The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.
This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — U.S. civil affairs soldiers assessed fish farms in the Lutifiyah, Iraq, area April 23 to gauge their progress.
“What we are trying to do is set up fish farms that can supply a mass product,” said Army Pfc. Timothy Perkins, a communications specialist with Company B, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion.
Three types of carp -- common, grass and silver -- are going to be raised in the farms.
“The government of Iraq is actually working toward setting up a fish farmers agriculture committee,” Perkins said. “It is going to be a program used to educate the farmers [on] caring for fish and agricultural requirements that the ponds have.”
Once the committee becomes official, it will consist of farmers, local government officials, tribal leaders and sheikhs from around the area.
“At this point, none of the farms are operational,” Perkins said. “Some of the ponds have only recently begun construction.”
The fish season begins in March and lasts eight months. The ponds must be leveled out at two meters deep with limited brush. To be considered for pumps, ponds must be free of algae and bacteria. Farms meeting the requirements will be provided with pumps to filter the water in their ponds.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Two Iraqi poultry farmers received 3,000 chicks each April 27 in a bid to jump-start their industry in Hawr Rajab, a rural community south of Baghdad.
PATROL BASE YATES — As part of their commitment to keeping insurgents away, members of the Sons of Iraq built a checkpoint on a narrow stretch of road through Fuhail Mujeer Village, 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, April 25.
As recently as December, Rakkasan Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), established a presence in the area, which was previously an insurgent safe haven.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN — Residents of the Hay Jasmen neighborhood in Musayyib, Iraq, will soon walk on improved roads instead of dirt and jagged rocks.
The roads are nearly complete; workers are in the finishing stages of constructing gutters on the sides of the streets.
In addition to the road refinishings, a waste management project is almost complete. Areas that previously appeared carpeted by trash are now nearly spotless.
There are businesses which undermine Soldiers and Veterans and there are businesses that quietly support them. If you're a consumer, please support the latter and avoid the former.
IF you are a Veteran looking for a business to get into, this could be your ticket:
New IFA Program Launched by Little Caesars
PURPOSE
To provide honorably discharged veterans with a business opportunity when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change, and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country.
Little Caesars is looking for veterans with integrity and character who take initiative, utilize a teamwork management style and have a strong personal commitment to the business. A Little Caesars franchise can provide business owners with the opportunity to become leaders in the communities they serve, maximize their potential and realize a strong sense of accomplishment by achieving goals and growing their business .
Qualified Service-Disabled Veterans
Eligibility: Any honorably discharged, service-disabled veteran who meets the requirements of CVE and Little Caesars. Candidates must show a letter of rating from the VA. This program was created to offer business opportunities to veterans who find themselves at a crossroads either when transitioning to civilian life, or seeking a career change. Existing Little Caesars franchisees are not eligible for this program.
Benefit Value: Approximately $68,000
Franchise Fee:$20,000 credit off the franchise fee for the first store
Equipment: $10,000 credit toward initial equipment for the first store (all equipment must be purchased from Blue Line Food service Distribution to receive credit).
Financing: Qualified candidates meeting Little Caesar’s & Crossroads Financial’s qualifications will receive:
• Preferred status on credit and financial qualifications for loan approval • Low fixed rates with interest rates below market • Favorable repayment terms with 6-12 months of low payments while the site is under construction • Consideration for structuring loan with balloon payment of 10-20 percent to further lower cash flow outlays and extend financing terms (if needed) • Up to 100 percent financing of the remaining balance after applying any credits and benefits extended to the candidate by Little Caesars and supporting sponsors • No advanced payments required at the time of loan closing • Financing benefit can be approximately $20,000
Marketing:
• $18,000 credit towards initial marketing materials
• Free Grand Opening publicity support (first 60 days) including implementation of publicity plan, pre-planning and communication with franchisee, press releases to local media, follow-up contact with local media, and publicity summary to franchisees.
Recruitment: One free “On Site” flexible internet posting for employee recruitment for one year.
Beverages: Free “first filling” of the restaurant beverage cooler. This benefit does not apply to fountain beverages.
All Qualified Veterans
Eligibility: Any honorably discharged veteran who meets the requirements of the CVE, M4L and Little Caesars. This program was created to offer business opportunities to veterans who find themselves at the crossroads either when transitioning to civilian life, or seeking a career change. Existing Little Caesars franchisees are not eligible for this program.
Benefit Value: Value approximately $10,000
Franchise Fee: $5,000 credit toward the franchise fee for the first store
Equipment: $5,000 credit towards initial equipment for the first store (all equipment must be purchased from Blue Line Food service Distribution to receive credit)
Financing: Qualified candidates meeting Little Caesars’ & Crossroads Financial’s qualifications will receive:
• Preferred status on credit and financial qualifications for loan approval • Potential reduction of advance payments
Some Requirements
Have a DD214 for Veterans Tier
VA Rating Letter or DD214 stating disability for Service-Disabled Veterans Tier
$50,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets
$150,000 net worth (Assets – Liabilities)
Maintain 51% ownership
Decide on geographic interest
For more information contact The Center for Veterans Enterprise at 866-584-2344 or email us at [email protected].
CAMP VICTORY — The citizens of Tarmiyah have seen a substantial reduction in violence over the past four months, which can readily be seen throughout the vibrant market places midday as consumers packed the markets to purchase needed goods from vendors.
“Things have been very quiet in Tarmiyah over the past four months,” said Staff Sgt. Mikey Fernandez, who is attached to Troop A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“You would not see the markets the way they are now four months ago. The people of Tarmiyah are no longer afraid to come out of their homes,” added the New York native.
Fernandez said he credits the city’s success in fighting violence to the fact that the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq in Tarmiyah are all working together to reduce criminal activity in the area.
“The combination of the three – IA, IP and SoI – working together to improve security is what has helped decrease violence here in Tarmiyah,” said Fernandez.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Military doctors here are conducting a series of lectures for Iraqi doctors in Wasit province.
This is the second eight-week course conducted by doctors from the 948th Forward Surgical Team and Company C, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, both attached to 214th Fires Brigade.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — After months of intensive training at Fort Benning, Ga., and a rotation to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calf., the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team deployed to Forward Operating Base Hammer in March 2007, prepared to accomplish their mission.
Their mission in Iraq has been to prevent accelerants from coming into Baghdad, said Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., commander of the 3rd HBCT.
BASRA — As part of ongoing operations to secure the Hyyaniyah district in Basra, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces searched the area of criminals and weapons caches last week.
The ISF involved were Soldiers from 1st Division, 14th Division; the 26th Brigade attached to the 1st Division; a Battalion with the National Police from Baghdad; and elements from an Emergency Police Battalion.
“It went rather well considering the threat and many different organizations that were involved,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Washington, military advisor for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division.
CAMP VICTORY — The citizens of Tarmiyah have seen a substantial reduction in violence over the past four months, which can readily be seen throughout the vibrant market places midday as consumers packed the markets to purchase needed goods from vendors.
“Things have been very quiet in Tarmiyah over the past four months,” said Staff Sgt. Mikey Fernandez, who is attached to Troop A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
“You would not see the markets the way they are now four months ago. The people of Tarmiyah are no longer afraid to come out of their homes,” added the New York native.
Fernandez said he credits the city’s success in fighting violence to the fact that the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq in Tarmiyah are all working together to reduce criminal activity in the area.
“The combination of the three – IA, IP and SoI – working together to improve security is what has helped decrease violence here in Tarmiyah,” said Fernandez.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Military doctors here are conducting a series of lectures for Iraqi doctors in Wasit province.
This is the second eight-week course conducted by doctors from the 948th Forward Surgical Team and Company C, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, both attached to 214th Fires Brigade.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — After months of intensive training at Fort Benning, Ga., and a rotation to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calf., the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team deployed to Forward Operating Base Hammer in March 2007, prepared to accomplish their mission.
Their mission in Iraq has been to prevent accelerants from coming into Baghdad, said Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., commander of the 3rd HBCT.
BASRA — As part of ongoing operations to secure the Hyyaniyah district in Basra, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces searched the area of criminals and weapons caches last week.
The ISF involved were Soldiers from 1st Division, 14th Division; the 26th Brigade attached to the 1st Division; a Battalion with the National Police from Baghdad; and elements from an Emergency Police Battalion.
“It went rather well considering the threat and many different organizations that were involved,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Washington, military advisor for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division.
[QUOTE]You know I oppose using our troops for nation-building and that I believe our troops should have come home the day Saddam was executed. But I have to admit, these stories lend credence to those who say our current efforts are in the interest of our national defense. If peace and prosperty continue to grow over there, I can see how that would benefit America (and the world) long-term, and lessen the chances my sons would have to go back over there to fight another brutal anti-American dictator. Freedom and oppression, they both spread. We're helping to spread freedom. Great stories. Uplifting. Just the other day I heard somewhere that several other countries are there with us doing exactly what we are. I'm going to see if I can track that story down. . Posted by IamWilliamWallace[/QUOTE]
I have in times past been a vocal opponent of 'nation-building,' particularly where it concerns direct participation of our Military. What has tempered my opinion is seeing various nations at various stages beyond wars with us and in growth beyond our 'nation-building' activities.
Germany was the first and fully developed. My landlord's wife and her generation were an early key component in my current opinion. She was a child during WWII and her generation were very pro-American. She fondly told stories of getting a ride with SGT Elvis Presley and of American GI's giving her candy.
Germany itself is an example of successful Nation Building following WWII and the exact opposite following WWI. It contrasts a renewed national resolve to become a stronger enemy to that of a strong nation that became a staunch ally. Today, the Germans are fighting alongside Americans against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. By their Constitution, they cannot participate in Iraq.
I have also had the opportunity to see the UN in (in)action in Africa, where official UN radio badmouths the US while praising every other nation it mentions. Each participant there is soaking up as much UN money it can while doing little pro-actively, other than advancing their own interests. The UN mission itself is fraught with ineptitude, laziness and corruption and seemed to do nothing unless forced to do so.
Afghanistan provided me the opportunity to see the earliest stages of Nation Building and I provide some of the story in "The Abused." Iraq afforded me another experience in the early stages but started out in a more advanced stage of development.
A key to positive results where it concerns the use of our Military is in the Rules of Engagement. Somalia provides the negatives in this regard as our forces were not allowed under UN rules as dictated by our Executive to protect aid workers or civilians unless the beligerants fired upon on forces. This resulted in our forces being unable to do anything even when atrocities were committed in front of their eyes.
For our Military to be effectively used in Nation Building, it must include the Civil Affairs and Humanitarian Aid projects as highlighted here as well as ROE allowing for the protection of civilians from aggression of the enemy. This is the case in both Afghanistan and Iraq and affords us long term allies rather than continual and the next generation of enemies, as would have been the case if we had destroyed Iraq and not helped a new government achieve democracy in his place.
With just a few clicks of your mouse, you could be supporting one, a few or many in our military. Or perhaps you want to do something about the attitude many in our Congress have towards our mission in Iraq, our troops in Afghanistan. How about helping those children in Iraq who have no school supplies but have a brand new school thanks to our military? Making and sending special knit socks so a wounded soldier has something to keep him warm on a medevac flight to Germany. What about sending shoes over to the children of Afghanistan to protect their feet from the heat or cold? Is that more than you had in mind? Perhaps then just a letter of thanks filled with some thoughts from the good old US of A for a guy or gal to take them away, for a few moments, to a different time and place. Perhaps you have the resources to send a monthly care package and a weekly letter out for the length of a soldier, Marine, sailor or pilot’s deployment. You have come to the right place. I have gathered together a few places to browse through in your quest for a means of support that best fits you.
Military support here has been grouped into three areas, giving you a large variety of ways to help. These three areas are: Support the Mission, Support the Fallen and Support the Troops.
The following organizations are listed here for your information, not necessarily as an endorsement.
Support the Mission
I deliberately listed the Vets For Freedom group first, as they have so clearly outlined what is meant by “Support the Mission.”
http://vetsforfreedom.com/ Our mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics in Iraq.
http://www.appealforcourage.org/ Appeal For Courage is an organization for currently serving military members and veterans to discuss, participate and have an impact upon politics and current events.
http://www.thebandofmothers.com/ The Band of Mothers stand united in our efforts to protect and defend The Band of Brothers. The Band of Mothers are devoted to the Band of Brothers and dedicated in our mission to garner support and respect for these Noble Heroes.
http://gatheringofeagles.org/ Gathering of Eagles is non-partisan. We are a non-violent, non-confrontational group. Our focus is guarding our memorials and their grounds.
http://mfvov.com/ A place for the families of our troops who support the missions of our loved ones. We are a non-partisan group whose primary goal is to assist in assuring victory over terrorism
http://www.moveamericaforward.org/ Move America Forward is committed to supporting America’s efforts to defeat terrorism and supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
Support the Fallen
Those who gave their all for this country and what it stands for have provided us with the opportunity to go forward with our freedoms intact. To live life as we wish. It is the least we can do to support these heroes and their families. To honor all they have done! To honor their families.
http://www.patriotguard.org/ The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family.
http://www.specialops.org/ The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) provides free college scholarship grants, along with financial aid and educational counseling, to the children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel who were killed in an operational mission or training accident.
http://www.taps.org/ Provides a support network for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America.
http://www.miap.us/ The purpose of the MIA Project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.
Support the Troops
Have you ever wished you could just write a letter and mail it off to one of our men or women deployed far away from home? Or how about sending school supplies to a newly rebuilt school over in Afghanistan or Iraq? Maybe you would like to send support to our wounded, but don’t know how to get a letter or card to them?
If you look at the sites listed below, you should be able to find just what you are looking for.
There is a page called Our Military which has organized a huge number of links to many different groups. I have used their categories and after each one you will find a number in parentheses ( ) which tells you how many links are in that category. Many groups are listed in several categories, as they offer support in more than one area.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Access to water, availability of equipment, training and reclaimed lands were among topics discussed in an agricultural meeting in Wasit, April 23.
Brig. Gen. Edward Cardon, the Multi-National Division - Center deputy commanding general for support, met with Wasit director general of agriculture members and 20 local farmers to address issues and start the process of linking the local, provincial and national government.
“This is the first step in the right direction,” said Sheikh Jamal Batik, member of the Council of Representatives.
Farmers from Wasit, which was once a major agricultural area in Iraq, are suffering from a lack of water, seeds, fertilizer, tractors, equipment, and training and support from the government, Batik said.
Although he recognized the differences facing the farmers, Subhi al-Jumeili, senior deputy of the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, said the farmers have to understand that the process, type and quantity of support from the government is changing.
One example of change is farmers will have to purchase seeds and fertilizers at a reduced price. They will not be supplied by the government as in the past, al-Jumeili said.
The government is also providing loans to farmers at a reduced interest rate. Where the interest rate for seeds used to be 5 percent, the rate is now 2 percent; the rate for equipment, which used to be between 10 - 12 percent, is now also 2 percent, al-Jumeili said.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — After months of fighting, coalition forces in Arab Jabour, Iraq, have rid the area of al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists and have turned their attention to rebuilding the community.
Those efforts have opened numerous schools, water pumps and health clinics in Arab Jabour. The Islah School, Alula School and Al-Alemia School are currently undergoing repairs.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — An initiative to connect Iraqi students and teachers with the rest of the world via Internet is underway in Wasit Province.
The Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, in concert with the Wasit Director General of Education, started a yearlong initiative in March called Access to Information. The program will provide local schools and libraries with books and resources and open Internet centers to selected secondary schools, universities and municipal library headquarters in al-Hayy and al-Kut, said Vanessa Beary, the PRT public diplomacy officer.
KIRKUK — Kirkuk reached a significant milestone as it transitioned the last of its traffic control points from Iraqi army control to the Iraqi police last week, at a check point just north of the city.
Governor Abdul Rahman Mustafa, the provincial governor, Maj. Gen. Jamal Thaker Bakr, the provincial director of police, Brig. Gen. Omar Aref Waly Khatab, the emergency services unit commander, and Lt. Col. Kevin Brown, deputy commander, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, toured the TCP with the Iraqi police to greet residents as they entered the first city in Iraq to be under the full operational control of the Iraqi police.
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., May 26, 2006 —The Marine Corps has a long tradition of excellence in the line of duty. Marines stretching from 1775 to present times are recognized and remembered for their selfless acts and quick thinking on and off the battlefield. On May 12, another Marine was recognized for his actions.
Sgt. Jeremiah Workman, a drill instructor with Delta Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and native of Richwood, Va., received the Navy Cross, second in prestige only to the Medal of Honor, during the recruit graduation ceremony at Peatross Parade Deck May 12, for actions while on deployment in Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.
According to the citation, he was awarded for extraordinary heroism, while serving as a squad leader for the Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Workman, exemplifying the old adage "no man left behind," repeatedly exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire to retrieve isolated Marines trapped inside an insurgent-infested building.
Ignoring heavy enemy fire and a storm of grenades raining down on his position, Workman fearlessly laid down enough cover fire to allow the trapped Marines to escape.
After seeing the first group of wounded Marines safely to a neighboring yard, Workman rallied additional Marines to his side and provided more cover fire for an attack into the building to rescue other Marines still trapped. He continued to fire even after receiving numerous shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs after a grenade exploded in front of him, stated his citation.
Workman's efforts did not stop after the second rescue attack. Ignoring his wounds, Workman once again united his team for a final assault strike into the building to retrieve remaining Marines and to clear the building of insurgents.
"Basically, we got ambushed," he said. "There were insurgents on the second floor in a bedroom. We fought our way up the stairs. There were grenades going off around us (and) small arms fire everywhere."
During the course of the fight, Workman was responsible for the elimination of more than 20 insurgents.
While the citation states he "reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps," Workman does not dwell on the fact that he is a Navy Cross recipient. All that matters in the long run are the lives lost and saved during the war, he said.
"The first thing I thought about was all the Marines we lost over there," Workman said, reflecting on that fateful day. "I don't look at myself as being any different. I did what any other Marine would have done. There are thousands of other Marines over there (in the Middle East) that deserve to be awarded, too."
Workman's modesty is evident to his fellow Marines here as well.
"I have a lot of respect for Sergeant Workman," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Moses, operations chief for Delta Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. "He's been very humble about everything. (What he did) is just amazing."
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — Knocking on doors; greeting the family; talking about politics, the neighbors or just the weather over a hot cup of overly sweet chai – a pleasant side of operations for Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers who have operated in the southeastern Rashid District for the past eight months.
For Soldiers of “Fox,” Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, interpersonal relations, consensus information and the pictures they create are the biggest contributors to the safety and security of the citizens living in the Saha and Abu T’shir communities of southern Baghdad.
“We want to build a relationship to give the people a normal life – to bring the resources into the community,” said Lt. Col. Scott Reineke, commander, 2nd “Cougars” Sqdn., 2nd Stryker Cav. Regt., MND-B.
“This is about building relations in Abu T’shir and Saha,” said Reineke to his commanders and staff officers during the unit’s final rehearsal for a three-phase operation that began, April 16, in support of 1st BCT’s Operation Raider Typhoon.
Stationed at Vilseck, Germany, and deployed as part of the “surge” force sent to reinforce security in support of MND-B and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Stryker infantry unit, will handover their areas of responsibility to the troops of 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., in May.
KIRKUK — Kirkuk reached a significant milestone as it transitioned the last of its traffic control points from Iraqi army control to the Iraqi police last week, at a check point just north of the city.
Governor Abdul Rahman Mustafa, the provincial governor, Maj. Gen. Jamal Thaker Bakr, the provincial director of police, Brig. Gen. Omar Aref Waly Khatab, the emergency services unit commander, and Lt. Col. Kevin Brown, deputy commander, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, toured the TCP with the Iraqi police to greet residents as they entered the first city in Iraq to be under the full operational control of the Iraqi police.
CAMP STRIKER — A Task Force Marne initiative to revitalize Iraq’s fish farms is in full swing in the Rakkasans’ area of operations.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began a comprehensive assessment in February of hundreds of fish farms throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada.
BAGHDAD — Earlier this month, a select group of Iraqi veterinarians attended a seminar on cutting-edge veterinary practices led by Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, chairman of the Department of Telemedicine and Distance Learning, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
The veterinarians from South Baghdad attended the one-day seminar at the Camp Victory Chapel, at the invitation of Dr. Salah al-Abassi, DVM, Multi-National Corps – Iraqi bilingual bicultural adviser.
When I read the title of Matthew Lee’s recent article ‘Jihadist’ booted from government lexicon I immediately thought, "oh great, more political correctness designed to avoid hurt feelings." I was pleasantly surprised to discover that’s not the case.
Terrorists who blow themselves up in markets to leave sobbing mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters in their bloody wake are not jihadist’s mujahideen and are certainly not Muslims.
Robert Spencer, an individual I respect for his research insists:
"We should not concede the terrorists' claim that they are legitimate adherents of Islam." If anyone could make a case that they are not, that would be helpful. But that case has never been made. Instead, it is being dogmatically forced upon State and DHS officials, which will only have the effect of making them hesitant to study the nature of the jihadist appeal within the Islamic world.”
If your intentions are to fight terrorism and not Muslims then be aware of the disparity we cause with those Muslims who are tired of the violence and the legitimacy you may give to the terrorists themselves by the words you use.
Remember what we are fighting, apply some sage wisdom and hopefully those who would be influenced will follow in our footsteps.
Sanity is the ability to recognize right from wrong independently of private feelings.
Comments (Note: Comments on articles are unmoderated, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sharia Vigilant, nor of the War On Terror News website. Comments that are off-topic, offensive, slanderous, or otherwise annoying may be summarily deleted. However, the fact that particular comments remain on the site IN NO WAY constitutes an endorsement by Sharia Vigilant of the views expressed therein.)
One way to view the original discussion here is to do on a search on the Tennessean for "WMD Found in
Iraq
." I would also recommend doing a search here for "Public Law 107..", the Congressional Authorization for Military Action against
Iraq
.
.
An issue is whether or not we had cause to believe he had WMD. In his post-capture interrogations to the FBI, he admitted he was purposely attempting to convince the
US
and others that he did have them. The Egyptians were convinced. The Jordanians were convinced. The Brits were convinced. And ultimately the ones he truly wanted to convince, the Iranians were, because he had convinced us.
There is also the question of whether the decreased effectiveness of these munitions makes them non-lethal. The fact is that it doesn't. The fact is that when combined with the fact that Saddam was supporting terrorism (25k payments to suicide bombers + other terrorist support he was PROUD of) and indications were that he was in talks with Al-Qaeda (Zarqawi and another accomplished terrorist were living in Iraq in 2002, makes it dangerous. The other one died of natural causes in the last days before the invasion. Zarqawi had a previous career as an instructor at AQ camps in
Afghanistan
though had not yet completed the final requirement to be an AQ member, declaring ba'yat or personal allegiance to OBL himself. See my article "Know Your Enemy 301: Al-Qaeda in
Iraq
.") This connection, believed to be the case in 2003, provides for the possibility of some very dangerous attacks if they had become more closely allied. And the Ba'athists (and secularists) Saddam (which is also the party of
Syria
's rulers) had already demonstrated their willingness to support islamist terrorists.
France KNEW
Iraq
had illegal weapons. Jacques Chirac had been the Executive of the Company that sold him those weapons. The
US
very graciously did not expose this when the proof became public. That story lasted only a few days in the Press. This explains why
France
so adamantly opposed OIF.
Russia
and
Germany
also had deals with Saddam including illegal Oil for Food programs. Together those 3 Nations had illegal and financial motives for their opposition.
As demonstrated in my thread, "The Latest News from
Iraq
," there is much that is not being reported about
Iraq
. More than 300 stories in just the last 2 weeks. To some degree this is do to financial agendas; Blood and Gore sell newspapers. To another degree, there is a political agenda that determines their selection of stories. Consider the Editorial of the Tennessean on 18 APR 2008 when they blatantly state that they are against the War, presently. The problem is not that Newspapers are politically biased but that they try to portray themselves as "objective" and in the process misportray reality. No, they don't outright lie but they cherry pick the stories and the words used to bring the reader to a conclusion in line with their own beliefs.
Another issue is whether or not Saddam used the 6 months of warning to hide, move, sell or giveaway other WMD he had in 2002. Bill Clinton stated categorically that on
20 Jan 2001
Saddam had WMD.
"People can quarrel with whether we should have more troops in
Afghanistan
or internationalize
Iraq
or whatever, but it is incontestable that on the day I left office, there were unaccounted for stocks of biological and chemical weapons."
Former President Clinton During an interview on CNN's "Larry King Live"
July 22, 2003
He was convinced.
There are reports that he may have given the WMD to
Syria
, just as he gave planes to
Iran
in Operation Desert Storm. The vast deserts of
Iraq
provide ample locations to hide such weapons. Many of his own Generals were convinced he had them, though they did not divulge where (interrogations).
So, were the US Intelligence agencies (along with those of our allies and his own Generals) the victims of a successful misinformation campaign? Possibly. It is also possible that the weapons were destroyed in the war or that he gave them away or hid them.
Contrary to the Movies of Hollywood, the US Intelligence Agencies are not all knowing. They don't have agents that can re-task satellites for one man missions to save the world from a malcontent in
Washington
DC
or George Clooney's one man war or Mission Impossible's race to save the world from a new biological weapon where the good guy is rewarded with the love of the bad guy's girlfriend. But I love their toys. I wish the US Army would buy from
Hollywood
's suppliers.
So, what was the state of the Intelligence Agencies at the time. Evidently, the CIA had one agent to cover the entire Nation of Iraq and he was forbidden from talking to people with blood on their hands. The Bishop of Baghdad probably didn't know too much about the inner workings of the Ba'ath Party but he'd likely have been an authorized contact. (See books by Robert Baer, a former agent with the CIA but realize some of his conclusions change with the political landscape and popular opinion. If you read his books back to back, you notice this.)
I was not present for the debates leading up to the War in
Iraq
. I've had to research back into much of it. I was in
Afghanistan
for pretty much the whole debate and war against Saddam's military. I didn't have internet access and limited (20 minutes a week of which I probably used 10) of phone communications. At that time, our troop strength there had grown from the 200 or so that had taken
Afghanistan
to about 9,000 US and 1,000 NATO. It has since grown to 25,000
US
and 25,000 NATO troops.
Would I have recommended the Invasion of Iraq? I really don't know. The Humanitarian reasons to do so are compelling and it is clear that our Intelligence agencies truly believed Saddam had WMD and were very concerned that AQ was setting up alliances with him. Saddam made no bones about his plans to have a future Nuclear program though it is not clear that he could have implemented it.
It is clear that he had used chemical weapons on his own people. He was convicted and executed for that.
But as we already discussed, regardless of whether or not the decision to go in was correct on the humanitarian level, National Security level, Tactical or Strategic levels, we are there now. Saddam is gone. Al-Qaeda is there. Iranian backed terrorists are there. Democracy has been established and Iraqis are standing up to fight for their freedoms. They are increasingly taking the lead in that and have demonstrated in the last few weeks greater resolve and success than I would have thought possible only a few months ago.
There are still challenges for us to overcome there but progress has been achieved. And while the US Congress was debating which baseball players were at a party years ago and why one pitchers butt was bleeding through his pants on an elevator rather than FISA, the Iraqi Parliament was hammering out the rules for Provincial Elections in October of this year and determining their budget for the next year.
The fight is not over but it is going in the right direction, regardless of missteps in the past. This is as much a function of the mistakes of the enemy as of General Petraeus' ability to correct our own missteps and capitalize on the enemy's. Despite the slander, he is a man of great integrity and honor.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — Knocking on doors; greeting the family; talking about politics, the neighbors or just the weather over a hot cup of overly sweet chai – a pleasant side of operations for Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers who have operated in the southeastern Rashid District for the past eight months.
For Soldiers of “Fox,” Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, interpersonal relations, consensus information and the pictures they create are the biggest contributors to the safety and security of the citizens living in the Saha and Abu T’shir communities of southern Baghdad.
“We want to build a relationship to give the people a normal life – to bring the resources into the community,” said Lt. Col. Scott Reineke, commander, 2nd “Cougars” Sqdn., 2nd Stryker Cav. Regt., MND-B.
“This is about building relations in Abu T’shir and Saha,” said Reineke to his commanders and staff officers during the unit’s final rehearsal for a three-phase operation that began, April 16, in support of 1st BCT’s Operation Raider Typhoon.
Stationed at Vilseck, Germany, and deployed as part of the “surge” force sent to reinforce security in support of MND-B and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Stryker infantry unit, will handover their areas of responsibility to the troops of 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., in May.
KIRKUK — Kirkuk reached a significant milestone as it transitioned the last of its traffic control points from Iraqi army control to the Iraqi police last week, at a check point just north of the city.
Governor Abdul Rahman Mustafa, the provincial governor, Maj. Gen. Jamal Thaker Bakr, the provincial director of police, Brig. Gen. Omar Aref Waly Khatab, the emergency services unit commander, and Lt. Col. Kevin Brown, deputy commander, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, toured the TCP with the Iraqi police to greet residents as they entered the first city in Iraq to be under the full operational control of the Iraqi police.
CAMP STRIKER — A Task Force Marne initiative to revitalize Iraq’s fish farms is in full swing in the Rakkasans’ area of operations.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began a comprehensive assessment in February of hundreds of fish farms throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada.
BAGHDAD — Earlier this month, a select group of Iraqi veterinarians attended a seminar on cutting-edge veterinary practices led by Dr. Bruce Williams, DVM, chairman of the Department of Telemedicine and Distance Learning, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
The veterinarians from South Baghdad attended the one-day seminar at the Camp Victory Chapel, at the invitation of Dr. Salah al-Abassi, DVM, Multi-National Corps – Iraqi bilingual bicultural adviser.
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates speaks to the Press Corps at the Pentagon. Highlights include the nomination of Gen. David Petraeus as the next commander of U.S. Central Command.
09 Aug 2007: From time to time I have stated that Al-Qaeda IS in Iraq and that it is foreigner based. I have pointed out that in the Brookings Institute report, an Army Major stated ‘we can estimate that approximately 100% of suicide bombers are foreigners.’ I have pointed out that the original leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq was Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian that was living in Baghdad at the time of the invasion.
According to recently released US Intelligence, I (or rather that Army Major) may have been wrong about the suicide bombers, but frankly he could still be correct because there is another trend in Iraq.Zarqawi back in 2004 expressed his frustration with his Iraqi recruits.He said on the internet and in complaints to the Al-Qaeda leadership (i.e. Bin Ladin and al-Zawahari) that the Iraqis were cowards because they weren’t willing to blow themselves up.
If you know of someone who is suffering from PTSD, or you think they might be, the sites and groups listed below will have a great deal of information on this subject. It doesn’t matter if you are a family member or just a friend or even a neighbor. The more you know about this condition, the more understanding you will be of what is happening to those who suffer from PTSD.
I strongly encourage you to go to these different sites, follow the links to find out more information on where you can go to get help, and/or find out if you or someone you love actually might have PTSD, and where they can go for help.
There is a wealth of information out there. I have done my best to put together a listing here where there is a lot of good information, of which most is only a few clicks away!
If you have questions, please contact me! I will try to answer your questions and/or steer you to someone else who might be of more help.
PTSD – What is it? What causes it?
Definition Post-traumatic stress disorder is a kind of anxiety disorder. It can occur after you've seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death.
Causes Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur soon after a major trauma, or it can be delayed for more than six months after the event. When it occurs soon after the trauma, it usually gets better after 3 months. However, some people have a longer-term form of PTSD, which can last for many years. PTSD can occur at any age and can follow a natural disaster such as a flood or fire, or events such as war, a prison stay, assault, domestic abuse, or rape. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in the U.S. may have caused PTSD in some people who were involved, in people who saw the disaster, and in people who lost relatives and friends. These kinds of events can produce stress in anyone, but not everyone develops PTSD. This definition and partial list of causes was taken directly from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000925.htm
The following three (3) sites are put together by Vet’s. If you have questions about something on their page, ask them for help! There are a large number of links at each site with more information on PTSD.
"I want to ask you and WOT this question because you guys seem knowledgeable about the war and back up your beliefs with facts. Well maybe I'll just state my impression of the war, so correct me if I'm wrong.My impression is that with the troop surge we were able to quell a significant amount of violence. The problem I have, however, is I feel like we're just plugging the leaks in a dam while we are straining our troops and funds without making a whole lot of progress, with the goal being Iraqi self-defense and self-reliance. Is this war winnable, or just maintainable? If we pull out I understand the dam will break. But it seems inevitable unless we commit hundreds of years, thousands of lives, and trillions of dollars to the cause. Is it worth it? I feel like we're risking a lot by doing so. The deficit borrowing from China, the lack of troops here in the U.S., and our relationships we have damaged in the international community are all things that are detrimental to our nation. How long can this continue. We're dealing with ancient conflicts between muslim sects. It seems naive to think that we can heal these ancient wounds that have been festering for thousands of years in less than a decade. I believe the troops have done an excellent job and I stand behind them. I want to see the War in Iraq ended successfully. But I don't see a winning strategy for the U.S." Posted by Joexxx, Regional Newspaper Forum
To get to the reality, it is good that any questions I don't address be asked. I find it to be a very postive development when our Citizens look at the issues and have very pertinent questions. No one should blindly follow a political or national line. It is always best to dig in and find out the How's and the Why's....
Joe, I appreciate your honest search for the facts and that you are asking pertinent questions. I deal with some of these in my blog here and am developing a new site to better address such issues as well as keep the American People up to date on progress in a format where they can see the exact type of information they're after: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
The best independent source for the statistics which demonstrate which way the war is going is the Brookings Institute's Iraq Index, which I often link to in my works here. http://www.brookings.edu/default.htm ((It'll take a little navigation to get to the Index but focus on Iraq to get to it.))
But statistics alone can not answer the question. The war is winnable. The War On Terrorism will take a long concerted effort to win, as Al-Qaeda will constantly shift from one conflict area to another as they desperately desire a place to establish themselves and attempt the same legitimacy as Iran claims.
The Iraqis themselves are not prone towards suicide bombings nor sectarian violence. Yes, there have been some stirring that pot there following decades of brutal repression by a tyrant, but the Iraqis are rejecting the extremism and violence that was foisted upon them from both Al-Qaeda and Iran.
The Surge is much more than just more troops on the battlefield though it was key that that occur to achieve the other points of the strategy. As it achieved relative peace in areas like Anbar Province and Baghdad, a smaller force can be used to maintain that. That allows our Troops to focus on the next area. It does seem in some ways to be a strategy of constantly putting out fires that simply re-ignite but this isn't the case because those areas can then be covered by Iraqi forces.
As Iraqis themselves stand up, such as the 90,000+ Sons of Iraq and the 500,000 Iraqi Security Forces, our training programs of them become critical to long term success. While it is true that it only takes months to train an individual soldier, it takes years to develop the leadership of an Army to the depths needed to run Battalions (average US Battalion Commander has 20 years experience) Brigades and Divisions (US Generals have about 30 years experience). This experience is accelerated by the fact that they are engaged in current combat operations meaning that they'll develop into true leaders quicker than if they were training for operations they may never complete.
The true measures of our success are not reported and incremental. It is the re-opening of markets and the return of the Iraqi people to their homes. These are the stories I've been reporting in the thread "The Latest News from Iraq." Fallujah is a relatively peaceful city with a booming economy. Anbar, which was the worst last year, is also mostly peaceful and successful. Baghdad is much safer now than last year, though the Mehdi Militia and Special Groups decided to provide a spike in violence there to correspond with the General's testimony.
But there is a very real success for the Iraqi Security Forces and our Strategy in the Sadr uprising. The Iraqi Security Forces are largely demonstrating resolve to take the fight to the enemy, regardless of their sect of religion. They are taking the lead against the uprising and they are winning. Just as the Tet Offensive was misreported in the US Media, so has been the Sadr Uprising. The results have given me great hope for the future effectiveness of our Iraqi allies.
This war is winnable and the Iraqi portion of it may be closer to victory than I could have imagined last year, but the American People have to tell their Congressmen on both sides of the aisle to quit playing politics with it, to support the Troops and to support the Mission. The bickering in Congress does more to undermine the Mission than anything else. It gives the enemy hope that if they just hold out long enough Congress will force our Troops to retreat from Victory.
And it does take more than military action alone. Hence the Baghdad Embassy is the largest in the world. Our diplomats are working overtime to make this work. Our Law Enforcement are working more closely than they ever have to prevent attacks here. Our Foreign Aid program is working to prevent the next generation of terrorists as well as define the difference of American Generoristy to Enemy Atrocity. Our Intelligence services have come together in a single building without competition for funding to combat Terrorism. And all of these efforts are being coordinated to a greater degree than ever in the past.
I'm sure I've missed some of your questions and some don't have black and white answers though they can be addressed. I'll be happy to address those that I missed here. Drop me a message on my profile if I fail to see the question here.
Joe, if you're reading this here, let me thank you for some great questions. It is important that you feel free to ask such questions and I'm happy to oblige. It is such questions that often inspire me and give me hope that we still have Citizens that desire the truth rather than more of the partisan bickering.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — The Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team leader and 214th Fires Brigade commander briefed the Wasit Provincial Council last week on reconstruction efforts in the province.
More than $38 million dollars have been spent on those efforts in Wasit province since Jan. 1, 2007 by Coalition forces and the PRT.
“We have done a lot as a team, and it has been a team effort,” said Col. Peter Baker, the 214th FB commander, “but there is more to do so that essential services are available to all.
“We are working on developing processes and systems to put in place to allow for continued growth. This is an opportunity for us to share what has been put in place,” Baker said.
The brief provided an overview of money spent from 2003 - 2006 and a detailed look at projects completed from Jan. 1, 2007 until present. Prior to Jan 2007, Coalition forces spent more than $350,000,000 on projects.
Wade Weems, the previous PRT team leader, described the PRT’s mission in Wasit, which is “to serve the Iraqi people and to create a strong, independent and free Iraq.”
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — The Saedi School in the Mahmudiyah Qada officially received the funding to add a new wing with six classrooms and a pump to produce fresh water on the school grounds during a small ceremony April 20.
“Education is once again becoming a top priority in Iraq and sectarian violence in Mahmudiyah is on a rapid decline,” said Sheikh Sammi Obead Alwan, director of education for the Saedi School.
BAGHDAD — Iraqi National Police from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd NP Division, working in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, seized a weapons cache and detained a suspected criminal during a security patrol April 20.
Conducting simultaneous raids at two different sites, 3rd Bn., 5th Bde., 2nd NP Div. officers captured two heavy machine guns with 1,800 rounds, a sniper rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and detained a suspected criminal operating in the Risalah neighborhood of West Rashid.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Iraqi shop owners received grant assistance April 20 after proving the money would be put to good use renovating their businesses.
“Today we made final payments for microgrants to property owners in the Haswa area,” said Maj. Eric Kerr, Company B, 415th Civil Affairs, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Kerr also works with the brigade’s embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team.
"I remember in 1990 watching Wolf Blitzer reporting live from Baghdad with eager anticipation. I couldn't wait to see us blow the crap out of something. Yugoslavia was OK I guess, but nothing compared to the Shock & Awe campaign in 2003. I guess it';s morbid curiosity that makes us watch? Kinda like watching people jump from the WTC. All that was great, but I am really bored of war now, and am ready for change. I remember a time in my youth when there was peace. The 80's were relatively peaceful. After 1990 there has been nothing but mahem and death. Can someone please change the channel now? I feel like I've been watching reruns of MASH for 18 years straight. I've seen every episode so many times that it's not funny, nor is it frightening, nor saddening, just boring. Isn't anyone else bored? I'm going to to turn my set off now." EvilJ, Regional Newspaper Forum
The American People have grown to have a short attention span. They watched the war in the same way they watched a football game with the same jeering and cheering one sees in a sports bar.
Despite the winning season, it's been portrayed as triple overtime.
Despite the numerous scores of our own team, it is only the score of the enemy that is published in our news. And just as Americans do with sports teams that don't score sufficiently to get the win, when presented with one sided stories of only enemy scores, the American people turned their backs and changed the channel.
Bored of war? Our Soldiers get up every day, put on 30lbs of Body Armor, 30lbs of ammunition, a hot helmet and walk out into 130 degree heat to search out and destroy an enemy that wishes to kill children, women and unarmed civilians as well as our Soldiers and our Citizens.
For this, some call them warmongers, others peacemakers, some get bored and some get annoyed that the press undermines their successes, some attack the General who has a demonstrated record of success and integrity while others defend the last US Institution that the American people trust (by 65%) along with the officers that lead it.
For presenting the rest of the story (otherwise not published) our Veterans are called propagandists and "Goebbels." When presented with the incredible Valor of our Military Men, some turn their heads and others use the pictures of their sacrifice to undermine the very thing these men gave their lives for.
When for the cost of one American School, the Humanitarian Aid program is able to refurbish and build hundreds of Iraqi and Afghani schools, preventing the next generation of terrorists, some call for that money to be put in their own pockets.
Bored with war? Change the channel, but don't undermine the efforts of those that are dedicated to the protection of unarmed civilians, both Iraqi and American. LET us win.
*Dunham, Jason L. Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and Date: Karabilah, Iraq, 14 April 2004.
Entered Service at: Scio, New York. Born: 10 November 1981, Scio, New York
Citation...
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Jason L. Dunham, United States Marines, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004.
Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west.
Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah/
As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy.
Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat.
Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
BAGHDAD — With security improving, local economies flourishing and community reconstruction underway, Iraqis who once fled their South Baghdad homes in fear are now returning to the villages they deserted.
This is a good sign, said Maj. Mark Bailey, the officer in charge of the Multi-National Division – Center governance cell.
“Once people are convinced that security is good in their area, they come back,” said Bailey, who is with 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 3rd Infantry Division. “If they own a business, they re-open their business, which helps the economy.”
Out of the approximate 18,700 Iraqis who left their homes, it is estimated that 10,450 have returned, according to MND-C records.
Humanitarian aid provided by MND-C, the United Nations and the Iraqi government has been one method of reintegrating the newly returned citizens, Bailey said.
“The CA Battalion (supply section) provides humanitarian assistance packages to the (MND-C) brigade combat teams, and they hand those out where they’re needed,” he said. “It’s also a good way to gain people’s trust.”
Units in 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division have seen a steady influx of returning Iraqis, and have conducted operations to ensure the area is safe for their return.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — The Mahmudiyah Soccer Stadium officially opened April 20 with a 24-team, double-elimination tournament sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
This was the first in a series of three tournaments scheduled over the next four months. Security for each event will be provided by the 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — Eight months of preparation and planning paid off when the Mahmudiyah Chicken Hatchery received the first of three shipments of eggs for incubation April 21.
The first batch contained 35,000 eggs shipped to Iraq from Holland. “The purpose in bringing in eggs from Holland is that they have a faster growing rate and they’re healthier than chickens from within this area,” said Maj. Alaric Robinson, Company A, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Zambraniyah farmers got much-needed assistance for their crops recently with a delivery from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
“Today we conducted a fertilizer distro for the farmers of Zambraniyah and I think this is something that definitely will continue helping to establish the foundation for economic growth in our sector,” said Capt. Cesar Santiago, a native of Coamo, Puerto Rico, the executive officer for Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment.
BAYJI — After several months of combat operations in the northern Iraqi city of Bayji, tribal leaders and local officials have shifted their focus.
Full-scale U.S. and Iraqi-led operations have cleansed the area of numerous “high-value individuals,” crippling terrorist organization’s capacity to operate here.
The result of these combined operations has led to positive economic and infrastructure changes for one of Iraq’s biggest oil hubs.
Located in the Salah ad Din Province, the city of Bayji is 130 miles north of Baghdad and is home to the country’s largest oil refinery. It processes a vast amount of the country’s petroleum products that sustain the energy needs for millions of Iraqis.
Bayji also houses one of the largest power plants in Iraq. This power plant generates a large portion of power to Iraq’s electrical grid.
WASHINGTON — Increased security brought about by military success against insurgents in the western portion of Iraq's Anbar province is enabling a drawdown of U.S. forces there as well as enhanced regional reconstruction efforts, a senior Marine commander told Pentagon reporters last week.
"The insurgents, by and large, have been marginalized in western Anbar," Marine Corps Col. Pat Malay, commander of Regimental Combat Team 5, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference from Camp Ripper, Iraq. Malay's area of operations comprises about 30,000 square miles, an area about the size of South Carolina.
CAMP VICTORY — The childhood song ‘Shoo fly, don’t bother me’ might make light of the annoyance of pesky insects, but, in Iraq, insects can be much more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes and sand flies can carry harmful diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus and leishmaniasis. Soldiers are battling these miniature invaders on Victory Base Complex.
Vector Control is one of the primary combatants in the ongoing struggle against potentially harmful pests.
BASRA — The Iraqi Army discovered a large weapons and munitions cache in a house located in the Al Hyyaniyah area of Basra April 19.
Soldiers from the 1st Iraqi Army discovered the cache during the search phase of Operation Charge of the Knights. The cache consisted of a large number of weaponry with Iranian markings.
The cache included a 240 mm high-explosive war-head and approximately 160 mortars. Some of which were less than 12 months old.
Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq, and Dr. Tahseen Sheikhly, civilian spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, provide an operational update and discuss projects in the Baghdad area to provide essential services to the Iraqi people.
One of my readers accused me of ‘leaving him hanging’ on the historical aspects of the
Middle East.I am an avid history buff but I do try to keep my articles relevant to the discussion on the War on Terror.I believe in the saying: “Those who fail to remember history are doomed to repeat it.”
I also find relevance to the study of cultural differences and differences in word definitions of various languages.Hence, I’ve pointed out that “Peace” in the Koran is defined as “submission to allah” rather than a “lack of military action.”Another thing to note is that “American” in Latin America
refers to one who lives on one of the two continents as opposed to one that lives in the
United States of America
.Prepositions are used vastly different in various languages.Hence JFK proclaimed himself a jelly donut when he meant to say he was also a
Berlin
citizen.A modern day politician sounded really silly stating that his defense rested on the definition of the word “is.” But I digress.
For years, I wondered how
Jerusalem
became a ‘holy city’ of Islam.Since this is one of the central issues of contention between 3 major religions and used as an excuse for islamic aggression, it bears the merit of discussion.Two of the religions have made peace over the city and two of them are still actively fighting over the issue.All three religions tie their origins to a single family, millennia before Christ.
The break between the Torah and the Koran over this lineage occurs in Genesis chapter 21.The ancestor of both Arabs and Jews, of islam and Judaism, as well as patriarch of Christianity, is Abraham.He had two sons Ishmael, born of an Egyptian slave, who became patriarch of Arabs and Isaac, born of his wife and half sister, who became patriarch of the Jews.In a test of his loyalty, he later prepared to sacrifice Isaac.
The location of the altar Abraham built to make that sacrifice is believed to be the later location of the
Temple
Mount
, which replaced the
Temple
of
Solomon
and the place where the Judaic priests placed the Ark of the Covenant, which is in
Jerusalem
.Hence, it has profound and sacred meaning to those of the religion of Judaism.
While Judaism and Christianity proclaim Isaac the chosen son, islam proclaims Ishmael the chosen son.Both became the ancestors of vast nations and though he wasn’t a religious founder, the latter’s descendents became the founders of a powerful religion.It is through that lineage that Arabs consider themselves better muslims, though descended from an Egyptian (African).
Of note is a religious tradition of building religious sites over the destroyed sites of other religions.This is not a tradition limited to any single religion.Many churches in
Europe
are built over druidic and other religious sites of the people they converted.Islam did the same as many of the religions it replaced.It helps in the conversions as the converts are accustomed to those sites and their previous religious sites are no longer present.
Fast forward to the dawn of islam. The Arab commanders, from
Mecca
and
Medina
, of the islamic Army were the Vikings of their day.Instead of using boats and waterways, they used the desert as a refuge from superior militaries that feared the desert.They set up their capitals in the conquered lands on the edges of the desert, which gave them an excellent retreat if attacked.They conquered and colonized very quickly.
Interestingly, only the first (Abu-Bakr) of the four Caliphs of islam was not murdered (634 AD).The second (Umar) was murdered (644 AD) by a Christian slave.He had appointed his cousin, Muawiya as commander and governor of
Syria
.The third (Uthman) was killed (
16 June 656 AD
) by members of the Arab muslim army in Eqypt at his quarters in
Medina
and they installed Ali, the cousin of Mohhamed and husband to Mohhamed’s daughter.Ali was assassinated (661 AD) by radical muslims.(No wonder the
Middle East
enjoys watching Jerry Springer.)
Ali’s son Hasan renounced his ascension to the Caliphate.Later, Husayn (or Hussein), another son of Ali and grandson of Mohhammed started a civil war against the Ummayad Caliphate that had succeeded Ali, by means of the sword.Husayn and his militant followers were later ‘massacred’ in Karbala, Iraq on 10 Muharram (islamic calendar) in the year 680 AD (of our calendar) giving birth to a Shi’a holiday and sacred mosque to the Shi’a.This mosque has been attacked many times in modern days by Al-Qaeda (which are Sunni Extremists).Only his son, Ali, great grandson to Mohhammed survived the battle.And with that, we see the early origins of the Shi’a-Sunni rift.
But let’s return to the Caliphate and the 5th Caliph, Muawiya.He was, similar to the previous Caliphs and a member of the aristocratic families of
Mecca
.His Army in
Syria
was battle tested on the main front of islamic expansion and quickly won in the civil war over ascension to the Caliphate.He was the first to appoint his son as the heir to the Caliphate and he set up his capital in
Damascus
.This began the first ‘dynasty’ of the caliphate, named the Ummayyads, for the House of Ummayya of Mecca from which its family originated.
Not all of the Caliphs used that title.Some preferred the title Amir or “commander.”Some used other names but all were theocratic rulers over an empire.
By 692 AD, Abd al-Malik (7th Caliph?) had overcome the revolts of his brothers Abdallah and Musab and secured the Caliphate he had claimed in 685.It took the death of his brother to do so.Like those before him, he was a theocratic politician and ruler.He did a lot to create a working government, including minting gold coins, which included religious inscriptions.He built infrastructure.He left the message throughout the realm that only islam was the rightful heir to mono-theism by decrying the Trinity.
And where this all comes together, al-Malik commissioned the Dome of the Rock in their year 72 (and the Christian years 691-692 AD), in what was then Aelia(no longer called Jerusalem), on top of the ruins of Solomon’s Temple.It should be realized that during this time,
Syria
,
Jordan
and
Israel
, though under islamic rule, were primarily Christian and Jews.As such there were many beautiful churches which helped to keep Christianity as a majority in this part of the islamic empire.
A tenth century muslim geographer explains the importance of a similar measure taken by Malik’s son and successor, al-Walid in building the mosque of Damascus rather than roads:
“He saw that
Syria
, the land of the Christians, was full of beautiful churches of seductive appearance and vast renown…. He gave the muslims a mosque to divert their attention from these churches and made it one of the wonders of the world.In the same way Abd-al-Malik, when he saw the immense and dominating dome of the Church of the Resurrection, feared that it would dominate the hearts of muslims, and he therefore erected the Dome which we see on the Rock.”
I imagine that this geographer would receive the same attention as Salman Rushdie if he were alive in modern times, but at that time there was still debate over its sanctity and most argued against it.The debate stems from verse 17:1 of the Koran in which allah takes mohhammed on a magic carpet ride one night from the mosque in Mecca to the ‘farthest mosque.’
In those days, it was believed that that meant he took him to heaven but eventually (modern day) muslims have ascribed that mosque to Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock which was built 72 years after his death and is certainly not the farthest mosque from Mecca today nor was it a mosque at the time of his magic carpet ride.It does however make for powerful arguments in their attacks on
Israel
and their claim to
Jerusalem
.
This may seem like a long way around to explain the methods that
Jerusalem
became a ‘holy city’ to islam, but the bits and pieces we normally get always confused me.I’ve also given you the basics of how the Shi’a and Sunni began their murderous feud.And in reviewing the historical information of the early days of the islam, I am reminded that very little about it was ‘peaceful.’In fact, it shows that not even muslims are at peace with each other.
In fairness, I should point out that if Syria were in play, Al-Qaeda might consider it for its historical significance but that claim would be considered less valid as the Ummayyads are not considered to be very good Caliphs, just as certain Popes in early Christianity are not considered all that holy.But
Syria
is a part of their mid-range plan.
I should also point out that in those days; both Christians and Jews were treated better under islam than they were under other rulers of the day.At that time, they were considered more as errant followers of the wrong denomination, worshiping the same God and were simply taxed at a higher rate so long as they accepted the government of their islamic rulers.For conversion, that tax was lifted and they were granted greater rights.Conversion by the sword was used primarily against those of polytheistic religions, which are defined as infidels.
But I will also point out that conversion by the sword, imperialism (empire building), murder, assassination and desecration of holy sites of other religions has a long tradition in islam.A modern day example of assassination is the accusation that Muqtada al-Sadr had his uncle (father?) killed in the early days of the current
Iraq
war in order to ascend him as the highest mullah in
Iraq
.I do not know if this accusation has been proven, but there is at least some evidence to support it.Assassination is a normal method used in the
Middle East
: Saddam used it, Sadat felt it, and in fact in
Baghdad
assassinations are down from 100 a month to 35 a month from January to May of this 2007.(See my article: “The Surge.”)
Polygamy and incest continue to be practiced today and is easily seen in their early history.Slavery and the taking of a dead enemy’s wife is still seen as the right of the conqueror.Protests in
London
over the Danish Cartoon included the calls for the raping of Danish wives as “war booty.”The Koranic right to all of a vanquished enemy’s property is still practiced.(Yes, women are considered property.)Hence the islamic demands on
Spain
to return those properties in
Spain
that were taken by the sword so many centuries ago though later returned to the families of those that paid for them.
One of the fallouts of OBL with some of his muslim peers is that he did not first offer the
US
and Bush the opportunity to convert, before 9/11.(He did later.)His goal is in fact imperial.He has long stated his goal of creating a Caliphate.
HAWIJAH — A young man beginning a business to support his new family is not necessarily headline news. However, for Kusai, 24, his dream would be realized in the heart of what was once considered an extremists’ stronghold only six months prior - Hawijah, Iraq.
Hawijah, located approximately 60 miles south of Kirkuk City in the Kirkuk province, historically held center stage to the region’s worst violence against civilians, Iraq security forces, and coalition forces by extremists. The residents here faced anywhere from 10 to 15 attacks per day, according to military records. Soldiers report that day-time patrols were targeted with small arms fire throughout the city and routinely upon exiting the confines of Forward Operating Base McHenry where Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division are located.
Since the establishment of Sahwah - meaning “reconciliation” or “awakening” to locals, overall violence in this predominantly Sunni-Arab populated region of northeastern Iraq, has experienced nearly an 80 percent drop in violent activity, according to Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek, commander, 1-87 Regiment.
While isolated incidents do occur, “the crucial element to the ongoing successes here are the concerned citizens of Hawijah who are effectively identifying those responsible … expeditiously,” Vanek said. The citizens that Vanek refers to are the Sons of Iraq that number over 7,000 in Hawijah alone.
“Sahwah has made it possible for me to open my shop and provide for my family. There is business. People feel safer. You see the security,” Kusai, said, pointing to the five SoIs that have stopped by to investigate and converse with the Soldiers of Bravo Company, 1-87 Regiment.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — In conjunction with Operation Marne Piledriver, two Mahmudiyah schools are being refurbished with the help of U.S. Soldiers.
The Red Knight Rakkasans of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), coordinated the funding needed to improve the schools.
BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers observed the policemen from the 7th brigade, 2nd national police division, in action first-hand during a free medical clinic April 9-11 for the citizens of the Doura community in the Rashid District of northern Baghdad.
The national police battalion, charged with providing security for the residents of the mulhallas located in southern Baghdad, took time in a gesture of community service to provide free medical screening and treatment for the citizens of Doura from their joint security station, which is the headquarters of the 7th NP brigade.
CAMP LIBERTY — It had been only a few hours since the Soldiers of 769th Engineer Battalion, 35th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, returned from the monumental task of installing approximately 130,000-square feet of rocket-propelled grenade fencing and sniper-screen material over a 1,200 foot distance, with heights measuring up to 40 feet, at Joint Security Station Ur in the Sadr City district of Baghdad to veil the aerostat and its docking station.
Unbeknownst to them this morning, with most of them receiving very little sleep, would be the surprise of a lifetime as Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and MND-B, took a moment from his packed schedule on April 12 to honor six of the battalion’s Soldiers for their accomplishments as he presented them with impact Bronze Star Medals.
FORT SAM HOUSTON TEXAS — A robot, normally used by doctors to perform work remotely, recently allowed a Soldier in Baghdad to virtually interact with his newborn son in Texas for the first time.
An RP-7 Remote Presence Robotic System, a wireless, mobile, remote-presence robot that allows a doctor to be in two places at once, allowed Army Staff Sgt. Erik Lloyd to meet his seven-day-old boy Blake, April 10.
The RP-7 can move untethered, allowing a remote physician seated at a control station to freely interact with patients, family members and hospital staff from anywhere, anytime.
AL-ASAD — In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Iraqi people are showing progress through their government works, rebuilding projects, and police and military operations. At Al Asad Air Base, Iraqi Soldiers work in conjunction with the Marine Corps, keeping the air base secure by manning the main Entry Control Point (ECP) aboard the installation.
According to Master Sgt. Joseph P. Beall, Charlie Company first sergeant, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), the long term goal is to turn over all entry control points to the Iraqis.
AL-ASAD — Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons are all potential threats today’s war fighter could encounter. Fortunately, every branch of the U.S. military has service members charged with protecting the armed forces from these unconventional hazards.
To combat these threats, CBRN Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), host joint-service training with the Army aboard Al Asad Air Base to increase the effectiveness of their incident response capabilities.
FOB KALSU — The Iraqi Criminal Investigation Department visited Arab Jabour, April 14, to investigate and confiscate cars that were stolen by al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) to plan and commit terrorist acts.
It is believed that AQI stored the vehicles so they could be used to build vehicle borne improvised explosive devices or be sold to finance AQI operations.
As many of us have realized, historical glories and misdeeds are often used by politicians and radicals to rally the people to commit to new wars and atrocities. The wars in the former Yugoslavia truly highlighted how deep people will dig to find a reason to hate and kill. It was quite common for the warring sides to quote acts from the 11th century as grounds for their 20th century atrocities.
In the 21st century, the regional powers of the Middle East have a profound interest in keeping their huge neighbor of Iraq in a weakened state, not only to prevent it from becoming a new empire of the Middle East, but also to prevent a democracy from taking hold and succeeding. The latter would then erode the level of satisfaction that their own people have under their current forms of government. This includes our allies but moreso our enemies.
I have stated on YA and The Tennessean, in my motto above and in my blog many times that we should support the troops with more than a bumper sticker.Recently, one of my readers called me on this.She asked me how she could do more.
I’ve moved the “first thing” to the last listed for reasons you’ll later see.Here is a list of groups and organizations that Support Our Troops: http://concernedamericans.multiply.com/notes/item/1 In another portion of that forum are a list of businesses that actively Support Our Troops. (See the Reviews Section)
The second thing you can do is write the troops.There are many services out there that will allow you to do this.Your local VFW or American Legion Post will have some of these links and methods.
General Motors Corporation Large Employer Category General Motors Corporation is one of the largest employers of National Guard and Reserve members and provides pay differential for its Guard and Reserve members and continues all employee benefits for deployed employees. General Motors also funds the General Motors Veterans Affinity Group, which provides support and services to Guard and Reserve members and their families. Through GMVAG, General Motors sponsored the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes 2006 Road to Recovery Conference at Walt Disney World. General Motors provided financial support for the event and distributed information on employment opportunities and programs for acquiring handicap-equipped vehicles. The first Chair of the National Committee for ESGR was former Chairman of General Motors, James M. Roche, for whom the “James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award” is named. With more than 45 GM locations in Michigan employing Guard and Reserve members, the Michigan Committee has received several “My Boss is a Patriot” awards and has twice been the recipient of the ESGR Pro Patria Award. .
General Motors Vice President of Global Human Resources Katy Barclay receives the 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award during the annual award ceremony Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C. (From left to right) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Dr. David Chu, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas Hall, Katy Barclay, and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright. (Photo by Army Multimedia and Visual Information Directorate)
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc Large Employer Category Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 Company headquartered in Tulsa, Okla. and includes company brands Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental, serving travelers in approximately 70 countries. CEO and Seven Seals Award recipient, Gary Paxton, and senior Dollar Thrifty leadership personally support Guard and Reserve employees and their families during military service and emphasize support for the ESGR mission. Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group provides differential pay between military and base salary and also provides the option to continue health benefits for the employee and their families covered by some of the company’s benefits plans for up to 355 days. The company also has been a financial supporter of the Blue Star Mothers and continually searches for ways to honor employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. For their outstanding support, the company was awarded the 2006 ESGR Pro Patria Award.
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group President and CEO Gary Paxton receives the 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award during the annual award ceremony Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C. (From left to right) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Dr. David Chu, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas Hall, Gary Paxton and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright. (Photo by Army Multimedia and Visual Information Directorate)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A convoy rolls up to a small school in the Monsouri area of Iraq, just outside FOB Kalsu, and at first glance the school looks abandoned. Then small faces start appearing and heads lean out the windows.
Moments later, Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Kalamazoo, Mich., currently assigned to 1-76th FA, are surrounded by helpful faculty and eager students, waiting to see what has been brought.
The Soldiers delivered backpacks filled with school supplies, soccer balls and notebooks April 14 to the al-Raqhaa School, for primary and secondary students, and the Abu Shear School, for primary students. Each school has approximately 800 students.
RAMADI — Processions of armored vehicles clamoring down the now busy streets of Ramadi, Iraq, have come to be quite a familiar sight, but for the Marines of Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, running re-supply missions during daylight hours is a stark difference from their last deployment.
“We couldn’t so much as leave the wire last year without getting into some sort of fire-fight,” said Cpl. Pirtus Esperience, a rifleman attached to H&S Co., 2nd Bn., 8th Marines. “Now we’re running supply convoys out to the companies in the city during the daylight hours pretty much without incident.”
WASHINGTON — In the past year, the Iraqi army has transformed into a national force that has deployed across the country in operations that show its increasing combat capabilities, a senior commander there said Thursday.
“There should be no mistake on the behalf of anyone that the Iraqi army is a national army,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, commander of the Coalition Army Advisory Training Team.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — It had been nearly six months since Chief Warrant Officer Jake Baird last flew a helicopter when he decided to test his skills again on April 10. After running through a quick inspection and starting up the blades, Baird took off - and promptly crashed about 10 seconds later.
It was just one of many crashes suffered by Baird and his fellow pilot Capt. Joseph Seibert that day, but like the other crashes, this one cost no loss of life or damage to government property.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH — Operation Marne Piledriver launched in the Mahmudiyah area April 15 as Iraqi Army and Coalition forces conducted joint clearance missions.
Soldiers with 1st and 2nd Battalions, 25th Brigade, 6th IA Division and 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) combined to conduct dismounted patrols and an air assault.
“The Iraqi Soldiers took initiative from the start,” said Pfc. Nathan Krueger, from St. Clair, Mich., Battery A, 3-320th FA. “Every time I went into a building, there would already be an IA Soldier clearing or searching the area. Once we got on-site, they took the lead.”
Marne Piledriver is the first Task Force Marne major operation focused on capacity-building projects throughout the Rakkasans’ area of operation. This Iraqi Army-led operation will continue efforts to root out insurgency and stimulate economic growth and development throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada.
“Our role was to support the Iraqi Army,” said Capt. Ryan Mayfield, from Culver, Ind., commander of Battery A.
AL KUT — Coalition forces conducted an assessment of the al Kut Water Company last week.
Lt. Col. Mario E. Murcia, an engineer with El Salvador’s Cuscatlán Battalion’s Civil Military Cooperation team, visited the water company to assess its capacity and maintenance.
BASRA — Since the arrival of Iraq’s 1st Army Division, peace and order are becoming a norm once again in the town of Al-Quibla, Iraq.
Local businesses such as kiosks, food markets and gas stations are re-opening and offering job opportunities for the citizens of Iraq.
“The jobs created by small business stimulate the local economy and advances positive economic incentives in the daily lives of the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Tom Holloway, a spokesman for Multi-National Division - Southeast.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — With a tip from a local citizen, Coalition and Iraqi Army forces discovered a large cache of rockets in West Rashid, near Forward Operating Base Falcon, April 14.
The cache consisted of 18 107 mm rockets, some still in their original packaging, and 20 rocket-launching stands.
A Soldier standing guard at FOB Falcon was approached by the citizen with information on the whereabouts of the rockets. Upon receiving the tip, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Iraqi Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted a joint patrol and found the cache.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Before an artesian well opened for use April 10, residents of Zambraniya and Bayjia were forced to drink directly from the Tigris River or travel up to 10 kilometers for drinking water.
The new well, located at the al-Hamza School in Bayjia, is capable of producing 6000 gallons of fresh water per day and will service both communities.
The well has a water-purification process with the capability to purify 1000 liters of water each hour. The fresh water will improve the standard of living and public health.
“It will help decrease disease and improve the overall health of the people in Zambraniya and Bayjia,” said Capt. John Whitehead, from Holland, Ohio, assistant operations officer for 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Commander’s Emergency Relief Program funds paid for construction of the well, which draws water from the Tigris River. The project also enabled a local contractor to employ 10 area citizens for the 30 days it was being built.
First Lt. Ismail Khan, fire support officer for Company A, 1-30th Inf. Regt., said the well is a step towards normalcy in the area.
“Having this well at the al-Hamza School is great for the health and morale of the local people,” the Houston native said. “They are seeing improvements being made and they are really gaining a sense of pride and togetherness within their community.”
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Before the war, numerous areas in Iraq thrived off the chicken industry. Hawr Rajab, Arab Jabour and Adwaniyah all had prosperous chicken markets.
"Historically, this was the largest chicken-producing area in Iraq," said Capt. Michael Lenart, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-3 Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
BASRA — A passport scanning system, which will read passports of those wanting to enter the country, is being installed for use by the Iraqi Border Patrol officers near the Um Qsar Port.
Once trained to operate the system, the IBP will have approximately 16 stations to help facilitate immigration and speed identification of persons entering the country that will help ensure the sovereignty of Iraq.
CAMP STRIKER — The Ready Made Clothing Company is ready to take on a greater load thanks to the donation last week of an 850-kilowatt generator to the factory in Mahmudiyah, Iraq.
The factory currently operates at 10 percent of its former capacity, using only a small area of its complex. The new generator, for which the Baghdad-4 embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), coordinated delivery, will end bouts of intermittent power and increase job opportunities as well as production. The increased power will allow the factory to return to two shifts and significantly increase the number of employees, which now stands at 45
) -- U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Thurgood, 337th Theater Support Command deputy commander, holds a child during a visit to a Djiboutian orphanage May 5. The commander and several
Camp Lemonier
,
Djibouti
, military members brought donated items and smiles to the children at the orphanage. (
– An Army general and personnel from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of
Africa
visited a local baby orphanage and hospital in
Djibouti
City
to donate 28 boxes of baby clothes and hospital equipment May 5.
At the baby orphanage, Army Brig. Gen. Keith Thurgood, 337th Theater Support Command deputy commanding general, and military personnel held, fed and played with the 50 babies who call the orphanage home.
According to CJTF-HOA Command Chief Master Sgt. John Harris, the babies enjoy the attention, the nurses appreciate the help and the HOA personnel enjoy being able to provide some tender loving care to even the littlest people of
Djibouti
.
“This is a great opportunity for us to take a break from our daily commitments and give a little bit of ourselves to the babies of the orphanage, whether it’s feeding, holding or simply making the little ones smile,” said Harris.
And it’s the smiles on their faces that keep Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Rivera proud to be a part of such a great mission.
“These children are great and they really enjoy it when we come by and spend some time with them,” he said. “They may not be able to tell us how grateful they are, but the smiles on their faces say it for them.”
According to Army Brig. Gen. Sanford Holman, CJTF-HOA deputy commander, the future impact of this small gesture is astronomical.
“The future of
Djibouti
is right in my arms,” he said. “How well we take care of
Djibouti
and its neighbors today will determine the future of this area.
“In 10-20 years, this gesture and the ones to follow will be remembered and they will know the
U.S.
cares about what happens to them,” said Holman.
And even though 10-20 years is a long way off, the caregivers at the orphanage are grateful today for the outpouring of generosity the
U.S.
military continues to show the orphanage.
“We are very thankful to the
U.S.
military for the amount of clothes they brought with them today,” said Delphine Cey, French nurse at the orphanage. “With so many children, we go through a lot of clothes, so it’s better to have too many clothes than not enough.”
Donating clothes to the orphanage wasn’t the only good deed of the day, the military members also donated some much-needed supplies to a local hospital. Some of the items donated were walkers, forearm crutches, crutches and chair commodes.
“These items will help sustain their hospital and give patients exactly what they need to get back on their feet after an illness or injury,” said Army Master Sgt. Ethan Hughes, 377 Theater Security Cooperation’s
Humanitarian
Assistance
Coordination
Center
.
According to Army Lt. Col. Paul VanBreemen, Bravo Co. 489th Civil Affairs, the best part about doing good deeds is the message it sends to the community at large.
“Today we made a positive impact on the baby orphanage and hospital, but our gesture will soon spread throughout this community reminding the Djiboutians that as a military force we are doing positive things for this area,” he said. “Every donation we do, big or small, is one step closer to helping Africans help
Africa
.”
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of
Africa
is a unit of United States Central Command. The organization conducts operations and training to assist partner nations to combat terrorism in order to establish a secure environment and enable regional stability. More than 1,800 people from each branch of the
U.S.
military, civilian employees, Coalition forces and partner nations make up the CJTF-HOA organization. The area of responsibility for CJTF-HOA includes the countries of
Djibouti
,
Ethiopia
,
Eritrea
,
Kenya
,
Seychelles
,
Somalia
,
Sudan
and
Yemen
.
DJIBOUTI CITY
,
Djibouti
(
May 5, 2007
) -- U.S. Navy Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Rivera, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, has his hands full during a visit to a Djiboutian orphanage May 5. Army Brig. Gen. Keith Thurgood, 337th Theater Support Command deputy commander, and several
Camp Lemonier
,
Djibouti
, military members brought donated items and smiles to the children at the orphanage. (
CAMP VICTORY — Multi-National Division – Center kicked off the main phase of its first major operation devoted primarily to capacity building – expanding governance, economics and infrastructure – April 15 in communities south of Baghdad in the Baghdad Province.
Operation Marne Piledriver is taking place in the area of operations of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While the focus of the operation is on capacity building, Iraqi Security Forces will simultaneously target remaining insurgent pockets with the help of Coalition forces.
Patrol Base Yates, which will house Iraqi and Coalition forces, is currently under construction as a base of operations to bring the fight to the insurgent holdouts. It is named in honor of Cpl. Nyle Yates III, who died in combat in Bayji, Iraq, in 2006 while serving in Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT).
“Marne Piledriver will not only display Iraqi Security Forces-led operations, but also the establishment of a Joint Security Station at Yusifiyah, the development of Iraqi-run radio stations, the injection of funding by the Government of Iraq to refurbish two major water treatment plants and the infusion of funds and expertise into the poultry and agricultural industries,” said Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT).
HAWIJAH — Khalaf Ibrahim Ali had just finished checking up on his fellow Sons of Iraq around the city. It was April 2. The day was turning out to be another hot one in Hawijah, located approximately 60 miles south of Kirkuk City in the Kirkuk province. He had just sat down to cool-off with an ice cream when a young man he did not recognize approached. In a blink-of-an-eye, Ali would be wrestling with a suicide bomber bent on killing him.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and Richard Hawkins, 3rd HBCT’s embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team leader, talked to residents of the Mada’in Qada during a live radio show on FM 107.1, “Voice of the Mada’in,” April 8 in al Wahida.
“While we are here to talk about governance and economic growth, I want to remind our listeners that the progress we have seen was possible because of the increased security,” said Grigsby, a native of Prince George’s County, Md. “It was security that opened the window for the dramatic progress in the Mada’in Qada.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ $288.5 million hospital program includes 25 renovation projects at 20 hospitals that focus on children’s and maternity care. Two new hospitals also are being constructed in Basrah and Maysan provinces. Currently, we have completed 17 of the projects, with the remaining eight (8) renovations expected to be completed by May 2008.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN — There’s a reason the lights never go out at FOB Iskan, and it’s not because of Coalition forces.
The brightly-lit Iskandariyah Thermal Power Plant located there has been chugging along since long before troops arrived.
The plant is the dominant visual feature of FOB Iskan, with four enormous smokestacks rising above an imposing labyrinth of iron girders, spindly ladders and steaming pipes.
The electricity is churned into existence at Iskan, which runs on Iraq’s plentiful supplies of raw crude oil.
“There are three ways raw crude can get here: by tanker truck, by train and through an old pipeline,” said Capt. David Stewart, FOB Iskan’s mayor and resident expert on the power plant. “At the moment, it all comes in on trucks, but the trains may be running again soon.”
Built in the 1980s by South Korea’s Hyundai Corp., the plant employed Iraqi, German, Russian and Korean workers throughout its service.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN — One of the first things Soldiers noticed on the ground in Jurf as Sahkr, Iraq, was how much local residents loved soccer. In area businesses, soccer posters adorned the walls, while children made soccer fields out of empty lots and played heated matches.
Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gave the local secondary school a boost in pursuit of their favorite sport.
WASHINGTON — In the wake of the early 2007 surge of additional forces into Baghdad and western Baghdad, coalition forces have “revived the prospect of success in Iraq,” President Bush said in his weekly radio address.
The president used his weekly radio address April 12 to give an update on the progress of the war and review last week’s report from the top commander there, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — The Sons of Iraq in Nine Nissan, a village east of Baghdad, led Soldiers in Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, to a weapons cache buried at a remote location near FOB Hammer.
Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, spokesman, Multi-National Force – Iraq, and Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh, spokesman, Government of Iraq, provide an operational update.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Sons of Iraq eager to join the Iraqi Security Forces participated in an initial screening in Muellha, Iraq.
Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces and local leadership held the screening, designed to gauge which SoI members are eligible to continue forward with the transition process into the ISF.
“We were doing a Sons of Iraq screening so we can transition the SoI into the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Capt. Kaiwan Walker, commander of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.
CAMP VICTORY — Two hundred fifty-nine foreign-born U.S. troops currently serving throughout Iraq became American citizens at al-Faw Palace here April 12, in the largest naturalization ceremony to date in Iraq.
Among the newest citizens were several Soldiers who entered the United States as refugees from war-torn nations, including Spc. Simon Nbenye, an Arabic interpreter with Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
UMQASR — UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload imports last week.
“The estimated flow of goods into Iraq is 60,000 tons with 15,000 passing through UmQsar,” said Todd Stratton, Task Force to Support Business and Stability Operations in Iraq. “The port is a critical gateway to supply the Iraqi nation with food imports.”
AL-KUT — A women’s sewing center officially opened in Muafiqiyah village April 10, providing both employment and training for female residents.
The center will serve as a means for local women to earn income to support their families, said Sgt. Amanda E. Timmer, head of the Women’s Initiatives program for the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team.
The center employs 11 women from the village, one for each sewing machine. Eventually these women will take apprentices, doubling the workforce, said Timmer.
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday he is confident there will be fewer U.S. troops in Iraq in 2009, but added that the drawdown process has gone somewhat more slowly than he thought it would last year.
This comes as Army Gen. David H. Petraeus returns to Iraq after a week of testimony and meetings in and around the nation’s capital to begin what Gates called a “major force realignment” there. Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met with journalists at the Pentagon yesterday.
All five surge brigades are expected to be out of Iraq by the end of July, leaving 15 combat brigades in the country.
By the time the surge drawdown is finished by the end of July, the United States will have rearranged its forces in Iraq, redrawn its battle lines, reduced its presence in some areas and shifted more responsibility to the Iraqi security forces, Gates said. Petraeus then will assess the results of the changes before any other troop reductions are planned.
“The only prudent course of action is to pause the drawdowns for a period of time … to assess what impact, if any, all this will have had,” Gates said. Petraeus asked for 45 days, but President Bush Thursday guaranteed the general “all the time he needs.”
Petraeus then will recommend whether to hold troop levels steady or recommend further drawdowns, Gates said. But, beyond Petraeus’ evaluation, other officials will continue to evaluate troop levels there, Gates said.
“I certainly hope … that conditions will allow us to remove more troops by year’s end,” the secretary said.
BAGHDAD — Days after intense fighting, and the call to peace from Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr March 30, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers patrol the outskirts of Sadr City, a district of Baghdad, ensuring the safety of the city’s residents.
Sadr City has been the backdrop of many conflicts for Coalition forces since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The city is the poorest of all the Bagdad districts and has historically been a safe haven for terrorists.
CAMP STRIKER — Iraqi Army (IA) and 101st Airborne Division Soldiers conducted three humanitarian aid drops near here, April 6 and 8.
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th IA Division, along with 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, distributed multiple pallets of water, food and hygiene items in two separate drops, April 6. The supplies were dispersed through the Qadasiyah apartments, the neighborhood of al Mu'adefeen and a school in al Askery, all in the vicinity of Mahmudiyah.
CAMP STRIKER — Iraqi Army Soldiers found a weapons cache in Janabi village, April 6, likely preventing future attacks in the area.
Soldiers from 4th Company, 4th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division uncovered a cache containing (21) rocket propelled grenades, three RPG launchers, a complete mortar system, approximately (200) assorted fuses and blasting caps, eight 120 mm mortars, two 120 mm rockets, (18) 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds and a variety of grenades. The 120 mm mortars and anti-aircraft rounds were prepped for use as improvised explosive devices.
WASHINGTON — President Bush directed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to shorten deployment lengths for U.S. soldiers in Iraq from 15 to 12 months, starting in August.
Bush said he made the decision to reduce the strain on the force and because security improvements in Iraq have allowed for the withdrawal of all five surge combat brigades by the end of July.
He also said that officials would ensure troops have at least a year at home between deployments. The change goes into affect Aug. 1 and will not affect those already deployed there.
“Our nation owes a special thanks to the soldiers and families who’ve supported this extended deployment. We owe a special thanks to all who served in the cause for freedom in Iraq,” Bush said.
He also directly addressed the troops, saying that the war in Iraq is not “endless,” and that as conditions there improve, more troops could return home.
“The day will come when Iraq is a capable partner of the United States. The day will come when Iraq is a stable democracy that helps fight our common enemies and promote our common interests in the Middle East,” Bush said. “And when that day arrives, you'll come home with pride in your success and the gratitude of your whole nation.”
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — An Iraqi Police-led operation in An Numaniyah sent a message to criminals in the city - Iraqi Security Forces are in control.
More than 300 IP, Iraqi Army and Coalition forces deployed to An Numaniyah to conduct checkpoint operations in a joint effort April 7. Dubbed Operation Crystal Springs, the mission also provided ISF and Coalition leadership the opportunity to engage with local government officials and sheikhs.
WASHINGTON — Iraqi security forces acquitted themselves well, in view of their relative inexperience, in recent fighting against terrorists and criminals in the southern part of the country, including Basra, as well as in parts of Baghdad, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq said.
“The deployment was very impressive, … certainly not something Iraqis could have done a year ago,” Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said during a conference call with military analysts.
At the end of March, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered the rapid deployment of thousands of Iraqi security forces to Basra to confront illegal militias and criminal elements said to be operating there.
PATROL BASE LION’S DEN — Radwaniyah area children were treated to something a little out of the ordinary when U.S. Soldiers at Patrol Base Lion’s Den held a basketball camp recently.
Holding a basketball camp where Soldiers could teach lessons in teamwork, discipline and hard work, resulted from Staff Sgt. Christopher Dickerson and his company commander, Capt. Sean Morrow, putting their heads together.
WASHINGTON — The Iraqi government wants to establish itself as an independent entity that one day can stand on its own feet without U.S. assistance, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq testified before the House Armed Services Committee here Wednesday.
“They want to do that as much as we do,” Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told House panel members.
Senior Iraqi governmental leaders are placing themselves “under enormous personal pressure and collective pressure of the various political elements in Iraq to increasingly exercise their sovereignty,” Petraeus said.
In fact, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s recent decision to send Iraqi troops into Basra and other parts of southern Iraq to put down violence perpetrated by illegal militias represents the Iraqis’ desire to attend to their internal affairs, Petraeus pointed out.
“That was not something that we pushed him to do,” Petraeus said. “That was something that they wanted to do.”
United States military forces are supporting Iraqi government operations aimed at defeating insurgents and criminals who seek to destabilize the country for their own purposes, Petraeus said.
Assisting the new Iraqi government is like teaching a young child how to ride a bicycle, Petraeus observed, noting the United States is “trying to support it as much as we can, while keeping as light a hand on the bicycle seat as possible.”
Several Iraqi provinces, like Basra province in the south, where some outbreaks of violence occurred recently, contain few U.S. military forces or even none at all, Petraeus pointed out.
BAGHDAD — The Raider Brigade Combat Team has a new ally in its mission to help the Iraqi government and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers build upon the predominately Sunni community of Doura in Baghdad’s Rashid district.
The 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, “Warriors” will be attached to the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team next week as part of its mission to help the government and the Iraqi people.
“It is our intent to create a safe and stable living environment for the people of the Doura district,” said Army Lt. Col. Timothy Watson, commander of 2-4th Infantry Regiment, part of the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Polk, La.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Col. Doug House, a military lawyer assigned to the Baghdad-8 embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with three judges at the courthouse in Jisr Diyala to gauge their needs April 8.
Judge Razaq Jabbar Alwan, chief investigative judge of the qada, welcomed House.
“I am glad that you are here and we have the opportunity to meet you,” Alwan said. “It is because of people like you that we are all sitting here in my office today. Your country has helped my country a great deal.”
NARHWAN — An industrial complex in Iraq has quadrupled its employment and productivity over the last three months and a skilled team from Multi-National Division - Center is helping the companies maintain and keep their labor force healthy.
More than 250 donkeys were recently treated by veterinarian Capt. Rory Carolan, from Maryland, and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The donkeys will be used in the absence of motorized vehicles at the Narhwan Brick Factory Complex. Healthy donkeys were needed for the increase in hauling and to support production.
WASHINGTON — President Bush posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor Tuesday, a Navy SEAL whose mortal sacrifice in Iraq saved the lives of two fellow SEALs and several Iraqi soldiers.
The fallen SEAL’s parents, George and Sally Monsoor, accepted the honor on their son’s behalf during a White House ceremony. The Medal of Honor, awarded for gallantry in combat exceeding the call of duty, is the nation’s highest military decoration.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — Iraqi Security Forces detained numerous criminals and found two caches during Operation Estonia March 29 - 30 in the Iraqi cities of Hamza and Hashmiyah.
“Operation Estonia was an operation to combat extremists who had occupied the town of Hashmiyah,” said Maj. Tony Campbell, from Colorado Springs, Colo., G-3 adviser and deputy team leader with 31st Military Transition Team, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. “I was surprised by the tenacity of the extremists; they fought hard but the Iraqi Security Forces still prevailed in the operation.”
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — When an Air Force engineer first stepped foot in Hawr Rajab last December, a former al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven, the thought that came to mind was a scene from an old western movie.
“Most of the businesses were shuttered and the main road was more comparable to the O.K. Corral,” said Capt. Josh Aldred, a native of Flagstaff, Ariz.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A tip led Iraqi Security Forces to the largest explosively-formed penetrator cache found to date in Multi-National Division – Center’s area of operation, April 2. The munitions were discovered in a 6-ton truck in a garage in al Qasim.
The cache contained more than 1000 EFP components, more than 3000 pounds of explosives and 45 Katusha 107 mm rockets and stands. Also included in the cache were more than 10 devices used to detonate improvised explosive devices, 250 PKC rounds, 10 60 mm mortar shells and one 60 mm stand.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Policemen from 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division, secured a weapons cache April 4 in Jabr al Ansari after receiving information from a detainee.
According to 1st Lt. Jeffrey Ritter, from Waterloo, Iowa, civil military operations officer for 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, the NP split into teams to search for the weapons.
“They did the targeting and executed the mission,” said Capt. Chardon Hyde.
SAMARRA — After completion of a recent operation reconnecting old economic partners, the people of the northern-Iraqi city of Samarra can breathe again.
The “Bastogne” Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, recently finished conducting multiple operations that cleared al-Qaida fighters and other enemy extremist from the desert areas west and south of Samarra, including the southern portion of the city.
CAMP STRIKER — Iraqi army soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi army division recovered caches containing more than a dozen mortar rounds and components near Shakariyah on April 2.
A local Iraqi approached the intelligence officer for 3/22/6 IA div. with information on the location of two weapon caches. An IA scout platoon accompanied the officer and citizen to the site where the munitions were found.
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Go to War against the Nazis with SSG Smith of the 94th Infantry Division. Review: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/everymans-war-vet.html.html
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, usf-I, and Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, Iraqi spokesman, provide an operational update.
News Briefing with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen from the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
• Blackhawk Maintenance Cycle
• Iraqi Air Force Birthday
• Joint Air Assualt
• Helo Pilots Rock It
• Soldiers Become Citizens
• Assisting Iraqi Police
• Educating Iraqi Farmers
UMQASR — UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload imports last week.
• Iraqi Brigade Graduates
• Helping Wounded Warriors
Senior Iraqi governmental leaders are placing themselves “under enormous personal pressure and collective pressure of the various political elements in Iraq to increasingly exercise their sovereignty,” Petraeus said.
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