This edition features stories on U.S. and Iraqi soldiers performing security at Camp Ramadi, Soldiers helping with supply support, training troops with the Third Army and Soldiers working with ammunitions. Hosted by Pfc. Chris Urbano.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison Tuesday for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation.
Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, stood calmly before a packed courtroom as a federal judge said the evidence overwhelmingly proved his guilt.
"People who occupy these types of positions, where they have the welfare and security of nation in their hands, have a special obligation to not do anything that might create a problem," U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said.
Libby was convicted in March of lying and obstructing an investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity.
He was also fined $250,000 and 2 years probation upon being released from prison.
One of the true travesties of justice. He was convicted because he could remember the order of conversations he had 2 years previous. He was not convicted for outing a CIA agent (which was non-scandal to begin with). It was simply whom he spoke to first.
Here's to hoping Fred wins the presidential elections and can pardon Libby.
Bush Defends Missile Defense Shield
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) - President Bush and the Czech Republic's leaders on Tuesday defended plans to base part of a U.S. missile shield here despite fierce opposition from Russia.
"The people of the Czech Republic don't have to choose between being a friend of the United States or a friend with Russia," Bush said in his stop at this former Soviet satellite. "You can be both. We don't believe in a zero-sum world."
Bush, in the Czech Republic as part of an eight-day trip to Europe, spoke as Russia's opposition to the proposed defense system mounts. Russia believes the shield in Eastern Europe is meant for it, and says it has no choice to boost its own military potential in response.
Bush dismissed those concerns. He said he will make his case directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit.
"My message will be Vladimir - I call him Vladimir - that you shouldn't fear a missile defense system," Bush said. "As a matter of fact, why don't you cooperate with us on a missile defense system. Why don't you participate with the United States."
Bush Criticizes Democracy In Russia And China
We are also applying that lesson to our relationships with Russia and China. The United States has strong working relationships with these countries. Our friendship with them is complex. In the areas where we share mutual interests, we work together. In other areas, we have strong disagreements. For example, China’s leaders believe that they can continue to open the nation’s economy without also opening its political system. In Russia, reforms that once promised to empower citizens have been derailed, with troubling implications for democratic development. Part of a good relationship is the ability to talk openly about our disagreements. So the United States will continue to build our relationships with these countries – and we will do it without abandoning our principles or our values.
Tony Blair has stepped into the Russian missiles row by bluntly warning Vladimir Putin that he must decide whether he wants a 'constructive relationship' with the West.
The Prime Minister spoke out hours after the Russian president threatened to aim missiles at Europe if the U.S. presses ahead with plans to build a missile shield near Russia's borders.
Mr Blair insisted that the shield posed no threat to Russia but was intended to provide protection against 'rogue states' such as Iran or North Korea.
His official spokesman said the system was in the wrong location and had too few interceptor missiles to defend against an attack from Russia.
ThisIsLondon.co.uk posted a graphic on how would the missile defense shield work against Russia. I don't think it was the proper thing to do with all the crying Putin has been doing lately. But here it is.
(click to enlarge)
Japanese scientists have created a android that can walk, talk, and feel. It responds to touch.
Here's the video. It's in Japanese but you can still get the idea.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., was indicted Monday on federal charges of racketeering, soliciting bribes and money-laundering in a long- running bribery investigation into business deals he tried to broker in Africa.
The indictment handed up in federal court in Alexandria., Va., Monday is 94 pages long and lists 16 alleged violations of federal law that could keep Jefferson in prison for up to 235 years. He is charged with racketeering, soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money-laundering, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Jefferson is accused of soliciting bribes for himself and his family, and also for bribing a Nigerian official.
Almost two years ago, in August 2005, investigators raided Jefferson's home in Louisiana and found $90,000 in cash stuffed into a box in his freezer.
Jefferson, 63, whose Louisiana district includes New Orleans, has said little about the case publicly but has maintained his innocence. He was re-elected last year despite the looming investigation.
I can't disagree. Much like the Democrat's here in the United States, Putin is trying to convert/revert Russia into a socialist state.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has described himself as the world's only "pure" democrat and attacked the United States and Europe, which have criticized him, for falling short of their own ideals.
In an interview with Western media released on Monday, he rejected Western criticism that he has centralized power in the Kremlin, marginalized the opposition and increased state control over the media.
Asked whether he agreed with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's description of him as an "impeccable democrat", Putin replied laughing:
"Of course I am an absolute, pure democrat. But you know the problem? It's not even a problem, it's a real tragedy. The thing is that I am the only one, there just aren't any others in the world."
Putin said the West's record on democracy was less than perfect.
I think it's safe to say it appears that Putin has some mental issues plaguing him.
Time for more blockquotes:
"Let's look what happens in North America -- sheer horror: torture, the homeless, Guantanamo, keeping people in custody without trial or investigation," Putin said in the interview ahead of this week's summit of the Group of Eight (G-8) industrial nations.
"Look what's going on in Europe: the harsh treatment of demonstrators, the use of rubber bullets, tear gas in one capital or another, the killing of demonstrators in the streets."
This is coming from someone who crushes any protests against the government, murders critics of the government, and squashes free speech.
Iraqi soldiers have killed a senior Al-Qaeda leader in a clash inside one of Baghdad's historic Sunni quarters, military spokesman Brigadier General Qassim Atta said Monday.
"He was from Al-Qaeda, they called him the 'Governor of Adhamiyah'," Atta told AFP. "He was killed during clashes with the 11th Division's first brigade this morning, and 11 of his aides were arrested."
Adhamiyah is a Sunni enclave in north Baghdad, a cluster of streets around an historic mosque surrounded by a US-built concrete security barriers and hostile Shiite districts roamed by militia fighters.
Atta said the alleged Al-Qaeda chieftain was an Iraqi citizen known as Abu Abdullah al-Adhab -- "Abu Abdullah with the crippled arm."
Abdullah's death is the second reported killing of an Al-Qaeda street captain since last week, when nationalist insurgents in the Sunni suburb of Amiriyah violently turned against Al-Qaeda's Islamists.
Featuring The "Raiders" of the Thundering Third. India Co. 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment RCT-1
This edition features stories on Coalition and Iraqi forces securing Baqubah with permanent security, U.S. Soldiers searching for explosives on Baghdad roads and Soldiers enjoying local cuisine while on patrol in Baghdad. Hosted by Pfc. Chris Urbano.
The answer is...NO!
They've published a "Green Mountain Manifesto" subtitled "Why and How Tiny Vermont Might Help Save America From Itself by Seceding from the Union." They hope to put the question before citizens at Town Meeting Day next March, eventually persuading the state Legislature to declare independence, returning Vermont to the status it held from 1777 to 1791.
Whether it's likely is another question.
But the idea has found plenty of sympathetic ears in Vermont, a left-leaning state that said yes to civil unions, no to slavery (before any other) and last year elected a socialist to the U.S. Senate.
About 300 people turned out for a 2005 secession convention in the Statehouse, and plans for a second one are in the works. A poll this year by the University of Vermont's Center for Rural Studies found that 13 percent of those surveyed support secession, up from 8 percent a year before.
[...]
The Vermont movement, which is being pushed by several different groups, has been bubbling up for years but has gained new traction in the wake of disenchantment over the Iraq war, rising oil prices and the formation of the pro-secession groups.
Ok. Who cares? Is there anything in Vermont that would adversely affect the United States should they secede? I can't think of anything right now. Maybe the price of maple syrup will go up a little, but I can accept that. I surely will not miss their congress-critters.
Who knew the mooselimbs couldn't swim ?
Kabul - Sixty suspected Taliban fighters drowned after they broke a siege and tried to cross a river in southern Afghanistan, while five family members of a police officer were killed by insurgents in an attack in the same region, officials said Saturday.
The militants drowned in the Kajaki district of southern Helmand province on Friday after joint Afghan and coalition forces surrounded a large group of insurgents, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
'Some 60 of them wanted to cross the Helmand River by ship and flee from the area. The ship sank and all the militants on board were killed,' the statement said.
ERBIL, IRAQ -The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) took official control of three provinces from Multi-National Force – Iraq at a formal ceremony in Erbil, Iraq May 30.
“Today’s event nearly doubles the number of provinces under Iraqi control and marks the fifth, sixth and seventh provinces to assume security responsibility, demonstrating another bold and courageous step forward in this country’s movement toward an independent and secure nation,” said Major Gen. Benjamin Mixon, Multi- National Division – North commanding general.
The ceremony, held at a convention center in Erbil, was attended by National Security Advisor Dr. Mowaffaq al-Rubaie, the keynote speaker representing Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki.
“The strength of the Kurdistan Region means the strength of all Iraq and the weakness of any region means the weakness of the entire country,” Dr. al-Rubaie said in his speech at the ceremony.
The memorandum of understanding outlining the security handover was signed by KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Major Gen. Mixon, and Multi-National Division – Northeast Commanding General Major General Yoon Young-Bum of the Korean Army.
“Here, we reiterate our commitment to the Iraqi constitution,” Barzani said at the ceremony. “This constitution is a reflection of the will and desire of the peoples of Iraq. It is the legal framework which will protect and secure the rights of all parties.”
The Kurdish region has been one of the most peaceful areas in Iraq over the past years. The region is often seen as taking the lead and demonstrating the necessary progress to self-govern and become prosperous.
“This [security handover] is a result of vigilance and experience gained from 15 years of self-rule,” Barzani said. “We continued to strive and sacrifice until the fall of the regime. Our sacrifices were made to secure our just rights in a democratic framework.”
Barzani thanked the Coalition for its role in Iraq.
“I wish to express my gratitude to the Multinational Force for liberating the peoples of Iraq. We value highly and pay homage to the sacrifices made in pursuit of that noble goal,” he said.
In assistance of the revitalization effort in KRG, the Korean Zaytun Division has worked hard to help with the reconstruction of infrastructure in the Kurdish Region insupport of MNF-I. This work is in addition to the peacekeeping commitment of the Coalition.
In total, slightly less than $436 million has been spent on all aspects of reconstruction in the area, funded projects that help self-sustainment across the region.
Emphasis on bringing local and international businesses to the area has also helped create new investments.
“Through your initiative, you have enabled the United States to bring an unprecedented number of American and international businessmen to this area,” Gen. Mixon said in his speech. “This is a reflection of your ability to self-govern and provide a secure environment that will foster investment opportunities and continued development throughout the region.”
The sustained security and new investors, coupled with the implementation of democratic and constitutional institutions, have made KRG a model for all of Iraq.
“We see no more noble a duty than to provide stability and safety to the people of our region,” Barzani said in his conclusion. “Political stability is the foundation of economic growth.”
The ceremony and signing of the document transferring authority over to the region was followed by a parade of various security forces in Kurdistan and a martial arts demonstration by female members of the Iraqi Army.
The northern part of Iraq, Kurdistan, has been governing itself and maintaining a lot of it's security for quite some time. I think is one of the reasons Iraq should be split into different countries. Kurdistan will have to suffer because of the Sunni-Shi'ite conflict going on in the middle and southern Iraq.
SIX TERRORISTS KILLED, VBIED DESTROYED, 18 SUSPECTS DETAINED
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed six terrorists and detained 18 suspected terrorists in operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq Thursday and Friday.
North of Fallujah Thursday afternoon, Coalition Forces conducted an operation to capture suspected terrorists allegedly associated with al-Qaeda senior leadership. Coalition Forces attempted to stop their vehicle, but when the suspected terrorists resisted, Coalition Forces used proper escalation of force measures and engaged the vehicle with automatic weapons, killing three men.
Inside the vehicle, Coalition Forces found two mortar rounds, a rifle and an approximately 100-pound improvised explosive device. The vehicle and heavy explosives were safely destroyed on site.
While Coalition Forces were at the scene, they received small arms fire from a nearby orchard. Taking appropriate self-defense measures, the ground forces engaged the armed terrorists, killing three. Coalition Forces also found grenades and assault vests in the orchard.
In a follow-on operation Friday morning, Coalition Forces detained one suspected terrorist in a building north of Fallujah for his alleged ties to al-Qaeda senior leaders.
Also Friday, Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq commander allegedly involved in IED attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces southwest of Baghdad Friday morning. Ten suspected terrorists were detained for their ties to the senior leader.
Two coordinated operations in Taji targeted an al-Qaeda senior leader and his network. Coalition Forces detained seven individuals linked to a group allegedly responsible for mortar and rocket attacks against Coalition Forces; IED and vehicle-borne IED attacks across western Baghdad; and the bombing of the Sarafiyah bridge.
Iraqi Army Soldiers seize explosives, weapons during maritime operation in western Iraq
BALAD – Iraqi Army Soldiers conducted a maritime operation June 1 seizing explosives and weapons during a cache sweep of river banks and caves in the vicinity of Rawah on the Euphrates River.
With Coalition Forces present as advisors, Iraqi Forces recovered more than 70 pounds of homemade explosives, one 57mm rocket and a sniper rifle.
This seizure will reduce the ability of anti-Iraqi Forces to conduct attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces in the area and deter their ability to exploit river banks in the region.
Suspect arrested, propaganda, IED materials seized
MAHMUDIYAH, IRAQ — Iraqi Army Soldiers conducting a search of a suspected insurgent’s home discovered a cache of propaganda and improvised explosive device materials, near Lutafiyah, Iraq at about 4:10 p.m., May 30.
A patrol from 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and advisors from Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment discovered anti-coalition/anti government books and CDs along with 42 rolls of copper wire, typically used to initiate IEDs.
The patrol detained the owner of the house. Detainee will be held for questioning by the Iraqi Army.
Paratroopers uncover cache north of Sadr City
BAGHDAD — Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team uncovered a weapons cache north of Sadr City, in the eastern portion of the Iraqi capital June 1.
A tip from a local citizen led the Soldiers to the cache.
It was found in an area known to locals as the “Jaish Al Mahdi Forbidden Zone,” where some rocket attacks on Baghdad’s International Zone have originated.
The cache contained 20 107mm rocket warheads, three fully assembled 107mm rockets, one 60mm mortar and a sandbag full of blasting devices.
An explosive ordnance disposal team arrived soon after the discovery was made and conducted a controlled demolition of the cache.
BAGHDAD – Acting on a tip from a detained insurgent, Iraqi Security Forces captured a suspected key leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq during a raid in Mosul May 29.
The targeted individual is allegedly responsible for constructing both vehicle-borne and emplaced improvised explosive devices that contain chlorine gas in order to attack and kill innocent civilians.
The captured individual is also suspected of assisting in the movement of insurgents from Syria into Iraq.
During a second operation in Tikrit May 29, Iraqi Army Forces detained four individuals believed to be members of the terrorist criminal networks of al-Qaeda in Iraq and Jaysh al-Islam engaged in murder and kidnappings for ransom.
Iraqi Forces also seized materials for building vehicle-borne and emplaced IEDs; weapons and ammunition.
Both operations disrupted terrorist networks intent on launching attacks on innocent civilians and Coalition Forces.
MND-B Soldiers capture two insurgents emplacing IED
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Baghdad Soldiers captured two men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major road near Dubai, Iraq, north of Baghdad, May 31.
Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a mounted patrol searching for insurgents responsible for IED attacks in the area when the incident occurred.
While on the patrol, the troops came across the two men attempting to emplace an IED.
The men ran when the mounted patrol drove up to the emplacement site on a major road, and the Soldiers engaged the men.
Both suspects were detained. Neither was injured during the engagement.
There were no Coalition casualties in the incident.
Upon closer inspection of the site, the Soldiers found two partially buried IEDs, one an 80mm mortar round and the other three 152mm rounds. The site was secured and the IEDs were later disposed of.
The two suspects were held for questioning.
SUSPECTED TERRORIST LEADER, 7 OTHERS DETAINED
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader, in operations Saturday targeting the terrorist network.
Coalition Forces raided a building in Hit while tracking an al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists there, one of whom is allegedly the military emir of the area and works directly with other high-level al-Qaeda operatives in Anbar province.
West of Baghdad, Coalition Forces detained four suspected terrorists, including one individual who allegedly builds and plants improvised explosive devices for use in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad. Coalition Forces also found two vehicles known to transport weapons and personnel for al-Qaeda in Iraq operations, which they destroyed on-site.
A suspected member of a vehicle-borne IED cell in Adamiyah was detained during a Coalition Forces raid east of Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the individual has also been involved in attacks against Coalition Forces.
Coalition Forces surrounded a target northeast of Fallujah looking for a suspected member of the al-Qaeda in Iraq network involved in car theft and weapons transport. While the ground force was searching a building, an armed man emerged from a nearby building and engaged the force with small arms fire. Coalition Forces returned fire in self-defense, killing the armed man. No suspects were detained at the scene.
