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Baghdad’s Secretariat has initiated work on a project to renovate a main street in Sadr city at a cost of nearly $2.4 million U.S. dollar.
“Work has begun on Saffi al-Din al-Heli street at Zain al-Qaws intersection,” according to a statement released by the secretariat and received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.
Renovation works will also include the streets of Zayn al-Qaws, al-Ommal and Missan, the statement explained.
Sobering Stories -- [The Writings of a Man’s Man -- in Iraq]
In the last few weeks I have run into sobering story after sobering story. I have talked to at least five separate families who have had family members (Fathers, sons, brothers, daughters and sisters) kidnapped and in almost every case murdered by extreme Shia Insurgents. They all come to me, the face of the United States of America at the Joint Security Station hoping that I will be the one to bring them justice. They all complain that the Iraqi Police have done little to find the perpetrators of these heinous crimes or bring them to justice. Unfortunately there is little I can do as I am not a detective and even if I find out beyond any shadow of a doubt who has committed what crime the security agreement means it is up to the Iraqi Police to pursue justice. Even when I can find out who the perpetrator is getting a warrant for them is difficult, and if I get a warrant finding them is nearly impossible. Even if I get a warrant for their arrest, find them and help the Iraqi Security Forces to detain them, corruption could lead to their release and proving anything in trial is extremely difficult.
Things that make you say "Huh." -- [Bad Dogs and Such - in Iraq]
In true lead-from-the-rear fashion, I was doing paperwork on the FOB today while my boys were out battling the forces of evil. SGT C was out doing a "Key Leader Engagement" in a village nobody remembered visiting. SGT B went to look at a couple of schools.
I was standing around when SGT C got back. He caught my eye and rushed over.
"Hey, man," I said. "How was the mission?"
"You'll never believe what we found," ...
Virginia Peanuts -- [Notes from Iraq - in Iraq]
On my first day back with the team, we went on a combat patrol to visit our Iraqi Army counterparts. En route, I was quickly reminded where I was, as a herd of sheep traveled down the road toward us, parting closely to our stopped vehicles. Not a common sight in Virginia.
A Soldier of the 9th Iraqi Army Division: -- [Grim's Hall - Grim in Iraq]
The uniform variations are endlessly hilarious to US soldiers. Our XO said that a good unit of the IA will have at least nine different kinds of uniforms, none of which will be worn to standard...On the other hand, note the correct eyepro, the soldierly bearing, and the fact that somebody thought enough of him that they gave him a combat patch (even if he is wearing it with a Marine Corps uniform). That's not too surprising.
Felafel: -- [Grim's Hall - Grim - in Iraq]
The puppy's name -- for those of us who cared to give her a name -- is "Felafel." She lives at a patrol base we've handed over; I'm not sure what the Iraqis call it now. They don't call the puppy anything at all, but she comes running when she sees an American hummer.
Now Why Don’t He Write..? -- [The Gun Line - in Iraq]
It’s funny, if you think about it… Haven’t heard anything from the ol’ Gun Line?
That’s because nothing has happened!
Think about it.
A war zone.. And there’s nothing to report…
Afghanistan strategy to be unveiled by Obama -- [Karachi News.Net]
After a secretive, two-month review of Afghanistan by senior civilian and military officials, President Obama will announce his strategy for the US military commitment before the end of the month.
President Obama will announce aspects of the administration's new approach for the Afghan government to reconcile with some elements of the Taliban and other militant organizations.
He is also expected to explain efforts by the US to ensure that the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region ceases to be a safe haven for terrorists.
What Failed In Iraq, Fails in Afghanistan -- [Strategy Page - James Dunnigan]
...The important thing was avoiding, detecting or defeating IEDs. In 2006, only 8 percent of IEDs put out there caused casualties. In 2007, it was nine percent. In 2008, it was less than five percent. The main objective of IEDs was to kill coalition troops, and at that, they were very ineffective. In 2006, you had use 48 to kill one soldier. In 2007, you needed 49 and by 2008, you needed 79. IEDs are doing worse in Afghanistan,
In Afghanistan, the enemy starts off at a disadvantage, because they don't have the expertise or the resources of the Iraqi IED specialists.
Improved Security Will Clear Way For Afghanistan's Move Foward, Mullen Says -- [Defense Link]
Providing security for Afghan people until they can provide their own will help set the conditions needed to move the country forward, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a Public Broadcasting Service interview
What Lessons Do We Already Have On “Tribal Militias? -- [Registan - in Afghanistan]
FOB SALERNO, AFGHANISTAN — Here is some neat research:
Tariq, Mohammed Osman (2008). “Tribal Security System (Arbakai) in Southeast Afghanistan,” Crisis States Research Center [PDF]
The issue of raising up tribal militias to do our fighting for us has caused me a great deal of worry. In 2006, for example, the Afghan government thought it needed to try this in the South. Needless to say, few received it well:
Empower Afghans -- [Deployed Teacher -- in Afghanistan]
Somebody brought up a great point about where to draw the line in how much we help Afghanistan and it's citizens. I was having a discussion concerning Afghan children on the other side of the fence, "outside the wire". The translator said "Yes, children typically stand there, with puppy dog eyes, hoping a soldier will throw them some bottled water, candy, etc." Soldiers are torn, because they see their plight, maybe even see their own children in their eyes, and naturally, want to help.
Taliban threaten to kill aid workers as spies -- [CNN]
A top Taliban commander has issued a new threat to foreign aid workers, saying that under the insurgent group's new "constitution" they will execute them as spies or hold them in exchange for the release of Taliban fighters.
Taliban militants pose with their weapons as they drive their car in Wardak province. (File photo)
In an exclusive telephone interview Friday night with CNN, Mohammed Ibrahim Hanafi said the Taliban intelligence wing was actively gathering information on foreign aid workers. "If we get someone, that is how we will deal with it under our new constitution," he said.
Russia backs US ops in Afghanistan -- [AFP]
KABUL (AFP) — Russia supports US operations in Afghanistan and is ready to contribute to stabilising the country, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an ...
Lavrov visits Afghanistan
US launches second strike outside of Pakistan's tribal areas -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
Two al Qaeda operatives and two Taliban fighters are reported to have been killed in an attack on a compound Bannu.
Chávez denies offering base to Russia -- [Boston Globe]
Chávez - a fierce critic of Washington with close ties to Russia and Cuba - said his government did not raise the possibility, as Russian media had reported ...
Iran signs $3.2-billion natural gas deal with China -- [Los Angeles Times]
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivers a speech during a conference in Tehran, March 4, 2009. Iran announced a $3.2-billion natural gas deal today
Why Iran hates the United States -- [The Examiner]
U.S. policy has not only ignited right-wing Islamic fundamentalism in Iran, but the U.S. has gone so far as to stifle democracy in this Persian Islamic Republic, beginning over half of a century ago. In addition, as mentioned in the previous article, U.S. support for Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war during the 1980s has aggrandized America’s image as “The Great Satan”. Although younger generations have revealed a heart-felt predilection towards American freedom, the U.S. can’t simply wait 10 years for democracy to flourish - like a boy whistling in the dark; it must deal with the regime in power that is led by Ahmadinejad and old guard imams, mullahs and ayatollahs immediately – especially to deter them from weaponizing nuclear power for long-range usage.
In order to attempt diplomacy with Iran, U.S. diplomats must ...
Bin Laden accuses Arab leaders, urges jihad -- [Reuters]
Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden accused conservative Arab leaders of plotting with the West against Muslims and urged his followers to prepare for jihad (holy war), in a recording posted on Islamist websites.
Obama's Changes to Anti-Terrorism Policy Will Raise the Risk of Attack -- [FOX News]
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Sunday that the Obama administration will "raise the risk" of a terrorist attack by overhauling his predecessor's approach to the War on Terror.
Cheney sharply criticized Obama's decisions to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, limit the methods CIA officers use to interrogate terror suspects and suspend military tribunals for alleged terrorists, saying those decisions taken together will make Americans less safe.
And he warned that the administration was transitioning to a pre-9/11 mindset that views terrorism as a "law enforcement problem" and not a military threat.
Living MoH Recipient May Be Coming -- [Marine Times]
The Marine Corps commandant said Wednesday that an investigator is reviewing a valor case that, if approved, would yield the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor in the war on terrorism.
“We have a case that I sent an investigating officer out to take a look at on the West Coast that, if proven, I think will prompt me to recommend the Medal of Honor for a living Marine,” Gen. James T. Conway said.
A unique parade -- [Armed and Curious]
I was finally privileged to attend a Wounded Warrior March for the first time. Taking place every six weeks or so it brings about a dozen wounded service members and their families down from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit the Pentagon for a tour and to be honored by the employees of the Department of Defense. No cameras are allowed and no media coverage is invited. Just the wounded warriors and the people who labor in Washington so far away from the battlefield.
ETT team needs your help, AGAIN! -- [Bouhammer]
Hey brother, I feel bad asking you for help again but we’ve got an issue. The 101st is ripping out and has decided that they really no longer need to order UGR-As nor really serve chow, thus we’re having to live off of the stuff we’ve stockpiled from your readers that sent us stuff. Needless to say we’re running low again and need a class 1 push if you can wrangle some up for us. Your readers were awesome last time we just didn’t foresee having to live day to day off their generosity. Additionally, our BDE (Brigade) has given up pushing any kind of supplies to us. We could use any kind of microwavable food, ramen, mac & cheese, rice, pasta anything we could eat for meals. Thanks for anything you can do to help us out, we really appreciate it!
If you know of a civic group, scouting organization, place of worship, or whatever that can help, or ...
Soldier Ride 2009 - Texas -- [Miss Ladybug]
I had recently been "introduced" to Toby Nunn by CJ, since Toby calls the Austin area his home-base. Earlier this week, I found out Toby was actually back in town, and that he would be participating in the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride here in Texas. The first leg of that was to be here in Austin Thursday morning. As it turned out, I was able to take the time to go downtown to Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop, a local sponsor of the ride, and finally meet Toby in person, chat with him, and witness the "opening ceremony" and start of the ride.
Unbelievable Generosity -- [A Soldier's Perspective - CJ]
I got a call this weekend from the manager of the Starbucks where I get the donated coffee to send overseas. I didn't even realize they were doing a troop donation drive until she called me. There was tremendous response, which is both good and bad.
The good is that they have nearly 350 pounds of coffee for me to send out that was donated!!! The bad is they have nearly 350 pounds of coffee for me to send out that was donated!!!
Military service -- [Durango Herald]
Many troops have had to serve two and sometimes three tours, for as long as 15 months. National Guard members, who might have expected their duty time would be limited to peacetime's summer camp and a weekend a month of training, have been heavily used for extended periods alongside regular forces in the Middle East. But those most worthy of sympathy, it seems to us, are the former active-duty soldiers on "ready reserve" status to complete their military commitment who found themselves called back to active duty, and sometimes back in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The fine print in the enlistment agreement was always there, but for decades the few years in "ready reserve" meant no duty obligations.
A Fresh Perspective and a Brand New Series at SpouseBUZZ: In Transition -- [SpouseBUZZ - Andi]
We have a lot of "significant others" who read SpouseBUZZ. Take a look at this entry, and this one, too. Most recently, we received an email from someone who wanted to know what military life was like.
Last week, I linked to a blogger who is just beginning her journey as a Marine wife. We were curious. What would the transition be like for her?
How to Handle the Separation -- [SpouseBUZZ - Andi]
Most of the email asks about how to get through a deployment (more on that later), but here we have a wife who has been married for quite a while and is just starting her journey into military life.
Home Front Hero, Profile: Colleen Saffron -- [You Serverd - CJ]
Colleen Saffron is 37 years old and an 20 year army wife who has served alongside her husband to receive the Molly Pitcher and the Commanders Award for civilian service over the years as well as filled executive positions on the board for PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel through the Chaplain’s system), been involved in FRG, and also participated in community programs and volunteered in her children’s schools.
Military Spouse Day Ceremony
A Tiny Broken Heart -- [Crazy Daizy]
What started out as a fun and festive celebration turned into a tear filled missing daddy meltdown. Why? Because the daddy of the little boy is home for his two weeks of R and R. All the wives are jealous of the little boy’s mom and are counting down days until we get to celebrate those go by way too fast weeks and all the kids were hanging on him like they had never seen a guy before. But Monkey, well, Monkey is very much a Daddy’s girl. Has been for the majority of her four years on this earth. So, Monkey does not handle it well when there are daddy’s around and hers isn’t one of them.
A Touching Dedication -- [Spouse Buzz - RedLegMeg]
I received an email from my FRG this morning and was surprised to find a link to a great song (and video) that is dedicated to, and aptly titled, The Military Wife. I was even more surprised when I realized it was a song by Soldier Hard, a To The Fallen Records artist that was featured on SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio back in Sept. 2008.
We’re Tired, But We’re Strong -- [You Served - CJ]
...We are tired, we are stressed, and we are fed up, but we will NEVER give up.
Our military does not understand defeat. The only way we can lose is if our elected officials and the American people lose focus of our purpose and mission.
Military red tape delays spouses being reunited -- [Northwestern]
...My husband was told that none of his family members would be allowed to see him at Ft McCoy, which is 1 1/2 - 2 hours from our home. I have not seen my husband since April 21, 2008. I am having a really hard time understanding the motivation behind telling our returning soldiers to just wait a little longer to see their loved ones.
Appleton-based soldiers back from duty -- [Chicago Tribune]
Members of an Appleton-based Army Reserve unit who have spent the past year in Afghanistan returned home to the embrace of family and friends Sunday. ...
Ft. Hood Soldiers Return...from iraq PART 1
Festival launches “Brothers” and More -- [Big Hollywood]
The buzz is getting out regarding Jake Rademacher’s “Brothers at War.” It’s a great film with a good heart that shows the patriotic values of a true American family. Brothers held it’s world premiere screening in May of last year at the 2008 GI Film Festival where it won Best Feature Documentary, and this month it hits theaters nationwide. Brothers is one of many great pro-soldier, patriotic films that screen at the GI Film Festival — the first and only film festival in the nation which honors men and women in uniform.
BROTHERS AT WAR (Official Trailer)
Taking Chance: HBO's "most-watched original movie in five years" -- [Greyhawk]
"Taking Chance" does not glorify the war. It takes no discernable position on whether America should be in Iraq, although a few people Colonel Strobl meets along the way express their view, pro and con. But almost without exception, the Americans he encounters are respectful, patriotic, grateful for his service and for Private Phelps's. If Hollywood wants to make war movies that appeal to a broad audience, it could do worse than to take in "Taking Chance." The Americans who show Colonel Strobl such reverence as he makes his way west are the very audience Hollywood wishes it could reach.
Military TV Shows, Series & Documentaries -- [Uncle Jimbo]
Another call for the B5 readership's collective knowledge. I am compiling a list of all TV shows about the current conflicts, Iraq & Afghanistan. I will list the ones I am aware of so far and ask for any I am missing. This includes documentaries, series pretty much anything focusing on these topics. I am leaving out the Military/Discovery & History channels for now and working on broadcast and pay cable.
Petraeus planning 2010 visit to Iowa -- [The Spectator] H/T Gateway Pundit]
Petraeus going to Iowa, a state he doesn’t have previous ties to, is going to create a huge amount of buzz about his presidential ambitions because the Iowa Caucuses kick off the whole presidential nomination process. If he does, deliver the address—and Petraeus must know this—it will be seen as a sign that he is thinking about running in 2012. Previously, it has been thought that Petraeus would not run against a president who had been his Commander in Chief. But there are reports of tension between Petraeus and Obama over both Iraq and Afghan strategy. Very little is known about Petraues’s politics and no one knows how he would make the transition from soldier to politician. But if he did enter the race, it would shake things up dramatically.
So, still happy with Shinseki? -- [MilBlogs - CDR Salamander]
Always looking out for the troops, you know.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed Tuesday that the Obama administration is considering a controversial plan to make veterans pay for treatment of service-related injuries with private insurance.
President Obama and the National Anthem at Camp Lejeune -- [Blackfive]
While there is plenty of evidence that the President isn't exactly supporting the military, (President Obama's Secretary for Veteran's Affairs admitted that the administration is considering making veterans pay for VA Health benefits), here is one rumor/news item that is just not true.
Hal Turner, who appears to be a radio host (at least occasionally), reported that President Obama did not appear on stage at Camp Lejeune until after the National Anthem played ("Obama skips National Anthem..."). The implication is that he is un-American or anti-patriotic. Well our friend Corporal Seamus decided to ask about it and received this message, cleared hot, from Lieutenant General Hejlik, Commander of Camp Lejeune.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
