Good Bye Karl Rove, It's Too Bad Bush Quit Listening To You

Once Rove leaves the White House, is he still going to be the devil? I guess it would all depend if the presidential candidate he is surely going to advise wins the Presidency. Of course he could do nothing and could spend his days eating small children full-time.

On Fox News Channel today, the Democrat said he thinks Rove will go to the Thompson camp. The Republican said she thinks it will be Giuliani. I don't think it will be either. I believe Rove has had enough of wishy-washy presidents and will choose someone more solid.

Karl Rove, one of President George W. Bush's closest aides and a lightning rod for controversy among Democrats, said he will leave the White House at the end of August. Rove, the White House deputy chief of staff known as "The Architect" for guiding Bush from being the governor of Texas to two terms as president, is the latest in a series of senior aides to quit as the clock ticks toward the end of Bush's presidency. "I just think it's time," Rove, 56, said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Monday. "There's always something that can keep you here and, as much as I'd like to be here, I've got to do this for the sake of my family."

 

Technorati tags: White House, Karl Rove, Presidential Candidates, Political Advisor, Politics

Mitt-ens Wins Iowa Straw Poll

Shocka! Not really. He dumped a lot of money for this win. Giuliani and McCain skipped Iowa, not that it would've made any difference for McCain. Romney, Brownback, and (I believe) Tancredo bussed in supporters and purchased voting cards for them. Looks like every single one of the Ron-Paulians made the trip to Iowa.

Huckabee was the real upset. He's a good guy, I just have this feeling he's a little soft. Duncan Hunter didn't fare as well as I had hoped. His voters came to Iowa on their own and purchased voting cards out of their own pocket. It was refreshing to hear him this morning say that a lot of good things happened after the straw poll.

1. Mitt Romney - 4516 votes, 31%
2. Mike Huckabee - 2587 votes, 18.1%
3. Sam Brownback - 2192 votes, 15.3%
4. Tom Tancredo - 1961 votes, 13.7%
5. Ron Paul - 1305 votes, 9.1%
6. Tommy Thompson - 1,009 votes, 7.3%
7. Fred Thompson - 231 votes
8. Rudy Giuliani - 183 votes
9. Duncan Hunter - 174 votes
10. John McCain - 101 votes
11. John Cox - 41 votes

 

Technorati tags: Iowa Straw Poll, Presidential Candidates, Republicans, Politics

Duncan Hunter Iowa Straw Poll Speech

 

 

Technorati tags: Duncan Hunter, Iowa, Straw Poll, Presidential Candidate, 2008, Republican, Conservative

Good News From The War On Terror 8/10-11

One terrorist killed, 22 suspects detained in ops targeting al-Qaeda senior leaders

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and detained 22 suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in central and northern Iraq Thursday and Friday. In northern Taji Thursday, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be the al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader in southern Tarmiyah who is responsible for coordinating attacks and tied to al-Qaeda’s illegal justice system. Coalition Forces raided a building Thursday in Mosul looking for an individual who is believed to be a close associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.  They detained one suspected terrorist during the operation. Coalition Forces conducted multiple raids across the country Friday.  In Mosul, Coalition Forces conducted two coordinated raids where they captured a suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device maker also believed to be involved in kidnappings.  Intelligence reports indicate he is affiliated with al-Qaeda in Iraq and has contact with senior terrorist leaders.  Ground forces detained three other suspected terrorists on the scene.  As the assault force was leaving the area, an armed man near the target buildings engaged the force with small arms fire.  In defense of the ground force, a Coalition Forces sniper returned fire, killing the armed man. In southern Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured an individual with alleged close ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.  Ground forces detained a total of three suspected terrorists during the operation. Coalition Forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq emir west of Kirkuk.  Intelligence reports indicate that in addition to leading terrorist activities in the area, the individual has connections to al-Qaeda senior leaders in al Tamim province. A raid west of Muqdadiyah targeted a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq intelligence operative who is also believed to be associated with the illegal terrorist justice system.  Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists on site.

 

Three terrorists killed, 10 detained in ops against foreign terrorists

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 10 suspects during raids targeting foreign terrorists in Salah ad Din and at Tamim provinces Saturday. In a raid north of Maqdadiyah, Coalition Forces targeted an individual allegedly leading a terrorist group involved in weapons trafficking and placing improvised explosive devices.  As they entered one building, three armed men drew their weapons on the assault force.  Coalition Forces fired on the three armed men, killing them.  Inside, Coalition Forces discovered a cache of homemade bombs, machine gun ammunition and a cell phone rigged as an IED trigger.  Seven other suspected terrorists were also detained during this operation. In Samarra, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to have worked with a Syrian extremist and a suspected terrorist leader detained during an Aug. 2 operation.  The targeted individual and one other man were detained for their alleged involvement in a network facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq. In a separate operation, Coalition Forces also detained an individual in Tikrit linked to the same network.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain four suspected terrorists, destroy weapons cache

TAJI, Iraq  – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained four suspected terrorists during a cordon and search operation in the town of Fadiliyah, near Tal Afar, Aug. 9. While conducting the operation, ISF and USSF followed a suspected terrorist, who fled into a nearby field, and detained the individual. Iraqi and U.S. Forces later discovered three suspected terrorists attempting to hide in a nearby field and detained all three without incident. One of the suspected terrorists is allegedly responsible for planning improvised explosive device attacks and is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 25 individuals, including U.S. forces. The other three suspected terrorists are allegedly responsible for kidnappings and murders in the local area. A weapons cache consisting of explosives and detonation cord was destroyed in a controlled detonation.

 

Coalition targets senior al-Qaeda: 2 terrorists killed, 10 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 10 suspected terrorists during operations Friday and Saturday targeting senior leaders of al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq. Coalition Forces conducted a precision operation in a rural area southwest of Balad Friday targeting associates of a senior leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Coalition Forces followed the suspected terrorists’ vehicle and attempted to get the driver to stop.  The driver refused to comply with Coalition Forces, and appropriately escalated their level of force, firing on the vehicle to stop it. Both the driver and the passenger were killed in the operation.  Southeast of Hawija Saturday, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to a local area emir of al-Qaeda in Iraq.  Intelligence reports indicate this cell was attempting to establish a terrorist hub in the area, and is linked to the Jul. 16 suicide truck bombing that killed 80 Iraqis in Kirkuk. During operations Friday in Baghdad, Coalition Forces captured an individual believed to be a senior member of al-Qaeda in Iraq who operates in the Yusufiyah area.  A Saturday operation north of Tarmiyah netted six additional suspected terrorists allegedly tied to al-Qaeda in Iraq.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Middle East

Duncan Hunter Tops Fred Thompson In Iowa Straw Poll

The Republican wing of the Republican Party realizes Hunter is the man for this country. Hunter received 64.8% of the vote. Thompson came in second with 35.2%. Hunter was 1.2% away from receiving an official endorsement. For those of you wondering why I dropped my support for Fred Thompson, read this previous post.

(Ames, Iowa)... The National Federation of Republican Assemblies, who calls themselves the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party," held a straw poll at its convention in St. Louis last weekend and California Congressman Duncan Hunter exceeded all expectations. Hunter missed receiving the official endorsement of the Assemblies by a couple of percentage points. After seven rounds of voting by the endorsement committee of the organization, Hunter received 64.8 percent of the balloting, less than two percent of the two thirds vote needed. After seven ballots Fred Thompson was the only other candidate considered. Hundreds of conservatives attended the event that attracted six GOP presidential candidates. After the general Assemblies vote, convention delegates were charged with making a formal endorsement of one candidate. Their rules required that the delegates cast their votes while in session for candidates that they wish to endorse. Only candidates receiving more than 15% of the delegate's votes in the first round of voting in the second session were considered for endorsement. After that vote, only Hunter and Fred Thompson received more than 15% of the delegate's votes. After the seventh and final round of voting Hunter had 64.8 percent support, less than two percentage points short of the needed vote. Thompson had 35.2 percent. The assemblies made no endorsement. Tom DeLay was the keynote speaker of the convention telling fellow conservatives that unless Republicans "get their act together" in a hurry, Senator Hillary Clinton will become the next President of the United States.

  Some quick stats about Duncan Hunter:

A+ National Rifle Association

100% Eagle Forum

100% National Right to Life

92% Lifetime rating, American Conservative Union

100% Concerned Women for America

100% Christian Coalition

100% Campaign for Working Families

 

Technorati tags: Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, National Federation of Republican Assemblies, Iowa Straw Poll, Republican, Conservative, Presidential Candidate

Caught Cheating By 1-800-FLOWERS

The guy's messing around with another woman while he and his wife are divorcing. He sends flowers to other woman, the wife gets the "thank you for your order" card from 1-800-Flowers. Man sues 1-800-FLOWERS

A Missouri City, Texas, man has filed a federal lawsuit against 1-800-FLOWERS, Inc. after they sent his wife a thank-you card for flowers he ordered for another woman. MyFOXHouston.com reported Leroy Greer ordered a dozen red roses and teddy bear through 1-800-flowers.com for a woman while he was in the middle of divorcing his wife. However, at the time the flowers were sent, Greer and his wife were reconciled. After Greer ordered the flowers in April, 1-800-flowers reportedly sent a thank-you card to his home, which his wife saw. She then called the company, and they faxed her a copy of the receipt, the note he sent with the flowers that read "just wanted to say that 'I Love you'" and a report of what he actually purchased. His wife re-filed divorce papers and is asking him for a $400,000 divorce lump sum and $6,000 per month in child and spousal support. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages from the flower company.

 

Technorati tags: Infidelity, Divorce, Marriage, Flowers

Good News From The War On Terror 8/9

Iraqi, U.S. Special Forces detain 12 insurgents, kill two during three operations

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained five suspected rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi militia insurgents, Aug. 8 in the neighborhood of Mahmudiyah in Baghdad. During the operation, ISOF and USSF came under enemy small-arms fire. With well-aimed fire, two insurgents were killed. The primary individual detained in the operation is allegedly a rogue JAM leader suspected of trafficking weapons. The Shi’a extremist is the alleged leader of a death squad, whose members are known to conduct kidnapping, torture and execution of local Iraqi citizens. Iraqi Forces detained four other suspicious individuals present during the raid. Additionally, the rogue JAM extremists are suspected of emplacing explosively formed penetrators that target Coalition and Iraqi Forces. In a second operation a rogue JAM militia cell commander was detained Aug. 8 in Karbala, a town on the southwestern outskirts of Baghdad. The primary suspect is believed to have directed and overseen attacks on Coalition Forces using improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators on multiple occasions. One other suspicious individual present during the operation was also detained. During the final operation an alleged rogue JAM Death Squad leader and four members of his cell were detained in East Rashid, a district in Baghdad. The Shi’a extremist leads a cell that conducts kidnapping of local citizens, displacement of residents from their homes, and extra judicial killings of Sunnis and Egyptians living in the Baghdad area.

 

Raid uncovers large cache in southern Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division-Baghdad troops discovered a large weapons cache during a raid in the West Rashid District of Baghdad Aug. 8. Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, raided a house in the Aamel neighborhood where they found a cache hidden behind a false door blocked by a refrigerator. The Soldiers found an 82mm mortar tube, a 60mm mortar tube, 16 60mm mortar rounds, 53 82mm mortar rounds, seven AK-47s, three Type- 85 sniper rifles, a PKC machine gun, 18 cans of ammunition, 14 AK magazines and a pair of binoculars. The unit also found two 107mm rockets and a launcher at the site. The munitions were taken to a Coalition Forces base for disposal.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces capture five suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists; destroy VBIED weapons

TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, captured five suspected al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists near the village of Ibrahim Sinjar during intelligence driven operations in western Iraq Aug. 7. Information from local residents indicated that al Qaeda in Iraq used the village for meetings and storing weapons caches and medication. These suspected terrorists are believed to be involved in attacks against Iraqi Security Forces using improvised explosive devices. During the operation, a house used by al Qaeda in Iraq to store explosives, stage attacks and facilitate operations, was destroyed. After moving residents to a safe distance, U. S. Special Forces destroyed the building.  In addition, weapons, ammunitions, and Iraqi and U.S currency at the site were seized. In a second operation, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cache was destroyed Aug. 6 in the village of Bi’ag, near Sinjar, Iraq. Already in the area conducting vehicle inspections, the Iraqi and U.S. air-assault force noticed suspicious materials in the bed of a white truck that contained four individuals.  The forces stopped the vehicle, causing the four armed suspected terrorists to exit and run in opposite directions.  The assault force however secured the vehicle. The vehicle contained five 120mm mortar rounds, one 120mm mortar system including the tripod and base plate, a rocket-propelled grenade, one PK general purpose machine gun with 1,000 rounds of associated ammunition, one improvised-three tube rocket launcher system, two cell phones and a video camera. Using controlled proportional fire, the vehicle was destroyed in place.

 

3 terrorists killed, 21 detained in operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday and Thursday targeting terrorist cells associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Tigris River Valley. West of Balad Wednesday, Coalition Forces conducted a precision operation targeting the leader of a terrorist cell of foreigners and internationally connected Iraqis associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq.  The cell is known to provide logistics support to al-Qaeda in Iraq, as well as facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists and suicide bombings.  Surveillance teams identified the targeted individual and his associates inside a vehicle and, based on the nature of the cell’s activities, declared it a hostile target.  When the vehicle stopped near a house, Coalition Forces fired on the vehicle, killing the three terrorists.  Explosions erupted from inside the car, and Coalition Forces later found rocket-propelled grenades, rifles and propane tanks in the vehicle. Based on information from the Wednesday operation, Coalition Forces raided five buildings west of Balad associated with the foreign terrorist Thursday morning.  After securing the area, the ground forces found a man, assessed to be a foreigner, hiding in a well near the buildings.  He was detained for his suspected associations with the foreign terrorist cell. Coalition Forces captured the suspected deputy of a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the northern part of the country during a Thursday operation north of Tikrit.  The captured individual allegedly works for the terrorist emir of Salah ad Din province, who intelligence reports indicate was involved in developing strategy for al-Qaeda in Iraq.  In addition to the deputy, Coalition Forces detained seven individuals for their suspected ties to the terrorist leader. In Mosul Thursday, Coalition Forces targeted a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operative who allegedly escaped from Badush prison in March and conducted attacks against Coalition Forces in May.  Ground forces detained three suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the terrorist group. Coalition Forces detained nine more suspected terrorists in Mosul Thursday while targeting a close associate of an al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.

 

Two weapons caches discovered in Jamia

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces discovered two large weapons caches in a western portion of the Iraqi capital Aug. 7.  Working off a tip from a resident, members of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 6th Iraqi Army uncovered two munitions caches in the Baghdad neighborhood of Jamia.  The troops found three 81mm rockets, 14 57mm rockets, 42 81mm mortar rounds and 71 120mm mortar rounds at the first site.  These munitions were found buried in the yard behind an abandoned home.  Eight rifles and two rocket-propelled grenade launchers were discovered within the house, along with other assorted improvised explosive device-making materials. A second cache site was found two blocks from the first site in yet another abandoned home.  Twelve 120mm mortar rounds and IED-making materials were discovered at this location. All of the munitions were consolidated and taken to a local field where they were destroyed in a controlled detonated by a Coalition explosive ordnance disposal team.

 

Cache seized, suspect detained

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a cache of weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials and detained a man believed to be connected with the cache in the western Yarmouk neighborhood Aug. 7. Soldiers from Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment came upon the cache just before midnight while searching houses during Operation Firecracker.  The operation was launched to seek out a suspected IED-cell in the area.  The Soldiers detained one Yarmouk resident connected to the house where they found the cache.  He is a suspected IED cell member, and remains in custody for further questioning.  The troops uncovered  two AK-47 assault rifles, approximately 200 AK-47 rounds, three 9V batteries, one 9mm pistol, two hand-held radios, numerous wires and electronic connectors and switches used for IED making materials.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Jaysh al-Mahdi

Nancy Pelosi Invests In Iran-Linked Company

When these traitors invest in state sponsors of terror, they know first hand the "war is lost". She is financing a company that deals with a country that is directly responsible for the deaths of U.S. Troops.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has disclosed that she holds stock valued at up to $15,000 in Alcatel-Lucent (formerly Alcatel SA), a company with extensive investments in Iran and Sudan — nations that sponsor terrorism. The disclosure of Pelosi’s holdings comes at the same time that legislation is making its way through the California legislature barring state pension fund managers from investing in companies, like Alcatel-Lucent, that do business with "terror-friendly" nations. According to Divestterror.org, a citizens group pushing a South Africa-style disinvestment program to discourage companies from doing business in terror countries, Alcatel-Lucent’s investments in terror countries are so extensive that it is included on the organization’s “dirty dozen” list of offending companies. The organization estimates that the company has invested upwards of $300 million in terror sponsoring nations during the past five years. According to Divestterror.org, Alcatel is aiding Iran’s terrorist activities by providing state controlled companies with data transmission and switching network capabilities. “These contracts have reportedly included the provision of hardware, software, technologies, and training to Iranian companies.” It is also installing an undersea telecommunications cable in Iran.

 

Technorati tags: Nancy Pelosi, Iran, Alcatel-Lucent, Terrorism, Democrat, Liberal, Treason

Al-Qaeda Threatens Radioactive Attack On Major U.S. Cities

For what it's worth, this is from the DEBKA website.

The threat was picked up by DEBKAfile’s monitors from a rush of electronic chatter on al Qaeda sites Thursday, Aug. 8. The al Qaeda communications accuse the Americans of the grave error of failing to take seriously the videotape released by the American al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gaddahn last week. “They will soon realize their mistake when American cities are hit by quality operations,” said one message. Another said the attacks would be carried out “by means of trucks loaded with radio-active material against America’s biggest city and financial nerve center.” A third message mentioned New York, Los Angeles and Miami as targets. It drew the answer: “The attack, with Allah’s help, will cause an economic meltdown, many dead, and a financial crisis on a scale that compels the United States to pull its military forces out of many parts of the world, including Iraq, for lack of any other way of cutting down costs.” There is also a message which speaks obliquely of the approaching attacks easing the heavy pressure America exerts on countries like Japan, Cuba and Venezuela. DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources and monitors say there is no way of gauging for sure how serious these threats are, how real, or whether they are part of a war of nerves to give the Gaddahn tape extra mileage. But it is important to note that the exchange of messages took place over al Qaeda’s internal Internet sites and that they contained the threat of radioactive terror and specific American cities for the first time after a long silence on these subjects. In addition, a growing number of clips has been disseminated of late over al Qaeda sites instructing the faithful how to design remote-controlled gliders, pack them with explosives and launch them against predetermined targets.

 

Technorati tags: War on Terror, Radioactive, United States, al-Qaeda, Terrorist Attacks

Good News From The War On Terror 8/8

U.S. Special Forces, Iraqi SOF detain eight, kill one in air-strike

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, conducted an early morning intelligence driven raid detaining five alleged rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents in the Aamel area of Baghdad, Aug. 06. Iraqi SOF detained their primary targets without incident, along with three other suspicious individuals who were present during the raid. The primary individuals detained are alleged to be part of a Special Groups unit with the rogue JAM insurgents. They are believed to be responsible for conducting attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces as well as Iraqi citizens in the Aamel area of southwest Baghdad. Upon leaving the objective, Iraqi and U.S. Forces received enemy-fire from insurgents. The insurgents fled the area after ineffective fire, while the Iraqi and U.S. Forces continued the mission. A surveillance air-craft found one of the insurgents from the earlier attack and carried out a precise air-strike killing the individual.

 

Coalition Forces Kill 30 Special Groups Cell Terrorists, detain 12

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition Forces killed 30 Special Groups Cell terrorists and detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations Wednesday in Sadr City. The individuals detained and the terrorists killed during the raid are believed to be members of a cell of a Special Groups terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq into Iran for terrorist training. As Iraqi and Coalition Forces approached the objective location, they observed two armed men in tactical fighting positions assessed to be early warning operatives for the individual targeted in the operation.  Responding appropriately to the immediate threat, ground forces engaged the two armed men, killing them.  While in the objective area, ground forces raided a concentration of buildings and detained 12 suspected Special Groups Cell terrorists.  Ground forces received sporadic small arms fire throughout the course of the operation. During the course of the operation, the assault force and the overhead aerial support observed a vehicle and large group of armed men on foot attempting an assault on the ground forces.  Responding appropriately to the threat of the organized terrorist force, close air support was called and engaged the terrorist vehicle and organized terrorist force, killing an estimated 30 terrorists. Building upon a series of coordinated operations efforts that began with the raid in al Amarah in June, Coalition Forces continue to attack the supply chain of illicit materials being shipped from Iran.  Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual in last night’s raid acts as a proxy between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and the Iraqi EFP network.  Reports also indicate that he assists with the facilitation of weapons and EFP shipments into Iraq as well as the transfer of militant extremists to Iran for training.

 

Six suspected terrorists detained, one terrorist killed in Coalition raids

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained six suspected terrorists and killed one terrorist during operations Tuesday and Wednesday targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its associates in central Baghdad and Kirkuk. Northeast of Samarra, Coalition Forces detained three suspected terrorists during a precision raid Tuesday.  The targeted individual of the raid was the al-Qaeda in Iraq military emir of Samarra.  The three individuals were detained for their association with the targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq emir. During an early morning raid north of Tikrit Wednesday, Coalition Forces detained two suspected terrorists for their ties to an al-Qaeda in Iraq key leader.  Intelligence reports indicate that the targeted individual of the Wednesday raid is a key al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in Bayji who oversees a cell of approximately 400 terrorists and is linked to numerous attacks on Coalition Forces. Iraqi and Coalition Forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq Mosul-based emir who assists with terrorist operations in Kirkuk Wednesday morning.  While Coalition Forces were on the targeted location two individuals were observed rapidly maneuvering towards the assault force providing perimeter security on the target.  Responding appropriately to the immediate threat, Coalition Forces engaged the two men, wounding both.  Both individuals were taken to a military medical facility for treatment where one later died.  The terrorist who later died at the military medical facility was positively identified as the targeted individual.

 

Iraqi Scouts, U.S. Special Operations Forces detain suspected extortionist in Rawah

FALLUJAH –– Iraqi Army Scouts and U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a series of targeted raids in Western Iraq Aug. 5, resulting in the detainment of an individual allegedly responsible for running an extortion network. With U.S. Special Operation Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers raided a residence and office in the vicinity of Rawah and detained their primary suspect without incident.  Several bags and boxes of paper documents, computer equipment and compact discs were also seized during the operation. The detained individual was allegedly engaged in extorting money from local contractors and using those funds to finance al Qaeda in Iraq activities.  He is also accused of paying insurgents significant sums of money from construction project contracts he has been awarded in the Rawah area.

 

Joint Iraqi Police, Army operation nets seven near Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq – A joint cordon and search operation conducted by Iraq Police and Army units with Coalition advisers netted seven detainees wanted by Iraqi Security Forces and seized more than a dozen weapons northwest of the provincial capital, Aug. 7.  Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division combined with IPs, from the northern city of Dibbis, conducted the early morning mission into the town of Kif, a small village that sits between Kirkuk and Dibbis. The IA battalion staff conducted planning based on information gathered from previous operations and brought in the local Iraqi police to assist with the mission. “This is another notable example of the Iraqi Army performing the mission planning on their own,” said Capt. Ryan Nacin, fire support officer for the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.  Soldiers of the 2-35th Infantry Battalion served as Coalition advisers during the operation.  “The Iraqi Army identified the additional man-power and resources provided by the police and invited them to conduct this operation with tangible results.” All the men detained were wanted by ISF for suspected crimes or insurgent activity.  The men were detained in different areas of the village.  Weapons seized by the local security forces included 14 AK-47 machine guns, one pistol and one bolt action rifle.  A four-door sedan was also impounded for improper vehicle registration. The 2-35th Infantry Battalion is part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and has been serving in Iraq for nearly a year.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, Middle East

Good News From The War On Terror 8/7

Five suspected insurgents detained in Thar Thar region

FALLUJAH – Iraqi Army Forces and U.S. Special Operations Forces detained five suspected insurgents believed to be part of a Thar Thar region al-Qaeda in Iraq cell during a helicopter assault raid Aug. 4. With U.S. Special Operations Forces present as advisers, Iraqi Soldiers detained the five persons of interest without incident at a residence located in a rural area west of Balad.   Seven assault rifles, one shotgun, assorted ammunition magazines, compact discs and propaganda materials were also seized during the operation. The detainees are believed to be members of an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell allegedly responsible for hijacking semi trailers, planting improvised explosive devices on Coalition Forces supply routes, and aiding foreign fighters.

 

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain Shi’a extremist commander

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces acting as advisers, detained a rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi battalion commander Aug. 5 in Baghdad. The suspected Shi’a extremist is believed to command five companies of terrorists who conduct improvised explosive device, suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Iraqi Forces in the area. The suspect also allegedly participated in the murder of several local nationals. The suspect is being detained for further questioning.

 

Strike targets al-Qaeda senior leaders; 8 terrorists killed, 14 suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed eight terrorists and detained 14 suspected terrorists during coordinated operations targeting a senior al-Qaeda in Iraq leader west of Tarmiyah Monday and Tuesday. Coalition Forces conducted an operation Monday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the northern belts around Baghdad, who is associated with deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the city.  Surveillance indicated the senior leader and his associates had entered a building in a remote area.  Coalition Forces then declared the target hostile, and to engage the terrorists before they were able to disperse, called in an air strike on the building.  Secondary explosions ignited after the initial strike, indicating there were explosives inside.  Coalition Forces assess five terrorists were killed in the strike. When ground forces attempted to approach the site to assess damage, one terrorist engaged them with small arms fire.  Countering in self-defense, Coalition Forces returned fire and killed the armed man.  The ground forces resumed their approach to the building but discovered multiple fighting positions, heavy machine guns, booby traps and vehicles wired with explosives.  Coalition Forces evacuated the area and called in air assets to destroy the enemy weapons. Acting on intelligence gained from the Monday operation, Coalition Forces conducted additional coordinated raids in the area Tuesday morning.  During the first of those, Coalition Forces used explosives to breach a door and enter a targeted building.  A woman standing behind the door was killed in the explosion.  Iraqis on the scene told Coalition Forces her husband had told her to block the door from the Americans. As ground forces secured the building, one man was discovered concealing himself in another room, armed with grenades and a rifle aimed at the assault force.  Coalition Forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the armed man, killing him.  As they secured additional buildings on the scene, a man rushed to a window and attempted to pull a rifle from behind the curtains.  Coalition Forces reacted to the hostile threat by engaging the man and killing him. During a raid on another building, ground forces brought the occupants of a building outside to secure the area.  One man, after previously being compliant, turned and rushed back into the building.  Coalition Forces, perceiving a hostile threat, engaged the man and wounded him.  He was treated on site and taken to a military medical facility for further treatment.  He and six other suspected terrorists were detained during the raid. Coalition Forces detained three more suspected terrorists during raids on four more buildings in the area.

 

Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain suspected rogue JAM recruiter; ISOF detain suspected Al-Qaeda emir

BAGHDAD – Elements of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected insurgent recruiter and organizer for the rogue Jaysh al-Madhi militia operating in An Najaf during an intelligence driven operation in southern Iraq Aug. 4. The alleged rogue JAM insurgent is suspected of using local charities as a front to screen and recruit individuals by offering them $500 to emplace IEDs. He is also suspected of facilitating cross-border training, garnering financial support, and transporting equipment and weapons (to include Explosively-formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices) with Persian militant groups to be used against Iraqi and Coalition Forces.  EFPs and IEDs are responsible for many Coalition Force deaths in the area. He is suspected of supplying the IED that killed two Coalition Soldiers in Karbala and is linked to other deadly attacks in Diwaniyah, An Najaf and Karbala. In a separate operation Aug. 5, Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces acting as advisors, detained a suspected al-Qaeda emir in Radwaniyah. The alleged Sunni extremist commander is believed responsible for conducting attacks against Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces southwest of Baghdad.  Another suspected extremist was also detained. Both individuals are currently being held for questioning and further investigation.

 

15 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained 15 suspected terrorists, including two alleged high-level operatives, during raids along the Tigris River Valley targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network Tuesday. Coalition Forces targeted and captured an individual north of Tikrit believed to be involved in terrorist activities in Salah ad Din province.  Intelligence reports indicate the suspect is tied to al-Qaeda, and he controls sensitive operational documents and media for the terrorist group.  The ground forces detained two additional suspected terrorists during the raid. In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured a high-level member of a terrorist group whose leader was detained during a Coalition operation Aug. 4.  The group is linked with al-Qaeda in Iraq and is known for placing improvised explosive devices. Coalition Forces raided six buildings in Bayji targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader there who allegedly oversees hundreds of terrorist fighters.  On scene, the ground forces found a suitcase filled with Iraqi dinar and detained seven suspected terrorists for their alleged ties to the targeted individual. In Baghdad, Coalition Forces targeted a cell leader in the city’s vehicle-borne improvised explosive device network who is also believed to be involved in an April police station bombing.  During the raid, the ground forces detained four suspected terrorists.

 

IA find night vision goggles, detain two during Operation Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Soldiers joined U.S. Soldiers from Task Force Steel in a joint operation dubbed Algeria III in support of Operation Marne Avalanche Aug. 4 in the Chaka III region of North Babil, to secure the area from insurgent activity. Soldiers from 8th Iraqi Army Division and Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, moved from house to house searching for any presence of insurgent activity or violations of the rule of law set forth by the Iraqi government. This Iraqi-led operation yielded one pair of night vision goggles, three detainees and five AK-47 assault rifles with ammunition.

 

Rogue JAM company commander detained during Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers captured a suspected rogue Jaish Al Mahdi (JAM) militia company commander wanted for a string of attacks using explosively formed projectiles, murder and intimidation against citizens in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 5. Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted an early morning raid in Musiyyib to capture the suspected cell leader. They also detained five suspected members of his ring.  During Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th BCT (Abn.) have killed 16 insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, and captured more than 110 suspected insurgents, including eight cell leaders and other high value individuals.

 

Suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist captured during Marne Avalanche

KALSU, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Paratroopers captured a suspected al-Qaeda terrorist wanted for a string of attacks against the security forces and citizens in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche, August 5. The Iraqi Army, police and Paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted an early morning raid in Snadeej near Jurf As Sukhr to capture the suspected insurgent. Thanks to joint operations like this one, the Jurf As Sukhr area is on the road to security and stability, Moltz said The JSS isn’t the only key to success in the area. According to the soldiers and Paratroopers who work in the region, citizens are a big factor in their success. During Operation Marne Avalanche, the Paratroopers of the 4th Brigade have killed 16 insurgents, conducted numerous precision raids, captured more than 110 insurgents including eight cell leaders and other high value individuals.

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marne Avalanche, Military, Coalition, MNF, Terrorists, Insurgents, al-Qaeda, Middle East

The Fully Automatic Assault Rock

You can only get it here.

 

Technorati tags: Weapons, Assault, Rock, Firearms, Ebay

Happy Birthday To Tater!

Today is her 1st birthday. No, that's not her real name. I call her Tater because of the shape of her head when she was born.

I am in the process of making her present. It should look something like this when I'm done:

I will be making some modifications. I don't like the "horn" coming out of the head so I'm eliminating that and adding two ears. I'm not sure if the seat is going to be wide enough, I may have to change that. I still haven't decided whether I like that tail or not. I may go with something more realistic that hangs down.

If I'm not too embarrassed at the outcome, I will post the finished product.

I Now Introduce..."The Barf-Beam"

The newest in non-lethal weapons.

It looks like a big flashlight — but it's really a nonlethal weapon designed to make you sick. Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc., of Torrance, Calif., has been granted a contract by the Department of Homeland Security to develop what it calls the "LED Incapacitator," according to a DHS online newsletter. The handheld device using light-emitting diodes to emit super-bright pulses of light at rapidly changing wavelengths, causing disorientation, nausea and even vomiting in whomever it's pointed at. "There's one wavelength that gets everybody," says IOS President Bob Lieberman. "Vlad [IOS top scientist Vladimir Rubtsov] calls it 'the evil color.'"

 

Technorati tags: Homeland Security, Nonlethal Weapon, Barf-Beam

John Edwards Embarrassed At Union Strike

The Silky Pony went to a Teamsters strike to support them, in return, receives a large "Hillary for President" sign unfurled before him.

John Edwards, speaking yesterday at a rally in support of striking Teamsters members here, encountered an unexpected protest of his own. As Edwards praised the workers for their courage -- they have been on strike since last October -- the owner of the Standard Ready Mix cement plant unrolled a 10-foot-long "Hillary For President" banner in front of a truck next to the rally. "Cute, that's cute," Edwards said, pausing for a moment as he watched the huge blue and white banner unfurl in support of his rival. It was the first stop for Edwards as he kicked off a two-day Iowa trip that focuses on trade and economic policies. Today he is delivering a major address in Cedar Rapids outlining what he bills as a smart and safe trade policy that grows the economy for all working families while protecting labor and environmental standards.

 

Technorati tags: John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Teamsters, Silky Pony, Presidential Candidate, Democrat, Liberal, Politics