A Soldiers Blog

Iraq War News
Iraq to impose visa requirements: "In a bid to bolster security, all foreigners visiting Iraq after the interim government assumes power July 1 will require visas, an Interior Ministry official said Saturday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Saudi TV shows slain al-Qaida leader: "An al-Qaida cell fulfilled its threat to kill an American hostage, beheading him and showing the grisly photos on the Internet. Saudi officials claimed they later gunned down four militants including the cell leader who allegedly masterminded Paul M. Johnson's kidnapping."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Powell: U.S. should remain in Saudi Arabia: "Secretary of State Colin Powell says terrorists would earn a victory if American workers leave Saudi Arabia in response to a spate of terrorist attacks, including the murder of hostage Paul Johnson."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Terrorist dead...Bush condemns hostage killing...Fighting in Iraq in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



US hostage beheaded: "The al Qaida group which kidnapped American Paul M Johnson Jr said in an online statement that it had killed the hostage - and posted three still photographs of his beheaded body."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Saudi anti-extremist campaign ineffective: "The Saudi government's intense public relations campaign to discourage people from supporting extremists isn't swaying some of its citizens, who still consider the militants heroes despite appeals from Muslim religious leaders."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iran will announce uranium details: "Iran will announce in the coming days whether it will resume uranium enrichment activities that were criticized in a sharply worded rebuke from the U.N. nuclear watchdog."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Troops wounded in clash near Baghdad: "U.S. troops fought insurgents for a third straight day Saturday in an area north of Baghdad, wounding two American soldiers, U.S. military officials and witnesses said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Bush Gets Boost From McCain on Iraq: "Before cheering troops, President Bush got a strong endorsement on Iraq and a boost for his re-election campaign Friday from Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican courted by Democrat John Kerry to be his running mate. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Shootout in Saudi Arabia...Denial from al-Qaida cell...Powell on beheading in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Saudi Arabia: militants dead...Condemnation of beheading...Fighting in Iraq in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



World leaders condemn slaying of American hostage in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror

Iraq War News
Iran rebuked in IAEA's harsh resolution: "The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency censured Iran for past cover-ups in a resolution adopted Friday, and warned Tehran to be more forthcoming if it wants an investigation of suspect activities to end."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Lebanese hostage released by Iraqis: "Iraqi kidnappers released a Lebanese construction worker kidnapped early this week, Lebanese government officials said Friday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



S. Korea to send troops to Iraq in Aug.: "South Korea will send 900 soldiers to northern Iraq in early August in the first stage of a troop deployment to assist the U.S.-led coalition, the Defense Ministry said Friday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraqi minister vows action after bombings: "Iraq's defense minister promised a "house-to-house" search for suspects who planned a suicide car bombing near a recruitment center in Baghdad that killed at least 35 Iraqis hoping to join the military."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Top general heads Iraq jail probe: "The US army has appointed a senior general to oversee the inquiry into prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq



US soldier on Iraq murder charge: "The US army is to bring murder charges against a soldier accused of shooting an Iraqi man injured in a car chase."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq



Saudi officials look for American hostage: "Saudi Arabia marshaled thousands of police in the search for American hostage Paul M. Johnson Jr. on Friday, as a 72-hour deadline loomed for the kingdom to release al-Qaida prisoners or see him killed."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Senate Votes For Larger Army: "Military leaders don't like the bill, and neither does the Bush administration, but the Senate has voted overwhelmingly to add 20,000 troops to help the Army cope with commitments in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Japan to join multinational force in Iraq: "Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's cabinet approved a plan to allow Japanese troops to join a UN-sanctioned multinational force in Iraq, a government spokesman said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Oil market balanced on a knife's edge in absence of Iraqi crude: "The recent sabotage of Iraq's oil pipelines has raised fresh concerns about production capacity and room for maneuver in case of a crisis amid firm global oil demand. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Australian Minister Under Fire Over Iraq Abuse: "Australian Defense Minister RobertHill faced mounting criticism on Friday over his failure to acton reports of U.S. troops abusing Iraqi prisoners that hereceived in June 2003 -- 11 months before abuse pictures werefirst published. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bush Insists al-Qaida-Saddam Ties Existed: "Saddam Hussein had "numerous contacts" with al-Qaida, President Bush said Thursday in disputing the Sept. 11 commission's finding that the former Iraqi leader had no strong ties to the terrorist network responsible for the attacks. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bush and Cheney Talk Strongly of Qaeda Links With Hussein: "President Bush and Vice President Cheney said that they remain convinced that Saddam Hussein's government had a long history of ties to Al Qaeda."

In New York Times: World Special



Rumsfeld Admits He Told Jailers to Keep Detainee in Iraq Out of Red Cross View: "Pentagon officials acknowledged that an Iraqi who was held in a military jail should have been registered more quickly with the Red Cross."

In New York Times: World Special



Annan Rebukes U.S. for Move to Give Its Troops Immunity: "The secretary general harshly criticized the U.S. for seeking immunity for its peacekeeping troops from the International Criminal Court."

In New York Times: World Special



Suicide Car Bomb at Iraqi Army Recruiting Station Kills 35 Seeking to Enlist: "The attack was the deadliest in Iraq since a blast at the same recruiting station killed scores of Iraqis in February."

In New York Times: World Special



Some people still don't want you to see my movie...(17 June 04) in Radio Free USA

Iraq-war-photos-11-04-03: "'Let every nation know....whether it wishes us well or ill....

that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship,

support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and

the success of LIBERTY'

~John F. Kennedy ~

January 20, 1961"

12 40 pm


Volunteers help soldiers overseas
Updated: 6/15/2004 2:16 PM
By: Debbie Tanna & Web Staff

U.S. soldiers wounded in combat are getting help making the transition back home. Volunteers from a non-profit organization called Soldiers’ Angels are sending backpacks to combat support hospitals in Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany.


Volunteers Peggy Baker (left) and Vicky Carter pack bags for soldiers wounded in combat.

The bags are filled with personal hygiene items, clothes and get well cards to help soldiers wounded in combat.

Tears of happiness from injured soldiers are a sign these volunteers are doing the job they set out to do.

“I've got some beautiful letters saying how much it meant to them to know people care,” said volunteer Peggy Baker. “Many tears have been shed by soldier when they see us and they talk about the fact these were there and couldn't believe there was something waiting for them.”

That small token of appreciation goes a long way to brighten the day of soldiers wounded in combat.

“For all of us, every single one of us, it's the best non-paying job we've ever had,” volunteer Liz Fuentes said.

Volunteers stuff clothing, personal hygiene items and other non-perishables into the combat backpacks. They say it's a labor of love.

“Because they need it, because they give me the freedoms to do what I want to do and they need my support,” volunteer Vicky Carter said.

Volunteers know first hand their work is appreciated and desperately needed by those who tend the wounded.

“We actually follow the soldiers from the combat support hospitals all the way to wherever they come back to the states and then we help their families get to their hospital to be by their soldier and a place to stay and to make all the arrangements and just try to be a comfort zone for them,” Baker explained.

Each package is sent with a heartfelt thank you.

Soldiers’ Angels is a non-profit group made up of more than 15,000 volunteers across the United States.


News 14 Carolina | 24 Hour Local News | HEADLINES | Volunteers help soldiers overseas

Iraq War News
Rumsfeld Issued Order to Hide Iraq Detainee -Report: "Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeldordered at least one inmate of an Iraqi detention center to bekept off the prison's rolls, The New York Times reported onThursday, effectively making the prisoner a so-called "ghostdetainee." (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



21 dead in Baghdad car bomb blast: "At least 21 people were killed and 69 injured when a car slammed into a crowd and exploded outside a recruiting station for Iraqi security forces in Baghdad."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Car explodes outside Iraqi army station: "A car drove into a crowd and exploded Thursday outside a recruiting station for the Iraqi army, injuring dozens, police said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Museum chronicles Palestinian violence: "A new Israeli exhibit gives visitors a disturbing view of nearly four years of violence with the Palestinians: a female mannequin strapped with an explosives belt, alongside piles of confiscated weapons and documents showing how Palestinian militant groups operate."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Profit opportunities lure business to Iraq: "The risks are undeniable, but for entrepreneurs pondering contracting work in Iraq, the potential financial rewards outweigh the dangers."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Several large explosions heard in Baghdad: "Several large explosions rocked Baghdad on Thursday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Son pleads with Saudis for father's safety: "The son of an American kidnapped in Saudi Arabia pleaded with the Saudi government Wednesday to work to free his father, saying he "does not deserve this.""

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Active Duty: No Way Out: "Many soldiers who thought they were about to open new chapters in their lives are instead heading to Iraq or Afghanistan. David Martin reports on the Pentagon's Stop Loss policy."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



9/11 Panel Disputes Iraq Link to Attacks: "Rebuffing Bush administration claims, the independent commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks said Wednesday no evidence exists that al-Qaida had strong ties to Saddam Hussein. In hair-raising detail, the commission said the terror network had envisioned a much larger attack and is working hard to strike again. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Soldier: Commander Tried to Change Report: "A National Guard commander told a mental health counselor to change an evaluation to show that a serviceman who accused fellow soldiers of abusing Iraqi prisoners was mentally unfit, another soldier says. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Canada should keep its distance from US foreign policy (16 June 04) in Radio Free USA



9/11 Panel Disputes Iraq Link to Attacks: "Rebuffing Bush administration claims, the independent commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks said Wednesday no evidence exists that al-Qaida had strong ties to Saddam Hussein. In hair-raising detail, the commission said the terror network had envisioned a much larger attack and is working hard to strike again. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Two US soldiers die in Iraq attack: "Two American soldiers were killed and 21 injured when a rocket slammed into a logistics base near the Iraqi town of Balad."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



U.S. Planning to Turn Over Baghdad Airport to Iraqis: "U.S. administrators will turn over civil aviation operations a new Iraqi government assumes limited sovereignty on June 30."

In New York Times: World Special



Europe to rebuke Iran over nuclear program: "Europe's three major powers shrugged off Iranian threats of retaliation Wednesday and put final touches on a tough resolution rebuking Tehran for continued nuclear cover-ups."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Insurgents strike at Iraq's oil industry: "Insurgents struck at the heart of Iraq's economic livelihood Wednesday, blasting a major pipeline to halt vital oil exports and killing the top security chief for the northern oilfields."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. officer to be charged with murder: "The Army has decided to charge a 1st Armored Division officer with murder in the May 21 death of an Iraqi civilian who was wounded during a high-speed chase, then shot again at close range, an Army official said Wednesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



CIA director meets with Egypt's president: "Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with CIA Director George Tenet on Wednesday to discuss Egypt's role in assisting the Palestinians after Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Cleric orders militia to leave holy cities: "The radical Shiite cleric whose uprising left hundreds dead ordered members of his militia Wednesday to leave the holy cities of Nafaj and Kufa - a key part of an agreement to end fighting with American forces."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraqi gunmen release Lebanese hostage: "Iraqi kidnappers released a Lebanese hostage Wednesday, a month after he was taken hostage in Baghdad and two days after he appeared on a video tape pleading for government intervention."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Three GIs Killed in Attack on Base in Iraq: "A rocket slammed into a U.S. logistics base near the city of Balad on Wednesday afternoon, killing three U.S. soldiers and wounding 25 people including a pair of civilians, the military said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Insurgents Strike at Iraq's Oil Industry: "Insurgents struck at the heart of Iraq's economic livelihood Wednesday, blasting a major pipeline to halt vital oil exports and killing the top security chief for the northern oilfields. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bush Policies a Failure, Retired U.S. Diplomats Say: "President Bush led the United Statesinto an ill-planned Iraq war that weakened U.S. security,retired diplomats and military officers said on Wednesday in achallenge to one of Bush's main arguments for re-election. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq War News
Iraq's Northern Oil Company security chief assassinated: "Ghazi Talabani, the security chief for Iraq's oil fields around the northern city of Kirkuk, has been assassinated outside his home, Iraqi police said. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Gen. Nominated to Lead Forces in Iraq: "The Pentagon is asking the Senate to approve the appointment of Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army vice chief of staff, as the top U.S. commander and only four-star general in Iraq. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Saudi tape shows captured American: "Kidnappers in Saudi Arabia have paraded a captured American man on a website and threatened to murder him within 72 hours unless al-Qaeda prisoners are released."

In Ananova: War In Iraq



Tout torture, get promoted (15 June 04) in Radio Free USA



2 Pipeline Blasts Halt Oil Exports at Top Iraq Port: "Iraq's main oil export terminal was shutdown for what is expected to be about 10 days, costing the country up to $1 billion in revenue."

In New York Times: World Special



Iraq Seeks Custody of Hussein; Bush Has Security Concerns: "President Bush said the U.S. would only hand over Saddam Hussein when it was clear that the Iraqis could securely keep him in custody."

In New York Times: World Special



Auditors Testify About Waste in Iraq Contracts: "Pentagon contracts to support American operations in Iraq have been plagued by "inadequate planning and inadequate oversight.""

In New York Times: World Special



C.I.A. Classifies Much of a Report on Its Failings: "The C.I.A. has ruled that large portions of a report that is highly critical of the agency includes material too sensitive to be released to the public."

In New York Times: World Special



Poll of Iraqis Reveals Anger Toward U.S.: "A poll of Iraqis commissioned by the U.S.-governing authority has provided the Bush administration a stark picture of anti-American sentiment - more than half of Iraqis believe they would be safer if U.S. troops simply left. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Daily U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq: "As of Tuesday, June 15, 827 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of military operations in Iraq last year, according to the Defense Department. Of those, 609 died as a result of hostile action and 218 died of non-hostile causes. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Halliburton Under Renewed Fire for Iraq Deals: "WASHINGTON, Jun 15 (IPS) - U.S. military auditors have criticised construction giant Halliburton for the way it does business in Iraq, concerns amplified by former employees who are alleging financial abuses in the U.S.-occupied country. (OneWorld.net)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Bush Won't Set Timeline on Saddam Handover: "President Bush insisted Tuesday he must have assurances Saddam Hussein will stay in jail and not return to power before releasing him to Iraq's interim government, refusing to commit to the June 30 timetable envisioned by Iraq's new prime minister. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Muslim girl's dress claim rejected: "A "devastated" 15-year-old schoolgirl is looking for a new school after losing her High Court battle for the right to wear traditional Muslim "head-to-toe" dress in the classroom."

In Ananova: War In Iraq

Soldiers Angels
Volunteers help soldiers overseas

6/15/2004 9:41 AM

By: Debbie Tanna & Web Staff



Boxes filled with comforts from home are en route to soldiers stationed in Iraq.



Soldiers? Angels, a non-profit organization made up of thousands of volunteers across the United States, is mailing snacks and personal hygiene items to the men and women fighting the war.



?Just knowing that somehow we brighten their day, everything they do for us and this is just so small compared to what they sacrifice for us and when they open these up, they know that people care,? said volunteer Peggy Baker.



Soldiers? Angels volunteers fill backpacks with donated items to give to soldiers wounded in combat. Things like underwear, toothbrushes and get well cards help make the solder's transition back home more comfortable.

Iraq War News
Vehicle explodes near Israeli troops: "A vehicle blew up near Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after soldiers fired on it, the army said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Muslim conference to discuss Iraq: "Foreign ministers of the world's Islamic nations discuss what support to give to the new Iraqi government."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq



Two Bombs Kill 17 In Iraq: "A car bomb tore through a convoy Monday in central Baghdad, killing at least 13 people, including three foreigners. A second car bomb went off Monday near the town of Salman Pak southeast of Baghdad, killing four people and injuring four others."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



U.N. writing resolution to reprimand Iran: "The International Atomic Energy Agency is fine tuning a resolution that will reprimand Iran for delaying a probe into its suspect nuclear activities but refrain from direct threats of sanctions."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Afghan leader wants more NATO peacekeepers: "President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan says he's satisfied that the Bush administration has remained focused on helping stabilize his country, but he wants NATO to do more."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



U.S. to Turn Over Saddam to Iraqis Within 2 Weeks - Allawi: "Saddam Hussein willbe handed over to the new Iraqi government for trial within twoweeks, Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Monday. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



More Lebanese abducted for ransom in Iraq: "Two more Lebanese men employed by companies working in Iraq have been kidnapped there by groups seeking ransom payments for their release, the Lebanese daily newspaper As-Safir reported, quoting diplomatic sources in Beirut and Baghdad. (AFP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Saudi dissent campaign difficult for U.K.: "Six nights a week, a talk show beamed from London over satellite television and radio gives Saudi Arabians a forum to vent anger at their royal rulers. Speaking by cell phone, sometimes under assumed names and with their voices distorted, they often criticize the Saudi monarchy as corrupt and repressive."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Air strike kills Palestinian militant: "A missile fired by a helicopter destroyed a car in the West Bank's Balata refugee camp, killing two militants, as Israel began confiscating Palestinian land to build the most controversial part of its separation barrier."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Iraq wants Saddam by end of the month: "The new Iraqi government wants custody of Saddam Hussein and all other prisoners by the time sovereignty is handed over at the end of this month, the interim prime minister said."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Ex-commanders and diplomats: Bush must go: "A group of 26 former senior diplomats and military officials, several appointed to key positions by Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, plans to issue a joint statement this week arguing that President George W. Bush has damaged America's national security and should be defeated in November.
William C. Harrop, the ambassador to Israel under Bush Sr. and one of the group's principal organizers, told the L.A Times, "A lot of people felt the work they had done over their lifetime in trying to build a situation in which the United States was respected and could lead the rest of the world was now undermined by this administration -- by the arrogance, by the refusal to listen to others, the scorn for multilateral organizations." The bipartisan group, which includes both Democratic and Republican appointees, does not however plan to explicitly endorse Kerry."

In Alternet: War On Iraq



Abuse 'came from Guantanamo': "An ex-US commander tells the BBC the Iraqi prisoner abuse began when new interrogation techniques were introduced."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq



400 Detainees Leave Notorious Iraq Prison: ""God willing, you too will be out soon," a youth shouted Monday as he waved goodbye to men standing behind the razor wire before boarding a bus to take him away from Abu Ghraib prison. The young man was among 400 detainees freed from Iraq's most notorious prison amid promises by the U.S. military to release and transfer thousands of detainees to Iraqi authorities by the June 30 handover of power. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Islamic world mulls Iraq's future: "Foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Conference are to consider a draft resolution on Iraq."

In BBC: Conflict with Iraq (UK Edition)



A Temporary Coup  (14 June 04) in Radio Free USA



Security Crackdown as 5 Kurdish Trainees Killed: "From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Iraq's interim Government is planning a security crackdown in the lead-up to the official handover of power on June 30.
[?]
The head of public affairs for Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has told the ABC the Government plans to make a noticeable difference to Iraq's security before the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the fledgling Iraqi security forces continue to come under attack.
Five Kurdish recruits in the new Iraqi Army have been killed near the town of Samara, north of Baghdad.
They were ambushed when their car broke down and their bodies were burned. They were heading home after completing military training.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Blair : NATO training role in Iraq: "From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he expects any further NATO role in Iraq to be limited to training security forces.
[?]
" I don't believe we will see further troops come through NATO ," Mr Blair told Parliament.
" But I hope, and if the new Iraq government wishes it, we will see assistance with training provided for the Iraqi security forces ."
US President George W Bush and French President Jacques Chirac clashed over NATO 's role in Iraq at a Group of Eight (G8) summit last week.
[?]
Mr Chirac remained reticent about NATO involvement even when Mr Bush sought to clarify his earlier remarks by saying he expected NATO to train Iraqi forces rather than offer more troops.
Mr Blair said the idea had always been that NATO soldiers would help with training.
He said he did not think NATO members would oppose that role provided the request came from the Iraqi Government.

"

In Command Post: Irak



UK Soldiers to face Court Martial: "From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Four British soldiers will be court-martialled on charges of abusing Iraqi detainees.
The four Royal Fusiliers members are accused of assault, indecent assault and prejudicing good order.
They are the first British officers to be charged over the alleged abuse.
British Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith says the charge of indecent assault involves making the victims engage in sexual activity between themselves.
In a statement, he says the abuse allegedly took place while the civilians were temporarily held, but not in a prison or detention centre.
[?]
A date for the military trial is yet to be set but the proceedings will be public.
The Attorney-General says at least four other cases are likely to be referred to the Army prosecutor in the near future.
Another case concerning an alleged killing of an Iraqi during his arrest has been referred to Crown prosecutors and the metropolitan police are investigating.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Non-Iraqis blamed for Carbombing: "From the AFP via the ABC :

Iraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Nakib says the people who carried out a suicide car bombing in Baghdad that has killed at least 13 people were foreigners from outside Iraq's immediate region.
[?]
Mr Nakib has told the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television station that " according to initial information, those who carried out the blast were not Iraqis ".
" They came from abroad ? They are not from a country neighbouring " Iraq, he said.
But Mr Nakib did not specify the attackers' nationality.
Two of the foreign contractors killed were British, one French and one American.
[?]
Major Mohammed Saleh, the senior policeman at the scene, said a suicide car bomber drove between vehicles in the convoy and blew himself up.
Mr Nakib says the nature of the terrorist attacks in Iraq and the people involved suggest that the same mastermind is responsible.
Washington has fingered Jordanian militant Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi, with known ties to Al Qaeda, as the chief suspect behind a long list of bloody attacks in the country.

UPDATE : From The Australian :

A large car bomb killed at least 16 people, including five foreign contractors, and injured more than 60 after it tore through a main commercial boulevard in the Iraqi capital, officials said today.
The US military said two British, one French and one American contractor had died in the attack yesterday. A diplomatic source identified the fifth foreign victim as a Filipino.
The bomber targeted a convoy of four-wheel drive vehicles in the city's second car bombing in 24 hours.
The earlier strike killed seven people and wounded more than 20, some two weeks before Iraq's sovereignty is due to be returned to an interim government.
Following the blast, another civilian contractor was killed in an ambush on a coalition convoy in east Baghdad, while the Turkish embassy said it was searching for two Turks feared taken hostage.
David Gompert, US overseer Paul Bremer's senior adviser on Iraq's national security, warned the violence would continue.
" It's going to be a while. The terrorists are hardened. They are professionals ," he said.
In Mosul, northern Iraq, insurgents attacked an Iraqi police station killing one police officer, while a Kurdish official said a funeral had been held for five Kurdish recruits to the new Iraqi army killed near Samarra, north of Baghdad.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Two Turks Reported Kidnapped: "From Reuters via the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) :

Two Turkish nationals have been taken hostage in Iraq, local television station CNN Turk has reported, but there were no immediate details on their identities or who seized them.
A spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry said officials had not yet received any information about a fresh abduction.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Tonga deploys soldiers to Iraq: " RADIO AUSTRALIA : Tonga deploys soldiers to Iraq

A contingent of Tongan soldiers is heading to the Middle East to join American forces in Iraq.
The 44 Tongan troops will travel to Kuwait first, and after acclimatising will then join the First US Marine Division.
Their exact role hasn't been determined, but at first it is likely they will be confined to camp duties and training.
The Tongan Government says the Kingdom's contribution to the effort to bring peace and stability to Iraq is relative to what the country can afford.

"

In Command Post: Irak



Crowds Celebrate 13 Deaths in Iraq Blast: "A car bomb shattered a convoy of Westerners in Baghdad Monday, killing at least 13 people, including three General Electric workers and two bodyguards. Crowds rejoiced over the attack, dancing around a charred body and shouting "Down with the USA!" (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Open Letter to those in charge
To whom it may concern:



This is the second letter I am writing in a weeks time, concerning my fiance' MSG James Meyer and The 846th Transportation Company. They are with the Army Reserves now stationed in Kuwait. I had previously written about how these men and women served their time in Tikrit, Iraq. And, should have been able to go home on their scheduled departure date of April 10th. However, they are now stationed back in Kuwait, because they never got to leave. They served Iraqi Freedom 1, and now 2.

MSG Meyer is a 36 year Veteran. He served in the Viet Nam War, Desert Storm, and consequentially now the Iraq War. I've never know a man who's understood his call to protect and serve this great Nation any better than he does. He is very proud to be one of The 846th Transportation Company. They have been in Iraq together since April 12, 2003 for a total of 428 days, and counting.

The day they were supposed to leave for home they were told their time in Iraq had been "extended" and for reasons they didn't understand, they would have to stay.

I really should reiterate some of the things that were discussed in the first letter. Like the fact that some of the Soldiers in The 846th TC, feel like they are in "jail", or on "lock down". That they don't have regular jobs to do, or that they aren't allowed to carry weapons. Since The 846th TC arrived in Kuwait, they have only been given "meaningless missions". They aren't allowed to leave the camp. Not for emergencies or otherwise. Not even with a call from the Red Cross. One would think that goes against all kinds of human and personal rights. Anyway, I jokingly call them hostages. What's sad, is thats how they feel. Worst of all, their replacements have been there for over Four months now.

I don't think anyone realizes how many of the members of The 846th TC are dealing with some very deep, very strong, and in some cases very foreign feelings. They are on emotional roller coasters right now. They are feeling pain, sadness, loneliness, depression, anger, frustration and in some cases straight up hostility. They miss the comforts of home, they miss their friends and families, and most of all they miss their Freedom. Their morale is as low I'm told here, as it ever was in Viet Nam. However, when your forced to deal with lies, manipulation, humiliation and deciet....and thats from your own people, the people above you. Then you just learn to exist. To survive. You know you can't win.

On May 31st, 2004, MSG Meyer's driving privileges (which were pretty much his only privileges) were taken away from him for 30 days. They said he committed a "breach of security" when he didn't stop so his vehicle could be inspected. It was inspected a very short time later however. At that time, he was given Seven days of "extra duty". That being, emptying sand out of bags, tearing down a tent and putting it right back up, doing "police call" (picking up trash), and writing letters of apology to the Battalion Commander and to the Group Commander. MSG Meyer did his Seven days of punishment and humiliation (which was to be whatever work they gave him, and a Company letter of reprimand). At that point, he was told the Battalion Commander didn't think it was sufficient enough punishment for that particular crime (remember, he didn't stop his vehicle at an inspection point right away). He was also going to receive a field grade letter of reprimand, that would go in his permanent file. He was also informed around that time by his CSM not to put in a packet containing paperwork for his promotion to SGM, as he was going to be forced to retire when they got back anyway. Whether thats the truth or just unnecessary harassment. Nobody knows.

The next day, there was a mandatory Stress Management class. The group was asked to fill out Q & A forms pertaining to the Unit (re: morale of the Troops, how the unit was being run, rate leadership and command, etc.). As he was filling his form out, MSG Meyer started getting angry and overly stressed out. Even to the point where he was having feelings of rage (accompanied by trouble breathing, tightening in the chest, shaking, pain in head and neck, etc.). He was advised by the Stress Management team leader to go to the Troop Medical Center at Camp Arifjan, for evaluation. He had been to the hospital on Three other separate occassions, with those same or like symptoms. Within a Four month period of time, and all of his own accord. The Doctor that attended MSG Meyer recommended that due to his stress, he should be evaluated more by the head doctor at Camp Doha. That night he was ordered to leave and go to Doha.

The next morning we was seen and told to come back in Two days for a follow-up visit. He also, at that time, informed MSG Meyer that he was not welcomed to return to Camden Yard, his regular Camp. He was given several medications, and a room at Camp Doha, and told to get rest.

I have a couple of problems with this whole situation. Why was MSG. Meyer not allowed to go back to his own Camp? Was he being quarantined? Punished for something? Or just another attempt at humiliating him? Why was he given anti-depressants, and sleeping pills, and mood altering drugs, if all he had was stress? We like our Soldiers drugged up? Or just when we wan't them to comply? Why in God's name did that Command Sergeant Major feel the need to badger, and intimidate someone so badly, about something so serious as their career, and being forced to give it up? Especially at a point in time when a Medical Doctor had just been so worried about MSG. Meyers stress levels? Thats just unacceptable and cruel. When in this place (The Military) does the punishment ever fit the crime? I personally think its ironic that so much commotion is being made about a man who should have been gone a long time ago. The best part though, is that its being brought on by the ones who so very deceitfully didn't allow him to go home in the first place. Poetic Justice, but at who's expense. MSG Meyer's I'm thinking.

This is not a young man. He is not a first time soldier needing to be taught a "lesson". This is a man who's whole life has been about the Military. As MSG. Meyer's wife to be, I'd like to say a few things. Thanks to all of his brothers and sisters in the 846th TC for helping him, and looking out for him. I know he'd do that for anyone of you at anytime. I still don't understand how some people, important people, can act like everything is just ok, after the terrible things they do to people. I wonder how some of them sleep at night. I would also like to know why MSG. Meyer had to go to such extremes to get someone to tell the truth, care, or even pay attention to the 846th TC Unit? Also, if MSG. Meyer is so sick, requiring meds, separation from his troop, and bed rest, Why isnt he being sent home? Please remember, before these people are soldiers, they are human beings. Respect them, Pray for them, and Help them. They put their lives on the line for us. They deserve it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. It means a lot to me personally, to the Soldiers of the 846th Transportation Company, and to all of the people who are victims of "Operation Stop Loss" and of commanders who are constantly deceiving their Troops. All my thanks, love, Support and Prayers to the 846th TC, and to all of the brave people who are fighting this war. May you come home safely, and quickly.



Sincerely,

Kristine Lyons

Las Vegas, NV

Target Americans Target the World
You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually

a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of

a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.



So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know what an

American is, so they would know when they found one.



An American is English, French, Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.



An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim.

In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only

difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only

to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.



An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence,

which recognizes the God given right of each person the pursuit of happiness.



An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other

nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by

the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to

enable the people to win back their country.



As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other

nation to the poor in Afghanistan.



Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best

music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least.



The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your

tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them

were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001 earning a

better life for their families. I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those

that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did

General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant

in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They

are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to

that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Iraq War News
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New Bombing in Baghdad Kills at Least 12: "A car bomb exploded during rush hour on Monday along one of central Baghdad's most heavily trafficked streets."

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Red Cross ultimatum to US on Saddam (14 June 04) in Radio Free USA

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Prominent Kurdish cleric slain in Iraq: "A locally prominent Kurdish cleric was killed in this northern oil center when gunmen opened fire while he was visiting neighbors, police said Sunday."

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Iraqi gov't official killed in ambush: "Gunmen killed the Education Ministry's cultural affairs officer Sunday, the second attack on an Iraqi official in as many days, authorities said. Kamal al-Jarah, 63, was ambushed outside his home as he was leaving for work at about 7:30 a.m. The attack happened in a predominantly Sunni Muslim neighborhood of northwest Baghdad where support for Saddam Hussein's regime had been strong."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



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In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iran rejects nuclear restrictions: "Toughening its stance in advance of a meeting of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency, Iran on Saturday said it would reject international restrictions on its nuclear program and challenged the world to accept Tehran as a member of the "nuclear club.""

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Baghdad car bombing kills 12, wounds 13: "A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb near a U.S. military camp in Baghdad on Sunday, killing 12 people and wounding 13, the military said. The bomb went off about 300 yards from Camp Curvo as a police patrol stopped the bomber, who was traveling in the wrong direction on the road."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



American man killed in Saudi Arabia: "Suspected militants killed an American in the Saudi capital on Saturday, shooting him in the back as he parked in his home garage, and the U.S. Embassy said it was searching for an American who was missing."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Another Iraqi Government Official Killed: "Gunmen killed the Education Ministry's cultural affairs officer Sunday, the second attack on an Iraqi official in as many days, authorities said. Kamal al-Jarah, 63, was ambushed outside his home as he was leaving for work at about 7:30 a.m. The attack happened in a predominantly Sunni Muslim neighborhood of northwest Baghdad where support for Saddam Hussein's regime had been strong. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



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Rocket Hits U.S. Compound in Baghdad, No Casualties: "An explosion in the U.S.-ledadministration's headquarters in Baghdad Sunday was thought tobe a rocket attack, the U.S. military said. (Reuters)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Attackers kill Iraqi cultural affairs officer: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen killed the cultural affairs officer in the Education Ministry on Sunday, the second attack on an Iraqi official in as many days, authorities said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



50 airstrikes against Iraqi leaders were all in error in IraqWar.info