Why is it the kitty cats of islam feel the need to wear masks all the time.
I can understand why Iraqi security forces wear masks but are the fighters of jihad such cowards they have to hide???
Saturday, January 12, 2008
I know they have taken their toll but....
I can understand why Iraqi security forces wear masks but are the fighters of jihad such cowards they have to hide???
Countrywide Offensive in Iraq Aims at Stamping Out al Qaeda
By Fred W. Baker IIIAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 – Forces in Iraq have ramped up efforts this week to stamp out remaining al Qaeda hot spots there, pummeling areas with air strikes and bombs and surging troops in previously uncontrolled territories.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 – Forces in Iraq have ramped up efforts this week to stamp out remaining al Qaeda hot spots there, pummeling areas with air strikes and bombs and surging troops in previously uncontrolled territories.
Friday, January 11, 2008
very scary
From MERMI
ALESCO: 100 Million Arabs Illiterate
Educationally Disadvantaged Females Suffer Most
The Tunisia-based Arab League’s Education, Culture, Science and Communication [(ALECSO), the Arab equivalent of UNESCO] warned of the danger of the high number of illiterate people in the Arab world, nearly 100 million.
"The statistical data on the realities of illiteracy in the Arab countries indicate that the number of illiterates in the age groups above 15 years is approximately 99.5 million", ALESCO said in a statement, adding that "the rate of illiteracy in the region reached 29.7%."
About 75 million of the total Arab illiterate population is between the ages 15 and 45, and the rates are higher among women, where nearly 46.5% of them suffer from illiteracy. ALECSO confirmed that the large number of illiterates in the Arab countries "reflects a profound structural gap that influences the development of the Arab community and results in an extremely dangerous political, social and economical outcome." The statement added that in spite of the many efforts that have been made, the illiteracy portfolio did not rise to the level of importance that it deserves in the Arab region, whose population numbers 335 million.
Since its founding in 1970, ALESCO had developed a future vision to combat illiteracy, including the "First Strategy for the Eradication of Illiteracy in the Arab Countries" in 1976, and the "Arab Fund for Combating Illiteracy and Adult Education" in 1980. ALECSO’s budget is nearly $19 million.
According to Al-Jazeera TV, Egypt has 17,000,000 illiterate people, and only 0.6% of people in the region are computer literate. The reason behind the high illiteracy rate was cited as the fact that, unlike in other developed countries, parents and guardians are not penalized in the Arab world for not sending their children to school.
Al-Zaman, Iraq, January 7, 2008; Al-Jazeera TV, January 8, 2008
ALESCO: 100 Million Arabs Illiterate
Educationally Disadvantaged Females Suffer Most
The Tunisia-based Arab League’s Education, Culture, Science and Communication [(ALECSO), the Arab equivalent of UNESCO] warned of the danger of the high number of illiterate people in the Arab world, nearly 100 million.
"The statistical data on the realities of illiteracy in the Arab countries indicate that the number of illiterates in the age groups above 15 years is approximately 99.5 million", ALESCO said in a statement, adding that "the rate of illiteracy in the region reached 29.7%."
About 75 million of the total Arab illiterate population is between the ages 15 and 45, and the rates are higher among women, where nearly 46.5% of them suffer from illiteracy. ALECSO confirmed that the large number of illiterates in the Arab countries "reflects a profound structural gap that influences the development of the Arab community and results in an extremely dangerous political, social and economical outcome." The statement added that in spite of the many efforts that have been made, the illiteracy portfolio did not rise to the level of importance that it deserves in the Arab region, whose population numbers 335 million.
Since its founding in 1970, ALESCO had developed a future vision to combat illiteracy, including the "First Strategy for the Eradication of Illiteracy in the Arab Countries" in 1976, and the "Arab Fund for Combating Illiteracy and Adult Education" in 1980. ALECSO’s budget is nearly $19 million.
According to Al-Jazeera TV, Egypt has 17,000,000 illiterate people, and only 0.6% of people in the region are computer literate. The reason behind the high illiteracy rate was cited as the fact that, unlike in other developed countries, parents and guardians are not penalized in the Arab world for not sending their children to school.
Al-Zaman, Iraq, January 7, 2008; Al-Jazeera TV, January 8, 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK here is the scary part at least to me they have 75 million young people that are dependent on others for their world view ie mullah and immams. Say even half of these are male that is 37.5 million rifle carriers. Just because you cannot read doesnt mean you cannot use and AK or an RPG and there would be enough engineers like muhammed atta that can handle the complicated stuff. That is could be a force to be reckoned with. Illiterate, angry young people with guns...
ALESCO: 100 Million Arabs Illiterate
Educationally Disadvantaged Females Suffer Most
The Tunisia-based Arab League’s Education, Culture, Science and Communication [(ALECSO), the Arab equivalent of UNESCO] warned of the danger of the high number of illiterate people in the Arab world, nearly 100 million.
"The statistical data on the realities of illiteracy in the Arab countries indicate that the number of illiterates in the age groups above 15 years is approximately 99.5 million", ALESCO said in a statement, adding that "the rate of illiteracy in the region reached 29.7%."
About 75 million of the total Arab illiterate population is between the ages 15 and 45, and the rates are higher among women, where nearly 46.5% of them suffer from illiteracy. ALECSO confirmed that the large number of illiterates in the Arab countries "reflects a profound structural gap that influences the development of the Arab community and results in an extremely dangerous political, social and economical outcome." The statement added that in spite of the many efforts that have been made, the illiteracy portfolio did not rise to the level of importance that it deserves in the Arab region, whose population numbers 335 million.
Since its founding in 1970, ALESCO had developed a future vision to combat illiteracy, including the "First Strategy for the Eradication of Illiteracy in the Arab Countries" in 1976, and the "Arab Fund for Combating Illiteracy and Adult Education" in 1980. ALECSO’s budget is nearly $19 million.
According to Al-Jazeera TV, Egypt has 17,000,000 illiterate people, and only 0.6% of people in the region are computer literate. The reason behind the high illiteracy rate was cited as the fact that, unlike in other developed countries, parents and guardians are not penalized in the Arab world for not sending their children to school.
Al-Zaman, Iraq, January 7, 2008; Al-Jazeera TV, January 8, 2008
ALESCO: 100 Million Arabs Illiterate
Educationally Disadvantaged Females Suffer Most
The Tunisia-based Arab League’s Education, Culture, Science and Communication [(ALECSO), the Arab equivalent of UNESCO] warned of the danger of the high number of illiterate people in the Arab world, nearly 100 million.
"The statistical data on the realities of illiteracy in the Arab countries indicate that the number of illiterates in the age groups above 15 years is approximately 99.5 million", ALESCO said in a statement, adding that "the rate of illiteracy in the region reached 29.7%."
About 75 million of the total Arab illiterate population is between the ages 15 and 45, and the rates are higher among women, where nearly 46.5% of them suffer from illiteracy. ALECSO confirmed that the large number of illiterates in the Arab countries "reflects a profound structural gap that influences the development of the Arab community and results in an extremely dangerous political, social and economical outcome." The statement added that in spite of the many efforts that have been made, the illiteracy portfolio did not rise to the level of importance that it deserves in the Arab region, whose population numbers 335 million.
Since its founding in 1970, ALESCO had developed a future vision to combat illiteracy, including the "First Strategy for the Eradication of Illiteracy in the Arab Countries" in 1976, and the "Arab Fund for Combating Illiteracy and Adult Education" in 1980. ALECSO’s budget is nearly $19 million.
According to Al-Jazeera TV, Egypt has 17,000,000 illiterate people, and only 0.6% of people in the region are computer literate. The reason behind the high illiteracy rate was cited as the fact that, unlike in other developed countries, parents and guardians are not penalized in the Arab world for not sending their children to school.
Al-Zaman, Iraq, January 7, 2008; Al-Jazeera TV, January 8, 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK here is the scary part at least to me they have 75 million young people that are dependent on others for their world view ie mullah and immams. Say even half of these are male that is 37.5 million rifle carriers. Just because you cannot read doesnt mean you cannot use and AK or an RPG and there would be enough engineers like muhammed atta that can handle the complicated stuff. That is could be a force to be reckoned with. Illiterate, angry young people with guns...
What did the French do?
Well they are in Afghanistan so there is one problem. They are not in Iraq so what is the problem? Oh I get it now they are not mooselimbs
Spy chiefs have uncovered a plot by Islamic terrorists to blow up the Eiffel Tower.
A scrambled short-wave radio conversation exposing the planned attack on the world's most visited monument was picked up by Portuguese air traffic controller and passed on to French intelligence services.
The 1,060ft high tower, built in 1889, has more than six million visitors a year - an average of more than 16,000 people a day.
A French police source close to France's DST intelligance agency said last night: "The conversation was picked up on Thursday this week in Portugal and French authorities were immediately alerted.
"It was a muffled conversation in Arabic that was passed on to us as a matter of course, by our analysts clearly identified the threat.
"The sheer number of visitors going up the tower every day means a bomb blowing up there could cause the most massive loss of life.
"Security at the tower is already tight, but is now being stepped up."
The threat to the tower comes after other threats on Islamic websites hinting at attacks on busy Paris shopping streets and banks....
The Jihad has started folks who is going to stand who is going to fall and who is going to pay the jiyza?
Spy chiefs have uncovered a plot by Islamic terrorists to blow up the Eiffel Tower.
A scrambled short-wave radio conversation exposing the planned attack on the world's most visited monument was picked up by Portuguese air traffic controller and passed on to French intelligence services.
The 1,060ft high tower, built in 1889, has more than six million visitors a year - an average of more than 16,000 people a day.
A French police source close to France's DST intelligance agency said last night: "The conversation was picked up on Thursday this week in Portugal and French authorities were immediately alerted.
"It was a muffled conversation in Arabic that was passed on to us as a matter of course, by our analysts clearly identified the threat.
"The sheer number of visitors going up the tower every day means a bomb blowing up there could cause the most massive loss of life.
"Security at the tower is already tight, but is now being stepped up."
The threat to the tower comes after other threats on Islamic websites hinting at attacks on busy Paris shopping streets and banks....
The Jihad has started folks who is going to stand who is going to fall and who is going to pay the jiyza?
A really good story out of Afghanistan
Afghan and Coalition forces save a little girl. This is the kind of thing that makes me proud of our soliders and allies that they drop everything they are doing and save this little girl. Did al reuters or the AP cover this no they are too busy demonizing the US and talking up traitors. Sorry I did not mean to turn this into a rant but I got
on a role.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Jan. 9, 2008) Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition troops saved the life of a 1-year-old girl after she was badly burned falling into a fire used to heat her family’s home in Lashkar Gah District in Helmand Province.
Coalition medics immediately began lifesaving efforts after her family brought her to a combined military outpost.
Doctors assessed the girl’s condition and determined she was burned over 20 percent of her body, including burns to her face, arms, scalp and hands.
Medics arranged for a helicopter to take the child, escorted by her uncle, to another military outpost with more medical capabilities in the nearby Washir District of Helmand Province. Doctors prepared, cleaned and dressed the baby’s burns.
“While there are clinics and medical facilities in Helmand District, sometimes it is difficult for villagers in outlying areas to access that care,” explained a Coalition forces medic. “ANSF and Coalition forces were able to work together to save this little girl’s life. Even though insurgents have made life difficult for villagers in this region, ANSF are committed to providing for the well being and security of the Afghan people
on a role.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Jan. 9, 2008) Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition troops saved the life of a 1-year-old girl after she was badly burned falling into a fire used to heat her family’s home in Lashkar Gah District in Helmand Province.
Coalition medics immediately began lifesaving efforts after her family brought her to a combined military outpost.
Doctors assessed the girl’s condition and determined she was burned over 20 percent of her body, including burns to her face, arms, scalp and hands.
Medics arranged for a helicopter to take the child, escorted by her uncle, to another military outpost with more medical capabilities in the nearby Washir District of Helmand Province. Doctors prepared, cleaned and dressed the baby’s burns.
“While there are clinics and medical facilities in Helmand District, sometimes it is difficult for villagers in outlying areas to access that care,” explained a Coalition forces medic. “ANSF and Coalition forces were able to work together to save this little girl’s life. Even though insurgents have made life difficult for villagers in this region, ANSF are committed to providing for the well being and security of the Afghan people
Know your enemy
Thanks to the Long War Journal.
Taliban hit list... I mean leadership. It would be great if these goat herders would shave and bathe. Notice how many of the cowards do not show their face.
Taliban hit list... I mean leadership. It would be great if these goat herders would shave and bathe. Notice how many of the cowards do not show their face.
Video Pron
From the last week or so.
The first I call the quarterback is toast.
The first I call the quarterback is toast.
I think Patton would have approved hold by the nose and kick them in the a$$
Picture Pages Picture Pages
A Bradley Fighting Vehicle from Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, provides security in support of Operation Raider Harvest. Grim Troop and 2-3 ACR are currently attached to Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Diyala province.
A Bradley crew from Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, negotiates their vehicle up a hillside to provide security overwatch for their unit near Mansuriyah al Jabal, Iraq, Jan. 9, in support of Operation Raider Harvest. Grim Troop and 2-3 ACR are currently attached to 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Diyala province.
An M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams Tank from Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, sits waiting its turn to march to its objective in support of Operation Raider Harvest near Mansuriyah al Jabal, Iraq, Jan. 9. Grim Troop and 2-3 ACR are attached to 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Diyala province and is one of the first heavy cavalry units to employ this version of the Abrams tank, the newest in the U.S. Army's arsenal
more on Phantom Phoenix
Coalition targets al-Qaeda leadership, media networks; two killed, 11 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 11 suspects today and Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Samarra Thursday, Coalition forces targeted a suspected associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist operating in Samarra. The suspect is associated with numerous terrorist leaders operating in the Salah ah Din province, to include one who was killed during an operation Nov. 21 for his role in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Kirkuk (see MNF-I press release A071121a, “Six killed, 10 detained as Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leadership, foreign terrorist facilitators,” dated Nov. 21, 2007).
During the operation, Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the wanted individual and a supporting aircraft were called. Two armed terrorists were killed during the operation. One of the terrorists was wearing a suicide vest armed with three initiation systems. In addition to the suicide vest, the ground force also found numerous explosives and weapons in a vehicle on site, all of which were safely destroyed to prevent further use for terrorist activity.
This morning in Tikrit, Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist believed to be involved in al-Qaeda media and propaganda operations, and to have ties to foreign facilitation networks operating in and outside of Iraq. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists and found numerous media materials on site.
During an operation in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists while targeting a suspected associate of the al-Qaeda senior leader for the region.
“As Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to target al-Qaeda at every level of their network, the Iraqi people are rejecting their senseless and barbaric attacks,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and detained 11 suspects today and Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Samarra Thursday, Coalition forces targeted a suspected associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist operating in Samarra. The suspect is associated with numerous terrorist leaders operating in the Salah ah Din province, to include one who was killed during an operation Nov. 21 for his role in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Kirkuk (see MNF-I press release A071121a, “Six killed, 10 detained as Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leadership, foreign terrorist facilitators,” dated Nov. 21, 2007).
During the operation, Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the wanted individual and a supporting aircraft were called. Two armed terrorists were killed during the operation. One of the terrorists was wearing a suicide vest armed with three initiation systems. In addition to the suicide vest, the ground force also found numerous explosives and weapons in a vehicle on site, all of which were safely destroyed to prevent further use for terrorist activity.
This morning in Tikrit, Coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist believed to be involved in al-Qaeda media and propaganda operations, and to have ties to foreign facilitation networks operating in and outside of Iraq. Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists and found numerous media materials on site.
During an operation in Mosul today, Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists while targeting a suspected associate of the al-Qaeda senior leader for the region.
“As Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to target al-Qaeda at every level of their network, the Iraqi people are rejecting their senseless and barbaric attacks,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
All Branches Meet their Recruiting Goal
So there HA!!
All Active Services Meet December Recruiting Goals
Story by Donna MilesPosted on 01.10.2008 at 07:04PM
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON -
All four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, and five of the six reserve components showing similar success, Defense Department officials announced today.
The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
The Marine Corps recruited 1,992 active-duty Marines, 115 percent of its goal, and met its goal of recruiting 410 Marine Corps reservists.
The Air Force met its December goal of recruiting 1,772 active-duty Airmen and 561 Air Force Reserve members. The Air National Guard achieved 96 percent of its goal, recruiting 624 members.
The Navy met its goals of recruiting 1,891 active-duty sailors and 682 Navy reservists.
Army Secretary Pete Geren conceded today that the Army has faced a "tough recruiting market for awhile," but said he's confident the Army will continue to meet its recruiting goals. He noted that last year alone, the Army recruited 175,000 people -- the size of the entire Marine Corps -- into its active force and the National Guard and Army Reserve. "This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks." Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, expressed even more confidence today in the Guard's ability to maintain the current momentum. "I'm on record right now that all I've got to do is get out of bed every morning and have a cup of coffee, and we are going to be over strength this year," he said. "That's the kind of machine that's running right now, and it has a lot to do with pride in the force." Ultimately, the Army's recruiting successes boil down to Americans' willingness to serve, Geren said. "At the end of the day, what makes the difference is there are young men and women out there that, despite the challenges, are willing to step up and join the Army,"
All Active Services Meet December Recruiting Goals
Story by Donna MilesPosted on 01.10.2008 at 07:04PM
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON -
All four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, and five of the six reserve components showing similar success, Defense Department officials announced today.
The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.
The Marine Corps recruited 1,992 active-duty Marines, 115 percent of its goal, and met its goal of recruiting 410 Marine Corps reservists.
The Air Force met its December goal of recruiting 1,772 active-duty Airmen and 561 Air Force Reserve members. The Air National Guard achieved 96 percent of its goal, recruiting 624 members.
The Navy met its goals of recruiting 1,891 active-duty sailors and 682 Navy reservists.
Army Secretary Pete Geren conceded today that the Army has faced a "tough recruiting market for awhile," but said he's confident the Army will continue to meet its recruiting goals. He noted that last year alone, the Army recruited 175,000 people -- the size of the entire Marine Corps -- into its active force and the National Guard and Army Reserve. "This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks." Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, expressed even more confidence today in the Guard's ability to maintain the current momentum. "I'm on record right now that all I've got to do is get out of bed every morning and have a cup of coffee, and we are going to be over strength this year," he said. "That's the kind of machine that's running right now, and it has a lot to do with pride in the force." Ultimately, the Army's recruiting successes boil down to Americans' willingness to serve, Geren said. "At the end of the day, what makes the difference is there are young men and women out there that, despite the challenges, are willing to step up and join the Army,"
Busy Day today in Iraq
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON -
As a barrage of successful air strikes highlighted a new series of coordinated offensives in Iraq, coalition forces killed five suspected terrorists, nabbed 17 others and seized weapons caches over the past two days.
Our men and women have been very very busy I added B-roll of the airstrike today below. If our Generals already know AQI was headed out of the provience I wish we could have been waiting for them as they fled and who is to say we arent. Read more about todays operation here.
Got a medium sized fish in Iraq it always amazes me how we catch these smucks.
Plus a couple of just plain bad guys.
As a barrage of successful air strikes highlighted a new series of coordinated offensives in Iraq, coalition forces killed five suspected terrorists, nabbed 17 others and seized weapons caches over the past two days.
Our men and women have been very very busy I added B-roll of the airstrike today below. If our Generals already know AQI was headed out of the provience I wish we could have been waiting for them as they fled and who is to say we arent. Read more about todays operation here.
Got a medium sized fish in Iraq it always amazes me how we catch these smucks.
Plus a couple of just plain bad guys.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt
B-roll of two Air Force B-1 Bombers and four F-16 Fighter Jets engaging over forty al-Qaida safehavens. Scenes include gun camera footage of targets being destroyed. (no audio)
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Jarheads to Iraq???
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is preparing to send at least 3,000 Marines to Afghanistan in April to bolster efforts to hold off another expected Taliban offensive in the spring, military officials said Wednesday.
The move represents a shift in Pentagon thinking that has been slowly developing after months of repeated insistence that the U.S. was not inclined to fill the need for as many as 7,500 more troops that commanders have asked for there. Instead, Defense Secretary Robert Gates pressed NATO allies to contribute the extra forces.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Wednesday that a proposal will go before Gates on Friday that would send a ground and air Marine contingent as well as a Marine battalion — together totaling more than 3,000 forces — to southern Afghanistan for a "one-time, seven-month deployment."
Gates, he said, will want to review the request, and is not likely to make a final decision on Friday.
"He will take it and consider it thoroughly before approving it," said Morrell. "I just want to get people away from the idea that this is going to be imminently approved by the secretary."
He said Gates "has some more thinking to do on this matter because it's a serious allocation of forces."
Morrell added that Gates' thinking on the issue has "progressed a bit" over time as it became clear that it was politically untenable for many of the NATO nations to contribute more combat troops to the fight.
"The commanders need more forces there. Our allies are not in the position to provide them. So we are now looking at perhaps carrying a bit of that additional load," the spokesman said.
Morrell said the move, first reported Wednesday by ABC News, was aimed at beating back "another Taliban offensive" that is expected this spring — as has occurred in previous years.
When Gates was in Afghanistan last month, commanders made it clear they needed the additional forces.
Last year was the most violent since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The number of attacks has surged, including roadside bombings and suicide assaults.
Currently there are about 27,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, including 14,000 with the NATO-led coalition. The other 13,000 U.S. troops are training the Afghan forces and hunting al-Qaida terrorists.
Morrell said that while the Marine ground and air contingent would be put in place to prevent a spring Taliban offensive, the Marine battalion likely would be used to train Afghan forces.
The shift in U.S. thinking on sending more combat forces to Afghanistan has appeared inevitable in recent weeks, based on the political realities in many of the NATO nations.
In meeting after meeting during his Afghanistan visit in early December, Gates heard pleas from both Afghan and U.S. military leaders for up to 7,500 more forces, with about half needed for training.
About a week later, Gates was asked by a reporter after a NATO meeting in Scotland whether the Bush administration was considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, in the event that the shortfalls are not bridged by NATO allies. Gates replied, "Not in the short term."
But by Dec. 21, Gates acknowledged during a press briefing that the Pentagon would "be looking at the requirement ourselves."
Bush administration officials pressed NATO allies for months to fill gaps in troops levels in Afghanistan, but many allied governments face public opposition to deeper involvement there.
Gates said at the Scotland meeting that the administration had decided to tone down its appeals to allies, taking into account "political realities" faced by some European governments whose citizens may see less reason to intervene in Afghanistan.
The Bush administration has launched a wide-ranging review of its policy in Afghanistan to ensure that gains made since the radical Islamist Taliban regime was ousted in 2001 are not lost and to bolster Afghan President Hamid Karzai's nascent government.
from Yahoo
The move represents a shift in Pentagon thinking that has been slowly developing after months of repeated insistence that the U.S. was not inclined to fill the need for as many as 7,500 more troops that commanders have asked for there. Instead, Defense Secretary Robert Gates pressed NATO allies to contribute the extra forces.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Wednesday that a proposal will go before Gates on Friday that would send a ground and air Marine contingent as well as a Marine battalion — together totaling more than 3,000 forces — to southern Afghanistan for a "one-time, seven-month deployment."
Gates, he said, will want to review the request, and is not likely to make a final decision on Friday.
"He will take it and consider it thoroughly before approving it," said Morrell. "I just want to get people away from the idea that this is going to be imminently approved by the secretary."
He said Gates "has some more thinking to do on this matter because it's a serious allocation of forces."
Morrell added that Gates' thinking on the issue has "progressed a bit" over time as it became clear that it was politically untenable for many of the NATO nations to contribute more combat troops to the fight.
"The commanders need more forces there. Our allies are not in the position to provide them. So we are now looking at perhaps carrying a bit of that additional load," the spokesman said.
Morrell said the move, first reported Wednesday by ABC News, was aimed at beating back "another Taliban offensive" that is expected this spring — as has occurred in previous years.
When Gates was in Afghanistan last month, commanders made it clear they needed the additional forces.
Last year was the most violent since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The number of attacks has surged, including roadside bombings and suicide assaults.
Currently there are about 27,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, including 14,000 with the NATO-led coalition. The other 13,000 U.S. troops are training the Afghan forces and hunting al-Qaida terrorists.
Morrell said that while the Marine ground and air contingent would be put in place to prevent a spring Taliban offensive, the Marine battalion likely would be used to train Afghan forces.
The shift in U.S. thinking on sending more combat forces to Afghanistan has appeared inevitable in recent weeks, based on the political realities in many of the NATO nations.
In meeting after meeting during his Afghanistan visit in early December, Gates heard pleas from both Afghan and U.S. military leaders for up to 7,500 more forces, with about half needed for training.
About a week later, Gates was asked by a reporter after a NATO meeting in Scotland whether the Bush administration was considering sending more troops to Afghanistan, in the event that the shortfalls are not bridged by NATO allies. Gates replied, "Not in the short term."
But by Dec. 21, Gates acknowledged during a press briefing that the Pentagon would "be looking at the requirement ourselves."
Bush administration officials pressed NATO allies for months to fill gaps in troops levels in Afghanistan, but many allied governments face public opposition to deeper involvement there.
Gates said at the Scotland meeting that the administration had decided to tone down its appeals to allies, taking into account "political realities" faced by some European governments whose citizens may see less reason to intervene in Afghanistan.
The Bush administration has launched a wide-ranging review of its policy in Afghanistan to ensure that gains made since the radical Islamist Taliban regime was ousted in 2001 are not lost and to bolster Afghan President Hamid Karzai's nascent government.
from Yahoo
HBIED takes its toll
Looks like they knew we were coming or had them pre-made now they are using whole houses as bombs the first I heard of this is Fallujah now they have taken it north to Diyala
Other News of the day
We stopped one HBIED the Stryker men have been busy!!
Good on the Iraqi army and good on the tipster this cache could of done allot of harm.
Other News of the day
We stopped one HBIED the Stryker men have been busy!!
Good on the Iraqi army and good on the tipster this cache could of done allot of harm.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
'Moment of Truth' by Michael Yon
If you have been keeping track of the war in Iraq would have had to come across Michael Yon's work. Well now he is publishing a book. Advance orders allow him to continue mission with our troops in Iraq. I will be ordering mine Friday. If you can pay the $30 bucks it will be worth it.
Phantom Phoenix
As got reported earlier today U.S. and Coalition forces launched operation Phantom Phoenix reads like a multi layered affair involving kinetic attacks against AQI and Shiite Special Groups followed by civil affairs and engineers with bags of money for grants etc and rebuilding infrastructure. I like the way they are going about this at the same time. Oh hind sight is 20/20 to have done this two years ago. If the folks on the ground are correct and AQI is 75% degraded then this could only help to degrade that quicker. You can tell AQI is getting more desperate because of who they are attacking. Are they hitting US and Iraqi forces like they were NO. They are going after the Sunni Awaking leadership and families. Will this break the awakening I certainly hope not.
4th Marines Training Iraqi Army
In case anyone doesnt know the 4th Marines is the Marine reserve division that unlike the Army reserve can if it has too stand up and fight as a whole division with air component.
Everyday the Iraqi army can stand up stronger is another straw on the camel's back and will get more of our folks home quicker.
Had a great conversation today
It started with a story of a British dentist being arrested at Heathrow for trying to get on a plane to go to Afghanistan to join the jihad.
LONDON (Reuters) - A London dentist who planned to fight for the AfghanTaliban against British and U.S. forces was jailed on Tuesday for preparingto commit terrorist acts.Sohail Qureshi, 29, was arrested in October 2006 at London's Heathrowairport as he prepared to fly to Pakistan carrying around 9,000 pounds($17,800) in cash, medical supplies and night vision gear.Qureshi, who was born in Pakistan.
Why would johnny jihad who by the way sounds very stupid but that is besides the point. Why would he be going to Afghanistan instead of Iraq? Is it because he is Pakistani? or is it because the ratlines closing into Iraq are making it harder to get there. AQ also see that they are in fact losing I read a partial briefing that AQI is having trouble even buying fuel for their vehicles these days they are getting so desperate they are directly attacking the Sunni's that have "joined" the US side. With the surge and the better news coming out of Iraq they are now also losing thepropaganda war. AQI views NATO as a soft target because of the willingnessto negotiate the Brits have shown. I think AQ is going to make a big push on Pakistan.
Thanks to Chris and Kev for this great coversation today. Makes one wonder doesnt it?
LONDON (Reuters) - A London dentist who planned to fight for the AfghanTaliban against British and U.S. forces was jailed on Tuesday for preparingto commit terrorist acts.Sohail Qureshi, 29, was arrested in October 2006 at London's Heathrowairport as he prepared to fly to Pakistan carrying around 9,000 pounds($17,800) in cash, medical supplies and night vision gear.Qureshi, who was born in Pakistan.
Why would johnny jihad who by the way sounds very stupid but that is besides the point. Why would he be going to Afghanistan instead of Iraq? Is it because he is Pakistani? or is it because the ratlines closing into Iraq are making it harder to get there. AQ also see that they are in fact losing I read a partial briefing that AQI is having trouble even buying fuel for their vehicles these days they are getting so desperate they are directly attacking the Sunni's that have "joined" the US side. With the surge and the better news coming out of Iraq they are now also losing thepropaganda war. AQI views NATO as a soft target because of the willingnessto negotiate the Brits have shown. I think AQ is going to make a big push on Pakistan.
Thanks to Chris and Kev for this great coversation today. Makes one wonder doesnt it?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Hey Adam Gadahn come out of your hole.
The first American charges with treason since the rosenburgs. Tears up his US Passport good! I say and second instead of hiding why doesnt he grab his rifle and go visit US/NATO in Afghanistan or Iraq. Or better yet go visit Hamas in Isreal and please get into a car for the usual Hellfire to car routine. Oh wait he is a freaking coward. Here is the exerpt from MEMRI
Adam Gadahn: The pivot on which the war today between the Muslims and their enemies revolves [is] Muslim Palestine, which will remain Muslim in spite of the racist tendencies of the Jewish occupiers, and in spite of conspiracies like the Mecca Accord and the Annapolis Conference. Meanwhile, the occupied territories are awaiting their first visit by the crusader Bush, and the mujahideen are also waiting.
At this point, I issue an urgent call to our mujahideen brothers in Muslim Palestine, and in the Arabian Peninsula in particular, and all the region in general. They should be in full readiness to receive the crusader arch-killer Bush in his visit to Muslim Palestine and to the occupied Arabian Peninsula at the beginning of January. They should receive him not with roses and applause, but with bombs and booby-traps.
[...]
In a symbolic act of protest at America's continuing detention and mental and physical torture of Muslims like Sheik Omar Abd Al-Rahman, John Walker Lindh, Abu Zubeidah, and thousands of others like them, and in protest at the cruel and barbaric treatment it metes out to millions of innocents around the world, and in symbolic rejection of the American citizenship which honorable, decent, and compassionate people are ashamed to carry, I will now proceed to destroy my American passport. Yes, this is the original passport.
Adam Gadahn holds passport up to camera and tears it up
Adam Gadahn: But don't get too excited. I don't need it to travel anyway.
Here is a profile on poor misunderstood Adam Here is more.
'These brave Lions of islam' They send the foot soldiers to fight and die, kill civilians, drink. use drugs etc while they sit in their little caves and safe houses and tell us how pure and righteous their little deathcult is. However they will not pick up a rifle or RPG and go fight it out. They are COWARDS, pieces of human filth, hiding in women's clothes running like cockroaches. They may fool some of the poor misguided souls out there but not me and mine.
Adam Gadahn: The pivot on which the war today between the Muslims and their enemies revolves [is] Muslim Palestine, which will remain Muslim in spite of the racist tendencies of the Jewish occupiers, and in spite of conspiracies like the Mecca Accord and the Annapolis Conference. Meanwhile, the occupied territories are awaiting their first visit by the crusader Bush, and the mujahideen are also waiting.
At this point, I issue an urgent call to our mujahideen brothers in Muslim Palestine, and in the Arabian Peninsula in particular, and all the region in general. They should be in full readiness to receive the crusader arch-killer Bush in his visit to Muslim Palestine and to the occupied Arabian Peninsula at the beginning of January. They should receive him not with roses and applause, but with bombs and booby-traps.
[...]
In a symbolic act of protest at America's continuing detention and mental and physical torture of Muslims like Sheik Omar Abd Al-Rahman, John Walker Lindh, Abu Zubeidah, and thousands of others like them, and in protest at the cruel and barbaric treatment it metes out to millions of innocents around the world, and in symbolic rejection of the American citizenship which honorable, decent, and compassionate people are ashamed to carry, I will now proceed to destroy my American passport. Yes, this is the original passport.
Adam Gadahn holds passport up to camera and tears it up
Adam Gadahn: But don't get too excited. I don't need it to travel anyway.
Here is a profile on poor misunderstood Adam Here is more.
'These brave Lions of islam' They send the foot soldiers to fight and die, kill civilians, drink. use drugs etc while they sit in their little caves and safe houses and tell us how pure and righteous their little deathcult is. However they will not pick up a rifle or RPG and go fight it out. They are COWARDS, pieces of human filth, hiding in women's clothes running like cockroaches. They may fool some of the poor misguided souls out there but not me and mine.
This is all over the Blogosphere
We are losing the idealogical battle when the one informed voice at the Pentagon gets fired for tell the truth about islam.
Stephen Coughlin, the Pentagon specialist on Islamic law and Islamist extremism, has been fired from his position on the military's Joint Staff. The action followed a report in this space last week revealing opposition to his work for the military by pro-Muslim officials within the office of Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.
Mr. Coughlin was notified this week that his contract with the Joint Staff will end in March, effectively halting the career of one of the U.S. government's most important figures in analyzing the nature of extremism and ultimately preparing to wage ideological war against it.
He had run afoul of a key aide to Mr. England, Hasham Islam, who confronted Mr. Coughlin during a meeting several weeks ago when Mr. Islam sought to have Mr. Coughlin soften his views on Islamist extremism.
Mr. Coughlin was accused directly by Mr. Islam of being a Christian zealot or extremist "with a pen," according to defense officials. Mr. Coughlin appears to have become one of the first casualties in the war of ideas with Islamism.
The officials said Mr. Coughlin was let go because he had become "too hot" or controversial within the Pentagon.
Misguided Pentagon officials, including Mr. Islam and Mr. England, have initiated an aggressive "outreach" program to U.S. Muslim groups that critics say is lending credibility to what has been identified as a budding support network for Islamist extremists, including front groups for the radical Muslim Brotherhood.
OK her is my take as I have said before.
I will not convert
I will not submit and pay the Jihza
I guess that leaves one alternative. We are going to fight
Stephen Coughlin, the Pentagon specialist on Islamic law and Islamist extremism, has been fired from his position on the military's Joint Staff. The action followed a report in this space last week revealing opposition to his work for the military by pro-Muslim officials within the office of Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.
Mr. Coughlin was notified this week that his contract with the Joint Staff will end in March, effectively halting the career of one of the U.S. government's most important figures in analyzing the nature of extremism and ultimately preparing to wage ideological war against it.
He had run afoul of a key aide to Mr. England, Hasham Islam, who confronted Mr. Coughlin during a meeting several weeks ago when Mr. Islam sought to have Mr. Coughlin soften his views on Islamist extremism.
Mr. Coughlin was accused directly by Mr. Islam of being a Christian zealot or extremist "with a pen," according to defense officials. Mr. Coughlin appears to have become one of the first casualties in the war of ideas with Islamism.
The officials said Mr. Coughlin was let go because he had become "too hot" or controversial within the Pentagon.
Misguided Pentagon officials, including Mr. Islam and Mr. England, have initiated an aggressive "outreach" program to U.S. Muslim groups that critics say is lending credibility to what has been identified as a budding support network for Islamist extremists, including front groups for the radical Muslim Brotherhood.
OK her is my take as I have said before.
I will not convert
I will not submit and pay the Jihza
I guess that leaves one alternative. We are going to fight
This would be my dad or me for that matter
Almost run over me him with a mountain bike and see what happens to bike trail. I think dad would add punji stakes
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