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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.
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US Military: Afghan Surge Begins Next Week -- [Voice of America]
US Admiral Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the military's focus now is the rapid deployment of 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and the initial elements of the surge will begin arriving next week. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Admiral Mullen says orders have been issued to combat infantry, engineers and civil affairs experts to deploy to Afghanistan, with 1,500 Marines expected to arrive in southern Helmand Province next week. Mullen indicated there is a sense of urgency at the Pentagon to implement US President Barack Obama's decision to send tens of thousands of additional troops to the war and then begin withdrawing them by July 2011. "The debate is over, the decision has been made, it is - it is time to execute," said Admiral Mullen. "That must be our focus now, our only focus, and it is." Admiral Mullen says the Pentagon is accelerating deployment plans for the surge forces and the bulk of the new troops will be in place within the next six months.
Afghan Security Leaders Thank Gates for Support -- [ISAF]
Senior Afghan military and national police leaders gathered today at Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' departure to thank him for his support for President Barack Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan and a strong military team to support it.
Top UN official in Afghanistan wants to leave -- [AP/San Diego Union Tribune]
The top U.N. official in Afghanistan said Friday he will not renew his two-year contract when it expires in March.
Kai Eide, a Norwegian diplomat, said he is not stepping down but has asked U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to start searching for a replacement.
"I'm not resigning," Eide told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "It's a question of telling New York that I'm not renewing my contract."
US strike kills 4 al Qaeda, 2 Taliban in South Waziristan -- [LWJ - Bill Roggio]
Today's strike is the first in South Waziristan since late September. The strike took place in an area where Baitullah Mehsud and Khalid Habib were killed in prior attacks.
Company Lanes -- [Riding Shotgun with Team Zombiekiller - in Afghanistan]
We were out yesterday conducting tactical lane training with our Afghan companies. We focused on react to contact drills throughout the day, and all in all we had a pretty productive day of training. While out and about we ran into the typical things, goats, Kuchis and reckless drivers cruising down the dirt roads at white-knuckle speeds. Pretty normal stuff really.
I find the field training to be the most rewarding thing we get to do, as it really gets us into the business of teaching the leadership. We get a lot of them telling us that they "know everything already," and that we are wasting their time teaching them. Of course it all comes out in the wash when we take them to the field.
Shebergan Mission -- [Doc H's International Adventure - in Afghanistan]
Yesterday was an altogether wholesome and satisfying day. It always feels good to give or provide services to those with so little. At the end of a day it is a very good feeling when I can say that Afghanistan is better off because of what we did today.
More Boondoggles and let the turnover begin... -- [3rd Time, New Country - in Afghanistan]
On Monday, we took our normal trip to NDS, but I was a passenger this time. After our mentoring, the team dropped of DJ, Tim and I at the airport (KAIA) for a trip to Bagram. The US Air Force Hospital (Craig Hospital) has a 2-week training program for the Afghans. I took the Chief OT nurse, DJ took one of his anesthesia residents, and Tim took a pharmacy tech.
A Timely Reminder -- [OPFOR - Lt Col P - in Afghanistan]
Every time I glance around me at NATO afield, I wonder about the future of the alliance. However, we can always count on our old pals the Russians to chime in with a timely reminder of why there is a NATO in the first place.
Will someone please take the car keys from them? They're not fit to drive.
Afghan frontline diary -- [BBC]
Behind the headlines, what is it like to fight in Afghanistan?
The 3rd Battalion of the Rifles Regiment is in the country today for a six-month tour.
Among their number is Major Richard Streatfeild. He commands "A Company" from a base in the upper Sangin valley, where the heaviest of the fighting has been so far.
Winter's blue-eyed souls -- [Captain Cat's Diaries - in Afghanistan]
A tribal elder from Ahmadabad district in Paktia province reading a manual on the "Basics of Afghan Law and Criminal Justice"
There is so much more to Afghanistan than what is reported in the news about the war and the Taliban and the shady machinations of a corrupt government. Five years on and I'm still under this country's spell, filled to the brim with love for its people, for their gentleness and warmth, their perseverance and hope and overwhelming hospitality despite everything they've been through. I still feel so lucky to be here.
Hundreds of women lead protest in Afghanistan -- [RAWA]
Followed by about 500 men, they demand that the government purge anyone connected to the Taliban, war crimes or corruption. Many hold pictures of slain relatives.
Contractors Watching Contractors -- [The Nation]
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has hired a private corporation to help prepare government reports for Congress about US government contracts with other corporations in Afghanistan. The massive consulting firm Deloitte and Touche was hired on a one year contract signed with the US Army's Contracting Center of Excellence in May for $3.7 million. In the end, the contract could be worth up to $7.5 million, according to federal contract data reviewed by The Nation.
Defense Secretary Gates Arrives In Iraq -- [NPR]
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates flew to Iraq on Thursday to begin the second leg of his tour of two major war zones.
Gates' visit to Iraq comes during a week in which coordinated Baghdad bombings have killed 127 people and wounded more than 500. Al-Qaida's umbrella group in Iraq claimed responsibility Thursday for the bombings and warned of more strikes to come against the Iraqi government.
US sees Arabs, Kurds in Iraq settling differences -- [Reuters]
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday that Arab and Kurdish leaders in Iraq were moving toward settling their differences and he urged them to form an inclusive government quickly after a March vote.
Visiting U.S. troops and Iraqi police in the contested northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, Gates called Arab-Kurdish tensions "perhaps the most worrisome issue in Iraq."
...But Gates, who arrived in Iraq on Thursday after a visit to Afghanistan, said: "All the evidence we see indicates that they will work out these differences."
"They've made some real headway in recent weeks."
Beleaguered Iraqi Leader Puts Off Gates Meeting -- [NY Times]
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, but the prime minister said he was too busy to see Mr. Gates because he had to defend himself before a Parliament outraged by a recent series of bombings.
Maliki, lawmakers trade accusations -- [Washington Post]
Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday chastised Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for his government's failure to prevent the massive bombings that rocked the capital this week, even as Maliki accused parliament of impeding his ability to improve security.
During a closed-door, six-hour exchange, Maliki chided lawmakers for not passing legislation that would fund and legitimize anti-terrorism forces that report directly to him, according to lawmakers.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28895&Itemid=128 -- [MNF-I]
It is necessary and right that Iraqi Soldiers and Police assume security responsibilities for their people, the commander of Multi-National Force - Iraq said in New York City yesterday.
U.S. Army Transfers Property to Iraq Government -- [DVIDS]
Emotional Roller Coaster -- [In Iraq Now (at 56) - in Iraq]
Tomorrow is the goodbye ceremony for most of our Brigade. We will be the last battalion to go home in Pennsylvania's biggest deployment since World War 2. Not the distinction I wanted. Many of the soldiers who are going home very much wanted to stay.
The Ziggurat -- [Sour Swinger]
...When time was available, my platoon decided to make a pit stop to check out the Ziggurat. After setting up a 360 perimeter, we sent groups of soldiers up armed with their cameras. This was the one and only time I actually felt like a tourist. It didn't take long for kids to show up from the local village wondering what we were doing.
Lucky dog survives Iraq bombing (Video) -- [AP]
A man who was presumed dead in this week's string of attacks in Baghdad stunned neighbors Wednesday when returned to his toppled home, and then he drew more stares as he cuddled his pet dog that was
Who is counting the bodies in Iraq? -- [BBC]
"We don't do body counts." These were the words of Gen Tommy Franks, the man in charge of the US-led invasion of Iraq.
But more than six-and-a-half years after the invasion, the body count has become a critical measure of success and failure in Iraq.
US Growing Impatient With Iran -- [Wall Street Journal]
Gen. James Jones has the ramrod-straight demeanor and no-frills speaking style befitting someone who once was the commandant of the Marine Corps. And so it is with matter-of-fact precision that President Barack Obama's national security adviser describes where things stand in the quest to walk back Iran's nuclear program. "Iran still controls its destiny on this issue," he says in an interview in his West Wing office. The door to diplomatic discussion with the Iranians remains ajar, "but it's not going to stay open much longer." If Iran doesn't show it's serious about addressing international concerns that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, the action will shift in January to imposing sanctions at the United Nations Security Council.
US, UK, France Poised to Seek New Sanctions Against Iran -- [Voice of America]
Japan's UN ambassador, who heads the Security Council Sanctions Committee on Iran, briefed the council on violations of existing resolutions that have taken place during the last three months. Later, Britain's UN Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant outlined those violations to reporters. "This report set out a pattern of violations by Iran of Security Council resolutions - including the illegal export, two illegal exports, of shipments of arms from Iran in direct contradiction of resolution 1747," he said. "And if you add this together with the continued uranium enrichment activities of Iran, in violation of Security Council resolutions - of Iran's failure to answer questions to the IAEA about its weaponization activities, the revelation of a secret enrichment site at Qom, and Iran's rejection of the offer over the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor - then I think you can see there is clearly this pattern of violations of international obligations and an unwillingness of Iran to negotiate seriously with the international community over the nuclear issue," he said.
'Useful' US Visit to N. Korea Yields No Date for Nuclear Talks -- [Voice of America]
The top US envoy on North Korean nuclear disarmament says he had good discussions in Pyongyang, but secured no formal commitment for the North to come back to negotiations. US envoy Stephen Bosworth in Seoul Thursday said he had "very useful" meetings with senior North Korean officials this week. He says "common understandings" were reached about the need to get rid of the North's nuclear weapons. Still, North Korea, also known as the DPRK, set no date for sitting down to talk about implementing its nuclear disarmament commitments. "It remains to be seen when and how the DPRK will return to the six party talks," he said. "This is something that requires further consultations among all six of us."
Five Muslim Americans detained in Pakistan were en route to Waziristan -- [LWJ- Threat Matrix]
The is plenty of interesting information available on the five Americans detained in Pakistan who were trying to link up with al Qaeda and allied terror groups within Pakistan. The radicalization process and recruitment via the Internet by "Saifullah," a known jihadist, will certainly raise some eyebrows. Ultimately, it seems all roads to jihad pass through Pakistan, and more specifically, Waziristan.
N. Va. Men Allegedly Tried to Join Jihadists -- [Washington Post]
Five men from Northern Virginia who were arrested Tuesday in Pakistan traveled abroad hoping to work with jihadist groups and battle US troops in Afghanistan, Pakistani officials said Thursday. The men contacted extremist organizations, including two with links to al-Qaeda, and proudly told their Pakistani interrogators, "We are here for jihad," said Usman Anwar, the local Pakistani police chief whose officers interrogated the men, all Muslims from the Alexandria area. Anwar said police recovered jihadist literature, laptop computers and maps of parts of Pakistan when the men were arrested near Lahore. The maps included areas where the Taliban train. The men first made contact with the two extremist organizations by e-mail in August, officials said, but the groups apparently rejected their overtures because they couldn't find people to vouch for them.
Defense Dept. Faulted for Not Taping Detainee -- [Washington Post]
A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Defense Department was in contempt of court for failing to videotape the testimony of a Guantanamo Bay detainee who is challenging his detention in court. US District Judge Gladys Kessler had ordered the government to videotape Mohammed Al-Adahi, 47, when he testified June 23 via a secure video link from the prison in Cuba to her courtroom in Washington. Like scores of detainees, Adahi is contesting his confinement through federal lawsuits under the centuries-old legal doctrine of habeas corpus.
Christmas Wreath Laying -- [Knottie's Niche - Gold Star Mother]
A couple of days ago a friend of mine called from the local Chamber of Commerce to tell me the Daughters of the American Revolution were going to be laying a Christmas wreath at the memorial downtown and wanted to honor my son when they did so. My son is the last name to be engraved on the memorial. I hope his will be the very last ever.
Lessons From the War Zone -- [NY Times]
One morning as a medical student on the surgery service, I learned about a patient who had been hemorrhaging on the operating table the night before. The intern who had assisted during the operation took great pains to describe every detail of the failed efforts of several senior surgeons and the final, ultimately lifesaving, maneuvers of the department chairman. "He came in and just got control of the bleeding," the intern concluded, waving his hands as if the chairman's work had involved magic. "How did he manage that?" one of my classmates asked.
"He's one of the best," the intern answered matter-of-factly. "He was a surgeon in Vietnam."
...Not long ago I saw my former chairman again for the first time in nearly 20 years. He was older and slightly grayer, and still possessed of the stunning carriage that made him stand out in a room. But as I stood before him, what I remembered was not his having served in Vietnam nor even his remarkable skill, but his profound respect for the humanity of those he cared for, whoever they might have been.
...It has been two years since Dr. Coppola's last tour of duty. I asked him how he and his practice have changed. "I'm older and grayer," he said, "and ...
Ft. Hood day of healing -- [Bouhammer]
Friday, December 11th is going to be a special day at Ft. Hood Tx. The kind folks at the USO along with the MWR and AAFES have put together a great event to facilitate the continued healing that Ft. Hood and its families are still going through. Bloggers, tweeters, people on Facebook can all help. Please read below to learn more and to see what you can do to spread the word.
Touched by an Angel: Team Kadena Members Donate Gifts to Charity -- [DVIDS]
It's the season for giving, for helping those in need and for appreciating the kindness of others. One such opportunity that gives back to the Kadena Air Base community is the Angel Tree program.
School uniform argument may lead to lawsuit -- [WND]
Principal contacted dad's Army commanders when faced with criticism
A decorated member of the U.S. military says he may bring a lawsuit against school officials in Huntsville, Ala., after they complained to his military commanders when he objected to plans to require students, including his children, to spend $400 on uniforms.
Blogger Landmines -- [The SandGram]
I have been writing on and off for four years now and one of the things in the back of mind is "Will I get hammered for this?" There are opinions that I feel very strongly about and have put words to paper but after running them by my parents (who usually have the first chop on my posts) for a sanity check, I will delete or change some stuff around. You have to worry about giving info to the enemy, comfort to the wacko left wing nut jobs or violating one of the six million rules in the Military on social media that have cropped up.
AAA Commission Releases Final Report on Army Human Terrain System -- [American Anthropological Association]
The AAA's Commission on the Engagement of Anthropology with the US Security and Intelligence Communities (CEAUSSIC) released its Final Report on the Army's Human Terrain System Proof of Concept Program [pdf]. CEAUSSIC held a press conference on the report during the 2009 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.
The Aftermath of the Fort Hood Massacre (MP3 Download) -- [Strategy Page Talk]
Austin and Jim discuss the Fort Hood shooting and what changes it might prompt internally within the U.S. Military.
Counterinsurgency and Professional Military Education -- [SWJ - Dr. Mark Moyar]
Major Niel Smith's article "Integrating COIN into Army Professional Education" contains valuable insights and has provoked a large amount of fruitful dialogue on the Small Wars Journal website. What follows here is intended to add some thoughts to the discussion, to point out some challenges involved in achieving change, and to offer suggestions for overcoming those challenges. Although I am a professor at the Marine Corps University, these views are strictly my own, not those of the Marine Corps University.
Regarding Analogies and Metaphors -- [Wings Over Iraq]
One of the things that I find amusing about the milblog community is that there's usually quite civil debate when it comes to the principles of war and counterinsurgency. But when we come to actually discussing analogies and metaphors, therein lies the fiercest debate.
...Patrick Porter brought up the topic of Afghanistan being the oft-mentioned "Graveyard of Empires" in a recent post on Kings of War. Certainly, we've all heard this phrase before, but I think it might mean many things to many people. I always took it to refer to the fact that many empires have tried to conquer, absorb, or pacify the area, with little success. Certainly, the loss of many thousands of troops during Alexander's campaign (Stephen Pressfield claims some 80% of his force), the first British campaign (which left but one survivor), and the Soviet misadventure contribute to this image.
But ...
FLIGHT OF TEARS PART 2: The Mumbai Conspiracy -- [Castra Praetoria - coming home from Iraq]
Marines openly flirted with stewardess as our flight path took us into Indian air space. Theories vary about what actually took place at this point but what I think happened is our brilliant pilot used the wrong call sign talking to the Mumbai tower then tried to use a new one. They caught him in the act. Somehow they found out there were 200 U.S. Marines on board and all hell broke loose. The mental image of a tower full of Indian air traffic controllers losing their minds as 200 storm troopers enter their airspace is comical. Sovereign nations being what they are (petulant children), instead of letting us go home we had to land in Mumbai because now big bad ugly America was violating their air space. Sad part is they were right. It was their air space and they get to do with it as they please. I blame our pilot for the mix up but the joy of the Mumbai experience I lay firmly at the feet of our "allies" in India.
Obama Snubs Kids Event In Oslo, Cardboard Cutout Put In His Place -- [NewsBusters]
Nobel Peace Prize winner Barack Obama skipped a "Save the Children" benefit concert in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, and a cardboard cutout of the American president was placed on stage in his absence.
In Oslo to receive an award that most people believe he didn't deserve, Obama claimed, "I still have a lot of work to do back in Washington, D.C., before the year is done."
According to the Associated Press, Obama also skipped lunch with the King of Norway.
(Need more? Dawn Patrols Archives are here.)
