A Soldiers Blog

Iraq War
Japan approves controversial troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan's cabinet approved a basic plan to send troops to Iraq on a humanitarian mission, a spokesman for the prime minister's office said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Israeli kibbutz movement in dire straits: "After spending World War II in Nazi camps, Esther Cohen saw the swamplands of Kibbutz Metzuba as a paradise."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraqi Air Force Jets Head to the Junkyard: "Following the Biblical call to turn swords into ploughshares, junkyard owner Ahmad Ali Thalib is converting scrapped jet fighters into pots and pans. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Israel trains US assassination squads in Iraq (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA



U.N. takes Israel barrier to International court (9 Dec 03) in Radio Free USA



With More Money to Spend, Middle-Class Iraqis Go Shopping for Luxury Goods: "A swath of middle-class society has experienced a jump in income that is driving a boom in demand for luxury goods."

In New York Times: World Special



G.I. on Guard at Gas Station Is Shot to Death: "A U.S. soldier was killed in Mosul, Iraq, while standing guard at a long lines of cars backed up because of a gasoline shortage."

In New York Times: World Special



Indonesian Criticizes U.S. Over the War in Iraq: "The foreign minister of Indonesia said that the American policy in Iraq might have made the world more dangerous."

In New York Times: World Special



Japan Cabinet Expected to OK Iraq Mission: "After months of debate, Japan's prime minister said his Cabinet will likely approve the deployment of non-combat troops to Iraq on Tuesday, but opposition parties vowed to do all they can to keep Japanese forces at home. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Japan set to approve troop dispatch to Iraq: "Japan is set to approve a plan to dispatch some 500-700 ground troops to Iraq to provide humanitarian aid for between six months to a year, according to press reports. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iraqi Symphony Prepares for D.C. Concert: "Muntha Jamil Hafidh describes his orchestra's upcoming performance here in the same terms that any foreign musician might: an opportunity at learn from U.S. musicians and share his country's culture. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Sharon may weigh W. Bank settlement moves: "Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has indicated for the first time that he might consider moving Jewish settlements in the West Bank as part of the unilateral moves he is considering."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Survey: Saddam Killed 61,000 in Baghdad: "Saddam Hussein's government may have executed 61,000 Baghdad residents, a number significantly higher than previously believed, according to a survey obtained Monday by The Associated Press. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Laura Bush Was Worred About Baghdad Trip: "First lady Laura Bush says her husband first told her about a trip to Iraq six weeks before Thanksgiving, and she ranks his surprise trip among "the best-kept secrets ever." (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



US, Britain pressed on Iraq arms hunt: "The United States and Britain came under pressure at the UN Security Council on Monday to hand over confidential information on the search for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Recreating Palestine in Iraq: "Here is a must-read article on the new tactics being employed by the U.S. military to crack down on the guerilla insurgency. For example, the U.S. has barbwired entire villages. The notice on the fence reads: "This fence is here for your protection. Do not approach or try to cross, or you will be shot."
Iraqis are allowed to leave and enter their village through carefully monitored checkposts, but only when they produce special identification cards. Sound familiar? It sure does to Tariq, who says, "I see no difference between us and the Palestinians." Perhaps imitating Israel is not exactly the best path to winning Iraqi hearts. But U.S. commanders disagree: Continue »"

In Alternet: War On Iraq



TASK FORCE ?ALL-AMERICAN? TRAINS NEW IRAQI SECURITY FORCES in CENTCOM: News Release