Publius Forum

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

UK: 30 active terrorist plots

In response to A NEWT ONE who is wondering why there are no 'big media' writing about this issue, I have an e-mail from ACT! For America that discusses al-Reuters article about this same issue. Here is the article:
30 plots on UK

Jacqui Smith reveals new terror threat
By Ian Kirby

HOME Secretary Jacqui Smith last night revealed security forces are investigating THIRTY deadly terror plots which threaten mayhem across Britain. She told the News of the World: "We now face a threat level that is severe. It's actually growing. "There are 2,000 individuals who are being monitored. There are 200 networks involved and 30 active plots."

And she warned the menace of Islamic fanatics is mounting so fast that police will be unable to cope within a year—unless they are given new powers to lock up terror suspects for longer. At present cops can hold suspects for up to 28 days, but the Home Office wants that increased to 42 days.

"We can't wait for an attack to succeed and then rush in new powers," said Mrs Smith. "We have got to stay ahead. Because we now understand the scale of what is being plotted, the police have to step in earlier—which means they need more time to put evidence together.

Computers

"We task the police and the security agencies with protecting us. Frankly, if they say to me it's getting more difficult and we need more time to investigate thoroughly, it is my duty to provide them with the tools they need.

"The danger has increased over the past two years. Since the beginning of 2007, there have been 57 people convicted on terrorist plots. "Nearly half of those pleaded guilty—so this is not some figment of the imagination. It is a real risk and a real issue we need to respond to."

In our exclusive interview Mrs Smith also revealed that in 2001, at the time of the 9/11 bombings, Britain's anti-terror cops seized and analysed just ONE computer and no computer discs. Yet by last year their haul had risen to a staggering 400 computers and 8,000 computer discs containing BILLIONS of vital items of data.

At the same time, the records held by Scotland Yard's anti-terror force have soared from 69,000 files four years ago to 200,000 this year.

The Home Secretary also pointed out that before the detention period for suspects was raised from its original 14 days to 28, many people argued the new law was unnecessary because the powers would never need to be used. But Mrs Smith said: "Well, we did need to. Since that time we have needed to hold 11 people for longer than 14 days—and six of them for a total of 28 days.

"The complexity of these plots is growing and the number of international investigations is greater than before. Each time a plot is uncovered, the terrorists learn and they develop. "That's why there is a massive increase in the way they are using technology and encrypting information. So it takes time to get the evidence you need to charge somebody."

This week the Home Secretary will step up the government's "Prevent" campaign—its battle against Islamic extremists who preach hate and indoctrinate potential jihadi recruits. On Wednesday she will announce a new deal she struck with the Pakistani government on a visit last week. It will allow respected moderate Islamic clerics to be brought over from Pakistan to help British imams combat extremism in the Islamic communities.

Mrs Smith explained: "The vast majority of British Muslims have a Pakistani heritage. If we work with the government there we can win the arguments. "We need to do more to tackle those places where radicalisation is developing—in prisons, schools, higher education—so that people are getting the right messages about what it means to be a British Muslim." She added: "We will also work to ensure we identify vulnerable people being groomed for terror—in the same way we protect young people from being dragged into crime and abuse." [Source: News of the World - UK.]
Reuters interpreted to mean:
BRITISH police and security agencies are monitoring 30 terrorism plots, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said in extracts of a newspaper interview released today. "We now face a threat level that is severe. It's not getting any less, it's actually growing," she said in an interview to be published tomorrow in News of the World.

"We task the police and the security agencies with protecting us ... There are 22,000 individuals they are monitoring. There are 200 networks. There are 30 active plots," she said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Labour government is seeking to extend pre-charge detention of terrorism suspects to 42 days from the current 28-day limit. But Smith faces a tough task steering the controversial provisions through parliament. The opposition Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have both said they will vote against extended detention. Labour backbenchers are also threatening to rebel and vote down the clause in the Counter-Terrorism Bill.

"We can't wait for an attack to succeed and then rush in new powers," Smith said. "We've got to stay ahead. Because we now understand the scale of what is being plotted, the police have to step in earlier, which means they need more time to put evidence together."

Britain has seen a marked increase in militant Islamist plots since it joined the US in invading Iraq in 2003.
This is why I call it al-Reuters. These people were already there for years before GWB was president!
In 2005 four British suicide bombers killed 52 people in London. Other attempts have been thwarted by police or failed when devices did not detonate. "Since the beginning of 2007, 57 people have been convicted on terrorist plots," said Smith. "Nearly half of those pleaded guilty so this is not some figment of the imagination. It is a real risk and a real issue we need to respond to." [Source: al-Reuters.]
So my question is this, "Why are the presidential candidates not discussing this issue?" Could it be because they have not a clue about what to do? And THAT should scare you. Not for warmongering or just to play the fear card, but because they are not discussing an issue which would you give a better sense for which to judge them. That is the simple truth. Well, I'll give them a little lee-way. Maybe they do not know anything about it? Would you vote for someone so ignorant of the facts on the ground? Why?

Right Truth [A MUST READ] asks this question, "Are we prepared [for another attack]?" I ask this question, "Are You Prepared for another terrorist attack in an area near you? If not, for what are you waiting? These are questions only you can answer...

PS. I do not know why there is a discrepancy between the 2,000 individuals in the News of the World - UK article and the 22,000 individuals that are being watched in the Reuters articles. No, it is not my typo. They actually have 2 different numbers! Also, I showed both articles so that you may decipher for yourself which article reads more accurately (and unbiased) the news of a greater threat from Islamists. They sure as heck aren't Catholic!

Source(s): ACT! For America, A NEWT ONE, and Right Truth.

Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: The Virtuous Republic: Bakken Oil Formation: Update, Allie is Wired: Allie is Wired Hot Links, Adam's Blog: Post of the Day for April 15, 2008, Right Truth: Negotiating North America, Celebrity Smack: Sausage Links 98, Wolf Pangloss: Tax Day Tuesday Open Trackbacks, Right Voices: BET TV Founder billionaire businessman Bob Johnson said Monday that Sen. Barack Obama would not be his party's leading candidate if he were white, D equals S: I Heart China, A NEWT ONE: War News AND Global Cultural Jihad? Boy Howdy!, Right Truth: Are We Prepared?, Thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Digg! Digg!

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Woman Honor Thyself: NO Free SpeecH for Brigitte Bardot..well, not about Muzlims.
2. Adam's Blog: Throwing Away the Keyes.
3. Maggie's Notebook: Biofuels: A Threat and a Cause of World Hunger.
4. Wolf Pangloss: 4GW/xGW: Identifying Tibet Protest Narratives.
5. Pirate's Cove: Huff Post On The Pope’s Visit: Bisexual God And Abortion.

Monday, April 14, 2008

'Bitter' Barack bitten by Billary

While I do not agree with this advertisement, it is one way to kill two birds with one stone. Hillary needed to just step back and let the heat fall upon Barack but instead, she decided to jump into the ring thus making her also a target. Here it is:


Hat tip: Stop the ACLU.

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Stop the ACLU: Hillary’s Bittergate Attack Ad, Right Voices: Obama Omission Comes Out At The Rezko Trial, third world county: Greed, The World According To Carl: PhotoHunt 105: Twist(ed), Is It Just Me?: After 50 Years, thanks to: Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Adam's Blog: Bitter Hypocrisy.
2. A NEWT ONE: War News AND Global Cultural Jihad? Boy Howdy!
3. Right Truth: Negotiating North America. Digg! Digg!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

State Dept. ignores Iraqi Christians

I copied this entire article, because I do not believe the entire truth is being told due to political correctness. Some of us are too lazy to click the 'continue reading' button. I know. I am included in this group, that is why I copied this. This way, you are without excuse.
Friday, April 11, 2008 10:22 AM
By: Kenneth R. Timmerman

Despite rosy statistics released by the State Department this week, families and children who have been approved to legally immigrate to the United States are still waiting in misery in Amman for U.S. embassy officials to process their visas, refugees and community leaders told Newsmax.

Iraqi Christian refugees who had been approved for immigration to the United States because they had close relatives who were U.S. citizens have been told at the embassy to hurry up and wait — if they have been lucky enough to hear anything at all.

“The U.S. embassy told us that they don’t have a process for reunification now,” said Father Raymond Moussalli, who heads the Chaldean Catholic Vicariate in Amman. “They told us the only way is by the UNHCR [United Nations High Commission for Refugees] or the IOM [International Office of Migration]."

The Department of State is paying over $50 million per year to the UNHCR to process the refugee claims of Iraqis who have been displaced by the sectarian fighting. And by all accounts here on the ground within the refugee community, the UNHCR office in Jordan has not been up to the task.

Some refugees complain of outright prejudice against Christians by UNHCR employees. Others complain of indifference. "Peter Janssen, the head of resettlement at the UNHCR in Amman, tells us not to complain,” a Chaldean relief worker told Newsmax.

In a confrontational meeting with a delegation of Christian aid organizations and a Newsmax reporter last fall, Janssen expressed the view that Iraqi Christians were privileged as compared to other Iraqis forced to leave their homeland and that “they shouldn’t complain.”

Raymond says some things have changed since the delegation led by former South Carolina Gov. David Beasely, Keith Roderick of Christian Solidarity International, and William Murray of the Religious Freedom Coalition met with U.S. embassy officials last October.

“One month later, Ambassador David Hale came here to our church along with his staff,” Raymond told Newsmax in an interview in his church on Thursday. “Before your trip here in October, we never had anyone from the staff of the U.S. embassy come visit us in this church,” he added. “Never.”

An embassy official handling refugee issues told the delegation it “wasn’t my job” to go to churches, even though that’s where the Christian refugees go for help.

Since then, the embassy has been meeting with representatives of the various Iraqi Christian communities on a bimonthly basis. Raymond was invited back to the embassy on Thursday. “I thanked Ambassador David Hale for his visit, and asked him, can’t you get the UNHCR to come to our church and meet the people, same as you?”

Until now, he added, no official from the UNHCR has ever reached out to the refugee community or visited one of the churches or schools where Iraqi families congregate.

“I am not allowed to work,” said Boutros Danka, 44, who met with a a reporter and a documentary filmmaker in a cramped basement apartment, where he lived with his wife, their three children, and his sister. “My mother helps us from the U.S. We live on faith and food aid, heaters, and clothes we get from Pastor Wadia and our church,” he said.

Danka’s mother fled from Saddam Hussein’s regime and has been living in the United States since 1994. His brother is a U.S. citizen and has been in the U.S. for 30 years.

Despite this, the UNHCR has never suggested that he ask his family members to apply for an I-130 visa, which allowed for family reunification. “Instead, we back to the UNHCR every six months to renew our refugee document, but they have never called us in for an interview.”

Earlier in the week, the State Department coordinator for Iraqi Refugee issues, James Foley, said the U.S. was continuing to step up approvals of Iraqi refugees seeking to immigrate to the United States.

In March, 751 Iraqi refugees entered the U.S., up from 444 in February and 375 in January, he said.

These latest figures bring total admissions for the fiscal year, which began in October 2007, to 2,627, according to a State Department fact sheet, although President Bush has given instructions for 12,000 Iraqi refugees to be admitted before year end.

Foley said that another 5,000 Iraqis had been approved for entry to the United States, and that interviews with another 8,000 were scheduled. But even approval for immigration does not mean an actual immigration visa.

Lufti Zamona, a Baghdad merchant who fled after his liquor store was fire-bombed by Islamic extremists on July 7, 2004, says he can’t understand the document he received from the United States government. “I have gone through UNHCR. I have been interviewed by IOM. I have even signed the oath,” he said.

Lutfi was interviewed and approved for immigration several months ago by a Department of Homeland Security team of “circuit riders,” who travel from embassy to embassy interviewing potential refugees to determine if they pose a security risk. They determined that Lutfi posed no threat to the United States, and sent him a “status report” of his application. A box was checked, showing that final approval was pending a review by “HQ.”

“What is ‘HQ’?” he asked me in Raymond’s office.

No one had ever thought to explain to him that DHS will run a review in its U.S. databases before clearing him for immigration. Once that review is complete, Lutfi must go to the U.S. embassy in Jordan to get his visa, a process that could take many months more.

"We thank the U.S. embassy for giving us more information on the new procedures” that allow for rapid resettlement of Iraqis who had worked for the coalition, Raymond told Newsmax.

He showed a clearly-worded, one-page fact sheet, that William Murray had asked ambassador Hale and his staff to produce last October. “It would be very helpful if the embassy could give us similar instructions for refugees waiting for family reunification,” he added..

Beneath the rosy statistics, thousands of Iraqi Christians are waiting for answers and information. “I can never go back to Iraq,” said Dalya Eskander, 34. “I am afraid they will kill my daughters.”

Eskander and her husband fled Iraq with their daughters after Islamic extremists kidnapped her husband’s brother and threatened to kidnap their oldest daughter. Their 10-year old daughter, Miriam, cried and prayed during the entire 24-hour journey by road to Jordan in 2006. “I prayed, God help us, God help us, over and over,” Miriam said.

Their driver told them that Islamic militants were lurking along the route. Despite the trauma, Miriam now wants to study to become a chemist, like her mother.

“We pray to Jesus, just for the phone to ring for the U.N. to say we can go to America,” Mrs. Eskander said. “We are illegal here. We want to build our future in another country."

© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Source: NewsMax's Kenneth R. Timmerman.

Can anyone say, 'Discrimination'? Condi will meet terrorists to try to bring a so-called 'peace treaty' that will last as long as an ice cube in hell, but what about the Christians? Have we already become a muzlim nation? Shame on you, President Bush!

This is horrible. Mr. Timmerman has been trying to alert the world of these things, including atrocities in other parts of the world, and no one seems to get it. If they do get it, then they don't care because there is no pounding on the state dept's door or letters to congress or toll free phone calls to congress: 1-866-340-9281. Please, help your brothers and sisters. If you do not, who will? And you call yourself a Christian?...

Join the Christians Against Leftist Heresy
blogroll sponsored by Faultline USA
.

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Today I am having an open post linkback, and you are welcome to linkback or ping an article you wish to share with others. The reason I am choosing this article is because I want to reach as many people as possible. This must not go unanswered.

I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest: Leaning Straight Up: I Want My Cookie, Cao's Blog: Sunday OTB, Conservative Cat: Catblogging - A Bit of a Stretch, Stageleft: Open Trackback Comment Sunday, Right Voices: Can Someone Please Do Something About All The Chickens Coming Home To Roost?, Shadowscope: Green Thumb Sunday, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Woman Honor Thyself: Transgen-derS having BabieS?
2. Blue Star Chronicles: Obama: There Will Be Bamboozling.
3. Blue Star Chronicles: Chinese Don't Like the Dalai Lama or Nancy Pelosi. Digg! Digg!

Iraqis want to establish national sovereignty

by Gerry Gilmore
DefenseLink.

WASHINGTON (April 9, 2008) — The Iraqi government wants to establish itself as an independent entity that one day can stand on its own feet without U.S. assistance, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq testified before the House Armed Services Committee here today. “They want to do that as much as we do,” Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told House panel members. Senior Iraqi governmental leaders are placing themselves “under enormous personal pressure and collective pressure of the various political elements in Iraq to increasingly exercise their sovereignty,” Petraeus said.

In fact, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s recent decision to send Iraqi troops into Basra and other parts of southern Iraq to put down violence perpetrated by illegal militias represents the Iraqis’ desire to attend to their internal affairs, Petraeus pointed out. “That was not something that we pushed him to do,” Petraeus said. “That was something that they wanted to do.”

United States military forces are supporting Iraqi government operations aimed at defeating insurgents and criminals who seek to destabilize the country for their own purposes, Petraeus said. Assisting the new Iraqi government is like teaching a young child how to ride a bicycle, Petraeus observed, noting the United States is “trying to support it as much as we can, while keeping as light a hand on the bicycle seat as possible.”

Several Iraqi provinces, like Basra province in the south, where some outbreaks of violence occurred recently, contain few U.S. military forces or even none at all, Petraeus pointed out. “In the bulk of those southern provinces, Iraqi forces proved up to the task,” the four-star general said.

The United States is reducing its troop presence in Iraq, Petraeus said, noting 15 brigades will remain in Iraq after the surge forces are redeployed at the end of July. Asked if U.S. troop strength in Iraq could be further reduced after July, Petraeus responded that he and other senior U.S. commanders plan to review security and local governance conditions. “We are thinning out very substantially right now,” Petraeus remarked, noting the impending departure of the surge forces will reduce the U.S. military footprint in Iraq by one-quarter. Petraeus said he can foresee possible additional U.S. force reductions in Iraq beyond the remaining 15 brigades.

“We have a number of months and a number of substantial actions to take before then, but we already are identifying areas that we think are likely candidates for [additional troop reductions],” Petraeus said.

Iraq also is achieving economic progress, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker, who accompanied Petraeus at the hearing, reported to panel members. “The Council of Ministers yesterday passed a support program for development in Mosul, Baghdad and Basra,” Crocker said, noting the legislative package contains $350 million for reconstruction and job creation in those areas. Economic development in Iraq “is an ongoing process,” Crocker said, noting the country suffers from both unemployment and underemployment. “In conditions of better security, you are going to see more economic activity,” Crocker predicted.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq. Digg! Digg!

Village of Hope gives Iraqis new perspective

by Jason Stadel
2nd Brigade Combat Team,
3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FOB KALSU, Iraq (April 8, 2008) — When an Air Force engineer first stepped foot in Hawr Rajab last December, a former al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven, the thought that came to mind was a scene from an old western movie. “Most of the businesses were shuttered and the main road was more comparable to the O.K. Corral,” said Capt. Josh Aldred, a native of Flagstaff, Ariz. Four months later, AQI was gone and Aldred saw a community flourishing with business and hope.

Aldred was the primary instructor at the Village of Hope vocational school located on the grounds of Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab. He ended his tour in Iraq April 3 and turned the project over to another Air Force captain.

Capt. Josh Aldred (center) poses April 2 with the first Village of Hope class. Aldred and a team of 30 Airmen taught Hawr Rajab residents the basics of construction. Aldred ended his tour in Iraq April 3, 2008. The first class of Village of Hope students will graduate in late May or early June. Courtesy photo.Aldred and his 30-man team of engineer Airmen from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron had been teaching the Village of Hope students the basics of construction, plumbing, electricity, masonry and well drilling. The overall goal is to teach residents of Hawr Rajab necessary skills to rebuild their war-torn community. “The experience has been great and the students have been really receptive to learning new ideas and methods of construction,” he said. “This mission has been a big experiment for the Air Force and military engineers in general.”

The Airmen forged friendships with most of the 50 current students, all of whom are from Hawr Rajab. When they found out Aldred was returning to Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., they wrote him and his troops a letter of appreciation.

“In the past we had different feelings and a kind of misunderstanding towards the American people,” read the letter, signed by the students. “After being close to you, we found out that we are almost the same. We both love and care and sacrifice for other people. This removed the fears we had before and now we have become very good friends.”

The letter reinforced what Aldred was already thinking: the Village of Hope experiment is working. “In my mind, the Village of Hope concept should be used in other locations throughout Iraq,” he said. “In addition to helping the locals improve their community, the program helps Coalition forces because we give military-aged males another option to provide for their families instead of turning to those who would do us harm.”

Members of the Village of Hope class share the same sentiments as Aldred. They said they now see Americans as people wanting to make Iraq better for the Iraqi people, not as an occupying force. [Emphasis added.] “We will spread all of your nice words … to keep the good memories in our mind which changed our life and how we felt about Coalition forces,” the letter said.

When the current students graduate, they will join the Iraqi workforce as skilled tradesmen working to improve their community. “The effects of the Village of Hope include area beautification, new construction, which means more jobs, and tons of litter and rubble removed from the side of the road,” Aldred said.

Aldred added that he and his Airmen along with their Troop A, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division counterparts, who provide security and transportation to the Village of Hope, can take pride in their endeavor. “It feels good to have made a difference, and none of this would have been possible without a team effort from the Army and Air Force.”

As the students prepared to continue their studies with new instructors, they wished Aldred and his crew well and hoped the Airmen would remember their positive experience working in Hawr Rajab. “We hope that you have a good depiction of Iraq in your mind,” said the letter. “Tell your people and families about us when you arrive to the United States. Tell them about our good friendship and experience we have had together.”

Current Village of Hope students are scheduled to graduate in late May or early June. Three more classes are scheduled. When all four classes are complete, 200 Hawr Rajab residents will have graduated from the vocational school.

Capt. Josh Aldred (center) poses April 2 with the first Village of Hope class. Aldred and a team of 30 Airmen taught Hawr Rajab residents the basics of construction. (courtesy photo).

Source: Defense Link.mil. Digg! Digg!

Iraqi Army keeps peace in Mahmudiyah

by Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (April 8, 2008) — The Iraqi Army commander in Mahmudiyah won’t stand for criminal activity in his city. To that end, Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen Al Frejee, commander of the 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and Lt. Col. William Zemp, commander of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), worked together recently to make sure that violence seen in Basra wasn’t replicated in Mahmudiyah.

Soldiers from 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, prepare to engage criminals in the Mahmudiyah market March 30. U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)Zemp, a native of Hartsville, S.C., said one word sums up the IA successes in the area: leadership. The IA leadership at all levels – company, battalion and brigade – was involved in the mission to secure the city. “As soon as there were indications of violence, a curfew was put into effect,” Zemp said. Vehicular traffic was suspended in the city, extra checkpoints were established and 14 additional platoons were deployed after hostilities flared March 28, 2008.

“(The criminals) were expecting us to only be defending,” Ali said. “That was true the first day.” After that, Ali said, his Soldiers started taking offensive measures. He said his troops believe it is their duty to pursue anyone who breaks the law. Before the outbreak of violence, Ali said he brought in all the battalion commanders under his charge and assigned a neighborhood to each as their respective areas of operation. He said this hampered the enemy’s ability to function. “We controlled with good cooperation between the Iraqi and Coalition forces,” Ali said. “I don’t think they will try these things again in this sector.”

Zemp agreed his IA counterparts did an outstanding job. “The IA met its enemy and then crushed it; they defeated the special groups … in Mahmudiyah,” he said. “They did it in such a way that they took into consideration the civilian population and political ramifications and consequences of their actions. In a nutshell, they did it right.”

Rakkasan Soldiers assisted their IA partners with troop leading, logistics, artillery for terrain denials and aviation support. A platoon from 3-320th FA worked alongside each of the IA security platoons in all major engagements. “They’re definitely pretty squared away,” said Pvt. Khristopher Wallace, Battery A, 3-320th FA, of the IA troops. “We’re moving, typically, behind them … pretty much in a support role.

“They’re tactically sound and keeping everything pretty simple,” the Yorkville, Ill., native added. “It’s just like working with another one of our units – very cohesive.” Cooperation between the battalions and Coalition troops was key to success, according to Ali. “Things are tense but stable now,” Zemp said. “The IA is clearly in control of the city as far as Mahmudiyah is concerned and the local government is still able to function.”

The vehicle curfew is currently in place at night but is lifted during daylight hours, allowing local citizens to run errands, go to work and receive medical care when necessary. “I think the outcome defines his leadership,” Zemp said. “Swift action, decisive and the ability to interact with the local population based on intelligence, not rumors.”

Soldiers from 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, prepare to engage criminals in the Mahmudiyah market March 30. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Christopher McKenna).

Source: MNF-I. Digg! Digg!

Iraqi-U.S. joint patrol works to deter oil looting

by Patrick Lair
115th MPAD

TIKRIT, Iraq (April 8, 2008) — Members of 1st Armored Division’s Combat Operating Base Speicher Security Detachment recently teamed up with their local Iraqi police counterparts to put an end to oil looting near the U.S. military base outside Tikrit. On April 3rd, Reaper Platoon of the 1st A.D. Special Troops Battalion joined several Iraqi policemen to patrol the al-Ewayij area, close to COB Speicher, to impress upon local residents that oil looting will not be tolerated. “Basically, our overall goal is to increase the legitimacy of Iraqi security forces in the area while at the same time maintaining enough of a presence to deter any outside forces from establishing themselves in the area,” said Capt. Chris Gonzales, commander of the COB Speicher Security Detachment.

During the day’s patrol, U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi police visited the home of a local sheik to discuss ways of preventing locals from looting adjacent pipelines. Both American and Iraqi commanders, seated around the living room of Sheik Mohammed Aieed Mohammed of al-Ewayij, explained that people have been digging up oil lines which run beneath COB Speicher and all the way to Bayji. The looters are not only stealing resources from the Iraqi people but also creating environmental hazards, they said.

Spc. Donald Hock, the senior medic for the Combat Operating Base Speicher Security Detachment, provides security April 3 alongside a truck of Iraqi army soldiers tasked with guarding oil lines near Tikrit. On the truck is a painted logo of an oil well. U.S. Army photo.“When they crack open the lines they always leave massive amounts of oil spilled on the ground, which then contaminates the water supply,” Gonzales said. “This pollution infects the drinking water for local residents which may someday cause birth defects in our children and grand-children,” said Capt. Mohammed of the local Iraqi police force.

Sheik Mohammed, after a round of hot chai, agreed to work with coalition forces to get the word out among local residents that oil looting from local pipelines will not be tolerated. He invited both commanders to return to his home for dinner.

The joint patrol later visited a nearby pipeline which was guarded by local Iraqi army soldiers who said they have set up checkpoints in the area to guard against this type of looting. The soldiers agreed to work with coalition forces to crack down on oil theft in the area. At the end of the patrol, U.S. and Iraqi forces parted ways and Capt. Mohammed thanked his U.S. counterparts. “We have done good work today,” he said.

The COB Speicher Security Detachment, also known as the Quick Reaction Force, is made up of soldiers pulled from different areas of the Special Troops Battalion. In addition to Reaper Platoon, the detachment also includes two platoons from the Aviation Support Battalion and one platoon from the 111th Engineer Brigade. Since beginning their deployment, the QRF has conducted daily missions outside the base, focusing on patrolling the area around the base as well as building relationships with the local residents.

Spc. Donald Hock provides security April 3 alongside a truck of Iraqi army soldiers tasked with guarding oil lines near Tikrit. On the truck is a painted logo of an oil well. (U.S. Army photo).

Source: CentCom. Digg! Digg!

Baby left at doorstep finds new home

by Zach Mott
3rd BCT, 4th ID

BAGHDAD, Iraq (April 9, 2008) — Spotting irregularities is a tactic that is drilled into the minds of Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers throughout training and in practice while in Iraq. Soldiers recently watched as a car pulled up to an entry control point at Forward Operating Base Callahan in northern Baghdad. They continued to watch as a woman stepped out of the car holding a bag. Once the woman dropped the bag near the gate, internal alarms were ringing and a careful search was called for and conducted.

“Alex Callahan,” the nickname for a baby boy left in a plastic bag near Forward Operating Base Callahan, sleeps soundly at the Coalition base in northern Baghdad. The baby was thoroughly checked out by medics from 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, and given a clean bill of health. U.S. Army photo.That search yielded a newborn baby wrapped tightly in cloth. Soldiers raced to the bag, retrieved the child and brought him to the aid station to be examined. “We unwrapped it to make sure he was alive – and he wasn’t sick, he wasn’t dead, he wasn’t injured,” said Staff Sgt. Paul Briscoe, the aid station non-commissioned officer in charge at FOB Callahan. “He was a perfectly healthy baby. I’m guessing three to seven days old. He was in perfect health. There wasn’t a scratch on him.”

This unlikely sight brought images of the Las Vegas native’s two children to mind. “It was like my kids were newborns again,” said Briscoe, who serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. After the medics were satisfied the baby, who by this time had drawn the nickname “Alex Callahan” after the Soldier who found him and the name of the base, was in no need of immediate medical attention, the focus shifted to what they would do with the child.

An interpreter working at the base volunteered to go to a nearby store to buy diapers and formula while another interpreter took care of Alex. Briscoe said the aid station became a hub of activity as word spread throughout the small base of the new arrival. “I’ve fed him twice, just holding him, watching him, making sure that he’s alright,” said Doreen Haddad, an interpreter with 1-68 AR, who helped care for Alex. “I’ve changed his diapers twice. I wanted to give him a bath, but I wasn’t able to.”

While a forward operating base isn’t the ideal location for a baby, Soldiers and those working at FOB Callahan ensured that Alex’s stay there was as comfortable as possible. The baby is to be adopted by the brother of a local national, who works at the base. The brother, and his wife, have been married five years and have been unable to have a baby of their own. The interpreters at FOB Callahan have taken a collection to donate to the family to help care for the baby.

Despite the thousands of miles that separates the Soldiers from their families in Colorado, one constant remains with this baby and those they left behind. “He’s sleeping and pooping, just like a regular baby,” Briscoe said.

“Alex Callahan,” the nickname for a baby boy left in a plastic bag near Forward Operating Base Callahan, sleeps soundly at the Coalition base in northern Baghdad. The baby was thoroughly checked out by medics and given a clean bill of health.(U.S. Army photo).

Source: CentCom. Digg! Digg!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Please pray for 'John'

My dear friend, 'John', has been hospitalized again. He is really ill. He cannot recognize people, nor does he understand where he is. He needs all the prayers we can muster. I would like to thank you in advance for caring. May God see fit to extend his life...


Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. I'm too upset to write one myself.

It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites:
InvestorBlogger: PayPerPost and SocialSpark: Is it time to give up posting for pennies?
Pursuing Holiness: Liberals Express Their Feelings.
Shadowscope: More on Cesar Laurean.
Thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis Add this post to Technorati Add this post to Del.icio.us. Digg! Digg!
Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Diary of the Mad Pigeon George Washington: "The Illest Founding Father".
In class the other day we discussed George Washington's basic philosophies on government. In short, he was an amazing man, a leader who was twice offered the chance to become the de facto king of the U.S., yet both times...
2. Maggie's Notebook: Jeremiah Wright - Hamas - CAIR: Is there a Connect.
As I was looking around the web today for confirmation about Wright's statement that his Doctorate is in "the area of Islam," I came across some posts that are linking to jpegs to more of Dr. Jeremiah Wright's church bulletins, showing Dr. Wright'...
3. Stageleft:. Life on the left side: About That Surge Thing.
Subtitled: Once again it is the innocent who suffer. THE toll from fierce fighting in Baghdad’s Sadr City has risen to at least 200 dead and more than 1,000 injured, according to doctors in the besieged suburb...

Friday, April 11, 2008

Thank you, General Petreaus

While many of the Democrat Senators could not right out say the things they usually do due to the progress General Petreaus has implemented and overseen, they still couldn't keep their traps shut. Scarry Harry, Billary, and the whole lot of them had something to say AFTER the hearing. Well, you have an opportunity to speak up as well.
Sen. Mitch McConnell’s site has a thank-you card for the General. Let General Petraeus and the world know how much we appreciate the hard work he and all the men and women in uniform are doing. Thanks. Manchu.
I hope everyone who reads this will go to this site and sign this card for General Petreaus and our man and women in uniform. Thank you.

Source: Gathering of Eagles.

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Samantha Burns' OTA that have posts for this week: S. The Crazy Rantings of Samantha Burns: OTA Weekend and Petition, F. Stix Blog: Can we question their Patriotism now???, F. Pirate's Cove (M, F): Pirate Weekend Linkfest Sticky Post 4/11-4/13, F. Woman Honor Thyself: BlackS who HatE WhiteS, JewS & Daphna Ziman, Wknd. Leaning Straight Up: Reverend Eric Lee Belittles Jewish Philanthropist, Wknd. Stuck On Stupid: Bill Clinton Revisits Snipergate: Perpetuates The Lies, Makes Up New Ones.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Wolf Pangloss: Good News from Afghanistan, Wolf Pangloss: Tibet, Nuke Gingrich: Jeremiah Wright is the least of his problems.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Stix Blog: Can we question their Patriotism now???
2. Blue Star Chronicles: Barack Obama to Middle America: You Are a Bunch of Hillbillies.
3. Blue Star Chronicles: Elite French Fighting Force Demonstrates French Technology.
4. Blue Star Chronicles: Jolita Berry: Teacher Attacked by Student (Video).
5. Blue Star Chronicles: Obama Sends Emissary of Hope and Change to Middle America.
6. Stuck on Stupid: The Opening Of The Clinton Bordello At 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Circa 1993.
7. Cao's Blog: thought police fine Christian couple $6,000 for their beliefs.
8. Right Truth: SECURE BORDERS, SECURE AMERICA - THE BASIS FOR A STRONG NATION. Digg! Digg!

I've been tagged!

My dear friend, David, has tagged me, and I usually turn these away with a little amusement. After all, whatever did I do to indicate I would be a willing participant? What did I do to deserve this?

Nonetheless, I have agreed to do this just ONE TIME, so don't even think it! lol. David is a very good man, and he has helped me endlessly with my computer etiquette and software. So how about it, shall we get on with it?

Here is what I am endeavored to do:

1. Write your own six word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as travels across the blogosphere. (This would be Kat, of Cathouse Chat, tagged David who tagged me with a blogosphere meme pool tag game.)
4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Now I must combine my life's experiences, my education, my philosophies, my loves and dislikes into six tiny words. Anyone who knows me knows that this is a trick within itself! However, I shall try to complete this challenge.

"My life is a contact sport."

Okay, I've rolled all my theories into political jargon, sports, animals, Church, missionary work, and other stuff. Why political jargon? Because the Left (Commies) have left me with no choice. Amazing is it not? The people who scream for choice are only willing to permit it when you decide to MURDER your own child. Animals? I love them. All. The Left has the government involved in this area as well. Reading? I would love to! Does the Left censor my access to news? YES. Thank God for the net!

These are just a few radical thoughts from the communist regime that live and dwell amongst us. They have turned everything into politics, so I have decided to answer in kind. Especially since James Carter has lost his marbles and does not wish to play with Americans anymore. Oh no. He would prefer our death. Just ask him as soon as he gets back from his meeting with HAMAS which Obama will not condemn!

I do not believe in sitting on the sideline and waiting for other people to do what I am responsible for doing. What is it I am responsible for doing? Anything that needs being done but is not, loving and tending my brothers and sisters, my prayer time, leading lost souls to Jesus Christ our LORD, etc. See, it all includes ACTION. So let's get active!

Toldja I could not do it in six words.

These are my poor, unsuspecting friends whom I have selected to join in the fun: Dagney's Rant, The Jungle-Hut, Mom, Pawigo View, Blue Star Chronicles and Woman Honor Thyself.

Back-up taggees: Right Truth and Bereft.

I forgot to give a man the opportunity to say 'No'! So here is: Stop the ACLU, Jay, Veteran-American Voices and Big Dog's Website.

Now men, you will not need to do anything unless I get in touch with you to let you know that I need you. Of course you are my friends! I will always need you! I mean for this.

Update: It appears Jungle Mom has already been tagged! She did a very good job both in her six words and in her life. God bless you, Jungle Mom! (Your family, too.) So it seems it is up to you Debbie.

Update II: It would appear I've been tagged again by The Amboy Times. He has asked me to join in the fun, and I have already done my work. Cool! I will just add him to those who I've trackbacked to so he doesn't have to seek all the blogoshpere over just for someone who has not been tagged yet. OH! Wait a minute! I know someone who hasn't been tagged yet. Why don't I give him this other person's URL? Hmm. Do you think that would be a good idea? I do! Here comes a tag your way, StormWarning's CounterTerrorism via The Amboy Times!

Update III: Rurik from StormWarnings is unable to participate for reasons I understand. He was very nice about it, and I want to thank him for his kindness. Now to let you know that I've been tagged again! Yup, Adam's Blog has tagged me, but I don't know what to do! Should I write another six words? Do I need to tag five more people? Nah! I'll just give him what I've got. Does that sound about right? It does? Good! Thanks.

BTW, his six words are very good. "Serve God. Fight Hard. Get Healthy." Awesome, aren't they?

Digg! Digg!

1. Right Truth: My Epitaph (again).

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Flight 93 Blogburst: Tom Burnett Sr:'s Letter

A petition to stop the Flight 93 Memorial.

Dear Fellow Americans:

The planned Flight 93 Memorial contains extensive Islamic symbolism. It is an insult to my son Tom, and to the other murdered heroes of Flight 93 who stopped Islamic terrorists from destroying the White House or the Capitol that terrible September day.

Please consider signing this online petition that I and some compatriots have put together. It calls for a new memorial design, and for investigation of the present design. If you want to do more, feel free to forward or post this appeal.

For those who are not familiar, the original “Crescent of Embrace” design was laid out in the crescent and star configuration of an Islamic flag:
Outrage over this overt Islamic symbolism forced the Memorial Project to disguise the original crescent with a few additional trees, but every particle of the original design remains completely intact in the so-called redesign. The giant crescent and star flag is still there!

The Memorial Project assumes that any similarity to an Islamic crescent has to be unintentional. Even if it WERE unintentional it would still be intolerable, but how can anyone look at that crescent and star configuration and think that it CAN’T be intentional? That is like seeing an airliner fly into the World Trade Center and thinking that it CAN’T be intentional. Worst of all, the Memorial Project refuses to confront voluminous evidence that the Islamic symbolism IS intentional.

It turns out that a person facing into the giant crescent will be facing Mecca. A crescent that Muslims face into to face Mecca is called a “mihrab” and is the central feature around which every mosque is built. The crescent memorial will be the world’s largest mosque!

When TWO airplanes fly into the World Trade Center , even the most naïve person has start taking the possibility of intent seriously, but not the Memorial Project. The Islamic symbolism in Flight 93 Memorial goes on and on, but the Park Service refuses to be concerned.

Architect Paul Murdoch says that the crescent shape comes from the hijacked airplane breaking the circle where it crosses the upper crescent tip. The flight path then continues down to between the crescent tips where Flight 93 crashed. (That’s right: the crash site is the star on the crescent and star flag.)

Along the flight path are to be placed 44 translucent blocks, equaling the number of passengers, crew, AND terrorists:
Left image: The Memorial Wall, traces flight path just above the point of impact. The white line at eye level is a set of 43 glass blocks, 40 to be inscribed with the names of my son and the other passengers and crew, and three (on the near side of the gap) to be inscribed with 9/11 date.

Right image: At the upper crescent tip, at the end of the Entry Portal Walkway, sits a huge glass block, the 44th glass block on the flight path. It marks the spot where, in the architect’s description, the terrorists broke our humanitarian circle, turning it into a giant (Islamic shaped) crescent. Inscription: “A field of honor forever.”

I don’t want to celebrate the terrorist’s circle-breaking crescent-creating feat, and I certainly don’t want my son’s name inscribed on that terrorist memorializing block count.

We need to get the word out: the Flight 93 Memorial has been re-hijacked, and this time the whole nation is aboard. We have to get up out of our seats and stop this abomination!

Sincerely,

Tom Burnett Sr.
Northfield Minnesota , March 2008

P.S. Paper petitions are also available (with mailing instructions, and explanatory information on the back). Just open and print.

Online petition to Honor citizens on Flight 93, Paper petitions and flyer-petition combinations, More information, Full exposé.

Source: Alec at Error Theory.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Error Theory: Petition picking up steam, Wolf Pangloss: Leftism is a Gnostic perversion of Christianity. Digg! Digg!

'King of Battle' still reigns

by Spc. John Crosby
115th MPAD

MOSUL — The urban terrain of Operation Iraqi Freedom limits the use of large cannons and field artillery units. The days of all out destruction and artillery raining down from the skies seem to be over. But there are still uses for these Soldiers and instances in which destruction with precision accuracy is vital to the U.S. Army’s mission success.

The Redleg Soldiers of Howitzer Battery, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment are one of the few field artillery units executing their area of expertise in Iraq today. The term “Redleg” comes from a time when Cannons were much simpler and the field artilleryman’s uniform was much different. The Army blue uniform for artillerymen had a two-inch red stripe on the trousers and horse artillerymen wore red canvas leggings, distinguishing themselves from other Soldiers.

The Cannons used by Redleg Soldiers were towed by man, horse or mule, providing no protection to the crew operating it. Misfires, muzzle bursts and exploding weapons were not uncommon. Accuracy and reliability were questionable.

An M109A6 Paladin fires illumination rounds to expose enemy movement March 29 near Mosul, Iraq. Photo by Spc. John Crosby.Today, the U.S. Army’s M109A6 Paladin self-propelled 155mm howitzer is a tracked vehicle that can reach out and touch a target accurately from 30 km away. Howitzer Battery uses several strategically placed Paladins located at Badoush Prison located just outside the northern Ninewa province city of Mosul, to support ground troop movement in the area. They conduct an average of three fire missions a night from the combat outpost there, mostly illumination rounds.

“Our role is to support troops in contact with indirect fire, whether it be with 155mm high explosive rounds, Excalibur (guided munitions) or illumination rounds,” said Howitzer Battery Fire Directions Chief, Staff Sgt. Gustavo Martinez. “We can use guided munitions to support any task or mission and pinpoint areas or buildings,” Martinez continued. “We use illumination rounds to light up an area at night to limit or reveal enemy movement.”

The Paladin is operated by a four man crew consisting of a driver, gunner, cannoneer and chief of section. Howitzer Battery crews work 24 hour shifts in the Paladins at Badoush, on call to support ground troops in contact. After a 24 hour shift, the crew will take 48 hours off to conduct maintenance, chores and guard duty around the combat outpost.

Paladin Gunner, Spc. James Simpson, of Howitzer Battery said working in such a tight quarters with his fellow teammates can lead to skirmishes at times but nothing to[o] serious. His crew works together fluidly. “You get to know your section and work together really well,” said Simpson. Still, such a work schedule can lead to boredom. The crews of Howitzer Battery conduct training between fire missions to keep busy.

“We get a lot of training done, more than we did back in Fort Hood,” said Chief of Section, Staff Sgt. Freddy Perdue of Howitzer Battery. “You gotta do something while we’re all in there together for 24 hours straight. But we enjoy our jobs helping the people out there, especially the maneuver forces.” Perdue said he enjoys doing what he was trained to do. While many Redlegs are taking on the role of a foot soldier in Iraq today, Perdue and Howitzer Battery are carrying on the Redleg legacy.

“Being in the war we are fighting now we can adapt to anything,” said Martinez. “A lot of the guys in our battery are doing infantry tactics and things of that nature. As far as the field artillery guys that are actually doing the field artillery mission, it’s important. You never know. There could be a patrol out there that comes into direct contact with a large group of insurgents and we are here to help by providing indirect fire in a matter of minutes."

An M109A6 Paladin fires illumination rounds to expose enemy movement March 29 near Mosul, Iraq. (Photo by Spc. John Crosby).

Source: MNF-Iraq.

Posts I've trackbacked to: Stix Blog: Image of the Day, Blue Star Chronicles: Barack Obama to Middle America: You Are a Bunch of Hillbillies, Blue Star Chronicles: Elite French Fighting Force Demonstrates French Technology, Blue Star Chronicles: Jolita Berry: Teacher Attacked by Student (Video), Blue Star Chronicles: Obama Sends Emissary of Hope and Change to Middle America, Stuck on Stupid: The Opening Of The Clinton Bordello At 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Circa 1993, Cao's Blog: thought police fine Christian couple $6,000 for their beliefs.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Stix Blog: Image of the Day. Digg! Digg!

Soldiers remove terrorist chokehold in Samarra

by Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Doheny
101st Airborne Division

SAMARRA (April 8, 2008) — After completion of a recent operation reconnecting old economic partners, the people of the northern-Iraqi city of Samarra can breathe again. The “Bastogne” Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, recently finished conducting multiple operations that cleared al-Qaida fighters and other enemy extremist from the desert areas west and south of Samarra, including the southern portion of the city.

Over the past year al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) has had a chokehold on the “Fallujah Road”, the main road between al Anbar province’s population centers and Samarra. They have operated freely on and around the Salah ad Din Province portion of the route, restricting travel between the two areas. Al-Qaida had forced civilian traffic to alternate routes, choking this critical economic line of communication. The enemy did this by hijacking and kidnapping drivers; preying upon helpless travelers and truck drivers in the secluded areas of the desert away from security forces.

The governor of Salah ad Din Province, Hamed Shekti, shakes the hand of a shop owner in a Samarra marketplace in January. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Doheny.According to Maj. Jim DeOre, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment operations officer, “this had many Iraqis traveling considerable distances out of the way, forcing them to use a great deal of fuel and energy in the process. The restriction of travel on this route strangled the economic growth of the city and its surrounding towns and villages,” said DeOre. “Opening this road displays to the Iraqis that Iraqi security (ISF) and coalition forces (CF) are making positive gains in their efforts to remove AQI’s criminal influence over the people.”

These enemy extremist had smothered this passageway by kidnapping, murdering, and extorting money from any civilians traveling on the route. The emplacement of improvised explosive devices (IED) ultimately made civilian travel on this thoroughfare almost non-existent, according to DeOre, whose battalion controls the area where most of the route runs. The opening of the route offers more convenient travel for people looking to drive between Salah ad Din and Anbar. This [is] freedom of movement for Iraqis and is attributed to the construction of checkpoints along the route and the establishment of the Sons of Iraq (SoI) groups manning them.

By having a 24-hour, 7-day a week over watch on the route, Iraqi and coalition forces can ensure AQI doesn’t return to the area and terrorize the local populace.

“These security positions deny use of the road to the criminal activity of AQI fighters, thereby making the area safer for people traveling on the road and those who live in the area,” DeOre said.Captain Nathan Hicks, commander of Delta Company, 2-327, said SoI members in his unit’s area are pointing out hiding places AQI use to conceal their bombs and dangerous weapons. Hick’s unit, responsible for most of the route running into Samarra, routinely speaks with SoI groups in its area seeking out information leading to weapons caches and enemy hideouts.“The greatest effect the SoI have on the people here is making their homes and towns safer,” said Hicks. “Brave men are standing up SoI groups to deny AQI sanctuary there.”

If coalition forces are correct in their assessment that this route will stimulate the economy of Samarra, thousands of people will see and feel the positive impact. The transport of goods and services will allow the economy growth of the city of Samarra, and the surrounding areas along the route. It will also improve the quality of life for thousands of Iraqi citizens.

One day during the first week of the route opening, a coalition force patrol had counted over 240 fuel trucks traveling on the road. “Agricultural and fuel trucks travel this route by the hundreds everyday,” said DeOre. “We believe there is no doubt that this movement of goods between the provinces will stimulate the economy of large and small towns along the entire length of the road as well as the cities that are now linked by its opening.”

The governor of Salah ad Din Province, Hamed Shekti, shakes the hand of a shop owner in a Samarra marketplace in January. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Doheny).

Source: CentCom. Digg! Digg!

Afghan police graduate first trauma assistance personnel

by Luis P. Valdespino Jr.
CJTF 82 Public Affairs.

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 3, 2008) – The Afghan National Police Central Training Center graduated 24 police officers today from the first course for trauma-assistance personnel taught by U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen. Three Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Navy corpsmen from the ANP Medical Embedded Training Team here taught the eight-week course, which gives the ANP its first personnel certified in basic first aid and medical care skills.

Students with the ANP Trauma Assistance Personnel course treat a fellow policeman's simulated wounds during the inaugural course at the ANP Central Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. 4.3.08 “Just being able to put on a proper (wound) dressing is going to increase the probability of (saving policemen’s lives) tenfold,” said course instructor Petty Officer 1st Class Ed W. Scheinert, an Oxnard, Calif., native deployed to Afghanistan from Naval Station North Island, Calif.

The METT sailors said they modeled the course after the combat medic course taught to Afghan National Army soldiers, because ANP are just as likely as ANA soldiers to have contact with enemy fighters. TAP Class 001 students learned to apply bandages and tourniquets and to correctly give intravenous injections, said Scheinert. They each successfully gave another student an IV injection.

Students said they benefited from the lectures and practical application. Ahmad Fawad, one of two honor graduates, said he believes with confidence that he will be able to help his fellow police in medical emergencies.

Chief Petty Officer Manuel A. Rodriguez, a course instructor originally from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and deployed to Afghanistan from the Sewells Point Branch Medical Clinic, Norfolk, Va., said he plans to recommend six graduates to become future course instructors.

The TAP students graduated at a shared ceremony with ANP in other courses at the training center, then held a follow-up ceremony in their classroom. Each TAP graduate received a certificate, a TAP patch to wear on his uniform and a medical kit. “That badge that you’re wearing not only makes you a better (policeman), but (shows) you have the skills to help your fellow police,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Martin V. Aquino, senior enlisted adviser with the Combined Security Transition Command surgeon’s office.

Scheinert said future classes will include ANP, Afghan National Civil Order Police and Afghan Border Police. TAP Class 002 is scheduled to begin April 12, 2008.

Students with the Afghan National Police Trauma Assistance Personnel course treat a fellow policeman's simulated wounds during the inaugural course at the ANP Central Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Source: CentCom. Digg! Digg!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Wednesday Hero: Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Zanders

This week's Wednesday Hero is from Gary, Indiana, and his name is Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zanders. He is with the Army's D-Trp 1/17th Calvary. He is an amazing man. When he went to rescue a beleaguered combat outpost, he ended up having to rescue his fellow rescuers. Below is some very interesting information about our Hero of the week.

Wednesday Hero: Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zanders (front pic) Wednesday Hero: Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zanders (history pic)Hometown: Gary, IN.

Awarded: Bronze Star

Download this hero’s story: Right click and "Save Target As..." to download.

While he has received the Bronze Star for his service in this mission, he is awaiting the Distinguised Flying Cross for which he also earned. Please read about him. You will see why we call them, respectfully and deservedly, Heroes.

Thank you for your service, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Zanders. I shall be praying for your unit and you. Please be careful out there, and keep your head down and your powder dry!

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis

Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to at Linkfest and other sites: Outside the Beltway: GI Bill Needs Updating, Celebrity Smack: Sausage Links, A Newt One: War News: Vets on the Hill 4/8/08 PART 1, Dumb Ox Daily News: Public-funded Muslim School?, Adam's Blog: Post of the Day for April 10, 2008, Maggie's Notebook: Weekend Open Trackbacks and Linkfest, Diary of the Mad Pigeon: Thursday Open Roost, Pirate's Cove: Thirsty Thursday Torture Linkfest, Thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Wolf Pangloss: Good News from Afghanistan.
2. Wolf Pangloss: Leftism is a Gnostic perversion of Christianity.
3. Wolf Pangloss: Tibet.
4. Nuke Gingrich: Jeremiah Wright is the least of his problems.
5. Maggie's Notebook: Jeremiah Wright - Hamas - CAIR: Is there a Connect.
6. Mark My Words: When defending incompetence results in the same. Digg! Digg!

Vets4Freedom, Gen. Petraeus, and USN Monsoor MOH

Vets For Freedom was covered by many bloggers, but I have one of the best posts which has the speeches, many pics, and witty humor. I also have the transcript prior to Gen. Petraeus' meeting with the goons. Let us not forget, EVER, US Navy SEAL Mike Monsoor, Medal of Honor recipient, posthumously.

The Vets For Freedom was covered by Jonn at This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here, and the title of his post is Vets for Freedom Rally for troops. He did a remarkable job capturing these amazing Veterans and other people such a lowly senators. Seriously, they couldn't hold a candle to these gents. There are many photos, videos, and thoughts. Please, check it out. They also went into the pit (the capitol) to speak with our representatives and senators about what is really happening on the ground over in Iraq and Afghanistan. Did I mention these are Vets from recent wars as well? Yes, and they deserve a read!

The transcript of General Petraeus' opening statement to the fools is made available by Blackfive's site. Gosh, I should always read something first. This is Uncle Jimbo's dream come true transcript. Yes, that means this is one they would like to put into the good General's mouth. Well, it appears that most of the speech could have been by General Petraeus with a few exceptions. Read at your own risk, if you don't understand humor. lol. Advance copy of Petraeus' testimony to Congress.

Now to come to a serious topic. Mike Monsoor. US Navy SEAL. HERO. He received the Medal of Honor today, posthumously. Blackfive has a very heart-felt and meaningful post for his friend. Yes, they were friends. I believe they became friends through e-mails, but still in all, they were friends. I know he did one of his 'Someone You Should Know' shows about him. There are also a couple videos with tributes for Mike from some pretty special people. Some of the pictures are contributed from the family of Mike Monsoor. Here is President Bush honoring Mike. They just don't make them like him too often...

Not to be outdone posting about USN Mike Monsoor, Stop the ACLU has noticed that the press has NOT noticed (at the time of sending this e-mail). Jay has written his own post, and he has encouraged us to do so as well. There is also a video on his post. Let Mike not go unforgotten. Thank you.

Today I am having an open post trackback, and you are welcome to trackback or ping an article you wish to share with others. I like to use Linkfest for this, because there are many people with good posts already up over there. It is also a good way to share your articles. Give it a go, eh? The only rule I have is that there shall be no porn. Thanks, and have a great day.

Posts I've trackbacked to:
This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here: Vets for Freedom Rally for troops.
Blackfive: Advance copy of Petraeus' testimony to Congress.
Blackfive: US Navy Seal Mike Monsoor - Awarded the Medal of Honor.
Stop the ACLU: In Honor of Michael Monsoor.

Blue Star Chronicles: China: Beijing Olympic Torch Relay is Great Succes.
Blue Star Chronicles: Christopher Traverse Survives Wilderness Thanks to Survivorman.
Beagle Scout: What is victory in Iraq?
123beta: The Bitch Is Back.
Right Voices: Obama Not Through With Troubles From Pastor Wright.

Linkfest Haven, the Blogger's Oasis Add this post to Technorati Add this post to Del.icio.us. Digg! Digg!
Posts that have trackbacked to this post:
1. Beagle Scout: What is victory in Iraq?
Think Progress quotes Robert Wexler (D-FL) And if I will, when Mr. Burton asks for a definition of what is failure, we get a litany of items. But when Mr. Ackerman asks what’s the definition of victory, we get little. Please tell us, general, wh...
2. 123beta: The Bitch Is Back.
Elton John raises 2.5M for Shrillery..."I've always been a Hillary supporter," John, 61, said before launching into his 1970 breakthrough hits, "Your Song" and "Border Song." "There is no one more qua...
3. Wolf Pangloss: Paglia on Hillary’s Girly Men.
Hillarious
April 9, 2008 | I would like to get your feedback on the subject of those who end up in Hillary’s orbit. Can you conceive of a strong, leader-type male ever working under her? An alpha, if you will. And if the answer is no, then w...
4. Wolf Pangloss: Was the Iraq War in 2003 legal?
A Jacksonian covers the bases with his usual thoroughness.
Conclusion: Yes.
Explanation: Desert Storm 1 was a war undertaken to drive Iraq out of Kuwait. After Saddam Hussein asked for a ceasefire the war was in truce, but it was not over. The truce ...
5. A NEWT ONE: War News: Vets On The Hill 4/8/08 PART 1.
Yesterday on 08 APR 08, a group of men and women - Patriots - both currently serving in the United States Armed Services and those of service past, gathered in a Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel in Arlington, VA. The Gathering began - per orders - at 0...
6. Tilting at Windmill Farms: Help Me Win!
Please go vote for me! Enter the Make Ur Lolcat Famous Contest. Help me win and I promise I’ll get back to more inane political commentary! Actually I’ll get back to it soon anyway, if I can get five minutes when I’m not having to...
7. Potbelly Stove: Absolut Malarkey.
Cultural insensitivity reached new heights when the makers of Absolut vodka, a Swedish company, ran an ad in Mexico which shows the U.S.-Mexico border as it was pre-1848...
8. Blue Star Chronicles: Soldiers Support .... Obama?
ABC news sent a reporter deep into the danger zones of Iraq to find out who American Soldiers are going to vote for for President. The reporter came away with some shocking sentiments from the Soldiers. For instance, she found out that Soldiers think...
9. Blue Star Chronicles: President Bush Awards Posthumous Medal of Honor to Michael Monsoor (Video).
I just caught the tail end of the award ceremony of President Bush awarding the Medal of Honor to Petty Officer Michael Monsoor. The President had a difficult time maintaining his composure. So did I...
10. Blue Star Chronicles: Jimmy Carter Continues His Love Affair With Hamas.
Would someone PLEASE tell Jimmy Carter that he’s not the President anymore??? What is wrong with him? I’m embarrassed for him and I’m not even kin to him. I originally posted the cartoon above in January 2006, so this isn’t new behavior on this ...