Clipmarks | Rustee's 'iraq' clips

Medal of Honor Awarded to Navy SEAL

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:18:23 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: The best of the best, in more ways than war.

SAN DIEGO — A California-based SEAL who threw his body on a grenade to save his comrades in Iraq will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor, a Defense Department official has confirmed.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, of Garden Grove, Calif., was holed up on the roof of a Ramadi house with three other SEALs on Sept. 29, 2006, when an insurgent grenade landed nearby.

Monsoor, a 25-year old with SEAL Team 3, grabbed the grenade and clutched it to his chest. The blast killed him, but his actions, officials said at the time, saved the men on the rooftop.

Monsoor, a platoon machine gunner, had received the Silver Star, the third-highest award for combat valor, for his actions pulling a wounded SEAL to safety during a May 9, 2006, firefight in Ramadi.

Watch

A YouTube memorial to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor

Tags: military, navy, iraq

'Should Be' News

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:04:02 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks:

That Iraq has disappeared from the news--save the stories of suicide bombings that, because the way they are the opposite of the way things 'should be,' are judged to be news--is a dangerous trend.

Clip Source: outsidethewire.com

As it pertains to Iraq, the disappearance of coverage is based on the more tried and true definition of news: News is the opposite of what 'should be.'

Compounding the problem is the people who decide what 'should be' as in this modern era most reporters go into the business to affect some form of change in the world or to make the world a better place according to their vision.

But, there is still the disconnect between the reality of war, the armed competition between two forces to impose the way things 'should be,' and what the media thinks war 'should be.'

In the conduct of war, the media has only established a 'should be' standard on one side

The behaviour of coalition forces is tested against the standard of what should be, but the Mohammedan Jihadist's conduct is never questioned

The success of coalition actions, tactics and strategies are constantly compared to a standard, but the absolute failure of the Mohammedan Jihadists is never noted

An arbitrary standard, is a biased standard.

Tags: iraq, media, military

Why Winning In Iraq Is So Critical

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:41:41 GMT

clipped by: merrie
clipper's remarks: It is in Europe, not in post-Iraq Kansas, where a Turkish prime minister announces to Muslim expatriate residents that they must remain forever Turks and assimilation is a crime; it is in post-Iraq Europe, not Los Angeles, where politicians and churchmen talk of the inevitability of Sharia law; and it is in post-Iraq Europe, not the United States, where honor killings and Islamic rioting are common occurrences.

Why? A number of reasons, but despite all the misrepresentation and propaganda, the message has filtered through the Middle East that the United States will go after and punish jihadists — but also, alone of the Western nations, it will risk its own blood and treasure to work with Arab nations to find some alternative to the extremes of dictatorship and theocracy. Europe, in contrast to its utopian rhetoric, will trade with and profit from, but most surely never challenge, a Middle Eastern thug. ...Read the whole thing.

Clip Source: astuteblogger.blogspot.com

Iraq, as no one ever imagined, ended up as a landscape in which the United States and al-Qaeda would battle for the hearts and minds of the Arab world on the world stage. And in Anbar Province, the jihadists are losing — losing militarily and losing the support of the local Sunni population. Again, whereas the conventional wisdom holds that we have radicalized an entire generation of young Muslims, it may turn out instead that we have convinced a generation that it is not wise after 9/11 to wage war against the United States. In any case, there is no other constitutional Arab government in the Middle East that actively hunts down and kills al-Qaeda terrorists.

Irony abounds: Since 2003, Europe — not the United States — has experienced a series of attacks, and near-constant threats, ranging from bombed subways and rail stations to Islamic demands to censor cartoons, operas, films, and papal exegeses.

Tags: iraq, al-qaeda, big media, anbar province, constitutional arab government

Al Qaeda in Iraq - Extremism in U.S.

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:30:10 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: Only a snippet of the interview. Read and judge for yourself.

Clip Source: www.frontpagemag.com

Osama al-Magid, a former police officer in Iraq (1992- 2003).

FP: Can you talk about Al Qaeda in Iraq before and after 2003?

Al-Magid: I have discussed some points about Al Qaeda being in Iraq for many years before 2003. This seems to only be a surprise to Americans, but everyone in Iraq knew Al Qaeda was being protected by Saddam in Iraq. The Al Qaeda people had their own mosques in Nasiriyah and only Al Qaeda could go to the mosques. One of their mosques was near the Saddam hospital that Private Jessica Lynch was being held as a prisoner.

Americans do not understand how much they helped the Iraqis when they removed Saddam.

FP: Your thoughts on Islamic extremism in America?

Al-Magid: I have met people since 2004 who are recruiting new Muslims arriving in America to join the ‘Wahhabi’ movement. These people want to start a Wahhabi nation in America. They have tried to recruit me.

The Saudi Arabian government is behind the training of Islamic scholars with the Wahhabi ideology.

Tags: terrorism, al qaeda, iraq

Soldier Wins $1 Million - Volunteers for 3rd Tour

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:15:40 GMT

clipped by: Rustee

Clip Source: www.abcnews.go.com

After completing two tours in Iraq, Sgt. Wayne Leyde won $1 million from a scratch-and-win lotto ticket on Tuesday.

Now that he's won, Leyde, a 26-year-old member of the Washington National Guard, says he's still going to volunteer to go back to Iraq for a third tour and won't spend any of the money in the meantime.

"It was a commitment I made about three months ago. I'm going to stick to it," Leyde said about his decision.

"For right now, I'm going to hold off [spending] and let reality sink back to earth. This is a true blessing. I'm going to turn it around and see if I can bless other people with this," Leyde said.

Tags: military, national guard, lottery, iraq

Uncommon Heroes in Iraq

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:34:20 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: 1000 characters isn't enough for this clip. I suggest going to the source.

Looking back at my initial arrival in the CPIC, I thought of the Swiss journalist who pulled me aside and asked, "May I offer you a bit of a heads-up before you go out there to your unit tomorrow? I don't want to offend you, but if you'd like to hear the real story, I am happy to tell you." I said, "Sure. Any orientation would be great." But I was thinking, "Uh-oh, this guy is just going to unload on me and tell me how fouled up the Americans are." But putting his arm around my shoulder, he went on: "The facts are quite compelling and simple: The Americans have actually turned the page in Iraq in terms of security, and I am impressed by the brilliance of your General Petraeus."

That Swiss journalist must've had extensive "willing suspension of disbelief".

Clip Source: www.americanthinker.com

All were volunteers, doing their jobs with an evident passion for the mission. As we traveled northwest of Baghdad over sprawling meadows and small farms, I was struck by the beauty of the Iraqi countryside. Then the Blackhawk made a sudden descent and landed in a remote spot. It looked like a goat pasture.

Our destination was a Coalition Outpost (COP) located near the village of Al Raood

They served as a forward force as called for in the new Counter Insurgency Manual, or what the ground troops refer proudly to as the Petraeus Doctrine.

The ultimate objective is to move American forces into Iraqi communities where they can live with the people they are protecting.

I was particularly taken by the passion of the senior NCO of the unit to which I was attached

The medical team treats both American soldiers and local Iraqis, demonstrating another aspect of community effort by the Americans.

I was eyewitness to the skilled acts of diplomacy conducted by these gracious troops.

Tags: iraq, military

Switching to Convoy Gunner a Fateful Choice

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:03:28 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: "This is all Hill knows for sure: He loves the Army. He gets most excited when talking about the good he sees the U.S. enacting in that war-torn country across the globe"

With all that’s happened, would he return to Iraq?

“In a second,” he said. “If the docs say I can go, then I’m gone.”

Heartbreaking, yet inspiring...quite a soldier.

Clip Source: www.militarytimes.com

OTTAWA, Kan. — Spc. Allen Hill wakes in the middle of the night with a real-life movie playing on repeat.

Hill’s unit served as convoy security, where he most often drove the Humvees. That was until Nov. 21, the day before Thanksgiving.

“I had driven and driven and driven and the monotony ...” he trails off.

He wanted a change and asked to be in the gunner position for this mission. Up top, exposed and vulnerable.

From his position, he scanned the darkening landscape first with a flood light. Nothing. He flipped his night-vision goggles down and scanned again. A man fidgeting with something. Hill’s mind scampered for the rules of engagement in this situation. Before he could react, he saw a white light, then everything went black.

Hill awoke a few days later in a hospital in Germany.

Life at home in Ottawa can be difficult with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Awake four times a night, Hill can see that white flash like a broken record. He isn’t sure what happens now.

Tags: military, army, iraq

MSM - 6 bogus stories in 6 weeks

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:05:25 GMT

clipped by: topsailangler
clipper's remarks: Follow the links to read the full story with the details and see for yourself.

Clip Source: op-for.com

6 Bogus Stories in 6 Weeks!

Read the whole thing, but here are the headlines:

20 headless bodies

… nope

11 close family members of Jordanian-based Baathist reporter Dia al-Kawwaz, who runs the online anti-Iraq newspaper Shabeqat Akhbar al-Iraq, were slaughtered in Baghdad.

…err, not so much…

12-25 "construction workers" were killed in a Bombing by NATO forces in Afghanistan

…yeah… the “construction workers” were actually “Taliban”…

13 people were slaughtered by Al-Qaeda in their sleep

…except they weren’t….

There was an explosion at a refinery in Baghdad. The media immediately reported it as a rocket attack

…nope!

…Nope!

I also can’t believe how gullible reporters are when they actually report on these matters. I don’t want to get on a rant about media types, because I’m sure some of them are nice guys who do hard work, but this type of reporting reflects badly on the reporters, the news company, and the media overall. I’m astonished that these folks have any credibility left.

Tags: msm, bogus, lies, faulty reporting, hype, terrorism, al-qaeda

Navy SEAL Chief Killed in Iraq

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 05:45:53 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: Carter’s C.O.
“I am honored to serve with and lead men and women like Chief Mark Carter. He was an outstanding SEAL, teammate, and great American...I urge those who knew him to honor his life, in the best way we know how.”

Clip Source: www.navyseals.com

Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer Mark T. Carter (SEAL), 27, of Fallbrook, Calif., was killed while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom December 11, 2007.

Chief Carter lived the SEAL Code, and his actions on and off the battlefield embodied everything noble about serving in the Navy and in Naval Special Warfare.

His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars with “V” for valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, three Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and three Sea Service Deployment ribbons, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

Tags: military, navy, iraq

100 Year Plan of Islamic Extremists

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 03:57:40 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: Meanwhile, many of our elected officials' foresight is limited to the next election day, much less 100 years.

Clip Source: www.news-journal.com

Islamic extremists have a 100-year plan for world domination, and Americans must be prepared for the long fight, a U.S. Air Force general told East Texans on Monday.

Speaking during a Veterans Day banquet in Big Sandy, Mike McClendon said extremists want to create an economic superpower with the biggest army and strongest currency, and they want half the world's population to reside in an Islamic state.

They plan to gain control of oil reserves and bankrupt Western countries, and they plan to create safe havens throughout the world, including some in Latin America, he said.

McClendon also reported good news from the war in Iraq. Civilian deaths fell 45 percent in the last year, 62 percent of the population wants a unified Iraq, and 78 percent oppose an Islamic-controlled state, he said.

"The war in Iraq is one of many battles for the hearts and minds of the rest of the world," he said.

Tags: terrorism, military

Marine Receives Silver Star

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:15:42 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: Remarkable.

Clip Source: www.latimes.com

Marine 2nd Lt. Chad Cassady, 33, shows his Silver Star to his wife, Summer, and to his mother and father after he received the medal at Camp Pendleton

As a sniper, Sgt. Chad Cassady, a quiet Texan with a master's degree in political science, helped protect his fellow Marines during the battle in Fallouja, Iraq, in late 2004.

But when insurgent mortars fell behind and in front of the Marines -- a tactic called "bracketing" -- Cassady and other Marines were forced to run across a rubble-strewn street. When another mortar landed in their midst, two Marines were knocked to the ground and Cassady was thrown into the courtyard of a home.

Although he was bleeding and dazed, he immediately went back into the street to drag two wounded Marines to safety as insurgent gunfire rained down

"It was one of those days when Marines were doing what had to be done," he said

Sgt. Aaron Beckett agreed. "He's definitely a lead-from-the-front type," he said -- which in the infantry is a compliment second to none.

Tags: marines, iraq, military, bravery

The Shame of Haditha

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 01:07:07 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: The tragedies of war aren't limited to the military engagements.

Clip Source: www.opinionjournal.com

It seems Haditha, though tragic, was exploited politically, and the allegations were exaggerated, if not unfounded.

In March 2006, Time magazine broke the story, which erupted in the press. The accounts relied on a narrative that the Marines had gone berserk after the killing of Cpl. Terrazas and murdered Iraqis in retaliation. "Eyewitnesses" reported that the riders in the car had been lined up and executed, and that there had been a rampage through the houses targeting women and children. A coverup by the top brass was also asserted.

Yet neither was Haditha the atrocity or "massacre" that many assumed--though errors in judgment may well have been committed. And while some violent crimes have been visited on civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, overall the highly disciplined U.S. military has conducted itself in an exemplary fashion.

The critics rushed to judgment; facts and evidence were discarded to fit the antiwar template.

This is the deepest shame of Haditha

Tags: iraq, haditha, media, marines

Democratic Candidates on Iraq Withdrawal

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 03:12:11 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: The most specific statements yet on their withdrawal strategies.

Clip Source: www.factcheck.org

But what exactly would each of the Democratic candidates do if elected president?

Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich said he'd get all troops out within three months of taking office:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he would get all troops out within one year, by January 2010, even at the expense of abandoning some military equipment:

Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut promised all troops out sometime during the four-year term:

Former Sen. John Edwards said he couldn't promise to get all U.S. troops out in four years, but he said he'd leave behind only a few thousand and none in a combat role:

Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York said that her "goal" is to have all U.S. troops out of Iraq by 2013 but that she can't promise that would happen.

Sen. Barack Obama took a very similar position

Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware said U.S. troops would remain if a political settlement is reached to end civil violence, but otherwise he would bring them back.

Former Sen. Mike Gravel didn't say directly how quickly

Tags: democrats, presidential race, debate, iraq, withdrawal

Iranian officer arrested in Iraq

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:30:05 GMT

clipped by: Rustee
clipper's remarks: Tensions rise on the front.

Clip Source: www.military.com

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq -- An Iranian officer accused of smuggling powerful roadside bombs into Iraq was arrested Thursday in northern Iraq, the U.S. military said.

The military said the suspect was a member of the Quds force - an elite unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guards - and was seized from a hotel in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah.

The Iranian officer was allegedly involved in transporting roadside bombs, including armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, into Iraq, according to a military statement. It said intelligence reports also indicated he was involved in the infiltration and training of foreign fighters in Iraq.

Iran has denied allegations that it is stoking the violence in Iraq.

The Iraqi government, which is backed by the U.S. but closely allied to Iran, has been trying to get its two largest allies closer, in hopes that U.S.-Iranian cooperation could reduce violence in the country.

Tags: iran, iraq, war, terrorism