It is the "Conservative Journal of Record". It opens with a quote from Samuel Adams
"If men of wisdom and knowledge ... and true republican simplicity of manners ... are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation."
They beat the NY Giants 38-35.
With one mighty heave, Tom Brady and Randy Moss took care of the record books. Now it's down to business for the unbeaten New England Patriots: stamping themselves as the greatest team in NFL history.
The Patriots completed a perfect if somewhat joyless journey through the regular season Saturday night, finishing with a remarkable 16-0 record following a thrilling 38-35 comeback victory over the New York Giants.
New England became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win every game on the schedule, and that one was only 14-0. This victory required a comeback from a 12-point deficit engineered by the brilliant Brady, and smashed the Patriots' league mark for consecutive victories.
Validation of their inexorable march through the season can only come by adding a Super Bowl championship, their fourth of the decade. Do that and there'll be no challenge to their spot at the top.
Tom Brady also broke the season record for TD passes with 50, and Randy Moss broke the season record with 23 TD catches.
This endorsement is by Joseph Farah.
Therefore, today I make a new, personal endorsement for the Republican nomination – Duncan Hunter.
I do so with no hesitancy. I do so with great enthusiasm.
In fact, I have previously made it clear just how much admiration and respect I have for Hunter.
He's my guy because on all the major issues facing this country, Hunter is right. And he is a proven leader who gets the job done.
- Illegal immigration and border security: Duncan Hunter takes a backseat to no one on this issue – not even Tom Tancredo. He took the initiative long ago to protect the citizens of his own San Diego area by building a virtually impenetrable fence that has cut down human trafficking in the area by nearly 100 percent.
- Threat of Islamo-fascism: Hunter recognizes the gravity of the war in which America finds itself, whether we like it or not. Hunter has a strong military background and would make an effective leader in a conflict that will not go away unless we destroy the enemy.
- Our cultural meltdown: Hunter rejects the madness of political correctness and multiculturalism that is ripping America apart at the seams. He is a man of God who will stand for what is morally right no matter the consequences.
- The economy: Duncan Hunter will fight the mindless globalization that is destroying jobs in America and transferring them abroad – bringing in return cheap goods that are often unsafe and little more than junk. He will also cut taxes and revamp the unfair and highly intrusive tax system – both of which will stimulate the American economy.
- Matters of life and death: Hunter is steadfastly and consistently pro-life – at both ends of the life spectrum.
There is much more to say about his excellent record and his fearless championing of all that is good and decent about America.
The point is this: We don't have to settle for less. We don't have to settle for an imitation of the real thing. We don't have to settle for someone who is right most of the time.
Duncan Hunter is the real deal.
Support him now – so we don't have to compromise later.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda in Iraq operations; five killed, 14 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed five terrorists and detained 14 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation north of Muqdadiyah, Coalition forces targeted associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the northeast region of the Diyala River Valley. Reports indicate the individuals are associated with the group of terrorists involved in numerous engagements with Coalition forces during recent operations in the region.
When the ground force arrived in the target area, the occupants were requested to come out of the building. Four armed men fled the building and maneuvered into nearby palm groves. Supporting aircraft was called to engage the armed men, killing four terrorists. Once Coalition forces cleared the area, they found that each of the men had been armed with a machine gun, military style assault vest and multiple grenades. One building and all of the weapons, to include several others found in one of the target buildings, were safely destroyed on site to prevent further use by terrorists. Six additional suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
Near Salman Pak, Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader involved in weapons facilitation and attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces in the Arab Jabour region. As the ground force began to clear the area, they observed an individual maneuvering away from the target building and into a nearby reed bed, attempting to evade capture. Coalition forces followed the man to another target area, and as forces entered the building, the suspect made a sudden move toward something. Perceiving hostile intent, the ground force engaged the man, killing him. As Coalition forces cleared the room, a weapon was located, and one suspect was detained.
During coordinated operations near Samarra and Baghdad, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists while targeting alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders involved in foreign terrorist facilitation and attacks against Coalition forces.
Several militants killed, 9 detained in Zabul
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted an operation Thursday to disrupt Taliban leadership and weapons-facilitation networks in Zabul Province.
Coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in Qalat District targeting a Taliban militant associated with several attacks on Coalition troops. Intelligence sources also indicate the militant was involved in the facilitation of ammunition and supplies to Taliban forces.
While conducting a search of one of the compounds, Coalition forces were required to escalate force when militants demonstrated hostile intent, killing several militants.
Continuing their search of the compounds, Coalition forces detained nine individuals suspected of having links to Taliban networks. The detained individuals will be questioned regarding their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.
She ducked when the bomb went off, both bullets missed her. She hit her head on the sunroof lever while trying to get back in the car, fracturing her skull.
Pakistan's interior ministry said Friday that Benazir Bhutto died from hitting her vehicle's sunroof when she tried to duck after a suicide attack, and that no bullet or shrapnel was found in her.
Ministry spokesman Brigadier Javed Cheema said the opposition leader had died from a head wound she sustained when she smashed against the sunroof's lever as she tried to shelter inside the car.
"The lever struck near her right ear and fractured her skull," Cheema said. "There was no bullet or metal shrapnel found in the injury."
But he said intelligence services had intercepted a call Saturday from the man considered to be Al-Qaeda's top figure for Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud, congratulating a militant after Bhutto's death.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda networks in Diyala; 12 killed, 37 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 12 terrorists, detained 37 suspects and freed one hostage during a multi-day operation Dec. 22 to 25 to disrupt al-Qaeda networks near Muqdadiyah in the Diyala River Valley.
Coalition forces returned to an area where recent operations indicated an al-Qaeda in Iraq network was operating. A recent operation resulted in the discovery of nine weapons caches, mass graves and a torture complex. During the four-day operation, Coalition forces were involved in multiple engagements with groups of armed men, resulting in 12 terrorists killed and 37 suspects detained.
On Sunday, a local citizen led the ground force to what they assessed to be a terrorist medical facility, complete with surgical equipment, numerous medical supplies and medication. Also in the compound, Coalition forces discovered ammunition, maps of the area, and a set of instructions on making improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
During operations Monday, Coalition forces discovered an al-Qaeda suicide-bomb making facility with numerous bomb-making materials inside. As the ground force cleared the building, they found a man held captive in a locked room, who appeared to have been beaten. The individual told Coalition forces he was kidnapped a few days prior, beaten, handcuffed and blindfolded. The man was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care. Once able, the individual will be turned over to Iraqi officials for repatriation.
Over the course of the multi-day operation, Coalition forces discovered several hide sites where terrorists allegedly conducted attacks. One of the sites was assessed to be a firing point for IED attacks. At that location, the ground force discovered a structure with various wires leading from a lookout hole to a nearby road intersection.
While clearing areas Monday and Tuesday, the ground force discovered two buildings assessed to be rigged with explosives. Coalition forces safely destroyed the buildings to prevent any injury to Iraqis in the area or damage to their property. Secondary explosions erupted from both buildings, indicating explosives were likely inside. Five additional buildings and a water tower used as a terrorist sniper position were destroyed during the operation to prevent future use for terrorist activities.
Coalition forces also located and destroyed eight weapons caches, which included machines guns, a sniper rifle, pistols, rocket propelled grenade rounds and propellant, ammunition, grenades, detonation cord and several bags of homemade explosives.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda assassination and facilitation networks, 19 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 19 suspects today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be responsible for a group of terrorists who conduct assassination operations in the city, to include attacks against Iraqi security forces. Intelligence indicates the wanted individual is responsible for reporting on the locations of Coalition and Iraqi forces for use in planning attacks. He is also allegedly involved in extortion, execution and counterintelligence operations. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained six suspected terrorists on site.
Northeast of Samarra, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations. The targeted individual is also believed to be tied to foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation networks operating in and outside of Iraq. During the operation, the ground force detained seven suspected terrorists and destroyed a vehicle that was being used for terrorist activity.
During other operations in Samarra and Baghdad, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates involved in the facilitation of weapons, finances and foreign terrorists.
Coalition forces disrupt Al Kut criminal element networks, 11 terrorists killed
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed an estimated 11 terrorists during operations targeting Special Groups criminal networks early today in Al Kut.
Coalition forces were targeting a Special Groups criminal element member reportedly responsible for attacks against Coalition forces and supporters of Coalition forces. The individual was also reportedly an associate of criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area they were engaged by terrorists with direct enemy fire from assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, and called for supporting aircraft to engage. The ground force assessed that approximately 11 terrorists were killed during the engagement. No suspects were captured or detained during the operation.
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell leader and three additional suspects in two separate raids Dec. 26.
In Baghdad, Iraqi and U.S. Forces detained the leader of an AQI terrorist cell.
Intelligence reports indicated the cell is responsible for several improvised explosive device and sniper attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as the kidnapping and torture of innocent Iraqis.
In Balad, Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces conducted a raid to degrade al-Qaeda in Iraq leadership, deter IED attacks and to prevent the killing of Iraqi citizens.
Three suspects were detained in the raid for questioning.
Three suspected militants detained in Nangarhar
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Tuesday to detain Taliban extremists in Nangarhar Province.
The combined Afghan and Coalition force searched compounds in Chaparhar district targeting Taliban facilitators believed to be operating in the area.
The combined force detained three individuals suspected of having links to Taliban networks during the course of operations.
ANSF, Coalition forces arrest two IED-cell leaders
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, disrupted two major insurgent rings by arresting key facilitators responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against civilian and military targets Dec. 24.
The combined operations, led by Afghan National Police and Afghan Border Police units, were conducted in Kandahar and Paktya Provinces.
The first operation involved tracking and arresting an insurgent in Chamkani District, Paktya Province. The insurgent was suspected to be involved in a number of attacks against ANSF and Coalition forces operating in the area.
Ugh, give it a rest already.
The head of the Al-Qaeda network Osama bin Laden is expected to release a taped message on Iraq, a group monitoring extremist online forums said Thursday.
The 56-minute tape by the hunted militant is addressed to Iraq and an extremist organization based there, the Islamic State of Iraq, said the US-based SITE monitoring institute, citing announcements on "jihadist forums."
It said the release was "impending" but did not say whether the message was an audio or video tape.
The message is titled "The Way to Contain the Conspiracies" and is produced by Al-Qaeda's "multimedia arm" As-Sahab, it added.
An added bonus for all the troofers.
Bin Laden has claimed responsibility for the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, which killed nearly 3,000 people and prompted the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.
Ms. Bhutto survived an earlier assassination attempt her first day back in Pakistan after an 8 year exile. Unfortunately; she wasn't as lucky today. She was alive when she arrived at the hospital, but died during surgery. I've heard many Pakistani's don't approve of her policies, but she still deserved a chance to be elected.
Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in a suicide attack that also killed at least 20 others at a campaign rally, aides said.
The death of the 54-year-old charismatic former prime minister threw the campaign for the Jan. 8 parliamentary elections into chaos and created fears of mass protests and violence across the nuclear-armed nation, an important U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.
The attacker struck just minutes after Bhutto addressed thousands of supporters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, 8 miles south of Islamabad. She was shot in the neck and chest by the attacker, who then blew himself up, said Rehman Malik, Bhutto's security adviser.
At least 20 others were killed in the attack.
Bhutto was rushed to the hospital and taken into emergency surgery.
"At 6:16 p.m., she expired," said Wasif Ali Khan, a member of Bhutto's party who was at Rawalpindi General Hospital.
"The surgeons confirmed that she has been martyred," Bhutto's lawyer Babar Awan said.
Bhutto's supporters at the hospital exploded in anger, smashing the glass door at the main entrance of the emergency unit. Others burst into tears. One man with a flag of Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party tied around his head was beating his chest.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack. But some of Bhutto's supporters at the hospital began chanting, "Killer, Killer, Musharraf," referring to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Bhutto's main political opponent. A few began stoning cars outside
***UPDATE 12/27/07 3:10PM***
Everything you ever wanted to know about this can be found at NDTV.com.
h/t: Steve in comments
U.S. looking into claims al Qaeda is responsible.
Coalition forces target terrorist facilitators, suicide bombers; 13 killed, 27 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists and detained 27 suspects Monday and today during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.
During a series of operations south of Samarra Monday and today, Coalition forces targeted an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq. The targeted individual is also believed to be responsible for the facilitation of weapons and finances and involved in suicide-bombing operations, some of which include female operatives.
Acting on intelligence reports, Coalition forces targeted a location where the individual was believed to be operating and called supporting aircraft to engage. Four individuals emerged from the target area and attempted to evade capture. As Coalition forces approached one of the individuals, the suspect detonated a suicide vest, killing himself. The ground force then located two of the suspects hiding in a wooded area. Coalition forces engaged and killed the two men. Another individual, who was wounded in the initial engagement, was also found hiding in the wooded area and was subsequently detained. The suspect was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.
As the ground force secured the target area, they discovered several weapons, which were safely destroyed on site, along with a vehicle used for terrorist activity. During the series of operations in the area, Coalition forces also detained 15 other suspected terrorists.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader allegedly responsible for coordinating and directing numerous terrorist attacks in the region. Intelligence reports indicate the individuals had executed a man earlier in the day and were later observed in the target area.
During the operation this morning, Coalition forces were engaged on two separate occasions by armed men as they attempted to clear target buildings in the area. The men charged at the Coalition forces’ position, and the ground force engaged the enemy, killing four terrorists. As the ground force continued to clear the area, they were engaged by machine gun fire and grenades from underneath one of the structures. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire and called for supporting aircraft to engage. Once enemy fire ceased, the ground force assessed that five terrorists were killed during the engagement. Coalition forces also detained one suspect during the operation.
In Baghdad Monday, Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda member involved in bomb-making operations within the south Karkh car-bombing network. As the ground force arrived in the area, they observed six men maneuvering away from the target building. Coalition forces followed the men and detained four of the suspects. The two other individuals were subsequently engaged. One of them was killed, while the remaining suspect was wounded, detained and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Five suspected terrorists were detained south of Hawija today, during operations targeting an al-Qaeda leader for the network operating in Kirkuk.
Concerned Local Citizens find IED, cache in Arab Jabour
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Concerned Local Citizens found an improvised explosive device formed from rigged land mines and ammunition near Patrol Base Murray in Arab Jabour Dec. 23.
A 155 mm artillery round, an 82 mm mortar and two land mines were found rigged with detonation cord near the base. The CLCs turned over the IED, along with other weapons cache items found at the same site, to Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
The weapons caches consisted of 23 shape charges, three rocket propelled grenades, two 57 mm projectiles, four 73 mm propellant charges, 20 pounds of TNT, eight projectile fuses, one RPG warhead, six boxes of DSHKA high-caliber machine gun rounds, one fragmentation grenade, six 4.5-pound blocks of TNT, five pounds of unknown bulk explosive, two pounds of PE4, and 14 120 mm mortar propellant charges.
UPDATE: Coalition forces positively identify terrorist killed in raid
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A terrorist killed south of Samarra Nov. 8 has been positively identified as Abu Abdullah.
Abu Abdullah, also known as Muhammad Sulayman Shunaythir al-Zuba’i, was a high-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for a network operating in the Salah ad Din province. Reports indicate Abdullah was an experienced bomb-maker and attack planner who coordinated numerous attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces over the past three years, using a variety of improvised explosive devices combined with small-arms fire.
Abdullah was also allegedly responsible for the kidnapping, extortion and murder of local Iraqis, and it is believed he led a group of foreign terrorists, whom he used to conduct his car-bombing campaigns.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where Abdullah was operating. The ground force observed Abdullah, fired warning shots directing him to stop and was then engaged by enemy fire. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, igniting the vehicle. The ground force observed secondary explosions erupt from the vehicle, indicating that explosives were inside. Abdullah and an associate were killed during the engagement.
Intelligence indicates that Abdullah had historical ties to the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, and was a close contact of the former al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi before he was killed by Coalition forces in June 2006. Prior to leading an AQI network in Salah ad Din Province, reports indicate Abdullah was a regional Emir controlling AQI terrorists in an area between west Baghdad and east of Fallujah.
Coalition forces target terrorists in Diyala, Tarmiyah; four killed, one detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained one suspect today, during operations targeting al-Qaeda in central Iraq.
In continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities in the Diyala River Valley, Coalition forces conducted two coordinated operations north of Muqdadiyah targeting associates of the al-Qaeda network in the region. Intelligence reports indicate the individuals are associated with the group that was involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces during operations on Dec. 12 and 13.
During one of the operations, the ground force called for occupants to come out of the target area, but they did not comply. Coalition forces then approached the target area and were engaged by enemy fire. The ground force pulled back to a safe position and called for supporting aircraft to engage. Coalition forces assessed that two terrorists were killed from the strike.
Nearby, Coalition forces confirmed the presence of the wanted individuals associated with the previous target, and supporting aircraft again engaged. Once the area was cleared, the ground force assessed two terrorists were killed, one of whom was armed with a suicide vest.
West of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a close associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the network north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of the car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area. They are also involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.
Reports indicate the wanted individual replaced the terrorist that was killed during a Coalition forces operation Dec. 11. When the ground force arrived in the target area, the wanted individual identified himself and was subsequently detained.
Coalition Forces target extremist hide-out with JDAM
MOSUL, Iraq – Coalition Forces destroyed a series of tunnels with a joint direct attack munition near Mosul Dec. 25.
During search operations in the area, a series of tunnels were discovered. The search also discovered 15 150mm mortar rounds, multiple hand grenades, multiple AK-47 rifles and other IED-making material.
Iraqi Special Operations Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain terrorist weapons dealer (Baghdad)
BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected terrorist weapons dealer during a Dec. 25 raid in Baghdad. The suspect is believed to deal in a variety of weapons systems including mortars, rockets, medium and small arms. He is also thought to be a possible improvised explosive device cell leader.
During the raid, the assault force recovered several weapons including two assault rifles, four grenades, three combat knives, 11 AK-47 magazines, an RPG launcher sight and an IED initiation system.
Coalition forces disrupt criminal element network; two armed men killed, two suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals and killed two armed men during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early today in the Al Kut area, southeast of Baghdad.
The targeted individual was reportedly a Special Groups leader responsible for attacks against Coalition forces and its supporters. He allegedly received training on urban combat tactics and explosives, including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFP) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The wanted individual is believed to have conducted surveillance against Coalition forces in order to plan attacks against them. He was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area, two armed men maneuvered against them displaying hostile intent. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged and killed them both. During the operation Coalition forces detained two suspected criminals without further incident. The identities of the two suspects, and whether or not one of them is the targeted individual is still being determined.
MND-Center troops uncover 3 caches
BAGHDAD – In less than an hour, an infantry battalion known as the “Cottonbalers” discovered three weapons caches in their area of operations near Kidhr, Iraq, Dec. 19.
The first report came from Company D, 3rd Battalion, 7th Inf. Regt., 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The findings were one rocket propelled grenade and several 30mm mortar rounds.
The second report came from Company B, who established Patrol Base Kelsey in the area only one day prior. Concerned Local Citizens in Kidhr came to the patrol base with a truck full of munitions consisting of seven 105mm tank rounds, one 120mm mortar round, 70 57mm rounds and 60 fuses.
Less than 20 minutes later, Company A discovered a mud-hut farm house filled with weapons. The building contained 30 anti-armor rounds, one rocket propelled grenade, three 155mm rounds, eight 120mm rounds, and three medium tubes of explosives material called Composition B. A report was called up on the discovery of the three caches, and the munitions were destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal.
The discovery of the weapons caches came days after an extensive underground tunnel network was discovered; the first of its kind in the area.
With the establishment of PB Kelsey, the intent is to secure the area, build trust with local residents and rid the area of weapons caches.
The “Cottonbalers” deployed from Fort Stewart, Ga., home of the 3rd Inf. Div., in late October. They have conducted searches for weapons and explosives, conducted raids and given humanitarian aid to local residents.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda foreign terrorist facilitators, media networks
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 10 suspected terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with a foreign terrorist and weapons facilitation network. Reports indicate the wanted individual is related to one of the key facilitators in the network, who is also allegedly involved in al-Qaeda media and propaganda operations. In addition to the wanted individual, two suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
Also in the capital city, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be an Ansar al-Islam leader involved in media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual is reportedly associated with numerous terrorist leaders involved in media operations who operate in and outside of Iraq.
During a series of operations in Samarra, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting another alleged foreign terrorist facilitator. Reports indicate the targeted individual is associated with an al-Qaeda leader who facilitates logistics, to include finances and weapons.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces detained one suspect while targeting an alleged terrorist responsible for coordinating and directing numerous attacks in the region.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained two suspected criminal extremists during a raid Dec. 24 near the Iraqi village of Abu Saydah as Saghir, northeast of Baqubah in Diyala Province.
The two suspects are believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens. Additionally, the suspects are believed to have repeatedly targeted the families of Iraqi Security Forces for intimidation and forced civilians from their homes.
During the course of the operation, the assault force received small arms fire from an individual on the target objective. Iraqi and U.S. Forces engaged the individual, killing him.
Thank goodness for bi-partisanship!
The House was quiet as a mouse the day after Christmas. But across the Capitol, the Senate was operating in an unusually efficient manner in its ongoing power struggle with President Bush.
A nine-second session gaveled in and out by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., prevented Bush from appointing as an assistant attorney general a nominee roundly rejected by majority Democrats. Without the pro forma session, the Senate would be technically adjourned, allowing the president to install officials without Senate confirmation.
The business of blocking Bush's recess appointments was serious. It represents an institutional standoff between Congress and the president that could repeat itself during Congress' vacations for the remainder of Bush's presidency.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks in Diyala, 12 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 12 suspected terrorists today during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in the Diyala River Valley region and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted a series of coordinated operations north of Muqdadiyah targeting alleged associates of the network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. One of the targeted individuals is believed to be involved in terrorist media and propaganda operations and a direct associate of senior leadership in the network.
During one of the operations, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists and found a cache of weapons and explosive materials. Local citizens informed Coalition forces that one of the buildings was believed to be rigged with explosives. Once the target area was secure, the ground force called for supporting aircraft to engage the perceived threat, destroying two buildings and the weapons cache to prevent further use by terrorists. Secondary explosions erupted following the strike, indicating that weapons were inside the building. Nearby, the ground force located and safely destroyed another building reportedly used for terrorist operations.
Northeast of the city, Coalition forces captured two wanted individuals believed to be involved in the terrorist networks operating in the Hamrin Mountains and the Diyala River Valley region. Reports indicate the area is an al-Qaeda operations area used for training and facilitation activities. In addition to the wanted individuals, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site.
During other operations near Samarra and Mosul, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of al-Qaeda networks responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.
Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, detain eight suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained seven other suspects during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early today southeast of Baghdad in the Al Kut and As Suwyarah areas.
The targeted individual was reportedly a senior-level Special Groups criminal element leader dedicated to attacking Coalition forces. He allegedly planned explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, attacks on Coalition forces throughout the Wasit Province. The man was reportedly appointed as a Special Groups criminal element leader of a punishment committee and possible death squads. He was also reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they detained three suspected criminals. The identities of the three suspects are still being determined, as is whether or not one of them may be the targeted individual.
In another operation, a wanted individual located in the As Suwyarah area is suspected of training Special Group criminal element members to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He reportedly received specialized training in EFP use, and facilitated the training of numerous criminals in EFP attacks. The man was also allegedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the wanted individual and detained four other suspected criminals without incident.
Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces recover large weapons cache
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, recovered a large weapons cache during a raid of a car bomb factory Dec. 21.
Acting on intelligence reports, Iraqi and U.S. Forces conducted a raid on a house being used as a car bomb factory. During the operation, 9,000 pounds of explosives were uncovered in six separate cache sites discovered on the property.
The explosives included 11 50-pound bags of ammonium nitrate, 27 40-gallon drums of explosives, three 20-gallon propane tanks filled with explosive material, 15 SA-7-A surface to air missiles, nine improvised landmines, four 155 mm artillery rounds, three 152 mm projectiles, three 120 mm rounds and one completed car bomb.
Hollywood would have us believe that Democrats defeated the evil empire in Afghanistan, and that President Reagan played only a minor role and even helped pave the way to 9/11.
If you think Hollywood's idea of a Christmas movie being one about the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan is strange, even stranger is the plot line. "Charlie Wilson's War," which opened Friday, manages to reduce the president who won the Cold War to a background footnote.
Charlie Wilson was a pro-abortion, Equal Rights Amendment-supporting congressman widely known as "the liberal from Lufkin." To his credit, he did play a role in facilitating support to the Afghan mujahadeen. But it is he who should be the historical footnote.
[...]
So you have at least five players, including Reagan, involved — four of them Republican conservatives. Ikle notes: "Senior people in the Reagan administration, the president, Bill Casey, (Defense Secretary Caspar) Weinberger and their aides deserve credit for the successful Afghan covert action program, not just Charlie Wilson." So guess which one Hollywood makes a movie about?
[...]
Wilson's chief ally in the film is CIA agent Gust Avrakotos who, like Wilson, is portrayed as a enthusiastic supporter of providing the Stingers. But Ikle says, the CIA bureaucracy initially fought against the idea and that Wilson was lukewarm on the matter. Ikle says both came around only after the rebels actually started bringing down the Soviet helicopter gunships.
The movie also perpetuates the left-wing myth that the covert operation funded Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida and ultimately led to the 9/11 attacks. Reagan-era officials such as Ikle say Osama never got funding or weapons from the U.S. and that he didn't launch his terror war until after U.S. involvement and the Soviet withdrawal in 1989.
...to everyone.
Who's most excited about Christmas? The dog, who has been laying in front of the tree barking and whining for his presents. I wrap dog toys for him and he loves to unwrap them. He seen me bringing out the presents and he got all excited.
Tater (17mo) and Yam-Yam (5mo) are too young to understand Christmas.
Don't forget to follow Santa on his Christmas journey. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) once again, is using their radar to track Santa.
At 10:40AM EST, Santa is in Nepal.
Iraqi Police uncover major weapons cache
KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi Police uncovered a major weapons cache in the Kirkuk province of Iraq Dec. 18. The discovery was made during a series of pre-dawn raids at suspected cache sites.
Iraqi Police led the operation in the town of Ruwadah, approximately 25 miles west of Kirkuk City. The operation was named “Kura Azakan” (The Brave Men) by General Sarhadt, outer Hawijah district police chief, because Coalition Forces and Iraqi Police had not been in the area recently and because the Iraqi Police had gone in without Coalition presence.
More than 300 Iraqi Police officers from Dibbis, Sagaron, Tarkalan, Altun Kopri and Schawn took part in the operation, which was conducted using 32 Iraqi Police vehicles. At one of the sites, Iraqi Police discovered one of the largest caches in recent Kirkuk province history.
Included in the cache were approximately: 65 grenades, 83 rocket propelled grenades, 1,800 fuses, 1,060 mortar rounds, 250 various explosive projectiles, 3,000 small-arms rounds, 1,400 20 mm cannon rounds, and more than 1,000 pounds of explosives and improvised explosive device-making material.
Coalition Forces from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment and Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, along with explosives ordnance disposal team members, were called in to safely dispose of the ordnance. In an extensive combined operation, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces conducted a 13-hour clearing operation which resulted in the destruction of the more than 7 tons of deadly ordnance.
Terrorist technical advisor arrested
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers arrested an alleged terrorist technical advisor and an improvised explosive device cell leader during two raids in the Doura neighborhoods in the Rashid District Dec. 17.
Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., arrested a man believed to be an al-Qaeda technical advisor for an IED strike that killed nine Soldiers.
The suspected terrorist, who has multiple sworn statements against him, was taken to a Coalition Forces detention facility for further questioning.
Also that day, Soldiers of Co. C, following numerous tips, arrested the suspected leader of an IED cell during a cordon and knock operation.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Volunteers arrested a suspected al-Qaeda operative and handed him to the ‘Warriors’ of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Div., attached to Task Force Dragon Dec. 18 in Doura.
In a separate incident, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers arrested an alleged member of an anti-aircraft cell in the Doura neighborhood of the Rashid District Dec. 17.
Soldiers from Troop B, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division arrested the man who is believed to be a member of an anti-aircraft cell after receiving a tip the suspected terrorist from Arab Jabor was in their area of operations.
Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda propaganda and finance operations, six suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained two wanted individuals and four additional suspects during operations today targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq associate allegedly involved in facilitating finances for the terrorist network in Arab Jabour. Reports indicate the wanted individual is associated with senior terrorists in the network responsible for numerous attacks against Coalition forces.
The Arab Jabour network is operating in a degraded state following recent Coalition forces success in the region, to include an operation Dec. 15 that led to the detention of another wanted individual suspected of being involved in the network (see MNF-I press release A071215a, “Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; four terrorists killed, 18 detained,” dated Dec. 15, 2007).
Also in the capital city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in al-Qaeda in Iraq media and propaganda operations. The wanted individual is allegedly a close associate of three suspects, also involved in al-Qaeda media operations, who were detained by Coalition forces during operations last week.
Farther north in Mosul, four suspected terrorists were detained during an operation targeting an associate of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the city.
Iraqi Army, CLCs and MND-Center Soldiers remove al-Qaeda from Busayefi
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The combined combat power of the 3rd Infantry Division and the Iraqi Army was illustrated Dec. 21 during a major operation in the city of Busayefi.
Operation Athens cleared a known al-Qaeda stronghold and was conducted by Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team; 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team and the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
Concerned Local Citizens also participated in the operation, providing actionable intelligence and identifying terrorists.
Throughout the operation the three units conducted direct fire, indirect fire, attack aviation and directed close air support from the Air Force.
The operation resulted in the deaths of five al-Qaeda members. Ten men were also detained by MND-C Soldiers after being identified as al-Qaeda by the CLCs.
Soldiers also eliminated 13 improvised explosive devices and discovered two weapons caches, which contained six 23 mm rounds, 69 mortars and a bag of unknown bulk explosives.
All ordnance was disposed of in controlled detonations.
Additionally, An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter engaged a vehicle-borne IED with a hellfire missile.
A second vehicle was also destroyed by the AWT. The vehicle was parked outside a known al-Qaeda meeting house
I got this in an email today. I thought I would share it.
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child."What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.""It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.""So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
A mother pulls her children out of religious & moral education classes, then complains because they are excluded from the Christmas party. Despite what some may have you believe, Christmas is the designated day for the birth of Christ. I know this may be a shock for some since it has almost become a crime to mention the word Christmas.
A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy was banned from his school Christmas party because he does not believe in God.
Douglas Stewart was asked to stay at home while his classmates were treated to jelly and ice-cream, followed by a visit from Santa and presents.
Douglas's mother, Dawn Riddell, was informed that he was unwelcome at the celebration because she had withdrawn him from religious education classes at Cluny Primary School, in Buckie, Banffshire, earlier in the school term.
Ms Riddell, 38, said the headteacher, Ian Davidson,had told her that as the youngster had no interest in religion, he could not celebrate the birth of Christ.
She said yesterday: "It doesn't make any sense to me.
"I've helped out at the Christmas party before and it's got absolutely nothing to do with Jesus. It's all about the kids getting excited about Santa and enjoying themselves.
"Douglas was heartbroken that he couldn't go. It was cruel. There was no reason for him to be excluded."
Ms Riddell explained that her family has no religious beliefs and she decided to withdraw her children from religious and moral education classes when they began to study Bible stories earlier this year.She wrote to the school asking for the boys to be exempt from the lessons, but was contacted by Mr Davidson and warned that the children could miss out on fun activities.
On the day of the end-of-term party, Ms Riddell was again contacted by the headteacher to say that Douglas could not attend.
She said: "Douglas had come home to get changed for the party. No-one had said anything to him, so as far as he knew he was going.
"He was really upset when I told him he couldn't go back to school. He just lay on the rug and cried. It was such a shame, but there was nothing I could do."
