War On Terror News

Use of US Dollar to Be Eliminated in Iraq

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Story by Spc. Lisa A. Cope

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION BASRA, Iraq – United States currency may soon become difficult to find in Iraq as part of an effort to protect Soldiers and increase the value of the Iraqi dinar.

Sgt. Brittany A. Raimer, a dispersing manager with the 368th Finance Management Company, out of Wichita, Kan., 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), said eliminating the use of U.S. currency on the battlefield will help to stimulate the economy of Iraq.

"One of the main focuses of finance is to ultimately eliminate U.S. currency from the battlefield," said Raimer, a Lake Charles, La., native. "Our government is implementing the use of the Iraqi dinar, to both undermine

Russia's Lukoil Wins Iraqi Contract to Develop Major Oil Field

The Iraqi government has awarded a contract to Russian energy company Lukoil and its Norwegian partner to develop a major oil field in southern Iraq.

VOA News 31 January 2010

Iraq signed the deal Sunday with Russia's Lukoil and Statoil of Norway for expansion of the West Qurna Phase 2 oil field, one of the country's largest.  The site has known reserves of around 13 billion barrels of oil.

Iraq has awarded a series of contracts to foreign energy companies in recent weeks to develop Iraqi oil deposits.  The deals are aimed at dramatically boosting Iraq's oil production to 12 million barrels a day in the coming years.

Lukoil and Statoil signed an initial agreement to develop the West Qurna field last month.  They will earn $1.15 per barrel extracted over a 20-year period, with an option to extend the deal by five years.

Recon Marine develops high-speed pistol course

1/29/2010  By Lance Cpl. Chris Kutlesa, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  — For some Marines, there is nothing better than the sound a bullet makes when it exits a firearm and blasts its way down range.

For Lance Cpl. Joseph Bartoletti, it is music to his ears, making his training at the indoor range a massive symphony.

Marines and sailors from across the station participated in a two-week long pistol training titled Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection that began Jan. 11 at the Indoor Small-Arms Range here.

Jamison Elder, the founder and creator of Wolf-Tactical Reconnaissance and Personal Protection, better known as WOLF T.R.A.P.P., explained that the class is the kind of training synonymous to the Marine Special Operations Command,

Gadhafi Blasts AU as He Steps Down as Chairman

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has stepped down as chairman of the 53-nation African Union, but not without firing a few verbal broadsides at the organization.  Mr. Gadhafi chastised his fellow heads of state for refusing to go along with his plan for a "United States of Africa."

VOA  Peter Heinlein | Addis Ababa 31 January 2010

All was calm on the surface.  Africa's heads of state went into a conference room and emerged 20 minutes later to say Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutarika would assume the rotating African Union chairmanship for the coming year.  But that announcement hid a furious behind-the-scenes battle for control of the continental organization that witnesses say nearly broke out in fisticuffs the night before.

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi had hoped to stay on for a second term to see through his plan for greater political and economic unification.  But after handing over the chairmanship to the Malawian leader, Mr. Gadhafi let loose his wrath in a farewell speech,

Military Officials, Muslims Renovate Mosque at Taji

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)  Story by Spc. Michael Camacho

01.30.2010  CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Two officials with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) began supervising the renovations of the mosque Jan. 1 at Camp Taji, Iraq.

In 2009, Multi-National Force – Iraq put out an order to repair any mosque on an American base to make it usable for the Iraqis when American forces turn the bases over, said Maj. Terry Partin, a religious customs adviser for the project and brigade chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 155th HBCT, 13th ESC.

The project totaled roughly $17,000, he said. In addition to the structural repairs, the electrical wiring was redone and the building put on the primary power grid, said Lt. Col. Paul McDonald, brigade engineer with the 155th HBCT.

Reliability Management Solutions, which has the maintenance contract at Camp Taji, was assigned to renovate the mosque, said McDonald, a Jackson, Miss., native.

The mosque renovation would provide a safe religious structure for the Islamic Soldiers in the Iraqi army, said McDonald.

Israel: Slain Hamas Commander Was Top Weapons Smuggler

The killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai prompts threats from Hamas, increases tension between Israel and the Palestinians and could hamper efforts to free a captive Israeli soldier

VOA  Jerusalem   31 January 2010

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are trading accusations and threats after the killing of a top Hamas commander in the United Arab Emirates. 

Israeli officials say a Hamas commander who was found dead in the Persian Gulf city state of Dubai played a central role in smuggling weapons from Iran to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.  But officials stopped short of confirming Hamas allegations that Israel's Mossad spy agency assassinated the commander, Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.

Nuristan Female Engagement Team Bonds With Local Women

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Nuristan provincial reconstruction team's female engagement team visited Nengarach village to hold a female shura and help start a community self help project, Jan. 26.

The objective of the shura was to take the women through the process of filling out a project proposal for a community self help project involving sewing machines.

Sixteen women attended the shura, including a village's malik, or tribal leader; an interpreter; and five women from the Nuristan PRT.

The team leaders who organized the shura were U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Stacey Gross of Lakeville Minn., the information operations officer for the Nuristan PRT, and Leah Kaplan of Denver, Colo., the U.S. Agency for International Development representative for the Nuristan PRT.

Before the PRT can provide funds or materials for self-help projects under $5,000, the community must agree to make a contribution to the project.

US Reportedly Beefing Up Defenses in Persian Gulf

The U.S. is reportedly speeding up deployment of anti-missile defenses in four Persian Gulf nations and beefing up its naval presence in the region

VOA News 31 January 2010

U.S. media reports say the United States is speeding up the deployment of anti-missile defenses in four Persian Gulf nations as it continues to confront Iran over its nuclear program.

The reports say the United States is also beefing up its naval presence in the region with special ships with the ability to shoot down missiles.

New Iraqi Tanker Unit Takes the Lead

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs By Capt. David Franklin

01.30.2010  TAJI, Iraq – Just before dawn, an Iraqi officer approached Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Regiment, and began pointing at the nearest U.S. vehicle.

Using a simple gesture and stating one Arabic word, "Mutarjim," meaning interpreter, the Iraqi officer asked if the U.S. forces had brought one and if they were ready to begin the mission.

The Iraqi officer from 5th Iraqi Tank Battalion needed the interpreter so he could communicate with his counterpart, 1st Lt. Erich Roush, a native of Milwaukee, who is a platoon leader in Troop C. Roush and his Soldiers had been ordered to conduct a combined search with the Iraqi tankers for weapons in a small area along the Tigris River.

Roush said this was the first time

Afghan National Police Graduates: Women Officers, Tactical Responders

ANP Amps Up Security: Tactical Responders and First of Women Officers

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

01.30.2010  LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Afghan national police graduated 10 new members into a specialized program in a ceremony at the Highway Patrol Station, Jan. 24.

The ANP graduates took part in a six-week tactical response training, which was aimed at teaching quick reaction during emergencies. The course was instructed by various branches of the International Security Assistance Forces.

Gen. Ghulam Mostafa was in attendance in the ceremony and presented hats and scarves to the ISAF instructors. The general stated that he wanted the instructors to have the hats because he donned the same kind of cover when he fought against the Taliban.

The new graduates will now become

I-BIZ, Iraqis Near Completion of New Village School

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   Story by Sgt. Chad Nelson

01.30.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – With the support of U.S. Army-operated Iraq-based Industrial Zone, the local village of Al Khanik, Iraq, is nearing its construction of a new school, a project that demonstrates both cooperation and communication between U.S. forces and Iraqi leadership.

Before construction began, Chairman Arif, the chairman of the Tikrit City Council, made sure the Iraq ministry of education agreed with the construction of a new school and figured out where it would be placed, said Capt. Calvin Fisher, the I-BIZ officer in charge.

"We find the contractors, work out the price and make sure deadlines are being met," said Fisher, who said construction began in November 2009, when the 3rd Infantry Division took over operations of I-BIZ.

ANA and ISAF to Investigate Early Morning Incident

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan-international security force unit received small arms fire from an unknown source while conducting an operation in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, early this morning. The joint patrol returned fire.

Initial post-operational reports indicate the small arms fire originated from an Afghan National Army combat outpost, and the subsequent air support called by the joint force likely killed at least four ANA soldiers.

"We work extremely hard to coordinate and synchronize our operations. This is a regrettable incident and our thoughts go out to the families of those killed and wounded," said Brig Gen. Eric Tremblay, ISAF Spokesperson.

"As stated in the Afghan Ministry of Defence news release issued earlier today, ISAF and ANA will conduct a joint investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of this unfortunate incident," said MOD spokesman Gen. Azimi.

IJC Op Update Jan. 30: Children Injured When Playing With Bomb

ISAF Joint Command 

01.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force searched a compound west of the town of Nakhonay, in the Panjwayee district of Kandahar last night and captured a Taliban commander and other insurgents responsible for planning IED attacks and ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces.

No shots were fired and no Afghan citizens were harmed during the operation.

In other operations, a joint security force found a weapons cache in the Maiwand district of Kandahar yesterday. The cache contained 50 mortar rounds and 20 car batteries. An ISAF explosive ordnance disposal team is assisting with disposal of the cache.

Lt. Col. Lee Archer, Tuskegee Airman, passes

Lt. Col. Lee Archer died Jan. 27, 2010, at the age of 90. He was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and flew some 169 combat missions during World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones)

1/29/2010 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Lt. Col. Lee Archer, a World War II fighter pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen, died Jan. 27 at the age of 90. He died of coronary complications at New York Hospital in New York City.

Colonel Archer entered the Army in November 1941 and received training as a telegrapher and field network-communications specialist. In December 1942, he was accepted into aviation cadet training and reported to the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee, Ala.

On July 28, 1943,

ISF arrest 13 in security operations targeting AQI explosives cells

Written by United States Forces - Iraq PAO Saturday, January 30, 2010 10:52

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two wanted al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) explosives-cell members and 11 suspected criminal associates today during three joint security operations conducted in Baghdad and northern Iraq.

In western Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for an AQI explosives-cell member who assists in the transportation of money and explosives for the terrorist organization into Abu Ghraib.

Security Forces Member Helps Keep Base Safe

506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs  Story by Senior Airman Mindy Bloem

01.29.2010  Like many young boys, he dreamed of being a cop and carrying a weapon. When he was 17, he learned he could carry a weapon and be a cop earlier than his original plan of joining the police academy at 21. He graduated school early and enlisted in the Air Force as a security forces member.

Now 19, Airman 1st Class Cody Pittman, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron member, deployed from the 940th SFS, Beale AFB, Calif., has just arrived for his first deployment in Kirkuk (an assignment he volunteered for) to defend and secure the base – a responsibility he takes very seriously.

"The fact that everyone on base can sleep well at night because I make sure no one gets on base who is not supposed to gives me satisfaction," he said.

Pittman is the heavy weapon member for his patrol. His job is to

Final combat boot test results are in

by Brad Jessmer  Air Force Uniform Office

1/29/2010 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The results from the test of a prototype Airman Battle Uniform stain-resistant boot for wear in industrial environments have been released. These results are based on testing that concluded in October 2009.

The wear test choice is a full-grain leather boot, that incorporates a rubber toe and heal cap that resists staining and increases durability.

Air Force officials announced Jan. 28 the results of the recent Airman Battle Uniform combat boot wear test. The boot of choice, which includes a rubber-coated toe and heel, is pictured on the right. Research began to develop a stain-resistant boot to overcome issues with the current suede sage green boot, pictured on the left. Specialists with the Air Force Uniform Office, part of the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, oversaw the testing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad Jessmer)

Cancer Free, Serving Proud: Kirkuk Airman Shares His Story

506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs  Story by Master Sgt. Martie Moore

"He had a tube down his nose; IV's in his arms, had lost a lot of weight and was heavily medicated. He looked really rough and he looked up at me and said, 'I'm comin' back, Chief,'" said Chief Master Sgt. Ronnie Barham, 506th Air Expeditionary Group chief enlisted manager.

That was seven years ago.

"I had a dry cough and couldn't stay warm. I just thought I had the flu," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Duran, 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron structures technician deployed from 301st CES Joint Reserve Field Carswell Fort Worth, Texas.

The cough lasted about three months before high fevers started setting in and Duran's friends finally convinced him to go to the doctor. The x-rays revealed his spleen was three times its normal size -- he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to the National Cancer Association, symptoms include

Mississippi Guardsmen Recover Vehicles Throughout Northern Iraq

15th Sustainment Brigade Story by Capt. Murray Shugars

01.29.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq — Mississippi Army National Guard members here conducted a record number of vehicle recovery missions Jan. 18 - 19.

The quick reaction force for recovering vehicles – a small detachment of Soldiers from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Brigade Combat Team, out of Oxford and Indianola, Miss., – completed six recoveries in two days with only a few hours of sleep.

AFG Soldier's Heritage Makes Impact Among Populace

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO  Story by Albert L. Kelley

01.29.2010  KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Fahad A. Khan didn't need a translator to make small talk with the local baker.

Khan ordered a delicacy of sweet bread and chai tea for himself and four others in his unit as he and the owner of the shop exchanged pleasantries in Urdu. Afterwards, Khan accepted the foil-wrapped sweetbread, which was pulled out of a stone oven only seconds before.

During his deployment in eastern Afghanistan as a squad leader with 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team's 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Khan has discovered the locals react very favorably when they realize he speaks their language.

"[They are] extremely happy," he said. "Very welcoming. And they are always wondering why the others don't speak Urdu or Arabic."

Khan was born in

BYU 's Class Act

A video that shows, so few words, can say so very much!!

Military Police Teach Iraqis to Properly Handle Evidence

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

01.29.2010  AL SINIYAH AIRBASE, Iraq – "What's the most important thing to remember when collecting evidence?" asked Staff Sgt. James Upton, a squad leader in 1st Platoon, 363rd Military Police Company.

"Wear gloves!" responded the Iraqi Army soldiers in unison.

This simple dialogue demonstrates one of the many lessons Iraqi Soldiers learned during the evidence collection training conducted at Al Siniyah Airbase, Iraq, Jan. 17-19. The training was organized by Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., and taught by Soldiers of 1st Plt., 363rd MP Co., an Army Reserve unit from Jane Lew, W. Va.

Sec. of State Clinton on Afghan Women's Rights, Russia, Ukraine and more

Transcript of VOA Interview with Secretary of State Clinton

The following is a transcript of an interview VOA State Department Correspondent David Gollust had with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Paris 29 Jan 2010. In the interview, Clinton discussed developments in Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Burma and China.

VOA  David Gollust | Paris 29 January 2010

GOLLUST: Madam Secretary, I have a question left over from the London conference on Afghanistan. Before your news conference, several of us reporters talked to the women's rights advocates from Afghanistan. They expressed some real concern that the reconciliation process contemplated by [Afghan] President [Hamid] Karzai might mean that their interest would be sacrificed in the interest of some accommodation with Taliban people. I know the United States won't be involved in the reconciliation, but is there any kind of assurance you can offer them that their interests might be protected?

CLINTON:  Well, David, I share that concern, which is why I have not only spoken with a number of Afghan women and listened to their concerns but also to President Karzai and others about them. There is

US Republicans Question Treatment of Christmas Day Terror Suspect

A top Republican in the U.S. Senate is questioning the Obama administration's treatment of the man arrested in connection with the attempted bombing of a U.S. airliner last month.

30 January 2010   VOA News

In Saturday's weekly Republican address, Senator Susan Collins expressed her shock and disbelief that federal investigators spent only 50 minutes questioning bombing suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, before they allowed him to meet with a court-appointed attorney.

Collins says the FBI unilaterally decided to treat Abdulmutallab like a common criminal, not like the foreign terrorist that he is suspected of being, without consulting any of the nation's top intelligence agencies.

The senator calls the decision dangerous, and she accuses the Obama administration of having a "blind spot" when it comes to the war on terror.

Afghan Taliban Deny Meeting with UN

The Taliban are denying reports their leaders have met with a U.N. official to discuss prospects for peace in Afghanistan.

VOA News 30 January 2010

The Taliban issued a statement Saturday saying the reports of them meeting with Kai Eide, the U.N. representative for Afghanistan, were baseless "rumors." 

The militants' statement said their refusal to negotiate peace had ensured the failure of this week's international conference in London on stabilizing Afghanistan.

An unidentified U.N. official attending the conference said Thursday the Taliban had met secretly with Eide about the possibility of beginning peace talks with the government.

The official said the meeting took place January 8 in Dubai and was held at the militants' request. 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

Keeping the Convoys

Prof. Andew Lubin

The mission, Marines, is to secure a stretch of road where both we and the Brits have taken IED casualties,” said First Lieutenant Stephen Strieby, 1st Platoon commander at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, just prior to jumping off on an Oct. 5 route reconnaissance mission.

“We’ll be sweeping an area 10 to 12 klicks [kilometers] south, out by that little village. We’ll be linking up with a British unit who’ll provide overwatch, and they’ll have snipers out to assist if necessary.”

Soldiers and Contractor Guards Share Goal

15th Sustainment Brigade  Story by: Capt. Daniel Schilleci

01.29.2010  CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Soldiers of the 163rd Ordnance Detachment, 395th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), played the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Inc. guards, employees of a civilian contractor, in the first of what became regular soccer matches at the field here Dec. 12, 2009.

The EODT guards, who were Ugandan natives, formed their own soccer team and needed an opponent to challenge on the soccer pitch.

Afghan Contractors Learn Procedure for Projects

 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Spc. Eugene Cushing

01.29.2010  NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Peace Dividend Trust conducted a class on the process of military procurement for local Afghan contractors at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, Jan. 20 through 22.

PDT, an organization dedicated to providing Afghan workers with better opportunities, worked with U.S. forces to provide the free class to local contractors, giving them the training necessary to obtain contracts for International Security Assistance Force projects.

Rawajuddin Dakhunda, a senior procurement trainer for PDT, was one of the class instructors. He explained that to get a contract from ISAF paperwork must be filled out in English, which makes it difficult for local businesses to fully understand the process.

Officials Say Obama Administration Considers Moving 9/11 Trial

The White House is facing strong political opposition to plans to hold trials in New York for five key suspects in the September 11 World Trade Center attacks. New York's mayor Michael Bloomberg recently asked the Obama administration to hold the trial somewhere else.

VOA  Elizabeth Lee | Washington 30 January 2010

The self proclaimed mastermind of the September 11 attacks may not have his day in court in New York, just minutes from where the Twin Towers once stood.

China to Sanction U.S. Companies Over Arms Sales to Taiwan

China Suspends Military Exchanges, Will Sanction US Companies That Sell Arms to Taiwan

VOA News 30 January 2010

State media say China is suspending military exchanges with the United States and will level sanctions against U.S. companies that sell arms to Taiwan after Washington said it intends to sell $6 billion in military equipment to Taiwan.

The official Xinhua news agency carried a strongly-worded statement from the ministry Saturday saying scheduled mutual visits by military personnel have been canceled because of the weapons deal.

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FP Take Lead in Patrolling Operations

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs Story by Spc. Rebecca Schwab

01.29.2010  BAGHDAD, Iraq – Only a few years ago, it might have been hard to believe a quiet, peaceful patrol on the streets of Baghdad where U.S. Soldiers work together with Iraqi authorities could be possible.

Today, seeing is believing as Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, regularly carry out presence patrols in Baghdad mahalas, or residential neighborhoods, with Iraqi Federal Police planning and leading the missions.

Army leaders say the ultimate goal is to turn those operations entirely over to their Iraqi counterparts.

"The main reason why we are here is

Airpower Summary for Jan. 27

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Balocan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots responded with cannon-fire strafing runs when friendly forces reported taking enemy small arms fire. The enemy fire ceased immediately.

A-10 pilots were again in the area providing armed overwatch and aerial surveillance for friendly ground forces. The pilots were looking for any suspicious or pre-emptive enemy movement prior to the friendly forces entering the area. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to continue deterring any enemy movement in the area.

A B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed escort to a large friendly-forces convoy during the night. The aircrew remained overhead during the entire movement. A show of force was conducted midway to deter enemy action.

Asmar

Veterans See Improvement in Iraqi Army

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs  Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

01.29.2010  COMBAT OUTPOST HAMIYAH, Iraq – On an overcast day at Combat Outpost Hamiyah, Soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 3rd Brigade, 8th Division, listened intently as they received instruction from Soldiers of the U.S. Army's, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Waiting for his interpreter to translate his instruction, Staff Sgt. Joseph Strauch, an infantryman assigned to "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, patiently demonstrated the finer points of clearing a building.

When his Iraqi-counterpart asked if his Soldiers were doing anything wrong, Strauch quickly reassured him.

"No, you guys aren't doing anything wrong," he said. "You've just reached the point where we can move on to the next level. Your guys are ready for more advanced training."

With a satisfied nod from the Iraqi sergeant, the training continued.

According to Strauch, the situation was a far-cry from what he experienced when he was trying to train the Iraqi Army for the first time five years ago at Forward Operating Base Justice.

AFG ANA Leads Fight in Lashkar Gah, ISAF Supporting

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – ANSF forces reacted quickly to contain an insurgent attack on the Afghan National Army's Sharwali Barracks, located on the western edge of Lashkar Gah this morning and are currently in the process of providing additional troops.

According to initial reports, the small arms fire attack was primarily from an unoccupied four story building to the south of the barracks. Insurgents fired two rockets from

Turkey Becomes Refuge for Fleeing Iranians

VOA News Dorian Jones | Istanbul 29 January 2010

Iranians fleeing the Tehran government's crackdown on its opponents are increasingly seeking refuge in Turkey.   Months of continuing political instability in Iran and the lack of visa requirements in Turkey are turning the country into a sanctuary for those trying to escape Iran's political crisis.

The twice weekly train from Tehran draws into Istanbul's Haydarpasha station.   Spilling from the passenger cars, a steady trickle of Iranians fleeing the sometimes violent crackdown by Iranian

Tony Blair at Iraq Inquiry Says War was Right and He'd do Again

VOA News Sonja Pace | London 29 January 2010

 

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair testified before a public inquiry in London about the Iraq War. Mr. Blair remains adamant the decision to go to war against Saddam Hussein was right and necessary and he'd do it again.

In long awaited testimony before the inquiry panel, former prime minister Tony Blair staunchly defended his decision to join the United States in going to war in Iraq in 2003.

He said he firmly believed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and posed a serious

RIP PFC Scott G. Barnett

DOD Identifies Army Casualty 
 

  The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

      Pfc. Scott G. Barnett, 24, of Concord, Calif., died Jan. 28 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries sustained while supporting combat operations.  He was assigned to the 412th Aviation Support Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Katterbach, Germany.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Officials in Iraq Confirm Death of Key Terrorist

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs  Courtesy Story 01.28.2010

WASHINGTON - Officials in Iraq have positively identified a terrorist killed, Jan. 22, after he attacked a security-team member acting on a warrant against him.

Multiple tests, including fingerprint matches, confirmed the identity of Saad Uwayyd Ubayd Mujil al-Shammari, also known as Abu Khalaf. Shammari was name in a court-issued warrant as a key al-Qaida in Iraq member wanted for facilitating the entry of hundreds of foreign terrorists from Syria into Iraq since 2006.

For the past four years, Shammari was considered by U.S. and Iraqi intelligence officials to be a

US to Sell More than $6 Billion in Arms to Taiwan

VOA News 29 January 2010

The Obama administration says it plans to approve more than $6 billion in arms sales to Taiwan.

The Pentagon's Defense Cooperation Security Agency says it has notified Congress of possible sales that include 60 Black Hawk helicopters and technical and other related logistics support, worth an estimated $3.1 billion. 

The agency says the possible sale includes 114 Patriot advanced capability missiles, radar sets and other related equipment and services, worth $2.8 billion, two Osprey class mine-hunting ships, and other