Marine Charged in Parachute Sabotage

13 Iraqis killed, 75 injured in when U.S. soldiers clash with mob

Not good.

Search for Saddam takes a detour

School vouchers are coming to the forefront in public education reform.

With President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" act, look for parents of children in special education to lead the charge. Rod Paige, The Secretary of Education and others are using a 1975 law (IDEA) to circumvent state consitutions that mandate money be spent on public education.

School vouchers are here to stay, grow and enhance the public education system.

The proof that Saddam worked with bin Laden

The file contradicts the claims of Baghdad, bin Laden and many critics of the coalition that there was no link between the Iraqi regime and al-Qa'eda. One Western intelligence official contacted last night described the file as "sensational", adding: "Baghdad clearly sought out the meeting. The regime would have wanted it to happen in the capital as it's only there they would feel safe from surveillance by Western intelligence."

We believed the Czech Intelligence agency was correct on Atta meeting the Iraqi intelligence agent in Prague. What is disturbing is the CIA denying the report. All evidence coming out points to the Czech Intelligence being right. In another story it is reported that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency had already looked over the rubble in which the documents were found.

Atrios had a headache

As for those who disagree with his position that religion has a place in the nation's public schools, Paige replied, "I would offer critics my prayers."

What was really said and to what?

STARNES: How would you respond -- I know there's critics of the government. One of the French officials, their complaints was that he was too religious. And even the Democrats have said that the President has too much religion or religiosity. What would you say to those critics?
THE SECRETARY: I would offer them my prayers.


Standing up for pluralism
TRANSCRIPT: Interview with the Secretary of Education

Mohammed Saeed al Sahhaf and President Bush Action Figures



What does the talking Iraqi Information Minister say?


"There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never!"
"Our initial assessment is that they will all die"
"No I am not scared and neither should you be!"
"They're not even [within] 100 miles [of Baghdad]"

Blogging has been very light this week. Legal briefs have taken up much of the time. We will slowly get back into the swing of things.

As many know, our focus on the Iraqi war has been with the Bush administration's handling of the war. At times we were very critical but other times we were supportive.

The outcome of the war however, has been contradictory.

We have seen Iraqi children mamed by our actions, but also freed as told by the photos displayed on this site. We have seen innocent civilians killed by our use of weapons, we have seen our allies killed by our use of weapons and finally we have seen our own troops killed by the use of our weapons.

We have seen Iraqis joyous and we have seen Iraqis hate us. So there isn't a clear victory in regard to the Iraqi people. There is however a victory for the U.S. in that Hussein's actions in 9-11 have been addressed.

TOur belief was, the Czech Intelligence had it right. Atta and the Iraqi intelligence agent were involved. So it is based on that reason alone we felt justice would be served by the elimination of Hussein.

On another point, we felt Hussein should have been assasinated, it would have spared so many deaths. Today my friend's son-in-law called and has been in Baghdad and Tikrit. He is a changed young man full of conflicted feelings. He is happy for those who have been freed, but he also feels guilty for the destruction and deaths.

It is most unfortunate that people who never engaged each other because of distances would have to do so in such a violent manner. My friends son-in-law has paid a price along with all others who have endured the trials and tribulations of this war.

May God provide all of those who have to carry the pain and agony of this war, find peace.

You've broken your word, says Baghdad boy who lost his arms


This young boy has one hell of a spirit and is one trusting young lad. All of us in the U.S. owe much to this young lad.

Muslims save Baghdad's Jewish community centre from looters

THE ANTI-WAR RIGHT: Here's a blast from far-right Catholics, who seem to have more sympathy with the Taliban than with the evils of pluralist America. How fitting that they're now in league with A.N.S.W.E.R.

He really is a dumbass. Maybe the dumb fuck should read this one from the same group.

Coalition Pounds Iraqi City of Tikrit

Top Iraqi leadership disappears

U.S. military commanders said they suspected that some leaders had headed to Saddam's hometown of Tikrit for a final bloody showdown and that others had fled to Syria. Dogged fighting by Iraqi forces at Qaim, near the Syrian border, has led some U.S. and British officials to suspect that Iraqi troops there may be protecting important Iraqi leaders or family members, although it was not clear whom.

The U.S. has just shipped an MOAB over to Iraq. If Saddam were to launch any WMDs, it would be at Baghdad. All of the U.S. troops are there and all of the Iraqi leaders have fled.

We hope we are wrong.

Andrew "ArmChair" Sullivan briefs:

RAINES WATCH: "Friendly fire deaths lower than in previous war" - Knight Ridder. "As Tactics Change and Battle Lines Blur, Risk of Being Killed by Own Side Increases" - New York Times.

The gist of his post is what? Give the war a few more weeks, the numbers on "friendly fire" will increase. Sullivan is getting dumber by the days. Comparing the friendly fire numbers of this campaign at the current point in time with the overall numbers of a longer campaign is assinine. 24 percent of 146 of killed in Gulf war is playing with symantics. How many U.S. soldiers have been killed so far in this war? Lucky the convoy that was bombed was not all U.S. soldiers.

What a damn idiot.

On Sunday a new record was set when an American plane fired on a convoy of vehicles carried allied Kurdish combatants and four Americans, killing 18 and injuring 45.

Andrew "ArmChair" Sullivan briefs:

RAINES WATCH: "Friendly fire deaths lower than in previous war" - Knight Ridder. "As Tactics Change and Battle Lines Blur, Risk of Being Killed by Own Side Increases" - New York Times.

The gist of his post is what? Give the war a few more weeks, the numbers on "friendly fire" will increase. Sullivan is getting dumber by the days. Comparing the friendly fire numbers of this campaign at the current point in time with the overall numbers of a longer campaign is assinine.

24 percent of 146 of killed in Gulf war is playing with symantics. How many U.S. soldiers have been killed so far in this war? Lucky the convoy that was posted by Loud @ 12:34 AM  

Media Whores Online

Still trying to figure out does this mean the site or the actual media.

We do get a chuckle off the sites' (writers) endorsement of itself.

Welcome to Media Whores Online

Media Whores Online takes an unbiased, in-depth look at the vast myriad of whores who call themselves "journalists." MWO casts a garish spotlight on the relentless screaming heads of television, the babbling paranoids of squawk radio, and the crayon scribblings of lazy print media "journalists."

After reading the biased commentary on the site, we do have to laugh. Whoever is writing for the site, they learned the "tricks" or should we say turned a few "tricks" in the trade.

One War two different lives

Jailed Iraqi children run free as marines roll into Baghdad suburbs



BOY BOMB VICTIM STRUGGLES AGAINST DESPAIR

How technology helped pinpoint Iraqi leader

We don't buy it. If Hussein had been spotted, it would have been one bullet, one shot. Not the bombing of this magnitude. The collateral damage leads to the U.S. playing damage control by indicating Hussien was a target.

Best bet is on the intelligence that Hussein fled Baghdad and is in Tikrit.

High court limits ban on burning of crosses

Intimidation, hmmmm, could be a double edged sword. Burning a cross or holding a raised clenched fist can be viewed as an act of intimidation. White power or black power are tied to groups that have used acts of terror. Indeed it is a slippery slope. Surprisingly, the conservatives ruled in a manner that you would expect the liberal Justices to rule.

Arabs seethe in anger as regime wilts

Fate of 'Chemical Ali' Remains in Question

Who in their right mind would even suggest that these guys aren't hid or haven't fled Baghdad. It is evident the U.S. is believing in poor intell sources.

That is why when we first read about he being in Baghdad and the bombing of the building where he was alleged to be staying we said, Hmmmm.

Qatar calls for quick end to war at GCC meeting

U.S. Military Says It Hears Hussein Son Calling Shots

Saddam gone, propaganda rules

For both sides.

Birthplace of Saddam may yet be his grave

We believe that Hussein is being goaded into showing himself in Tikrit. Good analysis on the final conclusion of where the war will come to an end.

U.S. Targeted Saddam in Bombing, Result Not Known


With reports that Hussein and his sons have fled to Tikrit, the intelligence indicating that Hussein is in Baghdad is suspcious. With what has transpired in Baghdad, Hussein would seek refuge in some bunker. Not some building that could be bombed.

Saddam shown on TV meeting key officials

It is definately a cat and mouse game.

Saddam, sons have fled: Ex-aide

As US forces tightened their grip on Baghdad, President Saddam Hussein, along with his two sons, fled the capital three days ago for his home town of Tikrit, 175km to the north, media reports said.

(snip)

Saddam will only be captured if he is taken by surprise. He has given the strictest instructions that he should be shot by a bodyguard if the enemy noose is tightening,” Wihaib said.

Andrew "Arm Chair" Sullivan briefs:

BASRA FALLS: With minimal civilian casualties. Another huge victory after less than three weeks of war. The war-critics are now looking as beleaguered as the pockets of Ba'ath resistance.

Baghdad must be another time and another country. What the hell he is a dumb fuck.

Civilian deaths pose problems for U.S.

U.S. seizes key Baghdad points

At the city’s southern edge, though, Marines and Army troops faced bloody fighting. Four or five Marines were reported killed when their armored troop carrier was hit by an artillery shell at a bridge spanning a canal. The Marines advanced into the capital by foot after the Iraqis blew the bridge. Also, a group of U.S. armored personnel carriers in southern Baghdad was hit by rockets, according to field reports. Six American soldiers were reported missing and a large number were wounded. In the heart of Baghdad, American soldiers who reached the gold-and-blue-domed New Presidential Palace used the toilets, rifled through documents in the bombed-out compound, and helped themselves to ashtrays, pillows, gold-painted Arab glassware and other souvenirs. The Americans also blew up a statue of Saddam on horseback in the center of the city.

Somehow, the deaths of the soldiers and the behavior of those who went on a looting spree don't mix well.

In separate action, Marines hit tough resistance at key bridges on the capital’s eastern flank. Four or five Marines were killed when their armored troop carrier took a direct hit from artillery shell at a bridge over a canal on the outskirts of Baghdad, according to Lt. Col. B.P. McCoy of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. The Marines had been in position to cross the bridge when they were hit Monday morning, he said. In addition, at least two American soldiers were injured in the assault and one U.S. tank immobilized. There was no estimate of Iraqi casualties. In a separate incident, two U.S. soldiers were believed to have been killed and six others wounded in an Iraqi attack on a U.S. communications center on the southern outskirts of Baghdad, military sources told NBC News. Two more servicemen were missing in action following the strike on a 3rd Infantry Back Communications Center. “We don’t know whether an Iraqi missile hit them, or else a rocket or a rocket-propelled grenade,” a military source told Reuters. Before the central Baghdad raid, Col. David Perkins told his troops that the mission was intended to be “a dramatic show of force” to prove that U.S. forces could move about the city at will.

Next time, when some dumbass military brass makes the suggestion that our troops can move at will, ask the dumb fuck what the hell are the deaths of troops about.

Perkins said the resistance coming into the city was heavier than expected: He had thought most Iraqi defenses were wiped out Saturday, but Iraqi troops laid new minefields and set up many new firing positions.

What a dumb fuck.

Fisk hasn't yet been captured by the enemy (which one you ask?) while Sullivan puts the pedal to the medal in the war.

Why is it dumbasses on bothsides of the aisle get the attention? Because no one in their right mind gives them the proper attention other than criticising their works.

War Briefs: US Navy hunting for two Iraqi mine-ships in the Gulf

Jazeera ban lifted; coverage resumes

Iraq said to have regained Saddam Airport

Hmmm. Maybe Fisk has been captured. AWOL since the U.S. took the airport. Interesting to note that UPI has refered to the airport as Saddam Airport instead of Baghdad International Airport.

Iraq: Battle For Baghdad Has Begun

Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wesley, the executive officer of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, described the Iraqi resistance as "a lot of small arms fire with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenade [RPG] launchers." But the attack stalled for about one hour when the engine in one of the U.S. Abrams tank overheated and caught fire.

Wesley said that gave the remnants of the Republican Guard time to muster a series of RPG attacks on the American armored column.


This tells us that the Iraqi's resistence is still there. Col. Wesley isn't telling the whole story. The attack stalled for about one hour? Bullshit. When you form a line and one gets hit, guess what, the line becomes a line of sitting ducks.

Major Watson said a conservative estimate of Iraqi losses to the south of Baghdad today includes 11 T-72 tanks, 12 air defense artillery pieces, 20 ground artillery pieces, one Russian-built BMP armored troop carrier and four trucks.


Here is another spin on the story.

It was also to conduct reconnaissance and test Iraqi defences, said officers who took part in it. An estimated 100 pieces of Iraqi armour, artillery and air defence systems were destroyed.

That is 11 tanks, 12 artillery pieces, 20 ground artillery, 1 Russian troop carrier and 4 trucks. Not even close to 100.

It lasted several hours.

Surprised Iraqi forces, who included members of the Republican Guard and the ruling Baath Party, fought back fiercely, mostly with AK-47 rifles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), according to accounts by officers and soldiers.

Iraqi fighters, some wearing military uniforms, and others in civilian clothes, opened fire from rooftops, bridges, the folds of highway underpasses, and store fronts as well as from behind sand walls.

Kosovo returns. How many guided missiles have been used altogether? 12,000? And the Iraqis were surprised? We don't think so. They were waiting for the troops.


Update

What did the troops have to say about the seige on Baghdad?

VOA correspondent Alisha Ryu, who is with U.S. troops on the outskirts of Baghdad, spoke with some of the soldiers who entered the city. "They carried out a four-hour attack into Baghdad Saturday, and they tell me they have encountered very heavy resistance from whom they believe are members of Saddam Hussein's personal army, the Special Republican Guard and the Fedayeen paramilitary forces," said Alisha Ryu.

Four hours and they encountered heavy resistance.

US bombs 'Chemical Ali' residence

Hmmm.

Russia, Libya urge halt to war

Straw distances UK from threats to Syria and Iran

MV "Osama Bin Laden"

Is the CIA using psychics to find Osama Bin Laden?

This one is for Michael Rivero and Damian Penny. They can join hands and try to raise the dead.

Turkey, US mend relations

Turkey has agreed to provide logistical support for US military operations in northern Iraq and will allow wounded soldiers to be treated on its soil.

Jazeera to send news alerts to cellphone users worldwide

Hacked off the Internet for showing controversial images from the Iraq war, Al Jazeera said it was launching a new service to send its news to mobile phones. The channel will beam news alerts in both Arabic and English to mobile phones around the world. In spite of being mostly knocked offline, the Jazeera website was among the most sought-after on the Internet last week. The web portal Lycos reported that “Al-Jazeera” and variant spellings became its top search term last week, with three times more searches than “sex”.

Analysis: Brits worry about Iraqi surprise

"Day after day in the late spring of 1999, we continued to roll up impressive totals of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery and mortars destroyed," he wrote. "Still, much of the (Serb) force simply road-marched out of Kosovo, relatively intact, at the end of the campaign ... Post-conflict investigation on the ground in Kosovo found much less evidence of the destruction than we expected."