Gallery of the Absurd: Middle East Wire Photos

It would be interesting to know how many of these Tanzanian Muslims can actually ready the words on the signs. If the message is for Israel, why aren't the signs in Hebrew, anyway?

More English signs in Pakistan. Who is watching the snuff flick?

Most times we see folks burning US flags because they don't want America meddling in their business. Now they burn American flags because the US won't become actively involved in their business.

The future of Islam.

The caption reads that these women are walking "past the smoking remains of a medical storage depot" after it was hit by Israeli air strikes. If all is as it seems, I want to know why perishable medical supplies were not stored at a hospital (where they are needed because of the war)?

The caption reads, "A crowd gathers next to the bodies of farm workers who were killed when Israeli missiles slammed into a refrigerated warehouse." I'm no expert but it looks like the only thing growing on this farm is rocks. Besides, the last time I checked, farmers worked on farms and not in warehouses.

NOTE: Mouse over image for caption.

Tags: Media, Journalism, United States, Headlines, wire, Middle East, Gaza, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, Iran, War, Military, terrorism, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Hezbollah, Beirut, Palestine, Syria, Hizbollah, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism
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Combat Camera: Fri. 4 Aug. 2006

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber refuels from a KC-10 Extender aircraft over Australia during exercise Green Lighting July 25, 2006. The exercise will test U.S. capabilities and provide operational familiarity in the region for the Pacific bomber presence as well as serve to enhance relations with the Australians. The B-2 and KC-10 are from the 36th Expeditionary Wing in Guam. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

U.S. Navy sailors from the High Speed Vessel Two Swift (HSV 2) move more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid to the pier at Beirut, Lebanon, on Aug. 4, 2006. Over two million dollars worth of humanitarian aid was donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and in coordination with the Islamic Relief Organization, will be disbursed immediately to Lebanese citizens. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael B.W. Watkins, U.S. Navy. (Released)

U.S. Army aircrew from the 542nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) fly a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter to a medical evacuation point during a mission near Tall Afar, Iraq, July 30, 2006. The helicopter belongs to the 1st Forward Support Medical Team. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

A surface-to-air missile launches from the Spanish frigate SPS Canarias (F86) during exercise UNITAS Pacific Phase July 30, 2006. The exercise, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command, enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Johansen Laurel, U.S. Navy. (Released)

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Tags: War, Military, terrorism, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalition, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Lebanon, Hezbollah, Beirut, UNITAS, Green Lighting
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Images, Video, Wire: Middle East Conflict, Fri. 4 Aug.

A seriously injured Israeli, who later died, is brought into the hospital after a being wounded in a Hezbollah rocket attack in the northern Israel town of Kiryat Shmona Friday August 4, 2006.

ON THE WIRE

AP: Israel Severs Lebanon Road Link to Syria

AP: Protesters Attack Iran's British Embassy

AP: Iraqi Shiites Chant 'Death to Israel'

J Post: Two killed, more wounded in barrage

NY Sun: Iran Is Racing To Resupply Hezbollah

Haaretz: Loss of momentum

AP: Israeli Missiles Target Lebanon Bridges

AP Video, Images, Interactive

AP: Oil Prices Mixed As Storm Worries Recede

AP: Christian Villages in Lebanon Spared

W Post: Israel Intensifies Bombardment in Lebanon

W Post: Hezbollah Threatens Tel Aviv

W Post Interactive: Maps, Video, Images

BBC: Israeli border strike 'kills 23'

BBC Interactive: Maps, Video, Images

Aljazeera: New Israeli air strikes on Lebanon

Aljazeera: Venezuela withdraws Israel ambassador

Aljazeera: Iraq's Shias march for Hezbollah

Aljazeera Interactive: Maps, Video, Images

Arab News: Riyadh Reiterates Stand on Lebanese Sovereignty

Arab News: Nasrallah Vows to Hit Tel Aviv

Arab News: Muslim Nations Demand Cease-Fire

Arab News: Eight Palestinians Killed in Fresh Gaza Strip Offensive

CNN: Israel smashes bridges, roads into Beirut

CNN Video

Fox: Hezbollah Positions Pounded as Rockets Rain Down on Northern Israel

Fox Video

Reuters: Israeli air raid kills 33 civilians in Lebanon

Reuters Video

Reuters: Syria's Christians rally behind Hizbollah

Reuters: Militants on anti-Israel missions: leader

AFP: Israeli warplanes strike Beirut as Tel Aviv braces for rocket fire

NYT: Israel Extends Strikes North of Beirut, Hitting Village

Images: Yahoo (AFP. AP, Reuters) Wirephotos

Tags: Headlines, wire, Middle East, Gaza, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, Iran, War, Military, terrorism, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Hezbollah, Beirut, Cockpit Camera, video, Palestine, Syria, Hizbollah
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Dispatches from the Front

An Iraqi Soldier raises the national flag during a pass and review ceremony held yesterday at Camp Taji. The Iraqi Army's 6th Motor Transport Regiment conducted a transfer of authority ceremony that released control by the 4th Sustainment Brigade. Photo by Sgt. Trevor Snyder

Iraqi Army’s 6th Motor Transport Regiment takes control
By Sgt. Trevor Snyder, 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD; 4 Aug. 2006 (CENTCOM) -- The Iraqi Army 6th Motor Transport Regiment took control of its own operations in a ceremony July 3 at Camp Taji, a sprawling joint Iraqi-Coalition facility just a few miles north of Baghdad.

The regiment has been working closely with the 4th Sustainment Brigade since October 2005. The transfer of authority is another milestone in Iraqi progress towards providing its own security. The 6th Motor Transport Regiment’s mission is to transport Iraqi Armed Forces members and cargo throughout Iraq as directed by the Ministry of Defense.

“It’s a completely Iraqi show,” said Lt. Col. William Schiek, commander of the 4th Brigade Support Battalion. “It’s been a real pleasure working with them because not only do we share ideas with them, they are sharing ideas with us.”

“Who is better at working in the local area than the folks that grew up in this area,” Schiek said.

The 6th Motor Transport Regiment consists of seven companies including a headquarters company, four light transportation companies, a security company and a support company. Their equipment consists of more than 100 trucks.

Recent areas of operations have included Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk, Fallujah and Ramadi.

“We’ve built some friendships here,” responded Maj. Roger Glenn, a force protection officer who works with the 6th Motorized Truck Regiment. “(The Coalition’s) role has really switched from being warfighters with them when we first arrived here. Now they are conducting all of that mission on their own.”

“It’s nice to see them receive some credit and recognition.”

NEWSBYTES

COALITION FORCES CONDUCT STRIKES IN BAGHDAD

COALITION FORCE CAPTURE 3 TERRORISTS AND 10 OTHER SUSPECTS

COALITION FORCES WOUND 1 SUSPECTED TERRORIST, CAPTURE 8 OTHERS

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 6 TERRORIST SUSPECTS

Video: Freedom Watch Afghanistan Aug 3
This edition features stories on extra funds for rebuilding efforts and German Soldiers receiving homeade meals. Hosted by Sgt. Tim Hanson.

LATEST NEWS

Iraqi Police focused on security operations in southern Baghdad
BAGHDAD -- The clamor and the hustle of a Baghdad market is common throughout the city as hundreds of citizens crowd the local streets to purchase necessities for their homes.

New hospital to treat detainees, Soldiers
CAMP CROPPER, Iraq -- A medical task force responsible for providing health care to both detainees and Soldiers opened a new hospital near Baghdad International Airport July 30.

More News from CENTCOM

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Combat Camera: Thu. 3 Aug. 2006

CONVOY THROUGH KIRKUK

An Iraqi engineer from the Iraqi army's 4th Strategic Infrastructure Brigade requests protection from U.S. Army soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment during a convoy through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Weber, center, and U.S. Navy Seaman David Quillen watch for suspicious activity during a convoy with the Iraqi army's 4th Strategic Infrastructure Brigade through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Murillo rides in the command position of a Humvee during a convoy through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

Iraqi army Col. Tarik Abid Zyad talks with U.S. Army soldiers from Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment during a convoy through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

U.S. Army soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division talk to an Iraqi man at a fuel station in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

U.S. Army soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division question an Iraqi man about the contents of his broken down ambulance during a patrol through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

An Iraqi child attempts to give a U.S. Army soldier from the 101st Airborne Division a high-five during a patrol through Kirkuk, Iraq, July 31, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Quillen

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From Amazon.com:
War Photography
Combat Photography

Tags: War, Military, terrorism, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalition, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom
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Dispatches from the Front

Members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team and local volunteers unload a 5-ton truck full of humanitarian assistance food supplies near Abdara, Afghanistan. (Photo by Shahla Hammond)

A Soldier from the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division searches abandoned buildings for insurgents, along the Diyala River in East Baghdad. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Bart Bauer)

NEWSBYTES

Video: There's 'Mortar' the 1-9
What a mortar is and how it is used in battle. Produced by Pvt. 1st Class April Foster.

Audio: USERUA
U.S. Army Europe’s Fifth Corps Soldiers make up most of the Mult-National Corps Iraq’s headquarters. Spc. Marshall Pesta joins USERUA’s command sergeant major as he checks in on his troops at Camp Victory.

IA SOLDIERS CAPTURE 4 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS, FIND WEAPONS
BAGHDAD 3 Aug. 2006 (CENTCOM) -- Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, captured four suspected terrorists near the Al Najma Mosque in Baghdad’s Kadamiyah district at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday.

MND-B SOLDIERS CAPTURE 4 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS
BAGHDAD 3 Aug. 2006 (CENTCOM) -- Multi-National Division -- Baghdad Soldiers foiled a kidnapping attempt by four men disguised as Iraqi policemen in southeast Baghdad early today.

More Press Releases from CENTCOM

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
Official Web Site of Multi-National Force - Iraq

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Newswire War Photos and the Gallery of the Absurd

Earlier this week the EU Referendum blog posted an analysis that questioned the authenticity of the major news organizations' portrayal of the Israeli bombing in Qana where many civilians were reportedly killed. In a nutshell, the blog said the images appeared staged.

The analysis set off a small fire storm on the Internet and was discussed by talk show host Rush Limbaugh who directed listeners to the blog.

The news agencies rejected the claims Tuesday, strongly denying that the images were staged.

However, when AP senior vice president and executive editor Kathleen Carroll discussed the claims she offered weak explanations. She did not specifically refute the analysis of the individual images nor did she offer to investigate the claims of staging. Going a step farther, Carrol attacked the critics:

---

"It's hard to imagine how someone sitting in an air-conditioned office or broadcast studio many thousands of miles from the scene can decide what occurred on the ground with any degree of accuracy,"

---

As learned consumers of news we should expect -- no, we should demand -- objective reporting. Photographers know the image is only as objective as their viewpoint. Editors know the news is what and when they choose and choose not to publish.

I have no doubts about who is complicit in the message when I see images taken in theater of veiled Muslim women and childern holding protest signs writen in English.




NEWSBYTES
EU Referendum: Milking it?

News Agencies Stand by Lebanon Photos
NEW YORK (AP) -- Three news agencies on Tuesday rejected challenges to the veracity of photographs of bodies taken in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, strongly denying that the images were staged.

News Agencies Angrily Respond to Rush,As Yet More Evidence Points to Qana Hoax
Rush Limbaugh

Tags: Counterbalance, Media, Journalism, Daily, United States, Headlines, wire, Middle East, Gaza, Israel, Palestinians, Hamas, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, Iran, War, Military, terrorism, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Hezbollah, Beirut, Palestine, Syria, Hizbollah, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism
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Dispatches from the Front

IRAQI FORCES TARGET' DEATH SQUAD' ACTIVITIES IN FOUR BAGHDAD OPERATIONS
BALAD (CENTCOM) -- Iraqi army and security forces conducted four early-morning raids in Baghdad on August 1, capturing three primary suspects associated with ‘death squads’ in an ongoing effort to stem activities of these organizations. Read more.

Video: Infantryman
Package about Soldiers on an overnight mission in Forward Operating Base Courage performing a foot patrol around the surrounding area. Produced by Spc. John M. Wagnon.

More Press Releases from CENTCOM

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
Official Web Site of Multi-National Force - Iraq

Tags: War, Military, terrorism, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalition, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, video, audio, CENTCOM, Dispatches from the Front
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Combat Camera: Tue. 1 Aug. 2006

SEARCH FOR INSURGENTS

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3rd Class James L. Bailey and Sgt. Brian J. Vitale search an open area in Fallujah, Iraq, for signs of insurgents, July 28, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Reimers

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brian P. Seaffert and Sgt. Brian J. Vitale check for identification while securing an area outside of Fallujah, Iraq, July 28, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Reimers

U.S. Marines assigned to the Personnel Security Detachment, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, provide security during a search for insurgents outside of Fallujah, Iraq, July 28, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Reimers

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Giancarlo Garcia, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, watches a team of Marines from the battalion's Personnel Security Detachment dismount their vehicles during a search for insurgents outside of Fallujah, Iraq, July 28, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Reimers

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3rd Class James L. Bailey, platoon commander with the Personnel Security Detachment, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, pulls security during a search for insurgents outside of Fallujah, Iraq, July 28, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Reimers

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Never Quit The Fight by Ralph Peters

BOOKS IN THE NEWS

Never Quit the Fight by Ralph Peters
(From the Publisher) -- Never Quit the Fight is the fiercest and timeliest book yet by acclaimed strategist Ralph Peters. Drawing on his global experiences from Africa to Iraq, the author attacks the crucial issues of our time head-on, with a clear eye and the blunt voice that has won him a devoted following:

* Was Iraq worth it? What's the truth behind the politics?
* How do Islamist terrorists themselves see this global struggle?
* Are our defense dollars buying a strong military--or the wrong military?
* Are we missing great opportunities elsewhere while hypnotized by the Middle East?
* When it comes to understanding terrorism, are Darwin and religion two halves of one answer? * Must we accept that Islam itself is the problem?
* Will we face a war with China? What would such a war mean?
* Can Washington ever learn from its mistakes?

These are just a few of the controversial issues the author takes on in a series of body blows to the status quo. Famed as the most original strategist of our time, Ralph Peters builds on the critical and commercial success of previous books, such as Beyond Terror (0811700240) and New Glory (1595230114), to offer a stunningly fresh vision for our military, our country--and the world. Already an influential voice in Washington, Ralph Peters continues to build a national and international audience hungry for his no-nonsense insights, his integrity, and a style that, no matter the complexity of the issue, remains vivid and clear--a joy to read.

About the Author
Ralph Peters is the author of twenty-one books, ranging from bestselling thrillers to critically acclaimed, prize-winning historical novels. His four previous books on strategy have been highly influential in government and military circles, while his experience abroad--in more than sixty countries--is unparalleled. A regular opinion columnist for the New York Post, Peters is also on the board of contributors at USA Today and writes a monthly column on strategy for Armed Forces Journal. He is a frequent guest on television and radio and lives in the Washington, D.C., area.

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Never Quit the Fight

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Never Quit the Fight

Tags: reviews, books, Headlines, wire, Middle East, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, Iran, War, Military, terrorism, Iraq, Islam
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Dispatches from the Front

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

A group of Marines from 1st Battalion, 25 Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, move an insurgent rocket found while conducting Operation Spotlight. The operation took place in the Fuhaylat, south of Fallujah, Iraq where three hostages were rescued and several weapons caches were located and destroyed by Marines. (Official Marine Corps photo)

NEWSLINES
Deliberate and methodical operations in Iraq net several terrorist / Al-Qaida members, Al-Qaida leaders and weapons caches in Iraq.

MULTIMEDIA
Video: Mosul Iraqi Police SWAT Night Raid Part 4
B-roll of Iraqi Police on a night raid in Mosul. Scenes include night vision video of preparation, driving to location and Soldiers preparing to start raid. Part 4 of 4. Total Running Time 2:21

Video: Air Assault on Al Qasr Island Part 5
B-roll of Iraqi Army Soldiers search for a weapons cache on Al Qasr Island near Mosul. Scenes include unloading and flying off on a Chinook helicopter. Part 5 of 6.

Audio: Progress in Iraq
Everyone wants to know when the U.S. will begin drawing down troops in Iraq, but before anyone can come home, Iraq must be secure. Sgt. Tom Conning gets an update on Iraqi Security Force readiness from the Iraqi Assistance Group.

Audio: Mass Grave
A group in Iraq is investigating criminal acts. Saddam Hussein’s brutal reign as dictator of Iraq may be over, but evidence of his regime’s atrocities still lay buried throughout the country. Spc.Jesse Belford Total Running Time 1:06

NEWSBYTES
COALITION FORCES CAPTURE FIVE TERRORISTS
BAGHDAD (CENTCOM) -- Coalition forces captured five terrorists during simultaneous raids in southwest Baghdad July 31.

COALITION FORCES SUCCESSFULLY TARGET TERRORIST IN BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CENTCOM) -- Coalition forces successfully targeted and killed a wanted terrorist during a raid in Baghdad July 26.

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE WANTED TERRORIST LEADER
BAGHDAD (CENTCOM) -- Coalition forces successfully targeted and captured a wanted terrorist leader during a raid in Mahmudiyah July 27.

COALITION FORCES DETAIN TWO SENIOR AL-QAIDA IN IRAQ LEADERS
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CENTCOM) -- Coalition forces successfully targeted and detained two senior al-Qaida in Iraq leaders and three other suspected terrorists during multiple raids in central and northern Iraq on the morning of July 29.

More Press Releases from CENTCOM

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
Official Web Site of Multi-National Force - Iraq

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