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Hamas steals Gaza fuel
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
3 00:00 Jack is Back! [2] 
1 00:00 RD [2] 
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5 00:00 Chuck Simmins [2] 
7 00:00 Snakes Shomolet8015 [2] 
34 00:00 JosephMendiola [3] 
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6 00:00 Mike [2] 
1 00:00 trailing wife [2] 
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1 00:00 SteveS [2] 
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2 00:00 Frank G [2] 
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Page 2: WoT Background
3 00:00 Frank G [1]
2 00:00 ed [1]
1 00:00 Sninert Black9312 [2]
7 00:00 JosephMendiola [1]
17 00:00 Sninert Black9312 [2]
3 00:00 SteveS [2]
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7 00:00 Pappy [1]
14 00:00 twobyfour [3]
8 00:00 Frank G [1]
1 00:00 tu3031 [1]
12 00:00 Woozle Elmeter 2700 [1]
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1 00:00 trailing wife [1]
2 00:00 Formerly Dan [1]
7 00:00 RD [1]
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Page 3: Non-WoT
3 00:00 eltoroverde [3]
6 00:00 Angie Schultz [1]
4 00:00 OregonGuy [1]
3 00:00 Nimble Spemble [1]
11 00:00 JosephMendiola [1]
7 00:00 DepotGuy [1]
11 00:00 JosephMendiola [2]
3 00:00 Pappy [2]
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2 00:00 Abu Uluque [1]
9 00:00 Raj [1]
12 00:00 JosephMendiola [2]
1 00:00 Sninert Black9312 [1]
2 00:00 crosspatch [1]
3 00:00 tu3031 [1]
17 00:00 RD [1]
9 00:00 Broadhead6 [1]
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Page 4: Opinion
1 00:00 JosephMendiola [1]
13 00:00 Frank G [2]
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2 00:00 Broadhead6 [1]
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13 00:00 Sninert Black9312 [1]
1 00:00 john frum [1]
Page 5: Russia-Former Soviet Union
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8 00:00 John F. Kennedy [1]
4 00:00 DMFD [2]
6 00:00 Anonymoose [1]
10 00:00 sinse [1]
5 00:00 Omemble Wittlesbach5601 [1]
7 00:00 Rambler in California [1]
Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  No CT, but fetching enough.....
Posted by: Tholunter McCoy5208 || 04/30/2008 11:14 Comments || Top||

#2  Why are all the Defender Scimitar pictures all washed out lately?
Other pictures are not.
Posted by: Redneck Jim || 04/30/2008 13:30 Comments || Top||

#3  Agnes has a package....
Posted by: Beavis || 04/30/2008 13:34 Comments || Top||

#4  Dunno, McCoy... need a pretty big stick to fetch me to that.....
Posted by: Beldar Gligum9383 || 04/30/2008 15:46 Comments || Top||

#5  #4 Dunno, McCoy... need a pretty big stick to fetch me to that.....
Posted by: Beldar Gligum9383 2008-04-30 15:46



Well, better than going solo...you probably get our more than I do........
Posted by: Tholunter McCoy5208 || 04/30/2008 16:43 Comments || Top||

#6  I dunno . . . if you lost the goofy hat and did something with her hair, she'd be pretty cute.
Posted by: Mike || 04/30/2008 16:51 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
link to 24th MEU blog in Afghanistan
Posted by: 3dc || 04/30/2008 15:56 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Suicide attack on Afghan anti-drugs team kills 18
A suicide bomb tore through a team preparing to eradicate opium poppy fields in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing 18 people, most of them policemen, the government said. The Taliban movement said one of its men carried out the attack in Khogyani in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

The bomb struck as a counter-narcotics team, which included the district governor, was preparing to travel to opium fields on a mission to destroy illegal poppy crops, the Afghan Interior Ministry said in a statement. “Eleven police and seven (civilians) lost their lives and 31 others were wounded,” it said, adding that the district chief was among the wounded.

In a statement condemning the bombing, the UN mission said, “The circumstances of this attack illustrate the unmistakable bonds of partnership between terrorists and drug traffickers.”

The blast left the area covered in flesh and blood, a witness from the main hospital in the city of Jalalabad, said. “Locals were sitting on the ground as the district authorities, district police chief, district governor and others were talking to them, saying they should not grow opium,” said the man, who would not give his name. “I saw a young boy who was carrying white papers wandering around the crowd, pretending he was applying for something at the district headquarters. All of a sudden I saw a big, red flame from among the crowd where the boy was standing and a big explosion followed,” he said.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Gee. I wonder why they care so much as to resort to suicide bombs.
Posted by: gorb || 04/30/2008 0:57 Comments || Top||

#2  just bidness, nuthin personal
Posted by: Frank G || 04/30/2008 10:08 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Explosion, gunfire kill 6 in Somalia, witnesses say
An explosion in southwestern Somalia killed four Ethiopian troops and the subsequent gunfire killed two civilians, witnesses said Tuesday.

Local resident Asha Madey Abdi said the explosion Monday afternoon in Baidoa, 155 miles southwest of the capital, also wounded two Ethiopian soldiers. Sheik Muqtar Roble said the Ethiopian troops had opened fire after the explosion, killing two civilians and wounding another two. It was not clear what caused the blast.

Ethiopian troops supporting the shaky transitional government come under daily attack from Islamic insurgents, whom they kicked out of the capital in December 2006. The insurgents, who vow to fight an Iraq-style insurgency, receive support from Ethiopia's archenemy Eritrea.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Islamic Courts


Freed Spanish fishing boat arrives in Seychelles
Not quite as triumphantly as the freed Frenchy made port, though.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Britain
UK police hold 3 in Tiger terror probe
British police arrested three men on Tuesday as part of an anti-terrorism investigation into the Sri Lankan rebel group the Tamil Tigers.

Police said two men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested at separate addresses in Wales and another, aged 33, was detained in London. The men were arrested “on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”, Scotland Yard said in a statement. The men were being taken to a London police station for questioning. “The arrests are part of a long-term investigation into the alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas,” it said. The statement, which did not give the men’s nationalities, added that searches were being carried out at several addresses in Wales and London.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a rebel group fighting for an independent state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. Fighting between Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE has intensified since the Colombo government pulled out of a six-year-old ceasefire pact in January.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  While looking for jihadists these others turned up. It's so much more challenging to be a member of a terrorist organization nowadays.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/30/2008 12:02 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Three policemen killed in Kohat grenade attack
Militants killed three policemen and injured three others on Tuesday in Kohat, sources told Daily Times. The officers were following the militants who had earlier stolen a taxi. “The attackers then opened fire and the policemen did not have a chance to retaliate,” NWFP police chief Malik Naveed told AFP. “It appears to be a terrorist attack,” he added. Police have started a search operation in the area.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


3 govt officials kidnapped in Mohmand
Unidentified armed men kidnapped three government employees in Mohmand Agency on Tuesday, the local administration said. The government employees – two drivers and a clerk – were commuting to work from Yaka Ghund to Ghallanai when their vehicle was ambushed. The gunmen kidnapped the officials and also commandeered their vehicle.

The administration said security forces had launched a search operation to trace the kidnapped officials.No one has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Several government officials have been kidnapped in the area, and the local Taliban usually claim responsibility.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Would-be suicide bomber arrested in DI Khan
Dera Ismail Khan Police said on Tuesday that they had arrested a would-be suicide bomber carrying a vest strapped with 15 kilogrammes of explosives. “We have arrested a would-be suicide bomber with a vest carrying 15 kilogrammes of explosives,” DIK District Police Officer (DPO) Ghaffar told AFP. Ghaffar did not know if the suspect belonged to any known militant outfit but said investigations were underway.

The 23-year-old suspect, identified as Adnash Gul from Abbotabad, was travelling in a passenger van from North Waziristan to Dera Ismail Khan, a police official said.
The DPO told reporters the would-be suicide bomber was coming from a madrassa based in Miranshah.
The DPO told reporters the would-be suicide bomber was coming from a madrassa based in Miranshah, and had said he was supposed to hand over the explosives-laden jacket to a man in Dera Ismail Khan, Online reported.

The arrest came a day after Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud halted peace talks with the government over its refusal to withdraw troops from the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.

A five-week lull in attacks after a new government took power in March was shattered last week when a car bomb attack on a police station in Mardan killed four people.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  See? They do too learn practical skills at madrassahs.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/30/2008 12:03 Comments || Top||


Iraq
More proof of Basra Failure; In 3 weeks only 324 tots, 1783 guns & tons of boom things captured
Head of Basra operations room revealed on Monday that 324 wanted and suspects were arrested in Basra during the last three weeks.

He also mentioned that hundreds of roadside bombs, in addition to a large quantity of guns and ammunitions were seized throughout different places in the province.

"Security forces arrested 324 wanted and suspects, through the raid operations that were conducted at most of Basra areas throughout the last three weeks, after the end of weapons hand over ultimatum," Lieutenant General Mohan Hafodh al-Freji told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

"320 roadside bombs of different types and sizes, in addition to 1783 different guns, and huge quantities of ammunitions were all seized," he said.

"Most of the province's areas are currently stable, secured and under control, after cleansing the neighborhoods of al-Haianiya, al-Qibla, al-Gzaiza, al-Baladiyat, Khamsa Meel, and others," he added.

"Raid operations will continue for a safe, stable, and disarmed Basra," al-Freji asserted.

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior (MOI) said that its forces are still pursuing raid operations at different places in Basra province that include the areas of Khmasa Meel, al-Kindi, Abu il-Khaseeb, and al-Shafi, aiming at tracking down "wanted" armed men, and disarming guns.

"Throughout the operations that were conducted by Basra police until Sunday afternoon, seven wanted were arrested at different places of Basra," Major General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, manager of MOI national command center, said in a release issued by his office on Monday and received by VOI.

"MOI explosives directorate removed a weapons cache of 60 mortar shells at Abu il-Khaseeb area, and defused a roadside bomb that consisted of a cannon shell (155 mm), with an electric igniter inside it," the release said.

"Three RPG rockets, two lighting rockets (82 mm), and four anti-armors rockets (40 mm) were all seized," it referred.
"Basra traffic directorate registered 382 traffic violations, and detained three different vehicles for violating traffic instructions and conditions," it explained.

Basra, capital city of Basra province, is 590 km south of Baghdad
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 04/30/2008 17:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Again, Iff the USA = US-Coalition/Allies refuse to attack and invade Iran, Iran + Islamists will use the interim to rebuild and go [formally?]nuclear, i.e. URANIUM + PLUTONIUM BOMBS and POTENT WMDS, NOT JUST DIRTY BOMBS. AS LONG AS THE US, etc. STAYS PUT AND CONTAINED IN IRAQ-AFGHANI, IRAN + RADICAL ISLAMISM WILL BE FREE TO FOCUS ON NUCWEAPONS AMBITIONS TO PRECLUDE DEFEAT OF THEIR JIHAD.

2008-2012 [2010] > PARITY or"SUFFICIENCY" for now; after 2012 RENEWED JIHAD INCLUD NUCLEAR JIHAD + ESCALATORY MUTUALLY DESTRUCTIVE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WARFARE. 2012 - 2020 > LIMITED MAD/STRATEGIC NUCLEAR WARFARE, 2020 and beyond > FULL MAD-NUCSTRATWAR???

*Lest we fergit, NET > Al QAEDA + Radical Islam may already possess quantities of SUITCASE/
MICRO/TACNUKES, + CHEMWAR + BIOWAR as per BLACK MARKETS-MAFIAS. These, whether true or not, is EXCLUSIVE OF THE THREAT TO US INTERESTS FROM RADICAL TERROR AS DUE TO PROLIFER TECH-WEAPONS TRANSFERS TO SAME FROM ANTI-US WORLD NATIONS-BLOCS.

* Nuclear Techs-Weapons will give Radical Terror groups, ISLAMIST + OTHER, TO FORMALLY DEMAND AUTONOMY AND TO DE FACTO FORM "STATE(S) WITHIN STATE(S)", OR ELSE!

MILPOL DIALECTICISM is NOT A SOLELY WESTERN OR SECULAR PRECEPT - can read SUN TZU and other ancient Asian Mil = Milpol theorists to see that.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 04/30/2008 20:36 Comments || Top||

#2  ThE LT DANGER FOR US-WORLD IS VERY REAL - THE TIME TO STOP 'EM IS NOW.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 04/30/2008 20:42 Comments || Top||

#3  Joe,

When we play Iran in the Olympics we'll settle this once and for all.
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 04/30/2008 21:25 Comments || Top||


While Fried Tater Tots get all the headlines, AQI keeps producing Martyrs

Joint forces kill 20 al-Qaeda fighters in Diala

Diala, Apr 30, (VOI) - Twenty al-Qaeda network fighters were killed during a joint U.S.-Iraqi operation conducted in Diala, the province police chief said.

“Police forces backed by Multi-National troops conducted a military operation in the region between Baladruz and Kaanan district of Baquba city,” Brig. Gen Ghanim al-Qureishi, Diala police chief, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The police official pointed out “20 al-Qaeda network fighters, including six commanders who were non-Iraqi Arab nationals, were killed in the operation.”

Earlier, the operation site saw the abduction of a minibus carrying Diala University students by an armed group believed to be al-Qaeda network ten days ago, but who were later released on the same day.

Baaquba, the capital city of Diala province, lies 57 km north-east Baghdad.

Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 04/30/2008 16:51 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Joint forces kill 20 al-Qaeda fighters in Diala
warm & toasty cockles! >:)
Posted by: RD || 04/30/2008 18:39 Comments || Top||


At least 925 Tickets to Paradise issued in Sadr city since March 25th
2605 failed to qualify.
Apr 30, (VOI) - More than 900 people have been killed in clashes between militiamen and security forces in Baghdad's Sadr City that broke out last month, a senior Iraqi official said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference with U.S. army spokesman Kevin Bergner held in Baghdad, Tahseen al-Sheilhly, civil spokesman for Baghdad's security plan, put “the casualty toll from military operations launched by U.S.-Iraqi forces since March 25 at 925 deaths and 2605 wounded.”

The Iraqi government launched a major crackdown dubbed as Saulat al-Fursan (Knights' Assault) on gunmen in Basra, resulting in clashes erupting between government security forces and Mahdi Army militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghadad and major southern cities. Although heavy fighting disappeared in Basr and major cities, it intensified in Baghdad, particularly in the Shiite slum Sadr city.

Al-Sheilhly pointed out, “86 schools were closed due to threats targeting students and teachers.”

“Six hospitals in Sadr city and another one in al-Habibiya district were closed as gunmen adopted them as base for attacking vehicles carrying medicine and medical items” he added.

Al-Sheikhly noted “only 22 out of 77 vehicles dedicated for carrying oil products were able to enter Sadr city as gunmen targeted them trying to rob them, in addition to denying access to ambulances and vehicles carrying blood for patients and those repairing electrical power lines.”

From its side, the Multi-National Forces spokesman Kevin Bergner said, “The projectiles randomly launched by gunmen left 40 civilians killed and 370 others injured in Baghdad during the past weeks.” He blamed Islamic groups of “ randomly launching rockets and mortar from east Baghdad's Sadr city and its perimeters.”
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 04/30/2008 12:34 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Please send me my royalty check... I'm a little short this week.
Posted by: Eddie Mony || 04/30/2008 13:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Yeesh! About 30/day dead, 90/day screwed up! Of those screwed up folks, have they been captured or identified or what is their status?

As for all those random shots, is it because they lack discipline, or are they firing them off when nobody is looking (so they don't have to engage coalition forces) and scurrying back to base and saying "I did my job, can I go home now?" Or are they just being a$$holes?
Posted by: gorb || 04/30/2008 14:21 Comments || Top||

#3  "At least 925 Tickets to Paradise issued"

At the risk of repeating myself, it's a start...
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 04/30/2008 14:32 Comments || Top||

#4  gorb, given the stories about 'US snipers' that the Sadrists have been pushing, it's likley most of it is intentional firing so it can be blamed on IA/coalition troops.
Posted by: Pappy || 04/30/2008 15:26 Comments || Top||

#5  With the recent loss of a Marine !!! in Basra, it is very, very likely that sniper teams are being effectively employed in both locations. In addition, the Excalibur is being used to good effect in Sadr City.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 04/30/2008 21:32 Comments || Top||


Global Virgin Alert: Sadr City has used 13,392 Virgin Vouchers in nine days
The Battle for Sadr City is on. Several weeks ago, U.S. and Iraqi forces took control of the southern third of the city and began constructing concrete barriers to secure the area. Since U.S. and Iraqi forces moved into Sadr City, units have conducted patrols and distributed humanitarian aid to the Iraqis living in the neighborhoods. The U.S. military is also conducting aerial patrols of Sadr City, and is striking at Mahdi Army fighters as they plant roadside bombs, move weapons, and gather for attacks.

This has provoked a violent response from Muqtada al Sadr's Mahdi Army, which is struggling to prevent the Iraqi government from maintaining a foothold in Sadr's power base in Baghdad. Over the past several days, Mahdi Army fighters have grouped for mass attacks. Each time U.S. and Iraqi forces beat them back, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy while suffering few of their own.

One of the largest engagements occurred today. A large force of Mahdi Army fighters ambushed a U.S. patrol on the border area where the wall is being built. U.S. forces responded and killed 28 Mahdi Army fighters while suffering six wounded. None of the casualties are life-threatening. On Sunday, 22 Mahdi Army fighters were killed as they massed to strike at a checkpoint in Sadr City. Sixteen more were killed in separate engagements that same day.

There have been numerous other air and ground engagements with the Mahdi Army in Sadr City and the surrounding areas over the past several weeks. Since Sadr threatened to conduct a third uprising nine days ago, U.S. and Iraqi troops have killed 186 Mahdi Army fighters in Baghdad alone. Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki has said he is serious about taking control of Sadr City and disarming and disbanding the Mahdi Army. There are no signs that he plans to halt the offensive.

Posted by Bill Roggio on April 29, 2008 05:26 PM
Posted by: GolfBravoUSMC || 04/30/2008 10:50 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  GolfBravoUSMC thanks... any stats on wounded Tater Tots?

Based on stastical killed to wounded ratios from records and/or reports?
Posted by: RD || 04/30/2008 11:09 Comments || Top||

#2  It's about damn time.
Posted by: eltoroverde || 04/30/2008 11:13 Comments || Top||

#3  There was an AP article yesterday (I'll see if I can find it) that was very negative, claiming the US patrol was ambushed and had to withdraw with no mention of the Micky Mouse Mahdi Army suffering any casualties.
Posted by: Deacon Blues || 04/30/2008 11:35 Comments || Top||

#4  ABC radio news this morning had a story about the three soldiers killed yesterday in Baghdad. Said they came under heavy attack by 3 carloads of AQI that were armed with heavy anti-aircraft machine guns. They had a MNF-I spokesman on who said that our soldiers killed 10+ AQI and destroyed all the vehicles. The impression it left me with was that our guys had been ambushed by a pretty major team, took casualties, but responded and killed all the attackers. It made them sound like heroes. I couldn't believe this was on ABC news! Fortunately I was parking because otherwise I would have run off the road.
Posted by: remoteman || 04/30/2008 13:11 Comments || Top||

#5  Remoteman,

They only sounded like heros cause that's the way you think. To the reporter this was a perfect example of us losing. If anyone at anytime, no less a group in vehicles, can take as much as one shot at an American it is an example of our failure. Another Tet writ small.
Posted by: AlanC || 04/30/2008 13:43 Comments || Top||

#6  "Sadr City has used 13,392 Virgin Vouchers in nine days"

It's a start....
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 04/30/2008 14:31 Comments || Top||

#7  By my count, 13,392 virgins is only 0.06% of those potentially available to the entire Tater Tot community. I would expect that a country as generous and opportunity-driven as the US would give these guys a few more "shots" to gain more ground (specifically, the strata 6 ft below the surface).
Posted by: Snakes Shomolet8015 || 04/30/2008 19:09 Comments || Top||


Tariq Aziz trial begins
Tariq Aziz, who for years was the public diplomatic face of Saddam Hussein’s regime, went on trial in Baghdad on Tuesday facing charges over the execution of Iraqi merchants during the Baathist era.

Mr. Aziz, 72, who was deputy prime minister under Mr. Hussein, looked frail as he entered the court carrying a walking stick. It was the first time he has appeared to answer charges since he surrendered to American forces on April 25, 2003, two weeks after the invasion.

The case centers on the execution in 1992 of more than 40 Iraqi merchants who were accused by the regime of price-gouging in contravention of strict state controls during the era when Iraq was subject to United Nations sanctions. If convicted Mr. Aziz faces the death penalty.

Among the other defendants are Mr. Hussein’s half-brother Watban Ibrahim al-Hassan and his cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, who is known as Chemical Ali. Mr. Majid did not attend on Tuesday because of ill health after suffering a heart attack in custody. He has already been sentenced to death in another case for war crimes over his involvement in killing tens of thousands of Kurds, including by poison gas. Judge Raouf Abdul-Rahman adjourned Tuesday’s hearing until May 20, citing Mr. Majid’s absence.
This article starring:
Ali Hassan al-MajidIraqi Baath Party
Chemical AliIraqi Baath Party
Judge Raouf Abdul-Rahman
Tariq Aziz
Watban Ibrahim al-HassanIraqi Baath Party
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Baath Party


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Roadblock removal bares Israel to terror
Military authorities leading the campaign against Palestinian terror told DEBKAfile Monday, April 28, that the removal of the permanent roadblock at Asariya a-Shemaliya north of the West Bank town of Nablus lays the entire area including central Israel open to terrorist attacks which that very roadblock had long been a key element in frustrating.

The decision was taken by defense minister Ehud Barak in line with his promise to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to ease Palestinian traffic on the West Bank by reducing the number of roadblocks. She is due for another visit in early May ahead of President George W. Bush’s attendance of Israel’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Worried anti-terror planners offer dire predictions:

1. The roadblock’s removal enables a link-up between the terrorist strongholds of Jenin and Nablus and helps them strengthen their networks in both.

2. The intense security effort invested by the army and security service in building a counter-terror shield in this part of the West Bank is brought to naught. The sleeper cells of armed Palestinian factions long quiescent in Saida, Beit Iba, Deir Sharaf and Beit Lid between Nablus and Tulkarm will now have unimpeded access to weapons, explosives, reinforcements and an exchange of intelligence for their reactivation.

The murder of two Israelis at Nitsanei Oz across the border from Tulkarm on April 25 was the first sign of these terrorist cells are stirring. They will be further energized by the removal of the key roadblock Monday.

3. They will now have a clear path from the northern West Bank to the trans-Israeli Highway 6 and the Israeli heartland cities of Netanya, Kfar Saba, Rosh Ha’ayin and Hadera.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Palestinian Authority

#1  I think I know which city should host Condi in her upcoming visit.
Posted by: gorb || 04/30/2008 0:59 Comments || Top||

#2  I think I know which city should host Condi during her upcoming visit.
Posted by: gorb || 04/30/2008 0:59 Comments || Top||

#3  Perfectly describes my feeling about a lot of people who just don't get it.
I used to picture the PC Magazine add article from a couple decades ago that the editors used to depict the characters who just don't get it (their magazine).
Posted by: pushover || 04/30/2008 1:10 Comments || Top||

#4  The head up their ass graphic perfectly describes those who just don't get it.
There is a lot of this around now that it's political season.
Posted by: pushover || 04/30/2008 1:16 Comments || Top||

#5  "link-up between the terrorist strongholds of Jenin and Nablus "

also known as 'cities' which can hardly be kept seperate forever. As to Jenin, its so quiet, when Israel insisted that the first tranche of properly trained Pal security go there, the PA objected that they should go elsewhere where they more needed. Clearly Israel wanted them tested in a relatively quiet town first. Nablus is not as far along, but its on its way.

Of course there are risks. But letting Abbas' popularity slide, and Hamas' increase, also is risky. Abbas has to be given something.

As for a clear path to the Israeli heartland cities, what happened to the security fence?

this is debka. Take as you would any other debka piece.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 04/30/2008 9:12 Comments || Top||

#6  Abbas has to be given something.

A virgin voucher.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 04/30/2008 13:38 Comments || Top||

#7  IIUC, the border fence north and south of Tulkarm has been improved quite a bit in the past 12 months. Israel may have decided that since it was going to remove the Asariya roadblock anyway, they might as well get some PR with the US for it.
Posted by: mhw || 04/30/2008 14:30 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Terrorists kill three in southern Thailand
Suspected terrorists separatists killed three people and injured five others in attacks Wednesday, coming on the heels of the fourth anniversary of the Thai military's attack on a sacred mosque in Pattani, once an independent Islamic sultanate. In the first incident, unknown assailants attacked a ten-wheel truck in Saiburi district, Pattani, killing its driver and injuring a second man, at 9:10 am.

At 1:40 pm a bomb was detonated under an army truck in Yarang district, Pattani, about 750 kilometres south of Bangkok, killing two soldiers and injuring two others. Two civilians were also injured in the road blast. "We think the attacks were designed to create turmoil after the anniversary of the attack on Krue Se Mosque," said Saiburi Police Lieutenant Colonel Sakaliya Usoe.
Posted by: ryuge || 04/30/2008 05:16 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Zamboanga cops beat up, hold Sayyaf chieftain's sis-in-law
Police in Zamboanga City allegedly beat up and detained a sister-in-law of Basit Usman, one of the chieftains of the Abu Sayyaf Group, after she offered to lead authorities to the bandit leader's hideout in Basilan island.

The ABS-CBN Regional Network Group report said Norma Jakaria, a native of Jolo, Sulu, was taken by members of the city police Monday noon.

Jakaria said she was in Zamboanga to seek help from city prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron for the planned surrender of Usman. She said she went to Cabaron's office Monday morning and was promised help.

According to Jakaria, Cabaron told her that he would shoulder the money for gasoline expenses for the boat trip to fetch Usman from Basilan. But as she emerged from the city prosecutor's office, Jakaria said she was whisked to a waiting van. Inside the vehicle, Jakaria said several men beat her up.

Aside from Jakaria, police arrested her uncle named Ibno Rasid Ayub and a man identified as Almunier Yussop, a pedestrian. Yussop said he was waiting for a ride along Pilar Street when the police took him in. He added that like Jakaria, the men inside the vehicle ganged up on him. The man accused the police of forcing him to admit he was an accomplice of Jakaria and Ayub.
Then they turned him into a newt ...
Yussop told police he does not know the two and has no relations with the Abu Sayyaf. He said he works for the rural health unit of Luuk, Sulu as a laboratory technician.

Police, meanwhile, declined to issue a statement regarding the arrests. Cabaron has likewise remained silent on the incident.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Abu Sayyaf

#1  Is it true the monkeys have no tails in Zamboanga?
Posted by: SteveS || 04/30/2008 14:05 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
'Hostile' Iran Sparks U.S. Attack Plan
A second American aircraft carrier steamed into the Persian Gulf Tuesday as the Pentagon ordered military commanders to develop new options for attacking Iran. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports that the planning is being driven by what one officer called the "increasingly hostile role" Iran is playing in Iraq - smuggling weapons into Iraq for use against American troops.

"What the Iranians are doing is killing American servicemen and -women inside Iraq," said Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

U.S. officials are also concerned by Iranian harassment of U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf as well as Iran's still growing nuclear program. New pictures of Iran's uranium enrichment plant show the country's defense minister in the background, as if deliberately mocking a recent finding by U.S. intelligence that Iran had ceased work on a nuclear weapon.

No attacks are imminent and the last thing the Pentagon wants is another war, but Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen has warned Iran not to assume the U.S. military can't strike. "I have reserve capability, in particular our Navy and our Air Force so it would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability," Mullen said.

Targets would include everything from the plants where weapons are made to the headquarters of the organization known as the Quds Force which directs operations in Iraq. Later this week Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to confront the Iranians with evidence of their meddling and demand a halt.

If that doesn't produce results, the State Department has begun drafting an ultimatum that would tell the Iranians to knock it off - or else.
Posted by: tipper || 04/30/2008 05:44 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Iran

#1  Hit 'em November 15th.
Posted by: DarthVader || 04/30/2008 7:27 Comments || Top||

#2  I have reserve capability, in particular our Navy and our Air Force so it would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability," Mullen said.

Targets would include everything from the plants where weapons are made to the headquarters of the organization known as the Quds Force which directs operations in Iraq. Later this week Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to confront the Iranians with evidence of their meddling and demand a halt.


***
my 2¢:
Just punching holes in Quds Force Headquarters buildings and their 'Jerusalem Assets' inside Iran ain't gonna deter Iran from killing our men and women in Iraq.

Nor will they deter Iran's Nuke Quest!.

Nor will a few accurate conventional weapons strikes stop The Qud's Force rocket & mortar teams, the penetrator IED cells and Kidnap cells. They will continue to infiltrate into Iraq until stopped the olde fashion way but with smart tools..
Posted by: RD || 04/30/2008 8:27 Comments || Top||

#3  until stopped the olde fashion way but with smart tools.. with absolute crushing force.
Posted by: RD || 04/30/2008 8:29 Comments || Top||

#4  Hit 'em November 15th.

Why wait so long?
Posted by: Mike || 04/30/2008 8:57 Comments || Top||

#5  A week after the election, two months before the inauguration.
Posted by: Fred || 04/30/2008 9:09 Comments || Top||

#6  If that doesn't produce results, the State Department has begun drafting an ultimatum ....to be delivered by Jimmy Carter that would tell the Iranians to knock it off - or else.
Posted by: Besoeker || 04/30/2008 9:27 Comments || Top||

#7  Just punching holes in Quds Force Headquarters buildings and their 'Jerusalem Assets' inside Iran ain't gonna deter Iran from killing our men and women in Iraq.

How 'bout blowing up every Republican Guard barracks, military facility, the President's palace, the Parliament building, missile launching site, and suspected or known nuclear research/development site? I'm under the impression we have a great many bombs and missiles at our disposal, and goodness knows plenty of time to program them.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/30/2008 12:18 Comments || Top||

#8  Why stop there? Destroy every bridge, rail head, every bit of infrastructure in the country. Totally destroy the country over the period of about 2 weeks so that there is no power, no food, no water, no ability to move supplies and anything painted green. Then use interdiction strikes against anyone attempting to send them supplies across their borders. Show the world we don't even need nukes to turn their country into a barren wasteland.
Posted by: Silentbrick || 04/30/2008 12:34 Comments || Top||

#9  I believe the taking out of a single oil refinery would put a pretty severe hurting on them.
Posted by: crosspatch || 04/30/2008 12:36 Comments || Top||

#10  The lay waste theory is of course compelling, as is the destroy the refinery option. But both of these hurt the average Iranian citizen far worse than the thugs that run the country. I think hitting the military targets sends a very clear message, one that the current leaders of Iran would be loathe to ignore. Don't forget that a whole lot of these guys have their fingers in the financial pie of the country. They don't want to lose that gravy train if at all possible. It isn't going to take too much to make it clear to them that the risk profile of their ongoing actions has increased dramatically.
Posted by: remoteman || 04/30/2008 13:20 Comments || Top||

#11  But sadly, history has repeatedly shown that just hitting the military sites does not deter these guys. It didn't work on Saddam, it didn't work in Bosnia, it didn't work in Libya, it didn't work anywhere really. Destroy the country and let them start over. That gives them incentive to build a better country and avoid letting nutjobs have power.

Will innocent people die? Yes.

But how many more innocent people have to die because of these people until we strap on the porta-spine and do the right thing? These dictators we're so afraid to remove have a daily cost in innocent lives. That cost isn't small or insignificant. And every day that we debate or engage in talks, it only grows higher. Threats only work if they are real and so far we have continued to show the world that the US talks big and pretty much does nothing. Iraq and Afghanistan are seen as aberrations of our normally passive behavior and barbarians are biding their time, hoping that the next president will return us to the days of lobbing a few cruise missiles at tents and calling that "Doing something."

Posted by: Silentbrick || 04/30/2008 13:32 Comments || Top||

#12  Yep, go hard or go home....and then publicly blame their leadership for making us reluctantly do it to them.
Posted by: Broadhead6 || 04/30/2008 13:50 Comments || Top||

#13  "But both of these hurt the average Iranian citizen far worse than the thugs that run the country."

So what. Those thugs run the country because the people allow them to. When the people rise up, no government can put them back down. Keeping the people comfortable while you engage the government is stupid. It just prolongs things. The people should be made to realize that as long as they allow that government to remain in power, their standard of living is going to suffer for it.

Didn't the fall of the communist dictatorships teach us ANYTHING?
Posted by: crosspatch || 04/30/2008 14:21 Comments || Top||

#14  e Pentagon ordered military commanders to develop new options for attacking Iran

Is this statement accurate or just tossed out there? Are they polishing up old plans, or developing new high-leverage approaches?

I'd say just bomb the crap out of everything that makes sense.

Whatever the case, the military will need fuel. Take that out (storage, refineries, distribution, major supply lines) and then watch where their tankers go (along remaining difficult supply lines starting at carefully crafted choke points) and take that out, too.

If Iran feels like invading Iraq, they will probably try to invade along lines that allow them to steal gas as they advance if they can't transport it in.

I'd be especially concerned about special forces activity, I think.
Posted by: gorb || 04/30/2008 14:36 Comments || Top||

#15  Iran has been rationing fuel for about a year saving up for this. They probably have a bazillion gallons in underground storage by now.
Posted by: crosspatch || 04/30/2008 14:52 Comments || Top||

#16  ref #15, gee, I hope that is the case, because the fires would be an extra special visual effect for the MSM to show. Underground storage of POL is especially vulnerable to penetrators and our MOAB's.
Posted by: NoMoreBS || 04/30/2008 15:14 Comments || Top||

#17  Well, if we're going to start something over there, we'd better make sure that everyone on our side is up to snuff on NBC procedures. With plenty of ABM systems in place, too.
Posted by: mrp || 04/30/2008 15:33 Comments || Top||

#18  Little bit of hyperbole on the part of CBS.

Consider: Marines are conducting ops in southern Afghanistan; the IA and Coalition are conducting ops in south Iraq. It's been proven that a carrier can support both ops. But it's much easier to have two CSGs in the Gulf to cover contingencies.
Posted by: Pappy || 04/30/2008 15:39 Comments || Top||

#19  From all I've read the population is pro-wester at the present time. No, they are not rising up en-masse to strangle the mullahs. Wish they would, but easier said than done in a totalitarian state. So I'd rather not alienate those people, if at all possible, by blowing everything up around them. I do think more limited applications of force will be adequate to the task. Not as satisfying as bounce the rubble perhaps, but potentially more effective in the end.
Posted by: remoteman || 04/30/2008 16:01 Comments || Top||

#20  IN the gulf? Why would they enter a restricted space like that? Carrier defense requires room to move.
Posted by: mojo || 04/30/2008 16:03 Comments || Top||

#21  "No, they are not rising up en-masse to strangle the mullahs. "

There might be a more subtle unintentional thing going on too. Now that the government is back in charge in Basra and other places South of Baghdad, the people have started to loosen up. The women are back in jeans, and people are having a beer again after work. These areas are a major destination for Iranians on religious pilgrimages. So they get a taste of the freedom and either want to stay in Iraq or they begin to resent their own situation at home more.
Posted by: crosspatch || 04/30/2008 16:09 Comments || Top||

#22  #17 Well, if we're going to start something over there, we'd better make sure that everyone on our side is up to snuff on NBC procedures. With plenty of ABM systems in place, too.
Posted by: mrp 2008-04-30 15:33


Just don't talk to the Bastard reporters from NBC...oh, you mean Nuke, Bio, Chem.... Never mind!
Posted by: Omomoth the Kid7023 || 04/30/2008 16:41 Comments || Top||

#23  I have to disagree with majority opinion here.

Hitting the Mad Mullahs™ with overt, substantial military force will unite much of the population behind them. That happens everytime you bomb a population. The Serbs, the North Vietnamese, the Germans, etc., all united behind their leaders when the bombs began to fall.

I don't want to bomb Iran, because right now much of the Iranian population is sympathetic to us and against the Mullahs.

As I've advocated before, I want a large series of unfortunate events to occur in Iran, targeted at the Mad Mullahs and the most critical parts of the Iranian economy (e.g., gasoline refineries). All deniable and explained away as the results of insha-allan maintenance. Lemony Snickett would be my best friend.

This assumes we had a CIA that could do these things and keep their damned mouths shut.

Do not use overt military force on Iran. The Iranian people will close ranks, the world will get all pissy against us (again), and our country will explode.

Be smart. Do this behind the scenes. Deny everything and wait for the revolution.
Posted by: Steve White || 04/30/2008 16:56 Comments || Top||

#24  We've already been waiting for the revolution for a long tome.
Posted by: Darrell || 04/30/2008 17:01 Comments || Top||

#25  Hope the war plans are more up to date than CBS' video: My beloved Intruder pictured was retired over 10 yrs ago. and the Lawn Dart is the A model.
Posted by: USN,Ret. || 04/30/2008 17:45 Comments || Top||

#26  IN the gulf? Why would they enter a restricted space like that? Carrier defense requires room to move.

Sigh. It isn't that friggin' small.

Go and research history of the First Gulf War. You'll find that there were multiple carrier groups operating in the Gulf then.

At this point for support ops, closer-in means quicker response, heavier load outs, and faster turnaround. Something that, y'know, kinda helps during intense ground ops?
Posted by: Pappy || 04/30/2008 18:09 Comments || Top||

#27  Steve, agree with much of what you say, but ...

Hitting the Mad Mullahs™ with overt, substantial military force will unite much of the population behind them. That happens everytime you bomb a population. The Serbs, the North Vietnamese, the Germans, etc., all united behind their leaders when the bombs began to fall.

I'd say those populations were already united behind their leadership BEFORE the bombs fell. Not so the Iranians.

This assumes we had a CIA that could do these things and keep their damned mouths shut.

But we don't, and we all know it.

Do not use overt military force on Iran. The Iranian people will close ranks, the world will get all pissy against us (again), and our country will explode.

In order: Maybe. Of course. Only if we appear to be losing. But none of that matters, because the stakes - a nuclear-armed, medieval, islamic theocracy dominating the region from which the elixir of western economies flows - are too high.

Be smart. Do this behind the scenes. Deny everything and wait for the revolution.

Way too late for that. Feeble diplomatic half-measures have ensured military action, if GW has the stomach for it. Big if.
Posted by: Kirk || 04/30/2008 18:09 Comments || Top||

#28  FWIW, I completely agree with the doctor.
Posted by: Glenmore || 04/30/2008 18:57 Comments || Top||

#29  JPOST > ASSAD AIDE: WE [Syria] WILL NEVER CUT TIES WID HIZBULLAH, IRAN. Assad Emissary-Officio also infers that NO ONE CAN RULE IN SYRIA WIDOUT DEALING AND RESOLVING THE GOAL HEIGHTS ISSUE, i.e. Taking same back from Israel.

IMO, and among other thingys, SYRIA NEEDS TO HELP IRAN + ISLAMISTS KEEP THE US-ALLIES AS FAR AWAY [linear distance] FROM IRAN + CENTRAL ASIA AS POSSIBLE. Methinks RUSSIA is well aware of the covert Islamist intentions to knock it out geostrategically and empower NUCLEAR IRAN + NUCLEAR JIHAD-ISLAMISM/TERROR, and is part of RUSS DIALECTIC RATIONALE TO SEND TROOPS INTO GEORGIA'S BREAKWAY REGIONS UNDER THE GUISE OF TROUBLES WID GEORGIA???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 04/30/2008 19:06 Comments || Top||

#30  OTOH, FREEREPUBLIC > LEBANESE SINGER [Beautiful Hizzb Supporter] CAUSES GULF STORM. FREEP Poster -"Camels/Decapitation versus Cleavage" is UN-ISLAMIC???
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 04/30/2008 19:13 Comments || Top||

#31  How 'bout blowing up every Republican Guard barracks, military facility, the President's palace, the Parliament building, missile launching site, and suspected or known nuclear research/development site? I'm under the impression we have a great many bombs and missiles at our disposal, and goodness knows plenty of time to program them.

TW, while I applaud the thought, the MM's and AJNutjob are just in it for their own ego, power and loot. They'll depart the sinking ship at the first opportunity, leaving everyone else to attain Paradise. I've always fantasized that the best way to deal with people like this is the death of a thousand cuts: every time they flush a toilet, it should explode; every time they start a car it should burst into flame, etc, etc.. Just to add a little spice and mystery, their newly-purchased Russian missle sites could also occassionally shut down or catch fire, and so on. As I said, just a fantasy; I wish we had the Ops to actually do it. Might make them lose a little sleep for a change, and keep them looking over their shoulders, wondering if their 13th Grand Poobah was yanking their chain.
Posted by: Black Bart Phinter4658 || 04/30/2008 19:35 Comments || Top||

#32  How about a SDB delivered to every mullah leadership house one night. Add in every police station that does mullah enforcement to free up the population and some regular ol' big-ass JDAMs for the Army.

All time on target.

Kills the leaders, the leader's enforcers and the Army and it's leaders.

Leave the population. Once the leaders and thugs are gone wait a week to see if good things happen. If bad things happen flatten the whole thing. Comm, power, fuel, bridges and ports. The see if they have a change of heart.

I like the first part best.
Posted by: jds || 04/30/2008 20:48 Comments || Top||

#33  Take it from an old air power guy who sat on Le May' a lap. Today you need a SOF ground component to literally take down the mullahs & Iamanidiot.
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 04/30/2008 22:01 Comments || Top||

#34  REDDIT > NATO WARNS RUSSIA OVER GEORGIA MOVE. Georgia's territorial integrity at risk.

Posted by: JosephMendiola || 04/30/2008 22:44 Comments || Top||



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