Saturday, August 12, 2006

Company C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel by Haim Watzman

BOOKS IN THE NEWS

CLICK HERECompany C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel by Haim Watzman
(Publishers Weekly) -- Watzman, a writer and translator, served in the reserve infantry of the Israeli army, one month a year, from 1984 to 2002. On one level this thoughtful and absorbing book is a frank (and often funny) barracks-room memoir, capturing the tedium, terror and grinding discomfort of military life, with a sharp eye (and gifted memory) for details of character and place. The periodic nature of Watzman's service gives the book a serial viewpoint into the tumultuous events of the years from before the rise of the first intifada to the re-occupation of the West Bank, always from a unique front-line perspective. We also come to know the other men in Watzman's unit, representative of Israeli society only in their disparateness. As an observant Jew and patriot who is also vocally opposed to the West Bank and Gaza settlements, Watzman himself defies easy stereotyping, and his depiction of the motivations and opinions of his comrades and countrymen, especially as they shift over time, is likewise unclichéd, affectionate but critical. Agent, Simon Lipskar at Writers House. (June 8) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Buy now from Amazon.com:

Company C: An American's Life as a Citizen-Soldier in Israel

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posted by Steven Moyer at 11:17 PM 0 comments

Sat Late-Afternoon Open Thread

Here's Something to think about.

  • The New York Times reports that, when conducting anti-terrorist operations, there is a central difference between Americans and the British, the latter of whom are much more willing to wait and watch before taking action.
From the article:


The differences in counterterrorism strategy reflect an important distinction between the legal systems of the United States and Britain and their definitions of civil liberties, with MI5 and British police agencies given far greater authority in general than their American counterparts to conduct domestic surveillance and detain terrorism suspects.

"[The British] can arrest people without charging them with a crime, which would make a big difference in how long you’d be willing to let things run.”


The New York Times would have you believe that British intelligence is far superior to US intelligence.

Despite the difference in legalities, perhaps the 'act-now' versus the 'wait-and-see' policy difference is why there have been no terrorist attacks in the US since 9/11, as opposed to the UK, which suffered terrorist bombings in the Underground little more than a year ago.

Other than that, could the timing of the current bust have simply boiled down to a risk factor for the Brits, since the targets in the plot were US based air carriers?

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posted by Steven Moyer at 5:52 PM 0 comments

Friday, August 11, 2006

Combat Camera: Fri 11 Aug. 2006

At a zero angle of attack, better known as a “No Lift Dive,” Sgt. 1st Class Cheryl Stearns, from the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, holds her position to build enough air speed to execute the “style set” in a competitive amount of time. At a zero angle of attack, better known as a “No Lift Dive,” Sgt. 1st Class Cheryl Stearns, from the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, holds her position to build enough air speed to execute the “style set” in a competitive amount of time. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

Soldiers and Marines from the 1st Armored Division and Iraqi soldiers chase insurgents who attacked them with mortar and small-arms fire in Ramadi.Soldiers and Marines from the 1st Armored Division and Iraqi soldiers chase insurgents who attacked them with mortar and small-arms fire in Ramadi. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

Sgt. Anthony Smith, from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, prepares for a convoy escort mission from Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Iraq. Sgt. Anthony Smith, from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, prepares for a convoy escort mission from Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Iraq. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

Master Sgt. Roy Lee (left) and Sgt. 1st Class James Haftmann, from Multi-National Corps-Iraq, use ground penetrating radar to search for hidden weapons in central Iraq. If located, heavy equipment is used to excavate it. Master Sgt. Roy Lee (left) and Sgt. 1st Class James Haftmann, from Multi-National Corps-Iraq, use ground penetrating radar to search for hidden weapons in central Iraq. If located, heavy equipment is used to excavate it. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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posted by Steven Moyer at 8:22 PM 0 comments

Fri Mid-Afternoon Open Thread

I've decided to try something different and here it is: the open thread.

  • In a Bottle Bomber plot update, FOX NEWS reports that police have arrested 40 people in cities throughout Italy in a security crackdown.
  • In Pakistan, an al Qaeda member is picked up over the plot, according to Reuters.
  • CNN reports "nothing news" about UN negotiations as Israeli troops mass on the border.
  • Muslims bristled when Bush called the terrorists what they are, Islamic fascists, as reported by Reuters. (Keep in mind while all Muslims are not terrorists, all terrorists have been Muslims.)
  • Aljazeera is reporting that UN forces have been sent to evacuate Lebanese troops held by Israeli soldiers in Marjayoun.
  • U.S., France agree on Mideast resolution as Israel Expands offensive in Lebanon, reports AP.
AP Video

Reuters Video

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posted by Steven Moyer at 4:06 PM 0 comments

Dispatches from the Front, Fri 11 Aug. 2006

Sgt. Crescencio T. Padilla, a tank commander with A Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5, scans the horizon as his tank section rolls out to reinforce an entry control point in Fallujah, Iraq. (Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Olivia)Sgt. Crescencio T. Padilla, a tank commander with A Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5, scans the horizon as his tank section rolls out to reinforce an entry control point in Fallujah, Iraq. (Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Olivia)

NEWSBYTES
SUSPECTED AL QAEDA FACILITATOR TARGETED IN AFGHAN, COALITION RAID
Kabul , Afghanistan (CENTCOM) -- Afghan and Coalition forces killed three al Qaeda members and detained three additional associates during a raid today in Khowst Province near the village of Ya’Qubi.

CENTCOM’S TOP NCO PRAISES AFGHANISTAN
KABUL , Afghanistan (CENTCOM) -- The U.S. Central Command’s top enlisted leader visited Afghanistan from Aug. 5 to 8 and praised the country for its progress in rebuilding and reconstructing, and developing its armed forces over the past five years.

EXTREMIST ATTACKS FOILED IN PAKTIKA
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (CENTCOM) -- An unknown number of extremists attacked the Gomal District Center in the Paktika Province on Aug.10 using small arms and RPG fire.

MND-B’S 1ST SQDN., 10TH CAV. REGT., DISTRIBUTES HUMANITARIAN-AID TO ARAB JABUR RESIDENTS
ARAB JABUR, Iraq (CENTCOM) -- Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provided local residents with humanitarian-aid July 27 as part of Operation River Falcon near the Tigris River.

Video: OIF Today 448
This edition features headlines on Iraqi and Coalition Forces targeting death squads in an early morning raid, Soldiers breaking up a kidnapping, and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture signing a bill that will train and better educate Iraqi farmers.

Video: Afghan National Police Training
Package about Coalition Forces training the Afghan National Police so they can secure their own country. Produced by Sgt. Joel Fry.

Audio: Iwo Jima
Fifty Sailors and Marines from U.S.S. Iwo Jima and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to the amphibious assault ship, assisting nearly 2,000 American citizens aboard U.S.S. Trenton. Produced by Petty Officer Abraham Essenmacher.

More News from CENTCOM

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posted by Steven Moyer at 1:39 PM 0 comments

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Wake Up and Smell the Terrorism

A British Airways aircraft lands at Heathrow Airport, near London August 10, 2006. British police said on Thursday they had thwarted a plot to blow up aircraft in mid-flight between Britain and the United States and arrested more than 20 people.A British Airways aircraft lands at Heathrow Airport, near London August 10, 2006. British police said on Thursday they had thwarted a plot to blow up aircraft in mid-flight between Britain and the United States and arrested more than 20 people.

OPINION
I normally don't frame my worldview on tripe from bloggers, but I'll admit from the point I first learned early this morning that the British had thwarted a terror plot to blow up American passenger planes, I have been poking around for some definitive statement on the event from the liberal blogs. By early evening (my time) Hunter over at Daily Kos had finally gathered his talking points and posted his thoughts. As I expected, the opinion rendered was framed by anti-Bush, anti-Republican pessimism and spewed a partisan political view rather than a discussion of empirical facts. Hunter praised the, “big difference between U.S. and U.K. efforts in the War on Terror.” He writes:


[T]he U.K. is beginning to show a history of wrapping up terror plots and arresting those involved, and seems even to have managed to have done so within the context of law.

Hunter forgot to mention that NSA wiretaps were instrumental in the discovery of the terrorist plot. From the Time magazine article, Thwarting the Airline Plot: Inside the Investigation:


U.S. intelligence provided London authorities with intercepts of the group's communications.

Hunter forgot to mention that a British agent had infiltrated the terrorist group. Hunter forgot to mention that in the UK, the police can act without a warrant on reasonable suspicion. (In the US, the police must have a warrant and probable cause.) Hunter also seems to have forgotten the events surrounding the bombings in the London Underground just over a year ago, where British police were heavily criticized for the use of excess force when they shot and killed an unarmed suspect. Hunter scorns the very policies and programs that have prevented a terrorist act on American soil since 9/11.

You can go read Daily Kos for yourself. I singled out Kos because the blog seems to most clearly echo liberal talking points; the writers fancy themselves to be the new force with whom to be reckoned with in US politics. But then again, Kos' folks are still in the afterglow of the CT primary. Kos and company have devoted more column inches to post after post after post on the "technical difficulties" that caused Lieberman's campaign Web site to crash on primary day than to the terrorist plot. What's that line about protesting too much?

Any intelligent person has to ask the question, though, if the plot had been busted last Monday would Lieberman have lost in the CT primary?

It is a mistake to see the war on terror for anything other than what it is: a war Islamist fanatics are waging on the West. Too, it is a mistake to think that the war is in response to the way the West interacts with Arab countries. The jihadists have declared war on anyone who does not agree with their worldview.

If the plot had succeeded, it would have become the new 9/11. Rightfully so, responsible folks should regard the disruption of the plot with more than passing significance.

RESOURCES

W Post: Britain Thwarts Airline Terror Plot

AP: British: Thwarted Plot Involved 10 Jets

BBC: 'Airlines terror plot' disrupted

CNN: Agent infiltrated terror cell, U.S. says

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posted by Steven Moyer at 9:35 PM 2 comments

Combat Camera: Thu 10 Aug. 2006

BAGHDAD MISSION

U.S. Army soldiers working with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, discuss tactics for an upcoming mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiU.S. Army soldiers working with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, discuss tactics for an upcoming mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Colon, with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, prepares for an early morning cordon in a suburb of Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiU.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Colon, with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, prepares for an early morning cordon in a suburb of Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

A U.S. Marine assists U.S. Army soldiers from 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, during a mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiA U.S. Marine assists U.S. Army soldiers from 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, during a mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Milton Peterson, working with the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, tells fellow soldiers the problems with checkpoints in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiU.S. Army Lt. Col. Milton Peterson, working with the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team, tells fellow soldiers the problems with checkpoints in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

U.S. Army soldiers with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team and Iraqi National Police officers repair a sandbag barrier at a checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiU.S. Army soldiers with 7th Brigade, 2nd Division, Iraqi National Police Transition Team and Iraqi National Police officers repair a sandbag barrier at a checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

Small arms bullet casings are evidence of prior firefights at a checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. DotiSmall arms bullet casings are evidence of prior firefights at a checkpoint in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan F. Doti

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posted by Steven Moyer at 4:17 PM 1 comments

Threat Level Raised for Aviation Sector

A makeshift sign greets travellers at Belfast International Airport after a terrorist plot was foiled by British police and security services, Thursday Aug. 10, 2006. Airlines across Europe canceled flights bound for London's Heathrow Airport as some airports said they were ready to take on more traffic after a terror attack aimed at aircraft flying from Britain was revealed Thursday.A makeshift sign greets travellers at Belfast International Airport after a terrorist plot was foiled by British police and security services, Thursday Aug. 10, 2006. Airlines across Europe canceled flights bound for London's Heathrow Airport as some airports said they were ready to take on more traffic after a terror attack aimed at aircraft flying from Britain was revealed Thursday.

Passengers wait to check in at the Easyjet desk shortly before several flights were cancelled at Gatwick Airport Thursday Aug. 10, 2006. Long lines, frustration and anxiety gripped British airports Thursday, as the alleged thwarting of a major terrorist plot brought air travel to a grinding halt at the height of the summer tourist season. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi) Passengers wait to check in at the Easyjet desk shortly before several flights were cancelled at Gatwick Airport Thursday Aug. 10, 2006.

Armed police officers patrol Manchester Airport. Police have said they had foiled a plot to blow up planes to the United States in mid-air, putting the nation on its maximum terror alert and snarling air traffic around the world.(AFP/Paul Ellis) Armed police officers patrol Manchester Airport. Police have said they had foiled a plot to blow up planes to the United States in mid-air, putting the nation on its maximum terror alert and snarling air traffic around the world.

Airplanes wait on the tarmac after increased security measures were put into place at Manchester Airport in England, Thursday Aug. 10, 2006. British authorities thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up several aircraft in flight between the United States and the United Kingdom using explosives smuggled in hand luggage, officials said Thursday. (AP Photo/Jon Super) Airplanes wait on the tarmac after increased security measures were put into place at Manchester Airport in England, Thursday Aug. 10, 2006.

COMMENTLINE
It was only a matter of time. A countdown is in progress for the first statement that President Bush is using the incident for political gain.

NEWSBYTES
Threat Level Raised for Aviation Sector
August 10, 2006 (2:40 a.m. EDT) -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced a targeted raise in the threat level in light of today’s arrests in the United Kingdom. “The United States Government has raised the nation’s threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. This adjustment reflects the Critical, or highest, alert level that has been implemented in the United Kingdom. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.”

British Police Thwart Major Terror Plot
(washingtonpost.com) -- British authorities said today they had disrupted a "major terrorist plot" to blow up passenger flights between the United Kingdom and the United States, prompting a full-scale security clampdown at U.S. and British airports and a cascade of delays in trans-Atlantic flights.

W Post Video: Terror Plot Cancels American-Bound Flights

British Police Thwart Aircraft Bomb Plot
LONDON (AP) -- British authorities said Thursday they had thwarted a terrorist plot to simultaneously blow up several aircraft heading to the U.S. using explosives smuggled in carry-on luggage. Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said 21 people had been arrested in London, its suburbs and in Birmingham, including the alleged "main players" in the plot.

AP Video

Related Book: Londonistan

'Airlines terror plot' disrupted
(BBC) -- A plot to blow up planes in flight from the UK to the US and commit "mass murder on an unimaginable scale" has been disrupted, Scotland Yard has said.

ON THE WIRE

Reuters: Britain says it foils "mass murder" plane bomb plot

Reuters: UK police hold 21 over foiled plot to bomb planes

AFP: Britain on maximum terror alert after bomb plot foiled

Reuters: US raises air security alert to red for first time

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Announcing a Change to the Nation’s Threat Level for the Aviation Sector

Britain facing 'most sustained threat since WWII', says Reid

2 held on terror charges in Ohio

Bomb plot causes worldwide airline chaos

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posted by Steven Moyer at 7:26 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Combat Camera: Tue. 8 Aug. 2006

Lt. Gen. Abdul Aziz, left, commander of the 4th Iraqi Army Division, and his division Sergeant Major unveil the division colors during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony held on Forward Operating Base Dagger in Tikrit, Iraq, Aug. 8, 2006. The ceremony marks the 4th IAD's taking the lead on security for the provinces of Sulymaniya, Salah Ah Din, and Kirkuk, hitting the 50 percent mark of primary control of Iraq by Iraqi security forces. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, U.S. Army.(Released) Lt. Gen. Abdul Aziz, left, commander of the 4th Iraqi Army Division, and his division Sergeant Major unveil the division colors during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony held on Forward Operating Base Dagger in Tikrit, Iraq, Aug. 8, 2006. The ceremony marks the 4th IAD's taking the lead on security for the provinces of Sulymaniya, Salah Ah Din, and Kirkuk, hitting the 50 percent mark of primary control of Iraq by Iraqi security forces. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, U.S. Army.(Released)

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Dunlap familiarizes himself with the operation of a PK3 9mm sub-machine gun during a live-fire exercise on Forward Operating Base Dagger in Tikrit, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. Dunlap is attached to the Military Integrated Transition Team, 101st Airborne Division. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, U.S. Army. (Released) U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Dunlap familiarizes himself with the operation of a PK3 9mm sub-machine gun during a live-fire exercise on Forward Operating Base Dagger in Tikrit, Iraq, Aug. 7, 2006. Dunlap is attached to the Military Integrated Transition Team, 101st Airborne Division. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, U.S. Army. (Released)

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, on video screen, delivers remarks during the EA-18G Growler roll out ceremony held at the Boeing Company in St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 3, 2006. The EA-18 Growler is being developed to replace the U.S. Navy fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler. The Navy's next-generation electronic attack aircraft is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009. DoD photo by Marv Lynchard, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, on video screen, delivers remarks during the EA-18G Growler roll out ceremony held at the Boeing Company in St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 3, 2006. The EA-18 Growler is being developed to replace the U.S. Navy fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler. The Navy's next-generation electronic attack aircraft is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009. DoD photo by Marv Lynchard, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

A young boy watches an Iraqi police officer search a briefcase in his Al Doura, Iraq, home Aug. 7, 2006. The officer is with 6th Battalion, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division. DoD photo by Sgt. Steven Phillips, U.S. Army. (Released)A young boy watches an Iraqi police officer search a briefcase in his Al Doura, Iraq, home Aug. 7, 2006. The officer is with 6th Battalion, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division. DoD photo by Sgt. Steven Phillips, U.S. Army. (Released)

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posted by Steven Moyer at 8:31 PM 0 comments

Liberal Blogs, Lanny Davis Says,"Gotcha!"

COMMENTLINES
I mention this story only because, in part, it's another example of how the legitimate media loves to tell the world how lowly a form of life mass-bastard bloggers are, especially after bloggers catch the media in scams like the recent photogate at Reuters.

In his opinion piece in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, ex-Clintonista and political hack Lanny Davis backhands conservatives while dogging left-bloggers:


My brief and unhappy experience with the hate and vitriol of bloggers on the liberal side of the aisle comes from the last several months I spent campaigning for a longtime friend, Joe Lieberman

This kind of scary hatred, my dad used to tell me, comes only from the right wing--in his day from people such as the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy, with his tirades against "communists and their fellow travelers." The word "McCarthyism" became a red flag for liberals, signifying the far right's fascistic tactics of labeling anyone a "communist" or "socialist" who favored an active federal government to help the middle class and the poor, and to level the playing field.

I came to believe that we liberals couldn't possibly be so intolerant and hateful, because our ideology was famous for ACLU-type commitments to free speech, dissent and, especially, tolerance for those who differed with us. And in recent years--with the deadly combination of sanctimony and vitriol displayed by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Michael Savage--I held on to the view that the left was inherently more tolerant and less hateful than the right.


Unlike conservative discussions on the Web, the Internet-savvy on the left take their vitriol to a new low when they devour their own for the sake of their cause -- as Joe Lieberman found out today -- when hackers hosed his campaign Web site http://www.joe2006.com/, which when accessed this afternoon, displayed the message below:


UPDATE ON THE ATTACK ON THE LIEBERMAN CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

STATEMENT FROM SEAN SMITH: "For the past 24 hours the Friends for Joe Lieberman's website and email has been totally disrupted and disabled, we believe that this is the result of a coordinated attack by our political opponents. The campaign has notified the US Attorney and the Connecticut Chief State's Attorney and the campaign will be filing a formal complaint reflecting our concerns. The campaign has also notified the State Attorney General Dick Blumenthal for his review."

"We call on Ned Lamont to make an unqualified statement denouncing this kind of dirty campaign trick and to demand whoever is responsible to cease and desist immediately. Any attempt to suppress voter participation and undermine the voting process on Election Day is deplorable and has no place in our democracy."


Welcome to the real world, Lanny. It's been a long time since liberals have been, "inherently more tolerant and less hateful." The problem with liberalism is in attempting to to be so many things in order to please so many people it has lost the measure of its own soul.

My question is, why did a stand-up rag like the Journal run this foolishness posing as an op/ed piece?

NEWSBYTES
Liberal McCarthyism
Bigotry and hate aren't just for right-wingers anymore.
By Lanny Davis
WASHINGTON (WSJ) --My brief and unhappy experience with the hate and vitriol of bloggers on the liberal side of the aisle comes from the last several months I spent campaigning for a longtime friend, Joe Lieberman.

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posted by Steven Moyer at 7:06 PM 0 comments

ACLU Protests Hurricane Memorial

COMMENTLINES
Post this news article in the Gallery of the Absurd.

I guess the situation would be different if the particularly Christian memorial were to be constructed on public property. However:


The cross and accompanying monument listing the names of the 129 parish residents who died in Hurricane Katrina will be put on private land and are being financed with donations.


Next, I assume the ACLU will be protesting crosses on church fronts and atop steeples that are visible from public roads.

NEWSBYTES
ACLU questions hurricane memorial
CHALMETTE, La. (katc.com) -- The American Civil Liberties Union is objecting to plans for a hurricane memorial in St. Bernard Parish that will feature a cross bearing a likeness of the face of Jesus.

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posted by Steven Moyer at 4:12 PM 0 comments

Dispatches from the Front, Tue. 8 Aug. 2006

Iraqi soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division conduct a cordon and search for weapons caches at Al Anbar University in Ramadi, Iraq.Iraqi soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division conduct a cordon and search for weapons caches at Al Anbar University in Ramadi, Iraq.

NEWSBYTES

4th Iraqi Army to take the lead
BAGHDAD (CENTCOM) -- As further evidence to the continued progress of Iraqi security forces, the 4th Iraqi Army Division will officially assume the lead for security operations Aug. 8 in most of Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces, previously controlled by units from the 101st Airborne Division.

The handover of forward operating bases and security lead demonstrates the progress being made by the Iraqi security forces, reiterates successes, and highlights the progress of the legitimate Iraqi government as a positive move toward full national sovereignty and self-reliance, said a Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman.

This transfer occurs as the Iraqi security force takes charge and shows it is capable of coordinating, planning and conducting security operations with Coalition forces acting in a support role. According to a 101st Airborne Division spokesman, the 4th IAD has demonstrated it is fully capable of assuming security responsibility by taking over security operations in provinces covering major cities of Tikrit, Kirkuk and Samarra.

The 4th IAD is the fifth of 10 Iraqi army divisions to assume security responsibility, which represents the halfway mark of Iraqi divisions assuming responsibility for providing security in their country. In total, Iraqi security forces are in the lead with five Iraqi army divisions, 22 army brigades, and 76 army battalions, and the Iraqi National Police have two battalions, for a total of about 275,000 trained forces.

According to Coalition officials, 48 of 110 Forward Operating Bases have been transferred to the Iraqis; the result of the increased capacity of the Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government.

“This (handover) is a brave quest and significant milestone toward garnering security self-reliance for the Iraqi citizens, the Iraqi security force, and the government of Iraq,” said Coalition officials.

According to a fact sheet released by the 101st Airborne Division, “more than 275,000 trained and equipped Iraqi security personnel work every day to protect Iraq and its people. These numbers continue to grow as more troops are scheduled to assume independent control in the coming months.”

As evidence to the 4th IAD’s capabilities, about 3,000 Iraqi security forces, with support from Coalition troops, recently detained 154 terror suspects and seized a large weapon cache during Operation Gaugamela west of Kirkuk.

The 10-day operation was conducted to search for suspected al-Qaida terrorists in and around the cities of Hawaija and Riyadh.

Following a request from local Arab leaders to rid the area outside Kirkuk of terrorists, the 10-day operation - covering 25 cities and villages spanning more than 900 square miles - began with a series of smaller Iraqi Army operations targeting 20 objectives in the Rashad area, southwest of Kirkuk.

Using their own intelligence information, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division planned and conducted the missions, detaining nine terror suspects and seizing a cache of weapons.

"This was the first time the Iraqis in our area have self-sustained during an operation," said Capt. Krista Jekielek, a U.S. logistics representative to the Iraqi security forces. "It was a significant validation, showing they are capable of moving the necessary personnel and supplies required to perform their mission."

Capt. Lyn Graves, an Army spokesman who patrolled Hawija with the Iraqi security forces during the operation, said the Iraqi forces were extremely proficient and professional.

In addition to taking terrorists and weapons off the street, the discipline of the soldiers involved in the mission truly stands out, according to Maj. Greg Bishop, a 1st BCT spokesman.

“The Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers went into two of the most contentious cities in the Kirkuk province, searched hundreds of homes and buildings and detained more than 150 suspects with no violence whatsoever,” said Bishop. “That’s an incredible success and a true measure of the professionalism of everyone involved in the operations.”

JOINT STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR KHALILZAD & GEN. CASEY ON 4TH IAD HANDOVER

More News from CENTCOM

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posted by Steven Moyer at 2:43 PM 0 comments

Combat Camera Special: The Last Tomcat

THE LAST F-14 TOMCAT CARRIER LAUNCH

Atlantic Ocean (July 28, 2006) – Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the Atlantic Ocean (July 28, 2006) – Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), aircraft number 112, completes the final catapult launch of an F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. The last launch marks the end of an era for Naval Aviation. The F-14 will officially retire in September 2006, after 32 years of service to the fleet. Theodore Roosevelt is completing Joint Task Force Exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Laird

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posted by Steven Moyer at 1:20 AM 0 comments

FBI Warns Law Enforcement to Look Out for 11 Missing Egyptian Exchange Students

Not to make anyone toss their cookies, but here's an interesting ditty.


Montana State has tried repeatedly to contact the students, university spokeswoman Cathy Conover said. When that failed, the school notified Homeland Security officials and registered the Egyptians as "no-shows" in the system developed after Sept. 11 to track foreign students.


NEWSBYTE
FBI Warns Law Enforcement to Look Out for 11 Missing Egyptian Exchange Students
(FOXNEWS) -- The FBI alerted state and local authorities Monday to be on the lookout for 11 Egyptian exchange students who arrived in the U.S. last month but never showed up for class.

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posted by Steven Moyer at 12:50 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 7, 2006

Combat Camera: Mon. 7 Aug. 2006

U.S. MARINES PATROL IRAQ

U.S. Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol through the streets of Fallujah, Iraq, to conduct vehicle checkpoints, July 25, 2006. The checkpoint is conducted to ensure the safety of citizens in the southern area of Fallujah. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezU.S. Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 patrol through the streets of Fallujah, Iraq, to conduct vehicle checkpoints, July 25, 2006. The checkpoint is conducted to ensure the safety of citizens in the southern area of Fallujah. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Larry D. Nicholson, right, and his interpreter, talk to an Iraqi man as his vehicle is searched during a vehicle checkpoint in Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezU.S. Marine Corps Col. Larry D. Nicholson, right, and his interpreter, talk to an Iraqi man as his vehicle is searched during a vehicle checkpoint in Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Scott J. McLaughlin, from Regimental Combat Team 5, searches through the trunk of an Iraqi man's car during a vehicle checkpoint in Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezU.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Scott J. McLaughlin, from Regimental Combat Team 5, searches through the trunk of an Iraqi man's car during a vehicle checkpoint in Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Civil Affairs Group unload medical supplies for the hospital in Ferris, Iraq, as Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 provide security, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezU.S. Marines from the 3rd Civil Affairs Group unload medical supplies for the hospital in Ferris, Iraq, as Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 provide security, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Francis W. Charlonis hands out candy to Iraqi children in Ferris, Iraq, as U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 conduct security operations, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Francis W. Charlonis hands out candy to Iraqi children in Ferris, Iraq, as U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 conduct security operations, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nathan I. Nastase shows a picture to an Iraqi child in Ferris, Iraq, as U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 conduct security operations, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nathan I. Nastase shows a picture to an Iraqi child in Ferris, Iraq, as U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 conduct security operations, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

A young Iraqi boy watches as U.S. Marines in amphibious assault vehicles pass through Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi HernandezA young Iraqi boy watches as U.S. Marines in amphibious assault vehicles pass through Fallujah, Iraq, July 25, 2006. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Georgi Hernandez

More Combat Camera Images on THE TENSION

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posted by Steven Moyer at 9:44 PM 0 comments