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Odierno takes over as US commander in Iraq
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
6 00:00 Zebulon Unoth2485 [1] 
8 00:00 Bangkok Billy [3] 
2 00:00 USN, Ret. [] 
1 00:00 SteveS [1] 
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26 00:00 Frank G [3] 
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4 00:00 USN, Ret. [3] 
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1 00:00 Mike N. [3] 
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8 00:00 USN, Ret. [2] 
7 00:00 Pappy [3] 
3 00:00 Penguin [5] 
Page 2: WoT Background
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1 00:00 Richard of Oregon [1]
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12 00:00 Grenter, Protector of the Geats [3]
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1 00:00 Redneck Jim [3]
3 00:00 g(r)omgoru [2]
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Page 3: Non-WoT
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5 00:00 Mike Kozlowski [1]
3 00:00 Snakes Unaise1030 [3]
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11 00:00 Redneck Jim [3]
7 00:00 Jack is Back! [2]
4 00:00 Clem Glereter4896 [1]
8 00:00 Jack is Back! [2]
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11 00:00 ExtremeModerate [1]
Page 4: Opinion
1 00:00 Mullah Richard [2]
6 00:00 Bob Glemble5143 [2]
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1 00:00 GolfBravoUSMC [2]
1 00:00 Bob Glemble5143 []
7 00:00 .5MT [3]
3 00:00 Iblis [2]
Page 5: Russia-Former Soviet Union
5 00:00 Zhang Fei []
7 00:00 Dopey Throrong3338 [3]
6 00:00 Nimble Spemble [3]
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3 00:00 Frank G [6]
1 00:00 Broadhead6 []
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4 00:00 gorb [3]
8 00:00 USN, Ret. [2]
3 00:00 bigjim-ky [3]
4 00:00 Glenmore [1]
9 00:00 anonymous5089 [2]
Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Nice Request!
Posted by: tipover || 09/17/2008 0:26 Comments || Top||

#2  Thanks Fred. Tipjar on Friday, I promise.
Posted by: Scott R || 09/17/2008 0:34 Comments || Top||

#3  When the hell did hips go out of style and why wasn't I consulted, dammit!!?
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/17/2008 0:52 Comments || Top||

#4  Perfect domain name aach.net

Proud to tell you, the URLfreewonderful link. Try to see it legal forms documents – http://www.10minutelegalforms.com welcomes you.
Posted by: geroEmegree || 09/17/2008 1:13 Comments || Top||

#5  Handcuffs. Need handcuffs.
Posted by: gorb || 09/17/2008 4:19 Comments || Top||

#6  Kinky!
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 8:01 Comments || Top||

#7  No gorb - use old neckties or pantyhose. They don't leave marks or cut into the skin.

(Um . . . .or so I've been told. Yeah, that's it.)
Posted by: GORT || 09/17/2008 8:03 Comments || Top||

#8  Big Bad Mama
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 8:14 Comments || Top||

#9  Hey!!!! That garter is slipping!! I think I should go help her get it back where it belongs!!!!


(Bet I'd have to fight may way through a Loooooong line of R'bers for THAT task)
Posted by: AlanC || 09/17/2008 9:22 Comments || Top||

#10  WOW!
Posted by: mhw || 09/17/2008 9:34 Comments || Top||

#11  Damn.
I'm glad my wife is prettier, otherwise I might be in trouble. ;)
Posted by: DarthVader || 09/17/2008 9:44 Comments || Top||

#12  Wow! She looks like she works out. Wouldn't it be nice to visit that gym?
Posted by: Richard of Oregon || 09/17/2008 10:43 Comments || Top||

#13  STAND BACK EVERYBODY! Ima read up all about first aid and that tourniquet on her leg has obviously slipped; I will put it back where it rightfully belongs.
It may take ( no, it WILL take) several adjustments to get it positioned just so, but I will take the time necessary......
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 13:35 Comments || Top||

#14  Hey USN Ret, I saw it first and claimed the hazard pay with #9!!

But if you ask nice I'll let you help. ;^)
Posted by: AlanC || 09/17/2008 13:52 Comments || Top||

#15  I take it:

Hazard pay == Wife finds out

:)
Posted by: CrazyFool || 09/17/2008 14:39 Comments || Top||

#16  AlanC; i know you did, but you gotta understand things of this nature are very delicate, and requires exceptional training. You are right, however, something like this will require a team approach, as fatigue is likely.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 14:53 Comments || Top||

#17  Fatigue? So that's what they call it nowadays. I'm so not up on the latest slang. ;-)

(Yes, Nimble Spemble, I did understand that one. See? I'm not totally ignorant!)
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/17/2008 16:04 Comments || Top||

#18  Yep, fatigue; a side effect of that "It's not a job, it's an adventure" thingy......

(It's not like all fatigue is a BAD thing, tho.)
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 16:33 Comments || Top||

#19  nice, but she's no Angie Harmon

/tweaking Dr. Steve
Posted by: Frank G || 09/17/2008 18:59 Comments || Top||

#20  You have excellent taste in cinema, TW.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 19:49 Comments || Top||

#21  Now I don't know what you're talking about, Nimble Spemble. In what way?
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/17/2008 19:57 Comments || Top||

#22  I thought you were referring to my comment about BigBad Mama, a cinematic classic.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 20:21 Comments || Top||

#23  I don't think I've seen that one. I was just referring to knowing about fatigue, is all. Sorry. :-(
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/17/2008 20:29 Comments || Top||

#24  Don't miss it. One of Angie's best.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 20:33 Comments || Top||

#25  I believe Angie also has the distinction of being the only woman ever slapped by a President of the United States on film.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 20:36 Comments || Top||

#26  not counting Clinton's "I did not have relations....." lying screed?
Posted by: Frank G || 09/17/2008 20:51 Comments || Top||


-Lurid Crime Tales-
Caught Red Handed - US Company Selling Electronics Parts To Iran, Parts Turn Up In IEDs In Iraq


BUSTED! Not only the companies involved but Iran. Need more proof now Dems?
Posted by: Lftbhndagn || 09/17/2008 15:49 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Charged in indictment are:

Ali Akbar Yahya, an Iranian national and naturalized British citizen; F.N. Yaghmaei, a/k/a ” Farrokh Nia Yaghmaei,” an Iranian national; Mayrow General Trading, Atlinx Electronics, Micatic General Trading, Madjico Micro Electronics, a/k/a “MME,” and Al-Faris, all Dubai-based businesses; Neda Industrial Group, an Iran-based business; Bahman Ghandi, a/k/a “Brian Ghandi,” an Iranian national; Farshid Gillardian, a/k/a “Isaac Gillardian,” a/k/a “Isaac Gill,” an Iranian national and a naturalized British citizen; Kaam Chee Mun, a/k/a “Brian Kaam,” a resident of Malaysia; Djamshid Nezhad, a/k/a “Reza,” a resident of Germany; Ahmad Rahzad, a/k/a “Saeb Karim,” an Iranian national; Majid Seif, a/k/a “Mark Ong,”a/k/a “Matti Chong,” an Iranian national residing in Malaysia; and Eco Biochem Sdn BHD and Vast Solution Sdn BHD, Malaysian businesses. The defendants are charged with purchasing and causing the export of U.S. goods to Iran through middle countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, England, Germany, and Singapore.


sounds like Cubans to me...
Posted by: Frank G || 09/17/2008 18:22 Comments || Top||

#2  Hang 'em high. >:-(
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 09/17/2008 19:11 Comments || Top||

#3  Shut the d*mn company down and shoot the managers!
It's about time we start taking treason seriously.
Posted by: DanNY || 09/17/2008 19:13 Comments || Top||

#4  They probably did a backtrack on recovered components of IED's. All those part numbers, serial numbers, even manufacturers names?
Posted by: tipover || 09/17/2008 19:34 Comments || Top||

#5  Can you hear me now?
Posted by: newc || 09/17/2008 20:35 Comments || Top||

#6  Way PAST time for some serious wet work in this country. and overseas.
Posted by: Zebulon Unoth2485 || 09/17/2008 21:11 Comments || Top||


-Short Attention Span Theater-
LG releases 'Quran TV' in Mideast
South Korea's largest home appliance maker LG Electronics said Tuesday it has released a new television in Middle Eastern markets which includes the Quran installed as a digital text. The model comes in 42 and 50-inch panels and lets viewers read all 114 chapters of the Islamic holy book on screen by controlling its menu, LG said in a statement.

The television, which also comes with a 160-gigabyte hard drive to store pr0n video content, allows users to bookmark up to 10 spots within the religious text. "We came up with the model after realizing that faithful Muslims read the Quran on a daily basis," said Park Jong-Seok, vice president of LG's plasma display panel division.

Last year LG said it aimed to post six billion dollars in sales of home appliances in Middle Eastern and African countries by 2010 by providing products that will appeal more to local consumers.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  will the warranty cover it if it blows itself up?
Posted by: Classer || 09/17/2008 0:44 Comments || Top||

#2  That is the last LG product I will ever buy. I don't do business with companies that sell rape manuals.
Posted by: Excalibur || 09/17/2008 15:32 Comments || Top||

#3  Tick, tick, tick... waiting for some Imam to find a tiny error. The Ummah takes umbrage and the Muslims, feeling insulted, take out their rage on LG. There will not be any product left for Excalibur to boycott.
Posted by: GK || 09/17/2008 16:12 Comments || Top||

#4  does it have a picture in a picture feature? you could have p)rn on the big screen and the Quran on the little one; think of it as a play by play caption feature. that should drive the turbans crazy.
(Did big mo have one of these things bak when?
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 16:37 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Kidnapped Australian & Canadian appear in Al Jazeera video
Footage of Australian journalist Nigel Brennan and a Canadian companion kidnapped in Somalia has been aired on Al Jazeera television. The broadcaster said the pair had urged their governments to do all they could to secure their release, Reuters reports.

Mr Brennan, 35, Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout, 27, and their translator and guide, Somali reporter Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, were kidnapped at gunpoint on August 23 just outside the Somali capital Mogadishu. They are believed to have been abducted after interviewing and taking photographs in a refugee camp.

Australian Federal Police and extra diplomatic staff have been sent to Somalia to investigate the kidnappings.

The footage, aired on Tuesday, showed Mr Brennan and Ms Lindhout along with armed men. Ms Lindhout could be seen speaking to the camera but the audio of the track was not aired, Reuters reports.

Their kidnappers, calling themselves the Mujahideen of Somalia, accused Australia and Canada of helping to destroy Somalia and demanded an end to such policies, Al Jazeera said.

A traditional chief in contact with the kidnappers said earlier this month that the kidnappers were demanding a $US2.5 million ($A3.08 million) ransom. "The kidnappers demanded 2.5 million dollars and we are trying to secure their release," said Dahir Farah, who has been participating in negotiations to free the hostages.

Another person claiming to be an intermediary for the kidnappers who contacted AFP spoke of the same ransom demand. He also allowed two people claiming to be the foreign journalists to speak briefly.

A man claiming to be Mr Brennan said: "We are very well now mentally and physically."
Posted by: Oztralian || 09/17/2008 03:23 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic Courts

#1  accused Australia and Canada of helping to destroy Somalia

As if the Somalis need any help with that!
Posted by: SteveS || 09/17/2008 14:28 Comments || Top||


Panama-flagged Oil tanker escapes Somali pirate attack
(SomaliNet) A Kenyan maritime body said on Sunday that a large Panama-flagged oil tanker operated by a Japanese company had narrowly escaped an attack by Somali pirates. "A Panama-flagged oil tanker, MT Golden Elizabeth, was attacked yesterday (Sunday) by eight pirates in a small wooden boat in the Gulf of Aden," said Andrew Mwangura, of the Kenyan branch of the Seafarers' Assistance Programme. "The tanker took evasive navigation and the pirates aborted the attack. No casualty was reported," he said, adding that the tanker was continuing its journey and communicating with the US navy. Mwangura said 13 Filipino crew were on board the tanker.

Somali pirates are holding several ships in the area. In recent months, a multinational taskforce based in Djibouti has been patrolling parts of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, where a pirate mothership is believed to be operating.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  One guy with fairly modest weaponry and training should have no trouble defending a big ship against a small wooden boat with 8 pirates. For that matter, don't 'evade', engage and make them evade and crush their little bathtub toy if you can.
Posted by: Glenmore || 09/17/2008 9:28 Comments || Top||

#2  How about letting the Panama Navy protect them?
Posted by: JFM || 09/17/2008 11:49 Comments || Top||

#3  Yep, they're probably as impressive as the Liberian Navy.
Posted by: Gabby Cussworth || 09/17/2008 12:03 Comments || Top||

#4  Oil tankers aren't exactly turn-on-a-dime capable. Takes a half-hour and a couple of miles to stop one from cruise speed.
Posted by: mojo || 09/17/2008 13:22 Comments || Top||

#5  How about letting the Panama Navy protect them?

I sense an outsourcing opportunity for the French Navy.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 14:23 Comments || Top||

#6  I thought the French DID just do something around there.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 09/17/2008 15:07 Comments || Top||

#7  They did, rescuing two French citizens (Malaysia and Germany provided some assistance).
Posted by: Pappy || 09/17/2008 15:55 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Explosion near US embassy in Yemen
AN explosion has struck near the US embassy in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, two witnesses said. There was no immediate word on any casualties.

A blazing vehicle was visible on the road past the embassy compound's heavily fortified perimeter and police swiftly cordoned off the area, the witnesses said.
More here. Death toll now 16. Damn.
Posted by: Oztralian || 09/17/2008 03:29 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  10 dead in car bombing at US Embassy in Yemen
A car bomb exploded at the front gate of the U.S. Embassy in Yemen's capital Wednesday, killing six Yemeni guards and four civilians, officials said. No American personnel were reported hurt.

Several "secondary explosions" followed the first blast, the embassy said in a statement. A Yemeni security official said the compound was hit by two car bombs, followed by heavy gunfire that lasted about 10 minutes.
...
The Yemeni guards killed Wednesday were assigned to sentry duty outside the embassy by the Interior Ministry. The civilians who died in the explosion were waiting to enter the compound, the embassy said.

They included three Yemenis and one Indian national, said the Yemeni security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. ... A medical official, meanwhile, said at least seven Yemeni nationals were wounded and taken to the city's Republican hospital. They are residents of a nearby housing compound and included children, he said.
...
They also reported that gunmen in police uniforms arrived at the scene soon after the first blast and immediately fired at the embassy guards. This could not be independently confirmed.
Posted by: ed || 09/17/2008 8:30 Comments || Top||

#2  First the Cole, now this; why haven't we started putting a boot on these assholes' throat and showing some balls?
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 13:38 Comments || Top||


Bangladesh
PBCP's front-ranking leader killed in gunfight with police
A front-ranking leader of the outlawed Purba Bangler Communist Party (ML-Lal Pataka) ...
No, not a Biplobi, new or old ...
... has been killed in a gunfight between some of his accomplices and police at Shahapar area under Bagmara upazila of the district in the early hours of Monday, police sources said.
No, we don't know where that is.
According to the official sources, the dead identified as Abul Kana, 40, son of late Yakub Ali of Hamirkutsa village under the same upazila, was a fugitive on twelve systems of around 12 criminal cases including a number of murder ones.
So his mother didn't love him.
On a tip-off, ...
...thanks to Mahmoud the Weasel ...
... a RAB team rounded up Abul Kana from the same area Sunday afternoon and subsequently handed over him to Bagmara Police.
After some gentle tossing and thumping. Wonder how many times he fell down the stairs ...
When the police was taking him to nearby Shahapar area to capture his other accomplices and recover illegal firearms ...
Must be a joint training program between the RAB and the local coppers ...
... and found some terrorists holding a meeting at around 2.20 a.m.
"Hokay, who votes that the Biplobis are a bunch of reactionaries?"
"New Biplobis or Old Biplobis?"
Sensing the police presence, ...
... spider sense, cry of outrage, and then ...
... the outlawed opened fire that led to a gun-battle between them, which continued for around 15 to 20 minutes.
With not a single recovered round for ballistics.
At one stage Abul Kana tried to escape but sustained bullet injuries.
Noone escapes, Abul, particularly with one behind each ear.
Police rushed him to Bagmara Upazila Health Complex ...
... not a Level I trauma center, not that it matters for our hero ...
... where the doctors declared him dead.
"He's dead, Jim."
Police also seized a shutter-gun along with four rounds of bullets and two indigenous weapons from the spot.
The local coppe shoppe was trusted to handle the shutter gun?
Posted by: Steve White || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


Caribbean-Latin America
L. American presidents meet to mediate in Bolivian crisis
Latin American presidents met Monday at an urgent summit summoned by Chilean President to seek a political solution to the crisis in Bolivia.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Maybe they could talk Obama into coming down and "Bringing Them Together". Oops, forgot, he doesn't speak spanish, but your kids will if he wins.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 09/17/2008 9:20 Comments || Top||

#2  "Dudes, chill! And lay off the marching powder for a while, ok Hugo?"
Posted by: mojo || 09/17/2008 11:46 Comments || Top||

#3  My kid speaks Japanese, some Hebrew, a bit of Yiddish. I speak some French, a little Hebrew, and yes, a tad of Spanish. I guess that makes us part of the evil elite or something.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 09/17/2008 15:09 Comments || Top||

#4  *goes off to trader joe's to pick up Brie and Chardonnay*
Posted by: liberalhawk || 09/17/2008 15:09 Comments || Top||

#5  off to trader joe's to pick up Brie

I can never find one without mold on it.
Posted by: SteveS || 09/17/2008 15:49 Comments || Top||

#6  Why did you think the price was so low?
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 16:00 Comments || Top||

#7  *goes off to trader joe's to pick up Brie and Chardonnay*

So much easier when you send the kitchen help.
Posted by: Pappy || 09/17/2008 16:24 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
6 Killed in Suspected U.S. Missile Strike in Pakistan
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — A U.S. missile strike killed at least six people Wednesday, hours after the top U.S. military officer told Pakistani officials that America respects Pakistan's sovereignty amid an uproar over American military operations in Pakistan's northwest.

Two Pakistani intelligence officials told The Associated Press that several missiles hit a compound in the South Waziristan tribal region early Wednesday evening. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak openly to the media.

The officials said the target was a base for Taliban militants and Hezb-i-Islami, another group fighting U.S. and government troops in neighboring Afghanistan.

They said informants in the area had reported that six people were dead and three more injured. Their identities were not immediately clear, but sources told FOX News that no high-profile targets were killed.

The officials said an unmanned drone of the type used by the CIA and U.S. forces in Afghanistan was heard in the area shortly before the attack.

Maj. Murad Khan, a spokesman for the Pakistan army, said it was looking into the incident.

Earlier Wednesday, the American Embassy said that Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, vowed to respect Pakistan's sovereignty — a commitment apparently aimed at easing controversy over a rash of U.S. attacks on militant havens near the border with Afghanistan.

Mullen met separately with army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for what a U.S. Embassy statement called "extremely frank, positive and constructive" discussions.

"The Pakistani leaders reviewed the progress of Pakistan's efforts to combat militancy, violence and terrorism," the embassy statement said. "Adm. Mullen appreciated the positive role that Pakistan is playing in the war on terror and pledged continued U.S. support to Pakistan.

"In this context, Adm. Mullen reiterated the U.S. commitment to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and to develop further U.S.-Pakistani cooperation and coordination on these critical issues that challenge the security and well-being of the people of both countries," it said.

Mullen arrived the same day that Pakistan's army said its forces have orders to open fire if U.S. troops launch another raid across the Afghan border, raising the stakes in a dispute over how to tackle militant havens in Pakistan's unruly border zone.

Pakistan's government has faced rising popular anger over a Sept. 3 attack by U.S. commandos into South Waziristan, a base for Taliban militants who have been killing increasing numbers of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Pakistan says about 15 people were killed in the raid, all civilians.

The new firing orders were disclosed by Pakistani army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press.

Abbas said Pakistani field commanders have previously been tolerant about international forces crossing a short way into Pakistan because of the ill-defined and contested nature of the mountainous frontier.

"But after the (Sept. 3) incident, the orders are clear," Abbas said. "In case it happens again in this form, that there is a very significant detection, which is very definite, no ambiguity, across the border, on ground or in the air: open fire."

The statement was the strongest since Kayani raised eyebrows last week by vowing to defend Pakistani territory "at all cost." Abbas would not say whether the orders were discussed in advance with U.S. officials.

U.S. military commanders complain Islamabad has been doing too little to prevent the Taliban and other militant groups from recruiting, training and resupplying in Pakistan's lawless tribal belt.

Pakistan acknowledges the presence of Al Qaeda fugitives and its difficulties in preventing militants from seeping into Afghanistan. However, it insists it is doing what it can and paying a heavy price, pointing to its deployment of more then 100,000 troops in the increasingly restive northwest and a wave of homicide bombings across the country.
Posted by: Sherry || 09/17/2008 13:59 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  A U.S. missile strike killed at least six people Wednesday, hours after the top U.S. military officer told Pakistani officials that America respects Pakistan's sovereignty amid an uproar over American military operations in Pakistan's northwest.

Taquiyya. Not so good when YOU are on the receiving end, is it?
Posted by: Ptah || 09/17/2008 15:24 Comments || Top||

#2  And we'll respect it in the morning.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/17/2008 15:29 Comments || Top||

#3  too small.
We can't afford a clean accurate war that lasts too long.
Time to be a Great Satan.
Posted by: 3dc || 09/17/2008 15:42 Comments || Top||

#4  Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas

Whose description as "ex-ISI chief" seems to have fallen off somewhere...
Posted by: mojo || 09/17/2008 16:58 Comments || Top||

#5  I'd just keep saying it's their arms dumps that keep exploding.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 09/17/2008 17:02 Comments || Top||

#6  The problem is that the Koran doesn't say anything about red and green wires, Bright Pebbles. They can't be expected to understand beyond that Allah wishes things to explode unexpectedly.
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/17/2008 19:24 Comments || Top||

#7  Must have been a rogue Predator.
Posted by: gorb || 09/17/2008 21:04 Comments || Top||

#8  Ladies and gentemen - another on-time arrival. We know you have a choice in airlines and we thank you for flying Predator Air.
Posted by: Bangkok Billy || 09/17/2008 23:21 Comments || Top||


3 Taliban killed, seven injured in Darra Adam Khel
At least three Taliban were killed and seven injured in a clash with security forces in Darra Adam Khel, sources in the Frontier Constabulary said on Tuesday. The clash began when the security forces raided the Zohr Killin area after being informed about the presence of some Taliban there. The sources said troops were pursuing the Taliban who had fled the area.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: TTP


US drones prowl as Pak Army bombs Taliban positions
Ten Taliban were killed and several others injured on Tuesday as Pakistan Army helicopter gunships and fighter jets fired shells at militant hideouts in Bajaur Agency as United States' drones prowled the sky over another Taliban sanctuary on the Afghan border.

In a statement issued by the media cell, Frontier Corps NWFP headquarters said security forces had pounded Taliban positions in the Loyesam, Tang Khata and Shakai areas of Bajaur Agency. Military spokesman Major Murad Khan said ground troops were also searching house-to-house for Taliban. "They have constructed underground bunkers and are putting up stiff resistance. Troops are clearing each and every house in the area," he said.

Khan said he had no information about casualties in the current fighting, but the military has said that 117 people have been killed in Bajaur over the past week. An intelligence official in Bajaur said a helicopter gunship had killed nine militants in an attack on a vehicle east of Khar. Residents said US drones had flown over the region, but had not fired any missiles.

Curfew: The statement said an indefinite curfew had been enforced in the area, adding that people were fleeing to safer places. It said the Frontier Corps had seized various types of ammunition and large amounts of Afghan currency notes during a search of militant compounds around Tang Khata.

Helicopter gunships and fighter jets had killed 24 Taliban in raids on their hideouts in Bajaur Agency on Monday. Several Taliban strongholds had been destroyed in attacks on bunkers in Loyesam, Tang Khata, Rashakai, Tandar Gat, Kirala, Bai Cheena, Tangai and Khazana.

Security forces had also patrolled Loy Khwar, Tangi, Kotkai and Charmang but had not made ground advances. Curfew had been relaxed in parts of the agency earlier in the day.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: TTP

#1  Why am I skeptical of a report claiming the Frontier Corps is doing anything useful? But maybe they're like some laborers I know, who only work when someone is watching (from a drone circling overhead?)
Posted by: Glenmore || 09/17/2008 9:51 Comments || Top||


Pakistan: Taliban behind deadly suicide attack in northwest
(AKI) - By Syed Saleem Shahzad - The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in northwest Pakistan that killed at least ten people on Tuesday.

The attack occurred in a military camp in Tota Bandi, in the volatile Swat Valley. Initial reports suggested that over 300 military personnel were in a school building they were using as a base, when the attack was carried out. It took place only a day after local tribes and militants had agreed on a ceasefire.

The suicide attacker was reported to have entered the site and blown himself up as militants opened the fire on the school and also fired mortar shells.

The suicide attack occurred as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said both Pakistan and Britain were facing the menace of terrorism. Gordon Brown met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari here in London on his first official visit as head of state. The president was accompanied by Interior Advisor Rehman Malik and Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hassan.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Pakistan: Renewed clashes leave 26 dead, dozens wounded
(AKI/DAWN) - Twenty-four militants and two civilians were killed in clashes between security forces and militants in the Bajaur tribal region in northwestern Pakistan. Twenty-eight people were injured. Security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, targeted militants' positions in a whole bunch of places you've never heard of Lowi Sam, Tang Hatta, Rashakai, Jannat Shah, Dozakh Shah, Tandar Gat, Kerala, Baicheena, Tangai and Khazana.

Sources said that the troops faced stiff resistance from the deeply entrenched militants. The air strikes continued throughout the day.

Pakistani military officials claimed to have destroyed militants' hideouts in Kerala, Rashakai, Tang Hatta, Jannat Shah and other areas. The sources, however, said that security forces stationed in Lowi Sam were finding it difficult to locate militants' positions and dislodge them from there.

Reports of pitched battles have been received from some areas.

A curfew in place was relaxed in several areas of Khar and Utmankhel tehsils from 7am to 2pm on Monday. A large number of people thronged the markets to buy essential food items. However, in Siddiqabad, Tawheedabad, Shandi Mor, Bilalabad and some other areas, the 12-day curfew remained in force.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Ten militants killed in northwest Pakistan
(PTI) At least 10 militants were killed in air strikes by Pakistani security forces today in a troubled northwestern tribal region, where the army is conducting a crackdown on the local Taliban. Gunship helicopters and jet planes fired shells and bombs at militant hideouts in Bajaur Agency of North West Frontier Province. More than 200 Taliban fighters have been killed in fierce clashes in the restive tribal area since Thursday.

Militant positions in Loisam, Tangkhata and Shakai area of Bajaur were targeted, killing at least 10 insurgents, Geo TV reported quoting sources.

Indefinite curfew was enforced in the area while people were fleeing to safe places, it said.

The security forces have claimed that 1,100 militants have been killed in Bajaur Agency since the army launched an operation against the Taliban in the area some six weeks ago.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: TTP


Fazl elected head of Kashmir Committee
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was elected unopposed as chairman of the parliament's Special Committee on Kashmir on Tuesday.

In the committee's first meeting, convened exclusively for electing its chairman, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) member Aftab Hussain Jilani proposed Fazl's name, which was seconded by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief whip in the National Assembly Sheikh Aftab Ahmed.

Fazl is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform umra.

The members of the committee suggested that the Secretariat should prepare suitable material on Kashmir for dissemination among the masses to highlight the Kashmir cause.

Labour Minister Khursheed Shah informed the meeting about the PPP-led government's resolve very serious on the Kashmir issue. In his meeting with Nawaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari had vowed to give top priority to the issue, Shah added.

Later, the labour minister told reporters that the Kashmir Committee would make every effort to find a solution to the Kashmir dispute and hold a detailed discussion on the issue in parliament. Shah said that some members had expressed their concern over the reported ban imposed by the United Kingdom on Fazl travelling to the UK.

Election for chairpersons of two more standing committees -- the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Water and Power -- will be held on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani congratulated Fazl on becoming the chairman of the Kashmir Committee.

In his message, the prime minister hoped that Fazl would be a great source of inspiration for the Kashmiri people and would benefit their cause.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistan

#1  A man so poor he only owns one turban.
Posted by: mojo || 09/17/2008 10:47 Comments || Top||

#2  This guy has been around for years. He led what was called the Jamiat-e-Ulama-i-Islam in the early nineteen nineties and was a primary figure in the Islamist movement determined to reverse Pakistan government alliance with Washington. In 1991 he created the Harakat-ul-Ansar (Movement of the Followers)which gave support to mujahideen jihadists continuing the fight in Afghanistan and Kashmir.
Posted by: Balthazar || 09/17/2008 12:18 Comments || Top||

#3  Clean up on ailes #2 and #3.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 09/17/2008 13:20 Comments || Top||

#4  Balthazar Pruitt? Is that you?

;)
Posted by: .5MT || 09/17/2008 14:30 Comments || Top||


Reform ISI: US
The Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) needs reform but there is no indication this is happening yet, the top US diplomat for South Asia said on Monday.

"It has to be done," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher said of revamping the ISI. Asked if he had seen signs of reform, he told Reuters, "No, I don't have anything in particular I would point to right now."

Despite its supposed help in supposedly fighting Al Qaeda, the ISI is viewed with deep suspicion by US for retaining links to the Taliban.

Pakistan's new government led by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani tried to rein in the ISI in July by placing it under the Interior Ministry's control, only to reverse course within days in an embarrassing flip-flop.

Asked why the new Pakistani government was more likely to act than under its predecessor, General (r) Pervez Musharraf, Boucher replied, "It's sad to say, but the problem has become more and more acute."

Pointing to growing militant violence inside Pakistan, Boucher said, "Increasingly, the problem is not seen as doing what the US wants but doing what is necessary for the future of Pakistan."
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: ISI

#1  The ISI has about as much of a chance of reforming itself as a snowball in hell, or Congress, for that matter.
Posted by: Alaska Paul in Tok, AK || 09/17/2008 3:32 Comments || Top||

#2  The Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) needs reform

The wonderful world of "top US diplomacy".
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 09/17/2008 4:14 Comments || Top||

#3  The ISI is staffed by Army Officers, rotated in for 3 years terms, and is lead by an Army General.

It is the Pakistan Military that needs to be 'reformed'.
Posted by: Cherelet and Tenille1095 || 09/17/2008 4:15 Comments || Top||

#4  the ISI is viewed with deep suspicion by US for retaining links to the Taliban
That's like saying Disney has links to Mickey Mouse.
Posted by: Spot || 09/17/2008 8:06 Comments || Top||

#5  to continue Alaska Paul's thought -

...or the CIA.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 09/17/2008 8:52 Comments || Top||

#6  A few months ago there was in Rantburg a text from an Indian telling: "Pakistan is not a state who has an army, it is an army who has a state".

And I am beginning to believe it is not an Army who has a secret service but a secret service who has its own army.
Posted by: JFM || 09/17/2008 9:43 Comments || Top||

#7  Is this another Obama initiative?
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 09/17/2008 11:46 Comments || Top||

#8  Re: #7 Is this another Obama initiative?
Unlikely, there has been no flip flopping of position.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/17/2008 14:55 Comments || Top||


Iraq
Tribal chief killed by robbers in Diyala
(VOI) -- A tribal chief of al-Izza clan was killed by a pillaging gang near al-Adhim area, al-Khalist district, 15 km north of the city of Baaquba, on Tuesday, a security source in Diala province said. "A robbing and pillaging gang intercepted a vehicle that boarded Sheikh Omar Raddam Keitan on the main road in the village of al-Safra, al-Adhim area, al-Khalis, killing him and wounding a relative of his," the source, who refused to have his name mentioned, told Aswat al-Iraq -- Voices of Iraq -- (VOI).

"The gang intercepted the vehicle but it did not stop. The gunmen opened fire and killed Sheikh Keitan and wounded his relative," the source added. The road leading to al-Adhim district in Diala province has been witnessing plunder operations and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in addition to kidnappings and assassinations.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency


Islamic State in Iraq big turban arrested in Ninewa
(VOI) -- Iraqi army forces on Tuesday arrested a leader of what is called the Islamic State in Iraq armed group in Talafar in Ninewa, a security source said. "The army forces arrested the leader in Hasanko region in northern Talafar in west of Mosul," the source, who asked for anonymity, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI). "The operation was based on intelligence information that indicates his presence inside a house in the region," he added, pointing out that he played the main role in several acts of violence in the region," he also said.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State of Iraq


Iraq: Cycle of violence kills two civilians in Baghdad
(SomaliNet) Police said that a bicycle-laden with explosives killed two civilians and wounded 19 others at a busy market north of Baghdad on Tuesday. Some of the wounded are badly hurt. A police officer said the bicycle was left near an Iraqi military truck parked at the main market in Taji town, north of Baghdad. The officer said that soldiers who had arrived in the truck were patrolling the market on foot when the blast went off. The truck was badly damaged by the blast.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  The only reason I clicked on this story was to get a look at that pic of the Jihadi doing donuts on a dirtbike.
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/17/2008 0:40 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Palestinian clashes leave 11 dead, 9 of them Dogmushes
(AKI) - Eleven Palestinian were killed on Tuesday when forces loyal to the Islamist movement Hamas clashed with the Doghmush clan in the Gaza Strip.

The clashes between the groups reportedly began on Monday after a member of the Doghmush family killed a Hamas policeman and wounded another officer when police tried to arrest him in Gaza. "The security campaign operated in the As-Sabra neighbourhood in Gaza City caused the death of three wanted persons from the Doghmush family in addition to a policeman and a number of injuries," said Islam Shahwan, spokesperson of the Hamas security forces in Gaza, quoted by the Palestinian news agency, Maan. The other nine people killed were all alleged members of the Doghmush clan, reported Maan.

According to Hamas, the clan is allegedly affiliated with the pro Al-Qaeda group, Army of Islam, and one of its members was among the ten killed in the gun battle. Army of Islam was allegedly responsible for the abduction of BBC reporter Alan Johnston in 2007 and Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. Shalit still remains in captivity.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:

#1  So, call me when it's 11 hundred.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 09/17/2008 4:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Shalit still remains in custody

Wrong translation, it really reads
"Shalit's remains are still in custody"

(And will be as long as you Stoopid Joos will give us live folks for empty promises)
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 09/17/2008 10:41 Comments || Top||

#3  Gaza would be a great place to shoot a remake of Yojimbo.
Posted by: Penguin || 09/17/2008 10:55 Comments || Top||


Sri Lanka
Bus explosion injures 4 in Sri Lankan capital
(Xinhua) -- At least four civilians were slightly injured Tuesday afternoon when a civilian bus was exploded by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lankan capital Colombo, defense officials said.

Officials from the Media Center for National Security said the explosion happened inside a bus around 1:50 p.m. (0820 GMT) in central Colombo. No suspect has been arrested, the officials said, adding that the bus was seriously damaged.

Passengers immediately got off the bus and reached safety distance after an unattended parcel was found inside the bus and the parcel exploded within minutes, said the officials.

The military said the explosion was another attempt by Tamil Tiger rebels to cause mayhem in the island's capital when they are facing fierce assaults by the security forces in the northern Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:


Tamil Tigers kill 22 soldiers
Pro-rebel Tamilnet.com website, said that LTTE fighters had again beaten back a government assault in Kilinochchi district on Monday, killing 22 soldiers and wounding 53.

Tamil Tiger rebels set off a powerful bomb inside a public bus in the Sri Lankan capital yesterday, after Sri Lanka's president said his troops are on track to capture the rebel's northern capital. Four people were slightly hurt in the bombing and casualties were low because passengers had spotted a suspicious parcel and evacuated shortly before the explosion, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told AFP.

The force of the explosion shook buildings in the city centre, where security is tight because of fears of attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). "No doubt this explosion marks another LTTE attempt to cause mayhem in the island's capital, targeting innocent civilians, when it is facing fierce assaults by the security forces," the defence ministry said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment on the attack from the LTTE, blamed for a string of bomb attacks against public transport in recent months and currently on the defensive in the north.

The bombing came as the island's government, which pulled out of a Norwegian-brokered truce with the rebels in January, said it was on track to capture the rebels' political capital Kilinochchi by the end of the year.

Speaking to reporters late Monday, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse ruled out a new ceasefire and said troops were advancing "very satisfactorily." "I am happy. The military has made a lot of gains," he told members of the Foreign Correspondents' Association of Sri Lanka. "We will hopefully take Kilinochchi by December. The rest (of the north) as soon as possible. I can't give an exact time frame," he said.

The pro-rebel Tamilnet.com website, however, said Tuesday that LTTE fighters had again beaten back a government assault in Kilinochchi district on Monday, killing 22 soldiers and wounding 53.

However, the ministry said 18 rebels and three soldiers were killed on Monday, during fierce gun battles in the north. As the government steps up its offensive, it has also ordered aid workers to leave the north because it cannot guarantee their security.

The LTTE has warned of a "humanitarian crisis," and hundreds of civilians have been preventing UN aid staff from leaving.
Posted by: Fred || 09/17/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [5 views] Top|| File under:



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Two weeks of WOT
Wed 2008-09-17
  Odierno takes over as US commander in Iraq
Tue 2008-09-16
  Twelve Mauritanian troops dead in attack blamed on Al-Qaeda's North Africa wing
Mon 2008-09-15
  Pak Troops open fire at US military helicopters
Sun 2008-09-14
  Pakistan order to kill US invaders
Sat 2008-09-13
  30 dead, 90 injured as five blasts hit Indian capital
Fri 2008-09-12
  Kimmie recovering from brain surgery
Thu 2008-09-11
  Seven years. Never forgive, never forget, never ''understand.''
Wed 2008-09-10
  Head of al-Qaeda in Pakistain dead in Haqqani raid
Tue 2008-09-09
  Car boom attempt on Chalabi
Mon 2008-09-08
  Drones hit Haqqani compound
Sun 2008-09-07
  Mr. Ten Percent succeeds Perv as Pakistan president
Sat 2008-09-06
  Sauerland Group planned attacks in major cities
Fri 2008-09-05
  Lanka troops move to take LTTE capital
Thu 2008-09-04
  Fifteen killed in Pakistan in cross-border raid
Wed 2008-09-03
  Pakistan PM survives assassiation attempt


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