President Bush and the annual State of the Union Address

I for one thought President Bush gave a good speech this Tuesday night, in his annual State of the Union Address.

After the speech was over... I sat down at my computer and started looking through the headlines, in different search engines, to see what the MSM was saying about his Speech. I can tell you that it did surprise me to see that what many took from the speech was the fact that the President stated that the US must get free of Mideast Oil. That the President admitted the US had an Oil Addiction too... These are truths that need reporting and a problem we got to solve.

But... I’m sure as tonight goes by and we get into Wednesday... these headlines will change... For by then the spin masters will have had time to work up some good old BS and try to feed it to us as truths... You know it’s coming......

More to come on Wednesday... Should be a fun day too......
AubreyJ.........

ACLU Ad

It’s a good thing the ACLU’s 'America of Bush' is only hypothetical CRAP!!!
AubreyJ.........
Click it out............
ACLU Ad: Mr. President, the America We Believe in Is Not Your America

Head of Belgium's State Security Service, quits over Iran Nuclear Scandal

The Belgium firm, Epsi, allegedly sold Iran an Isostatic Press back in 2004, which... by the way... according to the CIA, can strengthen nuclear weapon components. It’s a fact that an International Embargo BANS the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran too...

With the above said... Koen Dassen, the head of Belgium's State Security Service, has stepped down after it emerged that warnings from the CIA about such transfers had been ignored.

And yet... the Iranian government still denies it has plans to build an atomic bomb.
Yea right...
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>> Expatica...
Security service boss quits over Iran nuclear scandal
>> BBC News...
Iran row hits Belgian spy chief
............... And here’s another good read on Iran...............
>> LYCOS......
... The IAEA said it continues to investigate traces of some particles of highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and low-enriched uranium (LEU) found in Iran at sites where enrichment equipment bought through a Pakistani-led nuclear black market was stored. Western diplomats say the IAEA suspects these unexplained particles might indicate Iran was enriching uranium at locations it has never declared to the agency…
Iran prepares for nuclear enrichment

Senate Confirms Judge Alito for the Supreme Court

I'll say that one again...
Senate Confirms Judge Alito for the Supreme Court
** 51 Votes were needed for confirmation **
The Confirmation vote went down as follows...
AYE- 58 NAY- 42
All I can say on that is... YEAH!!!
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at Stop the ACLU...
Alito Confirmed As Next Associate Justice To the United States Supreme Court

AMERICA SUCKS!!!

I’m sorry... but I just can’t help it... This has to be one of the funniest but so... sooo close to the truth that I just had to pass it on. You got to go and read this one my friends.
(Oh yeah... On the Military part... don’t forget they support them, full-hearted at the same time too...)
AubreyJ.........
Click it out at ‘The New Media Journal.US......
America Sucks! Ask Any (Progressive) Democrat
(It’s going to be fun listening to the Democrats rebuttal to President Bush's State of the Union address tonight... I’m sure they are going to say “It Sucks Too!”)

Coretta Scott King dies at age of 78

Coretta Scott King, who was the widow of the slain U.S. civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, died during the night at age 78...
This post is in memory of...
No other words needed......
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 085-06 January 31, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Lance Cpl. Hugo R. Lopezlopez, 20, of La Habra, Calif., died Jan. 27 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Rawah, Iraq on Nov. 20, 2005. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th 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).

Cpl. Felipe C. Barbosa, 21, of High Point, N.C., died Jan. 28 from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The accident is currently under investigation.

Media with questions about Lopezlopez can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at 760-720-5044. Media with questions about Barbosa can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at 910-451-9033.

Photo for the Day- January 31, 2006

On 27 January 2006 Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Infantry continued Operation Lighting Baghdad. The operation was to identify, capture and or kill terrorists in various areas of the city. Homes were searched and weapons were confiscated by IA soldiers. The entire area was cordoned before being searched. A mosque was one of the places being searched by soldiers.
(Courtesy of MNF-I)
US Army photo by SSG Kevin L. Moses Sr.

American Strength and Sacrifice

I will ask everyone to go by and visit Beth at her site... Blue Star Chronicles... and read a very heart felt post she did today. Click HERE to go there.
Sorry for the loss... to the family... friends... and loved ones...
God bless...
AubreyJ.........

Permanent Five agree to Referral of Iran to UN Security Council

The permanent five members of the U.N. Security Council have agreed that Iran should be brought before that powerful body over its nuclear program.

It’s hard to believe but well welcomed... that Russia and China were both on board and signed onto a statement that calls on the IAEA to transfer the Iran dossier to the Security Council... "This is the most powerful message we could have hoped for," one senior U.S. official has said...
More to come on this Tuesday I’m sure....
AubreyJ.........
Update: Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Iran struck back Tuesday at the decision to refer Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council... saying the move would mean the end of diplomacy over its atomic program.
Read more at:
>> CBC News......
Iran says referral to UN Security Council will mean end of diplomacy
Mark this date... these events... and my following words... "And so it begins...The clock is ticking..."

New Videotape Aired - Ayman al-Zawahri, still alive

"In seeking to kill my humble self and four of my brothers, the whole world has discovered the extent of America's lies and failures and the extent of its savagery in fighting Islam and Muslims," Ayman al-Zawahri said in a videotape aired Monday, January 30, 2006.

It is truly sad that we didn’t get him back on January 13th, during that Airstrike in Pakistan. But I must say one thing about old al-Zawahri... He sure does know how to preach to his base... on both sides of the ocean......

May the Airstrikes on him and his fellow terrorist brethren continue... We’ll get them soon enough......
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualty

No. 083-06 January 30, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Billy D. Brixey Jr., 21, of Ferriday, La., died Jan. 27 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from wounds received as a result of an improvised explosive device while traveling in a convoy in Afghanistan on Jan. 25. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During Operation Enduring Freedom, his unit was attached to 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8840/71.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 080-06 January 30, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. David L. Herrera, 26, of Oceanside, Calif., died in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 28, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Herrera was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th 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 Casualty

No. 079-06 January 30, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Brian J. Schoff, 22, of Manchester, Tenn., died in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 28, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Schoff was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Iran Nuclear Talks Going Nowhere

The European Powers appeared determined this Monday to drag Iran before the U.N. Security Council after last-ditch talks seemed to go nowhere...
That’s no surprise. We’ve been talking with this bunch for years... and look where it has got us...
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>> Guardian Unlimited......
Little Progress Seen in Iran-Europe Talks

Who is this Guy???

NASA's senior climate scientist, James Hansen has accused the Bush administration of trying to stop him from speaking out about global warming. Hansen has also said that he has had threats from NASA officials too but these threats have come to him only by phone.
Dang-- nothing in writing???
Seems some in the MSM are playing this one up too...
A few Headlines on topic:
** NASA is censoring me, says global warming scientist
** Top NASA Scientist Says He's Being Silenced on Global Warming
** NASA Scientist Feels Pressure over Global Warming
** Scientist says NASA tried to silence him
** Bush tried to gag environment expert
** US Govt accused of trying to muzzle climate scientist
Well you get the idea......
So... fellow Bloggers out there...
Who is this Guy???
AubreyJ.........

ABC news crew injured in IED attack

Two members of an ABC news crew, embedded with the 4th Infantry Division, were injured when an improvised explosive device struck their armored personnel carrier north of Taji during a combined operation of Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces.

The two reporters, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt, and an Iraqi Soldier, were injured in the attack at approximately 12:25 p.m. Jan. 29.

The wounded were evacuated to a military hospital for further treatment.

“Our immediate priority is the well-being of the two injured reporters and the Iraqi Soldier,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington, Multi-National Division – Baghdad spokesman. (I’ll have to second that too... AubreyJ)
The incident is under investigation.
(Above courtesy of MNF-I and taken from Press Release A060129d)

Bush Administration unlikely to shy away from Predator missile attacks in Pakistan

The Bush administration is unlikely to shy away from using Predator missile attacks on al Qaeda leaders in Pakistan, despite the risk of any political backlash...
Read more at Herald News Daily...
CIA unlikely to back off al Qaeda attacks in Pakistan

Iraq: Trial of Saddam Hussein and Seven Co-defendants to Resume

Saddam Hussein and seven co-defendants trial is to resume today, Sunday, January 29, 2006.
More to come as info comes in on the trial...
(Newest update on top – some links may auto-update)
...And Saddam said... "For 35 years, I administered your rights." And the Chief Judge Abdel-Rahman replied... “I am the Judge... you are the Defendant...” Soon after this exchange, two guards were ordered to take Saddam out of the courtroom.
I like this new Judge...
AubreyJ.........
>> Casper StarTribune.net...
... The new chief judge, Raouf Abdel-Rahman, pressed ahead with the proceedings even after the opening drama, hearing a prosecution witness, as he sought to assert tight control over the court...
** Saddam Hussein Removed From Court Room
>> Journal Gazette and Times-Courier... 4:50 AM CST
... Saddam Hussein's trial quickly collapsed into chaos after resuming Sunday with one defendant dragged out of court and the defense team walking out in protest...
** Saddam Hussein Removed From Court Room

*****Info below before trial start*****

>> TheGlobAndMail.com...
Hussein trial to resume amid criticism
>> BBC News......
Saddam Hussein's trial to resume

20th anniversary of Challenger Accident

The NASA family lost seven of its own on the morning of January 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed, causing the Shuttle Challenger to break apart just 73 seconds after launch. The crew of STS-51-L: Front row from left, Mike Smith, Dick Scobee, Ron McNair. Back row from left, Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Greg Jarvis, Judith Resnik.
(Courtesy of NASA - photo by NASA)

"Everyone in the country felt like it happened to them too," she wrote. "And it did. The Challenger explosion was a national tragedy. Everyone saw it. Everyone hurt. Everyone grieved. Everyone wanted to help... But that did not make it any easier for me. They wanted to say goodbye to American heroes. I just wanted to say goodbye to my daddy."
(The above was written by the Challenger’s Commander Dick Scobee's daughter, Kathie.)
In memory of all of those we have lost... to space exploration.
AubreyJ.........

Coalition forces wrap up Operation Koa Canyon

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HIT, Iraq– Iraqi Army soldiers and U.S. Marines finished Operation Wadi Aljundi (Koa Canyon) along the Western Euphrates River Valley Jan. 27 after finding and destroying 45 weapons caches and detaining 20 suspected insurgents.

The cordon-and-knock operation began Jan. 15 north of Hit along the Euphrates River in an effort to disrupt insurgent activity and to root out their weapons stores. No Iraqi or Coalition forces were injured during the operation, although the force did uncover several improvised explosive devices along the way.

Iraqi soldiers and Coalition forces worked well together said Lt. Col. Drew Smith, the commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. Smith said that, as the operation progressed, so did the level of cooperation among the Iraqis and Americans. “The Iraqi Army soldiers were totally integrated with BLT 1/2 Marines. It was a team effort,” said Smith.

Elements of 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Infantry Division and Smith’s reinforced infantry battalion along with MEU Service Support Group 22 managed to keep insurgents off balance and unable to tap into their stores of weapons stashed along the Euphrates.

From village to village, the force located and destroyed thousands of discovered artillery shells, mortars rounds and other rockets. Complete mortar systems were found, in addition to the numerous automatic weapons and nearly 11,000 rounds of small and large caliber ammunition. Hundreds of pounds of explosives were also uncovered and destroyed. One of the sites uncovered was a small building that was being used as an IED-making facility. More than 250 IED components and various explosives were found at the shack, which was subsequently destroyed.

The Iraqi Army battalion and 22nd MEU (SOC) are conducting counterinsurgency operations in Al Anbar province under the tactical control of the 2nd Marine Division. For more information about the 22nd MEU (SOC), visit their web site at www.22meu.usmc.mil.
(Above courtesy of MNF-I and taken from Press Release A060128a)

North Korea warns of Nuclear War

"Dark clouds of a nuclear war are hanging low over the Korean Peninsula... The ever-more frantic moves of the U.S. to ignite a new war against North Korea would only compel it... to bolster its deterrent for self-defense in every way," the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in a commentary Saturday, January 28, 2006, carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency...
Read more on topic at:
>> NewsFromRussia.com...
North Korea warns of nuclear war, says U.S. should back up counterfeiting charges
>> Guardian.co.uk......
North Korea Warns of Nuclear War

Photo for the Day- January 27, 2006

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Michael Mixon, right, trains Pakistani army Pvts. Arif Mehmood and Sajid Jalil on rapid refuel point equipment Jan. 24, 2006, in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. The U.S. military is participating in a Pakistani-led relief operation designed to aid victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the region Oct. 8, 2005. Mixon is assigned to Task Force Wright Rapid Refueling Point Platoon, which is attached to U.S. Marine Corps Combined Medical Readiness Team 3. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by......
Tech. Sgt. Joseph McLean, USAF

Tal Afar Has Restored Hope... Life

Through Operation Restoring Rights, conducted between August and October, U.S. and Iraqi forces were able to address main problems in the city of Tal Afar and reverse damage insurgents had done, Army Col. H.R. McMaster said.

The first problem addressed was security... Once insurgents were subdued, the entire atmosphere of the city changed and people returned, McMaster said...

Read more at DoD...

Tal Afar Has Restored Hope, Life, Commander Says

Click it out... It’s a great read that will make you proud...

AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 077-06 January 27, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jerry M. Durbin Jr., 26, of Spring, Texas, died in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 25, when an improvised explosive device exploded near his dismounted patrol during combat operations. Durbin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Sunni rejectionists conducting attacks against Zarqawi and his network

In a Baghdad news conference held Thursday, January 26, 2006, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said that the U. S., other coalition and Iraqi security forces have been getting help from an unexpected quarter in the past several weeks.

"The Sunni rejectionists... if you will... are conducting planned attacks against Zarqawi and his network," Lynch said. The Sunni Iraqis were favored under now-deposed dictator Saddam Hussein. Some Sunnis are suspected of carrying out a home-grown insurgency against U. S. and other coalition troops in Iraq.

However, al Qaeda has routinely killed innocent Iraqi citizens during its attacks. That's a situation that Lynch said has galvanized most Iraqis... including home-grown insurgents... against the foreign terrorists.

In fact, Iraqi insurgents have killed six key al Qaeda in Iraq leaders since September 2005. And "recently we've seen significant operations where the local insurgency has turned on the Zarqawi network and forced them out of Ramadi," Lynch said. Ramadi is an Iraqi town in Anbar province.

Al Qaeda in Iraq's ability to conduct operations has become degraded... Iraqi insurgents' actions, he said, are now contributing to this state of affairs.

"Zaqawi's on the ropes," Lynch said, noting U. S., other coalition and Iraqi security forces will continue offensive operations against the terrorist leader and his network.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and taken from part of a press release written by Gerry J. Gilmore)

Polls... Polls... and more POLLS!!!

Here we go again-- Polls... Polls... and more POLLS!!!
When will it end lord??????
Headlines in the news on topic:
>> US. govt' eavesdropping has mixed support in poll
>> New Poll Finds Mixed Support for Wiretaps
>> Poll finds 53% in U.S. accept wiretaps to fight terror
>> Poll: Bush approval down
>> Poll: Bush's Approval Remains Low
>> Poll: Bush's Approval Ratings Climb
And on... and on... and on............
AubreyJ.........

Navy to Commission New Guided Missile Destroyer

The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Forrest Sherman, will be commissioned at 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 28, during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida’s 1st District will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Ann Sherman Fitzpatrick will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

The new destroyer honors Adm. Forrest Percival Sherman who served as chief of naval operations from November 1949 until his death on July 22, 1951. Following World War I service, he was designated a naval aviator and later served on the USS Lexington during the carrier's first year in service. He twice held squadron commands aboard the USS Saratoga and served as navigator of the USS Ranger prior to joining the staff of commander, U.S. Fleet.

When World War II began, he served in the war plans division under the chief of naval operations. After assuming command of the USS Wasp in May 1942, he attained the rank of captain and earned the Navy Cross for his leadership of that ship during early phases of the occupation and defense of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. After a Japanese submarine sank the USS Wasp on Sept. 15, 1942, he became chief of staff, to commander air force, Pacific Fleet and served in that capacity until November 1943, when he became deputy chief of staff to Adm. Chester W. Nimitz. He earned a Distinguished Service Medal for his role in planning the captures of the islands of the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Western Carolines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

Following a brief tenure as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Mediterranean, Sherman became the youngest man ever to serve as chief of naval operations on Nov. 2, 1949. One previous ship named in his honor, the USS Forrest Sherman (1955-1982), earned a Navy Unit Commendation and performed distinguished service off Lebanon (1958), Quemoy-Matsu (1958), Cuba (1961) and in the Indian Ocean (1980).

Cmdr. Michael G. Van Durick of Pennsylvania will become the first commanding officer of the ship, which has accommodations for 383 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Forrest Sherman was built by Northrop-Grumman Ship Systems. It has an overall length of 509.5 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 32 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The USS Forrest Sherman is the 48th of 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently authorized by Congress. This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy.

The ship will be capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. The ship contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit the Navy fact file: http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-dd.html.
(Above courtesy of DoD – Taken from press release No. 074-06, January 26, 2006)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 075-06 January 26, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Joshua A. Johnson, 24, of Richford, Vt., died in Ramadi, Iraq on Jan. 25, when a rocket propelled grenade struck his vehicle during combat operations. Johnson was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Jericho, Vt.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

More Democrats Back Alito’s Nomination

More Democrats get behind Alito’s nomination with endorsements by both Senators Robert Byrd and Tim Johnson. Robert Bird to me was a shock... but I must say well welcomed.
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>> SFGate.com......
More Democrats Get Behind Alito Nomination

Remembering Our Fallen

BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq - Marines of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, express their grief during Lance Cpl. Jonathan Price's memorial service. (Lance Cpl. Jonathan K. Price, 19, died Jan. 13 from wounds received as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.) 2d Marine Division is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to conduct counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize anti-Iraqi forces; support the continued development of Iraqi Security Force; support Iraqi reconstruction and democratic elections; and to facilitate the creation of a secure environment that enables Iraqi self-reliance and self-governance. (Courtesy of MNF-I)
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Lane, 2d Marine Division Combat Camera
(AubreyJ says: God bless each and every one of them...)

Polls Closed - Palestinians Voted in Large Numbers

Through tight security and a sea of green and yellow flags... Palestinians turned out in large numbers Wednesday for their first parliamentary election in a decade...
(Will update – newest update on top – some links may auto-update)
Read more on the Palestinian election at:
UPDATE: Thursday, January 26, 2006
Palestinian Votes Official: Hamas Wins 76 seats – Fatah 43

>> Bloomberg.com...

Hamas Wins 76 of 132 Seats in Palestinian Council, Panel Says

>> Forbes.com......
... Hamas' stunning showing in Wednesday's vote could send tremors through Israel's own political establishment...
Israel Ponders Response after Hamas Win
*******************************************************************

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

>> Chron.com......
... The Palestinian election is an important turning point in a cause dear to the Arab world's heart...
Arabs Eye Palestinian Vote for Impact
>> The Kansas City Kansan...
Palestinians Celebrate Historic Vote

Hundreds of Iraqis stage demonstration

Nationalist rebels and tribal leaders in a city north of Baghdad have let it be known they were joining forces to try to expel the foreign-influenced Islamists, (al Qaeda,) from the area... This is part of a trend in the Sunni Arab areas that US commanders have pointed to optimistically as a sign of political development.
Read more at The Peninsula Qatar...
Hundreds protest against Al Qaeda
AubreyJ says: I doubt you will see this little bit of news in the MSM today......

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 072-06 January 25, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Sean H. Miles, 28, of Midlothian, Va., was killed in action Jan. 24 from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in 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.

Army 'Enormously Capable,' Defense Secretary Says

The Army is making revolutionary changes in its transformation process and is becoming a more capable and effective force, not a strained institution in danger of breaking, as recent criticism has suggested, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today.

Two reports released today that characterize the Army as extremely strained and in danger of facing recruiting crises misunderstand the situation and do not take into account the accomplishments of the past five years, Rumsfeld said.

"The world saw the United States military go halfway around the world and in a matter of weeks throw the al Qaeda and Taliban out of Afghanistan, in a landlocked country thousands and thousands of miles away," he said. "They saw what the United States military did in Iraq, and the message from that is not that this armed force is broken, but that this armed force is enormously capable.”

People need to understand that the U. S. is at war and the role of the military is therefore different from what it is in peacetime, Rumsfeld said. The Army is under greater demand, he said, but it has performed well and proven its capability.

"It is a force that has been deployed, functioned effectively and is, as I say, battle-hardened," he said.

Work still needs to be done in rebalancing the active, National Guard and Reserve components of the Army, but solid progress is being made, Rumsfeld said. At the end of the transformation process, 75 percent of the Army will always be ready to respond to a crisis, he said.

Retention is high, and the Army has met its recruiting goals for the past seven months, Rumsfeld said. More recruiters and higher financial incentives have been added to ensure the numbers stay up, he said.

The Army is also transferring many institutional jobs from military to civilian to increase the war fighting capability of the force, Rumsfeld said. The effectiveness of this transition and the entire transformation process will need to be analyzed before any decisions about total Army end strength can be made, he said.

The Army is already starting to draw down its forces in Iraq as the conditions permit, Rumsfeld said. The percentage of National Guard and Reserve forces deployed has gone down and Iraqi security forces are becoming more effective, he said.

"We're transferring bases, we're transferring real estate, we're transferring responsibilities, and we're training people to handle the combat support and the combat-service support," he said.

As always, the reduction of U. S. forces in Iraq will be determined by conditions on the ground and not by a perceived need to reduce strain on the Army, Rumsfeld said.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and written by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA)
Another good read on topic......
U.S. Troops in Iraq Decrease to Last Summer's Level

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 071-06 January 25, 2006
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 Jan. 23, of wounds sustained that day when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M1A2 Abrams tank during patrol operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Lance M. Chase, 32, of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Pfc. Peter D. Wagler, 18, of Partridge, Kan.

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………

C.I.A. operating secret detention centers - No evidence such centers ever existed

I got a question...
If the Council of Europe's inquiry into allegations that the C.I.A. had operated secret detention centers in Eastern Europe turned up no evidence that such centers ever existed... How in the heck do we get all these juicy News Headlines from around the world and this country????
Examples:
>> Britain accused of turning blind eye to torture flights
>> Rendition report adds to terror debate
>> Probe: US 'Outsourced' Torture
>> Human-Rights Investigator Says U.S. 'Outsourced' Torture of Terror Suspects
>> Report alleges 'outsourcing of torture' by US
>> Investigator: U.S. 'Outsourced' Torture
>> European Probe of CIA Finds Torture, Abductions
Read a good and fair report on this topic by Craig S. Smith at nytimes.com...
Inquiry Finds No Proof of C.I.A. Jails but Stays Skeptical
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 067-06 January 24, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Matthew D. Hunter, 31, of Valley Grove, W.Va., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 23, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations. Hunter was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Words of thought

Extremists can make claims and have those splashed instantly across the front pages of newspapers or in leading broadcasts around the world...
(I’d say the same goes for those cries by the Left of Left too!!!)

"I think it was Mark Twain who said that a lie speeds around in seconds, while truth is still putting its boots on."
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld

Judge Sam Alito Approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

Judge Sam Alito has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a straight party line vote...
10 ® Yea – 8 (D) Nay.
No other words needed...
AubreyJ.........

Canada Goes Right and makes Headlines around the World

The new prime minister of Canada is Stephen Harper, head of the Conservative Party. He is one of the country's youngest leaders at 46 years of age and will be sworn in later this week.

Some polls have indicated that voters simply wanted a change from all the corruption in the Liberal Party. Many in our MSM will play that one out too...

Sounds a lot like the drumbeat the Dems in our country have already picked up on... Just listen to all the sound bites from the heads of the Democratic Party and it is all on the same theme... The Republicans are ALL corrupt... and the Dems will try so hard to make that stick for our 2006 elections...
AubreyJ.........
Read more at cbc.ca......
Tory victory makes headlines around world

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 065-06 January 24, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Cpl. Carlos Arrelanopandura, 22, of Los Angeles, Calif.
Pvt. Lewis T. D. Calapini, 21, of Waipahu, Hawaii
Lance Cpl. Brandon Dewey, 20, of San Joaquin, Calif.
Lance Cpl. Joshua A. Scott, 24, of Tunnel Hill, Ga.

Arrelanopandura and Dewey died Jan. 20 from a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Haqlaniyah, Iraq. They were both assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Calapini and Scott died Jan. 23 from a non-hostile vehicle accident near Al Taqaddum, Iraq. They were assigned to Anti-Terrorism Battalion, 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. The accident is currently under investigation.

Media with questions about Arrelanopandura and Dewey can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at 760-720-5044. Media with questions about Calapini and Scott can call the 4th MEB Public Affairs Office at 910-451-6197/5260.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

No. 064-06 January 24, 2006
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The airmen were killed Jan. 22, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting convoy escort duties in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq.

Killed were:
Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, of Miami, Okla.
Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, 28, of San Antonio, Texas.

Both airmen were assigned to the 3rd Security Forces Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
For further information related to this release, contact the Elmendorf Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at (907) 552-5756.

Saddam Trial Delayed until Sunday

After a morning of closed-door exchanges among the five trial judges, the tribunal's spokesman issued a brief statement of a five day delay of the Trial of Saddam Hussein and the seven other co-defendants. If all goes well the trial should resume this coming Sunday.
(I can't stand Clark...)
Read more at the latimes.com......
Trial Judge Dispute Delays Saddam Trial

Stop the War on Iran

I know I’m not the only one out there to notice that those on the Left of Left have already started to come out with their typical chants...

Their new battle cry is... “STOP THE WAR ON IRAN”
Typical... typical... typical............
As for me... I think their cry should be in reality and go more like this:
IRAN... STOP YOUR WAR ON THE WEST -- BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE”
(What say you?)
AubreyJ.........

Iraqi- Coalition Forces Continue Operation Koa Canyon

Eight days of back-breaking searches through villages and fields along the western Euphrates River Valley have yielded thousands of pieces of ordnance as Iraqi soldiers and U. S. Marines continue Operation Koa Canyon in Iraq's Anbar province.

Aimed at isolating insurgents and their weapons, the combined Iraqi and U. S. force began the latest sweep Jan. 15 and have uncovered a staggering amount of weaponry. The soldiers and Marines are making their way inch by inch through caves, fields, wadis and islands in an attempt to disrupt the insurgents.

So far, the combined force has found and destroyed more than 4,300 artillery and mortar rounds, rockets and mines; 590 pounds of explosive powder; 10,000 rounds of various types of ammunition, ranging from small-arms to tank main gun rounds; 300 blasting caps; about 100 feet of detonation cord; and several working machine guns and mortar systems.

"Every piece of ordnance that is uncovered is one less potential IED that may be used against Iraqi civilians, and Iraqi security and Coalition forces," Marine Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander of 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable,) said.

McKenzie also said that the future of the Iraqi army is bright, based upon the individual courage of Iraqi soldiers. "The basic ingredient is courage, and these Iraqi soldiers are showing it," he said.

The Iraqi soldiers are with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, and the U. S. Marines are with the 22nd MEU.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and taken from a MNF-I news release.)

Photo for the Day- January 23, 2006

U.S. Army Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force-76 unload toys and school supplies, Jan. 19, 2006, to give to local schoolchildren near Bagram Airfield in Parwan, Afghanistan. The toys and supplies have been donated from various locations throughout the United State.
(Courtesy of DoD)
Photo by Spc. Christopher Admire, U.S. Army

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 061-06 January 23, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Al Huwijah, Iraq on Jan. 20, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during patrol operations.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Rickey Scott, 30, of Columbus, Ga.
Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan, 22, of Inverness, Fla.
Spc. Clifton J. Yazzie, 23, of Fruitland, N.M.
Spc. Matthew C. Frantz, 23, of Lafayette, Ind.

Scott, Flanagan and Yazzie were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. Frantz was assigned to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Iran- Sanctions and Crude Oil at >$100.00 per Barrel

This morning... I was reading through different news sources on Iran. Boy... There are a lot of worries these days about what happens if Iran is sanctioned by the World Community and Iran decides to shut off its oil supply or even worse... Like deciding to choke off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf where ships transport around 15 million barrels of oil a day.

Many say that if any of this should happen... oil prices could reach or exceed $100.00 per barrel...

Now one thing I have not seen, in any of the MSM, is just how much Regular Unleaded Gas would cost per gallon if oil was to ever reach that $100.00 per barrel mark.

I know we all remember last August, after Hurricane Katrina, when gas at the pumps was over $3.00 a gallon in most parts of the country and oil had reach its record of $70.85 per barrel... Slowed down on that driving didn’t we??? Got all worried about the economy... our jobs and future...

Now what we going to do if/when those gas prices hit near that $4.00 a gallon mark??? I’m no expert but I do think that would likely be the going price of gas with oil at $100.00 per barrel......

All I can say is this... Just remember that ‘Bush DIDN’T do it’ as many from the left will start to cry... And remember that this country is at War and that 2006 might just get a little ugly for all of us...
AubreyJ.........

Iraqi military officials say al-Zarqawi in the Diyala Province area

Iraqi military officials said today that they had intelligence indicating that al-Zarqawi is in the Diyala Province area near Baghdad. It’s not the first time we’ve heard that one is it???
Sooner or later we will get him...
Who knows...?
Just might go and get lucky this week!!!
That kind of news I can't wait to post on......
AubreyJ.........

Banking giant UBS AG says business with Iran no longer worth continuing

Swiss bank UBS AG said today it has stopped doing business with Iran because of their economic and risk analysis of the situation in that country. A similar policy is also being implemented on Syria. All existing business with customers in Iran will be canceled, but Iranians in exile will not be affected by the decision.
Read more at ynetnews.com......
Swiss bank halts Iran, Syria business

Israel will not accept a Nuclear Iran

Israel will not accept a nuclear Iran under any circumstance and is preparing for the possibility that diplomacy will fail to halt Tehran's nuclear aspirations, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said today. He stopped short of saying Israel would take military action to thwart Iran's nuclear program, but he did say "Israel will not be able to accept in any way an Iranian nuclear capability and it must have the capability to defend itself ... and this we are preparing."
Read more at The Jerusalem Post...
'Remember what happened to our previous enemies'

Palestinian Parliamentary Elections to be held this Wednesday

The Palestinians and the rest of the world are asking... can incorporating Hamas into politics and government tame it... or will that merely elevate radicals who reject peace??? Recent comments by senior Hamas members signal it could go either way.
Read more on topic at:
>> WRAL.com......
Hamas Poised For Big Showing in Vote

Crude oil prices jump more that 8 percent this year

Crude oil prices have jumped more than 8 percent this year, bringing it close to the record of $70.85 that was hit last August 30th after Hurricane Katrina. Some analysts have warned that if Iran is sent to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program and sanctions follow, oil prices could jump above 100 dollars per barrel. New threats from al-Qaeda have contributed to trader jitters too...
Read more at tehrantimes.com......
Oil prices near 70 dollars

Deadline Passes for Kidnapped U.S. Reporter

The terrorists in Iraq... who kidnapped and threatened to kill journalist Jill Carroll... deadline has passed and there’s no word as of yet of her fate... At this moment we can only pray for her safe return...
AubreyJ.........

Iraq: Shiite Religious Parties Win Vote but Must Share Power

Shiite religious parties captured the biggest number of parliament seats in last month's election but not enough to govern without partners...
Read more at abcnews.go.com......
Iraq Shiites Win Vote but Must Share Power
>> More on topic at DoD - American Forces Press Service
General Predicts Fewer Sunni Ties to Terrorists

Homeland Security says it will not raise National Threat Alert

"We don't negotiate with terrorists... I think you have to destroy them."
Vice President Dick Cheney
January 19, 2006
Read more at record-journal.com...
Bin Laden Tape Won't Raise Security Level

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 053-06 January 20, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Adam R. Shepherd, 21, of Somerville, Ohio, died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 17 from a non-combat-related illness. Shepherd 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.

DoD Identifes Army Casualties

No. 054-06 January 19, 2006
DoD Identifes 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 Jan. 16 when their AH64D (Apache) helicoptor was shot down while they were conducting aerial patrols. Both pilots were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment (Attack), Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rex C. Kenyon, 34, of El Segundo, Calif.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ruel Mamaril Garcia, 34, of Wahiawa, Hawaii.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

New Osama bin Laden Audiotape broadcast by Al-Jazeera

Al-Jazeera said earlier today, (Thursday,) that it had received a new audiotape purported to be from Osama bin Laden and has now broadcast portions of the audiotape, (but not in full as of yet,) saying al-Qaida is making preparations for attacks in the United States... Yet in the same message bin Laden offers a possible truce to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan...

Authenticity of audiotape as being the voice of bin Laden has not been verified as of yet.

Homeland Security still has Terror Threat Advisory set on ELEVATED- YELLOW- Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks.

Al-Jazeera has reported that the audiotape was made in December. As one reporter on Fox News said... “Is that December 2005 or December 2004, which is the last time we heard from bin Laden?” Follow-up... It was made last December, 2005.
(Photo Courtesy of Rewards for Justice Program)

More to come after I work through all the news that is flooding in on this......
AubreyJ.........
UPDATES: As reported by Fox News... and as of 1:10 pm CST... the CIA has authenticated the voice on audiotape to be that of Osama bin Laden.
Read more on topic at:
>> Reuters- India......
"The operations are under preparation and you will see them in your houses as soon as they are complete, God willing," said the speaker on the audio tape, who sounded like bin Laden...
Bin Laden says new U.S. attacks prepared, offers truce
>> ALJAZEERA.NET......
The tape, broadcast on Thursday but dated to December last year, comes after a year of silence from the al-Qaida leader...
Bin Laden offers Americans truce
>> Forbes.com...
The following link has the full text of the audiotape from Osama bin Laden...
Full Text of Bin Laden Tape

Iraqi Security Forces Move Toward Independence

"We talk all the time about the end state. It's an Iraq that's at peace with its neighbors... that is an ally in the war on terror... that has a representative government that respects the human rights of all Iraqis... that has a security force that can maintain domestic order and deny Iraq as a safe haven for terrorists. We're making progress towards that end. "
Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch
January 19, 2006
Read more of what the General had to say today...
Iraqi Security Forces Move Toward Independence, General Says

France President Jacques Chirac backs Nuclear Force to Counter Terrorist use of WMD

Dang!!!! What all of a sudden got them all riled up??????
AubreyJ.........
Read more on this topic at Bloomberg.com
Chirac Backs Nuclear Force to Counter `Terrorist' Use of WMD

Photo for the Day- January 19, 2006

Windmills in the Qalat, Kandahar and Helmand provinces of Afghanistan will help farmers there pump water to traditional crops, such as wheat and soybean. The windmills, built at a cost of $15,000, are a method provisional reconstruction teams use to help local villagers improve their economies.
(Photo courtesy of U. S. Army)
Read more on topic at DoD......
Windmills Provide Inexpensive Water Source for Afghan Farmers

Possibility of WW3...

A must read today by GI Gotti at ‘Across the Pond’
Click it out HERE.
You'll be glad you did...
AubreyJ......

Al Qaeda Bomb Maker killed last week in U.S. Air Strike in Pakistan

ABC News reports today that al Qaeda's master bomb maker and chemical weapons expert, Midhat Mursi, 52, also known as Abu Khabab al-Masri, was one of the men killed in last week's U.S. missile attack in eastern Pakistan.
Read more on topic at:
>> abcnews.go.com......
U.S. Strike Killed Al Qaeda Bomb Maker
>> CNN.com......
A number of Pakistani officials have told CNN that they cannot confirm whether Abu Khabab was killed in the strike or not...
U.S.: Al Qaeda expert near attack
>> nytimes.com...
Two senior trainers with Al Qaeda and the son-in-law of Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, were among those killed in the American airstrikes in remote northeastern Pakistan last week, two Pakistani officials said...
Senior Qaeda Members Said to Be Killed in Airstrike
(Photo courtesy of Rewards for Justice Program)
AubreyJ says: I just don’t know what to think anymore... on all of this. As I keep saying... “Time will tell.”

Americans Must Understand U. S. Is at War, General Says

The American people must remind themselves every day that the United States is at war, a top Army general said today.

Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, speaking at the American Enterprise Institute here, said that 21st century warfare is more about "will and perception, than taking territory or enemies killed.”

The will of the American people and people around the world to confront the terrorists and defeat them is the center of gravity in what Pentagon officials are calling "the long war," Odierno, assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.

The enemy realizes this, he said. "Ultimately, they believe they will be more patient than Western states and they will, over time, win out," he said.

Information is just as critical as firepower in the long war, Odierno said, and this, too, the enemy understands.

The enemy in the long war is not a traditional foe. Terror networks are "violent, elusive, global in nature and loosely connected," Odierno said. The only tie is the tie of ideology, and that ideology is to make a "caliphate" -- a land in which political, social and religious aspects of life are solidified and led by a single supreme ruler.

"The (terrorist) propaganda on the Internet is clear, they want to re-establish the caliphate," Odierno said. "The center of the caliphate was initially going to be Afghanistan and was supported by the Taliban. Once the Taliban was defeated and overthrown, they shifted. And now in all their writings they say the center of the caliphate will be in the 'Land of Two Rivers' -- Iraq. "

Their goal is to start in Iraq, expand the caliphate throughout the Middle East and then ultimately across the entire world, Odierno said. "Will they do this? No," he said. "But that's their intent.”

Americans need to talk about these terror goals, he said. Americans need to understand the way the terrorists think and understand the threat they pose, because this may help Americans foster the will to combat these groups, he said.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and written by Jim Garamone)

Counterinsurgency Operation in Hit

Iraqi Army soldiers and approximately 1,000 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), are conducting counterinsurgency operations in the al Anbar province.

Operation Wadi Aljundi, (Koa Canyon) began January 15th in an effort to capture or kill insurgents and to locate and destroy their weapons caches in the Western Euphrates River Valley between the Jubbah/Baghdadi region and the city of Hit.

This combined operation involves 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Division, and the 22nd MEU's ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The 22nd MEU (SOC) is operating under the tactical control of the 2nd Marine Division.

The majority of the forces are conducting cordon and knock operations and searching areas of interest for weapons and insurgent activity along the Euphrates River, approximately 80 miles northwest of Baghdad. In addition to the Iraqi Army, Marines are also working with Iraqi Police in the Baghdadi region.

More information on the operation will be released as it becomes available.
(Above courtesy of MNF-I and taken from Press Release #A060118a)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 048-06 January 18, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Kasper A. Dudkiewicz, 22, of Mangilao, Guam, died in Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 15, when his HMMWV was involved in a vehicle collision. Dudkiewicz was assigned to the 511th Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Photo for the Day- January 18, 2006

Followed by a group of Saudi and US delegates, Vice President Dick Cheney walks down a red carpet with Prince Saud al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, upon arrival to King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday January 17, 2006.
White House photo by David Bohrer

Crude Oil and Iran Worries

Crude oil rose to near $67.00 a barrel in New York on concern the world markets lack the spare capacity to cope with a disruption of exports from Iran... which is the world's fourth largest producer and OPEC’s second. Speculations that Iran may curb shipments in retaliation against possible United Nations sanctions have boosted prices...
Read more on topic at:
>> Bloomberg.com...
Oil Climbs to 3-Month High, Near $67, on Concern about Capacity

Russia and China want more talks with Iran – Not Sanctions

I’ve seen reports this morning that Russia and China have made it clear that they do not favor U.N. sanctions to persuade Iran into scaling back its nuclear program... but advising for more negotiations instead... Iran has said it is not afraid of the United Nations... My thinking is... Who the hell is???

My friends... It’s round two coming up with the UN... in so many years... and again all we will get from them is talk... no backing, (backbone.) The clock is winding down on this Iranian mess and talk time is over. It’s time to put up or shut up... The End Game Grows Near......
AubreyJ.........

Update: Targeted Airstrike in Pakistan – Did we get Ayman al-Zawahiri or Not

As of early this morning, (Tuesday, January 17, 2006,) U.S. intelligence officials still don't know if they killed Ayman al-Zawahiri or not. Yet... the FBI is still trying to match Zawahiri's DNA to the remains recovered from the missile strikes. Some are reporting that the test results could come in as early as today...

What kills me is that most of the MSM... from around the world report that the US Central Intelligence Agency air strike apparently failed to kill Al-Qaeda's number two, Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri... Again the MSM is reporting without all the facts.

The last time I looked... DoD... the FBI and all of those other officials in the know of our Government aren’t saying diddlysquat. The best you get out of any of them is that they do not know if we got him... or not... That we will have to wait and see what the test results and official reports come up with...
(And the MSM blindly reports on...)
AubreyJ.........

Yet... here’s some good solid reporting over at LeadingTheCharge.com...
Click it out: ‘US Airstrike believed to have killed Qaeda men’

Pentagon Looks Into Recent Helicopter Crashes in Iraq

The Pentagon is seeking answers as to why three U. S. helicopters have crashed in Iraq within the past two weeks, a senior Defense Department official said here today.

"Is there a pattern? Certainly, in recent weeks three helicopters have gone down. Nothing has been ruled in or out in any of those three cases yet," DoD spokesman Lawrence Di Rita told Pentagon reporters.

Twelve U. S. servicemembers and four civilians were killed as the result of three separate helicopter crashes that occurred in Iraq this month:
Two U. S. soldiers died yesterday when their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed north of Taji.

Two U. S. soldiers were killed Jan. 13 when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed in Mosul and eight soldiers and four civilians were killed Jan. 7 when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Tal Afar.

Di Rita also said military aviation experts are examining whether the terrorists are targeting U. S. helicopters by some new means.

"Is there a new threat out there that we need to be more aware of?" Di Rita posited. However, he cautioned reporters not to jump to any conclusions.

"The first reports are very often wrong," Di Rita said and all three crashes are being investigated.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and written by Gerry J. Gilmore)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 044-06 January 17, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Dustin L. Kendall, 21, of Conway, Mo., died in Baqubah, Iraq on Jan. 15, when his HMMVW accidentally struck an M1A2 Abrams tank and rolled over. Kendall was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 043-06 January 17, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

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

Killed were:
Lance Cpl. Jonathan K. Price, 19, of Woodlawn, Ill., died Jan. 13 from wounds received as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Cpl. Justin J. Watts, 20, of Crownsville, Md., died Jan. 14 from an apparent non-hostile gunshot wound in Haditha, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. His unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. His death is currently under investigation.
Media with questions about Price can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033. Media with questions about Watts can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 720-5044

Afghan Monthly Review for December 2005

Let us not ever forget that the war goes on even in Afghanistan to this very day. I would almost bet that this time next year... Iraq will be reported on just about as much as Afghanistan is being reported on by the MSM these days... Little to none... even our Fallen in the Afghan Theater get little to no press......

Below is a good update at ReliefWeb.int on the past year in Afghanistan. Be sure to click it out... You got very little of this info from the MSM last year......
AubreyJ......
Read more at: ReliefWeb.int......
BAAG Afghanistan Monthly Review Dec 2005

U. S. Medics Treat Bomb Victims in Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Eleven people wounded during a Jan. 14 bombing attacks in Khowst, Afghanistan, were treated by U. S. medical personnel at Forward Operating Base Salerno, military officials in the Afghan capital of Kabul reported today.

Two of the 11 have since been released from care, officials said; the rest were reported to be in stable condition.

"The local medical facilities in Khowst were overwhelmed by the number of patients, and we were able to step in and assist with their care and treatment," said Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman. "There were no Afghan or U. S. military personnel involved in this incident. It was the enemy targeting innocent civilians once again. "

One of the bombings, which killed one and injured at least 23, occurred near a Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim "Festival of Sacrifice" that concludes the pilgrimage to Mecca. Another bombing occurred near the Khowst radio station. Officials provided no information on casualties or damage from the radio station bombing.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and from a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)
AubreyJ says: This is more info out of Afghanistan that will never make it out of the MSM...

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 040-06 January 16, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died near Al Sukar, Iraq, on Jan. 13, when their OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Killed were:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mitchell K. Carver, Jr., 31, of Charlotte, N.C.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle E. Jackson, 28, of Sarasota, Fla.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Saddam Hussein had ties to... and was training thousands of... Terrorists

Another great read today at TownHall.com...
Be sure to click it out......
AubreyJ.........
>> TownHall.com...
... Let’s forget for the moment any weapons of mass destruction (and the verdict is still out over whether or not WMDs were spirited across the borders). Forget the fact that Saddam was providing monetary support to the Palestinian families of suicide bombers. Forget the fact that he had violated umpteen U.N. resolutions since the end of Gulf War I. Forget the fact that his air-defense forces were regularly shooting at American and British pilots. Forget that he was a brutal dictatorial thug whose henchmen systematically raped, tortured, and murdered anyone who so much as hinted at any domestic political opposition. Forget all of the collaterally related geo-strategic reasons for gaining a foothold in the middle of the Islamist-fascist world during a global war against Middle-Eastern-based terrorism.

Instead, let’s consider the question that continues coming back to me...

Why is the White House not jumping all over the fact that terrorists were indeed training in pre-invasion Iraq as defensible proof of why we had no choice but to invade that country???
Read more by W. Thomas Smith, Jr. -- ‘The Saddam-Al Qaeda Connection’

Missile strike targets Ayman al-Zawahiri

Pakistani officials said Zawahiri was not at the scene near the Afghan border... yet US sources familiar with the operation cast doubt on Pakistani claims that Zawahiri was not among the dead... saying it was too early to determine his fate.
(Now that's the way things are supposed to be reported...)
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>> Gulf Times......
Missile strike targets Qaeda deputy
.........***.Monday, January 16, 2006.***
(Yet this is how most the MSM reports it!!!)
>> News Busters.org......
... When it comes to the Today show and the MSM at large, sometimes the Bush administration and its war on terror just can't win. Take the show's coverage of our recent attempt to zap Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's #2...
Read more: Today Show's Targeted Strike: Zapping Zawahiri Lose-Lose Proposition

Most Senators Support Sanctions/Penalties against Iran

"I don't think it's a stretch to say that if the Iranians had a nuclear missile that this president might well use it against Israel."
Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-California
January 15, 2006
Read more on topic at:
>> Forbes.com......
Senators Support Penalties against Iran
>> SwissInfo.org...
... Republican and Democratic senators said on Sunday the United States may ultimately have to undertake a military strike to deter Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but that should be the last resort...
U.S. senators say military strike on Iran must be option
>> The New York Times......
... Senators from both parties expressed strong support today for economic sanctions against Iran unless it halts its nuclear activities, and a few would not rule out military options...
Senators Voice Support for Sanctions against Iran

Abu Ghraib Detainees Released - Bombs and Weapons Found in Iraq

Hundreds of security detainees were released from prison today, and multiple bombs and weapons caches were discovered in Iraq over the last few days, U. S. military officials reported.

About 500 security detainees were released from Abu Ghraib prison. Those released were not guilty of serious or violent crimes, such as bombing, torture, kidnapping, or murder, and all have admitted their crimes, renounced violence, and pledged to be good citizens of a democratic Iraq, officials said.

In other news from Iraq, a young girl phoned in a tip about a possible roadside bomb to coalition forces yesterday, after she saw a white bag in a hole on a road in southeast Baghdad.

When coalition forces investigated, they found a man hiding in the grass by the road, four masked men in a car, a man carrying an AK-47 assault rifle and two suspected triggermen in the prone position. Coalition forces prevented the terrorism suspects from carrying out an attack, and an explosive ordinance team disabled the bomb, officials said.

Troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, discovered a bomb under a pile of hay near Ramadi after receiving a tip yesterday.

A bomb squad responded to the site and found a 155 mm round, a 12-volt battery, a washing machine timer and a radio base station. A bomb team disarmed the device and recovered the contents for later analysis and disposal.

Iraqi police also found a bomb made from a bag of explosives wired to a cell phone yesterday in Tal Afar. A bomb squad was called to the site, and the bomb was moved to a safe location and destroyed.

No injuries or damage were reported in any of the incidents.

Coalition forces found two large weapons caches Jan. 13. The first consisted of various rockets and rounds, blasting caps, a roll of detonation cord, a G3 rifle, a grease gun, an RPK machine gun, and six 50-pound bags of suspected bomb-making material. The second cache included recoilless rifles, various munition casings and numerous mortar fins, rifle springs and empty magazines.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Security Transition Command and Task Force Ironhorse news releases.)