Iraq War News
U.S. Air Strike Kills Two in Iraq's Falluja (Reuters): "Reuters - U.S. planes bombed the Iraqi city of Falluja overnight, killing two people, in a new strike on rebels digging in for an expected U.S.-led offensive."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



U.S. Bombs Suspected Rebel Site in Iraq (AP): "AP - U.S. aircraft bombed a suspected rebel safehouse Thursday in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, killing two people, the U.S. military and witnesses said."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



British troops start perilous Iraq mission, Japan defiant after kidnapping (AFP): "AFP - Hundreds of British soldiers have left southern Iraq on a risky mission to free US forces for a possible assault on rebel-held Fallujah, as a kidnapped British woman was seen reportedly pleading in a new video for the withdrawal of British troops from the country and the release of Iraqi women prisoners."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Car Bomb Hits U.S. Patrol in Iraq; 2 Dead (AP): "AP - A car bomb exploded Thursday in southern Baghdad, killing a U.S. soldier and at least one Iraqi civilian, the U.S. military said."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Armed Group Claims to Have Iraq Explosives (AP): "AP - An armed group claimed in a video Thursday to have obtained a large amount of explosives missing from a munitions depot facility in Iraq and threatened to use them against foreign troops."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Japan Presses for Release of Iraq Hostage (AP): "AP - Japanese leaders struggled on Thursday to make contact with Islamic militants in Iraq who took a Japanese traveler hostage as the 48-hour deadline approached for the young man's threatened beheading. Tokyo stood firm in its refusal to meet the kidnappers' demand to withdraw troops from Iraq."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



U-S aircraft bomb suspected "meeting site" in Iraq's rebel-held Fallujah in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



U-S soldier, civilian killed in Iraq car bomb in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Iraq Explosives Claim URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Hostage Hassan makes new plea: "The kidnapped British director of CARE International has made another plea for Britain to withdraw troops from Iraq and asked for the aid organisation to close its offices in the country."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Arafat 'in serious condition': "Yasser Arafat was in serious condition after collapsing and briefly losing consciousness, as his two-week illness took a sudden turn for the worse."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Black Watch reach first camp: "A Black Watch battle group has camped in the Iraqi town of Nasiryah on their way to the Triangle of Death to relieve US forces."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



U.S., allies leave mark on history in Iraq: "Hammurabi the lawgiver was here. So were Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Saddam Hussein and now, apparently, Sgt. Woods and "O-Dog.""

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Russian troops linked to missing Iraqi explosives (AFP): "AFP - Russian special forces "almost certainly" removed the explosives missing from a military base south of Baghdad before the March 2003 US invasion and sent them to Syria, Lebanon and possibly Iran, The Washington Times daily said quoting a US official."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

  ¶ 5:19 AM

  Iraq War News
Car bomb kills 3 near Australian Embassy: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A car bomb targeting an Australian military convoy exploded near the Australian Embassy Monday, killing three Iraqis and wounding eight others, according to Iraqi and coalition officials."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



France welcomes peaceful Iraqis to summit: "PARIS (AP) - All Iraqi groups that renounce violence should be included in next month's international conference on Iraq, the French foreign minister said Monday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Kidnapping of aid worker stirs debate: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The kidnapping of British aid worker Margaret Hassan has generated a debate on Islamist Web sites, with many contributors urging the kidnappers to spare her life."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Nuke agency: Iraq explosives gone: "Several hundred tons of conventional explosives are missing from a former Iraqi military facility that once played a key role in Saddam Hussein's efforts to build a nuclear bomb, the U.N. nuclear agency confirmed today."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq



Twelve Iraqis Die in Car Bombs, Clashes (Reuters): "Reuters - Car bombs and clashes killed 12 Iraqis Monday and three Australian troops were wounded in the first attack on their contingent since the end of the Iraq war."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Summary: Explosives Go Missing in Iraq (AP): "AP - THE REPORT: The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Monday that nearly 380 tons of conventional explosives has gone missing from a former Iraqi military installation."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Iraqi officials suspect rebel infiltrators may have set up soldiers in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



More attacks on coalition forces in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Egypt announces arrest of terror plotters, says mastermind killed in attack in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



American soldier dies in roadside bomb blast in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Iraqis plead for UK aid hostage: "The kidnapping of British aid worker Margaret Hassan has sparked debate on fundamentalist Islamic websites, with many contributors urging that her life be spared given her decades-long service to the Iraqi people."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Oil prices hit new record high: "Motorists were braced for further pain at the forecourts as the cost of oil hit another record high."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



13 Palestinians killed in Israeli raid: "Israeli troops raided a Gaza Strip refugee camp to halt Palestinian mortar fire, killing 13 Palestinians and wounding 66 Monday, as Israel's parliament set up for a historic debate on a withdrawal from the coastal strip."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Egypt arrests alleged Sinai bombers: "Eight Egyptians have been arrested and accused of plotting the nearly simultaneous car bombings of a hotel and tourist camp in the Sinai that killed at least 34 people earlier this month."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



in



in



in



Iraq suspects infiltrators for massacre: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi officials suspect that about 50 U.S.-trained Iraqi soldiers slain by insurgents - many of them execution-style - may have been set up by rebel infiltrators in their ranks."

In Modesto Bee: Iraq



France still hopeful reporters in Iraq will be released (AFP): "AFP - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said he was still hopeful two French reporters held hostage in Iraq would be freed, adding that "lines of dialogue" had been opened with those detaining them."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

  ¶ 6:20 AM

  Iraq War News
CIA secretly removes detainees from Iraq: "WASHINGTON (AP) - The CIA has secretly moved as many as a dozen unidentified prisoners out of Iraq in the last six months, a possible violation of international treaties, The Washington Post reported."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Bomb detonates near U.S. patrol in Mosul: "MOSUL, Iraq (AP) - A car bomb exploded Sunday near a U.S. patrol in the northern Iraq city of Mosul, the military said. No casualties were reported."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



State Dept. officer killed in Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A State Department security officer was killed Sunday during a mortar or rocket attack at a U.S. base near Baghdad International Airport, the U.S. Embassy announced."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Rebels 'Execute' 49 Iraqi Troops, Kill U.S. Diplomat (Reuters): "Reuters - Rebels ambushed and killed 49 unarmed Iraqi soldiers and, in a separate attack Sunday, killed a U.S. diplomat in a mortar strike near Baghdad airport."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



US secretly moved prisoners out of Iraq for questioning (AFP): "AFP - The CIA has secretly transferred detainees out of Iraq for interrogation after asking the US Justice Department to write a memo justifying the practice, which violates the Geneva Conventions, The Washington Post reported."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Chaos inside the triangle of death (24 Oct 04) in Radio Free USA



Afghan Election URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



American security officer reported killed in Baghdad in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



State Department officer dies...Bodies found in Iraq...Karzai wins majority in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Rebels 'Execute' 49 Iraqi Troops, Kill U.S. Diplomat: "Rebels ambushed and killed 49unarmed Iraqi soldiers and, in a separate attack Sunday, killeda U.S. diplomat in a mortar strike near Baghdad airport. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



AP: Saddam Abused Oil-For-Food Program: "Interviews with dozens of former and current Iraqi officials by congressional investigators have produced new evidence that Saddam Hussein micromanaged business deals under the U.N. oil-for-food program to maximize political influence with important foreign governments like Russia and neighboring Arab states. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



50 Iraqi Soldiers Found Shot to Death: "The bodies of about 50 Iraqi soldiers were found on a remote road in eastern Iraq, apparently the victims of an ambush as they were heading home on leave, Iraqi authorities said Sunday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



16 Killed in Bombing at Police Checkpoint: "BAGHDAD — A suicide car bomb detonated Saturday outside the gates of a Marine base in western Iraq, killing at least 16 Iraqi police officers and wounding 40 people at a police checkpoint. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Diplomat Killed in Baghdad Mortar Attack: "A U.S. diplomat was killed in a mortarattack near the Baghdad airport early on Sunday, Secretary ofState Colin Powell said in a statement. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



49 Iraqi Soldiers Shot to Death: "

BAGHDAD, Iraq— Forty-nine soldiers in Iraq’s new army have been found shot to death, police said Sunday.

Gen. Walid al-Azzawi, commander of the Diyala (search) provincial police, said the bodies were discovered Saturday about 30 miles south of Baqouba.

They were laid out in four rows each, with 12 bodies in each row, he said.

“After inspection, we found out that they were shot after being ordered to lay down on the earth,” he said.

A U.S. military source in the region confirmed the discovery, but said there appeared to be fewer dead, around 30 to 35.

Al-Azzawi said all were members of the new Iraqi army and were training in the Kirkush military camp in Baladruz (search). He said many were from southern provinces.

An investigation is under way, he said.

"

In Command Post: Irak

  ¶ 8:02 AM

  Iraq War News
Terrorist Mortar Kills 2 in Baghdad: "

From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Insurgents fired two mortar rounds in central Baghdad today, killing
two civilians and wounding one, witnesses said.

A telephone worker said he had taken all three casualties to hospital in his car after one mortar bomb hit the Karrada commercial district.

A donkey was also killed.

Witnesses said the other mortar round appeared to land in the fortified Green Zone, which houses Iraqi government offices and the US and British embassies.

There were no reports of casualties or damage in that blast.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Gunmen ambush Turkish convoy in Iraq; two killed: "MOSUL, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen opened fire on a convoy of Turkish trucks in Mosul on Saturday, killing two Turkish drivers and wounding two others, hospital and police officials said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Kidnapped CARE director pleads for help: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Trembling, haggard and weeping into a tissue, Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped British aid worker who has spent nearly half her life delivering food and medicine in Iraq, begged Britain on Friday to help save her by withdrawing its troops, saying these "might be my last hours.""

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Car bombing kills 10 Iraqi policemen: "A car bomb exploded at a police station Saturday near a base in western Iraq used by U.S. Marines, killing 10 Iraqi policemen and wounding 48 other people, officials said."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq



The Baghdad Blogger goes to Washington: day one (22 Oct 04) in Radio Free USA



US facing 20,000 insurgents in Iraq (23 Oct 04) in Radio Free USA



Suicide Bombers Kill 14 Iraqis in Surge of Violence: "Suicide bombers killed 14 members ofIraq's fledgling security forces near a U.S. marine base westof Baghdad and at a checkpoint to the north on Saturday amid aspate of insurgent attacks across the country. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



A Diamond in the Rough: Iraqis Taking Up Baseball (Los Angeles Times): "Los Angeles Times - BAGHDAD — Yasser Abdel Hussein tugs his cap and unwinds with the smooth sidearm delivery that's made him the ace of the pitching staff. He looks like a prospect."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

  ¶ 7:44 AM

  Iraq War News
A STRIKE ON ZARQAWI SAFEHOUSE in CENTCOM: News Release



British troop movement to US-zone would be for 'weeks, not months' (AFP): "AFP - Any British troops sent from southern Iraq to help out in the more dangerous US-controlled zone to the north would only be redeployed for a few weeks, according to the top British general in Iraq."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Humanitarian Aid Director Is Kidnapped (Los Angeles Times): "Los Angeles Times - BAGHDAD — Gunmen Tuesday kidnapped the head of the CARE humanitarian group in Iraq, a British-born woman in her 60s who has been critical of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and worked for three decades to improve living conditions here."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Aid Group Stops Iraq Work After Official Kidnapped (Reuters): "Reuters - The kidnapping of a British-Iraqi aid official might prompt her agency, Care International, to withdraw from Iraq, its director said on Wednesday."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Turkish Cypriot government resigns: "The shaky coalition governing Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus resigned Wednesday after months of confusion in the minority government following a failed referendum to reunite the divided island."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Humanitarian Aid Director Is Kidnapped: "BAGHDAD — Gunmen Tuesday kidnapped the head of the CARE humanitarian group in Iraq, a British-born woman in her 60s who has been critical of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and worked for three decades to improve living conditions here. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Car bombing near Baghdad airport in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



CIA expected Iraqis to wave US flags after invasion (AFP): "AFP - The CIA was so convinced Iraqis would warmly greet US troops that it proposed smuggling hundreds of small American flags into Iraq ahead of the 2003 invasion, to give them something to wave at the soldiers, a report said."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



Soldier to Plead Guilty in Iraq Abuse Case (AP): "AP - An Army reservist charged with abusing Iraqi prisoners plans to plead guilty at a court martial to four counts arising from the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in a plea deal in which eight other counts will be dropped, his lawyer has said."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq



UN Puts Zarqawi Network in Iraq on Its Terror List: "A U.N. panel has put on itssanctions list networks said to be controlled by Jordanian AbuMusab al-Zarqawi after they claimed responsibility forbombings, kidnappings and beheadings in Iraq. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



More than 8,000 U.S. troops wounded in Iraq: "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest Pentagon figures reveal that the number of U.S. troops wounded in Iraq since military operations began in March 2003 has topped 8,000."

In kgw.com: Iraq News



Iraqi Battalion Commander Barely Escapes Assassination: "In a careening, high-speed shootout, insurgents tried to assassinate the commander of the Iraqi National Guard."

In New York Times: World Special



Faulty Intelligence Misled Troops at War's Start: "Much of the information provided by the C.I.A. to those prosecuting the war and planning the occupation proved wrong."

In New York Times: World Special

  ¶ 5:47 AM

  Iraq War News
Iraq blasts mar Muslim holy month: "Bomb attacks on churches mark the start of Ramadan in Iraq and reports are coming in of explosions in Falluja."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)



Zarqawi movement vows allegiance with al-Qaida: "BAGHDAD, Iraq — The most feared militant group in Iraq, the movement of terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, declared its allegiance to Osama bin Laden on Sunday, saying it had agreed with al-Qaida over strategy and the need for unity against "the enemies of Islam.""

In kgw.com: Iraq News



British government says redeployment of troops in Iraq not Bush booster in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Indonesian militant cleric to stand trial in Marriott, Bali bombings in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Car bomb kills at least seven in Baghdad: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. troops pounded Fallujah with airstrikes and tank fire Sunday, and the Iraqi government appealed to residents to expel "foreign terrorists" to prevent an all-out attack. A suicide driver in Baghdad exploded a car near a police patrol, killing at least seven people and wounding 20."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



A War without reason (18 Oct 04) in Radio Free USA



U.S. Frees Fallujah Negotiator: "The military released the spokesman for the rebel-dominated city as an apparent gesture to restart talks aimed at avoiding a bloody showdown there. A car bombing in Baghdad left six people dead."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Palestinian: U.S. election stalling peace: "Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said Monday that the U.S. presidential election was stalling the Middle East peace process and urged other countries to increase their efforts."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraq attacks aimed at sinking Bush reelection bid: Putin: "Russian President Vladimir Putin all but endorsed US President George W. Bush, saying that terror attacks in Iraq aimed to sink his reelection bid and warning they would likely increase if successful. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



JOINT OPERATION IN HUGE SUCCESS in CENTCOM: News Release



Britain rejects troop redeployment claim: "Prime Minister Tony Blair's government on Monday rejected claims from opposition lawmakers that a redeployment of British troops in Iraq would be a political show of support for the Bush administration before U.S. presidential elections."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Attacks Target Iraqi Police: "BAGHDAD — A car bomb attack in central Baghdad and an ambush south of the capital killed at least a dozen Iraqi police officers Sunday as insurgents continued their violent campaign against the country's security forces. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Buyers of Hussein's Oil Acted to Assist Iraq: "WASHINGTON — A month before the Persian Gulf War began in 1991, with an attack by the U.S.-led coalition imminent, famed Texas oil tycoon Oscar Wyatt rushed his corporate jet to Baghdad to rescue 21 Americans being held hostage by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Britain seen moving Iraq troops further into harm's way: "Defence Minister Geoff Hoon is due to address the British parliament on his country's troop deployment in Iraq, amid widespread reports that some forces are to be moved from the relative calm of southern Iraq into areas around Baghdad, thereby freeing up US forces for attacks on cities like Fallujah. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

  ¶ 7:16 AM

  Iraq War News
U.S. warplanes pound insurgent stronghold: "U.S. warplanes pounded the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah on Friday, a day after the city's leaders suspended peace talks and rejected the Iraqi government's demands to turn over terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Zimbabwe opposition leader found innocent: "Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was acquitted on treason charges Friday, a surprise end to a yearlong trial that his party had said was orchestrated by the government of President Robert Mugabe."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Karzai takes early lead in Afghan count: "Interim leader Hamid Karzai took an early lead as vote counting began in Afghanistan's landmark presidential election, after allegations of ballot-box stuffing, voter intimidation and multiple voting forced five days of delay."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

  ¶ 5:58 AM

  Iraq War News
U-S forces trade fire with insurgents in Ramadi in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Car Bomb Explodes Next to U.S. Convoy: "A car bomb exploded next to a U.S. convoy west of the capital, killing at least one Iraqi and wounding eight, hospital officials and survivors said Thursday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iraqi PM warns Fallujah to give up Zarqawi or face attack: "Prime Minister Iyad Allawi threatened a military assault on Fallujah if the rebel bastion does not surrender Iraq's most wanted man, Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



U.S. Forces, Insurgents Battle in Ramadi: "U.S. forces traded fire with insurgents in the Sunni stronghold of Ramadi following a series of raids, residents said Thursday, and at least eight people were reported killed. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



'Direct threat to Britons in Iraq': "British nationals in northern Iraq may be targeted in "a direct threat of kidnap to foreign nationals", The Foreign Office said."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



CIA Secret Detention center in Jordan in IraqWar.info



Female Iraqi Candidates a Diverse Group: "Salama al-Khafaji, a deeply religious woman in an all-enveloping black robe, says that if elected, she'll bring "bright Islamic thoughts" to Iraq's legislature. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Ramadan Takes on New Meaning in Iraq: "Ramadan is upon this troubled nation again — a holy month when pious Muslims seek to cleanse their souls and come together. But in Iraq, many fear the holy season will bring more than usual violence and divisions. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Falluja Negotiator: Iraq Govt.'s Demand Absurd: "Iraq's interim prime minister hasthreatened to attack Falluja unless it turns in foreignmilitants, but a negotiator for the rebel-held city said onThursday its people were being asked to chase shadows. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Afghan Election URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

  ¶ 4:43 AM

  Iraq War News
Kurds disillusioned by Iraq's main parties: "SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (AP) - Maliha Barzanji says that the last party she voted for ended up arresting her son and she never saw him again. This time around, she plans to cast no vote at all, saying she hates both of the two big parties that run the Kurdish north of Iraq. "If they give me their blood," she says, "I will gladly drink it.""

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Rumsfeld to Iraqi commanders: Grow seeds of security: "KIRKUK, Iraq (AP) - After listening to two U.S. Army officers describe recent progress in battling the insurgency and stabilizing northern Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld swung his chair around and faced four senior Iraqi commanders who had sat silently through the briefing."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Rocket attack kills 2 U.S. troops in Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Two soldiers from Task Force Baghdad were killed and five wounded Monday in a rocket attack in southern Baghdad, the military said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Polish-led force in Iraq to leave base: "WARSAW, Poland (AP) - The command of the Polish-led multinational force in Iraq will move out of a camp that includes ancient Babylonian archaeological sites by year's end, Poland's defense minister said Sunday during a surprise visit to the troops."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Rumsfeld hoping for troop cutback in Iraq: "AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AP) - The United States may be able to reduce its troop levels in Iraq after this country's January elections if security improves and local forces continue to expand and become more effective, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld says."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Iraqi security forces coming under fire: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - With no work and five children to feed, Salah Abbas ignored his family's pleas not to join the Iraqi National Guard, a job where the paycheck comes with a deadly risk."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Shiite militiamen turn in weapons in Baghdad in



Armed group threatens to behead Turkish hostage: "Armed men claiming to belong to the militant group of Abu Mussab Al-Zarqawi appeared in a video on Dubai's Al-Arabiya television on threatening to behead a Turkish hostage. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Israeli aircraft attacks militant's house: "An Israeli aircraft fired a missile Monday at a house in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, wounding five people, including a top Islamic Jihad leader, witnesses and hospital officials said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Egyptian military seals off bombed hotel: "With Israeli rescue workers pulling out, the Egyptian military sealed off a bombed luxury hotel Monday to clear more debris and collect evidence for investigators tracing the explosives and vehicles used in the attack that targeted Israeli tourists."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Aid Money Must Flow Quickly, Iraq to Tell Donors: "Iraq could plunge into still deeperchaos unless billions of dollars the international communityhas pledged for rebuilding are spent quickly, the Baghdadgovernment will warn this week. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bobby-trapped car explodes in Mosul: "A car bomb exploded Monday in western Mosul as an American military convoy was passing by, witnesses said. First reports indicated it may have been a suicide attack."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

  ¶ 6:34 AM

  Iraq War News
Iraq 'honours list' sparks protest: "Prime Minister Tony Blair has provoked fresh controversy over the war with a "special Iraq Honours list"."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Afghanistan's presidential election will take awhile to tabulate in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Two explosions kill ten in Baghdad in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



The Other Weapons Threat in Iraq: "WASHINGTON — Insurgent networks across Iraq are increasingly trying to acquire and use toxic nerve gases, blister agents and germ weapons against U.S. and coalition forces, according to a CIA report. Investigators said one group recruited scientists and sought to prepare poisons over seven months before it was dismantled in June. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Cease-Fire Deal Reached, Sadr Militia Announces: "BAGHDAD — Followers of radical Shiite Muslim cleric Muqtada Sadr said they reached a cease-fire agreement Saturday with the interim Iraqi government, but a government spokesman said the only proof of a deal would be if the rebels started handing over their weapons Monday. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bombs Kill 10 in Baghdad; Rumsfeld Visits: "Two car bombs shook the capital in quick succession Sunday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 17, including an American soldier, U.S. and Iraqi officials said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Blast Kills Up to 17 Near Baghdad Police Academy: "A suspected suicide car bomb killed upto 17 people near Baghdad's Oil Ministry and a nearby policeacademy Sunday, a spokesman for the ministry said. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bigley escaped for night - reports: "There is still confusion over exactly what happened during Ken Bigley's last few desperate hours as it emerged that the Prime Minister had spoken to his family for the first time since his brutal murder."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Four killed, two wounded in rocket attack near Baghdad oil ministry: "At least four people were killed and two wounded in a rocket attack near the oil ministry in the Iraqi capital, medical sources and police said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Allies urged to make good on Iraq pledges: "Hoping to keep much-needed cash flowing into war-ravaged Iraq, Japan will host a 50-nation Iraqi reconstruction donors' conference this week that may focus less on getting new pledges than on getting countries to honor their earlier promises."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Israeli missile kills one in Gaza camp: "An Israeli aircraft fired a missile Sunday at a Palestinian house in Gaza's Jebaliya refugee camp, killing one person and wounding eight, witnesses and rescue workers said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Rumsfeld gives troops timetable in Iraq: "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld greeted U.S. Marines at this dusty air field in Iraq's western desert Sunday morning, telling them it was unlikely the United States would pull out any troops before Iraq's elections in January."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



in



in



Defense secretary makes surprise visit to Iraq in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

  ¶ 5:52 AM

  Operation Holiday Spirit
Thousands of Angels Seeking Help with Getting Holiday Stockings for the Troops

Soldiers' Angels launch Operation Holiday Spirit



(PRWEB) October 7 , 2004 -- Having a must do mindset the members of Soldiers' Angels have made it their number one priority to get Christmas stockings to all of the men and women deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world during this upcoming holiday season. What started as a small wish of Patti Patton-Bader, the founder, has sparked attention from several large corporations, a radio-talk show personality, and a Hollywood actor.



Also in this campaign is the efforts of VFW in Centerreach, New York who has agreed to pack all of the stockings.Soldiers' Angels, a non profit organization started by a mother whose son informed her that members of his unit were not receiving mail from home. The organization has been sending letters and care packages to our men and women of the military since June of 2003. “May no soldier go unloved” has been Patti Patton-Bader’s motto since the beginning of what started out as one woman’s dream has grown to over 14, 000 members supporting our military. To date the organization has about 10,000 military members in its adoption program. While the numbers keep growing everyday the members have not lost focus of their mission and that is to “provide aid and comfort to our military…”



Since starting the Stockings for Troops campaign the organization has received 331 cases of items from Neutrogena they plan on putting in the Christmas stockings. AT&T, the only carrier whose phone cards work from many locations where our military are currently deployed, is matching minutes on their phone cards. Ms. Patton-Bader and the rest of the Angels believe that if our military cannot be home for the holidays, they can a bit of home to our military. Between now and November 20th Soldiers’ Angels hopes to send 140, 000 Christmas stockings to the military men and women defending our countrites freedom far from home. The organization would like to fill each stocking with a card of encoragement, an AT&T phone card, some holiday candy, hot chocolate packets, instant soup, a sand scarf, and other holiday items. They have set up a special link on their website, www.soldiersangels.com for monetary donations.



They are asking that all donations of stockings, AT&T phone cards, cards, and other holiday items to fill the stockings be sent to the VFW Post 4927, 31 Horseblock Road, Centerreach, NY 11720. All monentary donations can be sent to Soldiers' Angels, 1729 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104. You may call John Adams of the VFW at (631) 585-7390 or Patti Patton-Bader at (626) 398-3131 for more information on items needed or how to donate.





  ¶ 7:14 AM

  CNN.com - U.S., Iraqi troops�expand offensive - Oct 7, 2004 BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- More than 2,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops are targeting insurgents in the northern section of Babil province, the U.S. military announced Thursday.

The operations are part of a larger effort by U.S.-led forces to establish security ahead of the scheduled January Iraqi elections for a transitional national assembly.

The operation in the south-central Iraqi province of Babil began Tuesday following an intense offensive begun last week in the Sunni Triangle city of Samarra, a move that the commander of the 1st Infantry Division declared a success on Wednesday.

In addition, U.S. forces have been attacking targets linked to terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi almost daily in Falluja.

Witnesses in another insurgent area -- Baghdad's Sadr City -- told CNN that U.S. airstrikes continued overnight into Thursday as the interim government and forces of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr pursue an initiative to end fighting in the 2-million-strong, densely populated Shiite neighborhood.

Sheikh Moayad al-Khazraji, a top aide to al-Sadr, was released from Abu Ghraib prison after a year in custody, another al-Sadr aide told CNN. Sayid Abdul Hadi al-Daraji said the sheikh is with his family at his Baghdad home.

It was not initially clear whether this release is part of the wider effort to restore peace in the neighborhood. Among the possible steps that would be taken in a peace initiative would be disarming the militia loyal to al-Sadr, giving some fighters amnesty and releasing some prisoners.

But al-Daraji said people in the al-Sadr camp don't believe the release had anything to do with peace talks and his freedom came as part of a larger release of Abu Ghraib prisoners. Al-Daraji said there wasn't a specific charge against al-Khazraji.

In the latest U.S. fatalities in Iraq, insurgent attacks killed a 13th Corps Support Command soldier near Falluja and a 1st Infantry Division soldier near Beiji. This brings the number of U.S. troop deaths since the Iraqi war began to 1,067, according to the U.S. military.

Iraqi security forces, led by a SWAT team, and elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, captured 13 suspected militants in the town of Haswa in Babil province in a Wednesday afternoon raid, the U.S. military said Thursday.

This comes after raids conducted by the forces "drove insurgents east of the Euphrates River to Haswa," a unit statement said. Insurgent "forces retaliated with small attacks" on Marines from the town.

"The Iraqis were backed on the ground by the Marines' Force Reconnaissance platoon. Helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 provided close air support," the statement said.

There have been 48 insurgents captured since the start of the operation, the military said.

CNN.com - U.S., Iraqi troops�expand offensive - Oct 7, 2004  ¶ 7:04 AM

  WHIOTV.com - Campaign 2004 - Indiana Mom Tattoos Anti-Bush Slogan On Shaved Head Indiana Mom Tattoos Anti-Bush Slogan On Shaved Head

POSTED: 8:25 am EDT October 7, 2004

BEDFORD, Ind. -- The presidential race is going to Kerra Fowler's head.

Fowler says she'll grow her hair back if Kerry wins.



She's tattooed an anti-Bush message on her shaved head. The Indiana mother of four even offered her bare skull as political ad space on the eBay Internet auction site.

She said she was offered up to $30,000, but decided not to take the money. She did accept a bid of about $100, half of which Fowler said is going to the tattoo artist.

Fowler said she opposes the war in Iraq and intends to keep her anti-Bush tattoo after the election. But if John Kerry wins, Fowler said she'll probably just let her hair grow.WHIOTV.com - Campaign 2004 - Indiana Mom Tattoos Anti-Bush Slogan On Shaved Head  ¶ 7:03 AM

  Reuters | Car bomb kills 40 at Pakistan rally Car bomb kills 40 at Pakistan rally
Thu 7 October, 2004 13:20
By Asim Tanveer

MULTAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - At least 40 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in Pakistan after a car bomb exploded at a rally to commemorate an assassinated militant religious leader, police say.

The bomb exploded on Thursday in a crowd of mourners leaving the overnight rally attended by several thousand people in the central city of Multan to mark the first anniversary of the shooting of militant Sunni Muslim leader Azam Tariq.

"It was dark and people were screaming for help," said one witness. "It was utter chaos."

The attack came just days after a suicide bomber killed 30 people at a minority Shi'ite Muslim mosque in the eastern city of Sialkot on October 2 and Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said it could have been a sectarian act of revenge.

But in apparent bid to head off a spiral of revenge attacks, Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao called the attack an act of terrorism with "no relevance to the sectarian divide".

"I do not see the involvement on any religious group," he said in a statement

Abdul Jalil Naqvi, a leader of the main Shi'ite militant group, the banned Islami Tehrik Pakistan, denied charges by Tariq's group that it was a Shi'ite attack. He called it a terrorist act aimed at inciting sectarian war.

"We condemn it," he said.

The rally had ended and people were dispersing in pre-dawn darkness from a meeting ground when the bomb went off, said Sikander Hayat, police chief in Multan, 425 km (250 miles) south-west of the capital, Islamabad.

Large patches of blood stained the ground and pieces of flesh lay scattered around. Nearby houses and shops were damaged.

Hospital officials said at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 wounded, 30 of them seriously.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz convened an emergency meeting and Interior Minister Sherpao said he would propose a ban on large religious gatherings.

President Pervez Musharraf said in a statement the incident "clearly shows that terrorists have no religion and are enemies of mankind."
Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage  ¶ 6:59 AM

  Iraq War News
Explosion damages Istanbul cathedral: "An explosion shattered windows at the seat of the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians in Istanbul on Thursday, officials said. There were no reports of injuries."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. Navy helicopter crashes in Kuwait: "A U.S. Navy helicopter crashed Thursday immediately after takeoff in Kuwait, but all seven crew survived, the 5th Fleet's headquarters said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. report: Iraq didn't have WMDs: "Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction programs had deteriorated into only hopes and dreams by the time of the U.S.-led invasion last year, a decline wrought by the first Gulf War and years of international sanctions, the chief U.S. weapons hunter found."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. 'almost all wrong' on weapons (7 Oct 04) in Radio Free USA



IRAQ: Refurbishment of schools in the south continues: "BASRA, 7 Oct 2004 (IRIN) - Salah Sabah, a maths teacher and an assistant at Irshad Primary School in the southern city of Basra, has been visiting the Educational Directorate regularly since the year 2000 to ask for help to rehabilitate his school."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis



U.S. raises security alert in Green Zone after foiled bombing: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. authorities raised the security alert in the heavily guarded Green Zone after an improvised bomb was found in front of a restaurant there, officials said Thursday. Twenty Iraqis were arrested in the north in operations against those suspected of planting bombs against U.S. and Iraqi targets."

In Modesto Bee: Iraq



Accusations say U-N and other officials profited from illicit Iraq oil sales in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



More than 200 detainees freed from Abu Ghraib after latest review at facility in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Blair faces final judgment on WMD: "The Government is facing up to confirmation Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Muslim loses Iraq war legal bid: "A Muslim reservist airman who refused to take part in the Iraq war because of his religious beliefs has lost his landmark legal battle over his prosecution by the RAF for going absent without leave."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Soldier killed, two wounded near Fallujah: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - An explosive device hit a U.S. convoy near the rebel-held city of Fallujah, killing one soldier from the 13th Corps Support Command and wounding two, the military said in a statement Thursday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Bomb discovered at Green Zone restaurant: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - An improvised bomb was found in a restaurant in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, home of the U.S. Embassy and key government offices, American officials said Thursday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Detainees released from two Iraq prisons: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - About 240 detainees were released from U.S. and Iraqi custody Thursday under a review process set up following the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison, the U.S. military said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Prepping for the debate...Saddam's danger?...Pakistani violence in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Only Hussein Had Full Picture: "WASHINGTON — Shortly before the U.S. bombing and invasion of Iraq last year, Saddam Hussein gathered his top generals together to share what came to them as astonishing news: The weapons that the United States was launching a war to remove did not exist. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Report Accuses Ex-Head of U.N. Oil Program: "Vivid allegations of widespread corruption at the U.N. oil-for-food program by the top U.S. arms inspector have added credibility to accusations the United Nations looked the other way while Saddam Hussein's government skimmed billions of dollars and offered kickbacks to European and Arab countries and officials. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Afghan government says drug smugglers were behind political attack yesterday in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

  ¶ 6:57 AM

  Iraq War News
IRAQ: Syrian refugees face difficulties in troubled capital: "BAGHDAD, 6 Oct 2004 (IRIN) - The Syrians in and around Baghdad may be Iraq's most unusual group of refugees. Many of the 500 Syrians live in central Haifa Street, scene of numerous bombings and firefights between insurgents and US forces in recent weeks."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis



Report may undercut Bush's Iraq rationale: "The final report of the chief U.S. arms inspector for Iraq is expected to undercut a principal Bush administration rationale for removing Saddam Hussein: that Saddam's Iraqi government had weapons of mass destruction. Weapons hunter Charles Duelfer will provide his findings Wednesday to the Senate Armed Services Committee."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Car bomb kills 10 Iraqis near Baghdad: "A car bomb exploded Wednesday at an Iraqi military camp northwest of Baghdad, killing 10 Iraqis and wounding more than 20, officials said, in the latest attack on security forces that are key to U.S. plans for fighting the insurgency."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Al-Sadr followers agree to cease-fire: "Followers of renegade Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have agreed to a cease-fire with Iraq's interim government aimed at ending weeks of fighting in the vast Baghdad slum of Sadr City, a mediator said Wednesday. However, key members of the cleric's movement insisted terms of the deal had not been finalized."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Car Bomb in Western Iraq Kills at Least 10: "A suicide car bomb blew up near aNational Guard center in western Iraq on Wednesday, killing atleast 10 people, as U.S. and Iraqi forces struggled to quellinsurgents bent on derailing elections due in January. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bremer changes tune, defends U.S. actions in Iraq: "EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A day after suggesting that the United States didn't initially send enough troops to Iraq to stem lawlessness, the former top U.S. administrator in Iraq softened his assessment, saying he only recognized the problem with the benefit of hindsight and insisted there are enough soldiers on the ground now."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



UK patrol escapes Basra bridge bomb: "A roadside bomb exploded as a British patrol was crossing a bridge in Basra, killing one Iraqi and injuring ten others, including four policemen."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



in



Car bomb hits Iraq military camp; 10 dead: "A suicide car bomber struck Wednesday at an Iraqi military camp northwest of Baghdad, killing 10 Iraqis and wounding more than 20, Iraqi officials said."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

  ¶ 7:01 AM

  Iraq War News
Two blasts rip through Baghdad, killing 21: "Two car bombs ripped through crowded Baghdad streets on Monday, killing at least 21 people and wounding 96, as insurgents step up their campaign to undermine the country's U.S.-backed interim government and drive the United States and its allies out of Iraq."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Australian election is referendum on Iraq war, U.S. ties: "John Howard appears poised to become Australia's second-longest serving prime minister when the country goes to the polls Saturday, despite criticism over the war in Iraq and his dwindling credibility. (Chicago Tribune)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Samarra victory encourages Iraqi forces: "SAMARRA, Iraq — Bloodied by weeks of suicide bombings and assassinations, Iraqi security forces emerged Sunday to patrol Samarra after a morale-boosting victory in this Sunni Triangle city, and U.S. commanders praised their performance."

In kgw.com: Iraq News



Another Two Airstrikes in Fallujah: "

From The Australian :

Nine people were killed in two pre-dawn raids by United States planes on suspected rebel targets in Fallujah, west of the capital of Baghdad today, according to a local hospital.

Doctor Adel Khamis of Fallujah general hospital said the second of the two strikes killed nine people, three of them women and two children.

He said 14 people were wounded in the strike, while no casualties were reported in the first raid.

Death tolls provided by one side or the other cannot be verified independently.

A military statement said US forces “conducted a precision strike against a building where approximately 25 anti-Iraqi forces network members were moving weapons on the outskirts of Fallujah”.

In a second raid, “multinational Force-Iraq once again struck members of the Abu Musab al-Zarqawi terrorist network operating in central Fallujah”, the military said.

“In the last month, multinational Forces have successfully conducted ten offensive strikes on the Abu Musab al-Zarqawi terrorist network. Each action removed foreign fighters from the streets of Fallujah and strengthens the safety of Iraq,” the US statement said.

A senior US military source claimed last week that more than 100 Zarqawi operatives had been killed in recent weeks in strikes on Fallujah, a no-go zone for ground troops.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Bomb threat plane diverted to UK: "A Singapore Airlines plane en route from Frankfurt to JFK airport in New York was diverted to Manchester Airport following a bomb threat."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



IRAQI BORDER PATROL GETS NEW EQUIPMENT in CENTCOM: News Release



MARINES CAPTURE FOREIGN FIGHTERS IN AL ANBAR in CENTCOM: News Release



IRAQI NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS GRADUATE FROM TRAINING in CENTCOM: News Release



1ST CAV'S BLACK JACK BRIGADE TO COMPLETE YEARLONG ROTATION in CENTCOM: News Release



KOREAN SOLDIERS ASSUME OPERATIONAL AUTHORITY FROM MULIT-NATIONAL BRIGADE NORTHWE in CENTCOM: News Release



PRECISION STRIKE IN FALLUJAH in CENTCOM: News Release



MNF PRECISION STRIKE TARGETS ANTI-IRAQI FORCE TRAINERS in CENTCOM: News Release



Indonesia confirms identity of women hostages in Iraq: "Indonesia confirmed the identity of two women being held hostage by militants in Iraq and appealed to Muslim leaders in the Middle East to help secure their release. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

  ¶ 7:14 AM

  Ransom plea may save hostage Bigley: "The brother of British hostage Ken Bigley is investigating whether it might be possible to buy his sibling's life."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Four civilians killed in Fallujah strike: "Four civilians were killed and 12 injured in a series of overnight strikes in rebel-held Fallujah, the city hospital said Sunday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraq's `Nuclear Mastermind' Tells Tale of Ambition, Deceit: "WASHINGTON — On most days now, Mahdi Obeidi rides his new mountain bike, plays with his grandkids and works on getting a U.S. patent for technology he originally developed to build a nuclear bomb for Saddam Hussein. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Pope Denounces Kidnappings in Iraq: "Pope John Paul II denounced kidnappers for using human beings as bargaining chips, and said Saturday that journalists were paying a heavy price in their work during conflicts. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

  ¶ 5:08 AM

  Operation Holiday Spirit
  ¶ 7:32 AM