Saturday, December 30, 2006

Update - Images, Video: Saddam Meets Eternity

Images: (Note: scroll down for graphic video.)

Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006.jpg
Saddam Hussein Hanged: Execution in Baghdad December 30, 2006
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Warning: Graphic Content


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Press Bias Exposed in Saddam Execution Coverage

Saddam
He had the WMDs before he didn't have them.

NOTE: also see: Images, Video: Saddam Meets Eternity

Saturday morning, the Reuters headline blared: Saddam hanged at dawn as bombs kill more than 60. After linking the violence to the execution, Reuters reporter Mariam Karouny writes:

Betraying no hint of regret, a composed-looking Saddam refused a black hood over his head before masked hangman placed the noose around his neck, a Shi'ite Muslim politician who witnesses the execution said.
Police in Kufa, near the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, said 36 people were killed and 58 wounded by the car bomb at a market packed with shoppers ahead of the week-long Eid al-Adha holiday. They said a mob killed a man they accused of planting the bomb.
A triple car bombing killed 25 in a Shi'ite district of the capital -- the sort of attacks that have pitched Iraq toward sectarian war since U.S. troops broke Saddam's iron rule.
Reuters also reports:

The attacks came the same day as Saddam was hanged for crimes against humanity, prompting fears of a violent backlash by his supporters among his fellow Sunni Arabs.
Writing for AP, of the attacks, Lauren Frayer states something totally different:

Despite concerns about a spike in unrest, Saturday's violence was not unusually high and there was no indication it was related to the execution.
Of the moments leading up to the execution, AP also reports:

In a final moment of defiance, [Saddam] refused a hood to cover his eyes.
However, Newsweek reports the man hired to videotape Saddam Hussein’s execution recalls the brutal dictator’s humble final moments:

Ali Al Massedy was 3 feet away from Saddam Hussein when he died. The 38 year old, normally Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's official videographer, was the man responsible for filming the late dictator's execution at dawn on Saturday. "I saw fear, he was afraid."
"He died absolutely, he died instantly." Ali said Saddam's body twitched, "shaking, very shaking," but "no blood," he said, and "no spit."
AFP reports the execution, leading with their decidedly French viewpoint:

The United States has joined its arch-foe Iran in hailing the justice of Saddam Hussein's execution, but European powers opposed the use of capital punishment even though they condemned the former dictator's crimes in Iraq.
Some key US allies expressed discomfort at the execution. And Russia, which opposed the March 20, 2003 invasion to oust the dictator, and the Vatican expressed regret at the hanging which some Muslim leaders said would exacerbate the violence in Iraq.
It is interesting to note AFP's deference to Russian opinions, given the fact that Russia is typically brutal in dealing with its enemies both domestic and foreign.

Out of 14 comments about the execution AP published, nine quotes were decidedly against the death penalty and some were anti-U.S.

CNN details an even different view of Saddam's last moments:

As a noose was tightened around Hussein's neck, one of the executioners yelled "long live Muqtada al-Sadr," Haddad said, referring to the powerful anti-American Shiite religious leader.
Hussein, a Sunni, uttered one last phrase before he died, saying "Muqtada al-Sadr" in a mocking tone, according to Haddad's account.
The judge said Hussein appeared "totally oblivious to what was going on around him. I was very surprised. He was not afraid of death."
The judge's statements appear in stark contrast to those of Iraqi national security adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie:

"He was a broken man," al-Rubaie said. "He was afraid. You could see fear in his face."
The New York Times sees Saddam as a martyr in a misbegotten war and romanticizes:

When Mr. Hussein came to power three years before the Dujail killings, he ruled over an oil-rich country that was an economic and technical powerhouse in the Middle East with rising cultural and political influence. When he hurtled through the trap door of the gallows Saturday morning, the nation he left behind was a smashed and traumatized remnant, desperately trying to restore its own identity and its place in the world.
In the Reuters story, Saddam's death angers many Arabs, foes rejoice, Alistair Lyon highlights the feelings of those "who felt the former Iraqi leader deserved to die voiced a sense of justice denied."

"Arab public opinion wonders who deserves to be tried and executed: Saddam Hussein who preserved the unity of Iraq, its Arab and Islamic identity and the coexistence of its different communities such as Shi'ites and Sunnis ... or those who engulfed the country in this bloody civil war?"
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Images, Video: Saddam Meets Eternity

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Combat Camera: Special Delivery for Djibouti

U.S. Marines from the 5th Provisional Security Company watch a dance by students of the Douda primary school, during a visit to Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marines from the 5th Provisional Security Company watch a dance by students of the Douda primary school, during a visit to Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Husner, right, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sirterrious Lee deliver school supplies and gifts to students of Douda primary school, Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Husner, right, and U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sirterrious Lee deliver school supplies and gifts to students of Douda primary school, Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. James Mattis speak through a interpreter to students from Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti, Africa is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementI Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. James Mattis speak through a interpreter to students from Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti, Africa is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. James Mattis shakes hands with a young student from Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Mattis is in the region visiting marines of the 5th Provisional Security Company, which are the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. James Mattis shakes hands with a young student from Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2006. Mattis is in the region visiting marines of the 5th Provisional Security Company, which are the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Claborn hands out school supplies and candy during a visit to the Douda Primary school, in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Claborn hands out school supplies and candy during a visit to the Douda Primary school, in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert Cruz from the 5th Provisional Security Company, hands out school supplies and other gifts during a visit to the Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert Cruz from the 5th Provisional Security Company, hands out school supplies and other gifts during a visit to the Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robert Beauchamp hands out school supplies during a visit to the Douda Primary school, in Douda, Djibouti on Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is a unit of United States Central Command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robert Beauchamp hands out school supplies during a visit to the Douda Primary school, in Douda, Djibouti on Dec. 5, 2006. Djibouti is home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is a unit of United States Central Command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesus Hernandez from 5th Provisional Security Company hands out school supplies and other gifts during a visit to the Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. ClementU.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jesus Hernandez from 5th Provisional Security Company hands out school supplies and other gifts during a visit to the Douda primary school in Douda, Djibouti, on Dec. 5, 2006. The 5th PSC is the security force for Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, home of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

More Combat Camera Images on THE TENSION

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Wednesday, December 27, 2006

RIP: Former President Ford, 93

Gerald R. Ford
Gerald R. Ford, who picked up the pieces of Richard Nixon's scandal-shattered White House as the 38th and only unelected president in America's history, has died, his wife, Betty, said Tuesday, reports AP. He was 93. Read it.

Official White House Biography

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum

Gerald R. Ford Biography

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Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Combat Camera: In Search of Weapons

U.S. and Iraqi army soldiers enter a home to search for insurgent activity in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsU.S. and Iraqi army soldiers enter a home to search for insurgent activity in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

U.S. and Iraqi army soldiers conduct a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsU.S. and Iraqi army soldiers conduct a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

An Iraqi army soldier talks with a child during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsAn Iraqi army soldier talks with a child during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

U.S. and Iraqi army soldiers search a home in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsU.S. and Iraqi army soldiers search a home in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

An Iraqi army soldier peers into a vehicle during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsAn Iraqi army soldier peers into a vehicle during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

A U.S. Army Soldier targets a moving object in the forest during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha DawkinsA U.S. Army Soldier targets a moving object in the forest during a joint mission in Buhriz, Iraq, Dec. 10, 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division and Iraqi army soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are conducting a cordon search in the region for weapon caches in addition to building familiarization with the local population. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elisha Dawkins

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Monday, December 25, 2006

Combat Camera: Operation Cougar

U.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and Iraqi soldiers, provide security in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 11, 2006. The mission was to minimize sectarian violence and insurgency activities while increasing Iraqi security forces capabilities. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander U.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and Iraqi soldiers, provide security in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 11, 2006. The mission was to minimize sectarian violence and insurgency activities while increasing Iraqi security forces capabilities. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander

An Iraqi soldier inspects a car for weapons in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey AlexanderAn Iraqi soldier inspects a car for weapons in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander

Iraqi solders patrol the streets of Adhamiya, Iraq, as they perform cordon searches in support of Operation Cougar, Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc Jeffrey AlexanderIraqi solders patrol the streets of Adhamiya, Iraq, as they perform cordon searches in support of Operation Cougar, Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc Jeffrey Alexander

U.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, play soccer with Iraqi children during Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec.12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey AlexanderU.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, play soccer with Iraqi children during Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec.12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander

U.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, provide security for Iraqi soldiers as they engage the local population in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec.12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey AlexanderU.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, provide security for Iraqi soldiers as they engage the local population in support of Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec.12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander

U.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, coordinate with Iraqi soldiers during Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc Jeffrey AlexanderU.S. Army soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, coordinate with Iraqi soldiers during Operation Cougar in Adhamiya, Iraq, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc Jeffrey Alexander

An Iraqi soldier patrols the streets in Adahmiya, Iraq in support of Operation Cougar, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey AlexanderAn Iraqi soldier patrols the streets in Adahmiya, Iraq in support of Operation Cougar, on Dec. 12, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jeffrey Alexander

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas

Florida Christmas
A Jacksonville, Florida Christmas: My House in 2002

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