More good news

Wow all kinds of news on dead terrs today

Mosul Emir for AQI

This has made my whole day we got us a pretty good haul of fish this week.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The terrorists killed during an operation Wednesday in Mosul have been positively identified as Jar Allah, also known as Abu Yasir al-Saudi, and Hamdan.
Abu Yasir al-Saudi was the Southeast Mosul Emir for al-Qaeda in Iraq and led a foreign terrorist facilitation network in the city. He conducted numerous attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, including the improvised explosive device attack Jan. 28 that killed five Coalition soldiers. Within the Mosul AQI network, Abu Yasir al-Saudi worked for an alleged AQI military leader detained by Coalition forces Feb. 18, who had reportedly moved north from his role in the Bayji network to help rebuild leadership in Mosul.
After spending time fighting in Afghanistan, Abu Yasir al-Saudi arrived in Mosul in August 2007, assuming a position as an AQI cell leader in the southeast region of the city. He had arrived with a group of foreign terrorists. He was then appointed as a key operational leader responsible for orchestrating, as well as participating in, attacks conducted by his AQI foreign terrorist network throughout the city. Operating from east Mosul, Abu Yasir al-Saudi was also believed to be responsible for attempted attacks against security checkpoints, including reports of a 5,000-lb vehicle-based improvised explosive device that, if detonated, would have resulted in the death of hundreds of Iraqi civilians.
Abu Yasir al-Saudi, a Saudi Arabian national, was a close associate of numerous terrorist leaders, to include the AQI senior leader for the northern Iraq networks and the overall AQI senior leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri.
“Abu Yasir al-Saudi’s death is a significant setback to al-Qaeda in Iraq’s efforts in Mosul,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition force operations are degrading the AQI networks in Mosul where we have captured or killed 142 al-Qaeda terrorists since January.”
During the operation, intelligence reports led Coalition forces to an area where the wanted terrorists were believed to be operating. Coalition forces confirmed their location and directed a precision helicopter strike, killing the two terrorists and destroying their vehicle. Once the area was secure, the ground force confirmed that Abu Yasir al-Saudi and another wanted terrorist, Hamdan, were killed during the strike.
Hamdan, also a Saudi Arabian national, was a close associate of al-Saudi and part of his network of foreign terrorists in Mosul. Hamdan was involved in coordinating the movement of foreign terrorists into Mosul, and led a regional anti-aircraft ring.
“Jar Allah and Hamdan were barbaric terrorists who will never again threaten innocent Iraqi civilians with their indiscriminate violence,” said Beck. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue operations to hunt down al-Qaeda leaders and operatives, disrupting their operations and improving security across Iraq.”

Dead Tangos

Click the title these guys be stupid and vapor

Before the U.N. Starts calling on Israel

To stop its attacks against Gaza.
Just take a step back and say what would you do if somone launched rocket, mortar, suicide attacks against you everyday.
You notice how the Hamas leadership calls for everyone to fight from hiding in Syria or some other place of hiding. Cowards. They can use their people as human shields but cannot pick up a rifle themselves.

CJTF-82 at it again

Written by SGM Curtis L. Regan CJTF-82, CJ-3 Bagram, Afghanistan 29 February 2008
Thursday, 28 February 2008

Counter-Insurgency - so easy a caveman could do it. Okay, maybe not that easy. Admittedly, Counter-insurgency operations are inherently complex and place great demands on everyone involved. Nation Building is equally difficult – the complexities even greater when insurgents are allowed to meet political and ideological objectives. Historically U.S. Forces have supported insurgents in toppling oppressive governments, and given the historical success of insurgencies,
the task of executing a well-planned counter-insurgency strategy takes on greater significance.

Finish the rest the SGM has a great well written article that should be required reading by every politician in the coalition

Conversation raging on the web

Posted by Grim at B5

Then Again at Jawa

Here is my take on the situation. To some the AK is a symbol of freedom to some a symbol of opression. My question is how to they compare as weapons systems.

AK- soldier proof, area suppression weapon so you can close and kill. The Soviet ideal weapon lots of bullets something will hit. Remember the ppsh series of SMG during the Great Patriotic War the Soviets issued them to entire battalions of troops.
For poorly trained conscripts,terrorists,freedom fighters the AK is great and even for better trained armies if that is what you have in inventory then you can make use of it. Maximum effective range about 300 meters

M-16 family. More accurate but needs to be cleaned is a weapon of the professional soldier not one that does the Beirut off hand style of shooting. Also you can hang more crap off of it interchangably unlike the AK where you have dedicated weapons to for night sights,grenade launchers etc.

I am not a fan of the M4. It is handy but the shortened barrell does not allow the 5.56 bullet to achieve the velocity it needs to be a dependable stopper. This has been helped by the use of a 77 grain bullet but a 55 grainFMJ bullet out of a 14.5" M 4 barrel doesnt do the trick.
A 20" barrel M16a4 with an ACOG scope will hit point targets at 500 meters all day but is really only useful to about 300 meters. I have shot 9 out of 10 bulls at 500 meters open sights
with an M16a2 so it is accurate enough. If you want to make it more compact put the collapsable stock on it.


I have to agree with Grim on this imagine two COIN trained and battle hardened armies that can be plugged into the NATO/US supply system. Having them on our side is a good thing arming them with our weapons is also a good thing.

Afghan Commandos

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – As he approached the aircraft in the darkness, the rotor wash whipped dust and dirt across his face. However, amid the noise of the rotor, Afghan National Army Spc. Mohammed Ali said all he could hear was his upcoming responsibilities whirling in his head, ‘Run from the aircraft towards the target, breach the door, and clear my sector.’Ali, an ANA Commando with the 201st Commando Kandak was deployed to Helmand Province by the Afghan Ministry of Defense in response to the increasing attempts by Taliban extremists to terrorize Afghan citizens. The commandos’ mission was to develop intelligence and conduct a surgical strike against key Taliban leadership and control in Helmand Province. In preparation for their mission, the troops conducted specialized training such as day and night live-fire maneuvers and multiple insertion techniques. Commando leaders examined the most recent intelligence and targeted key individuals for capture. The mission was ambitious: conduct a night air assault against multiple Taliban command and control centers to capture or kill Taliban leadership targets deep within the Kajaki region. The commandos named the operation, “Say’Laab,” meaning “flood.” Buses containing nearly 100 ANA troops clad in black body armor and specialized weapons made their way from the 205th ANA camp to Kandahar Airfield where numerous Coalition aircraft awaited with rotor blades churning. As Ali boarded the aircraft, he said his pre-mission prayers as the high-pitched whine of the engines gave way to the formidable thumping of the rotor blades above. Moments later, a massive formation of transport and attack helicopters lifted off the runway together toward their targets. As the strike force approached its objectives, Coalition helicopters dropped to just above ground level and increased their speed. Commandos pulled their night vision goggles over their eyes bringing the black ground to green life. In spite of the intense training and mission preparation, the Commandos understood the risks associated with this operation. Pilots relayed their final checkpoints to the Commandos over radio communications, informed them to ready their weapons, and remove their seatbelts. Seconds later, the helos pitched into multiple landing zones. The Commandos quickly disembarked from their helicopters and quickly closed on their target compounds. As the roar of departing rotor blades filled the sky, Commando assaulters cleared four separate compounds in search of their elusive quarry. Within minutes of insertion, Commando assaulters seized their intended targets and secured a foothold deep within the city. Despite the advantage of tactical surprise, a fierce battle ensued. The report of multiple weapon systems rang out as insurgents put up a futile defense against the elite Afghan force. Commandos quickly and accurately eliminated threats with small-arms and machine gun fire.The speed, surprise and tenacity of the assault not only caught the enemy insurgents off guard, but also prevented the escape of a senior Taliban commander. Throughout the operation, intense anti-aircraft fire filled the night sky. Attack helicopters swarmed over their targets, placing precision-guided munitions and intense machine gun fire on enemy fighting positions. Coalition aircraft flew in support of the Afghan troops aiding in the elimination of enemy caches and drug processing facility. At mission’s end, multiple enemy fighters were eliminated. The Commandos quickly boarded their aircraft with 11 combatants in custody. On the ground, six enemy vehicles containing thousands of pounds of weapons and munitions, as well as nearly $8 million of illegal narcotics, was destroyed. As the helicopter assault force lifted off toward Kandahar, Ali shook the hands of his brothers-in-arms with an undeniable certainty that the people of Afghanistan were safer this night“The daring and complex operation highlighted the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to strategically deploy elite commando forces across the country to conduct surgical strikes in support of their national objectives,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesperson. “The success of Operation Say’Laab reinforced the esprit de corps and operational reach of the nation’s most dedicated warriors. Commandos continue to ensure no safe haven exists for the enemies of freedom and prosperity, and that a brighter future lies ahead for the people of Afghanistan.”

Ok did any bother to look to see how these men were armed M4s and M240g interesting.

Not a good day to be a terr.

Weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation networks targeted; six killed, 13 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 13 suspects Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During a series of operations Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of the Samarra al-Qaeda in Iraq network’s senior leader. Intelligence led Coalition forces east of the city to a location where the associates were believed to be operating. Coalition forces observed several vehicles containing suspects departing the target area. The assault force attempted to stop the vehicles, but they refused to comply with instructions. The assault force followed escalation of force procedures, eventually firing on the vehicles to stop them. Six terrorists were killed and four vehicles were destroyed as a result of the engagement. Coalition forces also detained one suspect on site and recovered several weapons.
North of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons dealer reportedly associated with the northern belt al-Qaeda in Iraq network senior leader. The network is responsible for the majority of improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was detained along with three suspected terrorists.
During separate operations west of Samarra and in Sharqat, three suspected terrorists were detained today while Coalition forces targeted associates involved in the facilitation of finances and weapons for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Samarra and Mosul.
In northern Iraq, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during two precision operations. In southeast Mosul Friday, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists while targeting a weapons facilitator for the al-Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout the city. Another suspect was detained west of Shammar Jarbah today, during operations targeting an associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator.
Coalition forces conducted an operation Thursday and Friday east of Tikrit, near the Hamrin Mountains, targeting associates involved in an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq training facility and media network. The ground force detained two suspected terrorists, and found a weapons cache and various terrorist propaganda materials hidden behind a wall in one of the target buildings. The cache included several machine guns, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, blasting caps, improvised explosive device materials and ammunition. While they were clearing the area, Coalition forces also found and destroyed an IED to eliminate the threat to Iraqi civilians and military forces operating in the area.
“Iraqi and Coalition forces are keeping the pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We’re finding the places they hide, and disrupting their supply of weapons and foreign terrorists. Al-Qaeda will find no safe haven in Iraq.”

well isn't that special

OK the need to ever go to work again is over. We got a deal at the office now that makes driving to work un-needed!! But you know what the bosses will never see it that way so I guess on Monday I will go in.

Charges filed in the Bhutto killing

From the AP.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistani police on Saturday formally accused the top Taliban leader in the country and four others of planning the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
Police filed preliminary charges in court against Baitullah Mehsud, who had been named by the Pakistani government in the Dec. 27 killing of Bhutto in a homicide and gun attack during a public rally. Mehsud, alleged to have Al Qaeda connections, is underground and it is not clear if the police are anywhere close to catching him.

Airstrikes and Car Bombs

Has anyone else but me noticed a trend in last month or so.

1. Big airstrike yesterday kills 13 really bad guys
2. In January we got Abu Laith al Libi
3. Car bomb kills Imad Mugniyah on February 13

doesnt seem like a really good time to be a senior leader these days.

Asian Times Brings a thought provoking point

KARACHI - With the United States missile attack on an important Taliban compound in Azam Warsak village in the South Waziristan tribal area in the early hours of Thursday, a new phase in the regional "war on terror" - joint Pakistan-North Atlantic Treaty Organization strikes - has begun.

A top al-Qaeda member of Pakistani origin summed it up in commenting to ATol on condition of anonymity, "We were eyeing developments in Islamabad after the elections [last week] but it seems that nothing is going to change and our new strategy will surface like broad daylight in the coming few days."


The next day a suicide bomber kills 40 in Pakistan at a funeral...The suicide bomber is the poor mans smart bomb.

Michael Totten at Contentions

My Contentions colleague Abe Greenwald takes a gloomy view of a new Gallup survey that shows 93 percent of the world’s Muslims are moderates. “We need to find out from one billion rational human beings why they largely refuse to stand up for humanity and dignity instead of cowering in the face of fascist thugs,” he wrote
First of all, I’d like to agree with Abe’s point that even this sunny survey suggests we still have a serious problem. If seven percent of the world’s Muslims are radical, we’re talking about 91 million people. That’s 65 times the population of Gaza, and three and a half times the size of Iraq. One Gaza is headache enough, and it only took 19 individuals to destroy the World Trade Center, punch a hole in the Pentagon, and kill 3,000 people

While Michael brings up some very good points and there are brave Lebanese, Iraqi, and Afghanis fighting against the mainstream what can we do to make sure the so called radicals are not given the press they are.

Losers

From Senator's Reid and FeingoldSECTION
1. SAFE REDEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES TROOPS FROM IRAQ.
(a) Transition of Mission- The President shall promptly transition themission of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq to the limited andtemporary purposes set forth in subsection (d).(b) Commencement of Safe, Phased Redeployment From Iraq- The Presidentshall commence the safe, phased redeployment from Iraq of members of theUnited States Armed Forces who are not essential to the limited andtemporary purposes set forth in subsection (d). Such redeployment shall becarried out in a manner that protects the safety and security of the UnitedStates Armed Forces.
(c) Use of Funds- Effective 120 days after the date of the enactment ofthis Act and except as provided in subsection (d), no funds appropriated orotherwise made available under any provision of law may be obligated orexpended to continue the deployment in Iraq of members of the United StatesArmed Forces.
(d) Exception for Limited and Temporary Purposes- The prohibition undersubsection (c) shall not apply to the obligation or expenditure of fundsfor the following limited and temporary purposes:
(1) Conducting targeted operations, limited in duration and scope, against members of al Qaeda and affiliated international terrorist organizations.
(2) Providing security for personnel and infrastructure of the UnitedStates Government.
(3) Providing training to members of the Iraqi Security Forces who have notbeen involved in sectarian violence or in attacks upon the United StatesArmed Forces, provided that such training does not involve members of theUnited States Armed Forces taking part in combat operations or being embedded with Iraqi forces.
(4) Providing training, equipment, or other materiel to members of theUnited States Armed Forces to ensure, maintain, or improve their safety andsecurity.
(5) Redeploying members of the United States Armed Forces from Iraq.


OK hold the truck here. I hope these jerkoffs are just grandstanding because this load of horse manure doesnt fly. Also when did AQ and foreign terrorist organizations get to Iraq???

Obamessiah

Marines watching the firefight

It is good to see the Iraqi Army and Police handle this. Please think of the Iraqi troops killed and keep them and their families in your thoughts as well. Taking on the kind of guys that strap bombs to their chests and fill their care with explosives is a brave brave thing.

HABBANIYAH, Iraq (Feb. 26, 2008) -- In the early morning hours of Feb. 23, Marines of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, heard gunshots in the distance, which quickly escalated into a spontaneous gunfight. The Marines located the source of the fire, after a short assessment of the situation, and upon request from Provincial Security Forces (PSF), they patrolled to a warehouse where the gunfight was taking place. With the PSF already battling the insurgents, the Marines quickly set up a cordon and provided security for the Iraqi police. “The PSF immediately responded to the incident and requested our support,” said Sgt. Robert K. Breese, the Co. G watch officer during the attack. “The PSF battled and neutralized the insurgents, with the Marines providing security just in case (the firefight) turned bad.” This incident shows how the Iraqis are no longer relying on the Marines to come in and eliminate threats; rather they are taking matters into their own hands, fending off enemies themselves, for the safety of their country. “Golf (Company) showed tremendous discipline when they arrived, allowing the Iraqi police to finish what they started,” said Maj. Gary A. Bourland, the battalion watch officer at the time. “A year ago, the Marines would have shown up to a situation like this and immediately eliminated the enemy themselves. Now, it’s almost as if we look over their shoulders and, if necessary, take down the enemy.”The insurgent forces detonated two Personnel Borne Improvised Explosive Devices during the battle, killing themselves. There was said to be a third PBIED, but the Iraqi Police neutralized the insurgent before it could be detonated. The Iraqi police also reported that the vehicle the insurgents were traveling in was a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device, which resulted in the Marines widening their cordon to accommodate for the possible VBIED. “They’re learning to take initiative and eliminate threats on their own,” said Breese, a 30-year-old from White Water, Wis. “Although two PBIEDs detonated, the PSF did a good job and gave us good (intelligence), which caused us to widen our security.”Bourland agreed and said, “The IPs and PSF are becoming more proactive and aware, not just complacent on their posts. There was a Sheikhs meeting going on later in the day about five or six miles from where this all happened. Their insight stopped a potential attack at the meeting or to another hard target.”Though the threats were eliminated with minimal friendly casualties, three members of the PSF were killed-in-action and one was wounded-in-action.“In the Iraqi security forces continuing efforts to achieve independence, these soldiers unselfishly put their lives on the line for the good of the Iraqi people,” Bourland said. “This is just another good example of how the civilian populace and Iraqi Army are standing up against the insurgents and making a difference.”

Obama

I have been reluctant to put this out there but here it is.
Obama has 5 pillars he wants to run the country by. Islam has 5 pillars. It is ok for muslims to lie to us heathens. I have serious issues with this guy and when my queen can listen to him for 5 minutes and go uh no thanks that tells you something.

Here is Obamessiahs Ideas on the military:
Only candidate who opposed the war from the beginning and as President, I will end it: WTF over we are winning this thing across the board. Violence is down construction and reconcilliation are up. I guess if we pull out we will just sit and watch the genocide commence.
I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems: Huh we just shut down a freaking satillite in freaking out space from a freaking BOAT.
Slow the development of future combat systems: Oh really so you will get rid of the F-22, F-35 better body armor, MRAP, new small arms etc
Independent defense priorities board to ensure that the Quadrennial Defense Review is not used to justify unnecessary spending: This is what the Defense review is supposed dumbass
Set a goal of a world without Nuclear Weapons: Really??? Tell that to the Russian, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, Britian, France, Iran etc...
Not develop new nuclear weapons: Really again shut the F up
Seek a Global ban in Fissile material: Huh I am not a nuclear scientist but do you need that for nuclear reactors??
Negotiate with the Russians to take our ICBMs off "hair trigger" alert and achieve deep cuts in our nuclear arsenals: Didn' t we win this war? This is so 1987

The Long War Journal

Iran undermines Iraq's Awakening movement
By Bill RoggioFebruary 27, 2008 4:15 PM

US and Iraqi security forces continue to pressure the Iranian-backed Shia terror cells even after Muqtada al Sadr's extension of the Mahdi Army's unilateral cease-fire. Today, Baghdad's chief intelligence officer said Iran is working to destroy the Awakening movements, while raids against the Special Groups terror cells have not abated

Have I mentioned that Iran is just about to tick me off? Here is my problem they are playing both sides against the middle to become the big cheese in the muslim world. All the while growing fat and happy of the price of oil. Meanwhile they are busy arresting women for not wearing the hajib. Between the 7th century Saudis and 7th century Iranians I say lets send them back to the 7th century.
I am all for assisting middle eastern countries that really want to be our friends but the others can just go away.... I guess that is why I will never be president.

Talib rockets goes bad

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – An insurgent rocket landed near a group of civilians in Helmand Province killing five and wounding one Feb. 25. Afghan National Army and Coalition forces witnessed the errant 107 mm rocket and immediately responded to the site in Karez de Baba and treated the wounded, who suffered sharapnel wounds to their lower extremeties. The injured Afghan was medically evacuated to a nearby treatment facility. The insurgent attack followed a successful five-day mission in the Kajaki District area to disrupt insurgent operations. The combined force eliminated several enemy fighters during the operation. The ANA also destroyed an extensive tunnel and cave system, insurgent command positions, weapons and ammunition caches as well as IED-making materials. “This is another example of the insurgent’s blatant disregard for innocent Afghans similar to the suicide bombings in Kandahar and Lash Kah Ghar Central Mosque,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesperson.

I read an interesting quote today about how the Talib and AQ Afghanistan should be theirs by the will of god. I guess the think god will forgive them for killing muslims, blowing up roads, blowing up power lines etc. This does nothing but hurt the people they supposedly want to live in the perfect utopia that is islam.

The Diggers

You know being hooked up to the Australian MOD news feed is very very cool

If this is the construction workers....

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the sporadic Taliban probing occurred over several days, culminating in an RPG attack onto the construction site. “The immediate and aggressive response by RTF soldiers caused the enemy to break off their attack and abandon their weapons in hastily prepared caches. These were recovered through aggressive follow-up patrolling, which was sustained for a number of days.“Importantly, the effectiveness of RTF force protection measures caused the Taliban to launch their attacks from the extreme range of their weapons systems in low-light conditions, which degraded their ability to target Australian troops.“Our troops in Oruzgan Province are performing magnificently in difficult and demanding operational conditions. They continue to demonstrate great perseverance, resilience and composure in undertaking this important work. I continue to be impressed by their quality and spirit.“During my visit to Afghanistan with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister just prior to Christmas, I was able to pass on my thanks and for the outstanding work they are doing to help the people of Afghanistan.“Australians can be justifiably proud of the professionalism of Australian troops and their ability to respond quickly and aggressively when attacked. The response by RTF soldiers to repeated Taliban aggression is a testament to the quality of their skills, training, leadership and equipment,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

ANSF, Coalition forces clear enemy stronghold in Helmand

Let me start this by saying a US commander that sent his men out in a ski mask would get beat down by the press. I Think the ANSF is going to be fine.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, cleared Karez deh Baba and Kajaki in Helmand Province of insurgents and returned the area to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s control Feb. 20-22.Before the fall of Musa Qaleh, insurgents used these villages and the surrounding area as part of a supply line to move weapons and drugs into the city. Insurgents were using the villages to launch attacks on Musa Qaleh and the upper Sangin Valley.ANSF conducted operations to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to engage friendly forces with small-arms, rocket and indirect fire from the prepared fighting positions in the area in the first two days of fighting. Friendly forces also used precision air strikes.“Throughout the day, insurgents kept trying to fight the ANSF,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman. “The result was always the same … they defeated.”The ANSF spoke with the local populace to ensure they understood the purpose of the mission to restore security and to improve the civil infrastructure in the area. “We have been impressed by the efforts in Musa Qaleh and want the same for our village,” a local Afghan said.Other villagers said they will welcome ANSF and GIRoA’s leadership along with the security and stability they can provide. Villagers also provided crucial information about common insurgent practices and the locations of insurgent safehouses.“The insurgents were taxing everyone traveling and said they would tax our crops in the spring,” a local Afghan said. “Please establish a permanent ANSF presence to keep the insurgents from returning to the area.”The corpse of a tortured Afghan male was also discovered Wednesday.During the next day of fighting, ANSF-led forces deployed in smaller units when they observed insurgents moving into fighting positions to engage them. The ANSF rooted out the insurgents and cleared the position finding an improvised explosive device and a small arms cache. The enemy reinforced different fighting positions and engaged with indirect fire when the ANSF-led force renewed their assault. They found another small-arms and ammunition cache and destroyed both with precision guided munitions. Friendly forces found approximately 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate that was destroyed in another insurgent safehouse. “This was an enormous find because this substance is a common explosive additive that could be used in IEDs,” Bowman said. “The ANSF prevented future attacks and saved innocent civilians with this discovery.” The ANSF-led force eventually discovered the insurgents’ command center and a 100-foot deep interconnected tunnel system. The command center consisted of a series of caves and the tunnel was littered with spare ammunition and shell casings. The ANSF suppressed enemy forces in the immediate area before destroying the cave and tunnel system with precision guided munitions. “In the last three days, the Government of IRoA and ANSF saved numerous lives by capturing bomb-making materials,” Bowman said. “ANSF-led forces have maintained pressure on the Taliban to prevent them from accomplishing their goals of terrorizing and intimidating the Afghan populace.”

NY Times sorta aplogizes

The New York Times failed to establish a sexual relationship had existed between John McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman and therefore should not have published the salacious claims it made last week suggesting otherwise, the newspaper’s public editor wrote in Sunday’s online edition.
The editors and reporters were on to a good story about the Arizona senator’s fight against special interests at the same time he had appeared to do a favor for one, wrote Times Ombudsman Clark Hoyt, but charges that the relationship went beyond politics and into romance was a distraction without evidence. He added that Executive Editor Bill Keller’s argument that the story wasn’t about an affair belies the article’s narrative.
“I think that ignores the scarlet elephant in the room. A newspaper cannot begin a story about the all-but-certain Republican presidential nominee with the suggestion of an extramarital affair with an attractive lobbyist 31 years his junior and expect readers to focus on anything other than what most of them did. And if a newspaper is going to suggest an improper sexual affair, whether editors think that is the central point or not, it owes readers more proof than The Times was able to provide,” Hoyt wrote.
On Thursday, McCain held a press conference to deny charges that he and Iseman, 40, had had an affair nine years ago while she was lobbying for his assistance to get the Federal Communications Commission to rule on her client’s application for a broadcast license. McCain, 71, who was the Senate Commerce Committee’s chairman at the time, wrote the FCC asking the commissioners to make a decision but did not ask them to rule one way or the other.
McCain, with his wife by his side, answered questions for 15 minutes, and flat out denied a sexual relationship. The focus then turned to the newspaper, which wrote that McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign staff had tried to keep him and Iseman apart for fear their relationship would hurt his campaign.
In Sunday’s post-mortem, Hoyt wrote, “The article was notable for what it did not say: It did not say what convinced the advisers that there was a romance. It did not make clear what McCain was admitting when he acknowledged behaving inappropriately — an affair or just an association with a lobbyist that could look bad. And it did not say whether (McCain aide John) Weaver, the only on-the-record source, believed there was a romance.”
Hoyt said as a result, the newspaper is in the “uncomfortable position of being the story” because “although it raised one of the most toxic subjects in politics — sex — it offered readers no proof that McCain and Iseman had a romance.”
The McCain camp knew for months that the Times had been working on the article, and staffers had been worried that the article could have been a real crusher. In the end, however, the campaign was able to put a positive spin on the story, even using the article as a fundraising tool last week, saying if the so-called liberal New York Times is trying to smear him, then it demonstrates he’s more of a conservative then Republican opponents had suggested.


In case you missed this there was a whiff if sexual innuendo in this article. With no backing at all and the gray lady digs itself deeper into a hole. So please do us all a favor finish laying off the rest of your folks and close the doors.

war pron

The week in pictures

Maybe just Maybe we tagged him

We owe this SOB big time anyway so who is to say we didnt hire this one out?

From the Long War Journal:
Imad Mugniyah, the senior Hezbollah military commander who was killed in Syria earlier this month, helped form the Mahdi Army, the military wing of the radical Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al Sadr, according to an Iraqi intelligence official. He was described as a “co-founder” of the Mahdi Army, Naharnet reported, based on a translation from the Iraqi daily Al Zaman.