Lt. Col. Oliver North: French Leader Addresses Iran's Nuclear Program, While Democrats Remain Passive

The FoxNews.com website has a great read today by Lt. Col. Oliver North that starts off like this... If September goes as August ended, this is going to be a very interesting month. On Monday, President Bush told the American Legion in Reno, Nev. that two dangerous strands of Islamic extremism are converging in Iraq, “supported and embodied by the regime that sits in Tehran.”
Read the rest HERE

Photo from Wikipedia.org website

Thousands Protest Hamas in Gaza

BBCNews.co.uk has this story today and it goes in part like this... Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have taken part in protests against the territory's Hamas rulers, despite a ban on public gatherings... About 20 people were injured in clashes after outdoor prayers were organised that turned into marches in main towns...
Read story in full at link below...
Anti-Hamas rallies staged in Gaza
(Be sure to click the video out...)

Saturday could be an interesting day to watch in Gaza...
AubreyJ.........

John McCain: Courageous Service Video

John McCain: Courageous Service Video

Video posted on YouTube by JohnMcCaindotcom
Video is just over 12 minutes long

Photo for the Day - August 31, 2007

U.S. Army Spc. Chris Avila, right, and other soldiers engage Taliban forces during a halt to repair a disabled vehicle near the village of Allah Say, Afghanistan, on Aug. 20, 2007. Avila is assigned to Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Brigade.
DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Michael L. Casteel, USA

South Koreans Relieved But Now Turn Anger At Hostages

South Korea's relief at the release of 19 countrymen held hostage by the Taliban gave way Friday to anger at the victims themselves, members of a Christian church who are being criticized for ignoring warnings against travel to Afghanistan... Critics said the group's actions forced their government into negotiations with the Islamic militants that damaged the nation's international reputation...
Read this story in full at Forbes.com

Tom DeLay Schools Matt Lauer on MSM Bias: 'Amazing Double-Standard'

The NewsBusters website had this report out yesterday and it goes in part like this... It's rare to see a leading MSM light directly confronted over the liberal media's bias. But it happened in spades this morning as Tom DeLay (R-Texas) called out Matt Lauer on the MSM's double-standard in handling Republican, versus Democrat, scandals...
Read the rest HERE

Has the video so click it out... Some real good stuff!!!
AubreyJ.........

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow Resigning September 14th

President Bush Announces Resignation of Press Secretary Tony Snow, and Names Dana Perino as Press Secretary

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Good afternoon to you.

Tony Snow informed me he's leaving. And I sadly accept his desire to leave the White House, and he'll do so on September the 14th. He is -- it's been a joy to watch him spar with you. He's smart, he's capable, he's witty. He's capable of -- he's able to talk about issues in a way that the American people can understand.

And I don't know what he's going to do -- I'm not sure he does yet, either. But whatever it is, it's going to be -- two things: One, he'll battle cancer and win. And secondly, he'll be a solid contributor to society.

I do want to thank Jill and Kendall, Robbie and Kristi. They have watched a man they love take on a big job, and at the same time, fight disease -- with a lot of courage. And so I accept, I love you, and I wish you all the best.

And so I had to make a choice, who to replace Tony, and I've chosen Dana Perino. I did so because Dana is a smart, capable person who is able to spell out the issues of the day in a way that people listening on TV can understand. She can handle you all. She's capable of handling your questions...

Read more HERE
Has Video/Audio
White House photo by Chris Greenberg

Senator John Warner (R-VA) Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election

Sen. John Warner announced today that he'll retire next year after 30 years in the United States Senate... The announcement by Warner, 80, breaks the Virginia political scene wide open, helping to clarify likely races for U.S. Senate in 2008 and for governor in 2009...
Read the rest at roanoke.com

File photo from Senate.gov website

Charles Krauthammer: The War is Changing, Maliki Isn't

Charles Krauthammer has a good read this morning on the RealClearPolitics.com website. It starts like this... The government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has had more than 15 months to try to pacify the Sunni insurgency by offering national accords on oil-sharing, provincial elections and de-Baathification. It has done none of these...
Read the rest at link below...
The War is Changing, Maliki Isn't

***************
I must agree with Charles... We can't sit around forever waiting for Maliki.

I would also have to say that the Dims got it right, in part anyway... It’s time for a new direction in Iraq – and it’s all Maliki...
AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1069-07 August 31, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jason M. Butkus, 34, of West Milford, N.J., died August 30th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.

Military C-130 Cargo Plane Carrying Three Senators and a Congressman Dodges Missiles in Iraq

A military cargo plane carrying three senators and a congressman was forced to take evasive maneuvers and dispatch flares to avoid ground fire after taking off from Baghdad... The lawmakers said their plane, a C-130, was under fire Thursday night from three rocket-propelled grenades over the course of several minutes as they left for Amman, Jordan...
Read the full story at link below...
C-130 carrying lawmakers dodges missiles

Fred Thompson Sets Date To Make 2008 Candidacy Official

Fred Thompson Sets Date

To Make 2008 Candidacy Official
.
On September 6, 2007, Fred Thompson will be announcing his intention to run for President of the United States with a Webcast available to millions at www.imwithfred.com.

USAToday.com has this story...
Thompson has set the date: Next Thursday he 'officially' gets in

U.S. Congress File Photo

Anti-US Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr Takes Mehdi Army Out Of Action

The decision by radical Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr to order his militia to draw in their claws is a shrewd tactic aimed at positioning himself for a wider political role while ridding himself of rogue elements...
Read story in full at Gulf-Daily-News.com

>>> Military.com has this take on the story...
U.S. Troops Skeptical of al-Sadr Order

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1065-07 August 30, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Edward L. Brooks, 25, of Dayton, Ohio, died August 29th in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1064-07 August 30, 2007
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. John C. Tanner, 21, of Columbus, Ga., died August 29th while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Camp Pendleton public affairs office at (760) 725-5044.

Taking a Moment to Honor Our Fallen Heroes

Some 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… May God bless each and every one of these fallen Heroes, their families, friends, loved ones and their comrades in arms who were at their side...

AubreyJ.........

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1063-07 August 30, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Erick M. Foster, 29, of Wexford, Penn., died August 29th in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1062-07 August 30, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died August 27th at Forward Operating Base Naray, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit during combat operations in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Killed were:
Maj. Henry S. Ofeciar, 37, of Agana, Guam.
Master Sgt. Scott R. Ball, 38, of Mount Holly Springs, Penn.
Sgt. Jan M. Argonish, 26, of Peckville, Penn.

Ofeciar was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. Ball and Argonish were assigned to the 55th Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Scranton, Penn.
For more information on the death of Ofeciar, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
For more information related to the deaths of Ball and Argonish, the media may contact the Pennsylvania National Guard public affairs office (717) 861-8468.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1060-07 August 29, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died August 28th in Jaji, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Rocky H. Herrera, 43, of Salt Lake City.
Sgt. Cory L. Clark, 25, of Plant City, Fla.
Sgt. Bryce D. Howard, 24, of Vancouver, Wash.

Herrera and Clark were assigned to the 585th Engineer Pipeline Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade. Howard was assigned to Headquarters Support Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade. The unit is based in Fort Lewis, Wash.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152, (253) 967-0147 or after hours at (253) 967-0015 (ask for the public affairs officer on call).

High alert at American Sinai monitors HQ, Egyptian security forces and Israel for Hamas mass rally September 1st to smash through Rafah terminal

The DEBKAfile website has this report out this morning and it goes in part like this... Hamas plans to use 100,000 protesters against the hardships in Gaza, which are blamed on Egypt’s closure of the Rafah outlet, as a battering ram to break through the crossing Saturday and link up with fellow Palestinians in Egyptian N. Sinai...
Read the rest HERE

We’ll see if this report comes true in just a few days. If all goes to heck in a handbasket this coming Saturday... I’ll be sure to post it up for you...
AubreyJ.........

IDF Stops 15-year-old Suicide Bomber on Gaza Border

The IDF revealed Thursday that it foiled an attack by a would-be 15-year-old Palestinian suicide bomber who tried to attack soldiers operating in the northern Gaza Strip...
Read this short report in full at JPost.com

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

* Let’s carry this story further with this report by the IsraelNationalNews.com website. It starts off like this... The IDF struck several rocket launchers in northern Gaza Wednesday, saying it refuses to allow Hamas to guard its rockets by placing them in populated areas... PA sources claimed three teenagers and children were killed in the strike. The children were apparently sent by Hamas terrorists to adjust the launchers. The IDF identified five launchers with suspicious figures moving among them and launched the strike...
Read the rest at link below...
IDF: Hamas Responsible for Gaza Arabs' Deaths

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

UPDATE: Friday, August 31, 2007
* Haaretz.com...
IDF: Three children killed in Gaza Tuesday were just playing tag

Hurricane Katrina - Reflections

Hurricane Katrina - Part Three

* Reflections *

(This post on top - Newer post below)

Posted on YouTube by AubreyJ818

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

Today marks the Two-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that hit the U.S. Gulf Coast, destroying much of the region, including the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. God bless all of those that lost their lives due to this tragic storm.
AubreyJ.........
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

US Forces Kill Over 100 Insurgents In Afghanistan Battle

The US today said its forces had killed more than 100 suspected insurgents after a convoy was ambushed in the southern province of Kandahar... "Coalition aircraft destroyed the reinforced enemy emplacements and sniper positions, as well as two trucks used to reinforce and re-supply the insurgent force," a US military statement said... There were no civilian casualties, the US added, but one Afghan soldier was killed and three wounded...
Read story in full at Guardian.co.uk

Iran's Proxy War Against The U.S. In Iraq

The WeeklyStandard.com website has this report out, by Kimberly Kagan and it starts off like this... Iran, and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah, have been actively involved in supporting Shia militias and encouraging sectarian violence in Iraq since the invasion of 2003-and Iranian planning and preparation for that effort began as early as 2002. The precise purposes of this support are unclear and may have changed over time. But one thing is very clear: Iran has consistently supplied weapons, its own advisors, and Lebanese Hezbollah advisors to multiple resistance groups in Iraq, both Sunni and Shia, and has supported these groups as they have targeted Sunni Arabs, Coalition forces, Iraqi Security Forces, and the Iraqi Government itself...
Read the rest at link below...
The Iran Dossier

To read the full report in PDF click here

A very good read so be sure to click it out...
AubreyJ.........

American Soldiers Arrest Of Eight Iranians In Baghdad Raises Tensions Between Washington And Tehran

... In a move that is likely to further escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran, soldiers detained the group of eight Iranians – including one woman - and seven Iraqis after finding unauthorised weapons in their convoy of cars. They were held overnight before being released this morning... The Iranians were taken in blindfolds and handcuffs from the Sheraton hotel in Baghdad after their convoy was stopped at a nearby checkpoint and weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle and two 9mm pistols, were seized... During the incident US troops also confiscated a laptop, mobile phones and a briefcase full of Iranian and American money in the hotel...
Read story in full at TimesOnline.co.uk

>>> Multi-National Corps-Iraq has this press release out on the story...

Multi-National Corps-Iraq

Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
Release #20070829-05
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Coalition Forces Detain, Later Release Individuals

Coalition Forces detained a group of 15 individuals traveling together in four vehicles here Tuesday. The group included seven Iraqis and eight Iranian nationals.

Coalition Forces searched the vehicles as the group attempted to enter a checkpoint on Abu Nuwas Street near the Sheraton Hotel. CF confiscated an AK-47 rifle and two 9mm pistols in the possession of the Iraqis in the group. The Iraqis serving as a protective detail had identification but no weapons permits and also had Iranian money.

The individuals were allowed to proceed and went in the Sheraton Hotel.

The CF followed shortly after, based on further instructions from its headquarters element and searched their rooms. While there, CF confiscated a laptop computer, cellphones, and a briefcase full of Iranian and US money.

Contrary to published reports, there was no raid on the hotel.

Following the brief room search the group was taken to a coalition facility for questioning. The Iranian nationals had passports. It was later determined that two of the Iranian individuals were carrying diplomatic credentials.

The Iranian nationals were released in consultation with the Government of Iraq to Iraqi officials.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1059-07 August 29, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. James S. Collins Jr., 35, of Rochester Hills, Mich., died August 28th in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Army Reserve 88th Regional Readiness Command public affairs office at (612) 713-3011.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1055-07 August 29, 200
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Thomas R. Wilson, 21, of Maurertown, Va., died August 27th in Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.

Iraqi Army Scouts, U.S. Special Forces detain key suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists linked to Samarra attack

Iraqi Army Scouts, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained three suspected al Qaeda in Iraq leaders, including the al Qaeda in Iraq Emir for operations in Samarra, during an intelligence driven operation Aug. 28 in Tikrit.

The three suspects are linked to the Mosul-based Islamic State of Iraq, an organization established as a front for Al Qaeda in Iraq. Intelligence indicates the three are linked to an attack on Coalition Forces Aug. 26 in Samarra that killed two Coalition Soldiers and two innocent civilians. Coalition Forces repelled the attack, killing at least a dozen insurgents and capturing 14 others.

One of the other detainees is reportedly an al Qaeda in Iraq military coordinator for operations around Samarra while the third detainee is believed to be a local facilitator for al Qaeda operations in Tikrit. Reports indicate all three individuals had recently arrived in Tikrit from Samarra.

No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured in the operation.

From press release #20070829-08 by Multi-National Corps-Iraq - Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

ABC, CBS and NBC Morning News Shows Promoting Democrats, Study Finds

CNSNEWS.COM has this report this morning and it starts off like this... In covering the 2008 presidential campaign, the network morning news shows are "overwhelmingly focused on Democrats, [and] they are actively promoting the Democrats' liberal agenda," according to a study released today by the conservative Media Research Center (MRC)... The study examined 517 campaign segments on the morning news shows broadcast on ABC, CBS and NBC in the first seven months of 2007. It found that the shows covered Democrats "nearly twice as much" as Republicans and framed interview questions from a liberal perspective most of the time.
Read the story at link below...
Morning News Shows 'Promoting' Democrats, Study Finds

Senator Larry Craig’s Incident In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Airport Bathroom

Sen. Larry Craig said he "overreacted and made a poor decision" in pleading guilty to disorderly conduct after his June arrest following an incident in a Minneapolis, Minnesota, airport bathroom...
Read the story at the Edition.CNN.com

* Statement by Senator Craig on his website HERE

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Police Department Photo

.

Leave office NOW, Senator Craig!!!
AubreyJ.........

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

Video posted on YouTube by pundital

Photo for the Day - August 28, 2007

President George W. Bush shakes hands with military personnel attending the American Legion 89th Annual Convention Tuesday, August 28, 2007, in Reno, Nev. following his speech to Legion members.

Part of the President’s speech went like this...

... Shia extremists, backed by Iran, are training Iraqis to carry out attacks on our forces and the Iraqi people. Members of the Qods Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are supplying extremist groups with funding and weapons, including sophisticated IEDs. And with the assistance of Hezbollah, they've provided training for these violent forces inside of Iraq. Recently, coalition forces seized 240-millimeter rockets that had been manufactured in Iran this year and that had been provided to Iraqi extremist groups by Iranian agents. The attacks on our bases and our troops by Iranian-supplied munitions have increased in the last few months -- despite pledges by Iran to help stabilize the security situation in Iraq.

Some say Iran's leaders are not aware of what members of their own regime are doing. Others say Iran's leaders are actively seeking to provoke the West. Either way, they cannot escape responsibility for aiding attacks against coalition forces and the murder of innocent Iraqis. The Iranian regime must halt these actions. And until it does, I will take actions necessary to protect our troops. I have authorized our military commanders in Iraq to confront Tehran's murderous activities...
Read the President’s speech HERE
(Has Audio)

White House photo by Chris Greenberg

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Boldly Declares Iran Is Ready To Fill Any Vacuum In Iraq

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad boldly declared Tuesday that U.S. political influence in Iraq is "collapsing rapidly" and said his government is ready to help fill any power vacuum... The hard-line leader also defended Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a fellow Shiite Muslim who has come under harsh criticism from American politicians for his unsuccessful efforts to reconcile Iraq's divided Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds... "The political power of the occupiers is collapsing rapidly," Ahmadinejad said at a news conference, referring to U.S. troops in Iraq. "Soon, we will see a huge power vacuum in the region. Of course, we are prepared to fill the gap, with the help of neighbors and regional friends like Saudi Arabia, and with the help of the Iraqi nation.”...
Read this story in full at Forbes.com

IRNA File Photo

Joe Lieberman: Al Qaeda's Travel Agent - Damascus International Airport is a hub for terrorists

Here’s an article I found, written by Joe Lieberman, that’s a little over a week old but still well worth the read. It starts off like this... The United States is at last making significant progress against al Qaeda in Iraq--but the road to victory now requires cutting off al Qaeda's road to Iraq through Damascus.

Thanks to Gen. David Petraeus's new counterinsurgency strategy in Iraq, and the strength and skill of the American soldiers fighting there, al Qaeda in Iraq is now being routed from its former strongholds in Anbar and Diyala provinces. Many of Iraq's Sunni Arabs, meanwhile, are uniting with us against al Qaeda, alienated by the barbarism and brutality of their erstwhile allies.

As Gen. Petraeus recently said of al Qaeda in Iraq: "We have them off plan." ...
Read the rest of this article in full at OpinionJournal.com

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1054-07 August 28, 2007
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Rogelio A. Ramirez, 21, of Pasadena, Calif., died August 26th while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Camp Pendleton public affairs office at (760) 725-5044.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces Capture Suspected Distributor of Iranian Weapons

Iraqi and Coalition Forces Capture Suspected

Distributor of Iranian Weapons
.

Iraqi and Coalition forces captured a highly-sought weapons facilitator before dawn Tuesday in Baghdad.

Iraqi and Coalition Forces conducted a raid to capture a suspected weapons distributor connected to the Special Groups network. The suspected senior weapons facilitator is responsible for distributing weapons and other forms of lethal aide smuggled from Iran into Iraq. The individual is also suspected of distributing explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs. The weapons distributor is also suspected of having direct ties to other senior commanders in militias operating in and around Baghdad.

Two others detained during the raid are also suspected of distributing weapons smuggled into Iraq from Iran. One of the buildings searched during the raid produced currency and identification documents confiscated for further analysis and evaluation.

“We assess that this capture will degrade the weapons smuggling network,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Coalition Forces will continue their focused operations to interdict Iranian supported terror groups operating in Iraq. We remain committed to dismantling terror networks that seek to kill innocent Iraqis, Iraqi Security Forces, and Coalition Forces.”

(From press release #070828a by MNF-I - Press Desk, Baghdad, Iraq)

Human Embryonic Stem Cells Fix Heart Damage In Lab Rats

After having had a Heart Attack myself a few months back... I found this story very encouraging...
Human embryonic stem cells have been used to regrow the heart muscles of rats that had survived lab-induced heart attacks, scientists from the University of Washington and a private biotechnology company reported Sunday... Because the rebuilt heart muscle halted the progression of heart failure, the findings offer encouragement that treatments based on embryonic stem cells someday might be used to help people who suffer heart attacks...
Read this story in full at link below...
Human stem cells fix heart damage in lab rats

AubreyJ.........

Iraq: Sunni Politicians Applauded Goals But Raise Doubts Over Deal

Sunni politicians applauded goals set down in an agreement hammered out by the country's top leaders under intense American pressure but expressed doubt Monday that the U.S.-backed prime minister would actually see them through... Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and four other senior leaders declared Sunday they had reached a consensus on a number of issues, including freeing detainees held without charge, easing the ban on former Saddam Hussein supporters in government posts, regulating the oil industry and holding provincial elections...
Read story in full HERE
..

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

President Bush Congratulates Iraqi Leaders on Agreement
White House photo by Chris Greenberg

Photo for the Day - August, 27, 2007

Pfc. Emmanuel Ramanan, background, from C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment looks on as Cpl. Ganem Najim of the Iraqi Army's 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, coaches trainees on proper firing techniques during a marksmanship training exercise for the first 30 members of Adhamiyah's Critical Infrastructure Guard Force at Combat Operating Post Apache in Baghdad. The Guard Force is to be made up of Adhamiyah residents who will take over security from the Iraqi Army at sites like hospitals, schools, and government buildings, allowing the IA to concentrate on pursuing terrorists.

Read the story HERE
Photo by Sgt. Michael Pryor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1052-07 August 27, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Carnes, 25, of Dayton, Ky., died August 26th in Orgun-e, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire in Lewanne Bazaar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Regiment, Kentucky Army National Guard, Carrollton, Ky.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Kentucky National Guard public affairs office at (502) 607-1562.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1051-07 August 27, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died August 26th in Samarra, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their unit during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:
Sgt. Joshua L. Morley, 22, of Boise, Idaho.
Spc. Tracy C. Willis, 21, of Marshall, Texas.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

No. 1049-07 August 27, 2007
DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Medlicott, 21, of Houston, died August 25th from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Media with questions about this Marine can contact the Camp Pendleton public affairs office at (760) 725-5044.

Coalition Forces detain eight suspected Special Groups terrorists

Coalition Forces Detain Eight Suspected
Special Groups Terrorists

Coalition Forces detained eight suspected Special Groups terrorists during pre-dawn operations Monday in Sadr City.

The individuals detained during the raid are believed to be members of the Special Groups terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq into Iran for terrorist training.

No shots were fired as Coalition Forces conducted a precision raid during pre-dawn hours, detaining eight individuals for their association with the Special Groups terrorist network and the targeted individual. Coalition forces confiscated a number of documents, photographs and possible improvised explosive device components.

Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual is a Special Groups senior level facilitator with possible Iranian connections.

“The Special Groups network constitutes a significant threat to security and stability in Sadr City and other areas around Baghdad. We will continue to dismantle and degrade the Special Groups terrorist network, eliminating their ability to attack innocent Iraqis as well as Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

(From press release #A070827a by MNF-I - Press Desk, Baghdad, Iraq)

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Resigns

U.S. Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales
* Resigns *

Fox News is reporting this morning that one U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has handed in his resignation to President Bush. This news has been confirmed as true...
Follow link HERE for up to date info as it comes in.

>>> Remarks of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Announcing His Resignation

>>> Letter of Resignation

>>> The White House website has this...
President Bush Discusses Resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

>>> CNSNews.com has this take...
Dems Say Gonzales' Resignation Doesn't Absolve Administration

>>> Speaker Nancy Pelosi has this BS...
Pelosi: ‘Resignation of Attorney General Gonzales Is Long Overdue’

>>> DEMOCRATES.Senate.gov has Harry Reid’s BS...
Reid Statement On Resignation Of Alberto Gonzalez

DOJ photo

More to come...

AubreyJ.........

Military Headquarters Of Hamas In Damascus Orders Major Attack In Israel

Military Headquarters Of Hamas
In Damascus
Orders Major Attack In Israel

Sunday, August 26, 2007.

.

The military headquarters of Hamas in Damascus has ordered militants in the West Bank to carry out a major attack inside Israel, the deputy chief of the Shin Bet security service told government ministers on Sunday... "There are efforts on the part of the Hamas leadership in Damascus to put together a plan to foil diplomatic efforts between Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Israel," said Y., the Shin Bet deputy head...
Read this story in full at Haaretz.com

.

VOANews.com has this report...
Israeli Cabinet ministers demanded tough military action Sunday after two Palestinian gunmen scaled the heavily fortified Gaza border wall on Saturday and infiltrated Israel. The gunmen, who were on their way to attack an Israeli community, were intercepted and killed by Israeli troops...
Israel Considers Military Action in Gaza after Palestinian Infiltration

.

* UPDATES *
.

>>> JPOST.com had this report late Sunday evening...
Yahiya Moussa, a member of the Hamas parliament in Gaza, said the organization did not change its policy regarding suicide attacks, Israel Radio reported Sunday evening... He said reports aired in Israeli media earlier Sunday were meant to "set the ground for renewed Israeli violence against the Palestinians.”... A Palestinian source in Ramallah contradicted Moussa, and confirmed that the leadership in Damascus had indeed instructed West Bank Hamas members to carry out a large-scale attack...
Read the rest at link below...
'Hamas in Damascus ordered a mega attack'

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Blast US Critics Sunday

BBC.co.uk website has this story out this morning and it starts off like this... Iraq's prime minister has hit back at senior US politicians who have called for him to be removed from office... Nouri Maliki singled out senators Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin... He said the Democratic senators were acting as if Iraq was "their property" and that they should "come to their senses" and "respect democracy".
Read this story in full at link below...
Maliki returns fire at US critics

NBC4.com website has this take on the story...
Al-Maliki Tells Off Clinton, Levin

(A DoD cropped al-Maliki Photo)

Back-To-Back Explosions Kill Over 40 And Injured More Than 50 People Saturday Night In India

Back-To-Back Explosions Kill Over 40

Injured More Than 50 People

Saturday Night In India

Saturday, August 25, 2007

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Follow the story at links below...

>>> Canada.com...
Three bombs within minutes, one at a street-side food stall and two in an amusement park, killed at least 38 people in a southern Indian city on Saturday in the latest in a series of attacks on urban centers... More than 70 people were wounded in the blasts in Hyderabad, a city with a history of communal violence, and where nearly a dozen people were killed when a mosque was bombed in May... There was no claim of responsibility...
Bombs kill 38 people in latest Indian city attack

>>> HindustanTimes.com...
Two explosions minutes apart at an amusement park and a popular eating joint in Hyderabad on Saturday evening killed more than 30 people and wounded up to 50. The state government and the Centre blamed terrorists for the blasts...
Terror in Hyderabad: over 30 dead

>>> MeriNews.com...
Two bomb blasts in Hyderabad took place on Saturday evening leaving behind a smoke of terror. The fatal blasts have led to a situation of high tension and a red alert has been declared...
Hyderabad bomb blasts leave the nation terror-struck

>>> FOXNews.com...
A pair of bombings tore through crowded public areas in this southern city Saturday night, one of them destroying one of Hyderabad's most popular family restaurants, killing at least 37 people and wounding about 50, officials said... Security forces were put on alert and thousands of police and paramilitary Rapid Action Force officers were deployed across the city, which has long been plagued by Hindu-Muslim tensions and occasional violence between the two communities... The blasts - one in a park during a laser show, and one in the crowded restaurant - went off minutes apart, officials said...

At Least 37 Killed in Two Bomb Blasts in India

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* UPDATE: Sunday, August 26, 2007 *

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>>> AllHeadlineNews.com...
International terrorists were responsible for two bombings late Saturday that killed at least 44 people and injured more than 100 in the Hyderabad, India, officials said Sunday. Islamist militants from Bangladesh and Pakistan are the chief suspects in the twin bombings in southern India... Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh state Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy told reporters that all the available information suggests the involvement of extremist organization from those two countries.
Update: Islamic Terrorist Organizations Suspected For Twin Bombings In Indian City

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>>> EURONEWS.net has a video news report HERE

>>> Yahoo!News website has this REUTERS news video HERE

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I’ll post more videos up if I can run across them...

AubreyJ.........

President Bush’s Saturday Radio Address - August 25, 2007

President Bush’s Saturday Radio Address

Saturday, August 25, 2007

The President: Good morning. This week I traveled to Kansas City to address the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I spoke about the ideological struggle that our Nation faces in the 21st century, and the lessons we can draw from the advance of freedom in Asia in the 20th century. America's enduring presence and perseverance on that continent aided the rise of democracy, helped transform American enemies into American allies, and made our country safer.

Next week I will address the members of the American Legion at their annual convention in Reno. In that speech, I will focus on the Middle East and why the rise of a free and democratic Iraq is critical to the future of this vital region and to our Nation's security.

I will also provide an update on the developments we are seeing from our new strategy in Iraq. Every month since January, U.S. forces have killed or captured an average of more than 1,500 al Qaeda terrorists and other extremists. And in June our troops launched a surge of operations that is helping bring former Sunni insurgents into the fight against al Qaeda, clear the terrorists out of population centers, and give families in liberated Iraqi cities a safer and more normal life.

As security improves, more Iraqis are stepping forward to defend their democracy. Young Iraqi men are signing up for the army. Iraqi police are now patrolling the streets. Coalition and Iraqi forces have doubled the number of joint operations. As the Iraqi people feel more secure, they are also forming neighborhood watch groups. They're volunteering important information about the terrorists and extremists hiding in their midst. And the increase in tips helps account for the marked reduction in sectarian murders.

By driving out the terrorists from cities and neighborhoods, we're creating the conditions for reconciliation -- especially at the local level. In communities across Iraq, citizens are seeing their local and provincial governments return to operation. Despite continuing violence, leaders in places like Anbar, Najaf, and Ninewah are now working through local provincial councils to approve funds to finance the rebuilding of homes and neighborhoods, to fight corruption, and to create new jobs.

Here at home, it can be easy to overlook the bravery shown by Iraqi troops and Iraqi civilians who are in the fight for freedom. But our troops on the ground see it every day. Last week, a team of American soldiers was meeting with an Iraqi citizens group near Baghdad. Suddenly, a suicide bomber came running around a corner and headed straight for our soldiers and the Iraqi civilians.

One Iraqi man saw what was happening and ran to intercept the bomber. As he pushed the terrorist away, the bomb detonated -- killing both men, but sparing four American soldiers and eight Iraqi civilians. Army Staff Sergeant Sean Kane is one of those who says he owes his life to this brave Iraqi. Sergeant Kane says, "He could have run behind us or away from us, but he made the decision to sacrifice himself to protect everyone." Sergeant Kane spoke to the Iraqi man's father, who said that even if his son had known the outcome beforehand, he "[would not] have acted differently."

The story does not end there. Later that same night, the citizens group contacted the local director of the National Police and told him the location of the al Qaeda cell believed to be responsible for the attack. The National Police immediately conducted a raid that resulted in four arrests.

We are still in the early stages of our new operations. But the success of the past couple of months have shown that conditions on the ground can change -- and they are changing. We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight. But by standing with the Iraqi people as they build their democracy, we will deliver a devastating blow to al Qaeda, we will help provide new hope for millions of people throughout the Middle East, we will gain a friend and ally in the war on terror, and we will make the American people safer.

Thank you for listening.

Audio can be heard HERE
(From White House press release, Office of the Press Secretary)
White House File Photo by Eric Draper

Execution Site Discovered, Eight Suspects Detained

About Photo: Cache destroyed.. Coalition Forces destroy three buildings that had been used by al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists to make homemade explosives in the Arab Jabour region of Iraq.
USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Jorge A. Rodriguez

Execution Site Discovered, Eight Suspects Detained

Coalition Forces uncovered a terrorist execution site and a building suspected of being a car bomb factory during an operation Aug. 21-23 south of Baghdad.

As Coalition Forces entered the Arab Jabour area, they immediately received small arms fire. The assault force returned fire, killing one terrorist.

During the 24-hour operation, Coalition Forces discovered an area used by terrorists as an execution and dumping site. The ground forces found human skulls, decomposing bodies and bones wrapped in bloody clothes. Wild dogs were rampant around the area, which was characterized by a crater where most of the human remains were dumped. Inside a nearby building, the ground forces found blood spatter and other signs indicating executions had taken place there. In another building, Coalition Forces found several improvised explosive devices in the area and a weapons cache that included trigger wires.

Intelligence reports indicate that al-Qaeda in Iraq operates in the area, and weapons caches in the area contain materials used in the Baghdad car-bombing network. Local Iraqis helped Coalition Forces find a stash of homemade explosives and a building that was suspected of being a car bomb factory. Inside the compound, the ground forces found numerous items used to make and mix homemade explosives for use in car bombs. An air strike destroyed the explosives cache. Eight suspected terrorists were detained during the operation for their association with al-Qaeda in Iraq and conducting terrorist activities in the Arab Jabour region.

“Al-Qaeda in Iraq members are ruthless terrorists who brutalize, torture, and murder innocent Iraqis in their campaign of senseless terror,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to hunt down and kill or capture these brutal terrorists who seek to deny Iraqis a future of their choice.”

(From press release #A070825a by MNF-I, Press Desk - Baghdad, Iraq)

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1046-07 August 25, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident in Herat, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Daniel E. Miller, 43, of Rossford, Ohio. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.
Sgt. 1st Class Scott M. Carney, 37, of Ankeny, Iowa. He was assigned to the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa Army National Guard.

For more information related to Sgt. 1st Class Miller, the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Fore more information related to Sgt. 1st Class Carney, the media may contact the Iowa Army National Guard public affairs office at (515) 252-4582/4305.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1045-07 August 25, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class David A. Heringes, 36, of Tampa, Fla., died August 24th near Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

No. 1043-07 August 25, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died August 23rd in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Adrian M. Elizalde, 30, of North Bend, Ind.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Tully, 33, of Falls Creek, Penn.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005 (<http://news.soc.mil/> http://news.soc.mil/)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

No. 1044-07 August 25, 2007
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Edgar E. Cardenas, 34, of Lilburn, Ga., died August 22nd in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-0104; after hours (254) 291-2591.

Chemical Ali And 14 Other Former Commanders of Saddam Hussein Now On Trial For Genocide

The Post Chronicle website brings us this story... Trial resumed for a third day Thursday in Baghdad's Supreme Criminal Court for 15 former Iraqi military commanders who are charged with genocide... The most high profile of the 15 defendants is Saddam Hussein’s cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majeed, known as "Chemical Ali"...
Read the rest at link below...
Trial Continues For Former Iraq Commanders

The ABC.net.au website has this take... A witness accused "Chemical Ali", Saddam Hussein's most notorious hatchet man, of killing her sons by throwing them out of a helicopter during the crushing of an Iraqi Shiite [1991] rebellion.
Read story in full at link below...
Chemical Ali 'threw my sons from chopper'

Democrat John Edwards Bashes Romney Health Care Plan

Even as Mitt Romney is laying out his health care plan at this hour to Florida doctors, Democrat John Edwards wasted no time bashing it... "Mitt Romney's cure is worse than the disease," Edwards said in a statement. "Not surprisingly, he's unwilling to take on the big insurance and drug companies. As a result, it will make a dysfunctional health care system even worse." (Just like a dang Trial Lawyer! AJ)
Read story in full Boston.com

File photos by Mitt Romney's Website & John Edwards is an Official Senate photo portrait

Four Chinese Men On Trial - Chinese Police Tracking Missing Uranium

Here’s some troubling news I found on the Forbes website this morning. It starts off like this... Four Chinese men have gone on trial for trying to sell uranium that can be used to make nuclear weapons, and which has since gone missing, state media reported... Investigators are working hard to locate the eight kilograms of uranium, warning that it poses a health risk to people who may come in contact with it...
Read the rest at link below...
China tries 4 men over attempt to sell uranium

>>> TheAge.com.au website has this take...
Chinese police track missing uranium