Friday, July 30, 2004
Iraq War News
By Toby Harnden in Sadr City
SOMETHING about Sadr City was not quite right. An hour earlier, there had been the usual throngs of barefoot children running out from between the piles of rotting garbage and pools of sewage to wave at American soldiers.
But as the four Humvees and two Bradley fighting vehicles of the Iron Deuce platoon of Warrior Company rumbled out from Camp Eagle towards the centre of the slum, the main streets were empty apart from a tethered donkey and a few wandering goats.
Small knots of men peered out from alleyways. A lone figure appeared from a rooftop and then vanished. “It’s kind of quiet around here,” said Specialist Daniel Brown, driving Humvee Alpha Three Six. Just 21, he had already seen more action in the past six weeks than many infantrymen do in two decades.
Sergeant Michael Williams and Staff Sergeant Robert Miltenberger surveyed the scene through the sights of their M-16 rifles.“Staff Sergeant, if anything happens and I get hit, my bandages are in my left cargo pocket,” said Sgt Williams, 30, a tobacco-chewing father of four and self-proclaimed “grunt from Texas”. ”Okay,” said Staff Sgt Miltenberger, at 38 one of the oldest men in the platoon. “I though for a moment you wanted me to tell your wife you loved her.”
From the Humvee behind, a loudspeaker began to blare out a message in Arabic prepared by the “psyops” –psychological operations – team. “To all Iraqis, peace be upon you…Help us make your proud community safer and turn in your functional weapons for cash.”
Many soldiers were skeptical about the “weapons buy-back” programme was worthwhile. With $200 being offered for an AK-47 – around four times the local value – the danger was that the Mahdi Army might give in guns simply to get money to buy more.
Led by Moqtada Sadr, a 31-year-old fiery Islamist cleric, the Mahdi Army is engaged in a deadly fight for control of Sadr City, named after his father, a revered religious figure. The younger Sadr enjoys only minority support – perhaps 10 or 20 per cent - but a Mahdi reign of terror in the area has helped stifle opposition.
Home to an estimated 2.5 million impoverished Shia, Sadr City, was formerly called Saddam City, a calculated insult from Saddam Hussein, whose dictatorship had systematically oppressed Iraq’s majority Shia population. After a year of relative calm, Sadr’s men killed eight soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the US Army’s 5th Cavalry Regiment after mounting an ambush on April 4th, the day the mechanised infantry unit took responsibility for the area. Hundreds of Mahdi men died.
Apart from publicising the weapons buyback scheme, the aim of the afternoon patrol was to visit the Tatheeb police station to assess the morale of Iraqi police officers, most of whom deserted their posts on April 4th, and monitor Mahdi activity in their neighbourhood. With the six vehicles parked in defensive positions outside the police station, Lieutenant Dave Swanson, the 25-year-old West Point graduate commanding the Iron Deuce platoon, went inside to talk to the chief of police.
Removing his helmet to reveal a completely bald pate, Lt Swanson began to discuss the problem of policemen failing to turn up for work. “I don’t quit my job and they’re shooting at me too,” he explained through an interpreter. As he spoke a shot rang out from the south, quickly followed by two more. “AK”, he said. “First one sounded like a misfire.” Ordering two soldiers onto the roof, he calmly continued his conversation.
Minutes later, there was a much louder bang as a Rocket Propelled Grenade was fired at the vehicles outside. It was followed by the throaty rattle of an RPK light machine-gun from the south and then more AK-47s, this time from the east. “Looks like we’re about to have us a little shoot out,” said Lt Swanson.
Outside, the psyops team had been handing out leaflets about the weapon buyback to children who were taking them across the street to their parents. The adults were tearing them up the leaflets and throwing them on the ground. About eight children had been gathered around a Humvee when the first Mahdi shots were fired.
Staff Sgt Miltenberger, stationed on the roof, yelled down into the station courtyard that he could see a gunman firing from around a corner. “Well, as soon as he comes round the corner, you pick him off.” The NCO opened fire to the south. “Get him,” shouted Lt Swanson. “Shoot him Milt.” Fire was now coming in from three sides, leaving only the entrance to the police station clear. “Get everybody in here,” ordered Lt Swanson, detailing Sergeant 1st Class Eric Ivey, 29, the platoon sergeant, to assign each man a position.
A full-scale gun battle was now raging with the machine gunners from all six vehicles outside laying down a carpet of fire. The rattle of the RPK ceased suddenly. “I was just informed the Bradley took that RPK out,” said Sgt Ivey. Out in the street, a wailing chant was being broadcast. “Is that a call to worship?” Lt Swanson asked the police chief. It was too early for that. Instead, someone at the mosque was beckoning people to battle.
More and more Mahdi men were flocking to the area. “See if we can draw them to us and take them out,” said Lt Swanson to Sgt Ivey. “Then we’ll roll out.” The three-man psyops team had driven out in an unarmoured Humvee. Lieutenant Peter East, 27, normally the night battle commander from the base Tactical Operations Centre, came into the police station. This was his first combat patrol. “I got an RPG near me, about 15 to 20 feet away,” he said. “That was pretty sweet. This is what I wanted to see.”
With most of his 24 soldiers and the three psyops soldiers inside the police station there was no sign of the assault abating. “White One, White Four,” said Sgt Ivey to Lt Swanson, now on the roof. “What do you want to do?” Taking the fight to the enemy in the six vehicles was impossible because of the vulnerability of the psyops Humvee. Remaining at the police station would only further endanger the platoon and the Iraqi police. An RPG slammed into one of the Humvees, bouncing off the armour. It was time to leave, Lt Swanson decided.
There was a swift discussion about which route to take. Each road had been assigned a code name and there were two basic choices – head through the safer, southern sector via Florida and Arrows, the long way back, or head north through the eye of the storm and straight to base.
“Let’s head down Copper,” said Lt Swanson, plumping for the most direct route. “We’ve got to just shoot through and hope nothing hits us.” The heavily-armoured Bradleys were to take the front and rear.
If a Humvee was hit and taken out of action, the Bradleys were to draw up beside them to shield them from fire while any casualties were pulled out. By this time an AK-47 had opened up opposite the police station. With the crews of the Bradleys laying down suppressing fire, the soldiers from the Humvees ran out of the police station and clambered back into their vehicles. “Let’s get your asses out of here,” shouted Lt Swanson.
Sgt Ivey, taking up the rear, spotted a man with an Ak-47 creeping down an alley beside the police station. “He had blue jeans and a shirt on,” he recalled afterwards. “He got two shots off but they went over my head. I put four in his chest and he just fell backwards.” Another gunman appeared from the alley opposite. “I just held the trigger and squeezed off a few rounds. I think I got him in the leg.”
A third gunman appeared from the alley where the first had been shot. “I could hear the rounds bouncing off the vehicles and landing at my feet,” said Sgt Ivey. “I just grabbed my guys and we dove into the back of a Bradley.” As the six-vehicle convoy moved off towards route Copper, the Mahdi fire intensified. In Humvee Alpha Three Six, in the middle of the group, Sgt Williams let out a battle cry. “Yeehaah,” he screamed as he aimed his M-16. “Come on! Get some!”
As the vehicles sped up Copper, the shooting subsided and the crowds swarmed onto the streets. At the intersection with route Bravo an old
refrigerator and the metal frame of a car had been put down to block the road. Specialist Brown braked and pulled the Humvee to the right as the convoy threaded its way through.
An old man dressed in a white robe beckoned the vehicles up the street towards a burning barricade of tyres and rubbish. A common Mahdi tactic is to use barricades to slow down or trap vehicles and then mount an ambush. Lt Swanson ordered a u-turn.
Alpha Three Six swung around. “Let’s do it baby, let’s do it!” whooped Sgt Williams as an RPG whooshed past from behind the barricade. “Hell, yes! Come on! I wasn’t feeling very loved. I hadn’t got shot at in a while.”
Sgt Jacob Kramer, 29, on the 7.62mm machine gun mounted on top, shot at each muzzle flash from the buildings to the right. Lt East, in the lead Humvee, spotted a gunman running towards his vehicle from a side street. “He was carrying one of the few AKs I’ve seen with a
shoulder stock,” he said afterwards. “I fired three shots and hit him almost dead centre. “His whole body hunched over and he fell forward. There was a dark reddish spot spreading across his chest. The way the bullets are made, if you hit someone there it’s a pretty fair assumption he’s going to be dead.”
The patrol headed south and back to the longer route home to base. Alpha Three Six plunged through a deep trench filled with effluent, sending it spraying up into the vehicle and onto the street. Speeding along, the convoy passed a clothes shop dedicated to the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo and a barber’s called “Georg Michael”. By the playground US soldiers call Disneyland, some children waved. One boy raised him arms to simulate firing a shot.
As the convoy arrived back at Camp Eagle there was relief there had been no casualties but also excitement. “You missed the fun,” shouted one soldier at another on guard duty and then laughed. “He’s going to be all bent out of shape.”
An estimated seven or eight Mahdi Army members were killed in the afternoon firefight. While the Mahdi had been unsuccessful this time, the swiftness with which they attacked and then set up barricades to block off escape routes indicated a growing tactical sophistication.
That evening, Lt Swanson led a six-vehicle Bradley patrol that claimed 12 more Mahdi lives with no American casualties.
The next day, the men of Iron Deuce were gathered at a cigarette factory that had been designated for guns to be handed back. Seven hours into their duty a grand total of two AK-47s and one vintage Russian machine gun had been received.
There had been little pause to reflect on the enemy dead. “It’s an odd feeling to kill someone,” said Lt East, from Connecticut. “It’s not sadness. I’m not happy about it. It’s just a strange feeling knowing you’ve done that.” Sgt Williams was angry at the way the Mahdi fought. “They’re
fighting us like cowards,” he said. “We’re out there trying to help them and they’re shooting us, using children as shields.”
For Specialist Brown, from Dallas, the war in Sadr City is primarily about protecting his platoon. “None of it bothers me really, he said. “I’m just out there doing what I have to stay alive – keep all of us alive – and go home.”
Ends
Iraq War News
SOMETHING about Sadr City was not quite right. An hour earlier, there had been the usual throngs of barefoot children running out from between the piles of rotting garbage and pools of sewage to wave at American soldiers.
But as the four Humvees and two Bradley fighting vehicles of the Iron Deuce platoon of Warrior Company rumbled out from Camp Eagle towards the centre of the slum, the main streets were empty apart from a tethered donkey and a few wandering goats.
Small knots of men peered out from alleyways. A lone figure appeared from a rooftop and then vanished. “It’s kind of quiet around here,” said Specialist Daniel Brown, driving Humvee Alpha Three Six. Just 21, he had already seen more action in the past six weeks than many infantrymen do in two decades.
Sergeant Michael Williams and Staff Sergeant Robert Miltenberger surveyed the scene through the sights of their M-16 rifles.“Staff Sergeant, if anything happens and I get hit, my bandages are in my left cargo pocket,” said Sgt Williams, 30, a tobacco-chewing father of four and self-proclaimed “grunt from Texas”. ”Okay,” said Staff Sgt Miltenberger, at 38 one of the oldest men in the platoon. “I though for a moment you wanted me to tell your wife you loved her.”
From the Humvee behind, a loudspeaker began to blare out a message in Arabic prepared by the “psyops” –psychological operations – team. “To all Iraqis, peace be upon you…Help us make your proud community safer and turn in your functional weapons for cash.”
Many soldiers were skeptical about the “weapons buy-back” programme was worthwhile. With $200 being offered for an AK-47 – around four times the local value – the danger was that the Mahdi Army might give in guns simply to get money to buy more.
Led by Moqtada Sadr, a 31-year-old fiery Islamist cleric, the Mahdi Army is engaged in a deadly fight for control of Sadr City, named after his father, a revered religious figure. The younger Sadr enjoys only minority support – perhaps 10 or 20 per cent - but a Mahdi reign of terror in the area has helped stifle opposition.
Home to an estimated 2.5 million impoverished Shia, Sadr City, was formerly called Saddam City, a calculated insult from Saddam Hussein, whose dictatorship had systematically oppressed Iraq’s majority Shia population. After a year of relative calm, Sadr’s men killed eight soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the US Army’s 5th Cavalry Regiment after mounting an ambush on April 4th, the day the mechanised infantry unit took responsibility for the area. Hundreds of Mahdi men died.
Apart from publicising the weapons buyback scheme, the aim of the afternoon patrol was to visit the Tatheeb police station to assess the morale of Iraqi police officers, most of whom deserted their posts on April 4th, and monitor Mahdi activity in their neighbourhood. With the six vehicles parked in defensive positions outside the police station, Lieutenant Dave Swanson, the 25-year-old West Point graduate commanding the Iron Deuce platoon, went inside to talk to the chief of police.
Removing his helmet to reveal a completely bald pate, Lt Swanson began to discuss the problem of policemen failing to turn up for work. “I don’t quit my job and they’re shooting at me too,” he explained through an interpreter. As he spoke a shot rang out from the south, quickly followed by two more. “AK”, he said. “First one sounded like a misfire.” Ordering two soldiers onto the roof, he calmly continued his conversation.
Minutes later, there was a much louder bang as a Rocket Propelled Grenade was fired at the vehicles outside. It was followed by the throaty rattle of an RPK light machine-gun from the south and then more AK-47s, this time from the east. “Looks like we’re about to have us a little shoot out,” said Lt Swanson.
Outside, the psyops team had been handing out leaflets about the weapon buyback to children who were taking them across the street to their parents. The adults were tearing them up the leaflets and throwing them on the ground. About eight children had been gathered around a Humvee when the first Mahdi shots were fired.
Staff Sgt Miltenberger, stationed on the roof, yelled down into the station courtyard that he could see a gunman firing from around a corner. “Well, as soon as he comes round the corner, you pick him off.” The NCO opened fire to the south. “Get him,” shouted Lt Swanson. “Shoot him Milt.” Fire was now coming in from three sides, leaving only the entrance to the police station clear. “Get everybody in here,” ordered Lt Swanson, detailing Sergeant 1st Class Eric Ivey, 29, the platoon sergeant, to assign each man a position.
A full-scale gun battle was now raging with the machine gunners from all six vehicles outside laying down a carpet of fire. The rattle of the RPK ceased suddenly. “I was just informed the Bradley took that RPK out,” said Sgt Ivey. Out in the street, a wailing chant was being broadcast. “Is that a call to worship?” Lt Swanson asked the police chief. It was too early for that. Instead, someone at the mosque was beckoning people to battle.
More and more Mahdi men were flocking to the area. “See if we can draw them to us and take them out,” said Lt Swanson to Sgt Ivey. “Then we’ll roll out.” The three-man psyops team had driven out in an unarmoured Humvee. Lieutenant Peter East, 27, normally the night battle commander from the base Tactical Operations Centre, came into the police station. This was his first combat patrol. “I got an RPG near me, about 15 to 20 feet away,” he said. “That was pretty sweet. This is what I wanted to see.”
With most of his 24 soldiers and the three psyops soldiers inside the police station there was no sign of the assault abating. “White One, White Four,” said Sgt Ivey to Lt Swanson, now on the roof. “What do you want to do?” Taking the fight to the enemy in the six vehicles was impossible because of the vulnerability of the psyops Humvee. Remaining at the police station would only further endanger the platoon and the Iraqi police. An RPG slammed into one of the Humvees, bouncing off the armour. It was time to leave, Lt Swanson decided.
There was a swift discussion about which route to take. Each road had been assigned a code name and there were two basic choices – head through the safer, southern sector via Florida and Arrows, the long way back, or head north through the eye of the storm and straight to base.
“Let’s head down Copper,” said Lt Swanson, plumping for the most direct route. “We’ve got to just shoot through and hope nothing hits us.” The heavily-armoured Bradleys were to take the front and rear.
If a Humvee was hit and taken out of action, the Bradleys were to draw up beside them to shield them from fire while any casualties were pulled out. By this time an AK-47 had opened up opposite the police station. With the crews of the Bradleys laying down suppressing fire, the soldiers from the Humvees ran out of the police station and clambered back into their vehicles. “Let’s get your asses out of here,” shouted Lt Swanson.
Sgt Ivey, taking up the rear, spotted a man with an Ak-47 creeping down an alley beside the police station. “He had blue jeans and a shirt on,” he recalled afterwards. “He got two shots off but they went over my head. I put four in his chest and he just fell backwards.” Another gunman appeared from the alley opposite. “I just held the trigger and squeezed off a few rounds. I think I got him in the leg.”
A third gunman appeared from the alley where the first had been shot. “I could hear the rounds bouncing off the vehicles and landing at my feet,” said Sgt Ivey. “I just grabbed my guys and we dove into the back of a Bradley.” As the six-vehicle convoy moved off towards route Copper, the Mahdi fire intensified. In Humvee Alpha Three Six, in the middle of the group, Sgt Williams let out a battle cry. “Yeehaah,” he screamed as he aimed his M-16. “Come on! Get some!”
As the vehicles sped up Copper, the shooting subsided and the crowds swarmed onto the streets. At the intersection with route Bravo an old
refrigerator and the metal frame of a car had been put down to block the road. Specialist Brown braked and pulled the Humvee to the right as the convoy threaded its way through.
An old man dressed in a white robe beckoned the vehicles up the street towards a burning barricade of tyres and rubbish. A common Mahdi tactic is to use barricades to slow down or trap vehicles and then mount an ambush. Lt Swanson ordered a u-turn.
Alpha Three Six swung around. “Let’s do it baby, let’s do it!” whooped Sgt Williams as an RPG whooshed past from behind the barricade. “Hell, yes! Come on! I wasn’t feeling very loved. I hadn’t got shot at in a while.”
Sgt Jacob Kramer, 29, on the 7.62mm machine gun mounted on top, shot at each muzzle flash from the buildings to the right. Lt East, in the lead Humvee, spotted a gunman running towards his vehicle from a side street. “He was carrying one of the few AKs I’ve seen with a
shoulder stock,” he said afterwards. “I fired three shots and hit him almost dead centre. “His whole body hunched over and he fell forward. There was a dark reddish spot spreading across his chest. The way the bullets are made, if you hit someone there it’s a pretty fair assumption he’s going to be dead.”
The patrol headed south and back to the longer route home to base. Alpha Three Six plunged through a deep trench filled with effluent, sending it spraying up into the vehicle and onto the street. Speeding along, the convoy passed a clothes shop dedicated to the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo and a barber’s called “Georg Michael”. By the playground US soldiers call Disneyland, some children waved. One boy raised him arms to simulate firing a shot.
As the convoy arrived back at Camp Eagle there was relief there had been no casualties but also excitement. “You missed the fun,” shouted one soldier at another on guard duty and then laughed. “He’s going to be all bent out of shape.”
An estimated seven or eight Mahdi Army members were killed in the afternoon firefight. While the Mahdi had been unsuccessful this time, the swiftness with which they attacked and then set up barricades to block off escape routes indicated a growing tactical sophistication.
That evening, Lt Swanson led a six-vehicle Bradley patrol that claimed 12 more Mahdi lives with no American casualties.
The next day, the men of Iron Deuce were gathered at a cigarette factory that had been designated for guns to be handed back. Seven hours into their duty a grand total of two AK-47s and one vintage Russian machine gun had been received.
There had been little pause to reflect on the enemy dead. “It’s an odd feeling to kill someone,” said Lt East, from Connecticut. “It’s not sadness. I’m not happy about it. It’s just a strange feeling knowing you’ve done that.” Sgt Williams was angry at the way the Mahdi fought. “They’re
fighting us like cowards,” he said. “We’re out there trying to help them and they’re shooting us, using children as shields.”
For Specialist Brown, from Dallas, the war in Sadr City is primarily about protecting his platoon. “None of it bothers me really, he said. “I’m just out there doing what I have to stay alive – keep all of us alive – and go home.”
Ends
Iraq War News
Iraq War News
Allawi seeks Muslim unity against terror: "Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi urged Islamic countries Thursday to "stand as one group" against terrorists and voiced support for formation of Saudi-led Muslim force to help stabilize his country."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
British parliament calls for more troops in Afghanistan: "LONDON (AP) - A British parliamentary committee called for more troops and resources to be sent to Afghanistan, warning the country could "implode" if its fragile situation is not shored up."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Sharon makes oblique reference to nukes: "The United States backs Israel's right to weapons of deterrence, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday, an oblique reference to Israel's secret store of nuclear weapons."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Militias said to set Sudanese on fire: "Arab militias chained civilians together and set them on fire in Sudan's western Darfur region, where tens of thousands have been killed in a 17-month conflict, according to a report by an African Union monitoring team."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis delay national conference 2 weeks: "A national conference considered a crucial first step in the country's fledgling move toward democracy was postponed for two weeks, an organizer said Thursday, a day after a massive car bombing that killed 70 people."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
in
in
Iraqi militants kidnap Somali man; bomb death toll at 70: "BAQOUBA, Iraq (AP) - The insurgent group of Jordanian militantAbu Musab al-Zarqawi kidnapped a Somali truck driver in Iraq andthreatened to behead him if his Kuwaiti company doesn't stopworking there, according to a videotape aired Thursday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Ukraine weighs withdrawal of troops from Iraq: "KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine is negotiating with the United States and Poland to reduce and eventually withdraw its troops from Iraq, a top defense official said Thursday, becoming the latest country to consider pulling out its mission."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Saddam said to have prostate infection: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein suffers from a chronic prostate infection and has refused to have a biopsy to prove he does not have cancer, an Iraqi official said in an interview Thursday on Al-Jazeera television."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi militants say Pakistani hostages killed: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - A militant group holding two Pakistani contractors hostage said Wednesday it had killed the men but freed their Iraqi driver, the television station Al-Jazeera reported."
In kgw.com: Iraq News
IRAQ: Focus on 'brain drain' due to insecurity and freedom: "BAGHDAD, 29 Jul 2004 (IRIN) - Iraq?s capital, Baghdad, is facing a 'brain drain' as doctors, judges, professors and businessmen look for jobs and safety in neighbouring countries."
In IRIN: Iraq Crisis
Allawi seeks Muslim unity against terror: "Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi urged Islamic countries Thursday to "stand as one group" against terrorists and voiced support for formation of Saudi-led Muslim force to help stabilize his country."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
British parliament calls for more troops in Afghanistan: "LONDON (AP) - A British parliamentary committee called for more troops and resources to be sent to Afghanistan, warning the country could "implode" if its fragile situation is not shored up."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Sharon makes oblique reference to nukes: "The United States backs Israel's right to weapons of deterrence, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday, an oblique reference to Israel's secret store of nuclear weapons."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Militias said to set Sudanese on fire: "Arab militias chained civilians together and set them on fire in Sudan's western Darfur region, where tens of thousands have been killed in a 17-month conflict, according to a report by an African Union monitoring team."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis delay national conference 2 weeks: "A national conference considered a crucial first step in the country's fledgling move toward democracy was postponed for two weeks, an organizer said Thursday, a day after a massive car bombing that killed 70 people."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
in
in
Iraqi militants kidnap Somali man; bomb death toll at 70: "BAQOUBA, Iraq (AP) - The insurgent group of Jordanian militantAbu Musab al-Zarqawi kidnapped a Somali truck driver in Iraq andthreatened to behead him if his Kuwaiti company doesn't stopworking there, according to a videotape aired Thursday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Ukraine weighs withdrawal of troops from Iraq: "KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine is negotiating with the United States and Poland to reduce and eventually withdraw its troops from Iraq, a top defense official said Thursday, becoming the latest country to consider pulling out its mission."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Saddam said to have prostate infection: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein suffers from a chronic prostate infection and has refused to have a biopsy to prove he does not have cancer, an Iraqi official said in an interview Thursday on Al-Jazeera television."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi militants say Pakistani hostages killed: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - A militant group holding two Pakistani contractors hostage said Wednesday it had killed the men but freed their Iraqi driver, the television station Al-Jazeera reported."
In kgw.com: Iraq News
IRAQ: Focus on 'brain drain' due to insecurity and freedom: "BAGHDAD, 29 Jul 2004 (IRIN) - Iraq?s capital, Baghdad, is facing a 'brain drain' as doctors, judges, professors and businessmen look for jobs and safety in neighbouring countries."
In IRIN: Iraq Crisis
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Iraq War News
U.S. allies defiant despite Iraq threats: "U.S. allies Poland, Japan and Bulgaria on Wednesday rejected threats of new attacks by militants if they don't pull their troops out of Iraq, and the U.S. death toll since the start of the war rose to 900 when a roadside bomb killed a soldier north of Baghdad."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Saudis say they found American's head: "The head of slain American hostage Paul M. Johnson Jr., who was kidnapped and decapitated by militants in Saudi Arabia last month, was found by security forces during a raid that targeted the hideout of the Saudi al-Qaida chief. Two militants were killed, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Hastert: 9/11 reforms unlikely this year: "Congress isn't likely to undertake major revisions of the nation's intelligence operations this year, House Speaker Dennis Hastert says, casting doubt on the Sept. 11 commission's push for immediate changes once its final report is released."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Berger: Incident was 'honest mistake': "Former national security adviser Sandy Berger says he regrets the way he handled classified terrorism documents, calling the whole thing "an honest mistake." Republicans say the matter raises questions about whether the former Clinton administration official sought to hide embarrassing materials."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
U.S. allies defiant despite Iraq threats: "U.S. allies Poland, Japan and Bulgaria on Wednesday rejected threats of new attacks by militants if they don't pull their troops out of Iraq, and the U.S. death toll since the start of the war rose to 900 when a roadside bomb killed a soldier north of Baghdad."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Saudis say they found American's head: "The head of slain American hostage Paul M. Johnson Jr., who was kidnapped and decapitated by militants in Saudi Arabia last month, was found by security forces during a raid that targeted the hideout of the Saudi al-Qaida chief. Two militants were killed, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Hastert: 9/11 reforms unlikely this year: "Congress isn't likely to undertake major revisions of the nation's intelligence operations this year, House Speaker Dennis Hastert says, casting doubt on the Sept. 11 commission's push for immediate changes once its final report is released."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Berger: Incident was 'honest mistake': "Former national security adviser Sandy Berger says he regrets the way he handled classified terrorism documents, calling the whole thing "an honest mistake." Republicans say the matter raises questions about whether the former Clinton administration official sought to hide embarrassing materials."
In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Iraq War News
British soldier killed in Iraq: "A British soldier was killed in Iraq today a Puma helicopter crashed at Basra airport."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Radicals make liquor sales difficult in Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - It's getting harder and harder to buy a beer in Baghdad."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
U.S. soldier in Iraq awarded Silver Star: "A U.S. soldier was awarded the Silver Star on Monday for thwarting an insurgent attack on an Iraqi police station and a governor's residence."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two men sneaking into Israel killed: "Jordanian border authorities shot and killed two armed men, wounded a third and arrested yet another in a 3 1/2-hour gunbattle Monday as the group tried to sneak across the frontier with Israel, a government spokeswoman said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Insurgents free Egyptian truck driver: "An Egyptian truck driver held hostage for two weeks by insurgents in Iraq was freed Monday and taken to the Egyptian Embassy, according to witnesses and embassy officials."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Gunman kills Israeli judge near Tel Aviv: "A gunman shot and killed a district court judge in a Tel Aviv suburb Monday evening, police said, and Israel's justice minister said it was the first such killing in Israel's history."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
The crisis of information in Baghdad (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Fear and loathing on the road to the White House (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Nine dead in truck bombing, Philippine troops quit Iraq: "A truck bomb blast near a Baghdad police station killed nine people, while the last Philippine soldier left Iraq to save a hostage theatened with beheading and whose fate remains a mystery. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
An emerging catastrophe (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Prosecutor censors Iran press over trial: "A hard-line prosecutor has ordered Iranian newspapers to censor their coverage of a trial of a secret agent accused of murdering an Iranian-Canadian photojournalist, journalists said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Government Official Assassinated: "From the AFP via The Australian :
In Command Post: Irak
Jewish settlements increase growth: "Jewish settlements slated for evacuation have grown rapidly since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced six months ago that he planned to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Militants kill top Iraqi official: "Militants killed a top official in Iraq's Defense Ministry in a drive-by shooting as he walked into his house in Baghdad, the ministry said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
British soldier killed in Iraq: "A British soldier was killed in Iraq today a Puma helicopter crashed at Basra airport."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Radicals make liquor sales difficult in Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - It's getting harder and harder to buy a beer in Baghdad."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
U.S. soldier in Iraq awarded Silver Star: "A U.S. soldier was awarded the Silver Star on Monday for thwarting an insurgent attack on an Iraqi police station and a governor's residence."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two men sneaking into Israel killed: "Jordanian border authorities shot and killed two armed men, wounded a third and arrested yet another in a 3 1/2-hour gunbattle Monday as the group tried to sneak across the frontier with Israel, a government spokeswoman said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Insurgents free Egyptian truck driver: "An Egyptian truck driver held hostage for two weeks by insurgents in Iraq was freed Monday and taken to the Egyptian Embassy, according to witnesses and embassy officials."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Gunman kills Israeli judge near Tel Aviv: "A gunman shot and killed a district court judge in a Tel Aviv suburb Monday evening, police said, and Israel's justice minister said it was the first such killing in Israel's history."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
The crisis of information in Baghdad (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Fear and loathing on the road to the White House (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Nine dead in truck bombing, Philippine troops quit Iraq: "A truck bomb blast near a Baghdad police station killed nine people, while the last Philippine soldier left Iraq to save a hostage theatened with beheading and whose fate remains a mystery. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
An emerging catastrophe (19 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Prosecutor censors Iran press over trial: "A hard-line prosecutor has ordered Iranian newspapers to censor their coverage of a trial of a secret agent accused of murdering an Iranian-Canadian photojournalist, journalists said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Government Official Assassinated: "From the AFP via The Australian :
A high-ranking official at Iraq's Defence Ministry was shot dead in a hail of bullets last night in Baghdad, a ministry spokesman said today."
" One of the director generals in the Ministry of Defence, Issam Jassem Kadhem, was assassinated at 10pm yesterday by unknown attackers who opened fire on him in the Saydia neighbourhood where he lives ," spokesman Radhi Badr told AFP.
In Command Post: Irak
Jewish settlements increase growth: "Jewish settlements slated for evacuation have grown rapidly since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced six months ago that he planned to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Militants kill top Iraqi official: "Militants killed a top official in Iraq's Defense Ministry in a drive-by shooting as he walked into his house in Baghdad, the ministry said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Monday, July 19, 2004
Iraq War News
Anti-terror plans loss 'very bad': "Home Secretary David Blunkett described the disappearance of a secret police dossier on counter-terror plans for Heathrow Airport as "very bad"."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Nine dead in Baghdad car bombing: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A fuel truck sped toward a police station in southwest Baghdad and exploded as policemen waited for their assignments early Monday, killing at least nine people and wounding 57, Iraqi officials and witnesses said."
In Modesto Bee: Iraq
Car Bomb Kills Nine: "
In Command Post: Irak
Olmsted's Iraq Report: July 18/04: "Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com .
TOP TOPICS
Other Topics Today Include: prisoner processing accelerated; Prime Minister takes justice into his own hands(?); al-Sadr's press starts up again; the wages of appeasement; the U.S. Army could emerge from Iraq even stronger.
Read the Rest?"
In Command Post: Irak
Bounty On Iraqi Prime Minister: "Reuter's reports:
In Command Post: Irak
Car Bombs Target Police : 2 Killed: "From The Australian :
In Command Post: Irak
Air Strike in Fallujah: "
In Command Post: Irak
Car Bomb Kills Six: "
In Command Post: Irak
Report: Philippines Paid Six Million Dollars for Release of Hostage: "The report comes from the Philippines Daily Tribune via Michelle Malkin .
The reaction of the Philippines government to the kidnapping has set off other terrorists :
Interesting developments."
In Command Post: Irak
Palestinians protest Arafat appointment: "In one of the most serious Palestinian challenges to his rule, militants angered by Yasser Arafat's choice of a relative to be security chief attacked government offices and battled forces loyal to the Palestinian leader."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Philippines completes pullout from Iraq: "The Philippines said Monday that it has completed the controversial withdrawal of its peacekeeping contingent from Iraq, meeting a demand by Iraqi insurgents threatening to behead a Filipino hostage."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Airstrike Kills 14 in Fallujah: "A U.S. airstrike authorized by Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi hit purported trenches and fighting positions in Fallujah used by al-Qaida linked foreign fighters, killing 14 people early Sunday, Iraqi officials said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Anti-terror plans loss 'very bad': "Home Secretary David Blunkett described the disappearance of a secret police dossier on counter-terror plans for Heathrow Airport as "very bad"."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Nine dead in Baghdad car bombing: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A fuel truck sped toward a police station in southwest Baghdad and exploded as policemen waited for their assignments early Monday, killing at least nine people and wounding 57, Iraqi officials and witnesses said."
In Modesto Bee: Iraq
Car Bomb Kills Nine: "
A fuel tanker truck raced toward a police station in southwest Baghdad early Monday, detonating and killing at least nine people and wounding about 52 others, Iraqi officials and witnesses said."
The tanker exploded as policemen took daily assignments from their officers at the station in Seidiyeh neighborhood, a wounded policemen said.
In Command Post: Irak
Olmsted's Iraq Report: July 18/04: "Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com .
TOP TOPICS
- Fallujah remains a flashpoint for problems, as a U.S. airstrike approved by the Iraqi government killed at least 11 yesterday. Whether or not this will reignite the battle for Fallujah is an open question.
- Joe looks at the allegations that Iraqi PM Allawi may have personally executed captured foreign jihadis .
- A suicide bomber attempted to kill Iraq's justice minister Saturday by ramming into his car. The minister survived, but five other people died in the attempt, as terrorists continue to target Iraqi leaders in hopes of preventing democracy from taking hold in Iraq.
Other Topics Today Include: prisoner processing accelerated; Prime Minister takes justice into his own hands(?); al-Sadr's press starts up again; the wages of appeasement; the U.S. Army could emerge from Iraq even stronger.
Read the Rest?"
In Command Post: Irak
Bounty On Iraqi Prime Minister: "Reuter's reports:
"
A group led by suspected al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi offered a reward of $282,000 on Sunday for the killing of Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, according to a statement posted on an Islamist Web site.
"We in Khalid bin al-Walid Brigade announce to the Iraqi people a reward of 200,000 Jordanian dinars ($282,000) to whoever gets us Allawi's head," said a group statement posted on the site.
The authenticity of the message could not be verified and it was unclear why the offer was made in Jordanian currency.
The brigade, which said it was part of Zarqawi's Tawhid and Jihad Group, blasted Allawi as an "American agent." Several earlier purported Zarqawi messages have threatened Allawi.
In Command Post: Irak
Car Bombs Target Police : 2 Killed: "From The Australian :
Two car bombs targeting police exploded in the city of Tikrit today killing two police officers and wounding five others, Iraqi authorities said."
[?]
One car bomb exploded near the Albu-Ajil police station in Tikrit this morning killing two police and wounding two others, according to Iraqi police Lt. Nabil Abdel-Hamid.
Another car bomb exploded near a police training centre in the city, wounding three officers, according to Iraqi police Capt. Louai Qahtan.
In Command Post: Irak
Air Strike in Fallujah: "
A military strik e was launched on a home in the Iraqi city of Fallujah today, the United States command said."
At least 10 people were killed, according to hospital and local officials.
Explosions rocked the restive city and angry crowds gathered near the building that was hit.
***
Angry crowds gathered around the house and they were chanting "God is great."
In Command Post: Irak
Car Bomb Kills Six: "
A car bomb struck the Iraqi justice minister's car as it passed through western Baghdad on Saturday, the latest in a wave of assassination attempts on government officials. Malik Dohan al-Hassan was unhurt but five bodyguards were killed."
The blast hit the tail end of al-Hassan's convoy at an intersection 500 yards from his home. At nearly the same time, a car bomb exploded outside an Iraqi National Guard headquarters in Mahmudiyah, 20 miles south of Baghdad. One person was killed and 25 were wounded, hospital officials said.
In Command Post: Irak
Report: Philippines Paid Six Million Dollars for Release of Hostage: "The report comes from the Philippines Daily Tribune via Michelle Malkin .
A ransom of $6 million was offered and paid out to the Iraqi rebels holding Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz hostage, to ensure his release before President Arroyo's scheduled State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 26, a high level Philippine intelligence officer told the Tribune yesterday.
The reaction of the Philippines government to the kidnapping has set off other terrorists :
TAKING advantage of the government's changed stance against terrorism, the New People's Army said it would not release the soldiers it captured until the government suspends all military and police operations in the Bicol region.
Interesting developments."
In Command Post: Irak
Palestinians protest Arafat appointment: "In one of the most serious Palestinian challenges to his rule, militants angered by Yasser Arafat's choice of a relative to be security chief attacked government offices and battled forces loyal to the Palestinian leader."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Philippines completes pullout from Iraq: "The Philippines said Monday that it has completed the controversial withdrawal of its peacekeeping contingent from Iraq, meeting a demand by Iraqi insurgents threatening to behead a Filipino hostage."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Airstrike Kills 14 in Fallujah: "A U.S. airstrike authorized by Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi hit purported trenches and fighting positions in Fallujah used by al-Qaida linked foreign fighters, killing 14 people early Sunday, Iraqi officials said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Friday, July 16, 2004
Soldiers Angels
There are many ways to let American troops in the Middle East
know that their hard work does not go unnoticed, and that they
have our gratitude for doing their job so well.
U.S. soldiers wounded in combat are getting help making the
transition back home. Volunteers from a non-profit organization called
Soldiers? Angels are sending backpacks to combat support hospitals in
Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany.
The bags are filled with personal hygiene items, clothes and get well
cards to help soldiers wounded in combat.
Tears of happiness from injured soldiers are a sign these volunteers are
doing the job they set out to do.
?I've got some beautiful letters saying how much it meant to them to
know people care,? said volunteer Peggy Baker. ?Many tears have been
shed by soldiers when they see us and they talk about the fact these
were there and couldn't believe there was something waiting for them.?
That small token of appreciation goes a long way to brighten the day
of soldiers wounded in combat.
?For all of us, every single one of us, it's the best non-paying job
we've ever had,? volunteer Liz Fuentes said.
Volunteers stuff clothing, personal hygiene items and other non-
perishables into the combat backpacks. They say it's a labor of love.
?Because they need it, because they give me the freedoms to do what
I want to do and they need my support,? volunteer Vicky Carter said.
Volunteers know first hand their work is appreciated and desperately
needed by those who tend the wounded.
?We actually follow the soldiers from ...Click Here to continue
know that their hard work does not go unnoticed, and that they
have our gratitude for doing their job so well.
U.S. soldiers wounded in combat are getting help making the
transition back home. Volunteers from a non-profit organization called
Soldiers? Angels are sending backpacks to combat support hospitals in
Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany.
The bags are filled with personal hygiene items, clothes and get well
cards to help soldiers wounded in combat.
Tears of happiness from injured soldiers are a sign these volunteers are
doing the job they set out to do.
?I've got some beautiful letters saying how much it meant to them to
know people care,? said volunteer Peggy Baker. ?Many tears have been
shed by soldiers when they see us and they talk about the fact these
were there and couldn't believe there was something waiting for them.?
That small token of appreciation goes a long way to brighten the day
of soldiers wounded in combat.
?For all of us, every single one of us, it's the best non-paying job
we've ever had,? volunteer Liz Fuentes said.
Volunteers stuff clothing, personal hygiene items and other non-
perishables into the combat backpacks. They say it's a labor of love.
?Because they need it, because they give me the freedoms to do what
I want to do and they need my support,? volunteer Vicky Carter said.
Volunteers know first hand their work is appreciated and desperately
needed by those who tend the wounded.
?We actually follow the soldiers from ...Click Here to continue
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Iraq War News
Marine heads home...Criticism of the Philippines...Bush in Wisconsin in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Hassoun due back in U-S in hours in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Baghdad Car Bomb Kills 11, Injures 40: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Zarqawi Still Targetting Iraq PM: Web Site: "Suspected al Qaeda ally Abu Musabal-Zarqawi has warned Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi that hewill not escape death at the hands of the militant group. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baghdad Blast Kills 11, Bulgarian Hostage Beheaded: "A suspected suicide car bombing killed11 people and wounded 30 Wednesday in the first big guerrillaattack in Baghdad since an interim Iraqi government took overfrom U.S.-led occupiers on June 28. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Marine Who Vanished in Iraq Heads Home: "A U.S. Marine who disappeared in Iraq and turned up in Lebanon nearly three weeks later said Wednesday that he was in good health and "excited to be going home" as he left a U.S. military hospital in Germany. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Egypt's Israel peacekeeper plan draws ire: "The first time an Egyptian president took the risk of reconciling with Israel, he was shunned by other Arabs and vilified by his own citizens."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad Car bomb kills 11, injures 40: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Philippines pulls troops from Iraq early: "The Philippines said Wednesday it was withdrawing its small peacekeeping contingent from Iraq early to save the life of a kidnapped truck driver, a dramatic turnaround by one of Washington's biggest backers in the war on terrorism."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
In race to train Iraq security force, GIs find trust is biggest obstacle: "But Lt. Joaquin Meno of the 1st Infantry Division had even higher hopes as he led the patrol recently into an area where U.S. soldiers have been hectored for weeks. The Iraqi troops bounded out of their trucks and set up a right flank, just as they have been trained. Minutes later Meno did a double take: Several of the Iraqis had tugged their bandanas and kaffiyehs up to their eyes. (Chicago Tribune)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Inquiry: U.K. Iraq Intelligence 'Flawed': "Iraq had no useable chemical or biological weapons before the war, and British intelligence relied in part on "seriously flawed" or "unreliable" sources, an official inquiry reported Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Car bomb rocks Baghdad killing 11: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."
In Kansas City Star: Iraq
Philippines withdraws troops from Iraq; Bulgarian hostage killed: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The Philippines said Wednesday it had withdrawn some of its peacekeepers from Iraq and was coordinating a pullout, apparent efforts to meet the demand of kidnappers threatening to kill a captive Filipino truck driver."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Germany US Marine in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
NATO troops duped by U-S vigilantes in illegal explosives raids in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Iraq Explosion in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Marine heads home...Criticism of the Philippines...Bush in Wisconsin in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Hassoun due back in U-S in hours in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Baghdad Car Bomb Kills 11, Injures 40: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Zarqawi Still Targetting Iraq PM: Web Site: "Suspected al Qaeda ally Abu Musabal-Zarqawi has warned Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi that hewill not escape death at the hands of the militant group. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baghdad Blast Kills 11, Bulgarian Hostage Beheaded: "A suspected suicide car bombing killed11 people and wounded 30 Wednesday in the first big guerrillaattack in Baghdad since an interim Iraqi government took overfrom U.S.-led occupiers on June 28. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Marine Who Vanished in Iraq Heads Home: "A U.S. Marine who disappeared in Iraq and turned up in Lebanon nearly three weeks later said Wednesday that he was in good health and "excited to be going home" as he left a U.S. military hospital in Germany. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Egypt's Israel peacekeeper plan draws ire: "The first time an Egyptian president took the risk of reconciling with Israel, he was shunned by other Arabs and vilified by his own citizens."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad Car bomb kills 11, injures 40: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Philippines pulls troops from Iraq early: "The Philippines said Wednesday it was withdrawing its small peacekeeping contingent from Iraq early to save the life of a kidnapped truck driver, a dramatic turnaround by one of Washington's biggest backers in the war on terrorism."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
In race to train Iraq security force, GIs find trust is biggest obstacle: "But Lt. Joaquin Meno of the 1st Infantry Division had even higher hopes as he led the patrol recently into an area where U.S. soldiers have been hectored for weeks. The Iraqi troops bounded out of their trucks and set up a right flank, just as they have been trained. Minutes later Meno did a double take: Several of the Iraqis had tugged their bandanas and kaffiyehs up to their eyes. (Chicago Tribune)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Inquiry: U.K. Iraq Intelligence 'Flawed': "Iraq had no useable chemical or biological weapons before the war, and British intelligence relied in part on "seriously flawed" or "unreliable" sources, an official inquiry reported Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Car bomb rocks Baghdad killing 11: "A suicide attacker detonated a massive car bomb Wednesday at a checkpoint near the British Embassy and the interim Iraqi government's headquarters in Baghdad, killing 11 people and wounding 40, including a U.S. soldier, authorities said."
In Kansas City Star: Iraq
Philippines withdraws troops from Iraq; Bulgarian hostage killed: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The Philippines said Wednesday it had withdrawn some of its peacekeepers from Iraq and was coordinating a pullout, apparent efforts to meet the demand of kidnappers threatening to kill a captive Filipino truck driver."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Germany US Marine in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
NATO troops duped by U-S vigilantes in illegal explosives raids in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Iraq Explosion in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Iraqis Save A Marine
Iraqi Soldiers Save U.S. Marine
Good stories are not uncommon, but rarely reported.
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
Good stories are not uncommon, but rarely reported.
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
?I was walking beside the Marine, then we heard gunfire, and I saw that the American Marine was shot. Then I realized it was just me and him, so I quickly started shooting at the enemy." ? Private Imad Abid Zeid Jassim, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps
Portions of Iraqi Private Imad Abid Zeid Jassim's citation for bravery reads: "...[A]s the firefight ensued, under a hail of enemy fire that was accurately targeted on the wounded [U.S.] Marine, and without regard for his own safety, Private Imad Jassim moved forward into the enemy fire and came to the aid of the wounded Marine. He dragged the wounded Marine out of the line of fire to a covered and concealed position...reengaged the enemy...aggressively pushed forward...dislodged the enemy fighters.... His efforts clearly saved the life of the Marine...."
On the evening of May 30, 2004, Jassim and his fellow members of 4th Platoon, India Company, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) were jointly patrolling the streets of Al Karmah, near Fallujah, with leathernecks from 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. All at once, the patrol was ambushed from the rear by enemy insurgents. A U.S. Marine was instantly struck down with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Reacting as they had been trained to do by their U.S. counterparts, the Iraqis swung into action.
Jassim, who was standing closest to the Marine when the latter was hit, immediately returned fire.
Sergeant Abdullah Sadoon Isa, Corporal Eiub Muhamad Hussane, and Private Ahmad Lazim Garib raced toward-and-beyond the downed American. Constantly under fire and simultaneously returning fire, Sgt. Isa quickly positioned other members of his platoon between the wounded man and the enemy.
Jassim and another private, Kather Nazar Abbas, stopped shooting long enough to begin dragging the American to a position of relative safety. Bullets and at least one rocket-propelled grenade zinged past their heads as they managed to pull the Marine behind a wall. A U.S. Navy medical corpsman rushed forward to render first aid. The Iraqis and the Americans continued battling the enemy force.
The response to the ambush was textbook. "The ICDC ultimately assaulted through the enemy's position and pushed them out," said 2nd Lt. Charles Anklin III, of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.
On Friday, Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, and Col. John A. Toolan, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 1; decorated the five aforementioned Iraqi soldiers for their "heroic achievement" during an awards ceremony at Camp India in Nassar Wa Salaam. The awards included two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals and three Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Each of the medals included combat "V"s for valor.
"You've witnessed the bravery of these soldiers from India Company, who were willing to shed blood with Marines to make sure we get a free Iraq," said Toolan, before a gathering that included Iraqi military leaders and local village sheiks. "The important aspect is that the Coalition and Iraqi forces have worked together, and the bond you see between the ICDC soldiers and Marines has become rock-tight."
Private Jassim added that the firefight created an even stronger bond between Iraqi (ICDC) soldiers and American Marines. Speaking through an interpreter, he said, "I feel very, very bad the Marine was shot because they are like my brothers now, but I'm ready to go out again. I'm always ready."
The ICDC soldiers not only saved the life of an American, but their actions served as an example of the ongoing coordination and positive developing-relations between the U.S. and Iraq. This was good news. It was not an isolated event. Unfortunately, so little of this kind of news ever gets any ink.
This is one of the many "positive" albeit rarely told stories coming out of Iraq, U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (R., S.C.) told NRO from his Washington office on Saturday.
Wilson believes such stories must receive equal time with the negative ones if the U.S. military is to continue garnering needed support at home and abroad. He should know. A 31-year veteran officer of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard as well as a current member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Wilson has recently traveled to both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of congressional delegations. And his keen interest in the futures of both countries is both professional and personal. Wilson has four sons. The oldest three are military officers: Two are serving in the Army. One is in the Navy. The oldest son is currently stationed in Iraq.
Last Thursday, Wilson was part of a group meeting with Iraqi president Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawar; al-Yawar said that there were more representatives of the various news media per capita in Iraq than anywhere else in the world. The Iraqi president added, that may well be the reason there seems to be only "bad news" coming out of Iraq.
"Of course, we want the media there," says Wilson. "But problems arise when there are too many reporters in one place, all in competition with one another, all trying to outdo each other." According to Wilson, there is a growing consensus on both sides of the political fence ? particularly among those who have toured Iraq ? as well as among members of the new Iraqi leadership, that competition for the "big story" is forcing reporters to concentrate on "the ten percent negative stories, while ignoring the 90 percent good, positive stories." That's not only unfair. It's strategically dangerous.
Recalling comments made during a meeting between U.S. Army Gen. John Abizaid and a congressional delegation in Afghanistan, Wilson said, the rejection of good stories by competing media is not just a belief shared by members of the Republican party. "I remember [Democrat] Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee making the comment that 'good news has no legs, and bad news has wings,'" he says. It's simply a reaffirmation of the newsman's clichéd adage, "If it doesn't bleed, it doesn't lead."
That's not to say there aren't important negative stories coming out of Iraq. But there are just as many ? if not more ? important positive stories that could be written about events taking place in that country. Unfortunately, stories about hospitals being renovated, little girls learning the basics of math and science for the first time, or five brave Iraqi men being decorated for saving the life of a wounded American, are not nearly as dramatic as a roadside bombing or an assassination.
? A former U.S. Marine infantry leader and paratrooper, W. Thomas Smith Jr. is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in a variety of national and international publications. His third book, Alpha Bravo Delta Guide to American Airborne Forces, has just been published.
Iraq War News
Kurdish forces capture suspected militants: "Kurdish security forces have captured 15 militants, including one man believed to be a senior leader in a local group linked to al-Qaida, an official in a pro-American Kurdish party said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
TWO-THOUSAND EMPLOYED IN LARGEST EMPLOYMENT PROJECT TO DATE in CENTCOM: News Release
Blair to learn verdict of Iraq intelligence inquiry: "Prime Minister Tony Blair was to learn how much trouble he faces for relying on flawed intelligence to promote the Iraq war when the findings of a long-awaited inquiry are handed over to the government. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi police launch sweep of Baghdad town: "Iraqi police launched a massive sweep of a Baghdad neighborhood, killing one person and rounding up hundreds of suspected criminals, as the interim president promised to crack down on anyone threatening the country's security."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq's leaders step up with tough talk: "In the span of roughly a week, Iraq's new interim leaders have passed sweeping emergency laws, promised to "crush" troublemakers and use a "very sharp sword" to combat unrepentant insurgents."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Gulf War vets 'felt like enemy': "Troops in the first Gulf War were inoculated with a cocktail of drugs which they believe left them with debilitating illnesses and may have contributed to fatal birth defects, an inquiry has heard."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Pakistani Ambassador Top Envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan has selected Pakistan's ambassador to Washington for the job of U.N. envoy to Iraq, replacing a top diplomat who was killed in a Baghdad bombing last year. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iran Leader Says U.S., Israel Behind Iraq Kidnaps: "Iran's Supreme Leader said on Tuesday hebelieved the United States and Israel, rather than Muslims,were behind the kidnapping and killing of foreign nationals inIraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Filipino Bid To Save Iraq Hostage: "In an appeal to save the life of a Filipino truck driver being held hostage in Iraq, the Philippine government says it is willing to withdraw its troops from Iraq "as soon as possible." Terrorists have demanded a withdrawal by July 20th."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
U.S. Civil Affairs soldiers rebuild Iraq: "Sgt. Abubakar Senge walks through the secondary school with his rifle slung across his chest, his helmet hanging off his arm and a notebook in his hand, inspecting the work he hired an Iraqi builder to perform."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush hits back over weapons: "The US president defends the Iraq invasion, after scathing criticism of US intelligence in the run-up to war."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam mocks accusers: "Saddam Hussein arrives in chains at a palace complex once used by his inner circle for relaxation and pleasure."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Several Blasts Heard in Central Baghdad: "Several explosions were heard Tuesday in central Baghdad. There was no immediate word on what caused the blasts. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Manila Gives Conflicting Signs on Iraq Pullout: "Philippine officials, trying to savethe life of a Filipino hostage, sent confusing signals onTuesday about pulling troops out early from Iraq, whileAustralia said it would bolster its forces. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US professors sending textbooks to Iraqi schools in IraqWar.info
Nations slow to contribute aid despite pledges in IraqWar.info
Kurdish forces capture suspected militants: "Kurdish security forces have captured 15 militants, including one man believed to be a senior leader in a local group linked to al-Qaida, an official in a pro-American Kurdish party said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
TWO-THOUSAND EMPLOYED IN LARGEST EMPLOYMENT PROJECT TO DATE in CENTCOM: News Release
Blair to learn verdict of Iraq intelligence inquiry: "Prime Minister Tony Blair was to learn how much trouble he faces for relying on flawed intelligence to promote the Iraq war when the findings of a long-awaited inquiry are handed over to the government. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi police launch sweep of Baghdad town: "Iraqi police launched a massive sweep of a Baghdad neighborhood, killing one person and rounding up hundreds of suspected criminals, as the interim president promised to crack down on anyone threatening the country's security."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq's leaders step up with tough talk: "In the span of roughly a week, Iraq's new interim leaders have passed sweeping emergency laws, promised to "crush" troublemakers and use a "very sharp sword" to combat unrepentant insurgents."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Gulf War vets 'felt like enemy': "Troops in the first Gulf War were inoculated with a cocktail of drugs which they believe left them with debilitating illnesses and may have contributed to fatal birth defects, an inquiry has heard."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Pakistani Ambassador Top Envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan has selected Pakistan's ambassador to Washington for the job of U.N. envoy to Iraq, replacing a top diplomat who was killed in a Baghdad bombing last year. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iran Leader Says U.S., Israel Behind Iraq Kidnaps: "Iran's Supreme Leader said on Tuesday hebelieved the United States and Israel, rather than Muslims,were behind the kidnapping and killing of foreign nationals inIraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Filipino Bid To Save Iraq Hostage: "In an appeal to save the life of a Filipino truck driver being held hostage in Iraq, the Philippine government says it is willing to withdraw its troops from Iraq "as soon as possible." Terrorists have demanded a withdrawal by July 20th."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
U.S. Civil Affairs soldiers rebuild Iraq: "Sgt. Abubakar Senge walks through the secondary school with his rifle slung across his chest, his helmet hanging off his arm and a notebook in his hand, inspecting the work he hired an Iraqi builder to perform."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush hits back over weapons: "The US president defends the Iraq invasion, after scathing criticism of US intelligence in the run-up to war."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam mocks accusers: "Saddam Hussein arrives in chains at a palace complex once used by his inner circle for relaxation and pleasure."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Several Blasts Heard in Central Baghdad: "Several explosions were heard Tuesday in central Baghdad. There was no immediate word on what caused the blasts. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Manila Gives Conflicting Signs on Iraq Pullout: "Philippine officials, trying to savethe life of a Filipino hostage, sent confusing signals onTuesday about pulling troops out early from Iraq, whileAustralia said it would bolster its forces. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US professors sending textbooks to Iraqi schools in IraqWar.info
Nations slow to contribute aid despite pledges in IraqWar.info
Monday, July 12, 2004
Iraq War News
Iraqi authorities seek EU help: "BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - European Union foreign ministers were looking Monday for ways to offer "concrete help" to Iraq's new government in rebuilding the country, two weeks after the United States handed over power in Baghdad."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi president threatens insurgents with 'very sharp sword': "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer threatened Monday to use a "very sharp sword" to fight insurgents and anyone else threatening the security of the country."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Marine who vanished in Iraq to return home: "BERLIN (AP) - The U.S. Marine who mysteriously vanished in Iraq and reappeared in Lebanon nearly three weeks later is doing better in a U.S. military hospital in Germany and will likely return home within a few days, officials said Monday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Baghdad professor inundated with books after request: "JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Biology professor Safaa Al-Hamdani wasn't expecting an avalanche of books when he asked colleagues at Jacksonville State University to help his alma mater in Baghdad restock its libraries."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Blair government criticized by ex-spy chief: "LONDON (AP) - A former intelligence chief expressed concern Monday about the relationship between Prime Minister Tony Blair's government and its spy agencies in the build up to the war in Iraq."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi captors of Filipino hostage extend deadline: "MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines - still hoping a kidnapped Filipino trucker driver will be released - rejected demands Sunday of the hostage takers for an early troop withdrawal from Iraq."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
France, Iraq re-establish diplomatic ties: "PARIS (AP) - France and Iraq have restored diplomatic relations that were severed 13 years ago during the Gulf War, the French Foreign Ministry said Monday."
In Modesto Bee: Iraq
British government to see Iraq inquiry report Tuesday: "An inquiry into flawed British intelligence on Iraq ahead of the war will present Prime Minister Tony Blair's government with its final report on Tuesday, a day ahead of official publication, a government spokeswoman said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq report focuses blame on CIA: "Two days before Christmas 2002, with war in Iraq less than three months away, an intelligence analyst at the Department of Energy e-mailed a colleague to complain that the CIA was squelching dissent from those who doubted that Iraq was trying to import uranium and other nuclear weapons components. (USATODAY.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Shiite party official killed in Iraq: "Gunmen killed the head of a regional office of one Iraq's largest Shiite parties in a drive-by shooting south of the capital, police officials said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi government to offer amnesty to insurgents: "LONDON (AP) - Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer said his government will soon offer an amnesty to those who have fought against the U.S.-led coalition, a British newspaper reported Monday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Fear Factor in
Sharon invites Labor Party into coalition: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday invited the moderate Labor Party into his shaky coalition, and both sides said they expect to agree on a partnership relatively quickly."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Hearing today for soldier accused in prison abuse scandal in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Amnesty in Iraq?...Bush to Tennessee...Debate on gay marriage ban in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Kidnappers silent over three foreigners facing death in Iraq: "A dark veil hung over the fate of three lorry drivers from the Philippines and Bulgaria held hostage in Iraq as deadlines for their execution expired without word from their abductors. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
South Korean airports on alert after e-mailed warning: "Security was tightened at South Korean airports after an e-mailed warning that an Islamic militant linked to Al-Qaeda may board a plane bound for the country, officials said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blix Made Last-Minute Plea to Blair on Iraq -Paper: "Former U.N. arms inspector Hans Blixpleaded with British Prime Minister Tony Blair for more time tofind weapons of mass destruction before the U.S.-led invasionof Iraq, the Financial Times reported on Friday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq-Syria Border Security Talks: "From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
In Command Post: Irak
Cleric faces new attack over visit: "The visit of a controversial Muslim cleric has provoked a storm of protest over his views on women and homosexuality."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Iraqi authorities seek EU help: "BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - European Union foreign ministers were looking Monday for ways to offer "concrete help" to Iraq's new government in rebuilding the country, two weeks after the United States handed over power in Baghdad."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi president threatens insurgents with 'very sharp sword': "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer threatened Monday to use a "very sharp sword" to fight insurgents and anyone else threatening the security of the country."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Marine who vanished in Iraq to return home: "BERLIN (AP) - The U.S. Marine who mysteriously vanished in Iraq and reappeared in Lebanon nearly three weeks later is doing better in a U.S. military hospital in Germany and will likely return home within a few days, officials said Monday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Baghdad professor inundated with books after request: "JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Biology professor Safaa Al-Hamdani wasn't expecting an avalanche of books when he asked colleagues at Jacksonville State University to help his alma mater in Baghdad restock its libraries."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Blair government criticized by ex-spy chief: "LONDON (AP) - A former intelligence chief expressed concern Monday about the relationship between Prime Minister Tony Blair's government and its spy agencies in the build up to the war in Iraq."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Iraqi captors of Filipino hostage extend deadline: "MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippines - still hoping a kidnapped Filipino trucker driver will be released - rejected demands Sunday of the hostage takers for an early troop withdrawal from Iraq."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
France, Iraq re-establish diplomatic ties: "PARIS (AP) - France and Iraq have restored diplomatic relations that were severed 13 years ago during the Gulf War, the French Foreign Ministry said Monday."
In Modesto Bee: Iraq
British government to see Iraq inquiry report Tuesday: "An inquiry into flawed British intelligence on Iraq ahead of the war will present Prime Minister Tony Blair's government with its final report on Tuesday, a day ahead of official publication, a government spokeswoman said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq report focuses blame on CIA: "Two days before Christmas 2002, with war in Iraq less than three months away, an intelligence analyst at the Department of Energy e-mailed a colleague to complain that the CIA was squelching dissent from those who doubted that Iraq was trying to import uranium and other nuclear weapons components. (USATODAY.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Shiite party official killed in Iraq: "Gunmen killed the head of a regional office of one Iraq's largest Shiite parties in a drive-by shooting south of the capital, police officials said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi government to offer amnesty to insurgents: "LONDON (AP) - Iraqi interim President Ghazi al-Yawer said his government will soon offer an amnesty to those who have fought against the U.S.-led coalition, a British newspaper reported Monday."
In Fresno Bee: Iraq
Fear Factor in
Sharon invites Labor Party into coalition: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday invited the moderate Labor Party into his shaky coalition, and both sides said they expect to agree on a partnership relatively quickly."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Hearing today for soldier accused in prison abuse scandal in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Amnesty in Iraq?...Bush to Tennessee...Debate on gay marriage ban in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Kidnappers silent over three foreigners facing death in Iraq: "A dark veil hung over the fate of three lorry drivers from the Philippines and Bulgaria held hostage in Iraq as deadlines for their execution expired without word from their abductors. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
South Korean airports on alert after e-mailed warning: "Security was tightened at South Korean airports after an e-mailed warning that an Islamic militant linked to Al-Qaeda may board a plane bound for the country, officials said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blix Made Last-Minute Plea to Blair on Iraq -Paper: "Former U.N. arms inspector Hans Blixpleaded with British Prime Minister Tony Blair for more time tofind weapons of mass destruction before the U.S.-led invasionof Iraq, the Financial Times reported on Friday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq-Syria Border Security Talks: "From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
Iraq and Syria have agreed to work together to improve border security to try to stop foreign militants infiltrating Iraq."
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Barham Saleh, says there is agreement on " the necessity to cooperate to prevent [insurgents] from crossing the border ".
Mr Saleh was speaking after meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.
[?]
Mr Saleh said Mr Assad spoke of his " interest in the stability " in Iraq, which shares a long desert border with Syria, and said joint Interior Ministry committees would look into setting up security mechanisms.
Last week, a British newspaper quoted Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari as saying his government had gathered information from intelligence services showing support by some neighbouring countries for the insurgents.
Mr Zebari did not name the foreign powers, but the Sunday Telegraph quoted "senior Iraqi officials" as indicating " that Iran and Syria were the worst offenders ".
[?]
Last week Mr Assad and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami made a joint call for the rapid departure of foreign troops from Iraq.
" This force is in Iraq at Iraqi request. Its departure at this stage would not be useful either for Iraq or for the region. It would be a catastrophe for security ," Mr Saleh said.
In Command Post: Irak
Cleric faces new attack over visit: "The visit of a controversial Muslim cleric has provoked a storm of protest over his views on women and homosexuality."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Sunday, July 11, 2004
An Angel In Germany
Our Visit in Landstuhl on the 18th June 2004 together with Carolyn and Debbie
On the 18th June 2004 Carolyn from Landstuhl, Debbie from Ramstein my husband Rudi and I we were on the way to visit wounded soldiers and marines in
So Carolyn and I we did all that we had in the backpacks from Debbie. And the chocolate which I had with me for the soldiers was not melted this time. Today we had a lot of backpacks for the soldiers and Carolyn, Debbie and I we went from ward to ward to visit our hero and Rudi was going to the Fisher House to give greetings the wounded there.
On the first ward a wounded told us that he has to go back to
Carolyn is a wonderful Angel she finds always the right words to talk to the wounded. So we let her to go to the wounded and we are waiting in front of the room. Often they are so strong wounded that they could not speak so much and she gave them a backpack and calmed them with a few words and they were happy. As we walked over the wards we saw so much sorrow I cannot tell you. Going over the intensive care unit, your heart cried. At the ICU a soldier told us that he has to go further to Walter Reed and that his wife is staying in the Fisher House. For him it was a great thing that his family was here in
Later we are going out to the bus stop and looked for soldiers they could need a backpack too. I meet there two soldiers are going back to
The backpacks are always a good thing. A lot of soldiers have nothing to take there few things back to the States. They looked all so happy as we have given them one. A wounded has nothing as that he has on his body if he arrives in Landstuhl. A filled backpack with things he need is a great thing to do something for them. If anyone interested to send backpacks to Landstuhl look here http://www.soldiersangels.homestead.com/wounded-soldiers-project.html the backpacks are going with an Angel to the wounded directly.
After this we are said good bye to Carolyn and Debbie because we had another appointment in Landstuhl. We met CH Young and he wrote me for days "By the way, our Cyber Café room needs a portable telephone (with a cord). I wonder if you have an extra (used) one to spare? This is for the morale purpose and the line is available there all the time." So we visited him in his office and my husband looked which telephone he need. As my husband saw that nearby the Cyber Cafe was a telephone shop from the T-Online/Telekom he looked that the CH could need and bought him one. I cannot tell.... he was so lucky, so he went back fast to tell it the other CH there. It was great to visit him and he introduced us his chiefs: CH Holmstrom, he will be the new Chief of Chaplains Office in Landstuhl and CH McLean will leave the office after 3 years now. My husband was glad that he could help him.
A wounded shy and faintly soldier from
I cannot tell you ...I am so with out words!!! SPC G. S. had great injured on his breast and lung! He was a body guard for a commander in
"May No Soldier Go Unloved?
SoldiersAngels.com
e-mail: JosephineFS@aol.com
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Iraq War News
Army cover-up accusation: "The brother of a British soldier killed in Iraq has expressed anger over the Army's decision to hand the investigation into his death over to the Iraqi authorities."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Philippines troops to leave Iraq in CNN: War in Iraq
Filipino Hostage Begs for Troop Withdrawl: "A Filipino worker being held hostage in Iraq appealed to his country to give in to insurgents' demands and withdraw its small contingent of troops, according to a video shown on the Al-Jazeera television station Saturday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Filipino Hostage in Video Appeal for Troop Pullout: "A Filipino driver held hostage issued a"final appeal" to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to withdrawtroops from Iraq before a deadline for his execution, Arabictelevision station Al Jazeera said Saturday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Marines Kill Two Iraqis in Ramadi: "U.S. Marines killed two Iraqis andwounded six in the restive town of Ramadi, west of Baghdad,Saturday, but accounts of the shooting conflicted. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
IN BRIEF: "KABUL, Afghanistan ? Afghanistan's oft-delayed presidential election will take place Oct. 9, but a parliamentary vote originally scheduled to be held simultaneously has been put off until spring."
In Kansas City Star: Iraq
Arabs want Israeli barrier destroyed: "Following their victory in the U.N.'s highest court, the Palestinians will ask the General Assembly next week to demand that Israel destroy the barrier it is building to seal off the West Bank."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi prisoners form women's association: "Weeping broke the silence inside Iraq's National Theater as people watched the drama of a woman pleading for five more minutes with her baby. Instead, her guards took her away to be executed for spying."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq - 'buck stops with Blair': "The buck must stop with Prime Minister Tony Blair for intelligence failings on Iraq, a former top 'spook' said."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Cleric to address Muslim conference: "A Muslim cleric under fire over his alleged support for suicide bombing is due to address an influential Muslim conference."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
US report gives Bush a breathing space (10 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Marine mystery...False intelligence...Bush and Kerry trade barbs in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Attorneys for alleged enemy combatant file federal petition for his release in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Iraq insurgency far larger than thought: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - Contrary to U.S. government claims, the insurgency in Iraq is led by well-armed Sunnis angry about losing power, not foreign fighters, and is far larger than thought - up to 20,000 fighters who cannot be militarily defeated, American military officials say."
In kgw.com: Iraq News
Politicians must not escape blame over Iraq intel errors: British press: "The US intelligence community should not be made to shoulder full responsibility for misjudging Saddam Hussein's weapons capability ahead of last year's Iraq war, British newspapers said after a Senate investigation exonorated US politicians of blame. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kidnapped Filipino's family pleads with Arroyo to pull troops from Iraq: "The family of a Filipino held hostage in Iraq made an emotional appeal to President Gloria Arroyo to bow to the kidnappers' demands and withdraw Philippines troops from the shattered country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Three die in mortar attacks as another hostage crisis grips Baghdad: "Mortar fire killed a six-year-old Iraqi boy in Baghdad and two Iraqis in Samarra on Friday, as a campaigning US President George W. Bush defended his war on Iraq in the face of scathing congressional criticism, while another hostage crisis gripped Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Mystery Marine In Germany: "U.S. Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun, who was reported to have been kidnapped and threatened with beheading by terrorists, is now at a military hospital in Germany, but under investigation as a possible deserter."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Mortars wound three in Baghdad attack: "Two mortar shells targeting a hotel housing foreigners in the capital hit a house instead Friday night, killing a child and wounding three others. A third mortar hit a nearby road, causing no damage."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Army cover-up accusation: "The brother of a British soldier killed in Iraq has expressed anger over the Army's decision to hand the investigation into his death over to the Iraqi authorities."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Philippines troops to leave Iraq in CNN: War in Iraq
Filipino Hostage Begs for Troop Withdrawl: "A Filipino worker being held hostage in Iraq appealed to his country to give in to insurgents' demands and withdraw its small contingent of troops, according to a video shown on the Al-Jazeera television station Saturday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Filipino Hostage in Video Appeal for Troop Pullout: "A Filipino driver held hostage issued a"final appeal" to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to withdrawtroops from Iraq before a deadline for his execution, Arabictelevision station Al Jazeera said Saturday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Marines Kill Two Iraqis in Ramadi: "U.S. Marines killed two Iraqis andwounded six in the restive town of Ramadi, west of Baghdad,Saturday, but accounts of the shooting conflicted. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
IN BRIEF: "KABUL, Afghanistan ? Afghanistan's oft-delayed presidential election will take place Oct. 9, but a parliamentary vote originally scheduled to be held simultaneously has been put off until spring."
In Kansas City Star: Iraq
Arabs want Israeli barrier destroyed: "Following their victory in the U.N.'s highest court, the Palestinians will ask the General Assembly next week to demand that Israel destroy the barrier it is building to seal off the West Bank."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi prisoners form women's association: "Weeping broke the silence inside Iraq's National Theater as people watched the drama of a woman pleading for five more minutes with her baby. Instead, her guards took her away to be executed for spying."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq - 'buck stops with Blair': "The buck must stop with Prime Minister Tony Blair for intelligence failings on Iraq, a former top 'spook' said."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Cleric to address Muslim conference: "A Muslim cleric under fire over his alleged support for suicide bombing is due to address an influential Muslim conference."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
US report gives Bush a breathing space (10 July 04) in Radio Free USA
Marine mystery...False intelligence...Bush and Kerry trade barbs in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Attorneys for alleged enemy combatant file federal petition for his release in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Iraq insurgency far larger than thought: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - Contrary to U.S. government claims, the insurgency in Iraq is led by well-armed Sunnis angry about losing power, not foreign fighters, and is far larger than thought - up to 20,000 fighters who cannot be militarily defeated, American military officials say."
In kgw.com: Iraq News
Politicians must not escape blame over Iraq intel errors: British press: "The US intelligence community should not be made to shoulder full responsibility for misjudging Saddam Hussein's weapons capability ahead of last year's Iraq war, British newspapers said after a Senate investigation exonorated US politicians of blame. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kidnapped Filipino's family pleads with Arroyo to pull troops from Iraq: "The family of a Filipino held hostage in Iraq made an emotional appeal to President Gloria Arroyo to bow to the kidnappers' demands and withdraw Philippines troops from the shattered country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Three die in mortar attacks as another hostage crisis grips Baghdad: "Mortar fire killed a six-year-old Iraqi boy in Baghdad and two Iraqis in Samarra on Friday, as a campaigning US President George W. Bush defended his war on Iraq in the face of scathing congressional criticism, while another hostage crisis gripped Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Mystery Marine In Germany: "U.S. Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun, who was reported to have been kidnapped and threatened with beheading by terrorists, is now at a military hospital in Germany, but under investigation as a possible deserter."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Mortars wound three in Baghdad attack: "Two mortar shells targeting a hotel housing foreigners in the capital hit a house instead Friday night, killing a child and wounding three others. A third mortar hit a nearby road, causing no damage."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Friday, July 9, 2004
Iraq War News
IRAQ: Teaching conflict management in a northern war-torn town: "SULAYMANIYAH, 9 Jul 2004 (IRIN) - It all began with a story of two minibus drivers, Ismail and Adil. There was bad blood between them: Ismail suspected Adil of trying to poach his customers."
In IRIN: Iraq Crisis
Bulgaria, Filippino Nationals Held in Iraq: "Bulgaria and the Philippines insisted Friday they would not be cowed by terrorists after insurgents captured and threatened to kill their nationals in Iraq, the latest hostage takings in the country. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Marine to Leave Lebanon for Germany-Brother: "The Lebanese-born U.S. marine,who turned up in his native country after going missing inIraq, will leave on Friday for Germany and then most likelyhead to the United States, his brother said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rethinking Iraq's insurgency...Senate intel report...Terror warning in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Saddam's Lawyer Seeks Supreme Court Action: "Attorney Curtis F.J. Doebbler has made an unusual appeal to the Supreme Court on behalf of an unlikely client - Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. soldier dies after insurgent attack: "A U.S. soldier has died from wounds sustained in an insurgent attack on his patrol, the U.S. military command said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two Bulgarians taken captive in Iraq: " AL -JAZEERA: Two Bulgarians taken captive in Iraq
In Command Post: Irak
Americans on notice...Mistakes corrected...Star-studded fund-raiser in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
This May Be News to Hussein, but He's Got a Defense Team, and It's Hoping for Bail: "The lawyers claim that it is illegal to try Saddam Hussein in his own country because he is immune from prosecution as a head of state."
In New York Times: World Special
Defectors' Reports on Iraq Arms Were Embellished, Exile Asserts: "The dramatic stories defectors offered the Bush administration about Iraq's illicit weapons remain unproven."
In New York Times: World Special
Army Looks for Airmen and Sailors: "Military experts see the move to recruit thousands of sailors and airmen as another sign of how commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan have strained the Army's ranks."
In New York Times: World Special
Missing Marine Turns Up at Embassy in Beirut, but the Mystery Only Deepens: "Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun's resurfacing further clouded the already murky circumstances surrounding his disappearance."
In New York Times: World Special
5 G.I.'s Killed in Attack; Philippines Bars Iraq Trips: "Mortar rounds slammed into an Iraqi National Guard base in the city of Samarra, killing five American soldiers and at least one Iraqi guard."
In New York Times: World Special
Israel court orders U.S. activist expelled: "An Israeli court on Thursday ordered the expulsion of an American activist who came to the country to protest against Israel's West Bank separation barrier."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Diplomats: Pakistani may be envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan is now considering Pakistan's ambassador to Washington for the job of U.N. envoy to Iraq, U.N. diplomats said Thursday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
IRAQ: Teaching conflict management in a northern war-torn town: "SULAYMANIYAH, 9 Jul 2004 (IRIN) - It all began with a story of two minibus drivers, Ismail and Adil. There was bad blood between them: Ismail suspected Adil of trying to poach his customers."
In IRIN: Iraq Crisis
Bulgaria, Filippino Nationals Held in Iraq: "Bulgaria and the Philippines insisted Friday they would not be cowed by terrorists after insurgents captured and threatened to kill their nationals in Iraq, the latest hostage takings in the country. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Marine to Leave Lebanon for Germany-Brother: "The Lebanese-born U.S. marine,who turned up in his native country after going missing inIraq, will leave on Friday for Germany and then most likelyhead to the United States, his brother said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rethinking Iraq's insurgency...Senate intel report...Terror warning in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
Saddam's Lawyer Seeks Supreme Court Action: "Attorney Curtis F.J. Doebbler has made an unusual appeal to the Supreme Court on behalf of an unlikely client - Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. soldier dies after insurgent attack: "A U.S. soldier has died from wounds sustained in an insurgent attack on his patrol, the U.S. military command said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two Bulgarians taken captive in Iraq: " AL -JAZEERA: Two Bulgarians taken captive in Iraq
Aljazeera has aired a video of two Bulgarians taken captive by a group calling itself Liberation and Jihad Movement."
The group claimed it captured the two men in Iraq and asked the US -led forces in Iraq to release all Iraqi detainees within 24 hours or they would be killed.
The tape had come from the Tawhid and Jihad group, allegedly headed by Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
It showed the two men who were identified as Bulgarians sitting in front of their captors with their hands cuffed.
The two captors in the video were carrying rifles and a rocket propelled grenade launcher. On the wall behind them was their black flag with a golden circle.
One of the men read a statement, though his voice could not be heard.
In Command Post: Irak
Americans on notice...Mistakes corrected...Star-studded fund-raiser in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror
This May Be News to Hussein, but He's Got a Defense Team, and It's Hoping for Bail: "The lawyers claim that it is illegal to try Saddam Hussein in his own country because he is immune from prosecution as a head of state."
In New York Times: World Special
Defectors' Reports on Iraq Arms Were Embellished, Exile Asserts: "The dramatic stories defectors offered the Bush administration about Iraq's illicit weapons remain unproven."
In New York Times: World Special
Army Looks for Airmen and Sailors: "Military experts see the move to recruit thousands of sailors and airmen as another sign of how commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan have strained the Army's ranks."
In New York Times: World Special
Missing Marine Turns Up at Embassy in Beirut, but the Mystery Only Deepens: "Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun's resurfacing further clouded the already murky circumstances surrounding his disappearance."
In New York Times: World Special
5 G.I.'s Killed in Attack; Philippines Bars Iraq Trips: "Mortar rounds slammed into an Iraqi National Guard base in the city of Samarra, killing five American soldiers and at least one Iraqi guard."
In New York Times: World Special
Israel court orders U.S. activist expelled: "An Israeli court on Thursday ordered the expulsion of an American activist who came to the country to protest against Israel's West Bank separation barrier."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Diplomats: Pakistani may be envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan is now considering Pakistan's ambassador to Washington for the job of U.N. envoy to Iraq, U.N. diplomats said Thursday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
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