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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.Refresh for updates.
Iraq marks US pullout day as public holiday -- [AFP]
Iraqi Government decided to mark the June 30 pullout of US troops from cities and major towns as a public holiday, Cabinet spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh said.
"The decision was taken by the cabinet that ceremonies will be held on June 29, and June 30 will be a public holiday. But school exams will continue on these dates", he added.
Kirkuk -- [Wings Over Iraq - in Iraq]
...Nevertheless, just when you thought that the Iraq War might be over--when even Small Wars Journal was reporting no Iraq news in its daily roundup--someone decides to detonate nearly two tons of explosives outside a Shia Turkoman mosque in a town just south of Kirkuk.
Two Incoming Rockets to make the day a little more interesting. -- [Far From Perfect (tweet) - in Iraq]
K-9 cop keeps military safe -- [K9 Pride - in Iraq]
"We've got a bomb threat at the shoppette," the Airman says. "Who do you want to send?" Tech. Sgt. Michael Jones thinks for a second. "I'll go with Blacky," he says.
..."We don't normally get those on base," Sergeant Jones says of the bomb threat. "They'll have set up a cordon and then we'll go in and search it out."
DVIDS Joint Patrol in Baghdad Iraq -- [Sour Swinger]
These pictures are from a joint patrol of my platoon and the Iraqi Army. ...The Army has been occasionally embedding Combat Camera in our missions.
Big Oil Ready for Big Gamble in Iraq -- [WSJ]
Next week, Iraqi officials plan a welcome-back party for Big Oil. The government intends to auction off oil contracts to foreign companies for the first time since Iraq nationalized its oil industry more than three decades ago. If all goes according to plan in the first round, foreign oil companies will move in to help Iraq revive production at six developed fields that have suffered from years of war and neglect.
Mail Call! -- [Bad Dogs and Such - in Iraq]
That's four days worth of mail. This is where it gets fun. We hopped in (much to the confusion of the mail guys - "why are there two sergeants helping us?") and joined the chain passing boxes out and stacking them.
"Alpha! Alpha! Bravo! HHC! Alpha! K-9!"
You don't know how many weird little subunits you have until you start making piles.
Fierce Battles and High Casualties on the Frontlines of Afghanistan -- [Matt Gutman/ABC]
...in the unruly crags of Gulestan, which hugs the Farah border with Helmand, a single platoon of Marines, about 50 men plus assorted supplementary troops, is charged with holding a 450 sq km area. It has one semi-passable road that runs diagonally through it. Gulestan has thirty cops. One of them said: "I will fight as long as the Marines are here, when they leave, I will leave before them."
US missile strike kills 60 at funeral in Pakistan -- [Guardian]
A US drone aircraft killed at least 45 Pakistani Taliban militants in south Waziristan yesterday when it fired missiles at the funeral of an insurgent commander killed earlier in the day, Pakistani intelligence officials said.
...The army had no information on the attack on the funeral in the remote area under the control of Baitullah Mehsud, the country's enemy number one, a military official said.
One local security official, who could not be identified as he was not authorised to speak to media, said that more than 60 had died of whom "half are civilians". Funerals of Taliban are attended by local villagers, not just militants.
Scores of Taliban killed in second US strike in South Waziristan -- [Bill Roggio-LWJ]
Predators fired on the funeral of a Taliban commander near Baitullah Mehsud's stronghold in Makeen. More than 65 Taliban fighters were reported killed in the attack.
Taliban Turns On Terrorism -- [Strategy Page]
In Pakistan, Taliban leaders are suddenly trying to distance themselves from the growing number of terrorist attacks. The Taliban, and some politicians, now insist that these atrocities have nothing to do with Islam. This is an attempt by the Taliban to recover some of their popularity.
Al-Qaeda Leader in Afghanistan Mustafa Abu Al-Yazid Talks About Using Pakistani Nuclear Weapons Against U.S., Offers Americans 'Peace Plan' -- [MEMRI]
Either Convert to Islam, Or Be Ruled By Islam And Pay Poll Tax To Muslims
Changes to the Rules of Engagement for Afghanistan -- [Captain's Journal]
The U.S. commander in Afghanistan will soon order U.S. and NATO forces to break away from fights with militants hiding among villagers, an official said Monday, announcing one of the strongest measures yet to protect Afghan civilians.
New Afghan Strategy Tackles One Village at a Time -- [CANWEST News]
Canada held a coming-out celebration Tuesday of a social experiment in Afghanistan designed to defeat the Taliban one village at a time - by being nice.
Taliban Make Human Shields Work -- [Strategy Page]
The U.S. has again changed their rules of engagement (ROE) in Afghanistan, in response to popular anger at civilians killed by American smart bombs. As a result, it's much more difficult to get permission drop a smart bomb when there might be civilians nearby. Taliban propaganda, and the enthusiasm of the media for jumping on real, or imagined, civilian deaths caused by foreign troops, made people forget that far more civilians (about four times as many) had been killed by the Taliban.
Suffocation vs. Killing -- [Outside the Wire - in Afghanistan]
At first blush it may sound like the rule is to retreat. I'll save final judgement until I see the full order from the General McChrystal. I'm wagering that it will have plenty of wiggle room for commander discretion. But the key point of the change in the use of force is to move away from killing to suffocation.
As Marine General Mark Gurganus told me, "you can't kill your way out of an insurgency." But you can suffocate an insurgency by denying its ability to operate. You suffocate the insurgent by conducting detailed census data collection missions, ID card programs, gated communities and check points.
Not very sexy stuff, but very effective. And being effective is the goal.
Afghanistan, like Iraq, the culture has a strong revenge component....
Afghanistan's Failing Forces -- [New York Times]
President Obama was right to send more American troops to fight. That violence will surely increase as strengthened ground forces step up the pressure on...
Afghan, coalition forces disrupt weapon, foreign fighter facilitation cell -- [DVIDS]
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained four suspected militants during a patrol last night in Ghazni Province to disrupt weapon and foreign fighter facilitation operations in eastern Afghanistan.
Retired D.C. Guard commander died in Metro crash -- [Stars and Stripes]
The nine victims of the Metro train collision in Washington included the recently retired commanding general of the D.C. National Guard and his wife; two working moms; a retired teacher who was working as a substitute, and a woman who worked with nurses around the world.
Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr., 62, and his wife Ann, 62, were killed Monday afternoon when two trains collided on the Red Line.
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. contacted Iran's ayatollah before election -- [Washington Times]
Prior to this month's disputed presidential election in Iran, the Obama administration sent a letter to the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for an improvement in relations.
'Privately, Obama advisers are crediting his Cairo speech for inspiring the protesters.' -- [NRO]
bama's approach to Iran, including his assertion that the unrest there represents a debate among Iranians unrelated to the United States, is an acknowledgment that a U.S. president's words have a limited ability to alter foreign events in real time and could do more harm than good. But privately Obama advisers are crediting his Cairo speech for inspiring the protesters, especially the young ones, who are now posing the most direct challenge to the republic's Islamic authority in its 30-year history.
Regime Change Iran: Movement Seeks to Eliminate 'Supreme Leader' Position -- [Threats Watch - Steve Schippert]
Folks, this is huge. Huge. A report from Saudi Arabia's al-Arabiya, Iranian clerics seek supreme leader alternative, indicates that Rafsanjani is seeking to eliminate the Supreme Leader. Not just the man, but the position and role presiding over Iranian politics and the Iranian society.
Live from Baharestan Sq... [Revolutionary Road... - in Iran]
25 journalist were arrested last night. Arrested journalists have been threatend to write in support of Ahmadinejad and his government and not to support popular gatherings anymore. - Thousands of detainees family members have gathered in front of Tehran's revolution(Enghelaab)court. The force police has surrounded them.Fervent atmosphere in place and conflict is possible at any moment.
The Mideast's New Spring of Freedom -- [WSJ]
Iran is only part of a trend.
The hotly contested presidential election in Iran between Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still unfolding, with uncertain results. But regardless of the outcome, the events in Iran are symptomatic of a larger change in the political landscape of the Middle East -- the revival of a regional freedom movement, which stalled in 2006 after the election of Hamas in Palestine.
Negotiating with Terrorists -- [NRO - Andrew C. McCarthy]
As the Iranian government's murderous repression of the Iranian people continues, critics right and left agitate over the deafening silence of an American president who, as a candidate, derided the Bush administration's ambitious democracy promotion as too timid. They speculate as to why Barack Obama won't speak out: Why won't he condemn the mullahs? Is he daft enough to believe he can charm the regime into abandoning its nuclear ambitions? Does the self-described realist so prize stability that he thinks it's worth abandoning the cause of freedom -- and the best chance in 30 years of dislodging an implacable American enemy?
In truth, it's worse...
DHS To Kill Domestic Satellite Spying -- [CBS News / AP]
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to kill a program begun by the Bush administration that would use U.S. spy satellites for domestic security and law enforcement, a government official said Monday.
Napolitano recently reached her decision after the program was discussed with law enforcement officials, and she was told it was not an urgent issue,...
EMP: The Very Real Threat of Electromagnetic Pulse...Part 2 of 3: Who can Attack The U.S.? -- [PJTV]
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security Catastrophe -- [Heritage Foundation]
A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who could prevent it. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack could wreak havoc on the nation's electronic systems--shutting down power grids, sources, and supply mechanisms.
Soldiers' Angels Germany has a new shipping address! -- [Soldiers' Angels Germany]
Effective immediately, Soldiers' Angels Germany has a new shipping address. Mail will be forwarded from the old address, but to avoid delays please change your records.
MTD
Attn: Soldiers' Angels
CMR 402
APO AE 09180
Important:
- Check our list of requested items for current needs before purchasing and shipping donations.
- Notify us when items are shipped.
Friends of Fisher House Illinois - Saturday, June 27, 2009... -- [Soldier's Angels - Medical Support]
The Friends of Fisher House - Illinois organization is working hard to get ready for the long-needed opening of the new Fisher House at Hines VA hospital in Illinois. If you aren't familiar with Fisher Houses, they provide free housing for the families of wounded and ill veterans and soldiers who are receiving treatment at VA hospitals.
Shirt Idea Competition 2009 - Round 1Exit this survey -- [Ranger Up]
Here we are. This year's shirt ideas. Sort through our list and vote on your favorites. Next week, we'll have a shorter list as we approach the final winners.
Nonprofit Group Reverses Plan to Give Home to Injured Iraq Veteran 99 [Seattle Times /AP]
A veteran who lost three limbs in Iraq will not get the keys to a new home, after a nonprofit group said the family concealed that they already own two homes.
Gates Creates Cyber-Defense Command -- [WaPo]
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued an order yesterday establishing a command that will defend military networks against computer attacks and develop offensive cyber-weapons, but he also directed that the structure be ready to help safeguard civilian systems.
Halo Out There -- [Strategy Page]
After years of requests, and complaints, from the infantry, the Department of Defense has finally developed mission planning software that is easy to use, does what needs to be done, and fits on a laptop computer. RealWorld combines digital maps and 3-D gaming technology with military procedures and equipment specifications to produce a program that enables commanders...
Eye Opener: Dept. of Navy Name Change Soon? -- [WaPo]
A proposal to rename the Department of the Navy to the Department of Navy and Marine Corps now has 300 cosponsors in the House, a feat rarely achieved by any piece of legislation.
More soldiers coming home today Posted On: Wednesday, Jun. 24 2009 ... -- [Killeen Daily Herald]
Supporters can also welcome troops at Victory Corner, the corner of US Highway 190 and Clarke Road. Those interested are asked to be in place 30 minutes
Home from Iraq for Father's Day, and just in time -- [Dallas Morning News]
The three held each other silently and then the soon-to-be mom and dad kissed as the crowd, waiting to welcome the troops home, cheered and waved flags.
Iran accuses CNN of training hackers -- [MX Logic]
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman accused the cable network CNN of "officially" training people to "hack government and foreign ministry" websites on Monday
New All-Time Lows for Both CBS & ABC Evening Newscasts -- [TV Newser]
Breaking: TVNewser has learned the CBS Evening News has once again set an all-time low last week with 4.89 million Total Viewers and 1.42 million A25-54 viewers. But it was also the lowest (since records began in the 1991-'92 season) for ABC's World News with Charles Gibson.
"Transformers": A Swipe at Obama? -- [Variety - Wilshire & Washington]
Cohen writes, "So as usual in these movies, the federal bureaucrats are portrayed as annoying if not villainous. The President's man, "Galloway," is a bespectacled blowhard who becomes an obstacle to our brave fighting men and their alliance with the noble Autobots. Operating specifically under presidential authority, he makes all kinds of mischief. He says the President wants to try "diplomacy" against the evil Decepticons and hints the President would consider handing over Shia LaBouf's character to be killed by them.
"In this movie, exactly one real-life politician is named: "President Obama." They went out of their way to make sure they named the craven, obstructionist president as Obama."
What Obama didn't mention -- [Politico]
A couple of surprising words were missing from President Barack Obama's 55-minute news conference on Wednesday: "Iraq" -- and "Afghanistan." -- Also MIA: "Korea," "Pakistan," "soldiers," "surge" and "war" -- as well as the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Obama takes credit for the Iran revolution -- [USS Neverdock]
But Obama said he didn't want to meddle. As always, Obama and the Democrats want to have it both ways. Now let's see, what other country just won its freedom in the region? Oh yeah, Iraq!
House Passes Advance Funding for the VA -- [IAVA]
Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, applauded the House for passing the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016).
2010 Defense Authorization Bill: Merits and Flaws of House Armed Services Bill H.R. 2647 -- [Heritage Foundation]
The U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee will complete its markup of H.R.2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year (FY) 2010, this week.
...While considering the legislation, committee members made several important steps to begin reversing some of President Obama's most alarming proposals. The legislation is not without its flaws, however, as it fails to restore funding for the missile defense budget. When the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee completes its markup this week, it should retain many of the House recommendations while restoring missile defense funding.
Unreal... Even as Iranian Regime Continues Slaughter of Democracy Activists-- Obama Won't Cancel July 4th Party With Regime -- [Gateway Pundit]
"If Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of US-Iranian relations. But, that is a choice the Iranians are going to have to make."
He's Barack Obama - Jib Jab
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