Thursday, December 25, 2003
Merry Christmas Heroes
I'd like to wish you the very best for the holidays and the coming New Year. I appreciate your willingness to serve our country and the personal sacrifices you have made for the freedoms of our nation and for the oppressed of other lands. You all are heroes. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you are away from your familes at this special time of the year. God bless you and keep you all safe!
Terry Doyle
Mom of Adam, Ft. Carson, CO
MIL of Jenny, Kuwait
It is the men and women of our country that join our military services that enable each of us the right to live the lives we live...from our freedom of speech, to our freedom of religion, right down to our right to vote...These men and women allow us to selfishly crawl into our oversized warm beds, and cover up with our security blanket and sleep soundly at night....What most of us 'americans' over look is...well, our military people ARE our security blanket!! Without them going threw these hellish times, where would we be??....
I am eternally greatful we have such brave men and women providing such a security for me and everyone else....These men and women are TRUELY our blessing from above, so I thank each soldier from the tip of my toes to the top of my head, and I thank God for each of them nightly...
To each soldier I share this thought that gets me threw what seems to be a trial of a day........
"There are blessings all around, sometimes we just can't see them, and sometimes we only see them later in life."
Thank YOU Heroes!
Vickey in Virginia
My thoughts are with you this holiday season and even though you are far away, I
hold you in my heart forever. Be safe thank you for all you do.
Merry Christmas Hero,
Patti Patton-Bader
To My Heroes...
Whereever I go,
Whatever I do,
I want you to know,
My thoughts and prayers are just for YOU!!
GOD BLESS!!
SEMPER FI!!!
Future Marine, Trista
For all our wonderful military men and women. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice for our country. I'm sorry that many of you are spending the holidays away from home and family, but want you to know that you are in our hearts and thoughts, and that we are wishing you safe and speedy deployments.
Take care and stay safe,
Sara
Thank you for risking your lives over there. You are one person fighting for so many in the US and Iraq. Thanks,
The Bentz'
Thanks for fighting to keep our country free from terrorists. I respect you. I'm sorry you can't be here for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You're one of a kind and you're in my prayers. Come home safely.
Timothy Louis Cherry
You all are doing such a fine job, and I want you to know how very proud you make us here in America. I want to thank you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and New Years, and that you come home soon to celebrate the holidays that you spent away. God Bless you and know that you are thought of and loved by us daily.
Love and big hugs to you,
Dee Juliano
To all the soldiers, males and females. I just want to wish all of you a Merry X-mas. Remember that the big man up above is looking after each and everyone of you. You guys are true heroes! This country is very lucky to have brave people like you guys. Soon this will be over and you'll guys will be home.
Love, Miriam.
Every time I hear the song, " I'll Be Home for Christmas." I think of y'all. You are true heros. If there were more men and women like y'all in the world, there would not be so much hate. Even when we can not be with you, our thoughts are. May the Lord above continue to guide and protect y'all. May He bring each one of y'all home safe. Whenever a breeze goes across your cheek know that it is an angel sent to watch over you. When a breeze touches your head know that it is your family and friends reaching out to you. When you look at the stars know that we are all looking at the same stars and thinking of you. When you see the sun or the moon, know that it is God smiling down on you
May the New Year find you surrounded by family and friends.
Charlene
jaberwacky@amnetline.com
I am writing to wish you all a Merry Christmas, I know it must be hard being away from families this time of year. I would also like to thank you for what you are doing to keep our country safe. Remember you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I hope the New Year brings you home to your families.
I will be remembering one special Marine this Christmas, his name is Cpl. Jason Mileo. Jason was killed in action April 14, 2003, in Bagdad. Jason was my cousin and I miss hum dearly.
May God Bless You and keep you safe,
Mary from Pasadena, Maryland
To all our military men and women: My sincere thanks to all of you for what you are doing for our country. Your sacrifices, loyalty and dedication is what makes this country great. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers and I pray that our Heavenly Father protects you and brings you home again soon. Wishing you much peace and happiness this Christmas and always. God Bless you all.
Much love,
Nancy
Dear Heroes,
Season's Greetings! You will have a special place in our hearts this holiday season. We are thinking of you, and we will never ever forget you.
You are in my prayers for your safe return home.
Merry Christmas!
Sharon Sparks
To our incredible Military:
Thank you for defending something to precious to us. Our Freedom.
Your bravery, dedication, and sacrifices are to be commended.
With much love,
Michele in Montana
I thank God everyday for our brave men and women in our U.S. Military...May God Bless you this holiday season. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Cheriese
My thoughts and prayers are with all the brave men and women defending our country.We love you all., and are thinking about you now and always.
with love,
Melissa (maine)
For all our soldiers and sailors serving here and abroad: Thank you so much for your service to our country. Each and every one of you is "Person of the Year" and we owe you a debt of gratitude and appreciation. Sending you best wishes for a happy and safe holiday, and if you are deployed, a very speedy return home.
You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Sara
Proud Army Mom of Dan
To My Heroes,
Myself and my family will always have you in our hearts and prayers. We are very grateful for all you have done and the sacrifices you have made. I cherish my freedom and know who I owe it to. Keep safe-Be well-Come home soon !
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AMERICAN ARMED FORCES
By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Today as we sit at our dinner tables, many of us will experience the absence of a family member, due to the upholding of our freedom. We will be brought to tears easily today but in a mixture of emotions. As for myself, my Soldier and I have spent the last 26 years of birthdays and holidays together?I will miss him terribly. On the other hand his absence has changed my life, as I am sure so many parents of soldiers can relate. I no longer take anything for granted. Everything I do is a precious freedom that I want to be thankful for. I never want to forget the brave men and women that have laid down their lives in order that I might sit here in my cozy home and enjoy all the blessings around me.
More than ever in my life I understand the meaning of patriotism. I experience that lump in my throat every time I hear the National Anthem, see our flag, or catch a glimpse of a soldier in uniform.
Because of my soldier?s commitment to our Country I have come to know some fine people. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents who are committed to making a difference in a soldier?s life. I am proud to know these people.
I received this e-mail from one of my ?adopted soldiers? ?
?It?s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?Even in Iraq.? Peggy,
I want to thank you for the phone card and Christmas decorations! It was really nice of you to send some of your own collection! We put the Santa on top of our tree in our MWR building and hung the Merry Christmas banner on our entrance way. I have also received decorations from Carol. I am planning on taking some pictures with my digital camera and sending you some so you all can see how you are ?lighting? up our holidays here! Thank you again!
Your friend,
Earl
NO Earl?THANK YOU! Thank each and every one of you that has given up so much for America! ?? We salute you??..
So when I sit down at my dinner table today, I will try not to be sad about what I am missing but rather be grateful for all I have been given?
God bless our Military and keep them safe.
Merry Christmas to all our sons and daughters!
I'd like to wish you the very best for the holidays and the coming New Year. I appreciate your willingness to serve our country and the personal sacrifices you have made for the freedoms of our nation and for the oppressed of other lands. You all are heroes. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you are away from your familes at this special time of the year. God bless you and keep you all safe!
Terry Doyle
Mom of Adam, Ft. Carson, CO
MIL of Jenny, Kuwait
It is the men and women of our country that join our military services that enable each of us the right to live the lives we live...from our freedom of speech, to our freedom of religion, right down to our right to vote...These men and women allow us to selfishly crawl into our oversized warm beds, and cover up with our security blanket and sleep soundly at night....What most of us 'americans' over look is...well, our military people ARE our security blanket!! Without them going threw these hellish times, where would we be??....
I am eternally greatful we have such brave men and women providing such a security for me and everyone else....These men and women are TRUELY our blessing from above, so I thank each soldier from the tip of my toes to the top of my head, and I thank God for each of them nightly...
To each soldier I share this thought that gets me threw what seems to be a trial of a day........
"There are blessings all around, sometimes we just can't see them, and sometimes we only see them later in life."
Thank YOU Heroes!
Vickey in Virginia
My thoughts are with you this holiday season and even though you are far away, I
hold you in my heart forever. Be safe thank you for all you do.
Merry Christmas Hero,
Patti Patton-Bader
To My Heroes...
Whereever I go,
Whatever I do,
I want you to know,
My thoughts and prayers are just for YOU!!
GOD BLESS!!
SEMPER FI!!!
Future Marine, Trista
For all our wonderful military men and women. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice for our country. I'm sorry that many of you are spending the holidays away from home and family, but want you to know that you are in our hearts and thoughts, and that we are wishing you safe and speedy deployments.
Take care and stay safe,
Sara
Thank you for risking your lives over there. You are one person fighting for so many in the US and Iraq. Thanks,
The Bentz'
Thanks for fighting to keep our country free from terrorists. I respect you. I'm sorry you can't be here for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You're one of a kind and you're in my prayers. Come home safely.
Timothy Louis Cherry
You all are doing such a fine job, and I want you to know how very proud you make us here in America. I want to thank you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and New Years, and that you come home soon to celebrate the holidays that you spent away. God Bless you and know that you are thought of and loved by us daily.
Love and big hugs to you,
Dee Juliano
To all the soldiers, males and females. I just want to wish all of you a Merry X-mas. Remember that the big man up above is looking after each and everyone of you. You guys are true heroes! This country is very lucky to have brave people like you guys. Soon this will be over and you'll guys will be home.
Love, Miriam.
Every time I hear the song, " I'll Be Home for Christmas." I think of y'all. You are true heros. If there were more men and women like y'all in the world, there would not be so much hate. Even when we can not be with you, our thoughts are. May the Lord above continue to guide and protect y'all. May He bring each one of y'all home safe. Whenever a breeze goes across your cheek know that it is an angel sent to watch over you. When a breeze touches your head know that it is your family and friends reaching out to you. When you look at the stars know that we are all looking at the same stars and thinking of you. When you see the sun or the moon, know that it is God smiling down on you
May the New Year find you surrounded by family and friends.
Charlene
jaberwacky@amnetline.com
I am writing to wish you all a Merry Christmas, I know it must be hard being away from families this time of year. I would also like to thank you for what you are doing to keep our country safe. Remember you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I hope the New Year brings you home to your families.
I will be remembering one special Marine this Christmas, his name is Cpl. Jason Mileo. Jason was killed in action April 14, 2003, in Bagdad. Jason was my cousin and I miss hum dearly.
May God Bless You and keep you safe,
Mary from Pasadena, Maryland
To all our military men and women: My sincere thanks to all of you for what you are doing for our country. Your sacrifices, loyalty and dedication is what makes this country great. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers and I pray that our Heavenly Father protects you and brings you home again soon. Wishing you much peace and happiness this Christmas and always. God Bless you all.
Much love,
Nancy
Dear Heroes,
Season's Greetings! You will have a special place in our hearts this holiday season. We are thinking of you, and we will never ever forget you.
You are in my prayers for your safe return home.
Merry Christmas!
Sharon Sparks
To our incredible Military:
Thank you for defending something to precious to us. Our Freedom.
Your bravery, dedication, and sacrifices are to be commended.
With much love,
Michele in Montana
I thank God everyday for our brave men and women in our U.S. Military...May God Bless you this holiday season. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Cheriese
My thoughts and prayers are with all the brave men and women defending our country.We love you all., and are thinking about you now and always.
with love,
Melissa (maine)
For all our soldiers and sailors serving here and abroad: Thank you so much for your service to our country. Each and every one of you is "Person of the Year" and we owe you a debt of gratitude and appreciation. Sending you best wishes for a happy and safe holiday, and if you are deployed, a very speedy return home.
You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Sara
Proud Army Mom of Dan
To My Heroes,
Myself and my family will always have you in our hearts and prayers. We are very grateful for all you have done and the sacrifices you have made. I cherish my freedom and know who I owe it to. Keep safe-Be well-Come home soon !
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AMERICAN ARMED FORCES
By Peggy Baker
Mother of a Soldier
Today as we sit at our dinner tables, many of us will experience the absence of a family member, due to the upholding of our freedom. We will be brought to tears easily today but in a mixture of emotions. As for myself, my Soldier and I have spent the last 26 years of birthdays and holidays together?I will miss him terribly. On the other hand his absence has changed my life, as I am sure so many parents of soldiers can relate. I no longer take anything for granted. Everything I do is a precious freedom that I want to be thankful for. I never want to forget the brave men and women that have laid down their lives in order that I might sit here in my cozy home and enjoy all the blessings around me.
More than ever in my life I understand the meaning of patriotism. I experience that lump in my throat every time I hear the National Anthem, see our flag, or catch a glimpse of a soldier in uniform.
Because of my soldier?s commitment to our Country I have come to know some fine people. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents who are committed to making a difference in a soldier?s life. I am proud to know these people.
I received this e-mail from one of my ?adopted soldiers? ?
?It?s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?Even in Iraq.? Peggy,
I want to thank you for the phone card and Christmas decorations! It was really nice of you to send some of your own collection! We put the Santa on top of our tree in our MWR building and hung the Merry Christmas banner on our entrance way. I have also received decorations from Carol. I am planning on taking some pictures with my digital camera and sending you some so you all can see how you are ?lighting? up our holidays here! Thank you again!
Your friend,
Earl
NO Earl?THANK YOU! Thank each and every one of you that has given up so much for America! ?? We salute you??..
So when I sit down at my dinner table today, I will try not to be sad about what I am missing but rather be grateful for all I have been given?
God bless our Military and keep them safe.
Merry Christmas to all our sons and daughters!
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Thank you for Angels
Throughtout the year angels came and said, We want to help, we want the soldiers deployed to know "We Care'"and they came and brought clothes and food and cheer to as many as they could. These angels came and asked for nothing in return. There were there when a soldier was tired, they were they when a soldier was alone. They were there to celebrate birthdays and to comfort a wife who missed her hero dearly, They were there for a Camp who was cold and needed thermals and they were they there for Thanksgiving with 5 Turkeys, 5 Hams, dozens of boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes and 100 fruit cups. This page is dedicated to all the Soldier's Angels who came from all corners of the world to help aid and comfort the Boots On The Ground.
Zax_mom
I have a care package ready to go to my assigned soldier...my son and I are
thrilled to be a part of this. I have his APO on the box...now direct my
empty head please!! We take it to the post office...fill out customs papers
even though it's only going to his APO and they take it from there??? I am
so confused! We actually had left overs (I guess we went a little crazy on
our shopping spree ) and I made up another box for a female who was
requesting Christmas cards...is this ok? WHEW...it doesn't take much to
confuse this mind...I'm tellin' ya! Oh...BTW...I am Elaina age 31...mom to
Zak 11 and Alexa 3. We live in Arizona. Zak's poppa (my dad) is retired Navy
and my brother was a Marine. Zak is very very interested in pursuing a
career as an Air Force pilot someday (go little man, go I say!!) We are
soooooo very excited to be a part of this. Thanks for havin' us!!
Debbie
Hi. My name is Debbie. I am married to Bob, and have 4 wonderful kids,
Nathan is 25, Josh is 23, Crystal 20 and my youngest Kylee is 12. I grew up
on the West coast and have been in Illinois now for 13 years. My brother
has been in the Army for 17 yrs. and needless to say I am very proud of him.
We feel so blessed that he has a great wife & kids that has been so
supportive of his military career. Being gone 6-9 months out of every year
can take a toll on the families. I have been on my own 'mission' since
march when I heard that some guys weren't getting mail. Since then my home
has been a warehouse for our troops. Thank goodness my husband and kids
support our efforts. Every month my friends & I work on new projects to
raise money for postage. I am very proud of all and military and I
appreciate all the sacrifices that have to make. I had searched the web for
months to find support that wasn't negative and was so happy when I was told
about this group. I would just like to say Thank you to all and keep up the
great work. There are still 1000's out there not getting mail and maybe we
can all solve that problem. God Bless all our Military and their families.
Trista
Well, in case some of you don't know me. I'm Trista a 19 year old female
from the Cincinnati, Ohio area. I'm going into the Marine Corps and will be
on my way to Parris Island in the new year. Just so you all know, I think
you're all incredible!!! Keep up the OUTSTANDING work! SEMPER FI! Future
Marine, Trista
Mrs_CPT_Crain
Hi,
My name is Megan Crain,and I am the wife of Cpt nathaniel Crain, and mother
to Elianna Nicole. Elly is 21 months old. Nathaniel left ft. leonard wood on
2 April with the 5th Engineers. He is currently attached to the 223
Engineers, Mississippi National Guard, due to heavy losses suffered by this
unit. His spirits are surprisingly high considering all that has gone on. I
hear from him much more now that he is with the guard, but they are
constantly on the road moving. I am also a stampin up demonstrator and would
like to put my talents to good use for the soldiers and all those who
contribute to make our loved ones lives a little bit brighter. If any one
out there has any ideas or any interest in this please contact me. If anyone
is interesed in making any purchases I will also offer a 15% discount to the
group. Keep your chins up, everything does happen for a reason and we much
trust in God.
Laci Gerhart
Hi! My name is Laci Gerhart and I just joined A Soldier's Blog. I'm a
sophomore at the University of Kansas majoring in Ecology. I'm originally
from Hutchinson, KS, if anyone's ever heard of there... :) I've noticed most
other people have family members who are or were in the armed forces. I had
two second cousins overseas in the early 90's and my sister and I (at the
time she was around 10 and I was around 6) sent them care packages with what
we considered "essentials" which was mostly squirt guns and popcorn, but we
were so excited when they wrote us back and said that they used the squirt
guns to wake their friends up in the morning. I've never forgotten how happy
that letter made me....I am so excited to be a part of this group and I hope
I can help make a difference in someone's life.
Wendy
My husband David and I live in London, KY. When I refer to "Lovey" that is
my Hubby...I have a million "pet" names for the whole crew...is a miracle my
kids grew up knowing their actual names!!!!
London is 41 miles North of the KY/TN line on the Eastern side of KY. Its a
small town-am thrilled to be in a small town again.
The two youngest boys: Joshua, 22 and Isaiah, 20 live in London also. The
oldest boy (Jamey) lives in IN with his wife Jen and baby son Adam. Too far
for this Gramma!!!
Our daughter, Rachel ("GI Jane"), is 19 (in October) and she's also our
Soldier. We also have a younger daughter, Nicole, who is 12, and lives in
WI with her mother.
Rachel is at APG, MD for her AIT and will be graduating the 18th of this
month-her MOS is 63W (All Wheel-vehicle Mechanic). She hopes to work on her
Papa's 18 wheeler when she is back home...!(He still drives,I am
semi-retired, in more ways than one...LOL)
Love the outdoors-would love to live on the top of a mountain in a log-cabin
and live off the land!!!
Since I was a little girl (a "FEW" moons ago) I have been called "Wen" by
the people closest to me and my friends...so, please feel free to shorten it
up to Wen...!
Enough babble for now...LOL
Nancy Wiebel
Hi,
My name is Nancy and I live in eastern Iowa. I have a nephew in the NG and
he's currently stationed in CA. My dad was army in WWII. I'm happy I found
this group. You are all a wonderful bunch of people.
Hugs,
Nancy
Susie Feaster
Hello.....my name is Susie Feaster (aka medicfam). I am California girl who
moved from there 11 years ago and came to Boise, Idaho and never looked
back. I think (of course I am biased) I live in one of the best
communities!
I have been married to Randall for almost 15 years and we have a yours, mine
and ours family. His kids are Kati who is 27 and married.....she is my
bestest friend ..... and Randy who is 20 and married. My son Robert is 18
tomorrow and then we have the LITTLE PRINCESS Leah who is 12. They are all
awesome kids and we have a great family. We are all here in Idaho and all
the older kids left to go "home" to California but guess what....they all
came back!!!!
I have no military people in the family nor friends. The only military
people that I know are people that Randall works with. He is a paramedic
working on the ambulance and also helicopter. The pilots on the copter are
either retired military or reserves.
I have prayed for some type of "guidance" to show me what I was supposed to
do to help out. I pray for the military but never was able to figure out
what I could do....this one person with no connections.....to help out.
Well my daughters PTA we decided we would try and help the military with
packages for the holiday. I was given the task to do research to figure it
out. Well I stumbled upon Patti's website and was HOOKED
Now I cannot do enough to help and am knowing this is what GOD wants me to
do. I am only one person and I cannot change the world but you know
what.....I can make one person smile and they will be a little happier for
the day. Makes it all worth it. My problems are tiny compared to what our
troops are going thru. I will continue to help out however I can.
Angel Hugs to all
Susie
Vickie
Hello, my name is Vickie, I'm from Northern New Jersey. 34 years old,
single. I'm a desktop solutions specialist (crazy stresssful job) so I
definitly need something fun to keep me sane. This is the first year I've
become invovled in sending care packages to soldiers deployed overseas and I
have to say I absolutly love it!!!! It is so much fun for me and I've met
so many wonderful people. I don't have any family or friends (well now I
have friends ) in the military, this is just something I wanted to do one
day after watching the war coverage on TV. I'm looking forward to meeting
some new friends on this board. Thanks for inviting me to join.
AnneinCal
Hello everyone. My name is Anne from Southern California. I'm called Annie
by many. I am big supporter of the troops and have been supporting various
units with the help of my friends, coworkers, support groups, etc. since
this March. I have a brother named Richard in the Air Force who served in
the Gulf war and who like many other troops is willing to serve his country
again. I have the greatest respect for the military and its families for
all they endure and the sacrifices they make to keep America free. I also
enjoy reading about the military especially World War II stories and the
Greatest Generation. I have my own website which I created for my firm so
that they can see the difference we made in our troop's lives. It is called
For The Troops www.4thetroops.net
It's wonderful to be part of this group of Angels who support the troops!
Hugs and God Bless, Anne
Elizabeth
I am Elizabeth from Michigan. I am originally from South Carolina. But have
lived here for 8 years. I am married to Randy and we have 4 daughters ages
13, 10, 8, and 2. We are a very loud and busy family!
My husband and I have never served, but we have had siblings, parents,
uncles, cousins, etc... who have served our nation. We believe that it is
our duty and and privilege to support and honor our veterans and those
currently serving our nation.
Charlene
Frist I would like to go on record and say that I HATE talking about myself.
But since I don't have anyone to write this Bio for me, here goes. :)
I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Florida, where I still live. I
hope to move out of this state one day. I have one brother. He's 16 1/2
months older than me. He's also single (wink wink). LOL I am not married,
nor do I have any children.
I am very honest, so if you would like to know anything, please feel free to
ask. There are very few questions that I won't answer. Thanks for reading.
Hope you are still awake. LOL
Charlene
jaberwacky@amnetline.com
Dee Juliano
My name is Dee. I live in New Jersey. I'm married to a Marine veteran from
the Viet Nam war. My son Ryan is 2/325 Alpha company. I am honored to be a
new member of this group and to get to know you and your soldiers I'm
looking forward to the activities and projects we will be doing.
Angel hugs,
Dee
Vickey from Virginia
Nope, I am not an angel....far from it actually!! Peggy Baker is my best
bud, so when her son went into the army it was like a family member of mine
went in! Besides, I am a mother of four children, three of them boys, my
eldest boy has total soldier envy so I'm almost POSITIVE he will join a
branch of service when he is old enough (he's only 11 now)...Oh and I am the
wife of a vet of the gulf war...
My husband, when he found out about this group said, 'I wish there was a
group like this when I was in the Navy. The entire time I was in, I got six
letters, and ONE care package when the war was going on'.....mind you fellow
'angels', he comes from a LARGE family, broke my heart when he said this,
and it was at that point that I KNEW I had to extend my family and adopt a
soldier.......So, here I am.
God Bless Our Soldiers.......whom in my mind are actually 'Peacemakers'
I love each one of them equally the same...
Vickey from Virginia
Miriam Ramirez
I live in South Gate, Ca (Los Angeles area), 23 years old. I don't have a
military backround but was about to join the Marines when I was 17 ( I
wanted to sooo bad. ), but due to an illness I wasn't allowed to go. But I
do enjoy helping out groups like this one. As well for my Fire and Police
dept. I live with parent and sisters, I have no kids but I adore them. My
little angels of my very own are my 2 godddaughters Amber 4 and Jade 2. Due
to them I'm looking forward to life. I work and go to school. I don't know
what else to say, you could go ahead and ask. But I love to help out to
whoever needs it and our soldiers will always need it.
Sharon Sparks
Hi! I am Sharon Sparks, and I live in Baltimore, Maryland. I come from a
long line of patriots. I am the daughter of a World War II veteran. My
great-great grandfather was a Civil War veteran; and I have ancestors who
fought in the American Revolution. I am in the process of gaining membership
into the Daughters of the American Revolution. I was introduced to this
group by my friend, fuzzrat. I am glad she did because I have gotten to know
many wonderful people here, as well as getting to know many of our heroes
who are serving our country in our armed forces.
Peggy Baker
My name is Peggy Baker.
I live in Virginia with my husband and four children. My oldest son is in
the Army stationed in Korea. Outside of my family, this is the greatest
honor I have ever had...
To be part of this group and to let our Heros know we support them 100%
Carol (puentec)
Hi, my name is Carol. I am from Chicago. Come from a military family.
Grandfather/Merchant Marines. Dad/Ret.Maj Army WW11 Vet and hero.2 brothers
Viet Nam vets. 1 brother Ret. Sgt. Daughter Army Res. home base Ft. McCoy,
Wis. A very proug and gracious AMERICAN who belives in supporting our
Military. Proud and honored to be a part of all you wonderful ANGELS.
'OLD SOLDIER'S NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY'
Ana-Marie Smith
My name is Ana-Marie Smith and I reside in Sunny California. I grew up with
a father who retired from the US Navy after 23 years of service. My husband
was also in the Navy for 10 years. I have lived overseas a few times so I
am familiar with the hardships of deployment.
Turtle (Jenn Dupree)
I'm Jennifer DuPree but you can call me "Turtle". I currently live in a
small town 30 min east of Raleigh, NC called Angier & I'm a social worker in
Child Mental Health. I have also lived in the mountains of Western NC & I
grew up in Atlanta, GA! My adopting of soldiers began in the Gulf War & I'm
thrilled to be here to show my support & love for these brave men & women
during this war too! Living in Angier I am very close to Fort Bragg,
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Camp Lejeune so it hits home even more so
for me this time around! My personal ties to the military include my dad
who served in the Army in Germany many moons ago, my Paw Paw who flew
bombers in WWII earning all kinds of honors including the distinguished
flying cross and my dear friend/adopted brother who is a marine that has now
served in both the Gulf War and our current drama production! God Bless all
of you for joining this group and making this effort so successful! You can
find me @ turtledupree@hotmail.com if you need me!
Patti Patton-Bader
Hi,
I am Patti from Pasadena, Ca.
I am founder of Soldier's Angels, I come from a military family starting
with Gen. George Patton great uncle, my dad Lt. Col Patton, my brother SPC
David Patton, and my son, my hero, Spc Brandon Varn. I am so proud of all
our Armed Forces and so very proud of each and everyone of you angels.
Thank you ,
patti
Delora
My name is Delora. I have been a single mom to 2 great kids for many years.
I have a daughter Monica, 22 who presented me with a beautiful granddaughter
one year ago January. My son Jay is now 20 and stationed at Ft Campbell. He
joined the army Sept 6, 2001. He returned from Iraq in July and is waiting
for the rest of his batallion to return in Feb. I have continued to write
his friends and others since he came home and have shared names of these
soldiers with the group. Thank you all for helping me remember them.
Becca
My name is Rebecca Vinson, I live in the middle Ga area. I have a younger
brother who is stationed in Germany and two close friends of mine are also
stationed in Germany. Myself and one of my best friends are scheduled to
leave for basic training the first part of next year for the armyas well.
My grandfather was in the navy in the Korean war, and I have a couple of
uncles who fought in WWII. My mom and my three sisters and I are sending out
boxes and cards and letters to deployed soldiers and ones at their duty
stations who we know do not recieve mail from home. This is a wonderful
site and I am honored to be apart of something so wonderful.
Terry Doyle
I'm Terry and live in Indiana. My oldest son Adam is an MP with the 59th MP
CO out of Ft. Carson, CO. He just returned 12/6 from being deployed to Iraq.
His wife Jenny is also in the Army. She is in the 68th CSB-HHD and is
currently serving in Kuwait. My husband was Army and served in Viet Nam. My
dad (passed away this summer) was Army Air Corps in WW2. I'm looking
forward to all the great projects! Love, Terry
Sara Ehrlich
I'm Sara from New Jersey. My son Dan is finishing up AIT (will graduate
12/18) at Ft Huachuca and after a course in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at Ft
Huachuca and Airborne training at Ft Benning will (we hope) be on to the
82nd at Ft Bragg. My father and grandfather were career Navy, so this is my
first Army experience. I have a project going to collect books, magazines,
DVDs and games for deployed soldiers and have the pleasure and honor of
corresponding with a number of these wonderful men and women. I am so happy
to be part of this wonderful group.
A SOLDIERS BLOG
KEEP YOUR HELMET ON!!
We are praying for your safe return. Thank you for all We all miss you.
-Karen Humphreys Thank You! you do ? Ginny Mazzuca Come home safe!
You are in my prayers. -Bev Wood
God Bless you -Cindy Cronin Stay safe & come
All ? Rock Brockman home very soon We are all very
Thank you for keeping our Thank you for -Dave Dixon proud of you!
Country Safe ? Eileen Greilsamer all you?ve done & -Melissa Eckert
Your Bravery. Thanks for giving us peace of mind!
Best Wishes ? Betty Sidel -Candice Wilson God Bless You! Come Home Soon! Best Wishes!
-Bernadine Robinson -Clyde Garrett
Your sacrifice is very much
appreciated ? Thank you very much! We are so proud of you all. Keeping you in our
You will always be in my prayers. Thank you ? Marie Henderson daily thoughts and
- Veronica Nickerson prayers ? Karen Palazzo
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
We are proud of you You are all Be safe ? Happy Holidays! There are no words
each and every day. Wonderful! -Lynne Cook to express the level of
Best Wishes ? Andy Cassidy - Virginia Buch respect I have for all of you.
Our Prayers -Laraine Lyons
Best Wishes Thank You! are with you!
Happy Holidays!! Tim Schilling - Lori Perkins All the best.
Sylvia Carrington You are in Our prayers.
Thank you for -Michele Way
Thank you for being there all that you do. ? Aletha Norris
For us. ? Jim Hodgson See you back home!
Best Wishes Larry Jaggers
Thank you all so Marlene Stringer
much. Be Safe!! Happy Holidays ? Tom Butler
-Debbie Lewis
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
I hope you return
Have a happy & safe home safe and sound
. holiday - Lori Lee Sherwood soon! ?Jennie Cheng
Take Care, Be Safe -Jean Rodgers MY WHOLE FAMILY THANKS YOU
FOR PROTECTING WHAT WE HAVE.
May God Bless You All ? Jeff Hixon -DAVE MADARAS
God Bless America!
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
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ANGEL'S WALL OF HONOR
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Soldier's Angels are a group of people who came from far and wide to say " We care."
MARY UNGERMANN
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Ideas from A-Z for care packages
A Local Postcard from your area
A very small toy checkers game
Airheads taffy
Great Neck Saw Manufacturer's Inc
LORRAINE PASQUALINI
MATT RIGGLE
LINDA STOCK
ALAN OLSON
DONNA OLSON
ERIN LACEY
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ST. MARY'S SCHOOL
RACHEL HELMS
BOBBY RATHJENS
JENNIFER DUPREE
KIM TRACY
Scotland Accelerated Academy
TAMMY DAVIS
ROSEMARY NICHOLS
KATHLEEN BILL
SHARON M SPARKS
SAMANTHA BRANDT
East Alexander Middle School
DEE DOBSON HARPER
Lewis & Clark Middle School
Capital Christian Centers
Family Music Medford,NY
DAVID&NICOLE HALVERSON
KIM HENDERSON
Mission Liquors
Al and Faye Westenhofer
East Alexander Middle School
Melinda Floyd
Nativity Catholic School
Specialized Site Design
Cherry Street Mission Ministristries
Jamie Wright
Karen Phelan
Joseph Moylan
Tony Peters
Tanya Scott
Amy Parsons
Bob, Myra, & Michael Langlois
Miriam Soledad Ramirez
Sierra Baumle
Valerie Turner
Rae Richards
Carol Puente
Karen Defond
Julie Kvasnicka
Freddy Ray
Dee Juliano
Thomas Rhoads
Tess Fleming & Family
Jessica Probasco
Kelly McBrayer
Dawn LeBlanc
Karen Olsen
JoEllen Winther
Red Mesa Unified School
Donna Holstine
Shawnee Rigby
Eric and Shawna Armstrong
Sharon Doughtie-Kramer
Jeannie Anderson
Ray and Tracey Delaney
Jessica Hebert
Tammy Griffith
Donald R. Poe
Sara Ehrlich
Trista Jones
Angela Thornton
Maggie Bailey
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Adopt A Soldier
Submit A Soldier
Alicia M. Schiffer
Sarah Sabram
Joe Howard
Samantha Lynn
Don and Chris Kreager
Lisa A. Henneke
Lafayette School, 221 N.J.
Amanda Lieber
Christina Stump
Jessica Hall
Mallory Oglesby
John & Marti Spencer
Karen Elkin
Charleen Bick
Terry Doyle
Numia Valla
Laci Gerhart
Penny Keller
Pauline Varitek
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John Seddon
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Boxx Jewelers
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Dianne Martinelli
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Schaumburg High School
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Bob O'Donoghue
Clifton Spears
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Mr. & Mrs. Dale Fuentes
Heather Dickey
Victoria Malone
Daniel Woolsey
David Radulski
Mary DiGianni
Sylvan Learning Center
Emma & Fred Pood
Michael Taylor
Terry Doyle
Lisa Baghal
Melissa Williams
Tai Gerhart
Harriet Baghal
Nathan Dickerson Family
Scott and Robin White
Tami Sargo
Susie Feaster
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Trista Jones
Vickie Lynn Wilson
Christine Fortner
Shannon Bettes
Glasgow Middle School
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Roush Racing
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Tammy Sargo
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Jessica Lin Bradley
Wilbert C. & Gloria M. Fletke
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Maureen Moore
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Stefanie Bowlin
FREDERICK C. EASTY
Raymond & Michelle Zuspan Molly Brown
Elaine Dubuc Rhonda Metze
Lynda O'Rourke Jose Fernandez Erin Hines Mindy Jo Dyer
The Bentz Family Dan Forant
Jennifer Cunningham
Philadelphia Church Of Chicago
Nadia Martinez
Cindy Witt
Jacqueline Beattie
Mike, Dana and Maddie Fath
Matt, Angie, Grace & Ella Gunning
Bryan & Sharon Murtha
Chris & Allison Burnham
Ann McCombs & Mary Lynn Whitaker
Candace Burke
Tammy Noble
Marty Greer
Ellen Johnson
Granger Dobbins
Hector Feliciano
Bally Gaming & Systems
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4410
Alicia M. Schiffer
Melissa Marchand
Susan Kight
Hi all I am Kari and I live in South Bend, Indiana. My 20yr old daught is PFC Amanda and she is currently stationed in Balad, Iraq. Balad is between Mosul and Baghdad. She is from Ft Campbell with the 101st Airborne....Go Screaming Eagles!!!! She had been in the Army now for about 1 1/2 years. I am married to a wonderful man and also have a 12 yr old daughter and 8 yr old son. Thanks for having me :)
Hugs
Kari
Hello I'm Mary Ann from TN. My son Mike is a SSG with Alpha Co 2/325 82nd ABN. His wife Samona (Mona) is also in the Army and is stationed at FT.Bragg awaiting his return from Iraq. My Dad was USN as well as my biological brother Russell. Dad retired in 1960. This is Mike's 3rd deployment and is by far the worst. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Mary Ann
Hello all my name is Melissa and I am 32 yrs old married with 2 children, living in Maine..I am soooo excited to be doing this..it is the very least that I or anyone can do for our "heroes" I can not wait to send something out to my guy...
My husband's step brother was serving in I raq,with the 101st Airborn Div, and is now home on leave, to have another knee surgery... We are sooooo very proud of him, and I feel very honored to do something for someone else.
Melissa
Hi,
My name is Megan Crain,and I am the wife of Cpt nathaniel Crain, and mother to Elianna Nicole. Elly is 21 months old. Nathaniel left ft. leonard wood on 2 April with the 5th Engineers. He is currently attached to the 223 Engineers, Mississippi National Guard, due to heavy losses suffered by this unit. His spirits are surprisingly high considering all that has gone on. I hear from him much more now that he is with the guard, but they are constantly on the road moving. I am also a stampin up demonstrator and would like to put my talents to good use for the soldiers and all those who contribute to make our loved ones lives a little bit brighter. If any one out there has any ideas or any interest in this please contact me. If anyone is interesed in making any purchases I will also offer a 15% discount to the group. Keep your chins up, everything does happen for a reason and we much trust in God.
Merry Christmas To All
God Bless Our Troops
Throughtout the year angels came and said, We want to help, we want the soldiers deployed to know "We Care'"and they came and brought clothes and food and cheer to as many as they could. These angels came and asked for nothing in return. There were there when a soldier was tired, they were they when a soldier was alone. They were there to celebrate birthdays and to comfort a wife who missed her hero dearly, They were there for a Camp who was cold and needed thermals and they were they there for Thanksgiving with 5 Turkeys, 5 Hams, dozens of boxes of stuffing and mashed potatoes and 100 fruit cups. This page is dedicated to all the Soldier's Angels who came from all corners of the world to help aid and comfort the Boots On The Ground.
Zax_mom
I have a care package ready to go to my assigned soldier...my son and I are
thrilled to be a part of this. I have his APO on the box...now direct my
empty head please!! We take it to the post office...fill out customs papers
even though it's only going to his APO and they take it from there??? I am
so confused! We actually had left overs (I guess we went a little crazy on
our shopping spree ) and I made up another box for a female who was
requesting Christmas cards...is this ok? WHEW...it doesn't take much to
confuse this mind...I'm tellin' ya! Oh...BTW...I am Elaina age 31...mom to
Zak 11 and Alexa 3. We live in Arizona. Zak's poppa (my dad) is retired Navy
and my brother was a Marine. Zak is very very interested in pursuing a
career as an Air Force pilot someday (go little man, go I say!!) We are
soooooo very excited to be a part of this. Thanks for havin' us!!
Debbie
Hi. My name is Debbie. I am married to Bob, and have 4 wonderful kids,
Nathan is 25, Josh is 23, Crystal 20 and my youngest Kylee is 12. I grew up
on the West coast and have been in Illinois now for 13 years. My brother
has been in the Army for 17 yrs. and needless to say I am very proud of him.
We feel so blessed that he has a great wife & kids that has been so
supportive of his military career. Being gone 6-9 months out of every year
can take a toll on the families. I have been on my own 'mission' since
march when I heard that some guys weren't getting mail. Since then my home
has been a warehouse for our troops. Thank goodness my husband and kids
support our efforts. Every month my friends & I work on new projects to
raise money for postage. I am very proud of all and military and I
appreciate all the sacrifices that have to make. I had searched the web for
months to find support that wasn't negative and was so happy when I was told
about this group. I would just like to say Thank you to all and keep up the
great work. There are still 1000's out there not getting mail and maybe we
can all solve that problem. God Bless all our Military and their families.
Trista
Well, in case some of you don't know me. I'm Trista a 19 year old female
from the Cincinnati, Ohio area. I'm going into the Marine Corps and will be
on my way to Parris Island in the new year. Just so you all know, I think
you're all incredible!!! Keep up the OUTSTANDING work! SEMPER FI! Future
Marine, Trista
Mrs_CPT_Crain
Hi,
My name is Megan Crain,and I am the wife of Cpt nathaniel Crain, and mother
to Elianna Nicole. Elly is 21 months old. Nathaniel left ft. leonard wood on
2 April with the 5th Engineers. He is currently attached to the 223
Engineers, Mississippi National Guard, due to heavy losses suffered by this
unit. His spirits are surprisingly high considering all that has gone on. I
hear from him much more now that he is with the guard, but they are
constantly on the road moving. I am also a stampin up demonstrator and would
like to put my talents to good use for the soldiers and all those who
contribute to make our loved ones lives a little bit brighter. If any one
out there has any ideas or any interest in this please contact me. If anyone
is interesed in making any purchases I will also offer a 15% discount to the
group. Keep your chins up, everything does happen for a reason and we much
trust in God.
Laci Gerhart
Hi! My name is Laci Gerhart and I just joined A Soldier's Blog. I'm a
sophomore at the University of Kansas majoring in Ecology. I'm originally
from Hutchinson, KS, if anyone's ever heard of there... :) I've noticed most
other people have family members who are or were in the armed forces. I had
two second cousins overseas in the early 90's and my sister and I (at the
time she was around 10 and I was around 6) sent them care packages with what
we considered "essentials" which was mostly squirt guns and popcorn, but we
were so excited when they wrote us back and said that they used the squirt
guns to wake their friends up in the morning. I've never forgotten how happy
that letter made me....I am so excited to be a part of this group and I hope
I can help make a difference in someone's life.
Wendy
My husband David and I live in London, KY. When I refer to "Lovey" that is
my Hubby...I have a million "pet" names for the whole crew...is a miracle my
kids grew up knowing their actual names!!!!
London is 41 miles North of the KY/TN line on the Eastern side of KY. Its a
small town-am thrilled to be in a small town again.
The two youngest boys: Joshua, 22 and Isaiah, 20 live in London also. The
oldest boy (Jamey) lives in IN with his wife Jen and baby son Adam. Too far
for this Gramma!!!
Our daughter, Rachel ("GI Jane"), is 19 (in October) and she's also our
Soldier. We also have a younger daughter, Nicole, who is 12, and lives in
WI with her mother.
Rachel is at APG, MD for her AIT and will be graduating the 18th of this
month-her MOS is 63W (All Wheel-vehicle Mechanic). She hopes to work on her
Papa's 18 wheeler when she is back home...!(He still drives,I am
semi-retired, in more ways than one...LOL)
Love the outdoors-would love to live on the top of a mountain in a log-cabin
and live off the land!!!
Since I was a little girl (a "FEW" moons ago) I have been called "Wen" by
the people closest to me and my friends...so, please feel free to shorten it
up to Wen...!
Enough babble for now...LOL
Nancy Wiebel
Hi,
My name is Nancy and I live in eastern Iowa. I have a nephew in the NG and
he's currently stationed in CA. My dad was army in WWII. I'm happy I found
this group. You are all a wonderful bunch of people.
Hugs,
Nancy
Susie Feaster
Hello.....my name is Susie Feaster (aka medicfam). I am California girl who
moved from there 11 years ago and came to Boise, Idaho and never looked
back. I think (of course I am biased) I live in one of the best
communities!
I have been married to Randall for almost 15 years and we have a yours, mine
and ours family. His kids are Kati who is 27 and married.....she is my
bestest friend ..... and Randy who is 20 and married. My son Robert is 18
tomorrow and then we have the LITTLE PRINCESS Leah who is 12. They are all
awesome kids and we have a great family. We are all here in Idaho and all
the older kids left to go "home" to California but guess what....they all
came back!!!!
I have no military people in the family nor friends. The only military
people that I know are people that Randall works with. He is a paramedic
working on the ambulance and also helicopter. The pilots on the copter are
either retired military or reserves.
I have prayed for some type of "guidance" to show me what I was supposed to
do to help out. I pray for the military but never was able to figure out
what I could do....this one person with no connections.....to help out.
Well my daughters PTA we decided we would try and help the military with
packages for the holiday. I was given the task to do research to figure it
out. Well I stumbled upon Patti's website and was HOOKED
Now I cannot do enough to help and am knowing this is what GOD wants me to
do. I am only one person and I cannot change the world but you know
what.....I can make one person smile and they will be a little happier for
the day. Makes it all worth it. My problems are tiny compared to what our
troops are going thru. I will continue to help out however I can.
Angel Hugs to all
Susie
Vickie
Hello, my name is Vickie, I'm from Northern New Jersey. 34 years old,
single. I'm a desktop solutions specialist (crazy stresssful job) so I
definitly need something fun to keep me sane. This is the first year I've
become invovled in sending care packages to soldiers deployed overseas and I
have to say I absolutly love it!!!! It is so much fun for me and I've met
so many wonderful people. I don't have any family or friends (well now I
have friends ) in the military, this is just something I wanted to do one
day after watching the war coverage on TV. I'm looking forward to meeting
some new friends on this board. Thanks for inviting me to join.
AnneinCal
Hello everyone. My name is Anne from Southern California. I'm called Annie
by many. I am big supporter of the troops and have been supporting various
units with the help of my friends, coworkers, support groups, etc. since
this March. I have a brother named Richard in the Air Force who served in
the Gulf war and who like many other troops is willing to serve his country
again. I have the greatest respect for the military and its families for
all they endure and the sacrifices they make to keep America free. I also
enjoy reading about the military especially World War II stories and the
Greatest Generation. I have my own website which I created for my firm so
that they can see the difference we made in our troop's lives. It is called
For The Troops www.4thetroops.net
It's wonderful to be part of this group of Angels who support the troops!
Hugs and God Bless, Anne
Elizabeth
I am Elizabeth from Michigan. I am originally from South Carolina. But have
lived here for 8 years. I am married to Randy and we have 4 daughters ages
13, 10, 8, and 2. We are a very loud and busy family!
My husband and I have never served, but we have had siblings, parents,
uncles, cousins, etc... who have served our nation. We believe that it is
our duty and and privilege to support and honor our veterans and those
currently serving our nation.
Charlene
Frist I would like to go on record and say that I HATE talking about myself.
But since I don't have anyone to write this Bio for me, here goes. :)
I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Florida, where I still live. I
hope to move out of this state one day. I have one brother. He's 16 1/2
months older than me. He's also single (wink wink). LOL I am not married,
nor do I have any children.
I am very honest, so if you would like to know anything, please feel free to
ask. There are very few questions that I won't answer. Thanks for reading.
Hope you are still awake. LOL
Charlene
jaberwacky@amnetline.com
Dee Juliano
My name is Dee. I live in New Jersey. I'm married to a Marine veteran from
the Viet Nam war. My son Ryan is 2/325 Alpha company. I am honored to be a
new member of this group and to get to know you and your soldiers I'm
looking forward to the activities and projects we will be doing.
Angel hugs,
Dee
Vickey from Virginia
Nope, I am not an angel....far from it actually!! Peggy Baker is my best
bud, so when her son went into the army it was like a family member of mine
went in! Besides, I am a mother of four children, three of them boys, my
eldest boy has total soldier envy so I'm almost POSITIVE he will join a
branch of service when he is old enough (he's only 11 now)...Oh and I am the
wife of a vet of the gulf war...
My husband, when he found out about this group said, 'I wish there was a
group like this when I was in the Navy. The entire time I was in, I got six
letters, and ONE care package when the war was going on'.....mind you fellow
'angels', he comes from a LARGE family, broke my heart when he said this,
and it was at that point that I KNEW I had to extend my family and adopt a
soldier.......So, here I am.
God Bless Our Soldiers.......whom in my mind are actually 'Peacemakers'
I love each one of them equally the same...
Vickey from Virginia
Miriam Ramirez
I live in South Gate, Ca (Los Angeles area), 23 years old. I don't have a
military backround but was about to join the Marines when I was 17 ( I
wanted to sooo bad. ), but due to an illness I wasn't allowed to go. But I
do enjoy helping out groups like this one. As well for my Fire and Police
dept. I live with parent and sisters, I have no kids but I adore them. My
little angels of my very own are my 2 godddaughters Amber 4 and Jade 2. Due
to them I'm looking forward to life. I work and go to school. I don't know
what else to say, you could go ahead and ask. But I love to help out to
whoever needs it and our soldiers will always need it.
Sharon Sparks
Hi! I am Sharon Sparks, and I live in Baltimore, Maryland. I come from a
long line of patriots. I am the daughter of a World War II veteran. My
great-great grandfather was a Civil War veteran; and I have ancestors who
fought in the American Revolution. I am in the process of gaining membership
into the Daughters of the American Revolution. I was introduced to this
group by my friend, fuzzrat. I am glad she did because I have gotten to know
many wonderful people here, as well as getting to know many of our heroes
who are serving our country in our armed forces.
Peggy Baker
My name is Peggy Baker.
I live in Virginia with my husband and four children. My oldest son is in
the Army stationed in Korea. Outside of my family, this is the greatest
honor I have ever had...
To be part of this group and to let our Heros know we support them 100%
Carol (puentec)
Hi, my name is Carol. I am from Chicago. Come from a military family.
Grandfather/Merchant Marines. Dad/Ret.Maj Army WW11 Vet and hero.2 brothers
Viet Nam vets. 1 brother Ret. Sgt. Daughter Army Res. home base Ft. McCoy,
Wis. A very proug and gracious AMERICAN who belives in supporting our
Military. Proud and honored to be a part of all you wonderful ANGELS.
'OLD SOLDIER'S NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY'
Ana-Marie Smith
My name is Ana-Marie Smith and I reside in Sunny California. I grew up with
a father who retired from the US Navy after 23 years of service. My husband
was also in the Navy for 10 years. I have lived overseas a few times so I
am familiar with the hardships of deployment.
Turtle (Jenn Dupree)
I'm Jennifer DuPree but you can call me "Turtle". I currently live in a
small town 30 min east of Raleigh, NC called Angier & I'm a social worker in
Child Mental Health. I have also lived in the mountains of Western NC & I
grew up in Atlanta, GA! My adopting of soldiers began in the Gulf War & I'm
thrilled to be here to show my support & love for these brave men & women
during this war too! Living in Angier I am very close to Fort Bragg,
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Camp Lejeune so it hits home even more so
for me this time around! My personal ties to the military include my dad
who served in the Army in Germany many moons ago, my Paw Paw who flew
bombers in WWII earning all kinds of honors including the distinguished
flying cross and my dear friend/adopted brother who is a marine that has now
served in both the Gulf War and our current drama production! God Bless all
of you for joining this group and making this effort so successful! You can
find me @ turtledupree@hotmail.com if you need me!
Patti Patton-Bader
Hi,
I am Patti from Pasadena, Ca.
I am founder of Soldier's Angels, I come from a military family starting
with Gen. George Patton great uncle, my dad Lt. Col Patton, my brother SPC
David Patton, and my son, my hero, Spc Brandon Varn. I am so proud of all
our Armed Forces and so very proud of each and everyone of you angels.
Thank you ,
patti
Delora
My name is Delora. I have been a single mom to 2 great kids for many years.
I have a daughter Monica, 22 who presented me with a beautiful granddaughter
one year ago January. My son Jay is now 20 and stationed at Ft Campbell. He
joined the army Sept 6, 2001. He returned from Iraq in July and is waiting
for the rest of his batallion to return in Feb. I have continued to write
his friends and others since he came home and have shared names of these
soldiers with the group. Thank you all for helping me remember them.
Becca
My name is Rebecca Vinson, I live in the middle Ga area. I have a younger
brother who is stationed in Germany and two close friends of mine are also
stationed in Germany. Myself and one of my best friends are scheduled to
leave for basic training the first part of next year for the armyas well.
My grandfather was in the navy in the Korean war, and I have a couple of
uncles who fought in WWII. My mom and my three sisters and I are sending out
boxes and cards and letters to deployed soldiers and ones at their duty
stations who we know do not recieve mail from home. This is a wonderful
site and I am honored to be apart of something so wonderful.
Terry Doyle
I'm Terry and live in Indiana. My oldest son Adam is an MP with the 59th MP
CO out of Ft. Carson, CO. He just returned 12/6 from being deployed to Iraq.
His wife Jenny is also in the Army. She is in the 68th CSB-HHD and is
currently serving in Kuwait. My husband was Army and served in Viet Nam. My
dad (passed away this summer) was Army Air Corps in WW2. I'm looking
forward to all the great projects! Love, Terry
Sara Ehrlich
I'm Sara from New Jersey. My son Dan is finishing up AIT (will graduate
12/18) at Ft Huachuca and after a course in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at Ft
Huachuca and Airborne training at Ft Benning will (we hope) be on to the
82nd at Ft Bragg. My father and grandfather were career Navy, so this is my
first Army experience. I have a project going to collect books, magazines,
DVDs and games for deployed soldiers and have the pleasure and honor of
corresponding with a number of these wonderful men and women. I am so happy
to be part of this wonderful group.
A SOLDIERS BLOG
KEEP YOUR HELMET ON!!
We are praying for your safe return. Thank you for all We all miss you.
-Karen Humphreys Thank You! you do ? Ginny Mazzuca Come home safe!
You are in my prayers. -Bev Wood
God Bless you -Cindy Cronin Stay safe & come
All ? Rock Brockman home very soon We are all very
Thank you for keeping our Thank you for -Dave Dixon proud of you!
Country Safe ? Eileen Greilsamer all you?ve done & -Melissa Eckert
Your Bravery. Thanks for giving us peace of mind!
Best Wishes ? Betty Sidel -Candice Wilson God Bless You! Come Home Soon! Best Wishes!
-Bernadine Robinson -Clyde Garrett
Your sacrifice is very much
appreciated ? Thank you very much! We are so proud of you all. Keeping you in our
You will always be in my prayers. Thank you ? Marie Henderson daily thoughts and
- Veronica Nickerson prayers ? Karen Palazzo
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
We are proud of you You are all Be safe ? Happy Holidays! There are no words
each and every day. Wonderful! -Lynne Cook to express the level of
Best Wishes ? Andy Cassidy - Virginia Buch respect I have for all of you.
Our Prayers -Laraine Lyons
Best Wishes Thank You! are with you!
Happy Holidays!! Tim Schilling - Lori Perkins All the best.
Sylvia Carrington You are in Our prayers.
Thank you for -Michele Way
Thank you for being there all that you do. ? Aletha Norris
For us. ? Jim Hodgson See you back home!
Best Wishes Larry Jaggers
Thank you all so Marlene Stringer
much. Be Safe!! Happy Holidays ? Tom Butler
-Debbie Lewis
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
I hope you return
Have a happy & safe home safe and sound
. holiday - Lori Lee Sherwood soon! ?Jennie Cheng
Take Care, Be Safe -Jean Rodgers MY WHOLE FAMILY THANKS YOU
FOR PROTECTING WHAT WE HAVE.
May God Bless You All ? Jeff Hixon -DAVE MADARAS
God Bless America!
A Heartfelt Thank You for a job well done!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM EVERYONE AT EARLY, CASSIDY & SCHILLING, INC.
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
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CHRIS & KAY LEADINGHAM
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NANCY WIEBEL
CLAIRE ELISE AUGER
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ANGEL'S WALL OF HONOR
Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant
Message Board
Soldier's Angels are a group of people who came from far and wide to say " We care."
MARY UNGERMANN
LORRIE McCONAUGHY
IDA MIDYETTE
MATTHEW WILEY
TONIA P. KLEMETSON
DARKDAKOTA
ROBIN BOERNER
GOODY GIFT BOX
ASHLEY PLOTT
LUTZ PATRIOTS
MHANTRA
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JANETTE MARVIN
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STEVE BEST
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SANDI N. KIMMEL
PATRICIA C. RYAN, Esq.
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MIKE FLANNERY
DON HEALY
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CHARLOTTE TYLEE
PVT REBECCA VINSON
DELORA GALVAN
HEATHER ERIKSON
THOMAS BLUROCK ARCHITECHS
FRAN WILLINGHAM
JULIE MARTIN
Ideas from A-Z for care packages
A Local Postcard from your area
A very small toy checkers game
Airheads taffy
Great Neck Saw Manufacturer's Inc
LORRAINE PASQUALINI
MATT RIGGLE
LINDA STOCK
ALAN OLSON
DONNA OLSON
ERIN LACEY
PAMELA S. Yglesias
THOMAS & CONNIE LITTLE
PEGGY BAKER
JIM & ELISA HAKALA
DEBORAH H. Blankemeyer
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL
RACHEL HELMS
BOBBY RATHJENS
JENNIFER DUPREE
KIM TRACY
Scotland Accelerated Academy
TAMMY DAVIS
ROSEMARY NICHOLS
KATHLEEN BILL
SHARON M SPARKS
SAMANTHA BRANDT
East Alexander Middle School
DEE DOBSON HARPER
Lewis & Clark Middle School
Capital Christian Centers
Family Music Medford,NY
DAVID&NICOLE HALVERSON
KIM HENDERSON
Mission Liquors
Al and Faye Westenhofer
East Alexander Middle School
Melinda Floyd
Nativity Catholic School
Specialized Site Design
Cherry Street Mission Ministristries
Jamie Wright
Karen Phelan
Joseph Moylan
Tony Peters
Tanya Scott
Amy Parsons
Bob, Myra, & Michael Langlois
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Carol Puente
Karen Defond
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Freddy Ray
Dee Juliano
Thomas Rhoads
Tess Fleming & Family
Jessica Probasco
Kelly McBrayer
Dawn LeBlanc
Karen Olsen
JoEllen Winther
Red Mesa Unified School
Donna Holstine
Shawnee Rigby
Eric and Shawna Armstrong
Sharon Doughtie-Kramer
Jeannie Anderson
Ray and Tracey Delaney
Jessica Hebert
Tammy Griffith
Donald R. Poe
Sara Ehrlich
Trista Jones
Angela Thornton
Maggie Bailey
.
Adopt A Soldier
Submit A Soldier
Alicia M. Schiffer
Sarah Sabram
Joe Howard
Samantha Lynn
Don and Chris Kreager
Lisa A. Henneke
Lafayette School, 221 N.J.
Amanda Lieber
Christina Stump
Jessica Hall
Mallory Oglesby
John & Marti Spencer
Karen Elkin
Charleen Bick
Terry Doyle
Numia Valla
Laci Gerhart
Penny Keller
Pauline Varitek
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John Seddon
Melanie Swan
Boxx Jewelers
Heather Gillen
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Dianne Martinelli
Wade & Elisabeth St. John
Schaumburg High School
Douglas W. Stricker Jr
Ken Daigneault & Family
Matt D'Souza
Michael Reolfi
Nancy Viola Thompson
James Delbert Cockram
Bob O'Donoghue
Clifton Spears
Heidi Leahy
Mr. & Mrs. Dale Fuentes
Heather Dickey
Victoria Malone
Daniel Woolsey
David Radulski
Mary DiGianni
Sylvan Learning Center
Emma & Fred Pood
Michael Taylor
Terry Doyle
Lisa Baghal
Melissa Williams
Tai Gerhart
Harriet Baghal
Nathan Dickerson Family
Scott and Robin White
Tami Sargo
Susie Feaster
Frankie Renee Gunter
Trista Jones
Vickie Lynn Wilson
Christine Fortner
Shannon Bettes
Glasgow Middle School
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Roush Racing
NealyMalham
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Brandon Ward
Vickie Vanikiotis
Dan Thresher
Leah Loya
Charlie Hibbard
Cindi Tittle
Lindsey Pickard
Craig & Vickie Wilson
Michael Taylor
Annette Ereira
Margaret Rose Lamparelli
Laura & Kenneth Arters
Barbara Annett
Tammy Sargo
JoAnna Zalkovsky
Courtney & Joshua Pearce
Jessica Lin Bradley
Wilbert C. & Gloria M. Fletke
Shannon L Datkun
Bob Cucciniello
Barbara Farley
Erica Uhlmann
Maureen Moore
David Gingras
Christy Hunka
Kathleen Bracken
Pat and Dave Wolanski
Heather Albrecht
Stefanie Bowlin
FREDERICK C. EASTY
Raymond & Michelle Zuspan Molly Brown
Elaine Dubuc Rhonda Metze
Lynda O'Rourke Jose Fernandez Erin Hines Mindy Jo Dyer
The Bentz Family Dan Forant
Jennifer Cunningham
Philadelphia Church Of Chicago
Nadia Martinez
Cindy Witt
Jacqueline Beattie
Mike, Dana and Maddie Fath
Matt, Angie, Grace & Ella Gunning
Bryan & Sharon Murtha
Chris & Allison Burnham
Ann McCombs & Mary Lynn Whitaker
Candace Burke
Tammy Noble
Marty Greer
Ellen Johnson
Granger Dobbins
Hector Feliciano
Bally Gaming & Systems
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4410
Alicia M. Schiffer
Melissa Marchand
Susan Kight
Hi all I am Kari and I live in South Bend, Indiana. My 20yr old daught is PFC Amanda and she is currently stationed in Balad, Iraq. Balad is between Mosul and Baghdad. She is from Ft Campbell with the 101st Airborne....Go Screaming Eagles!!!! She had been in the Army now for about 1 1/2 years. I am married to a wonderful man and also have a 12 yr old daughter and 8 yr old son. Thanks for having me :)
Hugs
Kari
Hello I'm Mary Ann from TN. My son Mike is a SSG with Alpha Co 2/325 82nd ABN. His wife Samona (Mona) is also in the Army and is stationed at FT.Bragg awaiting his return from Iraq. My Dad was USN as well as my biological brother Russell. Dad retired in 1960. This is Mike's 3rd deployment and is by far the worst. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Mary Ann
Hello all my name is Melissa and I am 32 yrs old married with 2 children, living in Maine..I am soooo excited to be doing this..it is the very least that I or anyone can do for our "heroes" I can not wait to send something out to my guy...
My husband's step brother was serving in I raq,with the 101st Airborn Div, and is now home on leave, to have another knee surgery... We are sooooo very proud of him, and I feel very honored to do something for someone else.
Melissa
Hi,
My name is Megan Crain,and I am the wife of Cpt nathaniel Crain, and mother to Elianna Nicole. Elly is 21 months old. Nathaniel left ft. leonard wood on 2 April with the 5th Engineers. He is currently attached to the 223 Engineers, Mississippi National Guard, due to heavy losses suffered by this unit. His spirits are surprisingly high considering all that has gone on. I hear from him much more now that he is with the guard, but they are constantly on the road moving. I am also a stampin up demonstrator and would like to put my talents to good use for the soldiers and all those who contribute to make our loved ones lives a little bit brighter. If any one out there has any ideas or any interest in this please contact me. If anyone is interesed in making any purchases I will also offer a 15% discount to the group. Keep your chins up, everything does happen for a reason and we much trust in God.
Merry Christmas To All
God Bless Our Troops
Friday, December 19, 2003
Iraq war news
Bremer Says He Survives Iraq Assassination Bid: "Iraq's U.S. administrator PaulBremer said Friday he had escaped an assassination attempt inBaghdad in early December. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's Daughter Cried at Dad's Capture: "Saddam Hussein's eldest daughter said she broke down and cried when she heard news of her father's capture, adding in an interview that TV images of a disheveled Saddam beamed the across the world were meant to "break the spirit of Arabs." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's daughter cried at dad's capture: "Saddam Hussein's eldest daughter said she broke down and cried when she heard news of her father's capture, adding in an interview that TV images of a disheveled Saddam beamed the across the world were meant to "break the spirit of Arabs.""
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Truck blast wounds two soldiers in Iraq: "A roadside bomb exploded near a U.S. military truck outside Baghdad on Friday, wounding two U.S. soldiers, the military said, while an Iraqi woman died as another blast hit the office of a major Shiite party."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. warns Israel on imposing solution: "The United States warned Israel against imposing a solution if peace efforts remain stalled, and the Palestinians called Ariel Sharon's ultimatum unacceptable."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's arrest brings humiliation debate: "Was he an Arab hero or a dictator? This is the question being debated in newspapers in the Middle East and by Arab intellectuals faced with the image of a bearded, bedraggled Saddam Hussein in the hands of American captors."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Truck Blast Kills 2 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said it killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded one. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's Arrest Brings Humiliation Debate: "Was he an Arab hero or a dictator? This is the question being debated in newspapers in the Middle East and by Arab intellectuals faced with the image of a bearded, bedraggled Saddam Hussein in the hands of American captors. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast Hits Office of Iraq's Shiite Party: "A predawn explosion Friday at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. It was the second attack this week on the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution Party. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Truck blast kills 2 U.S. soldiers in Iraq: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said it killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded one."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
One killed in explosion at Shiite building in CNN - War in Iraq
Officials: WMD chief may quit in CNN - War in Iraq
Saddam's daughter wants fair trial in CNN - War in Iraq
Witnesses: Iraq Tanker blast kills two: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said two U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Sharon probes removing some settlements: "In an extraordinary shift of Israeli politics, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the leading patron of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, is talking about dismantling some of them."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Turkey captures man suspected in bombings: "Turkish authorities have captured a Turkish man suspected of planning last month's deadly truck bombings in Istanbul after meeting with Osama bin Laden, an intelligence official said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Blast hits office of Iraq's Shiite party: "A predawn explosion Friday at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. It was the second attack this week on the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution Party."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Reserve Unit awaits OK to use steel armor: "Fearing roadside bombs and sniper bullets, members of the Army Reserves' 428th Transportation Co. turned to a local steel fabricator to fashion extra armor for their 5-ton trucks and Humvees before beginning their journey to Iraq earlier this month."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Woman killed in Baghdad bomb attack: "An explosion at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party has killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others in Baghdad."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Witnesses: Iraq Tanker Blast Kills Two: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said two U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast Hits Office of Iraq's Shiite Party: "Rebels killed a U.S. soldier in the first fatal ambush for the U.S. military since the capture of Saddam Hussein last weekend. The violence continued Friday, when an explosion at office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US to pour more troops into Iraq; Russia to consider cutting Iraq's crushing debt: "The United States said it will pour more troops into Iraq after another US soldier died there in a roadside ambush, and Russia agreed to consider reducing Iraq's crippling debt. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.N. to Meet With Iraq Council, Coalition: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday called for a Jan. 15 meeting of the key players in Iraq to pin down what role they want the United Nations to play as the country moves from U.S. occupation to a democratically elected government. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast hits office of Iraq's Shiite party: "Rebels killed a U.S. soldier in the first fatal ambush for the U.S. military since the capture of Saddam Hussein last weekend. The violence continued Friday, when an explosion at office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Reserve Unit Awaits OK to Use Steel Armor: "Fearing roadside bombs and sniper bullets, members of the Army Reserves' 428th Transportation Co. turned to a local steel fabricator to fashion extra armor for their 5-ton trucks and Humvees before beginning their journey to Iraq earlier this month. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: European Militant Network Shut Down: "Authorities in Europe have shut down a network that recruited at least 200 Islamic militants to carry out attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, Italian investigators told The Associated Press. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Explosion Rocks Office of Iraq Shi'ite Party: "A blast ripped through a housebelonging to Iraq's main Shi'ite Muslim political group earlyon Friday, killing at least one person and injuring seven,witnesses said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US to pour more troops into Iraq; Russia to consider cutting Iraq's crushing debt: "The United States said it will pour more troops into Iraq after another US soldier died there in a roadside ambush, and Russia agreed to consider reducing Iraq's crippling debt. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. warns Israel on imposing settlement: "The Bush administration is warning Israel it will oppose any effort by its longtime ally to simply impose a Mideast settlement, saying a joint Israeli-Palestinian process remains the best chance for peace."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. says catching bin Laden difficult: "Al-Qaida suspects are being interrogated. Afghan and Pakistani villagers are being courted. Troops and unmanned aircraft are poised to strike. But finding Osama bin Laden remains enormously difficult, much more so than capturing Saddam Hussein, say American intelligence officials, lawmakers and analysts."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bremer Says He Survives Iraq Assassination Bid: "Iraq's U.S. administrator PaulBremer said Friday he had escaped an assassination attempt inBaghdad in early December. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's Daughter Cried at Dad's Capture: "Saddam Hussein's eldest daughter said she broke down and cried when she heard news of her father's capture, adding in an interview that TV images of a disheveled Saddam beamed the across the world were meant to "break the spirit of Arabs." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's daughter cried at dad's capture: "Saddam Hussein's eldest daughter said she broke down and cried when she heard news of her father's capture, adding in an interview that TV images of a disheveled Saddam beamed the across the world were meant to "break the spirit of Arabs.""
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Truck blast wounds two soldiers in Iraq: "A roadside bomb exploded near a U.S. military truck outside Baghdad on Friday, wounding two U.S. soldiers, the military said, while an Iraqi woman died as another blast hit the office of a major Shiite party."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. warns Israel on imposing solution: "The United States warned Israel against imposing a solution if peace efforts remain stalled, and the Palestinians called Ariel Sharon's ultimatum unacceptable."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's arrest brings humiliation debate: "Was he an Arab hero or a dictator? This is the question being debated in newspapers in the Middle East and by Arab intellectuals faced with the image of a bearded, bedraggled Saddam Hussein in the hands of American captors."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Truck Blast Kills 2 U.S. Soldiers in Iraq: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said it killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded one. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam's Arrest Brings Humiliation Debate: "Was he an Arab hero or a dictator? This is the question being debated in newspapers in the Middle East and by Arab intellectuals faced with the image of a bearded, bedraggled Saddam Hussein in the hands of American captors. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast Hits Office of Iraq's Shiite Party: "A predawn explosion Friday at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. It was the second attack this week on the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution Party. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Truck blast kills 2 U.S. soldiers in Iraq: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said it killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded one."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
One killed in explosion at Shiite building in CNN - War in Iraq
Officials: WMD chief may quit in CNN - War in Iraq
Saddam's daughter wants fair trial in CNN - War in Iraq
Witnesses: Iraq Tanker blast kills two: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said two U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Sharon probes removing some settlements: "In an extraordinary shift of Israeli politics, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the leading patron of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, is talking about dismantling some of them."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Turkey captures man suspected in bombings: "Turkish authorities have captured a Turkish man suspected of planning last month's deadly truck bombings in Istanbul after meeting with Osama bin Laden, an intelligence official said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Blast hits office of Iraq's Shiite party: "A predawn explosion Friday at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. It was the second attack this week on the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution Party."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Reserve Unit awaits OK to use steel armor: "Fearing roadside bombs and sniper bullets, members of the Army Reserves' 428th Transportation Co. turned to a local steel fabricator to fashion extra armor for their 5-ton trucks and Humvees before beginning their journey to Iraq earlier this month."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Woman killed in Baghdad bomb attack: "An explosion at an office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party has killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others in Baghdad."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Witnesses: Iraq Tanker Blast Kills Two: "A U.S. military tanker truck exploded on a road outside Baghdad on Friday, and witnesses said two U.S. soldiers were killed and another was wounded. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast Hits Office of Iraq's Shiite Party: "Rebels killed a U.S. soldier in the first fatal ambush for the U.S. military since the capture of Saddam Hussein last weekend. The violence continued Friday, when an explosion at office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US to pour more troops into Iraq; Russia to consider cutting Iraq's crushing debt: "The United States said it will pour more troops into Iraq after another US soldier died there in a roadside ambush, and Russia agreed to consider reducing Iraq's crippling debt. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.N. to Meet With Iraq Council, Coalition: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday called for a Jan. 15 meeting of the key players in Iraq to pin down what role they want the United Nations to play as the country moves from U.S. occupation to a democratically elected government. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Blast hits office of Iraq's Shiite party: "Rebels killed a U.S. soldier in the first fatal ambush for the U.S. military since the capture of Saddam Hussein last weekend. The violence continued Friday, when an explosion at office belonging to Iraq's major Shiite party killed one Iraqi woman and wounded five others, witnesses said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Reserve Unit Awaits OK to Use Steel Armor: "Fearing roadside bombs and sniper bullets, members of the Army Reserves' 428th Transportation Co. turned to a local steel fabricator to fashion extra armor for their 5-ton trucks and Humvees before beginning their journey to Iraq earlier this month. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: European Militant Network Shut Down: "Authorities in Europe have shut down a network that recruited at least 200 Islamic militants to carry out attacks on U.S.-led forces in Iraq, Italian investigators told The Associated Press. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Explosion Rocks Office of Iraq Shi'ite Party: "A blast ripped through a housebelonging to Iraq's main Shi'ite Muslim political group earlyon Friday, killing at least one person and injuring seven,witnesses said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US to pour more troops into Iraq; Russia to consider cutting Iraq's crushing debt: "The United States said it will pour more troops into Iraq after another US soldier died there in a roadside ambush, and Russia agreed to consider reducing Iraq's crippling debt. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. warns Israel on imposing settlement: "The Bush administration is warning Israel it will oppose any effort by its longtime ally to simply impose a Mideast settlement, saying a joint Israeli-Palestinian process remains the best chance for peace."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. says catching bin Laden difficult: "Al-Qaida suspects are being interrogated. Afghan and Pakistani villagers are being courted. Troops and unmanned aircraft are poised to strike. But finding Osama bin Laden remains enormously difficult, much more so than capturing Saddam Hussein, say American intelligence officials, lawmakers and analysts."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Iraq war news
Fuel Tanker Explodes, Unnerving a Tense City: "A powerful explosion killed at least 13 people and injured 22, when a truck collided with a bus at an intersection in western Baghdad."
In New York Times: World Special
Remember 'Weapons of Mass Destruction'? For Bush, They Are a Nonissue: "President Bush suggested in an interview that he no longer saw much distinction between possessing banned weapons and pursuing weapons programs."
In New York Times: World Special
Iranians, Once Attacked by Hussein, Are Elated by His Capture: "After Saddam Hussein's capture, calls for revenge coursed through Iran, where anger still blazes over an eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980's."
In New York Times: World Special
Victims of Gas Say Swift Death for Hussein Would Be Too Merciful: "In the Kurdish village of Halabja, the survivors of aerial gas attacks are debating how the hand of justice should guide Saddam Hussein."
In New York Times: World Special
Italy to Reduce Iraq's Debt: "Iraq has an estimated $120 billion of debt, of which about $1.7 billion is owed to Italy."
In New York Times: World Special
No "smoking gun" to convict Saddam Hussein yet, say Iraqi experts: "Iraqi legal experts warned of the huge difficulties ahead in finding decisive evidence of Saddam Hussein's guilt in crimes committed by his regime in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Americans advised on leaving Saudi Arabia: "Nonessential American diplomats and the families of all U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia should leave, the State Department said Wednesday, stepping up its warnings about risks in the country."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's Last Stand: "What was it like in that hole where Saddam Hussein spent his last moments as a free man? Scott Pelley takes you to the site where Saddam was found and talks to some of the people behind his dramatic capture."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Baker Gets Support on Iraq From Italy: "President Bush's envoy to Iraq received support Wednesday from Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi for a plan to relieve Baghdad's huge debt burden, adding another European nation to the list supporting the U.S. goal. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Lawmakers Urge Iraq Relations With Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Hunts for Militants North of Baghdad: "Using sledgehammers, crowbars, explosives and armored vehicles, U.S. forces smashed down the gates of homes and the doors of workshops and junkyards Wednesday to attack the Iraqi resistance that has persisted despite the capture of Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Three Attackers, Swoop on Iraq Town: "U.S. forces killed three attackers andthousands of soldiers swooped on a town in a major crackdown onWednesday as violence and instability gripped Iraq in the wakeof Saddam Hussein's capture. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
ADL poll rates U.S. attitudes on Israel: "Some 43 percent of Americans believe Israel is a threat to world peace, according to a poll presented Wednesday by a Jewish group, but many more are concerned about North Korea, Iraq and Iran."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baker gets support on Iraq from Italy: "President Bush's envoy to Iraq received support Wednesday from Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi for a plan to relieve Baghdad's huge debt burden, adding another European nation to the list supporting the U.S. goal."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Lawmakers urge Iraq relations with Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL AMERICAN? CAPTURES FINANCIER, TRAINS ICDC, AND CONDUCTS CIVIL AF in CENTCOM: News Release
Lawmakers Urge Iraq Relations With Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Three in Major Anti-Guerrilla Drive: "U.S. forces killed three attackers andthousands of soldiers swooped on a town in a major crackdown onWednesday as violence and instability gripped Iraq in the wakeof Saddam Hussein's capture. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
A Daily Look at U.S. Deaths in Iraq: "As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, 457 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 313 died as a result of hostile action and 144 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Fuel Tanker Explodes, Unnerving a Tense City: "A powerful explosion killed at least 13 people and injured 22, when a truck collided with a bus at an intersection in western Baghdad."
In New York Times: World Special
Remember 'Weapons of Mass Destruction'? For Bush, They Are a Nonissue: "President Bush suggested in an interview that he no longer saw much distinction between possessing banned weapons and pursuing weapons programs."
In New York Times: World Special
Iranians, Once Attacked by Hussein, Are Elated by His Capture: "After Saddam Hussein's capture, calls for revenge coursed through Iran, where anger still blazes over an eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980's."
In New York Times: World Special
Victims of Gas Say Swift Death for Hussein Would Be Too Merciful: "In the Kurdish village of Halabja, the survivors of aerial gas attacks are debating how the hand of justice should guide Saddam Hussein."
In New York Times: World Special
Italy to Reduce Iraq's Debt: "Iraq has an estimated $120 billion of debt, of which about $1.7 billion is owed to Italy."
In New York Times: World Special
No "smoking gun" to convict Saddam Hussein yet, say Iraqi experts: "Iraqi legal experts warned of the huge difficulties ahead in finding decisive evidence of Saddam Hussein's guilt in crimes committed by his regime in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Americans advised on leaving Saudi Arabia: "Nonessential American diplomats and the families of all U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia should leave, the State Department said Wednesday, stepping up its warnings about risks in the country."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's Last Stand: "What was it like in that hole where Saddam Hussein spent his last moments as a free man? Scott Pelley takes you to the site where Saddam was found and talks to some of the people behind his dramatic capture."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Baker Gets Support on Iraq From Italy: "President Bush's envoy to Iraq received support Wednesday from Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi for a plan to relieve Baghdad's huge debt burden, adding another European nation to the list supporting the U.S. goal. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Lawmakers Urge Iraq Relations With Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Hunts for Militants North of Baghdad: "Using sledgehammers, crowbars, explosives and armored vehicles, U.S. forces smashed down the gates of homes and the doors of workshops and junkyards Wednesday to attack the Iraqi resistance that has persisted despite the capture of Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Three Attackers, Swoop on Iraq Town: "U.S. forces killed three attackers andthousands of soldiers swooped on a town in a major crackdown onWednesday as violence and instability gripped Iraq in the wakeof Saddam Hussein's capture. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
ADL poll rates U.S. attitudes on Israel: "Some 43 percent of Americans believe Israel is a threat to world peace, according to a poll presented Wednesday by a Jewish group, but many more are concerned about North Korea, Iraq and Iran."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baker gets support on Iraq from Italy: "President Bush's envoy to Iraq received support Wednesday from Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi for a plan to relieve Baghdad's huge debt burden, adding another European nation to the list supporting the U.S. goal."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Lawmakers urge Iraq relations with Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL AMERICAN? CAPTURES FINANCIER, TRAINS ICDC, AND CONDUCTS CIVIL AF in CENTCOM: News Release
Lawmakers Urge Iraq Relations With Israel: "The Bush administration should try to ensure that the next Iraqi government has diplomatic relations with Israel, two U.S. lawmakers said Wednesday while visiting the Jewish state. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Three in Major Anti-Guerrilla Drive: "U.S. forces killed three attackers andthousands of soldiers swooped on a town in a major crackdown onWednesday as violence and instability gripped Iraq in the wakeof Saddam Hussein's capture. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
A Daily Look at U.S. Deaths in Iraq: "As of Wednesday, Dec. 17, 457 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 313 died as a result of hostile action and 144 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
US envoy Baker leaves Berlin for Rome on Iraq debt relief mission: "US envoy James Baker left Berlin after securing a deal on debt relief for Iraq and continued his tour of European capitals in Rome, a US embassy spokesman revealed. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Governing Council Says Saddam Still Held in Iraq: "Iraq's U.S.-backed Governing Councilsaid Wednesday that captured dictator Saddam Hussein was stillbeing held in Iraq and would face a public trial in thecountry. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Death Toll Revised to 10: "From The Australian :
In Command Post: Irak
Iraqi Minister: U.N. Failed us: "
Read the whole thing."
In Command Post: Irak
Truck Bombing Kills at Least 10 in Iraq: "An explosives-laden truck speeding toward a police station collided with a bus at an intersection before dawn Wednesday, killing at least 10 Iraqis amid a surge of violence since the weekend arrest of Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: bin Laden approved attacks in Turkey: "Osama bin Laden proposed attacking a Turkish military base used by the United States, but militants stymied by tight security bombed civilian targets instead, killing Muslims and upsetting al-Qaida leaders, Turkish officials told The Associated Press."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israeli official wants W. Bank withdrawal: "Israeli vice prime minister on Wednesday stepped up his calls for a sizable withdrawal from the West Bank, urging a clear "separation" between Israelis and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Tanker explodes on Baghdad road: "A fuel tanker explodes at a crossroads in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 10 people and injuring 15."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam loyalists take to streets: "The BBC's Roger Hardy looks at why the capture of Saddam Hussein has triggered such angry protests in the so-called Sunni Triangle area of Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
VP says Iran to sign nuclear agreement: "Iran will sign an agreement Thursday giving unfettered access to its nuclear facilities, the vice president said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Rumsfeld Ponders Getting Saddam to Talk: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sounded intrigued when asked how to get Saddam Hussein talking to his interrogators. "Does he have any interest in his family? ... I don't know," Rumsfeld told reporters Tuesday, ruminating about the possible pressures that could be applied to the former dictator. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's Minister Says U.N. Failed His Nation: "Iraq's foreign minister accused the United Nations on Tuesday of failing to rescue his country from Saddam Hussein's 35-year "murderous tyranny." He urged the world body not to fail Iraq again and to return to help build a democratic nation. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Nell unhappy with Iraq army base: "Nell McAndrew has demanded to be taken out of her army accommodation after branding it a "dump"."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Bush: Saddam deserves ultimate penalty: "President Bush said Saddam Hussein deserves the "ultimate penalty" for his crimes, but he faced objections from Europe, the United Nations and the Vatican, which are adamantly opposed to the death penalty."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad tanker blast kills many: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Police: 10 dead in Baghdad truck blast in CNN - War in Iraq
17 killed in Baghdad tanker blast: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Baghdad truck bomb 'kills 22': "A petrol tanker loaded with explosives has rammed into a bus and exploded in Baghdad, killing 22 people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Baghdad tanker blaze kills many: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Bush calls for Saddam execution: "The US president says the captured former Iraqi leader should pay the "ultimate penalty" for his crimes."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Rumsfeld ponders getting Saddam to talk: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sounded intrigued when asked how to get Saddam Hussein talking to his interrogators. "Does he have any interest in his family? ... I don't know," Rumsfeld told reporters Tuesday, ruminating about the possible pressures that could be applied to the former dictator."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Governing Council Says Saddam Still Held in Iraq: "Iraq's U.S.-backed Governing Councilsaid Wednesday that captured dictator Saddam Hussein was stillbeing held in Iraq and would face a public trial in thecountry. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Death Toll Revised to 10: "From The Australian :
A Truck loaded with explosives rammed into a small bus and exploded near a Baghdad police station today, killing at least 10 people, an Iraqi deputy minister said.The BBC's has pictures of the aftermath."
Earlier reports said at least 17 people, and possibly as many as 22, had died.
The blast happened early today in Baghdad's Bayya'a district, police said. Two cars nearby were destroyed in the blast.
Ahmed Kadhim Ibrahim, deputy interior minister, said the death toll was 10 and that the truck was speeding towards a police station, but collided with a bus in the way.
Bassem Naiem, a policeman at the scene, earlier put the toll at 22, but authorities later revised the toll.
In Command Post: Irak
Iraqi Minister: U.N. Failed us: "
Taking a harsh view of the inability of quarreling members of the Security Council to endorse military action in Iraq, Mr. Zebari said, "One year ago, the Security Council was divided between those who wanted to appease Saddam Hussein and those who wanted to hold him accountable.
"The United Nations as an organization failed to help rescue the Iraqi people from a murderous tyranny that lasted over 35 years, and today we are unearthing thousands of victims in horrifying testament to that failure."
Read the whole thing."
In Command Post: Irak
Truck Bombing Kills at Least 10 in Iraq: "An explosives-laden truck speeding toward a police station collided with a bus at an intersection before dawn Wednesday, killing at least 10 Iraqis amid a surge of violence since the weekend arrest of Saddam Hussein. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: bin Laden approved attacks in Turkey: "Osama bin Laden proposed attacking a Turkish military base used by the United States, but militants stymied by tight security bombed civilian targets instead, killing Muslims and upsetting al-Qaida leaders, Turkish officials told The Associated Press."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israeli official wants W. Bank withdrawal: "Israeli vice prime minister on Wednesday stepped up his calls for a sizable withdrawal from the West Bank, urging a clear "separation" between Israelis and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Tanker explodes on Baghdad road: "A fuel tanker explodes at a crossroads in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 10 people and injuring 15."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam loyalists take to streets: "The BBC's Roger Hardy looks at why the capture of Saddam Hussein has triggered such angry protests in the so-called Sunni Triangle area of Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
VP says Iran to sign nuclear agreement: "Iran will sign an agreement Thursday giving unfettered access to its nuclear facilities, the vice president said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Rumsfeld Ponders Getting Saddam to Talk: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sounded intrigued when asked how to get Saddam Hussein talking to his interrogators. "Does he have any interest in his family? ... I don't know," Rumsfeld told reporters Tuesday, ruminating about the possible pressures that could be applied to the former dictator. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's Minister Says U.N. Failed His Nation: "Iraq's foreign minister accused the United Nations on Tuesday of failing to rescue his country from Saddam Hussein's 35-year "murderous tyranny." He urged the world body not to fail Iraq again and to return to help build a democratic nation. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Nell unhappy with Iraq army base: "Nell McAndrew has demanded to be taken out of her army accommodation after branding it a "dump"."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Bush: Saddam deserves ultimate penalty: "President Bush said Saddam Hussein deserves the "ultimate penalty" for his crimes, but he faced objections from Europe, the United Nations and the Vatican, which are adamantly opposed to the death penalty."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad tanker blast kills many: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Police: 10 dead in Baghdad truck blast in CNN - War in Iraq
17 killed in Baghdad tanker blast: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Baghdad truck bomb 'kills 22': "A petrol tanker loaded with explosives has rammed into a bus and exploded in Baghdad, killing 22 people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Baghdad tanker blaze kills many: "An explosion engulfs a fuel tanker in the Iraqi capital, killing at least 17 people and injuring many more."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Bush calls for Saddam execution: "The US president says the captured former Iraqi leader should pay the "ultimate penalty" for his crimes."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Rumsfeld ponders getting Saddam to talk: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sounded intrigued when asked how to get Saddam Hussein talking to his interrogators. "Does he have any interest in his family? ... I don't know," Rumsfeld told reporters Tuesday, ruminating about the possible pressures that could be applied to the former dictator."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Iraq war news
Saddam 'giving information' on terror fight: "Two US soldiers have been wounded in an explosion in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Israel to coordinate with U.S. on moves: "Israel will coordinate any unilateral moves in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with the United States, the Israeli foreign minister said Tuesday, after meeting with Bush administration officials who oppose any actions that will make it harder to create a Palestinian state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israel planned to kill Saddam in 1992: "The Israeli military planned a daring assassination attempt against Saddam Hussein in 1992 - a plot that would have involved landing commandos in Iraq and firing sophisticated missiles at him during a funeral, an Israeli legislator and media said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S.: Saddam linked to insurgency in CNN - War in Iraq
U.S. says Saddam giving useful insights: "Two U.S. soldiers were seriously wounded in an explosion in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit on Tuesday, a day after U.S. commanders said the former leader was providing useful insights into the escalating insurgency."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Germany to Press Baker on Iraq Contracts Dispute: "Germany said Tuesday it hoped to usetalks with U.S. special envoy James Baker to persuade theUnited States to drop its refusal to grant major rebuildingcontracts in Iraq to countries that opposed the war there. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Response in Baghdad Square Subdued: "When Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled April 9 in Baghdad's Paradise Square, it was a globally televised moment of jubilation and hope. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi Killed, U.S. Soldier Wounded in Iraq Riot: "An Iraqi gunman was killed and aU.S. soldier was wounded in an exchange of fire during riots ina restive town west of Baghdad, U.S. military sources saidTuesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi officials seek fast execution for Saddam in IraqWar.ru (English)
Three Rockets Hit Kabul, Cause No Injury in IraqWar.ru (English)
Midsouth Journalist Who Met Saddam Reacts To His Capture in IraqWar.ru (English)
Bush Says Saddam Will Get a Fair Trial in IraqWar.ru (English)
'Broken' Saddam betrays henchmen in IraqWar.ru (English)
Howard Dean says US no safer after Saddam's capture in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iran Wants Saddam Tried for Iran-Iraq War in IraqWar.ru (English)
Bin Laden 'ordered Istanbul blasts' in IraqWar.ru (English)
Will US change insurgent hunt tactics in Iraq? in IraqWar.ru (English)
'Defiant' Saddam Denies He Possessed WMD in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam capture tainted by bombings in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam's capture by U.S. forces raises a groundswell of unease in Arab world in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraq: Reconstruction Efforts in IraqWar.ru (English)
Violence in Iraq continues with two suicide bombings in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam refuses to give anything away in IraqWar.ru (English)
PowerPoint Makes You Dumb in IraqWar.ru (English)
Aziz helped identify Saddam, official says in IraqWar.ru (English)
'And still, the Iraqis hate us' in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraqi cheer fades into ire at U.S in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam 'could face death sentence': "Iraqi officials say Saddam Hussein could be sentenced to death if he is found guilty of war crimes."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Saddam 'giving information' on terror fight: "Two US soldiers have been wounded in an explosion in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Israel to coordinate with U.S. on moves: "Israel will coordinate any unilateral moves in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with the United States, the Israeli foreign minister said Tuesday, after meeting with Bush administration officials who oppose any actions that will make it harder to create a Palestinian state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israel planned to kill Saddam in 1992: "The Israeli military planned a daring assassination attempt against Saddam Hussein in 1992 - a plot that would have involved landing commandos in Iraq and firing sophisticated missiles at him during a funeral, an Israeli legislator and media said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S.: Saddam linked to insurgency in CNN - War in Iraq
U.S. says Saddam giving useful insights: "Two U.S. soldiers were seriously wounded in an explosion in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit on Tuesday, a day after U.S. commanders said the former leader was providing useful insights into the escalating insurgency."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Germany to Press Baker on Iraq Contracts Dispute: "Germany said Tuesday it hoped to usetalks with U.S. special envoy James Baker to persuade theUnited States to drop its refusal to grant major rebuildingcontracts in Iraq to countries that opposed the war there. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Response in Baghdad Square Subdued: "When Saddam Hussein's statue was toppled April 9 in Baghdad's Paradise Square, it was a globally televised moment of jubilation and hope. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi Killed, U.S. Soldier Wounded in Iraq Riot: "An Iraqi gunman was killed and aU.S. soldier was wounded in an exchange of fire during riots ina restive town west of Baghdad, U.S. military sources saidTuesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi officials seek fast execution for Saddam in IraqWar.ru (English)
Three Rockets Hit Kabul, Cause No Injury in IraqWar.ru (English)
Midsouth Journalist Who Met Saddam Reacts To His Capture in IraqWar.ru (English)
Bush Says Saddam Will Get a Fair Trial in IraqWar.ru (English)
'Broken' Saddam betrays henchmen in IraqWar.ru (English)
Howard Dean says US no safer after Saddam's capture in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iran Wants Saddam Tried for Iran-Iraq War in IraqWar.ru (English)
Bin Laden 'ordered Istanbul blasts' in IraqWar.ru (English)
Will US change insurgent hunt tactics in Iraq? in IraqWar.ru (English)
'Defiant' Saddam Denies He Possessed WMD in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam capture tainted by bombings in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam's capture by U.S. forces raises a groundswell of unease in Arab world in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraq: Reconstruction Efforts in IraqWar.ru (English)
Violence in Iraq continues with two suicide bombings in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam refuses to give anything away in IraqWar.ru (English)
PowerPoint Makes You Dumb in IraqWar.ru (English)
Aziz helped identify Saddam, official says in IraqWar.ru (English)
'And still, the Iraqis hate us' in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraqi cheer fades into ire at U.S in IraqWar.ru (English)
Saddam 'could face death sentence': "Iraqi officials say Saddam Hussein could be sentenced to death if he is found guilty of war crimes."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Monday, December 15, 2003
Saddam nabbed
At home, some celebrate, some hold breath
11:17 PM CST on Sunday, December 14, 2003
By BILL MARVEL / The Dallas Morning News
Just a click of the remote control, and it was a whole new day.
With a Cowboys-Redskins game in prospect, we awoke, brewed our morning coffee, dressed for church or shopping and turned on our TV sets. And there he was, bearded and unkempt, looking for all the world like some street person hauled out from under a bridge, blinking in the morning light. Many viewers may not even have realized at first who it was they were looking at.
In that first moment there was for many of us a sense of dislocation. The face on the screen didn't match the memory. Who did they catch?
The war in Iraq has not given Americans many reasons to cheer lately. The car bombs, the roadside booby traps: It has seemed every day there is fresh reason to mourn. Will we ever get out of Iraq?
But on Sunday, some Americans broke out the flags and hung them from porches and front-yard flagpoles. The news was announced from pulpits. Prayers of thanksgiving were offered. Grocery clerks asked customers, "Have you heard?" Folks thought of loved ones in harm's way thousands of miles from home, and now – perhaps – a few steps closer to safety. There was a collective exhalation of relief.
But there were also those who held their breath. This was not the end of the war, they pointed out. Not a time to drive through the streets honking horns, throwing confetti. Not a time for celebrating sailors to kiss nurses in Times Square.
At a time like this, what is the mood of the country? Perhaps there is no single mood, only the individual feelings and reactions of Americans as they went about their (almost) ordinary Sunday of church, football and shopping – and thinking about that haggard face seen on the morning TV. ON THE HOME FRONT
'They pulled him out of a hole!'
Jeanne Jacobs awoke 4:30 a.m., unable to sleep, unable to figure out why. Something told the 59-year-old Garland mother to turn on the television. As soon as she saw the news she suddenly knew why.
She called her daughter, then she called her son. Navy Petty Officer Quentin Gray, 27, recently returned from several months' combat alongside the U.S. Marines in Iraq with what his mother calls a case of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
He's staying with friends near the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego, where it was barely 2:30 a.m. But for Ms. Jacobs, the news couldn't wait.
"I said, 'Missy, tell Quentin they got the bastard! Just like the snake he is, they pulled him out of a hole!'
"This is the best Christmas already," she says. "I've got two darling grandbabies, my son is home from Iraq, and Saddam Hussein has been captured! I'm giddy. I just think it's wonderful. I think it'll be a turning point, I really do."
Dennis Patterson, 49, heard the news at 5:45 a.m., when his mother called. He stayed on the phone and called his son, Luke, just back from a tour of duty in Iraq.
"He was incredulous, he was blown away." says the elder Mr. Patterson. His son, Army Specialist Luke Patterson, 21, a graduate of Plano East Senior High School, immediately rounded up his buddies in DarmstadtÖ, Germany, and headed to the nearest Burger King, where CNN was already on and the room was packed.
A short time later Luke called dad to report on the troops' reaction. "He said that when Bremer [American Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III] came out and announced, 'We got him,' the room erupted with everyone cheering and celebrating. Luke said he felt like not just him but everyone in the military had been given a big Christmas present. He said, 'Now we have the guy who's responsible for them being sent halfway around the world, for having to endure sandstorms and 135-degree heat.' "
For David and Barbara Rozier of Katy, who spent years raising their kids in DeSoto, Sunday's news felt like long-awaited vindication – not just for them and the son who died, but for President Bush as well.
Their son, Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Rozier, 25, was guarding a Baghdad checkpoint July 19 when he was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade. He left behind a wife and a son, Justin, who's only now beginning to walk.
Sunday morning, his mom and dad had all but tired themselves out, sharing phone time with North Texas relatives.
"We are excited," says Mr. Rozier, 49. But "We're careful not to be overly excited. We know there's a lot of work to be done. We know it's not the end of the road. But it's a major milestone and maybe even a turning point."
Mr. Rozier says he was happy for and "extremely proud" for the president. "Despite all the naysayers and criticism he's been receiving, particularly from the left, he stuck to his calling," says Mr. Rozier, who shares a real-estate business with his wife.
Not every parent of a fallen Iraq war veteran shares his enthusiasm. Lufkin mother Rena Mathis, 47, is coping with the "non-combat-related" death of her son, Army Spc. Joseph D. Suell, 24, in Todjie, Iraq, on June 16.
"I don't blame Hussein," she says. "I blame Bush. He had no business sending them boys over there. Not only Joseph but all of them."
For the family of the one-time high school basketball star with loads of promise, Spc. Suell's death is a mystery that may never be solved. The death notice says only "investigation pending." His widow, Rebecca Suell, 22, said recently that a base chaplain at Fort Sill, Okla., and two officers told her that husband committed suicide – a conclusion she and her mother-in-law dispute. He was a chronic asthmatic, which, his mother says, should have kept him out of Iraq anyway.
Ms. Mathis says her son's death feels like an "open wound" and one that Saddam Hussein's capture will never heal. When her husband woke her Sunday with the news, her reaction was immediate. " 'It ain't over with,' I said. Just 'cause they caught him; it still ain't over with."
IN CHURCHES AND MOSQUES
'How interesting the way God works'
"We pray five times a day, the same prayers," said Abdul-Malik Hamidulla, operations manager of the Dallas Central Mosque. "But after we pray, people typically make personal supplication for peace in the world. We like to see peace everywhere, and certainly hope this will bring us one step closer to the days we can bring the boys home."
The Rev. David McKinley, teaching pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, stuck to his prepared sermon during the 9:15 a.m. service and preached about the Christmas carol "Silent Night." Then he spoke of Saddam Hussein's capture.
He described waking up at 6:30 a.m., holding a cup of coffee and turning on the television. "There on the bottom of the screen I read those words, 'Saddam Hussein is captured.' "
The congregation of a several thousand immediately broke into applause.
The congregation at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship also broke into applause when the Rev. Anthony Evans announced the news.
"Across the road was one of Saddam Hussein's palaces," Mr. Evans pointed out, "but in fact he was found in a dirt hole.
"How interesting the way God works."
AMONG THE EXPATRIATES
'I've been waiting for this day my entire life'
At the Coit Road office of the Kurdish Human Rights Watch, a couple hundred jubilant Iraqi-Americans danced in the parking lot, waving Kurdish and American flags, and burning pictures of their former leader.
Dallas is home to several thousand Iraqi-Americans, most of whom fled the country during Saddam Hussein's rule and settled in Texas as political refugees. Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites, they all seemed to be celebrating Sunday, gathering for parties at homes or community centers.
Men, women and children held hands, bouncing their shoulders in a traditional dance while a band keened the Kurdish words for "Freedom, Freedom, Democracy." Old men in black and white turbans and baggy pants trilled with joy and shouted "Piruzby!" – congratulations – to each other.
"It's unbelievable, unbelievable," said Zuhair Almissouri, KHRW program director. "I've been waiting for this day my entire life." He moved to America from the northern city of Dohuk in 1996 after three sisters died during the Kurdish struggle to break away from Mr. Hussein's regime.
The phone calls began early in the morning, he said, and by afternoon he still hadn't time for a sip of water or breakfast. "I am full, even if I didn't eat for two or three days more, I am full with happiness!"
When Saddam Hussein's armies invaded Kuwait in 1990, Abdul Akil and his family escaped, making the dangerous trek across Iraq, Syria and Jordan before landing safely in Chicago, and eventually Richardson.
Now, 53, he is owner of Grand Café American and Mediterranean Grill, where customers gathered Sunday to feast and celebrate. "Café busy with Arab people," he says, "all very happy because this stupid man is over."
"I am very happy, of course, very happy to be getting this news." Nevertheless, he is pessimistic about Iraq and its prospects. "If you read the history of Iraq, you'll understand it's bloody. Iraq has never lived in peace. Iraq needs somebody who will walk straight, but nobody could walk straight with Saddam around."
OUT AND ABOUT
'Have you heard? Have you heard?'
Pete Hoag, manager of the Webb Forest Newsstand, opened his doors for customers at 6:30 Sunday morning. "At 7 a.m. it started," he says. "They started coming in, going on, 'Have you heard? Have you heard?' Most of them heard about it – I love this – on The Ticket, the sports talk show."
Mr. Hoag's customers love sports and politics, in that order. It's hard to walk into the place and not get into a discussion about one or the other.
About Saddam's capture, he says, "They're all very optimistic, they're all feeling very vindicated. Everybody loves the way he looks so haggard and distraught. A lot say since they found him in that hole, they wished they'd just covered it up and left."
By mid-morning the parking lot at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dallas was Sunday-full, mostly the cars of folks using the center's gym or attending meetings. In the coffee lounge one TV was showing an episode of Rugrats, the other was set to Fox News.
Marc Sheff, 44, was the only person watching the newscast. He had learned of Saddam's capture from two men talking in the sauna.
Mr. Sheff sells lighting supplies, a job that puts him on airplanes a lot. He doesn't figure Sunday's news will affect his work much,
"It would mean more if bin Laden were captured," he says.
At the Chuck E. Cheese on Arlington's Fielder Road, where several kids' birthday parties were in noisy progress Sunday afternoon, news of Saddam's capture worked its way into conversations between choruses of "Happy Birthday" and photo ops with the Chuck E. Cheese mascot.
"Haven't you heard?" Barbara Germany asked another mother attending a 6-year-old's birthday party.
Word of the capture arrived via a news alert in her email, says Ms. Germany, 44. "I think it's great. We needed some good news."
Monitoring a table full of 6-year-olds, Stephen Moore of Arlington says the first thought that popped into his mind at the news was, "Finally."
"I knew this was coming at some point," he says. "And I'm glad they got him alive.'' But Mr. Moore, 42, doubts the capture will bring an early end to the bloodshed.
"Oh no! This is an ongoing war."
IN THE PARK
'People are sick of the war'
Waxing his wife's Suburban under an Oak Tree on Flag Pole Hill Park near White Rock Lake, retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. George Bowe paused to consider whether the capture would lead to reprisals against American troops in Iraq.
"I don't think it will, even if there's a short spasm of violence," says the 54-year-old Vietnam veteran. Over time, he says, Iraqis may finally take control of their own country. "I suspect we'll be there a few more years, but be able to get out eventually.
"The next challenge is for us to capture Osama, but I don't think he's going to go as easily. I think he'll kill himself before he lets us take him alive. Saddam was used to letting other people do his dirty work.
Also enjoying Sunday's warm spell at Flag Pole Hill was Jay Brewer, 41, a Dallas hairdresser. "As a single event [the capture of Saddam] won't turn tide, it won't increase President Bush's popularity over all," he says. "People are sick of the war.
"I think this is just going to make room for someone else to come up under him. But maybe we'll like this person. But of course we used to like Saddam, too, until he killed 300,00 people."
Even so, Mr. Brewer says, "I think the political cartoon this year will be GB as Santa Claus, with Saddam all wrapped up in the back of the sleigh."
AROUND THE COUNTRY
'He looked like a caged animal'
The streets of Detroit saw dancing too. Arabs also celebrate in snowy suburban streets, banging drums and waving Iraqi and American flags.
In homes and stores everywhere, people gathered around TV sets and shook their heads as they watched footage of the scruffy, bearded man some thought would never be caught.
Kristin Williams, who lives in suburban New Albany, Ohio, found it fitting that a man she considers a coward was caught hiding in a hole.
"Still, it's sad to see someone in that state of affairs. He looked like a caged animal," said Ms. Williams, 36. "Going to church, he was one of the people I prayed for, too."
AT THE STADIUM
'This day carries a special meaning'
At the New York Jets-Pittsburgh Steelers football game President Bush's announcement was broadcast over loudspeakers to prolonged cheers.
In Washington, the capture was the talk of the town, not the late-season clash between the Cowboys and Redskins, traditional rivals.
With 1 minute 56 seconds to go in the first half, announcers Dick Stockton and Daryl "Moose" Johnston (who once played for the Cowboys) took time after the two-minute warning to note the day's events.
"This day carries a special meaning," said Mr. Stockton.
And Brad Sham, voice of the Cowboys on KLUV-FM (98.7) observed during the game that one sideline reporter, in an effort to stay warm in the freezing rain, was hiding in a "spider hole."
AT THE AIRPORT
'He's the big cheese we were after'
At 8:20 Sunday morning, an group of about 130 Army soldiers left Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for Iraq.
About six hours later, another group of soldiers arrived after a 30-hour flight with stops in Kuwait, Germany, and Atlanta, home for 15 days of rest and relaxation. Some of them left the airport for Fort Hood in Killeen; others caught connecting flights.
Wearing desert camouflage, the arriving troops filed into the terminal just after 3 p.m. to cheers from a crowd of loved ones. Earlier in the day as the soldiers' charted flight approached U.S. soil Sunday, the civilian pilot came on the intercom to deliver the news about Saddam Hussein. Many of the passengers clapped and a few cheered.
Capt. Kenneth Sanders, nurse a registered in Baqubah, Iraq with the 204th Forward Support Battalion – part of the 4th Infantry Division that captured Mr. Hussein – said he was proud of the men who found the former Iraqi leader. He said the news gave some a "sense of accomplishment," and he was more hopeful that the capture would help make the country safer.
"He's the big cheese we were after," said Capt. Sanders, 49, just reunited with his wife, Penny, after more than eight months away. "Maybe things can quiet down now over there."
Another member of the 4th Infantry Division, Capt. Steve Heringer, 28, said he hoped the capture would reassure Iraqis that Mr. Hussein wouldn't return to power. "Time will tell," whether the attacks wane, he said. "It's definitely going to make a different in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people."
He said the news on the plane "was like a Christmas president for everybody."
Contributing to this report were staff writers Tyra Damm, David Tarrant, Michael Precker, Jeff Weiss, Michael Granberry, Karen Thomas, Scott Farwell, Gretel Kovach, Ed Timms and The Associated Press.
DallasNews.com | Dallas-Fort Worth | Local News
11:17 PM CST on Sunday, December 14, 2003
By BILL MARVEL / The Dallas Morning News
Just a click of the remote control, and it was a whole new day.
With a Cowboys-Redskins game in prospect, we awoke, brewed our morning coffee, dressed for church or shopping and turned on our TV sets. And there he was, bearded and unkempt, looking for all the world like some street person hauled out from under a bridge, blinking in the morning light. Many viewers may not even have realized at first who it was they were looking at.
In that first moment there was for many of us a sense of dislocation. The face on the screen didn't match the memory. Who did they catch?
The war in Iraq has not given Americans many reasons to cheer lately. The car bombs, the roadside booby traps: It has seemed every day there is fresh reason to mourn. Will we ever get out of Iraq?
But on Sunday, some Americans broke out the flags and hung them from porches and front-yard flagpoles. The news was announced from pulpits. Prayers of thanksgiving were offered. Grocery clerks asked customers, "Have you heard?" Folks thought of loved ones in harm's way thousands of miles from home, and now – perhaps – a few steps closer to safety. There was a collective exhalation of relief.
But there were also those who held their breath. This was not the end of the war, they pointed out. Not a time to drive through the streets honking horns, throwing confetti. Not a time for celebrating sailors to kiss nurses in Times Square.
At a time like this, what is the mood of the country? Perhaps there is no single mood, only the individual feelings and reactions of Americans as they went about their (almost) ordinary Sunday of church, football and shopping – and thinking about that haggard face seen on the morning TV. ON THE HOME FRONT
'They pulled him out of a hole!'
Jeanne Jacobs awoke 4:30 a.m., unable to sleep, unable to figure out why. Something told the 59-year-old Garland mother to turn on the television. As soon as she saw the news she suddenly knew why.
She called her daughter, then she called her son. Navy Petty Officer Quentin Gray, 27, recently returned from several months' combat alongside the U.S. Marines in Iraq with what his mother calls a case of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
He's staying with friends near the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego, where it was barely 2:30 a.m. But for Ms. Jacobs, the news couldn't wait.
"I said, 'Missy, tell Quentin they got the bastard! Just like the snake he is, they pulled him out of a hole!'
"This is the best Christmas already," she says. "I've got two darling grandbabies, my son is home from Iraq, and Saddam Hussein has been captured! I'm giddy. I just think it's wonderful. I think it'll be a turning point, I really do."
Dennis Patterson, 49, heard the news at 5:45 a.m., when his mother called. He stayed on the phone and called his son, Luke, just back from a tour of duty in Iraq.
"He was incredulous, he was blown away." says the elder Mr. Patterson. His son, Army Specialist Luke Patterson, 21, a graduate of Plano East Senior High School, immediately rounded up his buddies in DarmstadtÖ, Germany, and headed to the nearest Burger King, where CNN was already on and the room was packed.
A short time later Luke called dad to report on the troops' reaction. "He said that when Bremer [American Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III] came out and announced, 'We got him,' the room erupted with everyone cheering and celebrating. Luke said he felt like not just him but everyone in the military had been given a big Christmas present. He said, 'Now we have the guy who's responsible for them being sent halfway around the world, for having to endure sandstorms and 135-degree heat.' "
For David and Barbara Rozier of Katy, who spent years raising their kids in DeSoto, Sunday's news felt like long-awaited vindication – not just for them and the son who died, but for President Bush as well.
Their son, Army 1st Lt. Jonathan Rozier, 25, was guarding a Baghdad checkpoint July 19 when he was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade. He left behind a wife and a son, Justin, who's only now beginning to walk.
Sunday morning, his mom and dad had all but tired themselves out, sharing phone time with North Texas relatives.
"We are excited," says Mr. Rozier, 49. But "We're careful not to be overly excited. We know there's a lot of work to be done. We know it's not the end of the road. But it's a major milestone and maybe even a turning point."
Mr. Rozier says he was happy for and "extremely proud" for the president. "Despite all the naysayers and criticism he's been receiving, particularly from the left, he stuck to his calling," says Mr. Rozier, who shares a real-estate business with his wife.
Not every parent of a fallen Iraq war veteran shares his enthusiasm. Lufkin mother Rena Mathis, 47, is coping with the "non-combat-related" death of her son, Army Spc. Joseph D. Suell, 24, in Todjie, Iraq, on June 16.
"I don't blame Hussein," she says. "I blame Bush. He had no business sending them boys over there. Not only Joseph but all of them."
For the family of the one-time high school basketball star with loads of promise, Spc. Suell's death is a mystery that may never be solved. The death notice says only "investigation pending." His widow, Rebecca Suell, 22, said recently that a base chaplain at Fort Sill, Okla., and two officers told her that husband committed suicide – a conclusion she and her mother-in-law dispute. He was a chronic asthmatic, which, his mother says, should have kept him out of Iraq anyway.
Ms. Mathis says her son's death feels like an "open wound" and one that Saddam Hussein's capture will never heal. When her husband woke her Sunday with the news, her reaction was immediate. " 'It ain't over with,' I said. Just 'cause they caught him; it still ain't over with."
IN CHURCHES AND MOSQUES
'How interesting the way God works'
"We pray five times a day, the same prayers," said Abdul-Malik Hamidulla, operations manager of the Dallas Central Mosque. "But after we pray, people typically make personal supplication for peace in the world. We like to see peace everywhere, and certainly hope this will bring us one step closer to the days we can bring the boys home."
The Rev. David McKinley, teaching pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, stuck to his prepared sermon during the 9:15 a.m. service and preached about the Christmas carol "Silent Night." Then he spoke of Saddam Hussein's capture.
He described waking up at 6:30 a.m., holding a cup of coffee and turning on the television. "There on the bottom of the screen I read those words, 'Saddam Hussein is captured.' "
The congregation of a several thousand immediately broke into applause.
The congregation at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship also broke into applause when the Rev. Anthony Evans announced the news.
"Across the road was one of Saddam Hussein's palaces," Mr. Evans pointed out, "but in fact he was found in a dirt hole.
"How interesting the way God works."
AMONG THE EXPATRIATES
'I've been waiting for this day my entire life'
At the Coit Road office of the Kurdish Human Rights Watch, a couple hundred jubilant Iraqi-Americans danced in the parking lot, waving Kurdish and American flags, and burning pictures of their former leader.
Dallas is home to several thousand Iraqi-Americans, most of whom fled the country during Saddam Hussein's rule and settled in Texas as political refugees. Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites, they all seemed to be celebrating Sunday, gathering for parties at homes or community centers.
Men, women and children held hands, bouncing their shoulders in a traditional dance while a band keened the Kurdish words for "Freedom, Freedom, Democracy." Old men in black and white turbans and baggy pants trilled with joy and shouted "Piruzby!" – congratulations – to each other.
"It's unbelievable, unbelievable," said Zuhair Almissouri, KHRW program director. "I've been waiting for this day my entire life." He moved to America from the northern city of Dohuk in 1996 after three sisters died during the Kurdish struggle to break away from Mr. Hussein's regime.
The phone calls began early in the morning, he said, and by afternoon he still hadn't time for a sip of water or breakfast. "I am full, even if I didn't eat for two or three days more, I am full with happiness!"
When Saddam Hussein's armies invaded Kuwait in 1990, Abdul Akil and his family escaped, making the dangerous trek across Iraq, Syria and Jordan before landing safely in Chicago, and eventually Richardson.
Now, 53, he is owner of Grand Café American and Mediterranean Grill, where customers gathered Sunday to feast and celebrate. "Café busy with Arab people," he says, "all very happy because this stupid man is over."
"I am very happy, of course, very happy to be getting this news." Nevertheless, he is pessimistic about Iraq and its prospects. "If you read the history of Iraq, you'll understand it's bloody. Iraq has never lived in peace. Iraq needs somebody who will walk straight, but nobody could walk straight with Saddam around."
OUT AND ABOUT
'Have you heard? Have you heard?'
Pete Hoag, manager of the Webb Forest Newsstand, opened his doors for customers at 6:30 Sunday morning. "At 7 a.m. it started," he says. "They started coming in, going on, 'Have you heard? Have you heard?' Most of them heard about it – I love this – on The Ticket, the sports talk show."
Mr. Hoag's customers love sports and politics, in that order. It's hard to walk into the place and not get into a discussion about one or the other.
About Saddam's capture, he says, "They're all very optimistic, they're all feeling very vindicated. Everybody loves the way he looks so haggard and distraught. A lot say since they found him in that hole, they wished they'd just covered it up and left."
By mid-morning the parking lot at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dallas was Sunday-full, mostly the cars of folks using the center's gym or attending meetings. In the coffee lounge one TV was showing an episode of Rugrats, the other was set to Fox News.
Marc Sheff, 44, was the only person watching the newscast. He had learned of Saddam's capture from two men talking in the sauna.
Mr. Sheff sells lighting supplies, a job that puts him on airplanes a lot. He doesn't figure Sunday's news will affect his work much,
"It would mean more if bin Laden were captured," he says.
At the Chuck E. Cheese on Arlington's Fielder Road, where several kids' birthday parties were in noisy progress Sunday afternoon, news of Saddam's capture worked its way into conversations between choruses of "Happy Birthday" and photo ops with the Chuck E. Cheese mascot.
"Haven't you heard?" Barbara Germany asked another mother attending a 6-year-old's birthday party.
Word of the capture arrived via a news alert in her email, says Ms. Germany, 44. "I think it's great. We needed some good news."
Monitoring a table full of 6-year-olds, Stephen Moore of Arlington says the first thought that popped into his mind at the news was, "Finally."
"I knew this was coming at some point," he says. "And I'm glad they got him alive.'' But Mr. Moore, 42, doubts the capture will bring an early end to the bloodshed.
"Oh no! This is an ongoing war."
IN THE PARK
'People are sick of the war'
Waxing his wife's Suburban under an Oak Tree on Flag Pole Hill Park near White Rock Lake, retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. George Bowe paused to consider whether the capture would lead to reprisals against American troops in Iraq.
"I don't think it will, even if there's a short spasm of violence," says the 54-year-old Vietnam veteran. Over time, he says, Iraqis may finally take control of their own country. "I suspect we'll be there a few more years, but be able to get out eventually.
"The next challenge is for us to capture Osama, but I don't think he's going to go as easily. I think he'll kill himself before he lets us take him alive. Saddam was used to letting other people do his dirty work.
Also enjoying Sunday's warm spell at Flag Pole Hill was Jay Brewer, 41, a Dallas hairdresser. "As a single event [the capture of Saddam] won't turn tide, it won't increase President Bush's popularity over all," he says. "People are sick of the war.
"I think this is just going to make room for someone else to come up under him. But maybe we'll like this person. But of course we used to like Saddam, too, until he killed 300,00 people."
Even so, Mr. Brewer says, "I think the political cartoon this year will be GB as Santa Claus, with Saddam all wrapped up in the back of the sleigh."
AROUND THE COUNTRY
'He looked like a caged animal'
The streets of Detroit saw dancing too. Arabs also celebrate in snowy suburban streets, banging drums and waving Iraqi and American flags.
In homes and stores everywhere, people gathered around TV sets and shook their heads as they watched footage of the scruffy, bearded man some thought would never be caught.
Kristin Williams, who lives in suburban New Albany, Ohio, found it fitting that a man she considers a coward was caught hiding in a hole.
"Still, it's sad to see someone in that state of affairs. He looked like a caged animal," said Ms. Williams, 36. "Going to church, he was one of the people I prayed for, too."
AT THE STADIUM
'This day carries a special meaning'
At the New York Jets-Pittsburgh Steelers football game President Bush's announcement was broadcast over loudspeakers to prolonged cheers.
In Washington, the capture was the talk of the town, not the late-season clash between the Cowboys and Redskins, traditional rivals.
With 1 minute 56 seconds to go in the first half, announcers Dick Stockton and Daryl "Moose" Johnston (who once played for the Cowboys) took time after the two-minute warning to note the day's events.
"This day carries a special meaning," said Mr. Stockton.
And Brad Sham, voice of the Cowboys on KLUV-FM (98.7) observed during the game that one sideline reporter, in an effort to stay warm in the freezing rain, was hiding in a "spider hole."
AT THE AIRPORT
'He's the big cheese we were after'
At 8:20 Sunday morning, an group of about 130 Army soldiers left Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport for Iraq.
About six hours later, another group of soldiers arrived after a 30-hour flight with stops in Kuwait, Germany, and Atlanta, home for 15 days of rest and relaxation. Some of them left the airport for Fort Hood in Killeen; others caught connecting flights.
Wearing desert camouflage, the arriving troops filed into the terminal just after 3 p.m. to cheers from a crowd of loved ones. Earlier in the day as the soldiers' charted flight approached U.S. soil Sunday, the civilian pilot came on the intercom to deliver the news about Saddam Hussein. Many of the passengers clapped and a few cheered.
Capt. Kenneth Sanders, nurse a registered in Baqubah, Iraq with the 204th Forward Support Battalion – part of the 4th Infantry Division that captured Mr. Hussein – said he was proud of the men who found the former Iraqi leader. He said the news gave some a "sense of accomplishment," and he was more hopeful that the capture would help make the country safer.
"He's the big cheese we were after," said Capt. Sanders, 49, just reunited with his wife, Penny, after more than eight months away. "Maybe things can quiet down now over there."
Another member of the 4th Infantry Division, Capt. Steve Heringer, 28, said he hoped the capture would reassure Iraqis that Mr. Hussein wouldn't return to power. "Time will tell," whether the attacks wane, he said. "It's definitely going to make a different in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people."
He said the news on the plane "was like a Christmas president for everybody."
Contributing to this report were staff writers Tyra Damm, David Tarrant, Michael Precker, Jeff Weiss, Michael Granberry, Karen Thomas, Scott Farwell, Gretel Kovach, Ed Timms and The Associated Press.
DallasNews.com | Dallas-Fort Worth | Local News
Iraq war updates
U.S. Troops Disperse Pro-Saddam Protest in Tikrit: "U.S. soldiers Monday used batonsto break up a demonstration in Tikrit to protest against thecapture of Saddam Hussein near his hometown, witnesses said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Tells Troops He Wants to Negotiate: ""My name is Saddam Hussein," the fallen Iraqi leader told U.S. troops in English as they pulled him out of a dank hole that had become his home. "I am the president of Iraq and I want to negotiate." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Officials Lay Out Plan to Question Saddam: "First, find out whether Saddam Hussein knows of any impending guerrilla attacks planned against U.S. troops or Iraqis. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bombs target Iraq police stations: "Two car bombs reportedly explode at police stations in and around the Iraqi capital, causing several casualties."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Ministers to give Saddam update: "Ministers are expected to give more details about the capture of Saddam Hussein on Monday."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Saddam arrest lifts world markets: "Global stock markets rise and the dollar strengthens after the arrest of Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
What happens to Saddam now?: "Saddam Hussein will be put on trial in an Iraqi court and might face the death penalty."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Suicide bomber kills 8 Iraqi policemen: "A suicide bomber killed eight Iraqi policemen in an attack Monday on a station in the capital's northern outskirts, their commander said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam tells troops he wants to negotiate: ""My name is Saddam Hussein," the fallen Iraqi leader told U.S. troops in English as they pulled him out of a dank hole that had become his home. "I am the president of Iraq and I want to negotiate.""
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
'Black day' for Palestinians in CNN - War in Iraq
More Bombs In Baghdad: "Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein - captured by U.S. troops on Saturday - is being held in a secret location. Troops on duty in a still volatile Baghdad have other matters to deal with: two bombs went off there early Monday."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Saddam answering questions with rhetoric in CNN - War in Iraq
Hoon pressed for Saddam update: "Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is set to come under pressure to give more details about the capture of Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Car Bomb Wounds Four Iraqi Policeman: "Four Iraqi policemen were injured when a car bomb went off outside a police station in western Baghdad Monday, the U.S. military and Iraqi police said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Texas Military Town Hails Saddam Capture: "This battle-tested military community, where more than 30 soldiers have been lost in the war on terrorism, got two pieces of good news over the weekend: Saddam Hussein had been nabbed - and by their soldiers. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Chamber Beneath Mud Hut Leads to Saddam: "When darkness fell, the Americans moved into position, 600 of them, from infantrymen to elite special forces. Their target: two houses in this rural village of orange, lemon and palm groves. Someone big was inside, they were told. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Up to 15 dead in car bomb blasts: "Up to 15 people are feared dead after a car bomb exploded outside a police station in western Baghdad."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
New leaders want war crimes trial: "The interim Iraqi government said it wants to try Saddam Hussein before a special tribunal."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Warning: Satire Straight Ahead: "Greg Palast positsthat Saddam surfaced because his old buddy James Baker was just appointed to a role in Iraq: "'Hey, my homeboy Jim owes me big time,' Mr. Hussein stated. He asserted that Baker and the prior Bush regime, 'owe me my back pay. After all I did for these guys you'd think they'd have the decency to pay up.'" Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Iraq's Stalin: "As when Josef Stalin died, an abused nation finds itself full of grief as well as joy when the tyrant falls, reports Toronto's Globe and Mail. Meanwhile, in a tragic footnote to history, celebratory gunfire in the city of Kirkuk alone reportedly killed eight and wounded 80."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
U.S. official to meet Mideast leaders: "A U.S. mediator set up a three-way meeting with Israeli and Palestinian officials, designed to bring premiers together and restart long-stalled talks on a peace plan to end to more than three years of bitter violence."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's Trial Could Be a Turning Point: ""When you judge," Saddam Hussein once said, "judge with justice." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Two Car Bombs Rock Iraq Police Stations, Nine Dead: "Two car bombs exploded at policestations in and near Baghdad on Monday, killing at least ninepeople and shattering any hopes of a quick end to violenceafter the capture of Saddam Hussein. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baker Readies Trip on Iraq Reconstruction: "With Saddam Hussein firmly in hand, President Bush's new emissary on postwar Iraq is facing the task of turning congratulations from world powers into wider international support for reconstruction, including promises to erase Iraq's crushing burden of foreign debt. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Four hurt in Baghdad blast: "A car bomb has exploded outside a police station in western Baghdad, injuring at least four people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Saddam given PoW status: "Saddam Hussein has been given the status of a prisoner of war, confirms the US Defence Secretary."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Officials lay out plan to question Saddam: "First, find out whether Saddam Hussein knows of any impending guerrilla attacks planned against U.S. troops or Iraqis."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Troops Disperse Pro-Saddam Protest in Tikrit: "U.S. soldiers Monday used batonsto break up a demonstration in Tikrit to protest against thecapture of Saddam Hussein near his hometown, witnesses said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Tells Troops He Wants to Negotiate: ""My name is Saddam Hussein," the fallen Iraqi leader told U.S. troops in English as they pulled him out of a dank hole that had become his home. "I am the president of Iraq and I want to negotiate." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Officials Lay Out Plan to Question Saddam: "First, find out whether Saddam Hussein knows of any impending guerrilla attacks planned against U.S. troops or Iraqis. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bombs target Iraq police stations: "Two car bombs reportedly explode at police stations in and around the Iraqi capital, causing several casualties."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Ministers to give Saddam update: "Ministers are expected to give more details about the capture of Saddam Hussein on Monday."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Saddam arrest lifts world markets: "Global stock markets rise and the dollar strengthens after the arrest of Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
What happens to Saddam now?: "Saddam Hussein will be put on trial in an Iraqi court and might face the death penalty."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Suicide bomber kills 8 Iraqi policemen: "A suicide bomber killed eight Iraqi policemen in an attack Monday on a station in the capital's northern outskirts, their commander said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam tells troops he wants to negotiate: ""My name is Saddam Hussein," the fallen Iraqi leader told U.S. troops in English as they pulled him out of a dank hole that had become his home. "I am the president of Iraq and I want to negotiate.""
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
'Black day' for Palestinians in CNN - War in Iraq
More Bombs In Baghdad: "Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein - captured by U.S. troops on Saturday - is being held in a secret location. Troops on duty in a still volatile Baghdad have other matters to deal with: two bombs went off there early Monday."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Saddam answering questions with rhetoric in CNN - War in Iraq
Hoon pressed for Saddam update: "Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon is set to come under pressure to give more details about the capture of Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Car Bomb Wounds Four Iraqi Policeman: "Four Iraqi policemen were injured when a car bomb went off outside a police station in western Baghdad Monday, the U.S. military and Iraqi police said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Texas Military Town Hails Saddam Capture: "This battle-tested military community, where more than 30 soldiers have been lost in the war on terrorism, got two pieces of good news over the weekend: Saddam Hussein had been nabbed - and by their soldiers. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Chamber Beneath Mud Hut Leads to Saddam: "When darkness fell, the Americans moved into position, 600 of them, from infantrymen to elite special forces. Their target: two houses in this rural village of orange, lemon and palm groves. Someone big was inside, they were told. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Up to 15 dead in car bomb blasts: "Up to 15 people are feared dead after a car bomb exploded outside a police station in western Baghdad."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
New leaders want war crimes trial: "The interim Iraqi government said it wants to try Saddam Hussein before a special tribunal."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Warning: Satire Straight Ahead: "Greg Palast positsthat Saddam surfaced because his old buddy James Baker was just appointed to a role in Iraq: "'Hey, my homeboy Jim owes me big time,' Mr. Hussein stated. He asserted that Baker and the prior Bush regime, 'owe me my back pay. After all I did for these guys you'd think they'd have the decency to pay up.'" Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Iraq's Stalin: "As when Josef Stalin died, an abused nation finds itself full of grief as well as joy when the tyrant falls, reports Toronto's Globe and Mail. Meanwhile, in a tragic footnote to history, celebratory gunfire in the city of Kirkuk alone reportedly killed eight and wounded 80."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
U.S. official to meet Mideast leaders: "A U.S. mediator set up a three-way meeting with Israeli and Palestinian officials, designed to bring premiers together and restart long-stalled talks on a peace plan to end to more than three years of bitter violence."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's Trial Could Be a Turning Point: ""When you judge," Saddam Hussein once said, "judge with justice." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Two Car Bombs Rock Iraq Police Stations, Nine Dead: "Two car bombs exploded at policestations in and near Baghdad on Monday, killing at least ninepeople and shattering any hopes of a quick end to violenceafter the capture of Saddam Hussein. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baker Readies Trip on Iraq Reconstruction: "With Saddam Hussein firmly in hand, President Bush's new emissary on postwar Iraq is facing the task of turning congratulations from world powers into wider international support for reconstruction, including promises to erase Iraq's crushing burden of foreign debt. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Four hurt in Baghdad blast: "A car bomb has exploded outside a police station in western Baghdad, injuring at least four people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Saddam given PoW status: "Saddam Hussein has been given the status of a prisoner of war, confirms the US Defence Secretary."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Officials lay out plan to question Saddam: "First, find out whether Saddam Hussein knows of any impending guerrilla attacks planned against U.S. troops or Iraqis."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Iraq
Saddam's Capture Gives Bush Huge Boost: "Saddam Hussein's capture lifted a huge political weight from President Bush after months of rising casualties and growing doubts about his handling of Iraq. Around the world, it sent a thundering message of America's resolve to prevail in the war against terrorism. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Captured 'Like a Rat' Near Home Town: "U.S. troops captured a bearded,unkempt Saddam Hussein hiding "like a rat" in a hole near hishome town, handing President Bush a major coup after arelentless rise in military casualties in Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. captures haggard Saddam in Iraq pit: "Without firing a shot, American forces captured a bearded and haggard-looking Saddam Hussein in a dirt pit across a river from one of his former palaces near his hometown of Tikrit, ending one of the most intensive manhunts in history. The arrest was a huge victory for U.S. forces battling an insurgency by the ousted dictator's followers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Leftist Israeli lawmakers visit outposts: "Dovish lawmakers and peace activists visited unauthorized Israeli outposts on Sunday to refute claims they were demolished by the Israeli government under terms of a U.S.-backed peace plan."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis want Saddam tried in Baghdad: "The interim Iraqi government said Sunday it wants to try Saddam Hussein before a special tribunal, but a human rights group voiced deep concern about the legitimacy of the newly established panel."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis surprised Saddam didn't fight: "Saddam Hussein should have put up a fight or committed suicide, stunned Iraqis said Sunday after watching images of their fallen leader, haggard and humiliated, in American custody."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
4 U.S. soldiers injured in Kuwait attacks: "Four U.S. soldiers were slightly injured Sunday after their truck convoys came under fire in two separate attacks in Kuwait, a U.S. military spokesman said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's fall: From palaces to filthy pit: "A man who lived in sprawling palaces was pulled from a hole in the dirt. A man who challenged the greatest armies in the world was arrested without firing a shot. A man who embezzled billions of dollars and put his image on every Iraqi bank note was found with a single suitcase of cash - bearing the face of an American, Benjamin Franklin."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
New Iraqi Leaders Confront Their Former Dictator: "Saddam Hussein was said to be defiant and unrepentant in a meeting with four members of the Governing Council."
In New York Times: World Special
Car Bomb West of Baghdad Kills at Least 17: "It was the deadliest attack on American-led forces since two police stations near Baghdad were hit with car bombs three weeks ago."
In New York Times: World Special
The Hunt for Bin Laden Is More Complex, Experts Say: "There were more local Iraqi sources who could be recruited than in the area where Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding out."
In New York Times: World Special
President Bush's remarks on the Capture of Saddam Hussein: "President Bush: "Yesterday, December the 13th, at around 8:30 p.m. Baghdad time, United States military forces captured Saddam Hussein alive. He was found near a farmhouse outside the city of Tikrit, in a swift raid conducted without casualties. And now the former dictator of Iraq will face the justice he denied to millions. The capture of this man was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq. It marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied and killed in his name. For the Baathist holdouts largely responsible for the current violence, there will be no return to the corrupt power and privilege they once held. For the vast majority of Iraqi citizens who wish to live as free men and women, this event brings further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever.""
In Electronic Iraq
Let Us Rejoice at Saddam's Capture: "Now that Saddam has been captured, it may be useful to refresh Western memory on a few things before the media wipes the historical slate clean. Remember when we all started hating Saddam Hussein in 1990? Why didn't we hate him before? Probably because he was gassing Kurds, developing weapons of mass destruction and torturing his own people, but with Western, primarily US money and weaponry. He did the wrong thing in 1990 and threatened US-UK interests by invading Kuwait to solve legitimate longstanding historical grievances, including the ongoing Kuwaiti theft of Iraqi oil. All attempts to resolve the crisis through negotiations were rebuffed by the US, negotiations which could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Darren Ell writes this opinion piece for Electronic Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
Samarra-US Military Using Weapons of Mass Deception?: "On November 30th, in Samarra, US military officials reported a raging firefight between US forces and resistance fighters. Reports suggested a large, highly organized ambush on US troops within the city by mujahideen and Fedayin fighters. Occupation forces responded fiercely, killing 54 Iraqis, according to General Peter Pace, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace stated; "They attacked and they were killed, so I think it will be instructive to them." The story the people of Samarra are telling about the fight goes something like this: US soldiers were guarding a delivery of money to the bank in Samarra, gunfire was heard in the distance and the jumpy Americans opened fire, riddling the city center with bullets, killing 8 civilians and wounding 50 in the process. Dahr Jamail reports for Electronic Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
"This is the better life?": "Today there was a demonstration that marched over the Tigris River to the CPA, concerning detainees and the plight of many innocents currently jailed by the occupation forces. It was a small demonstration, but the potential for problems with the US military was high due to the fact that it didn't attempt to get a permit from the CPA to march. Nonetheless, it went off without any major problems--only a little harassment and warning by some US soldiers as the procession moved past one of the gates into the CPA compound. Soldiers approached with guns, while those manning the heavy machine guns at the gate kept their guns pointed in the direction of the demonstration."
In Electronic Iraq
Anger in Ramadi: "There was, after all, a welcome in Ramadi. I can't say the rumours that it's dangerous are exaggerated, but my hands were not cut off and wherever I went people gave me chai, invited me in and wanted to talk. It's true there was a constant percussion of gunfire, but Thursday afternoon is peak time for weddings and a lot of firing in the air goes on. We were outside the army base to ask the commander for an explanation about the raid which killed Ibrahim and Sabah Odai and their cousin Mohammed when guns were pointed at us and we were surrounded by an incoming convoy of humvees. They were already "on lock down" when we got there, apparently having some warning of the attack on the other side of the palace which, a couple of minutes later, made the ground quake as I haven't felt since the war and the appointment with Captain Galloway was postponed by implication. Jo Wilding writes from Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
The mood on campus: "We didn't move for twenty minutes. The petrol queues, combined with the usual chaos of intersections, had packed the traffic solidly so that, if you had an inch either end to rock back and forth in, you counted yourself lucky. Passengers got out of cars and passers-by came off pavements to marshal cars onto the pavement, which freed a bit of space in the middle of the jam though another crisis came up in the shape of a heap of bricks and sand further up the alley. Hussam's college, when we finally reached it, is Nahrain University, which used to be Saddam's university. A plinth at the entrance with a ragged stump on top marks his demise. Jo Wilding writes about the experience of a university community."
In Electronic Iraq
Ahmed and Ali: "Ahmed volunteered for the last 15 days of the war as an ambulance driver. He started out trying to bring bodies and injured people to the hospital in his car, but as only one of the hospital's ambulances in use during the later two thirds of war, he and his friend Ali started using a second one instead of the car. "I brought five hundred bodies and many injured people. I brought all of them to Saddam Children's Hospital [part of the Baghdad Medical City] because it was the only one that was still functioning. I never even saw a dead body before and they took me to the morgue and there were 80 bodies there." Jo Wilding writes from Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
The end of resistance?: "The BBC's defence correspondent looks at the implications of Saddam's capture on the future of order in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Capture not likely to stop Iraq attacks: "The capture of Saddam Hussein, eight months on the run and found hiding in a hole beneath a two-room mud house near his hometown, was unlikely to destroy the anti-U.S. guerrilla insurgency, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush says Saddam to face justice: "Saddam Hussein now faces the "justice he denied to millions," President Bush said Sunday, declaring a repressive era in Iraq over but cautioning that attacks on U.S.-led troops would continue."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad council hears of capture in U.S.: "Four members of Baghdad's city council had just arrived in Colorado to start a tour of U.S. cities and lessons in democracy when the news came in that their country's former dictator had been captured."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. 4th Infantry celebrate in Tikrit: "Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division, who all but missed the invasion of Iraq but have been at the front line of postwar hostilities, spent Sunday afternoon smoking cigars after scoring the allies' biggest triumph since the fall of Baghdad."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Results show Turkish Cypriots deadlocked: "The Turkish Cypriot opposition took a slim lead Sunday in crucial parliamentary elections that will shape the future of divided Cyprus and help define Turkey's relations with the European Union, early election results showed."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Suspicious hole leads soldiers to Saddam: "When darkness fell, the Americans moved into position, 600 of them, from infantrymen to elite special forces. Their target: two houses in this rural village of orange, lemon and palm groves. Someone big was inside, they were told. But when they struck, they found nothing."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Ex-Leader, Found Hiding in Hole, Is Detained Without a Fight: "By EDWARD WONG"
In New York Times: World Special
President Sees 'a Hopeful Day' for Iraqi People: "The president told Iraqis that they need not fear the return of Saddam Hussein and pledged that he will face justice."
In New York Times: World Special
Tony Blair's Statement On The Capture Of Saddam Hussein: "Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Full text: prime minister's statement
I thought it only proper to include some of our greatest ally's speech on the capture of Saddam Hussein. Thank you Tony Blair.
In Command Post: Irak
Iraqi-Americans celebrate Saddam capture in CNN - War in Iraq
The end of resistance?: "The BBC's defence correspondent looks at the implications of Saddam's capture on the future of order in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
A tyrant falls...: "... and everybody keeps on spinning. The President took the opportunity to again falsely linkSaddam Hussein to international fundamentalist Islamic terrorists. Meanwhile, Joe Lieberman sunk to his lowest moment of an already spotty career with this extreme example of opportunism: "If Howard Dean had his way, Saddam Hussein would be in power today, not in prison,? Lieberman told NBC's "Meet the Press." Some of us just left the ABBA party."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Saddam arrested: "The haggard, disheveled man with a long beard arrested in a farm house in Tikrit bore little resemblance to the image of Saddam Hussein so often seen by the rest of the world. Iraqis celebrated in the streets at the news of their long-time oppresser's capture. There is little doubt that Saddam will be tried by the newly-formed human rights tribunal.
But what is unclear is whether his arrest will stem the rising insurgency as the administration has been wont to claim."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Bush's statement in full: "The full text of the US president's televised speech following the capture of the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Blair statement in full: "UK prime minister Tony Blair, speaking from Downing Street, gives his reaction to the news of Saddam Hussein's capture"
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Car bomb at Iraqi police station kills 17: "A suspected suicide attacker detonated a car bomb outside an Iraqi police station Sunday near Baghdad, killing at least 17 people and wounding 33 others, hours before the announcement of Saddam Hussein's capture, the U.S. military said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Interrogators will press Saddam for intel: "Saddam Hussein's interrogators are initially focusing on the former Iraqi president's ties to the guerrilla war, pressing him for intelligence about impending attacks and the locations of resistance leaders, U.S. officials said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Close calls preceded U.S. raid for Saddam: "Eight months and four days after the fall of Baghdad, it fell to soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division and a secretive team of commandos to pry Saddam Hussein from a hole in the ground far smaller than the craters made by U.S. bombs that missed him on the war's opening night."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's Capture Gives Bush Huge Boost: "Saddam Hussein's capture lifted a huge political weight from President Bush after months of rising casualties and growing doubts about his handling of Iraq. Around the world, it sent a thundering message of America's resolve to prevail in the war against terrorism. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Captured 'Like a Rat' Near Home Town: "U.S. troops captured a bearded,unkempt Saddam Hussein hiding "like a rat" in a hole near hishome town, handing President Bush a major coup after arelentless rise in military casualties in Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. captures haggard Saddam in Iraq pit: "Without firing a shot, American forces captured a bearded and haggard-looking Saddam Hussein in a dirt pit across a river from one of his former palaces near his hometown of Tikrit, ending one of the most intensive manhunts in history. The arrest was a huge victory for U.S. forces battling an insurgency by the ousted dictator's followers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Leftist Israeli lawmakers visit outposts: "Dovish lawmakers and peace activists visited unauthorized Israeli outposts on Sunday to refute claims they were demolished by the Israeli government under terms of a U.S.-backed peace plan."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis want Saddam tried in Baghdad: "The interim Iraqi government said Sunday it wants to try Saddam Hussein before a special tribunal, but a human rights group voiced deep concern about the legitimacy of the newly established panel."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis surprised Saddam didn't fight: "Saddam Hussein should have put up a fight or committed suicide, stunned Iraqis said Sunday after watching images of their fallen leader, haggard and humiliated, in American custody."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
4 U.S. soldiers injured in Kuwait attacks: "Four U.S. soldiers were slightly injured Sunday after their truck convoys came under fire in two separate attacks in Kuwait, a U.S. military spokesman said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam's fall: From palaces to filthy pit: "A man who lived in sprawling palaces was pulled from a hole in the dirt. A man who challenged the greatest armies in the world was arrested without firing a shot. A man who embezzled billions of dollars and put his image on every Iraqi bank note was found with a single suitcase of cash - bearing the face of an American, Benjamin Franklin."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
New Iraqi Leaders Confront Their Former Dictator: "Saddam Hussein was said to be defiant and unrepentant in a meeting with four members of the Governing Council."
In New York Times: World Special
Car Bomb West of Baghdad Kills at Least 17: "It was the deadliest attack on American-led forces since two police stations near Baghdad were hit with car bombs three weeks ago."
In New York Times: World Special
The Hunt for Bin Laden Is More Complex, Experts Say: "There were more local Iraqi sources who could be recruited than in the area where Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding out."
In New York Times: World Special
President Bush's remarks on the Capture of Saddam Hussein: "President Bush: "Yesterday, December the 13th, at around 8:30 p.m. Baghdad time, United States military forces captured Saddam Hussein alive. He was found near a farmhouse outside the city of Tikrit, in a swift raid conducted without casualties. And now the former dictator of Iraq will face the justice he denied to millions. The capture of this man was crucial to the rise of a free Iraq. It marks the end of the road for him, and for all who bullied and killed in his name. For the Baathist holdouts largely responsible for the current violence, there will be no return to the corrupt power and privilege they once held. For the vast majority of Iraqi citizens who wish to live as free men and women, this event brings further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever.""
In Electronic Iraq
Let Us Rejoice at Saddam's Capture: "Now that Saddam has been captured, it may be useful to refresh Western memory on a few things before the media wipes the historical slate clean. Remember when we all started hating Saddam Hussein in 1990? Why didn't we hate him before? Probably because he was gassing Kurds, developing weapons of mass destruction and torturing his own people, but with Western, primarily US money and weaponry. He did the wrong thing in 1990 and threatened US-UK interests by invading Kuwait to solve legitimate longstanding historical grievances, including the ongoing Kuwaiti theft of Iraqi oil. All attempts to resolve the crisis through negotiations were rebuffed by the US, negotiations which could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Darren Ell writes this opinion piece for Electronic Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
Samarra-US Military Using Weapons of Mass Deception?: "On November 30th, in Samarra, US military officials reported a raging firefight between US forces and resistance fighters. Reports suggested a large, highly organized ambush on US troops within the city by mujahideen and Fedayin fighters. Occupation forces responded fiercely, killing 54 Iraqis, according to General Peter Pace, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace stated; "They attacked and they were killed, so I think it will be instructive to them." The story the people of Samarra are telling about the fight goes something like this: US soldiers were guarding a delivery of money to the bank in Samarra, gunfire was heard in the distance and the jumpy Americans opened fire, riddling the city center with bullets, killing 8 civilians and wounding 50 in the process. Dahr Jamail reports for Electronic Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
"This is the better life?": "Today there was a demonstration that marched over the Tigris River to the CPA, concerning detainees and the plight of many innocents currently jailed by the occupation forces. It was a small demonstration, but the potential for problems with the US military was high due to the fact that it didn't attempt to get a permit from the CPA to march. Nonetheless, it went off without any major problems--only a little harassment and warning by some US soldiers as the procession moved past one of the gates into the CPA compound. Soldiers approached with guns, while those manning the heavy machine guns at the gate kept their guns pointed in the direction of the demonstration."
In Electronic Iraq
Anger in Ramadi: "There was, after all, a welcome in Ramadi. I can't say the rumours that it's dangerous are exaggerated, but my hands were not cut off and wherever I went people gave me chai, invited me in and wanted to talk. It's true there was a constant percussion of gunfire, but Thursday afternoon is peak time for weddings and a lot of firing in the air goes on. We were outside the army base to ask the commander for an explanation about the raid which killed Ibrahim and Sabah Odai and their cousin Mohammed when guns were pointed at us and we were surrounded by an incoming convoy of humvees. They were already "on lock down" when we got there, apparently having some warning of the attack on the other side of the palace which, a couple of minutes later, made the ground quake as I haven't felt since the war and the appointment with Captain Galloway was postponed by implication. Jo Wilding writes from Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
The mood on campus: "We didn't move for twenty minutes. The petrol queues, combined with the usual chaos of intersections, had packed the traffic solidly so that, if you had an inch either end to rock back and forth in, you counted yourself lucky. Passengers got out of cars and passers-by came off pavements to marshal cars onto the pavement, which freed a bit of space in the middle of the jam though another crisis came up in the shape of a heap of bricks and sand further up the alley. Hussam's college, when we finally reached it, is Nahrain University, which used to be Saddam's university. A plinth at the entrance with a ragged stump on top marks his demise. Jo Wilding writes about the experience of a university community."
In Electronic Iraq
Ahmed and Ali: "Ahmed volunteered for the last 15 days of the war as an ambulance driver. He started out trying to bring bodies and injured people to the hospital in his car, but as only one of the hospital's ambulances in use during the later two thirds of war, he and his friend Ali started using a second one instead of the car. "I brought five hundred bodies and many injured people. I brought all of them to Saddam Children's Hospital [part of the Baghdad Medical City] because it was the only one that was still functioning. I never even saw a dead body before and they took me to the morgue and there were 80 bodies there." Jo Wilding writes from Iraq."
In Electronic Iraq
The end of resistance?: "The BBC's defence correspondent looks at the implications of Saddam's capture on the future of order in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Capture not likely to stop Iraq attacks: "The capture of Saddam Hussein, eight months on the run and found hiding in a hole beneath a two-room mud house near his hometown, was unlikely to destroy the anti-U.S. guerrilla insurgency, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush says Saddam to face justice: "Saddam Hussein now faces the "justice he denied to millions," President Bush said Sunday, declaring a repressive era in Iraq over but cautioning that attacks on U.S.-led troops would continue."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad council hears of capture in U.S.: "Four members of Baghdad's city council had just arrived in Colorado to start a tour of U.S. cities and lessons in democracy when the news came in that their country's former dictator had been captured."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. 4th Infantry celebrate in Tikrit: "Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division, who all but missed the invasion of Iraq but have been at the front line of postwar hostilities, spent Sunday afternoon smoking cigars after scoring the allies' biggest triumph since the fall of Baghdad."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Results show Turkish Cypriots deadlocked: "The Turkish Cypriot opposition took a slim lead Sunday in crucial parliamentary elections that will shape the future of divided Cyprus and help define Turkey's relations with the European Union, early election results showed."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Suspicious hole leads soldiers to Saddam: "When darkness fell, the Americans moved into position, 600 of them, from infantrymen to elite special forces. Their target: two houses in this rural village of orange, lemon and palm groves. Someone big was inside, they were told. But when they struck, they found nothing."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Ex-Leader, Found Hiding in Hole, Is Detained Without a Fight: "By EDWARD WONG"
In New York Times: World Special
President Sees 'a Hopeful Day' for Iraqi People: "The president told Iraqis that they need not fear the return of Saddam Hussein and pledged that he will face justice."
In New York Times: World Special
Tony Blair's Statement On The Capture Of Saddam Hussein: "Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Full text: prime minister's statement
I thought it only proper to include some of our greatest ally's speech on the capture of Saddam Hussein. Thank you Tony Blair.
Where his rule meant terror and division and brutality, let his capture bring about reconciliation and peace between all the people in Iraq."
Saddam is gone from power. He will not be coming back. That the Iraqi people now know, and it is they who will decide his future.
And in Iraq today we work hard, the coalition forces from 30 different nations and Iraqis who love their country and who work hard with us to rebuild Iraq to nurture its wealth for all its people.
In the timetable we have established, power will be handed over to the Iraqis to run Iraq as a sovereign, independent state, based on the principles of justice, democracy and the rule of law.
[....]
The rebirth of Iraq is the death of their attempt to sell the lie that we are fighting Muslims. Muslims were Saddam's victims. Muslims, today in Iraq, the beneficiaries of his demise.
Let's remember all those Iraqis who died under Saddam. The remains of 400,000 human beings already found in mass graves.
So this is a time for celebration, but it is also a time to look forward, to unify and to reconcile.
Our thanks go to the coalition forces and the intelligence services who brought about Saddam's capture. Once again, they have proved their professionalism, their courage, and their commitment.
In Command Post: Irak
Iraqi-Americans celebrate Saddam capture in CNN - War in Iraq
The end of resistance?: "The BBC's defence correspondent looks at the implications of Saddam's capture on the future of order in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
A tyrant falls...: "... and everybody keeps on spinning. The President took the opportunity to again falsely linkSaddam Hussein to international fundamentalist Islamic terrorists. Meanwhile, Joe Lieberman sunk to his lowest moment of an already spotty career with this extreme example of opportunism: "If Howard Dean had his way, Saddam Hussein would be in power today, not in prison,? Lieberman told NBC's "Meet the Press." Some of us just left the ABBA party."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Saddam arrested: "The haggard, disheveled man with a long beard arrested in a farm house in Tikrit bore little resemblance to the image of Saddam Hussein so often seen by the rest of the world. Iraqis celebrated in the streets at the news of their long-time oppresser's capture. There is little doubt that Saddam will be tried by the newly-formed human rights tribunal.
But what is unclear is whether his arrest will stem the rising insurgency as the administration has been wont to claim."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Bush's statement in full: "The full text of the US president's televised speech following the capture of the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Blair statement in full: "UK prime minister Tony Blair, speaking from Downing Street, gives his reaction to the news of Saddam Hussein's capture"
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Car bomb at Iraqi police station kills 17: "A suspected suicide attacker detonated a car bomb outside an Iraqi police station Sunday near Baghdad, killing at least 17 people and wounding 33 others, hours before the announcement of Saddam Hussein's capture, the U.S. military said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Interrogators will press Saddam for intel: "Saddam Hussein's interrogators are initially focusing on the former Iraqi president's ties to the guerrilla war, pressing him for intelligence about impending attacks and the locations of resistance leaders, U.S. officials said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Close calls preceded U.S. raid for Saddam: "Eight months and four days after the fall of Baghdad, it fell to soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division and a secretive team of commandos to pry Saddam Hussein from a hole in the ground far smaller than the craters made by U.S. bombs that missed him on the war's opening night."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Turks.US - Captured Saddam Talkative, Cooperative: U.S.
Sunday, December 14 2003 @ 09:44 AM Eastern Standard Time
Contributed by: Admin
Views: 28
CAIRO, December 14 - Representatives of U.S. occupation authority and the U.S.-installed Governing Council Sunday, December 14 , confirmed the capture of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, during a celebratory news conference aired live by Arab and foreign televisions.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we got him," Paul Bremer - U.S. administrator of the oil-rich Arab country - declared at the start of the news conference, amid loud cheers and applaud from some of the attending reporters, and to the apparent satisfaction of Bremer.
"The tyrant is a prisoner," Bremer said, adding that it was time for Iraqis to look forward to reconciliation.
Commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, gave a quick briefing about the mega-weight capture.
"Today is a great day for Iraq and Coalition. At 8 pm local time, Saturday, December13 , a4 th infantry division mounted an operation called Red-Dawn to capture Saddam," he said, adding some 600 soldiers took part in the operation.
The U.S. commander went on to describe how intelligence came in at10 :50 pm, specifying two possible locations where Saddam could have been hiding.
Accordingly, American troops were divided into two teams and moved "under the cover of darkness and lightening speed".
The two locations were in and around the city of Addwar, some 30 kms south of Saddam's northern hometown of Tikrit.
Initially, the two teams failed to find the ousted leader - on the run for over7 months now.
As a result, the U.S. forces cordoned the area and started a thorough search, according to Sanchez.
Accidentally, they spotted a small hub-mud, inside which a spider hole was detected, camouflaged by mud.
Saddam was hiding at the bottom of the hole -6 - 8feet deep.
Sanchez added the arrest came with "no resistance, not even a single shot fired".
Two other unidentified Iraqis were also captured with Saddam who was then removed to a secure area.
Sanchez further said that Saddam was "talkative and cooperative".
When asked to elaborate on that Sanchez said; "He was cooperative, resigned, tired man and also a man resigned to his fate".
The American commander then showed a video clip, filmed by the U.S. forces themselves, where a dusty, tired Saddam was being given a medical examination after his capture.
He was then shown on the video clip after he was shaved. Also, the spider hole he was reportedly captured in was shown.
Then, two snapshots of Saddam - one before and after the capture and another containing a file photo and one after he was shaved.
During the Iraq invasion, U.S. senior officials, topped by President George Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld criticized the Iraqis and Arab news channels for showing U.S. war prisoners on TV, calling it a war crime and threatening to hold Iraqi officials accountable.
Upon the start of the movie clip, the hall of the news conference burst into loud cheers and screams of joy from some reporters attending, shouting anti-Saddam slogans.
"We want to get even (with Saddam)!", "Criminal Saddam!", "Long Live Iraq"…etc.
Acting head of the Iraqi Governing Council, Dr Adnan Pachachi, had to use a handkerchief to wipe his tears (out of joy) while the video clip was on.
"It honors me on behalf of the Governing Council to extend the sincerest congratulations to the Iraqi people on this historic, happy day.
"The state of fear, secret police and oppression has gone forever," said a jubilant Pachachi, a former foreign minister before Saddam came to power.
"I call on the Governing Council to declare this a national holiday," he added.
When asked whether the transfer of power from the U.S.-led occupation authority will now be accelerated after Saddam's capture, Pachachi said: "There will be an independent Iraqi government without oversight from anyone.
"As I said, we are working on the law that will administer Iraq during the transitional period and before the end of June there will be an Iraqi government with complete sovereignty."
Pachachi also said that the Iraqi people will have opportunity to vote on new constitution. "We are at the service of the people of Iraq," he said.
Turks.US - Captured Saddam Talkative, Cooperative: U.S.
Contributed by: Admin
Views: 28
CAIRO, December 14 - Representatives of U.S. occupation authority and the U.S.-installed Governing Council Sunday, December 14 , confirmed the capture of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, during a celebratory news conference aired live by Arab and foreign televisions.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we got him," Paul Bremer - U.S. administrator of the oil-rich Arab country - declared at the start of the news conference, amid loud cheers and applaud from some of the attending reporters, and to the apparent satisfaction of Bremer.
"The tyrant is a prisoner," Bremer said, adding that it was time for Iraqis to look forward to reconciliation.
Commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, gave a quick briefing about the mega-weight capture.
"Today is a great day for Iraq and Coalition. At 8 pm local time, Saturday, December13 , a4 th infantry division mounted an operation called Red-Dawn to capture Saddam," he said, adding some 600 soldiers took part in the operation.
The U.S. commander went on to describe how intelligence came in at10 :50 pm, specifying two possible locations where Saddam could have been hiding.
Accordingly, American troops were divided into two teams and moved "under the cover of darkness and lightening speed".
The two locations were in and around the city of Addwar, some 30 kms south of Saddam's northern hometown of Tikrit.
Initially, the two teams failed to find the ousted leader - on the run for over7 months now.
As a result, the U.S. forces cordoned the area and started a thorough search, according to Sanchez.
Accidentally, they spotted a small hub-mud, inside which a spider hole was detected, camouflaged by mud.
Saddam was hiding at the bottom of the hole -6 - 8feet deep.
Sanchez added the arrest came with "no resistance, not even a single shot fired".
Two other unidentified Iraqis were also captured with Saddam who was then removed to a secure area.
Sanchez further said that Saddam was "talkative and cooperative".
When asked to elaborate on that Sanchez said; "He was cooperative, resigned, tired man and also a man resigned to his fate".
The American commander then showed a video clip, filmed by the U.S. forces themselves, where a dusty, tired Saddam was being given a medical examination after his capture.
He was then shown on the video clip after he was shaved. Also, the spider hole he was reportedly captured in was shown.
Then, two snapshots of Saddam - one before and after the capture and another containing a file photo and one after he was shaved.
During the Iraq invasion, U.S. senior officials, topped by President George Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld criticized the Iraqis and Arab news channels for showing U.S. war prisoners on TV, calling it a war crime and threatening to hold Iraqi officials accountable.
Upon the start of the movie clip, the hall of the news conference burst into loud cheers and screams of joy from some reporters attending, shouting anti-Saddam slogans.
"We want to get even (with Saddam)!", "Criminal Saddam!", "Long Live Iraq"…etc.
Acting head of the Iraqi Governing Council, Dr Adnan Pachachi, had to use a handkerchief to wipe his tears (out of joy) while the video clip was on.
"It honors me on behalf of the Governing Council to extend the sincerest congratulations to the Iraqi people on this historic, happy day.
"The state of fear, secret police and oppression has gone forever," said a jubilant Pachachi, a former foreign minister before Saddam came to power.
"I call on the Governing Council to declare this a national holiday," he added.
When asked whether the transfer of power from the U.S.-led occupation authority will now be accelerated after Saddam's capture, Pachachi said: "There will be an independent Iraqi government without oversight from anyone.
"As I said, we are working on the law that will administer Iraq during the transitional period and before the end of June there will be an Iraqi government with complete sovereignty."
Pachachi also said that the Iraqi people will have opportunity to vote on new constitution. "We are at the service of the people of Iraq," he said.
Turks.US - Captured Saddam Talkative, Cooperative: U.S.
BUTCHER OF BAGHDAD BEHIND BARS
Arrest 'removes shadow' - Blair: "Tony Blair welcomes the capture of Saddam Hussein, saying it removes the "shadow" of his return to Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Capture of Saddam: "The former dictator's arrest is an important moment for Iraqis, the coalition and the whole Middle East."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Iraqis celebrate Saddam capture: "Iraqi cities witness scenes of jubilation as locals celebrate reports of Saddam Hussein's capture."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam Hussein facts in CNN - War in Iraq
Saddam Believed Captured: "Gunfire has erupted in the streets of Baghdad as Iraqis celebrate the news from the Iraqi Governing Council that Saddam Hussein may be captured. People are driving through the capital, shouting, ?They got Saddam.?"
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Saddam Hussein 'arrested in Iraq': "Iraqi officials say they have been told that the ousted Iraqi leader has been captured by US forces in Tikrit."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Iraq Council Confirms Saddam Caught Alive: "U.S. military captured Saddam Hussein alive in his hometown of Tikrit on Sunday, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, the Iraqi Governing Council said. Celebratory gunfire erupted in Baghdad. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Told of Apparent Capture on Saturday-Official: "President Bush was told on Sundaythat there is a strong indication that ousted Iraqi presidentSaddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq, a senior white houseofficial said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Official: Saddam Dug Hole to Hide Himself: "Saddam Hussein, trapped in a cellar, dug a hole and buried himself as U.S. soldiers moved into the house where he was hiding, an Iraqi official said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"High value target" netted in Tikrit raid: Pentagon: "A senior Pentagon official confirmed that a "high value target" was captured during a raid in the Tikrit area. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Hussein 'arrested in Iraq': "Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown Tikrit, the coalition says."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Iraqis celebrate Saddam capture: "Iraqi cities witness scenes of jubilation as locals celebrate reports of Saddam Hussein's capture."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Official: Saddam dug hole to hide himself: "Saddam Hussein, trapped in a cellar, dug a hole and buried himself as U.S. soldiers moved into the house where he was hiding, an Iraqi official said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq council confirms Saddam caught alive: "U.S. military captured Saddam Hussein alive in his hometown of Tikrit on Sunday, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, the Iraqi Governing Council said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam Captured Alive, Iraq Official Says: "Associated Press, via MyWayNews :
Read the rest of the article here ."
In Command Post: Irak
20 killed in Iraq bomb - police in CNN - War in Iraq
Pictures of Tikrit night raid: "The US-led coalition is reviewing pay for soldiers of the New Iraqi Army after suffering the embarrassment of a mass walkout from the very first battalion as the American post-war combat death toll nears 200. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Hussein captured: Kurdish official: "Ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein has been captured in a raid by US forces backed by Kurdish fighters in his northern hometown of Tikrit, a senior Kurdish official told AFP. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam captured alive, Iraq official says: "Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown of Tikrit, a member of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Car bomb at Iraq police station kills 17: "A suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives in a car outside a police station Sunday morning west of Baghdad, killing at least 17 people and wounding 33 more, the U.S. military said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam possibly caught - U.S. in CNN - War in Iraq
Reports Saddam captured: "Reports are coming in that Saddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
'Eighteen dead' in police station car bomb: "A car bomb has exploded near a police station in west of Baghdad, killing and wounding dozens of people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Arrest 'removes shadow' - Blair: "Tony Blair welcomes the capture of Saddam Hussein, saying it removes the "shadow" of his return to Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Capture of Saddam: "The former dictator's arrest is an important moment for Iraqis, the coalition and the whole Middle East."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Iraqis celebrate Saddam capture: "Iraqi cities witness scenes of jubilation as locals celebrate reports of Saddam Hussein's capture."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Saddam Hussein facts in CNN - War in Iraq
Saddam Believed Captured: "Gunfire has erupted in the streets of Baghdad as Iraqis celebrate the news from the Iraqi Governing Council that Saddam Hussein may be captured. People are driving through the capital, shouting, ?They got Saddam.?"
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Saddam Hussein 'arrested in Iraq': "Iraqi officials say they have been told that the ousted Iraqi leader has been captured by US forces in Tikrit."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Iraq Council Confirms Saddam Caught Alive: "U.S. military captured Saddam Hussein alive in his hometown of Tikrit on Sunday, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, the Iraqi Governing Council said. Celebratory gunfire erupted in Baghdad. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Told of Apparent Capture on Saturday-Official: "President Bush was told on Sundaythat there is a strong indication that ousted Iraqi presidentSaddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq, a senior white houseofficial said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Official: Saddam Dug Hole to Hide Himself: "Saddam Hussein, trapped in a cellar, dug a hole and buried himself as U.S. soldiers moved into the house where he was hiding, an Iraqi official said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"High value target" netted in Tikrit raid: Pentagon: "A senior Pentagon official confirmed that a "high value target" was captured during a raid in the Tikrit area. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Hussein 'arrested in Iraq': "Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown Tikrit, the coalition says."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Iraqis celebrate Saddam capture: "Iraqi cities witness scenes of jubilation as locals celebrate reports of Saddam Hussein's capture."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Official: Saddam dug hole to hide himself: "Saddam Hussein, trapped in a cellar, dug a hole and buried himself as U.S. soldiers moved into the house where he was hiding, an Iraqi official said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq council confirms Saddam caught alive: "U.S. military captured Saddam Hussein alive in his hometown of Tikrit on Sunday, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, the Iraqi Governing Council said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam Captured Alive, Iraq Official Says: "Associated Press, via MyWayNews :
Dec 14, 5:48 AM (ET)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown of Tikrit, a member of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council said Sunday.
Council member Dara Noor al-Din told The Associated Press that the council was informed of the former dictator's capture in a telephone call from L. Paul Bremer, the U.S. administrator for Iraq.
"Bremer has confirmed to the Governing Council that Saddam was captured in Tikrit," Noor al-Din said. "He spoke on the phone to several members, including Ahmad Chalabi."
Chalabi is a leading member of the council who has close links to the U.S. administration of President Bush.
Read the rest of the article here ."
In Command Post: Irak
20 killed in Iraq bomb - police in CNN - War in Iraq
Pictures of Tikrit night raid: "The US-led coalition is reviewing pay for soldiers of the New Iraqi Army after suffering the embarrassment of a mass walkout from the very first battalion as the American post-war combat death toll nears 200. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Hussein captured: Kurdish official: "Ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein has been captured in a raid by US forces backed by Kurdish fighters in his northern hometown of Tikrit, a senior Kurdish official told AFP. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam captured alive, Iraq official says: "Saddam Hussein has been captured alive in his hometown of Tikrit, a member of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Car bomb at Iraq police station kills 17: "A suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives in a car outside a police station Sunday morning west of Baghdad, killing at least 17 people and wounding 33 more, the U.S. military said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saddam possibly caught - U.S. in CNN - War in Iraq
Reports Saddam captured: "Reports are coming in that Saddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
'Eighteen dead' in police station car bomb: "A car bomb has exploded near a police station in west of Baghdad, killing and wounding dozens of people."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Iraq War News
Halliburton Denies Iraq Overcharges: "Amid controversy surrounding its WhiteHouse links, Halliburton Co. on Friday denied it overbilled thegovernment for military contracts in Iraq and said it took amajor step toward settling costly asbestos litigation. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq Blast: "A U.S. soldier was fatally wounded andtwo others were hurt in a blast near the flashpoint Iraqi townof Ramadi, west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Friday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
The Joe Dimaggio of comics: "Doonesbury has been nailing the hypocrisy of the Great Baghdad Turkey Shoot of '03all week. From Thursday's strip:
President Bush (as floating centurion helmet): Better to be fighting 'em here than in your hometown, eh, son?
Young Soldier: My hometown, sir? You think Baathist guerrillas would come to Yankton, South Dakota?
Unseen Officer: Soldier! Your CINC is asking you a rhetorical question!
Young Soldier: "Oh ... Sir! Yes, sir! Better here than Yankton!""
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Glance at $2.2B Halliburton Iraq Contract: "Halliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney's former company, has been awarded more than $2.2 billion for rebuilding Iraq's oilfields. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Halliburton Denies Iraq Overcharges: "Amid controversy surrounding its WhiteHouse links, Halliburton Co. on Friday denied it overbilled thegovernment for military contracts in Iraq and said it took amajor step toward settling costly asbestos litigation. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
4TH ID SOLDIERS CAPTURE FEDAYEEN AND CONFISCATE LARGE WEAPONS CACHE in CENTCOM: News Release
4TH ID REPORTS ACTIVITIES in CENTCOM: News Release
Bomb wounds 2 Polish troops in south Iraq: "A bomb made from a land mine exploded on the outskirts of the southern city of Mahaweel as a 19-man Polish convoy drove by Friday, wounding two soldiers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. officer fined for harsh interrogation tactics in CNN - War in Iraq
Bush warns Israel over Palestinian state: "President Bush warned Israel anew on Friday not to take actions that would make it harder to create a Palestinian state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. draws on Israeli methods for Iraq: "In fighting insurgents in Iraq, the United States is drawing on some of Israel's methods and experiences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including running checkpoints and tracking militants with drone aircraft, Israeli officials say."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Draws on Israeli Methods for Iraq: "In fighting insurgents in Iraq, the United States is drawing on some of Israel's methods and experiences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including running checkpoints and tracking militants with drone aircraft, Israeli officials say. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Expects Iraq Overcharges to Be Repaid: "President Bush said on Friday heexpected $61 million to be repaid to the U.S. government if aPentagon probe determines a Halliburton subsidiary overchargedfor fuel deliveries to Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
White House: No Conflict for Baker in Iraq Role: "The White House on Friday rejected aNew York Times editorial call for the U.S. special envoy onIraq debt, James Baker, to sever his private business tiesbecause of alleged conflicts of interest in his new role. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Halliburton Denies Iraq Overcharges: "Amid controversy surrounding its WhiteHouse links, Halliburton Co. on Friday denied it overbilled thegovernment for military contracts in Iraq and said it took amajor step toward settling costly asbestos litigation. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq Blast: "A U.S. soldier was fatally wounded andtwo others were hurt in a blast near the flashpoint Iraqi townof Ramadi, west of Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Friday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
The Joe Dimaggio of comics: "Doonesbury has been nailing the hypocrisy of the Great Baghdad Turkey Shoot of '03all week. From Thursday's strip:
President Bush (as floating centurion helmet): Better to be fighting 'em here than in your hometown, eh, son?
Young Soldier: My hometown, sir? You think Baathist guerrillas would come to Yankton, South Dakota?
Unseen Officer: Soldier! Your CINC is asking you a rhetorical question!
Young Soldier: "Oh ... Sir! Yes, sir! Better here than Yankton!""
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Glance at $2.2B Halliburton Iraq Contract: "Halliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney's former company, has been awarded more than $2.2 billion for rebuilding Iraq's oilfields. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Halliburton Denies Iraq Overcharges: "Amid controversy surrounding its WhiteHouse links, Halliburton Co. on Friday denied it overbilled thegovernment for military contracts in Iraq and said it took amajor step toward settling costly asbestos litigation. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
4TH ID SOLDIERS CAPTURE FEDAYEEN AND CONFISCATE LARGE WEAPONS CACHE in CENTCOM: News Release
4TH ID REPORTS ACTIVITIES in CENTCOM: News Release
Bomb wounds 2 Polish troops in south Iraq: "A bomb made from a land mine exploded on the outskirts of the southern city of Mahaweel as a 19-man Polish convoy drove by Friday, wounding two soldiers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. officer fined for harsh interrogation tactics in CNN - War in Iraq
Bush warns Israel over Palestinian state: "President Bush warned Israel anew on Friday not to take actions that would make it harder to create a Palestinian state."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. draws on Israeli methods for Iraq: "In fighting insurgents in Iraq, the United States is drawing on some of Israel's methods and experiences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including running checkpoints and tracking militants with drone aircraft, Israeli officials say."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Draws on Israeli Methods for Iraq: "In fighting insurgents in Iraq, the United States is drawing on some of Israel's methods and experiences in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including running checkpoints and tracking militants with drone aircraft, Israeli officials say. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Expects Iraq Overcharges to Be Repaid: "President Bush said on Friday heexpected $61 million to be repaid to the U.S. government if aPentagon probe determines a Halliburton subsidiary overchargedfor fuel deliveries to Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
White House: No Conflict for Baker in Iraq Role: "The White House on Friday rejected aNew York Times editorial call for the U.S. special envoy onIraq debt, James Baker, to sever his private business tiesbecause of alleged conflicts of interest in his new role. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Friday, December 12, 2003
Beth-Bingham-Reporter
Packages to Troops
Thanks to the generosity of Union schools and this community, we were able to send 25 packages to 12 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division (4/1 FA)!! They will have happier holidays because of all of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart….
Beth Bingham
PAM (Proud Army Mom) of Specialist Anthony Bingham, Baghdad, Iraq
Weight of package Cost to send
1. 12 lbs 1.5 oz $ 20.99
2. 10 lbs 2 oz 19.15
3. 13 lbs 13 oz 21.84
4. 27 lbs 4 oz 30.32
5. 26 lbs 4 oz 29.87
6. 25 lbs 2 oz 29.39
7. 40 lbs 9 oz 37.79
8. 12 lbs 10 oz 20.99
9. 12 lbs 6 oz 20.99
10. 13 lbs 12.5 oz 21.84
11. 13 lbs 1 oz 21.84
12. 12 lbs .5 oz 20.99
13. 14 lbs 4.5 oz 22.64
14. 14 lbs 14 oz 22.64
15. 13 lbs 15.5 oz 21.84
16. 12 lbs 3 oz 20.99
17. 18 lbs 3 oz 25.48
18. 14 lbs 10.5 oz 22.64
19. 25 lbs 5 oz 28.90
20. 24 lbs 4 oz 28.39
21. 18 lbs 3 oz 25.38
22. 10 lbs 15.5 oz 19.15
23. 23 lbs .5 oz 28.39
24. 11 lbs 15 oz 20.10
25. 21 lbs 14.5 oz 27.30
TOTAL: 443 lbs 12.5 oz $609.94
My community, Union, OR, is a small town of 2000 people. Needless to say, I was STUNNED and GRATEFUL that people cared so much! This is what supporting our troops is all about! So proud to be an American!!
Beth Bingham
Commander Buzzard
Beth-Bingham-Reporter
Thanks to the generosity of Union schools and this community, we were able to send 25 packages to 12 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division (4/1 FA)!! They will have happier holidays because of all of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart….
Beth Bingham
PAM (Proud Army Mom) of Specialist Anthony Bingham, Baghdad, Iraq
Weight of package Cost to send
1. 12 lbs 1.5 oz $ 20.99
2. 10 lbs 2 oz 19.15
3. 13 lbs 13 oz 21.84
4. 27 lbs 4 oz 30.32
5. 26 lbs 4 oz 29.87
6. 25 lbs 2 oz 29.39
7. 40 lbs 9 oz 37.79
8. 12 lbs 10 oz 20.99
9. 12 lbs 6 oz 20.99
10. 13 lbs 12.5 oz 21.84
11. 13 lbs 1 oz 21.84
12. 12 lbs .5 oz 20.99
13. 14 lbs 4.5 oz 22.64
14. 14 lbs 14 oz 22.64
15. 13 lbs 15.5 oz 21.84
16. 12 lbs 3 oz 20.99
17. 18 lbs 3 oz 25.48
18. 14 lbs 10.5 oz 22.64
19. 25 lbs 5 oz 28.90
20. 24 lbs 4 oz 28.39
21. 18 lbs 3 oz 25.38
22. 10 lbs 15.5 oz 19.15
23. 23 lbs .5 oz 28.39
24. 11 lbs 15 oz 20.10
25. 21 lbs 14.5 oz 27.30
TOTAL: 443 lbs 12.5 oz $609.94
My community, Union, OR, is a small town of 2000 people. Needless to say, I was STUNNED and GRATEFUL that people cared so much! This is what supporting our troops is all about! So proud to be an American!!
Beth Bingham
Commander Buzzard
Beth-Bingham-Reporter
Marine Corps News> Soldiers, Marines and Iraqi Police Restore Law and Order on Streets
Submitted by: 1st Force Service Support Group
Story Identification Number: 20035445715
Story by Cpl. Jeremy M. Vought
AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq(May 4, 2003) -- The Iraqis were victimized and harassed for over 30 years by Saddam Hussein's evil regime, so restoring civil law and order after a conflict such as Operation Iraqi Freedom is not an easy task. Especially when supporters of that now shattered regime still wreak havoc on the newly liberated Iraqi people in the streets of their very own cities. Not to mention that the Iraqi police force was used as an evil tool against the people instead of a protecting force for the people.
The Army's 716th Military Police Battalion, alongside 1st Marine Division Marines and Iraqi police, has been keeping the streets of Iraq safe and secure so those walking on those streets can breathe the breath of freedom without fear.
On top of providing a military police presence in the cities, the 716th is securing and protecting all the main supply routes used by the 1st Force Service Support Group in south and central Iraq. Coming to 600 kilometers of MSR enforcement in all, says Army Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, 716th battalion commander.
In an arrangement not seen by many in the past, the battalion, instead of deploying with it's 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
They were then assigned to the 1st FSSG. Because the FSSG was tasked with missions such as enemy prisoner of war handling and MSR regulation and enforcement missions but lacked the Marine MP assets, higher officials decided the Marine Corps needed a combat support MP battalion, and the 716th stepped up to the challenge.
The Fort Campbell, Ky., based battalion packed their bags and arrived to support the 1st FSSG. But on top of the five Army combat support MP companies that deployed, they were also supplemented with two reserve Marine MP companies.
"Bringing it all together as a team has been a positive challenge," Orlando said.
With around a 1,200-soldier and Marine battalion, "we have a lot of capabilities," said Orlando.
The battalion's fleet of over 400 armored HMMWV's is battle fitted with heavy machine guns and grenade launchers to provide support for just about any mission. The battalion is also trained for civil disturbance response, equipped with riot gear. For night patrols the MP's carry a large infrared spotlight that virtually diminishes every shadow, but only those with night vision goggles on can see.
On top of providing convoy security, the battalion successful handled and processed over 1,400 EPW's for the 1st FSSG with "a lot of compassion and professionalism," Orlando said.
Now that the war-fighting phase is coming to close and coalition forces are focusing efforts on the next phase of security and stabilization, 716th isn't packing up their bags yet, rather the workload has increased over their shoulders.
"We're working just as hard or harder now than during combat operations," Orlando said.
"We're now transitioning to law and enforcement," the 42-year-old Nashville, Tenn. native said. "Expanding our law enforcement operations adds stability for the FSSG to operate safely in this phase and allows the Iraqi cities to get their own police forces up and running," he said.
Once much of the fighting ceased, coalition forces found that the Iraqi police infrastructure was almost entirely diminished because the police force was made primarily of Baath party members who were killed or are now in hiding. Because of the corruption of the police force within Iraq, officials are now in the process of building new police units the Iraqi people can turn to instead of fear.
"Each town is starting nearly at ground zero," Orlando explained. Some police departments have no vehicles; others, no uniforms; others, no weapons; and others, very little personnel, he said.
The Iraqi police force is making a new name for itself in the local population.
"We are giving them old Coast Guard uniforms with orange vests to change their look," said Army 1st Lt. John R. Braun Jr., future plans officer by day and 3/5-liaison officer by night for 716th MP Battalion. "They're winning back their credibility with the people by acting like law enforcement officers vice before."
"We're here to work with the Iraqi police in each city to help them stand back up again," Orlando said. "That's the overall goal."
On top of working with the still forming Iraqi police forces, the MP battalion is teaming up with various Marine units to secure cities and continue to keep the streets safe.
"716th is working hand-in-hand with Marine task force commanders who have the responsibility for each respected city in order to provide professional law enforcement support to the area," says Orlando. Those cities include An Nasiryah, Al Kut and Ad Diwaniyah.
In Ad Diwaniyah, for example, the soldiers work with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Marines to safeguard the civilians and coalition forces operating within the city limits by setting up mobile traffic control points, mobile patrols and sudden response forces. On one recent night they inspected 132 vehicles that were out beyond the set curfew and confiscated one AK-47 machine gun with ammo as well as detaining a drunk who was found to have grenades on him, according to Braun.
Ever since the MP's have begun their nightly patrols they have seen crime on the downslide. They've gone from seeing looting, sporadic shootings and finding large amounts of weapons each night to virtually nothing, Braun said.
"Crime is drastically decreasing around Ad Diwaniyah," he says. "The people are happy we're out there. They feel more secureMarine Corps News> Soldiers, Marines and Iraqi Police Restore Law and Order on Streets
Story Identification Number: 20035445715
Story by Cpl. Jeremy M. Vought
AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq(May 4, 2003) -- The Iraqis were victimized and harassed for over 30 years by Saddam Hussein's evil regime, so restoring civil law and order after a conflict such as Operation Iraqi Freedom is not an easy task. Especially when supporters of that now shattered regime still wreak havoc on the newly liberated Iraqi people in the streets of their very own cities. Not to mention that the Iraqi police force was used as an evil tool against the people instead of a protecting force for the people.
The Army's 716th Military Police Battalion, alongside 1st Marine Division Marines and Iraqi police, has been keeping the streets of Iraq safe and secure so those walking on those streets can breathe the breath of freedom without fear.
On top of providing a military police presence in the cities, the 716th is securing and protecting all the main supply routes used by the 1st Force Service Support Group in south and central Iraq. Coming to 600 kilometers of MSR enforcement in all, says Army Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, 716th battalion commander.
In an arrangement not seen by many in the past, the battalion, instead of deploying with it's 101st Airborne Division, deployed with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
They were then assigned to the 1st FSSG. Because the FSSG was tasked with missions such as enemy prisoner of war handling and MSR regulation and enforcement missions but lacked the Marine MP assets, higher officials decided the Marine Corps needed a combat support MP battalion, and the 716th stepped up to the challenge.
The Fort Campbell, Ky., based battalion packed their bags and arrived to support the 1st FSSG. But on top of the five Army combat support MP companies that deployed, they were also supplemented with two reserve Marine MP companies.
"Bringing it all together as a team has been a positive challenge," Orlando said.
With around a 1,200-soldier and Marine battalion, "we have a lot of capabilities," said Orlando.
The battalion's fleet of over 400 armored HMMWV's is battle fitted with heavy machine guns and grenade launchers to provide support for just about any mission. The battalion is also trained for civil disturbance response, equipped with riot gear. For night patrols the MP's carry a large infrared spotlight that virtually diminishes every shadow, but only those with night vision goggles on can see.
On top of providing convoy security, the battalion successful handled and processed over 1,400 EPW's for the 1st FSSG with "a lot of compassion and professionalism," Orlando said.
Now that the war-fighting phase is coming to close and coalition forces are focusing efforts on the next phase of security and stabilization, 716th isn't packing up their bags yet, rather the workload has increased over their shoulders.
"We're working just as hard or harder now than during combat operations," Orlando said.
"We're now transitioning to law and enforcement," the 42-year-old Nashville, Tenn. native said. "Expanding our law enforcement operations adds stability for the FSSG to operate safely in this phase and allows the Iraqi cities to get their own police forces up and running," he said.
Once much of the fighting ceased, coalition forces found that the Iraqi police infrastructure was almost entirely diminished because the police force was made primarily of Baath party members who were killed or are now in hiding. Because of the corruption of the police force within Iraq, officials are now in the process of building new police units the Iraqi people can turn to instead of fear.
"Each town is starting nearly at ground zero," Orlando explained. Some police departments have no vehicles; others, no uniforms; others, no weapons; and others, very little personnel, he said.
The Iraqi police force is making a new name for itself in the local population.
"We are giving them old Coast Guard uniforms with orange vests to change their look," said Army 1st Lt. John R. Braun Jr., future plans officer by day and 3/5-liaison officer by night for 716th MP Battalion. "They're winning back their credibility with the people by acting like law enforcement officers vice before."
"We're here to work with the Iraqi police in each city to help them stand back up again," Orlando said. "That's the overall goal."
On top of working with the still forming Iraqi police forces, the MP battalion is teaming up with various Marine units to secure cities and continue to keep the streets safe.
"716th is working hand-in-hand with Marine task force commanders who have the responsibility for each respected city in order to provide professional law enforcement support to the area," says Orlando. Those cities include An Nasiryah, Al Kut and Ad Diwaniyah.
In Ad Diwaniyah, for example, the soldiers work with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Marines to safeguard the civilians and coalition forces operating within the city limits by setting up mobile traffic control points, mobile patrols and sudden response forces. On one recent night they inspected 132 vehicles that were out beyond the set curfew and confiscated one AK-47 machine gun with ammo as well as detaining a drunk who was found to have grenades on him, according to Braun.
Ever since the MP's have begun their nightly patrols they have seen crime on the downslide. They've gone from seeing looting, sporadic shootings and finding large amounts of weapons each night to virtually nothing, Braun said.
"Crime is drastically decreasing around Ad Diwaniyah," he says. "The people are happy we're out there. They feel more secureMarine Corps News> Soldiers, Marines and Iraqi Police Restore Law and Order on Streets
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Iraq Updates
Iraq Tribunal Eyes Saddam Trial; 2 U.S. Soldiers Killed: "A special Iraqi court will try SaddamHussein in absentia for crimes against humanity, if thefugitive dictator is not caught or killed, and bring keymembers of his regime before the tribunal, officials said onWednesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Names U.N. Interim Envoy to Iraq: "Iraq is still too dangerous to reopen the U.N. office in Baghdad, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Wednesday after appointing a replacement for the top envoy to Iraq, who was killed in an August suicide bombing along with 21 other people. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. faces backlash over contracts in CNN - War in Iraq
CIA Plans Iraqi Domestic Spy Service, Newspaper Reports: "The United States plans to set up anIraqi intelligence service to spy on groups and individualsinside Iraq that are targeting U.S. troops and civilians, TheWashington Post reported on Thursday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Arafat dismisses Israeli settlement idea: "Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Wednesday dismissed as meaningless the Israeli premier's hints of evacuating some Jewish settlements, while a meeting of Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers raised hopes for renewed peace talks."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Annan Rules Out UN Return to Iraq in Near Future: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan said on Wednesday that Iraq was still too dangerous forU.N. foreign staff to return but indicated he was willing toplay a bigger role once the U.S.-led occupation ended. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israeli troops, Palestinians clash in Gaza: "Israeli troops battled Palestinians in a Gaza refugee camp on the Egyptian border early Thursday. Residents said two Palestinians were wounded."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
US defends Iraq contracts ban: "The White House says its policy on Iraq tenders aims to encourage more countries to join the coalition."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Protesters in Syria call for freedoms: "In a highly unusual protest, more than 150 Syrian pro-democracy activists staged a sit-in Wednesday outside the prime minister's office in downtown Damascus, calling for more freedoms, the release of political prisoners and the abolition of the country's emergency law."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. faces backlash over contracts in CNN - War in Iraq
US president calls French, German, Russian leaders by phone: "US President George W. Bush called French President Jacques Chirac, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to talk about Iraqi debt, White House officials said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Who saw that coming?: " The US, again showing the selectiveness of its free-trade obsession, just officially banned French, Russian, and German companies from getting reconstruction contracts in Iraq. The New York Times' source for this appears to be this document (PDF) from rebuilding-iraq.net,..."
In Catalyzer Newsroom
Lebanon: Bomb plot on U.S. embassy foiled: "Lebanese authorities said they halted a bomb attack against the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, arresting two men outside the compound, one of whom was carrying more than two pounds of explosives."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Annan says Iraq still too dangerous for UN: "UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ruled out quickly resuming a major UN role in postwar Iraq, saying the country remains too dangerous to put his staff at risk. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Welcomes New Iraqi Envoy to U.S.: "President Bush welcomed Rend Rahim Francke to the White House on Wednesday, praising the woman who comes the closest to being Iraq's first ambassador to the United States since a diplomatic break 13 years ago. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S.-Europe Split on Iraq Takes New Turn: "The Bush administration has reopened an emotional rift with Europe - just as its damaged relations with Germany, France and Russia seemed on the mend. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"A Great Day for Iraq": "Blogger Zeyad of Healing Iraq:
Read the rest. Zeyad also has plenty of pictures."
In Command Post: Irak
Israel, Palestinians have new aid effort: "The Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers announced a new effort Wednesday to improve the distribution of international aid in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as donors expressed impatience over the stalled Mideast peace process."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Saddam Fedayeen Officer: "U.S. troops shot and killed a senior officer of the paramilitary group Saddam Fedayeen after storming his house in this northern city on Wednesday, his neighbors said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq Bids Ban Reopens Diplomatic Rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Calls Iraq Contract Restrictions Appropriate: "The United States said on Wednesdayits decision to bar Iraq war opponents like France, Germany andRussia from $18.6 billion in U.S. reconstruction projects wasappropriate and an inducement for countries to commit troopsand provide other support. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Pentagon: Many of New Iraq Soldiers Quit: "Plans to deploy the first battalion of Iraq's new army are in doubt because a third of the soldiers trained by the U.S.-led occupation authority have quit, defense officials said Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
On Killing Children: An Open Letter to US Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty (10 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Iran's Nobel Winner Hits Out at U.S. Foreign Policy (10 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Pentagon: Barring bidders not punitive: "The U.S. government's decision to bar firms based in countries that oppose the Iraq war from bidding on contracts for Iraqi reconstruction projects was not meant to punish them, a Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq bids ban reopens diplomatic rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Saddam Fedayeen Officer: "U.S. troops shot and killed a senior officer of the paramilitary group Saddam Fedayeen after storming his house in this northern city on Wednesday, his neighbors said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq Bids Ban Reopens Diplomatic Rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Rules Out U.N. Return to Iraq in Near Future: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan on Wednesday said Iraq was still too dangerous for U.N.international staff to return but indicated he was willing toplay a bigger role once the U.S.-led occupation ended. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL AMERICAN? CAPTURES SPANISH ATTACKERS in CENTCOM: News Release
4TH ID CAPTURES CRIMINALS, CONFISCATES WEAPONS in CENTCOM: News Release
U.S. raids net dozens of Iraqi insurgents in CNN - War in Iraq
Iraq Tribunal Eyes Saddam Trial; 2 U.S. Soldiers Killed: "A special Iraqi court will try SaddamHussein in absentia for crimes against humanity, if thefugitive dictator is not caught or killed, and bring keymembers of his regime before the tribunal, officials said onWednesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Names U.N. Interim Envoy to Iraq: "Iraq is still too dangerous to reopen the U.N. office in Baghdad, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Wednesday after appointing a replacement for the top envoy to Iraq, who was killed in an August suicide bombing along with 21 other people. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. faces backlash over contracts in CNN - War in Iraq
CIA Plans Iraqi Domestic Spy Service, Newspaper Reports: "The United States plans to set up anIraqi intelligence service to spy on groups and individualsinside Iraq that are targeting U.S. troops and civilians, TheWashington Post reported on Thursday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Arafat dismisses Israeli settlement idea: "Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Wednesday dismissed as meaningless the Israeli premier's hints of evacuating some Jewish settlements, while a meeting of Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers raised hopes for renewed peace talks."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Annan Rules Out UN Return to Iraq in Near Future: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan said on Wednesday that Iraq was still too dangerous forU.N. foreign staff to return but indicated he was willing toplay a bigger role once the U.S.-led occupation ended. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israeli troops, Palestinians clash in Gaza: "Israeli troops battled Palestinians in a Gaza refugee camp on the Egyptian border early Thursday. Residents said two Palestinians were wounded."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
US defends Iraq contracts ban: "The White House says its policy on Iraq tenders aims to encourage more countries to join the coalition."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Protesters in Syria call for freedoms: "In a highly unusual protest, more than 150 Syrian pro-democracy activists staged a sit-in Wednesday outside the prime minister's office in downtown Damascus, calling for more freedoms, the release of political prisoners and the abolition of the country's emergency law."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. faces backlash over contracts in CNN - War in Iraq
US president calls French, German, Russian leaders by phone: "US President George W. Bush called French President Jacques Chirac, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to talk about Iraqi debt, White House officials said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Who saw that coming?: " The US, again showing the selectiveness of its free-trade obsession, just officially banned French, Russian, and German companies from getting reconstruction contracts in Iraq. The New York Times' source for this appears to be this document (PDF) from rebuilding-iraq.net,..."
In Catalyzer Newsroom
Lebanon: Bomb plot on U.S. embassy foiled: "Lebanese authorities said they halted a bomb attack against the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, arresting two men outside the compound, one of whom was carrying more than two pounds of explosives."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Annan says Iraq still too dangerous for UN: "UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ruled out quickly resuming a major UN role in postwar Iraq, saying the country remains too dangerous to put his staff at risk. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Welcomes New Iraqi Envoy to U.S.: "President Bush welcomed Rend Rahim Francke to the White House on Wednesday, praising the woman who comes the closest to being Iraq's first ambassador to the United States since a diplomatic break 13 years ago. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S.-Europe Split on Iraq Takes New Turn: "The Bush administration has reopened an emotional rift with Europe - just as its damaged relations with Germany, France and Russia seemed on the mend. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"A Great Day for Iraq": "Blogger Zeyad of Healing Iraq:
The rallies today proved to be a major success. I didn't expect anything even close to this. It was probably the largest demonstration in Baghdad for months. It wasn't just against terrorism. It was against Arab media, against the interference of neighbouring countries, against dictatorships, against Wahhabism, against oppression, and of course against the Ba'ath and Saddam.
Read the rest. Zeyad also has plenty of pictures."
In Command Post: Irak
Israel, Palestinians have new aid effort: "The Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers announced a new effort Wednesday to improve the distribution of international aid in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as donors expressed impatience over the stalled Mideast peace process."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Saddam Fedayeen Officer: "U.S. troops shot and killed a senior officer of the paramilitary group Saddam Fedayeen after storming his house in this northern city on Wednesday, his neighbors said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq Bids Ban Reopens Diplomatic Rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Calls Iraq Contract Restrictions Appropriate: "The United States said on Wednesdayits decision to bar Iraq war opponents like France, Germany andRussia from $18.6 billion in U.S. reconstruction projects wasappropriate and an inducement for countries to commit troopsand provide other support. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Pentagon: Many of New Iraq Soldiers Quit: "Plans to deploy the first battalion of Iraq's new army are in doubt because a third of the soldiers trained by the U.S.-led occupation authority have quit, defense officials said Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
On Killing Children: An Open Letter to US Military Spokesman Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty (10 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Iran's Nobel Winner Hits Out at U.S. Foreign Policy (10 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Pentagon: Barring bidders not punitive: "The U.S. government's decision to bar firms based in countries that oppose the Iraq war from bidding on contracts for Iraqi reconstruction projects was not meant to punish them, a Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq bids ban reopens diplomatic rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill Saddam Fedayeen Officer: "U.S. troops shot and killed a senior officer of the paramilitary group Saddam Fedayeen after storming his house in this northern city on Wednesday, his neighbors said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq Bids Ban Reopens Diplomatic Rift: "Across Europe, response was swift and angry Wednesday to the U.S. order barring firms based in important allied countries - opponents of the Iraq war - from bidding on Iraqi reconstruction projects. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Rules Out U.N. Return to Iraq in Near Future: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan on Wednesday said Iraq was still too dangerous for U.N.international staff to return but indicated he was willing toplay a bigger role once the U.S.-led occupation ended. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL AMERICAN? CAPTURES SPANISH ATTACKERS in CENTCOM: News Release
4TH ID CAPTURES CRIMINALS, CONFISCATES WEAPONS in CENTCOM: News Release
U.S. raids net dozens of Iraqi insurgents in CNN - War in Iraq
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Iraq War News
U.N. chief to name interim envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan plans to name a veteran U.N. humanitarian relief official from New Zealand as his interim envoy to Iraq, diplomats said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Suicide attacks wound 61 troops in Iraq: "Suicide bombers, one in a car and another on foot, blew themselves up at the gates of two U.S. military bases on Tuesday, wounding 61 American soldiers but failing to inflict deadly casualties on the scale of recent attacks in Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two Republicans Seek Audit of U.S. Iraq Operations: "Two Republican U.S. congressmen justback from a trip to Iraq urged President Bush on Tuesday toaccept an independent panel to audit U.S. operations there, andcalled on him to acknowledge mistakes that they said set backIraq's recovery by months. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Sure, it worked so well in The 'Nam: "All reports are that the American occupation of Iraq is increasingly using strategies of maximum aggression to quell the violent rebellion it faces. As part of this, according to the New Yorker's Seymour Hersh, the Bush Administration has authorized "a major escalation of the Special Forces covert war in Iraq," sending Delta Force, Navy Seals and CIA paramilitary agents out to preemptively capture or assassinate alleged guerrillas. ?The only way we can win is to go unconventional. We?re going to have to play their game. Guerrilla versus guerrilla. Terrorism versus terrorism. We?ve got to scare the Iraqis into submission," said one American advisor to the occupation."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Caught in the crossfire: "A new online campaign is building pressure on those perpetuating the "Plame Affair" cover-up, in which Iraq whistleblower Joe Wilson's wife was outed through an anonymous leak planted in right-wing pundit Robert Novak's column. The leak was clearly intended to put the chill on anyone else from within the government who would be so bold as to challenged the lies of the Administration. The Progressive Majorityis behind the Bust Bob Novak! campaign, which urges folks to tell Novak's employer, the Chicago Sun-Times, to fire him for his irresponsible use of the leak. Meanwhile, the feds are silent in the alleged investigation they claimed they would pursue to find the leaker..."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Our own West Bank: "Here is a must-read article on the new tactics being employed by the U.S. military to crack down on the guerrilla insurgency. For example, the U.S. has barb-wired entire villages. The notice on the fence reads: "This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot." Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Japan Approves Deployment of Troops to Aid U.S. in Iraq: "The deployment will be Japan's most ambitious military operation since its surrender at the end of World War II."
In New York Times: World Special
Iraqi Suicide Attacks Fall Short: "There were only eight serious U.S. casualties and no deaths after the attacks on American bases and a reconnaissance helicopter. Three soldiers died, however, in a road accident and a Baghdad mosque was bombed, killing three civilians."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Iraq's Kurds return to ruined Kirkuk: "Crouching on the moist ground, one man digs the earth with his bare hands while his friends hoist a tree branch to serve as a makeshift electricity pole. They are among 126 Kurdish families who have lived for two months in tents on a muddy plain, awaiting a better life in the new Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Syrian President holds talks with British minister: "Syrian President Bashar Assad has held talks on Iraq and international terrorism with a British envoy who urged closer cooperation on rebuilding neighbouring Iraq."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Bagram GI: Troops Waited While Hillary Chowed Down: "This apparently comes from a reliable DoD source. . .
Received from: Ordnance Handling Officer USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65)Tuesday,
Dec. 2, 2003 12:44 a.m. EST
Bagram GI: Troops Waited While Hillary Chowed Down
U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton forced U.S. troops stationed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan to wait for their Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday while she and her entourage arrived late, then cut in line and were served first.
A soldier who witnessed the scene tells NewsMax:
"Thanksgiving Dinner started at 3 p.m. that day, so the line was forming around 2:30 p.m. She didn't show up until around 3:30 p.m.
"Once she got there," our source maintains, "Clinton and her entourage bumped everyone in line, forcing them to wait almost an extra hour."
The brass at Bagram apparently had a hard time rounding up New Yorkers who wanted to have dinner with Clinton, D-N.Y. Only six GIs responded to an e-mail sent out last week that stated, "Looking for military members from New York and Rhode Island interested in meeting their Senator/Congressman."
People magazine was on hand to cover the event and wanted to interview the troops for reaction to Clinton's visit.
"But they were getting declined left and right," our source said. "People were actually telling the reporters, 'You don't want to print what I think about her and her visit.'"
After Clinton and her entourage departed, the only topics GIs wanted to talk about were "how great the food was and how fantastic they thought George Bush's visit to Iraq was."
"
In Command Post: Irak
U.N. chief to name interim envoy to Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan plans to name a veteran U.N. humanitarian relief official from New Zealand as his interim envoy to Iraq, diplomats said Tuesday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Suicide attacks wound 61 troops in Iraq: "Suicide bombers, one in a car and another on foot, blew themselves up at the gates of two U.S. military bases on Tuesday, wounding 61 American soldiers but failing to inflict deadly casualties on the scale of recent attacks in Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Two Republicans Seek Audit of U.S. Iraq Operations: "Two Republican U.S. congressmen justback from a trip to Iraq urged President Bush on Tuesday toaccept an independent panel to audit U.S. operations there, andcalled on him to acknowledge mistakes that they said set backIraq's recovery by months. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Sure, it worked so well in The 'Nam: "All reports are that the American occupation of Iraq is increasingly using strategies of maximum aggression to quell the violent rebellion it faces. As part of this, according to the New Yorker's Seymour Hersh, the Bush Administration has authorized "a major escalation of the Special Forces covert war in Iraq," sending Delta Force, Navy Seals and CIA paramilitary agents out to preemptively capture or assassinate alleged guerrillas. ?The only way we can win is to go unconventional. We?re going to have to play their game. Guerrilla versus guerrilla. Terrorism versus terrorism. We?ve got to scare the Iraqis into submission," said one American advisor to the occupation."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Caught in the crossfire: "A new online campaign is building pressure on those perpetuating the "Plame Affair" cover-up, in which Iraq whistleblower Joe Wilson's wife was outed through an anonymous leak planted in right-wing pundit Robert Novak's column. The leak was clearly intended to put the chill on anyone else from within the government who would be so bold as to challenged the lies of the Administration. The Progressive Majorityis behind the Bust Bob Novak! campaign, which urges folks to tell Novak's employer, the Chicago Sun-Times, to fire him for his irresponsible use of the leak. Meanwhile, the feds are silent in the alleged investigation they claimed they would pursue to find the leaker..."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Our own West Bank: "Here is a must-read article on the new tactics being employed by the U.S. military to crack down on the guerrilla insurgency. For example, the U.S. has barb-wired entire villages. The notice on the fence reads: "This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot." Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Japan Approves Deployment of Troops to Aid U.S. in Iraq: "The deployment will be Japan's most ambitious military operation since its surrender at the end of World War II."
In New York Times: World Special
Iraqi Suicide Attacks Fall Short: "There were only eight serious U.S. casualties and no deaths after the attacks on American bases and a reconnaissance helicopter. Three soldiers died, however, in a road accident and a Baghdad mosque was bombed, killing three civilians."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Iraq's Kurds return to ruined Kirkuk: "Crouching on the moist ground, one man digs the earth with his bare hands while his friends hoist a tree branch to serve as a makeshift electricity pole. They are among 126 Kurdish families who have lived for two months in tents on a muddy plain, awaiting a better life in the new Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Syrian President holds talks with British minister: "Syrian President Bashar Assad has held talks on Iraq and international terrorism with a British envoy who urged closer cooperation on rebuilding neighbouring Iraq."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Bagram GI: Troops Waited While Hillary Chowed Down: "This apparently comes from a reliable DoD source. . .
Received from: Ordnance Handling Officer USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65)Tuesday,
Dec. 2, 2003 12:44 a.m. EST
Bagram GI: Troops Waited While Hillary Chowed Down
U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton forced U.S. troops stationed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan to wait for their Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday while she and her entourage arrived late, then cut in line and were served first.
A soldier who witnessed the scene tells NewsMax:
"Thanksgiving Dinner started at 3 p.m. that day, so the line was forming around 2:30 p.m. She didn't show up until around 3:30 p.m.
"Once she got there," our source maintains, "Clinton and her entourage bumped everyone in line, forcing them to wait almost an extra hour."
The brass at Bagram apparently had a hard time rounding up New Yorkers who wanted to have dinner with Clinton, D-N.Y. Only six GIs responded to an e-mail sent out last week that stated, "Looking for military members from New York and Rhode Island interested in meeting their Senator/Congressman."
People magazine was on hand to cover the event and wanted to interview the troops for reaction to Clinton's visit.
"But they were getting declined left and right," our source said. "People were actually telling the reporters, 'You don't want to print what I think about her and her visit.'"
After Clinton and her entourage departed, the only topics GIs wanted to talk about were "how great the food was and how fantastic they thought George Bush's visit to Iraq was."
"
In Command Post: Irak
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Iraq War
Japan approves controversial troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan's cabinet approved a basic plan to send troops to Iraq on a humanitarian mission, a spokesman for the prime minister's office said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israeli kibbutz movement in dire straits: "After spending World War II in Nazi camps, Esther Cohen saw the swamplands of Kibbutz Metzuba as a paradise."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi Air Force Jets Head to the Junkyard: "Following the Biblical call to turn swords into ploughshares, junkyard owner Ahmad Ali Thalib is converting scrapped jet fighters into pots and pans. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israel trains US assassination squads in Iraq (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
U.N. takes Israel barrier to International court (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
With More Money to Spend, Middle-Class Iraqis Go Shopping for Luxury Goods: "A swath of middle-class society has experienced a jump in income that is driving a boom in demand for luxury goods."
In New York Times: World Special
G.I. on Guard at Gas Station Is Shot to Death: "A U.S. soldier was killed in Mosul, Iraq, while standing guard at a long lines of cars backed up because of a gasoline shortage."
In New York Times: World Special
Indonesian Criticizes U.S. Over the War in Iraq: "The foreign minister of Indonesia said that the American policy in Iraq might have made the world more dangerous."
In New York Times: World Special
Japan Cabinet Expected to OK Iraq Mission: "After months of debate, Japan's prime minister said his Cabinet will likely approve the deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq on Tuesday, but opposition parties vowed to do all they can to keep Japanese forces at home. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Japan set to approve troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan is set to approve a plan to dispatch some 500-700 ground troops to Iraq to provide humanitarian aid for between six months to a year, according to press reports. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi Symphony Prepares for D.C. Concert: "Muntha Jamil Hafidh describes his orchestra's upcoming performance here in the same terms that any foreign musician might: an opportunity at learn from U.S. musicians and share his country's culture. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Sharon may weigh W. Bank settlement moves: "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has indicated for the first time that he might consider moving Jewish settlements in the West Bank as part of the unilateral moves he is considering."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Survey: Saddam Killed 61,000 in Baghdad: "Saddam Hussein's government may have executed 61,000 Baghdad residents, a number significantly higher than previously believed, according to a survey obtained Monday by The Associated Press. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Laura Bush Was Worred About Baghdad Trip: "First lady Laura Bush says her husband first told her about a trip to Iraq six weeks before Thanksgiving, and she ranks his surprise trip among "the best-kept secrets ever." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Recreating Palestine in Iraq: "Here is a must-read article on the new tactics being employed by the U.S. military to crack down on the guerilla insurgency. For example, the U.S. has barbwired entire villages. The notice on the fence reads: "This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot."
Iraqis are allowed to leave and enter their village through carefully monitored checkposts, but only when they produce special identification cards. Sound familiar? It sure does to Tariq, who says, "I see no difference between us and the Palestinians." Perhaps imitating Israel is not exactly the best path to winning Iraqi hearts. But U.S. commanders disagree: Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL-AMERICAN? TRAINS NEW IRAQI SECURITY FORCES in CENTCOM: News Release
Japan approves controversial troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan's cabinet approved a basic plan to send troops to Iraq on a humanitarian mission, a spokesman for the prime minister's office said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israeli kibbutz movement in dire straits: "After spending World War II in Nazi camps, Esther Cohen saw the swamplands of Kibbutz Metzuba as a paradise."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi Air Force Jets Head to the Junkyard: "Following the Biblical call to turn swords into ploughshares, junkyard owner Ahmad Ali Thalib is converting scrapped jet fighters into pots and pans. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israel trains US assassination squads in Iraq (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
U.N. takes Israel barrier to International court (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
With More Money to Spend, Middle-Class Iraqis Go Shopping for Luxury Goods: "A swath of middle-class society has experienced a jump in income that is driving a boom in demand for luxury goods."
In New York Times: World Special
G.I. on Guard at Gas Station Is Shot to Death: "A U.S. soldier was killed in Mosul, Iraq, while standing guard at a long lines of cars backed up because of a gasoline shortage."
In New York Times: World Special
Indonesian Criticizes U.S. Over the War in Iraq: "The foreign minister of Indonesia said that the American policy in Iraq might have made the world more dangerous."
In New York Times: World Special
Japan Cabinet Expected to OK Iraq Mission: "After months of debate, Japan's prime minister said his Cabinet will likely approve the deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq on Tuesday, but opposition parties vowed to do all they can to keep Japanese forces at home. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Japan set to approve troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan is set to approve a plan to dispatch some 500-700 ground troops to Iraq to provide humanitarian aid for between six months to a year, according to press reports. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqi Symphony Prepares for D.C. Concert: "Muntha Jamil Hafidh describes his orchestra's upcoming performance here in the same terms that any foreign musician might: an opportunity at learn from U.S. musicians and share his country's culture. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Sharon may weigh W. Bank settlement moves: "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has indicated for the first time that he might consider moving Jewish settlements in the West Bank as part of the unilateral moves he is considering."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Survey: Saddam Killed 61,000 in Baghdad: "Saddam Hussein's government may have executed 61,000 Baghdad residents, a number significantly higher than previously believed, according to a survey obtained Monday by The Associated Press. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Laura Bush Was Worred About Baghdad Trip: "First lady Laura Bush says her husband first told her about a trip to Iraq six weeks before Thanksgiving, and she ranks his surprise trip among "the best-kept secrets ever." (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Recreating Palestine in Iraq: "Here is a must-read article on the new tactics being employed by the U.S. military to crack down on the guerilla insurgency. For example, the U.S. has barbwired entire villages. The notice on the fence reads: "This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot."
Iraqis are allowed to leave and enter their village through carefully monitored checkposts, but only when they produce special identification cards. Sound familiar? It sure does to Tariq, who says, "I see no difference between us and the Palestinians." Perhaps imitating Israel is not exactly the best path to winning Iraqi hearts. But U.S. commanders disagree: Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
TASK FORCE ?ALL-AMERICAN? TRAINS NEW IRAQI SECURITY FORCES in CENTCOM: News Release
Monday, December 08, 2003
Iraq war news
Arabs focus on refugee issue after accord: "Deciding the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees may be the biggest challenge to settling more than five decades of Arab-Israeli conflict."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Emirates airlines announces engine deal: "Emirates airlines announced Monday a $1.5 billion deal with engine manufacturers General Electric and Pratt & Whitney for more than 90 engines to power an order of Airbus A380 aircraft."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Some Iraqis Get New Freedom After Saddam: "The Musawis are grateful to the Americans for getting rid of Saddam Hussein. It's meant higher wages, a new car and more freedom. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
S.Korean Electric Workers to Leave Iraq: "A South Korean company said Monday it has decided to withdraw its 60 workers restoring electricity lines in Iraq, after a gun attack killed two of its electricians working for the U.S. government project. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Presidential Trips Abroad: "Andy Rooney looks back at President Bush's surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq, and reflects on some other notable presidential trips."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Operation Iraqi Freedom: "A senior representative of the top Shiite religious leader in Iraq tells Steve Kroft that former loyalists of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party must be fired from municipal posts."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Andrew's Winds of War: Dec 8/03: "Welcome! Our goal is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Today's "Winds of War" is brought to you by Andrew Olmsted (with plenty of help from Joe) of Andrew Olmsted dot com .
TOP TOPICS
Other Topics Today Include: more on Samarra; Was the '45 minutes' WMD claim accurate; Domestic WMD plot thwarted; Canada - terrorism conduit?; Sniper update; AQ finance chief nabbed; Afghanistan; The Wall and Geneva; Winning the War of Ideas; Chechnya; Will NATO survive the war on terror?
Read The Rest..."
In Command Post: Irak
Indonesia Says U.S. Policy in Iraq Becoming Debacle: "Indonesia, the world's most populousMuslim nation, issued some of its harshest criticism ofWashington's Iraq policy on Monday, saying the U.S. occupationhad not met objectives and was becoming a debacle. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Making a killing in the new Iraq as cars, TVs, food and fridges flood in (08 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Palestinians agree to a conditional ceasefire in Israel (8 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Palestinians can't agree on truce offer: "Palestinians failed to agree on a truce offer to Israel on Sunday after three days of talks, setting back the Palestinian prime minister's hopes for a halt in violence to jump start the stalled U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Daniel Nehme, Syria politician, dies at 78: "Daniel Nehme, a member of the central leadership of Syria's ruling political coalition, has died at age 78, the official Syrian Arab News Agency said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Report: Source of Iraq Arms Claim Emerges: "By MICHAEL McDONOUGH
Associated Press Writer
Originally published December 7, 2003, 8:22 AM EST
LONDON
* * *
The Sunday Telegraph said Lt. Col. al-Dabbagh identified himself as the source for the British government's assertion that Iraq could have deployed chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes of a decision to do so . The paper gave the officer's surname only, citing fears for his safety if he was fully identified.
The 45-minute claim was in a government dossier published in September 2002. A British Broadcasting Corp. report later accused the government of "sexing up" the dossier to make a more convincing case for military action. Government weapons adviser David Kelly apparently committed suicide in July after being identified as the source for the BBC report.
Kelly's death prompted a judicial inquiry that scrutinized the workings of Blair's government and its use of intelligence in the buildup to the U.S.-led war. A report from the inquiry is expected early next year.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that al-Dabbagh was the former head of an Iraqi air defense unit in the country's western desert. It said he had spied for the Iraqi National Accord, a London-based exile group, and provided reports to British intelligence from early 2002 on Saddam's plans to deploy weapons of mass destruction.
Al-Dabbagh said cases containing chemical or biological warheads were delivered to front-line units, including his own, in late 2002, the paper reported. He said they were designed to be launched by hand-held rocket-propelled grenades, and did not know what exactly the warheads contained.
The government's September dossier said that "Iraq's military forces are able to use chemical and biological weapons, with command, control and logistical arrangements in place. The Iraqi military are able to deploy these weapons within 45 minutes of a decision to do so."
The head of the MI6 spy agency, Sir Richard Dearlove, told the inquiry into Kelly's death that the 45-minute warning in the dossier came from an "established and reliable source," quoting a senior Iraqi military officer who was in a position to know the information.
The Sunday Telegraph said al-Dabbagh believed he was the source for that claim.
"I am the one responsible for providing this information," he was quoted as saying. "It is 100 percent accurate.
"Forget 45 minutes, we could have fired these within half an hour," al-Dabbagh added. He said the weapons were not used because most of the Iraqi army did not want to fight for Saddam.
The newspaper said al-Dabbagh works as an adviser to the Iraqi Governing Council and said he has received death threats from Saddam loyalists.
* * *
Via the Baltimore Sun .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Rumsfeld watches training of Iraq's new security forces: "Military says attacks on U.S. troops decline
By John Hendren
Los Angeles Times
Originally published December 7, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld saw firsthand the U.S.-led coalition's strategy of turning over security to Iraqis in a sweep through the nation yesterday, as military officials lauded a precipitous drop in attacks on American troops even as they acknowledged that it was likely the result of poor weather and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The Pentagon chief focused much of his visit on briefings and demonstrations of the fledgling Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, one of four security forces set up by the occupying coalition.
The Pentagon's strategy in Iraq is to increasingly turn control of security - police, border patrol and military actions - to newly established Iraqi agencies that, in the case of the civil defense corps, often receive less than one month's training.
With 140,000 Iraqi border patrol and police officers, paramilitary troops, building guards and other security forces in place, Rumsfeld said, "they are increasingly taking over security in this country."
He trusted his safety to members of the corps, entering a Baghdad warehouse in which roughly 50 new recruits toting AK-47s were in their first days of training.
During his first stop of the day, in the northern city of Kirkuk, Rumsfeld met with a group of recruits and their commanders in crisp new khaki uniforms at a lavish home confiscated from an unidentified Iraqi on the list of most-wanted former regime officials.
The Iraqi civil defense corps is coming along "very fast," he told the recruits, giving Americans confidence that it "can make a tremendous difference."
* * *
Rumsfeld was joined throughout the day by the top commander on the ground, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez.
Several senior military officials said attacks on U.S. personnel have plunged from nearly 40 a day in early last month to 19 daily over the past week.
Nevertheless, they acknowledged, it is not clear that the decline will endure, and many suggested that attacks would likely increase during the hajj holiday next month.
The coalition death toll soared during Ramadan, making last month the costliest for the United States and its allies since the invasion of Iraq more than eight months ago.
Dempsey said that four of 10 known guerrilla cells were disabled last month, including one that he said was responsible for the October rocket attack on the Al Rashid Hotel that killed a U.S. Army colonel while Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz was in the building.
The 1st Armored is still pursuing intelligence that it hopes will allow the division to crush the remaining six cells, he said.
The arrests have diminished but not ended the insurgents' ability to launch attacks because their leadership and financiers remain at large, Dempsey said.
Nevertheless, Sanchez painted a portrait of gradual success for Rumsfeld's third visit since President Bush declared major combat over May 1.
"The main message to the secretary is primarily that we're being successful, our troops are prepared and we're making a lot of progress," Sanchez said.
* * *
Via the Baltimore Sun .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Iraq Prepares to Create Its Own Tribunal to Prosecute War Crimes Under Hussein: "The special court would try members of Saddam Hussein's government on charges varying from genocide to squandering the nation's wealth."
In New York Times: World Special
Iraqi Exiles Face Uncertainty as Enthusiasm for Them Dims at Home and in Washington: "With Iraq moving toward a new political configuration, Iraqis are debating whether Iraqi exiles are the nation's future or its past."
In New York Times: World Special
General Sees More Attacks as Elections Near: "Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez added that insurgent forces were bent on disrupting Iraq's transition to democracy."
In New York Times: World Special
In TV Interviews, Senator Clinton Criticizes Bush's Handling of Iraq: "Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York sharply criticized President Bush's policies in Iraq during an unusual series of back-to-back appearance on the Sunday morning talk shows."
In New York Times: World Special
WMD claims of Iraqi 'colonel' treated sceptically (8 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rumsfeld Says Army in Iraq Not Worn Out: "The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a toll on the Army, but the soldiers who are due home next spring are fit to return to a war zone if called upon, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Card Calls Prewar Intelligence Woes 'Moot': "President Bush's chief of staff dismissed as "a moot point" any lingering question about whether Bush relied on faulty intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
First Commercial Flight Brings Joy to Iraqi Kurds: "With a final victory swoop over theIraqi Kurd capital and a waggle of his wings on Sunday, thepilot of the new United Iraqi Airlines landed his plane to wildapplause - inside and out. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Turkey charges 3 more in Istanbul attack: "A Turkish court on Sunday charged three more men for their involvement in a string of suicide bombings in Istanbul, raising the total number of suspects to 30."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iran's Khatami orders vigilante crackdown: "Iran's president Sunday ordered two Cabinet ministers to crack down on hard-line vigilantes who disrupt political meetings following an attack on one of his close aides, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Friday, Dec. 5, 443 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 306 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. The department did not provide an update Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US has forfeited its "moral leadership" of the world under Bush: Dean: "The United States has forfeited its "moral leadership" of the world under President George W. Bush, Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean charged. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
No oil crisis in Iraq, ministry says: "Iraq is suffering only a temporary shortage of oil and not a crisis, the spokesman for the oil-rich country's oil ministry said as motorists faced long lines at the fuel pumps. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's political transformation delicate: "Sitting at his desk, the governor pulls out a photograph of the corpse of a brother - red marks around his neck - who was executed by Saddam Hussein's regime. He displays another of himself, walking with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld in Iraq in September."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Arabs focus on refugee issue after accord: "Deciding the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees may be the biggest challenge to settling more than five decades of Arab-Israeli conflict."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Emirates airlines announces engine deal: "Emirates airlines announced Monday a $1.5 billion deal with engine manufacturers General Electric and Pratt & Whitney for more than 90 engines to power an order of Airbus A380 aircraft."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Some Iraqis Get New Freedom After Saddam: "The Musawis are grateful to the Americans for getting rid of Saddam Hussein. It's meant higher wages, a new car and more freedom. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
S.Korean Electric Workers to Leave Iraq: "A South Korean company said Monday it has decided to withdraw its 60 workers restoring electricity lines in Iraq, after a gun attack killed two of its electricians working for the U.S. government project. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Presidential Trips Abroad: "Andy Rooney looks back at President Bush's surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq, and reflects on some other notable presidential trips."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Operation Iraqi Freedom: "A senior representative of the top Shiite religious leader in Iraq tells Steve Kroft that former loyalists of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party must be fired from municipal posts."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Andrew's Winds of War: Dec 8/03: "Welcome! Our goal is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Today's "Winds of War" is brought to you by Andrew Olmsted (with plenty of help from Joe) of Andrew Olmsted dot com .
TOP TOPICS
- The issue of Saudi support for terrorism has been an open secret since September 11. Now US News has blown into the issue and uncovered just how deep the problem is (Hat tip: Instapundit ).
- The commander of American forces in Iraq expects attacks to increase as Iraq comes closer to national elections next summer. The logic is impeccable, but it suggests that November may be a harbinger of things to come rather than an aberration.
- JK: Photos from Iraq's mass graves . If you were for the war, you need to see this. If you were against it, you really need to see this.
Other Topics Today Include: more on Samarra; Was the '45 minutes' WMD claim accurate; Domestic WMD plot thwarted; Canada - terrorism conduit?; Sniper update; AQ finance chief nabbed; Afghanistan; The Wall and Geneva; Winning the War of Ideas; Chechnya; Will NATO survive the war on terror?
Read The Rest..."
In Command Post: Irak
Indonesia Says U.S. Policy in Iraq Becoming Debacle: "Indonesia, the world's most populousMuslim nation, issued some of its harshest criticism ofWashington's Iraq policy on Monday, saying the U.S. occupationhad not met objectives and was becoming a debacle. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Making a killing in the new Iraq as cars, TVs, food and fridges flood in (08 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Palestinians agree to a conditional ceasefire in Israel (8 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Palestinians can't agree on truce offer: "Palestinians failed to agree on a truce offer to Israel on Sunday after three days of talks, setting back the Palestinian prime minister's hopes for a halt in violence to jump start the stalled U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Daniel Nehme, Syria politician, dies at 78: "Daniel Nehme, a member of the central leadership of Syria's ruling political coalition, has died at age 78, the official Syrian Arab News Agency said Sunday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Report: Source of Iraq Arms Claim Emerges: "By MICHAEL McDONOUGH
Associated Press Writer
Originally published December 7, 2003, 8:22 AM EST
LONDON
* * *
The Sunday Telegraph said Lt. Col. al-Dabbagh identified himself as the source for the British government's assertion that Iraq could have deployed chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes of a decision to do so . The paper gave the officer's surname only, citing fears for his safety if he was fully identified.
The 45-minute claim was in a government dossier published in September 2002. A British Broadcasting Corp. report later accused the government of "sexing up" the dossier to make a more convincing case for military action. Government weapons adviser David Kelly apparently committed suicide in July after being identified as the source for the BBC report.
Kelly's death prompted a judicial inquiry that scrutinized the workings of Blair's government and its use of intelligence in the buildup to the U.S.-led war. A report from the inquiry is expected early next year.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that al-Dabbagh was the former head of an Iraqi air defense unit in the country's western desert. It said he had spied for the Iraqi National Accord, a London-based exile group, and provided reports to British intelligence from early 2002 on Saddam's plans to deploy weapons of mass destruction.
Al-Dabbagh said cases containing chemical or biological warheads were delivered to front-line units, including his own, in late 2002, the paper reported. He said they were designed to be launched by hand-held rocket-propelled grenades, and did not know what exactly the warheads contained.
The government's September dossier said that "Iraq's military forces are able to use chemical and biological weapons, with command, control and logistical arrangements in place. The Iraqi military are able to deploy these weapons within 45 minutes of a decision to do so."
The head of the MI6 spy agency, Sir Richard Dearlove, told the inquiry into Kelly's death that the 45-minute warning in the dossier came from an "established and reliable source," quoting a senior Iraqi military officer who was in a position to know the information.
The Sunday Telegraph said al-Dabbagh believed he was the source for that claim.
"I am the one responsible for providing this information," he was quoted as saying. "It is 100 percent accurate.
"Forget 45 minutes, we could have fired these within half an hour," al-Dabbagh added. He said the weapons were not used because most of the Iraqi army did not want to fight for Saddam.
The newspaper said al-Dabbagh works as an adviser to the Iraqi Governing Council and said he has received death threats from Saddam loyalists.
* * *
Via the Baltimore Sun .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Rumsfeld watches training of Iraq's new security forces: "Military says attacks on U.S. troops decline
By John Hendren
Los Angeles Times
Originally published December 7, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld saw firsthand the U.S.-led coalition's strategy of turning over security to Iraqis in a sweep through the nation yesterday, as military officials lauded a precipitous drop in attacks on American troops even as they acknowledged that it was likely the result of poor weather and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The Pentagon chief focused much of his visit on briefings and demonstrations of the fledgling Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, one of four security forces set up by the occupying coalition.
The Pentagon's strategy in Iraq is to increasingly turn control of security - police, border patrol and military actions - to newly established Iraqi agencies that, in the case of the civil defense corps, often receive less than one month's training.
With 140,000 Iraqi border patrol and police officers, paramilitary troops, building guards and other security forces in place, Rumsfeld said, "they are increasingly taking over security in this country."
He trusted his safety to members of the corps, entering a Baghdad warehouse in which roughly 50 new recruits toting AK-47s were in their first days of training.
During his first stop of the day, in the northern city of Kirkuk, Rumsfeld met with a group of recruits and their commanders in crisp new khaki uniforms at a lavish home confiscated from an unidentified Iraqi on the list of most-wanted former regime officials.
The Iraqi civil defense corps is coming along "very fast," he told the recruits, giving Americans confidence that it "can make a tremendous difference."
* * *
Rumsfeld was joined throughout the day by the top commander on the ground, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez.
Several senior military officials said attacks on U.S. personnel have plunged from nearly 40 a day in early last month to 19 daily over the past week.
Nevertheless, they acknowledged, it is not clear that the decline will endure, and many suggested that attacks would likely increase during the hajj holiday next month.
The coalition death toll soared during Ramadan, making last month the costliest for the United States and its allies since the invasion of Iraq more than eight months ago.
Dempsey said that four of 10 known guerrilla cells were disabled last month, including one that he said was responsible for the October rocket attack on the Al Rashid Hotel that killed a U.S. Army colonel while Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz was in the building.
The 1st Armored is still pursuing intelligence that it hopes will allow the division to crush the remaining six cells, he said.
The arrests have diminished but not ended the insurgents' ability to launch attacks because their leadership and financiers remain at large, Dempsey said.
Nevertheless, Sanchez painted a portrait of gradual success for Rumsfeld's third visit since President Bush declared major combat over May 1.
"The main message to the secretary is primarily that we're being successful, our troops are prepared and we're making a lot of progress," Sanchez said.
* * *
Via the Baltimore Sun .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Iraq Prepares to Create Its Own Tribunal to Prosecute War Crimes Under Hussein: "The special court would try members of Saddam Hussein's government on charges varying from genocide to squandering the nation's wealth."
In New York Times: World Special
Iraqi Exiles Face Uncertainty as Enthusiasm for Them Dims at Home and in Washington: "With Iraq moving toward a new political configuration, Iraqis are debating whether Iraqi exiles are the nation's future or its past."
In New York Times: World Special
General Sees More Attacks as Elections Near: "Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez added that insurgent forces were bent on disrupting Iraq's transition to democracy."
In New York Times: World Special
In TV Interviews, Senator Clinton Criticizes Bush's Handling of Iraq: "Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York sharply criticized President Bush's policies in Iraq during an unusual series of back-to-back appearance on the Sunday morning talk shows."
In New York Times: World Special
WMD claims of Iraqi 'colonel' treated sceptically (8 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rumsfeld Says Army in Iraq Not Worn Out: "The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a toll on the Army, but the soldiers who are due home next spring are fit to return to a war zone if called upon, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Card Calls Prewar Intelligence Woes 'Moot': "President Bush's chief of staff dismissed as "a moot point" any lingering question about whether Bush relied on faulty intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
First Commercial Flight Brings Joy to Iraqi Kurds: "With a final victory swoop over theIraqi Kurd capital and a waggle of his wings on Sunday, thepilot of the new United Iraqi Airlines landed his plane to wildapplause - inside and out. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Turkey charges 3 more in Istanbul attack: "A Turkish court on Sunday charged three more men for their involvement in a string of suicide bombings in Istanbul, raising the total number of suspects to 30."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iran's Khatami orders vigilante crackdown: "Iran's president Sunday ordered two Cabinet ministers to crack down on hard-line vigilantes who disrupt political meetings following an attack on one of his close aides, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Friday, Dec. 5, 443 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 306 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. The department did not provide an update Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US has forfeited its "moral leadership" of the world under Bush: Dean: "The United States has forfeited its "moral leadership" of the world under President George W. Bush, Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean charged. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
No oil crisis in Iraq, ministry says: "Iraq is suffering only a temporary shortage of oil and not a crisis, the spokesman for the oil-rich country's oil ministry said as motorists faced long lines at the fuel pumps. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's political transformation delicate: "Sitting at his desk, the governor pulls out a photograph of the corpse of a brother - red marks around his neck - who was executed by Saddam Hussein's regime. He displays another of himself, walking with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld in Iraq in September."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Iraq war news updates
Army Force Stretched After War in Iraq: "The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a toll on the Army, but the soldiers who are due home next spring are fit to return to a war zone if called upon, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Tough New Tactics by U.S. Tighten Grip on Iraq Towns: "The new approach appears to be succeeding in diminishing the threat to U.S. soldiers, but at the cost of alienating the people the Americans are trying to win over."
In New York Times: World Special
Rumsfeld, on the Ground in Iraq, Gets a Report on Progress Against the Insurgency: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, on a visit to Iraq, was told that attacks against occupying troops had dropped because of better intelligence."
In New York Times: World Special
Funds for Iraq Falling Short of Pledges, Figures Show: "Of $3 billion pledged to meet Iraq's immediate needs at a donors conference six weeks ago, only $685 million has been verified."
In New York Times: World Special
Secular Leaders Worry That, Torn by Turmoil, Iraqis Will Elect an Islamic Theocracy: "In Iraq's present chaotic state, Iraqi officials fear the people may vote for the rigorous order that an Iranian-style Shiite theocracy imposes."
In New York Times: World Special
This Battle of the Bands Is Peaceable: "The Iraqi National Symphony, a symbol of perseverance, will visit the Kennedy Center to play alongside the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington."
In New York Times: World Special
US pushes Iraq security handover: "The US defence secretary says there will be a handover of security operations in Iraq to local forces "over time"."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Rumsfeld Visits Iraq; U.S Touts Progress: "Taking a fresh look at postwar Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld met Saturday with senior American commanders and was assured that a recent switch to more aggressive anti-insurgency tactics has begun to pay off. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US pushes Iraq security handover: "The US defence secretary says there will be a handover of security operations in Iraq to local forces "over time"."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Egypt library removes anti-Semitic tract: "The Alexandria Library has withdrawn the first Arabic translation of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" from an exhibit after U.N. cultural officials questioned the display of the 19th century anti-Semitic tract."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saudi Arabia names top 26 terror suspects: "Saudi Arabia issued the names and photos of its 26 most wanted terrorist suspects and increased protection around Western housing compounds in the capital Saturday as the United States upgraded its security warning, restricting its diplomats' movements."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq Mourners Open Fire, Killing Policeman: "Iraqis mourning two men killed in a firefight with U.S. troops clashed Saturday with civil defense forces, killing one officer and setting his pickup truck ablaze. "Long live Saddam!" they chanted as the vehicle smoldered. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Japan Holds Funeral for Slain Diplomats: "His voice faltering, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered his condolences to family members at Saturday's state funeral for two Japanese diplomats killed in Iraq, the country's first casualties in the U.S.-led war. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Army Force Stretched After War in Iraq: "Only two of the U.S. Army's 10 active-duty divisions will be at full strength for any new conflict next year as battle-weary soldiers return from Iraq, military officials say. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld urges quick action on Iraqi transfer of sovereignty: "US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld urged the president of Iraq's governing council to work quickly to resolve outstanding issues on the transfer of sovereignty during a surprise one-day trip to the war-torn country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
97 vials found in Iraqi scientist's home - some contain bio-weapon precursors. Iraqi records and CPU's destroyed prior to war.: "
Vials: A total of 97 vials-including those with labels consistent with the al Hakam cover stories of single-cell protein and biopesticides, as well as strains that could be used to produce BW agents-were recovered from a scientist's residence.
Storage room in basement of Revolutionary Command Council Headquarters. Burned frames of PC workstations visible on shelves. All rooms sharing walls with this storage room were untouched from fire or battle damage.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The basement historical files were systematically selected and destroyed.
* * *
We have discovered dozens of WMD-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations during the inspections that began in late 2002. The discovery of these deliberate concealment efforts have come about both through the admissions of Iraqi scientists and officials concerning information they deliberately withheld and through physical evidence of equipment and activities that ISG has discovered that should have been declared to the UN. Let me just give you a few examples of these concealment efforts, some of which I will elaborate on later:
A clandestine network of laboratories and safehouses within the Iraqi Intelligence Service that contained equipment subject to UN monitoring and suitable for continuing CBW research.
A prison laboratory complex, possibly used in human testing of BW agents, that Iraqi officials working to prepare for UN inspections were explicitly ordered not to declare to the UN.
Reference strains of biological organisms concealed in a scientist's home, one of which can be used to produce biological weapons.
New research on BW-applicable agents, Brucella and Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), and continuing work on ricin and aflatoxin were not declared to the UN.
Documents and equipment, hidden in scientists' homes, that would have been useful in resuming uranium enrichment by centrifuge and electromagnetic isotope separation (EMIS).
A line of UAVs not fully declared at an undeclared production facility and an admission that they had tested one of their declared UAVs out to a range of 500 km, 350 km beyond the permissible limit.
Continuing covert capability to manufacture fuel propellant useful only for prohibited SCUD variant missiles, a capability that was maintained at least until the end of 2001 and that cooperating Iraqi scientists have said they were told to conceal from the UN.
Plans and advanced design work for new long-range missiles with ranges up to at least 1000 km - well beyond the 150 km range limit imposed by the UN. Missiles of a 1000 km range would have allowed Iraq to threaten targets through out the Middle East, including Ankara, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi.
Clandestine attempts between late-1999 and 2002 to obtain from North Korea technology related to 1,300 km range ballistic missiles --probably the No Dong -- 300 km range anti-ship cruise missiles, and other prohibited military equipment.
In addition to the discovery of extensive concealment efforts, we have been faced with a systematic sanitization of documentary and computer evidence in a wide range of offices, laboratories, and companies suspected of WMD work. The pattern of these efforts to erase evidence - hard drives destroyed, specific files burned, equipment cleaned of all traces of use - are ones of deliberate, rather than random, acts. For example,
On 10 July 2003 an ISG team exploited the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) Headquarters in Baghdad. The basement of the main building contained an archive of documents situated on well-organized rows of metal shelving. The basement suffered no fire damage despite the total destruction of the upper floors from coalition air strikes. Upon arrival the exploitation team encountered small piles of ash where individual documents or binders of documents were intentionally destroyed. Computer hard drives had been deliberately destroyed. Computers would have had financial value to a random looter; their destruction, rather than removal for resale or reuse, indicates a targeted effort to prevent Coalition forces from gaining access to their contents.
All IIS laboratories visited by IIS exploitation teams have been clearly sanitized, including removal of much equipment, shredding and burning of documents, and even the removal of nameplates from office doors.
Although much of the deliberate destruction and sanitization of documents and records probably occurred during the height of OIF combat operations, indications of significant continuing destruction efforts have been found after the end of major combat operations, including entry in May 2003 of the locked gated vaults of the Ba'ath party intelligence building in Baghdad and highly selective destruction of computer hard drives and data storage equipment along with the burning of a small number of specific binders that appear to have contained financial and intelligence records, and in July 2003 a site exploitation team at the Abu Ghurayb Prison found one pile of the smoldering ashes from documents that was still warm to the touch.
* * *
The foregoing is from " STATEMENT BY DAVID KAY ON THE INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE IRAQ SURVEY GROUP (ISG) BEFORE THE HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEFENSE, AND THE SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, October 2, 2003, " posted at Iraq: Special Report at whitehouse.gov .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Palestinians divided over cease-fire offer: "Hopes faded for Palestinians to offer a full-scale truce to Israel as the militant Hamas and Syrian-based factions said Saturday that they would accept only a narrow cease-fire halting attacks on civilians inside Israeli territory."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
There were 50 specific Iraq-al Qaeda links acknowledged by the CIA before the war: " A LEADING DEMOCRAT on the Senate Intelligence Committee has reiterated his support for the war in Iraq and encouraged the Bush administration to be more aggressive in its preemptive measures to protect Americans. Evan Bayh, a Democrat from Indiana and a leader of moderates in the Senate, responded to questions last week on the war in Iraq and a memo detailing links between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden sent to the committee in late October by Undersecretary of Defense Douglas J. Feith and later excerpted in these pages.
"Even if there's only a 10 percent chance that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden would cooperate, the question is whether that's an acceptable level of risk," Bayh told me. "My answer to that would be an unequivocal 'no.' We need to be much more pro-active on eliminating threats before they're imminent."
Asked about the growing evidence of a relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, Bayh said: "The relationship seemed to have its roots in mutual exploitation. Saddam Hussein used terrorism for his own ends, and Osama bin Laden used a nation-state for the things that only a nation-state can provide. Some of the intelligence is strong, and some of it is murky. But that's the nature of intelligence on a relationship like this--lots of it is going to be speculation and conjecture. Following 9/11, we await certainty at our peril."
* * *
Bayh declined to speak about any of the 50 specific Iraq-al Qaeda links cited in the Feith memo, and said the intelligence community reported before the war that intelligence on the links to "9/11 and al Qaeda" was the weakest part of the justification for war in Iraq.
"Look, there were multiple reasons to remove Saddam Hussein, not the least of which was his butchering of his own people--that's the kind of thing that most progressives used to care about. We were going to have to deal with him militarily at some time in the future. The possibility--even if people thought it unlikely--that he would use weapons of mass death or provide them to terrorists was just too great a risk."
Still, Bayh rejects the conventional wisdom that cooperation between Hussein and bin Laden was implausible because of religious and ideological differences. "They were certainly moving toward the philosophy that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Both were hostile to us, and while they historically had reasons not to like each other, that historical skepticism is overridden by the enmity and mutual hostility toward us. These are not illogical ties from their perspective."
* * *
Original story reported in The Weekly Standard by Stephen F. Hayes. Via Instapundit .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Killings in Ramadi: ""Two days before the end of Ramadan, just as they were about to break their fast, the family was interrupted by two groups of US troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, bursting into the house from opposite sides. ...The next day the military returned to the village bringing papers with them. They were sorry but they had raided the wrong house, acting on false information." Jo Wilding writes from Baghdad."
In Electronic Iraq
Rumsfeld cautious on Iraq attacks: "The US defence secretary cautions against early optimism following a fall in anti-coalition attacks in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Rumsfeld visits troops in Iraq in CNN - War in Iraq
Israel kills two suspected Gaza militants: "The Israeli military shot and killed two Palestinians, armed with grenades and an explosive device, crawling toward a security barrier separating the Gaza Strip from Israel, military sources said Saturday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Funeral for two Iraqis turns violent: "A funeral for two Iraqis killed in a firefight with U.S. troops turned violent Saturday, with mourners killing a security officer and chanting pro-Saddam Hussein slogans over his body."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
South Korea awaits first dead from Iraq: "Kim Young-jin begged her father not to go to Iraq, where he was to lay electric lines."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saudis said to arrest American, Briton: "Saudi authorities have detained an American and a Briton for unspecified reasons, diplomats said Saturday. A Saudi newspaper said the American was the brother of two men convicted in the United States of conspiring to aid the al-Qaida terrorist network."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Army Force Stretched After War in Iraq: "The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a toll on the Army, but the soldiers who are due home next spring are fit to return to a war zone if called upon, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Sunday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Tough New Tactics by U.S. Tighten Grip on Iraq Towns: "The new approach appears to be succeeding in diminishing the threat to U.S. soldiers, but at the cost of alienating the people the Americans are trying to win over."
In New York Times: World Special
Rumsfeld, on the Ground in Iraq, Gets a Report on Progress Against the Insurgency: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, on a visit to Iraq, was told that attacks against occupying troops had dropped because of better intelligence."
In New York Times: World Special
Funds for Iraq Falling Short of Pledges, Figures Show: "Of $3 billion pledged to meet Iraq's immediate needs at a donors conference six weeks ago, only $685 million has been verified."
In New York Times: World Special
Secular Leaders Worry That, Torn by Turmoil, Iraqis Will Elect an Islamic Theocracy: "In Iraq's present chaotic state, Iraqi officials fear the people may vote for the rigorous order that an Iranian-style Shiite theocracy imposes."
In New York Times: World Special
This Battle of the Bands Is Peaceable: "The Iraqi National Symphony, a symbol of perseverance, will visit the Kennedy Center to play alongside the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington."
In New York Times: World Special
US pushes Iraq security handover: "The US defence secretary says there will be a handover of security operations in Iraq to local forces "over time"."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Rumsfeld Visits Iraq; U.S Touts Progress: "Taking a fresh look at postwar Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld met Saturday with senior American commanders and was assured that a recent switch to more aggressive anti-insurgency tactics has begun to pay off. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
US pushes Iraq security handover: "The US defence secretary says there will be a handover of security operations in Iraq to local forces "over time"."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Egypt library removes anti-Semitic tract: "The Alexandria Library has withdrawn the first Arabic translation of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" from an exhibit after U.N. cultural officials questioned the display of the 19th century anti-Semitic tract."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saudi Arabia names top 26 terror suspects: "Saudi Arabia issued the names and photos of its 26 most wanted terrorist suspects and increased protection around Western housing compounds in the capital Saturday as the United States upgraded its security warning, restricting its diplomats' movements."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraq Mourners Open Fire, Killing Policeman: "Iraqis mourning two men killed in a firefight with U.S. troops clashed Saturday with civil defense forces, killing one officer and setting his pickup truck ablaze. "Long live Saddam!" they chanted as the vehicle smoldered. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Japan Holds Funeral for Slain Diplomats: "His voice faltering, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered his condolences to family members at Saturday's state funeral for two Japanese diplomats killed in Iraq, the country's first casualties in the U.S.-led war. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Army Force Stretched After War in Iraq: "Only two of the U.S. Army's 10 active-duty divisions will be at full strength for any new conflict next year as battle-weary soldiers return from Iraq, military officials say. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld urges quick action on Iraqi transfer of sovereignty: "US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld urged the president of Iraq's governing council to work quickly to resolve outstanding issues on the transfer of sovereignty during a surprise one-day trip to the war-torn country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
97 vials found in Iraqi scientist's home - some contain bio-weapon precursors. Iraqi records and CPU's destroyed prior to war.: "
Vials: A total of 97 vials-including those with labels consistent with the al Hakam cover stories of single-cell protein and biopesticides, as well as strains that could be used to produce BW agents-were recovered from a scientist's residence.
Storage room in basement of Revolutionary Command Council Headquarters. Burned frames of PC workstations visible on shelves. All rooms sharing walls with this storage room were untouched from fire or battle damage.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The basement historical files were systematically selected and destroyed.
* * *
We have discovered dozens of WMD-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations during the inspections that began in late 2002. The discovery of these deliberate concealment efforts have come about both through the admissions of Iraqi scientists and officials concerning information they deliberately withheld and through physical evidence of equipment and activities that ISG has discovered that should have been declared to the UN. Let me just give you a few examples of these concealment efforts, some of which I will elaborate on later:
A clandestine network of laboratories and safehouses within the Iraqi Intelligence Service that contained equipment subject to UN monitoring and suitable for continuing CBW research.
A prison laboratory complex, possibly used in human testing of BW agents, that Iraqi officials working to prepare for UN inspections were explicitly ordered not to declare to the UN.
Reference strains of biological organisms concealed in a scientist's home, one of which can be used to produce biological weapons.
New research on BW-applicable agents, Brucella and Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), and continuing work on ricin and aflatoxin were not declared to the UN.
Documents and equipment, hidden in scientists' homes, that would have been useful in resuming uranium enrichment by centrifuge and electromagnetic isotope separation (EMIS).
A line of UAVs not fully declared at an undeclared production facility and an admission that they had tested one of their declared UAVs out to a range of 500 km, 350 km beyond the permissible limit.
Continuing covert capability to manufacture fuel propellant useful only for prohibited SCUD variant missiles, a capability that was maintained at least until the end of 2001 and that cooperating Iraqi scientists have said they were told to conceal from the UN.
Plans and advanced design work for new long-range missiles with ranges up to at least 1000 km - well beyond the 150 km range limit imposed by the UN. Missiles of a 1000 km range would have allowed Iraq to threaten targets through out the Middle East, including Ankara, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi.
Clandestine attempts between late-1999 and 2002 to obtain from North Korea technology related to 1,300 km range ballistic missiles --probably the No Dong -- 300 km range anti-ship cruise missiles, and other prohibited military equipment.
In addition to the discovery of extensive concealment efforts, we have been faced with a systematic sanitization of documentary and computer evidence in a wide range of offices, laboratories, and companies suspected of WMD work. The pattern of these efforts to erase evidence - hard drives destroyed, specific files burned, equipment cleaned of all traces of use - are ones of deliberate, rather than random, acts. For example,
On 10 July 2003 an ISG team exploited the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) Headquarters in Baghdad. The basement of the main building contained an archive of documents situated on well-organized rows of metal shelving. The basement suffered no fire damage despite the total destruction of the upper floors from coalition air strikes. Upon arrival the exploitation team encountered small piles of ash where individual documents or binders of documents were intentionally destroyed. Computer hard drives had been deliberately destroyed. Computers would have had financial value to a random looter; their destruction, rather than removal for resale or reuse, indicates a targeted effort to prevent Coalition forces from gaining access to their contents.
All IIS laboratories visited by IIS exploitation teams have been clearly sanitized, including removal of much equipment, shredding and burning of documents, and even the removal of nameplates from office doors.
Although much of the deliberate destruction and sanitization of documents and records probably occurred during the height of OIF combat operations, indications of significant continuing destruction efforts have been found after the end of major combat operations, including entry in May 2003 of the locked gated vaults of the Ba'ath party intelligence building in Baghdad and highly selective destruction of computer hard drives and data storage equipment along with the burning of a small number of specific binders that appear to have contained financial and intelligence records, and in July 2003 a site exploitation team at the Abu Ghurayb Prison found one pile of the smoldering ashes from documents that was still warm to the touch.
* * *
The foregoing is from " STATEMENT BY DAVID KAY ON THE INTERIM PROGRESS REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE IRAQ SURVEY GROUP (ISG) BEFORE THE HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEFENSE, AND THE SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE, October 2, 2003, " posted at Iraq: Special Report at whitehouse.gov .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Palestinians divided over cease-fire offer: "Hopes faded for Palestinians to offer a full-scale truce to Israel as the militant Hamas and Syrian-based factions said Saturday that they would accept only a narrow cease-fire halting attacks on civilians inside Israeli territory."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
There were 50 specific Iraq-al Qaeda links acknowledged by the CIA before the war: " A LEADING DEMOCRAT on the Senate Intelligence Committee has reiterated his support for the war in Iraq and encouraged the Bush administration to be more aggressive in its preemptive measures to protect Americans. Evan Bayh, a Democrat from Indiana and a leader of moderates in the Senate, responded to questions last week on the war in Iraq and a memo detailing links between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden sent to the committee in late October by Undersecretary of Defense Douglas J. Feith and later excerpted in these pages.
"Even if there's only a 10 percent chance that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden would cooperate, the question is whether that's an acceptable level of risk," Bayh told me. "My answer to that would be an unequivocal 'no.' We need to be much more pro-active on eliminating threats before they're imminent."
Asked about the growing evidence of a relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, Bayh said: "The relationship seemed to have its roots in mutual exploitation. Saddam Hussein used terrorism for his own ends, and Osama bin Laden used a nation-state for the things that only a nation-state can provide. Some of the intelligence is strong, and some of it is murky. But that's the nature of intelligence on a relationship like this--lots of it is going to be speculation and conjecture. Following 9/11, we await certainty at our peril."
* * *
Bayh declined to speak about any of the 50 specific Iraq-al Qaeda links cited in the Feith memo, and said the intelligence community reported before the war that intelligence on the links to "9/11 and al Qaeda" was the weakest part of the justification for war in Iraq.
"Look, there were multiple reasons to remove Saddam Hussein, not the least of which was his butchering of his own people--that's the kind of thing that most progressives used to care about. We were going to have to deal with him militarily at some time in the future. The possibility--even if people thought it unlikely--that he would use weapons of mass death or provide them to terrorists was just too great a risk."
Still, Bayh rejects the conventional wisdom that cooperation between Hussein and bin Laden was implausible because of religious and ideological differences. "They were certainly moving toward the philosophy that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Both were hostile to us, and while they historically had reasons not to like each other, that historical skepticism is overridden by the enmity and mutual hostility toward us. These are not illogical ties from their perspective."
* * *
Original story reported in The Weekly Standard by Stephen F. Hayes. Via Instapundit .
"
In Command Post: Irak
Killings in Ramadi: ""Two days before the end of Ramadan, just as they were about to break their fast, the family was interrupted by two groups of US troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, bursting into the house from opposite sides. ...The next day the military returned to the village bringing papers with them. They were sorry but they had raided the wrong house, acting on false information." Jo Wilding writes from Baghdad."
In Electronic Iraq
Rumsfeld cautious on Iraq attacks: "The US defence secretary cautions against early optimism following a fall in anti-coalition attacks in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Rumsfeld visits troops in Iraq in CNN - War in Iraq
Israel kills two suspected Gaza militants: "The Israeli military shot and killed two Palestinians, armed with grenades and an explosive device, crawling toward a security barrier separating the Gaza Strip from Israel, military sources said Saturday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Funeral for two Iraqis turns violent: "A funeral for two Iraqis killed in a firefight with U.S. troops turned violent Saturday, with mourners killing a security officer and chanting pro-Saddam Hussein slogans over his body."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
South Korea awaits first dead from Iraq: "Kim Young-jin begged her father not to go to Iraq, where he was to lay electric lines."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saudis said to arrest American, Briton: "Saudi authorities have detained an American and a Briton for unspecified reasons, diplomats said Saturday. A Saudi newspaper said the American was the brother of two men convicted in the United States of conspiring to aid the al-Qaida terrorist network."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Iraq war news
Japan's PM hopes to visit Iraq as the nation mourns deaths of diplomats: "Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he wants to visit Iraq, as he prepares to send troops to help rebuild the war-torn country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld flies into northern Iraq: "US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrives in Kirkuk on a visit to assess the military and political situation in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Rumsfeld visits Iraqi northern oil fields: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, without advanced public notice, flew into northern Iraq early Saturday, landing in the heart of country's northern oil fields."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad Bomb Attack Kills U.S. Soldier, 4 Iraqis: "A bomb exploded in the middle of a busyBaghdad road on Friday, killing an American soldier and atleast four Iraqis ahead of a visit by Defense Secretary DonaldRumsfeld. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baker Is Named to Restructure Iraq's Huge Debt: "President Bush named James A. Baker III as his personal envoy to restructure more than $100 billion in Iraq's debt."
In New York Times: World Special
Trail of Anti-U.S. Fighters Said to Cross Europe to Iraq: "Recent arrests show that Al Qaeda has established a network across Europe that is moving recruits into Iraq to join the insurgency."
In New York Times: World Special
Roadside Bomb Kills a G.I. and 2 Civilians in Baghdad: "A U.S. soldier and two Iraqis were killed when an improvised bomb exploded on a commercial strip. About a dozen Iraqis were wounded."
In New York Times: World Special
Hundreds of U.S. Troops Infected by Parasite Borne by Sand Flies, Army Says: "U.S. troops in Iraq have been infected with a parasite spread by sand flies and the long-term consequences are still unknown."
In New York Times: World Special
Powell stays with U.S. Mideast peace plan: "The Israeli and Palestinian authors of a private Middle East peace plan presented their proposals to Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday but were unable to alter the Bush administration's approach to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Powell views unofficial Mideast peace plan: "The Israeli and Palestinian authors of a private Middle East peace plan presented their proposals to Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday but were unable to alter the Bush administration's approach to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
AP: Iraq set to form war crimes tribunal: "Saddam Hussein and hundreds of his aides could go on trial for crimes against humanity and genocide in an Iraqi-led tribunal that will be established in the coming days, Iraqi and American officials told The Associated Press on Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Middle East Demands Honest Dealers, Dealmaking: "When Saddam Hussein compared President Bush to the Mongol general Hulegu in a speech shortly before the U.S. invasion, he demonstrated the importance of history to the peoples of the Middle East. (Pacific News Service, Commentary, Franz Schurmann, Dec 05, 2003)"
In New California Media: Focus on Iraq
How an American war hero is taking his battle over Iraq to Washington (05 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rigging Iraq's elections (5 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Right media power grows ever larger - Bush has a present for Murdoch (5 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Thousands welcome Sudan rebel delegation: "More than 30,000 jubilant supporters overwhelmed airport security on Friday and rushed up to a plane carrying the first delegation of rebels to arrive in the Sudanese capital in 20 years."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
AP: Bremer predicts more attacks in Iraq: "Iraqi guerrillas will step up attacks in the next few months in an attempt to thwart a transfer of sovereignty from the occupation authority to a new Iraqi government, the top U.S. administrator in Iraq said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Palestinians to open West Bank market: "Palestinian vendors hammered at the rusty locks on their stores Friday as the Israeli military allowed a market in the divided West Bank city of Hebron to open for the first time in more than a year."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi insurgency claims more lives as US appoints debt envoy: "Iraq's insurgency claimed more Iraqi and American lives when a bomb targeting a US army convoy exploded in a busy shopping street in Baghdad just as a pro-US demonstration condemned growing "terrorism." (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Mum Vainly Tries to See U.S. Iraq Soldier Daughter: "A peace activist accused the U.S.military on Friday of depriving her of the chance to visit hersoldier daughter, telling her that the truck driver was on amission. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Japan's PM hopes to visit Iraq as the nation mourns deaths of diplomats: "Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he wants to visit Iraq, as he prepares to send troops to help rebuild the war-torn country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld flies into northern Iraq: "US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrives in Kirkuk on a visit to assess the military and political situation in Iraq."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)
Rumsfeld visits Iraqi northern oil fields: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, without advanced public notice, flew into northern Iraq early Saturday, landing in the heart of country's northern oil fields."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Baghdad Bomb Attack Kills U.S. Soldier, 4 Iraqis: "A bomb exploded in the middle of a busyBaghdad road on Friday, killing an American soldier and atleast four Iraqis ahead of a visit by Defense Secretary DonaldRumsfeld. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Baker Is Named to Restructure Iraq's Huge Debt: "President Bush named James A. Baker III as his personal envoy to restructure more than $100 billion in Iraq's debt."
In New York Times: World Special
Trail of Anti-U.S. Fighters Said to Cross Europe to Iraq: "Recent arrests show that Al Qaeda has established a network across Europe that is moving recruits into Iraq to join the insurgency."
In New York Times: World Special
Roadside Bomb Kills a G.I. and 2 Civilians in Baghdad: "A U.S. soldier and two Iraqis were killed when an improvised bomb exploded on a commercial strip. About a dozen Iraqis were wounded."
In New York Times: World Special
Hundreds of U.S. Troops Infected by Parasite Borne by Sand Flies, Army Says: "U.S. troops in Iraq have been infected with a parasite spread by sand flies and the long-term consequences are still unknown."
In New York Times: World Special
Powell stays with U.S. Mideast peace plan: "The Israeli and Palestinian authors of a private Middle East peace plan presented their proposals to Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday but were unable to alter the Bush administration's approach to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Powell views unofficial Mideast peace plan: "The Israeli and Palestinian authors of a private Middle East peace plan presented their proposals to Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday but were unable to alter the Bush administration's approach to peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
AP: Iraq set to form war crimes tribunal: "Saddam Hussein and hundreds of his aides could go on trial for crimes against humanity and genocide in an Iraqi-led tribunal that will be established in the coming days, Iraqi and American officials told The Associated Press on Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Middle East Demands Honest Dealers, Dealmaking: "When Saddam Hussein compared President Bush to the Mongol general Hulegu in a speech shortly before the U.S. invasion, he demonstrated the importance of history to the peoples of the Middle East. (Pacific News Service, Commentary, Franz Schurmann, Dec 05, 2003)"
In New California Media: Focus on Iraq
How an American war hero is taking his battle over Iraq to Washington (05 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rigging Iraq's elections (5 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Right media power grows ever larger - Bush has a present for Murdoch (5 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Thousands welcome Sudan rebel delegation: "More than 30,000 jubilant supporters overwhelmed airport security on Friday and rushed up to a plane carrying the first delegation of rebels to arrive in the Sudanese capital in 20 years."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
AP: Bremer predicts more attacks in Iraq: "Iraqi guerrillas will step up attacks in the next few months in an attempt to thwart a transfer of sovereignty from the occupation authority to a new Iraqi government, the top U.S. administrator in Iraq said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Palestinians to open West Bank market: "Palestinian vendors hammered at the rusty locks on their stores Friday as the Israeli military allowed a market in the divided West Bank city of Hebron to open for the first time in more than a year."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqi insurgency claims more lives as US appoints debt envoy: "Iraq's insurgency claimed more Iraqi and American lives when a bomb targeting a US army convoy exploded in a busy shopping street in Baghdad just as a pro-US demonstration condemned growing "terrorism." (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Mum Vainly Tries to See U.S. Iraq Soldier Daughter: "A peace activist accused the U.S.military on Friday of depriving her of the chance to visit hersoldier daughter, telling her that the truck driver was on amission. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Friday, December 05, 2003
Iraq war news
Bush holds fast to his Mideast approach: "President Bush showed guarded interest Thursday in an unofficial peace plan for the Middle East but held firm to his own approach that calls for a democratic Palestinian state and the end of terror attacks against Israel."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. exporting 'tools of torture' (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Powell urges greater NATO role in Iraq: "US Secretary of State Colin Powell called on NATO to take on a greater role in Iraq to help stabilize the violence-wracked country where the US is seeking to ease the pressure on its own forces. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"We have happy children, lots of them": "Twelve-year-old Ahmad Mu'ayyad is learning how to wrestle. Aspiring painter Hanin Rida, aged 10, is throwing pots, firing her finished pottery and learning how to draw. Budding actor Mithaq Abu Ali, has already acted and sung in three plays."
In Electronic Iraq
Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights and Iraqi human rights minister discuss human rights in Iraq: "The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has offered to make its expertise available to Iraqi officials and representatives of the country's civil society as they establish a legal framework to promote and protect human rights. This initiatives was discussed by Bertrand Ramcharan and Abdel Baset Turki."
In Electronic Iraq
Iraqi Governing Council bans satellite television station Al-Arabiya: "RSF has called on the Iraqi Governing Council to reverse its decision banning the Dubai-based satellite television news channel Al-Arabiya from operating in Iraq until it signs a written commitment not to encourage terrorism."
In Electronic Iraq
Ex-minister: Accord needs Arafat backing: "An organizer of an alternative Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty said Thursday that it was unlikely the agreement would succeed without support from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Guerrillas fire on Iraqi police station: "Guerrillas fired on a police station Thursday in a town west of Baghdad, wounding six Iraqis, and a roadside bomb destroyed a U.S. armored vehicle in the capital. There were no American casualties in either attack."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Seeks to Cut Off Money to Guerrillas: "A spate of U.S. raids on Iraqi smugglers signals a new strategy to deny the guerrilla insurgency one of its chief recruiting assets: money. If U.S. military strategists are correct, the insurgency will soon face a financial crisis when old Iraqi dinar notes bearing the face of Saddam Hussein will be worthless. The military wants to deepen the crisis by launching raids on black marketeers thought to be funding the guerrilla movement. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kyoto Protocol in Peril (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Bush Plane Flew Under False Cover on Iraq Trip: "President Bush's flight plan wasfalsified last week to hide his Thanksgiving Day visit to Iraq,the White House said on Thursday, in another example of theextraordinary -- and deceptive -- steps taken in arranging thebattle-zone trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Guerrillas Fire on Iraqi Police Station: "Guerrillas fired on a police station Thursday in a town west of Baghdad, wounding six Iraqis, and a roadside bomb destroyed a U.S. armored vehicle in the capital. There were no American casualties in either attack. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Daily U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Thursday, Dec. 4, 441 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 304 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Stand by your body count: "Despite eyewitness testimonies to the contrary, the U.S. military stands by its assertion that there were no civilian casualties in the firefight in Samarraon Sunday, as reported by Editor & Publisher Online. Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
U.S. Seeks to Cut Off Money to Guerrillas: "A spate of U.S. raids on Iraqi smugglers signals a new strategy to deny the guerrilla insurgency one of its chief recruiting assets: money. If U.S. military strategists are correct, the insurgency will soon face a financial crisis when old Iraqi dinar notes bearing the face of Saddam Hussein will be worthless. The military wants to deepen the crisis by launching raids on black marketeers thought to be funding the guerrilla movement. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Powell Hopes for More German Help in Iraq Next Year: "Secretary of State Colin Powell saidThursday he hoped that Germany, a fierce opponent of theU.S.-led war in Iraq, would feel able to give more help to thecountry when Iraqis are granted more control. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Correction: Vatican-Iraq Story: "In a Dec. 3 story about the election of the patriarch of Chaldean Catholics, The Associated Press, using information from the Vatican, erroneously reported his chosen name as Karim III. The Vatican said Thursday the correct name is Emmanuel III Delly. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Plane Flew Under False Cover on Iraq Trip: "President Bush's flight plan wasfalsified last week to hide his Thanksgiving Day visit to Iraq,the White House said on Thursday, in another example of theextraordinary -- and deceptive -- steps taken in arranging thebattle-zone trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israel: Syria still backing militants: "Israel brushed off signs Syria is ready to resume peace talks, saying Thursday the Damascus government continues to back militant groups like one Israel says was behind a suicide bombing attempt on a school."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush holds fast to his Mideast approach: "President Bush showed guarded interest Thursday in an unofficial peace plan for the Middle East but held firm to his own approach that calls for a democratic Palestinian state and the end of terror attacks against Israel."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. exporting 'tools of torture' (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Powell urges greater NATO role in Iraq: "US Secretary of State Colin Powell called on NATO to take on a greater role in Iraq to help stabilize the violence-wracked country where the US is seeking to ease the pressure on its own forces. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
"We have happy children, lots of them": "Twelve-year-old Ahmad Mu'ayyad is learning how to wrestle. Aspiring painter Hanin Rida, aged 10, is throwing pots, firing her finished pottery and learning how to draw. Budding actor Mithaq Abu Ali, has already acted and sung in three plays."
In Electronic Iraq
Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights and Iraqi human rights minister discuss human rights in Iraq: "The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has offered to make its expertise available to Iraqi officials and representatives of the country's civil society as they establish a legal framework to promote and protect human rights. This initiatives was discussed by Bertrand Ramcharan and Abdel Baset Turki."
In Electronic Iraq
Iraqi Governing Council bans satellite television station Al-Arabiya: "RSF has called on the Iraqi Governing Council to reverse its decision banning the Dubai-based satellite television news channel Al-Arabiya from operating in Iraq until it signs a written commitment not to encourage terrorism."
In Electronic Iraq
Ex-minister: Accord needs Arafat backing: "An organizer of an alternative Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty said Thursday that it was unlikely the agreement would succeed without support from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Guerrillas fire on Iraqi police station: "Guerrillas fired on a police station Thursday in a town west of Baghdad, wounding six Iraqis, and a roadside bomb destroyed a U.S. armored vehicle in the capital. There were no American casualties in either attack."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. Seeks to Cut Off Money to Guerrillas: "A spate of U.S. raids on Iraqi smugglers signals a new strategy to deny the guerrilla insurgency one of its chief recruiting assets: money. If U.S. military strategists are correct, the insurgency will soon face a financial crisis when old Iraqi dinar notes bearing the face of Saddam Hussein will be worthless. The military wants to deepen the crisis by launching raids on black marketeers thought to be funding the guerrilla movement. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kyoto Protocol in Peril (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Bush Plane Flew Under False Cover on Iraq Trip: "President Bush's flight plan wasfalsified last week to hide his Thanksgiving Day visit to Iraq,the White House said on Thursday, in another example of theextraordinary -- and deceptive -- steps taken in arranging thebattle-zone trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Guerrillas Fire on Iraqi Police Station: "Guerrillas fired on a police station Thursday in a town west of Baghdad, wounding six Iraqis, and a roadside bomb destroyed a U.S. armored vehicle in the capital. There were no American casualties in either attack. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Daily U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Thursday, Dec. 4, 441 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 304 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Stand by your body count: "Despite eyewitness testimonies to the contrary, the U.S. military stands by its assertion that there were no civilian casualties in the firefight in Samarraon Sunday, as reported by Editor & Publisher Online. Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
U.S. Seeks to Cut Off Money to Guerrillas: "A spate of U.S. raids on Iraqi smugglers signals a new strategy to deny the guerrilla insurgency one of its chief recruiting assets: money. If U.S. military strategists are correct, the insurgency will soon face a financial crisis when old Iraqi dinar notes bearing the face of Saddam Hussein will be worthless. The military wants to deepen the crisis by launching raids on black marketeers thought to be funding the guerrilla movement. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Powell Hopes for More German Help in Iraq Next Year: "Secretary of State Colin Powell saidThursday he hoped that Germany, a fierce opponent of theU.S.-led war in Iraq, would feel able to give more help to thecountry when Iraqis are granted more control. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Correction: Vatican-Iraq Story: "In a Dec. 3 story about the election of the patriarch of Chaldean Catholics, The Associated Press, using information from the Vatican, erroneously reported his chosen name as Karim III. The Vatican said Thursday the correct name is Emmanuel III Delly. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bush Plane Flew Under False Cover on Iraq Trip: "President Bush's flight plan wasfalsified last week to hide his Thanksgiving Day visit to Iraq,the White House said on Thursday, in another example of theextraordinary -- and deceptive -- steps taken in arranging thebattle-zone trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Israel: Syria still backing militants: "Israel brushed off signs Syria is ready to resume peace talks, saying Thursday the Damascus government continues to back militant groups like one Israel says was behind a suicide bombing attempt on a school."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Iraq war news updates
U.N. plans long-term monitoring of Iraq: "U.N. weapons inspectors are planning for possible monitoring of Iraq's biological, chemical and missile programs despite being barred from the country by the United States, according to a report to the U.N. Security Council."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
The Long Way Home: "The journey home from Iraq is long and painful for the more than 2,100 soldiers wounded there in the past eight months. David Martin set out to meet some of the wounded and share their stories."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Assad calls Israel source of violence: "Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday accused the Israeli government of following "the policies of escalation and extremism," making the Middle East a more dangerous place."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis to Form Anti-Guerrilla Militia: "Iraqi political parties and coalition authorities are discussing the creation of a 1,000-member militia to bolster the U.S. military's fight against a guerrilla insurgency, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
White House: Geneva accord may be useful: "The architects of a far-reaching proposed accord between Israel and the Palestinians campaigned for Washington's approval Wednesday, but the White House said President Bush's blueprint for a Mideast settlement still was the best formula."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. May Have Just Missed Second Most Wanted Iraqi: "U.S. troops probably just missedcatching the second most wanted man in Iraq in a major raid,but seized important individuals among 54 suspected guerrillasdetained, the U.S. military said on Wednesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Wednesday, Dec. 3, 441 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 304 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Homeless in Baghdad: "Six-year-old Ali, and Sa'id, 10, are grubbing through the rubbish piled up near their temporary home behind the bombed-out Iraqi air force club in the capital, Baghdad. They are part of a new community of sorts sheltering in unfinished buildings at the club's compound, near the national theatre in the heart of the city."
In Electronic Iraq
Coalition casualties accounted for (Updated 3rd of December) in IraqWar.ru (English)
U.N. plans long-term monitoring of Iraq: "U.N. weapons inspectors are planning for possible monitoring of Iraq's biological, chemical and missile programs despite being barred from the country by the United States, according to a report to the U.N. Security Council."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
The Long Way Home: "The journey home from Iraq is long and painful for the more than 2,100 soldiers wounded there in the past eight months. David Martin set out to meet some of the wounded and share their stories."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis
Assad calls Israel source of violence: "Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday accused the Israeli government of following "the policies of escalation and extremism," making the Middle East a more dangerous place."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iraqis to Form Anti-Guerrilla Militia: "Iraqi political parties and coalition authorities are discussing the creation of a 1,000-member militia to bolster the U.S. military's fight against a guerrilla insurgency, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
White House: Geneva accord may be useful: "The architects of a far-reaching proposed accord between Israel and the Palestinians campaigned for Washington's approval Wednesday, but the White House said President Bush's blueprint for a Mideast settlement still was the best formula."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. May Have Just Missed Second Most Wanted Iraqi: "U.S. troops probably just missedcatching the second most wanted man in Iraq in a major raid,but seized important individuals among 54 suspected guerrillasdetained, the U.S. military said on Wednesday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Wednesday, Dec. 3, 441 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 304 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Homeless in Baghdad: "Six-year-old Ali, and Sa'id, 10, are grubbing through the rubbish piled up near their temporary home behind the bombed-out Iraqi air force club in the capital, Baghdad. They are part of a new community of sorts sheltering in unfinished buildings at the club's compound, near the national theatre in the heart of the city."
In Electronic Iraq
Coalition casualties accounted for (Updated 3rd of December) in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraq war news updates
Report: Japan to Send Troops to Iraq: "Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has approved a plan to start sending 1,000 troops for non-combat duty in Iraq by the end of December, a newspaper reported Thursday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saudi police arrest car bombing suspect: "Saudi police manned sandbagged checkpoints across the capital and guarded western compounds after a suspect in a recent suicide car bombing was arrested amid new warnings of possible attacks on foreigners here."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite cleric new head of Iraq's council: "The new president of Iraq's Governing Council is a Shiite cleric and former militia leader who strongly objects to a key part of a U.S. plan to give sovereignty to Iraqis by July 1."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite Cleric New Head of Iraq's Council: "The new president of Iraq's Governing Council is a Shiite cleric and former militia leader who strongly objects to a key part of a U.S. plan to give sovereignty to Iraqis by July 1. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam withdrew one billion before US bombs fell: "Hours before the US-led war on Iraq began, the nation's former dictator Saddam Hussein withdrew more than one billion dollars from its central bank, funds US officials believe he and supporters are using today to support armed resistance to coalition forces, ABC News reported. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saudis withhold money for Iraq (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rumsfeld Says Will Not Bargain for Support in Iraq: "Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hassaid there was no question of trading U.S. backing for enhancedEuropean defense capabilities for a pledge by France or Germanyto contribute peacekeeping troops for Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Body Armor Saves Lives in Iraq: "BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Gregory Stovall felt the explosion on his face. He was standing in the turret of a Humvee, manning a machine gun, when the roadside bomb went off. At the time, he was guarding a convoy of trucks making a mail run. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kerry Denounces 'Inept' Bush Foreign Policy: "Senator John Kerry attacked President Bush for an "arrogant, inept, reckless" foreign policy and laid out a detailed plan for prosecuting the war on terrorism far differently."
In New York Times: World Special
Interview With Iraqi Resistance Cell: "OK, banal news day over. The Washington Times has this UPI article , the first in a two-part interview with members of an "anti-US Iraqi cell." A taste:
In Command Post: Irak
Harrumph. Oh ... And Saddam Has $1 Billion On Hand: "That's what I say ... "Harrumph." Trollin' the news all day and it?s all soooo banal. Even we at TCP have slow news days, I suppose.
I did see this at Reuters , though:
In Command Post: Irak
US under pressure to back claims over Iraq firefight (4 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
American Dream, Super-Sized - Democracy cannot coexist with Bush's failed doctrine of preventive war (3 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Report: Japan to Send Troops to Iraq: "Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has approved a plan to start sending 1,000 troops for non-combat duty in Iraq by the end of December, a newspaper reported Thursday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saudi police arrest car bombing suspect: "Saudi police manned sandbagged checkpoints across the capital and guarded western compounds after a suspect in a recent suicide car bombing was arrested amid new warnings of possible attacks on foreigners here."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite cleric new head of Iraq's council: "The new president of Iraq's Governing Council is a Shiite cleric and former militia leader who strongly objects to a key part of a U.S. plan to give sovereignty to Iraqis by July 1."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite Cleric New Head of Iraq's Council: "The new president of Iraq's Governing Council is a Shiite cleric and former militia leader who strongly objects to a key part of a U.S. plan to give sovereignty to Iraqis by July 1. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam withdrew one billion before US bombs fell: "Hours before the US-led war on Iraq began, the nation's former dictator Saddam Hussein withdrew more than one billion dollars from its central bank, funds US officials believe he and supporters are using today to support armed resistance to coalition forces, ABC News reported. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saudis withhold money for Iraq (04 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Rumsfeld Says Will Not Bargain for Support in Iraq: "Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hassaid there was no question of trading U.S. backing for enhancedEuropean defense capabilities for a pledge by France or Germanyto contribute peacekeeping troops for Iraq. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Body Armor Saves Lives in Iraq: "BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Gregory Stovall felt the explosion on his face. He was standing in the turret of a Humvee, manning a machine gun, when the roadside bomb went off. At the time, he was guarding a convoy of trucks making a mail run. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Kerry Denounces 'Inept' Bush Foreign Policy: "Senator John Kerry attacked President Bush for an "arrogant, inept, reckless" foreign policy and laid out a detailed plan for prosecuting the war on terrorism far differently."
In New York Times: World Special
Interview With Iraqi Resistance Cell: "OK, banal news day over. The Washington Times has this UPI article , the first in a two-part interview with members of an "anti-US Iraqi cell." A taste:
"They should have come and just given us food and some security," he said. "Even today I feel like I cannot drive my car at night because of Ali Baba (the Baghdad slang for criminals)."And notably, they are not Baathists. Read the rest here ."
"It was then I realized that they had come as occupiers and not as liberators," he says. "And my colleagues and I then voted to fight. So we began to meet and plan. We met with others and have tried to buy weapons. None of us are afraid to die, but it is hard. We are just men, workers, not soldiers."
In Command Post: Irak
Harrumph. Oh ... And Saddam Has $1 Billion On Hand: "That's what I say ... "Harrumph." Trollin' the news all day and it?s all soooo banal. Even we at TCP have slow news days, I suppose.
I did see this at Reuters , though:
Saddam Hussein withdrew more than $1 billion (580 million pounds) from Iraq's central bank hours before U.S. forces invaded, and some of the money may be funding the Iraqi insurgency against U.S. troops, ABC News has reported.So at least we have that going for us, which is nice."
Quoting a letter purportedly written by Saddam and obtained by ABC News, and citing U.S. officials, ABC News said on Wednesday $132 million of funds withdrawn by the former Iraqi leader is unaccounted for and may be being used by his followers to fund attacks against U.S. forces.
ABC News said the handwritten letter from Saddam, dated March 19, 2003, was found by U.S. agents in the files of the Iraqi central bank, and obtained by ABC News.
In Command Post: Irak
US under pressure to back claims over Iraq firefight (4 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
American Dream, Super-Sized - Democracy cannot coexist with Bush's failed doctrine of preventive war (3 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Iraq war updates
DHL Resumes Flights, Service to Baghdad: "The global package delivery service DHL said Tuesday it had resumed flights to Baghdad, after one of its planes was hit by a missile on its approach to the airport. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Forces Stage Massive Raid in Iraq: "U.S. troops north of the capital arrested at least 20 insurgents in a raid while workers began demolishing gigantic bronze busts of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Tuesday - both moves aimed at stamping out loyalty to Iraq's ousted regime. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Today's U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, 440 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 303 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: West Bank outposts slowly digging in: "Just six months after Israel committed to a peace plan requiring it to dismantle scores of illegal Jewish settlement outposts, an Associated Press inspection of 18 of the encampments found the settlers have expanded significantly."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israeli to Powell: Skip Mideast meeting: "Israel's vice premier warned it would be a mistake for Secretary of State Colin Powell to meet organizers of an informal Mideast peace treaty. But Powell said Tuesday that just such a meeting is planned this week."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush's Baghdad-Bound Plane Was Spotted: "In a footnote to President Bush's surprise trip to Baghdad, the White House identified the location and time when Air Force One was spotted en route to Iraq last week by a British Airways pilot. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
NATO Allies to Stay Course in Iraq, Rumsfeld Says: "Despite recent attacks by insurgentson the forces of U.S. allies, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeldsaid Tuesday that virtually all of the countries providingtroops for duty in Iraq have promised to keep them there. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Latest Iraq Attacks Test Allies' Resolve: "America's allies in Iraq, suddenly besieged by guerrilla attacks that until now targeted mostly U.S. forces, are also under fire at home from a public shaken by the mounting dangers. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Stressed out in Iraq - tired, terrified, trigger-happy (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
No freedom without free press (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
A combat leader gives the inside skinny of the biggest battle since the war ended (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Beyond bull (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Iraq row rages as Spain mourns in CNN - War in Iraq
Intelligence experts speak out against the war in a new documentary: "A slew of former CIA officials, ambassadors, weapons inspectors, and high ranking governmental figures testify to the illegality and sheer irrationality of the war in the hour-long documentary Uncovered that has been promoted by the Internet-based lobby group MoveOn. The various interviewees dissect the "intelligence" put forth by President Bush in his 2003 State of the Union speech, and the fuzzy photos used in Colin Powell's February speech to the UN, which is described by one former intelligence expert as a piece of "theater.""
In Electronic Iraq
Palestinian killed, 2 homes fall in raids: "Israeli troops killed an armed Palestinian and blew up two houses of suspected militants Tuesday in their second West Bank raid in as many days."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Another Symbol of Hussein's Regime Comes Down: "An Iraqi construction crew is removing the four massive heads of Saddam Hussein, each three stories high, that sit atop the Republican Palace in Baghdad. (The New York Times)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld: NATO Allies to Remain in Iraq: "Nearly all of the NATO countries with troops in Iraq have pledged to remain there in 2004 to help stabilize and rebuild the country, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Idaho-Based Co. Halts Iraq Project: "A Boise-based engineering and construction company has suspended work on power line towers being built in northern Iraq because two engineers for a subcontractor were killed and two others wounded in a weekend attack. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's King of Clubs evades US capture: "US troops have denied reports that Saddam Hussein's right hand man - the King of Clubs in the most wanted list - had been captured."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Annan meets with advisory group on Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan met his advisory group on Iraq for the first time today, a move aimed at persuading countries in the region to support the same approach to the post-conflict country."
In Electronic Iraq
Saudi, Kenya attacks possible, U.S. warns: "U.S. Embassies on Tuesday warned of possible terror attacks against two hotels in Kenya and a housing compound for Westerners in Saudi Arabia. Kenyan police said they were investigating reports that terrorists had packed a truck with explosives for an imminent attack."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Latest Iraq attacks test allies' resolve: "America's allies in Iraq, suddenly besieged by guerrilla attacks that until now targeted mostly U.S. forces, are also under fire at home from a public shaken by the mounting dangers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
DHL Resumes Flights, Service to Baghdad: "The global package delivery service DHL said Tuesday it had resumed flights to Baghdad, after one of its planes was hit by a missile on its approach to the airport. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Forces Stage Massive Raid in Iraq: "U.S. troops north of the capital arrested at least 20 insurgents in a raid while workers began demolishing gigantic bronze busts of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Tuesday - both moves aimed at stamping out loyalty to Iraq's ousted regime. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Today's U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, 440 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense. Of those, 303 died as a result of hostile action and 137 died of non-hostile causes, the department said. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AP: West Bank outposts slowly digging in: "Just six months after Israel committed to a peace plan requiring it to dismantle scores of illegal Jewish settlement outposts, an Associated Press inspection of 18 of the encampments found the settlers have expanded significantly."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israeli to Powell: Skip Mideast meeting: "Israel's vice premier warned it would be a mistake for Secretary of State Colin Powell to meet organizers of an informal Mideast peace treaty. But Powell said Tuesday that just such a meeting is planned this week."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush's Baghdad-Bound Plane Was Spotted: "In a footnote to President Bush's surprise trip to Baghdad, the White House identified the location and time when Air Force One was spotted en route to Iraq last week by a British Airways pilot. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
NATO Allies to Stay Course in Iraq, Rumsfeld Says: "Despite recent attacks by insurgentson the forces of U.S. allies, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeldsaid Tuesday that virtually all of the countries providingtroops for duty in Iraq have promised to keep them there. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Latest Iraq Attacks Test Allies' Resolve: "America's allies in Iraq, suddenly besieged by guerrilla attacks that until now targeted mostly U.S. forces, are also under fire at home from a public shaken by the mounting dangers. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Stressed out in Iraq - tired, terrified, trigger-happy (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
No freedom without free press (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
A combat leader gives the inside skinny of the biggest battle since the war ended (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Beyond bull (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Iraq row rages as Spain mourns in CNN - War in Iraq
Intelligence experts speak out against the war in a new documentary: "A slew of former CIA officials, ambassadors, weapons inspectors, and high ranking governmental figures testify to the illegality and sheer irrationality of the war in the hour-long documentary Uncovered that has been promoted by the Internet-based lobby group MoveOn. The various interviewees dissect the "intelligence" put forth by President Bush in his 2003 State of the Union speech, and the fuzzy photos used in Colin Powell's February speech to the UN, which is described by one former intelligence expert as a piece of "theater.""
In Electronic Iraq
Palestinian killed, 2 homes fall in raids: "Israeli troops killed an armed Palestinian and blew up two houses of suspected militants Tuesday in their second West Bank raid in as many days."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Another Symbol of Hussein's Regime Comes Down: "An Iraqi construction crew is removing the four massive heads of Saddam Hussein, each three stories high, that sit atop the Republican Palace in Baghdad. (The New York Times)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Rumsfeld: NATO Allies to Remain in Iraq: "Nearly all of the NATO countries with troops in Iraq have pledged to remain there in 2004 to help stabilize and rebuild the country, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Idaho-Based Co. Halts Iraq Project: "A Boise-based engineering and construction company has suspended work on power line towers being built in northern Iraq because two engineers for a subcontractor were killed and two others wounded in a weekend attack. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraq's King of Clubs evades US capture: "US troops have denied reports that Saddam Hussein's right hand man - the King of Clubs in the most wanted list - had been captured."
In Ananova: War In Iraq
Annan meets with advisory group on Iraq: "Secretary-General Kofi Annan met his advisory group on Iraq for the first time today, a move aimed at persuading countries in the region to support the same approach to the post-conflict country."
In Electronic Iraq
Saudi, Kenya attacks possible, U.S. warns: "U.S. Embassies on Tuesday warned of possible terror attacks against two hotels in Kenya and a housing compound for Westerners in Saudi Arabia. Kenyan police said they were investigating reports that terrorists had packed a truck with explosives for an imminent attack."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Latest Iraq attacks test allies' resolve: "America's allies in Iraq, suddenly besieged by guerrilla attacks that until now targeted mostly U.S. forces, are also under fire at home from a public shaken by the mounting dangers."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Andrew Cockburn: Tired, Terrified and Trigger-Happy in Iraq
Stressed Out in Iraq
Tired, Terrified, Trigger-Happy
By ANDREW COCKBURN
Among the less publicized incentives propelling Iraq overseer Paul Bremer's urgent dash to Washington last week was the concern in various quarters of the administration that the U.S. expeditionary force in Iraq is in a dangerously unstable state. "We are one stressed-out reservist away from a massacre," remarked one senior official closely involved in the search for an exit strategy.
He was expressing the fear that a soldier, possibly a reservist, stressed beyond endurance by the rigors and uncertainties of his or her condition in a hostile land far from home, might open up with a machine gun on an Iraqi crowd, with obviously disastrous consequences for the future of the occupation. In case anyone considers this contingency unthinkably remote, examples already abound of overstressed U.S. soldiers behaving in a lethally trigger-happy fashion. As U.S. soldiers get more and more stressed, their tempers fray and you see more altercations on the streets, more browbeating of ordinary Iraqis by soldiers and, as a result, a general deterioration in the already tense relationship that helps convince Iraqis that the U.S. is nothing but an ugly, arrogant occupying army.
In traveling around Iraq, I always stay well away from American convoys, for reasons well known to all Iraqi drivers and best illustrated by an incident (by no means unique) outside Fallouja last month. Gunners in an armored column responded to a roadside bomb blast by opening up, apparently indiscriminately, with heavy automatic weapons on traffic moving in the opposite direction on the other side of the highway median. Six civilians died, including four in a single minivan, some of whom were decapitated. An 82nd Airborne spokesman was later quoted as insisting that "the use of force was justified."
Indiscriminate fire and other atrocities can be understood, if not excused, by the degree of stress endured by hot and exhausted soldiers terrified of an unseen enemy. U.S. Army Field Manual 22-51 addresses what it calls "misconduct combat stress behavior," which it deems most likely in guerrilla warfare. The manual notes that, "even though we may pity the overstressed soldier as well as the victims," such cases must be punished.
The manual also identifies other stress behaviors, including looting and pil laging, practices that many people in Iraq--including non-Iraqis--report is widespread among the occupation force.
"I keep hearing rumors about our attached infantry company. Apparently they are under investigation for a few 'incidents,' " a young officer based in the Sunni Triangle wrote home to his family in August. "It seems that whenever they get the chance, they steal money from the locals. I'm not talking about small amounts of cash, I'm talking about a nice, fat bankroll. They take the money during raids, while searching cars, while detaining locals."
Questioned about various examples of misconduct, the official military response in Iraq tends to range from professed ignorance about the incidents to excuses like "these things happen in the heat of the action" to vague promises of future investigation. Yet surely the anonymous author of the U.S. Army Field Manual was correct in writing that "only a strong chain of command and a unit identity which says 'We don't do that, and those who do aren't one of us and will be punished' can prevent such behavior from happening."
Despite this commendable official doctrine, professional military personnel specialists are seeing a worrying trend in the profusion of stress-related cases in Iraq. "It's not surprising," says Maj. Don Vandergriff, who teaches military science at Georgetown University. "After six months in an intense environment, units start to degrade, especially when they are in combat and are likely getting very little sleep."
Vandergriff is also fiercely critical of the Army's practice of constantly rotating individuals, especially commanders, in and out of units. Morale and cohesion of the Army in Iraq "is deteriorating at four times the rate it did in Vietnam," he states.
The high command should be seeking remedial measures, but perhaps the best we can hope for are the coldly realistic sentiments of the officer who wrote about the looting.
"I really don't care for the Iraqi people, I don't care about helping them get back on their feet," he wrote in his letter. "However, I don't condone stealing from them, hurting them unnecessarily or threatening them with violence if it is not needed. We will never win hearts and minds here, but what these guys are doing is wrong. I am positive that this isn't happening in my company, and that's all I can really affect."
With any luck, his superiors are developing the same sense of responsibility. There is always that stressed-out reservist to worry about.
Andrew Cockburn: Tired, Terrified and Trigger-Happy in Iraq
Tired, Terrified, Trigger-Happy
By ANDREW COCKBURN
Among the less publicized incentives propelling Iraq overseer Paul Bremer's urgent dash to Washington last week was the concern in various quarters of the administration that the U.S. expeditionary force in Iraq is in a dangerously unstable state. "We are one stressed-out reservist away from a massacre," remarked one senior official closely involved in the search for an exit strategy.
He was expressing the fear that a soldier, possibly a reservist, stressed beyond endurance by the rigors and uncertainties of his or her condition in a hostile land far from home, might open up with a machine gun on an Iraqi crowd, with obviously disastrous consequences for the future of the occupation. In case anyone considers this contingency unthinkably remote, examples already abound of overstressed U.S. soldiers behaving in a lethally trigger-happy fashion. As U.S. soldiers get more and more stressed, their tempers fray and you see more altercations on the streets, more browbeating of ordinary Iraqis by soldiers and, as a result, a general deterioration in the already tense relationship that helps convince Iraqis that the U.S. is nothing but an ugly, arrogant occupying army.
In traveling around Iraq, I always stay well away from American convoys, for reasons well known to all Iraqi drivers and best illustrated by an incident (by no means unique) outside Fallouja last month. Gunners in an armored column responded to a roadside bomb blast by opening up, apparently indiscriminately, with heavy automatic weapons on traffic moving in the opposite direction on the other side of the highway median. Six civilians died, including four in a single minivan, some of whom were decapitated. An 82nd Airborne spokesman was later quoted as insisting that "the use of force was justified."
Indiscriminate fire and other atrocities can be understood, if not excused, by the degree of stress endured by hot and exhausted soldiers terrified of an unseen enemy. U.S. Army Field Manual 22-51 addresses what it calls "misconduct combat stress behavior," which it deems most likely in guerrilla warfare. The manual notes that, "even though we may pity the overstressed soldier as well as the victims," such cases must be punished.
The manual also identifies other stress behaviors, including looting and pil laging, practices that many people in Iraq--including non-Iraqis--report is widespread among the occupation force.
"I keep hearing rumors about our attached infantry company. Apparently they are under investigation for a few 'incidents,' " a young officer based in the Sunni Triangle wrote home to his family in August. "It seems that whenever they get the chance, they steal money from the locals. I'm not talking about small amounts of cash, I'm talking about a nice, fat bankroll. They take the money during raids, while searching cars, while detaining locals."
Questioned about various examples of misconduct, the official military response in Iraq tends to range from professed ignorance about the incidents to excuses like "these things happen in the heat of the action" to vague promises of future investigation. Yet surely the anonymous author of the U.S. Army Field Manual was correct in writing that "only a strong chain of command and a unit identity which says 'We don't do that, and those who do aren't one of us and will be punished' can prevent such behavior from happening."
Despite this commendable official doctrine, professional military personnel specialists are seeing a worrying trend in the profusion of stress-related cases in Iraq. "It's not surprising," says Maj. Don Vandergriff, who teaches military science at Georgetown University. "After six months in an intense environment, units start to degrade, especially when they are in combat and are likely getting very little sleep."
Vandergriff is also fiercely critical of the Army's practice of constantly rotating individuals, especially commanders, in and out of units. Morale and cohesion of the Army in Iraq "is deteriorating at four times the rate it did in Vietnam," he states.
The high command should be seeking remedial measures, but perhaps the best we can hope for are the coldly realistic sentiments of the officer who wrote about the looting.
"I really don't care for the Iraqi people, I don't care about helping them get back on their feet," he wrote in his letter. "However, I don't condone stealing from them, hurting them unnecessarily or threatening them with violence if it is not needed. We will never win hearts and minds here, but what these guys are doing is wrong. I am positive that this isn't happening in my company, and that's all I can really affect."
With any luck, his superiors are developing the same sense of responsibility. There is always that stressed-out reservist to worry about.
Andrew Cockburn: Tired, Terrified and Trigger-Happy in Iraq
Koizumi Adamant Japan Will Send Troops to Iraq: "Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi insistedTuesday that Japan would send troops to help rebuild Iraq asdomestic media reported that ministerial approval could bedelayed after the death of two Japanese diplomats there. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Organizes Group of Mideast Nations on Iraq: "Iraq's neighbors, includingIran, and Security Council members, including the UnitedStates, came together in a new grouping some delegates hopewill develop into an international conference on Iraq's future. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Hutton inquiry refuses to allow Blair to see report in advance: "British Prime Minister Tony Blair will have no advance warning of a report, expected early next year, into the death of British weapons expert David Kelly, London's Financial Times said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Sees Lesson for Insurgents in an Iraq Battle: "Americans vowed that the killing of as many as 54 insurgents would serve as lesson, but Iraqis disputed the death toll."
In New York Times: World Special
Rumsfeld Calls Peril in Iraq, Along With Progress, a 'Contradiction': "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld acknowledged that attacks continue to kill U.S. forces even as the economy stabilizes."
In New York Times: World Special
Bush Aides Say Attacks Won't Scare Allies Into Leaving Iraq: "Bush administration officials said that a wave of attacks would not succeed in scaring anyone away from securing Iraq."
In New York Times: World Special
For a Respite in Iraq, a Nickel Ride Across the Tigris: "The River Tigris is Baghdad's one oasis where no one fears car bombs and the traffic moves freely."
In New York Times: World Special
Arafat hails informal Mideast peace pact: "Yasser Arafat praised an informal Israeli-Palestinian peace pact, but violence persisted in the West Bank with an Israeli sweep through the town of Ramallah, where Arafat has his headquarters."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
No happily ever after for married soldiers: "Love does not conquer all, it seems."
In Back to Iraq 2.0
Jordan's king vows to transform Jordan: "Jordan's King Abdullah II pledged Monday to transform his nation into a model democratic state that can serve as an example to other Middle East nations."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Council In Iraq Resisting Ayatollah: "BAGHDAD, Dec. 1 -- A majority of Iraq's U.S.-appointed Governing Council has decided to support an American plan to select a provisional government through regional caucuses despite objections from the country's most powerful Shiite Muslim cleric, according to several council members. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill 54 Guerrillas in Iraq Firefight: "American troops killed 54guerrillas in a fierce battle to fight off coordinated ambusheson armored convoys carrying large quantities of banknotes inthe tense Iraqi town of Samarra, the U.S. Army said on Monday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Battle Reveals New Iraqi Tactics: "SAMARRA, Iraq, Dec. 1 -- Sgt. 1st Class Robert Hollis knew there was trouble even before the shooting started. As he stood guard in his M1-A1 Abrams tank outside a bank in this Sunni Muslim town, the usually busy streets suddenly emptied Sunday. Men hurried down back alleys, some running. Women dragged their children away from the positions of U.S. troops. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Dutch protest against visit Colin Powell: "Some 1,000 people protesting against Colin Powell's visit to the Netherlands and the occupation of Iraq and Palestine gathered in the Dutch town of Maastricht ahead of a meeting of the the European security body, the OSCE."
In Electronic Iraq
It's time to get moving: "It's time to go back. Back to Iraq."
In Back to Iraq 2.0
Iraqis deny US accounts of fierce fight with 'guerrillas' (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Poll: Iraqis distrusting coalition troops: "Nearly four out of five Iraqis have little or no confidence in occupying U.S. and British forces, but more than 40 percent said the fall of Saddam Hussein was the best thing that happened to them in the past year, according to a poll published Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Soldier faces discharge for Iraq marriage: "An American soldier has been reprimanded and will be discharged for taking a break from a foot patrol in Baghdad to marry an Iraqi woman, his lawyer said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Senate Dems Rip Bush on Iraq, Afghanistan: "Two Democratic senators just back from Iraq and Afghanistan predicted on Monday possible disastrous consequences from the Bush administration's policies for political and economic recovery in both countries. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S., Iraqi police dispute death toll in ambushes in CNN - War in Iraq
Putin demands early Iraq elections in CNN - War in Iraq
Bush remains firm on Iraq transition plan: "The Bush administration is holding to the terms of its plan for transition to Iraqi rule by the end of next June, despite rumblings of Shiite disapproval."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite Assumes Rotating Iraqi Presidency: "Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim, a Shiite Muslim leader who has criticized U.S.-led plans for Iraqi sovereignty, assumed the rotating presidency of the Governing Council on Monday amid discussions about how to select a transitional government. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bloodshed, religious politics put US Iraq policy on spot: "Despite vows of no surrender in Iraq, the United States has been thrust into a painful military dilemma by a swelling insurgency, days after a top Shiite cleric ambushed its new political strategy. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Annan Organizes Group of Mideast Nations on Iraq: "Iraq's neighbors, includingIran, and Security Council members, including the UnitedStates, came together in a new grouping some delegates hopewill develop into an international conference on Iraq's future. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Hutton inquiry refuses to allow Blair to see report in advance: "British Prime Minister Tony Blair will have no advance warning of a report, expected early next year, into the death of British weapons expert David Kelly, London's Financial Times said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Sees Lesson for Insurgents in an Iraq Battle: "Americans vowed that the killing of as many as 54 insurgents would serve as lesson, but Iraqis disputed the death toll."
In New York Times: World Special
Rumsfeld Calls Peril in Iraq, Along With Progress, a 'Contradiction': "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld acknowledged that attacks continue to kill U.S. forces even as the economy stabilizes."
In New York Times: World Special
Bush Aides Say Attacks Won't Scare Allies Into Leaving Iraq: "Bush administration officials said that a wave of attacks would not succeed in scaring anyone away from securing Iraq."
In New York Times: World Special
For a Respite in Iraq, a Nickel Ride Across the Tigris: "The River Tigris is Baghdad's one oasis where no one fears car bombs and the traffic moves freely."
In New York Times: World Special
Arafat hails informal Mideast peace pact: "Yasser Arafat praised an informal Israeli-Palestinian peace pact, but violence persisted in the West Bank with an Israeli sweep through the town of Ramallah, where Arafat has his headquarters."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
No happily ever after for married soldiers: "Love does not conquer all, it seems."
In Back to Iraq 2.0
Jordan's king vows to transform Jordan: "Jordan's King Abdullah II pledged Monday to transform his nation into a model democratic state that can serve as an example to other Middle East nations."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Council In Iraq Resisting Ayatollah: "BAGHDAD, Dec. 1 -- A majority of Iraq's U.S.-appointed Governing Council has decided to support an American plan to select a provisional government through regional caucuses despite objections from the country's most powerful Shiite Muslim cleric, according to several council members. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S. Troops Kill 54 Guerrillas in Iraq Firefight: "American troops killed 54guerrillas in a fierce battle to fight off coordinated ambusheson armored convoys carrying large quantities of banknotes inthe tense Iraqi town of Samarra, the U.S. Army said on Monday. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Battle Reveals New Iraqi Tactics: "SAMARRA, Iraq, Dec. 1 -- Sgt. 1st Class Robert Hollis knew there was trouble even before the shooting started. As he stood guard in his M1-A1 Abrams tank outside a bank in this Sunni Muslim town, the usually busy streets suddenly emptied Sunday. Men hurried down back alleys, some running. Women dragged their children away from the positions of U.S. troops. (washingtonpost.com)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Dutch protest against visit Colin Powell: "Some 1,000 people protesting against Colin Powell's visit to the Netherlands and the occupation of Iraq and Palestine gathered in the Dutch town of Maastricht ahead of a meeting of the the European security body, the OSCE."
In Electronic Iraq
It's time to get moving: "It's time to go back. Back to Iraq."
In Back to Iraq 2.0
Iraqis deny US accounts of fierce fight with 'guerrillas' (2 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA
Poll: Iraqis distrusting coalition troops: "Nearly four out of five Iraqis have little or no confidence in occupying U.S. and British forces, but more than 40 percent said the fall of Saddam Hussein was the best thing that happened to them in the past year, according to a poll published Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Soldier faces discharge for Iraq marriage: "An American soldier has been reprimanded and will be discharged for taking a break from a foot patrol in Baghdad to marry an Iraqi woman, his lawyer said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Senate Dems Rip Bush on Iraq, Afghanistan: "Two Democratic senators just back from Iraq and Afghanistan predicted on Monday possible disastrous consequences from the Bush administration's policies for political and economic recovery in both countries. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
U.S., Iraqi police dispute death toll in ambushes in CNN - War in Iraq
Putin demands early Iraq elections in CNN - War in Iraq
Bush remains firm on Iraq transition plan: "The Bush administration is holding to the terms of its plan for transition to Iraqi rule by the end of next June, despite rumblings of Shiite disapproval."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Shiite Assumes Rotating Iraqi Presidency: "Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim, a Shiite Muslim leader who has criticized U.S.-led plans for Iraqi sovereignty, assumed the rotating presidency of the Governing Council on Monday amid discussions about how to select a transitional government. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Bloodshed, religious politics put US Iraq policy on spot: "Despite vows of no surrender in Iraq, the United States has been thrust into a painful military dilemma by a swelling insurgency, days after a top Shiite cleric ambushed its new political strategy. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Monday, December 01, 2003
More Dutch troops stay longer in Iraq and Afghanistan: "Government.nl [ Full story »» ] reports:
RNW [ Full story »» ] reports:
In Command Post: Irak
White House Version of Mid-Air Exchange Disputed: "British Airways said on Monday thatnone of its pilots made contact with President Bush's planeduring its secret flight to Baghdad, contradicting White Housereports of a mid-air exchange that nearly prompted Bush to calloff his trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AFTER DUBYA'S MISSION: A MATTER OF AMERICAN WILL: " (New York Post)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Briton disputes reports of abuse in Iraq: "A British envoy on Monday disputed reports by human rights groups alleging a pattern of human rights violations by U.S. forces in Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Terrorists or civilians?: "Reports out of Iraq about yesterday's deadly gun battle in Samarra are painting markedly different portraits of what happened. Locals and Americans agree that the so-called fedayeen irregulars attacked a U.S. military convoy delivering cash to two banks. What happened next is emerging only through the fog of war.
While the U.S. military is claiming that the 54 Iraqis killed in Samarra late Sunday were terrrorist insurgents, reports filed by Middle East news organizations claim that most of the dead are innocent civilians. Albawaba.com reports, "Locals provided different versions about the incident. According to them, occupation troops killed unarmed bystanders when they opened fire on all directions. Workers at a nearby pharmaceutical plant said at least two colleagues were shot dead and many injured as they walked out of the factory gates at the end of their shift. An AFP reporter saw blood spattered on the ground and bullet holes in the sentry box to left of the white factory gates." According to this Agence France Presse report, the dead included "eight civilians including a woman and a child." Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Mis-occupied Iraq: "From the New Yorker, comes another dissection of the poor plannning and blind hubris behind the White House's war. After reading this, it is hard not to think it a monstrous crime that the United States is not actively begging the United Nations to take over the situation, while granting it whatever financial and military backing it might need to help the country recover from its decades of hell - and six months of post-war anarchy and blatant mismanagement by a know-nothing Provisional Authority."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
GETTING OUT OF IRAQ: " (Richard Reeves)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqis 'welcome Saddam's fall': "Most Iraqis regard the ousting of Saddam Hussein as the best event in the past year, a new survey shows."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
The government has extended the mission of the Dutch forces in Iraq by six months. An extra reconnaissance unit of the Commando Corps will be sent to Iraq to gather information on the situation in the south of al-Muthanna province.
RNW [ Full story »» ] reports:
Dutch Defence Minister Henk Kamp plans to send four Apache military helicopters to Afghanistan. If approved, the mission will involve the deployment of between 60 and 100 military personnel. The Dutch helicopters are likely to be deployed in and around the Afghan capital, Kabul."
In Command Post: Irak
White House Version of Mid-Air Exchange Disputed: "British Airways said on Monday thatnone of its pilots made contact with President Bush's planeduring its secret flight to Baghdad, contradicting White Housereports of a mid-air exchange that nearly prompted Bush to calloff his trip. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
AFTER DUBYA'S MISSION: A MATTER OF AMERICAN WILL: " (New York Post)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Briton disputes reports of abuse in Iraq: "A British envoy on Monday disputed reports by human rights groups alleging a pattern of human rights violations by U.S. forces in Iraq."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Terrorists or civilians?: "Reports out of Iraq about yesterday's deadly gun battle in Samarra are painting markedly different portraits of what happened. Locals and Americans agree that the so-called fedayeen irregulars attacked a U.S. military convoy delivering cash to two banks. What happened next is emerging only through the fog of war.
While the U.S. military is claiming that the 54 Iraqis killed in Samarra late Sunday were terrrorist insurgents, reports filed by Middle East news organizations claim that most of the dead are innocent civilians. Albawaba.com reports, "Locals provided different versions about the incident. According to them, occupation troops killed unarmed bystanders when they opened fire on all directions. Workers at a nearby pharmaceutical plant said at least two colleagues were shot dead and many injured as they walked out of the factory gates at the end of their shift. An AFP reporter saw blood spattered on the ground and bullet holes in the sentry box to left of the white factory gates." According to this Agence France Presse report, the dead included "eight civilians including a woman and a child." Continue »"
In Alternet: War On Iraq
Mis-occupied Iraq: "From the New Yorker, comes another dissection of the poor plannning and blind hubris behind the White House's war. After reading this, it is hard not to think it a monstrous crime that the United States is not actively begging the United Nations to take over the situation, while granting it whatever financial and military backing it might need to help the country recover from its decades of hell - and six months of post-war anarchy and blatant mismanagement by a know-nothing Provisional Authority."
In Alternet: War On Iraq
GETTING OUT OF IRAQ: " (Richard Reeves)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Iraqis 'welcome Saddam's fall': "Most Iraqis regard the ousting of Saddam Hussein as the best event in the past year, a new survey shows."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Home for holidays - thenews-messenger.com
By SARAH WILLIAMS
Staff writer
When you're in the shower, take a moment and be thankful for the hot water. Before you sit down to eat a meal, really be thankful that you have that meal.
These are some of the things Marcella Mowel's daughter, Tabitha, told her mother after coming home from serving in Iraq.
"Being in the war or the service really changes a person," Marcella Mowel said just a day after the holiday made for being thankful. "I wasn't sure how much it was going to be.
"She used to love going to the mall. Now, if she goes to the mall, she says, 'We buy all these things we don't need. And there are people starving, people who have no pillow to lay their head on.' She's learned a whole new appreciation for America and what we have."
This holiday season, some military families are rejoicing -- their loved one has returned safe from action in Iraq. Others are thankful to know that, even though their loved ones have to remain on station, they're at least back home in the states. Still others send prayers and thoughts thousands of miles away, looking at a vacant seat at the dinner table and hoping the person they care for is safe.
Port Clinton native Tabitha Mowel, 22, a private in the U.S. Army, returned to her parents Jerald "David" and Marcella Mowel on Aug. 22, having served six months in Iraq. She's back in the states, but she wasn't home for Thanksgiving. Tabitha -- who, while in Iraq, spent most of her time about five to 10 miles from the front line, refueling aircraft and tanks -- is stationed at Hunter Air Field in Savannah, Ga.
The whole family took Tabitha's deployment hard, but her brother, Jeremy, 19, was extremely upset.
"For five weeks, what little sleep he did get was with the TV on," she said. "He wrote her a poem, and she said she read it every day. She put it in her helmet and said that's what would carry her through. She had photos of her grandparents and (of my husband and me) in there, too, to try and keep in touch with reality."
Jeremy's poem:
"When we were small, with guns we used to play.
But now it's not play, it's the real thing, day by day.
I wished you would stay, but in Iraq you now lay,
Following orders, you have to obey.
We weren't close,
But now you are the one I want to see the most.
Find the way home, you know the way.
So we can grow old together someday."
Traditionally, before going to bed, Marcella said she would tell her daughter, "Goodnight Tab. I love you. Sweet dreams." And when Tabitha was in a time zone eight hours away, missiles flying overhead, Marcella stepped out onto the back porch each night.
"Goodnight Tab. I love you. Sweet dreams."
The 1999 Port Clinton High School graduate's family is hoping she'll make it home for Christmas.
"That would be all I need for Christmas, to have my family," Marcella Mowel said. "I don't need anything else."
Fremonter Mark Szymanowski, a private in the U.S. Army, was likely sleeping in an underground concrete bunker while Americans gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table. He's been in Iraq since Sept. 2, and is serving his second deployment. Last time, he was there from Feb. 14 to May 12.
By e-mail, the 22-year-old 2000 St. Joseph Central Catholic grad said the hardest part about being away is knowing that it's hard on his family. And although he's become accustomed to sometimes missing the holidays for service, he misses them, too.
"(What) I probably miss most is my loved ones, and they know who they are, from Fremont to Tennessee," Szymanowski wrote. "I miss the freedom to get a burger or a beer, take a drive, or the possibility of taking leave and going home -- all of these things and many more. It's really hard to think of what I miss the most aside from family -- I don't know if anything can come close (in) importance."
And Szymanowski had a message for readers:
" ... Everyone reading, please support our soldiers regardless of opinion," he wrote. "We joined to defend the USA. We are just doing our job, and we are doing a damn good job."
In Clyde, Michael McElfresh and wife of six years, Tricia, are celebrating a much different holiday season -- Michael came home Nov. 19 after serving nearly 10 months in Iraq. He returned to find his 2-year-old daughter, Grace, had learned to walk, and his 3-year-old son, Casey -- who had had a speech development problem when he left -- could now speak.
"He didn't talk when I left, now he's yelling at the top of his lungs," Michael said. "It's 'Daddy this, Daddy that.' Between Grace being as big as she is and my son being able to say my name and talk to me ... they're such big changes."
McElfresh said he worried about what it would be like to come home to his children.
"Especially with my little girl, I had a lot of fears," the 35-year-old Navy corpsman said. "I didn't know whether she would remember me. I was gone for such a long period of time. I was pretty afraid it was going to be bad -- but everything worked out fine."
And it was things like that that Tricia found difficult. A tight-knit family, Tricia knew seeing how their kids had grown would be hard on Michael. Describing how close they are, Michael said, "If we can't get it done as a family, we don't do it." Tricia called Michael a "very involved dad" and said that while at work, the couple used to talk a couple times a day.
"I felt like I didn't get to tell him anything," Tricia said. "I started making a list to put by the phone for things to tell him when he would call so I wouldn't forget. Sometimes, it would be like two in the morning, so I wanted to make sure I could remember."
The 34-year-old found his absence to be a personal test.
"Emotionally, it was like 'Can I do this?'" she said. "It's not just the bills and the kids and the house and the yard, but I'm really going to miss him. ... But you find out what you're made of and what the people around you are good for -- their true spirit. You find a way to make it work.
"Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It's one more reason to give thanks to God that everything came out OK. I have faith that He knows what He's doing -- it works out."
Contact staff writer Sarah Williams at 419-334-1051 or swilliam@fremont.gannett.com.
Email this story
Originally published Monday, December 1, 2003
Home for holidays - thenews-messenger.com
Staff writer
When you're in the shower, take a moment and be thankful for the hot water. Before you sit down to eat a meal, really be thankful that you have that meal.
These are some of the things Marcella Mowel's daughter, Tabitha, told her mother after coming home from serving in Iraq.
"Being in the war or the service really changes a person," Marcella Mowel said just a day after the holiday made for being thankful. "I wasn't sure how much it was going to be.
"She used to love going to the mall. Now, if she goes to the mall, she says, 'We buy all these things we don't need. And there are people starving, people who have no pillow to lay their head on.' She's learned a whole new appreciation for America and what we have."
This holiday season, some military families are rejoicing -- their loved one has returned safe from action in Iraq. Others are thankful to know that, even though their loved ones have to remain on station, they're at least back home in the states. Still others send prayers and thoughts thousands of miles away, looking at a vacant seat at the dinner table and hoping the person they care for is safe.
Port Clinton native Tabitha Mowel, 22, a private in the U.S. Army, returned to her parents Jerald "David" and Marcella Mowel on Aug. 22, having served six months in Iraq. She's back in the states, but she wasn't home for Thanksgiving. Tabitha -- who, while in Iraq, spent most of her time about five to 10 miles from the front line, refueling aircraft and tanks -- is stationed at Hunter Air Field in Savannah, Ga.
The whole family took Tabitha's deployment hard, but her brother, Jeremy, 19, was extremely upset.
"For five weeks, what little sleep he did get was with the TV on," she said. "He wrote her a poem, and she said she read it every day. She put it in her helmet and said that's what would carry her through. She had photos of her grandparents and (of my husband and me) in there, too, to try and keep in touch with reality."
Jeremy's poem:
"When we were small, with guns we used to play.
But now it's not play, it's the real thing, day by day.
I wished you would stay, but in Iraq you now lay,
Following orders, you have to obey.
We weren't close,
But now you are the one I want to see the most.
Find the way home, you know the way.
So we can grow old together someday."
Traditionally, before going to bed, Marcella said she would tell her daughter, "Goodnight Tab. I love you. Sweet dreams." And when Tabitha was in a time zone eight hours away, missiles flying overhead, Marcella stepped out onto the back porch each night.
"Goodnight Tab. I love you. Sweet dreams."
The 1999 Port Clinton High School graduate's family is hoping she'll make it home for Christmas.
"That would be all I need for Christmas, to have my family," Marcella Mowel said. "I don't need anything else."
Fremonter Mark Szymanowski, a private in the U.S. Army, was likely sleeping in an underground concrete bunker while Americans gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table. He's been in Iraq since Sept. 2, and is serving his second deployment. Last time, he was there from Feb. 14 to May 12.
By e-mail, the 22-year-old 2000 St. Joseph Central Catholic grad said the hardest part about being away is knowing that it's hard on his family. And although he's become accustomed to sometimes missing the holidays for service, he misses them, too.
"(What) I probably miss most is my loved ones, and they know who they are, from Fremont to Tennessee," Szymanowski wrote. "I miss the freedom to get a burger or a beer, take a drive, or the possibility of taking leave and going home -- all of these things and many more. It's really hard to think of what I miss the most aside from family -- I don't know if anything can come close (in) importance."
And Szymanowski had a message for readers:
" ... Everyone reading, please support our soldiers regardless of opinion," he wrote. "We joined to defend the USA. We are just doing our job, and we are doing a damn good job."
In Clyde, Michael McElfresh and wife of six years, Tricia, are celebrating a much different holiday season -- Michael came home Nov. 19 after serving nearly 10 months in Iraq. He returned to find his 2-year-old daughter, Grace, had learned to walk, and his 3-year-old son, Casey -- who had had a speech development problem when he left -- could now speak.
"He didn't talk when I left, now he's yelling at the top of his lungs," Michael said. "It's 'Daddy this, Daddy that.' Between Grace being as big as she is and my son being able to say my name and talk to me ... they're such big changes."
McElfresh said he worried about what it would be like to come home to his children.
"Especially with my little girl, I had a lot of fears," the 35-year-old Navy corpsman said. "I didn't know whether she would remember me. I was gone for such a long period of time. I was pretty afraid it was going to be bad -- but everything worked out fine."
And it was things like that that Tricia found difficult. A tight-knit family, Tricia knew seeing how their kids had grown would be hard on Michael. Describing how close they are, Michael said, "If we can't get it done as a family, we don't do it." Tricia called Michael a "very involved dad" and said that while at work, the couple used to talk a couple times a day.
"I felt like I didn't get to tell him anything," Tricia said. "I started making a list to put by the phone for things to tell him when he would call so I wouldn't forget. Sometimes, it would be like two in the morning, so I wanted to make sure I could remember."
The 34-year-old found his absence to be a personal test.
"Emotionally, it was like 'Can I do this?'" she said. "It's not just the bills and the kids and the house and the yard, but I'm really going to miss him. ... But you find out what you're made of and what the people around you are good for -- their true spirit. You find a way to make it work.
"Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It's one more reason to give thanks to God that everything came out OK. I have faith that He knows what He's doing -- it works out."
Contact staff writer Sarah Williams at 419-334-1051 or swilliam@fremont.gannett.com.
Email this story
Originally published Monday, December 1, 2003
Home for holidays - thenews-messenger.com
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For the Iraqis, a Missile Deal That Went Sour: "Saddam Hussein negotiated with North Korea to obtain a missile assembly line, but the deal did not go exactly as he imagined."
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US claims to have killed 46 militants in Samarra,witnesses say civilians among dead in IraqWar.ru (English)
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Lima camp under threat of attack in IraqWar.ru (English)
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Two Iraqi Governing Council members deny accord on direct elections in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraq Scientists: Lied About Nuke Weapons in IraqWar.ru (English)
Three al-Qaida Caught in Iraq, U.S. Says in IraqWar.ru (English)
Iraqi politician kidnapped in Kirkuk: official in IraqWar.ru (English)
Army Officer's Actions Raise Ethical Issues in IraqWar.ru (English)
For the Iraqis, a Missile Deal That Went Sour: "Saddam Hussein negotiated with North Korea to obtain a missile assembly line, but the deal did not go exactly as he imagined."
In New York Times: World Special
Iraqi Council Agrees on National Elections: "The council agreed by a unanimous vote that full national elections would be the best way to choose an interim government in June."
In New York Times: World Special
South Korean Denounces Iraq Shootings: "The South Korean president urged a security review on Monday after what he called the intolerable shooting of four civilians in Iraq."
In New York Times: World Special
Soldier at Kuwait Base Says She Was Raped: "A soldier reported that she was raped at a desert post in Kuwait where her unit is preparing for its mission in Iraq, a military spokesman said on Sunday."
In New York Times: World Special
A Conversation on Tiptoes, Wary of Mines: "Saddam Hussein's terror still radiates among Iraqis, many of whom condition their words and actions against the possibility he may return."
In New York Times: World Special
U.S. Says 54 Iraqis Killed in Samarra: "The U.S. military said 54 Iraqis were killed in the northern city of Samarra as U.S. forces used tanks and cannons to fight their way out of simultaneous ambushes. But residents said Monday that the casualty figure was much lower and that the dead were mostly civilians. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Eight civilians killed, dozens wounded by US fire in Iraq town: "Scenes of devastation dotted the Iraqi town of Samarra after fierce clashes between US forces and insurgents in which senior police and hospital officials said at least eight civilians were killed and dozens wounded by US fire. (AFP)"
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Three suspected al-Qaeda members nabbed by US forces in Mosul: "Three men suspected of belonging to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network have been captured by US troops in the main northern Iraqi city of Mosul. (AFP)"
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'Intense battle' in Samarra: "There is evidence of a fierce fight between US forces and militants in the central Iraqi city, says BBC's Peter Greste."
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South Korea stands firm on Iraq, condemns "inhuman" attack: "South Korea said an "inhuman" attack that killed two of its civilians in Iraq would not derail plans to dispatch more troops to the war-torn country. (AFP)"
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Koizumi presses ahead with troop dispatch after Iraq attacks: "Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi lashed out at "indiscriminate" attacks in Iraq that killed two of the country's diplomats as a poll showed little public backing for sending troops. (AFP)"
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Death toll rises from Iraq ambush: "The number of Iraqis killed after American convoys come under attack in central Iraq rises to 54, US officials say."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Israel's Sharon home sick with the flu: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was home sick with the flu Monday and canceled all his appearances, Israeli media reported."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Israeli troops kill two in West Bank raid: "The Israeli military launched a large-scale raid on suspected militants in the West Bank city of Ramallah Monday, killing at least two armed Palestinians and arresting dozens of other people, the army said."
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Battle Casualty Toll Rises: "From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
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Relatives of slain Japanese diplomats to head to Kuwait to collect bodies: "Ten bereaved family members of the two Japanese diplomats killed in an ambush in Iraq over the weekend were to leave for Kuwait to bring back the bodies, the foreign ministry said. (AFP)"
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7-year Old Wounded: "From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
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Mideast negotiators to launch peace plan: "Last-minute dissent among the Palestinians and strong opposition from Israeli leaders underscored just how difficult it will be for a symbolic peace plan to sway either side after years of conflict in the Middle East."
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U.S. allies promise to stay in Iraq: "U.S. coalition partners South Korea and Spain promised to stay in Iraq despite attacks that killed their citizens over the weekend, while the deaths of two Japanese coincided with a poll that showed growing fears in Japan about sending troops."
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NATO seeks to expand Afghan mission: "NATO wants to expand its mission in Afghanistan, but the alliance's leaders have warned they will need more support from member nations to do the job right."
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Saudi interrogators use new technique: "Forget the bread-and-water routine. Saudi Arabian interrogators often bring a Quran, the Muslim holy book, to their prison interviews, using a technique that has proved successful in eliciting information from al-Qaida captives and reorienting them to less violent religious beliefs."
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Bush's morale-boosting Baghdad visit doesn't make up for urge to go home, say troops: "Just a day after US President George W. Bush flew into Baghdad to feed 600 of his troops the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, soldiers at the same base were offered a rare musical evening but the Bush high had failed to outlast the impromptu visit. (AFP)"
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In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Eight civilians killed, dozens wounded by US fire in Iraq town: "Scenes of devastation dotted the Iraqi town of Samarra after fierce clashes between US forces and insurgents in which senior police and hospital officials said at least eight civilians were killed and dozens wounded by US fire. (AFP)"
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Three suspected al-Qaeda members nabbed by US forces in Mosul: "Three men suspected of belonging to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network have been captured by US troops in the main northern Iraqi city of Mosul. (AFP)"
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'Intense battle' in Samarra: "There is evidence of a fierce fight between US forces and militants in the central Iraqi city, says BBC's Peter Greste."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
South Korea stands firm on Iraq, condemns "inhuman" attack: "South Korea said an "inhuman" attack that killed two of its civilians in Iraq would not derail plans to dispatch more troops to the war-torn country. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Koizumi presses ahead with troop dispatch after Iraq attacks: "Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi lashed out at "indiscriminate" attacks in Iraq that killed two of the country's diplomats as a poll showed little public backing for sending troops. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Death toll rises from Iraq ambush: "The number of Iraqis killed after American convoys come under attack in central Iraq rises to 54, US officials say."
In BBC: Conflict with Iraq
Israel's Sharon home sick with the flu: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was home sick with the flu Monday and canceled all his appearances, Israeli media reported."
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Israeli troops kill two in West Bank raid: "The Israeli military launched a large-scale raid on suspected militants in the West Bank city of Ramallah Monday, killing at least two armed Palestinians and arresting dozens of other people, the army said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Battle Casualty Toll Rises: "From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
"
The United States has raised the death toll from intense clashes with insurgents in the Iraqi town of Samarra to 54, after reports from Iraqi doctors that eight civilians were killed by US fire in the exchanges.
A hospital director in Samarra says another 60 civilians were injured.
US commanders previously said they had they killed 46 Iraqi insurgents in the clashes.
The hospital says a woman and child were amongst the eight civilians who died in the fighting.
In Command Post: Irak
CIA admits Uncertainties over Iraqi WMD: "From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has acknowledged it "lacked specific information" about alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction when it compiled an intelligence estimate last year that served to justify the US-led invasion of Iraq."
[...]
... an explanation issued over the weekend by veteran CIA analyst Stuart Cohen, who was in charge of putting together the 2002 intelligence estimate and currently serves as vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council, made clear the case against Iraq, as presented by the CIA behind closed doors, was much less clear-cut and more nuanced.
[...]
The document still concluded that Iraq had chemical and biological weapons as well as missiles with ranges in excess of the 150-kilometre limit imposed by the UN Security Council.
It also said that Baghdad did not have nuclear weapons.
Mr Cohen said he still stood by those judgments.
[...]
Moreover, specialists from three US government agencies - the State and Energy Departments and the Air Force - vocally disagreed with at least some of the findings, the CIA analyst said, who denied that these expressions of dissent had been somehow suppressed or buried in footnotes.
" All agencies were fully exposed to these alternative views, and the heads of those organisations blessed the wording and placement of their alternative views ," Mr Cohen said.
The veteran CIA analyst stressed that all major conclusions about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction had been drawn on the basis of information "overwhelmingly" gleaned from a combination of human intelligence, satellite imagery and communications intercepts.
" There is a reason that the October 2002 review of Iraq's WMD programs is called a National Intelligence Estimate and not a National Intelligence factbook ," Mr Cohen said.
" On almost any issue of the day that we face, hard evidence will only take intelligence professionals so far ."
In Command Post: Irak
Relatives of slain Japanese diplomats to head to Kuwait to collect bodies: "Ten bereaved family members of the two Japanese diplomats killed in an ambush in Iraq over the weekend were to leave for Kuwait to bring back the bodies, the foreign ministry said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
7-year Old Wounded: "From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :
A seven-year-old child brandishing a Kalashnikov was shot in the foot by US troops during a raid in the hotspot city of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, the US military said."
"[Troops] conducted a mission in the Ramadi area today. While on patrol, the soldiers witnessed two men with weapons running into a nearby residence. The soldiers followed the men in order to apprehend them for questioning ," a Central Command statement said.
" Upon approaching the house, a seven-year-old child came out with an AK-47 rifle pointed at the soldiers. A soldier responded in self-defence and shot the child in the foot. "
The statement said the child was evacuated to a nearby army medical facility for treatment and then flown to Baghdad.
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Mideast negotiators to launch peace plan: "Last-minute dissent among the Palestinians and strong opposition from Israeli leaders underscored just how difficult it will be for a symbolic peace plan to sway either side after years of conflict in the Middle East."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
U.S. allies promise to stay in Iraq: "U.S. coalition partners South Korea and Spain promised to stay in Iraq despite attacks that killed their citizens over the weekend, while the deaths of two Japanese coincided with a poll that showed growing fears in Japan about sending troops."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
NATO seeks to expand Afghan mission: "NATO wants to expand its mission in Afghanistan, but the alliance's leaders have warned they will need more support from member nations to do the job right."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Saudi interrogators use new technique: "Forget the bread-and-water routine. Saudi Arabian interrogators often bring a Quran, the Muslim holy book, to their prison interviews, using a technique that has proved successful in eliciting information from al-Qaida captives and reorienting them to less violent religious beliefs."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Bush's morale-boosting Baghdad visit doesn't make up for urge to go home, say troops: "Just a day after US President George W. Bush flew into Baghdad to feed 600 of his troops the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, soldiers at the same base were offered a rare musical evening but the Bush high had failed to outlast the impromptu visit. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
Saddam Hussein sought missile assembly line from North Korea: "Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was trying to obtain an entire missile production line from North Korea prior to the US-led invasion of Iraq, with Syria offering a transit route for delivery of the goods, the New York Times reported. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
South Korea, Japan Sending Troops to Iraq: "Japan and South Korea voiceddetermination on Monday to proceed with sending troops to Iraqdespite weekend killings of several of their nationals thereand popular doubts about taking part in the operation. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq
