Tuesday, February 28, 2006

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 173-06 February 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died near Balad, Iraq, on Feb. 22, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Bradley Fighting Vehicle. All three soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Curtis T. Howard II, 32, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sgt. Gordon F. Misner II, 23, of Sparks, Nev.
Spc. Thomas J. Wilwerth, 21, of Mastic, N.Y.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Remarks from Vice President Cheney at the 46th Annual American Legion Conference

About photo: Vice President Dick Cheney delivers remarks to the 46th Annual American Legion Washington Conference, Tuesday, February 28, 2006. The Vice President addressed the global war on terror as well as the administration's goal of enhancing quality healthcare and service to veterans.
(Courtesy of the White House)
White House photo by......
David Bohrer
“... The terrorists were actually at war with this country even before 2001. But for a long time, they were the ones on the offensive.

In Beirut in 1983, terrorists killed 241 Americans. Following that attack, the United States forces were withdrawn from Beirut. Time and time again, for the remainder of the 20th century, the terrorists hit America but America did not hit back hard enough. In 1993 we had the killing of American soldiers in Mogadishu, and the first bombing at the World Trade Center in New York. We had the murders at the Saudi National Guard Training Center in Riyadh in 1995; the killings at the Khobar Towers in 1996; the destruction of two American embassies in East Africa in 1998; and, of course, the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. The terrorists came to believe that they could strike America without paying any price-- indeed, they became convinced that if they killed enough Americans, they could change American policy.

And so they continued to wage those attacks-- making the world less safe and, of course, eventually striking the United States here at home on 9/11 and killing 3,000 of our fellow citizens. Now they're making a stand in Iraq-- testing our resolve, and trying to shake our commitment to democracy in that country. And while the terrorists are seemingly random and cold-blooded in their attacks, we have to realize they are also pursuing a strategy with a clear set of objectives.

By methods of murder, they hope to overturn Iraq's democratic government and return that country to the rule of tyrant, and then use Iraq as a staging area for ever greater attacks against America and other civilized nations. Their aim is to remake the Middle East in their own image of tyranny and oppression-- by toppling governments, driving us out of the region, and by exporting terror.

I know that most of you have heard the political debates that have been going on here in Washington. Some have suggested this war is not winnable, and a few seem almost eager to conclude that the struggle is already lost. They are wrong. The only way to lose this fight is to quit-- and quitting is not an option...”

(My favorite part of his speech today was the following...)

“Here in Washington, if any believe America should suddenly withdraw from Iraq and stop fighting al Qaeda in the very place they have gathered, let them say so clearly. If any believe that America should break our word and abandon our Iraqi allies to death and prison, let them make it known. If any believe that America should be safer -- or would be safer with men like bin Laden and Zarqawi in charge of Iraq, let them try to make that case.”

Vice President Dick Cheney
February 28, 2006
(His above remarks were made at the 46th Annual American Legion Conference)
Read speech in full
HERE...

Saudis kill alleged leader of al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia

... Four of the five suspected militants killed by troops in Riyadh on Monday were on Saudi Arabia's most wanted list. The Saudi Interior Ministry also said that one of those killed was Fahd Faraj al-Juwair, the alleged leader of al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia...
Read more on topic at:
>>> BBC NEWS.........
Saudi most wanted killed in raid

>>> Aljazeera.Net
... The Tuesday's Saudi Interior Ministry statement means that almost all of the suspects on a list of 36 issued last year have been killed or arrested. Security analysts say many others on the list are believed to have joined insurgents fighting in Iraq and some may be dead...

Saudis: Al-Qaida boss killed in raid

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 172-06 February 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Adam J. Vanalstine, 21, of Superior, Wis., died Feb. 25, from an improvised explosive device in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, 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 Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-5476.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 171-06 February 28, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Jessie Davila, 29, of Greensburg, Kan., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 20, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Davila was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Lawrence, Kan.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Saddam Hussein's trial resumed today

(Will update through the day...)
>>> posted 6:20am CST- The Norman Transcript
... Saddam Hussein's trial resumed today with his defense lawyers showing up and ending their month long boycott of his trial... even though the Judge rejected their demands that he (the Judge,) step down. Today’s session will include the reading of testimony by six witnesses and the presentation of more documentary evidence...
Saddam's Lawyers End Boycott of Trial

>>> posted 10:30am CST- Guardian.co.uk
... The chief prosecutor, Jaafar al-Moussawi, presented a series of documents concerning the execution of more than 140 Shias from Dujail in a crackdown launched after an attempt on Saddam's life in 1982. After two hours of hearing evidence, the court has adjourned until tomorrow...
Saddam trial hears of execution orders

>>> posted 8:30pm CST- MercuryNews.com
... Prosecutors in Saddam Hussein's trial on Tuesday presented documents for the first time linking the former dictator directly to the executions of 148 people...
Prosecutors link Saddam directly to 148 killings

What’s up with Iran Today – February 28, 2006

>>> MACLEANS.CA.........
... An IAEA report says that because of the lack of sufficient co-operation from the Iranian side, the agency remains unable "to conclude that there are no undeclared nuclear materials or activities in Iran." The report suggested that unless Iran drastically increases its co-operation, the IAEA would not be able to establish whether past clandestine activities were focused on making nuclear arms...
Iran says UN agency's report shows Tehran not trying to make nuclear weapons

>>> mideast.jpost.com.........
... Iran would allocate $250 million to the Palestinian Authority to replace the funding withheld by Israel and the United States following Hamas' election. Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said that he officially approved the Iranian support for the new Hamas-led PA...
Iran to allot $250 million to Palestinian Authority

>>> IranFocus.com.........
... Hundreds of people in an ethnic Arab neighborhood of the south-western city of Ahwaz staged an anti-government demonstration hours after three explosions in Khuzistan Province on Monday morning...
Riots rock volatile Iran city after blast

>>> CNN.com.........
... Iran's foreign minister has said his country's final target is to enrich uranium on its own soil... even if it accepts a Russian proposal to enrich Iranian uranium there...

Iran 'to keep enrichment program'
AubreyJ says: And the endgame grows nearer...

Department to Release Uncensored Detainee Hearing Transcripts

The Defense Department is preparing to release detainee hearing transcripts containing the names of persons held at the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a senior Pentagon official said here yesterday.

A New York federal district judge recently ruled in favor of an Associated Press lawsuit that sought the release of some uncensored transcripts taken from detainee hearings at Guantanamo, according to press reports.

The department will abide by the judge's ruling, DoD spokesman Bryan Whitman told Pentagon reporters.

The U. S. Justice Department declined to appeal the judge's ruling, which requires DoD to provide the documents by March 3, Whitman said. About 490 detainees captured during the war against global terrorism are being held at Guantanamo, which was established after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Transcripts from Combatant Status Review Tribunal hearings conducted at Guantanamo were previously made available with the detainees' names blacked out, Whitman said.

Charges have been filed against 10 detainees held at Guantanamo. But three trials have been postponed, in part, because of a pending U. S. Supreme Court case that likely will decide whether the military tribunal process at Guantanamo is legal under the U. S. Constitution.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and written by Gerry J. Gilmore)

Monday, February 27, 2006

Civil War...

To all of those in the MSM... who have preached nothing but Civil War for the Iraqi peoples- and hammered away with all that political spin against my President... all weekend long. It did not happen this time did it???
And I think it will never happen in the future either...

Why is this so, AubreyJ... so many of you might ask.....?
I’ll answer you with a word......
FREEDOM!!!
And with the same breath... continue to say...
It’s Such a Powerful Thing...

Our friends the Iraqis have had a taste of this... FREEDOM... and I truly believe nothing on this earth can take that away from them-- but themselves alone...
And most all of the peoples of Iraq understand this as fact...
AubreyJ.........
UPDATE February 28, 2006:
A very good read on topic at Amy Proctor’s Site...
Her post is titled: Underestimating Iraq
Click it out
HERE...

Iraq: Saddam ends Hunger Strike - Trial Resumes Tuesday

Saddam Hussein has ended his hunger strike that began earlier this month to protest against the conduct of his trial... This is just one day before the Iraqi leader is due back into court. (Next court date is set for Tuesday, February 27, 2006.)
Read more on topic at AlertNet.org...
Saddam ends hunger strike before trial resumption
AubreyJ says: The Fat A@S must have been dying for some more of his CHEESY POOFS!!!

Saudi Forces Kill 5 Suspected Terror Suspects in Raids Today– Capture Another

Security forces in Saudi Arabia raided two locations in the Riyadh area today. In one raid they killed five people in an exchange of gunfire that erupted when the security forces raided a house in the Yarmouk neighborhood in the east of the city. In the other raid they arresting a suspect... suspected of being part of the group involved in an attempted suicide bombing last Friday at a Saudi oil and gas plant. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for this attack last Friday......
Read more on topic at:
>>> The New York Times......
Saudi Forces Kill 5 in Raids on Terror Suspects
>>> chron.com.........
Saudi Forces Kill 5 Suspected Militants
>>> Bloomberg.com......
Oil Falls as Supply Concern Eases on Foiled Saudi Arabia Attack

What Extremists are Saying

On February 24, 2006, "Abd-al-Muhyi" posted a statement to the Ana al-Muslim Forum from "al-Qa'ida Organization in the Arabian Peninsula" (the name refers to Saudi Arabia) saying that organization claims credit for that day's attack on an oil installation in Buqayq, in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region. "Abd-al-Muhyi" claims to have copied the statement from the password-protected Al-Hisbah website.

The "News" forum of the Ana al-Muslim website is a popular spot for statements issued by Iraqi insurgency groups.

Following is a translation of the statement.

"Thanks be to God, lord of the faithful; No aggression but on unjust people; God's prayers and peace be upon the one sent with the sword as a mercy for the two worlds, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.

"With God's support, our heroic mujahidin from the Unit of Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, may God preserve him, at noon today, Friday, 26 Muharram 1427 hegira [24 February], infiltrated a facility for oil and gas processing in the city of Buqayq in the Eastern Region of the Arabian Peninsula, clearing the road for two booby-trapped cars, driven by two martyrdom-seekers. These plants help in stealing the Muslims' oil wealth. We will give further details on the operation and those who carried it out at a later stage, God willing.

"This operation falls within the framework of the operations carried out by al-Qa'ida Organization in its war against crusaders and Jews to prevent them from stealing the Muslims' wealth and to force the infidels out of the Arabian Peninsula.

"These heroes are an honorable example of the youth of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula, and their likes are many by the grace of Allah. They all compete for martyrdom and are eager to fight God's enemies, be they Jews, Crusaders, or the lackey apostate leaders. Their hearts cry out in pain over what has happened to their Muslim brothers in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and everywhere else. You will see from them what soothes your hearts, God willing.

"Oh Allah, revealer of the book, mover of the cloud, crusher of the parties, crush America and its allies, crush and quake them and grant us victory over them, O All-Powerful, O Noble.
[Signed]
"Al-Qa'ida Organization in the Arabian Peninsula"

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

On February 20, 2006, the weblog Mujahidin News posted links to the "full" version of the January 30, 2006 Ayman Al-Zawahiri video message broadcast on Aljazeera Television. The video contained several portions that were not aired by Aljazeera, including are sponse to the US missile strike in Pakistan and a threat to Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf. The 11-minute, 18-second video was produced by Al-Qaida’s video production and distribution arm the Al-Sahab Institute, and has subtitles in English. The Mujahidin News is a new blog that provides statements by several Iraqi insurgency groups.

"In the name of God, and praise be to God, and prayers and peace be upon the messenger of God and up on his family, companions and allies.

Muslim brothers everywhere, peace be upon you and the mercy of God and His blessings. The US aircraft, with the collusion of traitor Musharraf and his security services, the slaves of the Crusaders and Jews, launched an attack on the village of Damadola in the Bajawar District shortly after the Id al-Adha, killing eighteen Muslims-- men, women, and children -- in their fight against the jihad, which they call terrorism, and on the pretext of seeking to kill my weak person and four of my brothers. The whole world has discovered the extent of US lying and disappointment and how barbaric it is in its fight against Islam and Muslims. Commenting on this incident, I would like to send several messages. I address the first message to the butcher of Washington, Bush. I tell him: Bush, you are not only a liar and defeated, but with God's help and might, you are a failing and disappointed person. You are a bad omen to your nation. You have brought and will bring to it catastrophes and disasters.

“Oh Bush, you failed Crusader, may you know that we, unlike you, are members of a nation of monotheism who believe in the 'One God who begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him' [Koranic verse, adapted from Sura 112:2 -- 4]. He sent to us His prophet, may God's peace and blessings be upon him, with a preserved book [the Holy Koran] that has not been changed nor altered, as was the fate of the books that preceded it, an inimitable book that challenges mankind to bring one like it. In His immortal and inimitable book, God Almighty tells us that ‘every soul shall have a taste of death’ [Koranic verse, excerpted from Sura 29:57] and that one's time on earth is predetermined and prejudged. This is not the first time that you tried to kill my weak person. You attacked four families -- and among them was my family in Cardiz -- and killed 18 Muslim men, women, and children, but you failed to kill me, with God's will and might. You dropped on us all kinds of bombs including the seven ton bombs in Tora Bora, but with God's power and might, you could not kill me. By an order from you, the dogs of the Crusaders surrounded [place name indistinct] in Waziristan and claimed that they had me under siege. Instead, they fell in an ambush for the mujahidin, who killed and burned them. Before you, the reckless [US President William J.] Clinton tried to kill me and the lion of Islam, the mujahid, Shaykh Usama bin Ladin, may God protect him, with cruise missiles, but with God's will, he could not. [A quote from Sixth Century Islamic leader Ali Ibn-abi-Talib was inserted here.]

“I will meet my fate, which is preordained by God Almighty as He wishes, but if my hour does not come, neither you nor all world forces nor all human beings can bring forward my death. Bush, do you know where I am? I am in the midst of Muslim masses, enjoying their support, care, generosity, and protection, which are manifestations of God's grace extended to me, not to mention their participation in the jihad against you until we defeat you, with God's help and might.

“Oh Bush, you failed individual, know that our brothers are racing toward death to please God, while your soldiers are running away from the battles fearing for the crumbs of this life. Our brothers go toward death with smiles on their faces, while your soldiers are having breakdowns and are committing suicide out of despair.

“Oh Bush, in spite of your crimes, your stupidity, and your dark history, I offer you Islam to transport you from darkness into light. If you accept the offer, you become our brother in faith, and we will forget all the harm and crimes you had committed against us and against our brothers and our people. [Verses from the Koran were cited here]

“My second message is to the American people, who are drowning in illusions. I tell them that Bush and his gang are shedding your blood and squandering your money in futile adventures that aim at pushing you into a confrontation which you cannot endure with the Muslims to boost their wealth. They are drawing for you a future that is painted in the color of blood, the smoke of explosions, and the darkness of horror. The mujahid lion of Islam, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, may God protect him, has offered you a noble solution to your crisis, but your leaders, who are keen to amass more wealth, insist on sending you to your death and on having you killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and even in your own home, God willing.

“Your leaders have responded to the initiative of Shaykh Usama, may God protect him, by saying that they do not negotiate with terrorists and that they are winning the war against terrorism. I ask them: you liars, greedy people, and warmongers, who is withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan, you or we? Whose soldiers are committing suicide because of despair? Yours or ours?

“Oh American mother: If the Department of Defense calls you to tell you that your son will reach you in a coffin, remember George Bush. Oh British wife: If the Department of Defense contacts you to tell you that your husband will reach you handicapped, with limbs amputated and torched, then remember Tony Blair.

“My third message is to the traitor and the corrupt Musharraf. I say to him that your masters the Americans are running away from Iraq and Afghanistan, so wait for your Judgment Day to pay for the Muslim blood that you have spilled.

“My fourth message is to the Pakistani Army. I say to it, Musharraf has turned you into hunting dogs working for the Crusaders and has turned against your own people. What dignity or pride is left for you? You are humiliated and insulted. This humiliation can be lifted only by confronting your failed leadership and putting obedience to God and His messenger above obedience to America and Israel.

“My fifth message is to the Muslim nation in Pakistan. First, I offer my Muslim brothers my condolences for their martyrs who died as a result of the brutal shelling by the Crusaders. I pray that God will accept their martyrs, heal their wounded, and take care of their orphans and families.

“Second, I advise them to walk in God's path and to stand as one army in the face of the crusade against Afghanistan and Pakistan. I urge them to join their brothers the mujahidin with their lives, their money, and their weapons. I also ask them to extend to them a place to stay, support them, and pray for them.

“Third, I bring the good tidings that the signs of America's defeat are now apparent and, God willing, she will meet a fate similar to that of the defunct Soviet Union.

“Fourth, I call on them to cling to the rope of God and to struggle in order to establish Islamic law and unite under its banner in opposition to Musharraf, the traitor and corrupt, who sold Pakistan to America and Israel and spilled the blood of Muslims of Afghanistan, Peshawar, Waziristan, and Balushistan.

“Fifth, I call on all Muslims in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and particularly their scholars, students, and mujahidin, to come together around the amir [commander] of jihad, Mulla Muhammad Umar, the persevering mujahid in the face of the criminal Crusaders campaign.

“Sixth, I warn them against believing the lies of Musharraf and his corrupt gang of traitors who were exposed by Condoleezza Rice when she refused to apologize for spilling the blood of Muslims and she instead announced that they would deal harshly with the terrorists and that they would repeat their crimes again and again, fighting Islam and jihad in the name of the war on terrorism. Musharraf and his gang are contributing in shedding your blood. They have received bribes from the US. They have sold their faith, your blood, and honor. Here the traitor Shawkat Aziz pretends to protest US attacks and then hurries the following day to Washington to coordinate with the US the new plans to kill you and violate your honor. Is not that the treacherous government that recognized Israel and conceded all principles and positions of former governments with regard to Kashmir, while India did not concede one inch from its position on Kashmir? This is the government that is carrying out a US plan to divide Pakistan and turn it into a humiliated state subservient to India.

“My sixth message is to the Islamic nation everywhere to hold firm to the commands of God, to confront the Crusaders' campaigns, whose defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan are sending signals. Let all know that the welfare of this faith is more important than the life of this or that person and that all individuals are mortal and the religion of God is and will remain protected and honored with the help and might of God. I am calling on everyone to rise up to support their brothers in Palestine, Afghanistan, and Iraq with their souls, money, prayers, experience, and knowledge. This is the time. Rise up.
“Praise be to God, Lord of all creation."
(Above courtesy of U.S. Central Command - What Extremists are Saying)

Students Seek Information About Military- Civilian Careers


About Photo: Lt. Elizabeth McQuinn of the Naval Recruiting District in San Antonio, left, watches as visitors to the Navy recruitment table at the student exposition at Huston-Tillotson University discuss the types of jobs the Navy offers. At center, Jacqueline Saravia, 16, a sophomore at Thurgood Marshall High School in Houston, discusses Navy jobs with her sponsors, Leslie Cozart, left, and Tina Davis.
(Writen by- Photo by Rudi Williams – Courtesy of DoD)

More than 400 middle school, high school and college students from across Texas flocked to student expositions at Huston-Tillotson University here February 25, 2006 seeking information about military service and civilian jobs in the Defense Department.
Read story in full HERE......

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Bomb Kills Five Iraqis - Iraqi Troops Detain Suspects and Seize Weapons

A vehicle bomb killed five Iraqis today, and Iraqi and U. S. soldiers have continued to arrest suspected terrorists and find weapons, military officials reported.

Two Iraqi adults and three children were killed in Hillah when a minivan, which had been used as a taxi, exploded. The minivan was traveling in the southern district of Hillah when it reportedly was stopped. An unidentified man left the vehicle, entered a red sedan, and drove away. Moments later, the minivan exploded. The minivan's occupants suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Hillah medical treatment facility, officials said.

Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, arrived at the scene and verified this report with the Hillah police. Iraqi authorities are investigating the incident.

In other news, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, yesterday detained 20 terrorism suspects believed to belong to two different bomb-making cells.

The suspects were detained during a cordon-and-search operation southwest of Muqdadiyah, prompted by an earlier bomb attack on the Iraqi unit as it patrolled a nearby major thoroughfare.

The suspects apparently were conducting a meeting when the Iraqi troops discovered and arrested them, officials said. They were found to possess ammunition, explosives, wire, cameras, and explosives initiators. The suspects and their supplies were turned over to authorities for further investigation.

Iraqi police yesterday found and reported bomb that was positioned in the median of a local road. The homemade device was a combination of two artillery shells rigged with two containers of fuel and a detonation device. The assembly was concealed with a tire.

Explosive ordnance disposal personnel responded to the scene and disassembled the device for subsequent disposal. No injuries or damage were reported.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and compiled from MNF-I and Multinational Security Transition Command Press Releases)

Al-Qaeda, Taliban convicts riot in Afghan Prison

Afghan police and soldiers surrounded the nation's highest security prison after an uprising broke out in three sections. "We know there have been causalities among the prisoners... We can't say how many of them have been wounded, but four of the prisoners have been killed," says Deputy Justice Minister Mohammed Qasim Hashimzai...
Read more on topic at:
>>> CNN.com......
Inmates riot in Afghanistan prison
>>> BBCNews......
In pictures: Afghan prison riot

Muslims from around the world need to stand in Peaceful Unity

Not only do I wish... but I pray that the rest of the world’s peaceful, silent majority of Muslims will follow the lead of some brave, Austrian Muslims...
AubreyJ.........
Read more at IslamOnline.net.........

Austrian Muslims Rally to Back Iraqi People's Unity

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Iran's Nuclear Program- Russia- China- EU3 and the USA

The EU3 and the U.S. have quit chasing their tails and wait for sanctions on Iran. Russia and China wish this to never happen and continue their worthless talks with Iran. My view is nothing will become of these talks but more talks, maybes and lies.

If Iran does not become 100% open with its Nuclear Program... for the whole world to see... and abide by the World’s wishes... than a short run of useless sanctions should take place followed by the taking out of Iran’s nuclear program with Military Co-op and Airstrike Operations.

The clock is ticking down and the endgame grows near. A lot closer than our government leaders lead us to believe...
AubreyJ.........

Has Al-Qaida’s next wave of attacks started???

I can not help but believe that the next big wave of Al-Qaida attacks is well on the way...

-- Rounds of auto/video messages from the top two Al-Qaida leaders set everything on go... (Read more HERE)
-- The uprising and unrest of the Cartoons mess... no doubt fed by the radicals of Al-Qaida... (Read more HERE)
-- The bombings of mosque in Iraq to feed the fire... (Read more HERE)
-- The attack on a major Saudi Refinery with following claims of credit by Al-Qaida... (Read more HERE)

And where in the heck has Abu-Mus'ab al-Zarqawi ran off to... He isn’t in Iraq anymore-- I’m pretty much sure of that... Even though I do believe he is behind these past a soon to come attacks.

Bottom line is this... More attacks will come very soon by our enemies... for I believe this next big wave has just got started......
AubreyJ.........

Sheryl Crow recovering from Breast Cancer Surgery

Sheryl Crow underwent successful minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer on Wednesday February 22nd. Her doctors confirm her prognosis as excellent and she will receive radiation treatment as a precaution. Read more HERE...

Now I’ll have to say that I’m a very big fan of Sheryl’s music yet ‘nota’ on her views of the political world. Most of those in the middle to right... feel the same way I’m sure. Regardless, I can’t help but wish her a fast recovery with her bout of Breast Cancer...

My sister and Aunt have both gone through this ordeal... in fact my Aunt has had to undergo the knife several times, in her very long life, over this disease... Yet with early detection, she is still alive and doing well today. Cancer free too... Big sis is doing very well herself I might add...

Ladies out there... do what you have to do for you and your family. Get checked out regularly with mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams... and never postpone these life saving, simple tests. For yes... it can happen to you... and if you play around... it can and will kill you......

I’ll end by saying god bless to Miss Crow and a very fast and full recovery to her too...
AubreyJ.........

Photo for the Day- February 25, 2006


About Photo: Army 2nd Lt. Dustin Stewart checks in by radio as his unit conducts a combat patrol of the streets in Tall Afar, Iraq, on Feb. 20, 2006. Stewart is attached to the 1st Armored Division. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by......
Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon, USAF

Friday, February 24, 2006

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 165-06 February 24, 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 Hawijah, Iraq, on Feb. 22, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during patrol operations. All four soldiers were assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Gregson G. Gourley, 38, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sgt. Rickey E. Jones, 21, of Kokomo, Ind.
Pfc. Christopher L. Marion, 20, of Pineville, Mo.
Pfc. Allan A. Morr, 21, of Shiawassee County, Mich.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Saudi security forces foil suicide car bomb attack on major oil production facility

Saudi security forces opened fire on at least two cars carrying explosives as they tried to ram the gates on a major oil production facility today.

Read more on topic at:
>>> BBC NEWS......

Saudis 'foil oil facility attack'

>>> WJLA.com......
Crude-oil futures jumped more than $2 a barrel after an attack on a major oil production facility in Saudi Arabia...
Oil Prices Up After Attack in Saudi Arabia

Afghan Soldier Wounded, Assailant Killed in Attack on Convoy

An Afghan National Army soldier was injured when an ANA and coalition convoy came under attack in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported today.

A single assailant attempted to use his vehicle to ram a coalition vehicle. He also threw a hand grenade and engaged the convoy with small-arms fire. The assailant was killed when forces in the convoy returned fire. ANA and coalition forces also detonated his car on the scene after discovering that it was loaded with explosives.

"ANA and coalition forces demonstrated their vigilance and their professionalism by their response to this incident," said Army Col. James Yonts, spokesman for Combined Forces Command Afghanistan. "Attacks such as these will not deter them in their efforts to provide a safe environment for the Afghan people.”

The ANA now has more than 30,000 soldiers dedicated to preventing the re-emergence of terrorism in Afghanistan, CFC-A officials said.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and compiled from a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan Press Release)

Iraq: Another One Bites The Dust - Abu Asma, al Qaeda "Military Emir of Northern Baghdad” Killed in Raid

Al Qaeda Leader Killed in Raid; Weapons Cache Discovered

An al Qaeda military leader was killed today during a raid in Baghdad, and U. S. soldiers discovered a weapons cache Feb. 22, Multinational Force Iraq officials said.

A raid in northern Baghdad by coalition forces, with assistance from Iraqi police, resulted in the death of Abu Asma, the al Qaeda "military emir of northern Baghdad. " Intelligence reports indicated Abu Asma was in possession of and expected to use suicide-bomber vests against Iraqi civilians and security forces.

Abu Asma, also known as Abu Anas and Akram Mahmud Al Mushhadani, was an explosives expert with close ties to senior Baghdad-based car-bomb manufacturers. Officials said he was directly responsible for many deaths and injuries among coalition and Iraqi security forces.

In other news, soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, located a weapons cache Feb. 22 south of Baghdad. Three caches had been discovered in the same area during previous searches.

The cache consisted of 60, 80 and 120 mm mortar rounds, rockets, 155 mm artillery rounds, a 60 mm tube, and 60 mm base plates. An explosives disposal team destroyed the cache in a controlled detonation.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and compiled from MNF-I Press Releases)

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Iraq, February 23, 2006: This isn’t Civil War... this is Zarqawi

Is this civil war in the making in Iraq??? If you listen to the MSM... that’s what most seem to be pushing as fact. I disagree... This isn’t Civil War... this is Zarqawi’s bunch... and I think most Iraqis understand this.

Fact: Abu-Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, al Qaeda's terrorist leader in Iraq, issued a statement back in 2004 justifying violence against Shiite Muslims to help restore Iraq to its previous state. Quote: "I come back and again say that the only solution is for us to strike the religious, military and other cadres among the Shiia with blow after blow until they bend to the Sunnis..." Zarqawi also said he recognizes that blood will be spilled in the endeavor, but that God's religion is more precious than lives and souls.

Now this is not to say that there is not going to be troubling times over this mosque bombing. There is... Ground reports out of the largest troubled area, Baghdad, shows it. Yet as long as all the leaders condemn yesterday's bombing of one of the holiest Shiite mosques, in Samarra, Iraq... and at the same time join together in urging the Iraqis not to allow the incident to divide them and to push forward... all should settle down and fast......

AubreyJ.........

Russia- China head to Iran for more TALKS

Russia's atomic agency chief, Sergei Kiriyenko, travels to Tehran today for more talks on Moscow's uranium enrichment proposal... while Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister, Lu Guozeng is said to be heading to Iran on February 24th to start three days of talks over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Read more on topic at:
>>> RadioFreeEurope......
Iran: Russian, Chinese Officials To Discuss Nuclear Standoff In Tehran
AubreyJ says: Where is Europe/US in all of these talks??? Oh Yeah... We’re waiting until the upcoming IAEA meeting this March 6th to chase our tails in circles... In other words-- more talks going round and round and getting us nowhere fast...

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 162-06 February 23, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2nd Lt. Almar L. Fitzgerald, 23, of Lexington, S.C., died Feb. 21 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany from wounds received Feb. 18 as a result of an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Media with questions about this Marine can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-5476.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Osama bin Laden or right hand man will be killed-captured in 2006

... There will be at least one terrorist attack on a European target this year and either Osama bin Laden or his right hand man will be killed or captured in 2006, British security experts predicted on Thursday...
Read more at
reuters.com

Abu-Mus'ab al-Zarqawi – Sure has been quiet of late

Wonder where old al-Zarqawi ran off to. Haven’t heard his voice in months now... The launch of more major attacks may just be in the near upcoming future. Then again......
AubreyJ.........

Afghan Police, Coalition Forces Respond to Attack, Detain Enemy

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, February 22, 2006: An enemy force engaged Afghan National Police and coalition forces during a patrol in Ghazni province early today.

Two enemy fighters were captured in the engagement. No Afghan police or coalition forces were injured.

Afghan police and coalition forces were on patrol in Ghazni's Andar district when they received small-arms fire from an enemy force of an unknown size. When the police and coalition forces returned fire, the enemy broke contact and fled into nearby compounds, officials reported.

During a joint, Afghan National Police-led search of one compound, two enemy fighters attacked the friendly forces. Afghan officers detained the two and turned them over to coalition forces.

The Afghan and coalition forces searched a second compound, but found no other enemy forces.

Afghan national security forces, including police and Afghan National Army units, routinely conduct such combat patrols with coalition forces, officials said. The purpose of the patrols is to deny sanctuary to the Taliban and al Qaeda-associated militias, destroy enemy forces, and prevent the re-emergence of terrorism in Afghanistan, U. S. military officials said.
(Above from DoD - American Forces Press Service and taken from a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan Press Release)

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 160-06 February 22, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jay T. Collado, 31, of Columbia, S.C., died Feb. 20 from an improvised explosive device near Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron-267, Marine Aircraft Group-39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was attached to the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
Media with questions about this Marine can call the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000.

Iraqi Brigade Assumes Responsibility for Central Baghdad

About Photo: Col. Mohammed Wasif, commander, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, addresses his troops Feb. 20 during a battle space transfer-of-authority ceremony with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Honor. (Courtesy of DoD)
Photo by Pfc. Jason Dangel, USA

The 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, assumed responsibility from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, for areas in central and southern Baghdad, on February 20, 2006, during a battlespace transfer-of-authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Honor.
Read more on topic HERE...
AubreyJ says: It's great to see these proud Iraqis standing up for their country and taking charge of their future... Of course some of our troops will always be nearby for help if and when needed......

Iran not ready to accept Russia's Proposal

Wednesday, February 22, 2006: Iran is not ready to accept Russia’s proposal aimed at resolving the international crisis over Tehran’s suspected nuclear weapons program, Russian newspapers reported today. “There are no reasons at this stage to resume dialogue,” said an official...
Read more on topic at:
>>> icWales.co.uk......
Iran finds Russian nuclear proposal 'unacceptable'
>>> PRAVDA.ru......
Iran and Russia don’t find nuclear compromise

Blast Destroys Golden Dome of one of Iraq's most famous Shiite Shrines in Samarra

Wednesday, February 22, 2006: A large explosion around dawn today destroyed the golden dome of one of Iraq's most famous Shiite Shrines in Samarra... the Askariya Shrine, which contains the tombs of two revered Shiite Imams.
This is going to get bad before this little episode is over...
AubreyJ........
Read more on topic at:
>>> theage.com.au......
Shrine destruction infuriates Shi'ites
>>> ITN.co.uk......
Cleric calls for shrine attack protests
>>> CRIENGLISH.com......
Iraq Announces 3-Day Mourning for Shiite Shrine Attack
>>> (Posted at 11:20am CST) ABC News International......
Sunnis Hit After Shiite Shrine Blast
>>> (Posted at 7:00pm CST) Daily Times......
Sunni mosques attacked after Shia shrine bombing in Iraq

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Iran extends its sponsorship of terrorists to Hamas

A picture is coming together, slowly but surely, for the whole world to see... If only it will open its eyes to see it... I can tell you I have seen this picture and it’s not a very pretty one......
Today... Part of this picture was nicely put together by our friends over at the
DEBKAfile.
Click it Out... Iran extends its sponsorship of terrorists to Hamas, promising training facilities for Palestinians - on top of generous support for Abu Musab al Zarqawi’s Iraqi fighters
AubreyJ.........
>>> And here's more of the picture at TurkishPress.com......
Plot to attack Israeli cruise ships was financed by Taliban

Bush endorses takeover of six major U.S. Ports by DP World

Monday, February 21, 2006: President Bush today endorsed the takeover of shipping operations by a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates. He pledged to veto any law blocking a deal giving this company, (Dubai Ports World or DP World,) control of six major U. S. Ports.
Oh yeah... It’s on now!!!
AubreyJ.........
Read more on topic at:
>>> BBC NEWS......
Bush threatens veto in ports row

If we had not gone to war with Iraq

Again I ask you this question and I do so because no one else will…

If we had not gone to war with Iraq, what would the war on terror look like now, at this moment on this day?

I’ll give you a quick look at what I think…

Everything would be the same except instead of all this past and present hell going on in Iraq, it would all be back in Afghanistan and much, much worse. With or without Iraq in the mix… these crazies were coming after us no matter where we fought this war.

What say you?
AubreyJ………

Three Charged in Indictment of Plans to Attack U.S. Military in Iraq

Three naturalized U.S. citizens will be indicted in Ohio today for their role in assisting terrorism on U.S. targets overseas... At least one of the men verbally threatened to kill or inflict bodily harm on President Bush, so the indictment says... Attorney General Albert Gonzales will announce the five-count indictment during a press conference at 1:30 PM EST...
Read more on topic at:
>>> Fox News......
Three Charged in Plan to Attack U.S. Military in Iraq
(Will update after Press Conference)
UPDATE......
U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez spoke to reporters about the indictments... One of the things he said was that the men accused are alleged to have had the motivation and the means to carry out their threats and that the Justice Department had a strong case to prosecute...
>>> channeloklahoma.com......

Gonzalez: Ohio Terror Suspects Had 'Means' To Strike

India May Join Turkmen-Afghan-Pakistani Pipeline Project

An Indian energy official today said India intends to join the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan pipeline project meant to facilitate the shipment of Turkmen natural gas...
Read in full at
Radio Free Afghanistan

Compromise Deal on Iran's Nuclear Program Fades

February 21, 2006: Russian and Iranian negotiators agreed today to continue their, (little signs of progress,) discussions when Sergei Kiriyenko, Russia's atomic chief, visits Iran this Thursday... But diplomats say that leaves little time for an agreement before a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on March 6, 2006.
Read more on topic at:
>>> PERSIAN JOURNAL......

Iran leaves nuclear talks in Russia without deal

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty

No. 155-06 February 21, 2006
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Department of the Air Force civilian who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Daniel J. Kuhlmeier, 30, of Omaha, Neb., died Feb. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq when the convoy he was traveling in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to Detachment 204, 2nd Field Investigations Region, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
For further information related to this release, contact the Air Force Office of Special Investigation Public Affairs at (240) 857-0989 or (240) 857-1002.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 156-06 February 21, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Charles E. Matheny, IV, 23 of Stanwood, Wash., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 18, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Matheny was assigned to the Army's 704th Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 152-06 February 21, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Matthew D. Conley, 21, of Killen, Ala., died Feb. 18, when his vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, 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 Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213/5472.

Photo for the Day- February 21, 2006

Engineer Barry Stuard passes out donated school supplies to students at the Malak Al Ashter Intermediate School in Diwaniyah, Iraq, on Feb. 14, 2006. Stuard is attached to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Multinational Division - Central South. (Courtesy of DoD)
DoD photo by......
Senior Airman Jason T. Bailey, USAF

Weapons Caches Found in Iraq and Afghanistan

U. S. soldiers found a weapons cache in Iraq, and Afghan citizens turned in a cache to coalition forces, military officials reported.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, discovered a weapons cache while conducting cordon-and-search operations south of Baghdad yesterday.

The cache consisted of 60 and 80 mm mortar rounds, rockets, detonation cord, homemade rocket launchers, 30 mm rounds and four license plates. In Afghanistan, local citizens turned in a significant cache of weapons and ordnance to coalition forces at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost on Feb 19.

The cache contained 107 mm high-explosive rockets, 82 mm mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar fuses, small-arms ordnance, and an anti-tank mine. Explosive ordnance disposal soldiers recovered the cache and brought it to Forward Operating Base Salerno, where it was destroyed.

"This turn-in of very harmful weapons is a great example of the trust placed in us by the local population," said Col. Pat Donahue, commander of the coalition's Regional Command East. "This was a significant development in the quest of the Afghan people to move forward in an era of peace.”

(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and taken from MNF-I and CFC-A Press Releases)

Monday, February 20, 2006

Russia-Iran come to an agreement

Russia and Iran came to an agreement during Monday’s talks on Moscow's offer to enrich uranium for Iran... Let’s have more talks!!! Yet no date or place for such talks was ever set...
Oh yeah... I see this going somewhere fast...
AubreyJ.........

Read more on topic at phillyBurns.com......
Russia, Iran to Hold More Nuke Talks
(Update: Some reports say talks would be resumed on Tuesday. Will update...)
>>> I think Pravda reported it best today...
Click it out at Pravda, Russia......

Saddam’s WMD and the possible Russian coverup

... The free world may soon learn it has just been bamboozled by one of the most clever and well-organized propaganda campaigns in the history of this planet. No WMDs in Iraq? That is not the case...

Read more on topic at Renew America......
Saddam's WMDs: The Russian connection and the coverup

I’m not so sure if I buy into all of this... but it makes more sense than “abracadabra... poof-- it’s gone.” Regardless... it was a good read that opens the mind to a new line of thought to ponder upon. Be sure to click the above out...
AubreyJ.........

Gag order needed for Saddam trial

... With the latest delay in the Saddam Hussein trial... it's past time to bar the main defendant from the courtroom where he continues to disrupt proceedings.
Last week the court adjourned until Feb. 28...

Read more on topic at whittierdailynews.com......
`Gag order' needed for Saddam trial
Now this little write-up above is one I’ll go along with 100%......
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 149-06 February 20, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Amos C. Edwards, Jr., 41, of Savannah, Ga., died in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, on Feb. 17, from a non-combat related cause. Edwards was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, 48th Brigade Combat Team, Savannah, 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

No. 148-06 February 20, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpt. Anthony R. Garcia, 48, of Fort Worth, Texas, died in Tikrit, Iraq, on Feb. 17, from a gun shot wound. Garcia was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Aviation Brigade, 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.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

DoD Identifies Marine and Air Force Casualties

No. 147-06 February 19, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine and Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight Marines and two Airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. All 10 died Feb. 17, when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission in the Godoria Range area. The Marines and airmen were deployed to Djibouti as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, New River, N.C.

The Marines were:
1st Lt. Brandon R. Dronet, 33, of Erath, La.
Sgt. James F. Fordyce, 22, of Newton Square, Pa.
Lance Cpl. Samuel W. Large, Jr., 21, of Villa Rica, Ga.
Sgt. Donnie Leo F. Levens, 25, of Long Beach, Miss.
Cpl. Matthieu Marcellus, 31, of Gainesville, Fla.
Sgt. Jonathan E. McColley, 23, of Gettysburg, Pa.
Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Sovie, 20, of Ogdensburg, N.Y.
Capt. Bryan D. Willard, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.

The Airmen were:
SrA. Alecia S. Good, 23, of Broadview Heights, Ohio. Good was assigned to the 92nd Communications Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base,Wash.
Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez Sanchez, 33, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Sanchez was assigned to the 1st Communications Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Media with questions about these Marines can contact the Marine Corps Air Station New River Public Affairs Office at 910-449-5435.

For further information about the airmen, contact the Langley Public Affairs Office at (757) 764-5411 or the Fairchild Public Affairs Office at: (509) 247-4051.

(God bless each and every one of them and their families, friends and loved ones…)

Economic Sanctions OK’ed by Israeli Cabinet

Sunday, February 19, 2006: The Israeli Cabinet approved to halt the monthly transfers of millions of dollars to the Palestinians, in their first response to Hamas taking control of the Palestinian Parliament. Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has ruled out all contact with Hamas, yet he assured that Israel has no intention of hurting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people...
Read more on topic at:

>> WRAL.com......
Israeli Cabinet OKs Economic Sanctions

Saturday, February 18, 2006

Russia to host crucial talks on Iran nuclear program

"At the moment there's only one diplomatic door left open, and it's open a crack,'' said Rose Gottemoeller, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center. "So I think this set of talks on Monday is very important for the future of the diplomatic approach.''
Read more on topic at THESTAR.com......
Russia to host crucial talks on Iran nuclear program
AubreyJ says: I wish I had more hope in these talks Monday... but in the end-- that’s all that is going to come out of them... TALK......

Tough times for Pakistan's embattled leader – Why??? President Bush's visit next Week

... Pakistani protesters last week destroyed the most visible symbols of western consumer culture... American icons like McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut... as well as attacking banks, movie theaters, and government buildings... And now President Bush is coming to town for a visit!!!
Read more on topic at USNEWS.com......

On The Hot Seat
AubreyJ says: If I was the President... I think I’d postpone this little visit until the unrest settles down a bit...

If the World only Knew



With all the new photos and videos coming out... again... on the torture of some prisoners overseas... I too again bring out my slide to show the truth of our Military men and women...
Photo by Spc. Sean Kimmons
View Slide here:

All 12 Crewmembers 'Accounted For' After Crash Off Djibouti Coast

All 12 crewmembers aboard two Marine CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters that crashed yesterday off the coast of Djibouti have been accounted for, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa officials reported in a statement issued today.

Citing ongoing family notifications, officials did not release any information regarding the crewmembers' status or condition.

Two crewmembers were rescued shortly after the crash and were taken to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, where one underwent knee surgery. The second crewmember suffered muscular and skeletal bruising, no fractures, and may have inhaled contaminated sea water, officials said. Both were listed in stable condition, and were to be transported to the Army's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany today.

Officials said search and rescue operations have been "curtailed," but that recovery efforts continue for pertinent information, equipment and wreckage to aid the investigation board that will determine the cause of the crash.

The helicopters were part of the HMH 464 squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, an active duty unit in Jacksonville, N. C. The helicopters were flying a two-hour training mission in the Godoria Range area in northern Djibouti. The weather at the time of the crash was reported to be partly cloudy, about 80 degrees, with light to variable winds and unlimited visibility, officials said.(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service)

Rumsfeld: U. S. Must Outdo Terrorists in Public Opinion Battle

The war on terror is unlike any conflict the U. S. has ever faced, and some of the most important battles are fought not on the ground, but in newsrooms around the world, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said yesterday in New York.

Never before has a war been fought in an environment as technologically advanced as today's, with scores of media and communication tools available to everyone, Rumsfeld said at the Council on Foreign Relations. Insurgents around the world have learned to use this media-rich environment to further their goals, and to successfully combat them, the U. S. government needs to adapt and use the technology that has proven to be so powerful, he said.

"We are fighting a battle where the survival of our free way of life is at stake and the center of gravity of that struggle is not simply on the battlefield overseas; it's a test of wills, and it will be won or lost with our publics, and with the publics of other nations," Rumsfeld said. "We'll need to do all we can to attract supporters to our efforts and to correct the lies that are being told, which so damage our country, and which are repeated and repeated and repeated."

Insurgent groups have their own media relations committees, which decide how best to manipulate public opinion using the media, Rumsfeld said. To combat them, the U. S. government is considering some changes to its communication strategy, he said.

An important change the government needs to make is to incorporate communications planning into every aspect of the war on terror, Rumsfeld said. The government needs to develop more rapidly deployable communications forces that are trained to use all facets of the media, he said. Waiting too long to put communications teams into place can give the enemy a foothold in public opinion, as was proven in the early days after the major conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, he said.

"Let there be no doubt, the longer it takes to put a strategic communication framework into place, the more we can be certain that the vacuum will be filled by the enemy and by news informers that most assuredly will not paint an accurate picture of what is actually taking place," he said.

Public affairs and public diplomacy forces deployed to a theater of operation need to be experienced enough to engage the full range of media that the world uses, Rumsfeld said. This will require an elevation in Internet operations, the establishment of 24-hour press operations centers, and training in other channels of communication, he said.

The U. S. government cannot rely on any other source for information, and it is bound by the truth, therefore it cannot move with the speed of the insurgents, who use lies to try to prove their ideology, Rumsfeld said. Even though the enemy is very skilled at manipulating the media, the United States has an advantage in its standard of truth, which will triumph in the end, he said.

"I believe with every bone in my body that free people, exposed to sufficient information, will, over time, find their way to right decisions," he said.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and written by Sgt. Sara Wood)

Afghanistan hopes Pakistan will cooperate in fighting terrorism

"We want the terrorist attacks... bomb attacks... targeting our school children and torching our schools to be stopped."
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzaion
February 18, 2005
Read more at China View
Afghanistan wants Pakistan to co-op in fighting terrorism

China hastens to complete Oil Deal with Iran

... China is hastening to complete a deal worth as much as $100 billion that would allow a Chinese state-owned energy firm to take a leading role in developing a vast oil field in Iran, complicating the Bush administration's efforts to isolate the Middle Eastern nation and roll back its nuclear development plans...
Read more on topic at washingtonpost.com...
China Rushes Toward Oil Pact With Iran
AubreyJ says: I’ll say it again... They’re going to be a lot of help with all this Iran nuclear mess... A lot of help standing in the way......

Helping Iraq develop high-end National Police Force - Zarqawi increases attacks on Iraqis - Security forces capture 25 most wanted

... Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his terrorist network have turned their sights from coalition forces and made the innocent men, women and children of Iraq their primary target, says a spokesman for the MFN-I...
Read more on topic at
USINFO.STATE.GOV......

Friday, February 17, 2006

The Saddam Tapes

... Since before the commencement of the war in Iraq, the two main reasons to remove Saddam from power have been under daily assault by the Left... using the media to push their agenda...
Great read today by Joe at The Conservative Voice...
The Saddam Tapes

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 144-06 February 17, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died north of Deh Rawod, Afghanistan, on Feb. 13, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations.

Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Chad A. Gonsalves, 31, of Turlock, Calif. Gonsalves was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Staff Sgt. Edwin H. Dazachacon, 38, of Belleville, Ill. Dazachacon was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Staff Sgt. Clinton T. Newman, 26, of San Antonio, Texas. Newman was assigned to the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas
Sgt. Alberto D. Montrond, 27, of Suffolk, Mass. Montrond was assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

GLOBAL HAWK RETURNS HOME

The Edwards flightline is the landing site for Prototype Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 3, an unmanned aircraft that has flown 4,245 hours in support of combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the Combined Task Force-Horn of Africa mission.

This event marks the end of a four-year deployment of a valuable contributor to the Global War on Terrorism and paves the way for the future of unmanned aircraft systems. Through the lethal combination of technology in the sky and the experienced operators on the ground, this prototype was able to survey vast geographical areas and provide pinpoint accuracy about enemy locations.

Edwards is hosting a press conference to welcome home the aircraft on Monday, Feb. 20. Scheduled landing time is 11 a.m. PST. This time and date may change for weather conditions, please call (661) 277-5503 to confirm.
(Above courtesy of the USAF - Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs & taken from Press Release 080206)

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Colorado: Political and Business Climate has Changed

... Ever since the Democrats became the majority party in Colorado, the political and business climate has changed in this state. Normally I do not bring your attention to these facts because Conservative Textbook is a national-level focused blog. However, Colorado might soon be in the national news with a new law the Democratic-controlled state legislature is flirting with as we speak...
Great read by our young friend,
Caleb over at Conservative Textbook......
Click it out......
Colorado, Parents, and Democrats

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

No. 143-06 February 16, 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. Matthew R. Barnes, 20, of West Monroe, La.
Cpl. Rusty L. Washam, 21, of Huntsville, Tenn.

Both Marines died Feb. 14, when a suicide car bomber attacked their vehicle near Al Qa’im, Iraq. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division; II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Media with questions about these Marines can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

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………

VP Dick Cheney – “I’m the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend”

“Well... ultimately... I am the guy who pulled the trigger... that fired the round that hit Harry. And you can talk about all of the other conditions that existed at the time, but that is the bottom line. And there is no... it's not Harry's fault. You can't blame anybody else. I'm the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend. And I say that's a day I'll never forget...”
Vice President Dick Cheney
February 15, 2006
(From Interview by Brit Hume – Fox News)
No other words needed-- I’d have to say...
AubreyJ.........

More Abu Ghraib Prison Torture Images Aired

Claims that images of tortured prisoners in Iraq will trigger renewed violence are "a joke", the producer of the program that broadcast the new footage says...
Read more on topic at seven.com.au......
(It's going to chap your butt...)
Iraq torture images show new abuse
AubreyJ says: Someone please go kick some sense in these so called news people!!!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Al-Zarqawi receives death sentence in absentia by Jordanian Military Court

... Al-Zarqawi received a death sentence in absentia on Wednesday by a military court in Jordon. He was accused of plotting a chemical attack at various sites in Jordan which would have killed thousands of people, according to the prosecution. This is the third death penalty that Jordanian courts have given to al-Zarqawi...
Read more on topic at
Mumbai Mirror......
Nine get death sentence for Jordan chemical plot

Mid-level Taliban Commander Captured in Afghanistan

... "Mullah Shah Nazar, a mid-level Taliban Commander who has been involved in several violent attacks on government targets, was captured last night," Ministry spokesman Yousuf Stanizai said today...
(This is great news out of Afghanistan I’d have to say. We need more of it...)

Read more on topic at ZEENEWS.COM......
Taliban Commander arrested, school torched in Afghanistan

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 141-06 February 15, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Andrew J. Kemple, 23, of Cambridge, Minn., died in Tikrit, Iraq on Feb. 12, when his HMMWV came under small arms fire during combat operations. Kemple was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 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 Marine Casualty

No. 140-06 February 15, 2006
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Michael S. Probst, 26, of Irvine, Calif., died Feb. 14 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Abu Ghraib, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, 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 Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at 760-830-5476.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 138-06 February 15, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Felipe J. Garcia Villareal, 26, of Burke, Va., died at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, of injuries sustained in Ramadi, Iraq on Feb. 9, when his tent caught fire. Garcia Villareal was assigned to the 54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, Warner Barracks, Bamberg, Germany. The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.