Iraq War News

Iraq war blog updates
U.S. Forces in Iraq Facing 'Guerrillas': "Saddam Hussein loyalists are fighting an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" against U.S. troops, and terror groups are reviving, too, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq says. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Yearlong Tours an Option for 'Guerrilla' War in Iraq: "The new commander of allied forces in Iraq warned that American troops are under attack from "a classical guerrilla-type campaign.""

In New York Times: World Special



In Ohio, Iraq Questions Shake Even Some of Bush's Faithful: "Although many supported the war in Iraq, some say they are growing uncomfortable with reports that the White House might have used inaccurate intelligence to justify it."

In New York Times: World Special



G.I. Killed and 6 Are Wounded in Stepped-Up Attacks: "Insurgents also unsuccessfully fired a surface-to-air missile at a C-130 cargo aircraft landing at the International Airport Wednesday morning."

In New York Times: World Special

Support Our Troops

This joker, yes you Michael Jansen, have obviously not met me, my son, the silent majority of the United States of America or their sons and daughters. We will not fall we will not wilter, we will not be bitter or bewildered. What we will do is continue through day by day, letter of discontentment by letter of discontentment UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE.

The commitment to untruth

By Michael Jansen

Jordan Times, 7/17/03



WASHINGTON'S ANNOUNCEMENT that its troops will be staying on indefinitely in Iraq rather than returning home soon is awakening the slumbering ranks of the yellow ribbon regiment deployed across the US. The “yellow ribboners� are people who display yellow bows on doorways, gates and even cars to show that they are waiting for soldiers to come home from a war. This tradition, established during the civil war, was revived during the 444 days US diplomats were held by radical Iranian students who took over the embassy in the fall of 1979. Today whole communities with soldiers serving in Iraq decorate lampposts and public buildings with yellow ribbons alongside flags.
First among the “yellow ribboners� to wake up to the reality of an extended stay in Iraq were the families of 9,000 soldiers serving in the Third Infantry Division who were slated to leave Iraq in September. Told that their loved ones could have an extended stay in hot, dusty and dangerous Baghdad, Ramadi and Falujah, parents, siblings and wives roared in protest.

Their complaint had already been incorporated into new song, titled “That's the News,� by the veteran popular country music composer and singer, Merle Haggard.

“Suddenly it's over

The war is finally done

Soldiers in the desert sand

Still clinging to a gun.

No one is the winner

And everyone must lose

Suddenly the war is over

That's the news...

Politicians do all the talking

Soldiers pay the dues

Suddenly the war is over

That's the news.�

There are 146,000 US troops in Iraq and tens of thousands more serving on the logistical side in Kuwait, Qatar and other Gulf states. These soldiers come from a professional army of 480,000 plus 550,000 in the reserves. Servicemen of both types are now in Iraq. Before the Bush administration went to war against Iraq, the Pentagon estimated that the bulk of the forces taking part in the spring campaign could be back in the US by the fall. Indeed, the projected figure for longer-term deployment was 30,000.

But then, the administration's planners did not foresee that the country would collapse into chaos when the government was toppled and that US fighting forces would have to become peacekeeping forces. But US troops are neither equipped nor trained in peacekeeping.

To make matters worse, troops in Iraq find themselves in a hostile environment. Having been told they will be regarded as “liberators� by the Iraqis, US soldiers find themselves verbally abused and shot at as “conquerors� and “occupiers.� Handing out chocolates to Iraqi children does not win hearts and minds. Disillusioned soldiers want to go home and never hear tell of Iraq. The most eager to depart are the reservists who have now been torn from their families and jobs for many months. Married professionals, half of those in the forces, are also upset over the length of their stay.

Peter Grier and Faye Bowers explained why US troops are upset with the turn of the screw in Iraq in an article published on July 11 by The Christian Science Monitor: “Most of the people in the military today signed up under the assumption that deployments [abroad] and combat would be the exception rather than the rule.� Indeed, in the view of military analyst Anthony Cordesman quoted in this article, the US will not “be able to maintain the level of professionalism we have [in the military] if men and women are kept away from their families for a long period of time.�

In other words, US citizens do not join their armed forces to fight or serve in difficult and dangerous situations. They regard military service as a job, with training, perks, seniority and pension. They do not like to be ordered into battle or to take up police work in distant corners of the world. The old recruiting slogan “Join the Navy (Army, Airforce, Marines) and see the world� no longer brings in recruits. The world is an unfriendly place.

The notion that soldiering is just another job, prevalent in the US armed forces, means that US troops are not suitable for imperial conquests. This is something US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Pentagon should have taken into account before launching their campaign in Iraq. But failing to take into account the attitude and expectations of US soldiery was just another major mistake to add to the long list of fundamental mistakes the Bush administration made when planning the postwar scenario.

Today US troops in Iraq are bitter and bewildered, overcome with the heat and beset with fear. Many have written letters to their congressional representatives complaining that they have been misled about the length and conditions of their deployment.

Their families, the vanguard of the “yellow ribbons regiment,� can be expected to join the chorus of protest. The rank and file of the “yellow ribboners� will soon follow suit. They, like the troops, did not expect this war to go on and on. After all, George Bush himself said it was all over on May 1. Saddam Hussein's irregulars, looters, arsonists and Iraqis determined to resist the occupation have shown Bush that he was mightily mistaken.

Having lied to the “American people� on the issue of length of time “American boys and girls� will remain in Iraq, the Bush administration is likely to be confronted with uncomfortable questions about the host of lies it told to justify the war. The investigation of the casus belli has just begun. Opposition politicians from the Democratic Party, smelling Bush's blood, will certainly make the most of the opportunity provided by the flap over his false allegation that Iraq was trying to purchase uranium ore from Africa in order to revive its nuclear programme. Analysts, silenced by pressure to be patriotic while US soldiers were engaged in battle abroad, have already begun to comment critically. They will have a lot to say when they study what was said over the months leading up to the war and how the decision to go to war was taken.

The list of lies the Bush administration told is very long. In addition to the charge that Iraq was trying to buy uranium to make a bomb, Bush and his spokesmen claimed Iraq was involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, Baghdad was training Al Qaeda operatives in the use of gas, Iraq was importing aluminium tubes to enrich uranium ore, had large stocks of chemical and biological weapons, had at least 20 missiles with a range to reach the British bases in Cyprus, was in a position to develop smallpox as a biological weapon, could deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes, and US and British troops would face biological and chemical weapons during a campaign in Iraq. As far as the last accusation was concerned, the US and Britain carried the subterfuge to the point that they kitted out their troops with chemical and biological warfare suits before deploying them to Iraq. Clearly, the politicians reiterated their lies so often that they came to believe them.

The exposure of the lies should not only encourage the “yellow ribbons regiment� to mount a campaign against the whole Iraq enterprise, it could also cause right-wing Christian fundamentalists, who constitute Bush's main base of electoral support, to reconsider their position.

It is difficult to see how Old Testament-thumping evangelical preachers can continue to tell their followers to back Bush when it is so obvious that he has constantly and consistently broken the commandment which forbids “bearing false witness.� How can he now project himself as a “straight shooter� and “honest talker� when it is so obvious that his war was based on bold and bald lies? But then, one can never underestimate the commitment to untruth of those who embrace lies.

The commitment to untruth, By Michael Jansen

Keeping troops cool
Del. mom working to send 200 air conditioners to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq
By ROBIN BROWN
Staff reporter
07/17/2003

For some young American soldiers in Iraq, Frankie Mayo of Bear is one cool supporter.

She has been sending them air conditioners. Fourteen as of Wednesday. Fourteen more go out today. And she's taking donations to send about 200 more.

The first batch arrived Wednesday afternoon in Iraq at the undisclosed location of her son, Cpl. Christopher Tomlinson, 21, and other members of the U.S. Army's 300th Military Police Company.

Soldiers hugged the boxes. Some started opening them.

"I never expected this," First Lt. Jessica Murphy of Green Bay, Wis., told World Picture News photographer Matt Moyer. "We usually get care packages, but air conditioners?"

Like many other mothers whose children are on active duty, Mayo had wanted to do something for her son.

The one gift she sent him has grown into "Operation Air Conditioner." She has gotten donations online from as far away as Wisconsin, from a Korean War vet.

In an e-mail earlier this summer, Tomlinson told his mother not to worry and that he was doing fine, except for the 145-degree heat in his tent.

He joked that he would be doing even better if he had an air conditioner.

She sent him one.

Mayo's mother, Barbara Nichols, enjoyed her grandson's response: "He said, 'Goody! Send some more!'"

Before Mayo did, she checked the idea with First Sgt. Anthony C. Hallenbeck of the 300th Military Police Company.

Hallenbeck told The News Journal by e-mail that the company welcomes the unusual gift of air conditioners. "All those being donated are greatly appreciated," he said. Hallenbeck noted, however, that more routine supplies such as moist wipes are far more urgently needed.

Mayo sends only small units because of shipping rules, and Army officials told her the troops will have to leave them behind when they come home.

Maj. Len Gratteri, public affairs officer of the Delaware National Guard, said he never heard of any other air conditioner drive for the troops. And Tech. Sgt. Ben Matwey, public affairs officer for the Delaware Air National Guard, said the effort may be a first. He recalled one time, when a member in service won a contest and the prize was an air conditioner. "He couldn't accept it," Matwey said, "so he donated it to a senior center here in Delaware."

Mayo's drive has raised enough money that, last week, she bought 18 more air conditioners at the Glasgow Home Depot, which gave her two free.

The store's project coordinator Fran Denver of Newark, an Army veteran, said, "I think what she's doing is fantastic. This is really great."

The UPS Store in Peoples Plaza packs the air conditioners without charge.

Cindy Guerrazzi of Elkton, Md., recognized Mayo one day in the Glasgow parking lot with two air conditioners in a cart. "You're the air conditioner woman!" Guerrazzi hollered in greeting. "Keep it up!"

Mayo is helping in other ways, too. For example, when she learned of a shortage of feminine hygiene products, she contacted Playtex Inc. of Dover. Playtex officials filled her van with donated items and she sent them to Iraq.

Mayo's neighbors in the community of Clear Creek in Bear were her first supporters and some of their kids are making cards for soldiers. A few people have volunteered.

Still, Operation Air Conditioner largely is a family project, involving Mayo's husband, Mathew; her daughter, Olivia, 10; and stepson Bryan Peterson, 21. Tomlinson's father, Rick, who lives near Wilmington, offers support in other ways, Mayo said.

She said the family was saddened to learn that, with President Bush's recent decision to extend military tours, Tomlinson will be serving at least another year. She said she last saw her son a year ago Mother's Day.

On Wednesday, her son told the photographer how thankful he was - and not just for the air conditioners.

"When I first read my mother's e-mail describing what she was doing, there weren't words to describe how I felt," he said. "I love my mom more than anything but this is above and beyond the call.

"I don't think my mom will ever know how grateful I am for this."

Reach robin brown at 324-2856 or rbrown@delawareonline.com.

OPERATION AIR CONDITIONER

Military officials advise against sending air conditioners or other bulky gifts to troops without making arrangements in advance.

In an arrangement with the 300th Military Police Company, Frankie Mayo of Bear is collecting donations to send air conditioners and heavy-duty power adapters to the soldiers.

She also is seeking pen pals for 152 single soldiers and collecting needed supplies, such as moist wipes, toiletries, videotapes, DVDs, board games, non-melting candy and meat jerky.

For more information, go to Mayo's Web site, www.operationac.com or e-mail her at frankiemayo@comcast.net.

300TH MP COMPANY LIFE

Anthony C. Hallenbeck, first sergeant for the 300th Military Police Company that is getting the air conditioners, shared a glimpse into its members' life in Iraq:

"The weather in Iraq is quite warm, average daily temperatures are around 120 degrees. Sandstorms are a daily occurrence along with a hot dry wind. Our camp has become pretty homey. We have two hot meals a day, improvised shower houses (with all the hot water you want), small TV and weight area, limited Internet & telephone access, and homemade latrine facilities. Life here is not bad, given the condition of the country."

The unit's primary missions are area, convoy and supply-route security; conducting house-to-house raids; and operating checkpoints in central Iraq. "Just this month, we started a Humanitarian Medical Aid Security mission in several villages," he said.

www.delawareonline.com : The News Journal : LOCAL : Keeping troops cool

Capt. Roger Maynulet, commander of Company A of the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, points out a bullet hole close to the spot where his flak vest ends below his shoulder joint.

An Iraqi citizen fired a pistol wildly over the wall of his yard one night, to scare away what he thought were thieves approaching his home.

Maynulet wasn’t hurt, but the Americans opened fire. The Iraqi quickly realized who he was dealing with, dropped his gun and apologized.

Sgt. Dave Cook, a scout with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment assigned to Maynulet’s company, says he is concerned about being attacked.

“I try not to think about it too much,� he says. “If you dwell on it, it’s really going to bug you.�

European and Pacific Stars & Stripes

"You've got soldiers who are already at their mental, physical and emotional limits, and you're going to keep them here another three months?" said Spc. Zachary Watkins, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. "It's not a smart thing to do. You're going to have lots of incidents going on."

At the headquarters of Alpha Company, part of the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade, soldiers were called to formation Monday and Capt. Mark Miller broke the bleak news: They would not be going home within days as they had expected.

The announcement was met with silence.

"You could hear a pin drop," said Wright. "But even though not a word was spoken, you could hear the thunder of their thoughts."

Sgt. Paul Roe, 24, of Middleburgh, N.Y., said he was due to leave the Army in a month and start college. He's given up on those plans and sunk into dreaming about the life that's on hold.

"It's hot and miserable here," said Roe. "Back home, I've got a girlfriend, a family, the beach and freedom."

Busying themselves with games of dominos and pingpong and occasionally watching television, soldiers said they were mostly bored.

"There isn't much going on," said Roe. "Every now and then, they take a potshot at you. I don't see the point of keeping 160,000 men here."

Miller, a native of Timson, Texas, said the Army's talk of sending the 3rd Infantry Division home soon had falsely raised hopes. "We literally thought we were on the throes of going home," he said.

Soldiers of Alpha Company said they felt abandoned by their leadership: Low morale plagues U.S. troops, as Pentagon dashes hope of return home

In a separate attack, an eight-year-old Iraqi child died when an assailant threw a grenade into a US military vehicle guarding a bank in west Baghdad. The US driver of the vehicle was wounded along with four adult Iraqi bystanders, according to a US officer, said Maj. Kevin West of the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery.
The Balochistan Post, News

Second U.S. female fighter to die in Iraq remembered fondly

By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News
July 17, 2003

FORT CARSON - Sgt. Melissa "Melly" Valles was remembered as a role model and friend Wednesday by fellow soldiers and family members.
Rocky Mountain News: State

'Saddam' tape denounces new Iraq council: "A speaker purported to be Saddam Hussein exhorted his followers to wage a holy war against U.S. and British forces in a new recording played Thursday - the anniversary of the revolution that put the former leader's party in power in Iraq."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



U.S. forces in Iraq facing 'guerrillas': "Saddam Hussein loyalists are fighting an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" against U.S. troops, and terror groups are reviving, too, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq says."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Palestinian, Israeli leaders to visit U.S.: "The Bush Administration is pushing a new round of Mideast diplomacy with White House visits by the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers later this month, as a truce by Palestinian groups has eased tensions slightly."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Police probe fatal Santa Monica accident: "An 86-year-old man whose car plowed through a crowded farmers market, killing nine and injuring up to 45 others, had recently damaged his own garage with his car, police said Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Tenet says official wanted Iraq claim: "CIA Director George Tenet told members of Congress a White House official insisted that President Bush's State of the Union address include an assertion about Saddam Hussein's nuclear intentions that had not been verified, a Senate Intelligence Committee member said Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Academics declare recession ended in 2001: "The 2001 recession, the country's first downturn in a decade, officially ended in November of that year, only eight months after it had begun, an academic group declared Thursday."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



'Six Feet Under' leads Emmy nominations: "The funeral home drama "Six Feet Under" received a leading 16 Emmy nominations Thursday, followed by three-time best drama winner "The West Wing" with 15."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Microsoft admits flaw in Windows software: "Microsoft Corp. acknowledged a critical vulnerability Wednesday in nearly all versions of its flagship Windows operating system software, the first such design flaw to affect its latest Windows Server 2003 software."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Dow off 27, Nasdaq dips 30 on IBM report: "Irked by a cautious outlook from IBM, investors collected profits Thursday for the third straight day."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press



Woods trails Norman at windy British Open: "Tiger Woods lost his ball Thursday on his very first shot at the blustery British Open, then pulled himself together to make two late birdies for a 2-over-par 73 at Royal St. George's."

In JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press

Iraq war blog updates
Democrats Rip White House on Iraq Claim: "Senate Democrats insisted Wednesday that the White House was clearly responsible for including false information about Iraq's weapons program in President Bush's State of the Union speech. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Alleged Saddam Spy Charged With Perjury: "A community newspaper publisher accused of spying on Iraqi opposition groups in the United States for Saddam Hussein's intelligence service was charged Wednesday with perjury. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Senators Fight Over Iraq War Fund Figures: "Republicans defeated Democratic attempts Wednesday to force disclosure of Iraq war spending, a partisan fight in advance of expected bipartisan passage of a $386.6 billion defense spending bill that would let the military fight wars of the future. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Some U.S. troops may spend year in Iraq: "Some U.S. troops may have to stay for yearlong tours of duty in Iraq to fight an increasingly organized "guerrilla-type campaign" from Saddam Hussein loyalists, the war's American commander said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



President Bush's ex-envoy for Afghanistan criticizes U.S. effort in Iraq (16 July 03) in Radio Free USA



Senate, FBI Probe Iraq Documents Flap: "Senators pressed CIA Director George Tenet on Wednesday about whether President Bush's use of false information on Iraq's weapons program was the result of an isolated error, deeper intelligence problems or political manipulation. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



CIA chief Tenet appears at closed-door hearing on Iraq intelligence: "The US Senate Intelligence Committee heard secret testimony from embattled CIA director George Tenet, who has taken the blame for President George W. Bush's disputed claim that Iraq tried to buy nuclear material from Africa. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Missile Fired at U.S. Plane in Iraq: "In a marked escalation in attacks, suspected insurgents tried to shoot down a U.S. transport plane with a surface-to-air missile Wednesday, killed an American soldier in a convoy and gunned down the mayor of an Iraqi city. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Pentagon fails to learn from Gulf War illnesses: " (USA TODAY)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq