A Soldiers Blog

Spc. William Sturges

Saturday, April 19, 2003

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HELLO TODAY BLOGGER STILL NOT PUBLISHING OH MY

posted by Patti @ 5:23 PM |

wAR bLOG uPDATES
Jordan Says Finds Stolen Saddam Photos from Museum in IraqWar.ru (English)

Analysis: On the road to Damascus in IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 4:58 PM |

War Blog Updates
Iraqi Civilians Face Massive DU Crisis in IraqWar.ru (English)

Lost Viruses? in IraqWar.ru (English)

Prove Iraqi guilt, MPs tell Blair in IraqWar.ru (English)

Bush plans to ask U.N. to lift penalties against Iraq in phases in IraqWar.ru (English)

$650 million in U-S cash found in Baghdad neighborhood in IraqWar.ru (English)

Jordanian officials seize 42 works believed stolen from Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)

Riots greet Blair in Athens in IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 4:02 PM |

UGHHHH!
U.S. Prepares for Iraq Shiite Pilgrimage: "U.S. forces are preparing for a major test of the order they are seeking to establish in Iraq: A pilgrimage in coming days by as many as 2 million faithful to one of Shiite Islam's holiest sites."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. General, Iraq Tribal Leaders Meet: "A U.S. Marine commander called tribal leaders together Saturday to seek their support in running their city but emphasized that he considers himself to be in charge. Patrols of low-flying attack helicopters drove home the point."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Explosive Injures 4 Soldiers, Iraqi Girl: "Four U.S. soldiers on patrol were wounded Saturday when an Iraqi girl handed them an explosive and it blew up, American military officials said. They said they believed it was an accident."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 12:42 PM |

War blogs
Syria Tightens Restrictions on Iraqis: "Syria has banned Iraqis without visas from entering the country, airline sources confirmed Saturday, an apparent effort to counter U.S. charges that it is sheltering former members of Saddam Hussein's regime."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Bechtel's Political Clout Helps Iraq Bid: "It's not just a history of building landmarks like the Hoover Dam that helped Bechtel Corp. win the first major Iraq reconstruction contract. The company is as well-connected as Washington insiders come."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 12:05 PM |

Times Online Udates

World : last updated, April 19, 2003 18:33

Basra rail link to port restored

The first train to Basra since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime arrived in Iraq's second city. Soldiers from 102 Logistic Brigade and local town dignitaries saw off the green train from the port town of Umm Qasr. Military officials said the opening of the 42-mile track, which has been cleared of mines, represents a return to normality in southern Iraq.

Allies should leave Iraq now, say Arabs

US and British "occupation forces" should leave Iraq as soon as possible and the UN should play a "central role" in rebuilding the country, Middle Eastern foreign ministers urged. But after an emergency meeting to discuss "the future of Iraq in the aftermath of the war," the ministers stressed that the "final say" on a new government must rest with Iraqis themselves. "Iraq is full of skilled people that know their own good better than anyone else," the host, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, said .

Looted paintings seized by customs

Jordanian customs officials have seized 42 paintings believed to have been looted from Iraq's national museum. The paintings were taken earlier in the week at al-Karameh border post from unidentified journalists entering Jordan from Iraq and were sent to the main Customs Department in Amman, said the officials, well-informed on the confiscated items. The paintings were being verified for authenticity but that preliminary checks led to them to believe the material had been looted from Iraq, the officials said.

Cameraman killed by Israeli soldier

An Israeli soldier has shot and killed a cameraman with Associated Press Television News who was covering a skirmish between troops and rock-throwing Palestinians in the West Bank city of NablusThe Israeli military had no immediate comment but said it was looking into the shooting. Nazeh Darwazeh, 45, was filming clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinians that began early on Saturday. Doctors said Darwazeh died of a bullet wound to the head.

Ailing Pope to attend Easter vigil

Pope John Paul is leading a solemn candlelight vigil in St Peter's Basilica in the final hours before Easter, pushing forward with his tiring schedule of Holy Week ceremonies. The ailing 82-year-old pontiff, who has trouble walking and suffers from the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, has scaled down his role in some services. But he attends all key ceremonies, including the vigil that marks the final dark hours after Christ's death before his resurrection and the exultation of Easter Sunday.

Massive Sars clean-up in Hong Kong

Thousands of volunteers in Hong Kong have begun a massive cleaning campaign aimed at slowing the spread of Sars. Officials were monitoring all buildings where Sars cases have been reported to try to avoid further outbreaks, said health director Dr Margaret Chan. An outbreak at one apartment complex, Amoy Gardens, has infected at least 326 people.

Violence clouds Nigeria election

President Olusegun Obasanjo seeks a second term in elections that pose the stiffest test for Nigeria's young democracy since his election four years ago ended 15 years of military rule. Soldiers were deployed nationwide after the opposition threatened partisan violence. The country's election commission appealed to voters to accept the results of the ballot for 36 governorships and the presidency "in the name of democracy and peace.""Everything is being done to ensure that hitches do not occur," said Steve Oseneke, spokesman for Nigeria's election commission.

Rescue bid for trapped Chinese miners

Rescue workers in central and northern China are searching for 31 coal miners trapped in two flooded coal mines. Seventeen miners in Lianyuan, a city in central Hunan province, have been missing since Wednesday, said a duty officer at the state-run No. 71 coal mine who gave only his family name, Wang. "We're trying our best to pump out the water," Wang said. "We believe there's still a chance they'll survive."

U.S. fund-raisers aid conjoined twins

Fund-raisers appear to have gathered enough money to offset surgery costs to separate 22-month-old Egyptian twins joined at the crown of their heads. The Children's Medical Center of Dallas has said it would need $125,000 to help offset the cost of surgery to separate Mohamed and Ahmed Ibrahim. Going into a fund-raising event at Dallas Central Mosque in Richardson, World Craniofacial Foundation director Sue Blackwood said about $83,000 in pledges and donations had been received for the twins, who were brought to the United States by the foundation for evaluation last June.

Protesters march on detention centre

Hundreds of protesters have marched on an immigration detention camp in southern Australia demanding the release of its inmates. Several protesters were arrested after they broke through a perimeter fence. About 500 people, chanting, "Free the refugees!" were involved in the demonstration outside the remote Baxter detention centre, which holds 300 illegal immigrants whose applications for refugee status have been rejected and who are awaiting deportation. Police Senior Constable Kate Denman said that some protesters had broken through a fence around the compound and that several arrests had been made, but would not confirm the charges or any other details.

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posted by Patti @ 11:53 AM |

Bush Offers Prayers for Families in War
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "Celebrating the weekend's Christian and Jewish observances, President Bush offered a message of religious hope and the nation's prayers Saturday to the families of soldiers who have died or been wounded in Iraq or remain deployed overseas."

posted by Patti @ 11:44 AM |

A Soldiers Blog Update
Schroeder Regrets Words That Hit U.S.-German Ties
Add World - Reuters to My Yahoo!

By Erik Kirschbaum

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Saturday he deeply regretted "exaggerated remarks" critical of U.S. moves against Iraq (news - web sites) that soured his relations with President Bush (news - web sites).

posted by Patti @ 9:48 AM |

a Soldiers Blog Updates
Jordan Seizes Iraqi Art Believed Stolen: "Jordanian customs authorities have seized 42 paintings believed to have been looted from Iraq's National Museum, government officials said Saturday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

AP Cameraman Shot and Killed in West Bank: "An Israeli soldier shot and killed a cameraman with Associated Press Television News who was covering a skirmish between troops and rock-throwing Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus on Saturday, witnesses said."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 9:41 AM |

a Soldiers Blog Updates
More Hints Emerge on Saddam's Fate, but No Proof
Sat April 19, 2003 07:01 AM ET

By Andrew Marshall
DUBAI (Reuters) - Arab television channels showed documents on Saturday that hinted Saddam Hussein could still be alive -- but like previous clues on the fate of Iraq's deposed leader, the footage raised more questions than it answered.

posted by Patti @ 8:41 AM |

Another Card Removed From Deck
CBS News: Iraq Crisis: "Iraq's former finance minister was nabbed by Iraqi police, on the same day the man said to be the mastermind of Saddam Hussein's nerve gas program surrendered. And seven former POWs were to fly home from Germany to Texas today."

posted by Patti @ 8:34 AM |

Care Packages Available Now

Care Packages now available.Don't Forget thoses servicemen still in Iraq War

posted by Patti @ 7:08 AM |

Another one bites the dust
US Troops Hold Saddam's Finance Minister in Baghdad
7 minutes ago Add World - Reuters to My Yahoo!

By Claudia Parsons

AS SAYLIYA CAMP, Qatar (Reuters) - U.S. troops have taken Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s finance minister into custody, saying they hoped he could shed light on billions of dollars the ousted leader and his government may have stashed overseas.

posted by Patti @ 7:05 AM |

Sars Update
Vietnam may close border with China: "Travelers from SARS-infected countries may need health certificates"
In SARS travel news

Ontario - SARS updates take a holiday: "Revised weekend schedule for Ontario SARS Assessment Clinics"
In SARS travel news

posted by Patti @ 7:04 AM |

War Blog Updates
Developments in Iraq's Oil Fields: "Developments regarding Iraq's oil, world oil markets:"
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

WMD hunt: "The U.S. is sending a 1,000-person "Iraq Survey Group" into Iraq to begin the next phase of looking for weapons of mass destruction, and conduct other intelligence tasks, Pentagon officials said Thursday. The group, likely led by a U.S. general, will be made of up civilian scientists, government intelligence analysts, military personnel and private contractors. It will be based in Iraq."
In CNN - War Tracker

Arab leaders push US to leave in BBC News | War in Iraq

Iraq: Basra's pivotal issue - water: ""Mister, water, water." Take a walk down any street in Basra, Iraq's main southern city, and that's the chorus you will hear wherever you go. The second-largest city in Iraq with its 1.5 million residents has been struggling for a month now to receive any - even marginally - potable water, ever since water-purification and pumping stations were hit by the war and the ensuing mayhem."
In Electronic Iraq

A smile to forget destruction: "Ahmed has a dream and his dream is round - like a ball. He wants to become a great football player, like the guys he sees on television. The four-year-old kicks a scratched leather ball over the sharp stones and dusty ground, trying to dribble past the Red Crescent volunteer, who smiles as Ahmed?s small feet struggle to control the big ball."
In Electronic Iraq

Former Iraqi deputy prime minister caught: "Another former member of Saddam Hussein's ruling elite has been captured, US troops say."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

posted by Patti @ 6:54 AM |

Friday, April 18, 2003

we are screwed
Reuters
Friday, April 18, 2003; 9:20 PM

By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government sided with the recording industry in its dispute with Verizon Communications Inc. on Friday, saying a digital-copyright law invoked by record labels to track down Internet song-swappers did not violate the U.S. Constitution.

posted by Patti @ 8:57 PM |

god bless laci peterson
National - AP

Remains Are Laci, Baby; Husband Arrested
19 minutes ago Add U.S. National - AP to My Yahoo!

By BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press Writer

MODESTO, Calif. - Scott Peterson was arrested Friday in the death of his wife, Laci, who was eight months pregnant when she vanished on Christmas Eve. The arrest came as authorities confirmed that two bodies that washed ashore this week were those of Laci and her baby.

posted by Patti @ 8:49 PM |

war blog updates
Marines Feast on Saddam's Wild Gazelles: "Supper time has become a double treat at a Marine base outside Saddam Hussein's hometown - not only is there fresh meat, but it's from Saddam's personal hunting preserve."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Israel May Pull Troops From Some Areas: "Israel will consider pulling back troops only after the Palestinian prime minister takes office and the Palestinian leadership shows it is taking action to stop terrorism, an Israeli official said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

More Than 900 Iraqi War Prisoners Freed: "Coalition forces sorting through thousands of Iraqi war prisoners have released nearly 900 after determining they were civilians who had nothing to do with the fighting."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:46 PM |

hello

posted by Patti @ 6:55 PM |

Entertainment Updates
VANDROSS IS FLOORED BY STROKE: "R&B legend Luther recovering in Los Angeles hospital after collapsing..."
In Mirror.co.uk

BILLIONAIRE PAUL GETTY DIES: "The Oklahoma billionaire who gave away £150m and became more British than the British..."
In Mirror.co.uk

posted by Patti @ 6:11 PM |

War Update
Middle East - AP

Iraqi Nerve Agent Expert Turns Himself In
25 minutes ago

By JOHN J. LUMPKIN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - A top Iraqi scientist involved in the country's development of a sophisticated nerve agent has turned himself in to American authorities, a U.S. official said Friday

posted by Patti @ 6:03 PM |

blog updates
Tapes of Saddam Continue to Appear: "Just when U.S. officials began to believe they'd heard the last from Saddam Hussein, there he was again - maybe - greeting a crowd in video footage supposedly taken days after a bomb strike that was meant to finish him off. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqis Protest Against United States: "Unfurling banners that declared "Leaveour country," tens of thousands of Baghdad protesters demandedon Friday that the United States get out of Iraq while leadersof the oil-rich nation's neighbors meeting in Saudi Arabia alsocalled for a speedy U.S. departure. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Saddam Video Said Shot When Baghdad Fell: "Saddam Hussein resurfaced Friday in image and in voice, waving to enthusiastic crowds on a video reportedly shot as American forces overran Baghdad and addressing his people in a tape recording that crackled with quiet defiance. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraqis Rally to Demand Swift U.S. Exit: "Less than 10 days after the fall of Saddam Hussein, thousands of Iraqis marched in downtown Baghdad on Friday to demand a rapid U.S. troop withdrawal and a prominent opposition leader said he expects Americans to relinquish most government functions within weeks. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Pentagon Says Pilot's Remains Identified: "The remains of one of two Air Force pilots who were declared missing after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iraq on April 7 have been recovered and identified, the Pentagon said Friday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 5:34 PM |

posted by Patti @ 5:22 PM |

am i posting

posted by Patti @ 4:58 PM |

War blog Updates
Iraq Landmines: "Apr. 18 - Specialists have started work to remove tens of thousands of Iraqi landmines strewn across the north of the country."
In War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com

Museum-Gate?: "Oddly enough, in light of the multiple-day extravaganza of looting of Iraqi antiquities that went on right under the nose of occupying American troops, before the war even began there were charges being slung by rabble-rousing archeologists and scientists that the United States was in cahoots with a group of wealthy art dealers to, um, liberate Iraq's historical heritage.
According to the April 6 edition of Scotland's Sunday Herald, the group American Council for Cultural Policy, which "is known to consist of a number of influential dealers who favour a relaxation of Iraq's tight restrictions on the ownership and export of antiquities . . . met with US defence and state department officials prior to the start of military action to offer its assistance in preserving the country's invaluable archaeological collections."
Meanwhile, with only three out of 32 hospitals still operable, Baghdadis are starting to hold protests seeking the return of some semblance of government."
In Alternet: War On Iraq

Ex-POW Lynch Recovering From Foot Surgery: "Pfc. Jessica Lynch underwent surgery to repair a bone in her right foot, officials at Walter Reed Army Medical Center said Friday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Bechtel's Political Clout Helps Land Bid: "It's not just a history of building landmarks like the Hoover Dam that helped Bechtel Corp. win the first major Iraq reconstruction contract. The company is as well-connected as Washington insiders come."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Neighbors Stress Iraqis Should Run Iraq: "Ministers from neighboring countries want Iraq to be governed by its own people, they said at an emergency meeting Friday to discuss the aftermath of the war and its effect on the region."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Iraq Oil Production May Resume in 7 Weeks: "The oil well fires are out, looted equipment is being recovered and damage was less than feared, leading U.S. officials to predict Iraq's southern oil fields could be producing 1.1 million barrels a day within seven weeks."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 4:38 PM |

heloo

posted by Patti @ 2:20 PM |

heloo

posted by Patti @ 2:19 PM |

Updates War Blog
Iraq Left With Billions in Debt: "Iraqis have more to clear away than the rubble of war. Saddam Hussein's regime ran up billions of dollars in debts that must be settled before the country's shattered economy can fully recover. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.S. Companies Helping Out Soldiers: "Hotels are offering free rooms. Baseball teams are giving away tickets. Banks are lowering rates. And restaurants are offering everything from doughnuts to dinners. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Board votes to rename mountain peak after fallen soldier in CNN - War in Iraq

U.S. studies purported Saddam tapes in CNN - War in Iraq

Border delays hampering aid efforts - charity: "Supplies of medical aid to Basra are being delayed because of problems at the Kuwaiti border."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

posted by Patti @ 2:14 PM |

War Blog Updates
US troops tackle Iraqi paramilitaries: "US troops have opened fire on paramilitary fighters north of Baghdad."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

'New' Saddam Tape Surfaces: "An Arab television station has aired footage of what might have been Saddam Hussein's final public appearance. It allegedly showed him walking Baghdad's streets, mobbed by crowds, the day the city fell."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Bechtel Bid Under Scrutiny: "GOP-linked Bechtel won a multimillion dollar Iraq reconstruction contract through a process that limited competitive bids. Democrats are complaining; the White House denies any role."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

posted by Patti @ 9:55 AM |

Newest updates
The Business Of Iraq: "Apr. 18 - U.S. soldiers and marines are working to maintain order in Iraq. In a Los Angeles Times exclusive, we see U.S. companies are bidding to help train Iraqi police."
In War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com

Al-Sahaf Suicide Rumors: "Apr. 18 - There are reports that Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahaf has committed suicide. Al-Sahaf has not been seen since the fall of Baghdad."
In War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com

Mideast Nations Meet on Iraq as US Threatens Syria: "

RIYADH ( Reuters ) - Middle Eastern nations were meeting on Friday to debate post-Saddam Iraq as the United States pressed on with its own plans for the war-ravaged nation.
Among eight countries at the first postwar regional forum was Syria, now under U.S. pressure for allegedly sheltering aides of Saddam Hussein and developing chemical weapons. The Riyadh meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia to discuss the implications of the crushing U.S. victory on the region.
Foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors Turkey, Iran, Syria, Kuwait and Jordan as well as Egypt and Bahrain were to attend. Barring Syria and Iran, all are key U.S. allies that offered some form of support for Iraq's invasion. None of these nations had any love for Saddam, whose three decades in power were ended this month by the U.S.-led war on Iraq, but now they all want a say in filling the vacuum.
Almost all Middle Eastern nations want the U.S. and British occupation to end immediately. They also want Iraqis to elect their own government -- but with help from neighboring states. In remarks carried by the Iranian news agency on Friday, President Mohammad Khatami said the role of regional countries in setting up a new Iraqi government was "very important."
And speaking to reporters in Cairo on Thursday, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara said he expected the meeting to call for maintaining Iraq's "unity, integrity and independence." "No one can guess or predict how long it will take to stabilize Iraq," he said. "But...occupation is not the right response to stability in Iraq."

"
In Command Post

Thousands at Baghdad Mosque Demand US Leave Iraq: "

BAGHDAD ( Reuters ) - Thousands of people carrying Korans and waving banners demonstrated outside a Baghdad mosque on Friday demanding the United States leave Iraq.
In the first Friday prayers since U.S. tanks drove to the heart of the Iraqi capital last week, Imam Ahmed al-Kubaisi said in his sermon the United States invaded Iraq to defend Israel and denied that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.
His followers poured out of the mosque after prayers chanting anti-U.S. slogans and waving banners that read "No to America. No to Secular State. Yes to Islamic State."

"
In Command Post

American Patriot unit leaves Israel: "

Ha'aretz : Three American Patriot missile batteries set up for Iraq war in Israel to be dismantled Sunday.

"
In Command Post

Interpol sending team to help search for Iraqi antiquities: "

PARIS ( AP ) - Interpol announced Friday it is sending a special team to Iraq to help track down pillaged art treasures, joining a legion of groups worldwide offering assistance in the recovery efforts.
The international law enforcement organization called on everyone involved in the conservation and trade of antiquities "to categorically decline any offers of cultural property originating from Iraq."
The move comes as Washington said FBI agents had been dispatched to Iraq to find plundered treasures and as the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization held an urgent meeting in Paris on restoring Iraq's cultural heritage. Interpol said in a statement that it planned a special gathering May 5-6 to devise strategies for recovering the thousands of objects stolen from Baghdad's Iraq National Museum and other institutions nationwide.
The meeting is to bring together officials from UNESCO, the International Council of Museums and the World Customs Organization, among others. While the pillage at first appeared to be a spontaneous frenzy unleashed by the fall of Baghdad, experts now believe some looters were highly organized professionals aiming to feed clandestine networks.
The Interpol statement said a special team of senior officers would go to Kuwait and other countries in the region later this month seeking information from governments and police on what had been stolen. "The team will travel to Iraq as soon as this can be arranged with military officials," the statement said.
Interpol has already alerted police in its 181 member countries to make sure that everyone from border guards to art dealers and even the public is aware of the situation, the statement added.

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 7:46 AM |

Thursday, April 17, 2003

U.S. Troops Step Up Hunt for Al-Qaida
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "The chatter of the metal detector turned to a solid hum when it reached the center of the house's mud-baked floor. Sgt. Derrick Edwards dug his fingers into the earth, prying apart the flat stones. He shined his flashlight at the dark hollow below."

posted by Patti @ 3:38 PM |

Baghdad Still Stuck Without Power
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "With the system lights around him glowing a sickly green, the chief engineer of Baghdad's key power plant stood Thursday before a control panel of bad news: Inverter failure. Cooling system failure. Circuit breaker failure."

posted by Patti @ 3:28 PM |

Married to fear
Alternet: War On Iraq: "Respected British writer John Berger writes that the war on Iraq was marked by fear -- the blind fear of the architects of this new American Century, which in turn led to the exercise of overwhelming power: "Married as they are to Fear, they cannot come to terms with, or find a place for, death. Fear keeps death out, and so the Dead desert them. The partners of Fear are alone on this planet - as the rest of the world is not. This is why, considering all the power they wield, military and otherwise, they are dangerous. Terrifyingly dangerous. It is also why they cannot survive.""

posted by Patti @ 3:21 PM |

updates
Ashcroft, Mueller to announce results of Iraqi interviews in CNN - War in Iraq

Kennedy: Patience, persistence in weapons hunt in CNN - War in Iraq

posted by Patti @ 3:16 PM |

hello

posted by Patti @ 3:04 PM |

FBI Wraps Up Wartime Interviews of Iraqis
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "The FBI has wrapped up its wartime interviews with almost 11,000 Iraqis living in the United States and will resume its prime focus on combatting terrorism now that the war in Iraq is winding down."

posted by Patti @ 2:55 PM |

posted by Patti @ 2:54 PM |

am i blogging

posted by Patti @ 1:55 PM |

Leaderless Iraqis Wonder Who Is in Charge
Command Post: "REUTERS Thu April 17, 2003 12:17 PM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Mohammed Mohsen Zubaidi says he is running Baghdad but no one seems sure with what authority.
Iraqi National Congress leader Ahmad Chalabi, head of one of the biggest Iraqi exile political groups, has arrived in the capital after decades abroad but has so far made only the blandest statements through his adviser.
And the U.S. invaders, who patrol the city's streets, are saying virtually nothing.
For Iraqis, it is a baffling change from the harsh one-party rule of Saddam Hussein. Many now simply want somebody -- whoever it is -- to take charge.
"Whether we choose it or not, we need a government," said 35-year-old Wafiq Mohammed in a crowd of Iraqis struggling to understand what the future holds.
More than a week after Baghdad fell to U.S. troops, many Iraqis are struggling to understand why Americans, so effective in war, seem to be so ineffective at peace.
Many want a government of their own people and are still somewhat skeptical about the United States' motives for the war.

posted by Patti @ 1:32 PM |

Leaderless Iraqis Wonder Who Is in Charge
Command Post: "REUTERS Thu April 17, 2003 12:17 PM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - Mohammed Mohsen Zubaidi says he is running Baghdad but no one seems sure with what authority.
Iraqi National Congress leader Ahmad Chalabi, head of one of the biggest Iraqi exile political groups, has arrived in the capital after decades abroad but has so far made only the blandest statements through his adviser.
And the U.S. invaders, who patrol the city's streets, are saying virtually nothing.
For Iraqis, it is a baffling change from the harsh one-party rule of Saddam Hussein. Many now simply want somebody -- whoever it is -- to take charge.
"Whether we choose it or not, we need a government," said 35-year-old Wafiq Mohammed in a crowd of Iraqis struggling to understand what the future holds.
More than a week after Baghdad fell to U.S. troops, many Iraqis are struggling to understand why Americans, so effective in war, seem to be so ineffective at peace.
Many want a government of their own people and are still somewhat skeptical about the United States' motives for the war.

posted by Patti @ 1:32 PM |

Updates
Italian Peacekeepers: "In Command Post

FBI Finishes 11,000 Interviews with Iraqis in U.S: "[FOX News]

? The FBI has wrapped up its wartime interviews with almost 11,000 Iraqis living in the United States and will resume its prime focus on combatting terrorism now that the war in Iraq is winding down. The interviews, which began on March 20, were conducted around the clock by hundreds of FBI agents and focused on Iraqis who had ties to the former regime of Saddam Hussein and those who had recently traveled to Iraq.
While several dozen were detained for visa violations, no known terrorists or Iraqi spies were discovered in the interviews. Instead, FBI officials say, the interviews yielded important information for U.S. forces, including locations of Iraqi bunkers, tunnel systems, manufacturing plants and military installations.

Read the rest...."
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 1:14 PM |

i have no idea where i am posting to

posted by Patti @ 12:54 PM |

hello

posted by Patti @ 12:51 PM |

post

posted by Patti @ 11:36 AM |

A Soldiers Blog War Updates
Experts: Looters Had Keys to Iraqi Vaults: "Some of the looters who ravaged Iraqi antiquities had keys to museum vaults and were able to take pieces from safes, experts said Thursday at an international meeting."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Second U.S. Aircraft Carrier Leaves Gulf: "A second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier departed the Persian Gulf on Thursday, leaving only the USS Nimitz battle group on station in the Gulf, defense officials."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

posted by Patti @ 11:16 AM |

Embryo cloning ban gets backing from Parliament
European Voice: "MEMBERS of the European Parliament have stirred controversy by supporting a ban on creating human embryos for stem cell research, including through cloning, amid a lack of moral consensus on the issue in Europe. The chamber has however yet to agree on a definition of ?embryo?."

posted by Patti @ 10:40 AM |

Assad's Situation
Syria's military machine may be hollow—but it isn't harmless.
By Fred Kaplan
Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at 3:25 PM PT MORE...

posted by Patti @ 9:50 AM |

Stocks Rise, Data Hints of Better Outlook
11 minutes ago Add Business - Reuters to My Yahoo!

By Haitham Haddadin

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Blue-chip stocks rose at midday on Thursday, reversing an earlier decline, while tech stocks extended gains after regional manufacturing data suggested business conditions could improve in coming months.

MORE

posted by Patti @ 9:48 AM |

Patti and Jeff,
Hope she picks up story i sure would like to send lots of packages to the troops!
I'm a freelance writer for Weatherford Daily News and other newspapers and magazines. The publisher of Weatherford Daily News gave me an email that you sent about Brandon Varn. That's a great story. What relation are you to Brandon?

I would like to talk to you about this for a story. Unfortunately, you left no phone number, and I don't know where you live. Is there any chance you could call me at555? I will be away from the computer for a couple of days, so I won't be able to check my email. It would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Robyn Hoffman
Freelance writer

posted by Patti @ 9:46 AM |

Best-Selling Diet Doctor Dies at 72
6 minutes ago Add U.S. National - AP to My Yahoo!

NEW YORK - Dr. Robert C. Atkins, whose best-selling low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet was dismissed as nutritional folly for years but was recently validated in some research, died Thursday, his spokesman said. He was 72.

Atkins died at New York Weill-Cornell Medical Center and was surrounded by his wife and close friends, said Richard Rothstein, his spokesman.

Atkins suffered a severe head injury Tuesday after falling on an icy sidewalk while walking to work. Last April, Atkins was hospitalized for cardiac arrest, which he said was related to an infection of the heart and was not related to the diet.

posted by Patti @ 9:17 AM |

FAMOUS DIET DOCTOR DIES Dr Atkins dies from a fall more to follow

posted by Patti @ 9:15 AM |

A Soldiers Blog Iraq War Updates
Australian Firm vies for Iraqi Reconstruction Contracts: "From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) says it is in negotiations with the United Nations and several US companies about securing a consulting role for Iraq's rehabilitation.
SMEC has been repairing infrastructure in northern Iraq for the past three years and has bases throughout the Middle East.

It will be interesting to see if contracts are only awarded to US firms."
In Command Post

Lift Iraqi sanctions? Nyet!: "From The Australian

Russia will not support a US proposal to lift UN sanctions on Iraq if UN inspectors do not confirm the country has no weapons of mass destruction, a Russian foreign ministry official said.
" Regime change in Baghdad is not a condition for lifting economic sanctions on Iraq ," the official told the Interfax news agency on condition of anonymity.
" There is a UN Security Council resolution for this, which clearly stipulates the disarmament of Iraq - something international inspectors must decide ," he said, adding that Russia supported the return of UN inspectors.

"
In Command Post

Saddam's Half Brothers Killed for Him: "Saddam Hussein has three half brothers from his mother's second marriage. They have been close to Saddam for most of the past three decades. Their willingness to kill and conspire for him, eliminating even members of their own extended clan, was one of the mainstays of the regime."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

US floods Iraq with dollars in BBC News | War in Iraq

Powell may travel to Syria to discuss tensions after Iraq war: "US Secretary of State Colin Powell may travel to Syria for talks on defusing new tensions between the two countries in the wake of a US-led military operation that toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:58 AM |

A Soldiers Blog Updates
Democrat presidential hopes become war casualty: "Democrat hopes of challenging President George W. Bush for the White House have became a casualty of the quick US victory in the Iraq war. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

UN Boosts Iraq Aid Convoys, Opens New Supply Route: "The United Nations boosted the tempo ofits aid deliveries to Iraq on Thursday, bringing 100 trucks offood into the stricken country from Turkey and opening up a newsupply route via Jordan. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

ICRC: Dire situation in hospitals: "ICRC staff visited the Al-Rashad psychiatric hospital in the east of Baghdad, where the situation was found to be very bad. The hospital lacks sufficient drinking water; it has no water for washing or cleaning, meaning it is extremely dirty; and only very limited food is available for patients."
In Electronic Iraq

Hearts and Minds: Aid and reconstruction in Iraq: "This CASI briefing examines some of the political, financial and operational problems surrounding the provision of aid, and the project of reconstruction in Iraq. In particular, it focuses upon the difficulty in striking a balance between the US and the UK fulfilling their responsibilities to provide aid and assist in rebuilding, and their control of the process to the detriment of its effectiveness."
In Electronic Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:35 AM |

China Fights SARS Charges, HK Has Four More Deaths...MORE

posted by Patti @ 7:22 AM |

Cyber Paperboy picks on Drudge - On Wednesday evening, the Drudge Report, posted a story about CNN's flub up of pre made Obituaries for posting on the web when and if some famous political or world figures happened to pass away. Apparently, CNN had posted the "Obits" on it's servers and somehow The Smoking Gun had got hold of the pictures and posted them on it's own web site. Matt wasted no time posting a Obituary picture of the "Late" Vice President Dick Cheney and a news blurb about the mistake by CNN, on the Drudge Report. Being the avid fan of Matt that I am, I wasted no time in coming up with my own Parody of Matt Drudge. Hey, the war is almost over, time for a little fun

posted by Patti @ 6:56 AM |

Now this is hillarious..Report: Blix Wants Inspectors in Iraq
By TONY CZUCZKA
The Associated Press
Thursday, April 17, 2003; 9:05 AM

BERLIN - The chief U.N. weapons inspector for Iraq urged the U.S.-led coalition to allow his team back into the country to look for weapons of mass destruction, saying that would increase the credibility of any discoveries, a magazine reported Thursday.

MORE

posted by Patti @ 6:51 AM |

Drudge Report has a good picture of Blair today

posted by Patti @ 6:47 AM |

TOP STORIES FROM THE TIMES
Soldiers and police face trial over dirty war
By Richard Ford and David Lister
Britain's role in a secret “dirty war” against the IRA could lead to the prosecution of several senior army and police figures at the heart of covert operations

posted by Patti @ 6:40 AM |

Enchantment: 'Potter' Moves 6 Million on Day 1
Thu Apr 17, 2:50 AM ET Add Entertainment - Reuters to My Yahoo!

By Brett Sporich

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The second installment of the Harry Potter (news - web sites) series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," worked its magic on the home video front, selling more than 6 million VHS and DVD combined units nationwide in its first day in release, according to several industry sources.MORE

posted by Patti @ 6:38 AM |

Latest Developments
Stem Cells May Repair Damage From MS
(AP) - Raising hopes of a treatment for multiple sclerosis, researchers have found that stem cells injected into mice can repair damage and sharply reduce symptoms from an experimental form of MS. Seven of 26 mice recovered completely from hind-leg paralysis and others showed substantial improvement after the stem cells were injected into their spinal cords or blood. The study's authors, from the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, say they now plan to try the procedure on monkeys using human stem cells, but caution that a treatment for human patients, if possible, is years away. More...

posted by Patti @ 6:37 AM |

Has anybody heard Clint Blacks new song...It's great "Have You Forgotten"...hope you all buy a copy..here is his web site www.clintblack.com You can download the song for free on his site!

posted by Patti @ 6:31 AM |

A Soldiers Blog Iraq War Updates
U.S. Forces Nab Saddam's Half-Brother: "U.S. Special Forces on Thursday captured Barzan Ibrahim Hasan, a half-brother of Saddam Hussein, the U.S. Central Command reported. Hasan was a presidential adviser to Saddam and had "extensive knowledge of the regime's workings," said Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks. Hasan is one of three half-brothers of Saddam and the second to be captured."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Saddam's Half-Brother Caught in Baghdad: "U.S. special forces Thursday captured a half brother of Saddam Hussein who, according to one American commander, has "extensive knowledge" of the toppled regime's inner workings."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

BBC Reporters' Log: At war in Iraq: "Martin Asser, Baghdad:
I've just arrived in Baghdad after a seven hour journey from the Jordanian border.
As we'd been led to expect there was American control over the entire route. We also saw an Australian military convoy in the desert.
But on the road out of Baghdad we saw hundreds - literally hundreds - of vehicles coming out filled with looted goods. They could barely move they were so loaded down. We saw a fire engine weighed down with steel rods.
When we got into the actually city we saw buildings that had been reduced to rubble.
We saw American soldiers patrolling the streets in small numbers and lots of Baghdad residents out strolling around. All quite normal except for the incredible amount of rubble and debris all over what used to be very clean streets."

First S. Korean Troops Leave for Iraq: "South Korea dispatched 20 military officers to Kuwait Thursday as an advance team for 650 non-combat engineers and medics scheduled to join the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq within the month. A small group of anti-war activists protested the officers' departure at the nation's main Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

posted by Patti @ 6:00 AM |

Soldiers Blog Updates
WHEN WILL MY ARMS GROW BACK AGAIN?: "Child war victim thinks doctors can perform miracles after he is told he will get best medical care available ..."
In The Mirror

COURT ORDEAL OF SOHAM FAMILIES: "'The whole hearing Holly's mother stared at the dock. She could not take her eyes off them'..."
In The Mirror

CALL FOR PREVIEW OF IRAQI AID CD: "Call our phoneline and listen to the Mirror's brilliant Hope CD by 18 of the world's top music stars..."
In The Mirror

POWER SURGE: "Exile Ahmad Chalabi returns to Baghdad to stake his claim for leadership of new democratic Iraq..."
In The Mirror

ANTI-WAR RIOT AT EMBASSY: "Demonstrators cause chaos yards from where EU leaders were meeting for summit..."
In The Mirror

MY FEAR IN THE CITY GRIPPED BY SARS: "Hazel Parry reports from Hong Kong on a country brought to its knees by the flu-like virus..."
In The Mirror

WENGER RAGE AS CAMPBELL BANNED: "Arsene Wenger slams Sol Campbell's sending off as Arsenal's title hopes are dealt huge blow..."
In The Mirror

posted by Patti @ 5:58 AM |

Thank you David Rising ..Please send us more news on the Fourth ID which I have now named The Forgotten Fourth....Keep Your Helmets on boys
ASoldiersBlogs Mom

posted by Patti @ 5:56 AM |

4th Infantry Division

Battlefield Internet Helps Forces in Iraq

NORTH OF BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A computer system that tracks friendly and enemy forces and pinpoints hazards like minefields on video game-like touch screens got its first use in battle. Commanders are hoping it can cut down on friendly fire deaths.

Battlefield Internet Helps Forces in Iraq

By DAVID RISING
.c The Associated Press

NORTH OF BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A computer system that tracks friendly and enemy forces and pinpoints hazards like minefields on video game-like touch screens got its first use in battle. Commanders are hoping it can cut down on friendly fire deaths.

The Army's 4th Infantry Division is guided by a sophisticated computer network that tracked the division's 1st Brigade during a skirmish Wednesday for the Taji air base north of Baghdad.

The computer network is known as Force 21 Battle Command Brigade and Below, and works as a battlefield Internet that keeps track of fast-moving combat vehicles.

The system's global positioning satellite navigation system also warns whenever a vehicle strays from its planned path.

Proponents say such systems could prevent tragedies like the March 23 ambush deaths of nine soldiers from the 507th Maintenance Company after their convoy took a wrong turn in southern Iraq.

The network ``provides a level of situational awareness that is second to none,'' said 1st Brigade commander Col. Don Campbell.

Campbell and his staff used the battlefield networking system Wednesday to direct his troops - represented by blue icons - toward the positions of ``red'' Iraqi paramilitaries identified by spotters in helicopters.

Soldiers of 1st Brigade took control of the Taji base, killing four combatants and taking at least two dozen prisoners. There were no American casualties.

Using the system to pinpoint exact vehicle positions also can prevent friendly fire deaths.

On the system's networked screens, blue icons denote friendly forces and are constantly updated. Red icons show the enemy, which are added as they're spotted. The 4th Infantry also has unmanned aircraft that can handle surveillance tasks.

Hazards like minefields, areas where poison gas has been reported or other pitfalls can be added so units can steer clear.

By touching a screen icon, anyone from a commander in the rear to a tank crewman can get specific data about a vehicle - what it is, how fast it is moving and in which direction. If a vehicle is captured, the system has a self-destruct mechanism that can be triggered remotely.

Another touch allows soldiers to send text messages between vehicles or back to the command post, cutting down on radio chatter.

Maj. Mike Silverman, operations officer for the 1st Brigade, said that saves time to use voice communications for more detailed reports.

For Chief Warrant Officer II John Hanks, a maintenance technician for the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, the text messaging means troops can send quick assessments of problems without miscommunication through radio garble.

``The faster the vehicles can get to me saying, `We need a part,' the faster I can come up with it and get them back into the fight,'' Hanks said.

Developed by Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman, the computers were first fielded in 1995, said Mike Iacobacci, a Northrop technician traveling with the 1st Brigade.

The FBCB2 system transmits by bouncing data from vehicle to vehicle until it hits the brigade or division command centers. This ``mesh network'' lets the 4th Infantry update its positions faster than the rest of the Army, which must cope with the five-minute delay inherent in its satellite communications systems.

Younger soldiers, many of them raised on video games, quickly learn how to use the system, Iacobacci said.

``Some of these kids grew up on Nintendo and Play Stations, so once they get on it's easy,'' he said.

The 4th is considered the Army's most lethal heavy division, boasting the latest tanks, troop carriers and Apache attack helicopters. But it missed out on nearly all the fighting in Iraq after Turkey refused to let the United States use that country as a staging ground.

Wednesday's skirmish was the first combat the division has seen since the Vietnam War.

04/17/03 02:16 EDT

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.

posted by Patti @ 5:54 AM |

Coronavirus is the cause of SARS
Coronavirus never before seen in humans causes SARS
April 16, 2003

GENEVA -- Today, the World Health Organization announced that a new pathogen, a member of the coronavirus family never before seen in humans, is the cause of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The speed at which this virus was identified is the result of the close international collaboration of 13 laboratories from 10 countries. While many lines of evidence have found strong associations between this virus and the disease over the last weeks, final confirmation came today.

“The pace of SARS research has been astounding,” said Dr. David Heymann, Executive Director, WHO Communicable Diseases programmes. “Because of an extraordinary collaboration among laboratories from countries around the world, we now know with certainty what causes SARS.”

The successful identification of the coronavirus means that scientists can now confidently turn to other SARS challenges. For example, various laboratories continue to work to unravel the genetic information of the SARS virus and compare the sequences obtained from viruses in different parts of the world. Experts are gathering at WHO this week to map future work on SARS....SOHO

posted by Patti @ 5:46 AM |

CDC clarifies 'close contact'
April 17, 2003

CDC yesterday updated its SARS case definition to clarify the use of the term “close contact”.

"Close contact" is defined as having cared for, having lived with, or having direct contact with respiratory secretions and/or body fluids of a patient known to be suspect SARS case.

In addition to clinical features, "suspect SARS cases" will have traveled within 10 days of onset of symptoms to an area with documented or suspected community transmission of SARS. This includes transit in an airport in these airports.

Source: CDC SARS website

posted by Patti @ 5:45 AM |

Australia reports three probable SARS cases arriving from Canada
April 17, 2003

Australia has officially notified the World Health Organisation today of three probable cases of SARS - three children visiting Victoria from Canada.

The children, who have been under investigation for SARS since 4 April, have fully recovered from the disease and there has been no transmission of the disease to other family members or close contacts...see story

posted by Patti @ 5:44 AM |

First SARS case in India reported in Goa
April 17, 2003

The first case of SARS in India has been confirmed in Goa, a western state state popular with young travellers.

The victim, 32-year-old man, had been touring Singapore and arrived in Mumbai. He was found to have mild fever when he arrived in Goa on April 2. The National Institute of Virology confirmed he had the virus on Wednesday.

A team of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases is .........see story

posted by Patti @ 5:43 AM |

Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Saddam Sealed Betrayal Deal: Iraqi Diplomat
In IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 9:05 PM |

Day 6 of Brandon's deployment and already most people have forgotten that 30,000 mean went their last week.Hard to find news on them and of course i havn't heard from him.I miss you Brandon good luck Paladins.

posted by Patti @ 6:58 PM |

War Blog Updates
UK forges new alliances in BBC News | War in Iraq

Wounded Marine Says Iraqi Civilians Saved Lives: "Reuters

A U.S. Marine wounded by a suicide bomber in Baghdad last week said Wednesday Iraqi civilians had saved American lives by warning them moments before the man blew himself up.
Marine Cpl. David McCallen said the Iraqis, who were helping the Marines move sandbags, alerted them as a man with a bomb strapped to his chest ran toward them.

"
In Command Post

Syria Introduces Arab-Backed Resolution: "Syria asked the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday to approve an Arab-backed resolution calling for the Middle East to be free of weapons of mass destruction. The United States said it supports the idea of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, but accused Syria of having such weapons itself."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

posted by Patti @ 6:54 PM |

In Cyberchat, Bush Aide Says Saddam Likely Dead Top Stories - Reuters

In Cyberchat, Bush Aide Says Saddam Likely Dead
5 minutes ago Add Top Stories - Reuters to My Yahoo!

By Patricia Wilson

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - At least one senior White House official believes Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) is dead and was not afraid to say so publicly on Wednesday.

In the first of a series of Web chats, one of President Bush (news - web sites)'s top aides, chief of staff Andrew Card, told Casey from Quincy, Massachusetts, who wanted to know the whereabouts of the Iraqi leader:

"He is not likely to be in Quincy, Braintree or my hometown of Holbrook. I think he's dead." YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 6:31 PM |

War Blog Updates
HUNTLEY DENIES SOHAM MURDERS: "But former school caretaker Ian Huntley denies murdering Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman..."
In The Mirror

Not guilty plea on murders: "IAN Huntley today denied murdering Soham schoolgirls Holly and Jessica"
In The Sun - News

posted by Patti @ 5:36 PM |

War Blog Updates
US admits killing 'at least seven' in Mosul in IraqWar.Ru

UN has post-war role in Iraq, says Blair in IraqWar.Ru

U.S. Forces Will Redeploy Into 3 Zones in IraqWar.Ru

In Tikrit, Hussein Still Stands Tall in IraqWar.Ru

Bush Says Regime in Iraq Is No More; Victory 'Certain' in IraqWar.Ru

Now Free to Protest, Iraqis Complain About Americans in IraqWar.Ru

EU leaders to make Iraq statement in IraqWar.Ru

£1m question: where has Saddam gone? in IraqWar.Ru

So who really did save Private Jessica? in IraqWar.Ru

"US more keen on oil than Iraqi people" in IraqWar.Ru

Four killed in fresh shooting in Mosul in IraqWar.Ru

Pentagon draws fire for preacher engagement in IraqWar.Ru

Unexpected security sweep at Palestine Hotel in Baghdad in IraqWar.Ru

posted by Patti @ 5:34 PM |

Gen Franks
Gen. Franks Makes First Visit to Baghdad: "Gen. Tommy Franks, director of the U.S.-led assault on Iraq that efficiently deposed Saddam Hussein, went to Baghdad on Wednesday to take a firsthand look at the work of his troops and offer them his congratulations. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

US commander Franks enters Baghdad; Bush demands end to UN sanctions on Iraq: "The commander of US-led forces in Iraq, General Tommy Franks, entered Baghdad for the first time after four weeks of war, while US President George W. Bush called for UN sanctions on Iraq to be lifted now that President Saddam Hussein had been ousted. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 3:09 PM |

Updates
Arizonans Fight Over Renaming Mountain: "A proposal to rename an Arizona mountain after an American Indian killed in Iraq has led to a surprisingly nasty fight between the Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Mourners gather for funeral of San Diego-based Navy medic killed in Iraq: "Photographs and mementoes from the life of Navy medic Michael Vann Johnson Jr. greeted mourners Wednesday as they gathered for the funeral of the lone Arkansan killed in the Iraq war."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Refugees Stranded Between Jordan and Iraq: "The United Nations and Jordan agreed Wednesday to aid about 200 refugees - mostly Iranian Kurds who fled Iraq - who are stranded on the desert frontier between Iraq and Jordan."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Many Iraqis Turn Anger Toward the U.S.: "Just days ago, U.S. troops were cheered and kissed as they destroyed the symbols of Saddam Hussein's regime. Today, after a week of chaos, it's a whole different story."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

posted by Patti @ 3:06 PM |

THIS PERSON WANTS ANSWERS LETS EMAIL HIM
with no doubt you (troops) are very
brave.
but sofar you have asked yourself
<< why are we fighting? for who? and
why?>>
What was the sin of hundreds of
poor people of iraq that were killed
by you?
what were you doing on the other sid
oe globe?
are you sherif of the world?
then who is the united nation and
what is his role?

please guide me to find the answers
of these questions.
tks

farhad-zab@yahoo.com

--------------------------------------------------

posted by Patti @ 2:18 PM |

Updates
Al Jazeera says: "Here are a couple of interesting articles from the Arab network's English language site: a rumored deal between the leader of the Republican Guard and the U.S.; plans to pay Iraqi civil servants in U.S. dollars; destabilizing effects of Iraq war on the Saudi government."
In Alternet: War On Iraq

Saddam wins immunity idol in axis of evil challenge: "U.S. and British forces trying to persuade Iraqis that Saddam Hussein's reign has ended are having a hard time of it thanks to abundant legends about the toppled dictator's mystical powers. Among the most astonishing of these is one which claims Hussein possesses a magical stone which renders him bulletproof. "He has the stone," Jasim Way, a resident of Basra told The Mercury News. "You shoot him and he doesn't die.''"
In Silicon Valley: War Watch Weblog

The fickle finger of fate picks a child to save: "He has only recently surfaced on the radar of domestic media, but for the past few weeks in the international press, the face of Iraqi civilian casualties has belonged to Ali Ismaeel Abbas, a 12-year-old boy who lost both arms and sustained horrific burns in a missile explosion that killed his father, mother and brother early in the war. After suffering through the minimal care that has been available in Baghdad, Ali was airlifted to Kuwait, where he is recovering from the first of many operations. Thanks to publicity, Ali will benefit from charitable funds and receive the best of care. A feel-good story, certainly; may some of that generosity work its way to all those victims whose faces we will never see."
In Silicon Valley: War Watch Weblog

Why We Didn't Remove Saddam: "

"While we hoped that popular revolt or coup would topple Saddam, neither the U.S. nor the countries of the region wished to see the breakup of the Iraqi state. We were concerned about the long-term balance of power at the head of the Gulf. Trying to eliminate Saddam, extending the ground war into an occupation of Iraq, would have violated our guideline about not changing objectives in midstream, engaging in "mission creep," and would have incurred incalculable human and political costs. Apprehending him was probably impossible. We had been unable to find Noriega in Panama, which we knew intimately. We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq. The coalition would instantly have collapsed, the Arabs deserting it in anger and other allies pulling out as well. Under those circumstances, furthermore, we had been self-consciously trying to set a pattern for handling aggression in the post-cold war world. Going in and occupying Iraq, thus unilaterally exceeding the U.N.'s mandate, would have destroyed the precedent of international response to aggression we hoped to establish. Had we gone the invasion route, the U.S. could conceivably still be an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land. It would have been a dramatically different--and perhaps barren--outcome."

-- Excerpt from an article in the March 2, 1998 issue of Time Magazine called "Why We Didn't Remove Saddam"penned by George Bush and Brent Scowcroft.
"
In Silicon Valley: War Watch Weblog

posted by Patti @ 1:29 PM |

updates
TRANSCRIPT OF 4/16 CENTCOM BRIEFING in CENTCOM: News Release

POOL REPORT OF GEN FRANKS' TRIP TO BAGHDAD (PART 2 OF 2) in CENTCOM: News Release

POOL REPORT OF GEN FRANKS' TRIP TO BAGHDAD (PART 1 OF 2) in CENTCOM: News Release

U.S. Marines Take Over Baghdad Hotel: "The men with the guns rolled up in dusty combat boots and in force, but without reservations. What was an innkeeper to do? "Welcome to my hotel!" beamed the general manager, Salim M. Mohamed."
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

Coalition Troop Deaths Released Wednesday: "The names of dead coalition servicemembers released Wednesday, by relatives or military officials. Overall, the U.S. military said Tuesday that 125 U.S. servicemembers have died and three are missing. The British government said 31 British soldiers have died. DEATHS: March 23:"
In Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com

posted by Patti @ 1:24 PM |

Time to call schools!

posted by Patti @ 11:22 AM |

PLEASE REMEBER TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

posted by Patti @ 11:21 AM |

Updates
4th Infantry Finally Sees Combat Action: "After missing the major battles in Iraq, the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division went into action at an airfield north of Baghdad on Wednesday, fighting Iraqi paramilitaries and gunmen in civilian clothes in the first combat the division has seen since the Vietnam War. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Pentagon Puts Cost of War So Far At $20B: "The Pentagon has spent about $20 billion so far in the war against Iraq, a senior official said Wednesday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

U.N. Designates in Goods for Iraq: "The United Nations said Tuesday it has identified million in priority humanitarian goods that can be shipped to Iraq by the May 12 deadline adopted last month by the Security Council. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Several Dead In Mosul Shootings: "Three people were killed in the tense northern city of Mosul. It was unclear whether U.S. troops were involved. American soldiers killed at least seven in an incident there the day before."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Syrian president faces tough test: "With pressure from the US and UK, Bashar al-Assad will have to tread carefully."
In BBC News | War in Iraq

Hundreds pay tribute to Marine in BBC News | War in Iraq

posted by Patti @ 11:14 AM |

Updates
Surrender in Ramadi: "The Iraqi army's 12th Armor Brigade surrendered in central Iraqi city of Ramadi on Tuesday, ending organized resistance there, said Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks at U.S. Central Command in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. An element of the 3rd Infantry Division accepted surrender of the brigade, which had been defending the main road between Jordan and Baghdad.
? Abbas extradition: Italy wants to extradite Abu Abbas, a convicted Palestinian terrorist who masterminded the 1985 hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro on which a wheelchair-bound U.S. citizen was killed. Abbas, was captured by U.S. Special Forces in the outskirts of Baghdad on Monday, U.S. Central Command said Tuesday."
In CNN - War Tracker

Iraq Politician Chalabi En Route to Baghdad - Aide: "Pro-America Iraqi politician AhmadChalabi left the southern town of Nassiriya on Wednesday forthe capital Baghdad on his first visit to the city since theoverthrow of the monarchy in 1958, a senior aide said. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Daughters of man killed on Achille Lauro want hijacker imprisoned: "The daughters of Leon Klinghoffer, a US man killed aboard the Achille Lauro in 1985, said they want Palestinian Abu Abbas imprisoned for the crime. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Capsules of U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq: "Some of the U.S. troops killed in the war in Iraq: (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Tales Of Two Rescue Raids: "More information is emerging about the raids that saved American POWs. One paper says the rescue of Jessica Lynch may have been staged. Another reports the rescue of seven other prisoners almost didn't happen."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Mosul tension: "Tensions Wednesday ran high in Mosul after a clash between Iraqi Arabs and the Marines Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least seven people near the city center. A senior Kurdish intelligence official told CNN that a crowd of people became infuriated when U.S. troops entered Mosul's main government building to set up offices and raised the U.S. flag."
In CNN - War Tracker

Terror Alert Falls From Orange to Yellow: "The Bush administration lowered the national terror alert level to "yellow" Wednesday, suggesting the threat of terrorism linked to the war in Iraq has abated. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 10:06 AM |

Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Iraqis Start Viewing U.S.-British Television
Tue April 15, 2003 05:35 PM ET
By Hassan Hafidh
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A week after George W. Bush and Tony Blair personally promised Iraqis a speedy end to Saddam Hussein's rule, Baghdad residents are finally starting to get the message.

The taped pledges, recorded by the U.S. president and British prime minister at a summit in Northern Ireland, feature on a new television channel broadcast by their governments on frequencies once used by Saddam's state media.

"At least we are not seeing Saddam's face, which used to appear nearly every day in Iraqi television for the last 24 years," said Abu Yousif, one of a group of Iraqis watching the new channel in the center of the Iraqi capital on Tuesday.

The new Arabic network, called Nahwa Al-Hurrieh or "Toward Freedom," was officially launched on Thursday. A specially modified plane called "Commando Solo" is flying over Iraq broadcasting both television and radio for several hours a day.

But, with power cut in most of Baghdad, only those with generators are able to tune in -- and, initially, viewer figures were hard to come by.

On Tuesday evening, the channel aired for at least two hours. During the broadcast, Bush and Blair promised their troops would leave Iraq as soon as a new government was in place.

Members of the group watching the new network in downtown Baghdad said they had tuned in over the past few days, using a generator to run their television sets.

"We saw it but it was not very clear," said Kamal, 70, who did not give his second name. "There was news and statements. They said don't go out with weapons. That kind of thing."

But locals said the signal was very weak and they still depended for news on international radio stations like the BBC's Arabic service, U.S. broadcast Radio Sawa and Radio Monte Carlo.

DEFIANT STATEMENTS

Iraqi state television, which featured military officers reading defiant statements on the progress of the war and patriotic songs praising Saddam, went off the air a week ago as U.S. forces swept into Baghdad.

The new channel's broadcast included a commentary in which the presenter attacked Saddam, calling him uneducated and saying he had seized power by force and had executed his own people.

A news program entitled "Iraq and the world" reported on looting that swept Baghdad after U.S. forces took control of the capital last Wednesday. The presenter, a woman whose accent suggested she was Lebanese, said life in the city was slowly getting back to normal as some shops started opening again.

Citing other Arabic media, the news reported that Iraqi diplomats were asking for asylum in other countries. The channel also broadcast extracts from Arab newspapers on the war and showed sports news and a weather forecast.

The programs seen in Baghdad on Tuesday had been produced in London. British officials have said the content for the new service was been agreed in discussions with Iraqi exiles.

Production of the British content has been outsourced to a private London-based company called World Television. Its producers and journalists are all Arabs. The Pentagon is also producing content including slides of propaganda leaflets.

Officials say programming will include news, discussions, features, culture and public service announcements. The British government has commissioned 30 one-hour programs.

U.S. planes have dropped leaflets to inform Iraqis about the station, and it has also been publicized on a U.S.-backed radio channel broadcasting since the war began on March 20.

A British official previously said the service will last until a "proper, free and open" media can be established.

posted by Patti @ 5:55 PM |

Report: Palestinian Abu Abbas in US Custody in IraqWASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Palestinian guerrilla leader Abu Abbas who masterminded the hijacking of an Italian cruise ship in 1985 was captured by U.S. forces and is in U.S. custody in Baghdad, CNN reported on Tuesday Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 2:59 PM |

LONDON, England (CNN) -- A British serviceman fooled the media when he was portrayed as having had a miracle escape after his helmet was hit by four gunshots, it has been revealed.

Commando Eric Walderman, 28, was nowhere near his helmet when it was shot by members of his own unit, serving in Iraq, said the British tabloid, The Sun.

The newspaper, which had carried the story saying Walderman had been targeted by Iraqi soldiers, unashamedly revealed the hoax on its front page Tuesday under the headline "Mr Lucky was not so plucky." CNN

posted by Patti @ 2:44 PM |

Abu Abas has been taken into custody the hijacker of italian cruise ship! Arrested in Baghdad by Marines.

posted by Patti @ 2:40 PM |

War Fatigue Dampening Network News Ratings
Yahoo! News: War with Iraq: "After three weeks of televised Iraqwar coverage that brought viewers closer than ever to livecombat, American TV audiences are showing signs of battlefatigue. (Reuters)"

posted by Patti @ 2:39 PM |

posted by Patti @ 2:38 PM |

Iraqi Protesters Block Marines in Kut By BURT HERMAN, Associated Press Writer

KUT, Iraq - Hundreds of protesters blocked U.S. Marines from entering Kut's city hall Tuesday to meet a radical anti-American Shiite cleric who has declared himself in control here, military officials said.

AP Photo

Latest news:
· War News in U.S. Comes in Many Languages
AP - 20 minutes ago
· Brief Overview of the Battlefield in Iraq
AP - 26 minutes ago
· Bush, Chirac Have Ice-Breaking Phone Call
Reuters - 26 minutes ago
Special Coverage

About 20 Marines from
Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 2:37 PM |

Italian cruise ship HIJACKED More news to follow

posted by Patti @ 2:34 PM |

Moms Across America Adopt Soldiers Deployed Overseas
Diana Berardocco, Deployment Health Support Directorate, Office of the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) for Gulf War Illnesses, Medical Readiness and Military Deployments in cooperation with the Defense Technical Information Center. http://deploymentlink.osd.mil/
December 17, 2001 - WASHINGTON (DeploymentLINK) -

"You have renewed a belief in an old soldier and a great deal of young ones that we are not forgotten. Every soldier looks forward to mail call as it's a rather sacred tradition in the military. But it's a tradition that can bring happiness as well as sadness. You have continued to bring happiness into the lives of my soldiers. For that I am eternally grateful." Sentiments such as this one from a first sergeant serving with the 529th Military Police Company in Kosovo give Ida Hägg and her dedicated army of volunteers the energy to sustain AdoptaPlatoon.

AdoptaPlatoon is a soldier-support grassroots effort that provides morale-lifting mail and care package support to more than 10,000 service members deployed overseas. "I never tire of reminding people that our soldiers do not deserve to be forgotten and that they need us," said Hägg, an 11th-grade English teacher from Rio Hondo, Texas, whose son just completed a four-year enlistment in the U.S. Army.

It was her son's deployment with the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment to Camp Dobol, Bosnia, in 1998 that stirred her patriotic duty and motherly compassion. "My son would write or make quick calls and tell me about the nine soldiers in his platoon who stood for mail call every day, and every day nothing came," Hägg recalled. "These soldiers were 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds, like my son. He asked if I would send some cards and goodies to them, and not forget them during the holidays that were coming." Hägg responded to her son's request.

And then she decided to try to find nine other mothers who would each adopt one of the soldiers. Within a week, each soldier had a mom who pledged her support. Several weeks later, the platoon leader sent Hägg an e-mail message stating that morale for those nine had so significantly changed that perhaps she could perform the same miracle for the entire platoon, an organizational unit that generally consists of 10 to 40 soldiers.

Using the resources in her community including local schools, churches and businesses, 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, she quickly linked her son's entire platoon and additional Camp Dobol soldiers with a community eager to express support. When interest soon outpaced her source of soldiers, Hägg wrote to Maj. General Kevin Byrnes, commander of U.S. Forces in Bosnia, and described the outpouring of community support for the young men and women. Impressed with her success, Byrnes approved the linkage of soldiers from the 82nd Field Artillery stationed at Eagle Base Camp in Bosnia with supporters - just in time for Christmas 1998. Less than two years later, the program had grown from the initial nine to 10,000 soldiers.

"I kept linking support and it grew from there. I never dreamed it would be what we have today," said Hägg, who marked the program's third anniversary in September. While most AdoptaPlatoon support requests come from Kosovo and Bosnia, the program also links soldiers in Macedonia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and has sent support to soldiers via the American Red Cross on special projects in the Balkans and at Camp Stanley, Korea.

"We've helped every branch of the services who have requested our assistance," said Hägg, noting that an Air Force staff sergeant serves on the five-member board of directors. During the last three years, approximately 20,000 supporters have adopted or corresponded with a soldier.

Named AdoptaPlatoon by the soldiers themselves, the program is managed primarily through e-mail communication between Hägg, her board of directors and 20 volunteer mothers who assist with database and web site content and link other mothers, grandmothers, families, pen-pals, churches, schools, civic organizations and companies to deployed soldiers. The program encourages families to support soldiers in the form of an "adoption" and offers single people the opportunity to support single soldiers through a pen-pal arrangement. Support consists of sending a weekly, cheerful card or letter, acknowledging a soldier's birthday, and sending at least one care-package per month. Care packages usually contain hard candies, gum and cookies that a soldier can share with the entire platoon. A year ago the organization created a special type of support person - the "Platoon Mom" - who embraces an entire platoon of deployed soldiers and rallies support for her adopted platoon within her local community.

Currently, there are almost 100 volunteer mothers in approximately 20 states who support entire platoons. "The Platoon Mom is a very special person. She meets a rigorous interview and screening process," said Hägg, noting that a "Mom" may be single or divorced and must be at least 30 years of age. "They support a platoon soldier or soldiers during one rotation, which usually lasts four to six months. They also communicate with the platoon leader to determine the needs of the platoon as a whole."

Hägg emphasized the care she and Fran Dobson, known as the Platoon Mom Commander, take in admitting a potential Platoon Mom into the program. "We are very overprotective of our soldiers," she said, explaining that since the recent anthrax scare, volunteers are working harder to verify information and perform follow-up phone calls. Hägg stresses that the program wants sincere and committed supporters who consider their efforts a "gift we give ourselves."

AdoptaPlatoon Moms effusively share what the program means to them. "I will tell you something, without ever seeing one of them in person, or ever even knowing what most of them look or sound like, I love each of my adopted soldiers as if they were my own." said New Jersey Platoon Mom Rose Podolsky. Platoon Mom Elaine Harmon, another New Jersey resident and retired first grade teacher, became involved with the program two years ago after a friend forwarded an e-mail about AdoptaPlatoon. Starting first with a small platoon, Harmon's support has extended to several hundred soldiers, including 150 service members from Alpha Company, 201st Forward Support Battalion serving in Kosovo. Her ongoing dedication to the soldiers led to an invitation to attend the change-of-command ceremony in Vilseck, Germany, for the commander of the 201st Logistics Task Force. While in Germany, she had the emotionally gratifying experience of visiting with many of her adopted soldiers. "You know you are making a difference in the lives of these soldiers, especially the lonely ones," Harmon said. "You send them things, anything that will brighten their day and make them smile."

The AdoptaPlatoon program makes a difference in the lives of students who participate as well. Harmon regularly visits the classroom of a friend and teacher to assist the children with preparing the letters, cards, holiday greetings and gifts they send overseas to Harmon's adopted platoon. She said she believes in teaching kids to be patriotic; and the kids enjoy the program immensely. The program has also helped Nancy Parra's sixth grade Lowell Elementary class to see beyond the boundaries of Mesa, Ariz. When the class adopted a staff sergeant attached to the 101st Airborne in Kosovo two years ago, Parra developed a world studies curriculum to solidify the educational experience. "We studied the region of Kosovo and Bosnia, wrote a class book for the district writing contest that described what the soldiers are doing there, and tackled issues like religious tolerance and how it related to our civil rights movement," she explained. To develop her class's writing skills, she taught the elements of the writing process as her children drafted letters to their adopted soldier. The staff sergeant reciprocated by sending pictures and writing personal letters to every child in the class. "We sent a care package every month with candy or a pair of new socks and things that would help to make his deployment easier," she said. "The children were very motivated that they were taking care of somebody else. For them, that's a first, and they really liked that role."

Sometimes the interaction becomes even more personal. The sixth graders' most recent adopted soldier often exchanges e-mail with the students from Kosovo answering questions such as "Who does your laundry?" and "What kind of food do you eat there?" While on leave to visit his family in New Mexico this past summer, he made a special journey - driving from New Mexico to Arizona - to visit the class. The kids were absolutely thrilled, Parra recalled. From the exchange of correspondence, the Lowell elementary schoolchildren learned about the needs and hardships of the children in Kosovo. "Our teachers organized a drive and the school sent packages of pens, pencils and other school supplies to Kosovo, and the children felt good about doing that," Parra said. "We've developed many projects from soldiers requests or needs," said Hägg.

Two years ago, when a Military Police Battalion deployed to Bosnia needed crayons for coloring books that the Army wanted to give the Bosnian schools, they contacted AdoptaPlatoon. The organization created "Operation Crayon," and in 30 days volunteers delivered enough crayons to fill an Army supply truck. Today, "Operation Crayon" assists the soldiers' efforts to help children in the war-torn region by supplying Bosnian and Kosovo schools and orphanages with items such as winter clothing, socks, undergarments, school supplies and other necessities. "When we support our soldiers' humanitarian efforts, it helps raise their morale," said Hägg. "They love to provide aid to the children who are the real victims of the war."

Corporate America has also embraced the program. Southwest Airlines recently approved a company-wide, AdoptaPlatoon effort which links 250 soldiers with thousands of employees and employee groups in their 59 airport stations and other departments nationwide. "Supporting the troops is of utmost importance to us," said Lacey Waldrep, a Southwest Airlines customer relations representative. She said employees are placing boxes in their work areas to fill with magazines, snacks and candies to send to the troops. The ripple effect has been enormous and employees' families, friends and church groups have expressed interest in sending mail and care packages. As a non-profit organization, the primary challenge for AdoptaPlatoon is raising the necessary funding to maintain the growing support flowing to the soldiers, said Hägg.

Buster Dobson, a "Platoon Dad," oversees fundraising responsibilities to meet the immediate requirement for administrative, grant-writing and computer-based resources. "We all work out of our homes. We don't have a big copier and my e-mails smoke-out a printer every three months," Hägg continued. "We have grown so big so fast our greatest need is a paid staff." In June 2001, the organization was awarded a $2,500 grant by the jointly sponsored Fisher House Foundation, the Military Times Media Group and Newman's Own, an organization headed by actor Paul Newman, for its innovative program to improve military quality of life. The Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc., has recently offered to provide assistance with software and databases. The organization also receives many small donations in the mail.

Transcending present concerns and leaning towards the spiritual for a moment, Hägg said she feels the project is blessed. "We have so many dedicated people reaching out to make a difference in the lives of our soldiers who are as passionate as I am about AdoptaPlatoon. The reward we receive is beyond words," said Hägg. Message from the AAP Board: For information on how to become a Platoon Mom or Dad, how you or your organization can adopt a soldier or military unit or assist in our mission, please review our website.

Home

posted by Patti @ 2:24 PM |

Updats
War in the air: "How does US air power in the latest war compare with the 1991 campaign?"
In BBC News | War in Iraq

Iraq's most wanted in BBC News | War in Iraq

Iraqis Seek News About Missing Relatives: "Hussein Mohammed Musa credits his faith with helping him survive the 22 years of anguish since his two sons vanished at the hands of Saddam Hussein's regime. Frail and with failing eyesight, the 75-year-old retiree came to Baghdad Tuesday in search of news about his boys. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Second Argentine journalist dies in Iraq traffic accident: "A second Argentine journalist died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident in western Iraq. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

France's Chirac, Bush Speak By Phone: "French President Jacques Chirac, seeking to repair ties frayed by the Iraq war, spoke with President Bush for the first time in more than two months Tuesday and appeared to temper earlier demands that the United Nations be at the center of Iraq's reconstruction. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Iraq Contender Scorns UN: "

Ahmed Chalabi, the Head of Iraqi National Congress, said the Iraqi people view the UN as allies of Saddam.
He was interviewed by Jonathan Dimbleby:
Jonathan Dimbleby: "You say that the United Nations should be kept out of this? but that suggests that you think that Britain and America are wrong to say that the UN should have a vital role in this process?"
Ahmed Chalabi: "I that the UN has a limited role in Iraq. They have messed up their previous enterprises in Iraq and the Iraqi people view them as if they are the defacto allies of Saddam, that is the view that is expressed here".

( itv )
"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 2:21 PM |

Magazine inducts celebs into
National Enquirer: "Travel Holiday magazine has inducted two celebrity members each into its "Tipping Hall of Shame" and "Tipping Hall of Fame.""

posted by Patti @ 12:34 PM |

Who's who in post-Saddam Iraq
BBC News | War in Iraq: "BBC News Online looks at some of the likely key figures in a new Iraqi regime."

posted by Patti @ 12:33 PM |

U.S. 'knew of Russia spy link'
In CNN - War in Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:33 AM |

Updates
Hotel search: "Teams of U.S. Marines looked "for unauthorized weapons" and people "not friendly to the United States" in a search Tuesday at a Baghdad hotel that is a home base for many journalists, a military source told CNN Correspondent Michael Holmes."
In CNN - War Tracker

U.S. Troops Intensify Search for Weapons: "U.S. troops intensified the search for weapons of mass destruction and foreign fighters across Iraq on Tuesday, while the first post-Saddam Hussein meeting of the nation's fractious religious and political groups looked toward the future. The Bush administration hinted at economic or diplomatic sanctions against Syria. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:31 AM |

SARS
Hong Kong - more measures for outbound travelers: "Body temperature of all departing passengers to be checked"
In SARS travel news

Bangladesh reports first suspected SARS case: "Suspected SARS patient arrives in Dhaka from Hong Kong"
In SARS travel news

SARS situation in China remains grave as death toll rises: "Prime Minister calls for more action as SARS results in four new deaths,scores of new cases"
In SARS travel news

Cathay Pacific has no plans to stop operation: "Airline is maintaining its network and providing scheduled services as much as possible"
In SARS travel news

Malaysia Airlines cancels 716 flights: "MAS revised its flight operations with reduced frequency on certain routes"
In SARS travel news

US Department of Defense advises SARS precautions: "Department of Defense advising military and civilian personnel to take precaution against SARS"
In SARS travel news

China takes steps to protect foreigners health during SARS outbreak: "China makes special medical service available to foreigners due to SARS"
In SARS travel news

posted by Patti @ 8:29 AM |

Gourd reveals roots of ancient god
4,000-year-old
fragment shows
oldest evidence
of religious icon
in the Americas
MSNBC

posted by Patti @ 7:20 AM |

Updates
Blair and Schroeder build bridges in BBC News | War in Iraq

Antiquities experts head for Iraq in BBC News | War in Iraq

UNESCO Experts to Examine Iraqi Relics: "UNESCO will send a team of experts to Iraq to assess the damage that looting has caused to the country's vast holdings of priceless antiquities."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Troops Ask Iraqis to Stay Home After Dark: "Iraqi police stepped up patrols and volunteers directed traffic Tuesday in a slow return to law and order in Baghdad, while the Marines handed out fliers urging people to stay in their homes after dark for their own safety."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Italy May Deploy Up to 3,000 in Iraq: "The Italian government asked parliament Tuesday to authorize the deployment of up to 3,000 people to Iraq, including military policemen and relief workers, to help restore order and provide humanitarian assistance."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 7:11 AM |

The News We Kept to Ourselves
By EASON JORDAN

TLANTA — Over the last dozen years I made 13 trips to Baghdad to lobby the government to keep CNN's Baghdad bureau open and to arrange interviews with Iraqi leaders. Each time I visited, I became more distressed by what I saw and heard — awful things that could not be reported because doing so would have jeopardized the lives of Iraqis, particularly those on our Baghdad staff. NY Times

posted by Patti @ 7:07 AM |

Human Genome Is Completed — Now Comes the Hard Part

Times Headlines

SARS Virus Mapped, but Its Origins Still Unknown

Israeli Kings No Myth, New Data Suggest

SARS Outbreak Has Peaked in Most Places, Scientists Say

more >LA Times

GENOME

By Rosie Mestel, Times Staff Writer

Scientists announced the formal completion of the human genome Monday — a milestone marking the end of the first chapter of the genetics revolution and the dawn of a more arduous chapter two — figuring out the meaning of it all.

posted by Patti @ 6:59 AM |

April 15, 2003 E-mail story Print

Police Test to See if Body Is Laci Peterson's
The remains of a young woman and a baby boy wash up on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

Photos

Grisly discovery
(Robert Durell / LAT)
April 14, 2003

Laci Peterson

Times Headlines

Police Test to See if Body Is Laci Peterson's

Some Taxpayers Don't Owe a Penny

Dispute Led to Violent End of Legal Duo's Friendship

Accused Spy Blames the FBI

Town Finds Skater Out of Line

more >

MISSING PERSONS

LACI PETERSON

By Lee Romney and John M. Glionna, Times Staff Writers

RICHMOND, Calif. -- The bodies of a petite young woman and a baby boy washed up on the shores of San Francisco Bay, and authorities are investigating whether the badly decomposed remains are those of Laci Denise Peterson and her son.

Peterson was 8 1/2 months pregnant when she disappeared Christmas Eve while walking her dog in the Central Valley farm community of Modesto, about 100 miles from the windswept shoreline.

Modesto police flew by helicopter Monday afternoon to the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, where the adult body was discovered in the rocks just above the high-tide line.

The discovery of the woman's remains came one day after a passerby spotted a tiny body near the Richmond Marina, about a mile to the north. Police identified it as a "full-term" fetus.

The infant was so decomposed that it took an autopsy to determine that it was a boy.

The cause of death was unknown late Monday, and it remains unclear whether the baby had been delivered, said Richmond Police Sgt. Enos Johnson.

At a news conference late Monday, Johnson said there could be a link between the two bodies "because of their close proximity, the time they were found and the fact that they had both been in the water — they're both decomposed."

Officials in the Contra Costa County coroner's office began to examine the female corpse Monday night.

They declined to predict when they would complete their work and report the findings to police. But they said that identifying the remains would be a "time-consuming process."

The case of the 27-year-old Peterson has grabbed the attention of the national media and mystified police.

For months, pictures of the pregnant woman with the gleaming smile have been affixed to shop windows and utility poles throughout California and as far away as Salt Lake City and Mexico.

Scott Peterson told police that he saw his wife the morning she disappeared, as she left their house to walk the dog. She was due to give birth to a baby boy.

Peterson said he took a fishing trip to the Berkeley Marina, a few miles south of where the adult body washed ashore.

He told police he tried to call his wife when he was done, but could not reach her.

In the weeks following Peterson's disappearance, investigators scoured the area around the marina. They have not named Scott Peterson as a suspect, but neither have they ruled him out.

Police initially treated the disappearance as a missing persons case, but detectives reclassified it as a homicide in early March.

Authorities have searched Scott Peterson's home and vehicles and seized two family computers.

Scott Peterson became estranged from his wife's family after news reports that he was having an affair with a Fresno-area massage therapist.

Laci's family has criticized Peterson for selling his missing wife's car and for considering the sale of the couple's house.

More than 500 volunteers have participated in a massive search since Laci Peterson's disappearance — some using airplanes and helicopters, others on horseback and foot.

Gail Smith, a spokeswoman for the Modesto Police Department, said that she was not aware of another woman who had been reported missing in California.

"I was just doing a search for missing pregnant woman and all I came up with was Laci," she said.

But Modesto Police Det. Doug Ridenour stressed that there is still no proof the body is Peterson's. "We've sent several investigators up to the scene and they haven't come back yet," he said. "There's no information, though, that it's connected. If they haven't been able to identify it by now, then it's not going to be easily identifiable."

Modesto resident Brad Saltzman, who has helped coordinate volunteer efforts to find Peterson, said most of those involved would not comment until the bodies were identified.

"I really don't think any of us are saying anything," he said. "Everybody's just waiting to see if it's her body."

Authorities said Monday that the bodies may have been washed ashore by weekend storms.

They said if the bodies had been ashore earlier, they would have been spotted by many pedestrians and dog walkers who use the area.

The infant's body was discovered around 4 p.m. Sunday along a trail near the Richmond marina by two people walking their dog.

Authorities said the baby had been dead for some time and was lying in a pool of water about 15 feet away from the shoreline.

Just before noon Monday, another dog walker came upon the adult remains along the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. The body was facing down on an embankment of large concrete blocks, authorities said.

East Bay Regional Park District Police Chief Norman Lapera said officials called Modesto police after determining that the adult body was probably a female.

The agency sent a helicopter to summon a Modesto police detective and two crime scene investigators. By late afternoon, they were joined by a police lieutenant and an investigator from the Modesto County district attorney's office.

As a medical examiner's van drove off with the body about 5:30 p.m, reporters and news media helicopters watched from across a parking lot.

Police brought in dogs to scour the area for more remains.

Authorities said Modesto police would assume the lead role in the probe, if the body is determined to be Peterson's.

Lapera said he decided to call Modesto police because the remains were found so close to the Berkeley Marina, searched previously by investigators.

District police thought that, because of where the body was found "and the notoriety of the case involving Modesto that it was prudent for us to notify them," Lapera said.

Times staff writer Monte Morin and special correspondent Imran Vittachi contributed to this report.

If you want other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latimes.com/archives.
Click here for article licensing and reprint options

Copyright 2003 Los Angeles Times

posted by Patti @ 6:57 AM |

Sharon Says Syrian Leader Is Dangerous
40 minutes ago

By YOAV APPEL, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM - Syrian President Bashar Assad is a dangerous leader and has shown flawed judgment in siding with Iraq (news - web sites) and harboring members of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s regime, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) said in remarks published Tuesday
YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 6:51 AM |

Straw ups pressure on Syria over Iraqi fugitives, banned weapons
27 minutes ago Add Mideast - AFP to My Yahoo!

AS-SALIYAH, Qatar (AFP) - Britain, which eagerly signed up to the US-led war to topple Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), matched American pressure on Syria to declare whether it has weapons of mass destruction or has taken in fugitives from the ousted regime next door in Iraq (news - web sites).

YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 6:50 AM |

Local Shiite clerics condemn tension in Najaf
Qabalan calls on leaders to unite for benefit of Iraq
Lebanon’s Shiite clerics on Monday condemned the current tension in Najaf, an important Shiite religious center, and called on the allied forces to protect it.
One of the leading religious leaders, Ayatollah Ali Sistani, had been under house arrest by 50 armed pro-Iranian Iraqis since Saturday, who had demanded that the cleric leave Iraq within 48 hours.
A Kuwaiti Shiite cleric said that several tribal chiefs from the Euphrates area had intervened and put an end to the ayatollah’s captivity.
The group of armed men were reportedly from the same group which had brutally killed pro-Western Shiite cleric Sayyed Abdel-Majid Khoei in Najaf on Thursday.
The vice-president of the Shiite Higher Council in Lebanon, Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan, played down reports about tension in Najaf. FULL STORY
Increase in public and private transport results in chaos
System has descended into anarchy
The recent boom in public and private transportation has opened many new routes that were out of reach in the past.
The movement of people has increased between various areas, and the new shopping and residential areas have prospered from easy access and cheaper fares.
However, a social, economic and environmental price is being paid for the problem-ridden transportation solution; in brief, the situation today can be best described as complete chaos.
The Daily Star conducted a survey of taxi drivers and passengers and interviewed a specialist for potential remedies.
In light of the general economic hardships and complaints of service taxi drivers who are no longer satisfied with their incomes, The Daily Star asked whether they’d rather sell their red license plates and work...FULL STORY

AUB’s Godot: a brave but sometimes lame production
Play at West Hall was innovative but tended to leave audience restless
After $1.5 million was spent on
Daily Star Newspaper

posted by Patti @ 6:47 AM |

Headlines SYRIA

DAMASCUS, April 15 (SANA)-

Damascus dailies front paged on Tuesday the following headlines:

-President Al-Assad discusses with Sudanese President al-Bashir the situations in Iraq and in Palestine and how to deal with them and receives Saudi Foreign Minister al-Fysal and the British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs O’Brien.

President al-Assad : “Syria cares about the unity and integrity of the Iraqi territories and its historical identity”.

-Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara talks on phone with his Egyptian counterpart, Maher about the situation on the Iraqi Arena.

-US threats against Syria Continue “The situation requests calmness not escalation”.

-Lebanese President Lahoud “Peace in the world will not be achieved out of the framework of the United Nations”.

-Marines forces positioned in Tikrit and controlled all the oil fields and police patrols stated patrolling the streets of Baghdad backed by the American forces.

-The Iraqi people struggle to restore their normal life.

-An Israeli court allows using the nail bombs against the Palestinians ..the Israeli forces storm Rafah and detain 30 Palestinians.

-Greece warns against a new American wave of arrogance.

H.Zein /N.Idelbi

posted by Patti @ 6:45 AM |

DEATH TOLL RISES AS SARS MUTATES
Mirror.co.uk: "Seven more die from SARS in one day as doctors fear virus has mutated making it more deadly..."

posted by Patti @ 6:39 AM |

Morning Updates
Straw: U.N. Can't 'Play Games' With Iraqi Reconstruction: "British foreign secretary warns Security Council not to politicize rebuilding effort"
In Foxnews

U.S. Officials Interviewing Iraqi Nuclear Scientist: "Jaffar al-Jaffer gives himself up in unnamed Middle Eastern country"
In Foxnews

RESEARCH ALERT-UBS cuts several hotel ratings in Forbes: Breaking News

New Orleans Cops Search for Two More in Deadly School Shooting: "Four teens already in custody for AK-47 killing of 15-year-old boy"
In Foxnews

WHO Wants to Inspect Chinese Military Hospitals: "Rumors rife that Beijing keeping scores of SARS cases secret"
In Foxnews

posted by Patti @ 6:38 AM |

Monday, April 14, 2003

WE WON'T KNOW TILL TOMORROW IF IT IS LACI OR NOT.GOD BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY

posted by Patti @ 8:18 PM |

Accident Kills U.S. Soldier in Kuwait
Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com: "A soldier with the U.S. Army's V Corps was killed and one was wounded Monday morning in an apparent accidental weapons discharge incident near Baghdad International Airport. The incident is under investigation, Central Command said."

posted by Patti @ 8:12 PM |

EVENTS (TIMES IN GMT) MSNBCTuesday -
Straw visits Qatar, Saudi Arabia
U.S. convenes meeting of Iraqis in Nassiriya to discuss a postwar administration in Iraq
Schroeder, Blair meet in Hanover
Wednesday/Thursday -
Annan attends EU leaders' meeting in Athens, to meet Blair, Chirac, Schroeder

posted by Patti @ 6:20 PM |

Iraqi opposition to meet amid scepticism over Chalabi, US plans
Command Post: "Jordan Times

Iraqi opposition groups are to gather [in Nassiriya] Tuesday for the first time since President Saddam Hussein's fall in Baghdad, but the man tipped to be the country's next leader will be noticeable by his absence.
Ahmad Chalabi, in line to take power in Iraq after an interim administration, said Sunday he would send a representative to the gathering, where the US is expected to lay out its vision of a post-Saddam Iraq.
But amid already extensive scepticism about US plans for remaking the country, Chalabi ? who has lived in exile most of his life ? has backing from only parts of the US administration and remains an unknown quantity for most Iraqis.

This is the same meeting to which Iraqi defector Nizar Khazraji was headed when he was assassinated ."

posted by Patti @ 6:11 PM |

EVENTS (TIMES IN GMT)
Tuesday -
Straw visits Qatar, Saudi Arabia
U.S. convenes meeting of Iraqis in Nassiriya to discuss a postwar administration in Iraq
Schroeder, Blair meet in Hanover
Wednesday/Thursday -
Annan attends EU leaders' meeting in Athens, to meet Blair, Chirac, Schroeder

posted by Patti @ 6:07 PM |

Saddam's Wife May Have Gone to Syria ........YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 5:51 PM |

Local - KCRA TheKCRAChannel.com

Infant, Adult Bodies Found; Laci Peterson Investigators Called In
7 minutes ago Add Local - KCRA TheKCRAChannel.com to My Yahoo!

A badly decomposed body was discovered Monday on a beach in northern California, one day after an infant boy's body was found along a trail not far away.

Authorities said that a body was found at Point Isabel near the Richmond Marina.

Authorities investigating the disappearance of 28-year-old Laci Peterson were called to the scene, but officials said they had no evidence to believe the body is connected to the missing woman.

Authorities could not immediately determine the body's gender or race.

"All it is at this point is they had a body wash up," said Modesto Sgt. Ron Cloward, who has headed the search for Peterson. "We have no indication at this point that it has anything to do with Laci."

Peterson disappeared from her Modesto home Dec. 24. She was eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy in February. Her husband, Scott Peterson, has been questioned about her disappearance but never named a suspect.

Scott Peterson has told police he saw his wife the morning she disappeared, as she left their house to walk the dog. He said he went fishing that day at the Berkeley Marina, several miles south of where the body washed ashore. Investigators searched the area around the Berkeley Marina in the weeks following Laci's disappearance.

On Sunday, two people walking their dog found the infant's body along a trail near the Richmond marina. Authorities said the baby, with its umbilical cord attached, had been dead for some time and was lying in grass near the water.

Stay with KCRA 3 and thekcrachannel.com for the latest details

posted by Patti @ 5:49 PM |

ALL TIME TOP GREATS
of "Misinformation Minister Al
Sahhaf. His lunatic counterfactual
art gave us a laugh during the war.

"There are no American infidels in
Baghdad. Never!"

"My feelings as usual- we will
slaughter them all!"

"God will roast their stomachs in
hell at the hands of Iraqis."

"We are not afraid of the
Americans. Allah has condemned
them. They are stupid and they are
condemned."

"I speadk better English than this
villain Bush."

"Lying is forbidden in Iraq.
President Hussein will tolerate
nothing but truthfulness as he is a
man of great honor."

"I can say, and I am responsible for
what I am saying, that they have
started to commit suicide under the
walls of Baghdad."

--------------------------------------------------

posted by Patti @ 5:27 PM |

Updates
"Banker who hid Saddam's millions": "From this :

A FINANCIAL adviser to Saddam Hussein has revealed how the Iraqi dictator channelled hundreds of millions of pounds into secretive offshore companies.
For more than 10 years Elio Borradori, a company trustee in the tax havens of Liechtenstein and Lugano, Switzerland, managed the huge "commissions" and "consultancy fees" from the Iraqi dictator's arms deals and development contracts... Many of the millions moved in and out of an account codenamed "Satan", which was originally overseen by a relative of Saddam...
...Borradori remains defensive: "Is it worse to work as a trustee of Saddam Hussein than to work for a mafia godfather or a drug trader, or for Albanian serial killers, for people trading radioactive waste? If the answer is yes, everyone in Switzerland should destroy their passports."
"
In Command Post

A secret deal for Baghdad?: "The sudden and unexpectedly easy fall of Baghdad has the Arab press buzzing with rumors about a deal struck between the Baath regime and the Pentagon, brokered by none other than the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah."
In Alternet: War On Iraq

CNN becomes a war combatant: "The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph slams CNN correspondent Brent Sadler and his "security advisers" who responded by returning fire when they came under attack at a checkpoint in Tikrit: "ournalists, like stretcher-bearers and Army padres, do not engage with the enemy. This is an established and important rule of warfare ... By acting as it has, CNN has made life harder for soldiers and war correspondents.""
In Alternet: War On Iraq

posted by Patti @ 5:25 PM |

CANADA UPDATES
Voting under way in Quebec election in CBC.CA

Nav Canada to raise airline fees in CBC.CA

McGrady, Marion honoured by NBA in CBC.CA

Jaguars gamble on Mitchell in CBC.CA

Albert Johnson III joins Jets in CBC.CA

U.S. marines overcome resistance in Tikrit; ground troops move in in CBC.CA

China expresses concerns over SARS; 11 new deaths reported in Asia in CBC.CA

2 militants sentenced to death in Karachi bombing trial; 2 get life terms in CBC.CA

Nigeria's ruling party takes early lead in elections marred by violence in CBC.CA

posted by Patti @ 5:19 PM |

UK News
Governments press IRA to say it will abandon terrorism: "The Northern Ireland peace process was in a tense and anxious phase last night as the British and Irish governments pressed the IRA for clarification on whether it is on the point of abandoning paramilitarism."
In Independent: UK News

Rebel firefighters threaten to call more strikes: "Firefighters are expected today to reject proposals, accepted in March by their leaders, to settle their seven-month pay dispute."
In Independent: UK News

Labour will suffer in local polls, McCartney admits: "Ian McCartney, the new Labour Party chairman, published its local election manifesto yesterday and admitted the party faced a difficult fight in next month's polls."
In Independent: UK News

A star-studded launch fails to quell doubts over Saatchi gallery: "The launch party will be an advertiser's dream: with a guest list topped by the musician David Bowie, the writer Alan Bennett, the actor Jeremy Irons and the artist Tracey Emin, the Saatchi Gallery's opening is guaranteed the headlines its owner has made a career out of generating."
In Independent: UK News

Crofters aim to use land law to block wind farm: "Crofters opposed to a £30m wind farm planned for the Isle of Skye have found a novel way to prevent it: buying the site chosen for the 27 turbines."
In Independent: UK News

Brown on way to a means-test nation, says Howard: "Gordon Brown was accused last night of creating a "dependency culture" by putting up to 25 million people on means-tested benefits."
In Independent: UK News

posted by Patti @ 5:17 PM |

U.S. Interview Iraqi Nuclear Scientist

posted by Patti @ 5:15 PM |

Crimes and Trials - Court TV

Sorry but we are out of money
Fri Apr 11, 5:26 PM ET Add Crimes and Trials - Court TV to My Yahoo!

By Wayne Loewe, Court TV

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (Court TV) — Police have not yet decided what charge is appropriate for a man arrested after tellers laughed him out of a bank he apparently tried to rob.

Julius Kearney, 23, is accused of entering a branch of the Bank of America about 10 a.m. Monday, with a trash bag in one hand and the other in a pocket.

"Put the money in the bag," he demanded.

Instead, one of the two tellers told him the bank was out of money, and the other teller laughed and offered him deposit slips. She told police that made the intruder angry, and he left without any money in his bag.

Authorities picked up Kearney a short time later after witnesses in the bank identified him as the man with the trash bag, according to police department spokesman Robert Rawlinson.

No weapon was found, and Kearney apparently did not threaten anybody at the bank, so police are unsure how the case will be handled.

"Technically, it could be robbery, and since it is in a bank, the FBI (news - web sites) might also have some regulations about what we can charge him

More Stupid Crimes & Misdemeanors

posted by Patti @ 4:54 PM |

Annan concerned about threats to Syria: spokesman YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 4:52 PM |

Ujaama Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Aid Taliban The Associated Press
Monday, April 14, 2003; 4:45 PM

SEATTLE -- James Ujaama, the American Muslim accused of backing al Qaeda, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to provide cash, computers and fighters to the Taliban, the former Afghan rulers who sheltered Osama bin Laden.

Ujaama, 36, pleaded guilty to a single .....Washington Post

posted by Patti @ 4:46 PM |

Posted on Mon, Apr. 14, 2003

Body found, may be Laci Peterson
By Brian Anderson and Karl Fischer
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

More photos

Richmond and East Bay Regional Park District police congregate near the shoreline at Point Isabel Regional Park in Richmond, Calif., after a body was discovered by a dog walker on Monday. (Mark DuFrene/Contra Costa Times)

POINT ISABEL - The dismembered body of a woman discovered this morning on the muddy bayshore could be that of Laci Denise Peterson, the pregnant woman who vanished from her Modesto home on Christmas Eve, a police source told the Times.

A tip from a citizen led police to the petite female body about 11:45 a.m., the source said on condition of anonymity. The head and legs were missing and it was apparent that she had been pregnant, the source said.

The body was clothed in maternity wear, the official said.

Police have not made a positive identification, but are pursuing the Peterson angle, the source said.

"We don't know for sure," the source said.

On Sunday, a tip led Richmond police to the body of a baby that had washed ashore near the Richmond marina. The body was discovered about 4:45 p.m. near Seabreeze Drive, police said.

The woman's torso was found less than two miles away from where dog walkers came across the body of a baby with its umbilical cord still attached. The body, found in the grass near the water, was badly decomposed.

The coroner's office said the newborn was a full-term baby boy.

Peterson, 26, was last seen alive about 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24 when her husband Scott Peterson left to go fishing in the Bay Area. He told police he tried to call his wife when he was done, but could not reach her.

He called police after returning home to find only the family dog with its leash still attached. Searches of a park near their home turned up no clues after Scott Peterson told police that was where his wife planned to take the family dog for a walk.

Police initially treated the disappearance as a missing persons case, but detectives reclassified the case as a homicide investigation in early March.

Investigators have repeatedly said they had no suspects, but Modesto police have searched Scott Peterson's home and vehicles and seized two family computers.

Suspicion among Modesto residents has focused on Scott Peterson, especially after he admitted having an affair with a Fresno massage therapist, Amber Frey. Laci Peterson's family disavowed support of her husband after the affair was revealed.

The investigation has ranged from the parks and canals of Modesto to the San Francisco Bay. Police searched the bay from the Berkeley Marina to Richmond and Angel Island, returning to Richmond last month to search the water with sonar and a remote-control underwater vehicle.

Last month, police searched the area where the baby's body washed ashore on Sunday. Authorities used sonar to comb the bottom of the bay, but failed to locate anything at that time.

Peterson said he had fished around nearby Brooks Island the day his wife disappeared, Modesto police have said. They searched the island, but found nothing relating to the investigation, they said.FULL STORY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Staff writers Kristi Belcamino and Matt Krupnick also contributed to this story.

posted by Patti @ 4:38 PM |

Iraq Religious Split Is Also Political
Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com: "In Iraq, Islam's ancient Sunni-Shiite divide is a matter of politics as well as history and doctrine."

posted by Patti @ 4:33 PM |

Boy Recovering
War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com: "Apr. 14 - A 12-year-old boy who lost both his arms and suffering from severe burns says a "mountain could not withstand the pain" he is experiencing. (graphic video)"

posted by Patti @ 4:15 PM |

U.S. Considers Sanctions Against Syria
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "Triumphant in Iraq, the Bush administration looked across the border to Syria on Monday, accusing it of harboring remnants of Saddam Hussein's government and supporting terrorism. Secretary of State Colin Powell raised the possibility of diplomatic and economic sanctions."

posted by Patti @ 4:14 PM |

Still no news from Brandon just about his unit...Hopefully soon..

posted by Patti @ 4:04 PM |

Monday, April 14, 2003 We Must Never Forget Their Bravery

Following is the official list of American military personnel killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom as of 5:45 p.m. EDT Monday:

April 10:

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Bohr, 39, of San Clemente, Calif. Killed in combat. No other details immediately available.

Army Staff Sgt. Terry W. Hemingway, 39, of Willingboro, N.J. Killed when a car exploded next to his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Ft. Benning, Ga.

April 8:

Army Cpl. Henry L. Brown, 22, of Natchez, Miss. Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr., 20, of Temperance, Mich. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall, 50, of Los Angeles. Killed by an enemy rocket propelled grenade during an ambush in Baghdad. Assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Jason M. Meyer, 23, of Swartz Creek, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, 29, of Clio, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stever, 36, of Pendleton, Ore. Killed in action by enemy fire in Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga.

April 7:

Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles, 18, of Palm Beach, Fla. Killed in central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. Assigned to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Tampa, Fla.

Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid, 27, of Malden, Ill. Killed in a grenade attack. Assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army 2nd Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor, 24, of Clifton, Va. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas. Killed in central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. Assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Pfc. Anthony S. Miller, 19, of San Antonio. Killed by enemy indirect fire in Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. George A. Mitchell, 35, of Rawlings, Md. Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.

April 6:

Army Pfc. Gregory P. Huxley Jr., 19, of Forestport, N.Y. Killed in combat. Assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 17th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Pvt. Kelley S. Prewitt , 24, of Alabama. Killed in action by enemy fire. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

April 5:

Army Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, 34, of Apollo, Pa. Killed by enemy fire during a raid into Baghdad. Assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. Larry K. Brown, 22, of Jackson, Miss. Killed in action. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kan.

Marine 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, 38, of Vista, Calif. Died in Doha, Qatar, as a result of wounds received in action from enemy forces in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

April 4:

Army Capt. Tristan N. Aitken, 31, of State College, Pa. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, La. Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, 33, of Lewiston, Maine. Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Capt. Travis A. Ford, 30, of Oceanside, Calif. Killed when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali-Ariziyal, Iraq. Assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden, 22, of Mount Vernon, N.Y. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Pvt. Devon D. Jones, 19, of San Diego. Killed when vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, 25, of Pembroke, Mass. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Sgt. Duane R. Rios, 25, of Hammond, Ind. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Capt. Benjamin Sammis, 29, of Rehoboth, Mass. Killed when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali Aziziyal, Iraq. Assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, of Tampa, Fla. Killed in combat in Iraq. Assigned to the 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

April 3:

Army Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis, 40, of Hinesville, Ga. Killed when his vehicle ran off the road into a canal in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Cpl. Mark A. Evnin, 21, of South Burlington, Vt. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Army Capt. Edward J. Korn, 31, of Savannah, Ga. Killed as he investigated the wreckage of an Iraqi T-72 tank destroyed by his unit in central Iraq. Assigned to the 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, 23, of Ogden, Utah. Killed in combat. Assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Spc. Ryan P. Long, 21, of Seaford, Del. Killed in combat. Assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Marine Pfc. Chad E. Bales Metcalf, 20, of Coahoma, Texas. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident during convoy operations east of Ash Shahin, Iraq. Assigned to 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Spc. Donald Samuel Oaks, Jr., 20, of Harborcreek, Pa. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Rehn, 36, Longmont, Colo. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Army Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe, 27, of Arvada, Colo. Killed in combat. Assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Sgt. Todd J. Robbins, 33, of Hart, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Marine Cpl. Erik H. Silva, 22, Chula Vista, Calif. Killed in combat in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

April 2:

Army Capt. James F. Adamouski, 29, of Springfield, Va. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Marine Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson, 26, of Durham, N.C. Killed in a non-hostile accident west of Nasiriyah, Iraq, when his vehicle apparently snagged low-hanging power lines. Assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Spc. Mathew G. Boule, 22, of Dracut, Mass. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez, 36, of El Paso, Texas. Died after being shot in northern Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Marine Pfc. Christian Daniel Gurtner, 19, of Ohio City, Ohio. Killed in southern Iraq by an accidental discharge of a personal weapon, unclear whether his own or someone else's. Assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class Erik A. Halvorsen, 40, of Bennington, Vt. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar, 32, of Granbury, Texas. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen, 26, of Flint, Mich. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric A. Smith, 42, of Rochester, N.Y. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Navy Lt. Nathan D. White, 30, of Mesa, Ariz. Pilot of F/A-18C Hornet lost over Iraq. No other details immediately available.

April 1:

Army Sgt. Jacob L. Butler, 24, of Wellsville, Kan. Killed in action in Assamawah, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle. Assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kan.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, 22, of Lansdale, Pa. Killed in non-combat weapon discharge at Camp Coyote, Kuwait. Assigned to Bridge Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Folsom, Pa.

March 31:

Spc. William A. Jeffries, 39, of Evansville, Ind. Evacuated from Kuwait and died as a result of a sudden illness in Rota, Spain. Assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard.

Army Spc. Brandon Rowe, 20, of Roscoe, Ill. Killed in action in Ayyub, Iraq, by enemy artillery. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

March 30:

Marine Capt. Aaron J. Contreras, 31, of Sherwood, Ore. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Sgt. Michael V. Lalush, 23, of Troutville, Va. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Air Craft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, 23, of St. George, Del. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 29:

Marine Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley, 41, of Layton, Utah. Killed during a firefight with enemy forces. Assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Salt Lake City.

Army Cpl. Michael Edward Curtin, 23, of Howell, N.J. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Diego Fernando Rincon, 19, of Conyers, Ga. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Michael Russell Creighton Weldon, 20, of Palm Bay, Fla. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Lance Cpl. William W. White, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. Eugene Williams, 24, of Highland, N.Y. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 28:

Army Sgt. Roderic A. Solomon, 32, of Fayetteville, N.C. Killed when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled off a cliff in a non-hostile accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 27:

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa, 33, of Tracy, Calif. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Robert M. Rodriguez, 21, of Queens, N.Y. Killed in action when the tank he was riding in fell into the Euphrates River during combat operations northwest of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Suarez Del Solar, 20, of Escondido, Calif. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 26:

Marine Maj. Kevin G. Nave, 36, of White Lake Township, Mich. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 25:

Marine Pfc. Francisco A. Martinez Flores, 21, of Los Angeles. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Michael Vann Johnson, Jr., 25, of Little Rock, Ark. Killed in combat, when shrapnel from a grenade hit him in the head. Assigned to Naval Medical Center, Third Marine Division Detachment, San Diego.

Marine Staff Sgt. Donald C. May, Jr., 31, of Richmond, Va. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick T. O’Day, 20, of Santa Rosa, Calif. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Stone, 40, of Boise, Idaho. Died from wounds received by a March 22 grenade attack in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. Assigned to the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, Boise, Idaho.

March 24:

Marine Cpl. Evan James, 20, La Harpe, Ill. Drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal in southeastern Iraq. Reservist with the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Peoria, Ill.

Marine Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus, 28, of Davenport, Iowa. Drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal in southeastern Iraq. Assigned to Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Peoria, Ill.

Army Spc. Gregory P. Sanders, 19, of Hobart, Ind. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 23:

Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison, 22, of Roswell, Ga. Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. Assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, 31, of Ventura, Calif. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, 20, of Cedar Key, Fla. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pfc. Tamario D. Burkett, 21, of Buffalo, N.Y. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline, Jr., 21, of Sparks, Nev. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley, 26, of Fort Myers, Fla. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Jose A. Garibay, 21, of Orange, Calif. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pvt. Jonathan L. Gifford, 30, of Decatur, Ill. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez, 20, of Los Angeles. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pvt. Nolen R. Hutchings, 19, of Boiling Springs, S.C. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Pfc. Howard Johnson II, 21, of Mobile, Ala. Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. Assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, 42, of Enfield, Conn. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, 21, of Gallatin, Tenn. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, Jr., 31, of Nye, Nev. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Randal Kent Rosacker, 21, of San Diego. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum, 22, of Thornton, Colo. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, 31, of Yuma, Ariz. Killed in action on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

March 22:

Navy Lt. Thomas Mullen Adams, 27, of La Mesa, Calif. Killed when two Royal Navy Sea King helicopters collided over international waters. Assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy's 849 Squadron since October 2002.

Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Orlowski, 26, of Buffalo, N.Y. Killed by an accidental discharge of a .50 cal machine gun in Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert, 27, of Williams Township, Pa. Killed in a grenade attack while sleeping in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Army Reserve Spc. Brandon S. Tobler, 19, of Portland, Ore. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 671st Engineer Brigade, Portland, Ore.

March 21:

Marine 2nd Lt. Therrel S. Childers, 30, of Harrison County, Miss. Killed in action in southern Iraq. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, 28, of Los Angeles. Killed in action in southern Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 20:

Marine Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron --1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.

Marine Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of St. Anne, Ill. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron -- 268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron — 268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Staff Sgt. Kendall Damon Waters-Bey, 29, of Baltimore. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Date of death not given:

Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Blair , 24, of Wagoner, Okla. Engaged in operations March 24 on the outskirts of Nasiriyah in Iraq, remains were recovered on March 28. Assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group

Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Monday, April 14, 2003

Following is the official list of American military personnel killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom as of 5:45 p.m. EDT Monday:

April 10:

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Bohr, 39, of San Clemente, Calif. Killed in combat. No other details immediately available.

Army Staff Sgt. Terry W. Hemingway, 39, of Willingboro, N.J. Killed when a car exploded next to his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Ft. Benning, Ga.

April 8:

Army Cpl. Henry L. Brown, 22, of Natchez, Miss. Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr., 20, of Temperance, Mich. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall, 50, of Los Angeles. Killed by an enemy rocket propelled grenade during an ambush in Baghdad. Assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Jason M. Meyer, 23, of Swartz Creek, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, 29, of Clio, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stever, 36, of Pendleton, Ore. Killed in action by enemy fire in Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga.

April 7:

Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles, 18, of Palm Beach, Fla. Killed in central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. Assigned to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Tampa, Fla.

Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid, 27, of Malden, Ill. Killed in a grenade attack. Assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army 2nd Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor, 24, of Clifton, Va. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas. Killed in central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. Assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Pfc. Anthony S. Miller, 19, of San Antonio. Killed by enemy indirect fire in Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. George A. Mitchell, 35, of Rawlings, Md. Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.

April 6:

Army Pfc. Gregory P. Huxley Jr., 19, of Forestport, N.Y. Killed in combat. Assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 17th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Pvt. Kelley S. Prewitt , 24, of Alabama. Killed in action by enemy fire. Assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

April 5:

Army Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, 34, of Apollo, Pa. Killed by enemy fire during a raid into Baghdad. Assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. Larry K. Brown, 22, of Jackson, Miss. Killed in action. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kan.

Marine 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, 38, of Vista, Calif. Died in Doha, Qatar, as a result of wounds received in action from enemy forces in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

April 4:

Army Capt. Tristan N. Aitken, 31, of State College, Pa. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, La. Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, 33, of Lewiston, Maine. Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Capt. Travis A. Ford, 30, of Oceanside, Calif. Killed when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali-Ariziyal, Iraq. Assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden, 22, of Mount Vernon, N.Y. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Pvt. Devon D. Jones, 19, of San Diego. Killed when vehicle fell into a ravine. Assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, 25, of Pembroke, Mass. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Sgt. Duane R. Rios, 25, of Hammond, Ind. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Capt. Benjamin Sammis, 29, of Rehoboth, Mass. Killed when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali Aziziyal, Iraq. Assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, of Tampa, Fla. Killed in combat in Iraq. Assigned to the 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

April 3:

Army Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis, 40, of Hinesville, Ga. Killed when his vehicle ran off the road into a canal in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Cpl. Mark A. Evnin, 21, of South Burlington, Vt. Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Army Capt. Edward J. Korn, 31, of Savannah, Ga. Killed as he investigated the wreckage of an Iraqi T-72 tank destroyed by his unit in central Iraq. Assigned to the 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, 23, of Ogden, Utah. Killed in combat. Assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Spc. Ryan P. Long, 21, of Seaford, Del. Killed in combat. Assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Marine Pfc. Chad E. Bales Metcalf, 20, of Coahoma, Texas. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident during convoy operations east of Ash Shahin, Iraq. Assigned to 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Spc. Donald Samuel Oaks, Jr., 20, of Harborcreek, Pa. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Rehn, 36, Longmont, Colo. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Army Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe, 27, of Arvada, Colo. Killed in combat. Assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

Army Sgt. Todd J. Robbins, 33, of Hart, Mich. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Okla.

Marine Cpl. Erik H. Silva, 22, Chula Vista, Calif. Killed in combat in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

April 2:

Army Capt. James F. Adamouski, 29, of Springfield, Va. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Marine Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson, 26, of Durham, N.C. Killed in a non-hostile accident west of Nasiriyah, Iraq, when his vehicle apparently snagged low-hanging power lines. Assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Spc. Mathew G. Boule, 22, of Dracut, Mass. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez, 36, of El Paso, Texas. Died after being shot in northern Iraq. Assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Marine Pfc. Christian Daniel Gurtner, 19, of Ohio City, Ohio. Killed in southern Iraq by an accidental discharge of a personal weapon, unclear whether his own or someone else's. Assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class Erik A. Halvorsen, 40, of Bennington, Vt. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar, 32, of Granbury, Texas. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen, 26, of Flint, Mich. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric A. Smith, 42, of Rochester, N.Y. Killed when UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Navy Lt. Nathan D. White, 30, of Mesa, Ariz. Pilot of F/A-18C Hornet lost over Iraq. No other details immediately available.

April 1:

Army Sgt. Jacob L. Butler, 24, of Wellsville, Kan. Killed in action in Assamawah, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle. Assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kan.

Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, 22, of Lansdale, Pa. Killed in non-combat weapon discharge at Camp Coyote, Kuwait. Assigned to Bridge Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Folsom, Pa.

March 31:

Spc. William A. Jeffries, 39, of Evansville, Ind. Evacuated from Kuwait and died as a result of a sudden illness in Rota, Spain. Assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard.

Army Spc. Brandon Rowe, 20, of Roscoe, Ill. Killed in action in Ayyub, Iraq, by enemy artillery. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

March 30:

Marine Capt. Aaron J. Contreras, 31, of Sherwood, Ore. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Sgt. Michael V. Lalush, 23, of Troutville, Va. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Air Craft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, 23, of St. George, Del. Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. Assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 29:

Marine Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley, 41, of Layton, Utah. Killed during a firefight with enemy forces. Assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Salt Lake City.

Army Cpl. Michael Edward Curtin, 23, of Howell, N.J. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Diego Fernando Rincon, 19, of Conyers, Ga. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Pfc. Michael Russell Creighton Weldon, 20, of Palm Bay, Fla. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Marine Lance Cpl. William W. White, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Army Sgt. Eugene Williams, 24, of Highland, N.Y. Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 28:

Army Sgt. Roderic A. Solomon, 32, of Fayetteville, N.C. Killed when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled off a cliff in a non-hostile accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 27:

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa, 33, of Tracy, Calif. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Robert M. Rodriguez, 21, of Queens, N.Y. Killed in action when the tank he was riding in fell into the Euphrates River during combat operations northwest of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Suarez Del Solar, 20, of Escondido, Calif. Killed in combat. Assigned to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 26:

Marine Maj. Kevin G. Nave, 36, of White Lake Township, Mich. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 25:

Marine Pfc. Francisco A. Martinez Flores, 21, of Los Angeles. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Michael Vann Johnson, Jr., 25, of Little Rock, Ark. Killed in combat, when shrapnel from a grenade hit him in the head. Assigned to Naval Medical Center, Third Marine Division Detachment, San Diego.

Marine Staff Sgt. Donald C. May, Jr., 31, of Richmond, Va. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick T. O’Day, 20, of Santa Rosa, Calif. Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. Assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.

Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Stone, 40, of Boise, Idaho. Died from wounds received by a March 22 grenade attack in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. Assigned to the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, Boise, Idaho.

March 24:

Marine Cpl. Evan James, 20, La Harpe, Ill. Drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal in southeastern Iraq. Reservist with the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Peoria, Ill.

Marine Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus, 28, of Davenport, Iowa. Drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal in southeastern Iraq. Assigned to Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Peoria, Ill.

Army Spc. Gregory P. Sanders, 19, of Hobart, Ind. Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, Fort Stewart, Ga.

March 23:

Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison, 22, of Roswell, Ga. Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. Assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, 31, of Ventura, Calif. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, 20, of Cedar Key, Fla. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pfc. Tamario D. Burkett, 21, of Buffalo, N.Y. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline, Jr., 21, of Sparks, Nev. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley, 26, of Fort Myers, Fla. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Jose A. Garibay, 21, of Orange, Calif. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pvt. Jonathan L. Gifford, 30, of Decatur, Ill. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez, 20, of Los Angeles. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Pvt. Nolen R. Hutchings, 19, of Boiling Springs, S.C. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Pfc. Howard Johnson II, 21, of Mobile, Ala. Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. Assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, 42, of Enfield, Conn. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, 21, of Gallatin, Tenn. Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, Jr., 31, of Nye, Nev. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Cpl. Randal Kent Rosacker, 21, of San Diego. Killed in combat in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum, 22, of Thornton, Colo. Killed in action in the vicinity of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, 31, of Yuma, Ariz. Killed in action on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

March 22:

Navy Lt. Thomas Mullen Adams, 27, of La Mesa, Calif. Killed when two Royal Navy Sea King helicopters collided over international waters. Assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy's 849 Squadron since October 2002.

Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Orlowski, 26, of Buffalo, N.Y. Killed by an accidental discharge of a .50 cal machine gun in Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert, 27, of Williams Township, Pa. Killed in a grenade attack while sleeping in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Army Reserve Spc. Brandon S. Tobler, 19, of Portland, Ore. Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 671st Engineer Brigade, Portland, Ore.

March 21:

Marine 2nd Lt. Therrel S. Childers, 30, of Harrison County, Miss. Killed in action in southern Iraq. Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, 28, of Los Angeles. Killed in action in southern Iraq. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

March 20:

Marine Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, of Waterville, Maine. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron --1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.

Marine Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of St. Anne, Ill. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron -- 268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron — 268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Staff Sgt. Kendall Damon Waters-Bey, 29, of Baltimore. Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. Assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Date of death not given:

Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Blair , 24, of Wagoner, Okla. Engaged in operations March 24 on the outskirts of Nasiriyah in Iraq, remains were recovered on March 28. Assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group-28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C.

Army Sgt. George Edward Buggs, 31, of Barnwell, S.C. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Army Master Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy, 38, of Cleveland. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Army Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, 18, of El Paso, Texas. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Sgt. Nicolas M. Hodson, 22, of Smithville, Mo. Killed in a vehicle accident in Iraq. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Spc. James M. Kiehl, 22, of Comfort, Texas. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Army Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, of El Paso, Texas. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, 26, of Yuma, Ariz. Engaged in operations March 28 in the vicinity of Nasiriyah, remains identified on April 10. Assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Marine Wing Support Group-37, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.

Army Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa, 22, of Tuba City, Ariz. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss, 23, of Casper, Wyo. Disappeared during March 23 operations on the outskirts of Nasiriyah; his remains were identified April 11. Assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Pvt. Brandon Ulysses Sloan, 19, of Bedford, Ohio. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Army Sgt. Donald Ralph Walters, 33, of Salem, Ore. Killed when convoy was ambushed in Iraq. Assigned to 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

posted by Patti @ 3:58 PM |

Justice Department: Moussaoui Can Be Tried in Civilian Court Monday, April 14, 2003

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Justice Department said Monday that accused terrorism suspect Zacarias Moussaoui's rights can be protected in a civilian court, signaling the government is not prepared to move the case to a military tribunal.

Fox News

posted by Patti @ 3:54 PM |

uPDATES
An Arab we like: "Meet Faoud Ajami, the good Arab. He is the Arab expert of choice on television news, a frequent contributor to the op-ed pages of the Post and the Times, and touted as the voice of reason by neocon gurus: "Ajami's unique role in American political life has been to unpack the unfathomable mysteries of the Arab and Muslim world and to help sell America's wars in the region.""
In Alternet: War On Iraq

Who's paying for war coverage?: "Alice Cherbonnier wants to know who is paying for the embedded journalists in Iraq? Is it the DoD and therefore the U.S. taxpayer or the media outlets themselves? Funnily, enough, she hasn't found anyone who can answer her question as yet."
In Alternet: War On Iraq

Iraq war's end rattles Syria in BBC News | War in Iraq

U.S. Warmly Weclomed at Kirkuk Hospital: "Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division got a warm welcome Monday when they visited a hospital in this northern Iraqi oil city to offer help with security and new supplies."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 3:51 PM |

Arab voices: 'We live like dead people'(CNN) -- The following is a sampling of media reports and interviews from newsmakers, officials and journalists from and in the Middle East with views of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Iraqi civilians
A South African television station posted a story on its Web site about civilian life in Baghdad. Below are excerpts from that reporter's article.

Despite the chaos that has ensued CNN

posted by Patti @ 3:49 PM |

Overview of War Day 26
Command Post: "For an overview of this Monday in Iraq see

Reuters : snapshot + slide shows
AP : key developments
BBC : at-a-glance
Video : CBS i-video and Reuters RawVideo flash
GlobalSecurity : Iraq special weapons news
CentCom : news releases + multimedia
DoD : headlines
White House : updates and briefings

posted by Patti @ 3:43 PM |

Updates
Nigeria's Ruling Party Takes Early Lead: "Nigeria's ruling party was leading Monday in legislative elections seen as a key test of its young democracy, but violence accompanying voting in the oil-rich south left at least two dozen people dead."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

SASR nabs suspected Iraqi officials: "NineMSN :

A busload of men intercepted by Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) troops in the west of Iraq included suspected senior Baath Party officials, the commander of Australian forces said. Brigadier Maurie McNarn said the bus was stopped by SASR troops en route out of Iraq on Friday.

Full story »»"
In Command Post

Widow of Gulf serviceman will not have to repay his salary: "The widow of a Royal Navy commando killed in the Gulf will not be made to pay back part of his salary and give up her home, says Tony Blair."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

Iraq attack to coincide with Purim: "A Saudi famous for touting the blood libel, speaks about Iraq.
Author of Saudi Blood Libel and Professor at King Faysal University Lectures at Arab League Think Tank: 'U.S. War on Iraq Timed To Coincide With Jewish Holiday Purim'.
Via: MEMRI."
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 3:42 PM |

Scenes from Baghdad I got from Fox News

posted by Patti @ 3:40 PM |

posted by Patti @ 3:39 PM |

Man arrested in NY FOR ESPIONAGE

posted by Patti @ 3:33 PM |

Iraqi POWs rioting against each other
In IraqWar.info

posted by Patti @ 3:13 PM |

More Updates
The Russians helped Saddam Hussein and his son Uday escape to Syria....: "...according to this report in India's national newspaper, The Hindu .

"
In Command Post

Daylight shines on torture chambers: "Gulf News (UAE)

With the fall of Saddam Hussain's regime, the spotlight now illuminates such places as the Nassiriya Detention and Security Centre, a lair of the secret police on Habubi Street in the middle of this midsized Iraqi city.
Torture was so widespread in Iraq under the Baath regime, and performed with such impunity, that virtually every community had its own house of horrors. And now their doors have been thrown open.

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 3:12 PM |

SYRIA CALLS A JIHAD
Syrians join Iraq 'jihad': "Young men from Syria vow to wage a holy war against coalition forces in Iraq."
In BBC News | War in Iraq

Support for war soars: "Support for the Iraq war has risen to 63%, its highest level since last August, according to a new poll."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

U.S. cold shoulder likely for Iraq War opponents: " :

Those who opposed the U.S. effort in Iraq won't have a significant voice in the country's political transition, could take a back seat when a new Iraqi government hands out business such as valuable oil contracts, and may be left out of the discussion in future international crises.

Full story »»"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 3:11 PM |

Some Nations Note Saddam's Quick Fall
19 minutes ago

By SONYA ROSS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The rapid collapse of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s government may have served as a reality check for the remaining states in President Bush (news - web sites)'s "axis of evil," Iran and North Korea (news - web sites).

AP Photo

North Korea now says multilateral talks about its nuclear program — which the United States wants — are not a bad idea after all. Iran's former president, long allied with Islamic hardliners against the "Great Satan" America, is advocating a referendum on renewing ties with the United States.

Other countries, too, are feeling the heat.

Syria found itself Monday on the receiving end of stern warnings against allowing Iraqi leaders to slip across its borders. Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) said Bashar Assad's government Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 3:06 PM |

Some Nations Note Saddam's Quick Fall
12 minutes ago

By SONYA ROSS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The rapid collapse of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s government may have served as a reality check for the remaining states in President Bush (news - web sites)'s "axis of evil," Iran and North Korea (news - web sites).
Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 2:59 PM |

POW's weep for joy as they limp to freedom
Shoshana Johnson, above, is led away to hospital by two US soldiers. A “sheer stroke of luck” freed her and six fellow American prisoners of war in northern Iraq yesterday

posted by Patti @ 2:49 PM |

Egypt, Jordan demand withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq...lol.....YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 2:46 PM |

blog news
601am: ":: nyc
NYC Bloggers
Gawker
The Morning News
This Day in NY History
Daily Candy
MUG
Lockhart Steele
Jonathan Van Gieson
Anil Dash
Jeff Jarvis
Jason Kottke
Megnut
Nick Denton
Howard Sherman
Gothamist
More than Donuts
World New York

:: photologs
Brooklyn Kid
Quarlo
Slower
Laura Holder
Lightningfield
Rion

:: over the river
Andrew Sullivan
Leia Scofield
Boing Boing
Blogdex
All Consuming
The Onion
Globe and Mail
I Want Media
Metropolis Mag

:: Iraq Updates
Jarvis Warblog
BBC [ blogs ]
CS Monitor
CNN
Drudge
Yahoo
Google
Where is Raed?"

New NYC Events Guide:: "

I happened across a post-card ad for this past weekend, which prompted me to do some digging. The magazine claims to be a pocket-sized (5.25" x 8.375") events and neighborhood guide, focusing on Chelsea, Chinatown, East Village, Financial District, Gramercy, Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, Meat Packing District, Nolita, Soho, Tribeca, Union Square, and West Village in Manhattan as well as Williamsburg and Dumbo in Brooklyn.

The magazine will be produced every two weeks in Dumbo offices, with an initial circulation of 70,000. Their website gives no mention of a comprehensive web presence. They filed for ABC membership last month and have an April 30th launch date.

thelmagazine.com is registered to one N. Scott Stedman, who, according to ABC, is editor-in-chief. A Google search reveals he is originally from Wellesley, Mass. and that he won a Watson Fellowship while at Union College. ( Union.edu picture ) In a blog interview with a college associate, he discusses the L project and even states "British people do look like they have Downs syndrome."

The L site also points to an independent film called " Celebration " by and produced by Daniel Stedman (who apparently lives a few blocks from me). Scott served as co-producer on the film.

Looks like Stedman is intending to produce yet another NYC events guide, updated more frequently than Zagat, but more manageable than the overly comprehensive TimeOut and Village Voice. In this bleak print advertising market, can this one survive?"
In 601am

Overheard: "on the subway:

Investment banker 1: "You've been away from California now for a while, do you miss it?"
I-banker 2, pausing: "Not really."
I-banker 1: "Yeah, I don't blame you."

They later went on to discuss technology venture capital, but I tuned out."
In 601am

posted by Patti @ 2:44 PM |

CLAYSON MOVING TO CNN?
In ShowBIZ Data

posted by Patti @ 2:42 PM |

Dow Rises 117 Points in Light Trading
ctnow.com: Nation & World: "Investors attracted by lower prices but uneasy about first-quarter earnings sent stocks higher Monday, a break from last week's declines. The Dow Jones industrials climbed more than 110 points but volume was light, a sign that many investors want to see more profit reports before making any major moves."

posted by Patti @ 2:41 PM |

sent 2 care packages off today paid the extra 2 for fast delivery..fast delivery in a war?Sent Q-Tips nose spray visine candy beef jerky aspirin cookies tissues..hope that is a good start

posted by Patti @ 2:39 PM |

I19933-2003Apr13.txt U.S. Urged to Save Iraq's Historic Artifacts
Washington Post

posted by Patti @ 2:34 PM |

From Bookish Boy to Focus of FBI Manhunt
Terror Suspect Labeled Worst Threat to U.S.
advertisement

Nabil El'Shukri-Jumah in Miramar, Fla., where a sticker on his front door advertises a Web site his brother, Adnan, created. Nabil said allegations that Adnan is a terrorist plotter are untrue. (Manuel Roig-franzia -- The Washington Post)

Washington Post Search

By Manuel Roig-Franzia and Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, April 14, 2003; Page A03

MIRAMAR, Fla. -- Each afternoon, the little boys in Medina, Saudi Arabia, zigzagged for hours across their neighborhood soccer fields. But not Adnan G. El'Shukri-Jumah.

posted by Patti @ 2:32 PM |

update
Wait Drags on for Families of MIAs: "Amid all the jubilation over the rescue of seven American POWs in Iraq, Paul Patchem couldn't stop wondering about his 22-year-old stepson."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Most Iraqis Who Fled East Return Home: "Almost all of the 30,000 Iraqis who fled to the Iranian border to get away from fighting near their homes in Baghdad and Nasiriyah have returned home, international relief organizations said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 2:25 PM |

SARS hits HK traders' bottom line
From Kristie LuStout, CNN Correspondent
Monday, April 14, 2003 Posted: 1346 GMT ( 9:46 PM HKT)

Convention venues have suffered as businesses cancel conferences.

• Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- Every year Hong Kong's watch industry packs up its wares and heads to the World Watch Fair in Basel, Switzerland. It's a chance to make new contacts and reel in business.

John Wong, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries says the fair contributes heavily to the industry's annual sales.

"Customers get the sample, place the order. [In a] total year we can sell more or less US$1 billion. That's a quarter of our total sales," says Wong.

That 25 percent of sales is now lost
CNN

posted by Patti @ 2:18 PM |

Another Daring Jailbreak Embarrasses French Government
By JOHN TAGLIABUE

ARIS, April 14 — In the latest in a chain of spectacular jailbreaks at French prisons, three inmates were freed today by accomplices who descended on a prison in central France in a helicopter, then used a buzz saw to rip through security netting to reach the men, two of whom were said to be drug dealers.

YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 2:16 PM |

U.S. Allies Also Have Chemical Weapons
13 minutes ago

By JIM KRANE, AP Technology Writer

The Bush administration cited Iraq (news - web sites)'s alleged stocks of weapons of mass destruction in its decision to invade. President Bush (news - web sites) now says Syria, too, owns an arsenal of chemical weapons.

posted by Patti @ 2:12 PM |

AOL ALERTMighty 4th Infantry Finally Enters Iraq

By DAVID RISING
.c The Associated Press

SOUTHERN IRAQ (AP) - The U.S. Army's much-heralded 4th Infantry Division - which all but missed the campaign to oust Saddam - rumbled into southern Iraq on Monday to reinforce the war effort.

About 500 vehicles in two convoys snaked their way along a sandy road, following advance units that had scouted the way under cover of darkness late Sunday up through Kuwait.

Hundreds of men, women and children lined the access road to the main highway inside Iraq, waving Iraqi dinars and running up to the vehicles whenever they would slow, offering the currency to American soldiers, presumably for dollars, though nobody stopped long enough to find out.

One little girl in a blue frock yelled out ``Americans'' and smiled and waved, while another with a white dress and black head scarf alternated between giving ``thumbs up'' signs and blowing kisses.

``Don't you just feel good about being here?'' said Chief Warrant Officer II Tom Fisk, alternating between waving to the people and snapping photographs from the driver's side of a Humvee. ``Did you see the happy people back there?'' said Fisk, a 36-year-old Houston native with the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment.

With the last vestiges of Iraqi resistance crumbling in the northern city of Tikrit, it was not clear whether the 4th Infantry Division would see any action or take more of a stabilization role.

The 4th Infantry is considered the Army's most lethal heavy division, equipped with a sophisticated computer system linking all vehicles. The division boasts the latest tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and Apache attack helicopters.

The division had initially been a key part of the war plan, to invade Iraq from the north through Turkey as the 3rd Infantry invaded from the south.

But the plan had to be abandoned after the Turkish parliament voted against letting the United States use Turkey as a staging area. Instead, the division's 14,000 pieces of equipment and 30,000 troops were shipped to Kuwait but arrived too late to be part of the initial attack.

As the convoy moved along the artillery-pocked highway Monday, burned-out tanks and abandoned infantry positions could be seen on either side of the road. Even on the main highway, children ran from their small mud-brick homes to the side of the road, waving and smiling. One young boy rode by on a brand new blue bicycle with a long shovel strapped to the back, giving the thumbs up as he pedaled alongside the convoy.

Even though the reception was welcoming, Maj. Steve Pitt, also with the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, said it pays to remain wary and remember Iraq is still a combat zone.

``There's still a lot of danger ahead. You've got to stay focused - one of those kids could run over and blow themselves up,'' said the 37-year-old native of Springfield, Va. ``It's a great day for the division but we've got many tough days ahead.''

Pitt was shocked to see the poor living conditions in Iraq after passing through affluent Kuwait.

``It's like when I was back in Germany for the fall of the Berlin Wall,'' he said. ``You stepped into the East and it was like going back 40 years.

04/14/03 16:09 EDT

Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

posted by Patti @ 2:09 PM |

B-52 Crew Describes Aiding Ground Troops By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Crew members of an American long-range bomber said Monday the highlight of their part in the war against Iraq (news - web sites) was being able to help U.S. ground troops under fire
Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 1:55 PM |

Bush rang Mubarak and, according to the news agency Mena, the two men "discussed the principle of the transfer of power to the Iraqi people so that they can govern their country as soon as possible Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 1:52 PM |

Buried Containers Found Near Karbala
15 minutes ago

The Associated Press

Eleven containers buried close to an artillery ammunition plant in southern Iraq (news - web sites) were discovered by U.S. troops Monday and could be dual-use chemical and biological laboratories, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ben Freakley told CNN
YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 1:36 PM |

Bush urges Spain to pressure Syria over fugitive Iraqi officials
Command Post: "Another in a continuing series of stories concerning US attempts to discourage Syria from harboring Saddam's associates or weapons."

posted by Patti @ 1:31 PM |

IRAQI CASUALTIES
Family Dreads Telling Father That Three Daughters Are Dead
NYTimes

posted by Patti @ 1:29 PM |

Reports of Virus Jump Sharply in China
By ERIK ECKHOLM

EIJING, April 14 — Reported cases of a mysterious respiratory disease jumped sharply today in an interior province of north-central China, heralding the possible spread of the dangerous pneumonia through the country's vast hinterlands.

A report last week that 32 people
NYTimes

posted by Patti @ 1:25 PM |

Children Return to School in Northern Iraq
Mon April 14, 2003 02:41 PM ET
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Schoolchildren in north Iraq returned to class on Monday for the first time since U.S.-led forces attacked Iraq last month, in a sign stability may be returning there, the U.N. children's relief agency UNICEF said.

posted by Patti @ 1:23 PM |

Dozens Arrested in U.S. Oil Company Protest ......Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 1:21 PM |

Hey Brandon ~

Thank you for the contribution you
are making for freedom. Thanks, too,
to all your buddies.

Stay out of harm's way and keep
alert! Our thoughts and prayers are
with you.

Love, Cousin Sylvia

--------------------------------------------------

posted by Patti @ 1:10 PM |

news
U.S.: Mobile labs found in Iraq in CNN - War in Iraq

Iraqi boy flown to UK for burns treatment: "A 14-year-old Iraqi boy is being treated in hospital in Birmingham for severe burns after being flown to Britain by the RAF."
In Ananova: War In Iraq

posted by Patti @ 1:07 PM |

Brandon ~

I hear your outfit is shipping out.
Our country is fortunate to have
young men like you in the service.
Good luck.

Win Goulden

P.S. I believe you're in the 4th
division. I was part of the 101st
airborne in combat in Normandy,
France, 1944. The 4th landed at
Utah Beach and we landed in front of
them behind German lines.

Win

--------------------------------------------------

posted by Patti @ 1:03 PM |

Had J Venturas pressman Masked Wrestler Wins Japan Assembly Seat
Yahoo! News: Oddly Enough: "Who is that masked man? One of Japan's newest politicians.
"

posted by Patti @ 12:52 PM |

tHAT STORY IS ABOUT MY SON'S UNIT :)

posted by Patti @ 12:38 PM |

Mighty 4th Infantry Finally Enters Iraq

By DAVID RISING
.c The Associated Press

SOUTHERN IRAQ (AP) - The U.S. Army's much-heralded 4th Infantry Division - which all but missed the campaign to oust Saddam

rumbled into southern Iraq on Monday to reinforce the war effort.

About 500 vehicles in two convoys snaked their way along a sandy road, following advance units that had scouted the way under cover of darkness late Sunday up through Kuwait.

Hundreds of men, women and children lined the access road to the main highway inside Iraq, waving Iraqi dinars and running up to the vehicles whenever they would slow, offering the currency to American soldiers, presumably for dollars, though nobody stopped long enough to find out.

AOL ALERTS..One little girl in a blue frock yelled out ``Americans'' and smiled and waved, while another with a white dress and black head scarf alternated between giving ``thumbs up'' signs and blowing kisses.

``Don't you just feel good about being here?'' said Chief Warrant Officer II Tom Fisk, alternating between waving to the people and snapping photographs from the driver's side of a Humvee. ``Did you see the happy people back there?'' said Fisk, a 36-year-old Houston native with the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment.

With the last vestiges of Iraqi resistance crumbling in the northern city of Tikrit, it was not clear whether the 4th Infantry Division would see any action or take more of a stabilization role.

The 4th Infantry is considered the Army's most lethal heavy division, equipped with a sophisticated computer system linking all vehicles. The division boasts the latest tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles and Apache attack helicopters.

posted by Patti @ 12:36 PM |

UPDATES
St Petersburg talks call UN to administer Iraq: "From the EU Observer :

Vladimir Putin, Gerhard Schröder et Jacques Chirac gathered over the weekend in Saint Petersburg and stressed again that the United Nations (UN) should have the central role in an Iraqi post-war administration. The leaders of Russia, Germany and France asked however that the chaos left after the fall of Saddam Hussein should be cleared first...
Jacques Chirac insisted however that only the UN has the legitimacy of restoring the political, economical and social system of Iraq. He added that the three countries demand that the authority of the organisation should be respected. And if the UN needed to be reformed, "we are ready to do it", he added.
His comments were backed by German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder who said that the United Nations remained ''the sole world body based on universal values and legal principles''...
Russia, France and Germany "practically share the same views" on the key issues, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed.

"
In Command Post

Kuwaiti Volunteers Search For Missing In Iraq: "

A team of Kuwaiti volunteers is in Iraq seeking news of more than 600 people who disappeared during Baghdad's 1990-91 occupation of the emirate.
Team leader Nasser al-Duwailah told the state KUNA news agency Monday that the 12-member group of civilian and military volunteers is determined to exhaust all channels to find the prisoners, an issue that has cast a shadow over Kuwait since its liberation from Iraqi occupation more than 12 years ago.
The team is coordinating with the ministry of foreign affairs and coalition forces as well as Iraqi civilians, and will form smaller groups that will head for different areas in Iraq on Tuesday as part of a two-week mission to try to trace the missing, Duwailah said.

( AFP )
"
In Command Post

I see nuthink!: "re: Committed to impartiality
Date: 14 April 2003
Sir - You criticised the BBC correspondent in Baghdad for a truthful report the weekend before last that he could not yet see any American troops in the city (leading article, April 10). Once the BBC could confirm details, we updated our reports. The BBC is committed to impartiality.
From:
Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC News, London W14
I have responded to this interesting letter."
In Command Post

British official - Baghdad administration coming soon: "Reuters reports:

The top British official involved in the U.S. effort to run post-Saddam Hussein Iraq said on Monday he hoped an administration would be set up in Baghdad in two weeks and the first Iraqi oil sales in three months.
Asked if an elected government could be set up within six months, Brigadier General Tim Cross said: "I don't think so, one has to go through the process of building from the bottom up. That full electoral process may well take longer."

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 12:33 PM |

AOL ALERT
sealing U.S., British victory in the Iraq war
Rumsfeld says Syria carried out chemical weapons tests in last 12-15 months, let Iraqis enter its territory; Powell says U.S. will examine possible diplomatic, economic or other measures against Syria; White House calls Syria "a rogue nation"
Syria denies it has chemical weapons, says it never cooperated with Saddam's administration
Iraq's main Shi'ite opposition group says will boycott U.S.-sponsored meeting Tuesday to map country's political future
QUOTES
Rumsfeld: "I would say that we have seen chemical weapons tests in Syria over the past 12, 15 months."
Powell: "With respect to Syria, of course we will examine possible measures of a diplomatic, economic or other nature as we move forward."
Syrian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman: "Syria has no chemical weapons and that the only chemical, biological and nuclear weapons in the region are in Israel, which is threatening its neighbours and occupying their land."
EVENTS (TIMES IN GMT)
Monday -
Straw on tour of Gulf states Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
British Foreign Office Minister O'Brien in Iran, Syria
Tuesday -
U.S. convenes meeting of Iraqis in Nassiriya to discuss a postwar administration in Iraq
Schroeder, Blair meet in Hanover
Wednesday/Thursday -
Annan attends EU leaders' meeting in Athens, to meet Blair, Chirac, Schroeder
CASUALTIES
U.S. - 119 killed, 4 missing
Britain - 30 killed

posted by Patti @ 12:17 PM |

Experts to Plot Rescue of Iraq's Cultural Heritage ...Reuters
PARIS (Reuters) - Leading world archeologists will meet in Paris Thursday to work out how to rescue Iraq's cultural heritage, after looters plundered Iraqi museums housing priceless artifacts from the cradle of civilization.

posted by Patti @ 12:16 PM |

More going home
Israel Wants U.S. to Pressure Syria: "Seeking broader benefits from the fall of Saddam Hussein, Israel hopes the United States will force Syria to oust Hezbollah guerrillas armed with thousands of rockets from southern Lebanon and boot Palestinian militant groups from Damascus."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Kuwait Cautions on Civil War in Iraq: "Iraq cannot be allowed to disintegrate into civil strife, Kuwait's foreign minister told the United States on Monday during a half-hour meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. Packs Up Patriot System in Israel: "U.S. military troops were packing up Patriot anti-missile batteries in Israel on Monday, a day after Israeli officials said there was no longer a threat of an Iraqi missile attack."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 12:13 PM |

Blair quells speculation on Syria

Tony Blair has insisted that there were no plans by Britain or the United States to invade Syria following the toppling of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime. However his attempts to quell speculation that Damascus was "next on the list" for coalition forces came as senior figures in the US administration were ratcheting up the pressure on the Syrians. US Secretary of State Colin Powell said the Syrians needed to "review their actions and their behaviour", while White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said that it was "well corroborated" that they had a chemical weapons programme. Times Online

posted by Patti @ 12:00 PM |

Stocks Climb on Solid Citigroup Results ...Reuters

posted by Patti @ 11:53 AM |

Are quarantines back?
The practice has been used around the world for centuries. SARS is putting it back in the public consciousness and raising questions about its effectiveness.

LATimes

posted by Patti @ 11:50 AM |

COLUMN ONE
Father's Mind-Set Is Liberated
Author Frank Schaeffer finds friends beyond his elite circle and confronts the class prejudices of his peers after his son joins the MarinesBy Elizabeth Mehren, Times Staff Writer

SALISBURY, Mass. -- For years, novelist Frank Schaeffer buried his nose in a book while the same waitress poured his coffee at Angie's Diner. Schaeffer usually kept his conversation to: "Check, please."

But he formed a bond with her that surprised them both when he learned they both had sons in the Marines. After his youngest son called unexpectedly late last week to say he was safe "somewhere in the Middle East," Schaeffer rushed to the diner the next day to share the news with Marie Dawson.

A teary Dawson wrapped Schaeffer in a hug when she heard what Cpl. John Schaeffer, a 22-year-old intelligence officer, had said to his father. "Isn't it nuts that they're paying me to do a job I would pay them to do?"

And he added: "I am a part of history."

Even drawing on his finest sensibilities as a novelist, Frank Schaeffer would not have imagined this scene before his youngest son became a Marine four years ago, straight out of an exclusive private school.

Schaeffer, whose books include "Portofino" and "Saving Grandma," was most at home mingling with poets in New York and filmmakers in Los Angeles. All he knew about the Marines, he said, "was that they came back in body bags and were buried in flag-draped coffins."

Like many in what he termed "the knowledge class," he had devoted little thought to the workings of the military. He was content to view protecting the country as a job for other people's children.

Then he had to come to grips with his son's decision and found himself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. It forced Schaeffer to confront the prejudice against military service held by his wealthy and well-educated acquaintances — people just like him. Schaeffer encountered widespread ambivalence — even outright antagonism — among those men and women, whose own grandfathers considered it an honor to serve their country.

What Schaeffer, 50, termed his "elitist bubble" was forever punctured when he sent his son off to boot camp at Parris Island. Gone was the sense of safety, control and entitlement that until then he took for granted.

"Having John in the Marine Corps made me realize that I was not entitled to anything," Schaeffer said, "including a good night's sleep."

To his amazement, Schaeffer formed new connections outside his rarefied circle.

The mechanics at the local garage became buddies who repaired Schaeffer's truck ahead of schedule — and at a fraction of the estimate — after they spotted his "U.S. Marines" bumper sticker.

The postal clerk who once wordlessly sold him stamps now routinely inquired about Schaeffer's son.

And in waitress Dawson, Schaeffer found a friend who echoed his pride, his fears and his confusion over the war in Iraq.

"Frank and I never talked much before," Dawson said. "But we have become friends because we are going through the same thing."

Dawson, 47, is an Irish immigrant who waits on tables to support her family. Her two sons are in the Marines, one in Okinawa and the other at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Neither boy was born in the U.S., yet each had signed up to fight for his adopted country.

"It makes me so proud," she said. "But it is also frightening."

Schaeffer's two oldest children went to prestigious Eastern universities. His wife, Genie, runs a boutique publishing company specializing in Greek Orthodox texts. They live in a big brick home on the Merrimack River, an affluent area an hour's drive north of Boston. He calls himself "just another yuppie fascist snob."

John Schaeffer joined the Marines without telling his parents, who blissfully assumed he would head off to college.

The attraction, he said later, was based on a fascination with military history, especially Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower — as well as fond memories of childhood war games played on the sand dunes near the family home.

His decision prompted family friends to cast quizzical, even pitying, glances in the Schaeffers' direction. "The Marines?" some wondered. "Aren't they awfully Southern?"

That was a predictable reaction, said retired Army Gen. John Reppert. Among the well-educated and the well-to-do, armed services duty lacks prestige, Reppert said.

"The sentiment seems to be: 'I am delighted that those young people are out there doing that. I am very happy for them. But I would not want my child out there doing that,' " said Reppert, who was drafted 33 years ago.

For generations, privileged Americans viewed joining the military as a form of public service — both an obligation and a rite of passage, said Reppert, director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

"But that no longer exists," he said. "The relationship between military service and public service today is almost coincidental."

In his own home, John Schaeffer's mother, Genie, asked him what he expected to have after four years in the Marines: A skill? A degree? His sister Jessica, now 34 and living in Finland, was dumbfounded. Middle child Francis Schaeffer, now 30 and teaching at the school where all three siblings were educated, told his father: "I can picture his funeral very well."

Frank Schaeffer anguished. He asked himself, "What did I do wrong? How did I fail my son that he would do something so completely out-to-lunch as signing up for the Marines?"

Maybe John read one too many books about war at bedtime, Schaeffer speculated. "Was it the war games? Did I yell at him too much?"

Gradually, he came to accept the fact that his son had chosen his own path. Joining the Marines was a statement of individuality for John, not an expression of rebellion, his father discovered.

Their odyssey toward resolution and mutual understanding forms the theme of "Keeping Faith," a book John and Frank Schaeffer wrote together. Since the first printing of 6,000 copies last year, the book has gradually found a growing audience among relatives of people in the military. It now sells 1,000 copies per week.

Schaeffer is deluged every day with dozens of e-mails from mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, even grandparents — all with family members in the armed forces. Although he insists that "nothing could have been farther from the picture I had of my own life," Schaeffer has become a sympathetic figure, someone with whom his readers seem to identify because he has thrashed out the same issues they are struggling with.

Schaeffer spends hours each day replying to these messages, which have only increased in volume with the war in Iraq.

All his correspondents — from the 80-year-old retired colonel to the 17-year-old who enlisted in the Marines only days before — echo Schaeffer's pride in the young people who fight for America. Most voice his concern about the war in Iraq. Others say that in a country that neither requires nor encourages military service among its young citizens, they long for connections — and even more so, for respectability.

A 22-year-old anthropology student from a large Southern university wrote Schaeffer of her frustration in seeking letters of recommendation for the Navy.

"Many of my professors have praised me as an academician but refused to write the recommendations for me on the basis that they are conscientious objectors," she said in her message. "I have even been informed that I will never be truly accepted into the anthropological community after my service and should not hinder my future so much. The truth of it is, all of my school has been hostile toward the military."

The Schaeffers themselves ran into similar antipathy when John returned last fall to his high school for a reading of "Keeping Faith." Frank became livid when a father chastised the headmaster for allowing the school to be used as "a forum to promote militarism and to encourage kids to become hired killers." The father was a professor from an Ivy League university, Schaeffer noted, his teeth still clenched in anger over an incident that took place months ago.

"In our elite, there are not very many categories for intelligent, humane discourse about the military," Schaeffer said. "What you see and hear tends either to be a 'Catch-22' portrayal or some rah-rah right-wing tract. It's either 'Saturday Night Live' or it's 'Rambo.' "

All three brothers in President John F. Kennedy's family served in the military, said Northwestern University professor Charles Moskos. But none of their own children joined the armed forces, he noted.

Moskos recently asked a group of Army recruiters whether they would prefer to have their advertising budgets tripled or to have Chelsea Clinton join the Army.

"They unanimously chose the Chelsea option," he said.

But Schaeffer said he and his son did not write their book to set the record straight on the value of military service. Mostly, Schaeffer said, it was a way to stay in touch with his son. While John was in Arizona recovering from an injury — a Marine buddy dropped a barbell on his foot — Frank persuaded him to jot down his experiences in the military, along with childhood recollections.

The book is told in alternating voices, father and son, with some of John's poetry included as well. It was written before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 made patriotism newly fashionable, Schaeffer said. "This was not a book that got crashed out to take advantage of some military and political situation."

While his father spends hours corresponding with readers such as former First Lady Barbara Bush, John is on assignment in the Middle East. His intelligence work is secretive; he cannot tell his parents where he is.

Last week's phone call was unexpected because John had told his family he might be out of contact for months.

Schaeffer was relieved to hear his son sounding confident. But his own fears linger. "He's 22 years old. I think any rational parent would be terrified," Schaeffer said.

The last time John was home, Schaeffer asked his son whom he thought he was defending. Was it his country? Was it something as broad and abstract as democracy? Was it his bunkmate from the Bronx?

John answered without hesitation.

"The only image that comes to my mind is you and Mom, sitting at the breakfast table," he said. "I do this for you and Mom."

LATimes

posted by Patti @ 11:48 AM |

Marine widow told to repay salary

Lianne Seymour's plight was brought up in Parliament
The widow of a Royal Marine killed in Iraq says she has been told to pay back some of his wages and move out of the family home. BBC

posted by Patti @ 11:22 AM |

Blair says war not yet over

Officials say troops in Basra are in "good heart"
The Iraq war is not over but a remarkable amount has been achieved in less than four weeks, Tony Blair has told MPs. BBC

posted by Patti @ 11:20 AM |

Tehran-based Iraqi Shiite group will not attend Nasiriyah opposition meet Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 11:19 AM |

Two U.S. Soldiers Die in Baghdad Grenade Accident..Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 11:17 AM |

Still no sense of security in Baghdad,Library burning CNN reporting live

posted by Patti @ 11:15 AM |

U.S. Takes Last Saddam Bastion, Turns Heat on Syria
Mon April 14, 01:55 PM ET

By Mike Collett-White
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. Marines backed by tanks stormed into Saddam Hussein's final stronghold on Monday, seizing control of his hometown Tikrit and effectively sealing the U.S. and British victory in the Iraq war. More...

posted by Patti @ 11:13 AM |

Official Sees Postwar Iraq Admin. in Baghdad Soon

posted by Patti @ 11:09 AM |

Major Combat Essentially Over in Iraq
Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 11:08 AM |

Two US carriers to leave the Gulf: official It is for sure Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 10:51 AM |

Pentagon Briefing Live...

posted by Patti @ 10:49 AM |

uPDATES
Indonesia Turns to Russia for Weapons: "The dictator has fallen, the media unshackled, democratic elections held, East Timor freed and Indonesia was quick to sign onto President Bush's global war on terror after Sept. 11, 2001."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. Interview Iraqi Nuclear Scientist: "An Iraqi nuclear scientist has surrendered to authorities in a Middle Eastern country and is being interviewed by American officials, a U.S. official said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

White House steps up criticism of Syria in CNN - War in Iraq

posted by Patti @ 10:48 AM |

Der Spiegel: How Did US Do It?
Command Post: "How the U.S. Army Triumphed in the Iraq War: Mechanized Backbone

Even before the fighting in Iraq had stopped the military were already analyzing the performance of their weapons systems. The German Bundeswehr (Army) also wants to learn from the successes of the Allies.
The images coming out of Baghdad in the year 2003 remind experienced observers of Berlin in 1945. Tanks and armored vehicles thundered through the streets of the Iraqi capital, and infantry soldiers on foot combed through front yards and bombed-out houses.

posted by Patti @ 10:29 AM |

hello

posted by Patti @ 10:26 AM |

Now Straw from Engand is accusing Syria...next it will be the Airlines

posted by Patti @ 10:22 AM |

Goin Home

posted by Patti @ 10:18 AM |

Baghdad Shocker Bares Russia-Saddam Spy Tie...Fox News

posted by Patti @ 10:16 AM |

Gunman Kills H.S. Student in New Orleans
Gunman Shoots and Kills Student and Wounds Three Others at a New Orleans High School

The Associated Press

ABC News

posted by Patti @ 10:14 AM |

April 14th

I am thrilled that our brave troops
are sitting in the middle of Tikrit
today. They are still encountering
light to moderate sniper fire.
Lt.Col. Clark Lethin, operations
officer for the lst Marine Division
says: "We like it when thy do that.
It gives Marines a chance to go in,
kill them and break the back of the
opposition."

Brandon's aunt Y

posted by Patti @ 10:12 AM |

Donald Rumsfield accusing Syria on Fox News live

posted by Patti @ 9:58 AM |

COBRA DOWN
In CENTCOM: News Release

posted by Patti @ 9:39 AM |

An AOL Service Allows Friends and Relatives to Follow the Troops
By LISA GUERNSEY

aneta Burkett of La Plata, Md., has been worried about her sister-in-law, who is stationed with an engineering unit in the Middle East. But she has been able to follow the movements of the 3rd or 4th Infantry Divisions through messages that pop up on her computer screen. "I'd get an alert saying `45 miles to Baghdad,' she said. "I knew exactly where they were."

AOL SERVICE/Times

posted by Patti @ 9:37 AM |

Pentagon Was Told Of Risk to Museums
U.S. Urged to Save Iraq's Historic Artifacts

A sarcophagus is among many artifacts broken or missing after looters ransacked Iraq's National Museum of Antiquities in Baghdad. Scholars had urged the United States to protect Iraq's archaeological heritage. (Ramzi Haidar -- AFP)

Washington Post

_____Related Article_____

posted by Patti @ 9:33 AM |

The Manilla Times

Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Filipino cops bound for Iraq by next week

By Ma. Theresa Torres, Reporter Anthony Vargas, Correspondent

As many as 100 Filipino policemen could be assigned to help maintain peace and order in Iraq as early as next week.

President Arroyo said yesterday that the Philippines would send a humanitarian and peacekeeping force to Iraq next week, now that the war there is drawing to a close and the task of rebuilding starts.

Speaking at the graduation exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy’s Class of 2003 at Camp Gen. Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, the President said police officers would make up the majority of the Philippine contingent.

As a member of the US-led “coalition of the willing,” the Philippines is committed to sending peacekeepers to Iraq. The contingent would be made up of policemen, engineers and health workers.

The 100 police officers would be led by Sr. Supt. Sukarno Ikbala, according to PNP chief Hermogenes Ebdane. Ikbala, the former police chief of Mandaluyong City, is the highest-ranking Muslim police officer.

The PNP has a pool of about 150 officers who have signed up for peacekeeping duties abroad. Ebdane said the PNP’s Directorate for Health Services has begun medically screening officers for deployment in Iraq.

“We need to check their physical condition first to find out if they can withstand the harsh environment of Iraq,” Ebdane said.

The Philippines had sent peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations in Kosovo, East Timor and Aceh, Indonesia.

The President also announced the creation of two task forces for Iraq.

One is the Interagency Task Force for the Coordination of Philippine Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq, which will be headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople. Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes will be co-chairman and Ambassador Roy Cimatu, head of the Middle East Preparedness Team, executive director.

Others in the task force are Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina, Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, the Armed Forces chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Narciso Abaya, and Ebdane.

President Arroyo said the task force “shall also conclude arrangements with host governments whereby the contingent in Iraq is not put at personal risk from the application of local law when deployed abroad upon orders. It will also conduct a public information, education and communication campaign on the risks, if any, of sending the peacekeeping and humanitarian mission.”

The second task force “will coordinate and support our participation in the massive long-term efforts to rebuild the shattered infrastructure and institutions of Iraq and help its people unlock their country’s great potential,” the President said.

Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the task force “will play a key role in restoring order and normalcy [in Iraq]. The present chaos in the streets is a normal byproduct of a sudden power vacuum which our peacekeepers, together with those from other nations, can help fill. Our doctors and nurses can help both in medical treatment and in promoting public health.”

Nicon Fameronag, the Department of Labor’s information and publication director, sees a flood of jobs for Filipinos when the war ends in Iraq.

Already, 700 Filipinos are bound for Kuwait in the next three weeks to work for a food and catering company there.

“This indicates that there are possible opportunities in the postwar period in the Middle East,” Fameronag said.

The labor department had reported job vacancies in Kuwait after a number of foreign workers left during the height of the war.

Sixty thousand Filipinos are working in Kuwait as domestic help, office clerks and construction hands.
-- With Ferdinand G. Patinio, Correspondent

Back To Top

posted by Patti @ 9:31 AM |

U.S. Ratchets Up Pressure on Syria
Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 9:29 AM |

Saddam's Hometown Palace Ruined and Plundered Reuters

posted by Patti @ 9:26 AM |

Updates
US considering economic, diplomatic sanctions on Syria: Powell: "The United States may impose sanctions on Syria for its alleged support for members of Saddam Hussein's former regime, its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and backing of terrorism, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said. (AFP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Blair Sees Iraqi Elections in Little Over a Year: "British Prime Minister Tony Blair saidon Monday he hoped elections could be held in Iraq within ayear of an interim authority being established. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Two Navy Battle Groups to Leave War Zone: "Two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and the ships in their battle groups will leave the Persian Gulf this week and return to their home ports, a U.S. defense official said Monday. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 9:25 AM |

Ryan Chicote from Baghdad live...talking about WMD "Chem-Bio labs buried

posted by Patti @ 9:21 AM |

Saddam left Tikrit 3 days ago fled to a villiage..can not tell which Michael ware Time magazine called in

posted by Patti @ 9:19 AM |

Now we just need the British flag and the Australian flag

posted by Patti @ 9:17 AM |

WOW POWs from Gulf War I found
Command Post: "From Abu Dhabi Satellite TV, via The Australian

Eighteen Kuwaitis held since the 1991 Gulf War were among prisoners in an underground shelter in Baghdad, Abu Dhabi satellite television reported today, quoting a former Iraqi colonel.
The men " are alive ... and in an underground shelter near the military tribunal in the Al-Khadra district ," the channel said without naming its source.
Kuwait says 605 people disappeared during Baghdad's occupation of the emirate in 1990-1991 and believes many were kept in Iraqi jails. ... Apart from Kuwaiti nationals, the 605 people missing or taken prisoner include 14 Saudis, five Egyptians, five Iranians, four Syrians, three Lebanese, one Bahraini, one Omani and one Indian, according to Kuwaiti authorities.
Saddam's regime said there had been prisoners, but that it lost track of them during an uprising by Shi'ite Muslims in southern Iraq following its retreat from Kuwait.

posted by Patti @ 9:11 AM |

AND SO IT STARTS officially US considering economic, diplomatic sanctions on Syria: Powell YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 8:59 AM |

Sheila MacVicar: 'War of words' between U.S., Syria
In CNN - War in Iraq

posted by Patti @ 8:29 AM |

RADAR magazine is coming out swinging.
The debut May issue of Maer Roshan's much buzzed-about title opens with a cover story on celebrity "Monsters" - boldface types who have "distinguished themselves in the areas of physical and verbal abuse, overweening arrogance, and by the imposition of a particularly nasty influence over the culture at large."

* Covergirl Jennifer Lopez tops the list for her "cynical bid for urban authenticity." Radar recalls that when J.Lo returned to her native Bronx to film the "Jenny on the Block" video, her thuggish guards "shoved excited kids out of her way - leaving one young fan in tears."
Page Six..NY Post

posted by Patti @ 8:21 AM |

Freed POWs describe capture, detention at hands of Iraqis

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The seven newly freed US prisoners of war were increasingly certain they faced death at the hands of their Iraqi captors as US forces pressed north toward Tikrit. Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 8:17 AM |

In pictures: UK Marines return
A Royal Marine whose fiancée gave birth as he fought in Iraq has held his newborn son for the first time after landing home in Britain.
BBC

posted by Patti @ 8:12 AM |

oddities of morning
From Iraqi Mouthpiece To Internet Icon: "Iraq's information minister has disappeared, but the caustic rhetoric that earned him quick notoriety in the press has become cult fodder for a new Web site created to catalogue his memorable insults."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

More questions ...: "IRAQI HIGHWAY 2 TO KIRKUK, Iraq -- While en route to take another stab at Tikrit, I thought I'd answer a couple of questions."
In Back to Iraq 2.0

posted by Patti @ 8:08 AM |

Britain's Blair Says Saddam's Forces Have Collapsed Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 7:50 AM |

COMICAL ALI 'GOOD'
Mirror.co.uk: "Son of Iraq's Information Minister Comical Ali defends his father as "a good guy"..."

posted by Patti @ 7:49 AM |

Troops To Focus On Possible WMD Sites
CBS News: Iraq Crisis: "The U.S. wants to check thousands of locations for the presence of weapons of mass destruction, and Iraqis are telling U.S. troops about more possible sites where biological, chemical and nuclear weapons may have been hidden."

posted by Patti @ 7:47 AM |

U.S. Still Wary About Foreign Fighters in Iraq
Yahoo! News: War with Iraq: "U.S.-led forces areexpecting more attacks by foreign fighters in Iraq but Iraqisthemselves are helping track them down, a top U.S. general saidon Monday. (Reuters)"

posted by Patti @ 7:44 AM |

France Says It Will Be Pragmatic About Postwar Iraq
Reuters - 10 minutes ago
France said on Monday it would be "pragmatic" about postwar Iraq, setting aside differences with the United States over what exact role the United Nations would play in reconstructing the country.

posted by Patti @ 7:43 AM |

posted by Patti @ 7:41 AM |

Day 4 of Brandon's deployment Nd no news since call from Germany.As you can see news about war is slowing and news about how horrible Syria increases

posted by Patti @ 7:29 AM |

Scarey News
80 Iraqi Suicide Vests May Be Missing: "Up to 80 explosive vests - the kind used for suicide attacks - could be in the hands of foreign fighters battling U.S. and British troops in Iraq, a U.S. general said Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

U.S. Finds Cache of Data in Baghdad: "U.S. troops discovered thousands of microfilm cartridges and hundreds of paper files in two residential buildings in a Baath Party enclave Monday in central Baghdad in what could be a major intelligence discovery."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Arafat Holds Up New Palestinian Cabinet: "Incoming Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas set out his list of Cabinet ministers, expecting quick approval to trigger the presentation of a U.S.-backed peace plan, but opposition to some of his choices emerged Monday."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 7:28 AM |

Syria AGAIN
BBC Reporters' Log: At war in Iraq: "Heba Saleh, Cairo:
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that Syria still had questions to answer.
It's clear Syria will come under increasing pressure from the United States over a range of issues, including it's support for the Lebanese Shiite militia, Hezbollah.
The threatening tone of Coalition officials against Syria will only confirm the Arab world's worst fears; that the US has invaded Iraq in order to make the region safer for Israel."

posted by Patti @ 7:27 AM |

Dover Receives Remains of Three Soldiers
.....Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 7:26 AM |

Powell is speaking live.It sounds like this part of the war is over..Now for game 2 Syria?

posted by Patti @ 7:24 AM |

Still No Water
New Measures To Restore Order In Iraq: "There were signs that civil unrest was easing in Baghdad and Mosul, as Iraqi volunteers joined with U.S. and British troops to police the streets in several major cities."
In CBS News: Iraq Crisis

Basra: Still No Water: "Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Three weeks on, and still no water. Now doctors fear an epidemic

Doctors in Iraq's second city, Basra, warned yesterday of an epidemic as a majority of the 1.3 million residents were still without safe drinking water three weeks after the war began. Attempts to restore the supply have failed, despite hopes expressed in the first week that it would take a matter of days. Help from aid agencies is only trickling in.

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 7:12 AM |

U.S. Holds Saddam Hometown; War Slows..Yahoo war slows!!!!!!!!

posted by Patti @ 7:01 AM |

SUPPORT SYSTEM-Anna Jones had a lot on her mind as she entered the post office. Her son is aboard the USS Emory S. Land in the Persian Gulf. She hadn't seen him in months.
• Local angle | Complete coverage

posted by Patti @ 6:54 AM |

Truthfully it is a slow news day today

posted by Patti @ 6:33 AM |

One for the good guys

posted by Patti @ 6:32 AM |

Middle East - AP

Iran Warns Iraqi Leaders Not to Enter
YAHOO

posted by Patti @ 6:31 AM |

Tikrit palace
CNN - War Tracker: "U.S. Marines have secured the presidential palace in Tikrit, said U.S. Central Command spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks on Monday morning. He added that the Tikrit fighting was the only "significant combat action" in the past 24 hours.
? Treated well: Seven American POWs rescued by U.S. Marines said they were treated well during their captivity but were constantly afraid they might be killed, The Washington Post reported Monday. Full Story
? Oil fields: All oil fields in Iraq are now under coalition control, Brooks said Monday.
? Iraqi most wanted: U.S. Central Command spokesman Capt. Frank Thorp confirmed Monday that the two of the 55 most wanted Iraqi leaders in U.S. military custody. But he told CNN that the coalition was "leaving it up in the air as to whether or not those are the only two of the 55 we have in custody, or maybe we have some others."
? Kut cleanup: Blasts resonated through Kut Sunday, the same day U.S. Marines peacefully took control of the city, as U.S. forces exploded thousands of mortar rounds, water-propelled grenades and long-range artillery shells left behind by Iraqi soldiers."

posted by Patti @ 6:27 AM |

UTTO 'British-made' missiles found in Baghdad
Ananova: War In Iraq: "US marines in Baghdad have found several air defence missiles with 2002 stamped on them - meaning they were possibly manufactured in Britain or France."

posted by Patti @ 6:26 AM |

Iran Warns Iraqi Leaders Not to Enter ..Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 6:25 AM |

I wonder if these children feel as the French children did in WWII ?

posted by Patti @ 6:23 AM |

The Children

posted by Patti @ 6:22 AM |

Round Up
A.M. Roundup: "From Reuters:
Syria Once Again Is Target of U.S. Ire
US Marines in Saddam's Hometown; Pressure on Syria
Britain Says No Intention to Invade Syria After Iraq
U.S. Troops Get Iraqi Help in Controlling Baghdad
From Sky News:
TROOPS SWEEP INTO TIKRIT
Rescued PoWs Tell Of Ordeal
US: 3,000 Possible WMD Sites
From CBS News:
U.S. Troops Scouring Iraq For Holdouts
From CNN:
Battle for Tikrit
UK calls on Syria to cooperate
Saddam's 'love shack' discovered
Canadian summit cancelled
From FOX News:
Looters Ease Up on Baghdad
Saddam's Half Brother Nabbed
"
In Command Post

Pakistan party chief: 'U.S. will disintigrate': "[AP]

The leader of Pakistan's ruling party said the Iraq war is dividing the world into two blocs and predicted America would soon be "reduced to pieces."
....
Hussain went on to say that the world "is now dividing into two blocs. France, Germany, China and Muslim countries are joining one bloc" and America and its allies are in the other.
He warned that, "Now the day is not far away when America will be reduced to pieces."

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 6:19 AM |

Marines Control Center Of Tikrit
War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com: "Apr. 14 - US forces moved into President Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit on Monday, battling hard-core Iraqi fighters."

posted by Patti @ 5:44 AM |

Spain Expels Iraqi Envoys After Arms Cache Find Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 5:43 AM |

U.S. Says Friendly Fire Likely Killed F18 Pilot
Mon Apr 14, 3:22 AM ET Reuters

posted by Patti @ 5:41 AM |

Almost ecery other report now is about syria

posted by Patti @ 5:39 AM |

Israel Demands Syria to Destroy Hezbollah
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "Israel plans to deliver a list of demands to Syria through the United States, including ousting Hezbollah guerrillas from southern Lebanon and expelling Palestinian militant groups from Damascus, Israel's defense minister said in remarks published Monday."

posted by Patti @ 5:25 AM |

Multi-Million Dollar Cars Found
War In Iraq from www.FeedRoom.com: "Apr. 14 - The Third Battalion of 4th Marines Division in Iraq have discovered a cache of multi-million dollar luxury automobiles."

posted by Patti @ 5:24 AM |

18 Kuwait POW'Ss found CNN reporting

posted by Patti @ 5:02 AM |

Coalition Controls All Iraqi Oil Fields Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 4:52 AM |

The Syrian Press(Update: Sunday, April 13, 2003 11:11 AM
Anti-war, anti globalization activists protest worldwide

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France, Germany, Russia stress primacy of law, UN in Iraq crisis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Marines exchange heavy fire in central Baghdad

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press: US-British force held responsible for chaos

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calls for central role of UN in Iraq

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khatami stresses Islamic world opposition to war on Iraq

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France wants UN arms inspectors in Iraq, sanctions to be lifted

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US President to postpone trip to Ottawa over growing split: newspaper says

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coordination meeting between AJU and IJF

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RYU meets Lebanese youths team

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL chief stresses regional organizationsÕ role

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
British MP calls for Mideast peace

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALO denounces ÒaccusationsÓ

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Libyan FM talks on phone with Lebanese, PLO officials

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G-24 concerned, over US-British ÒinvasionÓ

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN urged to put end to disorder in Iraq

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JINSA associates, PNAC support Israel's territorial ambitions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New American century plan ; to redraw the world's map

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Israel to press U.S. for peace "road map" changes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UN agency urges protection of Iraqi cultural gems

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Putin says Russia will keep ISS project on track

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spotlight on IRA as clock ticks on N.Irish deal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thousands in Indians protest against Iraq war

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Storms and logistical problems mar key Nigerian poll

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bomb blasts negotiations site in Venezuela capital

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hungary seen giving EU big 'yes' in referendum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SARS spreads to China's remote Inner Mongolia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E - mail: syriatimes@teshreen.com

|

posted by Patti @ 4:49 AM |

Gul demands swift order in Iraq as US calm N. Iraq cities
Warning of potential clashes, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul called for establishment of order in war-weary Iraq and appealed to the United States for more effort, as the U.S. forces began to stream into two northern Iraqi cities that had come under a brief Kurdish control last week.
Turkish Daily News

posted by Patti @ 4:46 AM |

Al-Qaeda suspects wanted… again! Yemen Times

posted by Patti @ 4:40 AM |

Gen Brooks says opportunity for an Iraq free press now exists.

posted by Patti @ 4:37 AM |

Women speak
NURSE'S DESPERATE PLEA TO BLAIR AND BUSH: GET ALI OUT: "Nurse tending tragic Iraqi youngster Ali Abbas, who lost both arms after bombing raid, tells war leaders: "Airlift him out, or he will die"..."
In Mirror.co.uk

CRITICAL CONDITION: "Nurse's letter sums up horror faced by Baghdad as UK pulls docs out despite terrible conditions..."
In Mirror.co.uk

posted by Patti @ 4:36 AM |

Britain's Straw Says Syria Cooperated with Saddam KUWAIT (Reuters) - British Foreign Minister Jack Straw said on Monday there was evidence that Syria cooperated with Saddam Hussein's toppled administration in recent months and urged Damascus to change its attitude now that he was gone. More...

posted by Patti @ 4:33 AM |

A Look at Some U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq ..Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 4:31 AM |

April 13, 2003
Somewhere Where There's No Shooting

They didn't know that Baghdad had fallen, that Lynch had been rescued, that their pictures were appearing almost every day in the media and that a secret task force of elite commandos from Delta force, the CIA, Navy SEALS and Army Special Forces had been trying to find them for weeks.

Now most said they want to get home to friends and family.

Hudson, a 23-year-old from Alamagordo, N.M., punched his fist and whooped as the plane touched down in Kuwait.

Miller said he wants to see his wife, Jessa, 4-year-old son, Tyler, and nine-month-old daughter, Mackenzie. "I'm just happy to be alive."

Hernandez says he's "going to hug my parents and my brother and tell them I love them."

Johnson is hoping to be home by May 20, the third birthday of her daughter Janelle.

Young, 26, an Atlanta native, wants to see his nine-month-old son, Jonathan, and his parents: "The last thing they told me before I left was, `Now, don't go being a hero.'"

Williams wants to see his five-year-old daughter, Madison.

And Riley said he wants to go "somewhere where there's no shooting."
- The Miami Herald

posted by Patti @ 4:22 AM |

3 Top Shiite Clerics Threatened in Iraq
AP - 2 minutes ago

posted by Patti @ 4:20 AM |

Iraqis hunt Islamofascist Volunteers
Command Post: "From Reuters

In the densely populated northeastern slum area of Saddam City, U.S. Marines pulled back to allow local people to hunt "mujahideen" volunteer fighters holed up in the area.
"The locals said they wanted to take charge of Saddam City and we said: 'Roger that'," Lieutenant-Colonel Lew Craparotta, commander of a Marine unit that moved back from the fringes of the suburb, told Reuters.
Local leaders told U.S. officers that non-Iraqi Arab fighters were still a threat in the mainly Shi'ite district.
"It's much easier for them to identify the enemy than for us. We really can't tell who is who," Craparotta said.
The U.S. withdrawal will allow local men to carry weapons openly, set up checkpoints and cordon off areas where they suspect the Arab volunteer fighters are hiding.
Craparotta said it was not clear how many "third country nationals," as the U.S. describes them, were in Saddam City.
Iraq has said thousands of volunteers from across the Arab world came to the country to help fight the U.S.-led invasion.

posted by Patti @ 4:17 AM |

Iraq is working with military now i saw a speech from Baghdad from it's citizens and it would have made you cry it did me..They said now is the time for us to stand up and make Iraq great.

posted by Patti @ 4:16 AM |

Two Leaders Views of Day
Australian PM Voices Support for Iraq War: "Australia's prime minister voiced strong support Monday for the war in Iraq, saying it was the only way to oust the regime. He also backed American claims that U.S. forces can destroy weapons of mass destruction without U.N. inspectors present. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Bush Urges Syria to 'Cooperate' on Iraqis: "The Bush administration, increasingly angry with Syria, wants to ensure that Damascus gets the message sent by Saddam Hussein's collapse and stops harboring leaders of Iraq's toppled government. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 4:15 AM |

Gen. Brooks is doing daily briefing. He is so good.Usually tho cencomm only has old news lol

posted by Patti @ 4:13 AM |

Marines in Saddam's Hometown; Pressure on Syria Reuters

posted by Patti @ 4:02 AM |

21 children killed in Greek road crash...Times Online

posted by Patti @ 4:01 AM |

American forces reach centre of Tikrit...Times Online

posted by Patti @ 4:00 AM |

(CBS) U.S. Marines have uncovered an underground vault containing the detailed files of Saddam Hussein's secret police.

Under the headquarters of the Special Security Organization, run by Saddam's most trusted son, Qusay, the Marines found a massive complex of offices over an area the size of two football fields, littered with millions of documents — detailed records that stretch back more than three decades.

In just one room were files for a million souls — their pictures, personal details, and entire history recorded in minute, chilling detail, reports CBS News Correspondent Lara Logan.

posted by Patti @ 3:53 AM |

Canada what is up? Canada is fast becoming a SARS haven reported 2 more deaths

posted by Patti @ 3:51 AM |

Iraqi general backs Syria charges

'The Syrian government needs to co-operate'
A top Iraqi general who switched sides during the war has backed Washington's claims that Syria has been giving refuge to members of Saddam Hussein's regime. BBC

posted by Patti @ 3:50 AM |

Ollie North is speaking live from Tikrit he found Migs and tons of Ammo and says "saddam is to bullets as Imelda Marcos is to shoes GOTTA LOVE THE EMBEDDED REPORTERS

posted by Patti @ 3:48 AM |

US forces control Saddam's last stronghold
Yahoo! News: War with Iraq: "US forces were in control of the centre of Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, where the fighting fell well short of the feared last stand by the Iraqi president's die-hard supporters. (AFP)"

posted by Patti @ 3:43 AM |

Papa's friends do preach
Alternet: War On Iraq: "Lawrence Eagleburger, secretary of state for the first President George Bush, told the BBC that if George W. takes military action against Iran and Syria, he should be impeached: "If George Bush decided that he was going to turn the troops loose on Syria now, and Iran after that, he would last in office for about 15 minutes." (Thanks, Atrios and Jerry Bowles.)"

posted by Patti @ 3:42 AM |

war is winding down?
What war is: "Prose from war reporter Chris Hedges: "For war, when we confront it truthfully, exposes the darkness within all of us. This darkness shatters the illusions many of us hold not only about the human race but about ourselves. Few of us confront our own capacity for evil, but this is especially true in wartime. And even those who engage in combat are afterward given cups from the River Lethe to forget. And with each swallow they imbibe the myth of war. For the myth makes war palatable. It gives war a logic and sanctity it does not possess. It saves us from peering into the darkest recesses of our own hearts. And this is why we like it. It is why we clamor for myth. The myth is enjoyable, and the press, as is true in every nation that goes to war, is only too happy to oblige. They dish it up and we ask for more.""
In Alternet: War On Iraq

Likudniks are from Mars: ""Israel to U.S.: Now deal with Syria and Iran" is the headline in the Israeli daily Ha'aretz today: "Two of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's senior aides will go to Washington for separate talks this week. . . . Israel will suggest that the United States also take care of Iran and Syria because of their support for terror and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction." And, as Eric Alterman reminds us in the Nation, they should find some receptive folks in and around the White House."
In Alternet: War On Iraq

posted by Patti @ 3:41 AM |

Two in CNN Crew Hurt in Iraqi Gunfight
Yahoo! News: War with Iraq: "Gunfire erupted between Iraqi forces and a guard hired to protect a CNN crew, a development that made one media commentator worry about the risks of having journalists protected by armed escorts. (AP)"

posted by Patti @ 3:39 AM |

Sunday, April 13, 2003

UTTO ONE MORE BREAKING NEWS..Scientists will be given amnesty if they spill the beans...will they? stay tuned....

posted by Patti @ 9:06 PM |

Well another busy news day....I don't feel like Armageddon is going to happen anymore and I feel Brandon will be safe Good night all and God Bless our troops God Bless our rescued and their families God Bless all those who sleep alone tonight.KEEP YOUR HELMET ON!

posted by Patti @ 9:05 PM |

Restoring Iraq's Economy Will Take Years
39 minutes ago

By PAUL GEITNER, AP Business Writer

CAIRO, Egypt - Saddam

posted by Patti @ 8:57 PM |

Hundreds of US tanks attack last Iraqi stronghold...Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 8:54 PM |

another great message to Brandon B- you were sorely missed at the
wedding. i'm sorry you didn't get
to see my brilliant performance as
the officiating reverend. they
tell me you're in kuwait city. is
it party town? are there any
kuwaiti hotties around? it's been
hard not to think about you and
your situation. know that we all
anxiously await your safe return.
do they let you guys go off and
have a good time or is it all
business? is there any beer to be
found in the middle east? good
luck, my friend. we'll see you
soon. -rev. jeff

posted by Patti @ 8:50 PM |

Pentagon Says 117 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq
In IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 8:47 PM |

UN officials to begin returning to Iraq Monday
In IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 8:46 PM |

Pentagon Says 117 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq
In IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 8:44 PM |

late sunday in calif early am in iraq
Pentagon Says 117 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)

IMF wants United Nations to adopt new resolution in Iraq in IraqWar.ru (English)

US tricks: It calls either one or another reason for Iraq attack in IraqWar.ru (English)

UN officials to begin returning to Iraq Monday in IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 8:43 PM |

U.S. Forces Enter Tikrit, Battle Saddam Loyalists ...Reuters

posted by Patti @ 8:26 PM |

This guy stinks

posted by Patti @ 8:24 PM |

This guy is interesting
BBC Reporters' Log: At war in Iraq: "Steve Kingstone, Washington D C:
There are some in the Bush adminstration who do have deeper designs on "democratising" the Middle East, reshaping that part of the world.
Whether President Bush shares these designs is not clear - certainly he does not at the moment.
Now his focus is firmly on Iraq, eventually it will turn back to the American economy and seeking re-election next year. But there are some pretty influential voices here in Washington, who may ultimately call for action against Syria."

posted by Patti @ 8:19 PM |

Scents 'influence women's behaviour'...BBC

posted by Patti @ 8:18 PM |

Iraq residents confirm they see alive Hussein's junior son
In IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 8:13 PM |

To Sign Click Here

posted by Patti @ 8:12 PM |

Scientists claim SARS breakthrough
Sunday, 13 April 2003

A team of scientists...Sci Tech News ABC Online

posted by Patti @ 7:54 PM |

John is back Sun, Sand, and Cerveza
I apologize for not posting this weekend. I couldn't spend another Saturday staring at the computer so I loaded up the wife and dog and hit the Padre Island for a couple of days. After three weeks of almost constant computer use it was nice run around on the beach and knock back Tecates while watching the sun set over the mainland.

Regular updates will resume Monday.

http://blogsofwar.com

posted by Patti @ 7:52 PM |

Capsules of U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 7:49 PM |

The story of a Fedayeen deserter
Command Post: "[MSNBC]
Soldier says he fled when he was picked to be a suicide bomber.

Struggling against hopelessness and fear, he prepared for battle under the scrutiny of the militia?s swordsmen, appointed to decapitate any deserters. Clad in black fatigues, he weathered bombing and boredom. Then he plotted his escape to the safety of relatives on the Iranian border. ?For what was I going to fight?? he asked.

posted by Patti @ 7:47 PM |

Yarmouk hospital: Corpses were piled in the entrance hall before being buried in the hospital grounds
Electronic Iraq: "Yarmouk Hospital, on the outskirts of Al Mansour district, is typical of the critical situation facing hospitals in Baghdad: it was hit directly by shells during the conflict and the third floor is totally destroyed. A few surgeons spent the last days and nights of the war inside the building. Corpses were piled in the entrance hall before being buried in the hospital grounds."

posted by Patti @ 7:46 PM |

Sun Apr 13, 3:40 PM ET

Shiite Muslim worshippers pound their hands on their chests and heads at the Kademiya Shrine on the outskirts of Baghad, Iraq (news - web sites) Sunday April 13, 2003. After the fall of Baghdad and the end of tight controls by a minority of Sunni Muslim rule, Shiite Muslims can now openly worship according to their traditions. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) we need this guy

posted by Patti @ 7:45 PM |

capt.sge.upo13.120403040327.photo00.default-336x384
never was our friend

posted by Patti @ 7:43 PM |

Freed U.S. POWs Say Were Treated Roughly Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 7:39 PM |

Baghdad citizens complaining to the press on CNN they say they have no one else to go to for help..They are in trouble now lol

posted by Patti @ 7:18 PM |

VERY Interesting Iraq timeline guess it shows why .....ABCNEWS

posted by Patti @ 7:16 PM |

Suppoert Our Troops
82nd Airborne in Iraq: "Fayetteville (NC) Observer: Troops walk fine line in Karbala
Fayetteville (NC) Observer: Local police will patrol Karbala"
In Command Post

Poll: Brits Support War, Blair: "Big Blair Bounce

A Populus poll for The Times, taken between Thursday and Saturday, shows that Labour has emerged from the war in its strongest position this year, only two and half weeks before elections for local councils in England and for the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly.
By a more than two to one margin (64 to 24 per cent), voters think that ?taking military action? was the right rather than the wrong thing to do.
This is striking, as the poll was conducted when much of the news from Iraq was of the looting of shops and hospitals. Nonetheless, support for military action has remained around earlier high levels.

"
In Command Post

posted by Patti @ 7:12 PM |

breaking news..Iraq?s nuclear chief in custody
Command Post: "[MSNBC]

Iraq?s nuclear chief was in custody Sunday, sources told NBC News ? the third of Saddam Hussein?s most wanted advisers to be found amid his regime?s collapse. Jaffar al-Jaffar joined Saddam?s half-brother and his chief science adviser as the regime?s first figures to be taken alive and could provide much-needed intelligence to coalition forces on Iraq?s weapons of mass destruction.

posted by Patti @ 7:04 PM |

Trauma Central
Iraq War Surgeons Learn Trauma Techniques in ‘War Zone’ — L.A.

By Judy Muller ABCNEWS

posted by Patti @ 7:03 PM |

Walt Rodgers an imbedded reporter going home says gee war is really dangerous...who'd have thunk it

posted by Patti @ 6:56 PM |

Gotta love the British...

Home-grown cannabis 'is lesser crime'
(Filed: 14/04/2003)

People who grow their own cannabis should escape with a police warning if they only cultivate the drug on a small scale, a think-tank has said.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report said 243 people were jailed in 2000 for growing cannabis, but there were wide variations in the way police forces treated the crime.

Some charged growers with production - carrying a mandatory seven-year sentence for a third conviction - while others used the lesser offence of cultivation.

The report said up to half of all cannabis consumed in Britain might now be home-grown and punishments for cultivation needed to be altered when the drug was reclassified as Class C this summer.

Prof Mike Hough, co-author, said: "If small-scale home cultivation attracted an on-the-spot warning rather than a caution or a court conviction, it is likely that more users would switch to growing their own and stop buying from dealers."

posted by Patti @ 6:52 PM |

It has begun Syrian Duplicity
Command Post: "Ha'aretz - Washington Turns Its Sights on Damascus

Washington has learned that Damascus has decided to "turn Iraq into a new Lebanon," and the second is the suspicion, which is probably based on reliable intelligence, that Damascus is ready to shelter fleeing Iraqi leaders and let them pass through to other hiding places worldwide.

posted by Patti @ 6:50 PM |

They keep talking about 1 down 4 to go....why isn't what we have accomplished enough.Was 911 so collaborative?

posted by Patti @ 6:42 PM |

I love Greta on Fox News but my goodness she is interogating a returned POW's mom poor thing needs to stick with crime reporting

posted by Patti @ 6:39 PM |

Day Of good tidings and really bad tidings
Command Post: "Horrors of Iraqi Jails

Wednesday was the day for killing and Thursday was the day relatives paid to collect the bodies of the dead. How prisoners were executed depended on an order from above â?? a bullet to the back of the head for those deemed to deserve a degree of mercy and the rope for those destined to suffer. On the morning of their deaths, prisoners were asked their permission to be killed: those who agreed first received a glass of water and a brief reading of verses from the Koran while those who said no went straight to the hangman's noose. These were the workings of the notorious Abu Ghurayb prison, a sprawling complex of barred cells, razor wire and watch towers 20 miles west of Baghdad and, at various times during Saddam Hussein's rule, home for up to 75,000 prisoners.

posted by Patti @ 6:37 PM |

April 13th
Brandon is in Kuwait today, and I
am hoping for the troops to
stabilize the country and keep
things safe. You young soldiers are
strong and brave. Tikrit still
reporting sporadic fighting, but
there is good proof that the troops
have been very successful. The
troops have done such a marvelous
job that it has made Americans
proud.

Love to you Brandon.
Brandonblogs aunt Y

posted by Patti @ 5:59 PM |

BREAKING NEWS
US Troops Fight Syrian Nationals in Baghdad; Many Killed in IraqWar.ru (English)

CNN crews enter a quiet Tikrit, exit fast in IraqWar.ru (English)

'We Don't Have Time To Look For WMD' - Rumsfeld in IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 5:47 PM |

capt.1050164223.iraq_war_science_adviser_nywd102

I HOPE THIS GUY FINALLY TELLS THE TRUTH!

posted by Patti @ 5:40 PM |

Number of Iraqi Dead May Be Unknowable..NY Times/Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 5:35 PM |

Richard Reeves says........ THE WINNERS AND LOSERS -- SO FAR......Right or wrong, and I think they were wrong, the ideological warriors have won the day. President Bush (news - web sites). Vice President Cheney. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites). They did what they said they would do militarily, and did it well and quickly. If he was indeed the architect of the lightning Iraq campaign, the manic Secretary Rumsfeld deserves more than a few apologies.

The military is looking like a younger Michael Jordan. For the moment, they are the defenders, expanders and diplomats of the realm.

The press, taking a higher rate of casualties than professional soldiers, made some flag-waving mistakes in covering the war to date. But correspondents and reporters, anchormen and editors, were obviously having the time of their lives. As after Watergate, when another government fell with reporters embedded in the process, a lot of talented young people are going to get the idea that this is more fun than investing other people's money.

The oil companies, whose leverage just went way up in their discreet desert struggles with the peoples who happen to live on the sand over the pools of black gold.

The Supreme Court, which put Bush in the White House, now knows that the American people are perfectly comfortable with judicial supremacy. The Supremes now have permission and precedent to end elections, perhaps wars, too, as soon as television viewers of limited attention spans become bored with inconclusive action.

The losers now seem to be:

The Congress, formerly a co-equal branch of government. There is something laughable about watching the Senate's dons of foreign policy, Republican Richard Lugar and Democrat Joe Biden, turn to the cameras and admit they have no idea what is going on when the country is at war. Ignored by the White House and the military, they have been getting their information from a higher source, cable television.

Islam and the Arabs. "How many divisions does the pope have?" Soviet monster Joseph Stalin is supposed to have said when he was warned of the power of Roman Catholicism. With all their ornate rhetoric, how many divisions do the Arabs have that are willing to fight?

War critics. How many platoons do they have? The regime in Washington and its media proconsuls made MREs of commentators who said the United States had no need and no right to attack the bad boys of Baghdad.

Syria, Iran, France, Germany and any other country subject to preventive destruction.

The United Nations (news - web sites), tagged as irrelevant, at least until we need it to clean up our mess.

Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites), who must be scheduled for early retirement. He was just wrong -- in the eyes of the president and his men -- about too many things.

Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz and the other theorists of an Americanized Middle East. They are public figures now, and will soon enough lose the freedom and power of whispering in the ears of taller men. From now on they must function on their own, in the withering spotlight.

The airline business. Americans are frequently squeamish fliers.

Israel. There is always a curse in getting what you want. As the wild Mideast becomes even wilder with Americans on the scene as God's police, America-haters in the region and world, powerless to challenge the great United States, will mobilize and vent their wrath on our little friend around the corner.

So, and so far, we have won. Paraphrasing Benjamin Franklin's view of the Republic, we have a victory, if we can keep it.

posted by Patti @ 5:28 PM |

But we are in 4th quarter
'Liberated' Baghdad Descends Into Hell in IraqWar.ru (English)

Priceless Treasures Lost At Baghdad's Museum in IraqWar.ru (English)

Welcome Aboard The Iraq Gravy Train in IraqWar.ru (English)

posted by Patti @ 5:19 PM |

Central Command says the worst may be behind us........

posted by Patti @ 5:09 PM |

Seven Rescued POWs Said in Good Shape ...Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 5:07 PM |

Love these guys
L.A. Police Probe Alleged Osbourne Fight: "Police say they are investigating an alleged fight between reality-TV star Sharon Osbourne and a Hollywood agent."
In AP Entertainment

'Trading Spaces' Designer Talks to Fans: "Hundreds who flocked to see "Trading Spaces" interior designer Vern Yip seemed more interested in trading secrets than hearing design tips.
"
In AP Entertainment

posted by Patti @ 5:05 PM |

Numbers and Estimates From Iraq ..Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 5:01 PM |

I just want to cry 30 percent of the time just from bittersweet happiness.The mind docs are saying we are all suffering from compassion fatigue,oh my

posted by Patti @ 4:58 PM |

I am so happy to see this picture. This brave soldier is a mom too.Welcome back

posted by Patti @ 4:56 PM |

Will the real Mexico stand up pro troops activists fight in streets against anti-war activists

posted by Patti @ 4:50 PM |

And it continues
Baghdad hospitals facing emergency: ICRC in IraqWar.ru (English)

Six U.S. Troops Wounded in Hand Grenade Attack: "Six U.S. soldiers were wounded,at least two of them seriously, when an Iraqi paramilitaryhurled a hand grenade at them as they removed mortars from aweapons cache south of Baghdad. (Reuters)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

Two in CNN Crew Hurt in Iraqi Gunfight: "An armed guard protecting a CNN crew engaged in a brief gunfight with Iraqi forces while speeding through a checkpoint near Tikrit on Sunday. Two people in the CNN convoy were slightly injured. (AP)"
In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq

posted by Patti @ 4:48 PM |

Find Deals
LOOK AT THIS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Military families offered free fun on the beach
By KIM BENN
The Intelligencer

Two Burlington County, N.J., residents have come up with a plan to say "thank you" to American soldiers - and give their spouses and kids a reprieve from the daily images of war.

Michelle Farias and her daughter, Stacey Jordan, have begun Project Fun at the Beach to provide free housing units at the Jersey shore to families of military personnel who have been deployed since Sept. 11, 2001. The program begins May 1.

"We wanted to do something as a thank you," said Farias of Edgewater Park. "We wanted to let them know that we are grateful for what they are doing."

Jordan, who lives in Moorestown, said she got the idea while watching a TV story about how children were coping with the war.

"I thought, 'These poor kids are faced with the war 24 hours a day,' " Jordan said. "I can't even imagine having a parent overseas."

So, Jordan said, she decided to do something to help the kids and spouses of soldiers.

Jordan and Farias, who own rental properties on Long Beach Island, are asking real estate agents and homeowners to donate unbooked weeks or weekends to soldiers' families.

"Hopefully, we will have enough units to meet the need," Farias said.

During the off-season months of May, June and September, the weekends are "absolutely gorgeous" on Long Beach Island, but a number of homes are empty, Farias said.

"I think once word gets out, this will become something people really want to do," Jordan said.

The Burlington County Active Duty Assistance Program will administer requests from the families of deployed military men and women. Proof of activation will be checked through the county program.

Jordan said military personnel who were deployed and have returned can still participate in the program. There is no residency requirement to participate.

Families of military personnel can call ADAP at (609) 265-5222 to check available dates. Homeowners interested in donating their units can call (856) 235-0502.

Kim Benn can be reached at kbenn@phillyburbs.com.

I can't believe the American spirit it is truly an amazing thing.

April 13, 2003 5:33 AM

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-04132003-72761.html I can't believe the American spirit it is truly an amazing thing.

posted by Patti @ 4:39 PM |

day 3 since Brandon left for the war no news since midnight

posted by Patti @ 4:35 PM |

This wasn't already done?
Red Cross Agrees to Blood Safety Rules: "The Red Cross is promising to upgrade its blood collection program to meet government safety standards and could face substantial fines if it fails to do so."
In AP Health

CDC Worries of Workplace Spread of SARS: "The respiratory virus known as SARS has appeared to spread in the United States only to family members or health workers with close contact to an infected person."
In AP Health

posted by Patti @ 4:31 PM |

Cyanide-Shooting Guns Found in Baghdad
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq: "Soldiers searching homes in a Baath Party enclave on Sunday turned up weapons straight out of James Bond movies - among them suitcases that concealed submachine guns and air pistols that fired cyanide pellets."

posted by Patti @ 4:27 PM |

Operation yellow ribbon in utah hope to see more Support Your Troops rallies

posted by Patti @ 4:25 PM |

oddities of day
Russia provided Iraq with intelligence in the run-up to the war in Madville.com

Too many love Iraqi information minister: "People around the world have taken a unique liking to the public relations stylings of former Iraqi information minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf. Too many people, apparently.
"
In Yahoo! News: Oddly Enough Reuters UK

Trap-happy pot growers targeted: "The Canadian government says it is stiffening penalties for marijuana growers who set traps designed to injure or kill law enforcement officials and emergency workers.
"
In Yahoo! News: Oddly Enough Reuters UK

GIs get deck of Iraq's most wanted: "The United States will soon deliver a deck of playing cards to its troops of Iraq's deposed president Saddam Hussein and his inner circle.
"
In Yahoo! News: Oddly Enough Reuters UK

posted by Patti @ 4:04 PM |

CIA's Radio Tikrit plays anti-Saddam rap to the tune of
FARK: "

posted by Patti @ 4:01 PM |

To wind up
Overview of War Day 25: "For an overview of this Sunday in Iraq see

Reuters : snapshot + slide shows
BBC : at-a-glance
Video : CBS webcam and Reuters RawVideo flash
GlobalSecurity : Iraq special weapons news
CentCom : news releases + multimedia
DoD : headlines
White House : updates and briefings

"
In Command Post

Missing Iraqi Minister Now Cult Figure: "He bemused the West with his litany of claimed victories over coalition troops, and amused Arabs with his bottomless dictionary of insults. Iraq's information minister hasn't been seen for days, but he's hardly disappeared."
In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

posted by Patti @ 3:59 PM |

Dirty bomb plot exposed.
Command Post: "The New of the World has exposed a plot to make a "dirty bomb," and use it on London
Samir Yatim had this to say about the allies.
"F*** Tony Blair and Bush, and their governments," he said. "Saddam is finished but there are still revolutionaries like me. If I had a bomb now to fly to Britain and drop it on England I would.""

posted by Patti @ 3:57 PM |

Al-Qaida studied the war in Iraq and published conclusions.
Command Post: "From MEMRI :

Al-Qa'ida on the Fall of Baghdad, Guerilla Warfare: 'Is the Most Powerful Weapon Muslims Have, and It Is the Best Method to Continue the Conflict with the Crusader Enemy'

posted by Patti @ 3:57 PM |

More news
'SALLY'S IN SYRIA': "Some of Iraq's top weapons scientists flee the country for Syria..."
In The Mirror

REMEMBER LOVED ONES LEFT BEHIND: "RAF widow Anne Lennox warns that the Gulf War dead will quickly fade from memory..."
In The Mirror

posted by Patti @ 3:56 PM |

IT'S HARD TO WELCOME US TROOPS
The Mirror: "In the fourth week of her diary Thuraya El-Kaissi, 17, tells of the fall of Baghdad..."

posted by Patti @ 3:55 PM |

Now they are showing the captives from the gun fight

posted by Patti @ 3:53 PM |

untitled.bmp there goes my brave man

posted by Patti @ 3:52 PM |

4th Infantry Division Units Enter Iraq
Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com: "Meeting no resistance, advance elements of the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division entered southern Iraq late Sunday to reinforce the American war effort. The advance units were scouting the way for a convoy expected to roll in early Monday and continue throughout the day, said Maj. Mike Silverman. He said no resistance had been met."

posted by Patti @ 3:46 PM |

Bob Arnot what a man. Reporter Doctor Brave soldier. So many heroes...

posted by Patti @ 3:45 PM |

A Brief Overview of the Battlefield
Associated Press war headlines via GoUpstate.com: "American forces entered Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit on Sunday, clashing with Iraqi fighters who fled there during the coalition's overpowering push north. Marines rescued seven POWs south of Tikrit, and U.S. forces captured one of Saddam's half brothers, who was apparently trying to flee to Syria."

posted by Patti @ 3:44 PM |

Fire fight still going on. has been an hour and a half now.

posted by Patti @ 3:43 PM |

More news
New Palestinian PM picks his cabinet: "U.S. President expected to unveil 'road map' to statehood though Israeli co-operation debatable"
In The Globe And Mail: International

SARS CONTINUED: "to take its toll over the weekend, though the lethal pneumonia strain is being contained in most countries. Scientists made slight progress toward possibly developing a vaccine, while Beijing officials delayed access to a WHO team, raising concerns."
In WSJ: Asia

posted by Patti @ 3:40 PM |

Bush demands Syrian co-operation on Iraqi escapees
In CBC.CA

posted by Patti @ 3:38 PM |

Bring Scott Speicher Home

Thanks a lot for your help. I found out about your site from CNN.com, and I noticed from our site statistics that we've been getting more traffic from your site than any other that has linked to us. I really appreciate that.

It's really important that people write President Bush and their Congressional representatives to let them know we want them to find Scott. If you could put a request on your site that people do that, that would be great. They can get the contact information from Congress and the Whitehouse. Thanks again for all your help.

Best,

Tom Malone
Web Developer
Friends Working to Free Scott Speicher
http://www.freescottspeicher.com

Please do what you can to support the return of Scott Speicher. I believe that our government is motivated to find him but we need people to keep the pressure on until Scott Speicher comes home.

Bloggers please let your readers know about http://www.freescottspeicher.com If Blogs of War is responsible for most of their traffic then they aren't getting nearly enough attention.

Posted by John at 05:53 PM | PermaLink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

posted by Patti @ 3:18 PM |

4th man surrenders

posted by Patti @ 2:56 PM |

These marines sure look well trained i don't hear anymore shooting

posted by Patti @ 2:46 PM |

looks like fight is still going on 3 arrested

posted by Patti @ 2:43 PM |

No fatalities..this has been a great day..

posted by Patti @ 2:34 PM |

They got him

posted by Patti @ 2:33 PM |

We must have 30 guys after this lone sniper oh and a tank

posted by Patti @ 2:29 PM |

French lobby arrives in Saudi Arabia .......French Toast

posted by Patti @ 2:28 PM |

I think we are going to see them kill him on TV

posted by Patti @ 2:26 PM |

CNN who had first film of POW's doesn't have this live sniper hunt ahh the media

posted by Patti @ 2:25 PM |

They are hunting a sniper

posted by Patti @ 2:23 PM |

I do not think i will ever be able to watch regular TV again

posted by Patti @ 2:23 PM |

Flares being lit

posted by Patti @ 2:22 PM |

Tanks and Marines live on Fox News gunfire heard

posted by Patti @ 2:21 PM |

Fox News now carrying live gun fire battle from Baghdad

posted by Patti @ 2:20 PM |

Live gunfire in Baghdad Lester Holt reporting

posted by Patti @ 2:19 PM |

Aaron Katersky with Marines at an airbase near Iraq
9 a.m. ET, 5 p.m. Iraq

There is more to this war that what's shown on television say Marines who coordinate logistics. Many of the viewers back home see only the fighting, so they don't understand all the work that's put in behind the scenes. They get upset when they hear people talking like this war is over. They can't even think about going home.

For the first time since they arrived here, Marines can walk around without gas masks attached to their hip. They are now required to have it within a 10 minute reach. Many still choose to buckle it around their waist or over their shoulder though, some feel naked without it.

YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS SITE IT IS GREAT ABC

posted by Patti @ 2:17 PM |

The story of a Fedayeen deserter ...MSNBC

posted by Patti @ 2:14 PM |

Iraq’s nuclear chief in custody.....msnbc

posted by Patti @ 2:13 PM |

2003-04-13T200852Z_01_GALAXY-DC-MDF256098_RTRIDSP_2_NEWS-IRAQ-USA-PRISONERS-DC.jpg

GOD BLESS THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES

posted by Patti @ 2:03 PM |

Powell deals Syria new warning.......

BBC

posted by Patti @ 1:33 PM |

Marines find suicide bomber vests see here

posted by Patti @ 1:31 PM |

posted by Patti @ 1:25 PM |

top.tank.ap

posted by Patti @ 1:17 PM |

Yes, Jessica Lynch took it like a man - or like a strong girl bred from good American stock. But she never wanted to be a soldier, only a kindergarten teacher. She saw the "Army as a means to that end as well as a way out of her impoverished hometown.

While we might applaud her courage in leaving the familiarity of home for an unforeseeable future, we might not want to appropriate Lynch's resume as a recruiting vehicle. The military isn't and should never be construed as a ticket to college or just another career option.

As we have witnessed these past few weeks, it is a mean human machine designed primarily to take the lives of other human beings. If such is not one's taste or inclination - and I suspect they were never Jessica's - then a day job and night classes might be a better route.

Finally, on the matter of women's combat-worthiness, any visitor to the obstetrics ward knows that women are as tough as men. But an environment that puts women unwillingly at the disposal of men is never an argument for equality. It is quite vividly the opposite."...find the rest of the story from Kathleen Parker

posted by Patti @ 1:05 PM |

New banner for web site ASoldiersblog.com

posted by Patti @ 12:34 PM |

Don't forget to visit ASoldiersblog.com

posted by Patti @ 12:28 PM |

BBC...US forces enter Tikrit
US marines enter Saddam Hussein's hometown and are reported to be meeting some resistance

posted by Patti @ 12:24 PM |

PARIS (Reuters) - A media watchdog expressed concern on Sunday that a CNN team reporting from Iraq (news - web sites) was traveling with an armed guard, saying it set a "dangerous precedent" that could imperil other journalists. Yahoo

posted by Patti @ 12:22 PM |

My son Brandon. Keep Your Helmet ON!

posted by Patti @ 12:18 PM |

A petition worth signing. Mohammed who so bravely helped Jessica Lynch now needs our help please help him to get immediaite citizenship by signing here

posted by Patti @ 12:14 PM |

These cards are selling on ebay for 1000.00 so far CD sets only 8.99

posted by Patti @ 11:57 AM |

About Sadaam's DNA---The Troops captured Sadaam's half brother, and this will give a source to get samples to document the family's DNA.
Way to go TROOPS!

posted by Albert @ 11:51 AM |

This is a great site for care package idea's don't forget our heroes still out there alone and fighting for us http://www.yougota.com/military

posted by Patti @ 11:03 AM |

MAG: UDAY HUSSEIN'S LETTERS: 'IT IS DIFFICULT BEING IN THE FAMILY OF HUSSEIN. PEOPLE WANT TO KILL US'... Another profound statement from the beleaguered Saddam regime

posted by Patti @ 10:34 AM |

President Bush is speaking what a time to be president I compare it all the time to WWII .

posted by Patti @ 10:09 AM |

US forces enter Tikrit
US marines enter Saddam Hussein's hometown and are reported to be meeting some resistance.
reports BBC

posted by Patti @ 10:07 AM |

We Have Sadaam's DNA...hesitate to think how we got that.......

posted by Patti @ 10:04 AM |

President Bush about to speak.I can not tell you how proud I am that he is our president.

posted by Patti @ 9:48 AM |

I have been asked what is a Warrant Officer so I found a site that tells you click here

posted by Patti @ 8:43 AM |

worried about john with blogs of war no postings for 24 hours

posted by Patti @ 8:40 AM |

Brandon called at midnight PST time he was in germany,2 hours to go to get to Kuwaiit,hope he KEEPS HIS HELMET on

posted by Patti @ 8:38 AM |

SARS count tops 3000 ...China reports 2 new cases

posted by Patti @ 8:35 AM |

Go here for a good pictured of rescued POW's

posted by Patti @ 8:21 AM |

all the POW's families are calling the news stations they are so happy.cnn has live feed of rescue

posted by Patti @ 8:14 AM |

To Brandon Varn

Hey Brandon. This is Daniel
Gross. I heard you were going out
to Iraq and I wish you all the best
man. Keep safe. All of us here at
home know you will do your job and
then wish you back home as soon as
possible. Good luck and thank you
for protecting all of us back here.

Thank you,
Daniel

posted by Patti @ 8:05 AM |

All Americans owe our lives, and
liberty to all American soldiers.
For it is only through the
collective courage and fortitude of
each individual soldier that we are
able to maintain the American way of
life, with freedom and liberty for
all.
God bless you Brandon, and each
and every American soldier.
Pappy & Joni

posted 04/11/03
had to repeat it it is so true

posted by Patti @ 8:03 AM |

blogger.com

posted by Patti @ 7:55 AM |

Troops Discover Saddam 'Love Shack' Hideaway

posted by Patti @ 7:54 AM |

They are saying that two of the POW's are shot but happy to be free...

posted by Patti @ 7:52 AM |

In Afghanistan 4 would be homicide car bombers blow themselves up according to FOX NEWS...

posted by Patti @ 7:51 AM |

A great site to visit to get breaking news and alsmost every newspaper in the world go to http://cyberpaperboy.com you will not be disappointed.

posted by Patti @ 7:49 AM |

Pasadena, a--War blog site dedicated to the brave heroes of Fort Sill Oklahoma deployed 04/11/03 to Iraq. Part of the Fourth ID these brave, bewildered , men average age 20 are off to defend the lives and liberty of all. http://Asoldiersblog.com displays hourly messages and updates offers real time live chat POW updates and posting boards.

posted by Patti @ 7:46 AM |

post 1

posted by Patti @ 7:42 AM |

A Soldiers Blog is...
...Iraq war news and photos of soldiers deployed to the mideast. Our Mission:To provide aid and comfort to any and all who stand for liberty and freedom! This Blog is dedicated to all Boots On The Ground and Ships at sea.

Keep Your Helmet On!

Contact

Email Brandonblog:
click here

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