Iraqi Kurdistan strikes oil

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Nordic Representation is delighted to announce the inauguration of the first oil reserves in Iraqi Kurdistan. The KRG Nordic would like to call attention to this historic day as the first drilling of oil reserves have begun in the province of Duhok in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Two good reads at KRG......
‘Kurdistan strikes oil, the inauguration of the first oil reserves in Iraqi Kurdistan’ and ‘Kurdistan Region: Norwegian Firm Strikes Oil in Kurdistan’
AubreyJ says: Yep... All of Iraq has gone to heck in a handbasket... So the MSM will tell you... By the way-- Why hasn’t they MSM reported this above news??? Oh yeah... Bush-Cheney-Halliburton didn’t do the drilling... But didn’t we go to war in Iraq for the OIL??????

President Bush’s National Strategy for Victory in Iraq

The following document articulates the broad strategy the President set forth in 2003 and provides an update on our progress as well as the challenges remaining.

**************************

"The United States has no intention of determining the precise form of Iraq's new government. That choice belongs to the Iraqi people. Yet, we will ensure that one brutal dictator is not replaced by another. All Iraqis must have a voice in the new government, and all citizens must have their rights protected.

Rebuilding Iraq will require a sustained commitment from many nations, including our own: we will remain in Iraq as long as necessary, and not a day more."
President George W. Bush

February 26, 2003

Executive Summary
OUR NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR VICTORY IN IRAQ:
Helping the Iraqi People Defeat the Terrorists and Build an Inclusive Democratic State

Victory in Iraq is Defined in Stages
Short term, Iraq is making steady progress in fighting terrorists, meeting political milestones, building democratic institutions, and standing up security forces.

Medium term, Iraq is in the lead defeating terrorists and providing its own security, with a fully constitutional government in place, and on its way to achieving its economic potential.

Longer term, Iraq is peaceful, united, stable, and secure, well integrated into the international community, and a full partner in the global war on terrorism.
Victory in Iraq is a Vital U.S. Interest

Iraq is the central front in the global war on terror. Failure in Iraq will embolden terrorists and expand their reach; success in Iraq will deal them a decisive and crippling blow.
The fate of the greater Middle East -- which will have a profound and lasting impact on American security -- hangs in the balance.
Failure is Not an Option.........
Read in full at the White House......
‘National Strategy for Victory in Iraq’

The Democrats rebuttal to President Bush’s Speech today

What was the Democrats rebuttal to President Bush’s Speech today???
Answer: Ex-Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry...
That’s just what it was too... EX!!! And Polls!!! And everyway to say-- but not say it... CUT and RUN!!!!!!!!!
Joe Lieberman-- by the way... is the man who needs to be out-front of the Democratic Party. (Read Here)
When is the last time John Kerry went anywhere near Iraq??? Ted Kennedy??? Nancy Pelosi?????????
AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day- November 30 2005

A smoke cloud rises at dusk after an explosive ordnance disposal team destroys weapons and munitions found on an island in the Euphrates River Nov. 28. (Courtesy of DoD)

Photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Fisher, USA

****************

Iraqi and U.S. forces have removed more than 4,200 mortar rounds from a major weapons cache found Nov. 27 outside of an abandoned military base near Kirkuk, Iraq......
(Update for a post on Monday 11/28/05)
Click it out at DoD......
‘Huge Weapons Cache Yields Thousands of Buried Rounds’

Welcome Back Germany-- I think...

Signaling a change in style, new Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged Wednesday to put aside past differences between Germany and the United States......
Read more on topic at ABC News International...
‘German Chancellor Seeks Closer U.S. Ties’

White Phosphorous Legitimate Military Tool

Chairman Calls White Phosphorous Legitimate Military Tool

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2005
White phosphorous is a legitimate military tool, but U. S. forces have been highly judicious about using it to avoid harming civilians, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters Nov. 29.

Pace defended use of the substance, which U. S. forces use primarily as a smokescreen, to mark targets or to flush enemy combatants out of protected positions. "It is well within the law of war to use those weapons as they are being used for marking and screening," he said.

U. S. troops used limited white phosphorous munitions against legitimate targets during Operation Al Fajr in Fallujah, Iraq, last year, defense officials confirmed. However, officials refuted recent news reports that U. S. forces have used the substance as an incendiary weapon. White phosphorous can cause serious burns if it comes into contact with skin.

U. S. forces have never used white phosphorous to target innocent civilians, officials said, and have taken great pains to avoid doing so.

Just as with any other weapon, troops use a variety of factors to determine the appropriateness of using white phosphorous, explained Air Force Maj. Todd Vician, a Pentagon spokesman. These include the target vulnerability and location, available munitions, and the potential risk to civilians and friendly forces, he said.

"No armed force in the world goes to greater effort than your armed force to protect civilians and to be very precise in the way we apply our power," Pace said.

"A bullet goes through the skin even faster than white phosphorous does. So I would rather have the proper instrument applied at the proper time as precisely as possible to get the job done in a way that kills as many of the bad guys as possible and does as little collateral damage as possible," the chairman said. "That is just the nature of warfare.”

White phosphorous was commonly used during the Vietnam War, where it garnered the nickname, "Willie Pete" among troops.
Above written by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
(Courtesy of DoD)

Ask The Soldiers

OK gang... There’s a New Site out that I’ll ask all of you to go by and visit.
It’s called “Ask The Soldiers.” Have questions on the war... what’s really going on over in Iraq... or whatever... Ask Them!!! From the eyes of two soldiers named SGT, (gigotti) and Mr. Matt... They’ll give you some answers...
Now click on over there and check them out......
“Ask The Soldiers.”
AubreyJ.........
.......Thanks!

We want to win.

“We want to win. The whole objective is to achieve a victory against the terrorists. The terrorists have made it very clear that Iraq is a central front on the war on terror. See, they want us to leave before we've achieved our mission. You know why? Because they want a safe haven. They want to be able to plot and plan attacks. This country must never forget the lessons of September the 11th, 2001. And a victory in Iraq will deny the terrorists their stated goal.”
President George W. Bush
November 29, 2005
Read more comments from the President today at The White House...
‘President Tours Border, Discusses Immigration Reform in Texas’

U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba

Camp X-Ray as it looks today. The facility has not been used since early 2002, and recent heavy rains at Guantanamo Bay have brought about heavy growth. (Courtesy of DoD)

Photo by Kathleen T. Rhem

******************

Leaders at the U.S. detention facility for enemy combatants here wonder why media outlets continue to use outdated images of defunct facilities to accompany news reports about the base. Media stories about the detention facility or the men held here routinely are accompanied by photographs or video footage shot at Camp X-Ray, a temporary facility hastily erected to deal with enemy combatants captured in the first days of operations in Afghanistan. Images of orange-suited detainees blindfolded and handcuffed and kneeling in a line inside a chain-link enclosure have become iconic.
Read more on topic by Kathleen T. Rhem at DoD......
‘Officials Decry Use of Outdated Images to Portray Gitmo’

Afghanistan: Progress and Violence

Spates of recent violent and sophisticated attacks have officials in Afghanistan worried that Taliban fighters are receiving assistance or direction from foreign sources. The Washington Post reported on Sunday that the attacks increasingly mimic those of insurgents in Iraq...
Read more on topic by Tom Regan at csmonitor.com...
‘Afghanistan: Signs of progress, but violence surges again’

Afghanistan: An act of Poor Judgment

The decision by U. S. soldiers to burn the bodies of two enemy Afghan fighters was an act of poor judgment, but not a violation of the laws of war, U. S. officials have determined. Officials also determined that using the act to incite Taliban fighters by announcing it over psychological operations loudspeakers was a separate act. In all, four soldiers have received administrative punishment in the two incidents...
Read more by Kathleen T. Rhem at DoD...
‘Burning Afghan Bodies Resulted From Poor Judgment, Not War Crimes’

The time has come for Israel to sound the alarm on Iran

The hour is short... the "point of no return" should be measured not only with respect to Iranian capabilities, but when Western rhetorical determination quietly morphs into resignation and defeatism.
AubreyJ says: You best read this one at......
The Jerusalem Post ‘Speak up on Iran’

Photo for the Day- November 28 2005

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb Love watches for insurgent activity from the door of his UH-1N Huey helicopter while providing close air support for coalition forces engaging insurgents in the city of Ubadyi, Iraq, during Operation Steel Curtain on Nov. 16, 2005. Love is a Huey helicopter crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 of Camp Pendleton, Calif. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by Sgt. James P. Aguilar, U.S. Marine Corps

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1235-05 Nov 28, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Ryan D. Christensen, 22, of Spring Lake Heights, N. J. , died at the Medical University of Charleston in Charleston, S. C. , on Nov. 24, of a non-combat related illness identified in Balad, Iraq, on Nov. 10. Christensen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1233-05 Nov 28, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Eric P. Pearrow, 40, of Peoria, Ill. , died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 24, when his M1A2 Abrams tank accidentally rolled over into a canal. Pearrow was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Taking a moment to remember our Fallen

A lot of our bravest gave their all these last few days... Take a moment 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………

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1234-05 Nov 28, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Master Sgt. Brett E. Angus, 40, of St. Paul, Minn. , died Nov. 26 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Camp Taqaddum, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-372, Marine Wing Support Group-37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 3rd MAW Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6021.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1232-05 Nov 28, 2005
DoD 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 Nov. 23, when their unit came under direct fire during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Aram J. Bass, 25, of Niagara Falls, N. Y.
Sgt. William B. Meeuwsen, 24, of Kingwood, Texas.
The circumstances of the soldiers' deaths are under investigation as a potential friendly-fire incident.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Massive weapons cache discovered – 20 suspected terrorists captured

Iraq-
November 28, 2005

U.S. Soldiers discovered more than 2,700 mortar rounds near an abandoned Iraqi Army base south of Kirkuk Sunday morning, Nov. 27.

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, and explosive ordnance disposal experts began the task of unearthing the weapons from a mound located in a field full of similar mounds. Iraqi and U.S. forces are securing the site and preparing to excavate the remaining mounds in search of additional weapons.

This cache alone has yielded as much explosive material as gathered in the brigade’s area over the past two months, according to the EOD team at the site.
Weapons and explosives seized by Iraqi and U.S. forces are normally moved to a secure location and disposed of through controlled detonations in order to keep them from being used against local citizens and coalition forces.

Also in the news today... Soldiers from Multinational Division Central-South captured 20 men suspected of terrorism in the northern part of Babil province Nov. 28.
The suspected men were armed. MNDCS Soldiers also seized machine guns, ammunition and other equipment. This equipment is secured for investigation.
(Taken from MNF-I Press Release A051128a and A051128b)
>> Read more good news at DoD......
‘Patrol Uncovers Weapons, Bomb Materials’

U.N. congratulates Afghan election success

The U.N. Security Council congratulated Afghanistan on the formal acceptance of election results that will seat a new parliament. The new parliament is to be seated in January. The election also covered provincial councils...
Read more on topic at Science Daily...
‘U.N. Afghan election success’

Hussein’s Trial Resumes in Baghdad, Iraq

Monday, November 28, 2005
Baghdad, Iraq
Saddam Hussein and seven former members of the Baath Party face the death penalty if convicted on charges of crimes against humanity. All eight deny all counts against them... including murder, forced expulsion, imprisonment, torture, and breaking international law, in connection with the 1982 killing of 148 in Dujail, Iraq.
Read more on topic at Bloomberg.com...
‘Hussein Argues With Judge as Trial Resumes in Baghdad’
>> Another good read at nzherald.co.nz......
‘Plot to kill judge in Saddam's trial foiled’

20 Rocket Attack in Afghanistan

An Afghan intelligence official was killed and several government buildings were damaged in a rocket attack by suspected Taliban militants in eastern Afghanistan today... Sunday, 11/27/05.
Read more on topic at DailyTimes.com.pk......
Rocket attack kills official in Afghanistan

Operation Numur, or "Tigers," continues

Operation Numur, or "Tigers," continues with Iraqi soldiers in the lead and has resulted in the capture of several weapons caches and several terrorist suspects, officials reported.

The terrorist suspects include Imad Salih Al-Fahdawi, a known insurgent linked to the Abu Khattab-al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell, officials said. He reportedly has been involved in attacks against government officials and imams.

Terrorists linked to the al Qaeda in Iraq cell are part of Abu Musab Zarqawi's Ramadi network whose members have vowed to prevent local citizens from participating in the Dec. 15 parliamentary elections, officials said.

The discovered weapons caches, they add, had numerous artillery and mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, high explosives, small arms weapons, small arms ammunition, bulletproof vests and bomb- making equipment. Two of the weapons caches were found along a railroad track and were used by local terrorists, officials reported.

Operation Tigers is the fourth in a series of joint U. S. -Iraqi operations designed to disrupt and destroy terrorist networks and infrastructure. The three previous operations -- Panthers (Numur), Bruins (Dibbah), and Lions (Asad) - began Nov. 16. These operations resulted in the killing and detainment of numerous terrorists and the capture of several weapons caches, officials said.

Operation Tigers includes roughly 150 Iraqi soldiers and 400 coalition forces from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, which is assigned to 2nd Marine Division.

The Iraqi army spearheaded the operation by providing security, identifying cache sites and gathering important information through their interaction with the local citizens, officials said.

These actions prove the Iraqi army is "truly making very rapid advances," says Lt. Col. Abdul Majeed, an Iraqi army commander. "With time, we will be able to secure all of Ramadi and remove all of the hidden enemy weapons cache points," he said.

Meanwhile, Iraqi and U. S. forces continued to fight Nov. 26 against terrorists operating throughout north-central Iraq. Sixteen suspected terrorists, including one woman, were captured in a series of unrelated events, officials said.

For example, in an early morning cordon-and-search mission near Baqubah, Iraqi and U. S. soldiers reportedly detained nine suspected terrorists, while seizing detonating fuses and several anti-aircraft artillery rounds.

Moreover, while investigating a late-morning explosion at a gas station southeast of Samarra, local Iraqi police detained four terrorist suspects. Four 155-mm artillery shells that had been converted into improvised explosive devices detonated before they could be removed from the station. The explosion killed nine terrorist suspects and injured four others, officials said.

And, in nearby Balad, U. S. soldiers detained a terrorist suspect at a checkpoint after he attempted to avoid questioning. The suspect was searched and found to be carrying more than $3,000 in U. S. currency, officials said.

U. S. troops also conducted a clearing operation in Baqubah Nov. 26. This resulted in the detainment of two terrorist suspects. Officials say the suspects were found to be carrying eight blocks of C-4 plastic explosive, an AK-47 rifle with several hundred rounds, blasting caps and various other bomb-making materials.

Also on Nov. 26, in Mosul, Iraqi soldiers detained a terrorist suspect who was found to possess notes with the names of anti-Iraq insurgent forces. The soldiers were with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Iraq Army Division. They were conducting a combat patrol when they identified the man as a likely terrorist. The suspect is being held for further questioning, officials said.

Iraqi police from the Samarra Major Crimes Unit, they add, captured a suspected kidnapper and two-time murderer Nov. 26. The suspected murder and kidnapper was taken into custody pending further investigation, and no injuries or damages were reported. Officials said two criminals believed to have been involved in the kidnapping and murders are still at large.

In Baghdad, Task Force Baghdad soldiers reportedly captured four suspected terrorists during operations Nov 24 and 25.

Officials said the successful effort stemmed from information provided by an Iraqi citizen. The citizen alerted soldiers to a terrorist cell operating in western Rashid. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, then raided the alleged site during the early-morning hours of Nov. 25 and detained three suspects.

A similarly successful raid took place Nov. 24, officials said, when soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, detained a terrorist suspect in eastern Rashid. The suspect is believed to have been responsible for attacks on coalition forces, and he unsuccessfully attempted to fleet the scene when the soldiers arrived.
(Courtesy of DoD/MNF-I * Compiled from various news releases.)

Saddam Hussein's trial is to resume Monday, 11/28/05

"All the lawyers will attend the trial, and a decision has been made not to leave the president (Saddam) alone... The lawyers are forced to attend the hearings, despite serious threats on their lives, but they want to do that to serve justice."
Defense Lawyer Issam Ghazawi
Read more on topic at The Buffalo News...
Saddam trial set to resume Monday

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1229-05 Nov 27, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Gregory L. Tull, 20, of Pocahontas, Iowa, died in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on Nov. 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated near hisvehicle during combat operations. Tull was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, Storm Lake, Iowa.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Just read it...

Fun read by Sher Zieve today at the Conservative Voice...
AubreyJ says: Just Read It!!!!
‘Leftist Attacks Become Increasingly Phony and Deranged’

Cindy Who???

Told you no one would give a flip about her a few months down the road.
Well... it’s been a few months down the road and when it comes to Cindy... WHO CARES???
But for those who just can’t get enough of this person... Read on HERE.

Photo for the Day- November 26 2005

Capt. Ronald Leach (center), U.S. Army, examines a local child with the help of Sgt. Georgina Kirkland (left) during a community health outreach program services mission conducted in Al Qudria, Iraq, on Nov. 22, 2005. Soldiers of the 550th Area Support Medical Company and the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team are bringing medical treatment to residents of Al Qudria.
(Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill, U.S. Army.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1228-05 Nov 26, 2005
DoD 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 Nov. 24, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV causing it to flip into a canal. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Steven C. Reynolds, 32, of Jordan, N. Y.
Pfc. Marc A. Delgado, 21, of Lithia, Fla.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1227-05 Nov 26, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Javier A. Villanueva, 25, of Temple, Texas, died in Al Asad, Iraq, on Nov. 24, of injuries sustained in Hit, Iraq, on Nov. 23, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations. Villanueva was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, Calif.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

One more al-Qaida leader Bites the Dust in Iraq - Abu Ubaydah

BAGHDAD, Nov. 26, 2005
A family member and coalition sources have confirmed that Oct. 14 raids killed a close confidant of fugitive Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, military officials reported today. Bilal Mahmud Awad Shebah, also known as Abu Ubaydah, reportedly met weekly with Zarqawi......
Read more on topic at DoD......
‘Relative Confirms Oct. 14 Raid Killed Zarqawi Confidant’

All Them Faces

Powered by Castpost - Best viewed with DSL/Cable...
Just having a little fun with the Secretary of Defense in this little Slide...

New water plant opens in al Husain

CAMP ECHO, Iraq-
Multinational Division Central-South Soldiers and local authorities opened a new water plant for al Husain village near Afak (30 km east of Ad Diwaniyah) Nov. 23.
The new facility provides potable water to about 3,000 local citizens.

Prepared by Bulgarian soldiers from MNDCS 1 Brigade Combat Team, the project began two months ago and included the building of a new water plant with the pumps, filters, chlorinate system, generator and 3-km long pipeline system connecting the water plant with the village.

During the past two years, civil military relations’ specialists facilitated more than 2,000 projects; including water purification facilities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical facilities and administrative buildings.
(Taken from MNF-I Press Release A051125b)
AubreyJ says: Again I say you want see none of this good news coming out of Iraq from the MSM. Sad thing about the MSM is that it’s happening everyday. Not like they just over looked it by mistake!!!

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1226-05 Nov 25, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Allen J. Knop, 22, of Willowick, Ohio, died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 23, from non-combat related injuries. Knop was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Repost #2 - Are you and your Family ready? Is your City/Town Prepared???

Again I will ask you... Are you and your Family ready? Is your City/Town prepared???
My answer to you is this, “Most Likely Not!”

When is the last time you heard from your Mayor of any plans that would need to be put in effect if a major catastrophe came to your part of the country... Do they even have one and why have you not been informed of it in detail....

When is the last time you and your family sat down and talked about it, as a family... what you would do??? Most likely you have not... My question to all of you is why not??? We are at War and Mother Nature hasn’t been so kind to the world of late either... now has she???

My advice to all who read this is... Make preparations... Be prepared... and get on your locals butts for public answers for all of your community...

Saving your life and your family starts with you first... Then you’re Local... then State and last the Federal Government.Your call my friends.........ARE YOU GOING TO BE PREPARED???
AubreyJ.........
Pass it on--
Read more on how to be ready at:
>> Ready.Gov ‘READY AMERICA’

Photo for the Day- November 25 2005

Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Multinational Force Iraq commander, talks with Task Force Baghdad soldiers during the evening Thanksgiving meal Nov. 24 at the Rock of the Marne Sports Oasis Dining Facility. Casey, the Army's top general in Iraq, joined the soldiers in Baghdad as they feasted on turkey, ham, prime rib and all the trimmings. (Courtesy of DoD)
Photo by Sgt. Andrew Miller, USA
Read more HERE

US Marines cross Syria Border

Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 6:30 pm CDT
US Marines are locked in battle with Syrian troops after crossing the border from Iraq into Syria at a point west of al Qaim...
First saw this news at Debkafile... who more times than not are right on their reporting.
Read more on topic HERE.
More good reads at DEBKAfile.
Will post as more info comes in on this topic...
AubreyJ.........

Update...............
Part of this story is at:
>> News From Russia ‘Iraq asks Syria to detain insurgents’
>> This is some old news from October 14th... but I think it sheds some more light on this question before us.......
Check it out at FOXNEWS.com ‘U.S. Troops Take Fire from Syrian Border’

Memories of Past Thanksgivings

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Here’s a short story from me to you. Hope you enjoy...
Click here for AubreyJ’s......
“Memories of Past Thanksgivings”

King Abdullah calls for a relentless war on Muslim extremists

King Abdullah of Jordon has called for a relentless war on Muslim extremists in the wake of the suicide bombings in Amman earlier this month.
Watch your back King Abdullah... These extremists are coming after you...
AubreyJ.........
Read more at BBC News......
‘Jordan calls for war on extremism’

Iraqi homes benefit from new water and sewer system

MOSUL, Iraq
A water supply and sewer distribution system completed in November will benefit 4,280 Iraqi homes in Baqubah.

Construction on the new facility began in May 2005 and employed 250 Iraqi construction workers including pipe fitters, plumbers, electricians, masons, carpenters, plasterers, truck drivers and backhoe operators.

The old system provided potable water to only a limited number of homes and needed upgrades to provide a safe water supply to the community. The system could not keep abreast of growth. The new state-of-the-art system serves a larger section of the community and eliminates the need to connect to the storm water system, and stops the discharge of pollution, and health hazards into the river.

This community project is another concrete example of how Iraq is working towards reconstruction, autonomy, and prosperity.
(Taken from MNF-I Press Release A051124f)

The Last Stand

Iraq- November 24, 2005
In a press conference today, a government spokesman, Laith Kubba, said that insurgent attacks are expected to rise before elections on December 15. He said that "Muslim extremists and Saddam (Hussein’s) criminals" will be making their last stand.
Read more on topic at Times Online...
‘30 die in bomb attack on Iraq hospital’
AubreyJ says: It’s going to be a long 3 weeks coming in Iraq. Just noticed that it’s a FULL MOON December 15th... May this be a GOOD Omen.

Photo for the Day- November 23, 2005

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ernie Martinez of the Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan's Police Reform Directorate (OSC-A) collects an application from a candidate seeking a senior position within the Afghan National Police in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2005. OSC-A is a joint service office working with the government of Afghanistan and the international community to reconstruct the police and defense sectors of Afghanistan. Martinez is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to OSC-A, located at Camp Eggers in Kabul. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by Capt. Dave Huxsoll, USAF.

This War on Terror is much bigger than Iraq

Just today in Afghanistan, a roadside bomb tore through an American armored vehicle in southern Afghanistan, killing a U.S. soldier and an Afghan interpreter.
Read more on this HERE.

More news out of Afghanistan today... The body of the Indian national who was kidnapped five days ago in Afghanistan has been found in the southern Afghan province of Nimroze. Maniappan Raman Kutty, 36, was a driver with the Indian state-run Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and was working in the Nimroze province when he was kidnapped late Saturday night, along with three Afghans. On Tuesday, the Taliban said they had killed Kutty.
Read more on this HERE.

Also today... Suspected Taliban militants shot to death three Afghan police, a day after a roadside bombing killed a U.S. service member in the same province.
Read more on this HERE.

A lot of death is going on almost everyday in Afghanistan too... Just this year alone-- 89 American servicemen and more than 1,200 others have been killed in violence linked to militancy in Afghanistan. But that’s not a political charged topic that could take down President Bush... so none of the MSM reports this news... But it’s out there everyday.
Afghanistan... The forgotten War. Yes Sir-- It's still going on...
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1225-05 Nov 23, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Denis J. Gallardo, 22, of St. Petersburg, Fla. , died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 22, from a non-combat related illness. Gallardo was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Taking a moment to remember our Fallen

As of 10 a.m. EST today, (November 23, 2005,) DoD figures had the total number of the US Fatalities in Operation Iraqi Freedom at 1,653 killed in action, since the invasion started in March 2003. With the added deaths of those who have died from (Non-Hostile) accidents, vehicle accidents, illnesses and such... the death totals to 2,108. The death total to date in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan is 250. (Full breakdown can be found Here.)
God bless each and every one of those who gave their all and their
families, friends and loved ones…
AubreyJ………

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1223-05Nov 23, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. John W. Dearing, 21, of Hazel Park, Mich. , died in Habbaniyah, Iraq on Nov. 21, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Dearing was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Saginaw, Mich.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1222-05 Nov 23, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Matthew P. Steyart, 21, of Mount Shasta, Calif. , died in Shah Wali Kot, Afghanistan, on Nov. 22, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during patrol operations. Steyart was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

No. 1224-05 Nov 23, 2005
DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Emory J. Turpin, 23, of Dahlonega, Ga. , died Nov. 20 when he drowned in the Seychelles. Turpin was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 currently deployed to the Seychelles.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.

We Need a Fence

Colin Hanna, President of Let Freedom Ring, will appear on Hannity & Colmes TONIGHT (Wednesday, November 23) on the FOX News Channel.

He will discuss We Need a Fence.com's campaign to garner support for a border fence along the U.S. - Mexican Border. A lot of interest in this issue has been on the rise nationwide.
The Show airs at 9 p.m. (EST).
Please visit www.WeNeedaFence.com for more information on this issue.

Iraq Debate Normal in Democracy, Giambastiani Says

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2005
The debate on troops in Iraq is healthy and part and parcel of being a democracy, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Nov. 22.

But people must remember that America is in a test of wills with extremists, Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani said in an American Forces Press Service interview.

"Having a debate and a discussion on whether we ought to increase troop strength, decrease troop strength, withdraw, be more involved with international organizations, that's all a part of democracy," he said. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with all of that.”

The U. S. military is around to protect people's ability to have that debate, he said. The admiral spoke of an instance when he attended the commissioning of a Trident missile submarine. He said a reporter pointed to protestors pouring blood on the street near the site and asked him what he thought. "I told him, 'I do what I do, so they can do what they do,'" he said.

He said the debates are fine, but Americans must realize that the terrorists are not going away, and the "test of wills is not going to stop tomorrow or next week.”

Giambastiani said the United States is not going to lose anything militarily, but the test of wills is key to winning the war. "It's important for all of us to understand that," he said. "And although we have these debates and discussions, we have to go in with our eyes open and understand that it is a test of wills. Then, I think, we'll be all right."
Above written by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Our Intelligence was Faulty - Faulty Pre-War Intelligence going into Iraq

Why is it that no one from the President all the way down to the Soldiers on the ground will never say... “WMD wasn’t there?” Instead we hear from them and most everyone else... “Our Intelligence was Faulty” or “We had Faulty Pre-War Intelligence going into Iraq.” Only from the left of left and the antiwar blowhards do you ever hear... “There was no WMD.”
AubreyJ.........

Operation Steel Curtain Concludes - Zarqawi Probably Alive???

The commander of ground forces in Iraq said today he has "absolutely no reason to believe" that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was among those killed during a Nov. 19 raid in Mosul, Iraq.
"It is possible, but I have no reason to believe it," Army Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq and the U.S. Army's 18th Airborne Corps, told Pentagon reporters during a videoconference from Iraq.

Also in the news today... The U.S. and Iraqi forces wrapped up Operation Steel Curtain today near the Iraq-Syria border, military officials here announced. The 17-day offensive was conducted in the cities of Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi, and was geared toward preventing al Qaeda in Iraq from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout the country's Anbar province, officials noted.

Read more on topic by:
>> Donna Miles at American Forces Press Service...
‘Zarqawi Probably Alive, Ground Forces Commander Says’
>> MNF-I news release...
‘Operation Steel Curtain Concludes Along Iraq-Syria Border’

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1220-05 Nov 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Michael J. Idanan, 21, of Chula Vista, Calif. , died in Bayji, Iraq on Nov. 19, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Idanan was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 1219-05 Nov 22, 2005

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Bayji, Iraq on Nov. 19, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:
1st Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, 23, of Freehold, N. J.
Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz, 25, of Powder Springs, N. J.
Cpl. Jonathan F. Blair, 21, of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Spc. Dominic J. Hinton, 24, of Jacksonville, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1217-05 Nov 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas, 20, of El Paso, Texas died Nov. 19 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Hadithah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During 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 Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760)-725-5044.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1216-05Nov 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Troyer, 21, of Tangent, Ore. , died Nov. 19 from wounds received as a result of small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Al Karmah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N. C.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

Photo for the Day- November 22, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Spc. Alberto Cruz, a medic from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, tends to some of the minor injuries after two car bombs exploded near a residential area in the Karradah district Nov. 18. Those seriously injured in the terrorist attack were evacuated by Iraqi ambulances to local hospitals. (Courtesy of MNF-I)

U.S. Army photo by......
Maj. Alayne Conway, 4th Brigade Combat Team PAO

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1214-05 Nov 21, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Dominic J. Sacco, 32, of Albany, N. Y. , died in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 20, when his M1A1 Abrams tank was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Sacco was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

VP Dick Cheney Remarks on the War on Terror

Vice President Dick Cheney delivers his remarks on the war on terror, arguing against a withdrawal from Iraq, during a speech, Monday Nov. 21, 2005, to the American Enterprise Institute.
White House photo by David Bohrer

Read Cheney's remarks in full HERE.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1213-05 Nov 21, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Master Sgt. Anthony R. C. Yost, 39, of Flint, Mich. , died in Mosul, Iraq on Nov. 19, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. Yost was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N. C.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1212-05 Nov 21, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Ivan V. Alarcon, 23, of Jerome, Idaho, died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 17, when his HMMWV accidentally rolled over during combat operations. Alarcon was assigned to the Army's 473rd Quartermaster Company, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 1206-05 Nov 21, 2005

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Christopher M. Alcozer, 21, of DeKalb, Ill. , died in Mosul, Iraq, on Nov. 19, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire and grenades. Alcozer was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

DoD Identifies Army Casualty
No. 1205-05 Nov 21, 2005


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Luis R. Reyes, 26, of Aurora, Colo. , died en route to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, on Nov. 18, when the bus in which he was riding rolled over. Reyes was assigned to the Army National Guard's 947th Engineer Company, Durango, Colo.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Abu Musab al Zarqawi: Did we get him???

Sunday 12:38 pm CST: Just thought I’d pass this on and see what comes of it as the news develops on this topic. Regardless... it seems that another eight high-ranking al Qaeda leaders have BIT THE DUST in Iraq... (Hat tip to DEBKAfile - they are the first to report on this as far as I know.)
Read more on topic below: (Will update as needed – latest news on top.)
>> The Jerusalem Post- (AP double talks in this write-up... not by their fault... but by the way the news is coming in with so much uncertainty.)
'Iraqi FM: Al-Zarqawi thought to be dead'
>> NBC4.com
‘U.S. Trying To Learn Whether Iraq Terror Leader Is Dead’
>> DEBKAfile...
Eight high-ranking al Qaeda leaders blew themselves up...
(More good reads from Debkafile here)

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1209-05 Nov 19, 2005
DoD 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 Bayji, Iraq, on Nov. 17, when their HMMWV was involved in a vehicle accident during convoy operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:
Spc. Vernon R. Widner, 34, of Redlands, Calif. , in Tikrit, Iraq, on Nov. 17.
Pfc. Anthony A. Gaunky, 19, of Sparta, Wis. , at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, on Nov. 18.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

President Addresses Troops

Troops stand at attention Saturday, 11/19/05 as the President and Mrs. Bush arrive in the Black Cat Hangar at Osan Air Base in Osan, Korea.
(Courtesy of The White House)
White House photo.........
by Shealah Craighead

President Addresses Troops at Osan Air Base in Osan, Korea
“Recently, the world learned of a letter written by al Qaeda number two leader, a man named Zawahiri. He wrote this letter to his chief deputy in Iraq, the terrorist Zarqawi. In it, Zawahiri points to the Vietnam War as a model for al Qaeda. He writes, "The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam and how they ran and left their agents is noteworthy." The terrorists witnessed our response after the attacks of American -- on American troops in Beirut in 1983, and Mogadishu in 1993. They concluded that America can be made to run again, only this time on a larger scale, with greater consequences. The terrorists are mistaken; America will never run. We will stand and fight, and we will win the war on terror.”
President George W. Bush
November 19, 2005
Read more at 'The White House'

Immediate Iraq Withdrawal – House voted 403- 3 to finish the Job First

It was a memorable night tonight watching the House on C-Span in a heated and sometimes unruly debate over our Troop withdrawal from Iraq. When the night was over and the House went quiet... until after the Thanksgiving Break... the final vote was 403 to finish the Job in Iraq-- 3 voted to Cut and Run... That’s how I saw it anyway...
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>> Follow the Evidence, wherever it leads...
'Withdraw the Troops - Not'
>> Righting America......
‘GOP Shouts "NO" to Democrat's Weak Pullout Resolution’
>> The Violence Worker......
‘Only cowards cut and run’
>> The Conservative Voice......
‘Iraq - The Politics of Pulling Out’
>> SGT. HOOK............
‘Freedoms’
>> Oblogatory Anecdotes...
‘403-3’

I want this message heard

Mom,
Be my voice. I want this message heard. It is mine and my platoon’s to the country. A man I know lost his legs the other night. He is in another company in our battalion. I can no longer be silent after watching the sacrifices made by Iraqis and Americans everyday. Send it to a congressman if you have to. Send it to FOX news if you have to. Let this message be heard please......
Read letter in full at SGT HOOK.........
‘Taste of Freedom’
AubreyJ says: I did as asked SGT. I now ask others to pass it on...

Question to Talebani

(From interview with Die Presse.com)
Question to Jalal Talebani, the President of Iraq:
"How would you respond to the fact that many European countries believe that the war in Iraq was a mistake???”
Talebani reply:
"Europeans have no rights when it comes to this issue and the European criticism of Americans is positively inappropriate. Europeans have no idea what misery the Iraqi people endured...”
Read more of the answer and Atlas’s take on all of this at ATLAS SHRUGS--
‘Iraq to [Old] Europe’ (It’s a good read... Click it out.)

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1208-05 Nov 18, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray, 27, of Atwater, Ohio, died Nov. 16 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Hadithah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During 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 Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 720-5044.

Winning the War in Iraq is the only issue that matters right now

“Republicans need to realize that winning the war in Iraq is the only issue that really matters right now. It is more important than Medicare, the next Supreme Court justice, foreign trade deals or tax reform. If we lose the war -- and we could -- none of these things will matter.”
Oliver North
November 18, 2005
Great read today by Oliver North at THE CONSERVATIVE VOICE
Click it out ‘How to Lose a War -- The Sequel’

This isn’t about...

This isn’t about the Left-- Right-- or being down the middle... This isn’t about my side or your side of the political argument wins... This isn’t about who lied... how many died... It’s about our enemy we are fighting. It’s about America and all of us wanting to keep her a fully free society.

If we pack up and come home our enemies will take over that part of the world most certainly and they will be following us home soon after. This is what they wish... This is what they say in their own writings... This is the god’s honest truth.

You can build fences on both our boarders.... You can use the most sophisticated tools that money can buy to search and try to stop them before they can do Mass Murder on our soil... Yet if you want to see how all of this will play out by throwing in the towel today... All you have to do is look at Israel... But don’t look long... Iran and Syria will in short time try to take Israel out. Before that happens... Israel well be forced in defending herself. And when the dust clears... It’s going to take us to clean up the political and nuclear fallout and the dead like this world hasn’t seen since WWII... This isn’t about..................
AubreyJ.........
11/17/05

Winning the War-- Taking out One Terrorist... One Terrorist Organization Supporter at Time

Extradition request submitted to bring Saddam Hussein nephew and terrorist leader to justice
BAGHDAD , Iraq-- Iraqi Attorney General Chathanfar Hmod Al-Jasim presented Interpol with an extradition request to bring Omar Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, Saddam Hussein’s nephew, from Yemen’s capital back to Baghdad to stand trial for violating Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code – committing acts of terror.

Omar Sabawi, the son of Saddam Hussein’s half brother, Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, has been sought by Iraqi officials for several years for his leadership role in and financial support to terrorist organizations targeting Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. The recent extradition request is the latest effort to bring Omar Sabawi to justice.

Other members of the Sabawi family have been incarcerated for their roles in leading the insurgency. Omar Sabawi’s brother, Aymen, stood trial this past summer in Baghdad and received a lengthy sentence for his role in financing terrorist activities. Two other brothers, Yassir and Ibrahim, are in prison for their financial and organizational support of terrorist activities. Omar’s father, Sabawi Ibrahim Hasan Al-Tikriti, former Director of the Iraqi Intelligence Service, is awaiting trial for committing crimes against humanity.

Born in Baghdad in 1970, Omar Sabawi, aka Al-Alusi or Uma Ahmad Ali, focused much of his financial support and leadership on terrorist activities throughout northern and central Iraq, including Mosul. His efforts resulted in many deaths, injuries and destruction of property.

Attorney General Al-Jasim fully expects Yemen’s cooperation with Interpol in extraditing Omar Sabawi from Sana’a to Baghdad so that the free and democratic Iraqi people can bring Omar Sabawi to justice.
(Above taken from MNF-I News Release A051117d)

AubreyJ says:
Will you see the above on Prime Time News tonight??? I doubt it... If it is mentioned-- it will only take about 15 seconds of airtime.

Now the way I see it... If the MSM would just do their jobs and report the good with the bad-- I’d say fair enough. But they won’t... It seems the only reporting they wish to put out there is the bad and other news they can twist to their political whims... (Mostly Bush bashing-- along with a lot of anti-war sentiments.) This is a dangerous game the MSM is playing during a time of War...

Terrorists trapped and forced to fight near the Syrian border.

Near the Syrian border, the town of Obeidi was the scene of a fierce battle. Terrorists were trapped there, and forced to fight. Over 80 were killed in several days of fighting.
Read more on topic at:
>> Strategy Page ‘Ugly Realities’
>> DoD ‘U. S., Iraqi Forces Make Gains against Insurgents in Western Iraq’

We Need a Fence

A once-radical idea to build a 2,000-mile steel-and-wire fence on the U.S.-Mexican border is gaining momentum amid warnings that terrorists can easily sneak into the country.
Great read today at USA TODAY by Mimi Hall...
Click it out ‘Momentum builds for fence along U.S.-Mexican border’
AubreyJ says: We do need a fence... But our first defence will have to be to stop most of the MUJ overseas first...

Video found by Indonesian Police in raid on suspected Terrorist Hideout

"Our enemies are America, Australia, England and Italy," said a man who wore a black balaclava and repeatedly pointed his right finger at the camera for emphasis. "You will be the target of our next attack."
Read more on topic at:
>> NYNewsday.com ‘Video Threatens U.S. Allies in Iraq War’
>> Townhall.com ‘Australia won’t be intimidated by New Terror Threat’

Gas Reserves and a hint of Gold in Afghanistan

The US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have confirmed the existence of gas reserves in northern and southwestern Afghan regions.
Here’s a good read at PakTribune ‘NASA Confirms Gas, Mineral Reserves in Afghanistan’
AubreyJ says: I guess the left of left will start to say we went into Afghanistan for GAS and GOLD now!!!!

Photo for the Day- November 17, 2005

A U.S. Marine sits atop a table as he watches the street outside a window in Karabilah, Iraq, during Operation Steel Curtain on Nov. 11, 2005. The intent of Steel Curtain is to restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraq-Syria border and destroy the al Qaeda network operating throughout the Qaim region. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by......
Cpl. Neill A. Sevelius, U.S. Marine Corps

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 1198-05 Nov 17, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Killed were:
Lance Cpl. Roger W. Deeds, 24, of Biloxi, Miss.
Lance Cpl. John A. Lucente, 19, of Grass Valley, Calif.
Cpl. Jeffry A. Rogers, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Cpl. Joshua J. Ware, 20, of Apache, Okla.

All four Marines died Nov. 16 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq. Deeds, Rogers and Ware all died as a result of enemy small arms fire, while Lucente died from wounds sustained from an enemy hand grenade. All four Marines were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 720-5044.

Remembering our Fallen

A lot of our bravest gave their all these last few days... Take a moment 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………

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1199-05 Nov 17, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Dylan R. Paytas, 20, of Freedom, Pa. , died in Baqubah, Iraq, on Nov. 16, from injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds. Paytas was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1197-05 Nov 17, 2005
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2nd Lt. Donald R. McGlothlin, 26, of Lebanon, Va. , died Nov. 16 from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. His unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 720-5044.

911- How Soon we Forget...

VP Dick Cheney comes out swinging

“There was broad-based, bipartisan agreement that Saddam Hussein was a threat... that he had violated U.N. Security Council Resolutions... and that, in a post 9-11 world, we couldn't afford to take the word of a dictator who had a history of WMD programs, who had excluded weapons inspectors, who had defied the demands of the international community, who had been designated an official state sponsor of terror, and who had committed mass murder. Those are facts. What we're hearing now is some politicians contradicting their own statements and making a play for political advantage in the middle of a war. The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions and desert temperatures - conducting raids, training Iraqi forces, countering attacks, seizing weapons, and capturing killers - and back home a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie. The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone - but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history.”
Vice President Dick Cheney
November 16, 2005
Read all of the Vice President’s remarks at...
The Frontiers of Freedom Institute 2005 Ronald Reagan Gala

One more al-Qaida leader Bites the Dust in Iraq (11/16/05)

Al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Sadah bagged
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Forces used multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens to locate a known al Qaeda in Iraq safe house harboring terrorists and foreign fighters Nov. 7.

Upon arrival at the terrorist safe house, Multi-National Forces detained numerous terrorists and foreign fighters; among them was Sadiq Ayadah Husayn Matar (aka Abu Ahmed), the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Sadah.

Abu Ahmed admitted to being the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir of Sadah. He was responsible for all terrorist operations in Sadah. He also coordinated and conducted terrorist operations in the surrounding areas within the al Qaim region. He was in charge of directing, planning and executing bombing, mortar attacks, and ambushes against Iraqi security and Coalition Forces.

Abu Ahmed, as one of the five senior al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leaders in the al Qaim region, which includes Husaybah, Karabilah, Sadah, Ubaydi, and al Qaim, was connected to numerous al Qaeda in Iraq senior terrorist leaders. He admitted associations, as well as conducting coordinated terrorist operations, with other senior terrorists and foreign fighters in the region. These senior terrorists were responsible for all terrorist and foreign fighter activities in the region to include the smuggling of foreign fighters into the al Qaim region from Syria.
(Taken from MNF-I News Release A051116a)