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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.
Today in Baghdad -- [Canon Andrew White - in Iraq]
...One of my close colleagues who we had brought to Copenhagen in 2008 for one of our Religious / Political leader meetings (this meeting focused on minorities in Iraq), the leader of Sunni block in parliament, had been assassinated as he left the Mosque today with four of his guards.
His name was Sheikh Harith Al Obeidi. He was not just a colleague, he was a friend.
Could the Murder of an Iraqi Lawmaker Kick Off a New Insurgency? -- [Christian Science Monitor]
Despite efforts by Iraqi officials to tamp down the repercussions of the assassination of a leading Sunni lawmaker on Friday, members of Hareth Obeidi's party say the attack shows that Iraqi security forces are unable to maintain security ahead of the scheduled withdrawal of US forces and warn it could reignite sectarian violence.
Cowardice -- [Far From Perfect - in Iraq]
It all started early in the morning in a busy market of a town near here. A market usually patrolled and guarded by the Iraqi Police. A market where the police usually prevent vehicles from entering so that an occurrences of violence wouldn't happen. For some reason, this particular morning no IPs were to be found according to the reports. A man in non-traditional clothing drove his vehicle into the busy market, parked it, and walked away. A few minutes later his vehicle exploded, wounding more than 70 and killing 29 people - including women and children. Innocent people going about their daily lives.
Was this a strike against coalition forces? No, none were anywhere close.
US Marines will exit Iraq by spring of next year -- [Christian Science Monitor] Richard Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, said Thursday that all but a handful of the 16,000 Marines in Anbar would be out of the country in less than a year.
"We think in the spring of 2010 that [Marine commander Maj. Gen. Richard Tryon] will close the door, turn out the lights, and end Marine Corps presence in Iraq," General Conway told an audience of veterans at the National Press Club in Washington.
In Mosul, Iraqi army not ready to take over from U.S. forces -- [McClatchy News]
MOSUL, Iraq -- The Iraqi army colonel glowered at his newest captain. Looking small and lost in his oversized new uniform, the captain conceded that he was an untrained civilian who'd been sent to Iraq's most violent city by one of the political parties in Baghdad that's vying for control of the country's security forces.
Referendum on SOFA Could Boot US from Iraq in 2010 -- [Stars and Stripes]
As the US military continues its slow withdrawal from Iraq, the Iraqi people face a decision that might force those efforts into overdrive. A referendum scheduled for July 30 would give Iraqis the chance to vote for or against the Iraqi-US security agreement that calls for all American troops to leave Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011.
Iraq, US set up joint command center -- [PRESS TV]
Iraq and the US have set up a joint command center to coordinate operations after the US forces withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns at the end of June.
Basra airport hotel handed over to Iraqis -- [Aswat Al Iraq]
BASRA / Aswat al-Iraq: The hotel of Basra International Airport on Monday was handed over to the Iraqi civilian authorities by the...
Short Clips Of Iraqi Children -- [Sour Swinger - in Iraq]
These are short clips of some of my encounters with the kids here.
These kids started horse playing with each other. Unfortunately, by the time I got my camera out they had stopped. This neighborhood is in fact very well off and the richest area I've seen to date.
Killing Kids For The Cause -- [Strategy Page]
Terrorist groups are not getting many foreign volunteers anymore. The popularity of Islamic terrorism, in the Moslem world, has sharply declined over the last few years, and with that ...
Woke Up Quick -- [Afghani Kush - in Afghanistan]
How's it going out in the real world? Things are slow here, it seems like our action weeks seem to go in cycles, a few weeks of non stop action then a few weeks of bone crushing boredom. I appreciate the down time and the slower mission pace after we get into a few fights, but after a while ...
Familiar Conversation of Interest -- [Notes from Iraq - in Iraq]
...After our chuckle, the Iraqi Army officer asked, "You have a big, nice house? Or do you rent?" "Oh, I own my house, and it is nice, but what you have to understand about Americans is that only a small percentage own their house outright." He looked puzzled at this. "See, I really own about 20% of my house, and I pay a bank every month, as I slowly buy the rest." His eyebrows raised, as he heard the translated, and I explained further, "I could not buy it outright."
His interest was definitely perked. "I have heard of banks. Tell me about them, please. You mean that you just ask for money and you can buy a car or start a business?"
I don't think I will live this down... -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
Recently, my parents were able to send me a copy of the issue of Rolling Stone Magazine which featured an article about Small Wars Journal....Naturally, the bright pink cover of Rolling Stone and the picture of a mostly naked woman covered only with bubbles got everyone's attention.
Another officer: Dude, are you looking at porn?
Me: Oh, actually, the reason I got this magazine was because there's an article in here about Small Wars Journal--which is a great professional publication which focuses on counterinsurgency.
An amazed stare broke out on the officer's face as he eyed the cover of a magazine which featured a chick clad only in a bubble bikini.
Think Houston is hot? -- [My Point of View - in Iraq]
We arrived here in Baghdad in early February. The weather was nice then...cool. Now, it's a virtual oven out there. The photo above was taken today in a covered area...shaded. 118...in the shade. The colors represent our heat category chart. It's over 100 everyday now. Osman, our in-house interpreter/translator, told me this is just the beginning.
Taliban dupe boy, 12, into planting bomb -- [Telegraph]
On his face is an angelic smile, in his pocket a blood-stained 50-rupee note. Ishaq Khan, a 12-year-old schoolboy, was given the money - equivalent to just 40p - to carry a bag to a spot in a busy bazaar in Kohat, a town in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. As he walked away, the bag exploded,...
Hope With Change -- [Kudzu's Wandering... - in Afghanistan]
That being said a lot has changed since my last posting. A new commander is in charge here in Afghanistan and scandals involving our use of air strikes have cropped up.
Speaking of air strikes. I feel it important to ...
Haarvard professor serves in Afghanistan -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Here's a nice story for the Army's birthday: A Harvard professor who is serving his second deployment in Afghanistan.
...Now back in Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, Parker - ever the professor - dreams of ways to turn the counterinsurgency fight into a science
Sandblasted! -- [Desert Bound - in Afghanistan]
...For the almost 700 Soldiers here, there are only about half a dozen Airmen. There are a few Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen here and some Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (the guys that coordinate air strikes etc.).
Life on the FOB: To give you an idea of how things are here; we are all staying in 12-man tents.
Rose Garden -- [Afghanistan My Last Tour - in Afghanistan]
...MSG Abdullah is a very unique ANA soldier. Prior to joining the ANA he actively fought against the Taliban. Then he decided to join the ANA to make a difference for his country. He is a proud soldier and truly believes in taking care of the soldiers. He is bothered that his country still differentiates by a person's nationality. He doesn't care if a soldier is Tajik, Pashtun, or Hezara.
TV Report: US Duped into Attack -- [Wasington Times/AP]
A British television report to be broadcast Monday says American forces who killed scores of people last August in Azizabad, western Afghanistan, attacked the village on the basis of false allegations inspired by a blood feud with a neighboring community. An hourlong, in-depth documentary, previewed by the Associated Press and to be broadcast by Channel 4, includes scenes from a Herat provincial court trial in which...
UN Official Calls for Review of American Raids - [New York Times]
In unusually firm remarks, the chief of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan said there was an "urgent need to review" the Special Operations forces here. The official, Kai Eide, called the political costs of civilian casualties from special operations raids "disproportionate to the military gains," and said the Special Operations forces needed to become "more Afghanized."
US Shifts Practice on Afghan Captives -- [Wall Street Journal]
The Pentagon is revamping its detention policies in Afghanistan, borrowing practices from Iraq that are designed to rehabilitate detainees by teaching them moderate Islam, literacy and vocational skills. Senior US military officials said the new approach is meant to separate extremist Afghan detainees from more moderate ones.
Pakistan says offensive against Baitullah Mehsud imminent -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
The governor of the Northwest frontier Province said the military will launch a "comprehensive and decisive operation" as the military evaluates the request. Airstrikes launched in Bannu, Arakzai, and Bajaur.
Iran on Fire (Continuously updated [and W/Video]) -- [Michael Totten]
...Hundreds of insurrection photos are uploaded right here on Twitter.
Haaretz is now reporting that Mousavi has been arrested. Yesterday's report turned out to be false, but maybe this one is accurate. Who knows? We're in the fog of "war" here.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sounds like Baghdad Bob right about now: "It was a free and healthy election," he said.
"Supreme Guide" Ali Khamenei, the real power in Iran, sounds even more like Baghdad Bob than Ahmadinejad. He said the "election" was "an artistic expression" of "the joy and excitement of a nation." Good grief.
Iranian Courage -- [Threats Watch - Steve Schippert]
This is borne out today in the popularity of Mrs. Mousavi's outspokenness on women's rights during this campaign, and the resultant record turnout for the vote, and the (so far) wide-spread and brave protests to an election once again stolen.
When Iran's women have decided it is time, their men will rise with them.
Today, the second day of protest after the election, will determine momentum and what is to come - or not come - of the people's revolt. Will it be revolution, or will it be the reassertion of dominance by a regime which fears its own people more than any American or Israeli weapon?
Message From Mousavi -- [The Daily Dish]
Via my contacts at the Farsi-speaking BBC, a telephone plea:
I AM UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE TO ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THE SHAM ELECTION. THEY HAVE CUT ME OFF FROM ANY COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE AND AM UNDER SURVEILLANCE. I ASK THE PEOPLE TO STAY IN THE STREETS BUT AVOID VIOLENCE
NKorea warns of nuclear war amid rising tensions -- [MY Way]
North Korea's communist regime has warned of a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula while vowing to step up its atomic bomb-making program in defiance of new U.N. sanctions.
USS Cole CDR Lippold Statement On Future of Yemeni GITMO Detainees -- [Military Families United]
Washington, DC - Kirk S. Lippold, Former USS Cole Commander and Senior Military Fellow at Military Families United, released the following statement concerning the recently reported news that the Obama Administration is nearing a deal to send a considerable portion of the estimated 100 Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay to Saudi "terrorist rehabilitation centers."
"The impact of turning Yemeni detainees over to either Saudi Arabia or Yemen is an unacceptable compromise to our national security. Saudi Arabia has proven ineffective in rehabilitating terrorists...
Out of Guantánamo, Uighurs Bask in Bermuda - [New York Times]
Almost exactly seven years after arriving at Guantánamo in chains as accused enemy combatants, and four days after their surprise predawn flight to Bermuda, four Uighur Muslim men basked in their new-found freedom here, grateful for the handshakes many residents had offered and marveling at the serene beauty of this tidy, postcard island.
Terrorist can sue over torture memos -- [MSNBC/AP]
First time a government lawyer has been held potentially liable for abuse -- SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A convicted terrorist can sue a former Bush administration lawyer for drafting the legal theories that led to his alleged torture
NEFA Foundation: New Video From American Al-Qaida Spokesman Adam Gadahn -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
The NEFA Foundation has obtained a new video recording of most wanted American Al-Qaida spokesman Adam Yehiye Gadahn, titled "Let's Continue our Jihad and Sacrifice."
Dear As-Sahab: Please Take Away Adam Gadahn's Microphone -- [Counterterrorism Blog]
Late yesterday, Al-Qaida's official media wing--the As-Sahab Media Foundation--released yet another meandering, half-baked video message from American Al-Qaida member Adam Gadahn, formerly of Los Angeles, California. Gadahn--who perhaps at best can be described as an arrogant, pasty-faced computer nerd--has nonetheless become a key spokesman for Al-Qaida over the past five years.
Who Are You Calling Rambo? -- [Newsweek - PaulRieckhoff]
...As one of the 1.8 million veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I worry every day that people do not see combat veterans as who we are--brave, committed patriots--but rather as damaged or dangerous.
...This disconnect can have real consequences. In polls, employers often say they don't know what skills veterans can bring to their company. More than 11 percent of vets who served after 9/11 are out of work.
Acadiana Children are True Patriots -- [Soldiers Angels LA]
Our very own Vickie Franco, USCG and Angel since 2003 has done an exceptional job with keeping children involved in helping our Troops and Veterans. Here is her story in her own words.
Reservists Home Vandalized -- [BlackFive - LW]
Read what reservist and ER nurse Arleen Agosto of Florida was called home to find while she was at Ft. Eustis caring for our wounded. Clean-up and repair alone will probably be more than $15,000.00 and it is unclear if her insurance will cover the clean-up and disinfection, nor how much of the items stolen will be covered.
'Mindless' Basic Training Gets Some Smarts -- [Politics Daily - HT:SWJ]
When seasoned combat soldiers began returning from the war to help train new recruits here, the first thing they did was to stop training for what the Army called "convoy live fire.'' Nobody actually does that in Iraq or Afghanistan, they explained.
..."Today the enemy is always changing his tactics, his operations. We can't give soldiers mindless solutions. They have to think.''
Home -- [In Iraq Now (at 56) - home from Iraq]
At 5pm yesterday, my daughters picked me up at Harrisburg International Airport, just 57 hours after I showed up at the passenger terminal at Tallil Air Base. Since we gained 7 hours, the trip actually took 64 clock hours. But my leave did not start until one minute after midnight today, so I have only used 18 of the 360 hours (15 days) of leave.
NJ guard soldiers welcomed home from Iraq -- [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Corzine was handed a New Jersey flag that flew over Iraq and he told the Guard members that he "couldn't be more proud" of their service.
Meditations on the Way of the Warrior and COIN -- [Mongo's Montreaux - in Iraq]
I stumbled on this Atlantic review/article by Robert Kaplan. Anyone who wants to meditate on COIN and the nature of those who wage this type of war should read the article in full. ...One important point in the article (ie, a point that validates one of my recurring themes) is it ably demonstrates the unavoidable friction between the warrior and the bureaucracy.
THIS IS WAY-WAY OVER THE TOP -- [Gateway Pundit]
CBS compares Iran's Holocaust denier, womens right's abuser, America-hating radical to George W. Bush.
Just makin' $hit up!" the Jon Soltz Story -- [This Ain't Hell...]
Jon Soltz is Gen. Wesley Clark's designated attack doggie the executive director of Votevets.org.
...I would now take several hours dismantling all of your expert testimony before the House and Senate as the Military and Veterans expert you are, but alas, THAT SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY TESTIMONY YOU'VE SUBMITTED. If I happen to be wrong, I look forward to reading your cogent analysis on other issues.
...Why is this post so angry? Why so much venom towards VV and Jon in particular? Because this guy has used the death of our brothers and sisters to create a phantasmical windmill that he can joust with to the delight of his acolytes on MSNBC, Daily Kos and Huffington Post. And frankly, it is goddamneddisrespectful.
Obama's Pick to Be Army's Top Lawyer Withdraws -- [FOX News]
President Obama's pick to be the Army's top lawyer withdrew after failing to disclose Fannie Mae as his former employer in a document submitted as part of his nomination process.
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