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Sunday, February 29, 2004

Freedom Ride Starts March 1st will you support our troops?
FreedomBicycleRide.com: The Mission -

















1 NEW YORK

Cohoes Albany Selkirk Ravena Hannacroix Catskill Cementon Saugerties Lake Katrine Kingston Port Ewen Ulster Park Esopus West Park (Port) Highland Milton Marlboro Middle Hope Balmville Newburgh New Windsor Fort Montgomery Bear Mountain Jones Point Tompkins Cove Stony Point W. Haverstraw Haverstraw Palisades



2 NEW JERSEY

Alpine Englewood Cliffs Coytesville Fort lee Grantwood Cliffside Park Union City New York City WTC Newark Maplewood Irvington Springfield Mountainside Scotch Plains Centerville Flemington Copper Hill Larisons Corners Ringoes



3 PENNSYLVANIA

Lahaska Buckingham Doylestown Chalfont Montgomeryville Gwynedd Worcester Skippack Schwenksville Zieglerville Obelisk Layfield Gilbertsville Boyertown Shanesville Manatawny Oley Reading Sinking Spring Wernersville Robesonia Womelsdorf Stouchsburg Myerstown Avon Annville Plamyra Hershey Harrisburg Civil War Museum Lemoyne Camp Hill Bowmansdale Dillsburg Clear Spring Hampton New Oxford Guldens Gettysburg Seven Stars McKnightstown Cashtown Graefenburg Greenwood Fayetteville Guilford hills stoufferstown Chambersburg Carlton heights Saint Thomas Fort Loudon Tuscarora Summit Breezy Point Harrisonville Green Hill Saluvia Budds Place Shortys Place Juniata Crossing Mount Dallas Bedford Wolfsburg Schellsburg Grand View Reels Corners Buckstown Ferrellton Jenners Crossroads Jennerstown Laughlintown Ligonier Bells Millbank Longbridge McCance Kingston Saint Vincent Shaft Denison Greensburg Irwin East Pittsburgh Braddock Forest Hills Pittsburgh Carnegie Heidelberg Bridgeville Morgan Gladden Cecil Bishop Venice Hickory Woodrow Rea Avella Independence



4 WEST VIRGINIA

Wellsburg Wheeling



5 OHIO

Brookside Pleasant Grove Harrisville Cadiz Uhrichsville Gnadenhutten Port Washington Orange Warsaw Nellie Millwood Howard Mt. Vernon Bangs Mt. Liberty Centerburg Condit Berkshire Delaware New Dover Marysville Milford Center Urbana Westville St. Paris Fletcher Piqua Gettysburg New Harrison Palestine



6 INDIANA

Lynn Modoc Losantville Mooreland Mt. Summit Sulphur Springs Mechanicsburg Emporia Pendleton Ingalls Fortville Woodbury Oaklandon Lawrence Indianapolis Tremont Avon Danville New Winchester Groveland Bainbridge Morton Hollandsburg Bellmore Rockville Coloma Montezuma



7 ILLINOIS

Scottland Metcalf Hume Newman Camargo Tuscola Ficklin Garrett Hammond Casner Decatur Warrensburg Latham Lake Fork Cornland Buffalo Hart Spaulding Springfield Glenarm Divernon Farmersville Waggoner 18 Litchfield Mt. Olive Williamson Hamel Edwardsville Mitchell



8 MISSOURI

St. Louis Manchester Grover (Pond) Gray Summit St. Clair Stanton Sullivan St Cloud Bourbon Cuba Fanning St. James Rolla Doolittle Arlington Powellville Clementine Devil's Elbow Saint Robert Waynesville Buckhorn 21 Laquey Hazelgreen Lebanon Phillipsburg Conway Marshfield Strafford Springfield Halltown Paris Springs Spencer Heatonville Albatross Phelps Rescue Plew Avilla Maxville Carthage Carterville Webb City Joplin



9 KANSAS

Galena Riverton Baxter Springs



10 OKLAHOMA

Quapaw Commerce Miami Dotyville Narcissa Afton Vinita White Oak Chelsea Foyil Sequoyah Claremore Verdigris Catoosa Tulsa Oakhurst Sapulpa Kellyville Bristow Depew Stroud Davenport Chandler Warwick Wellston Luther Arcadia Edmond Oklahoma City Warr Acres Bethany Yukon El Reno Calumet Geary Bridgeport Hydro Weatherford Clinton Foss Canute Elk City Sayre Hext Erick Texola



11 TEXAS

Shamrock Mc Lean Alanreed Jericho Groom Conway Amarillo Bushland Wildorado Vega Adrian Gruhlkey Glenrio Serafina



12 NEW MEXICO

Ribera Ilfed Bard San Jon Tucumcari Palomas Montoya Newkirk Cuervo Santa Rosa Clines Corners Parajito Moriarty Edgewood Barton Sedillo Zamora Tijeras Suwanee Carnuel Albuquerque Mesita Laguna New Laguna Paraje Budville Cubero San Fidel Mc Cartys Grants Milan Prewitt Thoreau Gallup Defiance Manuelito



13 ARIZONA

Lupton Allantown Houck Sanders Chambers Navajo Goodwater Sun Valley Holbrook Joseph City Winslow Leupp Corner Winona Flagstaff Bellemont Parks Williams Ash Fork Seligman Peach Sprs. Truxton Crozier Valentine Kingman McConnico Oatman Golden Shores Topock



14 CALIFORNIA

Needles Goffs Fenner Essex Danby Chambless Amboy Bagdad Ludlow Newberry Springs Daggett Barstow Lenwood Hodge Helendale Oro Grande Victorville Devore San Bernardino Rialto Fontana Rancho Cucamonga Upland Claremont La Verne San Dimas Glendora Azusa Irwindale Duarte Monrovia Arcadia Sierra Madre Pasadena Sacramento







Patti Patton-Bader

Freedom Bicycle Ride Co-Founder & Event Coordinator



Patti Patton-Bader a new bride and mother of a soldier stationed in Iraq since April 12, 2003. Patti is a native of Pasadena, Ca. and lives near the old home of Gen. Patton her great uncle. Patti's family has a long line of military service with her step-father a retired Col. and a step-brother in active duty.










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Thursday, February 26, 2004

fabric.com 

fabric.com

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Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Iraq War News
US soldiers kill top Zarqawi aide, as Iraqi leaders pledge peace: "US forces announced they killed an aide to Musab al-Zarqawi -- suspected of being Osama bin Laden's chief operative in Iraq -- as 30 religious and political leaders signed an agreement to promote harmony among the country's multiple ethnic groups. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



UN Electoral Team Expected to Return to Iraq Soon: "The United Nations is preparingto send an expert team back to Iraq within two weeks to helppave the war for elections next year, U.N. officials said onTuesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Clout of Iraq's Shiite clergy growing: "After a two-hour meeting, the provincial council finally came to a solution to resolve a dispute over whether it is a legitimate political institution - ask the ayatollah."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Officers Being Trained at Base in Jordan to Lead New Iraqi Army: "The army is just one piece of a security architecture that is new and increasingly Iraqi, including police officers and a civil defense corps."

In New York Times: World Special



Anti-U.S. Kurdish Militants Rebounding, Officials Say: "Ansar al-Islam is making a resurgence, branching out to cities across Iraq and planning suicide bombings against the American-led occupation."

In New York Times: World Special



Sharon: whistleblower to be supervised: "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided Tuesday that a whistleblower who spilled Israel's nuclear secrets will not be re-arrested after his release from prison but will be kept under supervision, a government statement said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



CIA director asked by Senate committee to explain extent of Iraq threat: "Lawmakers pressed CIA Director George Tenet on recent comments he made about having told the White House that prior to the war Iraq had not posed an imminent threat to the United States. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



UN Electoral Team Expected to Return to Iraq Soon: "The United Nations is preparingto send an expert team back to Iraq within two weeks to helppave the war for elections next year, U.N. officials said onTuesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Hans Blix Says Iraq War Was Unfounded: "Former chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix argued Tuesday Saddam Hussein had not been an immediate threat, making the justification for the war against Iraq unfounded. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Official: Iraq Council may miss deadline: "The Iraqi Governing Council may not meet the Feb. 28 deadline to draft a temporary law that would help govern Iraq until a formal constitution is adopted, U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said Tuesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



UN says Iraq elections possible within a year; US warns foreign militants: "The United Nations said credible elections were possible in Iraq within a year if planning started immediately, while the United States warned foreign elements against attempts to destabilise the country. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iraqi Governing Council wants deal with UN for elections by year's end: "Iraq's interim Governing Council wants an agreement with the United Nations for general elections to be held by the end of the year, one of its members told reporters. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Canadian film may put Nader on Radar (24 Feb 04) in Radio Free USA



Top Iraqi Insurgent Aide Killed: "
A man believed to have been a top aide of an insurgent with links to al Qaeda has been killed in a U.S. raid in the central Iraqi town of Habbaniya, an Army spokesman said Tuesday.
Abu Mohammed Hamza, an explosives expert, was carrying a Jordanian passport when the military found his body after a raid Thursday, the Army said.

A search of the house where Hamza was staying turned up suicide vests, materials to make bombs and pro-Saddam Hussein material, among other things.
"

In Command Post: Irak



Congress Urged to Pay for Iraq Marshlands: "The idea of helping Iraq restore its ancient marshlands is getting a bit of fresh interest in Congress. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Envoy: Iraqis Still Block Efforts to Find Arms: "Some Iraqis are still refusingto cooperate with the U.S. search for Baghdad's weapons of massdestruction, even after the capture of Saddam Hussein, theUnited States said on Tuesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



First Guantanamo prisoners charged: "The US has charged the first foreign prisoners of Guantanamo Bay."

In Ananova: War In Iraq


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Saturday, February 21, 2004

Soldier's Angels 

Soldier's Angels


ADOPT A SOLDIER TODAY

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Iraq War News
Dying of neglect: the state of Iraq's children's hospitals in IraqWar.ru (English)



Muslim scholars condemn US sharia threat in IraqWar.ru (English)



US military's support for Iraq security is failing in IraqWar.ru (English)



Gaza settlers say they won't leave again: "As defense minister in 1982, Ariel Sharon directed the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the Sinai Peninsula, watching from a helicopter as soldiers dragged hundreds of protesters off rooftops and bulldozers tore down houses."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. convoy attacked close to Baghdad: "Insurgents opened fire on a U.S. military convoy south of Baghdad on Saturday, apparently causing some U.S. casualties, witnesses said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iran's conservatives claim high turnout: "Iran's hard-line Islamic rulers claimed Saturday that voters handed a decisive blow to reformers by turning out in large numbers and spurning appeals to boycott parliament elections, but some liberals questioned their figures."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraq elections may be over 15 months away: "U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer said it could take more than 15 months to make the necessary preparations for elections in Iraq, Dubai-based Al Arabiya television station reported Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Bremer Sees Iraq Polls at Least One Year Away: "The U.S. administrator in Iraq has saidit will not be possible to hold elections for a year to 15months, putting him at odds with the country's most powerfulreligious leader who has insisted any delay must be brief. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Japan on High Alert as Troops Leave for Iraq: "Japan kept security tight across thecountry on Saturday as its largest contingent of troops to dateleft on a controversial mission to Iraq and UNSecretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Tokyo. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Local soldier Cpl. Joshua Handrahan participates in munitions discovery in IraqWar.ru (English)



Bremer says elections not possible for a year or more in IraqWar.ru (English)



Anthrax shots made Australian troops sick in IraqWar.ru (English)



Greenspan says Congress should cut Social Security to keep tax cuts in IraqWar.ru (English)



Iraqi, US officials grapple with country's political future: "Iraqi politicians and the US-led coalition grappled over the war-torn country's political future after the United Nations vetoed direct elections before Washington cedes power by June 30. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Defence agency 'pressured over Iraq' in IraqWar.ru (English)



Pentagon distorted Iraqi casualty issue, says new report in IraqWar.ru (English)



It's getting weirder and weirder in IraqWar.ru (English)



Fed officials see US job growth ahead in IraqWar.ru (English)



Will the Iraq War Be Finally Over on Midnight June 30, 2004?: "Having been provided with three options on Iraq in November, President Bush has now chosen one writes PNS editor Franz Schurmann. (Pacific News Service, Commentary, Franz Schurmann, Feb 20, 2004)"

In New California Media: Focus on Iraq



Al Qaeda Rebuffs Iraqi Terror Group, U.S. Officials Say: "Ansar al-Islam, the most active terrorist network inside Iraq appears to be operating mostly apart from Al Qaeda."

In New York Times: World Special



U.S. Expected to Ask United Nations to Keep Trying for an Agreement: "The Bush administration is likely to ask for more help from a special U.N. envoy to solidify a consensus on how Iraq will be run after June 30."

In New York Times: World Special



Iraqi Kurdish Leaders Resist as the U.S. Presses Them to Moderate Their Demands: "Kurdish leaders say American officials are trying to block their long stifled hopes for autonomy in the new Iraqi state."

In New York Times: World Special



C.I.A. Admits It Didn't Give Weapon Data to the U.N.: "The C.I.A. did not provide the U.N. with information about 21 of the 105 sites in Iraq suspected of housing illicit weapons."

In New York Times: World Special



For Perilous Duty, Guard Unit Puts Trust in Drills and Veterans: "Helicopter duty, especially for medical units like the Wyoming Guard's 1022nd Medical Company, is one of the most dangerous jobs in Iraq."

In New York Times: World Special



Marshes a Vengeful Hussein Drained Stir Again: "What seemed a simple matter of reflooding the marshes Saddam Hussein ordered drained in the early 1990's has turned into a tangled endeavor."

In New York Times: World Special



US soldier on frontline in battle for refugee status (21 Feb 04) in Radio Free USA



Iraq Shiite cleric wants U.N. vote pledge: "Iraq's top Shiite cleric, who has insisted elections are necessary for a transfer of power on June 30, suggested he would accept a delay in voting but demanded U.N. guarantees that there will be no more postponements."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. Expects Long-Term Troop Stay in Iraq: "American officials say U.S. forces will be needed in Iraq long after a sovereign government is restored this summer, but they have yet to work out the terms of a continued presence. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



'Don't be Surprised if the Soldiers Show No Compassion At All' - Anatomy of a Night Raid on Balad, Iraq (20 Feb 04) in Radio Free USA



Soldier for the Truth - Exposing Bush's talking-points war (20 Feb 04) in Radio Free USA


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Thursday, February 19, 2004

Freedom Bicycle Ride - NYC - New York City - Featured Event 

Soldiers' Angels, Dan Forant and Keystone Soldiers unite in the Freedom Ride across the United States to symbolize bringing America together coast-to-coast to Support Our Troops On March 1, 2004.

Dan Forant, father of Spc. Daniel Forant, III will begin a 3,000 mile trip by bicycle to benefit our troops serving in Iraq. His journey will begin in Albany, New York and finish in California taking approximately 45 days, weather permitting.

Mr. Forant will have a laptop with video and still picture capability whereby that information is sent to New York City via uplink. America will be able to watch his daily progress by visiting this site. We ask all Americans to raise their communities & please pledge 1-penny for every 3 miles of the journey - approx. $20.00 for the entire trip. Or contribute whatever you'd like.
Proceeds for our Troops!

Soldiers' Angels was formed in July of 2003 by Patti Patton-Bader, Mother of Spc Brandon Varn
stationed in Iraq. Soldier's Angels mission is to provide aid and comfort to any armed forces fighting for freedom and their families. Soldier's Angels have to date sent over 2,000 packages to Soldiers deployed, helped the wounded at 3 major military hospitals and aided many families.

WWW.keystonesoldiers.com - Keystone Soldiers was founded in June of 2002 by Kyle Lord, or lordzmom as she is better known to the soldiers, when her own son, SPC Brent J Lord, was deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom. Even though her son is now serving in the states she felt there was still an urgent and compassionate need for Americans to show their support for others who are serving their country. Keystone Soldiers sent out over 600 Christmas care packages and 20,000 holiday cards to those who could not be with their families this year. Supporting those on the frontline of freedom!
Freedom Bicycle Ride - NYC - New York City - Featured Event

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Iraq War News
U.S. Troops Kill One After Attack on Baghdad Prison: "Guerrillas launched dozens of mortarsand rockets at the main U.S. prison in Baghdad and troopskilled one Iraqi as they returned fire Wednesday evening, theU.S. military said Thursday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



UN Against Quick Iraq Polls But Delays Alternative: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan has decided to oppose elections in Iraq before the U.S.occupation relinquishes power on June 30 but will delayproposals on the country's immediate political future,according to U.N. diplomats. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Prison west of Baghdad comes under attack: "Insurgents fired mortars and rockets at a prison used by U.S. forces on the western edge of Baghdad, slightly wounding one soldier, the military said. American troops killed one Iraqi and detained 55 for questioning, the military added."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Survivors sought in Iran train explosion: "Rescuers battling choking toxic fumes used cranes and floodlights to search through the night for survivors in five Iranian villages devastated when derailed train cars carrying fuel and chemicals exploded nearby, killing more than 200 people."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Cyprus reunification talks begin: "Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders met with a U.N. mediator Thursday, launching talks to reunify the divided island hours after a small bomb exploded in front of the home of the Turkish Cypriot prime minister."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Prison West of Baghdad Comes Under Attack: "Insurgents fired mortars and rockets at a prison used by U.S. forces on the western edge of Baghdad, slightly wounding one soldier, the military said. American troops killed one Iraqi and detained 55 for questioning, the military added. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



NATO Possibly in Iraq in Right Conditions, France Says: "France could envisage a NATO force inIraq if it was approved by a sovereign Iraqi government and bythe United Nations, Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin saidin an interview published Thursday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Pentagon offices face probe on Iraq claims in IraqWar.ru (English)



U.S. disappointed with Japan-Iran oil deal in IraqWar.ru (English)



Samawah landlords warn GSDF over lease dispute in IraqWar.ru (English)



?Sending troops to Iraq a historic mistake? in IraqWar.ru (English)



OPEC has for all practical purposes already turned to pricing oil in euros in IraqWar.ru (English)



Iraqi Central Bank sells large sums of dollars for first time in IraqWar.ru (English)



US soldier told "al Qaeda" what to target in IraqWar.ru (English)



NATO Possible in Iraq in Right Conditions, France Says: "France could envisage a NATO force inIraq if it was approved by a sovereign Iraqi government and bythe United Nations, Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin saidin an interview published Thursday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



UN Expected to Delay Plan for New Iraq Government: "The United Nations is expectedto delay for at least a week recommendations on the shape of anIraqi interim government that would take power on June 30 fromthe U.S.-led occupation, diplomats said on Wednesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. counting on U.N. for help in Iraq: "As it weighs a major change in how to transfer political power to Iraqis, the Bush administration is relying ever more heavily on the United Nations to help clear the remaining high hurdles ahead."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Israel settlers seek alternate peace plans: "After decades of resisting peace initiatives, right-wing Israeli politicians floated a flurry of alternative plans this week to try to block Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from pulling out of much of the Gaza Strip."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



UN damps hopes of June Iraq elections, as coalition mops up after suicide attacks: "The head of the United Nations poured cold water on some Iraqis' hopes of holding a general election soon as coalition forces mopped up after two suicide bombs at a Polish military base killed at least seven Iraqis and wounded dozens of others. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



UN Against Quick Iraq Polls But Delays Alternative: "U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan has decided to oppose elections in Iraq before the U.S.occupation relinquishes power on June 30 but will delayproposals on the country's immediate political future,according to U.N. diplomats. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



British soldiers kicked and punched hooded Iraqi prisoners: "British soldiers in Iraq kicked and punched hooded prisoners as they screamed for mercy, a witness to an incident in which one Iraqi detainee was allegedly beaten to death was quoted as saying. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Annan To Back U.S. on Iraq Plan: "UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 18 -- U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan will endorse the U.S. position that direct elections cannot be held in Iraq before the United States hands over political power to Iraqis on June 30, senior U.N. officials said Wednesday. (washingtonpost.com)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Annan Is Said to Have Doubt on Iraq Voting: "The U.N. Secretary General will endorse the view that the interim Iraqi government cannot be chosen by direct elections."

In New York Times: World Special



Truck Bombs Kill 11 Iraqis at Army Base Run by Poles: "The suicide attack was the third such bombing in eight days, after more than 100 people were killed in back-to-back bombings."

In New York Times: World Special



U.S. Presidential Politics and Self-Rule for Iraqis: "The Bush administration's urgency to install a government in Iraq reflects more concern for American politics than Iraqi democracy."

In New York Times: World Special



For a Soldier's Fretting Family, a Digital Map of Baghdad: "A company that makes nautical charts tools is betting that a CD offering maps of the Iraqi capital's streets will find an audience in the United States."

In New York Times: World Special



Killings of Vendors in Iraqi City Drive Alcohol Sales Off Streets: "Nowhere in Iraq are attacks on vendors of alcoholic beverages as common as in Basra, where conservative Shiite movements are struggling for dominance."

In New York Times: World Special



Attack at Coalition Base Kills 10 Iraqis: "Suicide bombers detonated explosives outside a Polish-run base Wednesday, killing 10 Iraqis and wounding more than 100 people, more than half of them coalition soldiers. The United States arrested seven guerrillas believed linked to al-Qaida in an early morning raid to the north. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Report: Hezbollah joining Sunni insurgents in IraqWar.ru (English)



Khaddam: Syria wants to hold peace talks: "Syria has sent messages to bitter foe Israel via Turkey offering to restart stalled peace talks between the two countries, Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam said Wednesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. weighs shift in Iraq self-rule plan: "The Bush administration is considering a major shift in its plan for transition to Iraqi self-rule, possibly extending and expanding the U.S.-appointed Governing Council so it can take temporary control of the country on July 1, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. envoys meet with Israeli officials: "Three senior American diplomats met with Israeli officials Wednesday to learn more about Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposal to withdraw unilaterally from most of the Gaza Strip and perhaps parts of the West Bank."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq


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Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Iraq War News
Euro rises to record highs in IraqWar.ru (English)



Gasoline prices keep rising in IraqWar.ru (English)



Blast shows deep Iraqi mistrust of Americans in IraqWar.ru (English)



Training for "non-combat" in Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)



U.S. navy jet fighter F18 is for sale on eBay in IraqWar.ru (English)



Talks on Japanese base in Iraq in jeopardy: "Iraqis negotiating over rent with Japanese troops building a base on their land said Wednesday the talks have broken down and threatened to sue, though Japan denied an impasse."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq


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Sunday, February 15, 2004

Woman dedicated to soldiers 

Woman dedicated to soldiers


By Eric Veronikis
Patriot Writer


In less than two years, the Web site created by Kyle Lord of Fleetwood has grown by leaps and bounds.
She did not go into the venture looking to obtain credit card numbers from visitors, and she still does not today.
Keystonesoldiers.com is purely an effort to support American troops deployed overseas.
The idea to establish an effective outlet to strengthen ties between soldiers and their loved ones hit home when Lord’s son was placed on active duty.
Brent J. Lord was a member of the 1st 213th National Guard Air Defense Artillery unit based out of Hamburg.
When the Hamburg unit left for Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July of 2002, Lord found out just how difficult it is to stay in touch with soldiers overseas.
“ Communication was terrible,” Lord explained. “Phone calls to Germany were a dollar per minute. So one night when I went to a family support group meeting, I began thinking of ways to make communication easier.”
Following the meeting, Lord went straight to work on the site that allowed soldiers, family and friends from Pennsylvania to post pictures and write letters to each other via the Internet.
“ There were a lot of Pennsylvania soldiers in Germany at the time,” Lord said. “There were 2,500 soldiers from Pennsylvania stationed at 12 different places in Germany.”
Immediately, the Web site was a success, and not long after, Lord opened the site to others throughout the nation.
“ Our guys came home at the end of February, 2003, but we knew terrorism was running high in Iraq,” Lord said. “We were glad and grateful our family members were home, but realized there was still a need for our Web site and then the war broke out.”
The numbers kept growing. In the first few weeks keystonesoldiers.com featured approximately 47 soldiers using the pen pal service alone, and today, there are over 3,000 correspondence partners.
But there is much more to the site than just pen-pal service. In fact, the various programs offered reach countless numbers of soldiers.
“ We decided we were going to do more and more fundraisers because we had more and more people e-mailing to see how they could support the soldiers,” Lord said. “And another site, anysoldier.com shut down. So we began asking people to send cards, letters and care packages. And the fundraising is used to cover the shipping costs.”
Lord began enlisting friends and family to help put together Avon sales, spaghetti dinners and candle sales to support the overwhelming cost connected to the shipment of items.
Every package and letter is sent directly through Lord in Fleetwood, who monitors each and every item.
She also requires anyone interested in becoming a pen-pal to explain why they would like to keep in touch with a soldier.
“ I make sure they give me their name, mailing address, phone number and a written paragraph as to why they want to be a pen-pal. And then I verify that information,” Lord said.
The concerned go-between person said she keeps all names and related information confidential, but for safety purposes and to avoid letters from people denouncing the efforts of American soldiers, she monitors all correspondence and packages.
But there have been few scathing letters so far, and Lord cannot believe how many people have pitched in to help.
“ We had 5,000 postcards sent from a high school in Colorado and over Christmas we sent over 22,000 cards,” Lord said. “We have sent over 650 care packages and one girl in in Texas sent over 3,000 cards alone.”
The packages pile up in her living room and supporting the troops in this fashion takes an extreme amount of time and devotion, but Lord said she hopes to continue to donate her time as long as there is a need.
Keystonesoldiers.com is also forming an alliance with another site, www.soldiersangels.com, in support of Albany, N.Y., resident Dan Forant Jr.’s cross country “Freedom ride to Support our Troops.”
Forant’s son, Dan III, is currently stationed in Iraq, and the concerned father decided to ride a bicycle across the country from Albany to to Sacramento, Calif., set to begin on March 1.
“ He was looking in his garage and saw the bike his son used to ride and realized this would be a good way to bring the focus on individual soldiers,” Lord explained. “This is not a matter of for or against the war. This is about supporting our family, friends and relations in the military.”
Forant’s goal is to raise $50,000. Lord said his trip will include stops at Ground Zero and he will pass through parts of Oley and Reading.
“ We are asking people to give one cent per every 13 miles to propel Dan across the country,” Lord said. “That is $20, and we will accept less or more. We are also asking people to come out and ride next to Dan for part of the trip or line the streets when he passes through to cheer him on.”
Lord expects Dan to peddle through Berks County on March 4 or 5 and while he is in town he will spend the night with the family of 16-year-old singer/songwriter Catherine Hughes of Oley, who recorded a special song for American troops.
“ Catherine has a 10-song cd that has a song dedicated to the troops called Coming Home. If a person buys a cd then another personally-signed cd is sent to a soldier,” Lord said. “And all other funds raised through the Web sites goes directly to our troops.”
Anyone wishing to support Forant’s ride can visit keystonesoldiers.com, soldiersangels.com and click on the paylink on the home page.
Direct donations in support of keystonesoldiers.com can be made on the Web site or send checks, letters and care package items to PO Box 152, Fleetwood, Pa., 19522-0152. For more information, call Lord at 610-944-6328.Iraq War News

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Iraq War News
1 Iraqi Killed, 6 Hurt in Baghdad Shooting: "U.S. soldiers killed one Iraqi and wounded six others Sunday when the Americans opened fire after a roadside bomb went off near a U.S. patrol in Baghdad, a survivor and hospital officials said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



US convoy attacked on Baghdad highway; American soldier dies of wounds in IraqWar.ru (English)



Falluja raid (update) in IraqWar.ru (English)



US thanks South Korea for sending more troops in IraqWar.ru (English)



Shadow of civil war threatens to eclipse any hopes of Iraqi peace in IraqWar.ru (English)



Vehicle crash kills U.S. soldier in Iraq: "An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died of injuries suffered when his vehicle overturned near Baghdad, the U.S. military said Sunday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Gunmen in Iraq open fire on U.S. convoy: "Gunmen opened fire Sunday on a U.S. convoy on a Baghdad highway, setting one vehicle ablaze, and witnesses said three foreigners were wounded."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Gunmen in Iraq Open Fire on U.S. Convoy: "Gunmen opened fire Sunday on a U.S. convoy on a Baghdad highway, setting one vehicle ablaze, and witnesses said three foreigners were wounded. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Twenty-seven killed in fresh attack on Iraqi forces, US thanks SKorea: "Insurgents launched bold twin assaults on Iraqi security positions in the flashpoint town of Fallujah, sparking fierce battles that left 27 dead and dozens wounded as the US thanked South Korea for agreeing to send troops. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



British government considers breaking up BBC in IraqWar.ru (English)



British soldiers face new charges of Iraq brutality in IraqWar.ru (English)



Bremer Opens Iraq Human Rights Ministry in IraqWar.ru (English)



Al-Qaida planned attack at 2002 World Cup in IraqWar.ru (English)



Japan, Britain in accord over Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)



US developing plan for Iraqi airline in IraqWar.ru (English)



Powell Praises South Korea for Iraq Aid: "Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed "deep appreciation" to South Korea's foreign minister in a phone call Sunday for the parliament's decision to send 3,000 troops to Iraq, the government said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



25 Slain and 40 Wounded in Iraq as Raid on Police Frees Prisoners: "The attack seemed highly organized, and was twinned with a simultaneous attack on a civil defense station nearby."

In New York Times: World Special



Bremer Opens Iraq Human Rights Ministry: "The U.S. administrator for Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, opened the nation's first human rights ministry Saturday, saying it will investigate atrocities committed during Saddam Hussein's rule. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Red Cross given permission to see Saddam: "U.S. authorities have given the international Red Cross permission to see Saddam Hussein, but no date has been set, the organization said Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraq minister reassures nations on unity: "Iraq's interim foreign minister tried to reassure his country's neighbors about his government's commitment to build a united Iraq as officials from its six bordering nations met Saturday in Kuwait City."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



25 Die as Raid on Iraqi Police Frees Prisoners: "The attack seemed highly organized, and was twinned with a simultaneous attack on a civil defense station nearby."

In New York Times: World Special



`Liberty or Death' Is a Grim Option for Local Councils: "A single week in the restive town of Falluja can illuminate the triumphs and setbacks in Iraq's journey toward democracy."

In New York Times: World Special



An Iraqi Factory Reflects U.S. Recovery Effort: "A factory in Baghdad is on the front line of the American military's battle to win the trust of possibly the most hostile ? and certainly the poorest ? area of Baghdad."

In New York Times: World Special



The Permanent Scars of Iraq: "The wounded soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division contend with sleepless nights, restless days, fractured relationships and vials of pills that help with the pain ? but not enough."

In New York Times: World Special



Rebels hit Iraq police station, kill 23: "Guerrillas overwhelmed an Iraqi police station west of Baghdad, meeting little resistance as they went room to room shooting police in a bold, well-organized assault that killed 23 people and freed dozens of prisoners, officials said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Rebels Hit Iraq Police Station, Kill 23: "Guerrillas overwhelmed an Iraqi police station west of Baghdad, meeting little resistance as they went room to room shooting police in a bold, well-organized assault that killed 23 people and freed dozens of prisoners, officials said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Twenty-seven killed in fresh attack by insurgents on Iraqi forces: "Insurgents launched bold twin assaults on Iraqi security positions in the town of Fallujah, sparking fierce battles that left 27 dead and dozens wounded. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Commanding Gen. of 101st Back From Iraq: "The commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division returned from Iraq on Saturday and uncased the division's colors, symbolically ending the unit's year at war. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Falluja raid sparks security call: "A daring raid by insurgents kills 22 people in volatile Falluja as Iraq seeks support from its neighbours."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)



Rebels Kill 23 Iraqi Police, Free Inmates: "Guerrillas overwhelmed an Iraqi police station west of Baghdad on Saturday, meeting little resistance as they went room to room shooting police in a bold, well-organized assault that killed 23 people and freed dozens of prisoners, officials said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Falluja raid sparks security call: "A daring raid by insurgents kills 22 people in volatile Falluja as Iraq seeks support from its neighbours."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq


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Saturday, February 14, 2004

Iraq War News
Gunmen attack Iraq police, 19 wounded, dead in IraqWar.ru (English)



AP photographer wins World Press Photo 2003: image of Iraqi prisoner, child: "AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) - A picture of a hooded Iraqi war prisoner holding his four-year-old son at a U.S. detention camp, by Associated Press Photographer Jean-Marc Bouju, won the World Press Photo of the Year award Friday. (Canadian Press)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Halliburton Likely to Be a Campaign Issue This Fall: "As investigations of the Halliburton Company's federal contracts in Iraq broaden, Democrats say they will focus on the company's ties to the White House."

In New York Times: World Special



Back From Iraq, Pataki Says Trip Confirmed View of War: "Governer George E. Pataki returned from his tour of Iraq convinved that the United States' invasion there is an extension of the fight against terrorism."

In New York Times: World Special



Drowned Iraqi 'was forced into river by five US soldiers' in IraqWar.ru (English)



Inquiry will not judge Blair's role in Iraq war in IraqWar.ru (English)



"Everybody understands the rules of engagement" in IraqWar.ru (English)



27,000 Defense Contractors Owe Taxes, GAO Finds in IraqWar.ru (English)



Iraq satire proves stage hit in IraqWar.ru (English)


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Thursday, February 12, 2004

Comfort Kit - Help a Wounded Soldier 

What a fantastic way to help a wounded
soldier!
Our goal is to have these waiting
for each and every soldier
as they arrive at the hospital.

Most sick or injured soldiers are air-vaced with
only the bloody clothes they were injured in... some
don't even have shoes.
The army gives them $250.00
to replace their uniform
they can not leave until it is replaced.
That leaves precious little money to
replace all the other
essentials that were left behind and it
can literauly take MONTHS
for their belongings to catch up with them.

That's what makes your gift of a "Comfort Kit" so
essential.
For your $40.00 donation, one comfort
kit will be awaiting a wounded soldier
IN YOUR NAME.

The "Backpack" is made of a durable
black canvas that can easily be cleaned and
will last a very long time.

In that kit, YOU will be suppling him/her
with the following essential items:
Comfort Kit - Help a Wounded Soldier

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Monday, February 09, 2004

Iraq War News Updates
Robin's Iraq Report: Feb 9/04: "Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday.
Our " Winds of War " coverage of the global War on Terror is a separate briefing today, and both are brought to you by Robin Burk.
TOP TOPICS
  • " Going postal " - it's not just for the home front! Looks like some Iraqis are learning the hard way that American postal types can be ornery.

Other Topics Today Include: Stryker's trial by fire; Committee formed to investigate pre-war intel; Arab League nervous about democracy; Support the troops; Cards captured; Toy drive recognized by President Bush.
Read the Rest?
"

In Command Post: Irak



Iraq Fighters Seek Religious War: "A memo from an Iraqi insurgent to al Qaeda leaders calls for help in fomenting strife between Shiites and Sunnis as a way to prolong the guerilla war."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Iraqi Shias press UN on elections: "A leader of the country's largest group rejects the US view that conditions are not yet right for a national vote."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)



Court hears case over West Bank barrier: "The Supreme Court heard petitions from two Israeli human rights groups against the West Bank separation barrier Monday, a day after the government said it would change the route to minimize hardship for Palestinians."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Two U.S. soldiers killed in explosion: "Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded Monday during an explosion while troops were trying to dispose of explosives, a U.S. officer said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Report: Iraqi aims to spark sectarian war: "An anti-American operative in Iraq appealed for help from al-Qaida leaders to help spark a sectarian war between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in an effort to drive the U.S. out of the country, a newspaper reported Monday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. seeks to be more sensitive to Iraqis: "The U.S. military will be more sensitive to Islam and intrude less into Baghdad's neighborhoods when a new Army division takes control of the Iraqi capital on April 15, Army commanders said Monday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



'War President' Defends Iraq War: "In a televised interview, President Bush said he makes foreign policy decisions "with war on my mind," and defended his decision to invade Iraq despite no evidence Saddam Hussein had illegal weapons."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



COMBINED FORCES COMMAND - AFGHANISTAN RELEASE in CENTCOM: News Release



NYT Reports Al-Qaeda Link: "From the New York Times, via Yahoo News :
An anti-American operative in Iraq appealed for help from al-Qaida leaders to help spark a sectarian war between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in an effort to drive the U.S. out of the country, a newspaper reported Monday.
The alleged plan is outlined in a 17-page memo that U.S. forces confiscated from an al-Qaida suspect in Iraq, The New York Times reported. The paper said its reporter viewed the Arabic document and a military translation on Sunday.
The Times says the document is the strongest evidence to date of contacts between extremists in Iraq and al-Qaida.

Apart from the Al-Qaeda material captured in a terrorist training camp by the Kurds during the war, that is?
The document expresses frustration over efforts to force the United States out of Iraq and suggests that attacks on Shiites would prompt Sunni retaliation and a cycle of widening violence, the Times said.
" It is the only way to prolong the duration of the fight between the infidels and us ," the document says. " If we succeed in dragging them into a sectarian war, this will awaken the sleepy Sunnis who are fearful of destruction and death at the hands " of Shiites.
U.S. authorities believe the memo was written by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian who is suspected of having ties to al-Qaida, the Times reported.
The paper said that American forces arrested a man who had the document on a computer disc and was taking it to Afghanistan to get it to al-Qaida's senior leaders. U.S. officials did not identify the man who had the document.
The author of the document claimed he had directed about 25 suicide bombings inside Iraq, but said the resistance against the U.S. occupation was struggling to recruit Iraqis and to combat American troops.
The memo even offers a kind of praise for U.S. forces, saying " America, however, has no intention of leaving no matter how many wounded nor how bloody it becomes. "

Unless Kerry wins in November.
Hat Tip: Reader Jeffers
"

In Command Post: Irak


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Wednesday, February 04, 2004

Freedom Ride to Support Our Troops - Iraq War Veterans Organization 

Freedom Ride to Support Our Troops - Iraq War Veterans Organization

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