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IDF force with 100 tanks enters northern Gaza
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
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Home Front: WoT
Charges Dismissed Against Muhammad
A Fairfax County judge has dismissed charges against convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad in a second capital murder trial related to the sniper shooting spree. In a ruling released Friday, Judge Langhorne Keith tossed out the charges, saying Fairfax prosecutors violated Muhammad's right to a speedy trial.
If they'd shot him in the back of the head when they caught him, that would have been speedy...
Muhammad was charged in the October 14, 2002 killing of Linda Franklin in Falls Church. Keith says prosecutors waited too long to bring Muhammad to trial.
How long is Franklin going to be dead?
Defense lawyers say Muhammad's trial should have begun months ago under a Virginia law that requires a suspect's trial to begin within five months of arrest, unless the defendant waives that right. But prosecutors and defense attorneys disagree on when Muhammad was technically placed under arrest.
Certain members of the public are starting to think that terrorism-related offenses should not be put into the civilian court system.
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 1:09:30 PM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This sucks, but I suppose you can only kill him once... and could we speed that process up by the way?
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 15:48 Comments || Top||

#2  This is such legal bullshit. What the hell kind of judge is this? What about the rights of Linda Franklin?
Posted by: John || 10/01/2004 17:06 Comments || Top||

#3  "Muhammad was already convicted and sentenced to death for one of the sniper killings, but Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. wants a second conviction in case the first is overturned on appeal." Source.
Posted by: Tom || 10/01/2004 17:21 Comments || Top||

#4  Linda got a very speedy trial.

/I can't believe I just said that
Posted by: Seafarious || 10/01/2004 17:25 Comments || Top||

#5  Can the Virginia Legislature remove this judge? I'm beginning to think we have to fire a few pour encourager les outres.
Posted by: jackal || 10/01/2004 20:53 Comments || Top||

#6  Maybe authorities should have let him run around free until everyone checked their appointment books.
Posted by: Super Hose || 10/01/2004 21:51 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Indonesia Police Identify Embassy Attacker
Indonesian police on Friday identified the man they suspect was the suicide bomber in an attack on the Australian Embassy in Jakarta last month, and said the 30-year-old wrote to his pregnant wife asking permission to die a martyr.
"Honey? Do you mind if I die a martyr?"
"Take out the garbage first, dear!"
Police chief Gen. Dai Bachtiar said the man, Heri Golun, was driving the small truck that blew up outside the embassy on Sept. 9. Nine people were killed, including the attacker, and more than 170 wounded. All the dead were Indonesians. DNA samples from body parts and blood samples found in or very close to the remains of the truck matched those taken from Golun's family, Bachtiar said. The attack has been blamed on the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah terror group, which also implicated in attacks on Bali Island in 2002 and a blast last year outside the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. Police have arrested five people in the blast. Chief detective Lt. Gen. Suyitno Landung said police had recovered a letter addressed to Golun's wife in which he asks permission to take part in a suicide mission. "The letter asks for forgiveness, and permission to die as a martyr," he said. "It asks that his family repay all his debts and name his child Achmad Jundullah." Media Indonesia daily reported that Golun's child was born Thursday and was named Jundullah, which means "Flying Meat God's solider" in Arabic. Bachtiar said Golun, who comes from a small town 190 miles east of Jakarta, had very strong links with the attack's alleged masterminds, Malaysian militants Azahari bin Husin and Noordin Mohamed Top. Officers have said they suspect Golun was a suicide bomber, but have yet to rule out the possibility he was duped into carrying the bomb before it was detonated by remote control.
"Sur...[KABOOM!]...prise!"
They have also said it was possible more than one person was in the truck when it exploded. DNA tests on body parts found at the scene are continuing, Bachtiar said.
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 1:13:18 PM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Christian Pastor to Be Released From Imprisonment for False Terror Charges
From Compass Direct
On Saturday, September 25, Rev. Damanik — an Indonesian pastor imprisoned under what many believe were false charges — celebrated his 45th birthday. But on Monday, September 27, he had far greater cause for celebration. Prison authorities announced this week that Damanik would be released in November 2004 — almost a year earlier than his original release date of September 2005. Mona Saroinsong, the coordinator of the Protestant church's Crisis Center in Sulawesi and a close supporter of Damanik, hinted on Friday, September 24, that changes were in the air. News of the early release came as a joyful surprise to friends, family and supporters who had campaigned tirelessly on Damanik's behalf.

Damanik, a prominent figure in peace negotiations between warring Muslim and Christian communities on the island of Sulawesi, was convicted on charges of "illegal weapons possession" in June 2003. The charge dated back to an incident on August 17, 2002, when his relief convoy — returning from a mission to assist refugees on both sides of the conflict — was stopped by police. Members of the convoy were taken to a nearby building for questioning while their cars were searched. Days later, police claimed to have found firearms and ammunition in the vehicle.

Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Mike Sylwester || 10/01/2004 8:54:40 AM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
BEIRUT BOMB BLAST - AT LEAST ONE KILLED
A car bomb has exploded in Beirut, killing the driver of a recently resigned government minister. Former economy minister Marwan Hamadeh was taken to hospital with wounds to his face and legs. His condition was said to be stable. The bomb went off in a side-street of the Lebanese capital as his car was passing. He had just left his home, about 100 yards away. Mr Hamadeh was one of four ministers who resigned early last month.
No pension for you!
He stepped down in protest at parliament's decision to extend Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud's term by three years despite widespread opposition.
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 3:53:18 AM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Debka is reporting the target is a Druse. I peer into my crystal ball and see a future state called Drusistan occupying large swathes of Lebanon and Western Syria.
Posted by: phil_b || 10/01/2004 4:35 Comments || Top||


Terror Networks
New Zawahiri Tape
According to CNN (link is to Fox News story siince CNN didn't have it on its website), Zawahiri says "If me or Osama are killed or captured, keep up the jihad against Americans and Jooos." I'm calling it now -- either Zawahiri has been captured or Osama has died of his mysterious liver ailment or (please God) both. Someone had instructions to release this tape if one or both of those incidents occurred. That's my bet.
Text below is from BBC. I'll be looking for full text as it comes in.
An audio tape purportedly recorded by a senior member of the al-Qaeda network has called for attacks on the US and its allies. The speaker is identified as Ayman al-Zawahri, Osama Bin Laden's deputy. The tape, aired on Arabic television channel al-Jazeera, calls for organised resistance against invading "crusaders" in the Muslim world. "If we die or are detained, continue the path after us," the speaker is quoted as saying by AP news agency.
Has he or Binny used this phrase before?
I think it's a quote from that song they sing in Louisianna:
"If I should die
"Before you do,
"Bury me out
"In the Blue Bayou..."
In addition to the US and the UK, the speaker singled out Australia, France, Poland, Norway, South Korea and Japan, saying their "interests... are spread everywhere." He says the countries cited had taken part in the invasion of Afghanistan, Iraq or Chechnya and gave Israel "means of survival". He also says it is the duty of every Muslim to liberate "Palestine", and says the West is complicit in the deaths of Palestinian militant leaders.
Fine by me.
"In Palestine, we do not only face the Jews, but we also face the global coalition against Islam, led by the crusader and Zionist United States and the crusader West and the agent leaders behind them."
Posted by: tibor || 10/01/2004 10:47:18 AM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  more potential proof Binny is Dead, hes gotta be if not this is a real odd statement.
Posted by: Shep UK || 10/01/2004 13:16 Comments || Top||

#2  ...but we also face the global coalition against Islam, led by the crusader...



Why is Ayman al-Zawahri so concerned about him?

He's just a harmless little bunny...
Posted by: BigEd || 10/01/2004 14:02 Comments || Top||

#3  just saw a great analysis about this on Fox. Arab (mean looking guy but level-headed) said that specific wording used shows that AQ is very concerned that Iraqis and Afghans are looking toward Democracy and that the tape shows they are worried about this and consider this to be the new threat.

Also shows that Wa-Wahiri is now the head cheese and that OBL if not dead, is sick, or physically messed up to point where he can't be face of AQ.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 14:43 Comments || Top||

#4  Zawahiri gets that there is a global coalition. Wonder why John Kerry and the rest of the Left in this country don't grasp it.

"In Palestine, we do not only face the Jews, but we also face the global coalition...

Posted by: eLarson || 10/01/2004 14:52 Comments || Top||

#5  Zarqawi: In Palestine, we do not only face the Jews, but we also face the global coalition against Islam, led by the crusader and Zionist United States and the crusader West and the agent leaders behind them.

I guess this is a blood, toil, tears and sweat speech for the jihadis. But Zarqawi sounds a little down. He should be talking about how they are winning and that they have the infidels on the run. This is really downbeat, and almost sounds like he's giving the faithful an excuse to throw in the towel.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 10/01/2004 15:06 Comments || Top||

#6  Norway? Gee, I didn't realize there was a huge Zionist movement there. !

Whatever. Shuffle and replace the names on a bi-yearly basis. Find new scapegoats for your failed vision, Zawahiri. You're a poop percolator spouting your foul brew, not God.

And one more thing-if the West is complicit in the murder of Palestinian militant leaders, where is our bounty? I've been eying a nice little ranch...
Posted by: jules 187 || 10/01/2004 15:12 Comments || Top||

#7  But Zarqawi sounds a little down.

and wouldnt you, if you were an Egyptian doctor turned Islamist loonie named Ayman al Zawahiri, living in the hills of Waziristan, and somebody who should know better got you mixed with a Palestinian/Jordanian thug named Zarqawi slicing heads in Fallujah? ;)
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 15:27 Comments || Top||

#8  We will win this thing by keeping up the effort and taking them apart---physically, psychologically, fiscally, and dismantling the terrorists and the infrastructure that supports them. While everyone protected by us bitches and moans, we and the coalition of the willing are doing the heavy lifting and the nasty tasks, like we have always done.

And now, since we know that this war is all about oillllllllll, I want to share these few lines with y'all:

The Rolling Mills of New Jersey
(Roberts and Barrand)

Chorus:
When I die, bury me low
Where I can hear the petroleum flow.
A sweeter sound, I never did know
The rolling mills of New Jersey.

Down in Trenton, there is a bar
The bums, they come from near and from far
They come by truck, they come by car
The lousy bums of New Jersey

Down in Hoboken, there will be
Trash as far as the eye can see.
Enough for you, enough for me.
The garbage cans of New Jersey.

When at last, I decided to roam,
I travelled far away from Bayonne.
I then sat down, and wrote this poem.
I wrote an ode to New Jersey.

Posted by: Alaska Paul || 10/01/2004 17:33 Comments || Top||

#9  Strange indeed. The tape seems to be preparing the faithful for bad news....a signing off of sorts. Most likely scenario:
Binny rotting in Tora Bora
Zwahiri cut off in NWFP and about to receive his rasher of raisins.
Posted by: Rex Mundi || 10/01/2004 18:33 Comments || Top||

#10  psyops audio tape? If so, can we get Dennis Hopper to star in the video?
Posted by: Classical_Liberal || 10/01/2004 20:29 Comments || Top||

#11  They must have a tape prepared for the most likely eventualities. We should cross them up and make both of them appear on an Episode of MTV's Surreal Life. There is no way that international terrorism could recover from an appearance with Charo.
Posted by: Super Hose || 10/01/2004 21:49 Comments || Top||

#12  Ayman's a fellow Led Zeppelin fan, obviously: "In My Time Of Dying"
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 22:14 Comments || Top||

#13  SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!! I'm melting! Melting! Melting! Melting! Melting!
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 10/01/2004 22:26 Comments || Top||


O Club's open...
Link's on the right, members only. Still working on renovations, so let me know when something breaks...
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 8:40:12 PM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Uh... what is it? And what's "members only" mean? Registration required?
Posted by: Dave D. || 10/01/2004 20:52 Comments || Top||

#2  Hmmmmmmm. What have we here?
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 20:54 Comments || Top||

#3  Ads for Lesbian Travel in Vancouver? WTFO?
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 10/01/2004 20:57 Comments || Top||

#4  Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Especially if they let me watch.
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 20:59 Comments || Top||

#5  Hijacked already? I got in from the link in your e-mail, Fred, then the whole lesbian thing came up when I posted.

That last sentance didn't come out quite right.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 10/01/2004 21:04 Comments || Top||

#6  Boy, is that thing good for wasting time!
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 22:08 Comments || Top||

#7  Anybody get sent to see Muffler Man yet?
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 22:09 Comments || Top||

#8  Yep--I'm now planning a road trip to see him in the flesh, so to speak.
Posted by: Dar || 10/01/2004 22:11 Comments || Top||

#9  If you get Muffler Man instead of the O Club, email me.
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 23:04 Comments || Top||

#10  All hail the Muffler Man! Hero of the Universe!

I just fired you off an email Fred.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 10/01/2004 23:21 Comments || Top||

#11  ever notice the Muffler Man in the opening shots of every Sopranos?
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 23:42 Comments || Top||

#12  Is he related to the Muffin Man?
Posted by: Seafarious || 10/01/2004 23:49 Comments || Top||

#13  on Drury Lane?
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 23:50 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine
Footage shows terrorists using UN-marked vehicle
The Israel Defense Forces released video footage Friday taken by an unmanned aircraft showing what appeared to be Palestinians in the Gaza Strip loading rockets into a vehicle marked "U.N." The black-and-white footage, taken by a drone - or unmanned aircraft - flying over the Gaza Strip, showed the militants driving off in the white van, with "U.N." marked in black on its roof. The IDF is furious at the United Nations representatives in the Gaza Strip, "who continuously stress that they are an international organization and of course is not in any way involved in terrorism," Channel 1 TV quoted IDF officials as saying.
NOOOOOOO! not the UN! How can this be! My world is falling apart! (literally, with a world body like that!)
Israel has often accused terrorists of using United Nations vehicles and headquarters to launch attacks. U.N. officials were not immediately available for comment.
They're probably busy putting an investigative committee together. which will issue a report. that says there's no evidence linking the UN with paleo terror. I guess when the UN says they want an end to the violence, they were specifically speaking to Israel. only.
Israel has also accused officials of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, responsible for caring for thousands of refugees in the Gaza Strip, of turning a blind eye to terrorist activities in their vicinity, and of clear bias against Israel.
UN: "Those Joooos. So pesky. If only they would go away. oops! did we say that out loud?"
Israel uses drones to monitor activities in the crowded Gaza refugee camps. The footage provides soldiers and pilots real-time pictures of what is happening on the ground. Friday's footage was released while the army launched a widescale operation in the Jebaliya refugee camp and nearby towns in an attempt to halt Palestinian rocket attacks on towns in Israel. Those rocket attacks killed two Israeli preschoolers Wednesday. Thirty-five Palestinians have been killed in the army operation.
just 35? sigh.
Further footage showed other Palestinians loading a rocket into the back of an unmarked van. The terrorists drove off in the vehicle, and then an Israeli missile fired from a helicopter hit the van and blew it up. The incident occurred early Friday, according to the army.
Posted by: PlanetDan || 10/01/2004 5:02:16 PM || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Check the VIN. Is it registered to Cat Stevens?
Posted by: Super Hose || 10/01/2004 21:29 Comments || Top||


Footage shows Arab terrorists using UN-marked vehicle

The Israel Defense Forces released video footage Friday taken by an unmanned aircraft showing what appeared to be Palestinians in the Gaza Strip loading rockets into a vehicle marked "U.N."

The black-and-white footage, taken by a drone - or unmanned aircraft - flying over the Gaza Strip, showed the militants driving off in the white van, with "U.N." marked in black on its roof.

The IDF is furious at the United Nations representatives in the Gaza Strip, "who continuously stress that they are an international organization and of course is not in any way involved in terrorism," Channel 1 TV quoted IDF officials as saying.

Israel has often accused terrorists of using United Nations vehicles and headquarters to launch attacks. U.N. officials were not immediately available for comment.

Israel has also accused officials of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, responsible for caring for thousands of refugees in the Gaza Strip, of turning a blind eye to terrorist activities in their vicinity, and of clear bias against Israel.

Israel uses drones to monitor activities in the crowded Gaza refugee camps. The footage provides soldiers and pilots real-time pictures of what is happening on the ground.

Friday's footage was released while the army launched a widescale operation in the Jebaliya refugee camp and nearby towns in an attempt to halt Palestinian rocket attacks on towns in Israel. Those rocket attacks killed two Israeli preschoolers Wednesday.

Thirty-five Palestinians have been killed in the army operation.

Further footage showed other Palestinians loading a rocket into the back of an unmarked van. The terrorists drove off in the vehicle, and then an Israeli missile fired from a helicopter hit the van and blew it up. The incident occurred early Friday, according to the army.


Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 7:48:16 PM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Bush needs to call Kofi and demand and explanation.
Not tomorrow, today. Kofi can't hjave one. Israel should arrest and deport all UN workers in ocupied territory.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 10/01/2004 20:21 Comments || Top||

#2  From now on just blow the fuckers up. When Kofi whines, release the video and tell him to shut the fuck up.
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 20:38 Comments || Top||

#3  Booby trap the UN vehicles and start car bombing Hamas, Fatah, and Hezbollah with them.
Posted by: ed || 10/01/2004 21:29 Comments || Top||

#4  from Lebanon - Chabaa Farms - to Gaza - the UN has shown themselves to be partners with terrorists. This is the group you'd defer US defense decisions to, Senator Kerry? Fuckin crapweasel!
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 21:58 Comments || Top||

#5  The UN kinda overwhelms the rational centers of the brain. Frank, tell us how you really feel!
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 10/01/2004 22:08 Comments || Top||

#6  Believe me - I toned it down
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 22:24 Comments || Top||

#7  1) Invite Anna Koffe to 'visit'.

2) As soon as he lands place him under arrest and charge him with the murder of the two preschoolers.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 10/01/2004 22:46 Comments || Top||


IDF Begins Anti-Kassam Offensive
13:37 Oct 01, '04 / 16 Tishrei 5765

Following a dramatic security meeting last night involving Prime Minister Sharon and Israel's top military and defense officials, and after the terror attacks over the holiday that claimed five lives in the space of 16 hours, the army has undertaken a wide-ranging but limited offensive in northern Gaza.

In an operation code-named "Days of Penitence," heavy forces have been brought into the towns of PLO-controlled northern Gaza - Beit Hanoun, Jebalya, Beit Lahiya and the outskirts of Gaza City. The objective is to distance the Kassam rocket launchers from the besieged Israeli city of Sderot. The Kassams currently have a range of some 8-9 kilometers, and Sderot is only a kilometer away from the Gaza border, thus that the mission involves the takeover a vast area. Complicating the effort is the fact that the primitive Kassam launchers can be set up in a yard, fired and removed within a minute or two - leaving little time for an Israeli response.

Despite these difficulties, IDF forces have managed, since yesterday, to stop some five Kassam launching cells, as well as several other terrorist groups, that were engaged in firing rocket or mortar shells. The latest such incident occurred this morning, when an Israel Air Force helicopter fired at a cell of three terrorists, killing two of them. The forces have been ordered to shoot at any armed Arab they see in Gaza, and over 45 Arabs have been killed in the offensive. In addition, some 50 homes have been demolished, and water, electricity and phone infrastructures have been very seriously damaged.



Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu proposed at last night's security meeting that civilian infrastructures be targeted as a way of encouraging the local populace to drive out the terrorists from their midst.

Justice Minister Tommy Lapid (Shinui), another participant at last night's emergency meeting, expressed general frustration at the difficulties involved in the current war when he said with sarcasm that the only solution is to fortify the roofs in Sderot. In the end, he - together with all the other ministers present - voted to approve the limited offensive, which will continue indefinitely. It was generally understood, however, that other military steps are being considered and will be implemented.

France has condemned Israel's latest offensive. A French Foreign Ministry spokesman noted with dismay the number of Arab victims in the Israeli response, but did not mention the Israeli children and others whose deaths triggered the offensive.

Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 5:07:31 PM || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Afghanistan/South Asia
Ten Terrorists Killed in Banglabattle
At least 10 members of a terror gang including its leader were killed in a gunbattle with the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Raozan in the southeastern Chittagong district early yesterday. Members of the Jane Alam Bahini, named after its leader, were killed in the shootout that erupted when the terrorists opened fire on the security forces. Acting on a tip-off, the RAB raided a home where the criminals were hiding at a hillock village, some five kilometers from the sub-district headquarters. Jane Alam and other terrorists were in the house when the RAB members swooped on them, the sources said. Two members of the RAB were wounded during the fight, police said.

Battalion officers recovered seven firearms, including one AK-47 rifle, as well as a large quantity of ammunition after killing 10 members of the gang believed involved in robbery and kidnapping, officials said. "We are pursuing criminals all over the country, trying to eliminate them," battalion commander Lt. Col. Emdad Haque told Reuters. Deployed to tackle spreading crime, the battalion has killed five criminals in Chittagong district in the past two months, police said.
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 2:18:35 PM || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)

you know what id love. An Anti-thugburg, that listed all the military, police units, and militia groups in the muslim world that have fought against the jihadis, whether theyve fought well or not. Peshmergas, Paki units, Indon coppers, etc.
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 15:33 Comments || Top||

#2  I'd like to see the Rapid Action Battalion Infantry.
Posted by: Shipman || 10/01/2004 16:14 Comments || Top||

#3  Now is time to do the Dance of Joy!
Posted by: Chris W. || 10/01/2004 17:06 Comments || Top||


Iraq-Jordan
Iraqi Terrs Militants Target Children
Naseer Al-Nahr • Arab News
Insurgents stooped to a new low when they killed 34 children gathered to collect candies after the opening of a new sewage plant in the Iraqi capital. At least 51 people were killed and 225 wounded in three separate attacks in the country, hospital and military officials said. Grief-stricken parents wailed over the bodies of their children at the hospital's morgue. One women tore at her hair, before pulling back the sheet covering her dead brother and kissing his body. Some of the children, who are near the end of a nationwide school vacation, said they were attracted to the blast scene by American soldiers handing out candy. Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Adnan Abdul-Rahman said two car bombs and a roadside bomb exploded in swift succession as a US convoy was passing through Baghdad's Al-Amel neighborhood. But a military statement said all the blasts were caused by car bombs. Angry relatives screamed for attention for their wounded from the overwhelmed doctors, many of whose uniforms were covered in blood.
Posted by: Fred || 10/01/2004 1:53:20 PM || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  A combined statement against children, candy and sewage collection. Vendors of paper products and uncles beware.
Posted by: Super Hose || 10/01/2004 21:42 Comments || Top||


D-Day in Samarra: 94 baddies toes-up, Turk hostage rescued
U.S.-led forces stormed Samarra Friday and said nearly 100 guerrillas were killed in air strikes and street-to-street combat during a major new American offensive to wrest control of the Iraqi town. Doctors at Samarra's hospital said 47 bodies were brought in, including 11 women, five children and seven elderly men. They said ambulances could not reach many wounded as fighting, which lasted throughout the night, was still going on. A spokesman for the U.S. 1st Infantry Division said an estimated 94 insurgents were killed. He said a U.S soldier was killed during the offensive and four wounded. The U.S. military said Iraqi commandos had taken over Samarra's Golden Mosque and seized 25 rebels inside. Iraqi troops also secured the town's renowned spiral minaret.

The Interior Ministry in Baghdad said that by midday (0900 GMT) Iraqi police were in control of the center of Samarra and most surrounding areas after a joint U.S. and Iraqi operation to "remove the terrorists who have been holding the town hostage." The U.S. military says it will retake guerrilla strongholds such as Samarra, the western cities of Falluja and Ramadi and the Baghdad districts of Sadr City and Haifa Street by the end of the year so elections can go ahead in January as planned. Before dawn, troops backed by tanks pushed through the streets as guerrillas unleashed mortar attacks and fired rocket-propelled grenades and rifles from the rooftops. Sporadic fighting was still being heard in the early afternoon and electricity and water were cut off in the town of more than 100,000 people, 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad.

HOSTAGE RESCUED
A Turkish worker kidnapped by guerrillas had been rescued during the Samarra offensive, the U.S. military said. Dozens of foreigners are being held hostage in Iraq. A Frenchman who says he is trying to mediate for two French journalists said he was with the pair Friday and hoping to negotiate their release.

The Samarra assault began shortly after midnight with air strikes and artillery barrages pounding the mainly Sunni Muslim town, which had been a no-go zone for U.S. forces for months. The U.S. military said troops destroyed several mortar sites, rocket-propelled grenade teams and guerrilla vehicles. Overnight, guerrillas were seen unloading weapons and ammunition from two speedboats on the Tigris River in the town, the military said. Troops opened fire and destroyed the boats. "In response to repeated and unprovoked attacks by anti-Iraqi forces, Iraqi security forces and multi-national forces secured the government and police buildings in Samarra early in the morning of October 1," the U.S. military said. The military said the Samarra raid was "to facilitate orderly government processes, kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces, and set the conditions to proceed with infrastructure and quality of life improvements for the people of Samarra." A U.S. helicopter took small arms fire during the operation but made a safe landing, the 1st Infantry Division said. U.S. forces had stayed out of the city for three months, as rebels tightened their grip. The Americans moved in briefly earlier this month to try to re-establish the local government, but much of the town remained in rebel hands.

The Samarra offensive came after a day of bloodshed in Baghdad, where three car bombs were detonated near a U.S. military convoy Thursday, killing 41 people, 34 of them children rushing to collect sweets from American troops. An Internet statement claimed responsibility in the name of the Tawhid and Jihad group of Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, which beheaded two American hostages last week. The group is also threatening to kill a third captive, Briton Kenneth Bigley.

Iraq dominated Thursday's first U.S. presidential debate between President Bush and Democratic challenger Senator John Kerry. Bush insists progress is being made toward democracy in Iraq, Kerry said it was "chaos." Iraq's government has insisted that elections will go ahead as planned in January. But unless some areas are excluded, U.S. and Iraqi forces will need to re-establish control over areas held by guerrillas, and that could mean fierce fighting.
For once, I agree with Al Reuters' editorial content; though, once again, its insertion into an ostensibly objective news story is yet more evidence of the light regard the editors have for the target audience of Euro-sheep.
Posted by: Atomic Conspiracy || 10/01/2004 8:40:08 AM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  AP has more info on the Iraqi forces involved in the op. The 202nd Iraqi national guard battalion, and the 7th Iraqi army battalion. They secured the bridge over the tigris, leading to the destruction of the speedboats. They also secured two important shrines in the city.
Looks like good coordination between 1st ID and the Iraqi forces.
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 9:15 Comments || Top||

#2  shouldn't this have been the headline? Iraqi police were in control of the center of Samarra and most surrounding areas after a joint U.S. and Iraqi operation

after a joint U.S. and Iraqi operation to "remove the terrorists who have been holding the town hostage.

I guess the Reuters correspondent just couldn't bring himself to write "removED"..ie: as in PAST TENSE..already removed.. Instead he clumsily manages to get add a quote to avoid stating the job is done. haha! weak. I wonder how much time he spent trying to get that just right.

Al reuters - still trying their best to spin it. But, sigh, not much good to work with these days ..except, of course that dance on top of the civlian dead.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 9:22 Comments || Top||

#3  CNN reports over 100 insurgents killed. Report about 3000 US troops involved. 2 battalions of Iraqis would be about 1500. Going up against "several hundred insurgents" including about 60 foreigners. Some civilians fled the city in advance. Shrine secured with no damage, one hostage rescued. All going well (although there has been one US combat death). Could be the model for the attack on Fallujah.
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 9:41 Comments || Top||

#4  could be a warning to Fallujah
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 10:52 Comments || Top||

#5  I think operations like this can be a real confidence-builder. Once American commanders demonstrate that they will not waste the lives of Iraqi troops, I think they will fight as well as their ancestors once did.

But Bush needs to do more work on his debate preparations. All of this will be for nought if he loses on November 2. There is still work to be done, both on items on the conservative agenda, and the War on Terror. A Kerry win would wipe out all the gains that GWB has worked towards. Dick Lugar and Chuck Hagel need to stop grandstanding. If they persist, party activists need to find ways to boot them from office. All the fire has been directed at John McCain. But Lugar and Hagel have made the most inflammatory remarks.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 10/01/2004 11:02 Comments || Top||

#6  . All of this will be for nought if he loses on November 2.

whoever wins the election we'll still be at war, and it will still be up to all of us who care to press for the best possible approach.

If Bush wins we will need to continue to press for a smarter approach, better public diplomacy, keep supporting a commitment to nation building and democracy promotion, and to a willingness to use all available resources.

If Kerry wins, we will need to keep pressing for victory in Iraq, to insure full support for the Iraqi govt, and a tough approach to Fallujah et al. And for a tough approach to Iran. And to minimize unnecessary concessions to France.

Dont give up on Nov 2, no matter who wins.
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 11:08 Comments || Top||

#7  LH: If Kerry wins, we will need to keep pressing for victory in Iraq, to insure full support for the Iraqi govt, and a tough approach to Fallujah et al. And for a tough approach to Iran.

If Kerry wins, we get the Mogadishu scenario, where US forces pull out and lose credibility. In addition to Vietnam and Mogadishu, America's enemies will now be able to cite the example of Iraq. Republicans like Hagel and Lugar want to pull out. If Kerry pulls for a withdrawal, Republicans won't stand in his way. I can't think of a single instance where congressional majorities have stood in the way of a presidential decision to withdraw from a war. If Kerry wins, and he has coattails, maybe even Republican congressional majorities are a pipedream.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 10/01/2004 11:15 Comments || Top||

#8  Overnight, guerrillas were seen unloading weapons and ammunition from two speedboats on the Tigris River in the town...Troops opened fire and destroyed the boats.

Here is the Soddy version:
During an all night wedding party, when the raisin sweet bread ran out, a devoted family of five were seen unloading flour and sugar from speed boats. Nearby witnesses stated the following. Then, by Allah-ha-ha, out of nowhere, the infidels yelled "we will put you pigs in a blanket" and cut down the innocent family of five, with their BIG bullets.
Posted by: Poison Reverse || 10/01/2004 11:28 Comments || Top||

#9  My bet is that Kerry will go with the Vietnam / Shah of Iran solution. Establish some sort of 'truce', pull out and when the enemy (Iran/Syria) invades 'turn aside from our agreement' and refuse to help.
(Sorry, this doesn't pass the 'Global Test'....).
Posted by: CrazyFool || 10/01/2004 11:29 Comments || Top||

#10  look ZF, you want to discuss bush and kerry, there must be lots of places in RB to do it, what with the debate and all. Can we TRY to discuss the current op in Sammara?
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 11:37 Comments || Top||

#11  I love the title .... 94 Islamo baddies toes up. The only good Jihadi is a wasted Jihadi. No mattter to me whether such scum is killing Russian, Hindu or Israeli children and civilians.
Posted by: dennisw || 10/01/2004 12:24 Comments || Top||

#12  Touchy Liberalhawk. BTW, who are you voting for in November?
Posted by: Rafael || 10/01/2004 12:25 Comments || Top||

#13  94 x 72 = 6,768. Wow, that's a lotta virgins...
Posted by: BigEd || 10/01/2004 13:00 Comments || Top||

#14  or a Costco-sized box of SunMaid Raisins
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 13:01 Comments || Top||

#15  Ucchh, dont make me think about it Rafael. :(

Whoever I vote for, it will require a long shower afterwards.

Or I could just write in a name.

Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 13:10 Comments || Top||

#16  LH: Ucchh, dont make me think about it Rafael. :( Whoever I vote for, it will require a long shower afterwards.

Relax and cast away your guilt. Just vote for Kerry. After all, he's all for fighting a "smarter war", like you advocated. He'll be better with alliances, and get German and French troops into Iraq. Don't fight it - vote for Kerry and you can regain the respect of all your liberal friends.
Posted by: Zhang Fei || 10/01/2004 14:30 Comments || Top||

#17  i know this will piss you off, LH, but I can't help myself. Get your head out of the clouds. Wishing won't make it so.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 14:38 Comments || Top||

#18  Not so tough on Bro' Hawk, there. He's one of the good guys. (Most of us are, 'round here.)
Posted by: Mike || 10/01/2004 14:41 Comments || Top||

#19  you think thats funny ZF?

2B - wishing what. Im not the one with my head in the clouds. Im not the one who thinks either candidate is a good choice. And im also not hte one who turned a thread about whats going on in IRAQ into yet another one about the Presidential election.

Look fred has set up two pages here - one for domestic and related matters and one for the WOT as conventionally defined. Which page is this one on, pray tell?
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 15:24 Comments || Top||

#20  LH, I am with you, brother. You defended me when I was getting slammed and I appreciate it.

Mike is right, "most of us are good guys 'round here"

Let's not kill each other, let's kill the true trolls and moonbats.
Posted by: Poison Reverse || 10/01/2004 15:43 Comments || Top||

#21  LH Can't so I will.

PRESHAWAR! presh a war!
Posted by: Shipman || 10/01/2004 16:23 Comments || Top||

#22  Yo Ship, that's Peshawar, not Preshawar (unless I'm missing something)
Posted by: Rafael || 10/01/2004 16:39 Comments || Top||

#23  Should Kerry win, I will advise my son to get out of the Marines as quickly as possible once his unit returns from Iraq. Kerry doesn't deserve either the allegiance or service of fighting men and women for whom he has no respect and even less concern. No point in risking your life for Kerry's global fantasies.
Posted by: RWV || 10/01/2004 16:46 Comments || Top||

#24  Another 100:1 kill ratio day. As I've said before, I can live with this.
Posted by: molokai_man || 10/01/2004 17:20 Comments || Top||

#25  Lot of comments here but...one more.

Kerry despite what he says would be a disaster for the US and Iraq. One should listen closely to what he said in the debate. Bilateral talks with Korea to neutralize their nuclear capability. This is a bad way to go. What else did Kerry say about getting Global permission to pre-empt or some such bullshit . We cannot give up this right. "W" is on the right track but not too articulate. Kerry would screw up a good wet dream as they say. He is all about his own image. I've heard it said he came back from Viet Nam because he ran out of film. One good sign in this piece is the following:

"The U.S. military said Iraqi commandos had taken over Samarra's Shi'ite Golden Mosque and seized 25 rebels inside. Iraqi troops also secured the town's renowned spiral minaret."

We are not letting religion get in the way of politics and the Iraqi commandos are coming along. I hope fast enough.
Posted by: John || 10/01/2004 17:25 Comments || Top||

#26  The kill ratios are amazing. I just watched Heavy Metal, a Discovery Channel Show. This episode was on the B-17. The causaulty rates for raids involving Flying Forteresses are staggering to consider.
Posted by: Super Hose || 10/01/2004 22:15 Comments || Top||

#27  The 100-1 seems rather consistent during offensive operations in Fallujah, Najaf 1&2, Tal Afar, the email Yesterday from a Marine in al-Anbar (3000 vs 33), and now Samara. It makes a case for staying on the offensive.
Posted by: ed || 10/01/2004 22:33 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan/South Asia
Pakistan Shia mosque bombed
At least 19 people have been killed and dozens injured in a bomb blast at a mosque in the eastern Pakistani city of Sialkot, police say. Hundreds of worshippers of the Muslim Shia minority were packed into the mosque attending Friday prayers. Police said they believed the attack may have been a suicide bombing. Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told the AP agency: "This is the work of the Sunni moose limbs enemies of Pakistan and enemies of Islam and we condemn it."

The BBC's Zaffar Abbas in Islamabad says the blast took place in the centre of the prayer hall, causing chaos. Police said the bomb left a two-foot deep crater with the dead and wounded strewn across the floor. The police chief of Sialkot, Nisar Ahmed, told AP: "Dozens of people have been taken to hospital in critical condition and I think the casualties and death toll will rise." Police said a mob went on the rampage after the explosion, throwing stones at officers and attacking property. Our correspondent says police tried to push back the crowd to allow the wounded to be taken to hospital. At least 20 people were killed in a suicide bombing on a Shia mosque in Karachi in May. That attack followed the killing of a leading Sunni cleric.
Posted by: Paul Moloney || 10/01/2004 7:00:25 AM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Religion of Peace(ma)™
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 11:53 Comments || Top||

#2  mmmm... red on red.
Posted by: BH || 10/01/2004 12:09 Comments || Top||

#3  Those damn infiltrating terrorist Hinduuuuuus!!!!

And now, on Channel 3: Stay tuned for our season finale "Designing a Proxy War in 60 minutes"
Posted by: Poison Reverse || 10/01/2004 12:24 Comments || Top||

#4 

SIALKOT, Pakistan -- A suicide attacker carrying a bomb in a briefcase struck a Shiite mosque crammed with hundreds of worshippers in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 50 during Friday prayers.

More in the link
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 15:42 Comments || Top||

#5  Looks like another case of "not Muslim enough"...
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 15:45 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine
Large IDF force with 100 tanks enters northern Gaza
A large number of Israel Defense Forces troops, accompanied by 100 tanks and helicopters flying overhead, entered the northern Gaza Strip early Friday, Israel Radio quoted Palestinian security officials as saying. The sources said that tanks had entered Beit Lahiya, the Jabalya refugee camp, and Beit Hanun. The security cabinet approved unanimously on Thursday Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans for an expanded military ground operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of Qassam rockets and the recent escalation of hostilities in the region. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and the heads of the Israel Defense Forces presented the plan to Sharon on Thursday evening prior to the cabinet meeting.

Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 12:58:04 AM || Comments || Link || [4 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Logic dictates, that as Israel nears the moment of truth with Iran, They must have their 'house in order' to avoid three fronts (Syria,Palestinian and Iran)! These moves bode not well for a latter rather than sooner confrontation.
Posted by: smn || 10/01/2004 1:53 Comments || Top||

#2  Iran coupled with Syria-Lebanon bankroll & also train Arab Islamic terrorists in the Gaza Strip, Samaria & Judah, thus Israel's IDF forces are currently countering this extention of Iran's proxi-terror-war against the Jewish state in entering deep into the heart of the enemy lurking throughout the Gaza Strip.

Israel is not taking the slaughter of its people by Iranian backed killers any longer.

The same situation is confronting Iraq via Iran.

Silly question: What would America so if northern New Hampshire & Maine residents were being murdered by rockets fired from terrorists based southern Québec?
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 3:01 Comments || Top||

#3  I quit caring what happens to the Palestinians. They have a colective suicide wish. I say grant it to them. They were almost finally going to have a state and they screwed themselves out of it. If the "intifada" had never started Palestine would be a state today. It has nothing to do with Israels valid defense of itself it has everything to do with pan-arabism in the morally bankrupt and backwards death cult that is islam. Satan has a way of paying his wages quickly sometimes. Palestine is a perfect example.

"What would America so if northern New Hampshire & Maine residents were being murdered by rockets fired from terrorists based southern Québec?"

If John Flecher Kerry was president, nothing. He would consult the French and ask them to intervene, call for a conference. Nothing else would be done as every good Democrat know "we have it coming" and "we are to blame" for any and all attacks upon us.

George Bush would pick up the phone and have B2 and Stealth fighters on the way right after all the Canadians at NORAD were arrested and hauled off in irons.

Further is suspect John Feltcher Kerry already has plans to sell Israel out to the Arabs.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 10/01/2004 3:31 Comments || Top||

#4  If the "intifada" had never started Palestine would be a state today.

There's a cold, hard truth!
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 8:25 Comments || Top||

#5  I wonder how many of these "tanks" are jeeps, APCs and bulldozers (D-9, baby!)?

A hundred tanks would imply, what, a brigade? And there would be a hell of a lot more vehicles than just a hundred tanks.

The news media is so stupid.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats || 10/01/2004 8:28 Comments || Top||

#6  I wonder how many of these "tanks" are jeeps, APCs and bulldozers (D-9, baby!)? A hundred tanks would imply, what, a brigade? And there would be a hell of a lot more vehicles than just a hundred tanks.

A couple of battalions if all 100 vehicles were tanks, close to a brigade depending on Israeli doctrine on task organizing at the operational level, with which I am unfamiliar. But it is unlikely the IDF sent in 100 Merkavas, as they are far too valuable to cluster in an urban setting. Israelis use tanks the way Russians do: as a general combat weapon with antitank capabilities, but using a lot of them in an urban setting is just asking for trouble..

Israel has since 1973 taken up a program to convert old T-55 and T-62 hulks left over from the Six Day War and the Yom Kipper War and remake them as APCs. I don't recall the Israeli designation, but I can get it for you're if you are interested. Anyways, it is entirely possible that reporters regard these particular APCs, if they are in fact being used, as tanks instead of APCs.

Reporters in the field, as a general rule, can distinguish between a dozer and a tank, but not between an APC and a tank. You'll have to forgive them. They're idiots.
Posted by: badanov || 10/01/2004 8:40 Comments || Top||

#7  Well idiots and outright liars.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 10/01/2004 8:43 Comments || Top||

#8  badanov, that's interesting about the conversion of the old tanks into APCs. I hadn't heard of that. But it just occurred to me that I have seen odd looking APC-like Israeli vehicles on TV before. I wonder if I have been seeing some of these turret-less converted old tanks.

Not all reporters can distinguish between tanks and bulldozers, though. When the Waco fiasco was underway, the reporters on TV kept calling the armored bulldozer ramming the side of the building a "tank". One of many things that drove me crazy that day.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats || 10/01/2004 9:05 Comments || Top||

#9  the reporters on TV kept calling the armored bulldozer ramming the side of the building a "tank".

Those were Combat Engineering Vehicles, a kind of tank with a bulldozer blade and a winch/boom assembly. I forget which model they used in Waco, but many have a large caliber gun used to fire demo charges. Not quite a tank, but real close.
Posted by: Steve || 10/01/2004 9:16 Comments || Top||

#10  badanov, that's interesting about the conversion of the old tanks into APCs. I hadn't heard of that. But it just occurred to me that I have seen odd looking APC-like Israeli vehicles on TV before. I wonder if I have been seeing some of these turret-less converted old tanks.

It has been years since I have seen one, but they are around. How widespread they are and in what units, well the IDF likes to keep that info close to their vest, and I don't blame them. But you are right: it is strange to see a turretless T-55 being driven about. I think Israeli Military Industries is the prime contractor for these conversions.

Not all reporters can distinguish between tanks and bulldozers, though. When the Waco fiasco was underway, the reporters on TV kept calling the armored bulldozer ramming the side of the building a "tank". One of many things that drove me crazy that day.

Actually, the tank was in fact an old M-60A1 converted to be an engineering tank. I don't recall at the moment the military designation for it, but maybe another rantburger can help out. It sported a 165mm short gun, a dozer blade for engineers and a boom for hauling and other tasks.
Posted by: badanov || 10/01/2004 9:17 Comments || Top||

#11  Actually, the tank was in fact an old M-60A1 converted to be an engineering tank. I don't recall at the moment the military designation for it, but maybe another rantburger can help out. It sported a 165mm short gun, a dozer blade for engineers and a boom for hauling and other tasks

M 728 CEV. I drove/commanded/maintained them for 4 years in the 278th acr. And it would make an awsome urban assult vehicle, when the engine was working. Personaly, I'm glad we don't have to mess with them anymore. They were a maintenance headache.
Posted by: N guard || 10/01/2004 9:53 Comments || Top||

#12  N Guard: 278th acr? In E. TN? I know a couple of guys that were in the 278th n guard.
Posted by: Psycho Hillbilly || 10/01/2004 10:29 Comments || Top||

#13  If the "intifada" had never started Palestine would be a state today. And almost everybody would be better off. Except for Arafat and his cronies, who would have lost their opportunities for graft and power-monkey. Which is why it never happened.
Posted by: Weird Al || 10/01/2004 10:44 Comments || Top||

#14  It's like seeing reporters and such calling a 688 Cat front-end loader a bulldozer.Idiots do not have a clue and can't bothered to ask:A bulldozer is an track mounted earthmover with a dozer blade,a track loader is a track mounted front-end loader.A front-end loader is a rubber tired tractor with a loader bucket,a wheeled dozer is a rubber tired tractor with a dozer blade instead of a bucket(damned hard to run a level blade,too).
Posted by: Raptor || 10/01/2004 11:24 Comments || Top||

#15  Bare ground to out past Qassam range? Free fire zone, anyone?
Posted by: mojo || 10/01/2004 12:16 Comments || Top||

#16  'If the "intifada" had never started Palestine would be a state today.'

No it wouldn't. Clannish societies with a high proportion of clinically certifiable sociopaths do not nations make.
Posted by: Anonymous6092 || 10/01/2004 12:20 Comments || Top||

#17  Indeed. One only need listen to the press discuss 'assault weapons' to know they, for the most part, have no idea of what they speak when it comes to military hardware. Show the average reporter photos of a Remington semi-auto shotgun and a Ruger bolt action rifle and I'm sure he or she would confidently state that one of the two is an 'assault weapon'.
Posted by: jqrider || 10/01/2004 12:27 Comments || Top||

#18  jqrider: If you take the stock of either and ram it sharply into the forehead of said ignorant, it then does qualify as an "assault weapon". Just an observation, not that I would recommend that at all.....
Posted by: Frank G || 10/01/2004 12:33 Comments || Top||

#19  Found it!
Posted by: badanov || 10/01/2004 14:19 Comments || Top||

#20  badanov - That is exactly the strange APC I have been seeing. Thanks, thats one mystery for me solved. :)
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats || 10/01/2004 16:10 Comments || Top||


Arab Terrorists Claim Five Lives in Israeli Holiday Attacks
It began on Wednesday evening, as Israel began settling down for the first day of the weeklong Sukkot holiday. A Kassam rocket fired from northern PA-controlled Gaza slammed into Haggai Street in S'derot at about 17:00, critically wounding two small children who were playing together in a yard. Dorit Aniso, 18-months, and Yuval Abebeh, 4, died of their massive injuries a short time following the attack.

About 25 persons were transported to hospital, with 18 reportedly treated for hysteria and anxiety. One person was seriously injured, one moderately, and the remainder light. Dorit and Yuval will be laid to rest in the city's cemetery on Friday morning at 11:00.

On Thursday morning at about 10:00, a terrorist opened fire murdering Shulamit Batito, 36, from Nisanit while she was jogging on the road between the northern Gaza communities of Nisanit and Alei Sinai. Staff-Sergeant Victor Ariel, 20, from Moshav Kadima, a combat medic in the Shimshon unit, was in the initial IDF responding force. Victor was killed and other soldiers were wounded, one seriously. Shulamit is being laid to rest tonight at 20:30 in the new cemetery in the Givat Tzion neighborhood of Ashkelon.

In another attack at about 03:00 this morning, Nahal Brigade soldier Staff-Sergeant Gilad Fischer, 22, from Hoshaiya was killed when terrorists hurled a grenade at his position in the Beit Hanoun area of northern Gaza. Another soldier was seriously wounded and a third light. The terrorists were eliminated.

Fighting is reported as heavy in northern Gaza as the Security Cabinet meets to evaluate the situation. There is talk of calling up reservists and order a larger scale anti-terror offensive in Gaza to silence the Kassam launchers. Police are moving to a level III alert, one level below a state-of-emergency, with tomorrow being October 1st, the fourth anniversary of the Israeli Arab riots that led to the deaths of a dozen Israeli Arab citizens and marked the beginning of the Oslo War.

Several hundred S'derot residents are now taking part in a protest at the city's entrance demanding the government do whatever necessary to restore security to their city and bring an end to rocket attacks.
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 12:53:26 AM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq-Jordan
Children killed as blast toll hits 49 (photo)
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 00:42 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:

#1  more children killed by muslims
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 8:26 Comments || Top||

#2  mulsim children, killed by jihadis
Posted by: Liberalhawk || 10/01/2004 9:10 Comments || Top||

#3  Kids, killed by animals
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 13:17 Comments || Top||

#4  muslim's ...jihadis...until the moderate Muslims do a better job of disassociating themselves from the ghoul, I'm not feeling generous.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 14:45 Comments || Top||

#5  How does Mike al-Moor like his so-called "Minutemen" now?
Posted by: eLarson || 10/01/2004 23:08 Comments || Top||


Indonesia confirms female hostages held in Iraq
INDONESIAN officials today confirmed two of its women citizens were among 10 people kidnapped by an Islamist militant group in Iraq. "They are Indonesians," Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said. The two women were paraded alongside six Iraqi and two Lebanese captives by the militants on Arabic television yesterday. Senior foreign ministry official Ferry Adamhar confirmed the women's identities as Rosidah and Rafikan. "From what we got from our office in Doha, they are originally from Jakarta," Mr Adamhar told Elshinta radio.
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 12:40:38 AM || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  considering the religion of their captors, I'm very concerned that they will be raped and beheaded.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 8:27 Comments || Top||

#2  you know what is so weird about Mike - is that his posts show that he possess that ghoulishness, known only to pyschos and Muslim fanatics.

Look at his last two posts. He somehow believes that 49 dead children and women hostages (who, considering the captors, will just as likely as not, be raped and beheaded)...is news that will support the Muslim agenda.

He's clueless how sick that indicates he really is. He thinks it's cool.
Posted by: anon || 10/01/2004 8:36 Comments || Top||

#3  Think you maybe got the wrong guy.... this is Mark aka Oil Guru.
Posted by: Shipman || 10/01/2004 16:25 Comments || Top||

#4  you know what is so weird about Mike - is that his posts show that he possess that ghoulishness, known only to pyschos and Muslim fanatics. Look at his last two posts. He somehow believes that 49 dead children and women hostages is news that will support the Muslim agenda

They're not fanatics, they're minutemen.
Posted by: Mike(y) || 10/01/2004 16:27 Comments || Top||


Army intelligence finds drop in Zarqawi communications
BAGHDAD — U.S. Army intelligence has concluded that daily U.S. air strikes have hurt the terror network led by Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi. U.S. officials said military intelligence has detected a drop in communications and activities in insurgency-controlled Sunni cities such as Faluja and Samara.

Over the last month, officials estimated, about 100 Al Zarqawi operatives have been killed in U.S. bombing operations, mostly in Faluja. They said the air strikes were based on enhanced intelligence regarding the movement of senior operatives. At the same time, U.S. combat aircraft continued pounding suspects hideouts of Al Zarqawi in Faluja, Middle East Newsline reported. The military said it conducted what it termed a "precision strike" on the confirmed "Zarqawi terrorist site" in southern Faluja. "Several credible intelligence sources confirmed that members of the terrorist group were operating at the site at the time of the strike," a U.S. military statement said.

On Sept. 17, Al Zarqawi's chief aide was killed in a U.S. air strike as he was driving from Faluja to Baghdad. Officials said the death of Sheik Abu Anas Al Shami, a Palestinian and spiritual leader of Tawhid, marked the greatest blow to the Sunni insurgency movement. "We have had a lot of good effect against the Zarqawi network in the past several weeks," U.S. Central Command chief Gen. John Abizaid said on Sept. 22. "We'll continue to work against them as long as it takes. We will find him, root him out and destroy him and his organization, and we'll do it as quickly as we possibly can."

On Tuesday, the U.S. military continued to report successes against the Sunni insurgency movement. The military said U.S. forces captured an insurgency leader in Kirkuk the previous day. The insurgent was identified as Hussein Salman Mohammad Al Jabburi. Officials identified Al Jabburi as head of an Al Zarqawi-aligned network, Ansar Al Sunna. Officials said the U.S. military was interrogating Jabburi. Neither the officials nor the military provided additional information.

The U.S. strikes have not impacted the main element of the insurgency in Iraq — supporters of the former Saddam Hussein regime. Officials acknowledged that Saddam's former special operations forces were tightening control over several Sunni cities, particularly Ramadi in western Iraq.
Posted by: Mark Espinola || 10/01/2004 12:29:32 AM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  He's finally realizing our elite sniper squads can pick off his 'runners' and 'message relayers' at much longer distances than his boys; and we have in your face JDAMs!!
Posted by: smn || 10/01/2004 2:07 Comments || Top||

#2  Hello Massoud? Can you speak up, I can't hear you over the bombing... Hello... Hello
Posted by: Douglas De Bono || 10/01/2004 8:05 Comments || Top||

#3  I hope someone is considering an alternative explanation; acknowledging that his communications have been compromised by the enemy, Zarqawi has implemented a back-up communications system of which we have not yet detected.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis || 10/01/2004 9:24 Comments || Top||

#4  lots and lots of Zar-coward folks being picked up. I still wonder if those reports about him being captured aren't true. Squeal little cow-ie, squeal.
Posted by: 2b || 10/01/2004 9:27 Comments || Top||

#5  I would think Zarqawi would be a lot easier to snag than Saddam, who had literally "gone to ground." It just seems like there has got to be a pretty good number of people who know where he is. He has not disappeared, people are shuttling hostages to him for beheading. Why haven't we caught him yet, and how much longer do you think it will take? Thoughts?
Posted by: sludj || 10/01/2004 15:08 Comments || Top||

#6  "626"
Posted by: John || 10/01/2004 18:31 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan/South Asia
Nuggets from the Urdu press
Five thousand blasphemy cases, no result
Quoted in Khabrain, religion minister Ijazul Haq said that so far 5,000 cases of blasphemy had been registered in Pakistan but no one was ever punished with death.
Somebody's falling down on the job.
He said hudood laws were being abused by people to bring false cases against each other. He said that the Islamic law of zakat was in operation and Rs 55 billion had been distributed so far but there was no lessening of poverty which had actually increased after zakat.
Hmmmm...you take from the rich and give to the jihadis and the kleptocrats...and poverty increases, you say? I wonder why that is...
Musharraf will bow his head!
Writing in Nawa-e-Waqt Dr Israr Ahmad stated that the Americans wanted Musharraf to hand over Pakistan's nuclear weapons before they fell into the hands of the powerful clergy or at least to give them under American control. So far Musharraf was resisting the Americans but one American smiled and said Musharraf would agree. Musharraf should remember that when Liaquat Ali Khan challenged the American system the Americans killed him; when Bhutto was administered a warning and didn't accordingly act he too was killed by the Americans; King Faisal of Saudi Arabia too became rebellious and was killed by the Americans.
I thought those were Mossad operations? My bad. Better go check my sources. What was your address again, Dr. Ahmad? We'll get back to you.
No no, please, don't wait up for us, we'll knock around midnight.
Nasibo Lal versus clerics
According to Sarerahe in Nawa-e-Waqt, one cleric of Gujranwala had accepted singer Nasibo Lal's challenge that she could debate her song Rab nasib saday likhay katchi pencil naal from Rantburg's new random names generator (God wrote our destiny with a soft pencil) with any cleric. After her challenge Muhammad Mumtaz Ahmad Mujaddidi of Jamiya Masjid Anwaar-e-Midina Muafi Wala announced that he would issue a fatwa and have her stoned engage her in debate. The column however piously pointed out that only Nasibo Lal's song was not objectionable but an entire series of songs being sung in Lahore were objectionable from the religious point of view.
'Qazi is Osama's friend!'
According to Khabrain Qazi Hussain Ahmad's visit to Norway had become controversial. He was invited by the Islamic Centre in Oslo but the rightwing press had asked the government not to allow Qazi Hussain Ahmad to come because he was a friend of Osama bin Laden. A local newspaper detailed his statements in favour of Al Qaeda and asked for his banishment. The government had not yet taken a decision in this regard. The same day interior minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said in Islamabad that the MMA was in direct contact with Al Qaeda.
"But Qazi got into Norway, gave his speech, and went home safe," the article failed to add. They oughta be reading Rantburg.
'Muslims worse than Jews'
Daily Khabrain reported on the protest of Canadian Muslims against possible Shariah in Ontario by saying 'Muslims worse than Jews'. In Ontario women's organisations stated that if Shariah was enforced for Muslims, women would be crushed. They opposed the enforcement of Shariah in the state.
What youth did on Pakistan Day
Daily Insaf reported that 14 boys riding motorbikes and doing 'one-wheeling' died on the roads of Lahore. They had removed silencers from the bikes and were rude to the ladies. Nawa-e-Waqt reported that the youth of Lahore went around the roads on bikes with their shirts off and throwing crackers in cars carrying ladies. They blocked traffic on the roads and forced people to do bhangra
Kidz these days...
Yep, it starts with crackers, always crackers, why I don't know ...
Fazlur Rehman's jitters in Belgium
According to Nawa-e-Waqt when MMA leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman reached Belgium he found that he was being tailed by intelligence agents and the police. The local press called him a fundamentalist and a friend of Osama bin Laden and the Taliban. He was greatly flustered during the trip and appeared scared by the reception and once even quarrelled with a reporter.
Pssst, Fazl...was that a seagull soaring overhead or a Hellfire-armed UAV drone? Just askin', is all...
Communities against 'naatch-gana'
As reported in Nawa-e-Waqt, two communities in Manawalah and Muridke near Lahore announced their opposition to naatch-gana (dance and song) and other forms of culture and called upon their fellow ethnics to follow the strict path of Islam. The two communities were Mughals-Khans and Arains expressing anger at the increase in entertainment and decrease in prayer. They called it the new slavery and asked the state to fight against it.
Better watch it, preacher man...the town's gonna go all Kevin Bacon on your a**.
Posted by: Paul Moloney || 10/01/2004 12:10:43 AM || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  bhangra Can't have any of that. Fun is not allowed you hear!
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 10/01/2004 4:18 Comments || Top||

#2  So what's the bigger threat here? Bhangra or naatch-gana?
Posted by: tu3031 || 10/01/2004 8:56 Comments || Top||

#3  I dunno, tu3031, the lungi sounds pretty wild, too.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 10/01/2004 11:21 Comments || Top||



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Two weeks of WOT
Fri 2004-10-01
  IDF force with 100 tanks enters northern Gaza
Thu 2004-09-30
  Sudan's Bashir accuses U.S. of backing Darfur rebels
Wed 2004-09-29
  Baghdad terr snagged with women's underwear on his head
Tue 2004-09-28
  Johnny Jihad Appeals for Early Release
Mon 2004-09-27
  Hamas: Arab State May Have Helped in Syria Killing
Sun 2004-09-26
  French national killed in Saudi Arabia
Sat 2004-09-25
  Sudan foils Islamist coup plot
Fri 2004-09-24
  Maskhadov sez Basayev should be tried for Beslan
Thu 2004-09-23
  Noordin Mohammed Top not in custody
Wed 2004-09-22
  Spiritual leader of al-Tawhid killed
Tue 2004-09-21
  2nd US Hostage Beheaded in Two Days
Mon 2004-09-20
  Afghan VP Escapes Bomb
Sun 2004-09-19
  Berlin Deports Islamic Conference Organizer
Sat 2004-09-18
  Abu Hamza Could Face British Charges
Fri 2004-09-17
  60 hard boyz toes up in Fallujah


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