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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.
ISI Commander in New Audio Message: Obama's Decision To Withdraw U.S. Troops From Iraq - An Admission of Failure; New Campaign Underway -- [MEMRI Blog]
In a 16-minute audio message on March 17, 2009, Islamic State of Iraq commander Abu 'Omar Al-Baghdadi stated that U.S. President Barack Obama's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq constitutes an admission of failure.
A View Of Iraq 6 Years After U.S Invasion & War (Part 1)
Iraq: Winning the War with Women -- [Counterterrorism Blog - Farhana Ali]
Over the past year, there is more attention being given to the trend of female suicide bombers in Iraq. Earlier this month, I was invited as a guest speaker by Columbia University to present my research findings on women in Iraq's insurgency. The same week, I offered a similar presentation at Rutgers University School of Law, which devoted an entire day to "The Gender Dimensions of Terror." This week, I received two interview requests from international journalists about female bombers in Iraq, which makes it clear that the world community continues to seek answers to the bomber behind the veil.
The Troops Are Still There -- [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Tomorrow is the sixth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, but no one is paying much attention.
Instead, our attention is fixated on bank bailouts and AIG bonuses. There are still 142,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq, but there is amazingly little fuss about them. U.S. casualties are down, and most troops will be withdrawn by the summer of 2010, with a reserve of 35,000 to 40,000 remaining through 2011.
Open to interpretation -- [Bad Dogs and Such - in Iraq]
My team consists of a major, a staff sergeant and two buck sergeants. We have, collectively, nine tours in rakistan, and about fifty years of service. We would be entirely useless, however, without our interpreters.
Ordinary Moments in a Once-Unpredictable Place -- [Washington Post]
"The disaster of the occupation," read leaflets handed out at Abu Hanifa in the months after the United States invaded and occupied Iraq. They echoed the graffiti. "Long live Saddam," declared a slogan, scrawled in black. "Jihad is our way," proclaimed another. Soon, what Iraqis call the taifiya, the sectarian war, began, and after nightfall, Antar Square looked like it might an hour before dawn: dark, abandoned and menacing.
The street beyond it was called Sharia al-Mawt, or the Street of Death.
Peace and Disquiet -- [Strategy Page]
March 18, 2009: A public health survey indicated that 30 percent of Iraqis had experienced a shooting or bombing incident. Ten percent had been kidnapped, or arrested, or had a family member suffer such a fate. The large number of people exposed to terrorist violence has generated a lot of the tips about the remaining radical organizations. There are still groups of Baath party terrorists, seeking to use terror to return Baath to power. While that appears absurd, the Baath members involved are deadly serious.
Fighting for Hearts and Minds -- [IraqPundit]
One of the Middle East's struggles got some press this week. We have known for a while that there's a fight for the support of the Arab people for different ideologies. Recently, it reached a new level when the head of the Arab leaders and the head of the terrorists made their arguments. Arab League chief Amr Moussa is visiting Iraq to improve relations among member countries. During a visit to Baghdad, he promised to hold the 2010 meeting of the Arab countries in Baghdad under an Iraqi chairmanship. Improving relations among the countries would open up all sorts of economic opportunities for the region.
McKiernan: Afghanistan "will be won" -- [Greyhawk]
The quote struck me because it's the first sign of any optimism whatsoever I've heard from that theater of operations.
They move quick around here... (updated) -- [Abu Muqawama]
Increasing the funding for an aid program may not make a lot of sense in this economic climate, but the NSP isn't like traditional Western aid programs in Afghanistan (where, because of overhead and other costs, only a third of the funding actually finds its way to the Afghan government). The NSP is one of the most cost-efficient programs because Afghans are involved at every level in the decision-making process. And the Taliban are less likely to burn down a school made by fellow Afghans than they are a school made by USAID.
200 Years In The Kingdom of Kabul -- [Outside the Wire]
The nature of how little things have changed became starkly apparant to me a few months ago when young man from Peshawar, via Qatar, bought the corner gas station near where I live.
At first I chatted him up in Arabic, after seeing some script on a jacket he was wearing. I could tell he was not an Arab. And he confirmed that he was from Pakistan.
But, he went further. He was an Afghan, a Peshawar Pathan.
15 Lawmakers: 'Reconsider' Surge -- [Washington Times]
A bipartisan group of 15 congressmen has called on President Obama to "reconsider" sending 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan without first securing an exit strategy.
"We urge you to reconsider such a military escalation," wrote the lawmakers, saying the planned deployments "may well be counterproductive."
"We are also concerned that any perceived military success in Afghanistan might create pressure to increase military activity in Pakistan. This could very well lead to dangerous destabilization in the region and would increase hostility toward the United States," they added.
U.S. Plan Would Send Hundreds More Civilians to Afghanistan -- [Washington Post]
Hundreds of additional U.S. diplomats and civilian officials would be deployed to Afghanistan as part of the new civil-military regional strategy that President Obama’s top national security advisers plan have prepared for his signature next week, according to administration officials.
At the Front in Musa Qala -- [A Battlefield Tourist]
This is the first of maybe 10 videos that I’ll be releasing in regards to my recent trip to Farah and Helmand Provinces. This particular story is a video version of this post: Four Hours With Brits and Afghans.
Russian Mined -- [Deployed Teacher]
As I approached, I asked the elder why he was limping, like he could understand my impeccable English! Then, I reverted to what I know best, gesticulating, pointing to his leg, and raising my voice like he had a hearing problem, as opposed to a comprehension problem. Now he understood my question!
I was stunned by his answer because I knew he spoke little to no English. He stopped, looked down, lifted his pantleg to show me a prosthesis and exclaimed, "Fuckin' damn Russians mines! Fuckin' Russian mines!"
Troops Aid Afghans With Security, Supplies -- [Defense Link]
As the Afghan people work to develop their infrastructure, U.S. forces are offering their assistance on a number of fronts. In recent days, U.S. soldiers provided security for the opening of a new district center in eastern Afghanistan and delivered humanitarian aid to villagers in the south
Kremlin Signals a Harder Line on Relations With the US - [Wall Street Journal]
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev struck a Cold War tone on Tuesday, pledging to press ahead with an ambitious rearmament program in response to what he described as NATO's military expansion close to Russia's borders.
His hawkish comments come ahead of his first meeting with President Barack Obama early next month
Medvedev Pushes Plan to Remake Russian Military - [Washington Post]
President Dmitry Medvedev vowed Tuesday to press ahead with an ambitious overhaul of Russia's armed forces despite the nation's economic problems and vocal opposition from within the military.
US Shares Blame in Mexico Drug Violence, Senators Say - [Los Angeles Times]
Efforts by Mexico and the United States to stem the skyrocketing border drug and weapons trade are failing, and both countries are to blame for the rise of violent cartels responsible for more than 6,000 deaths in Mexico last year, lawmakers and experts said in a Senate hearing Tuesday
UN expert: North Korea commits widespread torture -- [AP]
GENEVA (AP) — A U.N. human rights investigator accused North Korean authorities Monday of committing widespread torture in prisons that he called "death traps."
Life in the reclusive communist-ruled country is "dire and desperate," said Vitit Muntarbhorn, adding that people are denied enough food to survive.
North Korea Refuses Further Food Aid From U.S.-- [Washinton Post]
"North Korea has informed the United States that it does not wish to receive additional U.S. food assistance at this time," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters. "We are obviously disappointed," Wood said. "Clearly this is food assistance that the North Korean people need. That's why we are concerned."
INTOLERABLE SUFFERING, STARVATION, torture, almost universal suffering, yada yada: -- [One Free Korea]
Diplomats said his comments and an accompanying report, although similar in their conclusions to studies of North Korea from independent rights groups, were among the most critical on one country ever presented to a U.N. forum. Muntarbhorn, formally a special rapporteur for the Council which is not obliged to act on his recommendations, said the North Korean government’s abuse of its citizens should be addressed by the entire global community....
Drones Buzz Pak Town Eyed As Bin Laden's Hideout -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
"If they are in Chitral but aren't shooting right now, they have intel to suggest a bad guy is there and they are trying to build a targeting package," surmised a former U.S. counterterror operative with recent experience hunting Al Qaeda leaders. "It often takes days or weeks to confirm that you have the right guy, and that you can take the shot in a way that minimizes casualties."
Obama secretly ends program that let pilots carry guns on planes after 9/11 -- [Jawa Report]
Thats right he's ended the program allowing pilots to carry firearms on a plane.
Veterans Groups Denounce Private Insurance Proposal -- [Washington Post]
An Obama administration proposal to bill veterans' private insurance companies for treatment of combat-related injuries has prompted veterans groups to condemn the idea as unethical and powerful lawmakers on Capitol Hill to promise their opposition.
Nevertheless, the White House confirmed yesterday that the idea remains under consideration, and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and leaders of veterans groups are scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss it further.
The Slow Boil Begins -- [Greyhawk]
The American Legion describes some potential problems with the newly proposed Obama/Shinseki "F#$k the Veterans" program...
clarifying remarks from David Rehbein: "President Obama made clear during our discussion that he intends to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans with service-connected disabilities."
American Legion commander “angered” after meeting Obama -- [Hot Air]
Apparently, the Obama administration hasn’t backed away from its plans to start offloading costs for wounded veterans to third-party insurance, which will make acquiring such insurance nearly impossible. The commander of the American Legion emerged from a meeting with President Obama “angered” at Obama’s insistence on generating revenue from those who sacrificed for American security:
Crossing The Line -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
Mr. Obama, who the hell do you think you are to turn your back on our troops who fought the nation's war, defended our freedom, and pursued our interests abroad and were injured in the process?! Billing our wounded warriors?! Are you F*#@ing serious?!
For Wounds Suffered, Purple Heart and a Bill! -- [Afghanistan Shrugged - in Afghanistan]
It bothers me greatly to think that the US Government who sent me here to fight would think about charging me or my insurance company for wounds and service related disabilities suffered in the defense of my country.
Obama backs off plan to alter vets' healthcare -- [The Hill]
The White House on Wednesday backed off a controversial plan that would have dramatically altered the way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles insurance claims, after veterans groups staged an all-out fight against such a proposal.
President Obama will not pursue a proposal that would have allowed the VA to charge private insurance companies for the treatment of veterans with service- and war-related injuries.
The military privacy debate -- [La Times]
...One acquaintance, favoring privacy, said that if the worst were to happen to her husband and someone wielding a camera dared to elbow in on her family's grief, she'd "open up a can of Army wife whoop-ass." The image of the modern military spouse is half-frontier wife, half-Care Bear -- by turns stoically able and cooingly comforting. But when it comes to acting on behalf of our kin and the larger military family, make no mistake: Wives are warriors too.
Tell Me Mr. Gates....How Can You Lift the Ban After This? -- [Thunder Run]
So your visit to honor these fallen heroes was a personal visit, one no media agent was allowed to impose upon, and yet you are still planning on lifting the ban on media access to Dover. You sir are a hypocrite and a failure to those you serve!
Army Leaders Develop Suicide Prevention Programs -- [A Soldier's Perspective]
I got this from Forces Command and wanted you know more about what we're doing to try and stem the suicide rates within the Army. A lot of this I've already mentioned, but there is some great news in here that may help.
You Can Prevent an Abomination From Happening -- [BlackFive]
If it were possible, I almost spewed Guinness when I saw that our pal Nick at Ranger Up wants to be in a photo shoot in short shorts and a women's tank top...?!
But there is a charity angle to this. You can follow Nick's instructions and we can help Soldiers Angels and the Wounded Warrior Project and help Nick win a bet and keep his hairy self out of some shorts destined for the beautiful and talented Amy. Here's Nick's message:
The End of Stop Loss -- [Castle Argghhh!]
Secretary Gates announced today the Army was ending its use of the Stop Loss authority this year.
The Army has chosen to stop using the Stop Loss authority they've been using for the last six years. They retain the option, however. Don't think it went away. We're one major mess in the world away from it coming back.
What's changed?...
Gates readies big cuts in weapons -- [Boston Globe]
Two defense officials who were not authorized to speak publicly said Gates will announce up to a half-dozen major weapons cancellations later this month. Candidates include a new Navy destroyer, the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet, and Army ground-combat vehicles, the offi cials said.
More cuts are planned for later this year after a review that could lead to reductions in programs such as aircraft carriers and nuclear arms, the officials said.
Concerning U.S. Defense Cuts -- [Captain's Journal]
Following are some related but disaggregated thoughts on the upcoming U.S. Department of Defense budgetary cuts, along with some very good required reading on this subject
Bad Tactics, Bad Infantry Officers??? -- [A Major's Perspective]
A friend of mine just sent this to me, and at first I thought
He first states, "because American infantry tactics are bad. They amount to little more than bumping into the enemy and calling for fire. The easiest way to provide the overwhelming firepower our bad infantry tactics depend on is with airstrikes. So to win tactically, we have to lose strategically."
Dismissal Of Iraq Charges Upheld -- [Los Angeles Times]
An appeals panel rules that a military judge rightly tossed out charges against Marine in Haditha deaths.
A military appeals court Tuesday upheld the dismissal of war crimes charges against Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, the highest-ranking Marine charged in the 2005 killing of 24 civilians in Haditha, Iraq.
The court agreed with a military judge at Camp Pendleton who ruled in June that there was the appearance of "unlawful command influence" in the matter because a Marine lawyer who investigated the case had sat in on meetings where it was discussed with the general who later decided to charge Chessani and seven other Marines.
THE VICTORY LAP OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP SCURRYING AND LOVE THE CALM -- [Buck Sergent - home from Iraq]
This one's for you, GH:
JAMming in Jamia: Strumming the West Baghdad Blues and bringing it to Jaish al Mahdi with some SRV northwest of the IZ.
Yes, I'm finally home again.
Why we laugh when someone talks about "unbiased journalism" -- [The Torch]
As I've said before, and undoubtedly will say countless times again, there's no such thing. "Unbiased journalism" is a fairy tale told to children and developmentally challenged adults. It does not exist in real life. Case in point number...geez, I've lost count. Well, regardless, I give you Mike Blanchfield of the Canwest tribe of ink-stained wretches, who seems to be just aching for the CF and the Canadian government to admit we've screwed up in Kandahar by the numbers. Why, look at what the Dutch have done:
Bouhammer review of At War -- [Bouhammer]
This review is based on my thoughts and feelings, the feedback I heard from people in my home the first night and the almost hour of questions and answers we had the 2nd night at the University at Buffalo. Well it has taken me a week to come up with the thoughts and words to describe the Scott Kesterson/David Leeson film, At War. I watched it with Scott, my family (to include my son who just got back from Afghanistan himself), and a couple of members of my ETT team in my house last Sunday night
Washington Times journalists train Diyala journalists -- [MNF-I]
Baqubah, Iraq – Addressing complex issues ranging from journalistic license to the independence of the press, Mr. Richard Tomkins recently gave a media class to local journalists at the Diyala Governance Center in downtown Baqubah, the capital city of Diyala province, March 11. A veteran journalist currently writing for the Washington Times, United Press International, and the Middle East Times, Tomkins has a career that spans more than 36 years, four continents, and a multitude of different publications across the globe
Tacky Michelle Obama & Liberal Media Diss Laura Bush -- [Gateway Pundit]
It's been at least 8 years since America has had such a self-absorbed and selfish First Lady.
In a recent interview the Far Left wife of the antiwar president was just too impressed with herself for noticing that the military families actually sacrifice for their country here in America. Team Obama even went as far as to suggest that military families "had probably have never been invited to the White House."
What a slap in the face to the Bushes. It truly takes a liberal to be that self-absorbed.
And, it takes a liberal media to be oblivious to the fact that the Bush family spent hundreds of hours comforting military families.
Another Marines View -- [Maj Pain - BlackFive]
“I'm Tired" by Robert A. Hall
...I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush's military records
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