Today, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced the appointment of David Petraeus to head the U.S. Central Command.In 2007 Petraeus was appointed as Commanding General of the Multinational Force in Iraq, overseeing the "surge." Through his tenure, military and Iraqi casualties have dramatically fallen, but anti-war sentiments at home remain high.It is unlikely there will be opposition to his nomination, but it will be interesting to see the reactions of Democrats as a vote for Patraeus can be seen as a vote secondary vote supporting the current course in Iraq. I for one approve of this appointment.On a political note, Republicans see Patraeus as a possible candidate for President in 2012 if McCain does not win or if he does not seek a second term. It is unclear to me if Patraeus is a De
~Snooper~This is an absolutely fantastic move. The Leftinistra will begin to whine, naturally, but, they are such an insignificant force, no one really cares about their 1 farthing, do they?Fox News reporting:Weasel Zippers reporting:Michelle Malkin now weighing in:Macsmind:NY Slimes:BBC:Pat Dollard:DefenseLink has more details:WSJ:Atlas Shrugs:Washington Times:PMSLSD:BlowHardsAreUS:Heading Right (mdcons.)Chicago Ray:Ace:Weekly Standard:Amy Proctor:Jawa:Hot Air:MVRWC:NY Slimes again:The Hill:Do The Right Thing:Threats Watch:WaPo:I couldn't think of anyone better qualified. He turned the Iraq War around while others had their thumbs, well, not in a good spot let's say.Memeorandum has their collection going including this and this.
The US military commander in Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, has been nominated to become the head of Central Command.
A news by AsianLoveStories.com.
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Port city of UmQasr is open for business Posted: 08 Apr 2008 05:16 AM CDT UMQASR, Iraq (Apr. 7, 2008) - UmQasr, a port city southeast of Basra, is filled with daily activities, as Iraqi workers load export and unload...
I haven't put these up in a while so here is todays CENTCOMPress Releases: Coalition forces conduct airstrike in al-Halaf, six criminals killed Posted: 04 Apr 2008 09:06 AM CDT BAGHDAD (April 4, 2008) – Coalition aircraft conducted a precision...
Statement by Admiral William Fallon:Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the President’s policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CENTCOM region,” Fallon said in a written statement. “And although I don’t believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command Area of Responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America’s interests there.” Fallon’s statement read. “I have therefore concluded that it would be best to step aside and allow the Secretary and our military leaders to move beyond this distraction… and focus on the achievement of our strategic objectives in the region. I have submitted
~Snooper~1st BCT...Pushing Insurgents videoPackage of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers conducting an air assault mission. Scenes include both infil and exfil of coalition and Iraqi security forces clearing houses. Produced by Spc. Johnathan Bentley.1st BCT: Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Related story here Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 73rd BCT...Operation Marne Courageous Part 1 Operation Marne Courageous Part 21st Lt. James Gasapo cool video here2nd BCT...Story here Second story hereImage 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5CENTCOM:COALITION FORCES TARGET AL-QAEDA NETWORKS; TWO TERRORISTS KILLED, 12 DETAINEDKIRKUK AIRSPACE RETURNED to IRAQI CONTROL
Sky Soldiers air-assault onto clouds of Nuristan
Army Capt. Nathan Springer, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop Commander, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, looks up the mountain July 19 while on patrol during Operation Saray Has. During Operation Saray Has, two rocket positions were found that had been previously used to attack Forward Operating Base Naray. Photo by Sgt. Brandon Aird.
8 Aug 07
By Army Sgt. Brandon Aird
173rd ABCT Public Affairs
NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Sailing through the clouds Soldiers from the Afghan National Army and Task Force Saber air-assaulted onto landing zone Shetland July 19 during Operation Saray Has.
The LZ was located in a large meadow near the top of a mountain in here. Local Afghans use the area as a grazing pasture for livestock, while Taliban extremists often use it to stage attacks against TF Saber.
The spot the Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st
Lance Cpl. Cory Howland, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 1st squad, 2nd platoon, Kilo Company, adds details to his recent “devil girl” drawing on a company table. Kilo Company and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines have been conducting counter-insurgency operations in the Al Anbar province here. Photo by Sgt. Andy Hurt.
Hey, after a few months in the desert, sexy anything will do:
North Bend, Ore. native inspires Marines with art
20 Jul 07
By Sgt. Andy Hurt
13th MEU
NEAR KARMAH, Iraq -- On a blistering hot day here in the Al Anbar province, Marines not conducting patrols seek solace in shade and machine-cooled air, books, video games and word finds. It’s highly unlikely to find a Marine outdoors unless he has to be. One of those Marines is Lance Cpl. Cory Howland. A gunner for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Howland is working on something special. His latest masterpiece is a table-top drawing of a comically voluptuous she-devil, complete with horns, tail a
Two Polish soldiers from the 1st Platoon, Company B, Polish Battle Group, show an Afghan boy how to fly his new kite June 24, 2007, in Andar District, Ghazni Province. Photo by Spc. Micah E. Clare.
The Real Kite Runners flying the Afghan Skies
6 July 07
By Army Spc. Micah E. Clare
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 82nd Airborne Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan — Even though best-selling books have painted pictures of Afghan children flying colorful kites high in blue skies against backdrops of snow-capped mountains that tower over quaint villages, not all Afghan children are fortunate enough to own such simple, yet wonderful toys.
However, when the Polish Battle Group arrived in Ghazni province’s Andar district near the end of June, the local children were finally able to take part in an activity shared by children in almost all countries in the world: flying kites.
While conducting patrols throughout Andar district during Operation Mai
Chief Warrant Officers Mark Burrows (left) and Steven Cianfrini of the 17th Cavalry Regiment's Troop C, 3rd Squadron, were rescued by an AH-64 Apache helicopter after their helicopter, a OH-58D Kiowa, was shot down July 2.
Downed Pilots Endure 30 Minutes of Intensity Before Rescue
5 July 07
By Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mills
BAGHDAD - What started as a routine reconnaissance mission for two pilots suddenly became 30 minutes of intense action July 2 as they found themselves shot down, surrounded by enemy fighters, then finally rescued.
Chief Warrant Officers Mark Burrows and Steven Cianfrini of the 17th Cavalry Regiment's Troop C, 3rd Squadron, had just finished spotting a suspected roadside IED for an infantry unit south of Baghdad when Chief Cianfrini saw tracer rounds arching up toward their 0H-58 Kiowa. He quickly shouted to Chief Burrows to turn away.
"I saw the tracer rounds come up through the rotors and at that point we tried to get out of range, check our instruments, make su
Servicemembers supply aid to orphanage
Army Sgt. Valetin DeLeon, a civial affairs specialist with 351st CACOM, opens up a soccer pump to inflate a soccer ball for a child at the Kapisa Orphanage in the Mahmud Raqi district of Afghanistan during a humanitarian aid drop on June 27. Photo by Melissa Escobar.
3 July 07
By Pfc. Melissa M. Escobar
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan— Backpacks jammed full with school supplies, soccer balls, teddy bears, toys, hygiene kits, sandals and shoes were delivered to an Afghan orphanage in Mahmud Raqi district by members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team June 27.
National Guard Soldiers with the 351st Civil Affairs Command from Mountain View, Calif., along with the 1175th Military Police Company, 205th MP Battalion from Mississippi geared up and armed themselves with humanitarian supplies.
In the three months that the team has been in country, this was the first time they visited the orphanage.
It has been a while since I posted ab0ut the CENTCOM press releases so here we go: NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 TWO SUSPECTED AL-QAEDA LEADERS,...
Capt. Brent Dittenber, commander, Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), from Fort Drum, N.Y., checks the names of applicants for the Iraqi police force with Iraqi army staff officers. The recruitment drive was June 23-25. Photo courtesy of Joint Combat Camera Center.
Yusufiyah-area Men Flock to IP Recruitment Drive
27 Jun 07
Courtesy Story
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Over 1,200 Iraqi men came to Joint Security Station in Yusufiyah during a three-day police recruitment drive that ended June 25.
The drive, orchestrated by the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., the 23rd Military Police Company, 503rd MP Battalion, 16th MP Brigade, from Fort Bragg, N.C., and the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, began June 23 to increase Iraqi police manning in the 4-31 “Polar Bears’” area of operations.
The goal
Go Engineers. Essayons!
The $480,000 Basrah Railroad Station project by the Gulf Region South provided for several areas to be renovated to include the new main entrance to the station. USACE photo by Al Bahrani
Basrah Railroad Station Vital to a Growing Region and Economy
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South District
BASRAH, Iraq-- The rehabilitation of the Basrah Railway Station is one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Gulf Region South (GRS) District efforts to build and develop the basic services and strategic infrastructure for Iraq.
"The $480,000 project provides a critical link for the country of Iraq and it ties the southern portion of the country with the northern portion," said GRS Chief of Engineering and Construction Thomas Eidson.
"The Iraq railroad system provides efficient reliable transportation and many people rely on the railroad for traveling. It is also critical for trade and commerce from the deep-water marine port and business centers in southern Ir
More alternative news from CENTCOM:
Lance Cpl. Steven R. Greene, a scout with Company D, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, uses his flashlight to peer into a dark corner while on a night patrol. The Marines say they patrol at night in order to maintain a constant presence throughout the city.
First LAR always on watch, even in enemy’s nightmares
11 Jun 07
By Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser
2nd Marine Division
RAWAH, Iraq -- There is an old saying, ‘All that is needed for evil to win, is for good men to stand by and do nothing.’ Marines like Lance Cpl. Marco N. Garces and Cpl. Diego A. Romero, like the rest of their battalion, refuse to stand by and do nothing.
Garces and Romero, scouts with Company D, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, were part of a patrol early on the morning of May 27, 2007, in the city of Rawah, Iraq, which overlooks the Euphrates River.
“Our patrols maintain our presenc
NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894AFGHANISTAN TAKES GOVERNMENT TO ITS PEOPLE Release Date: 5/18/2007 Release Number: 07-01-03P Description: ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Directors of the Ministry of...
ACID-LADEN TRUCK BOMBING FOILED NORTH OF BAGHDAD
Release Date: 4/17/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: BAGHDAD - A dump truck overturned attempting to deliver its payload of explosives and nitric acid during a foiled attack in Mushada, Iraq April 16.
A coalition patrol approached to assist the driver of an overturned dump truck and found the vehicle loaded with nitric acid containers and explosives.
The driver was taken into custody and confessed that he was paid to attack the Joint Security Station in Mushada, which also houses the town's Iraqi police station.
An explosive ordnance team was called in to assess the contents of the truck and dispose of the material. The team discovered eight containers of nitric acid, eight directional fragmentation explosives devices, and two large rounds of ordnance.
The explosives and munitions discovered will be disposed of by EOD once they are carefully removed from the site.
The driver is being held for further questio
People forget about this one. Everytime I read about it, the TAliban are getting chewed up.
TALIBAN SUFFER CONSIDERABLE LOSSES IN SANGIN
Release Date: 4/14/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - 1st Kandak, 209th Afghan National Army Corps, and Coalition forces operating northeast of the Sangin District Center in Helmand Province positively identified and engaged several groups of Taliban fighters with close air support, direct and indirect fire April 12.
During the engagement, ANA and Coalition forces pursued fleeing Taliban fighters northward, near the village of Kaj Gerd, as they were attempting to break contact. More than 35 Taliban fighters were killed by ANA and Coalition forces during the 5-hour afternoon battle.
“Afghan National Army and Coalition Soldiers have dealt the Taliban fighters a severe blow in the Sangin District,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesperson. “The
NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 JOINT OPERATIONS ROOT OUT TERRORISTS IN AD DAWR Release Date: 4/10/2007 Release Number: 07-01-03P Description: TIKRIT, Iraq - Iraqi army troops...
CENTCOM has issued a press release titled “Al-Sahab Reportedly To Release New Bin Ladin Video Message” with the following message from a jihadist website:
“After a long absence by the shaykh of mujahidin, whom we have missed as well as his speeches, some news is being leaked indicating that Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, God protect and [...]
CENTCOM has issued a press release titled “Al-Sahab Reportedly To Release New Bin Ladin Video Message” with the following message from a jihadist website:
“After a long absence by the shaykh of mujahidin, whom we have missed as well as his speeches, some news is being leaked indicating that Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, God protect and [...]
NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 U.S. ARMY SOLDIERS WARD OFF ATTACK BY AL QAEDA Release Date: 3/27/2007 Release Number: 07-01-03P Description: FALLUJAH, Iraq - Soldiers from...
BAGHDAD EAGLES AND COMMANDOS FIND NINE CACHES NEAR AL QAQAA WEAPONS FACILITY
Release Date: 3/25/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq — Iraqi and coalition forces detained 62 suspected terrorists, discovered four improvised explosive devices and found a massive weapons cache in the Mahmudiyah, Iraq area near the Al QaQaa Weapons Facility March 23.
=> Read more!
SUICIDE TRUCK BOMB CAPTURED IN RAMADI
Release Date: 3/25/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: RAMADI, IRAQ-Iraqi Police apprehended a suicide truck bomber and captured his vehicle, containing a large quantity of chlorine and explosives, when it failed to detonate in Ramadi March 23.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., a white cargo truck came to a halt near the entrance to the Jezeera police station, located about 150 meters from a water treatment plant. The police approached the truck for further investigation and detained the driver when they discovered the truck was rigged with explosives and the driver was attempting to detonate the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the truck contained an unknown number of 55-gallon drums, which were used to camouflage five 1000-gallon barrels filled with chlorine and more than two tons of explosives.
The driver is being held for further questioning and all explosives were removed from the truck and destroyed by demolition exper
IRONHORSE BRIGADE ASSISTS IN JOINT EFFORT TO RETURN KIDNAPPING VICTIMS TO THEIR FAMILIES
You don't hear this kind of story on the news.
Release Date: 3/26/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three Iraqi men, battered and beaten after many days of being held hostage by terrorists near the town of Fallujah, entered the Company A, 115th Brigade Support Battalion's headquarters on Camp Taji, Iraq.
The men, who all smiled when greeted by the U.S. Soldiers, had been kept on the camp for medical treatment and were waiting just a few short hours before being driven to Baghdad and from there to Fallujah to be reunited with their families.
This was the scene as Soldiers from the 1st Ironhorse Brigade Combat Team participated in a joint effort with Iraqi Police in Fallujah and Marines from the 6th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) to get the men back home March 25.
The liberated hostages had been rescued by coalition troops March
IRAQI, U.S. SECURITY FORCES ATTACKED FROM MOSQUE
Release Date: 3/26/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: KALSU, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi forces received gunfire and rocket-propelled grenade fire from insurgents inside a mosque near Iskandariyah, Iraq March 26.
Company D, 3rd Battalion, 309th Parachute Infantry Regiment and Iraqi security force personnel positively identified that the attack was coming from the Al Wasafa mosque and minaret and requested an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the 4th Squadron, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to engage the insurgents in the mosque.
No significant damage was done to the mosque, but bullet holes can be seen in the mosque walls.
Iraqi forces entered the mosque to pursue the insurgents and the U.S. forces secured the area outside.
A military transition team from Forward Operating Base Iskan assisted in the pursuit of insurgents following the attack.
The Iraqi Security Forces and par
INSURGENTS KILL FIVE AND WOUND 11 WITH MORTAR FIRE IN ISKANDARIYAH
Release Date: 3/26/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: Insurgents used mortar fire to kill five Iraqis civilians and wound 11 south of Baghdad March 26.
Company D, 3rd Battalion, 309th Parachute Infantry Regiment reported they heard six rounds of mortar fired in Iskandariyah.
Police Transition Team from the 127th Military Police sent a platoon to investigate the attack.
COALITION FORCES REPEL ATTACK AT FB TILLMAN
Release Date: 3/25/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed 12 insurgents near Fire Base Tillman in Paktika Province last night.
The 12 insurgents were engaged by Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces with small arms fire as the extremists attempted to stage an attack on the base, located along the Afghanistan and Pakistan border. Additionally, Coalition forces called in aviation support and indirect artillery fire to support the defense of the fire base.
Two Coalition soldiers and two ANSF members received minor injuries as a result of the hostile fire engagement. The Coalition forces injuries were treated at the scene, and they did not require further medical evacuation. One ANSF was medically evacuated for further treatment at a Coalition medical treatment facility, but is expected to fully recover from his wound.
“As t
http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom2/Lists/Current%20Press%20Releases/DispForm.aspx?ID=4649&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecentcom%2Emil%2Fsites%2Fuscentcom2%2FLists%2FPress%2520Releases%2FCurrent%2520Releases%2Easpx3/13/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Soldiers from eight brigade combat teams completed a nine-day sweep throughout Baghdad to disrupt the Baghdad vehicle borne improvised explosive device network on March 10.
The operation was designed to attack the terrorist command and control
structure organizing and financing the deadly car bomb attacks.
Over the course of the operation which began March 2 Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces struck 82 precision targets. As a result, 24 terrorists were killed; four wounded and 90 suspected terrorists were detained. Several of those detained were members of Al-Qaeda.
Coalition Forces also found or captured many weapons caches to include two aircraft bombs, one 500-lb MK-82 bomb,
COALITION FORCES CAPTURE 22 SUSPECTED TERRORISTS IN IRAQBAGHDAD, Iraq –Coalition Forces captured 22 suspected terrorists during operations Monday morning targeting al-Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitators.
During operations in Mosul, Coalition Forces captured four suspected terrorists allegedly involved in the planning of improvised explosive devices attacks on friendly forces.
A senior foreign fighter facilitator was captured north of Habbaniyah, and two suspects who are reportedly involved in weapons facilitation were detained in Baghdad.
Northeast of Tarmiyah, Coalition Forces captured thirteen suspected terrorists with alleged involved in weapons movement and foreign fighter facilitation.
South of Amiriyah, two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation and weapons movement were also detained.
“Coalition Forces will continue deliberate and methodical operations in order to pursue, capture or kill terrorists tryi
I love the way they use "alleged" as if foreigners in Iraq with bombs could be anything but.
FOREIGN TERRORIST FACILITATORS CAPTURED IN IRAQ RAIDS
Release Date: 3/11/2007
Release Number: 07-01-03P
Description: BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces captured 15 suspected terrorists during operations Sunday morning targeting al-Qaida in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitators.
Early morning operations conducted by Coalition Forces west of Abu Ghurayb led to the capture of a suspected foreign terrorist facilitation network leader and one of his associates.
Four suspects were detained northwest of Karmah and three suspects were detained in Fallujah, all with alleged ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign fighter facilitation.
Northeast of Al Asad, three suspects who allegedly operate an al-Qaeda associated foreign fighter training camp were detained.
Coalition Forces also captured three suspected al-Qaeda members operating west of Taji.
"Coalition Forces ar
Here is some of the news coming from CENTCOM: SEVEN TERRORISTS KILLED DURING RAID ON SUSPECTED VBIED CELL AIRPOWER SUMMARY FOR MARCH 7 SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 28, WOUNDS 31 IN BALAD RUZ COFFEE SHOP IRAQI ARMY, ATTACK HELICOPTERS CAPTURE 32...
CENTCOM, What Is It With You People? Do you really consider me a threat that bears monitoring or is this just about intimidation? Perhaps if you show up in my site stats now and again I might have pause to reconsider my outspokenness, my truth, my love for my fellow Souls? Note for your "Intelligence" files:That is not going to happen…ever.I will proudly carry those convictions to my own cross should you insist hanging me upon it. Now, I suggest you stop embarrassing yourselves by Surveiling my blog and turn your attention and OUR assets to more pressing matters of national security. Here is a good place to start.1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, D.C. USA Peace y'allTags: CENTCOM Peace Blog Surveillance
Petraeus Supports Troop Increase in Confirmation HearingBy Sgt. Sara Wood, USAAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 - President Bush's pick for command of Multinational Force Iraq today supported the new strategy for Iraq, emphasizing that additional U.S. forces...
I’m sure it’s related and not just a pure coincidence, today Slashdot has an article about the Pentagon setting up a propaganda program to ensure that the “correct” news gets out, specifically including the blogosphere.
Today I received an e-mail from US Central Command, a.k.a. Centcom. Here are some excerpts from that message:
As military public affairs our mission is to inform the public of what their military is doing. As of late we have been reaching out to those of you in the electronic media. We have recognized that the public is looking more and more to the blogs and the internet in general as the place to get news and information.
…Would like to be on our mailing list? We send out periodic press releases and news stories via email. Many times we can get this information out before it becomes available from the MSM outlets.
On one hand, if their intentions are pure, it sounds like a great idea. On the other hand, it sure sounds like I’ve
I wondered about those hits to my blog last month. Visits from CENTCOM. I admit that for a brief moment I wanted to believe that maybe some folks there might be interested in a more peaceful and sane world but then I though it more likely I had just been visited by Big Brother. Apparently I was right.I did not get the memo (e-mail actually) so, perhaps the folks at CENTCOM found my site to meet their ideal for the fashionably patriotic, new world order, stay in lockstep blogger.Stop laughing. Go on, I was kidding. The database has probably just not gotten around to spitting mine out yet.I know you righties out there are going to read this and say something like "You're glad their watching the liberal peacenik blogger apologists" but let me remind you, its a very, very short step from me to you and you may find there are lots of reasons for the taking of it that do not have one, single, solitary thing to do with your being on their side right now.You may never question your own a
Sick and tired of listening to CENTCOM briefings with daily claims of a dozen so-called Qaeda members (half of which under 7 year-old "terrorists"), the US audience cheered the death of Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi, a genuine thug with a fake al Qaeda label.
Now the propaganda experts feel strange : the non-event of this death exposes a disgraceful vacuum. The top bad guy (Oussama Broadcasting Laden) remains at large and the US army in Iraq lacks a marketable target... Unless the Pentagon decides to go after al Sadr and thus officialize the civil war.
They'd better sponsor some other suicidal wannabe, give some other thug his Warhol's 15 mn of fame. Prime time, live or dead.
At last ! The US Army liberating from evil treatments hundreds of detainees, including 13 needing hospitalization. And this time, we are not responsible for the torture : it's that nasty Iraqi regime we put at the head of the new and improved Iraq. We've got bad guys within our ranks but look : torture is an Iraqi thing. It's embedded in their DNA ! Who knows, it could be Saddam's WMDs and nerve gases attacking the very souls of every single person living there !The US have nerves, all right. This telegenic bravado is supposed to remind the audience Amerika is not the only country fighting this nasty war, but it should remind everybody this war wasn't necessary. There were other ways of castrating Saddam Hussein, and there were certainly other things to do to truly fight terror.
