OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
COMMENTLINE Today, the first day of spring, marks the third anniversary since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003.
In this edition of
THE TENSION, the focus is on the human aspects of the war as reported in the U.S. this afternoon.
Highlights include the president's speech, discussions about sectarian violence and the insurgency, and the danger Iraq will descend into all-out civil war.
Please check out the Washington Post's timeline graphic, a story about the war's toll on battlefield journalists, and a special report from the Boston Globe on battlefield medicine.
For blog entries on protests making the aniversary, please see
Mainstream News Mulls Three Years in Iraq, Mon. 20 Mar. and
Images: Eyewitness Iraq, Sat. 18 Mar.NEWSLINE"The decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision." "America has never retreated in the face of thugs and assassins, and we will not begin now." President George W. Bush
NEWSBYTESMilitary Investigating Deadly Raid in IraqBAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- After a roadside bomb killed a U.S. Marine in western Iraq, American troops went into nearby houses and shot dead 15 members of two families, including a 3-year-old-girl, residents told The Associated Press on Monday.
U.S., Iraqi Troops Detain 66 Suspects, Seize WeaponsWASHINGTON, March 20, 2006 (American Forces Press Service) -- In the past week, U.S. and Iraqi forces detained more than five dozen suspected insurgents in Iraq, U.S. military officials reported.
More Deaths As Iraq War Enters Fourth Year
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Roadside bombings killed at least seven Iraqi policemen on Monday's third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion, and authorities said they found 14 bullet-riddled bodies dumped in the capital. South of Baghdad, millions of Shiite pilgrims poured into Karbala to complete 40 days...
Civil war fears grip Iraq on 3rd anniversaryBAGHDAD (Reuters) -- A major Shi'ite religious ritual unfolded amid heavy security in the sacred city of Kerbala on Monday as the specter of a sectarian civil war stalked Iraq on the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion.
Violence marks Iraq anniversary (BBC) -- Iraq on Monday marked the third anniversary of the US-led invasion with new bombings, more sectarian tension and continued indecision on government.
FOX NEWS VIDEOMilitary Perspective
Strategy for Victory
Bush Explains Confidence in Iraq Progress(washingtonpost,com) -- President Bush said Monday that even though he understands how American confidence has been shaken by "horrific images" from Iraq and expects more tough fighting ahead, he remains confident that the U.S. strategy is working there.
Bush Still Upbeat on Outcome In IraqOn Third Anniversary Of Invasion, President Foresees 'Victory'(washingtonpost,com) -- President Bush and Vice President Cheney hailed the progress being made by Iraqi leaders to form a unity government yesterday, as the administration tried to dispel a growing perception that a continuing wave of sectarian violence has pushed Iraq into a full-fledged civil war.
Bush urges patience on Iraq(Aljazeera.Net) -- The Bush administration is conveying a stay-the-course message on the third anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, although a top military commander has acknowledged that the armed anti-US campaign is fiercer than expected.
Bush Shares His Optimism on IraqCLEVELAND (AP) -- President Bush sought Monday to emphasize progress over disillusionment after three years in Iraq, urging Americans to see a developing democracy beyond the frequent images of violence.
Bush: Iraq center of war on terrorCLEVELAND, Ohio (CNN) -- In the face of flagging support for the Iraq war, President Bush said Monday that the country is the central front in the war on terror.
Bush defends Iraq war strategy CLEVELAND, United States (AFP) -- US President George W. Bush defended his Iraq war strategy, as the conflict entered its fourth year amid mounting sectarian strife and lower-than-ever support in the United States.
SPECIAL FEATURESThree Years of WarWashington Post Graphic
Journalist Death Toll High in Iraq WarPARIS (AP) -- More journalists and media staffers have been killed during the Iraq war than during any conflict since World War II, Reporters Without Borders said Monday, the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Frontline medicine In combat hospitals in Iraq, despite 'incredible chaos,' all patients are equal; speed and innovative care save 96% of the woundedMOSUL, Iraq (Boston Globe) -- The explosion sprayed white-hot shrapnel across the road, ripping the two Iraqi police officers' thighs open like meat on a butcher's block.
NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions. Click to enlarge.NOTE: Images by U.S. Military; used with permission.Tags: Bush, Iraq, War, Military, United States, terrorism, Middle East, Iran, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, Shiite, Sunni, Kurd, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalitionGlobal Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension
