Landlord Information Services

2006-08-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Soldier Ride
Wounded warriors heal on the road

Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. â�� For some veterans, particularly the combat-wounded, the biggest battle may not be the War on Terrorism itself, but coping with the injuries and disabilities.

Many organizations across the United States and beyond exist to help these wounded warriors find a unique way to recover from what was inflicted in battle.

For more than 75 wounded servicemembers, the best way to heal is to take action and accomplish something few have ever done: take part in a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the country.

The cross country bicycle ride, an annual event known as Soldier Ride, began May 6 when the participants dipped the wheels of their bicycles in the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point, N.Y and ended July 29 with another dip in the Pacific Ocean here.

The 12-week odyssey was broken up into one week segments. The participants were able to join the cause for as long as they please.

Along the long route there were supporters cheering the participants on.

â��Almost all of my adult life, I have been stationed at Fort Bragg where just about every civilian in town is a military relative,â�� said former Army Sgt. Andrew Biddle. â��The consistency of American support for the troops is unbreakable. This is the first time I have truly seen just how much the military is appreciated.â��

Bob Mullin, a supporter of Soldier Ride, flew from his home in Massapequa, N.Y. to San Clemente just to watch them finish the ride.

â��I went to the park in Montauk Point and saw these young men missing arms and legs, but still in great shape heading across the country on bicycles,â�� said Mullin, a former Marine sergeant and retired New York Fire Department captain. â��They served their country well, and they deserve our respect. They have true military spirit, and their courage is an inspiration to all.â��

Mullin was joined by numerous other veteransâ�� organizations such as several chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Patriot Guard.

In addition to those who served, one performer particularly close to the Marine Corps rode with the wounded warriors.â��When I played â��Jokerâ�� in the movie â��Full Metal Jacket,â�� I began a special relationship with the Marine Corps,â�� said Matthew Modine. â��When I began visiting hospitals housing the combat wounded, I realized just how important it was to show our support for the troops.â��

The Soldier Ride is an annual event put on by Soldierâ��s Angels, a support group that was founded by a mother of a former soldier in the summer of 2003 when she heard from her son that not every soldier was getting letters and care packages from home.

Since then, the group has expanded to a non-profit organization with branches at military hospitals across the United States and overseas. The group now hosts several projects to send supplies to wounded soldiers. For more information on Soldierâ��s Angels, visit their website at http://www.soldiersangels.org .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005-06-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Marathon for the Fisher House Landstuhl
Marathon for the Fisher House Landstuhl

http://sponsormywalk.info/

My name is Norm Raynal; I am a 64-year old diabetic who works for the Defense Commissary Agency. I have been wondering, perhaps like many of you, how to stay healthy and do something beneficial with my off-duty time. I tried several different activities, but nothing seemed "right" for meâ�¦too time-consuming, limited exercise, and especially no sense of feeling like I was doing something worthwhileâ�¦nothing seemed to "fit.â�� I told a good friend about my dilemma and she suggested I consider volunteering at the Fisher House. I had no idea what the Fisher House was. When I saw an ad looking for volunteers to help the Fisher House clean up after the holidays, I thought about her suggestion and decided to give it a try.

The manager was kind enough to take some time from her busy day to explain what the Fisher House provides for service members and their families. I learned that in our area, there are two Fisher Houses collocated to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center that provide a â��home away from homeâ�� for families assisting wounded service members or who are themselves receiving medical care at Landstuhl. During 2004, these two houses assisted over 900 families.

The Fisher Houses depend on donations to maintain their operation. To support this worthwhile cause, I will walk five 42.9 marathons and ask each of you to pledge a dollar amount for each kilometer I walk or a dollar amount for each marathon I walk. No walk â�¦no donation.

Kathy Gregory provided me with more ideas and suggestions and along with another friend, Berndt Schwarz, we put this web site together. Karin Hand did the final edit so Kathy Reed could do the English - German translation what we will post in the near future. Thanks to my friends, we are able to reach out to the community for support.

Your donation after the first, third and fifth marathon will directly go to the service members and their families who stay at the Landstuhl Fisher Houses.

I ask you to help those who fight for our freedom by being generous with your pledge.

As the Manager of the Landstuhl Fisher Houses I welcome the support you will provide us. We do not receive any government funding and our operating costs come from donations and the $10 room fee. The Fisher House Foundation that is listed on the Combined Federal Campaign is a separate Fund that solicits money for building new Fisher Houses, supporting existing Fisher Houses and helping individual families in need. Charitable activities like this 5 X marathon help us meet our donation goal as well as spread the word that the Landstuhl Fisher Houses are here to help our families in need. We estimate $155,000 will be needed this year, so we thank you for your pledge which will help us provide care and support. You will be helping to keep a family unit together and assisting each family through their medical crisis by giving us the ability to provide â��compassionate care beyond the call of dutyâ��.

2005-06-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
U.S. Probing Private Iraqi Guards: "The U.S. military is investigating 16 private American security guards and three Iraqi contractors for shooting at Marines and Iraqi civilians during a three-hour spree last month in Fallujah."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Sunnis given 25 seats on Iraqi committee: "Sunni Muslim Arabs will be given up to 25 seats on the committee drafting Iraq's new constitution, President Jalal Talabani said Thursday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

16 contractors under arrest for attack US troops in IraqWar.info

Iraqi leader seeks security role for militia: "very hard to sully the reputation of nationalist movements like Badr so that they can achieve goals that do not serve the interests of the Iraqi people," Abdul

[in Aljazeera.net]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Talks with Iraqi rebels possible - Rice: "Washington - American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left the door open on Wednesday for Iraqi officials to negotiate with groups linked to the insurgency, saying political reconciliation must be...

[in IOL]"

In The US News: Iraq News

America's best hope is a Democratic regime change: "Iran is developing an atomic bomb delivery system along with North Korea, and our president invaded Iraq. Iraq had no capability to do anything to anyone.

[in Port Huron Times Herald]"

In The US News: Iraq News

In Increasing Numbers Youth Resisting Recruitment for Iraq: "Darrett Evans, a legal secretary from Bridgeport, Connecticut and of Costa Rican descent, wanted to find summer employment for her nephew and her daughter, so she responded to a Sunday classified ad i...

[in Pacific News Service]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Katy soldier who killed himself added to Iraq casualty roster: "The Department of Defense has added the name of a soldier from Katy who committed suicide almost two years ago to the official roster of casualties from the war in Iraq."

In HoustonChronicle.com -- Iraq

2005-06-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Saddam will face only 12 charges at trial: "Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein could face up to 500 charges at a tribunal, but he will be tried on only 12 because prosecuting all would be a "waste of time," the prime minister's spokesman said Sunday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Kurdish rebels kill four Turkish soldiers: "Kurdish rebels have killed four Turkish soldiers in a clash in southeastern Turkey, officials said Sunday. The clash occurred near the city of Tunceli, the Anatolia news agency reported, citing the governor's office. It was not clear when the fighting took place."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Australian hostage in Iraq alive, says cleric: "SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian held hostage in Iraq for five weeks has been seen alive and well by an Australian mufti trying to negotiate his release, a local Muslim leader said on Sunday. Sheik...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqi Airways Starts Flights to Southern Basra, Considers Expanding Service: "BASRA, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi Airways inaugurated a route from Baghdad to the southern city of Basra on Saturday, part of an expansion plan that also involves extreme security measures at the capital's air...

[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Marines discover insurgent bunker...Quran reaction...Gore discusses global in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Bush's optimism on Iraq tested: "The disconnect between Rose Garden optimism and Baghdad pessimism, according to government officials and independent analysts, stems not only from Bush's focus on tentative signs of long-term progress...

[in MSNBC]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Saddam is depressed, says his trial judge: "05 June 2005 Saddam Hussein's morale has "collapsed" after nearly 18 months in jail awaiting trial, according to the man who will sit in judgment on him. Iraq's former dictator has been held in an Ame...

[in Independent]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Elected Iraqis hold session in Saddam's hometown: "The U.S. soldiers entered the battered government building, made their way past expressionless townspeople and came face to face with about a dozen men carrying AK-47s."

In HoustonChronicle.com -- Iraq

Iraqi troops seize militant 'prince of princes': "MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces have seized a senior militant leader linked to Jordanian mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and accused of overseeing an array of deadly attacks in Iraq, the Defense ...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

In Prison Duty Training, Military Guards Face Their First Riot at Home: "The Army is taking lessons learned from combat zones to train its security forces for guard duty at American detention centers."

In New York Times: World Special

Iraqi troops refuse to attend army training: "RUTBA:An Iraqi national guard unit has been disbanded after it refused to attend a military training academy overseen by US advisers, former members of the unit said on Sunday.

[in Stuff]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqi, U.S. Troops Search for Insurgent Hideouts, Find Insurgent Lair and Arrest Dozens: "LATIFIYAH, Iraq (AP) - Hundreds of Iraqi and U.S. troops searched fields and farms Saturday for insurgents and their hideouts in an area south of Baghdad known for attacks, and the Marines said they d...

[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Attacks in Iraq, 84 gunmen detained south of Baghdad: "Attacks in Iraq, 84 gunmen detained south of Baghdad Iraq, Military, 6/4/2005 Various areas in Iraq witnessed on Friday a series of explosions that resulted in killing and injuring scores, the las...

[in Arabic News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Surge in Iraq violence leaves 750 dead in May: "zones that have powered the on-going guerilla offensive in Iraq that claimed has continued with a suicide car bomber killing at least 10 Iraqis and wounding 10

[in Hindu]"

In The US News: Iraq News

2005-06-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Three suicide bombings in Iraq kill 20: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Three suicide car bombings killed 20 people in northern Iraq on Thursday, including a top municipal council leader and a bodyguard of Iraq's Kurdish deputy prime minister, officials said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Beirut blast kills anti-Syrian journalist: "A prominent Lebanese journalist known for his anti-Syrian writings was killed after a bomb placed in his car exploded Thursday, police said, a slaying in the midst of parliamentary elections, free for the first time of overt Syrian interference."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Abu Ghraib GI: I'm No Bad Apple: "The first Army reservist to be freed after serving time in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal says he's a good person who was under conditions so stressful it would "drive the most docile soldier from 'Gomer Pyle' into 'Full Metal Jacket.'""

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

After the Shooting Has Stopped: "It's one of the deepest wounds a soldier can suffer, and one that few want to talk about. But it happened to an American GI in Baghdad whose convoy was attacked while hauling an emergency supply of fuel. He talks to David Martin."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Stay The Course, Iraqi Foreign Minsiter Tells Allies: "Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari commented Wednesday after meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He said it's important the coalition be "firm and solid" while Baghdad builds its military a...

[in ABC 7]"

In The US News: Iraq News

US warns Iraq's neighbours not to help al Qaeda commander >: "Last Updated 02/06/2005, 11:02:41 The US defence secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, is warning countries in the Middle East not to offer medical treatment to al Qaeda's man in Iraq, Abu Musab al Zarqawi.Mr ...

[in Radio Australia]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Judge Hears Arguments Over AP's Publication of Iraqi Photos: "SAN DIEGO (AP) - A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday on The Associated Press' request to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the wire service violated copyright and privacy laws by publishing photos o...

[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News

2005-05-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

EU constitution 'is dead': "EU leaders have been warned by former commissioner Lord Kinnock to accept the French "non" vote meant that its constitution was now dead."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

4 Americans, 4 Italians dead in Iraq crash: "Four American and four Italian military personnel were killed in separate aircraft crashes, military officials said Tuesday, and Iraq's prime minister condemned the U.S. arrest of a top Sunni political leader."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Terrorism Arrests in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Voice on audio tape claims to be al-Zarqawi, says he's in good health in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

U.S. Planes Hit Iraq Insurgent Strongholds: "AP Photo BAG122 By PAUL GARWOOD Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The U.S. military nearly set off a sectarian crisis Monday by mistakenly arresting the leader of Iraq's top Sunni Muslim...

[in Guardian]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraq to cut power subsidies: "The Iraqi government may decrease subsidies for fuel and electricity, despite a severe shortage of both in the country, according to Electricity Minister Mihsen Shalash. The government blamed shortage...

[in AME Info]"

In The US News: Iraq News

27 killed in Iraq attacks >: "Last Updated 31/05/2005, 08:27:40 At least 27 people have died in a double suicide attack south of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.Police say two bombers blew themselves up in a crowd of about 500 former ...

[in Radio Australia]"

In The US News: Iraq News

â��Things are getting worse by the day.â��: "The mayhem continues in Iraq, with today at least 40 people dead, including five US soldiers in Diyala province as the meltdown of the failed US-led occupation continues.

Two suicide bombers detonated themselves after walking into a crowd of police officers in Hilla, south of Baghdad. The policemen were demonstrating outside the mayorâ��s office to protest a government decision to disband their Special Forces unit."

In Electronic Iraq

Iraq Islamic leader held and freed: "U.S. forces in Baghdad Monday detained Iraqi Islamic Party Secretary-General Mohsen Abdel Hamid and his sons for several hours, then released them.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

2005-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Hamas militant group agrees to end attacks: "The Hamas militant group has agreed to halt mortar and rocket fire on Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, a deal meant to save a truce threatened by three consecutive days of violence, the Palestinian interior ministry said Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Sun has published more Saddam snaps: "The Sun has published new prison photos of Saddam Hussein's top lieutenants, a day after showing the toppled Iraqi dictator in his underpants in jail."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Pictures of Saddam in skivvies raise ruckus: "WASHINGTON : The publication on Friday of photographs of Saddam Hussein wearing only underwear in his cell in Iraq led the Bush administration on Friday to open an investigation into how the pict...

[in Deseret News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqi leaders call for restraint: "SUNNI and Shiite clerics have called for restraint as sectarian tensions rise, and Iraqi officials suggest Saddam Hussein might go on trial within a month. All occurred amid the release by a Britis...

[in The Daily Telegraph]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Paper Prints More Photos of Saddam in Jail: "A British tabloid published more revealing photographs of Saddam Hussein in U.S. custody on Saturday, a day after it ran a front-page picture of the former Iraqi leader naked except for his underwear."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Abu Ghraib prison attacked by insurgents: "Five detainees were wounded in an insurgent rocket attack on Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison Friday.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

U.S. casualty count in Iraq over 1,600: "The Iraq war and occupation has claimed over 1,623 troops, including 1,244 killed in action so far, according to the Pentagon's latest numbers.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

2005-04-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Milbloggers et all
MilBloggers,

The Department of North Carolina: Veterans of Foreign Wars together with the Departments of Virginia, Delaware, Missouri and Wyoming are pleased to announce that our new Military WebCOM Video Conferencing Program for our soldiers and their families is ready for Beta Testing. Our program will enable a Solider and a significant other to communicate with audio/video via the Internet at no cost.

National VFW Commander John Furgess has offered to inaugurate the program by placing the first call to the troops.

What we need are volunteers presently stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan with the "right stuff" a computer, Internet connection , a web cam and the ability to be available today April 23 at 7:30pm Eastern Standard Time.

The VFW through programs like its Operation Uplink has always demonstrated its support in assisting military families in staying connected. This new Departmental program will only strengthen this dedicated effort.

If you can support our efforts or have any questions please e-mail vfwwebcom@gmail.com or call Ross Myers or Tara Sue Clark at (336) 235-2393. Thank you.

Yours in Service,

Ross Myers

2005-02-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Blckfive asks for our help
Hi MilBlogs and Friends-

Eason Jordan, the Chief News Executive of CNN recently made statements

at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he accused American

servicemen of intentionally targeting and killing journalists in Iraq.

These are serious charges that should not have been made without

supporting evidence, which he did not provide.

American servicemen and women are risking their lives daily and it is

wholly inappropriate for a man of his stature and influence to make

baseless claims in front of an international audience. As an

experienced journalist, he fully understands the impact of his words

and the effects on his audience. Mr. Jordan has a past history of

making such statements.

I would request that you take a look at this issue which I believe the

MilBloggers and their supporters would have an interest in helping.

Easongate ( http://www.easongate.com ) has been created by some former

military men to gather signatures and engage CNN in order to create

change in

irresponsible media.

Our hope is that CNN will launch an investigation into Mr. Jordan's

past and recent history, and take appropriate action. We hope to

provide the means for the public to place pressure on CNN to act.

We need your help.

Please forward the EasonGate Petition (

http://gogman.is-a-geek.com/Easongate_Petition/sign.asp

) to your readers. Conservatively, we need 100,000 signatures to make

attract the attention of CNN's advertisers.

Any help is appreciated. We've got a lot of things in the works to

move this issue ahead in the media. Also, NZ Bear is listing the

blogs that refer to EasonGate -

http://www.truthlaidbear.com/easongate.php .

Be sure to send me a link if you write about EasonGate.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Regards,

Matt

Blackfive

http://www.blackfive.net

2005-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

2005-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Sunni Marginalization Risks Worsening Iraq Turmoil: "Only four weeks before crucialelections, sectarian divisions threaten to worsen Iraq'sunrest, with majority Shi'ite Muslims poised for politicaldominance and many Sunni Arabs boycotting the polls or tooafraid to vote."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Suicide Bomber Kills 21 Iraqi Troops: "A suicide car bomb hit a bus carryingIraqi National Guards on Sunday, killing 22 people in thedeadliest attack of its kind in nearly four months on Iraqiscooperating with U.S. forces to secure a Jan. 30 election."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Insurgent attacks in Iraq usher in New Year (Chicago Tribune): "Chicago Tribune - The new year opened in Iraq with the same death and dismay that brought 2004 to a close: Attacks on and assassinations of Iraqi security forces and civilians targeted for working with the interim government or its U.S. military backers."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Car Bomb Explosion Kills 18 Iraqi Troops: "A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb north of Baghdad on Sunday, killing 19 Iraqis â all but one of them National Guards â in another strike against Iraqis cooperating with American forces, the U.S. military said. Four Iraqi policemen were killed in a separate attack."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

17 die in Iraqi blast: "Baghdad - Nineteen people were killed in a car bomb attack on Sunday on a bus carrying members of the Iraqi national guard near the town of Balad, north of

[in News24]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Wartime blogs serve as dispatches from the front: ""The day before yesterday a big bomb exploded in Baghdad (Iraq) in Al-Rabee Street near my house," the Web log, or blog, reads.

[in DetNews.com]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Suicide bomb on national guard bus kills 19 as bloodshed greets Iraq in 2005: "Nineteen people were killed in a suicide car bomb attack on a bus carrying members of the Iraqi national guard near a US military base north of Baghdad, the US army said, as Iraqi insurgents made a bl...

[in Turkish Press]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Tories criticise jail sentence plan: "New legislation will put pressure on the courts to ration jail sentences, the Conservatives claimed."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Eleven Iraqi soldiers and one civilian killed in car bomb ...: "BAGHDAD, Iraq The US says 12 people including eleven Iraqi national guard troops have been killed in a car bombing. A military spokesman

[in WSTM-TV]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Report set to criticise police: "Britain's police forces will face severe criticism in a think-tank report to be published next week."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Lowell soldier's job: Train Iraqi soldiers to be the best: "10-person Green Beret squad, but he played a critical role: As a weapons and tactics specialist, Ryan was in charge of training dozens of Iraqi National Guard

[in Lowell Sun]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Car bomb kills 19 Iraqis north of Baghdad as officer, Shiite ...: "At least 19 people were killed Sunday in a suicide car bomb attack on a bus carrying members of the Iraqi national guard near a US military base north of

[in Al-Bawaba]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Lejeune Marines will head to Iraq with better armor: "CAMP LEJEUNE -- Marines who deploy to Iraq this year will have improved armor on their Humvees, an upgrade that has nothing to do with the recent criticism of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the ...

[in News Observer]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

Web video shows gunmen kill Iraq officers: "BAGHDAD, Iraq â Al-Qaida's arm in Iraq released a video yesterday showing its militants lining up five captured Iraqi security officers and executing them in the street, the latest move in a cam...

[in The Seattle Times]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

in

US Reinforcements Arrive in Mosul: "

From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

A new contingent of US troops has arrived in Mosul to help boost security in the restive northern Iraqi city ahead of nationwide elections.
âElements of the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Mosul yesterday in an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections,â a military statement said.

âThe 82nd will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade North-west area of operations.â

The senior US military commander for Iraq, General John Abizaid, said recently that some 6,000 to 8,000 new troops would be deployed in Mosul ahead of the legislative vote.

"

In Command Post: Irak

US Soldier Killed by Roadside Bomb: "

From Reuters via The Australian :

A roadside bomb blast killed one US soldier and wounded another north of Baghdad yesterday, the American military said today.

"

In Command Post: Irak

Twenty-two Iraqi soldiers, policemen killed in separate attacks in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

2005-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Zarqawi group executes five Iraqi national guards: video: "The group of Al-Qaeda operative Abu Musab al-Zarqawi aired a video on the Internet purporting to show the execution of five members of the Iraqi national guard in the militant stronghold of Ramadi."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Three Roadside Bombs Target Iraq Troops: "At least three roadside bombs targeted Iraqi security troops Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Ayad Allawi warned Iraq's neighbors to crack down on insurgents infiltrating from their territory, saying that Iraq's patience was wearing thin."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

On radio, Democrat says troops in Iraq deserve more support in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

in

Suicide Car Bomber Kills Seven in Iraq's North: "By Sabah al-Bazee BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A suicide car bomber killed seven people, five of them Iraqi National Guards, near the northern town of Baiji Friday, as the insurgent campaign to wreck th...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

Iraq's 'Mrs. Anthrax' Has Cancer: "web sites ) refused to comment on the report that Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash has cancer. "I am not able to discuss the health condition of our detainees," said Lt. Col. Barry Johnson. "Certainly we hav...

[in Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas: "US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas KABUL, Dec 25 (AFP) - "There but for the grace of God go I," is a common refrain among US troops stationed in Afghanistan for ...

[in General Sources]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Time is ticking away for Iraq, UAE paper: "Dec 31, 2004 - 10:29 - Time is ticking away for Iraq, UAE paper ABU DHABI, 31 Dec. 04 (WAM)--A UAE paper today commented on the current cycle of violence in Iraq, saying before criticising others for ...

[in Emirates News Agency]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

A Daily Look at U.S. Iraq Military Deaths: "web sites ) declared that major combat operations in Iraq had ended, 1,190 U.S. military members have died, according to AP's count. That includes at least 933 deaths resulting from hostile action, ac...

[in Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Allawi warns Iraq's neighbors: "Baghdad, Iraq - Prime Minister Ayad Allawi made an unusually strong warning to Iraq's neighbors to crack down on insurgents infiltrating from their territory, saying Friday that Iraq's patience is wea...

[in Denver Post]"

In The US News: Iraq News

2004-12-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Iraq's insurgents grow proficient in violence: "Washington - By key measures of the level of insurgent violence against American forces in Iraq - numbers of dead, wounded and insurgent attacks - the situation has grown worse since summer. While tho...

[in Denver Post]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Parliament deadlock delays approval on extended SKorean mission in Iraq: "Photo: AFP SEOUL (AFP) - Opposition lawmakers put up a human wall in parliament, delaying approval to extend the deployment of South Korean troops in Iraq. Praliamentary work was paralized when doze...

[in AFP via Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Schofield Soldiers Return From Iraq: "WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Oahu, Hawaii -- More than 100 Schofield Barracks soldiers returned Thursday morning from a nearly yearlong deployment to Iraq.

[in The Hawaii Channel]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Militants warn Iraqis to shun elections: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Three militant groups released a statement saying democracy is un-Islamic and warned Iraqis that if they vote in Jan. 30 elections they risk being attacked."

In Modesto Bee: Iraq

1ST ID SOLDIERS DETAIN 49 SUSPECTS DURING OPERATION POWDER RIVER in CENTCOM: News Release

City Plans a Texas-Size Send-Off for Guard Troops Headed to Iraq: "WACO, Texas â Not far from the ranch where President Bush is spending the holidays, the impact of the war in Iraq is being driven home in this city of 113,000."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas: "US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas KABUL, Dec 25 (AFP) - "There but for the grace of God go I," is a common refrain among US troops stationed in Afghanistan for ...

[in General Sources]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Rebels attack Iraqi security forces: "BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Insurgents launched multiple attacks on Iraqi police across the dangerous Sunni Triangle on Tuesday, killing 24 people -- including 19 policemen -- a day after the major Sunni Muslim ...

[in Casper Star Tribune]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraq needs $55 billion for reconstruction: "DUBAI - Iraq has estimated a cost of approximately $55 billion for the reconstruction of the country for 2005-2007, said Dr Mehdi Hafedh, minister of planning and development cooperation and chairman ...

[in Business Times]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Mortar strike sets fire to Iraqi oil refinery: "Baghdad - A mortar strike set fire to Baghdad's Dura oil refinery on Thursday night, an interior ministry official said. Baghdad firefighters were struggling to put out the blaze and called for hel...

[in IOL]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Bush touts Iraqi election: "CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush on Wednesday denounced Osama bin Laden's call to boycott the Iraqi elections, saying the balloting offers a choice between free expression and a "dark vision of ...

[in Casper Star Tribune]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Turkish Truck Driver Killed In Iraq: "SAMARRA (AA) - A Turkish driver was killed in northern part of Iraq, sources said on Wednesday. The driver was killed in an ambush near Bidiyah town, south of Samarra. He could not be identified yet. ...

[in Turkish Press]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

2004-12-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
in

Religious or secular government?: "Top Shiite Muslim leaders, who are expected to wield the most power after next month's parliamentary elections, are locked in a fierce dispute over whether the new Iraq should be a constitution-based democracy or an Iranian-style state in which clerics reign supreme."

In Kansas.com: Iraq

Iraq May Set Aside Seats for Sunnis: "CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Iraq's electoral commission is considering setting aside seats in the country's national assembly for Sunni Arab politicians and other

[in Washington Post]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqis to stay on at bases: "AMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -American commanders are fully aware that Iraq's insurgents exploit their policy of employing locals on US military bases but insist the

[in Concord Monitor]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Two Terrorist Suspects Arrested in Irbil, Iraq: "Regarding intelligence that an Iraqi resistance group had ordered terrorist attacks on Korean troops stationed in the northern Iraqi town of Irbil, it has been

[in Chosun Ilbo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Luring Iraqis to polls rates as very tough task: "Full-page newspaper ads remind Iraqis that "divided we fall." Posters are plastered all around Iraq's streets, even on US Army concrete barriers, listing

[in AZ Central.com]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Bremer gets medal after Iraqi looting: "Paul Bremer, in charge of Iraq after Mission Accomplished, dismissed the entire Iraqi Batthist army that could have been used to guard and rebuild that country

[in Sun-Sentinel.com]"

In The US News: Iraq News

The Perfect Candidate for Iraq: "More than 100 slates of candidates are in the running, but I know whom Iraq voters' choice should be. Iraq is running out of its own politicians.

[in Common Dreams]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqi police ambushed; U.S. launches new attack: "Baghdad, Iraq - U.S. forces launched a new offensive Wednesday against insurgents in an area south of the capital dubbed the "triangle of death," while militants ambushed an elite Iraqi police unit in...

[in Denver Post]"

In The US News: Iraq News

New offensive launched south of Baghdad: "BAGHDAD, Iraq â U.S. forces launched a new offensive yesterday against insurgents in an area south of the capital after militants ambushed an elite Iraqi police unit in a Baghdad neighborhood kn...

[in The Seattle Times]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Dozens killed in Iraq clashes as two Lebanese kidnapped: "Click to enlarge BAGHDAD (AFP) - Pitched battles between US troops and Iraqi insurgents in strife-torn Mosul left at least 26 dead including one US soldier as two Lebanese businessmen were kidnapped...

[in AFP via Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas: "US troops see progress in Afghanistan, grateful not in Iraq for Christmas KABUL, Dec 25 (AFP) - "There but for the grace of God go I," is a common refrain among US troops stationed in Afghanistan for ...

[in General Sources]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Zarqawi aide arrested: Baghdad: "December 30, 2004 US-led forces in Iraq have captured a senior member of the al-Qaeda-linked network led by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Iraqi Government said today. Fadil Hussain Ahm...

[in The Australian]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

U.S. Soldier Dies After Car Bomb Blast in Iraq: "MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - A U.S. soldier died in hospital Wednesday from wounds sustained in a car bomb attack on a patrol in the city of Mosul, the American military said on Thursday. Troops in Mosu...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Troops, Insurgents Clash In Mosul: "American troops and warplanes fought off insurgents launching and attack on a U.S. outpost in Mosul with a car bomb and explosives, the military said. At least 25 insurgents were said to be killed. One U.S. soldier died after the firefight."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

2004-12-29T07:04:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Blast Kills 28 During Police Raid in Baghdad: "BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A powerful blast destroyed a house in western Baghdad during an overnight raid by police, flattening several nearby buildings and killing at least 28 people including seven policem...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraq Govt. Mission: Luring Voters to Polls: "Print this story. BAGHDAD, Iraq - It seems like mission impossible: How will Iraq's interim government lure people to vote in the January election amid a deadly insurgency targeting polling stati...

[in Tuscaloosa News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

30 die as rebels hit Iraqi troops, cops: "An Iraqi man injured in a car-bomb explosion is brought into a hospital in Samarra on Tuesday. A suicide bomber detonated his car in the center of the city, wounding 10 people, including three childre...

[in Denver Post]"

In The US News: Iraq News

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) A Polish woman held hostage in Iraq...: "KRAKOW, Poland (AP) A Polish woman held hostage in Iraq for nearly a month was terrified of being rescued by US troops because she believed any military-style

[in Boston Globe]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Speeches, Iraq could recast Bush's image: "That distinction, which pollsters and analysts blame on public discontent over the war in Iraq, comes as Bush begins drafting two major speeches that could

[in Houston Chronicle]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Uneasy agreement in fight over role of clerics in new Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq â Top Shiite Muslim leaders, who are expected to wield the most power after next month's parliamentary elections, are locked in a dispute over whether the new Iraq should be a cons...

[in The Seattle Times]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Al-Zarqawi's Group Claims Iraq Attack: "In a statement posted on an internet web site, al-Zarqawi's al-Qaida in Iraq said one of its members carried out the suicide attack near Abdel Aziz al-Hakim's office Monday that killed 15 people and w...

[in Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraq Signs First Postwar Oil Field Contract: "The ministry awarded last week the contract to develop Khormala Dome oil field, northwest of the Iraqi oil rich city of Kirkuk, to Britain's D.P.S, Turkey's Avrasya, and Iraq's K.A.R. (In a stor...

[in Morning Star]"

In The US News: Iraq News

A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "web sites ) declared that major combat operations in Iraq had ended, 1,187 U.S. military members have died, according to AP's count. That includes at least 931 deaths resulting from hostile action, ac...

[in Yahoo]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Bin Laden Says Fighting in Iraq Muslims' Duty -- Web: "By Miral Fahmy DUBAI (Reuters) - An audio tape purportedly from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden urged Muslims to wage holy war against U.S. forces and the government in Iraq, saying they would be c...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Claims Credit For Failed Assassination Attempt On Shiite Leader Abdel Aziz al-Hakim: "

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terrorist group, al-Qaida in Iraq formerly Tawhid and Jihad, has claimed credit for the failed assassination attempt on top Shiite leader Abdel Aziz al-Hakim that killed 15 and wounded 50. The statement was posted to an internet website.

Yahoo/AP

The group of Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility Tuesday for the assassination attempt against the leader of Iraq's largest Shiite Muslim party that killed and wounded dozens of people.
"On Monday morning, one of the lions of the martyrdom seekers brigades, belonging to the military wing of al-Qaida in Iraq launched an attack in order to wipe out one of the symbols of treason for the Americans," the statement said.
It added that "We tell you Hakim that if one arrow missed you we have many more arrows."

Tipped by: Chad at In The Bullpen (Crossposted to The Jawa Report). Chad has more to say on this.

Originally posted at Diggers Realm

"

In Command Post: Irak

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES DEFEAT INSURGENT COORDINATED ATTACKS, MNF DETAINS 18 in CENTCOM: News Release

RESETTLEMENT UPDATE FOR FALLUJAH in CENTCOM: News Release

2004-12-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

Iraq Today
Iraqi militants say they killed Italian: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi militants said they shot and killed an Italian citizen after he tried to break through a guerrilla roadblock on a highway outside the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Iraqi militants say they killed Italian: "Iraqi militants said they shot and killed an Italian citizen after he tried to break through a guerrilla roadblock on a highway outside the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Senior Iraqi official assassinated: "A senior Iraqi communications official was gunned down Thursday and several of his aides wounded as they drove to their Baghdad office, the BBC reported.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Zarqawi thought to be hiding in Baghdad: "The U.S. military says Islamic insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi likely has gone into hiding in Baghdad after losing his battle in Fallujah.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Bin Laden hails attack on U.S. consulate: "Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has applauded the attack on the U.S. consulate in Jeddah last week in which nine people were killed, including four gunmen.

[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Saddam, defense lawyer meet for 1st time: "Former dictator Saddam Hussein met with a lawyer for the first time since his capture a year ago, officials said. Insurgents, meanwhile, killed three paramilitary police and a government official in Baghdad."

In Kansas.com: Iraq

Navy SEALs Expanding Probe of Iraq Photos: "AP Photo BAG103 By SETH HETTENA Associated Press Writer SAN DIEGO (AP) - The Navy SEALs are expanding their investigation into recently published photographs that show freshly captured prisoners an...

[in The Guardian]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

in

Saddam meets defense lawyer for first time since his capture a year ago: "Associated Press AMMAN, Jordan - Saddam Hussein met for the first time since his capture a year ago with a defense lawyer on Thursday, two days after Iraq announced it will soon bring top figures of ...

[in Billings Gazette]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Bush warns Syria, Iran from the consequences of interfering in Iraq: "Bush warns Syria, Iran from the consequences of interfering in Iraq Syria-USA, Politics, 12/16/2004 The US President George W. Bush has warned each of Iran and Syria from the consequences of inter...

[in Arabic News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraq Awards First Post-War Oilfield Contracts: "By Khaled Yacoub Oweis BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's oil ministry has awarded the country's first post-war oilfield development contracts to Turkish and Canadian firms, an oil official said on Thursda...

[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Three Polish soldiers killed in Iraq: "Three Polish soldiers killed in Iraq Iraq, Military, 12/16/2004 Three Polish soldiers were killed in their helicopter crash near Karbala city to the south of Baghdad. The spokesman for the multina...

[in Arabic News]"

In The US News: Iraq News

in

in

IRAQ: Red Cross monitoring hunger strikers ahead of trials: "BAGHDAD, 16 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is closely monitoring former Baath Party hunger strikers, who have complained about the legality of their detentions and that of future trials, an ICRC spokesman told IRIN in Jordan."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

IRAQ: Interview with Minister of Agriculture: "BAGHDAD, 16 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - Iraqâs Minister of Agriculture, Sawsan Ali Magid al-Sharifi, faces her biggest challenge yet - how to get the country's food sector moving again after years of international sanctions, free imported food under the former United Nations Oil-for-Food programme and hundreds of displaced farmers now living in other areas of the country. With a doctoral degree in animal breeding from Iowa State University in the United States and an understanding of the economic forces at work in Iraqâs impoverished economy, al-Sharifi told IRIN in an interview that she is ready for the task."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

IRAQ: New commission looking into endemic corruption: "BAGHDAD, 16 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - When guards at the Ministry of Housing and Construction were hired, they all had to pay a fee of around US $200 to get their jobs. Those who didnât pay had their applications thrown away, said an anonymous caller to the hotline for the recently established Commission for Public Integrity (CPI)."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

IRAQ: Interview with UNDP head: "AMMAN, 16 Dec 2004 (IRIN) - Roger Guarda is the Officer-in-Charge for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, but is based in Amman for security reasons. In an interview conducted with IRIN just before his retirement, Guarda assessed the role of the agency in the country and the difficulties faced in implementing its projects from a distance. He also spoke of the priorities for the coming year and focus areas. Having served UNDP since its creation in 1965, Guarda said he was proud of what had been achieved so far, given the current situation."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

2004-12-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Insurgent attacks kill 21 in north Iraq: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen ambushed a bus full of Iraqis working for the U.S. military, killing 17 civilians and wounding 13 in Tikrit on Sunday, while a car bomb and a gun attack killed four members of the Iraqi security forces elsewhere in northern Iraq."

In Modesto Bee: Iraq

U.S. general speaks out on new abuse probe in

2004-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Blasts hit central Baghdad, killing one: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Several mortar rounds exploded in central Baghdad on Thursday, including two in the Green Zone, the enclave that houses Iraq's interim administration and several foreign embassies. At least one person was killed."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Writer describes dangerous Iraq highway: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The driver barreled down the road from Baghdad International Airport, his eyes darting from side to side for signs of trouble. A few hundred yards ahead, a convoy of U.S. contractors stopped on an overpass. Armed men jumped from the vehicles - weapons at the ready."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Iraq violence continues...U-S to raise troop levels...Pedestrian deaths in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

U-S soldiers wounded in car bombing in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Attacks hit Baghdad...Sharon won't launch attacks...Thurmond resigns in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Troop levels in Iraq to rise: "The United States is expanding its military force in Iraq to the highest level of the war - even higher than during the initial invasion in March 2003 - in order to bolster security in advance of next month's national elections."

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

3 U.S. Soldiers Accused of Killing Iraqi in

Iraqi commander says 10 insurgents killed in

Iraq's oil industry loses billions due to attacks in

Iraq Neighbors Vow to Cooperate on Borders in

Electoral Process Faces Difficulty in Iraq in

Growing Up in War, Iraqi Kids Are Hopeful But Wary in

Lawyers Want Photos Thrown Out in Iraq Abuse Case in

Pearl City Marine Dies In Iraq in

Bush defends Iraq war, seeks Middle East consensus in

Iraqi president backs election date of Jan. 30 in

IRAQI POLICE SERVICE GRADUATES 66 FROM SPECIALTY TRAINING in CENTCOM: News Release

U-S Embassy orders diplomats not to use Baghdad's airport road in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

2004-11-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Iraq Today
RAF jets escort Pakistan airliner: "Two RAF fighter planes were scrambled to escort a passenger jet towards a British airport after the jumbo's crew repeatedly failed to contact air traffic controllers."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Bounties Offered on Americans in Iraq: "A portly Shiite cleric, Abu Qusai sheds his black robe for a training suit and exchanges his white turban for a baseball cap, an effort to mask his identity for a risky trip through what has become known as the "triangle of death." (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Site: Zarqawi Group Beheads Two Iraqi Soldiers: "The group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musabal-Zarqawi said it beheaded two Iraqi soldiers in broaddaylight in Mosul, a statement found on an Islamist Web site onFriday said. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Grim, Angry Rites as Falluja Buries Its Dead: "The urban battlefield of Fallujais disgorging its dead. Slowly. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Site: Zarqawi Group Beheads Two Iraqi Soldiers (Reuters): "Reuters - The group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi said it beheaded two Iraqi soldiers in broad daylight in Mosul, a statement found on an Islamist Web site on Friday said."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

French "Expert" condemns US "State Terrorism": "

From Islam Online :

Washington will win the military battle in the western Iraqi city of Fallujah but its strategic looses[sic] will certainly outweigh such a victory, said a French strategic expert.
Branding the US practices against the Fallujah residents as âstate terrorism,â Pascal Boniface, Director of the Institute for International and Strategic Studies [sic] in Paris, expected the onslaught to further fan anti-US feelings in the entire Islamic world.

Addressing a seminar organized by the Arab World Institute on Wednesday, November 17, Boniface said the cold-blooded killing of an unarmed, wounded Iraqi by a US soldiers in a Fallujah mosques was not an isolated incident.

He said the murder as well as the prisoners abuses in the infamous Abu Ghreib and Guantanamo Bay detentions demonstrate an established policy and doctrine.
[â¦]
The French expert described the Fallujah offensive as a â strategic lossâ for the Bush administration.

The Americans would undoubtedly win the fighting but they would strategically lose the battle as they did with the Iraq invasion, Boniface said.
[â¦]
The French expert considered the Fallujah operation as a new proof of American troubles in the Iraqis quagmire.

He refuted American allegations that the offensive was to eliminate terrorists from the city.

Boniface expected the onslaught to fan the already spiraling anti-US sentiments across Arab and Muslim countries and create more generations of those described by Washington as terrorists, not only in Iraq but in other parts of the world.

He added that the operation also killed stone dead the legitimacy of the planned January elections and its outcome.

The interim government lost credibility among Iraqis and Arabs who see it as a puppet in the hands of the US occupation forces, said the French expert.
[â¦]
Boniface hailed Arab popular reaction to the Fallujah offensive.

He said that despite the absence of democracy and political pressure groups, the Arab public opinion is turning into a mighty force interacting with developments in Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

The French expert noted that the emerging force of the public opinion, motivated by the Arab satellite channels, is now seen by the west and the Americans as the official spokesman of the Arab world.

The well-connected Paris-based IRIS (Institute for International and Strategic Relations) is not to be confused with the highly regarded IISS, (International Institute for Strategic Studies).

(Axis of Weasels)"

In Command Post: Irak

Al Zaquawi HQ an Intelligence Windfall: "

Elaborating on a previous post, from Middle East Online :

The US-led assault on Fallujah has âbroken the back of the insurgencyâ in Iraq by taking away its safe haven, scattering operatives and disrupting their command networks, the top US marine commander in Iraq said.
Lieutenant General John Sattler said the city was secure 11 days after the start of Operation Dawn, but not safe. Heavy fighting was still erupting in some quarters of the city as marines and Iraqi troops clear buildings of holdouts.

âBased on some of the records and ledgers weâve been able to uncover, we feel right now that we have â¦ broken the back of the insurgency and weâve taken away the safe haven,â Sattler said.

The offensive would force the insurgents to set up operations in less familiar areas with untested allies, he added.

(Intelligence Reports)"

In Command Post: Irak

US Marine, Iraqi Soldier Killed in Fallujah: "

From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

The marine and soldier died during continuing mop-up operations in the former insurgent bastion, raising the coalition toll in the fighting to retake the city to 51 US dead and eight Iraqis, the top US Marine commander there said.
US-led troops continued to engage in sporadic battles against rebels in Fallujah after launching a major assault to wrest the Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad from insurgents 10 days ago.
[â¦]
Iraqi volunteers and US troops were able to clear 24 corpses from the battered city and evacuate five civilians.

The Iraqi Red Crescent said 150 families remained stranded.

From the New York Times :

The Department of Defense has identified 1,212 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war. It confirmed the deaths of the following Americans this week:
HEFLIN, Christopher T., 26, Sgt., Marines; Paducah, Ky.; First Marine Division.

QUALLS, Louis W., 20, Lance Cpl., Temple, Tex.; Fourth Marine Division.

WULLENWABER, Luke C., 24, First Lt., Army; Lewiston, Idaho; Second Infantry Division.

(Fallujah)"

In Command Post: Irak

Marine Intelligence Report warns against Premature Withdrawal: "

From The Age :

Senior US marine intelligence officers in Iraq are warning that insurgents will rebound from their defeat if planned cuts to US troop levels in Fallujah go ahead.
The rebels could thwart retraining of Iraqi security forces, intimidate local residents and derail January elections, the officers say.

They fear that despite the insurgentsâ heavy casualties in the week-long Fallujah battle, their numbers will continue to grow, there will be further guerilla attacks and fighters will foment unrest among Fallujahâs returning residents, using the idea that expectations for better conditions have not been met.

The warning is contained in a classified report prepared by intelligence officers in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force last weekend as the Fallujah offensive was winding down. The leaked assessment was distributed to senior officers in Iraq, where one called it âbrutally honestâ.
[â¦]
The intelligence assessment offers a stark counterpoint to more positive assessments by military chiefs in the wake of the Fallujah operation, which they say completed its goals well ahead of schedule and with fewer Iraqi civilian and US casualties than expected.

Senior military officers in Iraq and Washington who have read the report cautioned that the assessment was a subjective judgement by some marine intelligence officers near the front lines and did not reflect the views of all intelligence officials and senior commanders in Iraq.

âThe assessment of the enemy is a worst-case assessment,â the senior military intelligence officer in Iraq, Brigadier-General John DeFreitas, said.

âWe have no intention of creating a vacuum and walking away from Fallujah.â

A senior officer in Washington said the view from the tactical intelligence level had generally been more pessimistic than that from officers at the strategic level.

(Fallujah)"

In Command Post: Irak

French Casualties in Iraq: "

From the BBC :

Three Frenchmen have died fighting with insurgents against US-led troops in Iraq, reports say.
The men, all of Arab origin, were killed in the country over recent months as the insurgency has flared.

Two of the men were aged 19 and the third was 24 years old, a French official said.

Authorities estimate that around a dozen Frenchmen of North African or Arab background have travelled to Iraq to join the insurgency.

The men were identified as

24-year-old Tarek W, from Paris, killed on 17 September

19-year-old Redouane el-Hakim, killed on 17 July

Abdel Halim Badjoudj, 19, killed on 20 October.

Note that a handful of Australians, Britons and Americans were caught fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan.

(Axis of Weasels)"

In Command Post: Irak

Al Sadr Aide, 104 Others Arrested: "

From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

Iraqi police have arrested a senior aide to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr in the southern city of Najaf.
âSheikh Hashem Abu Raghif was arrested at his home Wednesday night after detainees were forced to confess that he had ordered torture against prisoners detained by the Sadr movement,â Sheikh Ali Smeism said.

Before it was ousted from Najaf after an August offensive led by the US army, the Sadr movement had established its own tribunals and jails in the holy city.

Meanwhile Iraqi police and national guards have detained more than 100 suspected militants in raids around Haifa Street, a rebellious Sunni Muslim stronghold in Baghdad.

In all 104 people were arrested, including nine who were suspected of having escaped from the US-led offensive against the rebel city of Fallujah over the past 10 days.

(Torture)"

In Command Post: Irak

Marine to stand court-martial in slaying of his alleged lover: "The court-martial of a Marine accused of killing a married woman with whom he allegedly had an affair is scheduled to begin Nov. 29."

In San Diego Union-Tribune: In Iraq

Al-Zarqawi command centre found: "US troops sweeping through Fallujah found what appeared to be a command centre used by followers of Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, as a general declared the battle for the city had "broken the back of the insurgency"."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Bodies of 4 Iraqis flown to US for autopsy--victims of videotape shooting? in IraqWar.info

Militants Try to Stir Arab-Kurd Violence (AP): "AP - Insurgents battling U.S. and Iraqi forces in the northern city of Mosul have been trying to drag the Kurdish minority into their fight and set off a sectarian war, Kurdish and Arab officials say."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Marine commander shows pictures of insurgent weapons, hideouts in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Gehanna is Burning: "Smoke rises continually from the acres of garbage that fill the river bend in the Green Zone, US occupation headquarters, across the Tigris from our apartment. Apparently, with the security risks of dozens of garbage trucks entering and departing the Green Zone daily, someone decided to dump it all along the river, outside the concrete walls. It must be like the constantly burning âGehennaâ or hell that Jesus mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. My memory is that Gehenna is an image of the valley below Jerusalem where the garbage was dumped and burned."

In Electronic Iraq

The Streets of Baghdad: "We had our daily car bomb today when a suicide bomber drove his car into a US patrol as it passed near the Yarmouk police station. Several Iraqis were killed, with no report yet on US casualties. I felt the rumble even though I was on a street far away from the blast-at least 5 miles distant. Walking and driving on the streets Baghdad I find myself in a sea of chaos. Traffic is mayhem for many reasons. The current fuel crisis being the lead cause. Lines at petrol stations stretch for miles at some of the stations. A common scene at these lines is that of people pushing their cars because they are already out of gas or to save what precious little may be left in their tank."

In Electronic Iraq

2004-11-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Iraqi official says 1,000 insurgents killed in Fallujah in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Insurgents captured in Fallujah...Bush sees 'progress' in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Aid 'enters embattled Iraqi city': "Iraqi Red Crescent officials say a convoy of emergency supplies has entered the war-torn city of Falluja."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

Eyewitness: Ghost city calls for help: "An Iraqi reporter in Falluja describes the desperation and despair of its remaining inhabitants, hanging on for help as US forces battle insurgents."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

U.S. Troops Attack Holdouts in Fallujah: "Backed by tanks and artillery fire, U.S. troops launched a major attack Saturday against insurgent holdouts in southern Fallujah, hoping to finish off resistance in what had been the major guerrilla bastion of central Iraq. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq say 'mission accomplished' in Fallujah, 1,000 rebels killed: "The military operation to regain control of Fallujah has ended and there are just "malignant" pockets of resistance left to clear up, with more than 1,000 rebels killed, Iraq's national security advisor said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

in

Jailed Palestinian wants to succeed Arafat: "Imprisoned uprising leader Marwan Barghouti has decided to run for president in upcoming Palestinian elections, a source close to the popular politician said Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Black Watch net bomb suspects: "Black Watch troops have snared two suspected suicide bombers after a four-hour firefight with a mob of insurgents and a dramatic helicopter chase south of Baghdad."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Militants Take Control in Parts of Iraq's Mosul (Reuters): "Reuters - Insurgents were in charge of some areas of south and western Mosul on Saturday, holding two police stations and manning road blocks, as Iraq's third largest city appeared to slide out of U.S. and Iraqi control."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Three more Sunni clerics arrested by Iraqi forces in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

COVERAGE RUNDOWN WEEKEND in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Aid agencies see possible Fallujah crisis: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqis trapped in Fallujah face a humanitarian disaster unless Iraqi and U.S. authorities allow food, water and medicine into the besieged city, aid agencies said Friday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Aid on way to embattled Falluja: "Relief trucks are heading towards the war-torn Iraqi city of Falluja - but they do not have permission to enter."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

2004-11-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Allawi Relatives Kidnapped: "A cousin and at least one other relative of Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi have been kidnapped in Baghdad and may be threatened with beheading. In Fallujah, the battle continues; so far the dead includes ten GIs, two Iraqi soldiers, and 71 rebels."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

U.S. Forces Hold 70 Percent of Fallujah: "

American forces battled through boobytrapped lanes and alleys Wednesday in a stunningly swift advance, taking control of 70 percent of Fallujah and bottling up enemy fighters along a strip of territory flanking the main east-west highway that bisects the rebel bastion.
The military said at least 71 militants had been killed as of the beginning of the third day of intense urban combat, with the casualty figure expected to rise sharply once U.S. forces account for insurgents killed in airstrikes.

Read moreâ¦

Good analysis here. Scroll down to previous entries as well.

(Fallujah)"

In Command Post: Irak

Top Islamic Cleric at Arafat's bedside: "A top Islamic cleric rushed from the West Bank to Yasser Arafat's hospital bedside Wednesday in what an aide to the Palestinian leader called the "final phase" of his life."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Palestinian leadership holds meeting: "The Palestinian leadership met Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the funeral of Yasser Arafat, who remained in a deep coma in a Paris hospital, officials said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Attacks continue elsewhere in Iraq in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Battle rages in centre of Falluja: "Rebel losses in Falluja are said to be in the hundreds as US marines fight their way into a city in ruins."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Rebels fight from mosques as US says 70 percent Fallujah taken (AFP): "AFP - Crouching in mosques, rebels traded fire with US troops in the heart of Fallujah as the military pushed south after seizing 70 percent of the Iraqi city on the second full day of battle."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

US marines expect to control Fallujah within 48 hours: "US marines expect to take complete control of the Iraqi rebel bastion of Fallujah within 48 hours if their assault continues on course, a US military officer said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

The perpetual gloom of Fallujah not easily forgotten by Marines: "Marine Staff Sgt. Robert Talley has a term for the sniper fire his platoon encountered in Fallujah this year: "Spray and pray.""

In San Diego Union-Tribune: In Iraq

Black Watch soldiers remain defiant: "Black Watch soldiers in Iraq are continuing their mission to stop insurgents escaping from the under-siege city of Fallujah."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

MNF-I PROVIDES CLOSE AIR SUPPORT FOR GROUD TROOPS in CENTCOM: News Release

Army regiments to be saved, says MP: "Scotland's historic Army regiments will "almost definitely" be saved from the axe under new proposals which the Government is set to adopt, an MP said."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Baghdad under Curfew: "

From the AFP via The Australian :

IRAQâS interim government set a night curfew on Baghdad and its surrounding areas today following the bombings of churches and a city hospital that killed at least 16 people.
The measure was introduced after US-led troops fought their way into reached central Fallujah, the main stronghold of Sunni resistance west of the capital, on the orders of Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

The curfew was in force from 10.30pm until 4am and will remain in place until further notice, Allawiâs office said.

(Iraqi Government)"

In Command Post: Irak

Islamist Website Urges Iraqis to Stay Home: "

From The Australian :

A posting on an Islamist website has warned Iraqis to stay at home today in Baghdad and other cities or they would be âputting their lives in dangerâ.
The statement, in the name of eight known militant groups, said the unified âIslamic resistanceâ would step up operations against the âAmerican enemyâ in retaliation for the US-led attack on the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah.

The statement urged Iraqis to stay at home today âto avoid putting their lives in dangerâ.

In Tikrit, Saddam Husseinâs hometown, insurgents distributed leaflets warning shopkeepers to close their stores indefinitely starting today to protest about the attack on Fallujah.

(Terrorism)"

In Command Post: Irak

Resistance Still Co-Ordinated, but Not Strong: "

From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

US tanks pushing into central Fallujah have met fierce resistance from well-organised insurgents who show no signs of giving up, US Marines said today.
[â¦]
US infantry and tanks have punched deep into the city, and their Iraqi allies have made gains, but there are no signs Fallujah will come under their full control soon.
After a relative overnight lull, fierce fighting erupted again today.

A tank platoon that moved along Fallujahâs main street saw fighters who had just come under mortar fire climb onto rooftops and fire rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and machineguns.

âThere are lots of them. We took heavy fire,â Gunnery Sergeant Ishmail Castillo told Reuters.

âThey opened up on my tank. They donât look like they are going to cave in.â

Sergeant Castillo said his tank had killed six guerrillas and two Marines were wounded in fighting.

âOne of the Marines was hit in the head by RPG shrapnel,â he said.

Artillery barrages and machinegun fire echoed across the city as plumes of black smoke rose.

Tank platoon commander Lieutenant Joe Cash said the guerrillas were unleashing coordinated attacks.

âThey hit us from one area and then another right afterwards. There is in-depth organisation. There were small-arms attacks all night,â he said.

Running along Fallujahâs streets in groups of four or five, the guerrillas appeared in black clothes and headscarves or dressed in uniforms worn by Iraqi government forces, said Lieutenant Cash.

âSome take off their fighting clothes, walk to a weapons cache and next thing you know they are shooting at you,â he said.

âYou see a guy walking in the street with normal clothes and he gives you a hard look and you just know he is one of them.â

Lieutenant Cash said Marines found many weapons caches around Fallujah, including in mosques.

âWeâve reached the heart of Jolan,â Major Clark Watson said of a northwestern district of the Iraqi city where insurgents have long had a strong presence.

âWe have pushed through four square kilometres, but itâs too early to say we are controlling it,â he told Reuters.

âThat will take time because there will always be pockets of resistance.â

Maj Watson, of the 1st Battalion of Marine infantry, said guerrillas were fighting back, but not as hard as expected.

âIt wasnât as much as we thought it would be, but they have put up resistance,â he said.

(Tactical Reports)"

In Command Post: Irak

7 Coalition Troops Killed in Roadside Blasts: "

From the AFP via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Six Iraqi national guards were killed when two roadside bombs exploded minutes apart in northern Iraq, an Iraqi official said.
âA roadside bomb exploded at 7:45 am in the path of a national guard patrol in Tuz, destroying a vehicle and killing four of its occupants,â said national guard general, Anuar Mohammad, noting that a commander was among the victims.

Twenty minutes later, a second bomb exploded near a patrol that had been dispatched to the scene of the first blast, killing two, Mr Mohammad said.

One US soldier was killed and another injured when their armoured patrol struck a roadside bomb north of Baghdad, the US military said.

âA 1st Infantry Division soldier was killed and one injured after their combat patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device near Balad at about 4:20 am,â it said in a statement.

(Combat)"

In Command Post: Irak

Another Church Bombed: "

From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

An explosion outside a Catholic church in south-western Baghdad has wounded at least 35 people, police and hospital sources said.
The blast destroyed the outer wall of St Bahnamâs Church and set the house next door ablaze, witnesses said.

A doctor at Yarmouk Hospital said 35 people had been brought in from the blast in the capitalâs Dora district.

Police said a car bomb had detonated outside the church but witnesses said it appeared explosives were planted nearby.

Five churches were hit in a string of bomb attacks in October that seemed designed to intimidate the countryâs small but deep-rooted Christian community, already shaken by a series of church bombings that killed 11 people in August.

Iraqâs 650,000 Christians, mostly Chaldeans, Assyrians and Catholics, comprise about 3 per cent of the population.

(Terrorism)"

In Command Post: Irak

2004-11-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Iraq War News
Gunmen slay Official : Car Bomb near Airport: "

From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

The US military says a car bomb has exploded near a checkpoint on the road to Baghdad international airport.
They say there are reports of Iraqi casualties.

Earlier, gunmen killed a senior Iraqi Oil Ministry official as he left his home in the south of Baghdad.

"

In Command Post: Irak

4 Jordanian Truck Drivers Kidnapped: "

From the AFP via ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Four Jordanian truck drivers were kidnapped in Iraq, government spokeswoman Asma Khodr said late Tuesday, according to state-run Petra news agency.
Khodr did not say when they were abducted but said Jordan âwill seize the opportunity of the presence in Jordan (Wednesday) of Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to make more efforts to win the release of the hostagesâ, Petra reported.

The Government spokeswoman also said that two other Jordanians had come under fire in the volatile Ramadi region west of Baghdad.

âOne of them was injured and the other was (briefly) detained,â she said, citing their relatives.

"

In Command Post: Irak

in

in

in

Major's court-martial in Iraqi's death starts: "It was stiflingly hot, many of the Marines at Camp Whitehorse had been stricken with diarrhea, and to make matters worse, Maj. Clarke Paulus needed to get a cell cleared for a high-profile detainee, an Iraqi sheik."

In San Diego Union-Tribune: In Iraq

Iraqi kidnappers threaten CARE worker: "BAGHDAD, Iraq â The kidnappers of aid worker Margaret Hassan are threatening to hand her over to al-Qaida-linked militants notorious for beheading hostages unless Britain agrees within 48 hours to pull its troops from Iraq, an Arabic television station reports."

In kgw.com: Iraq News

Sharon's Gaza pullout plan faces key vote: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon marched forward with his Gaza withdrawal plan on Wednesday, with parliament set to vote on providing compensation for the 8,800 settlers to be uprooted under the plan."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Gunmen seize five in two Iraq kidnappings: "Gunmen abducted a Lebanese-American contractor who worked with the U.S. Army from his Baghdad home, Iraqi officials said Wednesday, while four Jordanian truck drivers were seized by assailants in a separate kidnapping."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Saddam lawyer sacked: "Disputes among the ex-Iraqi ruler's defence team leads to the sacking of its Jordanian head, Mohammad Rashdan."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Captors threaten Hassan handover: "Gunmen holding aid worker Margaret Hassan threaten to hand her over to militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Senior Iraqi oil official killed: "Gunmen shoot dead a senior Iraqi oil ministry official, as police says a US citizen was kidnapped overnight."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Gunmen seize six hostages: "A US citizen, a Nepali and four Iraqis are kidnapped as gunmen storm an office in central Baghdad."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Militants Say Behead Iraqi Army Officer -Web Site (Reuters): "Reuters - A militant group said it beheaded a man it called a senior member of Iraq's armed forces and posted a video of the killing on its Web site on Wednesday."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Whoever wins US election will be Iraq's friend: Allawi (AFP): "AFP - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said he hoped nothing would change in the role the US-led coalition plays in Iraq whoever wins the US presidential election."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

US-Lebanese contractor kidnapped in Baghdad: police (AFP): "AFP - A US-Lebanese man working for Iraq's transport ministry was kidnapped overnight from his house in the smart Baghdad neighbourhood of Mansour."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Black Watch: "850 British troops from the Black Watch are moving into central Iraq for 30 days to free up 1000 US soldiers for a planned assault on the rebel town of Fallujah. Leaks from the British forces indicate that political opposition at home could stop the Black Watch being replaced by soldiers from the Scots Guard at the end of their tour of duty in the Iskandariyah triangle."

In Electronic Iraq

Official declares Karzai winner in Afghan election in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Afghan Election URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraq's northern oil exports halted as fires rage near sabotaged wells (AFP): "AFP - Fires raged near major oil wells in northern Iraq after a series of devastating attacks on a pipeline network halted exports from Kirkuk to Turkey."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

Decapitated remains of Iraq hostage return to Japan (AFP): "AFP - The decapitated remains of Japanese tourist Shosei Koda returned to Japan after Tokyo failed to save him from Islamist kidnappers who were demanding a withdrawal of Japanese troops from Iraq."

In Yahoo! News: Iraq

2004-10-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

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 â 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, Iraqâ Forty-nine soldiers in Iraqâs 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.

âAfter inspection, we found out that they were shot after being ordered to lay down on the earth,â 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

2004-10-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

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 â 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

2004-10-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

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 â 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 â 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. â 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

2004-10-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

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 â 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 â 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 â 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

2004-10-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

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 â 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

2004-10-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

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 â 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 â 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

2004-10-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

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. âMay no soldier go unlovedâ has been Patti Patton-Baderâs motto since the beginning of what started out as one womanâs 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 âprovide aid and comfort to our militaryâ¦â

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 Soldiersâ 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.

CNN.com - U.S., Iraqi troops�expand offensive - Oct 7, 2004

2004-10-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

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

2004-10-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

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

Reuters | Car bomb kills 40 at Pakistan rally

2004-10-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

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 â 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

2004-10-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2004-10-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

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 â 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 âconducted a precision strike against a building where approximately 25 anti-Iraqi forces network members were moving weapons on the outskirts of Fallujahâ.

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

âIn 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,â 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

2004-10-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

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 â 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

2004-10-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Operation Holiday Spirit

2004 International and Military Mail Christmas Mailing Dates

To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by December 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas and to international addresses, we suggest that mail be entered by the recommended mailing dates listed below. Beat the last minute rush by bringing your mail to your Post OfficeTM by these suggested dates.

Military Mail Addressed To	Express Mail Military Service (EMMS)^1/	First-Class MailÂ® Letters/Cards	Priority MailÂ®	Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) ^2/	Space Available Mail (SAM) ^3/	Parcel PostÂ®
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092	Dec 20	Dec 11	Dec 11	Dec 4	Nov 27	Nov 13
APO/FPO AE ZIP 093	N/A	Dec 6	Dec 6	Dec 4	Nov 27	Nov 13
APO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098	Dec 20	Dec 11	Dec 11	Dec 4	Nov 27	Nov 13
APO/FPO AA ZIPs 340	Dec 20	Dec 11	Dec 11	Dec 4	Nov 27	Nov 13
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966	Dec 20	Dec 11	Dec 11	Dec 4	Nov 27	Nov 13

2004-09-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Two UK troops killed in Iraq ambush: "Two British soldiers have been killed following an ambush on a convoy near the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Tuesday morning, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

IRAQ: Residents return to Tal Afar: "BAGHDAD, 28 Sep 2004 (IRIN) - Water and electricity have been restored to the former insurgent stronghold of Tal Afar, near the northern city of Mosul, and many residents have returned to their homes, a US military official said on Sunday on condition of anonymity."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

MNF-I CONDUCT PRECISION STRIKE ON ZARQAWI SITE in CENTCOM: News Release

TWO SOLDIERS CHARGED WITH MURDER IN BAGHDAD in CENTCOM: News Release

TASK FORCE DANGER SOLDIERS CAPTURE LEADER OF AIF CELL in CENTCOM: News Release

American forces bomb site in Fallujah: "American forces bombed a site in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah early Tuesday where several militants loyal to terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi were believed to be holed up, the U.S. military said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Official: Saudis to raise oil production: "Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, will raise production from 9.5 million barrels a day to 11 million barrels, an Oil Ministry official said Tuesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Palestinian police search for CNN producer: "Palestinian police were searching Tuesday for an Israeli Arab producer for CNN who was kidnapped at gunpoint from his van, and the TV network joined journalists' associations in demanding his immediate release."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Insurgents attack British military convoy: "Insurgents ambushed a British Army convoy near the southern city of Basra on Tuesday, killing two soldiers, the British Ministry of Defense said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Pickup truck vs. roadside bomb in IraqWar.info

Insurgents Are Mostly Iraqis, U.S. Military Says: "WASHINGTON â The insistence by interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and many U.S. officials that foreign fighters are streaming into Iraq to battle American troops runs counter to the U.S. military's own assessment that the Iraqi insurgency remains primarily a home-grown problem. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.S. Bombs Insurgent Targets in Baghdad; Civilian Toll Reported: "BAGHDAD â U.S. warplanes bombed suspected insurgent positions in a restive slum of the Iraqi capital Monday, and hospital officials said 10 people, including civilians, were killed. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

in

Moderate Muslim nations in southeast Asia urge a steady hand with Islamic terror in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Kyrgyzstan Radioactive Smuggling in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Oil Prices in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Rights group says Afghan election will entrench warlord power in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Officials say al-Qaida election threat not geared toward particular candidate in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Abuse, Torture and Rape Reported at Unlisted U.S.-run Prisons in Iraq: "American legal investigators have discovered evidence of abuse, torture and rape throughout the US-run prison system in Iraq. A Michigan legal team meeting with former detainees in Baghdad during an August fact-finding mission gathered evidence supporting claims of prisoner abuse at some 25 US-run detention centers, most of them so far not publicly mentioned as being embroiled in the Iraq torture scandal."

In Electronic Iraq

Egyptian Workers Kidnapped: "Sept. 24 - Gunmen abducted six Egyptians working for Iraq's mobile phone company, seizing two in a bold raid on the firm's Baghdad office."

In War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com

Iraqi Judge Drops Case Against Chalabi: "

A senior Iraqi judge said today that he had closed a case brought against Ahmad Chalabi, the former exile once backed by the Pentagon, who had been suspected of involvement in a counterfeiting operation.
The judge, Zuhair al-Maliky, said in a telephone interview that he took the action about a week-and-a-half ago because he had decided âthe evidence was not enough to bring the case to trial.â If more evidence emerges, he said, the case will be reopened.

The decision also followed conversations between Mr. Chalabiâs lawyers and representatives of the Central Bank of Iraq, Judge Maliky said.

Read moreâ¦

"

In Command Post: Irak

2004-09-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Runaway train: The true story of the U.S. Patriot Act (27 Sept 04) in Radio Free USA

Dutch officer pleads innocent to Iraqi's shooting death: "ARNHEM, Netherlands (AP) - A Dutch officer pleaded innocent Monday to charges of negligence and excessive use of force in the fatal shooting of an Iraqi civilian, in the first court martial of a Dutch serviceman operating under British command in southern Iraq."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Two car bombs explode near Fallujah; senior Iraqi commander arrested: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Two car bombs wounded American and Iraqi troops west of the capital Sunday and a few hours later the U.S. military announced the arrest of a senior Iraqi National Guard commander on suspicion of ties to insurgents, underscoring the challenges to building a strong Iraq security service capable of restoring stability."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

2004-09-24T05:25:00.001-07:00

Iraq War News
IRAQ: Community based organisations give villagers power: "SULAYMANIYAH, 24 Sep 2004 (IRIN) - Working mainly with funds from the UK-based Department for International and Development (DFID), the local Kurdish NGO REACH has completed 114 projects in northern Iraq in the last two years."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

US may send more troops to Iraq: "Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says more US soldiers will be sent to Iraq if they are needed."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Two Egyptians seized in Baghdad: "Armed men abduct two Egyptians from their office in the latest kidnapping of foreigners in the Iraqi capital."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Palestinians shell Gaza settlement; 1 dead: "Palestinian militants shelled the Gaza Strip settlement of Neve Dekalim Friday, killing a woman and wounding another, the army said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Mortars explode near Italy embassy in Iraq: "Mortars exploded near the Italian Embassy in Baghdad on Friday, slightly wounding three Iraqis, the Foreign Ministry in Rome said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Nepal in mourning as protests spread over hostage murder in Iraq: "Nepal observed a day of mourning for 12 workers murdered in Iraq as protests spread to the west of the Hindu kingdom following two deaths during riots in the capital. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Allawi Effectiveness Hinges on Credibility: "WASHINGTON -- Interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi has emerged as an impassioned witness for the defense in America's presidential election, unambiguously echoing President Bush's key arguments about Iraq and forcing Sen. John F. Kerry into the unusual position of tangling with a foreign head of state during the campaign. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Hostage's mother collapses after appeal: "The unbearable heartache of witnessing her son's torment at the hands of his Iraqi captors proved too much for Lil Bigley."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Iraqi Nuclear Scientists Tells All in New Book: "

From The Australian :

An Iraqi scientist-turned-author says the most significant pieces of his countryâs dormant nuclear program were buried under a lotus tree in his backyard, untouched for more than a decade before the US -led invasion in 2003.
But their existence, Mahdi Obeidi writes in a new book, is evidence that the international community should remain vigilant as other countries try to replicate Iraqâs successes before the 1991 Gulf war to develop components necessary for a nuclear weapon.

In The Bomb in my Garden, Obeidi details fallen Iraqi leader Saddam Husseinâs furious, and then abandoned, quest for a nuclear bomb.

" Although Saddam never had nuclear weapons at his disposal, the story of how close Iraq came to developing them should serve as a red flag to the international community ," Obeidi writes with his co-author Kurt Pitzer.

The Associated Press obtained an advance copy of the book, to be released Sunday.
[â¦]
While only the former president knows fully why he didnât restart his nuclear program, Obeidi believes Saddam may have realised the scope of the massive undertaking.

United Nations inspectors had dismantled the program, removed the enriched uranium stockpiles and exposed Iraqâs international network of suppliers. And Saddam was making a mint off the UN âs oil-for-food program, while increasing his control over a population reliant on him for basics such as flour, Obeidi says. To get caught importing components needed to produce a nuclear weapon, the scientist says, would have ended the program.

Yet Saddam kept his Iraq Atomic Energy Commission running, apparently without weapons programs, as late as 2003.
[â¦]
Obeidi, 60, was the creator of Iraqâs centrifuge, a key component in one method of enriching bomb-grade uranium. He considers it the most dangerous piece of nuclear technology because related advances make it possible to conceal uranium enrichment programs inside one warehouse.
[â¦]
By the late 1980s, Iraq was making breakthroughs. However, the international help dried up as Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. The UN arrived after Saddamâs 1991 defeat, intent on taking apart his weapons programs.

To hide signs of uranium enrichment then, Obeidi describes a massive demolition and reconstruction program he led to remove everything from the top soil to the coffee makers at his former centrifuge lab.

After the 2003 invasion, Obeidi attempted to take the nuclear secrets buried in his garden to US authorities. He describes disorganisation as the CIA and military intelligence wound up fighting over him.

Only after extensive negotiations involving former UN weapons inspector David Albright, who was in Washington, did Obeidi turn over all of his information.
[â¦]
Looking back, Obeidi struggles to find words to describe how he could arm Saddam, whose government at one point kept him from his family for six months so he could work and left them fearing the walls had ears.

He says it was a matter of national pride and scientific pursuit, but more than anything, it was fear: " The idea of dozens of nuclear bombs in Saddamâs hands is horrifying in retrospect ."

"

In Command Post: Irak

Russia proposes that U-N Security Council create new terror blacklist in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Gunmen stormed office in kidnapping in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Tribunal director says politics causing rushed Saddam trial in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

2004-09-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

From The Australian :

An Iraqi scientist-turned-author says the most significant pieces of his countryâs dormant nuclear program were buried under a lotus tree in his backyard, untouched for more than a decade before the US -led invasion in 2003.
But their existence, Mahdi Obeidi writes in a new book, is evidence that the international community should remain vigilant as other countries try to replicate Iraqâs successes before the 1991 Gulf war to develop components necessary for a nuclear weapon.

In The Bomb in my Garden, Obeidi details fallen Iraqi leader Saddam Husseinâs furious, and then abandoned, quest for a nuclear bomb.

" Although Saddam never had nuclear weapons at his disposal, the story of how close Iraq came to developing them should serve as a red flag to the international community ," Obeidi writes with his co-author Kurt Pitzer.

The Associated Press obtained an advance copy of the book, to be released Sunday.
[â¦]
While only the former president knows fully why he didnât restart his nuclear program, Obeidi believes Saddam may have realised the scope of the massive undertaking.

United Nations inspectors had dismantled the program, removed the enriched uranium stockpiles and exposed Iraqâs international network of suppliers. And Saddam was making a mint off the UN âs oil-for-food program, while increasing his control over a population reliant on him for basics such as flour, Obeidi says. To get caught importing components needed to produce a nuclear weapon, the scientist says, would have ended the program.

Yet Saddam kept his Iraq Atomic Energy Commission running, apparently without weapons programs, as late as 2003.
[â¦]
Obeidi, 60, was the creator of Iraqâs centrifuge, a key component in one method of enriching bomb-grade uranium. He considers it the most dangerous piece of nuclear technology because related advances make it possible to conceal uranium enrichment programs inside one warehouse.
[â¦]
By the late 1980s, Iraq was making breakthroughs. However, the international help dried up as Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. The UN arrived after Saddamâs 1991 defeat, intent on taking apart his weapons programs.

To hide signs of uranium enrichment then, Obeidi describes a massive demolition and reconstruction program he led to remove everything from the top soil to the coffee makers at his former centrifuge lab.

After the 2003 invasion, Obeidi attempted to take the nuclear secrets buried in his garden to US authorities. He describes disorganisation as the CIA and military intelligence wound up fighting over him.

Only after extensive negotiations involving former UN weapons inspector David Albright, who was in Washington, did Obeidi turn over all of his information.
[â¦]
Looking back, Obeidi struggles to find words to describe how he could arm Saddam, whose government at one point kept him from his family for six months so he could work and left them fearing the walls had ears.

He says it was a matter of national pride and scientific pursuit, but more than anything, it was fear: " The idea of dozens of nuclear bombs in Saddamâs hands is horrifying in retrospect ."

2004-09-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
British Hostage's Family Appeals to Blair to Save Him: "The family of a British hostagethreatened with execution in Iraq made a desperate appeal toPrime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday to meet kidnappers'demands and save his life. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Shadow of Iraq hangs over UN meet: "World leaders were gathered at the United Nations for their annual debate with the aftershocks of the Iraq war still at the top of the international agenda. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

How to Support the Troops: "

published March 24, 2003; last updated Sept. 21, 2004

I'm still updating this list, validating its links and accepting new submissions. I'd also forward this thought from regular reader "Klaatu". Maybe you want to consider sending one of these to Iraq:

* Check this out from Stars and Stripes . This is a book I've sent several copies of to 'son of klaatu' to pass around in Iraq: " Modern Iraqi Arabic ," with 6 audio CDs. Or " Your First 100 Words in Arabic ," which is cheaper ($9.00), and has tear out flash cards with pronunciation.

* Winds of Change.NET has been working closely with Spirit of America . They're assisting the U.S. Marines deploying to the Sunni Triangle with toys and other helpful giveaways, helping Iraqi women start small businesses, helping Iraqi men enter building trades, etc.

* A reader has a message for many of the organizations listed here : If your organization is a registered U.S. nonprofit (usually 501c3), please head over to http://www.guidestar.com and input your organization's EIN and information. This will help alert people to who you are and what you do - EIN # is needed for those people who work for corporations that give matching gifts.

Now, on to the various countries and organizations...

* Battlefront Aid
* Extending a Helping Hand Abroad
* Getting It There
* Australian Forces
* British Forces
* Canadian Forces
* Danish Forces
* Israel
* Polish Forces
* US Forces: Care Packages & Gifts
* US Forces: Other Aid
* USA: Civilians in the War Zones
* Add to Our List

"

In Command Post: Irak

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Plans Elections: "The U.S. ambassador to Iraq said that plans to hold parliamentary elections across the country are on track and voter registration will begin Oct. 15. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Report: U.S. will sell Israel smart bombs: "The United States will sell Israel nearly 5,000 smart bombs in one of the largest weapons deals between the allies in years, the Haaretz newspaper reported Tuesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Verbal sniping on Iraq...Dates set for debates...Macaulay Culkin charged in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraq Militants Behead Hostage, Set New Deadline: "Militants beheaded an American in Iraqand said two fellow civilian hostages would meet the same fatewithin 24 hours if Washington failed to accept their demands. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Grief and an Evening Vigil in a Michigan Small Town: "Scores of townspeople gathered at a candlelight vigil after hearing that a Westerner identified as Eugene Armstrong had been executed in Iraq."

In New York Times: World Special

Jordanian Hostage Rescued: "

From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Iraqi National Guard forces backed by US troops have freed a Jordanian hostage captured last month in the southern town of Nassiriya.
Al Arabiya Arabic television station has aired footage showing the released Jordanian and said Iraqi and US forces had arrested 16 people suspected of kidnapping him and demanding a ransom of $250,000 for his release.

" When they captured me they didnât know I was Jordanian, they only wanted to steal the car.

"But when they searched us they found my Jordanian identification papers and took me so they can make some money ," said the tired-looking man, who did not give his name.

"

In Command Post: Irak

Al Sadr calls for Hostage Release: "

From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

The rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has appealed for the release of 18 Iraqi National Guardsmen being held hostage by a group demanding Sadrâs closest aide be released from police custody.
Arabic television showed footage of the captured guardsman, with a message from a group calling itself the âMohammed bin Abdullah Brigadeâ saying the hostages would be killed in 48 hours unless Hazem al-Araji was freed.

He was arrested by US troops and Iraqi security forces on Sunday.

But in a statement today released through a spokesman, Sadr said he totally rejected abductions.

He called on the kidnappers to desist from their action and immediately free the people they are holding.

"

In Command Post: Irak

French president appeals for liberation of hostages: "French President Jacques Chirac issued a new appeal for the liberation of two French hostages held by militants in Iraq. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Get Fallujah: US determined to excise 'cancer of Fallujah' (20 Sept 04) in Radio Free USA

Official: Japan could extend mission in Iraq: "TOKYO (AP) - Japan may extend its deployment of its non-combat troops in southern Iraq if the security situation in the country does not change, a top government official said Tuesday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Iraq War Foes Focus on Alternative Agenda to Bush: "On the eve of President Bush'saddress to the United Nations, domestic and foreign critics ofhis Iraq war policy focused on a radically differentinternational agenda on Monday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Video: Purported U.S. Hostage Beheaded: "The militant group led by al-Qaida ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi posted a gruesome video on a Web site Monday showing the decapitation of a man identified as American civil engineer Eugene Armstrong and said a second hostage - either an American or a Briton - would be killed in 24 hours. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-09-17T02:51:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
U.S. launches anti-Zarqawi attacks: "U.S. forces launched attacks Thursday in the western towns of Fallujah and Ramadi, killing up to 60 insurgents in strikes against allies of terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a military statement said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. allies reject U.N. Iraq war claims: "The United States and its coalition partners defended the war in Iraq Thursday after U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan asserted that it was "illegal" because it didn't have Security Council support. But France, which led the opposition to the war, shied away from reopening the debate that divided traditional allies."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Police in Iraq report finding corpse of foreigner: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - Police found the corpse of a man they believe to be a foreigner north of Baghdad on Friday, authorities said. The body, which had blonde hair and Western features, was pulled from the Tigris River near the central Iraqi village of Yethrib, said Capt. Hakim al-Azawi, the head of security at Tikrit's Teaching Hospital."

In kgw.com: Iraq News

New Intelligence Outlook Grim for Iraq in IraqWar.info

Survive Iraq, murdered in America in IraqWar.info

US and Briton taken hostage in Iraq in IraqWar.info

Major U.S. allies reject Annan Iraq claim: "U.S. allies Britain and Australia on Thursday rejected a claim by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the war in Iraq was "illegal" because Washington and its coalition partners never got Security Council backing for the invasion."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. confirms Iraq kidnapping of Americans: "Two Americans are among three people kidnapped from a house in central Baghdad on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Saudi Arabia seeks 2 men in man's slaying: "Saudi police are seeking two young men in the killing of a Briton in a Riyadh parking lot, the Interior Ministry said Thursday, and the British ambassador called it a terrorist attack."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

IRAQ: Children work instead of going to school: "BAGHDAD, 16 Sep 2004 (IRIN) - Iraqi children are suffering both economically and psychologically after the war to topple Saddam Hussein, with many forced to work instead of attending school, a recent Ministry of Education (MoE) survey says."

In IRIN: Iraq Crisis

Army Defends Baghdad Battle That Left 16 Dead: "BAGHDAD - U.S. commanders acknowledged Wednesday that their helicopters fired seven rockets and 30 high-caliber machine-gun rounds onto a crowded Baghdad street this week during a battle that killed 16 Iraqis and sparked a heated debate about how civilians often become the victims of U.S. firepower. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-09-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Foreigners Taken Hostage in Iraq Top 100: "Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped more than 100 foreigners in their campaign to drive out coalition forces and hamper reconstruction: (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Civilians Allowed to Return to Tal Afar: "U.S. and Iraqi forces allowed civilians to return to Tal Afar on Tuesday, signaling an end to a siege of the northern city that killed dozens of people and angered U.S. ally Turkey. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

UN to help Iraq clean up toxic pollution after conflicts: "The UN environmental agency said it would help Iraq clean up highly toxic pollution incurred in a decade of instability or conflict, including depleted uranium from bombing by US-led forces. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Jordanian reportedly taken hostage in Iraq: "The Arab television network Al-Jazeera broadcast footage Tuesday of a Jordanian truck driver taken hostage in Iraq. Separately, a militant group said it would release a Turkish hostage but threatened to behead those who deal with the coalition forces here."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

Attacks on Iraqi Police Kill at Least 59: "A car bomb Tuesday ripped through a busy market near a Baghdad police headquarters where Iraqis were waiting to apply for jobs on the force, and gunmen opened fire on a van carrying police home from work in Baqouba, killing at least 59 people total and wounding at least 114. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Italy Drums Up Arab Support to Free Iraq Hostages: "Italy's Foreign Minister FrancoFrattini, on a Gulf tour to try to save two Italian womenhostages in Iraq, Tuesday called for their release but saidRome would never listen to any kidnappers threats. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqi president seeks help from NATO, EU: "Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar held talks in Brussels on how NATO and the EU can do more to help stabilize and rebuild his violence-scarred country. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Ambulance torn apart in Fallujah as US launches 'precision' strikes (14 Sep 04) in Radio Free USA

IRAQI SECURITY FORCES, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES FOIL ROADSIDE BOMB in CENTCOM: News Release

Bush wants $3.5 billion to boost Iraq security: "WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration wants Congress' permission to shift nearly $3.5 billion of the $18.4 billion in Iraqi reconstruction aid to security and faster economic growth, documents submitted to lawmakers show."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

in

in

"Massive" Blackout In Iraq: "

MSNBC TV just reported that the pipleline fire (posted earlier below) has resulted in a "massive blackout" across Iraq. More as we find it.

"

In Command Post: Irak

in

in

2004-09-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
U.S. Bombs Falluja, Battles Guerrillas in North Iraq: "U.S. forces launched new attacks onThursday in the towns of Falluja and Tal Afar, which they sayare havens for foreign militant fighters, and doctors said atleast 25 Iraqis were killed in air strikes and fighting. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Saddam's generals working as US military consultants: "Dozens of Saddam Hussein's former generals and colonels are being paid hundreds of dollars a month by the Pentagon to advise US and Iraqi officials on how to contain the insurgency in northern Iraq. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Israeli foreign minister says Arafat expulsion "closer than ever" in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Russia, Others Worry Over Iraq Scrap Metal: "Russia and many other Security Council nations expressed serious concern Wednesday that Iraq is shipping scrap metal that could be used to produce weapons of mass destruction out of the country to unknown destinations. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Candlelight vigil for the dead: "MoveOn.org is joining with the Win Without War coalition to hold hundreds of candlelight vigils across the country tomorrow to mark a sad milestone: the deaths of 1000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq. To join the effort, you can either find the nearest vigil near you or create a vigil of your own."

In Alternet: War On Iraq

Apocalypse Bush! (8 Sep 04) in Radio Free USA

1,000 Dead -- How Do You Sleep Mr. Bush? (7 Sep 04) in Radio Free USA

More than 10,000 Iraqis die violently in Baghdad region alone: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - At Sheik Omar Clinic, a big book records 10,363 violent deaths in Baghdad and nearby towns since the war began last year - deaths caused by car bombs, clashes between Iraqis and coalition forces, mortar attacks, revenge killings and robberies."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Aid groups in Iraq boost security after kidnapping: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Foreign aid workers in Iraq bolted their doors, hired more guards or installed spy cameras outside their Baghdad offices Wednesday as they considered whether to leave the country altogether after the kidnapping of two female Italian relief workers."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Italy Politicians Work to Release Hostages: "Squabbling Italian politicians pledged Wednesday to put aside their differences over the Iraq war and work together to free two female aid workers abducted in Baghdad - the third time Italian citizens have been taken hostage in Iraq over the past six months. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Confusion Over Fate of French Hostages in Iraq: "Confusion surrounded the fate of twoFrench journalists held hostage in Iraq on Thursday after a newpurported statement from the kidnappers denied they haddemanded a $5 million ransom or set a 48-hour deadline. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-09-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Russians rally against terror: "Waving flags and banners, tens of thousands of Russians demonstrated against terrorism, massing outside the Kremlin in response to government calls for solidarity after a series of deadly attacks that have killed more than 400 people."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Soldier charged with murder: "The first British soldier to be charged with the murder of a civilian in Iraq has appeared in court."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

36 die in Baghdad slum clashes: "US forces battled rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's gunmen in a Baghdad slum and the clashes left at least 36 people dead, including one American soldier."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Four held in terror raids: "Four men have been arrested in Southampton under the Terrorism Act, Hampshire Police said."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Halliburton May Lose Iraq Contract: "The military will take new bids on a Halliburton subsidiary's no-bid contract to provide food and housing for U.S. troops in Iraq, valued at up to $13 billion, a newspaper reports."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Fierce Clashes in Iraq Kill 36; 203 Hurt: "U.S. forces battled insurgents loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the Baghdad slum of Sadr City on Tuesday, in clashes that killed at least 36 people, including one American soldier, and injured at least 203 others, U.S. and Iraqi authorities said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Six Soldiers Killed in Iraq Attacks: "Six American soldiers have been killed in attacks in and around Baghdad since midday Monday, the U.S. military said in separate statements Tuesday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Armed men kidnap two Italian women aid workers in Baghdad: "Armed men kidnapped two Italian women working for a charity and two Iraqi aid workers from their Baghdad offices, witnesses said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Aid workers rescued from mob in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Sadr's Baghdad fiefdom: "The Najaf crisis is over but Shia militants are still a force to be reckoned with, says the BBC's Roger Hardy."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

33 Killed in Sadr City: "

U.S. forces battled insurgents loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the Baghdad slum of Sadr City on Tuesday, the U.S. military said. At least 33 people were killed and 193 injured in the fighting, Iraqi authorities said.
U.S. Army Capt. Brian O'Malley said several American soldiers have been injured, but that he did provide the exact figure.

The fighting erupted when militants attacked U.S. forces carrying out routine patrols, O'Malley said.

"We just kept coming under fire," he said.

"

In Command Post: Irak

2004-09-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
34 Dead In Fierce Baghdad Battle: "At least one GI is among the dead in a battle between U.S. forces and fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The injured total is 193. Separately, a bomb targeted the governor of Baghdad. He's alive; two people were killed."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Suicide Blast Kills 7 Marines: "BAGHDAD - A suicide car bomber killed seven Marines in a military convoy near the city of Fallouja on Monday in the deadliest attack on U.S. forces since April. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Clashes in Baghdad Slum Kill 22 Iraqis, U.S. Soldier: "Clashes have killed at least 22 Iraqisin Sadr City, the Baghdad slum where U.S. forces and militiamenloyal to a rebel Shi'ite cleric have fought sporadic battlessince April, health officials said on Tuesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Deadly fighting in Sadr City in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Baghdad battle...On the campaign trail...Frances swirls into Georgia in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Baghdad governor's convoy attacked in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Fighting in Iraq...Frances wringing itself out...Telethon proceeds down in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

13 die in Israeli air strike: "Israeli helicopters attacked a Hamas training field in Gaza City, killing at least 13 militants and wounding 25 other Palestinians, witnesses said, in the bloodiest incident there in four months."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Military says U-S helicopter damaged in hard landing in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

American death toll in Iraq nearing one-thousand in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

2004-09-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Iraqi defense minister calls arrest of top Saddam Hussein aide 'baseless' in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Al Douri Arrested URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Two U-S soldiers killed, 16 wounded in mortar barrage in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraqi minister says Saddam Hussein could face trial in "weeks" in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Grand ayatollah who was al-Sadr's mentor distances himself from anti-U.S. cleric: "TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - An Iranian-based cleric who had been the former spiritual guide of radical anti-U.S. Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr has distanced himself from his former pupil's actions, his Web site said Sunday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Explosion heard in Baghdad: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - An explosion boomed across the Iraqi capital Sunday. A spokesman for coalition forces in Baghdad had no immediate information on the blast."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

Israel begins new barrier construction: "Israel began building a new section of its separation barrier in the southern West Bank on Sunday, days after two Palestinian suicide bombers from the area carried out the deadliest attack in nearly a year."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

in

Doubts over Saddam aide's capture: "Grave doubts have emerged over the apparent capture of Saddam Hussein's top aide, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

Militants seek group edict on kidnappings: "An Iraqi militant group appealed Sunday to an influential Sunni Muslim organization for an edict on whether the kidnapping of foreigners who work for occupation forces is acceptable under Islam."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

2004-09-03T04:38:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
French hostages 'alive and well': "Two French hostages in Iraq are said to be alive but their captors seem to be awaiting orders from Osama Bin Laden."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Hate aims of church attacks: "The attacks on churches in Iraq had political undertones, Christians tell the BBC's Dumeetha Luthra."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Turkish hostages 'killed' in Iraq: "An Iraqi militant group kills three Turkish hostages, reports Arabic TV station al-Jazeera."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Israel hints at military action vs. Syria: "Israel ratcheted up its rhetoric against Syria on Thursday, hinting of possible military action following this week's deadly suicide bombing in southern Israel."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Fugitive Saudi militant surrenders: "A Saudi militant wanted in connection with an attack that killed 22 people, most of them foreigners, has surrendered to authorities, an Interior Ministry official said Thursday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

French Head Scarf Ban Put To Test: "Most Muslim girls returning to class for the first day of school complied with a new French law banning Islamic head scarves from classrooms. The measure took effect as militants holding two French hostages in Iraq demand the law be scrapped."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Gunmen kill AP driver in Baghdad: "BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gunmen killed an Associated Press driver near his home in Baghdad on Thursday, his relatives and police said."

In kgw.com: Iraq News

in

He loves us not (2 Sept 04) in Radio Free USA

Banned in America (1 Sept 04) in Radio Free USA

Bodies of two slain Turks found in Iraq: "SAMARRA, Iraq (AP) - The bodies of two slain Turkish citizens and an unidentified man were discovered in northern Iraq, police Maj. Sadoun Ahmed Matrud said Thursday."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

2004-08-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Shiite militants and U-S forces battle in Baghdad, 12 killed in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Blows struck against Iraq democracy: "BAGHDAD, Iraq Events in two Sunni Muslim cities that stand astride the crucial western approaches to Baghdad have moved significantly against American plans to build a secular democracy in Iraq."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

Protesters descend on NYC...Two men arrested in alleged terror plot...Pentagon spy? in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

U.S., Shiites Fight in Baghdad; 5 Killed: "Shiite militants and U.S. forces battled throughout the Baghdad slum of Sadr City, and a mortar barrage slammed into a busy neighborhood in the capital in a new wave of violence Saturday that killed at least five people and wounded dozens of others. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Election 2004: A Matter of Philosophy. in

U.S., Shiites fight in Baghdad; 5 killed: "Shiite militants and U.S. forces battled throughout the Baghdad slum of Sadr City, and a mortar barrage slammed into a busy neighborhood in the capital in a new wave of violence Saturday that killed at least five people and wounded dozens of others."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

An uneasy peace reigns. Now Iraqis count the cost (28 Aug 04) in Radio Free USA

U.S. journalist held captive in Iraq returns home: "NEW YORK (AP) - Micah Garen, the American journalist freed by Shiite militants in Iraq after nine days in captivity, said Saturday that it feels "really good to be back home" and thanked his supporters in his first public comments since returning to the United States."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq

C.I.A. Expands Its Inquiry Into Interrogation Tactics: "A C.I.A. review that grew out of the furor over abuses at Abu Ghraib prison now includes scrutiny of detention practices at facilities across Iraq."

In New York Times: World Special

Fighting the Old-Fashioned Way in Najaf: "The success of the Army's tanks on the streets of Najaf casts a new light on efforts to transform the Army by weaning it from the heavy armored vehicles that are a traditional mainstay."

In New York Times: World Special

In Western Iraq, Fundamentalists Hold U.S. Forces at Bay: "Falluja and Ramadi, and much of Anbar Province, are now controlled by militias, with U.S. troops confined to outside bases."

In New York Times: World Special

2004-08-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Powell stays to monitor Iraq, Sudan... Possible Pentagon spy investigated in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

War-weary Iraqis begin inspecting damage from Najaf clashes in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Yemeni militants convicted of terrorism: "A court convicted 15 Yemeni militants Saturday on terror charges including the 2002 bombing of a French oil tanker and plotting to kill the U.S. ambassador."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

in

Iraq Militants Leave Shrine in Peace Deal: "Militants filed out of the Imam Ali Shrine, closed the doors behind them and turned over the keys to Iraq's top Shiite cleric Friday, symbolizing their acceptance of a peace deal to end three weeks of devastating fighting in this holy city. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-08-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Iraq Cleric Urges Fighters to Drop Arms: "Thousands of pilgrims streamed into the Imam Ali Shrine on Friday and filed out mixed with militants who had been holed up inside, leaving the holy site nearly empty after Iraq's top Shiite cleric brokered a peace deal to end three weeks of fighting in this holy city."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

Najaf Alone Breathes Peacefully: "The peace deal negotiated by Iraq's top Shiite leader appears to be holding in Najaf but the peace isn't shared elsewhere. In Baghdad, fighting with U.S. forces; in Mosul, a bomb; and on TV, a unconfirmed claim that a journalist has been killed."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Thousands March to Holy Shrine in Najaf: "Guns were largely silent in Najaf for the first time in weeks and thousands of Iraqis thronged the revered Imam Ali shrine Friday after Iraq's top Shiite cleric made a dramatic return to this holy city and won agreement from a rebel cleric and the government to end the fighting between his militia and U.S.-Iraqi forces. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Bush Admits Iraq 'Miscalculations' - NY Times: "President Bush acknowledged for thefirst time on Thursday that he had miscalculated post-warconditions in Iraq, the New York Times reported. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-08-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Iraq's Sistani to Return, Calls for March on Najaf: "Iraq's most influential Shi'itecleric will return to the country within hours and wants Iraqisto march on the "burning city" of Najaf, where fresh fightingerupted near a sacred shrine on Wednesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqi-American Recounts Capture of Saddam: "Back in the Iraq he once fled, Samir couldn't see down the darkened hole enough to see who was hiding there. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Spokesman: Top cleric returning to Iraq: "Iraq's powerful top Shiite cleric was returning home Wednesday from medical treatment abroad and called on followers to join him in a march to reclaim the violence-torn holy city of Najaf, his spokesman said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Gunmen shoot senior Palestinian official: "Gunmen opened fire at a convoy carrying the deputy Palestinian intelligence chief on Wednesday, wounding him the chest, Palestinian medical officials said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. strikes insurgent positions in Iraq: "U.S. warplanes and tanks bombed suspected insurgent positions in the volatile city of Fallujah for more than two hours on Wednesday, killing at least four people, hospital officials and residents said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Australian detainee next to face military commission hearing at Guantanamo in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraq Najaf URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Searching for victims...Bombing strikes in Fallujah...Car seat award in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraq Fallujah URGENT in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Officials say Sudan militias still armed: "As a U.N. deadline for action nears, the Sudanese government has not reined in Arab militias accused of attacking, raping and killing villagers in the western Darfur region, diplomats said a U.N. official told the Security Council."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Terror fears as Russian jets crash: "A Russian passenger jet crashed and another apparently broke up in the air almost simultaneously after they took off from the same airport, raising fears of a double terrorist atrocity."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

'Missing' plane sent hijack signal: "The Russian plane that went missing as another passenger jet crashed issued a signal indicating a hijacking or seizure before disappearing from radar screens."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Off to Najaf, inshallah...: "Going to try to head to Najaf tomorrow."

In Back to Iraq 2.0

Inside the Imam Ali Shrine: "A day in the Shrine"

In Back to Iraq 2.0

Prison Abuse Report Cites Top Commanders: "The blame for abuses at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison lies mainly with the American soldiers who ran the notorious jail, but senior commanders and top-level Pentagon officials including Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld can be faulted for failed leadership and oversight, an independent commission said Tuesday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

A Look at U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Tuesday, Aug. 24, 962 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq in March 2003, according to the Defense Department. Of those, 720 died as a result of hostile action and 242 died of non-hostile causes. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqi government in charge of US forces in Najaf? in IraqWar.info

Iraqis in Najaf fed up with Sadr in IraqWar.info

Teens abused in Iraqi prison in IraqWar.info

Iraqi forces surround shrine in IraqWar.info

Iraqi Rebels Want Talks: "As U.S. and rebel forces clashed, an aide to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr asked for negotiations. But the interim government warned the "decisive hours are near" in the standoff in Najaf."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Abu Ghraib accused in plea deal: "One of the soldiers in the Abu Ghraib abuse scandal has agreed a guilty plea with prosecutors, his lawyer says."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

Iraq Guardsmen Surround Shrine: "

NAJAF, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi forces battled militants in Najaf on Tuesday, and Iraqi National Guardsmen surrounded the holy city's Imam Ali Shrine (search), where insurgents loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have been holed up for weeks.
Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan said the guardsmen will use loudspeakers to urge al-Sadr's followers to evacuate the shrine and surrender.

"If they don't listen to reason, then certainly there will be a very simple operation, a very simple raid," Shalaan told al-Arabiya television.

"The decisive hours are near," he said.

"

In Command Post: Irak

2004-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
U.S. Denies Claim It Damaged Najaf Shrine: "Plumes of black smoke rose above the embattled city of Najaf Tuesday after American warplanes bombed insurgent positions overnight and supporters of a radical cleric charged that shrapnel from a U.S. attack had hit parts of the Imam Ali Shrine. The military denied the claim. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Two Iraqi Ministers Survive Bomb Attacks, 5 Killed: "Insurgents tried to assassinate Iraq'senvironment and education ministers in separate bombings onTuesday that killed five of their bodyguards and wounded morethan a dozen people, officials said. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Reports Cite Abu Ghraib Investigations: "Top defense officials and military leaders are at least partly responsible for the abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib and other prisons because of leadership deficiencies and a failure to address worsening conditions at the facilities, according to newspaper reports citing two separate investigations. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.S. Soldier Wants Rumsfeld to Testify on Iraq: "Lawyers for a U.S sergeantaccused of abusing Iraqi detainees will seek on Tuesday toforce Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to testify in thesoldier's pending court martial. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.S. GIs Step Up Pressure on Najaf Rebels: "U.S. infantrymen engaged in fierce battles with cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militants Monday and U.S. tanks moved closer to the revered Imam Ali Shrine as the American military stepped up pressure on the insurgents to leave the holy site and end their uprising. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Group Threatens U.S.-Led Troops in Iraq Over Najaf: "A hitherto unknown Islamist group hasthreatened to attack U.S.-led troops and American citizens inIraq if foreign forces do not leave the holy city of Najaf in48 hours, according to an Internet statement posted on Monday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Rights expert demands access to Afghan prisons (22 Aug 04) in Radio Free USA

2004-08-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Israel OKs more West Bank settlement homes: "Israel announced plans Monday to build hundreds of new housing units in the West Bank, following an apparent U.S. policy shift on settlements that the Palestinians warned "will destroy the peace process.""

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Freed U-S journalist hopes to stay in Iraq in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Marine goes on trial in death of Iraqi prisoner in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

New overtime rules...More fighting in Najaf...Olympic medal stripped in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Fierce battles for Najaf: "Explosions and gunfire shook Najaf amid fierce battles between US forces and Shiite militants, who remained in control of a revered shrine there as negotiations dragged on for its handover to religious authorities."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Military chaplains provide troops with prayer, comfort: "NAJAF, Iraq The Marines screamed for a medic. But in the end, there was nothing they could do."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

Four U.S. Soldiers Face Hearing in Germany: "Four U.S. soldiers charged with abusing Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison face pretrial hearings before an American military judge in Germany. Two are slated to face the court Monday, with the other pair scheduled to appear the following day. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Trial of Americans accused of being vigilantes resumes in Afghanistan in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

More Reserve Training Set as Result of Abuse Inquiry: "The Army Reserve is reorganizing training for reservists, after an inquiry into abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison uncovered an inferior command climate."

In New York Times: World Special

Weary of War, Iraqis in Najaf Blame 2 Sides: "A family in Najaf is caught between U.S. soldiers, followers of Moktada al-Sadr and nightly firefights."

In New York Times: World Special

Reporter Freed as Rebel Cleric Brokers a Deal: "The journalist was released after Moktada al-Sadr intervened, even as his Shiite militia engaged in heavy fighting in Najaf."

In New York Times: World Special

U.S. soldier marries woman he met in Iraq: "PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - A Washington state soldier has married the Iraqi woman he met and fell in love with while in Baghdad."

In kgw.com: Iraq News

2004-08-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Soldiers Angels in California
August 19, 2004

Hello Angels! I am sure you have all heard by now that we have adopted two new military hospitals in Southern California, Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Hospital. With great anticipation of this great and honorable task we have begun to supply our local group of soldiers with necessities such as underwear, socks, paints, and hygiene supplies.

Also included were phone cards, games, DVDs and other related items. All supplies were gathered and put into welcome backpacks for the incoming soldiers. Last Friday, these packages were put together generously by our Southern California Angels headed by Kara Root and Debe Tomney. All of these Angels were fantastic personally creating each and every package as well as writing their thanks and appreciation.

Thank you for all that attended, and thank you for all of the supplies generosity donated.

No Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman [will] go unloved here in the Camp Pendleton and Balboa Navel Hospitals.

Visit Soldiers' Angels today.

2004-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
JOINT RAID CAPTURES AIF MEMBER NEAR TUZ in CENTCOM: News Release

Militia, Shiite leaders bicker over shrine: "NAJAF, Iraq (AP) - Militants loyal to firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr remained in control of a revered Shiite shrine at the center of the crisis in Najaf on Saturday, as they bickered with top Shiite religious leaders over how to hand the holy site over."

In Modesto Bee: Iraq

Iran says Iraq now admits arresting three missing journalists: "Iraq's US-backed caretaker government has now admitted that three reporters for Iran's state IRNA news agency who went missing on August 9 were detained by police, a senior interior ministry official said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Confusion Over Control Of Mosque: "Militants loyal to a radical Shiite cleric were rebuffed when they tried to give the keys of the mosque at the center of the fighting in Najaf to reps of Iraq's top Shiite leader. Those reps want the militants out first. Elsewhere, two more GIs died."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Accused Hamas leader denies U.S. charges: "A senior official of the Palestinian militant group Hamas indicted in the United States for conspiring to fund terror attacks against Israel denied the accusations and said the charges were driven by election-year politics in the United States."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Militia, Shiite Leaders Bicker Over Shrine: "Militants loyal to firebrand Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr remained in control of a revered Shiite shrine at the center of the crisis in Najaf on Saturday, as they bickered with top Shiite religious leaders over how to hand the holy site over. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Cracks May Be Forming in Cleric's Rebel Camp: "NAJAF, Iraq - Rebel cleric Muqtada Sadr's grip on Imam Ali Mosque appeared less certain late Friday after a chaotic day in which some of his fighters were captured attempting to flee this holy city and his representatives vowed to remove weapons from the shrine. (Los Angeles Times)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Al-Sadr Fighters Hand Over Keys to Shrine: "Militants loyal to firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said Saturday that they had handed over the keys to a revered Muslim shrine in the holy city of Najaf to top Shiite religious leaders, a move that marks a crucial step toward ending two weeks of fighting. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Handing over keys, not control...Campaign turns nasty...Political billions in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Accused Hamas leader denies terror charges: "A senior official of the Palestinian militant group Hamas indicted in the United States for conspiring to fund terror attacks against Israel denied the accusations and said the charges were driven by election-year politics in the United States."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Al-Sadr fighters hand over keys to shrine: "Militants loyal to firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said Saturday that they had handed over the keys to a revered Muslim shrine in the holy city of Najaf to top Shiite religious leaders, a move that marks a crucial step toward ending two weeks of fighting."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Israeli author uses slogans to write song: "The song starts sweetly, but its angry words, all quoted from bumper stickers, are an Israeli author's attempt to shock his compatriots into seeing how callous they have become."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Gunmen keep watch on Iraqi shrine: "Gunmen still patrol the centre of Iraq's holy city of Najaf after 16 days of fighting and delicate talks."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)

Clashes Slow as Cleric's Grip on Mosque Seems to Slip: "Moktada al-Sadr, the rebel Shiite cleric, still retained control of a Najaf shrine, though there were signs his grip might be weakening."

In New York Times: World Special

On Iraq's Border, Sailors of the Desert Smuggle Subsidized Gasoline: "A form of petty smuggling continues along Iraq's border, in which subsidized gasoline is bought in Iraq and then resold in Jordan at more than 10 times its cost."

In New York Times: World Special

Militia Offers to Cede Control of Shrine: "A rebel cleric's militiamen kept their guns outside a holy site Friday after issuing a surprise offer to give up control of the Imam Ali Shrine to Shiite Muslim religious leaders, but negotiators wrangled into the night over getting the militants out of the compound. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

On Tape, Abducted Reporter Says He's OK: "A U.S. journalist abducted by militants in Iraq and threatened with death said in a video aired Friday that his captors were treating him well, while an Italian journalist also was reported missing in the war-torn country. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

2004-08-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Suspected Militants Kidnap Iraqi Officer-Jazeera: "Suspected militants have kidnapped anIraqi intelligence officer in response to the fighting in theholy city of Najaf, Al Jazeera television reported on Tuesday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Journalist, Translator Kidnapped in Iraq: "A Western journalist and his Iraqi translator were kidnapped by two armed men in a busy market in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, police said Monday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq delegates urge al-Sadr to end fight: "The deadly showdown between U.S. troops and Iraqi militants in Najaf dominated Iraq's national conference Monday, with tribal and religious leaders deciding to send 60 delegates to the holy city to persuade a radical Shiite cleric to call off his fighters."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Tanks closing in on Shrine in IraqWar.info

Israel may try to break hunger strike: "Israeli jailers may try to break a Palestinian hunger strike with barbecues, hoping the aroma of grilling meat will wear down security prisoners protesting conditions and demanding more access to their families."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

2 more Turkish men taken hostage in Iraq: "Armed assailants attacked a convoy of Turkish trucks delivering supplies to U.S. forces in Iraq and took two Turkish drivers hostage, their company said Monday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Israel deports pro-Palestinian American: "An Israeli court ordered a pro-Palestinian American activist deported from the country Monday, the latest move against a foreign group opposing Israeli military activity in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.N. official urges political independence: "The United Nations should find ways to demonstrate political independence, regain the neutrality it lost after the Sept. 11 attacks and better communicate with the world's 1 billion Muslims, a top U.N. official said Monday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Isolated clashes in Najaf, national conference delays Sadr mission: "Clashes dragged on in Najaf after delegates from a national conference postponed a trip to the holy city in a bid to coax rebel leader Moqtada Sadr back from the brink before a threatened US-led assault. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Militants Give El Salvador 20 Days to Leave Iraq: "An Islamist grouphas given El Salvador 20 days to pull out troops from Iraq orit would strike inside the Central American country and againstits forces in Iraq, according to an Internet statement postedMonday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqi delegates delay mission to coax militia out of Najaf shrine: "At least 50 delegates from a key national conference delayed for a day their mission to persuade militia leader Moqtada Sadr to vacate Najaf's holy shrine as fighting resumed in the central Iraqi city. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

NEW GENERATOR MEANS MORE LIGHTS ON FOR IRAQ in CENTCOM: News Release

COALITION SUPPORTS NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND ANA SECURITY EFFORTS in CENTCOM: News Release

DETAINEE RELEASE BOARD TAKES ON IRAQI PARTNERS in CENTCOM: News Release

VOTERS REGISTRATION SUCCEEDS IN AFGHANISTAN in CENTCOM: News Release

IEDS BRING PRISON TERMS FOR ANTI-IRAQI FORCES in CENTCOM: News Release

POOL REPORT 2 FROM FPRINT PRESS POOLER AT FOB EAGLE, SADR CITY in CENTCOM: News Release

Conflict in Najaf Dominates Iraq Political Meet: "Iraqi leaders met for a second day onMonday to pick an interim national assembly but fighting inNajaf dominated the event, piling pressure on Prime MinisterIyad Allawi to hold more talks with Shi'ite rebels. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqi delegates prepare to leave to coax militia out of Najaf shrine: "At least 50 delegates from a key national conference prepared to drive to Najaf, confident they could persuade militia leader Moqtada Sadr to vacate the city's holy shrine, said a participant. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Delegates Urge Al-Sadr to Leave Shrine: "U.S. tanks rolled into the Old City of Najaf toward a holy Shiite shrine where militants were hiding Monday as participants at a national conference voted to send a delegation here to try to negotiate an end to the fighting. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Militants Give El Salvador 20 Days to Quit Iraq: "An Islamist group has given El Salvador20 days to pull out troops from Iraq or it would strike insidethe Central American country and against its forces in Iraq,according to an Internet statement posted Monday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

in

2004-08-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
French-American Journalist Said Kidnapped: "A French-American journalist was kidnapped Monday in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, Al-Jazeera television reported. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Journalists ordered out of Najaf: "Reporters have to leave the holy city of Najaf where Shia militants have clashed with US and Iraqi troops."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

Move, or the Mosque Gets It: "

From CNN :

Twenty-five heavily armed foreigners holed up inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf have rigged it with explosives and are threatening to blow up the building if attacked, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Sunday in a written statement.
The statement said the interim Iraqi government has ordered national guard forces not to target the mosque, and not to approach it.

Hat Tip : reader d3cartes

"

In Command Post: Irak

Attack overshadows Iraqi conference: "Delegates from across Iraq met in Baghdad to map out the road to democracy despite renewed violence in the besieged holy city of Najaf and the capital itself."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Najaf: The silence of a siege (15 Aug 04) in Radio Free USA

Thousands in S. Korea Protest Iraq Plans: "Hundreds of protesters clashed with police Sunday near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul during a demonstration against the country's plans to send more troops to Iraq. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Protest at Iraq Forum Reshapes Najaf Crisis: "BAGHDAD, Aug. 15 -- More than 1,100 Iraqis convened Sunday for the start of a conference aimed at selecting a national assembly, a milestone in the country's transition to democracy, but the high-security meeting was roiled by a dispute over the use of military force to confront militiamen loyal to a rebellious Shiite Muslim cleric. (washingtonpost.com)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Israeli helicopters fire missiles in Gaza: "Palestinian prisoners launched a hunger strike Sunday, in what was shaping up to be the biggest showdown between thousands of inmates and the Israeli authorities since the outbreak of Mideast fighting in 2000."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Attack overshadows Iraqi conference: "Delegates from across Iraq met in Baghdad to map out the road to democracy despite renewed violence in the besieged holy city of Najaf and the capital itself."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Rwandan troops arrive in Darfur region: "Dozens of Rwandan soldiers arrived in Sudan's troubled Darfur region Sunday, the first foreign armed force deployed in the area since Arab militiamen began a rampage against black African farmers, killing thousands."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. soldiers battle Shiites in Najaf: "U.S. tanks and troops rolled back into the center of Najaf and battled with Shiite militants Sunday, reigniting violence in the holy city just as delegates in Baghdad opened a conference meant to be a landmark in the country's movement toward democracy."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Long trip home ends happily: "FORT RILEY, Kan. It doesn't matter that the 300 soldiers after traveling 38 hours and 11,000 miles from a war still have to march almost a mile on foot. They are breathing the brisk air of an early Kansas morning, one that smells like clean dew on grass instead of sludge from a sewer. And they already can hear the cheers."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

2004-08-16T06:21:00.001-07:00

From CNN :

Twenty-five heavily armed foreigners holed up inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf have rigged it with explosives and are threatening to blow up the building if attacked, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Sunday in a written statement.
The statement said the interim Iraqi government has ordered national guard forces not to target the mosque, and not to approach it.

Hat Tip : reader d3cartes

2004-08-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

From CNN :

Twenty-five heavily armed foreigners holed up inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf have rigged it with explosives and are threatening to blow up the building if attacked, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Sunday in a written statement.
The statement said the interim Iraqi government has ordered national guard forces not to target the mosque, and not to approach it.

Hat Tip : reader d3cartes

2004-08-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

Iraq War News
Explosions heard in central Baghdad: "Five loud explosions shook central Baghdad on Sunday just hours after the beginning of a national conference meant to move Iraq on the road toward democracy."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

New Clashes May Loom As Najaf Talks Fail: "Negotiations to end the fighting in Najaf broke down Saturday, threatening to spark a resurgence of the fierce clashes between Shiite militants and a combined U.S.-Iraqi force that have plagued this holy city for more than a week. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Ukrainian Soldier Killed by Iraq Land Mine: "A Ukrainian soldier was killed Sunday in a land mine explosion southeast of Baghdad, a spokesman for the multinational forces said. The blast occurred n the area of Suwayrah, 25 miles south of Baghdad, in the Ukrainian troops' area of responsibility. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq's Najaf Tense, Political Conference to Open: "Shi'ite militiamen were in a tensestandoff with U.S. and Iraqi forces in the holy city of NajafSunday, casting a shadow over a major political gathering setto open in Baghdad. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq national conference due to begin amid tight security: "A national conference, billed as a first experiment in post-Saddam Hussein democracy, was to begin as 1,300 delegates from across Iraq were expected to gather in Baghdad amid massive security. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Slaughter as US attacks Najaf: "AT LEAST 165 people were killed and more than 600 wounded in heavy fighting across Iraq over the past 24 hours as US marines moved to wipe out Moqtada al-Sadr's militia forces in the holy city of Najaf. As US tanks, armoured vehicles and helicopter gunships attacked the radical cleric's Mehdi Army, the rebels fired mortar rounds from the courtyard of the Imam Ali mosque, one of the holiest Shi'ite sites."

In Electronic Iraq

New clashes may loom as Najaf talks fail: "Negotiations to end the fighting in Najaf broke down Saturday, threatening to spark a resurgence of the fierce clashes between Shiite militants and a combined U.S.-Iraqi force that have plagued this holy city for more than a week."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Iraq holy city faces new assault: "The Iraqi authorities say they will resume military operations against Shia fighters in the holy city of Najaf."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq

Impasse in Najaf May Spark More Clashes: "Negotiations to end the fighting in Najaf broke down Saturday, threatening to spark a resurgence of the fierce clashes between Shiite militants and a combined U.S.-Iraqi force that have plagued this holy city for more than a week. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Fighting Set to Resume in Iraq's Najaf, Talks Fail: "U.S. and Iraqi forces were poisedto resume fighting rebel Shi'ite militia in the holy city ofNajaf after peace talks aimed at ending an uprising that haskilled hundreds collapsed Saturday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Ambush in Ramadi: "On April 6, a company of Marines on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, was ambushed. Ten died that night and two more in the days that followed. These are their stories, as told by their families, friends, girlfriends, teachers and ministers."

In Kansas City Star: Iraq

Impasse could lead to violence in Najaf: "NAJAF, Iraq (AP) - Negotiations to end the fighting in Najaf broke down Saturday, threatening to spark a resurgence of the fierce clashes between Shiite militants and a combined U.S.-Iraqi force that have plagued this holy city for more than a week."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq