Prince Pundit

GI killed in Iraq; Voting may be upcoming: "Iraq's U.S.-appointed governing council, struggling with questions about its legitimacy, could be replaced by an elected government after general elections in less than a year, Iraq's U.S. administrator said Thursday. An American soldier was killed as troops chased Saddam Hussein from hideout to hideout in northern Iraq."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush wants homosexuals out of marriage: "President Bush says Americans should respect homosexuals, but he wants to make sure marriage is defined strictly as a union between a man and a woman."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Vatican starts campaign vs. gay marriage: "The Vatican launched a global campaign against gay marriages Thursday, warning Catholic politicians that support of same-sex unions was "gravely immoral" and urging non-Catholics to follow their lead."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Planned air marshal cuts meet hostility: "A Bush administration plan to cut back the air marshal program that mushroomed after the Sept. 11 attacks was rejected by Republicans and Democrats in Congress."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Inspectors arrive in embattled Liberia: "As shells crashed in the distance, an early inspection team arrived in Liberia's capital to plan for a peacekeeping force that will seek to stop a civil war pushing the country toward outright chaos."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



N. Korea, U.S. trade harsh criticism: "North Korea and the United States traded harsh criticism on Thursday, with a U.S. official describing the communist nation as a "hellish nightmare" and the North accusing Washington of "all sorts of lies and plots.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Witness: Al-Qaida aided Indonesia attacks: "A suspected Muslim radical testified Thursday that the al-Qaida terror group financed Southeast Asian militant attacks in Indonesia, possibly including the Oct. 12 Bali blasts that killed 202 people."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Experts anxious over possible Net attack: "Government and industry experts are increasingly concerned about brewing hacker activity they consider a precursor to a broad Internet attack that will target a serious flaw in Windows software from Microsoft Corp."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Record producer Sam Phillips dead at 80: "Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, who decided that a then-unknown Elvis Presley deserved a recording contract when he heard him sing songs for his mother, has died. He was 80."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Ohio State bars star back from practice: "Ohio State tailback Maurice Clarett admits exaggerating the value of items he reported stolen from a car he was driving. As the NCAA investigates, school officials announced Clarett will be held out of preseason practice."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Bush calls threat of new attacks 'real': "President Bush took personal responsibility for the first time Wednesday for using discredited intelligence in his State of the Union address, but predicted he would be vindicated for going to war against Iraq. He also warned of possible new al-Qaida attacks, possibly involving airlines."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Lawmakers to fight cuts for air marshals: "A suicide hijacking warning led the government to ask airlines to watch out for certain foreigners just days after it asked for cuts in the air marshal program that was boosted after the Sept. 11 attacks. Lawmakers from both parties said they would block any effort to reduce funding for air marshals."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. believes Saddam constantly on move: "After weeks of struggling to choose a leader, Iraq's U.S.-picked interim government named its first president Wednesday - a Shiite Muslim from a party banned by Saddam Hussein. U.S. troops, meanwhile, pressed the hunt for the ousted dictator and officers said it was "just a matter of time" before he is caught."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Peacekeepers arrive amid Liberia tumult: "An advance inspection team of a long-promised multinational peacekeeping force flew into Liberia's besieged capital Wednesday, as explosions and gunfire rocked Monrovia despite a new rebel pledge to cease fire."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush shuns calls to legalize gay marriage: "President Bush said Wednesday he respects homosexuals but draws the line at gay weddings, and he disclosed that government lawyers are exploring measures to legally define marriage as a union between a man and a woman."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



D.A. to seek retrial in police video case: "Prosecutors said Wednesday they will seek a retrial in the case of a white former police officer who was videotaped punching and slamming a handcuffed black teenager onto a squad car."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Weather slows Montana firefighting efforts: "A wildfire menacing Glacier National Park paused Wednesday, but uncooperative weather kept firefighters from making a full attack on the 14,200-acre blaze that has forced hundreds of people from their homes."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Stocks sag as Dow down 4, Nasdaq down 9: "Stocks fell modestly Wednesday after bearish comments from Intel and a profit warning from Pier One Imports offset strong earnings from CVS and ConocoPhillips. But many investors simply sat out the session, waiting for gross domestic product and employment data due out later this week."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Baryshnikov heads to 'Sex and the City': "He's Mr. Big in the dance world. Now Mikhail Baryshnikov is ready to take on Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Autopsy: Dennehy died of gunshot wounds: "Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy was shot in the head and died in the field where his body was found, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Iraqis begin to accept Hussein deaths: "Skeptical Iraqis began to accept that Saddam Hussein's sons Odai and Qusai were dead after a new audiotape attributed to the fallen dictator acknowledged his sons had become martyrs in the fight against American occupation."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. aims to reduce air marshalls: "The Transportation Security Administration wants to reduce the number of air marshals to save money, even as the government is warning about the possibility al-Qaida may try more suicide hijackings."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. may query Saudi who knew hijackers: "Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says FBI and CIA agents in his country may question an employee of the Saudi civil aviation authority who befriended two of the Saudis involved in the 9-11 hijackings."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Israeli, Palestinian officials to meet: "Prisoner releases, dismantling settlement outposts and Israeli withdrawal from two more Palestinian towns will be the focus of high-level negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, after twin summits with President Bush, officials said Wednesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Mont. crews fight wildfire with flames: "Fighting fire with fire, state officials scrambled to burn 2,000 acres of trees and other fuel from the path of a 12,000-acre forest fire threatening Glacier National Park and a nearby village."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Judge warns reporters in Bryant case: "The judge presiding over Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case warned reporters that they may not get a seat in his courtroom if they publish the name or photograph of the basketball star's alleged victim. Critics said the ruling may be unconstitutional."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Heavy fighting erupts in Liberia: "Heavy fighting raged in Liberia's besieged capital Wednesday despite rebel declarations of a cease-fire, with President Charles Taylor's troops battling rebels trying to advance on his downtown stronghold."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Hormel fights to defend Spam name: "Hormel Foods has a message for a Seattle software company: Stop, in the name of Spam!"

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Stocks mixed amid upbeat, bearish reports: "Stocks were mixed in early trading Wednesday as an upbeat earnings report from ConocoPhillips was offset by Intel's bearish comments about sales."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Mueller hits slams from both sides: "The greatest switch-hitters in baseball history never had a night as grand as Bill Mueller's."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

U.S. troops capture Saddam bodyguard: "American soldiers overpowered and arrested a bodyguard who rarely left Saddam Hussein's side Tuesday and said they obtained documents and information that could help them close in on the former dictator."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



9-11 report prompts Saudi visit to Bush: "Saudi Arabia's foreign minister is in Washington for talks with President Bush against a background of controversy over whether his country has connections with terrorists."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Sharon expected to make demands on Bush: "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is exploring with President Bush the actions Israel wants from the Palestinians to reduce the threat of terror and advance peace prospects."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Airlines warned of possible hijack plots: "The Department of Homeland Security has told airlines and law enforcement agencies that al-Qaida may attempt new suicide hijackings sometime during the next few months."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Taylor's forces launch attack in Liberia: "President Charles Taylor's forces launched what they called a major counterattack Tuesday on the key port of Buchanan, battling to take back Liberia's second-largest city a day after it fell to insurgents."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Consumer confidence posts sharp drop: "Consumers, nervous about rising unemployment, lost confidence in their economic prospects in July, resulting in a sharp, unexpected drop in sentiment, according to the latest Conference Board survey."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Prince: al-Qaida trained Saudi militants: "Muslim militants arrested or killed in recent police raids were trained by al-Qaida in Afghanistan and possibly in the Saudi kingdom, the interior minister said in remarks published Tuesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Four killed in French forest fires: "Forest fires swept through the French Riviera on Tuesday, killing at least four people, devastating scenic woods and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow falls 79 on consumer confidence drop: "An unexpectedly sharp decline in consumer confidence rattled Wall Street Tuesday, sending stocks lower on investor fears of a stumbling economy in the months ahead."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Surging Marlins beat D-backs 3-2: "Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs and Mark Redman gave up one run in 7 1-3 innings to lead the Florida Marlins over the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 Monday night."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

A country in search of a vision in IraqWar.ru (English)



Iraqi Mortars Get Closer To "Sergeant Sean" in IraqWar.ru (English)



Second Senior Sheik in Saddam's Tribe Questions Sons Killing in IraqWar.ru (English)



U.S. soldier killed in daylight bombing in IraqWar.ru (English)



UK troops reveal their new ordeal in 120F Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)



Saddam sons 'found with $100m' [Raid Story Changes Again!] in IraqWar.ru (English)



It's time to bring American troops home from Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)



US soldier killed in Baghdad attack as council inches toward cabinet: "A US soldier has been killed in a Baghdad bomb attack, a day after an American raid in which five Iraqis died, as Iraq's Governing Council inched closer to naming its president and cabinet. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



US seizes 'Saddam guard' in BBC: War in Iraq



Victims of trigger-happy Task Force 20 - Rage triggered by US raid that claimed five lives (29 July 03) in Radio Free USA

Alden man on front line of Iraqi war

ALDEN - During the war in Iraq, people kept up-to-date through newspaper and television reports. Even in an age when video communication is nearly instaneous, people still visualize a picture in their minds of what war is really lize.
Former Alden resident Army Captain Joel Heinzeroth doesn't have to do that. He has had a front row seat to the war in Iraq.
As part of the U.S. Army's 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Heinzeroth has witnessed and experienced every facet of the war, serving as captain of a site survey team, which main objective was to search for weapons of mass destruction.
"There is nothing that can really prepare you for the types of things you see there," Heinzeroth said.
The former Alden resident was scheduled to return this week to Fort Sill, Okla., and is slated to return to Iraq sometime in October.
"It is really up in the air at this point. I could be gone up from six to eight months. The time goes by pretty fast when I am doing something," Heinzeroth commented.
Upon his return to Iraq, Heinzeroth will be in charge of six artillery guns and 120 soldiers. His top priority will be to conduct traffic control points and patrol various check points outside of Baghdad. Heinzeroth said two years is the longest the U.S. Army allows a commander or captain to remain at the head of a post, due to fear of burnout.
Nothing he will encounter during his second trip to Iraq should rattle him following his encounters during his first trip.

The beginning
Heinzeroth has served in the army for the past six years, following his graduation from Alden High School in 1992, and Northwest Missouri State University. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla., before traveling to Korea for one year.
One highlight for the Alden native was his promotion to captain in the summer of 2001. Heinzeroth then returned to Fort Sill, Okla. and was assigned to the 75th Artillery Brigade. The 75th team was eventually renamed as the 75th Exploitation Task Force. Ironically, Heinzeroth's crew received word that they would be heading to Iraq on Jan. 1...New Year's Day.
The United States' Department of Defense picked the 75th Exploitation Task Force to lead one of the most important missions of the war.
"Our mission was to search for the weapons of mass destruction," Heinzeroth said. Those were the same weapons President Bush mentioned in his speeches. And one of the administration's tenants as a reason for war.
"If we found them, we were to alert another squad that would go in and take samples," Heinzeroth said.
There were four site survey teams (SST's) and three mobile exploitation teams (MET's) on the mission. If Heinzeroth's crew found something, another team's objective was to take a sample and send it to Washington D.C. for analyzing.
The SST's consisted of 26 personnel, nine vehicles and seven hum-vee vehicles. Two Fox-NBC vehicles (Nuclear Biological Chemical) were also utilized. The Army Fox-NBC vehicles have nothing to do with the enbedded network news teams that were covering the war. They enable soldiers to stay inside the vehicles to take readings in contaminated areas.
On Feb. 12, Heinzeroth was flown in with 126 people and 50 vehicles on 10 C5's, the biggest cargo plane the U.S. Air Force has in its arsenal. Upon arrival in Iraq on Feb. 18, Heinzeroth endured 12-14 hours days of intense training, explaining the unfamiliarity of working with most of the soldiers on his mission.
Once training was complete, soldiers were assigned to two 3rd Infantry Division teams of Fort Stewart, Ga., or two teams from the Marines. Heinzeroth was placed in one of the 3rd Infantry Division groups.

The march to Baghdad
The first objective and an important hurdle for the U.S forces, was to secure the border into Iraq. Ten foot-high sand berms had been installed after the Gulf War in 1991. Once the berms were searched for land mines, six paths were cleared and marked to allow the U.S. toops to cross the Iraqi border. There was little resistance in taking the border from Saddam Hussein's regime.
In fact, Heinzeroth stated there was little resistance until U.S. forces arrived at Nasiriyah, a city about 150 kilometers from Baghdad.
"When we were going across the desert, moving these 167 vehicle convoys, I remember all of these dust storms that were kicking up, I could see other units off in the distance going in different directions to perform different missions. That is when it hit me...we were in enemy country," he said.
Hussein's militia put up a fight in Karbala, the last major town before Baghdad. Heinzeroth said one of the most difficult assessments to make during the war was the degree of danger.
"Basically the qualifying factor is the amount of organized resistance. When it is announced that a city has been secured by the United States, what we are saying is the other side is no longer fighting as a unit. That does not mean fighting no longer exists," Heinzeroth said.
When Heinzeroth's unit finally pushed into Baghdad, U.S. forces dealt with numerous attacks from Hussein's militia.
"They (militia) would pile into the back of regular trucks and attempt to filter into our rear units. We had to set defense parameters to make sure we were aware of those vehicles," Heinzeroth continued. "The people of Iraq were clearly told to stay away from us. Our group did have to shoot a driver because we were not sure if there was an explosive device attached to the person. That was a constant strain."
When Heinzeroth's group arrived in Baghdad, the infamous statue of Saddam Hussein had been pulled down four days earlier. The crew came upon numerous abandoned Iraqi tanks, many of which were partially destroyed in American air strikes.
"We set up headquarters at Baghdad International Airport for the next 30 days until June 1 and conducted various missions. We never did find any weapons of mass destruction. My team did not find anything," Heinzeroth said.
With their own hopes of finding Hussein, the liberated Iraqi people may have been their own worst enemy.
"People were damaging and taking stuff before we even had a chance to investigate it. There were even cases at the University of Baghdad, where foot and mouth disease cultures were stolen. It really damaged our chances of finding something," he said.
Being a farm kid from Alden, the last thing Heinzeroth expected to see in Baghdad was a Massey Ferguson tractor, but that is just what Heinzeroth found at the steps of one of Saddam's palaces.
Despite playing a role in the Iraq war, Heinzeroth has no reservations about returning this fall.
"This is what I do, and I think I will make a career out of it," Heinzeroth said.


Iowa Falls Times-Citizen

Sitting in their Indiana home is a pile of these useful bags, as vital to schoolchildren as pencils, the alphabet and recess. While some are plain, others bright and one even plastic and transparent, all share an important purpose - charity.
A world away, the Salernos' son-in-law, Lt. Col. Christopher Conlin, is stationed in Najaf, Iraq, as commander of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. Along with the U.S. Army, his unit is currently involved in Backpacks for Iraq, a program that donates backpacks containing school supplies to Iraqi children.

Meanwhile, at the military base of Twentynine Palms, Calif., their daughter, Ava Marie Salerno Conlin, cares for two young daughters while awaiting her husband's September return. A former physician in the U.S. Navy, Ava heads Backpacks for Iraq at Twentynine Palms, gathering and assembling the supplies before shipping them to Iraq.

Approximately 200,000 children attend school in the southern Iraqi province of An Najaf. The goal of Backpacks for Iraq is to supply every child before school begins in September, an ambitious feat that requires much effort, assistance and, yes, backpacks.

"They've sent over a couple hundred backpacks already," said Mary, "but it's hard because they live in a military base in the desert. There's really nothing there ... except Wal-Mart."

Thus, the Salernos are doing everything possible to help. With a little extra time and a lot of spare change, they've purchased dozens of backpacks from stores and garage sales. Two weeks ago, they shipped 68 bags to Twentynine Palms so Ava could fill them with such supplies as pencils, pens, paper, erasers and crayons.

"It's important to give each child a backpack," said Mary, noting that Iraqi children "have nothing."

"Some of the schools are in pretty bad condition," added Ed. The Salernos get this information from a reliable source, their son-in-law. Christopher's unit, which fought in the war, is now stabilizing and restoring hospitals, schools, electricity and water supplies throughout southern Iraq.

Contrary to the often-documented image of disgruntled American troops, Christopher's unit is adjusting successfully, according to Mary.

"They are happy there ... they get along well with the (Iraqi) people," she said. "My son-in-law had orders to return, but he didn't want to leave because he built a good rapport with the people. They trusted him and if he left, they'd have to revamp with someone else."

Their relationship with children is especially meaningful.

"(Christopher) went to the schools and seeing the little girls made him miss his daughters," said Mary. "It seems like the kids really like the Marines, handing them flowers."

A positive relationship with Iraqi children is important, she noted.

"I guess their feeling is they need to have the children see that Americans are good people. To get that country where it should be, you need to build up confidence with the younger generation."

Marines aren't the only ones helping Iraqi children. Their wives play a significant role in Backpacks for Iraq.

"This is mainly something that the women back on the base are doing. Not only does it help the kids in Iraq, but it helps the women get involved," Mary said.

Of course, wives like Ava Conlin receive enthusiastic support from their parents, thousands of miles away. As the only Indiana residents participating in this program, the Salernos have attempted to rouse community involvement.

They contacted a few Indiana schools, which expressed interest but were helpless during the summer hiatus. They also bargained with retail stores, managing to get discounts as low as $2.25 per backpack, but unable to obtain donations.

"It's an awkward time. People are on vacation," said Mary, reflecting on the mild community response. "Everyone thinks it's such a great idea, but nobody has done much more than that."

Nonetheless, the Salernos are unfazed. They continue to peruse the backpack aisle, looking for that good deal.

When school starts, American troops will distribute the backpacks with a big presentation, promoting their program to the world. Granted it is uncertain every child in An Najaf will receive their bag of supplies, but the Salernos respect the effort.

"The people who are doing it now eventually will come home, and it probably won't continue too far beyond this year. And if they get the government in there, the government can supply the kids." said Ed. "But for now ..."

"It's just to get them started," finished Mary.



If you would like to participate in Backpacks for Iraq, send backpacks or donations to Ed and Mary Alice Salerno at 445 N. Third Street, Indiana, PA 15701. New backpacks are preferred, but if they have been used, they should be in good condition, of a primary color and without any advertisement or logo.


Indiana Printing & Publishing Co.

U.S.: 'Noose is tightening' around Saddam: "Saying that "the noose is tightening" around Saddam Hussein and his top aides, U.S. forces raided safehouses in Baghdad and northern Tikrit and said the deposed dictator is unable to mount a resistance because he's too busy "trying to save his own skin.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Sharon in D.C. to meet with Bush tomorrow: "Bearing a package of goodwill offerings toward the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon prepared for talks with President Bush aimed at finding an elusive peace."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Philippine president orders mutiny probe: "A day after facing down a military mutiny, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday vowed to punish the plotters and ordered an investigation into the causes of the uprising that shook her presidency."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush making appearance before black group: "President Bush is making a rare appearance before a group that represents black Americans, part of an effort to build ties to a demographic group that overwhelmingly voted against him in 2000."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. urges rebels to pull out of Monrovia: "Shells slamming into tin-roof homes killed at least 16 civilians in Liberia's war-battered capital and the U.S. Ambassador appealed to rebels to lift their bloody eight-day siege of Monrovia to allow food and aid into the city."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Poll: Support for space program steady: "Two-thirds of Americans say the space shuttle should continue to fly despite two disastrous accidents, but enthusiasm for putting civilians aboard is declining, an Associated Press poll finds."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. delegation visits Guantanamo: "A congressional delegation has visited the prison for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay amid complaints of abuse by inmates."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Body identified as Baylor student Dennehy: "Combing through chest-high weeds under the blazing sun, authorities found evidence they say helped identify the body of Baylor University basketball player Patrick Dennehy, who had been missing for more than six weeks."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Iraqi killed as shooting erupts at anti-U.S. rally

2003/7/28
KERBALA, Iraq, Agencies


An Iraqi man was killed and three wounded in the Shiite holy city of Kerbala on Sunday when protesters clashed with U.S. troops and Iraqi police, witnesses and hospital workers said.
Marines said two Kalashnikov rifle shots were fired during the protest and they returned fire. Reuters journalists saw troops fire in the air to try to disperse stone-throwers angry at the killing of another man by U.S. troops on Saturday.

Doctors at a hospital in the city, home to one of Shiite Islam's holiest shrines, said the man killed in Sunday's protest had been shot and showed the wound to a Reuters correspondent. One of the wounded, Shaer Abbas, said he had been hit with an electric cattle prod.

"During the protest, two rounds were fired from a building," a Marine officer told Reuters. "They were fired from an AK-47. We're investigating to make sure the firing has stopped."

Residents said unrest began on Saturday when locals accused U.S. troops of encroaching on the grounds of the revered Imam Hussein mosque. In resulting clashes, they said, an Iraqi died.

The Marine officer said the Iraqi killed on Saturday had been shot by troops because he was armed and posed a threat.

The death sparked Sunday's protest, with hundreds of men marching from the famed, gold-domed mosque waving banners and shouting anti-American slogans. As gunshots rang out, Marines dived for cover behind walls and many Iraqi police fled.

Soldiers arrested several protesters. At least one of the detained Iraqis was carrying a Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. In angry confrontations, Marines threw several protesters to the ground and pointed their weapons at the crowd.

The funeral of the Iraqi killed on Sunday was due to take place at 5 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Sunday afternoon, and was expected to be another potential flashpoint in the tense city.

Violence directed against U.S. troops in Iraq has been concentrated in Sunni Muslim areas, the heartland of support for Saddam Hussein. But recent protests and attacks elsewhere are a sign of anger among the country's majority Shiites too.


The China Post

Armed men seize Manila commercial center: "Dozens of armed men stormed a major commercial center in Manila's financial district early Sunday, hours after the president ordered the arrest of mutinous soldiers believed to be plotting a coup."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Three American soldiers killed in Iraq: "A grenade attack Saturday killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded four as they guarded a children's hospital northeast of Baghdad, scuttling hopes a widespread guerrilla insurgency might lose strength after the deaths of Saddam Hussein's elder sons."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Liberian president renews pledge to quit: "President Charles Taylor urged international peacekeepers Saturday to hurry to Liberia and renewed pledges to step down when they arrive, as shelling brought new carnage to the capital's trapped people."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Body is found in Baylor player search: "Authorities found a body Saturday in an area they had searched for missing Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy, but they could not immediately identify the remains."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



More than 200 celebrate slain councilman: "More than 200 people promised on Saturday to continue the anti-urban violence campaign championed by city Councilman James Davis, praising the slain politician for his life and work."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Palestinian: Bush, Abbas visit a success: "A top Palestinian official on Saturday called the meeting between Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and President Bush a success and urged Israel to move quickly to implement the U.S.-backed Mideast peace plan."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Philippines Coup Plot
1:48 pm PST, 26 July 2003

The Philippine's President has ordered the army and police to arrest a small band of rogue junior officers and armed deserters following rumours of a coup.


The armed forces chief of staff says the suspects will be charged with mutiny and conspiracy to commit rebellion. They are still at large.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's move came after the most influential church leader in the country, Cardinal Jaime Sin, warned of ongoing plots to overthrow the government.

The president says she has resolved the matter directly with the troops after hearing one group's grievances about pay and internal reforms.

But Mrs Arroyo said rebellious soldiers would be court martialled for breaking the chain of command and the law.

President Arroyo has faced coup rumours in the past over questions about her legitimacy as leader and graft in her government.

In the latest development, up to 30 rogue soldiers have set up explosives at a shopping mall in Manila's financial and diplomatic quarter.

News © 2001 to:

World News
Saturday
26 July 2003

Monrovia Battle Claims 1,000 Lives
Myanmar Plot Uncovered
Philippines Coup Plot
Monsoon Rains Flood Sub-Continent
Israeli Fence A Problem - Bush
Democracy At Work in Cambodia

News

Sons' bodies may have 20 bullet wounds: "The U.S. military showed reporters the bodies of Odai and Qusai Hussein on Friday and said each body contained more than 20 bullet wounds. The faces had been partly reconstructed to appear as lifelike as possible."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush, Abbas meet in Mideast peace talks: "Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas said he would ask President Bush during an Oval Office meeting Friday to "push the Israeli government to fulfill its commitments" toward Middle East peace."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. troops may have captured top Iraqis: "Acting on a tip from an Iraqi informant, U.S. troops raided a house south of Tikrit on Thursday and captured five to 10 people believed to be members of Saddam Hussein's personal security detail, a senior U.S. general said Friday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Shelling strikes U.S. Embassy in Liberia: "Mortar rounds thudded into the U.S. Embassy compound, homes and a school crowded with refugees in the bloodiest attack on Liberia's besieged capital in days, killing at least 12 Liberian men, women and children."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



House OKs importation of lower-cost drugs: "The House approved legislation early Friday allowing Americans to purchase prescription medicine abroad, voting 243-186 after a clash that pitted the hope of lower prices against the fear of counterfeit drugs."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



9-11 report leaves unanswered questions: "Almost 2 inches thick and 850 pages long, the congressional inquiry into the Sept. 11 attacks largely boils down to two intriguing words: What if?"

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Fire evacuates Glacier National Park: "A trio of wildfires roared unchecked through parched timber and into Glacier National Park, parts of which stood deserted Friday after a mass evacuation described as "the flow of traffic like rush hour in a large city.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Matt LeBlanc to star in 'Friends' spinoff: ""Friends" is paring down to one friend, Joey. Matt LeBlanc will star in a spinoff of the hit NBC comedy that will wrap up a 10-year run with the 2003-04 season, NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker announced Thursday. "Joey" will take over the 8 p.m. Thursday time slot held by "Friends.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow up 39, Nasdaq rises 3 on report: "Stocks opened higher Friday amid news that new home sales and orders for big-ticket factory goods both rose solidly in June, reinforcing other recent signs that the economy may be mounting a sustainable recovery."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Armstrong keeps grip on overall Tour lead: "Key rival Jan Ullrich nipped two seconds out of Lance Armstrong's overall lead in the Tour de France's 18th stage Friday, a boost for the German ahead of a time trial Saturday expected to settle their gripping duel for the Tour title."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

WorkingForChange-Shafting, not 'supporting,' the troops

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310-0101
23 JUL 03
INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
SUBJECT: Army Unit Rotation Plan in Support of Global War on Terrorism

The Secretary of Defense has approved the Army’s plan for moving major combat units into and out of Iraq and other theaters of operation. It should be no surprise to any deployable Army unit - active or Reserve Component - that they can be called to serve in a combat zone. All available forces will be made available to deploy in support of ongoing operations. The Army continues to perform training and readiness duties as it normally would in preparation for possible contingencies or deployments. The Army’s role is to ensure Combatant Commanders are provided the forces and capabilities they require to accomplish their missions.

The Army will start to redeploy home the remainder of the 3rd Infantry Division in September 2003. The primary rotation plan centers on brigade-sized force packages for approximately one-year deployments with the goal of establishing 6-month rotations after Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2). The overall size of the Army commitment to this mission will take into account contributions by our Coalition partner’s plans to support the theater. Likewise, efforts are underway to recruit an Iraqi army and to put up to 60,000 Iraqi policemen back to work. There is no doubt that the transition from dictatorship to democracy will take time, but our soldiers will help leave behind a free Iraq.


Operation Iraqi Freedom

OIF 1 (approximately 1 year)*** OIF2*** Projected

3rd Infantry Division (-) Replaced by 82d Airborne Division (-)* SEP-OCT 03

4th Infantry Division Replaced by 1st Infantry Division w/ eSB** MAR-APR 04

1st Armored Division Replaced by 1st CAV Division w/ eSB** FEB - APR 04
2nd Light CAV Regiment 1st CAV Division w/ eSB** MAR-APR 04

3rd Armored CAV Regiment Overlaps w/ 3rd Brigade, 2nd ID (SBCT)
(SBCT deploys in OCT 03 - 3rd ACR redeploys MAR-APR 04)

101st Airborne Division (AASLT) Replaced by Coalition Division FEB/MAR 04

2nd Brigade, 82d Airborne Div Redeploys JAN 04

173rd Airborne Brigade Redeploys APR 04


*6-Month Rotation
** Enhanced Separate Brigades (eSB - ARNG - 270 Day PSRC)- TBD
*** OIF 1 and OIF 2 are 12 Month Rotations

INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
SUBJECT: Army Unit Rotation Plan in Support of Global War on Terrorism (cont)


Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan

OEF - A3 OEF- A4 Projected

82d Airborne Division (-) Replaced by 10th Mountain Division (-) AUG 03

OEF - A4 OEF - A5 Projected

10th Mountain Division (-) Replaced by 25th Infantry Division (-) FEB 04

6-Month Rotation

Additionally, the National Guard and reserve have been used in a variety of peacekeeping operations around the globe, including Bosnia, Kosovo and the Multi-national Force and Observers mission in the Sinai. They have a demonstrated mission capability for peacekeeping operations. They are fully capable of ensuring that humanitarian and post-conflict operations in Iraq are not interrupted.

Bosnia - SFOR Projected
35th Infantry Division (-) Replaced by 34th Infantry Division (-) SEP 03
(KS ARNG) (MN ARNG)

Kosovo - KFOR
1st Infantry Division (-) Replaced by 28th Infantry Division (-) FEB 04
(PA ARNG)
Sinai - MFO
1-133d Infantry, 34 ID Replaced by 1-125th Infantry, 38th ID JAN 04
(IA ARNG) (MI ARNG)

All 6-Month Rotations

We owe it to our soldiers and their families to provide them with timely notifications for deployments and predictability of the length of those deployments. The Nation’s soldiers have done and will continue to perform their duties in the proudest tradition of the United States Army.

Point of contact for this notification is LTC Vic Samuel, (703) 697-1244, Office, Chief Legislative Liaison.

FURNISHED BY
OFFICE, CHIEF OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON
OFFICE, ACTING SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

U.S. to release photos of Saddam's sons: "The United States hopes to convince skeptical Iraqis that two of Saddam Hussein's sons are dead by releasing photographs of their bodies, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld says."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Prove reveals lapses before 9/11 attacks: "Prior to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the CIA failed to act on intelligence it had about hijackers, the FBI was unable to track al-Qaida in the United States, and key National Security Agency communications intercepts never were circulated, a congressional investigation has concluded."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



House panel hears testimony on ephedra: "Major league baseball should not ban dietary supplements containing ephedra unless the government does, an official of the players' union testified Thursday to lawmakers looking into health problems related to the herbal stimulant."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



N.H. father pleads innocent in 2 deaths: "The father of two New Hampshire children whose disappearance has led to a cross-country search pleaded not guilty Thursday to murdering the youngsters, though the bodies have not been found."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



City Hall shooting leaves 2 people dead: "Mayor Michael Bloomberg himself walked through the metal detector at City Hall on Thursday morning, a day after a councilman allowed a rival politician to bypass security, leading to a shooting that left them both dead."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Gov. Davis prepares for political battle: "Gov. Gray Davis and his advisers prepared for a bruising campaign after state officials announced the nation's first gubernatorial recall election in 82 years is headed for the ballot."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Jobless claims hit five-month low: "The number of American workers signing up for jobless benefits plunged last week to the lowest level in five months, a fresh dose of good news for the economy's revival."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Polar bear turns purple after medication: "Paint the polar bear purple and the crowds will come."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow up 82, Nasdaq gains 21 on job claims: "A surprising drop in jobless claims sent stocks sharply higher Thursday on investor hopes of an accelerating economic rebound. Strong earnings from AT&T added to the market's good mood."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Armstrong maintains overall lead in Tour: "Saving himself and his overall lead for the great battle to come, Lance Armstrong cruised to a place-finish Thursday in the pancake-flat 17th stage of the Tour de France, his focus on an expected race-deciding time trial Saturday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Bush proclaims end to Saddam's regime: "President Bush on Wednesday hailed the deaths of Saddam Hussein's two sons as the clearest sign yet that "the former regime is gone and will not be coming back.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. captures senior Iraq Guard official: "U.S. forces captured a senior Republican Guard official Wednesday, a day after killing Saddam Hussein's sons Odai and Qusai in a four-hour gunbattle. But the bloody insurgency showed no signs of letting up, as attacks claimed the lives of two more American soldiers."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Mass. reports 1,000 church abuse victims: "Clergy members and others in the Boston Archdiocese probably sexually abused more than 1,000 people over a period of six decades, Massachusetts' attorney general said Wednesday, calling the scandal so massive it "borders on the unbelievable.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Iran says it holds al-Qaida operatives: "Iran is holding top members of the al-Qaida terror network, the intelligence minister said Wednesday, days after President Bush accused the country of harboring terrorists."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Abbas' future may rest on D.C. visit: "Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas could be ousted by the Palestinian parliament unless he returns from Washington with substantial concessions from Israel, the Palestinian information minister said Wednesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Rebels in Liberia battle on key bridge: "Rebels shelled Liberia's refugee-crowded capital and fought for control of a key bridge Wednesday, despite announcing a cease-fire considered essential for deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force to the West African nation."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



FBI wanted al-Qaida cells tracked in 2000: "Agents in charge of FBI offices across the country were instructed early in 2000 to scour their communities for al-Qaida operatives but they made only spotty progress before the Sept. 11 attacks, according to officials familiar with a congressional report on terrorism intelligence failures."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



James Brown announces breakup of marriage: ""Godfather of Soul" James Brown has announced his breakup from his wife, Tomi Rea Brown, with a full-page ad in the show-business trade newspaper Variety."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow down 43, Nasdaq slips 8: "A sluggish outlook from Boeing pressured Wall Street Wednesday as investors searched in vain for strong evidence of a resurging economy by year's end."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



American Hamilton wins first Tour stage: "Riding with a broken collarbone, veteran American racer Tyler Hamilton won his first ever stage in the Tour de France on Wednesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Saddam's sons believed dead in Iraq raid: "Saddam Hussein's sons Odai and Qusai were believed to have been killed Tuesday in a raid by U.S. forces who surrounded the home of a cousin, a senior U.S. official said. Two other Iraqis also were killed."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Ex-POW Lynch arrives home in W.Va.: "Former POW Jessica Lynch returned home to a flag-waving hero's welcome Tuesday, and in her first words since her rescue said: "It's great to be home.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Eiffel tower fire extinguished: "A fire broke out on the top of the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday, sending black smoke pouring from the 1,069-foot Paris landmark and forcing the evacuation of a stream of visitors."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Liberia rebel leader calls for cease-fire: "A Liberian rebel group engaged in an all-out battle for the country's war-torn capital said Tuesday they have ordered their troops to stop fighting."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



New Iraqi council makes debut at U.N.: "UNITED NATIONS - The fledgling Iraqi Governing Council made a cautious debut before the international community Tuesday. Protesters in the Security Council gallery denounced it as "illegitimate," and the U.N. chief welcomed it - but only as "an important first step towards the full restoration of Iraqi sovereignty.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Officials search Midwest for missing kids: "Prosecutors who charged a man with murdering his two children said Tuesday they were searching for a burial site, most likely in or near northern Indiana or northeastern Illinois."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Abbas to press Bush on peace process: "The United States should press Israel for a firm schedule of peace moves, a Palestinian official said Tuesday ahead of White House talks between Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and President Bush in a new U.S. effort for progress in the "road map" peace plan."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



New York bids farewell to salsa queen: "The body of Celia Cruz, pulled in a glass-walled carriage by twin white horses, rode Tuesday through Manhattan past throngs of fans offering a final farewell to the beloved "Queen of Salsa.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Stocks move higher on news of Iraq raid: "Wall Street regained a positive track Tuesday following news that four Iraqis were killed in a U.S. raid in Iraq. Investors were encouraged by reports that two of Saddam Hussein's sons might be among the dead."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Search for Baylor player centers on Waco: "The search for missing Baylor University basketball player Patrick Dennehy centered Tuesday on a gravel pit and the banks of the Brazos River, just miles from an apartment he shared with the former teammate accused of killing him."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

War Blog News Updates
Saddam said alive but not behind attacks: "The top U.S. official in Iraq says he believes Saddam Hussein is still alive and remains in the war-battered nation, but is not orchestrating daily attacks on American troops. Also Sunday, two more U.S. soldiers were killed in an ambush in northern Iraq."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dead U.K. weapons adviser was BBC source: "The British Broadcasting Corp. said Sunday that David Kelly, a Ministry of Defense scientist whose suicide intensified a fierce debate over intelligence used to justify war in Iraq, was its main source for a story at the center of the dispute."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Palestinians outlaw violent groups: "The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers held a two-hour meeting Sunday, kicking off 10 days of international diplomacy aimed at solidifying a fragile Mideast cease-fire and advancing the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



12 Americans killed in Kenya plane crash: "A twin-engine plane carrying 12 American tourists and two South African crew members en route to a game reserve crashed into Mount Kenya, apparently killing everyone on board, Kenyan officials said Sunday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush pushes re-election funds over $41M: "Since President Bush launched his bid for re-election on May 16, his campaign has raised at least $41.4 million, including $7 million on a two-day Texas swing that wound up with a Saturday evening reception."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



South Korea plays down nuke concerns: "South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Sunday played down concerns about North Korea's nuclear development despite U.S. and U.N. suspicions that Pyongyang may have begun producing plutonium for use in bombs."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Rebels press farther into Liberia capital: "Rebels advanced deeper Sunday into Liberia's war-ravaged capital Sunday, trading mortar, grenade and machine-gun fire with government troops after President Charles Taylor vowed to fight "to the last man.""

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Iraq nuke evidence was thin, experts say: "Even as the Bush administration concluded Iraq was reviving its nuclear weapons program, key signs - such as scientific data of weapons work and evidence of research by Iraq's nuclear experts - were missing, according to several former intelligence officials."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



9/11 victims angry over WTC construction: "A group representing the families of Sept. 11 victims has criticized Gov. George Pataki for allowing construction where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Norman, Watson end British Open in style: "Former champions Greg Norman and Tom Watson finished the 132nd British Open in style on Sunday while Ernie Els felt his title slipping away."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

US to seek new mandate on UN force, UN urges timeframe on Iraq sovereignty in IraqWar.ru (English)



Tempers flare in Baghdad as Iraqis seethe over US seige on cleric's home in IraqWar.ru (English)



16 US Troops Killed In Taliban Attack in IraqWar.ru (English)



North Korea Hides New Nuclear Site, Evidence Suggests in IraqWar.ru (English)



Two U.S. Soldiers Killed in Northern Iraq: "Two soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division were killed and another wounded early Sunday when their convoy came under rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Plans to Enlist Iraqis in Operations: "CAMP AS SALIYAH, Qatar, July 19 -- U.S. military commanders plan to train and arm thousands of Iraqis to conduct military missions alongside U.S. and British troops in an effort to restore security and quell resistance by forces loyal to ousted president Saddam Hussein, the new head of U.S. military forces in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East said today. (washingtonpost.com)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



TWO U. S. SOLDIERS KILLED, ONE WOUNDED IN RPG ATTACK in CENTCOM: News Release



Blair Rejects Recall of Parliament Over Scientist: "British Prime Minster Tony Blair Sundayrejected suggestions he should recall Parliament to debate thesuicide of a government employee embroiled in a dispute overthe Iraq war. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iraq Nuke Evidence Was Thin, Experts Say: "Even as the Bush administration concluded Iraq was reviving its nuclear weapons program, key signs - such as scientific data of weapons work and evidence of research by Iraq's nuclear experts - were missing, according to several former intelligence officials. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Air Raids in '02 Prepared for War in Iraq: "Air war commanders carried out a thorough plan to disrupt Iraq's military command and control system before the war."

In New York Times: World Special



U.S. to Train Iraqis for Military Missions-Report: "The new head of U.S. military forcesin the Middle East said the United States plans to train andarm thousands of Iraqis to conduct military missions alongsideU.S. and British troops, the Washington Post reported in itsSunday edition. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Turkey, U.S. talk measures against rebels: "The United States and Turkey have discussed possible military measures against an estimated 5,000 Turkish Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, the Turkish military said Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Report: U.S. Planned Pre-War Attacks on Iraq Defenses: "U.S. air war commanders carried out acomprehensive plan as far back as mid-2002 to disrupt Iraq'smilitary command and control system to prepare for the Iraqwar, The New York Times reported in Sunday editions. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



BBC comes under fire over death of Kelly: "Peter Mandelson, a former British minister and one of Prime Minister Tony Blair's closest allies, launched a bitter attack against the BBC and its role in the war of words that led to the suicide of former UN arms inspector David Kelly. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Lonely at the Top: " (The New York Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Tempers flare in Baghdad as Iraqis seethe over US seige on cleric's home: "Tempers boiled over in Baghdad as thousands of Shiites lay seige to the US adminsitrator's home and poured scorn on US troops who earlier surrounded the home of a prominent Shiite cleric. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Red Cross demands release of Iraqi scientists. in IraqWar.info



US wounded leaving Walter Reed in IraqWar.info



Wolfowitz Visits Mass Graveyard of Hussein's Victims: "Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz promised that the occupying forces would lend whatever aid necessary to help track down the killers."

In New York Times: World Special

Welcome to News-Journal!

U.S. soldiers blow up Saddam statue: "With a thunderous explosion from 12 pounds of plastic explosives, the U.S. military toppled a 30-foot statue of Saddam Hussein on horseback from its perch overlooking the dictator's hometown Friday. Soldiers also defused a huge homemade bomb near Baghdad's airport."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Bush, Blair defend claims about Iraq arms: "President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair contend they won't be proved wrong in their prewar claims about Iraq's weapons capabilities. Even if they are, says Blair, a menace has been defeated."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Analysts reportedly missed faked documents: "Documents alleging Iraq sought uranium from Africa were obtained months before President Bush cited them in making his case for war, but intelligence analysts did not look at them closely enough to know they were forgeries until after Bush had made the claim, U.S. officials say."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Philippines OKs cease-fire with rebels: "The Philippine government announced a cease-fire deal with a Muslim rebel group Friday, agreeing to drop arrest warrants against rebel leaders for alleged terrorism to pave the way for peace talks as early as next week."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Israel may free jailed Islamic militants: "Israel may release a few dozen Islamic militants along with several hundred other Palestinian prisoners, a move that could give a critical boost to lagging peace efforts, an Israeli newspaper reported Friday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



New chip can be implanted in humans: "Borrowing from technology for tracking pets, a U.S. company on Thursday launched Mexican sales of microchips that can be implanted under a person's skin and used to confirm health history and identity."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Iraq war blog updates
U.S. Forces in Iraq Facing 'Guerrillas': "Saddam Hussein loyalists are fighting an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" against U.S. troops, and terror groups are reviving, too, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq says. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Yearlong Tours an Option for 'Guerrilla' War in Iraq: "The new commander of allied forces in Iraq warned that American troops are under attack from "a classical guerrilla-type campaign.""

In New York Times: World Special



In Ohio, Iraq Questions Shake Even Some of Bush's Faithful: "Although many supported the war in Iraq, some say they are growing uncomfortable with reports that the White House might have used inaccurate intelligence to justify it."

In New York Times: World Special



G.I. Killed and 6 Are Wounded in Stepped-Up Attacks: "Insurgents also unsuccessfully fired a surface-to-air missile at a C-130 cargo aircraft landing at the International Airport Wednesday morning."

In New York Times: World Special

'Saddam' tape denounces new Iraq council: "A speaker purported to be Saddam Hussein exhorted his followers to wage a holy war against U.S. and British forces in a new recording played Thursday - the anniversary of the revolution that put the former leader's party in power in Iraq."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. forces in Iraq facing 'guerrillas': "Saddam Hussein loyalists are fighting an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" against U.S. troops, and terror groups are reviving, too, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq says."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Palestinian, Israeli leaders to visit U.S.: "The Bush Administration is pushing a new round of Mideast diplomacy with White House visits by the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers later this month, as a truce by Palestinian groups has eased tensions slightly."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Police probe fatal Santa Monica accident: "An 86-year-old man whose car plowed through a crowded farmers market, killing nine and injuring up to 45 others, had recently damaged his own garage with his car, police said Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Tenet says official wanted Iraq claim: "CIA Director George Tenet told members of Congress a White House official insisted that President Bush's State of the Union address include an assertion about Saddam Hussein's nuclear intentions that had not been verified, a Senate Intelligence Committee member said Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Academics declare recession ended in 2001: "The 2001 recession, the country's first downturn in a decade, officially ended in November of that year, only eight months after it had begun, an academic group declared Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



'Six Feet Under' leads Emmy nominations: "The funeral home drama "Six Feet Under" received a leading 16 Emmy nominations Thursday, followed by three-time best drama winner "The West Wing" with 15."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Microsoft admits flaw in Windows software: "Microsoft Corp. acknowledged a critical vulnerability Wednesday in nearly all versions of its flagship Windows operating system software, the first such design flaw to affect its latest Windows Server 2003 software."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow off 27, Nasdaq dips 30 on IBM report: "Irked by a cautious outlook from IBM, investors collected profits Thursday for the third straight day."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Woods trails Norman at windy British Open: "Tiger Woods lost his ball Thursday on his very first shot at the blustery British Open, then pulled himself together to make two late birdies for a 2-over-par 73 at Royal St. George's."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Iraq war blog updates
Democrats Rip White House on Iraq Claim: "Senate Democrats insisted Wednesday that the White House was clearly responsible for including false information about Iraq's weapons program in President Bush's State of the Union speech. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Alleged Saddam Spy Charged With Perjury: "A community newspaper publisher accused of spying on Iraqi opposition groups in the United States for Saddam Hussein's intelligence service was charged Wednesday with perjury. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Senators Fight Over Iraq War Fund Figures: "Republicans defeated Democratic attempts Wednesday to force disclosure of Iraq war spending, a partisan fight in advance of expected bipartisan passage of a $386.6 billion defense spending bill that would let the military fight wars of the future. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Some U.S. troops may spend year in Iraq: "Some U.S. troops may have to stay for yearlong tours of duty in Iraq to fight an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" from Saddam Hussein loyalists, the war's American commander said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



President Bush's ex-envoy for Afghanistan criticizes U.S. effort in Iraq (16 July 03) in Radio Free USA



Senate, FBI Probe Iraq Documents Flap: "Senators pressed CIA Director George Tenet on Wednesday about whether President Bush's use of false information on Iraq's weapons program was the result of an isolated error, deeper intelligence problems or political manipulation. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



CIA chief Tenet appears at closed-door hearing on Iraq intelligence: "The US Senate Intelligence Committee heard secret testimony from embattled CIA director George Tenet, who has taken the blame for President George W. Bush's disputed claim that Iraq tried to buy nuclear material from Africa. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Missile Fired at U.S. Plane in Iraq: "In a marked escalation in attacks, suspected insurgents tried to shoot down a U.S. transport plane with a surface-to-air missile Wednesday, killed an American soldier in a convoy and gunned down the mayor of an Iraqi city. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Pentagon fails to learn from Gulf War illnesses: " (USA TODAY)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

KEEP YOUR HELMET ON!

Grenade kills U.S. soldier, Iraqi child: "A U.S. soldier and an eight-year-old Iraqi child were killed in and around the capital Wednesday, as pro-Saddam Hussein insurgents unleashed a string of violent attacks on the eve of a recently banned Baath Party holiday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Texans face mess left in Claudette's wake: "Claudette began dissipating over South Texas on Wednesday morning after walloping the coastline with sustained winds of more than 85 mph, killing at least two people inland and littering its path with damage."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Tenet to testify on Iraq uranium claim: "CIA Director George Tenet was expected to testify behind closed doors Wednesday about President Bush's claim in his State of the Union address that Iraq was trying to buy uranium in Africa to restart its nuclear weapons program."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Sniper trial is moved to Virginia Beach: "The trial of sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad will be moved 200 miles from Prince William County to Virginia Beach, a judge ruled."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Ex-Marine arrested in missing girl case: "Toby Studabaker, the former U.S. Marine who disappeared with a 12-year-old English girl, has been arrested in Germany, British police said Wednesday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Consumer prices rise 0.2 percent in June: "Consumer prices increased by a modest 0.2 percent in June, reversing a dip in April and a flat performance last month, as the cost of energy, clothes and airline fares rose."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



More than 100 may be dead in India floods: "More than 100 people were feared dead in flash floods caused by a heavy rain Wednesday in a remote hill area in northern India, the state's top elected official said."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



W.Va. county ready for Lynch, not media: "Residents here are ready with open arms to welcome back hometown sweetheart Pfc. Jessica Lynch. The potential media swarm she may generate is another thing entirely."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. stocks expected to open higher: "U.S. stocks are set to open higher Wednesday after positive second-quarter earnings from Dow Jones industrial average component Intel Corp."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Blalock gives AL win, World Series edge: "Hank Blalock's team is going nowhere. Thanks to him, though, a lot of his AL teammates have a much better chance to go all the way."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press