A request by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for access to many unseen images of the Iraqi Inmates in Abu Ghraib was won. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected government arguments that this could fuel Anti-US feelings and says yes to the American Civil Liberties Union. The US Government is expected to appeal. (I’d sure the heck hope so!!!)
What’s this all about??? Headlines in the News should give us that answer…
Headlines by some are as follows:
>> Pictures of Iraqi inmates abused by US troops to be released
>> Judge's ruling on prison photos could further embarrass U.S. Army
>> Abu Ghraib Ruling May Further Tarnish U.S.
>> Ruling on prison photos could further embarrass U.S. Army
Not to mention if this is allowed… it’s going to get some of our people flat-out killed… Those Anti War-- Bush bashing FOOLS need to just say they are not in Support of the Troops. That’s all I hear them saying… I’m against the War but I support the Troops… But they’ll turn right around and print and bullhorn, at any chance they get, anything that will KNOWINGLY get our people KILLED!!!! LIKE THIS JUDGE’S BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AubreyJ………
Friday, September 30, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 993-05 Sep 30, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 28, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where their M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. The soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, New Milford, Pa.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Arnold, 27, of Montrose, Pa.
Staff Sgt. George A. Pugliese, 39, of Carbondale, Pa.
Sgt. Eric W. Slebodnik, 21, of Greenfield Township, Pa.
Spc. Lee A. Wiegand, 20, of Hallstead, Pa.
Pfc. Oliver J. Brown, 19, of Carbondale, Pa.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Israel’s Preemptive Strike on Iran
AubreyJ’s short and not so sweet version…
I would think that this is pretty much how all of this will go down…
Let’s go straight to the Trigger Point… The endgame is going to be when Israel sees the moment of no return. When it sees its very survival at risk. At that moment when all talks between the Western World and Iran have completely failed, (like it’s doing now) and Iran has finally come up with everything necessary to make a deliverable nuclear weapon... at this point and probably not to far off in the future, Israel will feel compelled to strike. And so they will… And when the dust all clears… It will take this country to clean up the political mess left over from this inevitable upcoming strike… Bottom line is Iran will never- ever be allowed to have Nuclear Weapons… And the clock is winding down fast…
AubreyJ………
I would think that this is pretty much how all of this will go down…
Let’s go straight to the Trigger Point… The endgame is going to be when Israel sees the moment of no return. When it sees its very survival at risk. At that moment when all talks between the Western World and Iran have completely failed, (like it’s doing now) and Iran has finally come up with everything necessary to make a deliverable nuclear weapon... at this point and probably not to far off in the future, Israel will feel compelled to strike. And so they will… And when the dust all clears… It will take this country to clean up the political mess left over from this inevitable upcoming strike… Bottom line is Iran will never- ever be allowed to have Nuclear Weapons… And the clock is winding down fast…
AubreyJ………
Trial of the Century – Trial of Saddam Hussein
In all-- Saddam Hussein could be tried for over 300 crimes, but most say he will only be tried on about a dozen. The worse of these unheard of crimes would include genocide and crimes against humanity. The upcoming Trial of Saddam should start this October 19, 2005.
AubreyJ says: It will be a fair trial… and then they will KILL Him...
A few good reads here:
>>> FOX NEWS ‘Inside the Trial of Saddam Hussein’
>>> National Review Online ‘Saddam in 2005’
AubreyJ says: It will be a fair trial… and then they will KILL Him...
A few good reads here:
>>> FOX NEWS ‘Inside the Trial of Saddam Hussein’
>>> National Review Online ‘Saddam in 2005’
Let's Not Make Iraq a Foolish Repeat of Vietnam
We are definitely winning the war in Iraq. We can end it at the shortest time possible if we learned the lesson of Vietnam. That is another way of saying that we can lose the war only when our leftist activists march down the streets and win the battle and finally the war for, and in behalf of, the enemy.A great read today at American Chronicle by Edwin A. Sumcad
Click here to read: ‘Let's Not Make Iraq a Foolish Repeat of Vietnam Where Beatniks Won the War for the Enemy’
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Abizaid- Al Qaeda terrorists hope to drive American influence from the Middle East
Abizaid Details al Qaeda's Long-Term Goals
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2005
Al Qaeda terrorists hope to drive American influence from the Middle East and install a global Muslim leader in Saudi Arabia, Army Gen. John Abizaid said today.
Speaking during Senate testimony, Abizaid, chief of U. S. Central Command, said al Qaeda's objectives are clear. "They believe in a jihad, a jihad to overthrow the legitimate regimes in the region," he said. "In order to do that, they first must drive America from the region.”
Al Qaeda believes the most important prize is Saudi Arabia, which is home to the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina. If al Qaeda terrorists manage to take control of Saudi Arabia, they will try to create and expand their influence in the region and establish a caliphate, Abizaid said.
The term harkens back to the immediate successors of Muhammed and means a land led by a supreme secular and religious ruler. Al Qaeda insists that re-establishing a caliphate would mean that one man, as the successor to Muhammad, would possess clear political, military and legal standing as the global Muslim leader.
Abizaid said al Qaeda would then apply a very narrow, strict interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law, not believed in or practiced anywhere else in the world today. Such conquest in the Middle East "would certainly allow al Qaeda and their proxies to control a vast oil wealth that exists in the region," he said. "They intend to destroy Israel in the process, as well.”
The next goal would be to expand into non-Arab Islamic countries. This would include the middle of Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, the general said. The organization would operate from these areas and also from cyberspace. He said al Qaeda uses to Internet to transmit their hatred. "They aim to take advantage of open societies and will strike at those societies when they are ready at their time and place of choosing," he said.
In an allusion that is probably distasteful to American companies, Abizaid said al Qaeda is not a monolith like IBM. Rather, it is a franchise operation like McDonald's. This makes it very difficult to cut off the head of the organization. The group uses any and all means to further its goals: drugs, smuggling, so-called charitable organizations and others.
To beat al Qaeda and affiliate organizations requires military action but also "all elements of international and national power to put pressure throughout the network over time in order to squeeze the ideology, defeat its sources of strength, and ultimately allow the good people of the region to have the courage and the ability to stand against this type of organization," Abizaid said.
The United States and its coalition allies are doing this, he said. The key to success is helping the people of the region develop the will and capabilities to challenge al Qaeda. The "long war against terror" will be won by "self-reliant partners in the region who are willing to face the enemy within their own countries," he said.
U. S. and coalition forces must remain in the region long enough to "stabilize Afghanistan, stabilize Iraq, continue to deter Syria and Iran, and protect the flow of oil vital to all the peoples of the world and the economies of the region," he said.
The United States must make it clear that America has no territorial designs. "We must make clear that we fight with them out of mutual respect and mutual benefit," Abizaid said.
(Above courtesy of DoD)
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2005
Al Qaeda terrorists hope to drive American influence from the Middle East and install a global Muslim leader in Saudi Arabia, Army Gen. John Abizaid said today.
Speaking during Senate testimony, Abizaid, chief of U. S. Central Command, said al Qaeda's objectives are clear. "They believe in a jihad, a jihad to overthrow the legitimate regimes in the region," he said. "In order to do that, they first must drive America from the region.”
Al Qaeda believes the most important prize is Saudi Arabia, which is home to the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina. If al Qaeda terrorists manage to take control of Saudi Arabia, they will try to create and expand their influence in the region and establish a caliphate, Abizaid said.
The term harkens back to the immediate successors of Muhammed and means a land led by a supreme secular and religious ruler. Al Qaeda insists that re-establishing a caliphate would mean that one man, as the successor to Muhammad, would possess clear political, military and legal standing as the global Muslim leader.
Abizaid said al Qaeda would then apply a very narrow, strict interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law, not believed in or practiced anywhere else in the world today. Such conquest in the Middle East "would certainly allow al Qaeda and their proxies to control a vast oil wealth that exists in the region," he said. "They intend to destroy Israel in the process, as well.”
The next goal would be to expand into non-Arab Islamic countries. This would include the middle of Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, the general said. The organization would operate from these areas and also from cyberspace. He said al Qaeda uses to Internet to transmit their hatred. "They aim to take advantage of open societies and will strike at those societies when they are ready at their time and place of choosing," he said.
In an allusion that is probably distasteful to American companies, Abizaid said al Qaeda is not a monolith like IBM. Rather, it is a franchise operation like McDonald's. This makes it very difficult to cut off the head of the organization. The group uses any and all means to further its goals: drugs, smuggling, so-called charitable organizations and others.
To beat al Qaeda and affiliate organizations requires military action but also "all elements of international and national power to put pressure throughout the network over time in order to squeeze the ideology, defeat its sources of strength, and ultimately allow the good people of the region to have the courage and the ability to stand against this type of organization," Abizaid said.
The United States and its coalition allies are doing this, he said. The key to success is helping the people of the region develop the will and capabilities to challenge al Qaeda. The "long war against terror" will be won by "self-reliant partners in the region who are willing to face the enemy within their own countries," he said.
U. S. and coalition forces must remain in the region long enough to "stabilize Afghanistan, stabilize Iraq, continue to deter Syria and Iran, and protect the flow of oil vital to all the peoples of the world and the economies of the region," he said.
The United States must make it clear that America has no territorial designs. "We must make clear that we fight with them out of mutual respect and mutual benefit," Abizaid said.
(Above courtesy of DoD)
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
No. 991-05 Sep 29, 2005DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 21, of Riviera Beach, Fla. , died Sept. 28 near Camp Bucca, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle. Jacobson was assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.
For further information related to this release, please contact the Goodfellow Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at (325) 654-3877 or after duty hours (325) 654-3558.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts- One Down - One to Go
I would like to say Congratulations to my President and to the new Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Today is a step forward for all Americans and this great country of ours.*** Mr. President ***
Please give us another nominee like Chief Justice John Roberts and this Country will do so well in the legal system for many years to come.
Congratulations again...
AubreyJ………
(About this Photo: President George W. Bush stands in the Roosevelt Room of the White House with Judge John Roberts Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, after the Senate vote confirming Judge Roberts as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States was announced on television.)
White House photo by Paul Morse
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 990-05 Sep 29, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Steve Morin, Jr. , 34, of Arlington, Texas, died west of Umm Qasr, Iraq, on Sept. 28, when an improvised explosive device detonated, overturning the HMMWV in which he was riding. Morin was assigned to the Army National Guard's 111th Engineer Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, Mineral Wells, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 989-05 Sep 29, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jason A. Benford, 30, of Toledo, Ohio, died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 27, when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Benford was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Hurricane Katrina- Mission Possible
During a Major Disaster-- the Military is the only answer
Best viewed with DSL/Cable
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The Day After Tomorrow
If you should get real bored this weekend and want something to do… Kick back with the family or friends, grab a bag of popcorn and a cold soda and watch or rewatch in many cases, the movie “The Day After Tomorrow.” I myself have the Movie in my own personal Video Library and have watched it many times since it came out on DVD…
(It’s by far one of my favorite movies.)
The reason I say watch this movie is this… It’s almost spooky as to how so many of the things that have gone on in this country this last month… are within this movie in spooky parallels…
It’s an eye opener… and no… I’m not talking about global warming… Give it a watch… You’ll know JUST WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT......
(And as said… It’s a great movie!)
AubreyJ………
(It’s by far one of my favorite movies.)
The reason I say watch this movie is this… It’s almost spooky as to how so many of the things that have gone on in this country this last month… are within this movie in spooky parallels…
It’s an eye opener… and no… I’m not talking about global warming… Give it a watch… You’ll know JUST WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT......
(And as said… It’s a great movie!)
AubreyJ………
Tom Delay- House Majority Leader, Indicted in Campaign Finance Probe
Six Grand Juries later… Travis County of Texas District Attorney Ronnie Earle… finally got an Indictment on Tom Delay… If proven Guilty, Tom Delay could get time in Jail-- Six months to two years with a possible max fine of $10,000. Sorry… This doesn’t pass the smell test to me……
But-- Ohhh… the left is going to make as much Political Hay as they can on this one… I for one couldn’t tell you for sure how this one will come out… Nor can anyone reading this… But I do know your Innocent before Guilty in this country and an Indictment can be brought up at the drop of a hat. Personally-- I think this Indictment will go nowhere, yet that is just an educated hunch…
A few more things I would like to add… I would be almost certain that this will flow into the 2006 elections before being resolved… That Tom Delay is up for re-election again in 2006 and most of all… he will not be allowed to lead the House until this is resolved… In fact… as of 2:00pm CDT today, he said he would officially and temporarily step down as House Majority Leader.
If this doesn’t smell of major Left Political BS, I don’t know what does… And as I type-- right now-- the hard hitters from the Democratic Party are already out running their mouths… I don’t need to tell you what they’re saying… It’s the same old verse-- just a different day…and they still can’t come up with any plan for nothing on anything. That is besides for intentionally obstructing anything the Republican Party and the President try to get achieved… (The ongoing Special House Committee on Hurricane Katrina for example… half of them… no shows!!!)
Anyway-- Go figure…
AubreyJ………
But-- Ohhh… the left is going to make as much Political Hay as they can on this one… I for one couldn’t tell you for sure how this one will come out… Nor can anyone reading this… But I do know your Innocent before Guilty in this country and an Indictment can be brought up at the drop of a hat. Personally-- I think this Indictment will go nowhere, yet that is just an educated hunch…
A few more things I would like to add… I would be almost certain that this will flow into the 2006 elections before being resolved… That Tom Delay is up for re-election again in 2006 and most of all… he will not be allowed to lead the House until this is resolved… In fact… as of 2:00pm CDT today, he said he would officially and temporarily step down as House Majority Leader.
If this doesn’t smell of major Left Political BS, I don’t know what does… And as I type-- right now-- the hard hitters from the Democratic Party are already out running their mouths… I don’t need to tell you what they’re saying… It’s the same old verse-- just a different day…and they still can’t come up with any plan for nothing on anything. That is besides for intentionally obstructing anything the Republican Party and the President try to get achieved… (The ongoing Special House Committee on Hurricane Katrina for example… half of them… no shows!!!)
Anyway-- Go figure…
AubreyJ………
President Bush on Terror and Iraq
“The terrorists have a history of escalating their attacks before Iraq's major political milestones. Two key elections are fast approaching. As these milestones approach, we can expect there to be increasing violence from the terrorists. They can't stand elections. The thought of people voting is an anathema to them. You see, democracy and freedom are the exact opposite of what's in their mind, in their vision.”President George W. Bush
September 28, 2005
Read more of President Bush’s Statement in the Rose Garden today at: The White House
(White House photo by Paul Morse)
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty
DoD Identifies Navy CasualtyNo. 986-05 Sep 28, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Seaman Apprentice Robert D. Macrum, 22, of Sugarland, Texas, was lost at sea. He was last seen the evening of Sept. 12 while the ship was underway. Macrum was assigned to the USS Princeton, currently deployed to the Arabian Gulf conducting maritime security operations as part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
For further information related to this release, contact Commander, U. S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs Office at 011-973-1785-4027 or mailto:pao@cusnc.navy.mil.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 985-05 Sep 28, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Robert F. White, 34, of Cross Lanes, W. Va, died west of Kandahar, Afghanistan on Sept. 26 when his mounted patrol was engaged by enemy forces using small arms fire. White was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N. C.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 984-05 Sep 28, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained near Ar Rustimayah, Iraq, on Sept. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 314th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 78th Division, Fort Drum, N. Y.
Killed were:
Master Sgt. Tulsa T. Tuliau, 33, of Watertown, N. Y.
Sgt. 1st Class Casey E. Howe, 32, of Philadelphia, N. Y.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Photo for the Day- September 28, 2005
Soldiers with Troop C,
4th Battalion, 14th Cavalry,
from Fort Wainwright, Alaska,
walk to a local Iraqi house to conduct a search
for weapons outside Rawah, Iraq, Sept. 27.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, USAF
from Fort Wainwright, Alaska,
walk to a local Iraqi house to conduct a search
for weapons outside Rawah, Iraq, Sept. 27.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, USAF
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
No. 975-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Steven A. Valdez, 20, of McRea, Ark. , died Sept. 26 from enemy mortar fire at Camp Blessing, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8840 or (808) 257-8839
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 981-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Shaibah, Iraq, on Sept. 26, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during convoy operations. They were also attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Killed were:
Sgt. Andrew P. Wallace, 25, of Oshkosh, Wis.
Spc. Michael J. Wendling, 20, of Mayville, Wis.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 980-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Andrew J. Derrick, 25, of Columbia, S. C. , died on Sept. 23 near Baghdad, Iraq when his dismounted team came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. Derrick was assigned to the 411th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 979-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Mike T. Sonoda, Jr. , 34, of Fallbrook, Calif. , died in Baghdad, Iraq on Sept. 22 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M113 Armored Personnel Carrier on Sept. 21. Sonoda was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, Fullerton, Calif.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 978-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Howard P. Allen, 31, of Mesa, Ariz. , died in Baghdad, Iraq on Sept. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Allen was assigned to the Army National Guard's 860th Military Police Company, Phoenix, Ariz.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Independent Katrina Commission- Closed doors only please…
If the Democrats were ever to get an Independent Commission going… to review what went right or wrong with the Katrina Response… god please let it be Closed Doors Only. If there is ever another open to TV-- Independent Commission like the 9-11 Commission… I think I’ll shoot myself!!!
What a waste of time and money of all those Democrat Blowhards getting face time… All I saw them do, most of the time, was ask questions that lasted forever and ended up more of a point of view, from them, than a question to start with. For every 10 minutes of time that they opened their blowhard mouths… the person being questioned by them got 30 seconds- maybe!!! Not to mention the cheerleading group in the audience everyday… We all know who they were now don’t we???
You know who got all the work done by that 9-11 Commission??? It wasn’t the TV Cameras or the Blowhards… It was the Staff, (behind closed doors,) of those on the Commission who did all the foot work and put it all together… The Blowhards just got to sign off for all their Staff Workers work. And us… the Tax Payers… got to pay Millions for a BUSH BASHING SHOW......
AubreyJ.........
What a waste of time and money of all those Democrat Blowhards getting face time… All I saw them do, most of the time, was ask questions that lasted forever and ended up more of a point of view, from them, than a question to start with. For every 10 minutes of time that they opened their blowhard mouths… the person being questioned by them got 30 seconds- maybe!!! Not to mention the cheerleading group in the audience everyday… We all know who they were now don’t we???
You know who got all the work done by that 9-11 Commission??? It wasn’t the TV Cameras or the Blowhards… It was the Staff, (behind closed doors,) of those on the Commission who did all the foot work and put it all together… The Blowhards just got to sign off for all their Staff Workers work. And us… the Tax Payers… got to pay Millions for a BUSH BASHING SHOW......
AubreyJ.........
Forces kill Abu Azzam- al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Baghdad
Sept. 27, 2005
Release A050927a
BAGHDAD, Iraq
Iraqi security and Coalition forces killed the second most wanted al Qaeda terrorist in Iraq, Abdallah Najim Abdallah Muhammad al-Juwari, otherwise known as Abu Azzam, the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Baghdad, during an early morning raid Sept. 25.
Abu Azzam was the operational commander for al Qaeda in Iraq and was responsible for the recent upsurge in violent attacks in the city since April 2005.
Multiple intelligence sources and corroborating information from a close associate of Abu Azzam led Coalition and Iraqi security forces to the terrorist safe house where the al Qaeda in Iraq leader was hiding. A combined operation was conducted with the intent of capturing the wanted terrorist; however, Abu Azzam fired on the forces, and their return fire killed the al Qaeda in Iraq leader.
“We continue to decimate the leadership of the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network and continue to disrupt their operations,” said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesperson. “By taking Abu Azzam off the street, another close associate of Zarqawi, we have dealt another serious blow to Zarqawi’s terrorist organization.”
Abu Azzam had served as the Emir of Anbar Province for much of 2004 and led the largest group of al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in Fallujah during Autumn 2004 until they were defeated by Coalition forces during Operation Dawn. In Spring 2005, he assumed the position of Emir of Baghdad, where he reportedly directed and controlled all terrorist activity and operations in and around the city.
(Above from Multi-National Force – Iraq)
AubreyJ says: I personally feel that the Number One Most Wanted in Iraq- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, days are numbered and will be killed very soon…. Just an educated hunch of mine- we can only hope it to be so…
(It would be nice to capture him though… Think of all the info we could get out of him after leaving him in the hands of the Iraqi Government for a few days... Not saying they will torture the man-- just saying they probably have different ways of doing things than us… as it should be.)
>>> Interesting read at NewsBusters.org- Click it out: 'CNN Downplays Significance of Death of #2 Al Qaeda Member in Iraq'
Release A050927a
BAGHDAD, Iraq
Iraqi security and Coalition forces killed the second most wanted al Qaeda terrorist in Iraq, Abdallah Najim Abdallah Muhammad al-Juwari, otherwise known as Abu Azzam, the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Baghdad, during an early morning raid Sept. 25.
Abu Azzam was the operational commander for al Qaeda in Iraq and was responsible for the recent upsurge in violent attacks in the city since April 2005.
Multiple intelligence sources and corroborating information from a close associate of Abu Azzam led Coalition and Iraqi security forces to the terrorist safe house where the al Qaeda in Iraq leader was hiding. A combined operation was conducted with the intent of capturing the wanted terrorist; however, Abu Azzam fired on the forces, and their return fire killed the al Qaeda in Iraq leader.
“We continue to decimate the leadership of the al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network and continue to disrupt their operations,” said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesperson. “By taking Abu Azzam off the street, another close associate of Zarqawi, we have dealt another serious blow to Zarqawi’s terrorist organization.”
Abu Azzam had served as the Emir of Anbar Province for much of 2004 and led the largest group of al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in Fallujah during Autumn 2004 until they were defeated by Coalition forces during Operation Dawn. In Spring 2005, he assumed the position of Emir of Baghdad, where he reportedly directed and controlled all terrorist activity and operations in and around the city.
(Above from Multi-National Force – Iraq)
AubreyJ says: I personally feel that the Number One Most Wanted in Iraq- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, days are numbered and will be killed very soon…. Just an educated hunch of mine- we can only hope it to be so…
(It would be nice to capture him though… Think of all the info we could get out of him after leaving him in the hands of the Iraqi Government for a few days... Not saying they will torture the man-- just saying they probably have different ways of doing things than us… as it should be.)
>>> Interesting read at NewsBusters.org- Click it out: 'CNN Downplays Significance of Death of #2 Al Qaeda Member in Iraq'
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
No. 976-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Elijah M. Ortega, 19, of Oxnard, Calif. , died Sept. 26 as result of a non-hostile gunshot wound at Camp Baharia, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N. C.
The incident is currently under investigation.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 977-05 Sep 27, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Shawn A. Graham, 34, of Red Oak, Texas, died on Sept. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained earlier that day in Baghdad, Iraq. The vehicle in which he was riding accidentally rolled over. Graham was assigned to the Army National Guard's 124th Cavalry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Fort Worth, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Monday, September 26, 2005
A Moment for our Fallen
A lot of brave men gave their all these last few days... Take a minute tonight to read their names, (in the posts below/above this one,) and in your own way thank them for all they have done and were willing to do for you-- me and this great country of ours…
God bless each and every one of them
and their families, friends and loved ones…
AubreyJ………
AubreyJ………
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 973-05 Sep 26, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died southwest of Deh Chopan, Afghanistan, on Sept. 25, when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed.
Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer John M. Flynn, 36, of Sparks, Nev. Flynn was assigned to the Army National Guard's 113th Aviation Regiment, Stead, Nev.
Warrant Officer Adrian B. Stump, 22, of Pendleton, Ore. Stump was assigned to the Army National Guard's 113th Aviation Regiment, Pendleton, Ore.
Sgt. Tane T. Baum, 30, of Pendleton, Ore. Baum was assigned to the Army National Guard's 113th Aviation Regiment, Pendleton, Ore.
Sgt. Kenneth G. Ross, 24, of
Peoria, Ariz. Ross was assigned to the Army's 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Giebelstadt, Germany.
Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart, 35, of Fernley, Nev. Stewart was assigned to the Army National Guard's 113th Aviation Regiment, Stead, Nev.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 972-05 Sep 26, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M113 armored personnel carrier. They also were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Oakdale, Calif.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Scheile, 37, of Antioch, Calif. , who died on Sept. 24.
Sgt. Paul C. Neubauer, 40, of Oceanside, Calif. , who died on Sept. 23.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
No. 971-05 Sep 26, 2005DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Brian E. Dunlap, 34, of Vista, Calif. , died Sept. 24 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Taqaddum, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Los Alamitos, Calif. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at 817-782-5800, ext. 234.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 970-05 Sep 26, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Kevin M. Jones, 21, of Washington, N. C. , died near Al Taqaddum, Iraq, on Sept. 22, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Jones was assigned to the 181st Transportation Battalion, 7th Corps Support Group, 3rd Corps Support Command, Mannheim, Germany.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Photo for the Day- September 25, 2005
Kathy Wood (right) and friends,
of Buttons and Badges of Alexandria, Va.,
stand in front of their table
handing out free buttons
during the Rally to Honor Military Families,
held Sept. 25 on the National Mall in Washington.
(Cortesy of DoD)
Photo by William Moss
Be sure to read the next POST below this one...
(Cortesy of DoD)
Photo by William Moss
Be sure to read the next POST below this one...
We Support Our Troops
"Overall, Americans support our troops no matter what," says John Wroblewski, whose son, Marine Corps Lt. John Thomas Wroblewski, died in Ramadi, Iraq, April 6, 2004.
Yet, according to Debby Argel Bastion, "the news seems to, for some reason or other, sensationalize, I think, the very few people who really don't have an understanding of what's going on over there, and who oppose what we're doing" in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her son, 28-year-old Air Force Capt. Derek Argel, died May 30, 2005, when his plane crashed in eastern Diyala province.
A must read today by Petty Officer 3rd Class John R. Guardiano, USN at Dod: ‘Gold Star Families Lead Rally to Support Troops Their Mission’
AubreyJ says: You're dang right we Support Our Troops… These kinds of people will always have my Heart-- ALWAYS………
Never the ones that hang around in DITCHES… (Yet their children that gave their all… They too will always be in my thought and prayers!!!)
Yet, according to Debby Argel Bastion, "the news seems to, for some reason or other, sensationalize, I think, the very few people who really don't have an understanding of what's going on over there, and who oppose what we're doing" in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her son, 28-year-old Air Force Capt. Derek Argel, died May 30, 2005, when his plane crashed in eastern Diyala province.
A must read today by Petty Officer 3rd Class John R. Guardiano, USN at Dod: ‘Gold Star Families Lead Rally to Support Troops Their Mission’
AubreyJ says: You're dang right we Support Our Troops… These kinds of people will always have my Heart-- ALWAYS………
Never the ones that hang around in DITCHES… (Yet their children that gave their all… They too will always be in my thought and prayers!!!)
Hurricane RITA- FINAL UPDATE Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005
At 10:00 AM CDT- Sunday, September 25th- RITA had weakened to a Depression but remains a Heavy Rain Producer. (But not for Shreveport-- nice and partly sunny skies in the forecast for us with only a chance of Daylight Heating- Thundershowers this afternoon.)
At 10:00, Rita was about 40 miles North of Shreveport and was moving toward the North near 10 mph. A gradual turn toward the northeast is expected during the next 24 hours…
Looks like we got around 7:51 inches of rain total here at the house with 11:48 inches or better southwest of us.
Besides for a cable line getting taken out and some light tree damage… Amy and I seem to have made out just fine overall...
IT's going to take a day or more to clean up the tree debris and fix what needs fixing in the damaged part of all those old Pecan Trees…
At 10:00, Rita was about 40 miles North of Shreveport and was moving toward the North near 10 mph. A gradual turn toward the northeast is expected during the next 24 hours…
Looks like we got around 7:51 inches of rain total here at the house with 11:48 inches or better southwest of us.
Besides for a cable line getting taken out and some light tree damage… Amy and I seem to have made out just fine overall...
IT's going to take a day or more to clean up the tree debris and fix what needs fixing in the damaged part of all those old Pecan Trees…
But it’s not damage to the house and that’s a blessing.
***************
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest Satellite Imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Shreveport, LA long range Radar Loop- Click Here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of TS Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE out of Houston, TX go to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest Satellite Imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Shreveport, LA long range Radar Loop- Click Here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of TS Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE out of Houston, TX go to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
>> Watch KHOU.com for more online continuous coverage of TS Rita out of Houston, TX. For this LIVESTREAM COVARAGE go to: KHOU.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
This is my last POST on RITA…
That is unless she turns back and starts more trouble for us or others…
**********POST ON RITA END*********
That is unless she turns back and starts more trouble for us or others…
**********POST ON RITA END*********
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Hurricane RITA- UPDATE Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005
At 7:00 PM CDT the center of Tropical Storm Rita was located very near Shreveport LA… Maximum sustained winds have decreased and are now near 40 MPR with higher Gust… I can vouch for the higher gust part too!!! As I type, (7:25pm) the wind has been letting up finally along with all of that Rain… With luck-- that will be the end of the worst of RITA for us and the Shreveport, LA area. Thank you lord for not tearing everything up to bad around these parts and for being kinder to those on the coast of Texas and Louisiana…So far I think we’ve had around 7 inches of rain here in town with 10 inches and better just southwest of Shreveport... No major flooding was noted today and that’s a good thing. We have had a lot of limbs down-- all over the place today… yet at my house-- we still have cable- phone- Electricity- and the all important......
WATER!!! (Got to flush you know…)
Being I still might lose all Internet- Cable and Electricity up here in Shreveport… I’ll ask you to keep up to date with the links below…
AubreyJ………
Being I still might lose all Internet- Cable and Electricity up here in Shreveport… I’ll ask you to keep up to date with the links below…
AubreyJ………
(Photo and parts of above info courtesy of NOAA)
...
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of TS Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE out of Houston, TX go to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
>> Watch KHOU.com for more online continuous coverage of TS Rita out of Houston, TX. For this LIVESTREAM COVARAGE go to: KHOU.com
>> Watch KHOU.com for more online continuous coverage of TS Rita out of Houston, TX. For this LIVESTREAM COVARAGE go to: KHOU.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
Levee Breaches in New Orleans
For the second time in weeks-- Water is FLOODING NEW ORLEANS.
As of Friday at 11:00AM CDT, there were THREE significant breeches in the Levy System. And as one can imagine… water was again rising rapidly in parts of the worst hit in New Orleans. The water was as high as 8 feet in some areas…
>> For local New Orleans up to date info-- go to: 4WWLTV.COM
AubreyJ…
As of Friday at 11:00AM CDT, there were THREE significant breeches in the Levy System. And as one can imagine… water was again rising rapidly in parts of the worst hit in New Orleans. The water was as high as 8 feet in some areas…
>> For local New Orleans up to date info-- go to: 4WWLTV.COM
AubreyJ…
Friday, September 23, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 967-05 Sep 23, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Pierre A. Raymond, 28, of Lawrence, Mass. , died at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, on Sept. 20, of injuries sustained in Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 15, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire. Raymond was assigned to the Army Reserve's 228th Forward Support Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, Harrisburg, Pa.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
DoD Identifies Army CasualtyNo. 966-05 Sep 23, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Travis M. Arndt, 23, of Bozeman, Mont. , died in Kirkuk, Iraq, on Sept. 21 as a result of a vehicle accident during convoy operations.
Arndt was assigned to the Army National Guard's 163rd Cavalry Troop, 116th Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division, Missoula, Mont.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Hurricane RITA- UPDATE Friday, Sept. 23, 2005
As of 10:00 PM CDT, Hurricane Rita had maximum sustained winds of near 120 MPH with higher gust… The eye of Hurricane Rita is just hours from landfall... Rita is a STRONG Category Three Hurricane. Little change in strength is expected prior to landfall. Rita was moving Northwest near 12 mph. Rita is still expected to come ashore as a
DANGEROUS CAT 3 HURRICANE.
Gradual weakening is then expected after RITA moves Inland…Isolated TORNADOES are possible tonight, Saturday and Saturday night over far eastern Texas, Louisiana, southern Arkansas and Mississippi.
(Photo courtesy of NOAA)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Houston/Galveston long range Radar Loop- click here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of Hurricane Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE got to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Houston/Galveston long range Radar Loop- click here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of Hurricane Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE got to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
>> Watch KHOU.com for more online continuous coverage of Hurricane Rita too. For this
LIVESTREAM COVARAGE go to: KHOU.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
New- Levee Breaches in New Orleans
For the second time in weeks-- Water is FLOODING NEW ORLEANS.
As of 11:00AM CDT, There were THREE significant breeches in the Levy System. And as one can imagine… water is again rising rapidly in parts of the worst hit from Katrina in New Orleans.
AubreyJ…
As of 11:00AM CDT, There were THREE significant breeches in the Levy System. And as one can imagine… water is again rising rapidly in parts of the worst hit from Katrina in New Orleans.
AubreyJ…
********** Open-Ended Post Starts Here **********
>> For local New Orleans up to date info-- go to: 4WWLTV.COM
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 965-05 Sep 23, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Scott P. McLaughlin, 29, of Hardwick, Vt. , died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 22 as a result of enemy small arms fire. McLaughlin was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 172nd Armor Regiment, 42nd Armor Division, St. Albans, Vt.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 962-05 Sep 22, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence E. Morrison, 45, of Yakima, Wash. , died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19, of injuries sustained earlier that day in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Morrison was a reservist assigned to the U. S. Army Civil and Psychological Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N. C.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Hurricane RITA- UPDATE Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005
As of 10:00 PM CDT, Hurricane Rita had maximum sustained winds of near 140 MPH with higher gust… (Rita will go down in the record books as the third most intense Hurricane in the Atlantic Basin on record.) Rita is still an extremely dangerous Category Four Hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours. Rita is expected to remain an extremely dangerous Hurricane. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Houston/Galveston long range Radar Loop- click here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of Hurricane Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE got to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
>> Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop
>> For latest Houston/Galveston long range Radar Loop- click here
>> Watch KPRC Local 2’s live continuous coverage of Hurricane Rita online. For this LIVESTREAM COVERAGE got to: Click2Houston.com
(Note: Might take a few to load up)
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 961-05 Sep 22, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. William A. Allers III, 28, of Leitchfield, Ky. , died in the vicinity of Khalis, north of Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 20 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. Allers was assigned to the Army National Guard's 198th Military Police Battalion, 75th Troop Command, Louisville, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Photo for the Day- September 22, 2005
President George W. Bush, left, receives a Pentagon briefing on national policy issues from Vice President Richard B. Cheney, foreground, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, center, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers, U.S. Air Force, on Sept. 22, 2005. Bush spoke to reporters after receiving a briefing at the Pentagon on the U.S. war effort. The President also urged people to follow evacuation instructions as Hurricane Rita heads toward the Gulf Coast of Texas. (Courtesy of DoD)---- (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald, U.S. Air Force.) ----
“The only way the terrorists can win is if we lose our nerve and abandon the mission. For the security of the American people, that's not going to happen on my watch. We'll do our duty. We'll defeat our enemies in Iraq and other fronts in the war on terror. We'll lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.”
President George W. Bush
September 22, 2005
************************
Read full Press Briefing by President Bush here:
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Hurricane RITA- UPDATE Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005
As of 11:00 PM EDT, Hurricane Rita had maximum sustained winds of near 175 MPH with higher gust… Rita is continuing to deepen and is now the third most intense Hurricane in the Atlantic Basin on record. Rita is a extremely dangerous Category Five Hurricane and some fluctuations in intensity is likely during the next 24 hours. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here:
National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
New Orleans – Houston – Hurricane Rita – War on Terror
The MSM will not get off of New Orleans for nothing… New Orleans has already been taken out!!! There’s hardly anyone left in the city right now… If it goes under again that’s bad and sad but the damage has already been done…For now-- the MSM needs to be paying most of their attention to all those fools who won't listen to the warnings of their locals in Texas-- to what’s going on in Galveston Bay- City of Houston - Galveston- Freeport- NASA Johnson Space Center- those big refineries around there- and the list goes on in Texas.
This is where all the hell is going to break loose-- If Rita should come in as a Category 4 or 5 and hits just west of Galveston / Houston-- you will not see much in the news on New Orleans for a long time… This can get bad-- REAL Bad-- Katrina Bad or worse…
Another sad thing is those in this country have already completely taken their focus off of the War on Terror-- and that’s a storm that can kill many, many more than any Hurricane, Mother Nature could ever whip up.
Never forget my butt-- MSM and America already has…
AubreyJ.........
Tehran preparing for War?
Could Tehran actually be preparing for a war with the U.S.??? Seriously-- Kind of looking like it if you were to ask me…
Good read on topic today at GulfNews.com: ‘Is Iran preparing for a US war?’
Good read on topic today at GulfNews.com: ‘Is Iran preparing for a US war?’
Does Diplomacy work with North Korea???
There seems to be only one solution that the U.S. and our four Allies, in these talks with North Korea, should consider: We must once and for all quit this useless policy of appeasing them.
Monday… All the news was that North Korea had agreed to drop all its Nuclear Programs. This was great news no doubt. Tuesday… All the news was that North Korea had changed its mind from the original agreement it had just signed. Not as one had hoped for-- but predictable by many.
So where does that leave us??? Yea… That’s what I’m starting to think too… and that’s one heck of a spooky thought... Regardless-- We should know for sure, one way or the other, this November.
I came across an interesting read at Hawaii-Reporter last night that I thought you all might like. Click it out here: ‘Abetting North Korea's Nuclear Ambition’
I wouldn’t lead you wrong-- It’s a good read!!!
AubreyJ………
Monday… All the news was that North Korea had agreed to drop all its Nuclear Programs. This was great news no doubt. Tuesday… All the news was that North Korea had changed its mind from the original agreement it had just signed. Not as one had hoped for-- but predictable by many.
So where does that leave us??? Yea… That’s what I’m starting to think too… and that’s one heck of a spooky thought... Regardless-- We should know for sure, one way or the other, this November.
I came across an interesting read at Hawaii-Reporter last night that I thought you all might like. Click it out here: ‘Abetting North Korea's Nuclear Ambition’
I wouldn’t lead you wrong-- It’s a good read!!!
AubreyJ………
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 954-05 Sep 21, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 19, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during patrol operations.
Killed were:
1st Lt. Mark H. Dooley, 27, of Wallkill, N. Y. Dooley was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 42nd Infantry Division, Jericho, Vt.
Sgt. Michael Egan, 36, of Philadelphia, Pa. Egan was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Philadelphia, Pa.
Spc. William V. Fernandez, 37, of Reading, Pa. Fernandez was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Philadelphia, Pa.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Iraq: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s Days Numbered
I for one think that the leader “al-Zarqawi” and his group- “al-Qaeda in Iraq” have just about hit the end of the road in Iraq. When you get the spokesman of Al-Sadr coming out and telling you that if you should fall into the hands of their militia-- you will be torn apart-- if you’re the one Al-Sadr’s militia is after and out running around in the streets of Iraq-- your days are numbered.
I for one would just love to see Al-Sadr’s Militia catch that SOB too…
AubreyJ.........
Good read on this topic at:
>> adnki.com ‘Al-Sadr Spokesman accuses Al-Zarqawi of Dividing Shiites’
I for one would just love to see Al-Sadr’s Militia catch that SOB too…
AubreyJ.........
Good read on this topic at:
>> adnki.com ‘Al-Sadr Spokesman accuses Al-Zarqawi of Dividing Shiites’
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 955-05 Sep 21, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. William L. Evans, 22, of Hallstead, Pa. , died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19 of injuries sustained earlier that day in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. Evans was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, Williamsport, Pa.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Time to say another prayer
Tonight I ask everyone to say another prayer for the victims of that massive storm named Katrina-- for those in harms way of Hurricane Rita and for all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom… We’ve lost a lot of souls these last few weeks-- at home and overseas. I’m afraid we will lose a few more to RITA too.God bless each and every one of them…
AubreyJ………
(Photo by AubreyJ.org)
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 951-05 Sep 20, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 16, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M1A1 Abrams tank during patrol operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were:
1st Sgt. Alan N. Gifford, 39, of Tallahassee, Fla.
Spc. David H. Ford IV, 20, of Ironton, Ohio.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 950-05 Sep 20, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Regilio E. Nelom, 45, of Queens, N. Y. , died near Al Asad, Iraq, on Sept. 17, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during an escort mission. Nelom was assigned to the 249th Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, N. C.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Photo for the Day- September 20, 2005
President George W. Bush gestures as he participates in a briefing on Hurricane Rita, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, aboard the USS Iwo Jima in New Orleans, La., with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. (Courtesy of White House)
White House photo by Eric Draper
Hurricane RITA- UPDATE Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005
As of 11:00 PM EDT, Hurricane Rita had maximum sustained winds of near 110 MPH with higher gust… Rita is a strong Category Two Hurricane and additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Rita is expected to become a Category Three or a MAJOR HURRICANE on Wednesday morning and reach Category Four strength by Wednesday evening. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here: National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here: National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 949-05 Sep 20, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Matthew L. Deckard, 29, of Elizabethtown, Ky. , died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 16, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1 Abrams tank during patrol operations. Deckard was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
U. S. Northern Command Prepares to Support Relief Efforts for Hurricane Rita
NORTHCOM Prepares to Support Relief Efforts for Hurricane Rita
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2005
U. S. Northern Command is prepared to meet requests for assistance that the Federal Emergency Management Agency may issue prior to and in the wake of Hurricane Rita, military officials reported today.
The hurricane near the Florida Keys strengthened to Category 2 today and is forecast to strengthen further as it moves westward into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
NORTHCOM’s Joint Operations Center continues 24-hour operations in Colorado Springs, Colo., to monitor the storm's progress and to facilitate subsequent requests that may come from FEMA representatives. Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements are on the ground in Tallahassee, Fla., and in Austin, Texas, to act as a liaison between NORTHCOM, FEMA and the Defense Department.
Also, NORTHCOM established Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., as an operational staging area to pre-position food, water and ice at the request of FEMA. NORTHCOM requested approval from the Joint Staff for four heavy-lift and four medium-lift helicopters to be forward-staged at Patrick Air Force Base, near Cocoa Beach, Fla., and available for potential damage assessments.
To prepare for the storm's possible landfall along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, NORTHCOM planners are watching the storm closely to identify what and when further resources may be needed. Commitment of resources will be wholly dependent on the track the storm takes and the areas impacted, officials said.
The command's officials stressed that potential hurricane havens and avoidance areas are being identified so that military members working in the Gulf region do not become victims of Hurricane Rita.
Maritime assets in the Gulf region will also be moving as a result of Hurricane Rita. The USS Bataan is headed to Mayport, Fla., for resupply and will embark four MH-60 Black Hawk and two MH-53 Pave Low helicopters, then depart today or Sept. 21 with the intent of following behind storm in order to support potential Rita relief efforts.
Current plans also call for the repositioning of Joint Task Force Katrina ships by having them proceed east to avoid Hurricane Rita. These ships include the USS Tortuga, the USNS Comfort, the USS Iwo Jima, the USS Shreveport and the USS Grapple. The USNS Patuxent will remain in the Gulf of Mexico to support repositioning ships. The Comfort will move from Mississippi today, and the Iwo Jima and Shreveport from Louisiana Sept. 21. Ten ships are in the area of operations -- six Navy and four Coast Guard.
To prepare for the storm's possible landfall in Texas, 1,100 Texas National Guardsmen who had been working in Louisiana have been redeployed home. Rita has also kept some troops in the area who otherwise would have been going home, an official said.
"There are a certain number of redeployments (of troops) that were in the works," said a senior defense official speaking on background. "We are going to hold at the present level until we see what Rita will do.”
There are currently 13,753 active duty and 39,833 National Guard forces supporting relief operations in the Katrina Joint Operating Area -- Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. NORTHCOM, in coordination with Joint Task Force Katrina and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, continues to track force adjustment as units move in and out of the area in support of transition operations.
In addition to Hurricane Rita, NORTHCOM is monitoring other tropical weather patterns and continues assisting with Hurricane Katrina recovery, monitoring defense of the U. N. General Assembly in New York City, and providing for the defense of the U. S., officials said.
(Above courtesy DoD)
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2005
U. S. Northern Command is prepared to meet requests for assistance that the Federal Emergency Management Agency may issue prior to and in the wake of Hurricane Rita, military officials reported today.
The hurricane near the Florida Keys strengthened to Category 2 today and is forecast to strengthen further as it moves westward into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
NORTHCOM’s Joint Operations Center continues 24-hour operations in Colorado Springs, Colo., to monitor the storm's progress and to facilitate subsequent requests that may come from FEMA representatives. Defense Coordinating Officers and Defense Coordinating Elements are on the ground in Tallahassee, Fla., and in Austin, Texas, to act as a liaison between NORTHCOM, FEMA and the Defense Department.
Also, NORTHCOM established Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., as an operational staging area to pre-position food, water and ice at the request of FEMA. NORTHCOM requested approval from the Joint Staff for four heavy-lift and four medium-lift helicopters to be forward-staged at Patrick Air Force Base, near Cocoa Beach, Fla., and available for potential damage assessments.
To prepare for the storm's possible landfall along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, NORTHCOM planners are watching the storm closely to identify what and when further resources may be needed. Commitment of resources will be wholly dependent on the track the storm takes and the areas impacted, officials said.
The command's officials stressed that potential hurricane havens and avoidance areas are being identified so that military members working in the Gulf region do not become victims of Hurricane Rita.
Maritime assets in the Gulf region will also be moving as a result of Hurricane Rita. The USS Bataan is headed to Mayport, Fla., for resupply and will embark four MH-60 Black Hawk and two MH-53 Pave Low helicopters, then depart today or Sept. 21 with the intent of following behind storm in order to support potential Rita relief efforts.
Current plans also call for the repositioning of Joint Task Force Katrina ships by having them proceed east to avoid Hurricane Rita. These ships include the USS Tortuga, the USNS Comfort, the USS Iwo Jima, the USS Shreveport and the USS Grapple. The USNS Patuxent will remain in the Gulf of Mexico to support repositioning ships. The Comfort will move from Mississippi today, and the Iwo Jima and Shreveport from Louisiana Sept. 21. Ten ships are in the area of operations -- six Navy and four Coast Guard.
To prepare for the storm's possible landfall in Texas, 1,100 Texas National Guardsmen who had been working in Louisiana have been redeployed home. Rita has also kept some troops in the area who otherwise would have been going home, an official said.
"There are a certain number of redeployments (of troops) that were in the works," said a senior defense official speaking on background. "We are going to hold at the present level until we see what Rita will do.”
There are currently 13,753 active duty and 39,833 National Guard forces supporting relief operations in the Katrina Joint Operating Area -- Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. NORTHCOM, in coordination with Joint Task Force Katrina and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, continues to track force adjustment as units move in and out of the area in support of transition operations.
In addition to Hurricane Rita, NORTHCOM is monitoring other tropical weather patterns and continues assisting with Hurricane Katrina recovery, monitoring defense of the U. N. General Assembly in New York City, and providing for the defense of the U. S., officials said.
(Above courtesy DoD)
Iraq: Running out of Suicide Bombers…
The number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attacks in Iraq has declined dramatically in recent months. According to a source familiar with the totals, there were roughly 125 VBIED attacks in Iraq in May-- by August that number had declined to 68. There’s a stat you won't find in The New York Times…
A great read today at Windsofchange.net: ‘Al Qaeda in Iraq - personnel problems?’
A great read today at Windsofchange.net: ‘Al Qaeda in Iraq - personnel problems?’
Monday, September 19, 2005
North Korea agrees to give up all its Nuclear Programs
North Korea agrees to give up all its Nuclear Weapons and Programs
AubreyJ says: You go Mr. President…
Six party talks do work...
This is just great-- Great News...
(Just cross your fingers that it holds…)
This is fresh news out and an Open Post on this topic will start here:
>>Today.Reuters.UK ‘North Korea agrees to abandon nuclear programs’
>>CNN.COM ‘U.S.: Agreement in N. Korea talks’
>>Washingtonpost.com: ‘U.S. Pleased With Korea Nuclear Agreement’
(Then the MSM change their tune somewhat- give me a break- it’s so obvious…)
>>Washingtonpost.com: ‘US plays down North Korea civilian nuclear program’
>>ABCNEWS.go.com: ‘Bush takes wait-and-see approach to North Korea pledge’
(How does a true News Editor present this news to his readers??? Like the link below… Now that’s non bias reporting like we so badly need back in this country today… Don’t lead me-- just the facts please!!!)
>>NBC4.TV ‘Bush Pleased, Cautious About Pledge’
AubreyJ says: You go Mr. President…
Six party talks do work...
This is just great-- Great News...
(Just cross your fingers that it holds…)
This is fresh news out and an Open Post on this topic will start here:
>>Today.Reuters.UK ‘North Korea agrees to abandon nuclear programs’
>>CNN.COM ‘U.S.: Agreement in N. Korea talks’
>>Washingtonpost.com: ‘U.S. Pleased With Korea Nuclear Agreement’
(Then the MSM change their tune somewhat- give me a break- it’s so obvious…)
>>Washingtonpost.com: ‘US plays down North Korea civilian nuclear program’
>>ABCNEWS.go.com: ‘Bush takes wait-and-see approach to North Korea pledge’
(How does a true News Editor present this news to his readers??? Like the link below… Now that’s non bias reporting like we so badly need back in this country today… Don’t lead me-- just the facts please!!!)
>>NBC4.TV ‘Bush Pleased, Cautious About Pledge’
Photo for the Day- September 19, 2005
U.S. military civil engineers walk through Algiers, a section of New Orleans, La., known to have fallen trees that require removal on Sept. 13, 2005. The Department of Defense is deployed as part of Joint Task Force Katrina whose mission is to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster-relief efforts in the Gulf Coast areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. (Courtesy of DoD)U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey
New Tropical Storm named RITA- UPDATE Monday, Sept. 19, 2005
As of 11:00 PM EDT, Tropical Storm RITA had sustained winds near 70 MPH with higher gust… Satellite and Radar data indicate that RITA is getting better organized and it should become a Hurricane during the next few hours. It could become a Category TWO Hurricane as it approaches the Florida Keys...
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here: National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
For complete up to date ADVISORIES & WARNINGS about this storm click here: National Hurricane Center
(Click HERE for the latest satellite imagery IR Loop)
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Today is for FREEDOM and the Millions that Wish It
“We are making History… It's the day of self-determination for the Afghan people. After 30 years of wars, interventions, occupations and misery, today Afghanistan is moving forward-- making an economy-- making political institutions.”
By President of Afghanistan- President Hamid Karzai
(Comments made while he was casting his ballot during the parliamentary election- September 18, 2005- Afghanistan.)
By President of Afghanistan- President Hamid Karzai
(Comments made while he was casting his ballot during the parliamentary election- September 18, 2005- Afghanistan.)
********** OPEN-ENDED POST START **********
Good reads today on topic of Afghanistan elections:
>> CBC World News ‘Polls close as Afghans vote for new parliament’
>> ABC NEWS International ‘Afghan Polls Close Without Much Violence’
>> ABC NEWS International ‘Afghan Polls Close Without Much Violence’
>> CHINA VIEW ‘French soldier killed in bomb blast in Afghanistan’
>> WFTV.com9 ‘Historic Afghan Ballot Count Begins’
>> The Australian ‘Thanks for the troops, says Afghan leader’
************** POST CLOSED **************
“FREEDOM”
“FREEDOM”
From around the world
they protested the wars…
Yet Behold-
There’s a new march
A new sign
a new hand gesture
That millions now use
To carry their connotations
Of Peace and Defiance…
From around the world
they protested the wars…
Yet Behold-
There’s a new march
A new sign
a new hand gesture
That millions now use
To carry their connotations
Of Peace and Defiance…
“FREEDOM”
Its such a Powerful Thing
AubreyJ
©2005
(Photo courtesy of DoD & is in the Public Domain)
Its such a Powerful Thing
AubreyJ
©2005
(Photo courtesy of DoD & is in the Public Domain)
Rebuild With You, Mr. President
I came across this read today at the Washington Post website and just had to pass it on… This article was written by Donna Brazile who back in 2000 was a Democratic political consultant and also helped manage Al Gore’s 2000 Presidential Campaign.
Click it out here: ‘I Will Rebuild With You, Mr. President’ -you’ll be glad you did…
Click it out here: ‘I Will Rebuild With You, Mr. President’ -you’ll be glad you did…
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Photo for the Day- September 17, 2005
Sergeant First Class Jerome Jackson with 448th Civil affairs Battalion B Company gives toys to children during a mission in Zafaraniya, Baghdad, Iraq, 6 September, 2005. (Courtesy of MNF-I)
U.S. Army Photo by SPC Gul A. Alisan
The people of Afghanistan cast their ballots Sunday, 9/18/05
Not to many hours from now the Afghan people will be going to the polls in the Hundred of Thousands… It just gives me the chills thinking about this part of the world and how far they have come in just a few short years…
Today and tomorrow, I AubreyJ shall dedicate my time and words to all of those millions on millions of wonderful people who so believe in the most powerful word in the world today-- “FREEDOM” Its such a Powerful Thing.........
(And I’ll always have in heart-- the ones who protect it.)
AubreyJ………
Great reads today at the following sites:
>>> DoD.mil: ‘Afghan Police, Army Ready to Secure National Elections’ by Sgt. Lynnette M. Jefferson
>>> Times.com: 'Afghanistan Votes' by Tim McGirk
Today and tomorrow, I AubreyJ shall dedicate my time and words to all of those millions on millions of wonderful people who so believe in the most powerful word in the world today-- “FREEDOM” Its such a Powerful Thing.........
(And I’ll always have in heart-- the ones who protect it.)
AubreyJ………
Great reads today at the following sites:
>>> DoD.mil: ‘Afghan Police, Army Ready to Secure National Elections’ by Sgt. Lynnette M. Jefferson
>>> Times.com: 'Afghanistan Votes' by Tim McGirk
Friday, September 16, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 945-05 Sep 16, 2005DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Alfredo B. Silva, 35, of Calexico, Calif. , died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 15, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during patrol operations. Silva was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, Modesto, Calif.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
Routing Foreign Fighters from Tal Afar, Iraq
Commander Describes Routing Foreign Fighters from Tal Afar
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2005
The commander of coalition troops in Iraq today described "an extremely successful tactical operation" in which U. S. and Iraqi troops all but cleared Tal Afar, Iraq, of foreign fighters.
Tal Afar is one of two major transit zones for foreign fighters coming into Iraq, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said from Baghdad today. The other route is through the Euphrates River Valley, farther south.
U. S. troops from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi forces from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division have been working for two months to plan and prepare for an operation to "restore Iraqi control to Tal Afar," Casey said.
Since Sept. 10, this combined force has been engaged in an operation to clear a roughly 600-by-800-meter section in the center of Tal Afar that foreign fighters had set up as a sanctuary.
The combined force killed about 150 insurgents and captured roughly 350 more. Casey said officials estimate this accounted for about 75 percent to 80 percent of the foreign fighters and other insurgents they believed were in the city. "It looked like a pretty tough fight," he said.
Strong support from the Iraqi government made the soldiers' mission significantly easier, Casey said. In the days leading up to the military assault, Iraqi government representatives spent time in Tal Afar and brokered an agreement with local leaders from all local ethnic groups: Shiia, Sunni and Turkoman.
"The other piece of this that sometimes gets lost is the Iraqi government was very much involved in setting the conditions for success," he said.
Casey explained that local sheiks signed statements saying basically: "We've had enough. We ask for the military to come in and clean the terrorists and foreign fighters out of Tal Afar. "
This led to support for the mission from the city's civilian population. "That had a huge impact on what we had to deal with with respect to the population of that city," Casey said.
About 20,000 civilians left Tal Afar before the fighting began. The Iraqi and coalition force was prepared with humanitarian assistance, but many of those who fled went to stay with friends or relatives elsewhere, Casey said. The Iraqi government also provided $50 million to compensate civilians whose property was damaged and to fund rebuilding damaged areas.
The mission was intended to allow Iraqi civilians to participate in the upcoming constitutional referendum Oct. 15.
To ensure a lasting success in Tal Afar, coalition and Iraqi forces will have to work together with the Iraqi government, Casey said. "The troops will continue to disarm the neighborhoods and clear the city," he said. "And the Iraqi government is working on the political reconciliation to keep all the sheiks together, to reconstitute the local government, to reconstitute the police force, (provide) compensation, and begin reconstruction all throughout the town.”
(Above- courtesy of DoD)
More news today, out of Iraq can be read at Guardian.co.uk: Iraqi Cleric Urges Unity
By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2005
The commander of coalition troops in Iraq today described "an extremely successful tactical operation" in which U. S. and Iraqi troops all but cleared Tal Afar, Iraq, of foreign fighters.
Tal Afar is one of two major transit zones for foreign fighters coming into Iraq, Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said from Baghdad today. The other route is through the Euphrates River Valley, farther south.
U. S. troops from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi forces from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division have been working for two months to plan and prepare for an operation to "restore Iraqi control to Tal Afar," Casey said.
Since Sept. 10, this combined force has been engaged in an operation to clear a roughly 600-by-800-meter section in the center of Tal Afar that foreign fighters had set up as a sanctuary.
The combined force killed about 150 insurgents and captured roughly 350 more. Casey said officials estimate this accounted for about 75 percent to 80 percent of the foreign fighters and other insurgents they believed were in the city. "It looked like a pretty tough fight," he said.
Strong support from the Iraqi government made the soldiers' mission significantly easier, Casey said. In the days leading up to the military assault, Iraqi government representatives spent time in Tal Afar and brokered an agreement with local leaders from all local ethnic groups: Shiia, Sunni and Turkoman.
"The other piece of this that sometimes gets lost is the Iraqi government was very much involved in setting the conditions for success," he said.
Casey explained that local sheiks signed statements saying basically: "We've had enough. We ask for the military to come in and clean the terrorists and foreign fighters out of Tal Afar. "
This led to support for the mission from the city's civilian population. "That had a huge impact on what we had to deal with with respect to the population of that city," Casey said.
About 20,000 civilians left Tal Afar before the fighting began. The Iraqi and coalition force was prepared with humanitarian assistance, but many of those who fled went to stay with friends or relatives elsewhere, Casey said. The Iraqi government also provided $50 million to compensate civilians whose property was damaged and to fund rebuilding damaged areas.
The mission was intended to allow Iraqi civilians to participate in the upcoming constitutional referendum Oct. 15.
To ensure a lasting success in Tal Afar, coalition and Iraqi forces will have to work together with the Iraqi government, Casey said. "The troops will continue to disarm the neighborhoods and clear the city," he said. "And the Iraqi government is working on the political reconciliation to keep all the sheiks together, to reconstitute the local government, to reconstitute the police force, (provide) compensation, and begin reconstruction all throughout the town.”
(Above- courtesy of DoD)
More news today, out of Iraq can be read at Guardian.co.uk: Iraqi Cleric Urges Unity
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