Hi there, !
Today Sun 03/23/2003 Sat 03/22/2003 Fri 03/21/2003 Thu 03/20/2003 Wed 03/19/2003 Tue 03/18/2003 Mon 03/17/2003 Archives
Rantburg
531695 articles and 1855968 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 57 articles and 244 comments as of 13:09.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area:                    
US missiles target Saddam
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
3 00:00 g wiz [1] 
1 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
0 [2] 
3 00:00 RW [] 
1 00:00 Crescend [1] 
3 00:00 Angie Schultz [2] 
0 [1] 
0 [] 
1 00:00 Mark [1] 
5 00:00 Brew [1] 
1 00:00 Steve White [1] 
1 00:00 matt [1] 
0 [] 
1 00:00 Capsu78 [1] 
5 00:00 Brew [1] 
1 00:00 Frank G [1] 
0 [1] 
0 [] 
1 00:00 Capsu78 [1] 
15 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
1 00:00 Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire [] 
7 00:00 Brew [1] 
0 [1] 
0 [1] 
7 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
5 00:00 JAB [] 
3 00:00 Rex Mundi [] 
21 00:00 Brew [1] 
3 00:00 Capsu78 [1] 
3 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
16 00:00 raptor [1] 
5 00:00 Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire [1] 
2 00:00 Dar Steckelberg [] 
13 00:00 Rupal [1] 
1 00:00 JDB [1] 
9 00:00 Brew [] 
0 [1] 
2 00:00 Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire [1] 
0 [] 
1 00:00 becky [1] 
5 00:00 liberalhawk [1] 
11 00:00 mhw [] 
8 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
0 [1] 
3 00:00 Anonymous [1] 
3 00:00 MommaBear [1] 
3 00:00 mojo [1] 
11 00:00 mjh [1] 
8 00:00 charlotte [1] 
18 00:00 becky [1] 
2 00:00 Steve [1] 
7 00:00 Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire [1] 
7 00:00 Ray [1] 
0 [1] 
5 00:00 Raj [1] 
10 00:00 edwardvt [1] 
2 00:00 Anonymous [] 
Afghanistan
Mullah Khaksar sez Afghans won't support Bad Guys' takeover
An attack on Iraq will have a bad impact on the situation in Afghanistan, according to Mullah Khaksar. Commenting on the looming American attack on Iraq, the [former] deputy interior minister from the Taleban era, Mullah Khaksar, told the Hindokosh correspondent in an interview, "I say that the issue of Iraq can still be solved through peace, and, if America carries out this attack, the processes of reconstruction, security, economic affairs and other aspects that have become the centre of attention of international affairs, would be affected. The assistance that Afghanistan was enjoying may be diverted to Iraq."
I think that's mostly what they're worrying about in Kabul right now...
Mullah Khaksar continued, "Those who oppose the present government may be waiting for America's involvement in Iraq so they can take advantage of it and create problems for the government of Afghanistan. But I think the expectations that the opposition has may not been fulfilled." Mullah Khaksar added, "The people of Afghanistan are weary of war and they would not allow anyone to wreck the country again."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 07:36 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


82nd On The Hunt in Afghanistan
About 1,000 U.S. troops launched a raid on villages in southeastern Afghanistan today, hunting for members of al Qaeda in the biggest U.S. operation here in just over a year. The operation began with an airborne assault southeast of Kandahar. Helicopters ferried troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the remote, mountainous area as the hunt for Osama bin Laden and his terrorist organization intensified. At Bagram air base, a statement said: "The White Devils of Coalition Task Force 82 began Operation Valiant Strike with an air assault at 6 a.m. this morning." The White Devils are a unit in the 82nd Airborne. "Valiant Strike will consist of offensive operations south east of Kandahar."

In Kandahar, a military spokesman, Lt. Cory Angell, said the operation was not timed to coincide with the start of a U.S.-led war against Iraq. "There is no connection between the two," he said. Angell declined to say how many troops were involved, but said it was at least as big as an operation carried out in the southern Helmand Valley last month. Radio transmissions had been detected coming from caves above the villages. There have been several raids on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the weeks since authorities captured Khalid Sheik Mohammed. Authorities have said some of the subsequent arrests came as a result of Mohammed's capture.

In southern Afghanistan, there have been increased attacks on Afghan government posts in recent weeks. The authorities have blamed remnants of Taliban and al Qaeda as well as Islamic militants loyal to of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a guerrilla leader and former Afghan prime minister labeled a terrorist by the United States.

Also in southern Afghanistan, gunmen identified as Taliban guerrillas ambushed an Afghan government post, killing three Afghan soldiers, a security official said today. The soldiers were ambushed early Wednesday at Sherabik post, near the Pakistani border, and their throats slit by attacking , said Abdul Razzak Panjshiri, security chief of the Afghan town of Spin Boldak. Five Taliban attackers were arrested, he said.
Soon to be deceased attackers.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 10:54 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  CNN is reporting that the "radio signals" were actually Al Queda operatives trying to resubmit there March Madness bracket picks. The chief of communications who was picked up last weekend was carrying all the picks,as well as the "points pot", and now morale is seriously low. "What if BYU has to change regional brackets... Even Allah won't be able to sort this out!"
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 9:39 Comments || Top||

#2  Actually, I think it was Geraldo trying to get his hooker and bar tab expenses into Fox HQ before
he goes into the hills to hunt Osama.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:45 Comments || Top||

#3  Oh, He(c)k, we're coming for you very, very soon!
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 15:26 Comments || Top||


Britain
Chirac is the harlot of France
Special edition of The Sun in Paris today
DEAR citizens of France, here is another message for you from The Sun newspaper in London, which is read by ten million British people every day. Yesterday, your Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin made an official complaint to Britain about strong language used in the British Parliament to condemn France's betrayal of the international community over Iraq.
"You ain't seen nuttin' yet..."
We at The Sun think that M Villepin was foolish to make his complaint. The whole civilised world, not just Britain, is disgusted with the way France's president and politicians have behaved over the Iraq crisis. Last month we accused your president, Jacques Chirac, of behaving like a worm in the way he was obstructing attempts to force Saddam Hussein to disarm. Today we say this to the people of France: We did not go far enough. Your president is not just a worm. He has behaved like a Paris harlot.
"You know, the ones with the pudgy hips and the pot bellies, that smell funny..."
Everyone knows that once the brave Allies have risked their lives liberating Iraq, Chirac will be first in line sniffing for lucrative business deals to rebuild this tragic nation. Yesterday M Villepin said the comments about France in the British Parliament were "not worthy" of a friend and ally. But how can we be friends and allies when your politicians act purely out of self-interest?
  • Was it WORTHY of your government to wreck last-minute attempts in the United Nations for a second resolution on Iraq?
  • Was it WORTHY of your government to have been so involved in building Iraq's military installations?
  • Was it WORTHY of your government to forget how thousands of brave Americans laid down their lives so the French people could be free of a dictator's tyranny?
Today, brave men and women are again risking their lives in war against a tyrant. But the French are nowhere to be seen. President Chirac has let you and your nation down. You must be deeply ashamed of him.
Posted by: Dominigo || 03/20/2003 10:59 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  According to Radio Free Europe, Chiraq made up his mind in January:

Some French analysts note that there has been little critical opinion expressed by their colleagues since January, when Chirac is said to have made up his mind to oppose all military action against Iraq. These analysts say that in many cases, voicing criticism would be considered a sign of disloyalty. They suggest that a number of their colleagues are engaging in what amounts to self-censorship.

Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 10:56 Comments || Top||

#2  Bravo for the Sun!
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 9:43 Comments || Top||

#3  Note to myself...change plans for vacation to south of France to of anywhere else they are a bunch of fuquers over there.
Posted by: Wills || 03/20/2003 9:45 Comments || Top||

#4  "French Citizenry welcome German Conquerors!"
"We kept your rooms just the way you left them"

From The Onions "Our Dumb Century" 1-26-2003
Posted by: Mike N. || 03/20/2003 9:46 Comments || Top||

#5  Today, brave men and women are again risking their lives in war against a tyrant. But the French are nowhere to be seen.

Oh, no! Not again!!
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:47 Comments || Top||

#6  I think it's inconsiderate to compare friendly and hard-working sex industry workers to that turd Chiraq. I would personally like to salute all the fine and talented prostitutes out there - you've got a tough job and many of us greatly appreciate your efforts!
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 03/20/2003 10:04 Comments || Top||

#7  They don't smell nearly as bad as the French either.
Posted by: Mike N. || 03/20/2003 10:44 Comments || Top||

#8  According to Radio Free Europe, Chiraq made up his mind in January:

Some French analysts note that there has been little critical opinion expressed by their colleagues since January, when Chirac is said to have made up his mind to oppose all military action against Iraq. These analysts say that in many cases, voicing criticism would be considered a sign of disloyalty. They suggest that a number of their colleagues are engaging in what amounts to self-censorship.

Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 10:56 Comments || Top||


Europe
Bomb Found at US Embassy in Berlin Was Fake
Berlin police received a phone call from an anonymous person this morning, claiming that a bomb had been planted in a box near the US embassy. However, analysis of the box, partly burnt by the robotic flame thrower of the Berlin police, has revealed that there was not actually any explosive device in the box at all. The press secretary for the Berlin police told journalists that the phone call must either have been a form of provocation or simply a bad joke. The police cordon around the US embassy, however, is still in place. This precautionary measure is being taken 'just in case' according to a police representative.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 07:56 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ...robotic flame thrower of the Berlin police...

That sounds all sorts of cool.
Posted by: Crescend || 03/20/2003 21:03 Comments || Top||


Traces of ricin found at Paris train station
Traces of the deadly poison ricin have been found in vials stashed in a locker at one of the main train stations in Paris, the first time it has been found on French soil. Police found the poison, which has been used before as a bioweapon, in two vials in a locker at the Gare de Lyon station on Monday after being alerted by a telephone call from the state railway company SNCF. The locker contained "two vials with a powder, a bottle filled with a liquid and two smaller bottles also containing a liquid," the French interior ministry said in a statement. The two smaller bottles contained "traces of ricin in a mix that turned out to be a very toxic poison," it said. Ricin is a naturally occurring toxin found in castor beans and is one of the most vicious naturally-occurring poisons. The discovery was made public by French authorities after the launch of the US-led war against Iraq but a source close to the investigation said it did not appear there was a link. A judicial source said tests of the substances in the bottles — discovered as part of a French security plan under which station lockers should be checked at least every three days — were expected to be completed in a few hours.
They're probably right that it's not connected to Iraq. It's connected to the same enemy, though...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 06:56 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This is how much I distrust the French: I'll wager a cold beer that the ricin was planted by the French gov't to curry favor with those portions of the Anglosphere pissed off at years of French duplicity. The French are saying "hey guys, don't forget we're valued allies in the war on terror, see what we found in the train station today?" This is only a hunch...a gut feeling I've got. I can't prove it. But can you really say the French would NEVER stoop to such a stunt?
Posted by: Mark || 03/20/2003 19:59 Comments || Top||


Germany dumps four Iraqi diplos
Germany has expelled four Iraqi diplomats for activities considered "incompatible with their diplomatic status", the foreign ministry announced on Wednesday. The ministry said the diplomats, who were not identified, had "been carrying out activities incompatible with their diplomatic status" and were asked on Tuesday to leave "at short notice".
"You! The guys with the turbans! Get the hell out!"
The phrase is diplomatic language for activities like monitoring members of the Iraqi opposition abroad or espionage. It was unclear whether any of the four had left Germany, but the DPA press agency reported that they had been given until midnight Wednesday to leave.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 06:45 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Far as I know, there's only one way to get them back into Baghdad:

"Okay, boys, here's yer parachutes! Out you go!!!"
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 19:10 Comments || Top||


Mullah Krekar busted in NÞrwåy
The Iraqi Kurdish leader of Ansar al-Islam was arrested in Norway on Thursday due to fears he would flee the country while under investigation. Mullah Krekar, who is living in Norway, is under investigation by Norwegian police over his links to the Ansar al-Islam (Supporters of Islam) group, which the United States labels a "terrorist group."
That's only because they like to "kill people." (Cheeze. Who wrote the Rooters stylebook?)
"Mullah Krekar was arrested by police today," Erling Grimstad, deputy director of Norway's financial crime unit told Reuters. "It has to do with possible crimes committed in relation to Ansar al-Islam." He said Krekar, who is wanted by Jordan on drugs charges, was arrested because police were "afraid that he would flee." He said an Oslo court would rule on Friday whether there were grounds for Krekar's continued detention. He has enjoyed refugee status in Norway since 1991 but the government has said it wants to expel him due to concerns over national security. Krekar told Dutch television NOS on Wednesday U.S. troops were facing the threat of suicide bombers from his group's guerrillas in Kurdish-held northern Iraq, where Ansar al-Islam has its foothold.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 03:37 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  See parachute comment above and availability on B52's flying somewhat near the Jordan border? I say let's drop this sack of sh*t into Jordan with a lit flare in his ass like a birthday candle, with or without a parachute...the entertainment value alone might make his existence acceptable
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 21:40 Comments || Top||


Germany Holds Five Attack Suspects as War Starts
German prosecutors said on Thursday they had detained five people who they suspected were planning an attack in Germany to coincide with the start of the U.S.-led war against Iraq. Federal prosecutors said in a statement they were investigating the five unnamed persons on suspicion of forming an "Islamist terrorist association" with the aim of recruiting Arab students and planning bomb attacks in Germany. "There are indications that the suspects possibly would use the beginning of the war in Iraq as an opportunity to carry out an attack," the statement said. It said this had prompted prosecutors to raid six buildings in Berlin, including the Al-Nur mosque and offices of the Islamic Community in Berlin. The prosecutors said the raids aimed to find evidence on links between the group's members and on attack plans, and to thwart a possible strike. Police were questioning the suspects and would then decide whether to present them to a judge.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 02:08 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  And appeasement works?
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire || 03/20/2003 18:40 Comments || Top||


Jerry Rigged
A Jerry Lewis hoax fools French President Chirac. A Los Angeles radio DJ posing as the American comedian discusses the war in Iraq with France's leader
President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac may not be phone pals anymore, but that didn't stop Chirac from discussing Saddam Hussein, the war in Iraq, and other serious issues with another famous American: Jerry Lewis.
It must SUCK being Jacques Chiraq today...
Except it turns out that the man who had a five-minute phone conversation with Chirac last week wasn't Lewis, but rather a Los Angeles DJ impersonating the comedian. A source at KROQ 106.7 confirms that ''Kevin and Bean Show'' entertainment reporter Ralph Garman got through to Chirac by claiming to be France's most loved American funnyman — a prank that has the real Lewis considering legal action. ''Jerry is outraged that this impersonation occurred, especially at this critical time in the conduct of foreign policy,'' Alan Isaacman, Lewis' attorney, tells EW.com. ''These are life and death matters, and the last thing that's needed is someone getting involved in this situation in a false manner. It's reprehensible and irresponsible, and we intend to pursue the appropriate remedies.'' (KROQ declined to comment on the hoax.)
Jerry, if Jacquo didn't have his head up his ass, they never could've pulled this off. Why don't you sue him? Afraid they'll pull your "genius" staus?
EW.com procured a tape of the phone call, during which Chirac assured Garman, ''I recognize your voice, no doubt about that'' and talked freely about why he isn't supporting an attack on Iraq, noting, ''The resolution [Bush] wanted to send [to the United Nations] a few days ago says [Iraq] has one week before the attack, and that is not reasonable, you know... In fact, the United States has already won the war, because Saddam now accepts [sic] to be disarmed from the inspectors. They've won.''
I think Villepin used the same words, just a few days ago...
Chirac also expressed appreciation for at least one of Bush's prewar tactics: ''Without the boys [the military] sent over there, we would not have had the result of Saddam accepting to disarm. But now that we've achieved that, we can avoid war. The United States has to be very careful, because if people hold this against them, it's not good for the equilibrium of the world.'' Chirac then invited the faux Lewis to visit him in Paris, noting, ''Understand one thing: France and I will always be friends with America, even if we have two different views of this problem.''
and Daschle says diplomacy has failed....
Although the phone call got Lewis an invite to the French presidential palace, it violates FCC regulations, which mandate that the caller must notify the other party if a phone conversation is to be broadcast. ''We can't speak about a case directly, but the violation of this rule has caused us to take action against other radio stations in the past,'' an FCC spokesman tells EW.com.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 11:03 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Fifth Column
A few in military refuse to fight ’wrong war’
Do these people really expect to be taken seriously? You're in the military! They fight wars! You volunteered! I got more respect for Rachel Corrie then these assholes...
When Travis Clark joined the U.S. military at age 19, it seemed like a good way to travel and pay for college. It was 1996, the country was at peace, and Clark signed on for an eight-year hitch.
I thought it was, like, the Job Corps... with guns.
Now, with a year left on his contract, the Marine reservist from Plantation, Fla., says he won't go if his unit is called to serve in a war against Iraq. He is adding his voice to a small chorus of like-minded military personnel who say they will not fight for a cause they do not support. ''This war is the wrong war,'' says Clark, 25. ''I can't put myself into the position of going into another country and forcing them to defend themselves against me.''
I believe Travis's idea of the "right war" would be one he wouldn't have to fight in.
Unlike during the Vietnam War era, when hundreds of thousands of men dodged the draft or sought the status of conscientious objector, today's military is composed solely of volunteers. About 2.7 million men and women serve in active-duty and reserve forces.It's uncertain how many say their conscience won't allow them to fight in Iraq. Last year, 29 people were discharged from the military as conscientious objectors. But peace groups say a hotline that counsels members of the military against war logged more than 3,500 calls in January, double its usual monthly average.''I don't think there is anything cowardly about standing up and saying, 'I won't be a part of this,' '' says Bill Galvin of the Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D.C.
Oh, sure there is...
Then don't enlist for the bennys and bitch when the bill comes due...
Critics say a person who volunteers for the military and discovers an aversion to war on the brink of invading Iraq is being disingenuous at best and cowardly at worst. The government does recognize that views can change over the course of military service. Those who can prove a religious, ethical or moral opposition to all wars may apply for a discharge or transfer to a non-combat job as a conscientious objector. But the criteria for such cases are difficult. Those who don't receive such status but refuse to fight can face court-martial and penalties from dishonorable discharge to prison.
A firing squad would be appropriate at this stage...
Pro- and anti-war sentiment divided the USA during the Vietnam War. From 1965 to 1973, 2.15 million people served in Vietnam. About 170,000 people earned status as conscientious objectors. Many thousands of others burned their draft cards. At least 40,000 fled the country, and others served time in prison. In 1977, President Carter granted amnesty to many war resisters.
There's that name again. He's done so many great things...
Opposition to a war in Iraq is a trickle compared with the Vietnam War era. Peace activists from the '60s are among those advising current military members how to follow their conscience and avoid war. ''I have no sympathy for Saddam Hussein. He's a blight on his people. But this war makes no sense,'' says Michael Simmons, 57, of the American Friends Service Committee, part of the Quaker religion.
..."but". The most important word in Leftyese. Wonder what's it's like to live in a time warp?
Simmons was imprisoned in 1969 for 2 years for refusing to be drafted to fight in Vietnam. He says most servicemembers now wrestling with the possibility of killing Iraqis had joined the military for travel, self-improvement and other benefits promised by recruiters. ''I see these young kids who are going to be suffering from this for years to come — if they're lucky enough to come out alive. And that's not even to mention the effect on the Iraqi people,'' says Simmons, whose older brother, Reginald, served in Vietnam. ''It pains my heart.''
Take some Tums and STFU...
Few hotline callers are willing to speak out about avoiding a war in Iraq. But Clark has some company in his public stance for peace:
  • Michael Sudbury, 27, a former Army Reserve staff sergeant, called a news conference last month in Salt Lake City to say he wouldn't go when his unit deployed to a war in Iraq. Sudbury's military discharge, delayed because of the pending conflict, came through a day before his planned announcement.
  • Travis Burnham, 24, an Army photojournalist at Fort Drum in Upstate New York, applied in January for conscientious objector status. The Army is considering his application. The process, which includes a psychiatric interview, can take up to six months. Burnham's older brother, Taylor, is an Army combat engineer in Kuwait. Their mother keeps a yellow ribbon on her door for Taylor and a protest sign on her wall for Travis.
    Well, good for you, mom! Way to take a stand!
Dave Wiggins, 40, a physician and father of two who lives in High Point, N.C., has also counseled military personnel on avoiding war. A graduate of West Point who served as an Army captain and flight surgeon, he wound up with a dishonorable discharge and a $25,000 fine after he refused to take part in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. After his conscientious objector application was denied, Wiggins staged a hunger strike, endured death threats and finally stripped off his uniform and stopped military traffic heading to the front lines.
This guy should be shot.
''It had become obvious to me that the military was more a political tool than white knights in shining armor going off to save democracy,'' Wiggins says.
...but I must admit, serving did cut down on those med school bills. Even with the fine, I still came out ahead.
His father told him he had brought such shame to the family that he didn't feel right hanging the American flag outside their home.
Good for you, dad. But I'm sure Doc Dave could've cared less.
About 500 servicemembers filed for conscientious objector status during the Persian Gulf War, according to the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress. Peace groups say as many as three times that number refused to fight, and many served prison sentences up to 18 months.
Specifics, please. Cases, numbers? Until I see that, I say bullshit. None of this lefty generalist garbage.
There have been conscientious objectors as long as there have been wars. In the Civil War, 4,000 soldiers whose religious beliefs prohibited killing for any reason served in unarmed positions. During World War II, 42,000 conscientious objectors refused to fight. Many went to prison, but 25,000 served in non-combat jobs, and 12,000 were placed in work camps. They volunteered to help in mental institutions and to serve in experiments on contracting pneumonia and the flu.
The ones who actually had religious or ethical beliefs and weren't cowards served in non-combatant roles, such as stretcher bearers.
Some in today's all-volunteer force question those who enlisted but now don't want to go. Says Navy Lt. Cmdr. Pauline Storum: ''When you sign up and raise your right hand to serve your country, you don't really get the option of rolling over one morning and saying, 'I'm not going to go to work today,' ''
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 01:12 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Any of 'em named Slovik? Eddie Slovik?...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 13:15 Comments || Top||

#2  here in San Diego the American Friends Service Committee has dedicated themselves to assisting illegal aliens in their trek into the country out of "humanitarian" reasons - they're garbage
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 13:36 Comments || Top||

#3  And that's why to cry CO just before you're about to be sent to battle, when all this time you've kept quiet, is cowardly.
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 15:01 Comments || Top||

#4  I posted an article about that Travis Burnham a week or so ago. I can not figure these people out! Do they think they're going to summer camp? That they're joining the Boy Scouts?

There's no room for this crap in a VOLUNTEER military.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 12:49 Comments || Top||

#5  I remember. I believe the concensus was...he's the dumb one.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 12:53 Comments || Top||

#6  Any of 'em named Slovik? Eddie Slovik?...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 13:15 Comments || Top||

#7  here in San Diego the American Friends Service Committee has dedicated themselves to assisting illegal aliens in their trek into the country out of "humanitarian" reasons - they're garbage
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 13:36 Comments || Top||

#8  A good solution for these volunteer "conscientious objectors" would be to garnish their wages until they have paid back all that the military has spent on them. That ON TOP of a dishonorable discharge.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 03/20/2003 13:49 Comments || Top||

#9  They're nothing but cowards.
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 13:58 Comments || Top||

#10  I used to belong to the Church whose members are mentioned here as either serving as medics or as medical guinea pigs during WW II. The counsel of the Church is to file IMMEDIATELY for CO status the moment you're drafted, AND to apply for medically related services.

And they weren't cowards. One was Desmond T. Doss, a Medal of Honor winner.

The whole situation changes when there's a volunteer army, however. The Church said they couldn't help anyone or vouch for anyone who volunteered for the military, since that was totally inconsistent with a belief system worthy of CO status.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:31 Comments || Top||

#11  And that's why to cry CO just before you're about to be sent to battle, when all this time you've kept quiet, is cowardly.
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 15:01 Comments || Top||

#12  I hope his comrades send him white feathers with their calling cards - just like they did in the movie.

I say let him out with a dishonorable discharge after finishing out his contract (unpaid) in the brig. Let him rot away one full year of his 20's. Would you want to fight with this guy covering your back?

With a dishonorable discharge following him FOR LIFE, even if he manages to scrape his way through college, with the menial tasks available to him, he'll quickly discover that a good number of jobs, credit and self-respect will forever be beyond his grasp.

I say give him the albatross - he deserves it.
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 15:20 Comments || Top||

#13  One would have to be extremely dumb to NOT realize the military's sole purpose is to fight wars, either in defense of your country, or in aid of another country's liberation or defense. I can't think how anyone could not come to that conclusion. If one was a CO, they shouldn't volunteer. There's no draft. If I were young and healthy, I'd love to be over there with them as part of the troops too.
Posted by: mog || 03/20/2003 15:55 Comments || Top||

#14  What a fun thread! I've received two emails from a SFC(R) C.J. Townsend attacking me, not only for my comment, but the comments of others on this article!

She says, "I have news for you, pal, anybody who can endure a few years in today's Army of One deserves a little college money for his or her troubles."

Well, I agree. But I also think if they're joining just for the college money, they think they can pick and choose what orders they're going to follow, and they can just walk out when they feel like it, they're morons.

It's the military. The military is called upon to fight wars. It's not a democracy.

If they want college money and won't fight when ordered, they can work at McDonald's and/or get student loans.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 18:32 Comments || Top||

#15  -they can work at McDonald's and/or get student loans.-

And there's always the 5-7 year plan.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/21/2003 1:00 Comments || Top||

#16  "SFC(R) C.J."
Hey d-ass,When you ask to join a Volentary military.You had better expect to go to war,you don't have the luxuary to say"I quit"and slither home,without faceing serious consequiences.
The military pays's matching funds in college money,why should the military pay these cowards for violateing thier contract.
Posted by: raptor || 03/21/2003 7:09 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Five killed in tribal clash
Five tribesmen were killed and as many others injured in an armed clash between two rival groups of Kahri and Sawand tribes in Nasirabad district, on Wednesday evening. According to reports, 15 people of Kahri tribe were kidnapped by their opponents when they were travelling in a passenger bus. The armed men of both the tribes took position against each other and started firing with heavy weapons, including rockets. The clash resulted in five casualties on both sides. Five others sustained injuries. The injured were admitted to Lahri Hospital. The local administration rushed to the spot with a contingent of levies. They have been deployed in the area to avert any further skirmish. The law enforcement agencies have launched a hunt to recover the kidnapped persons.
Still business as usual and traditional festivities in Pakland...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 06:39 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Underworld Don’s links to the Pakistani Establishment
Whether the Pakistani government denies it or not, it is an open secret that Mumbai's underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim lives in housing provided by the Defense Housing Authority in Karachi. The government of Pakistan always denied his presence in the country, but he is very much heard and seen by everybody in Karachi. The Karachi Building Control Authority infers his influence from the presence of a queue of majestic high-rise buildings in Shahrah-i-Faisal, a neighborhood in which such high-rises are explicitly banned. Whenever authorities move to demolish these illegal buildings, "instructions" come from certain "quarters" not to do so. Later, it is quietly revealed to the right officials that the buildings belong to "big brothers".

Pakistan lost its fortune in cricket mainly because of gambling. Dawood "Bhai" (brother), as he is fondly remembered, is the biggest patron of gambling in cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tries to be vigilant in obstructing this evil, but it is hard when the "big fishes" - including PCB chairman Lieutenant-General Tauqir Zia - feel free to visit Dawood Ibrahim in his nonexistent housing. Sources say the situation became unmanageable after a security agency detained a few people involved in the Sheraton bomb blast last year in which 11 French engineers were killed. The security agency had clear evidence implicating people surrounding Ibrahim, when sudden instructions came from "concerned quarters" that these boys were not involved in this heinous crime, and the agency should instead focus on the militant group Lashkar-i-Jhangvi. Sources maintain that some persons arrested belong to Dawood Ibrahim's gang.

Two years ago, Karachi was buzzing with the news of possible gang wars as the notorious underworld leader Shoaib Khan (Dawood Ibrahim's reputed associate in Karachi) kidnapped his own partner Ibrahim Bholo and murdered him. They had apparently differed a shipment of smuggled containers to South Africa in which some consignments filled with drugs were caught by immigration authorities. Shoaib Khan initially disappeared, only to re-emerge after some time had passed. He was briefly arrested by police, but later was let go. The Military Intelligence (MI) unit reported to Musharraf that Shoaib Khan had been seen in the Askari apartment building in Karachi, where army officers are housed, along with the provincial chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (Sindh), who is a serving brigadier along with other police officials. There they reportedly enjoy "live shows" and gamble.
Posted by: Paul Moloney || 03/20/2003 11:27 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  So he's like the Moe Greene of Pakistan?
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:16 Comments || Top||

#2  We can only hope he ends up like Moe did.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 10:56 Comments || Top||


Iraq
16 believed killed as chopper goes down in Kuwait
Severely edited.

U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles bombarded targets in Baghdad for a second day Thursday, and U.S. ground forces crossed into Iraq from Kuwait. The forces encountered little resistance as they skirmished with Iraqi troops in the south. But U.S. military officials told NBC News that 16 U.S. and British troops were believed to have been killed when a U.S. Marine helicopter went down inside Kuwait.

DETAILS OF THE crash were sketchy, but the officials said the helicopter was a CH-46 Sea Knight medium-lift craft that did not come under hostile fire.

The helicopter carried 16 personnel — a U.S. air crew and British commandos. The number of each was not immediately known.

The casualties would be the first among coalition forces known to have occurred since the United States began its attack on Iraq on Thursday morning.
We knew this could happen, but it doesn't make it any easier to take. Go with God, guys.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 09:14 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It hurts to think about these brave men lost. We honor your sacrifice---for us.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 22:08 Comments || Top||

#2  Four brave US crewmen and twelve brave and stalwart UK allies. May your sacrifice not be in vain.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 23:27 Comments || Top||

#3  All of them heroes brave enough to sacrifice their lives to help protect the whole world (including France and Germany) by trying to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands. They deserve the highest honors.

Posted by: g wiz || 03/20/2003 23:36 Comments || Top||


More on the reputed negotiations
Severely edited to just the new stuff

Launching what President Bush called “the early stages of the war,” U.S. warships began firing missiles Thursday on Baghdad and continued into Friday morning. In a ground offensive launched Thursday from Kuwait, U.S. and British troops moved into southern Iraq, reportedly capturing a border town.

U.S. officials emphasized that the action was not the major “shock and awe” attack they had vowed to unleash. NBC News reported that U.S. forces appeared to be holding back because the Pentagon was pursuing surrender talks with Iraq’s elite Republican Guard.
Aha.
The offensive began after the Defense Department warned that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s days were numbered. In Baghdad, missiles hit Saddam’s sprawling main palace complex on the banks of the Tigris River, as well as one of his family homes.

Fires broke out around the Planning Ministry in the center of Baghdad, and other blazes could be seen in the southeast of the city. Firefighters and ambulances were at the scene. One of the buildings housed an office of Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz.
You might think about heading north now, Tariq.
A senior U.S. official told NBC News’ Robert Windrem that the targets included strongholds of the Republican Guard, Iraq’s special security organization, which is run by Saddam’s son Qusai.

Still, the second round of attacks on Baghdad lasted only about 10 minutes, with dozens of U.S. bombs and missiles raining down on a handful of leadership targets. The all-clear siren sounded later, and the city fell quiet except for the roar of generators.

NBC News’ Jim Miklaszewski reported Thursday from the Pentagon that the short, intensive attacks suggested that the Pentagon’s campaign of “shock and awe” had turned into “shock and pause” as military officials stepped back to assess just how far they would have to go to achieve the ultimate objective: taking out Saddam.

After the first two days of airstrikes, Pentagon officials said serious cracks in the Iraqi regime had led to secret surrender talks with Iraqi military leaders.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the United States was talking directly to Iraqi military leaders, even those in the Special Republican Guard, who are drawn from the elite Republican Guard corps and are noted for their loyalty to Saddam.
That'll twist Sammy's shorts, if of course he's still alive.
The Iraqis were being told that they could avoid all-out war if they took out Saddam themselves, Rumsfeld said. “There are communications in every conceivable mode and method, public and private, to the Iraqi forces that they can act with honor and turn over their weapons and walk away from them and they will not be hurt,” Rumsfeld told reporters Thursday night in Washington.
If Sammy's really dead, this might be the start of the collapse.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 09:07 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  -- Iraq’s elite Republican Guard.--

Won't Iraq be better off w/these guys dead?

I see even more trouble in the future.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/21/2003 1:05 Comments || Top||


Iraq Does Not Intend to Carry Out Terrorist Acts in Other Countries
The Iraqi government opposes acts of terrorism carried out against innocent civilians of any country. As a Rosbalt correspondent reports, this was announced by Iraqi Ambassador to Russia Abbas Halaf today. He also emphasised that Iraq has no intention of retaliating against the UAE, Israel or Kuwait, despite the well-known fact that all these countries have pro-American leaders.
Those were actually gift packs that were launched at Kuwait today, mostly cheese logs, but some nice salamis...
However, the Iraqi ambassador stressed that 'the behaviour of the US will lead to more international terrorism. By going against the United Nations the US has adopted a state policy of terrorism. Such a country is capable of doing anything,' said Mr Halaf. The ambassador also believes that the war will be 'long and exhausting and will bring an end to the era of US hegemony in the world. War is not a walk in the park, 'dear yankees',' the ambassador concluded.
He's right, you know. I can feel my hegemony slipping away, even as we speak blog...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 08:00 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Such a country is capable of doing anything,' said Mr Halaf.


Yes, Mr. Halaf, we are capable of doing anything. But just because we are capable of doing it does not mean that we will do it. You do not have the corrupt UN's skirts to hide behind any more. Enjoy your new home away from home, because the new Iraqi govt will probably not want you back, and, depending upon what you did on the side, may put a price on your precious little melon. Have a nice day.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 20:29 Comments || Top||

#2  By going against the United Nations the US has adopted a state policy of terrorism.

Like China, Russia, and France? And every other country on the security council?
Posted by: g wiz || 03/20/2003 20:42 Comments || Top||

#3  "Such a country is capable of doing anything"
Belieeeeve it!
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 22:09 Comments || Top||


Negotiations Under Way Between U.S., Iraqi Militaries
Pentagon officials say secret negotiations are under way between U.S. and Iraqi military officials, including with the Republican Guard.
CBS news was reporting this on the radio earlier. I haven't heard anymore on it. It's reputed to be the reason the "shock and awe" portion has been put off...

Link requires membership. Sorry...
Posted by: scott || 03/20/2003 07:41 pm || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Link's busted.
Posted by: Parabellum || 03/20/2003 19:39 Comments || Top||

#2  sorry about the link- it does require a membership fee- makes sense in a way- same site is also reporting heavy aerial bombardment of Mosul.
Posted by: scott || 03/20/2003 19:49 Comments || Top||

#3  Well, here's a Fox News link.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,81671,00.html

The headline on the main page right now, that leads to this link says "Officials: Iraqi Troops Talking of Surrender", but there's not much about that in the article.

(Dang it, these links aren't working again!)
Posted by: Angie Schultz || 03/20/2003 20:05 Comments || Top||


First Iraqi Town Falls to Allies
March 21, 2003, 12:55 AM
US and British troops invading from Kuwait seized the Iraqi border town of Umm Qasr yesterday. The town is the only major sea port for goods to enter Iraq. It is some 50 km (30 miles) south of Basra, which US military sources say will be a first target for invading forces. However, neither the Iraqis nor the British would officially confirm that the town had fallen. Earlier, the US troops began a sustained bombardment of Iraqi positions in southern Iraq last night, unleashing the awesome fire power from artillery brought into position from Kuwait the previous day. According to a Kuwaiti official, Kuwaiti forces were involved in ongoing clashes yesterday with Iraqi troops on the border between the two countries.

Followup:
FoxNews is reporting "huge" explosions inside or near Basra. No details on what's causing them... Umm Qasr is reported secured...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 08:43 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq Bitches to U.N. About War
Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations said on Thursday he wrote a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan maintaining that the U.S.-led attack against his country was a violation of international law. The letter, Ambassador Mohammed Aldouri told Reuters Television, would quote President Bush, saying "that he started the war." Aldouri said he wanted the United Nations to show it was adhering to its charter. "This is a war of aggression ... a violation of international law," he said. At the same time the United States, Britain and Australia, the three nations with troops preparing to invade Iraq, were writing a letter to the U.N. Security Council giving the official justification of their actions, diplomats of the three countries said.
Dear Kofi,

We are going to beat the crap out of Sammy.

(signed)
The USA, Britain and Australia
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 06:52 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  PS: If you send a bunch of Belgian blue helmets to try and stop us we'll beat the crap out of them too.
Posted by: jrosevear || 03/20/2003 19:07 Comments || Top||

#2  jrosevear..without Allied supports and funds, the best the blue helmets could do would be to send a few trucks of food to a border where they would sit and wait for hostilities to die down. And even if they did get close to battle, all they know how to is observe it.
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 19:24 Comments || Top||

#3  "Make 'em stop blowing up our stuff, Kofi. What are we paying you for?" Sounds like we're not the only country dissatisfied with the UN.
Posted by: Christopher Johnson || 03/20/2003 19:35 Comments || Top||

#4  Years ago, Mad magazine had an article of headlines you never will see. One of them was "UN Solves Crisis"
Posted by: mhw || 03/20/2003 20:11 Comments || Top||

#5  Actually Iraq was pleading to the United Nations for one last shipment of Jerry Lewis tapes from France.Beta would be fine.
Posted by: Brew || 03/21/2003 1:28 Comments || Top||


US warplanes destroy Iraqi artillery
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that US aircraft had destroyed 10 Iraqi artillery pieces in southern Iraq. These artillery pieces, the Pentagon said, could have "obstructed" US-led forces in their advance on Baghdad. "This is part of the final preparatory move before the invasion begins," a Pentagon official told reporters. Pentagon officials said US-led forces would roll back or destroy any Iraqi military presence in the southern no fly zone, a 500-km stretch of desert which goes straight to Baghdad. US and British soldiers are likely to use this route on their way to Baghdad after the invasion begins. "We want to make this stretch of land completely safe for (invading) U.S. and British forces," a Pentagon official said.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 06:41 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It doesn't say anything about troops, just the hardware. I'll bet there's a trail of footprints in the sand, heading south.

And check out the almost apologetic tone. As though anticipating the question, "What had these artillery pieces ever done to you? How do you know they weren't artillery PEACEs?"
Posted by: matt || 03/20/2003 19:50 Comments || Top||


PLF thug iced in Bagdad bombing
In Lebanon the Palestine Liberation Front announced that one of its officers, 1st Lt. Ahmed Walid Raguib al-Baz, was killed in the missile attacks on Iraq. The PLF was responsible for seizing the Italian liner Achille Lauro and the murder of one of its passengers, Leon Klinghoffer, in 1985.
Seems like you can't drop a bomb chuck a rock in Baghdad without hitting a Bad Guy...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 04:21 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  1st Lt. ? Spare me....this guy was in noway a soldier. He was a thug. Got what he had comin' to him too.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 16:28 Comments || Top||

#2  1st Lt. ? Spare me....this guy was in noway a soldier. He was a thug. Got what he had comin' to him too.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 16:28 Comments || Top||

#3  "Instant Karma"
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 03/20/2003 17:14 Comments || Top||

#4  I think I'm now in shock & awe; we just started yesterday...wonders never cease!
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 18:13 Comments || Top||

#5  Hopefully he was giving Saddam a foot rub at the time.
Posted by: Brew || 03/21/2003 1:32 Comments || Top||


Kuwaitis return Iraq fire at border
Kuwaiti forces have been involved in clashes with Iraqi troops on the border between the two countries. "Our units in the north have been shot at by small arms fire, 50-calibre (weaponry), then mortar fire," Brigadier General Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Othman said. He said Kuwaiti soldiers "returned fire". He refused to say how long the skirmishes had been going on for but confirmed they were "still going on".
Welcome to the dance.
The air raid sirens in Kuwait unnerved an already shaken country that experienced a series of attacks launched only hours after the United States fired its first salvos on Iraq. Kuwait's main highways and roads were virtually deserted as most residents diligently followed defence ministry instructions to stay indoors and monitor events closely. In the initial wave of strikes, two missiles with a 99-kilometre range fell into the Mutlaa desert a ministry statement broadcast on Kuwait television and radio said. Each missile carried conventional warheads. About two hours later the Ministry announced three more missiles had hit Kuwait, one of them intercepted over the western Kuwait Bay, close to the capital. The sirens sounded again and the Ministry said a sixth missile had arrived. It remains unclear whether all the missiles were scuds but none landed in the city and all are said to have carried conventional warheads. One was shot down by a Patriot missile. There were no reports of injuries from the initial missile strikes which hit north of the town of Jahra. "It looks like a Chinese-made surface-to-surface missile, probably fired from (Iraq's) al-Faw peninsula," a Kuwaiti defence official said. "It seems they were trying to hit the American camp at Doha but missed," he added referring to a large US-run military facility north of Kuwait City.
Fox is reporting a US cruise missile malfunctioned and crashed near a Kuwait oil facility. No major damage.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 03:16 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Turkish And U.S. Military Officials Meet Over Rules
Turkish and U.S. military officials started on Thursday discussing scope and implementation of the prime ministry motion on sending Turkish troops abroad and opening Turkish airspace to foreign armed forces' planes. The discussions started at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before approval of the motion.
Gee, you'd think they knew it was going to pass or something.
The sides have been trying to determine principles and methods regarded with implementation of the issue, which are included in scope of the motion.
Translation: U.S. and Turkish military are deciding just how big the loopholes are.
The prime ministry motion which was approved by the Parliamentary General Assembly on Thursday gives the government authority on sending Turkish troops abroad and opening Turkish airspace to foreign armed forces' planes for six months. The motion asked the Parliament to approve sending Turkish Armed Forces to Northern Iraq in a way whose content, limit and time would be determined by the government, and using these forces in Northern Iraq within principles that would be determined when necessary in order to maintain an effective deterrence.
Let's not bite off more than we can chew, please?
The motion also asked the Parliament to allow the government for 6 months to make necessary arrangements for usage of Turkish air space by air elements belonging to foreign armed forces within principles and rules determined by Turkish authorities in a possible military operation.
6 months is more than enough. I need to hear more on the use of Incirlik, can we still cover the northern no-fly zone from there?
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 03:17 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Regarding airbases, I was wondering if we should consider renaming the "Saddam International Airport" "George W Bush International" featuring non stop service to "George H Bush International" in Houston? ...
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 14:54 Comments || Top||


U.S. Missile Hits Saddam Family Home - Iraqi Radio
A U.S. missile hit one of the family homes of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Thursday but there were no casualties, Iraqi radio said. It said the missile had hit the home early on Thursday, during the first wave of U.S. attacks.
"Knock knock!"
"Who's there?"
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 02:04 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ouday can you see...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 14:56 Comments || Top||

#2  "Tommy"
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 14:14 Comments || Top||

#3  Ouday can you see...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 14:56 Comments || Top||

#4  Tommy who ????
A TOMMMMMMY GUNNNNNNNN......
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 15:02 Comments || Top||

#5  "Tommy Hawk! BOOM!"
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 15:06 Comments || Top||

#6  Tommy can you hear me
Posted by: Hudson || 03/20/2003 15:57 Comments || Top||

#7  Wonder if that's covered under his home owners policy.
Posted by: Brew || 03/21/2003 1:37 Comments || Top||


Fires Rage in City
The United States attacked key targets in Baghdad with cruise missiles on Thursday, setting government buildings on fire in a ferocious assault to destroy the rule of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Eyewitnesses in the Iraqi capital reported several explosions near government buildings as cruise missiles swooped down, shaking the city with massive explosions. There was relatively little Iraqi anti-aircraft fire. Reuters reporter Nadim Ladki said missiles flew in at a very low altitude and hit several targets. He could see buildings ablaze in the southeast of the city and around the planning ministry in the center of the Baghdad. Fire fighters and ambulances were driving to the scene but U.S. television networks showed the flames roaring out of control and smoke rising high into the night sky.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 02:02 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


US forces one km from Basra
From IRNA, for whatever it's worth
Tehran, March 20, IRNA -- the Supreme Assembly of Islamic Revolution in Iraq reported a short while ago that the US forces are now one kilometer from Basra.
Makin' good time. That's promising.
Sources close to Supreme Assembly of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SAIRI) said the US troops are likely to launch ground offensives on the city imminently.
Yeah, that's what they're there for.
The sources say the US forces prefer to launch attacks at night. Basra is a Shiite inhabited province south of Iraq near the Persian Gulf.
Posted by: jrosevear || 03/20/2003 03:24 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq to treat U.S. troops as mercenaries
Information Minister Mohammed Said Sahhaf declared Thursday that Iraq will treat U.S. and British prisoners of war as mercenaries over whom no international law applies. Sahhaf, speaking to journalists, said the U.S.-led air attack early Thursday local time coincided with dawn prayers. "At that time exactly, the mercenaries dropped their bombs and missiles on our country and peaceful people, challenging the international community and international laws."
Terrible. Just terrible. We should be so ashamed... Why, oh why, can't I feel ashamed?
The United States and Britain, Sahhaf told journalists, were the "tyrants of the century and criminals who committed the stupidity of attacking Iraq and its peaceful people." He vowed that the U.S. and British invaders will face a ferocious war that will end with their defeat and Iraq's victory.
I thught I just felt some shame, but then I decided it was the chili...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 01:57 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Wasn't that the Information Ministers office that just got lit up an hour ago. I wouldn't get too personal discussing the "infidels" that are racing up Route 80... There may be no "halal hotdogs" or prayer mats left for you when you get checked into your new digs later this week. The "mecenaries" do have some nice plastic slippers and "no vision" googles waiting for you however...
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 14:05 Comments || Top||

#2  sounds like Information Minister Mohammed Said Sahhaf just volunteered to be shot "while escaping"
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 14:03 Comments || Top||

#3  Wasn't that the Information Ministers office that just got lit up an hour ago. I wouldn't get too personal discussing the "infidels" that are racing up Route 80... There may be no "halal hotdogs" or prayer mats left for you when you get checked into your new digs later this week. The "mecenaries" do have some nice plastic slippers and "no vision" googles waiting for you however...
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 14:05 Comments || Top||

#4  Do they have enough lamp posts in Baghdad for these guys?
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 14:07 Comments || Top||

#5  Information Minister Mohammed Said Sahhaf declared Thursday that Iraq will treat U.S. and British prisoners of war as mercenaries over whom no international law applies.

It's pretty obvious that Hussein's Iraq is a place where NO law applies. At least, no law other than Saddam's.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 03/20/2003 14:46 Comments || Top||

#6  I think that it is time for the infomation ministry to go just like Azzizzzzzez office. Foreign corresponents better get back and get out the heavy lenses. Interview time is over.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 16:16 Comments || Top||

#7  --He vowed that the U.S. and British invaders will face a ferocious war that will end with their defeat and Iraq's victory.--

Well, we're waiting.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/21/2003 1:11 Comments || Top||


Kurds requested by Coalition to mobilize their forces
Fox News reports that the Coalition has requested that the two Kurdish Parties mobilize their armies and join the Coalition flag in the liberation of Iraq.
"The coin has landed in favor of the Kurds and against our NATO allies, the powerful Turks..."
Posted by: Brian || 03/20/2003 01:50 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Turkey has hardly proven itself a NATO ally. Their current govt. botched this bigtime.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 14:33 Comments || Top||

#2  It's finally time for the Kurds to be more than just in his way (whey).
Posted by: Dishman || 03/20/2003 14:04 Comments || Top||

#3  Turkey has hardly proven itself a NATO ally. Their current govt. botched this bigtime.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 14:33 Comments || Top||


Debate on Sammy's breathing capability
The three faces of EveIraqi state-run television on Thursday aired a tape purporting to show Saddam Hussein addressing his people after the first U.S. airstrikes, mocking President Bush and calling the attacks a "shameful crime." It looked like Saddam — albeit puffy-faced, fatigued and grayer than he appeared in other recent appearances. But U.S. authorities said the tape, broadcast a couple of hours after the airstrikes, does not conclusively prove that Saddam is alive.
Spiffy spectacles he's got there. And a very tres chic barf scarf...
The attacks were aimed at a compound which U.S. intelligence believed was housing senior Iraqi leadership — including, perhaps, Saddam. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld said at a news conference Thursday that authorities had not yet determined whether the bombing had accomplished its goal of taking out Iraq's top leaders. The man on the tape could have been one of the doubles Saddam often uses. Or, it might have been prerecorded, though Saddam mentioned the date as he read from a notepad.
Or he could have been speaking from an undisclosed location in the Fiji Islands via satellite. I don't think anybody knows at this stage...
"We've reached no conclusions," said presidential spokesman Ari Fleischer on Thursday. Al-Shabab television, owned by Saddam's son Odai, reported that Saddam met Thursday with his top aides to "review military and other measures to resist the aggression." It said those attending the meeting included Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan, Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and Foreign Minister Naji Sabri. But a senior U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said military intelligence was picking up signs and "circumstantial evidence" that Saddam and his senior leadership were either incapacitated or out of communication with battlefield commanders.
If that's the case, it'll become obvious soon enough...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 01:25 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  We'll just have to ask Dan Rather and get his expert assessment and opionion on this matter.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 13:30 Comments || Top||

#2  I have watched this story flip flop all day long. Maybe it will be "convienently him" until such time as we can get in to the site of last nights attack and scrape some bugsplat off the wall to win this round of "Where's Waldo".
I did hear that US intellegence is not known to have any known DNA from the big tuna so we may have work to have the "Real Slim Shady Please Stand up"
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 15:04 Comments || Top||

#3  We'll just have to ask Dan Rather and get his expert assessment and opionion on this matter.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 13:30 Comments || Top||

#4  Those "Harry Carey" glasses, which have never been seen before, wouldn't seem to be casual reading glasses to me. I'd like to think maybe one of his Elvis impersonators was pushed into action and forced to read a prepared statement... but,but I ccaann'tt rread without my glasses, Osay... Please don't throw me in the shreader! or if you do make it head first!
The "Mr Magoo" look does not jive with a egomanic despot trying thumb his nose at "BOOSH Junior"...
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 13:40 Comments || Top||

#5  Maybe he lost his contact lenses.
Posted by: El Id || 03/20/2003 13:44 Comments || Top||

#6  Hey, Saddam,
Did the mustache come with the nose and glasses, or did you buy it seperately!

I crack myself up!
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 13:51 Comments || Top||

#7  Do they make Coke bottle contact lenses?
Posted by: Fred || 03/20/2003 13:51 Comments || Top||

#8  And, of course, a French beret...
Posted by: Raj || 03/20/2003 14:04 Comments || Top||

#9  The photo #3 has been bothering me all day. At first I thought it resembled Captain Peacock of the brit com "Are you being served". Now it has come to me. It looks lie the photos of Groucho when he was 70 or 60 years old.
Posted by: Jim || 03/20/2003 14:04 Comments || Top||

#10  *shakes head* I don't think so. I'm sure Iraqui radars picked up the incoming missiles, radioed the news to whereever Saddam was, and they hightailed it from whereever they were to the Secret Bunker (tm).

Crap. I just realized: We should have used the MOAB on the main presidential palace even if Saddam wasn't there: it would have demolished the access manways and disabled the elevators so he couldn't use it...
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:14 Comments || Top||

#11  Well, Fox is now reporting that US intelligence (I think) was saying that it was him after all.

Those glasses shocked me. Surely that would be considered a sign of less-than-complete studliness. That and the fading mustache dye.
Posted by: Angie Schultz || 03/20/2003 14:44 Comments || Top||

#12  I have watched this story flip flop all day long. Maybe it will be "convienently him" until such time as we can get in to the site of last nights attack and scrape some bugsplat off the wall to win this round of "Where's Waldo".
I did hear that US intellegence is not known to have any known DNA from the big tuna so we may have work to have the "Real Slim Shady Please Stand up"
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 15:04 Comments || Top||

#13  Fred: Late news today is reporting it may have been him. People who used to work for H' said he's recently had eye surgery, possible cateracts. Also he doesn't do speeches well because of the eye problems (the HUMAT reports.) Also note the droopy left side. Possible stroke? hm ?
Posted by: Mary Lu || 03/20/2003 17:03 Comments || Top||

#14  Thats not saddam,its percy dovetonsils from the old ernie kovacs show!

http://www.crownvicsetc.com/erniekovacs.html

(about half way down the page)
Posted by: Frank Martin || 03/20/2003 17:57 Comments || Top||

#15  I forgot Mark Bowden's interview and article for The Atlantic Online.Saddam's eyesight has worsened a lot with age.It IS likely that he has used contacts to hide this condition whenever in front of cameras,and that's why I think it's the real mccoy.
Posted by: El Id || 03/20/2003 18:09 Comments || Top||

#16  H couldn't find his contacts in the confusion after the blast, so he borrowed someone else's reading glasses. Too much wallboard dust in his eyes to wear contacts, anyway...
Posted by: Tresho || 03/20/2003 19:15 Comments || Top||

#17  Doesn't matter if it was Sammy or not. I'd have the Commando Solo planes broadcasting that it was, that Sammy's dead, and that the new regime in Baghdad has instructed all units to cease firing and lay down their weapons to the Allied forces.

And when Sammy popped up again to say that he still had a lung capacity > 0, I'd have the Solo planes broadcast that he was a double. I'd demand that he show us the mole on his tush, the one we know that only Sammy has, on TV, in public.

I could have lots of fun, if only they'd let me do the broadcasts.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 19:26 Comments || Top||

#18  "Saddam and his senior leadership were either incapacitated or out of communication with battlefield commanders"

Sammy couldn't get through because their lines were all busy as the battlefield commanders called the US to defect. "Thank you for calling Tommy Franks, your call will be answered in the order it was recieved...music.....your call is very important to us..please don't hang up, your expected wait time will be..."
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 19:48 Comments || Top||

#19  damn becky... I thought you weren't an expert! That was pretty professional. Sandbagging?
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 21:45 Comments || Top||

#20  terpsboy has a morphed Helen Thomas into Saddam. And Mr. Whipple.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/21/2003 1:31 Comments || Top||

#21  Saddam is moonlighting as a French fashion designer.Scarfs are in.
Posted by: Brew || 03/21/2003 1:49 Comments || Top||


Blasts, Anti-Aircraft Fire Rock Baghdad
Heavy detonations and the crackle of anti-aircraft fire were heard Thursday night in Baghdad. Red and white tracers streaked across the night sky and the flash of explosions could be seen on the horizon. Anti-aircraft fire was constant as the explosions rumbled in the distance. As the attack continued, explosions could be heard from the west side of the Tigris River where at least two of Saddam Hussein's palaces and the intelligence headquarters are located. Explosions and large clouds of gray smoke appeared to be closer to the heart of the city. A huge plume of smoke could be seen from the west bank of the Tigris in central Baghdad but it could not be determined what was hit.
Lots of booms and stuff, but nothing in the line of BDA...
Meanwhile, F-14 and F-18 jets took off from the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the eastern Mediterranean, armed with missiles and bombs. CNN reported that a building was hit in what is known as Baghdad's presidential area. The building is associated with the ministry of planning. Three distinct locations in the center of Baghdad were smoking after apparently being bombed.
Pretty daggone disappointing reporting at this stage — lotsa explosions, but no details on why or who.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 01:00 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Reporters on the scene (as in Baghdad itself) report that they believe the Ministry of Information building and the 2 Presidential Palaces were hit. At least 1 major building has been almost totally destroyed and fires are still burning there.
Posted by: FOTSGreg || 03/20/2003 13:12 Comments || Top||

#2  ...Something about Rocking The Casbah?...

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski || 03/20/2003 13:19 Comments || Top||

#3  Psyops... Strip away saddams "trappings of power" in a way that lets Bagdidians know there is a new dog in town... Smoking hulks of buildings will make for powerful TV images, except that by tonights Al Jezzera news the buildings will be an orphanage, a hospital and a chocolate chip cookie factory... PS we are leaving the power grids intact,so that the people are not terrorized... This is between Uncle Sam and the soon to be gone saddam...
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 13:48 Comments || Top||


U.S. Launches Second Attack on Baghdad
American missiles fell on Baghdad for the second straight night Thursday and ground troops attacked Iraqi forces in the desert with artillery in a slow escalation of the war to drive Saddam Hussein from power. In southern Iraq, white light glowed in the desert sky, and the sound of explosions could be heard from across the Kuwait-Iraq frontier as the 3rd Infantry division unleashed its artillery barrage. Troops eager to cross the border into Iraq cheered.
I heard on the radio a few minutes ago that the Brits were engaged...
Half a world away from the war theater, U.S. intelligence officials sought to determine whether the Iraqi leader had been killed hours earlier in a pre-dawn attack by cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs. State-run television denied it, and said the Iraqi dictator had met with aides during the day. Early intelligence reports suggested Iraq's leadership was not organizing any coordinated response to the U.S attack, suggesting the Iraqi regime might be in chaos or cut off from the military, these officials said.
Whether it was Sammy that got waxed or a double, our position should be that it was Sammy. At least make him spend the rest of the war trying to convince people he's not dead...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 12:56 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  A capital idea, Fred! A literal double-cross.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 13:25 Comments || Top||

#2  "he's dead"
"no, I'm not"
"yes you are"
"no I'm not"
"prove it!"
BANG
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 14:30 Comments || Top||

#3  #)$%&)#$(% MISSED!
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 15:24 Comments || Top||


Marines Cross Border
20:25 Senior military source says first Marine expeditionary force has crossed the demilitarized zone in Iraq

God bless our fighting men and women.
Posted by: Brian || 03/20/2003 12:34 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/ShTickers.html

That didn't work right...
Posted by: Brian || 03/20/2003 12:36 Comments || Top||

#2  1st Marine & 3rd ID crossed border into southern Iraq per Mike Cere of ABC radio.

US Special Forces in Jordan may also have crossed Jordanian/Iraqi border and may have seized the H3 airbase.

God speed. Do your jobs, and come home safe.
Posted by: FOTSGreg || 03/20/2003 13:07 Comments || Top||

#3  Tom Brokaw is now reporting that the 1st Marines may have taken the Iraqi town of al Qasyr near the border. They should be nearing contact with the Iraqi Regular Army's 51st Mechanized Division.

Ted Koppel's (who's with the 3rd ID) just said that the 3rd ID crossed the border to support a Longbow helo that was apparently shot down by ground fire (small arms). They established a security perimeter and the Longbow crew was able to repair the helo and fly it back across the border.
Posted by: FOTSGreg || 03/20/2003 13:24 Comments || Top||

#4  F%ck I hate helicopters but they're so damn indispensable.
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 14:13 Comments || Top||

#5  That's it. Grab the Airfields and use his own jet fuel to run our aircraft
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire || 03/20/2003 18:39 Comments || Top||


Report: Saddam son suffers from brain hemorrhage
Uday, the elder son of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, struck by brain hemorrhage following conflict with a member of Saddam's Fedayeen on Thursday.
He has a brain?
The Iranian news agency, IRNA, quoted sources in northern Iraq as saying that tough and indecent orders, issued by Uday, who heads Saddam's Fedayeen, had provoked the conflict as the young man attacked Uday.
Too tough and indecent for a Fedayeen, I wonder what that was? Did he tell him to stop beating somebody?
Uday's bodyguards then beat the man to injury, the unconfirmed report said.
I'll bet they did.
According to some observers, the recent report on Uday could be part of the American and the Iraqi opposition propaganda campaign against Saddam Hussein's regime.
I think we'd come up with something better than that.

FOLLOWUP: Here it is from another source, slightly different story...

Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday suffered a cerebral hemorrhage this morning. According to Iranian news agency IRNA, Uday was involved in a fight with his father's body guard last night. There is no information about Uday's current condition. Saddam Hussein's aides are refusing to confirm this information although they admit that a fight did indeed take place in Saddam's palace.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 07:50 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Speaking of last night, anyone else get the distinct feeling that it was NOT Saddam? His face looked slightly...off. As much of his face that I could see behind those enourmous glasses, anyway.
Posted by: Crescend || 03/20/2003 12:17 Comments || Top||

#2  How could anyone tell that the hemorrhage is recent?

Our propaganda would probably say that Uday is a sissy girl and likes dogs and pigs. And he wears kneehigh stockings.
Posted by: Chuck || 03/20/2003 11:32 Comments || Top||

#3  Chuck - sounds like a job for: Photoshop!
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 11:39 Comments || Top||

#4  A 2,000 JDAMS hemorrhage, I'll bet.


But seriously, what better way to explain Uday's sudden death/disappearance. This would also explain why "Saddam" (or his double) looked so shaken last night.
Posted by: H.D. Miller || 03/20/2003 12:06 Comments || Top||

#5  I wonder if this is at all related to the attack on Uday (he's the dumb one) at a boating club a few days ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the "tough and indecent order" involved sodomy in the club boathouse!
Posted by: Scooter McGruder || 03/20/2003 12:16 Comments || Top||

#6  Speaking of last night, anyone else get the distinct feeling that it was NOT Saddam? His face looked slightly...off. As much of his face that I could see behind those enourmous glasses, anyway.
Posted by: Crescend || 03/20/2003 12:17 Comments || Top||

#7  Too bad it wasn't a 9mm brain hemorrhage.
Posted by: Pete Stanley || 03/20/2003 12:18 Comments || Top||

#8  Somebody say Photoshop ?
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 12:57 Comments || Top||

#9 
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 13:09 Comments || Top||

#10  Who's that sexy babe?!?
Oh sh%t, my glasses....
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 14:21 Comments || Top||

#11  I knew all I had to do was mention Photoshop and the skilled jokers come out of the woodwork ;-)
thanks anonymous
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 17:48 Comments || Top||

#12  Oh, for crying out loud--I took that blond in the fishnets home one drunken night in college. Now I find out it was Uday--I should have married her and got into the family business.
Posted by: Anonymous As Well || 03/20/2003 19:15 Comments || Top||

#13  Can you say runway model.
Posted by: Rupal || 03/21/2003 1:56 Comments || Top||


Kurds to fight guerilla group linked to al-Qaeda
Kurdish commanders in a semi-autonomous enclave in northern Iraq say their battle against the militant Islamic group Ansar al Islam will become a secondary front line to the United States-led attack on the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Kurds are expected to fight alongside US special forces already in the area.
The SF will ID targets for airstrikes. Kurds will mop up anyone left alive.
Iraqi opposition groups, meeting a US envoy in Turkey, agreed this week to put thousands of Kurdish forces under US command during a war. The US is pushing them to fight against Ansar, in part to prevent Kurdish groups from seeking to take over Kirkuk, an oil-rich city and an ethnic tinderbox of tensions. "They want to keep us busy on the Ansar front. We are aware of that," said Shalaw Askari, a central committee member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, one of two leading Kurdish groups with its own fighting force. Kurdish officials say there is evidence that about 100 bin Laden-inspired Arab fighters from many countries are hiding in the mountains along the Iranian border and that Ansar had previously sent its fighters to train at al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan.
If I was Ansar, I'd be hightailing it for the border.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:33 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Meanwhile, Al-Ansar head cheese has been chatting up pretty blondes, wearing sharp ski sweaters, and pounding cold beer up in Oslo. He also expects his boys to wear 'splody belts to meet the Yanks...
You couldn't make this stuff up and it's actually happening.

Go Kurds!
Posted by: JDB || 03/20/2003 19:23 Comments || Top||


Missiles Iraq fired at U.S. troops in Kuwait IDed as FROGs
The missiles launched by Iraq at targets in Kuwait on Thursday were not Scuds, as was originally believed, but FROG (Free Rocket Over Ground) missiles - or something similar — which have a maximum range of 70 kilometers.
Old Russian model.
According to Israeli defense officials, the short-range conventional missile attack on U.S. troops does not reflect a significant change in the Iraqi approach, and does not require Israel to change its state of readiness. Apparently, three FROG missiles were fired at U.S. targets in Iraq, two in the morning and one in the afternoon, two of which were intercepted by U.S. Patriot missiles. The missiles were fired hours after dozens of U.S. Cruise missiles slammed into Baghdad in what the Pentagon called a "decapitation strike" aimed at the Iraqi leadership. Though none none of the missiles bore non-conventional warheads, soldiers were ordered to don protective suits and gas masks.
That's a pretty basic precaution...
U.S. Marines said later Thursday one of the missiles fired by Iraq at Kuwait had landed near their camp in the Gulf state's northern desert. "An unidentified missile struck outside Camp Commando at approximately 10.28 this morning. Initial reports cited that soldiers from the U.K. and (U.S.) Marines sighted a gray missile land just outside the compound," said a statement by the U.S. Marine Corps First Marine Expeditionary Force. "An NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) team was despatched and completed an emergency survey of the site at 10.40 a.m. No chemical munitions were found and no Marines were injured or killed," it added.
Fox had pictures of Marines looking at the wreckage.
The missile was believed to be one of two surface-to-surface missiles reported to have landed in Kuwait in the morning.
So far so good.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:40 am || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Frog is the Nato Designator for that specific make of missile.

Ingenious name. Like the real "Frogs", these things appear to make a great deal of noise, but are otherwise unable to stop US troops :-)

-Vic
Posted by: vicarious || 03/20/2003 14:10 Comments || Top||

#2  Nice tribute, naming their missiles after their benefactors. Jacques is probably quite touched.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 10:49 Comments || Top||

#3  i now see reports there were at least 8 missiles fired into Kuwait altogether, and at least 1 WAS a a SCUD.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/20/2003 10:57 Comments || Top||

#4  Frog is the Nato Designator for that specific make of missile.
Posted by: pj || 03/20/2003 11:12 Comments || Top||

#5  Does anybody, anywhere, even feel it worth comenting on the fact that SCUD missles, if used, would prove that Iraq has deliberately concealed forbidden weapons, and that the inspection process was a failure? Or does everyone, everywhere, simply take this as a given?
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 11:23 Comments || Top||

#6  "Free Rocket Over Ground" = unguided projectile.
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 11:32 Comments || Top||

#7  I know! I know!
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 11:49 Comments || Top||

#8  Frog is the Nato Designator for that specific make of missile.

Ingenious name. Like the real "Frogs", these things appear to make a great deal of noise, but are otherwise unable to stop US troops :-)

-Vic
Posted by: vicarious || 03/20/2003 14:10 Comments || Top||

#9  Need more range,add some more coffee cans and tnt.
Posted by: Brew || 03/21/2003 1:58 Comments || Top||


Med based US jets ready
ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
F-14 Tomcats and F-18 Hornet fighter jets were loaded with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles Thursday in preparation for an imminent mission to Iraq. Ordnance workers could be seen loading the weapons on to the aircraft on the flight deck, as a fierce wind blew, and pilots were briefed for their mission. Commanders waited eagerly for word on whether Turkey's parliament would approve overflight rights for US aircraft. Whether or not the fighter jets can fly over Turkey will determine the weight of the ordnance the planes can carry.
Permission received.
The shorter the distance, the more weight the jets can carry. Journalists on board the ship are prohibited from reporting details of missions until their completion. In the ship's magazines, ordnance workers affixed fins on 1,000-pound bombs that will guide them either by laser or GPS guidance system to their targets.
Lock and Load. Take care guys.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:44 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  God speed.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 10:49 Comments || Top||

#2  To paraphrase TR. Speak Loudly and carry a Great Big Freaking Stick!. Go get 'em boys
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire || 03/20/2003 18:34 Comments || Top||


Flames Seen Near Iraq Oil Center Area
NEAR THE KUWAIT-IRAQ BORDER (AP) - Orange flames could be seen Thursday on the northern horizon in the direction of the southern Iraqi oil center Basra, witnesses said. The witnesses, located in Kuwait about eight miles south of the border, said the flames were spotted after a series of explosions that shook buildings in the area. It was not known if the flames resulted from the explosions. The Arab satellite television channel Al-Arabiya reported that fires had erupted in Iraq's al-Rumeila field in the Basra area.
Rummy just said there appears to be 3 or 4 wells on fire.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 10:21 am || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Turkey’s Parliament OKs U.S. on Airspace
Turkey's parliament on Thursday voted to allow the U.S. military to use Turkish airspace for a war in Iraq. The government-backed proposal passed by a vote of 332 to 202 with one abstention. The proposal would allow U.S. warplanes based in Europe or the United States to cross Turkey to strike Iraq. The United States could also use Turkish airspace to transport troops into northern Iraq or to bring supplies to the region. The proposal would not however, allow U.S. planes to use Turkish air bases or refuel in Turkey.
Bastards
In Washington, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said overflights are routinely granted without provisions of economic assistance and that the United States expected the overflights concerning Turkey "will be handled in that manner." British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw called his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul Wednesday requesting that British warplanes also be allowed to use the Turkish airspace. Gul said a decision on the issue would come after the parliamentary vote. The resolution also would allow Turkish troops to enter Iraq if there is a war. The government has said Washington had agreed in principle to allow Turkish troops in northern Iraq.
U.S. officials have said Washington opposes a unilateral Turkish incursion in northern Iraq. White House special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad held two days of talks with Turkish and Iraqi opposition officials to try to convince Turks to stay out of northern Iraq.
Going to get noisy in Northern Iraq tonight.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:49 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  get out and stay out!
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 14:52 Comments || Top||


US troops mount blitz to surround Iraqi port: Kuwaiti radio
US marines, based in Kuwait, have started an offensive to occupy the southern Iraq port of Umm Qasr near Basra, the Kuwaiti radio reported shortly before. The offensive was part of operations to prepare landing sites for amphibious craft during an invasion, other reports said.
Fox News reporter with marines reports large artillery duel ongoing before he was interupted with orders to move out.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:49 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Heard it the same time you did, Steve. Also rumors of oil wells being torched.

If Saddam was smart, he wouldn't torch the wells and create a bigger rebuilding job for US firms. Of course, if he was smart, then he'd have been out of town ere this...
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 9:47 Comments || Top||

#2  Saddam doesn't care. The 20 million Iraqis exist only to serve him in his mind. What does he care what happens to them after he's gone?
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 10:26 Comments || Top||

#3  saddam (assuming he wasnt killed last night) does not accept that he will be gone. He thinks he can still draw US into a quagmire, and when that happens we'll go home (in which case he WILL have triumphed)since vietman, the most troops we have lost in war and won was about 200 in GW1 - in beirut we lost more than that and left - based purely on past statistics it would seem the magic number is killing at least 300 US troops - we here may know things are different now, but I dont think Saddam knows. The oil well stuff is part of that.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/20/2003 10:36 Comments || Top||

#4  It only took--what? 18?--for us to abandon Somalia. I think GWB has a little more backbone than Clinton did, however.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 10:53 Comments || Top||

#5  Dar - i dont recall Republicans screaming for us to stay in somalia, nor do irecall dems calling for us to stay in Beirut in '84. Whats different now is our national realization of the strategic environment.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/20/2003 15:38 Comments || Top||


Turkish Press News
NEGOTIATIONS ARE ON MILITARY AND POLITICAL ISSUES
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said concerning Iraq crisis that negotiations with the United States were continuing on political and military level. Upon a question whether an economic assistance would be provided by the United States, Erdogan said ''It is completely military and political at the moment.'' When asked whether the United States drew back six billion dollars assistance package, Erdogan said that such a condition was not in the agenda of Turkey and added that what was on the agenda was that the assistance regarding economic program would continue.

ARINC: THE UNITED STATES IS ACTING TYRANNICAL
Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said that the United States was completely disregarding the United Nations and international laws. Replying questions of reporters concerning the motion, Arinc said, ''the statement 'I am strong, I can do whatever I want' is more dangerous than war. With this statement, you ignore the phrase 'the one who is right is strong' and you accept the words 'the one who is strong one is rightful'. This idea is cruelty and tyranny in the world.''

INDECISIVE ATTITUDE OF GOVERNMENT PUTS TURKEY INTO DIFFICULT CONDITION
Uninterested and indecisive attitude which the government exhibited for 18 days pertaining to the motion on opening of air space to the U.S. planes and deployment of Turkish soldiers in Northern Iraq brought Turkey face to face with difficulty in economic, political and military areas. Unstable attitude of the government, which supported the action against Iraq, even reluctantly, brought Turkey face to face both against its most important strategical ally the United States and with its enemy. Principles pertaining to entrance of the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq could not be based on a reliable basis as the memorandum of understandings could not be signed. Accession of Turkmens to Chairmanship Council either could not be provided at the meeting of Iraqi opposition, and thus even indirectly, the financial aid facility, which reaches to 26 billion U.S. dollars, was missed.

MILITARY AGREEMENT IS INVALID FROM NOW ON
After the United States limited its demands only with opening of air corridor, the military memorandum of understanding, determining the military cooperation between Turkey and the United States in Northern Iraq, lost validity. The concern appeared that there would be ''problem'' in entrance of Turkish army to Northern Iraq before reaching an official agreement with the United States. A high ranking official said, ''a verbal agreement was reached with the United States regarded with deployment of forces of the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq. However, there is a need for a new agreement for the operation elements of the units in the region. Turkish Armed Forces will either enter Northern Iraq following the signing of this agreement or enter urgently with the reason of refugee inflow, and approval will be made afterwards.''

AGREEMENT LEFT ''SUSPENDED'
Attitude of the United States in giving up the idea to give six billion U.S. dollars created the concern that motion would be rejected again. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned, ''I don't want any crack voice''. The United States told Ankara, which prolonged the bargaining on the motion, that they only wanted Turkey to open air corridor. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who met with the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, briefed about his meeting with Powell in Council of Ministers meeting. Gul said he proposed two alternatives to Powell. ''We may either open air corridor or permit passage of a limited number of your soldiers from the land.'' Powell in response said time was running out and that air space was very important for them. He wanted Ankara to open air corridor and that they could solve the rest through talks.

NO PERMISSION TO INCIRLIK BASE
The request calling for authority regarded with sending of Turkish soldiers to Northern Iraq, and opening of Turkish air space to the United States, was sent to the Parliament toward midnight yesterday. Turkey decided to stop the flights from Incirlik Base to Northern Iraq in case the United States starts operation. The limited motion also excluded the economic support package from the agenda. The United States said the aid package was not valid from now on, but that aid to Turkey was not disregarded. Ankara said talks with Washington has not yet ended, and that a new motion could be prepared according to the developments.
Did they stop us from using Incirlik completely or just for new operations? This point is confusing.

IRAQIS FLEE TO NORTH OF COUNTRY NEAR TURKISH BORDER
Thousands of Iraqis, especially ones from Kirkuk and the capital Baghdad, have fled to what is seen as safer regions in northern Iraq out of fear of imminent war. The migrants are establishing tent camps within some 70-80 kilometers of the Turkish border. Over the last two days, the number of Iraqis fleeing to regions under the control of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK) and the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) has reportedly reached 30,000. /Turkiye/

TURKISH JOURNALISTS SENT OUT OF IRAQI BORDER PROVINCE
Turkish journalists working in Zaho, the closest Iraqi province to the border with Turkey, were sent out of the city yesterday by local military units. After detaining the journalists for some time, peshmergas from the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) sent them out of the city. Turkish reporters were then reportedly prohibited from re-entering Zaho or working in regions close to the Turkish border.
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:52 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq denies launching Scud missiles to Kuwait
Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf told Thursday a news conference that Iraq had no Scud missiles, denying U.S. and Kuwaiti military reports that Scuds had been fired at southern neighbor Kuwait. "I heard reports that we fired Scud missiles on Kuwait. I would like to tell you that we don't have Scud missiles, and why they were fired, I don't know," Sahaf said.
"Must of been somebody else."
"An Iraqi civilian was martyred (killed) and several more wounded in the air strikes." According to other reports, the killed man was a Jordanian driver. Sahaf said the raids hit "empty buildings belonging to television and the radio stations and another empty building for Iraqi customs. They (the United States) also used technology from locations... west of Iraq to block Iraqi satellite television."
No tv? The horror!
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 11:54 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  1st hand data - that's bullshit. Al-Samoods and/or Abibils been flying our way pretty regularly this afternoon. See below post
Posted by: Bodyguard || 03/20/2003 8:07 Comments || Top||

#2  Raed says that we haven't taken over the radio yet.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 11:05 Comments || Top||

#3  Minor point: MB wishes people would get it straight that it is SALAM PAX that is blogging out of Baghdad...the 'title' refers to his cousin to whom he is writing.

The name is SALAM !!
Posted by: MommaBear || 03/20/2003 14:12 Comments || Top||


Iraq fires Scud toward US troops
AP Wire Story, via the Boston Globe
Iraq fired a Scud missile toward U.S. troops today, but it was intercepted by Patriot missiles, the American military said.
Good thing Blixie made sure all the Scuds were gone.
U.S. Army troops at Camp New Jersey in the Kuwaiti desert donned gas masks in response to an alert caused by the missile but were given the all-clear a few minutes later.
Stay safe, guys.
Posted by: jrosevear || 03/20/2003 11:54 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Ditto to Dar's message.

I'd love to be able to help out too.

Stay Safe!
Posted by: mjh || 03/20/2003 12:01 Comments || Top||

#2  Fox News is saying that a small aircraft also went down near the troops...no word if it was an unmanned drone or not
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 6:53 Comments || Top||

#3  Doesn't matter if it was defectors. I expect any aircraft are gonna get shot down ASAP if they fly south.
Posted by: Chuck || 03/20/2003 7:02 Comments || Top||

#4  But Hans Blix said there where no Scuds. I'm so confused.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 7:11 Comments || Top||

#5  Bomb the crap out of the towelheads.....
Posted by: Mr. Apathy || 03/20/2003 7:11 Comments || Top||

#6  since reported that they were al0samouds, not scuds. Which stands to reason even if Iraq still has Scuds - why use a scarce long range missile against a short range target?
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/20/2003 7:46 Comments || Top||

#7  Hey guys, Sammy has been flinging missiles at us pretty regularly this afternoon. We go into our masks/suits/bunkers, wait for the Pats to take em out, and continue on with our business. Don't worry, no hits, and no work hours lost. Minor inconvienience.
Posted by: Bodyguard || 03/20/2003 8:03 Comments || Top||

#8  Hey, Bodyguard? Does this make you the official war correspondent for Rantburg? I mean, Entertainment Tonight has one, for crissakes. We oughta have somebody.
Be careful. We'll be thinking about you.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:57 Comments || Top||

#9  Appears Saddam continues to disarm without the assistance of Monsieur Blix.
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 10:51 Comments || Top||

#10  Bodyguard -- Feel free to email me if you guys need anything. Snacks, spices, batteries, duct tape, goggles, you name it. I'd be happy to help out.
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 11:19 Comments || Top||

#11  Ditto to Dar's message.

I'd love to be able to help out too.

Stay Safe!
Posted by: mjh || 03/20/2003 12:01 Comments || Top||


US missiles target Saddam
Edited for length
US President George W Bush has launched war on Baghdad, vowing to "disarm Iraq and to free its people". Mr Bush delivered a live television address shortly after explosions rocked the capital at 0534 local time (0234 GMT), signalling the start of the US-led campaign to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Speaking from the Oval Office, President Bush said American and coalition forces were in the "early stages of military operations" and had struck "targets of military importance". He promised a "broad and concerted campaign" and said the US would prevail. But, he warned, the campaign could be "longer and more difficult than some predict".

US military sources have told the BBC that five key members of the Iraqi regime, including Saddam Hussein, were targeted in the first attacks. It is not known whether the targets were hit and what damage might have been caused. But shortly before Baghdad air raid sirens sounded the all clear for a second time at 0600 GMT, Iraqi TV broadcast what it said was a live speech by Saddam Hussein. "I don't need to remind you what you should do to defend our country," he said. "Let the unbelievers go to hell... you will be victorious, Iraqi people." Saddam Hussein is known to have several body doubles, but correspondents familiar with the Iraqi leader say they believe it to be him.

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Marcus says the attack that was carried out was on a much smaller scale than had been expected for the opening of the conflict, and it had probably been mounted at short notice when US military planners spotted a good opportunistic target. F-117s were probably already in the air, loitering beyond the air defences of central Iraq, ready to move in if required. As dawn broke in Baghdad, anti-aircraft artillery peppered the sky as deep, heavy thuds were heard in the outskirts of the city. The same target, in the east, is reported to have been hit three or four times. Republic of Iraq Radio in Baghdad said that "the evil ones, the enemies of God, the homeland and humanity, have committed the stupidity of aggression against our homeland and people".

Reports quoting American military officials said planes had struck "targets of opportunity" which were thought to be occupied by members of the Iraqi leadership. US officials said 2000-pound precision-guided bombs were fired from F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter-bombers. More than 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles were also fired from six US Navy vessels, including two submarines, stationed in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. A Pentagon official said the first strikes were "a limited thing — it ain't A-Day," referring to the planned massive air campaign.

At about the same time as the strikes began, the US military appeared to take over a frequency of Iraqi radio with an Arabic-speaking presenter announcing: "This is the day we have been waiting for."

The attack began after President Bush's 0100 GMT deadline for Saddam Hussein to go into exile or face war expired. As the deadline approached, US-led combat troops in the Gulf — numbering about 150,000 — took up battle positions for an imminent invasion of Iraq. A British military spokesman in Kuwait says no order has yet been given to the US and British troops who are waiting on the Iraqi border.

With battle looming the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said his thoughts were with the ordinary people of Iraq as they faced the "disaster of war". He warned the US and UK that "under international law, the responsibility for protecting civilians in conflict falls on the belligerents".
Posted by: Bulldog || 03/20/2003 12:01 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bodyguard:

Good luck, good hunting, and get home safe.
Posted by: Mike || 03/20/2003 10:38 Comments || Top||

#2  Yes, Mike, thanks for posting that. And Bodyguard, my prayers are with you.
Posted by: charlotte || 03/20/2003 12:02 Comments || Top||

#3  In this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor - to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness to their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest - until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violence of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and for tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home - fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas - whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them - help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Thy will be done, Almighty God.

Amen


--Franklin Delano Roosevelt, June 6, 1944.

Seems just as appropriate for March 20, 2003.
Posted by: Mike || 03/20/2003 5:46 Comments || Top||

#4  F-117A really is invisible. Attacking in the day light! Their crews have really big ones.

Hope we got a few Tikrit Thugs.
Posted by: Chuck || 03/20/2003 7:04 Comments || Top||

#5  Thank you for posting that for us Mike.
Posted by: Bodyguard || 03/20/2003 8:11 Comments || Top||

#6  Mr Bodyguard, play safe.
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 9:47 Comments || Top||

#7  Bodyguard:

Good luck, good hunting, and get home safe.
Posted by: Mike || 03/20/2003 10:38 Comments || Top||

#8  Yes, Mike, thanks for posting that. And Bodyguard, my prayers are with you.
Posted by: charlotte || 03/20/2003 12:02 Comments || Top||


Bush’s war big political mistake, Gorbachev says
Via the Drudge Report. Link might shift.
Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev on Thursday criticized U.S. unilateralism in the world, saying the just-started U.S. war against Iraq cannot be justified for any reason and is a big political mistake.
Gorbachev said, ''The move defies the existence of the United Nations and international laws. The U.S. stance... means it regards other nations as subject countries or states.''
And ole' splotch-head would know a thing or two about subject countries!
U.S. President George W. Bush's policy ''is far from real world leadership,'' Gorbachev said.
"Look at the leadership I provided!"
At a press conference after the meeting, the 72-year-old Russian politician said he heard from a taxi driver about the U.S. air attack on Baghdad. ''It's really too bad. What has become of the world? I'm afraid the U.N. system has deservedly collapsed. We have to give our earnest consideration to the problem.''
The guy talks like a weasel. Talk, talk, talk, no action. Maybe that explains why, Splotch, Boris jumped up on a tank and you sat in a dacha.
''The United States seems to believe this military action shows its world leadership. But that is its misconception. Real world leadership is to take initiatives in promoting the Kyoto Protocol, nuclear disarmament, and arms control, and solving environmental issues,'' Gorbachev said.
Maybe he should talk with the cabbie a little longer next time.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 12:03 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bush comments "Not having that nasty birthmark removed was your big mistake, Gorby!"
Posted by: Chuck || 03/20/2003 7:53 Comments || Top||

#2  Standard drivel: This war is wrong because Bush wouldn't sign Kyoto. Blow me.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 9:23 Comments || Top||

#3  Hardly surprising that Russian Cabbies are higher up on the "need to know" list of GW than you are Gorby!
Posted by: Chris Smith || 03/20/2003 9:32 Comments || Top||

#4  Maybe him and Jimmah can hook up and just talk... and talk... and talk. They can bask in each others reflected glory and leave the rest of us alone. Kofi Anan can cater it.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:37 Comments || Top||

#5  Gorby! Yo, my man! Thought you wuz dead...

Now shut up please, there's a good twit...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 10:37 Comments || Top||

#6  gorby happens to be a fan of hans blix: in his memoirs, he thanks hans by name for his response to the chernobyl accident. also in the book he consistently advocates against war & violence (though somewhat silent on the soviet version)
Posted by: daniel clark || 03/20/2003 16:25 Comments || Top||

#7  If Gorby really wanted to do something positive for the world he'd push Putin in to doing something about all the nuclear subs sinking at their moorings in Russian ports
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire || 03/20/2003 18:48 Comments || Top||


Brit government refuses to rule out use of cluster bombs despite MPs’ fears
Labour MPs last night launched an 11th-hour attempt to prevent Britain from using cluster bombs in a military attack on Iraq. Amid fears that Iraqi civilians will be killed by the bombs, which release thousands of "bomblets", a series of MPs challenged Tony Blair and other ministers not to use them. But the prime minister refused to rule out their use, which have been criticised by Amnesty International because some of them fail to explode immediately, causing horrific injuries and deaths after military action. Asked by the Labour MP, Martin Caton, to rule out their use, the prime minister said: "In any military conflict we will operate in accordance with international law. Any weapons or munitions that are used will be in accordance with international law." Labour sources said Britain was entitled to use cluster bombs because they are not banned by the Ottawa convention. One source added: "There may be times when their use is justified. They can be the most effective way of attacking a military convoy." But the sources made clear that British forces would not lay landmines and would have nothing to do with any American forces who laid them. "Our law is clear — we will have nothing to do with landmines."
I don't think we'll be using them either, since it isn't going to be that kind of war. Perhaps hasty minefields if we go into the north real fast?
But Joan Ruddock, a former Labour ninny minister, pledged to step up the pressure on ministers to ban cluster bombs by tabling a series of questions challenging the government to justify their use.
They just told you.
She will also ask about the use of bombs made from depleted uranium, which are incorrectly believed to cause cancer years after a conflict. Ms Ruddock challenged the Home Office minister, Mike O'Brien, as he set out the government's plans to rebuild Iraq after a war. "Nearly 2,000 Kuwaitis have been killed or injured since [the Gulf] war from exploding bombs and there are many birth defects and cancers in Iraq," she said.
Not from DU, which is a weak alpha-emitter only. It's called depleted for a reason.
"What special arrangements will be made to deal with the humanitarian consequences of those weapons?"
Here's the plan, Joan: 1) get rid of Saddam. 2) deal with any humanitarian concerns.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 12:06 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Hey, what are we supposed to use, man, harsh language?" - Private Crowe from Aliens II

Posted by: Raj || 03/20/2003 12:00 Comments || Top||

#2  Coming up next: Bullets are bad. Don't use them.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 7:57 Comments || Top||

#3  Hey Joanie!

Bombs aren't made of Depleted Uranium. Anti-Tank shells are.
Posted by: Chris Smith || 03/20/2003 9:35 Comments || Top||

#4  sorry I thought she was complaining about Deleted Ubrainium. Something with which she is familiar.
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 9:46 Comments || Top||

#5  "Hey, what are we supposed to use, man, harsh language?" - Private Crowe from Aliens II

Posted by: Raj || 03/20/2003 12:00 Comments || Top||


Turkey opens airspace but blocks airbases
The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed last night that he will ask parliament to allow the US overflight rights for a war on Iraq but to deny the Americans use of their bases in Turkey. In a move scuppering plans for a heavily armoured "northern front" against Saddam Hussein, it is expected that the vote, due today, would not even allow US planes to refuel on Turkish soil.
Can someone explain the grand design of the Turkish plan?

The new motion will also include a request for parliament to authorise sending Turkish troops to northern Iraq where it is feared Iraqi Kurds may try to win independence, fuelling separatist sentiment among the 15 million-strong Kurdish population in Turkey. Iraqi Kurdish groups, meeting in Ankara, reiterated yesterday that such a move would be incendiary and warned of Turkish intervention sparking clashes with local forces.
They aren't seriously edging towards war with us, are they?

Under the proposed vote, the US would not be able to use Incirlik airbase, a facility that houses 50 US fighters used to patrol the no-fly zone over Iraq and a key hub in the Afghan conflict. Asked whether parliament's authorisation would include the right to use Turkish airbases, Mr Erdogan replied: "No, none of these are included." Last night Ankara said the possible basing of US combat troops on Turkish soil would be discussed at a later date.

The use of Turkish airspace is a far cry from the crucial role Washington hoped its ally would play in any military action. Attacking from Turkey could have made a war swifter and, for US soldiers, potentially less bloody. A US official said the Muslim state now no longer qualified for the $15bn aid package agreed after weeks of intensive bargaining. Instead, it is believed, Washington has pledged to prop up Turkey's troubled economy through international institutions such as the IMF. Local financial markets tumbled in early trading yesterday, and stocks fell by almost 8%.
The money is voting with its feet.

Even opposition parliamentarians, who yesterday vowed to reject the new resolution, expressed relief that the US deployment drama was finally over. "Turkey's relationship with the United States goes back 50 years to the Korean war," Abdulkadir Ates, a prominent opposition politician, said. "One incident shouldn't jeopardise that."
Guess again, Abdulkadir. And it isn't just one incident, it's now two.

But political analysts beg to differ. Many said the ruling Islamic-orientated Justice and Development party had made Turkey pay a heavy price for its clumsy handling of the affair. Although it has not been ruled out that Turkey could still be used at a future stage of a war, most complained it was unlikely Ankara would be able to strike a deal of the kind previously reached. "What has happened is disastrous for Turkey... Its bargaining power has been nullified because the US has gone with other plans," Ilnur Cevink, a leading commentator, said. A US official said: "They're insisting on preserving their right in principle to go in but we've told the Turks this should not be their first option. As a possibility it is cause for great concern."
"Great concern" = diplospeak for "don't do it."
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 12:16 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Something along the lines of Andy Jackson and the Cherokees?

"The court has made their decision. Now let's see them enforce it."
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 10:39 Comments || Top||

#2  You could see this train wreck coming a mile away.
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 3:01 Comments || Top||

#3  The question is whether Ankara is planning on presenting us with a partition of Iraq, possibly in concert with Tehran.
Posted by: Hiryu || 03/20/2003 6:50 Comments || Top||

#4  The current regime in Tehran is in it's last days as well, it just hasn't accepted it. Watch what the Iranian people do, not what the mullahs say.....
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 7:05 Comments || Top||

#5  Perhaps the army could give us permission to use the airspace, and tell the Parliament to try to stop us.
Posted by: Hermetic || 03/20/2003 9:43 Comments || Top||

#6  Something along the lines of Andy Jackson and the Cherokees?

"The court has made their decision. Now let's see them enforce it."
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 10:39 Comments || Top||

#7  This Turkish Parliament is thinking things through like a school board. The emotion is getting in the way of logic. The reprocussions will be great from their delay, denial, and decisions.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 10:47 Comments || Top||

#8  The way this cluster job has been going from the beginning, I'm surprised they didn't okay the airbases but veto the airspace. The bus is leaving, you're gonna miss it.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 10:56 Comments || Top||

#9  The Turkish military is letting the new government shoot themselves in the foot. Their economy is swirling down the shitter, the US is pissed and the Kurds are playing a big role in the new Iraq government. OOOOOOOOOPS. Maybe France will help us out.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 11:05 Comments || Top||

#10  The Erdogan Government has been consistently wrong at every step in this process. It's too late to believe they will smarten up.
They evidently believe they are free to partition the Iraqi Kurdish areas, acquire an oil supply, outlaw the political party of their own Kurds and all of this in the face of the American Invasion of Iraq. What is in that Turkish tobacco?

We are not about to free the Iraqi people from Sadaam and allow anyone from Iraq, Syria or Turkey to walk in and take a piece of the Country. If the Military doesn't depose them soon, these idiots will be ordering the military to fight the US to hold Kurdish Iraq.

Oppose and obstruct your only ally - what a bunch of clowns.
Posted by: edwardvt || 03/20/2003 11:26 Comments || Top||


Muslim leaders condemn Iraq war
Opponents of the war in Iraq wasted little time in voicing their spittle carping criticism after the first bombs were dropped on Baghdad this morning. The Muslim Council of Britain, which fears military action against Saddam Hussein will sour relations between Britain and Muslim dictatorships countries, condemned the outbreak of war and said it was a "great black day in our history". "Our government should not have been a party to this conflict which has only undermined the United Nations, our own democracy and the rule of law," said its secretary-general, Iqbal Sacranie.

Asian Islamic leaders addressed the press within minutes of President George Bush's declaration of war, saying the US would pay a heavy price for the conflict. "This is not an attack on Islam but an attack on humanity," said Syafii Maarif, head of the 30-million-strong supposedly moderate Muhammadiyah group in Indonesia. His views were echoed by Abdul Hadi Awang, the president of the conservative Islamic opposition in Malaysia, who said: "This despicable war exposes the mettle ugliness of America and its allies."
Nope, that didn't move me at all.

A statement from five aid agencies in Britain called for coalition forces to take "all possible precautions" to avoid civilian casualties in Iraq, and demanded extra funding to rebuild the country after war.
We'll spend the money, but you guys won't see any of it.

Speaking on behalf of the agencies, Christian Aid director Daleep Mukarji said: "The warring parties have obligations under international law to avoid civilian casualties and to ensure civilians have safe access to food, shelter, water and medical attention. These obligations must be met.
We'll take better care of the Iraqi people than Saddam ever did.

"Furthermore, we are also calling on the UK government to massively scale up its funding to the UN, in the hope that a humanitarian disaster can be avoided." The statement, signed by Christian Aid, Cafod, Oxfam, Save the Children UK and Action Aid, also demanded that any funding not be diverted from other humanitarian projects elsewhere.
Pushy bunch, aren't they?
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 12:11 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The statement, signed by Christian Aid, Cafod, Oxfam, Save the Children UK and Action Aid, also demanded that any funding not be diverted from other humanitarian projects elsewhere.

Everybody's jockeying early for a piece of the action, especially Humanitarianism Inc. All about the oil, my ass!
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 9:43 Comments || Top||

#2  It's all about G...R...E...E...D.

Doesn't the head of Oxfam make 7 figures?
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 11:09 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Malays uncover four tons of boom stuff
Malaysian police have announced a major breakthrough in the campaign against terrorism, saying they have found a long-sought cache of four tonnes of ammonium nitrate. The fertiliser was found buried in a palm oil plantation in southern Johor state after the arrest of a suspected member of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group. Rumours of the existence of the four tonnes of ammonium nitrate have circulated since security forces in neighbouring Singapore foiled a plot to bomb western targets there more than a year ago. The breakthrough came after police two weeks ago detained Mohamad Amin Musa, 29, who worked on the plantation belonging to his father. Mohamad Amin is reported to be a cousin of Taufik Abdul Halim, a Malaysian who is serving life imprisonment in Indonesia after being convicted of a series of bombings there. Malaysia is already holding more than 80 suspected Islamic militants, many of them allegedly JI members, under security legislation which permits indefinite detention without trial.
Four tons of boom stuff. Those Malay cops can be very persuasive, when they want to be...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 08:51 pm || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Indonesian radicals call for blood
Edited for spittle
Muslim radicals in Indonesia called for America's blood as security forces brace for a backlash in the world's largest Muslim country in response to the U.S.-led war on Iraq.
Blood! Dire Revenge! Jihad!
Calling America "kafir harbi", an unbeliever who must be fought, a grouping of radical Muslims called upon its followers to rise up to oppose the war. "America is a kafir harbi and that means its blood and property is halal (permitted)," Mudzakir, coordinator of Surakarta Muslims, told CNN, by telephone from Surakarta. "We reject this war on Iraq," Mudzakir added.
In Jakarta, over 1,000 people from the Muslim-oriented Justice Party staged a peaceful demonstration outside the U.S. embassy. Justice Party's chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid urged U.S. President George W. Bush to stop the attacks, saying Iraq had nothing to do with the September 11 attacks on America. "I knock on the door of his conscience to stop this attack on innocent civilians," said Nur Wahid.
Mr. Wahid, we're not attacking innocent civilians. That's a job for islamofundos.
In Jakarta, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) said they were considering sending their members to "fight" against the U.S. in Iraq. "It is our duty to fight this attack with all our might," FPI secretary-general, Ahmad Shabri Lubis, told CNN. Asked whether they were going to take up arms, he replied: "Yes, that's possible. We may fight in Iraq or in Indonesia," said Lubis.
"I'd have to see if I can book a flight, you know how if you wait till the last minute how much they charge you."
Indonesian police has put its entire 250,000-strong force on full alert and tightened security round the U.S., British, Australian and other foreign embassies in the country. Laskar Jihad, famed for waging a holy war against Christians on the eastern Maluku islands, urged all Muslims to pressure the government to break-off ties with the U.S government. "I condemn the attack on Iraq and urged Indonesians to pressure the government to break-off ties with the U.S. government," Laskar Jihad's commander Jaffar Umar Thalib, told CNN. An intelligence source told CNN radical groups declared a month ago that they would move the masses to pressure the government to break-off ties with America. If their call was ignored, the goverment must be toppled. "That means they already have put in place plans for agitation," said the intelligence source.
The government may have other ideas, they don't take kindly to being toppled.
Laskar Jihad disbanded itself shortly after the Bali blast which killed more than 200 people on October 12 last year. The group has been blamed for deepening the Maluku conflict which killed more than 10,000 people. Asked whether Laskar Jihad was going to revive its armed wing, Thalib said: "No. We have already disbanded. These days I am into education and have set up a religious boarding school in Yogyakarta".
That would be the type of boarding school with majors in explosives, automatic weapons and mindless killing.
While Laskar Jihad has gained a high profile and notoriety, the group which raises the most concern is the shadowy network responsible for the Bali blast. "This is the group which we must most keep an eye on. We have to be alert to what cannot be seen on the surface and in the public," a military intelligence source told CNN. The country's largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) which claims 40 million followers, warned there was no guarantee the predominant and moderate religious leaders were able to fully control their followers. "People see this as a war against humanity and they would use this to justify their radicalism. I am not sure this time I can say for certain I can calm the masses like in previous occassion," said NU's chairman, Hasyim Muzadi.
"Hey, if people get killed it's not my fault."
Posted by: Steve || 03/20/2003 12:28 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Is this before or after they shoot up all the Roanld MacDonald statues in Indonesia? They might win that battle.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 12:01 Comments || Top||

#2  Not if Ronald fights back with Chicken McNugget CBUs!
Posted by: Dar Steckelberg || 03/20/2003 12:36 Comments || Top||


Middle East
One dead, 13 maimed, next door to Ein el-Hilweh
An explosion killed one person and wounded at least 13 others in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon on Thursday. The blast, apparently caused by a bomb, ripped through an apartment in a three-story building close to the Ain el-Hilweh. The camp has seen several explosions in recent months.
That's because it's populated by homicidal maniacs...
Rescue workers said they removed the body of one man from the scene of the explosion, which blew off the front of the building. One security source told Reuters that 13 people were wounded and taken to nearby hospitals. The sources said the dead man was not known for any political activity, but declined to speculate about the reason for the blast.
My guess would be explosives, but what do I know?
Lebanese politicians, hostile to the presence of some 350,000 nutbags Palestinian refugees living in about a dozen refugee camps across Lebanon, say Ain el-Hilweh is a haven for militants and organized crime.
The inhabitants deny the charge and will kill anyone who sez different...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 04:49 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Damn Lebanon Hells Angels... They control the crystal meth market in "South Leb" and they are always mixing batches.
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 17:07 Comments || Top||


Home Front
BOLO for Soddy al-Qaeda suspect
The FBI issued a "be on the lookout" alert for Adnan G. El Shukrijumah, asking all law enforcement personnel to notify the bureau immediately if he is located. The FBI said El Shukrijumah's whereabouts are unknown. "El Shukrijumah is possibly involved with al Qaeda terrorist activities and, if true, poses a serious threat to U.S. citizens and interests worldwide," the FBI said in the alert. El Shukrijumah, 27, was born in Saudi Arabia and he is thought to be a terror operative on the level of Mohamed Atta, believed to be the lead hijacker in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Naturally, he's a Soddy...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 03:22 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


International
Kofi wants to run oil-for-food program
With war under way, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan asked the Security Council on Thursday to authorize him to run Iraq's oil-for-food humanitarian aid program, now a joint venture between Baghdad and the United Nations. While the primary responsibility for caring for Iraq's 26 million people would lie "with the authority exercising effective control in the country" — the United States, in the event of a military victory — the United Nations could play its role in meeting crucial needs if the Security Council approved, Annan said in a letter to the council. He submitted his proposals as the United States and Britain were finishing their own draft resolution, which they planned to circulate to the council's five permanent members as soon as Thursday afternoon, council diplomats said. Under the existing oil-for-food program, in place since 1996 but suspended this week due to the impending war, Iraq's oil revenues go into a U.N. account out of which President Saddam Hussein's government buys food, medicine and other goods for the general population under U.N. supervision.
I'd call this pretty meaningless, since the oil-for-food program probably doesn't have many more months to run. Its significance lies in Kofi's meek acquiescence to a subordinate position. He knows the UN is toes up, unless the U.S. and Britain decide to keep it...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 02:14 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The whole reason for the oil-for-food program is about to die. I think he wants to keep a finger in the humanitarian money pie, or indirectly create a humanitarian crisis that can be blamed on the United States.

The whole damn land of Iraq, including its oil, will be the temporary responsibility of the Coalition. *looks around* I suggest giving the job to Spain.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:18 Comments || Top||

#2  I have no problem with Kofi running the program -- as long as he understands that ALL the food purchases come from Iraq's liberators.
Posted by: Tom || 03/20/2003 15:02 Comments || Top||

#3  The whole reason for the oil-for-food program is about to die. I think he wants to keep a finger in the humanitarian money pie, or indirectly create a humanitarian crisis that can be blamed on the United States.

The whole damn land of Iraq, including its oil, will be the temporary responsibility of the Coalition. *looks around* I suggest giving the job to Spain.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:18 Comments || Top||

#4  Kofi makes a lot of money with Oil for Food, for the UN this is big business and he needs the cash flow; last thing he wants to do right now is ask the US for money.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/cRosett/?id=110002335
Posted by: john || 03/20/2003 14:21 Comments || Top||

#5  Getting oil for food will not be the UN's little game any more. The US should be publicly clear on this. Saddam made the whole program a charade. Bush NEEDS to show the world how to do it right, and take every mealy-mouth UN bureaucrat out of the loop. Bush cannot back down on this one.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 14:31 Comments || Top||

#6  John is correct. There have been other articles about how the administration is planning to bypass the usual NGOs and privatize much of the reconstruction aid. It has also started talking about a venture capital like model for foreign aid in which countries put together proposals showing how they've become worthy by cleaning up corruption, etc. People who think the UN is still valid as a humanitarian organization must contend with the fact that it is grossly inefficient, which matters more now that we see 'nation building' as strategically important.
Posted by: JAB || 03/20/2003 14:31 Comments || Top||

#7  Nyet

But we should audit and make public the current program along with Frances trade program with Iraq over the last twelve years.
Posted by: Timmy the Wonder Dog || 03/20/2003 14:45 Comments || Top||

#8  May have to give up control of oil proceeds to UN as part of our "5 Our Fathers and 10 Hail Marys" we will need for our forgiveness. However, the bids for reconstruction and modernization will be handled c/o Tommy Franks- purchasing department, and French, German, Chinese bidders need not respond. And USA will help Kofi with those critical business decisions such as "prefered pricing" contracts... I think the administration has a couple of guys who know some people in the oil business that Kofi will want to meet.
Posted by: Capsu78 || 03/20/2003 14:46 Comments || Top||

#9  No, no, Kofi. You'll be in charge of setting up the new time shares at Trump Tower: Turtle Bay.
"I have a very nice 2 bedroom. It used to be my office..."
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 14:48 Comments || Top||

#10  I have no problem with Kofi running the program -- as long as he understands that ALL the food purchases come from Iraq's liberators.
Posted by: Tom || 03/20/2003 15:02 Comments || Top||

#11  This is about Kofi keeping the big office and the limo service.
Posted by: Matt || 03/20/2003 15:09 Comments || Top||

#12  US $ Kofi, not euros.

And open books.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 15:31 Comments || Top||

#13  Maybe we need to run a background check on Kofi before we hire him...........
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 16:18 Comments || Top||

#14  Koffi's been making noises about the UN taking over control of rebuilding Iraq. This is what the French and Germans are hoping for. This way the Axis of Weasels can get in on the $$$ to rebuild Iraq and not suffer any financial pain for opposing the US and Britian. Plus, since they opposed the US and Britian they didn't have to ante up for any $$$ to fund the liberation of Iraq. AND they get to brag to their Muslim (terrorist) constituency that they opposed the will of the Great Satan so go bomb NYC or London, leave Paris and Berlin alone.
Posted by: Mark || 03/20/2003 20:19 Comments || Top||

#15  Jeez, Blair's making nice.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/21/2003 1:02 Comments || Top||


Home Front
Arizona nuclear plant may be target
A Bush administration official said that recent intelligence indicates that the Palo Verde nuclear power plant near Phoenix, Arizona, could be targeted by terrorists. However, another U.S. government source said the intelligence is uncorroborated and has not been deemed credible. But officials are taking any such threat seriously. Jim McDonald of the Arizona Public Service Co. said that National Guard troops were dispatched to protect the Arizona plant Tuesday afternoon. The National Guard was not deployed during two previous periods of the orange alert.
Best not to take any chances, even though it may not seem credible. And if it does turn out to be credible, any bad guys involved should be shot, preferably on the spot...
Posted by: Fred Pruitt || 03/20/2003 01:49 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They're now saying the US is looking for a Saudi al-Qaeda operative believed to be the ringleader for the attack. Looks like he's been living in the States for awhile, which would make him a definite sleeper.

I know, another Saudi? Who'd of thought?
Posted by: Dan Darling || 03/20/2003 14:35 Comments || Top||

#2  The Security forces attached to nuclear plants are the best private para-military units around. Utilities have spent a ton of money upgrading and improving security measures and personnel since 9/11. I've heard of a few of these security people being called up for the reserves.

There are two nuclear plants in Georgia, and their security forces were put through a new and improved Nuclear Regulatory Commission testing and evaluation program when the Olympics were held in Atlanta. The "word on the street" was that the plants were considered "hard targets", right after military installations.

On top of their training, they are required to attend a form of general nuclear training. Any one of them can tell you what the threats are in their plant, where to hide for maximal shielding, which pieces of equipment have to be protected with their lives, AND the nuclear consequences if those pieces of equipment are disabled.

THEN they'd have to kill you....
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:40 Comments || Top||

#3  The Security forces attached to nuclear plants are the best private para-military units around.

They are probably the same kind of Wackenhut guys that patrol the Area 51 perimeter.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 03/20/2003 14:49 Comments || Top||

#4  These are the kinds of "hints" that intelligence agencies received before the attacks on 9/11. Of course they should be taken seriously.
Posted by: Anonymous || 03/20/2003 15:39 Comments || Top||

#5  As a native Arizonan, I would have to comment that this plant must be the hardest target of all utility-owned nuke plants. It's in the middle of the desert with a huge security perimeter. Also, If I had to guess the number of guns per person in the neighboring communities is probably 10x the national average. These folks' idea of perfect day is expending a couple hundred bucks worth of ammo plinking in the desert. Getting a real live Soddy terrorist to come to town would be a wet dream come true. And if you're thinking about him coming in in a light plane, remember that Luke AFB is about 10 minutes away by F-16. It's not just the Wackenhut guys the Soddy has to deal with.
Posted by: JAB || 03/20/2003 15:48 Comments || Top||


Korea
Army-based policy introduced and studied on world-wide scale
It's sweeping the planet! It's Kimmiemania!
The world progressive people are admiring Kim Jong Il for his extraordinary wisdom, distinguished political ability and immortal exploits and widely introducing and studying his army-based policy. In a matter of two months of the year nearly 200 press media of at least 50 countries introduced in detail the uniqueness, validity and immortal vitality of his army-based policy.
...and an impressive list it is!
The Prensa Latina of Cuba, the Portuguese paper O Publico, the Italian magazine La Voce, the Indonesian state TV broadcasting and many other media carried special write-ups under "peculiar political mode of leader Kim Jong Il," "army-based policy and single hearted unity" and other titles as well as his portraits and photos of his revolutionary activities. Radios of Laos, Guinea, Poland and Peru said that thanks to the army-based policy the DPRK has been able to display its might to the world as a dignified country, political power, military power and a socialist fortress with external authority and prestige which no big power may match and nothing can break down.
I think when Reuters gets a hold of it, they'll put it under "Oddly Enough".
Hundreds of seminars, photo exhibitions and film shows on his army-based leadership exploits were held in different countries in February. The great traits and distinguished army-based leadership exploits of Kim Jong Il were highly praised at a joint seminar of Italian political parties and organizations, a joint seminar of delegates of political parties from Balkan countries and seminars held in Russia, Tanzania, Mexico and many other countries. The Ugandan President said that the army-based policy should be accepted by African countries and that he would strengthen the Ugandan army so as to guarantee the sovereignty and security of the country.
Sick as it is, it probably would be a step up for most African nations.
The Indonesian President said that she would increase state concern and investment in order to strengthen and develop the army into the army of the nation, the fighting army and the army of people.
...but not necessarily in that order. Kimmie Fever! Catch it!
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 12:19 pm || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This is an instant classic. I've been Jonesin' for a real good dose of "army-based policy" for some time now. Speaking of army based policy, I think Sammy got himself a super-sized dose of that last night.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 11:47 Comments || Top||

#2  ITs going to be tough, but I'm gonna try one of these days to issue American bulletins KCNA style.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:45 Comments || Top||

#3  peculiar political mode of leader Kim Jong Il

riiiiggghhhttt! My head hurts when I read KCNA - anybody else get the same?
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 9:23 Comments || Top||

#4  Doesn't hurt my head -- just pretend it's The Onion and you'll be fine. :-)
Posted by: jrosevear || 03/20/2003 9:37 Comments || Top||

#5  "...and many other media carried special write-ups under "peculiar political mode of leader Kim Jong Il," "army-based policy and single hearted unity" and other titles as well as his portraits and photos of his revolutionary activities."


Everybody likes a good joke.
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 10:42 Comments || Top||

#6  Frank---When KCNA really gets wound in a diatribe up past the amusement stage, I get flashbacks as a little kid getting carsick on twisted mountain roads.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 10:53 Comments || Top||

#7  This is an instant classic. I've been Jonesin' for a real good dose of "army-based policy" for some time now. Speaking of army based policy, I think Sammy got himself a super-sized dose of that last night.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 11:47 Comments || Top||

#8  ITs going to be tough, but I'm gonna try one of these days to issue American bulletins KCNA style.
Posted by: Ptah || 03/20/2003 14:45 Comments || Top||

#9  Keep up those "army-based policy" missile tests and nuclear plans, Kimmy, and you'll be tasting a bit of GWB's "cruise-missile-based policy." Notice how well our "missile tests" are doing in Iraq today? Eat your heart out. You're next.
Posted by: Tom || 03/20/2003 14:49 Comments || Top||

#10  good point Tom - what've Kim's army-based missiles managed to hit? The ocean? wooooo now I'm impressed. In NK, GPS stands for the national diet: grass, peat, and sticks
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 17:55 Comments || Top||

#11  KIJong seems to be channeling Ming the Merciless (bad guy protagonist in Flash Gordon movies, wrong ethnic group too I realize) while Saddam is imitating Harry Carry. At least the guy Saddam is imitating actually existed.
Posted by: mhw || 03/20/2003 19:51 Comments || Top||


Middle East
Hamas member killed in firefight with Palestinian police
A member of Hamas was killed early Thursday in a shootout with Palestinian security forces trying to break up an outdoor Hamas training session on how to fire homemade rockets at Israel.
Beginning of the Paleo civil war? Or just intervention by those who understand cause/effect?
The firefight came hours after Mahmoud Abbas accepted the newly created post of prime minister.
Nice setback for Yasser - even the Paleo parliament is marginalizing him
One of his challenges will be to stop the firing of short-range Kassam rockets from northern Gaza at Israeli border towns. Israel has responded harshly to such attacks, raiding Palestinian towns and threatening to reoccupy parts of Gaza if the firing persists. No Israeli has been killed or seriously hurt by Kassam rockets.
Just due to luck and poor skill on the Paleo part, not for lack of trying
In recent months, Palestinian security forces have sporadically patrolled the areas from which Kassam rockets are launched, but have largely been unable to prevent the rocket fire.
right, if you only patrol during daylight hours or with your blinders on, you'll see nothing.... right Schultz?
At about 11 p.m. Wednesday, officers from the Palestinian intelligence service spotted several Hamas members in a field near the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza. The Hamas activists, who were training how to fire Kassam rockets, were arrested.
Trying to earn their merit badges in rocketry, that's all
Hamas reinforcements arrived and a gun battle erupted. At one point, Hamas members held an intelligence colonel as a bargaining chip for the release of the detainees, but then agreed to free the officer without conditions, the group said. Despite attempts at mediation, a Hamas member was killed and two were wounded in the standoff which ended at about 2 a.m. Thursday, Hamas said. There was no immediate comment from the security forces.
The intelligence colonel should be cleaning latrines this week
Hamas has clashed repeatedly with Palestinian security forces, but has stopped short of an all-out confrontation. The group reiterated Thursday that it opposes civil war and "forbids the shedding of Palestinian blood."
Cause they actually aren't very well-armed or have enough members to win that civil war... if Abbas wants to get control though, these guys have gotta be put down, good luck pal
Several hours after the incident, a Kassam rocket was fired toward a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no injuries or damage, the military said.
And there'll be total surprise when the IDF rolls again... cause/effect... jeez what a bunch of idiots.
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 12:22 pm || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  oh, and by the way, apparently that Rachel Corrie was successful in teaching Paleo schoolchildren some of her deeply held beliefs:
Mar. 20, 2003
Palestinian schoolchildren burn US flags
Palestinian protesters, mostly schoolchildren took to the streets of Beit Hanoun in Gaza Thursday morning waving Iraqi flags and posters of Saddam Hussein.

The youth burned two US flags and shouted "Death to America, death to Bush," and "We will sacrifice our soul and our blood for Saddam".
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 7:36 Comments || Top||

#2  "Or just intervention by those who understand cause/effect? "

much though id like to see a full crackdonw on hamas, i think this is just a realization by the PA that right now is the worst possible timing to start provoking Israel.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 03/20/2003 7:50 Comments || Top||

#3  JPost is a cookie-monster. Sorry, no takum cookie...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 11:36 Comments || Top||


Home Front
Sen. Byrd weeps
The oldest voice in the U.S. Congress rose on Wednesday to offer a final pre-war warning that President Bush's march to battle is dangerously misguided. "Today I weep for my country," blubbered said West Virginia Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd. "No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. ... Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.
Time to join Daschle in the dustbin of history, Bobbie.
"We flaunt our superpower status with arrogance," Byrd said, adding: "After war has ended the United States will have to rebuild much more than the country of Iraq. We will have to rebuild America's image around the globe."
He has it backwards. Our image will be fine.
Byrd, a leading foe on Capitol Hill of war with Iraq, spoke in a nearly empty Senate chamber about four hours before Bush's 8 p.m. EST deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq or face a U.S.-led invasion.
Wonder why he couldn't command an audience? Was Survivor on tonight? I Love Lucy reruns?
"May God continue to bless the United States of America in the troubled days ahead, and may we somehow recapture the vision which for the present eludes us," Byrd said. As the white-haired senator concluded his remarks, a number of easily-impressed people in the visitor's gallery rose and applauded before they were admonished to be quiet. Byrd was among those who voted last year against the congressional resolution that authorized Bush to use force in his showdown with Saddam, and the senator has given frequent floor speeches since then warning against war.
To less than packed houses...
"The case this administration tries to make to justify its fixation with war is tainted by charges of falsified documents and circumstantial evidence," Byrd said. Despite administration suggestions to the contrary, Byrd said, "There is no credible information to connect Saddam Hussein to 9/11." The senator said, "We cannot convince the world of the necessity of this war for one simple reason. This is a war of choice."
We choose to remove the Butcher of Baghdad before he can harm us. Works for me.
Byrd said that instead of negotiating, Washington demanded obedience or threatened recrimination. "Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves in the same room as forty other countries." He said many questions about the looming war were unanswered — including how long it would last, exactly who was going to get killed, what it would cost, what the meaning of life is, what its ultimate mission was.
Ultimate mission has always been clear.
"A pall has fallen over the Senate chamber," Byrd said. "We avoid our solemn duty to debate the one topic on the minds of all Americans, even while scores of thousands of our sons and daughters faithfully do their duty in Iraq."
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 11:08 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Senator Byrd weeps and the country rolls its collective eyes and yawns............
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 13:27 Comments || Top||

#2  Senator byrd ran a close 2nd to saddam, in the number of state and regional monuments, streets, and buildings named after HIM. Senator byrd chirps loudest wen attention is diverted from his major role in transfering tax dollars to his favorite project; himself.
Posted by: AnonymousLy yours || 03/20/2003 14:48 Comments || Top||

#3  Saw this guy on Larry King. He still thinks its the 1940s. Someone should give him his medication and put him back to bed. Wake him up after the war is over.
Posted by: RW || 03/20/2003 0:59 Comments || Top||

#4  The Kleagle lacks Kredibility.
Posted by: someone || 03/20/2003 1:02 Comments || Top||

#5  Someone is correct. That old Klan Kreep is sadly the image many around the globe have of us. He was ruining this nation's image abroad by running around burning crosses when the current president was a baby on Barbara's knee. He's a hillbilly Tony Soprano.
Posted by: JDB || 03/20/2003 1:55 Comments || Top||

#6  "A pall has fallen over the Senate chamber."

Sure it's not the smoke from the cross-burning, Mr. Wizard?
Posted by: Mike || 03/20/2003 5:48 Comments || Top||

#7  Byrd would've been OK with the war if we'd named it after him, like all the rest of the pork he's stolen obtained for W.Va.
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 6:52 Comments || Top||

#8  Can't he pork barrel himself the Robert Byrd Federal Home for Senile U.S. Senators and go the f**k away. Everytime this old fool opens his mouth, I cringe.
Posted by: tu3031 || 03/20/2003 7:49 Comments || Top||

#9  "A pall has fallen over the Senate chamber," Byrd said.

I suspect he's confusing a nearly-empty chamber with a pall over the chamber. How many senators are going to waste their time listening to his arrogant lectures. Time for term limits. Hell, time for age limits.
Posted by: Tom || 03/20/2003 9:18 Comments || Top||

#10  "Today I weep for my country," Don't weep old man, the CSA has been dead for a long time now. Time to let go. Time to get on with life.
Posted by: Don || 03/20/2003 10:06 Comments || Top||

#11  jee-zuz H keerist...
Posted by: mojo || 03/20/2003 10:32 Comments || Top||

#12  Someone please explain to me how this senile klansman keeps getting reelected.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 03/20/2003 12:09 Comments || Top||

#13  He is the best there is when it comes to pork-barrel politics.
Posted by: Dishman || 03/20/2003 12:32 Comments || Top||

#14  Senator Byrd weeps and the country rolls its collective eyes and yawns............
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 03/20/2003 13:27 Comments || Top||

#15 
"A pall has fallen over the Senate chamber."

Sure it's not the smoke from the cross-burning, Mr. Wizard?


I remember an issue of MAD magazine from my youth that came up with suggested names for pollution that came from other sources. "Shmo" was their term for all the smoke released from all the cross-burnings in the South by the Klan.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama || 03/20/2003 14:42 Comments || Top||

#16  Senator byrd ran a close 2nd to saddam, in the number of state and regional monuments, streets, and buildings named after HIM. Senator byrd chirps loudest wen attention is diverted from his major role in transfering tax dollars to his favorite project; himself.
Posted by: AnonymousLy yours || 03/20/2003 14:48 Comments || Top||

#17  The only reason he's ticked off is that none of the cash is being spent in the Great State of West Virginia. The King of Pork, The Sultan of Swindle. He's about as meaningless as the designated hitter in baseball, and thats the sport we should introduce to Iraq
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire || 03/20/2003 18:28 Comments || Top||

#18  I get e-mails from a few lefties who sometimes forward me arguments they feel are compelling. This one was making the rounds today. When weepy missives from senile ex-klansmen are considered profound, you gotta wonder.
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 19:16 Comments || Top||


Top White House anti-terror boss resigns
The top National Security Council official in the war on terror resigned this week for what a NSC spokesman said were personal reasons, but intelligence sources say the move reflects concern that the looming war with Iraq is hurting the fight against terrorism.
Jerk. Resigning on the first day of the war? Hell with him.

Rand Beers would not comment for this article, but he and several sources close to him are emphatic that the resignation was not a protest against an invasion of Iraq. But the same sources, and other current and former intelligence officials, described a broad consensus in the anti-terrorism and intelligence community that an invasion of Iraq would divert critical resources from the war on terror.

Beers has served as the NSC's senior director for counter-terrorism only since August. The White House said Wednesday that he officially remains on the job and has yet to set a departure date. "Hardly a surprise," said one former intelligence official. "We have sacrificed a war on terror for a war with Iraq. I don't blame Randy at all. This just reflects the widespread thought that the war on terror is being set aside for the war with Iraq at the expense of our military and intel resources and the relationships with our allies."
To this simple citizen, sure seems like we've been able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

A Senate Intelligence Committee staffer familiar with the resignation agreed that it was not a protest against the war against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein but confirmed that frustration is widespread in the anti-terror establishment and played a part in Beers' decision. "Randy said that he was 'just tired' and did not have an interest in adding the stress that would come with a war with Iraq," the source said. The source said that the concern by the administration about low morale in the intelligence community led national security adviser Condoleezza Rice to ask Beers twice during an exit interview whether the resignation was a protest against the war with Iraq.

The source said that although Beers insisted it was not, the tone of the interview concerned Rice enough that she felt she had to ask the question twice. "This is a very intriguing decision (by Beers)," said author and intelligence expert James Bamford. "There is a predominant belief in the intelligence community that an invasion of Iraq will cause more terrorism than it will prevent. There is also a tremendous amount of embarrassment by intelligence professionals that there have been so many lies out of the administration — by the president, (Vice President Dick) Cheney and (Secretary of State Colin) Powell — over Iraq."

Bamford cited a recent address by President Bush that cited documents, which allegedly proved Iraq was continuing to pursue a nuclear program, that were later shown to be forgeries. "It is absurd that the president of the United States mentioned in a speech before the world information from phony documents and no one got fired," Bamford said. "That alone has offended intelligence professionals throughout the services."
Okay, so why was no one fired?

But some involved in the fight on terror said that it was dangerous to look too far into one resignation — particularly from an official who has not blamed the war on Iraq. "I found his resignation shocking," said one official closely involved in the domestic fight on terror. "And it might reflect a certain frustration over the allocation of resources. But I'm not positive that there's a consensus (among intelligence services) that deposing Saddam's regime is a bad idea for fighting terror. I think that there are serious concerns about resources and alienating allies, but some of us see an upside."

But others point out that the CIA warned Congress last year that an invasion might lead to a rise in terrorism. This, they say, is evidence there's more than just ambivalence about the war among the spy community. "If it was your job to prevent terror attacks, would you be happy about an action that many see as unnecessary, that is almost guaranteed to cause more terror in the short-term?" said one official. "I know I'm not (happy)."

Beers joined the NSC in August after heading the State Department's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement branch, where he ran the Plan Colombia program to fight narco-traffickers in that country. Beers served both Bush administrations as well as serving in similar capacities with both the Clinton and Reagan administrations.
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 11:16 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  James Bamford? Noted "authored and intelligence expert"?

Bamford is a leftist journalist who has written books, highly critical ones, on the defense community. He has never, ever actually been a spook.

His comment that the intelligence community expects more terror after Iraq, is a no-duh, and only partially right. Of course it may lead to short-term increases in terrorism. But a major purpose of the war is to deny terrorists WMDs, destroy their morale, and, hopefully begin the process of transforming the Middle East so that there will be LESS reason for terror in the first place.

The second quote from the "official" is much closer to the truth.

If Beers isn't on the team, if he doesn't believe in the mission, it's good riddance.
Posted by: R. McLeod || 03/20/2003 1:24 Comments || Top||

#2  We launched a major offensive against al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan simultaneously with the first air raids against Iraqi targets. I suppose that's what they call "diverting resources from the war on terror".
Posted by: Joe || 03/20/2003 2:56 Comments || Top||

#3  Yawn...I'm sure it will be great for those who eagerly want to hate GW and America...but it's a little TOO obvious and desperately written for those who would actually care about the issue itself.

Gosh..just look at all those unnamed "senior officials", "those closely involved" "they" and "the sources". These propaganda writers need to learn to be more subtle.
Posted by: becky || 03/20/2003 3:12 Comments || Top||

#4  If memory serves me right (I was a mere babe in arms)didn't we seem able to fight in Europe (1), Africa (2), Pacific Islands (3) and Asia (4) - four different "theatre's of operations" at the same time back in the 40's with primitive equipment, quickly trained troops but unqualified support at home? And while we did all this outside the borders, didn't we also have a counter-intelligence and counter-sabotage effectiveness here in the "homeland"? Surely, Robert Byrd was around at that time burning crosses and keeping blacks out of his toliet. He must remember!
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 03/20/2003 5:59 Comments || Top||

#5  Let me guess: "former intelligence official" = Clinton regime? They were oh so successful, weren't they? I expect any success in the WOT and the war on Saddam to be downplayed as just due, while any setbacks, no matter how minor, are evidence of short-sighted thinking on President Bushes' part, and his responsibility alone. Oh yeah, but "they support our troops", of course. It's time to save these soundbites and clips for next year's elections people...
Posted by: Frank G || 03/20/2003 7:11 Comments || Top||

#6  Beers must think that someone else can do the job better than he can -- in which case he is probably correct.
Posted by: Tom || 03/20/2003 9:22 Comments || Top||

#7  Don't be too harsh on Beers ... it sounds like he served loyally, and quit because he realized he was a mismatch for the job. In a situation like that, it takes a certain amount of self-sacrifice and ego-deflation to admit something like that, but it's the best thing to do.
Posted by: Ray || 03/20/2003 13:27 Comments || Top||


International
US warns Americans of possible retaliation for Iraq
The U.S. government on Wednesday warned Americans around the world, and especially in the Middle East and North Africa, against possible reprisal attacks over U.S. military action in Iraq. A worldwide cautionary statement issued by the U.S. State Department warned of the potential for "anti-American violence" against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests that could involve conventional, chemical or biological weapons. "Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States or other U.S. and Western interests," the State Department said. The message, which updated a Feb. 6 worldwide warning, came less than two hours after the U.S. military launched an air raid on Baghdad as part of its plan to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. A second warning tailored specifically for Americans in the Middle East and North Africa said that "tensions generated by the current crisis in Iraq have increased the potential threat." The State Department last cautioned Americans in the region on Nov. 20.
As the old sarge on Hill Street Blues used to say, "let's be careful out there."
Posted by: Steve White || 03/20/2003 11:28 am || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:



Who's in the News
57[untagged]

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2003-03-20
  US missiles target Saddam
Wed 2003-03-19
  Allied troops in firefight in/near Basra
Tue 2003-03-18
  Inspectors, diplomats and journalists leave Baghdad
Mon 2003-03-17
  Ultimatum: 48 hours
Sun 2003-03-16
  Blair plans for war as UN is given 24 hours
Sat 2003-03-15
  Britain Ready for War Without U.N.
Fri 2003-03-14
  Bush, Blair, Aznar to Meet on Iraq
Thu 2003-03-13
  Iraq mobilizing troops and scud launchers
Wed 2003-03-12
  Inspectors Pull Out?
Tue 2003-03-11
  U.S. Suspends U-2 Flights Over Iraq
Mon 2003-03-10
  France will use Iraq veto
Sun 2003-03-09
  Iraqis surrender to live fire exercise
Sat 2003-03-08
  UN Withdraws Civilian Staff from Iraq-Kuwait Border
Fri 2003-03-07
  Binny′s kids nabbed?
Thu 2003-03-06
  Russia airlifts out remaining nationals

Better than the average link...



Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
35.173.181.0
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
(0)    (0)    (0)    (0)    (0)