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Suicide bomber kills 16 in Pakistan
Today's Headlines
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Afghanistan
45 Talibs Toes Up
This fight was a doozy
Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, killed a large group of Taliban insurgents in a battle today in the Oruzgan province.

The engagement started when insurgents in Aduzay Village, Deh Rawood District, attacked a combined Afghan national army (ANA) and coalition patrol with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire. The ANA-led force immediately returned fire and called for coalition close air support after confirming the enemy was drawing large amounts of reinforcements from areas across the Helmand River.

The ANA soldiers cleared extremist Taliban from multiple firing positions located within the village’s green zone. Coalition aircraft destroyed the positively identified insurgent positions using precision guided munitions.

“On the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, the enemies of Afghanistan have shown they will shun peaceful coexistence in favor of attacking government forces,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson. “Fortunately for the citizens of Afghanistan, the ANA is improving their tactics to include advanced compound clearing. The benefit is that insurgents will have no safe place to hide within the borders of this country.”

More than 45 insurgents were killed in the engagement. No ANA, coalition or non-combatants were reported injured or killed.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 09/12/2007 17:04 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Now THAT'S the kind of killed/captured ratio I like to see. And the kind of friendly/Taliban ratio too.
Posted by: Rambler || 09/12/2007 18:05 Comments || Top||

#2  I keep saying, this isn't war, this is bowling.
Posted by: Steve White || 09/12/2007 18:34 Comments || Top||

#3  This is starting to sound a lot like the suicide efforts of the Japanese in the final days of WWII.

And with much the same results.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 09/12/2007 19:20 Comments || Top||

#4  Is toes up the same as tits up? I trust they still get their 72 doey eyed virgins in either case.
Posted by: jpal || 09/12/2007 20:33 Comments || Top||

#5  ANA is improving their tactics to include advanced compound clearing.

Well done, gentlemen of the Afghan National Army! Perhaps someday the Pakistanis will have an epiphany, and come to you to learn how to be real soldiers.
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 22:24 Comments || Top||

#6  I keep saying, this isn't war, this is bowling.

I keep saying, this isn't war, this is emboweling.

/my fav, yes i need to locked up...
Posted by: Red Dawg || 09/12/2007 23:39 Comments || Top||


Europe
Germany: Islamic Jihad Union takes responsibility for foiled attacks
The German Interior Ministry said Tuesday that the Islamic Jihad Union militant group has taken responsibility for planning last week's foiled terror bombings in Germany, adding that the US air base at Ramstein was a target as well as US and Uzbek consulates in Germany. The ministry, which is responsible for police and internal security, said in a statement that the IJU made the announcement on the Internet and that government computer experts viewed it as genuine. Three men were arrested Sept. 4 on suspicion of planning massive bombings against US and other facilities in Germany.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Europe

#1  You know it really takes a impotent, useless, unknowing bunch of idiots to take responsibility for such a flat ass failure.
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 09/12/2007 10:48 Comments || Top||

#2  Islamic Jihad Union - Damned Teamsters!
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats || 09/12/2007 12:45 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
Internationally wanted terror suspect arrested in Wisconsin ??
h/t Instapundit & Riehl World
A small town Wisconsin police chief has apparently captured a very big time criminal.

According to Frederic police chief R. J. Severude, an internationally wanted terrorist is sitting in the Polk County jail. Chief Severude says Hassan Mohamed Abdiaziz was stopped for speeding around 11:30 Tuesday morning. When officers ran his Minnesota driver's license, they found the man was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants. Severude says Abdiaziz is wanted by the FBI, DEA, and several foreign agencies for terrorist activities.

KARE 11 has a crew on the way to Frederic and we will have more information at KARE 11 News at 10 p.m.
However, another news source quotes the FBI as saying they have no interest in the guy & it was purely a drug arrest.

But THIS source says there are outstanding warrants not only for drugs, but also for money laundering & financing terror attacks both here and abroad.

This article starring:
Hassan Mohamed Abdiaziz
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Global Jihad

#1  However, another news source quotes the FBI as saying they have no interest in the guy

I'm not clear on how these things are divided, but wouldn't he be Homeland Security's file?
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 0:07 Comments || Top||

#2  Hardly a surprise. Seven years ago, the FBI showed a similar lack of interest in middle-easterners attending flight schools here in the States, who had no desire to learn aircraft landing procedures.
Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 0:41 Comments || Top||

#3  Wow, Wisconsin sounds like the perfect place to hide. I don't think I'd of heard of it otherwise.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 09/12/2007 5:43 Comments || Top||

#4  Bright Pebbles, locally Wisconsin is neither prominent nor obscure. The state has many rural areas but also Milwaukee which Americans tend to associate with beer(it has a large brweing industry), football (the NFL team, the Packers, dominated the 60's) and motorcycles (it is the home to Harlee Davidson.)
Americans would suspect that a terrorist and smuggler would be making use of Wisconsin's proximinty to the Canadian border.
Posted by: Super Hose || 09/12/2007 7:22 Comments || Top||

#5  Didn't mention cheese once.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/12/2007 7:35 Comments || Top||

#6  I figured someone would try to milk that joke, NS ...
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 7:46 Comments || Top||

#7  Note the Minnesota drivers license. Note that Muzzawi was arrested here before 9/11. We have trouble brewing in this state.

Mark my words.
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/12/2007 8:47 Comments || Top||

#8  Frederic, Wisconsin is just about 60 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota where I suspect this bozo has been hiding out (AND has a large Muslim population). Why he was in Frederic (unless he got lost on his way to/from Duluth, Minnesota or was taking the back roads) is a mystery unless he didn't want to be seen driving on I-35 for some reason.

Maybe he was going muskie fishing.
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 09/12/2007 8:52 Comments || Top||

#9  Pls dont humiliate people in USA every one in USA has the right to live not to be humiliated by fack involuments As all americans are criminals.
Posted by: menaum r || 09/12/2007 8:59 Comments || Top||

#10  meneum is right by saying that all americans of USA are criminals by birth.
Posted by: georg w || 09/12/2007 9:02 Comments || Top||

#11  stupids are always stupid
Posted by: georg w || 09/12/2007 9:03 Comments || Top||

#12  WARNING! WARNING! ILLITERATE TROLLS IN THE WIRE!! WARNING! WARNING!
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 9:04 Comments || Top||

#13  Mullah, he might have been mistaken and taken Wisconsin 35. That's just across the border from Minnesota.
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/12/2007 9:06 Comments || Top||

#14  Sheriff J.W. Pepper, is that you?
Posted by: gromky || 09/12/2007 9:07 Comments || Top||

#15  Yes, yes! America is a country of evil, dangerous, violent people! The very best thing for non-Americans to do is go someplace else, someplace where they'll be able to live in peace and harmony with the natives. menaum r and georg w clearly have the wisdom to lead the rest of their people away from this Hell on Earth that is America.
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 9:15 Comments || Top||

#16  The more I think about it, the more I think Hullah is correct. Frederic is right on Wisconsin 35. I-35 splits into two separate highways, 35W for West (runs through Minneapolis) and 35E for east. (runs through St. Paul)

Minneapolis isn't by itself in the Muzzie population department, St. Paul has more than their share as well. If this guy got on I-94 (runs right through both cities) someplace east of 35E and accidently went east instead of west, he would have hit Wisconsin 35 in less than 20 minutes. If he intended to go to Duluth or Canada (Likely Muzzbat destination, and where I predict he was heading) he would have, obviously, went north.

Or, maybe he took Wisconsin 35 on purpose so he could avoid the busier and recently very ticket happy Mpls/St. Paul area as well as part of Dulth. (From the Wisconsin side, you would cross through Duluth, MN. to get to Canada - There's a big lake in the way)
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/12/2007 9:26 Comments || Top||

#17  Mullah, not Hullah.

Use the preview button, dummy.
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/12/2007 9:27 Comments || Top||

#18  Mike N. - You could be right about I-35/WI-35. Apparently they don't teach "Common Sense®" in the madrassahs (Big 4-lane concrete road vs. small blacktop 2-lane).
Posted by: Mullah Richard || 09/12/2007 9:30 Comments || Top||

#19  Seven years ago, the FBI showed a similar lack of interest in middle-easterners attending flight schools here in the States, who had no desire to learn aircraft landing procedures.

At this point, Abdiaziz is being held on a minor charge by local law enforcement. The legal clock is ticking - on that charge. When the clock starts running out on that charge, a warrant, another charge, or a set of charges gets found. The clock starts over. You also limit what his lawyers can do.

Point is - you arrest and file charges for terrorist activities, you limit the time you can hold him. You also limit the time you can do 'discovery', tying together information and intel, figure who has the stronger/weaker cases, and work up a strategy to hold onto the bastard.
Posted by: Pappy || 09/12/2007 9:38 Comments || Top||

#20  They finally caught Russ Feingold??

Someone must have seen him making a fool of himself at the Petraeus hearing and alerted the authorities!! Good for them!
Posted by: Justrand || 09/12/2007 10:23 Comments || Top||

#21  "A driver and delivery man?" I don't think he got lost. Drug rendezvous?
Posted by: James || 09/12/2007 10:45 Comments || Top||

#22  I35W is missing a bridge....somewhere.
Posted by: Skunky Glins5285 || 09/12/2007 10:50 Comments || Top||

#23  I figured someone would try to milk that joke, NS...

At least we know it's not the Kurds.

This story makes me think of the movie Giant Spider Invasion, in which Alan Hale, Jr. played the tubby sheriff of a hick Wisconsin town. He didn't do so well against the spiders; hope this guy does better against the terrorists.
Posted by: Angie Schultz || 09/12/2007 11:11 Comments || Top||

#24  When I saw "Terror Suspect Arrested in Wisconsin", I had hope that my ex-wife had finally been brought to justice.
Posted by: Crusader || 09/12/2007 11:40 Comments || Top||

#25  Well, well, well. What have we here? Why, it's a Pakistani troll with multiple personality disorder! Menaum r, AKA - Shenon myur, georg w. Coming from IP 116.71.219.112 in beautiful downtown Islamabad, Pakistan. And look at the calendar. It's still open season on trolls.
Posted by: Steve || 09/12/2007 11:47 Comments || Top||

#26  Really? I figured it'd trace to the Einstein House at MIT.
I wonder if he knows Rage Boy? I wonder if he could get me an autograph?
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 11:56 Comments || Top||

#27  I was wondering if he could get me some goat pr0n.
Posted by: Mike N. || 09/12/2007 12:08 Comments || Top||

#28  it's a Pakistani troll with multiple personality disorder! Menaum r, AKA - Shenon myur, georg w. Coming from IP 116.71.219.112 in beautiful downtown Islamabad, Pakistan.
Probably in some Internet cafe, without a real identity at all. I wonder how he'd like to catch a full pallet of wet cement in 250lb bags...
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 13:09 Comments || Top||

#29  At least we know it's not the Kurds.

The Kurds are good allies in the war. That kind of comment is whey out of line.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/12/2007 13:21 Comments || Top||

#30  At least we know it's not the Kurds.
I think it was a Cheese Curds pun. Wisconsin does love its cheese curds.
Posted by: eLarson || 09/12/2007 13:45 Comments || Top||

#31  That kind of comment is whey out of line.

There is nothing like the 'burg for Gouda puns.
Posted by: SteveS || 09/12/2007 14:11 Comments || Top||

#32  Besoeker #2, you are soooooo right!! However I do wonder how the field office for the Bureau is spinning this? Are they now getting unbridled support from the upper bosses?
Posted by: smn || 09/12/2007 15:04 Comments || Top||

#33  stupids are always stupid

So is this the level of discourse in Islamabad internet cafes? Doesn't sound very stimulating. C'mon you, guys. Can't you do any better than that?
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 09/12/2007 16:07 Comments || Top||

#34  Questionaire for Russ Feingold and allah troll IP 116.71.219.112

Which Do Pakistanis and dumb shit Senators like to sleep with begat with the most a..

One Hrump Camel

or a

Two hrump Goat?

plz submit your answers in 50 woirds or less..
Posted by: Red Dawg || 09/12/2007 16:29 Comments || Top||

#35 
This story makes me think of the movie Giant Spider Invasion,


PACKERS!!! WHOO!!!
Posted by: Rob Crawford || 09/12/2007 18:41 Comments || Top||

#36  Would someone please come up with a good goat cheese joke to round things out?
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 19:10 Comments || Top||

#37  Coming from IP 116.71.219.112 in beautiful downtown Islamabad, Pakistan. And look at the calendar. It's still open season on trolls.

I'm so confused...I thought "The Devout" would do away with such "un-Islamic" things as computers in Islamabad, especially considering that it's Ramadamadingdong now.

Or, has there been a Fatwa issued on Fred's site recently, that makes it o.k. to start trolling during "fasting" hours?
Posted by: BA || 09/12/2007 23:18 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Suicide bomber kills 16 in Pakistan
A suicide bomber blew himself up in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday killing 16 people as police tried to search him, police said. The bomber was trying to get into a van taxi in the city of Dera Ismail Khan when police confronted him and told him to remove a shawl he had wrapped around him, police said. The bomber, who was in his teens, then set off his explosives killing two policemen, a paramilitary soldier and 13 civilians. "Most of the dead were in the vehicle," said police officer Abdul Hayee Babar.

Several hundred people have been killed in violence since July, most of them in the northwest, but more than 50 people have been killed in suicide blasts in Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi, where the army has its headquarters.

Separately, security officials said at least seven people were killed in clashes with pro-Taliban fighters in the South Waziristan region, also in the northwest on the Afghan border, where militants are holding about 240 soldiers captive. Clashes in the Makeen area began early on Monday and went on through the night as militants attacked a school where security forces had set up camp.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Pakistan finally gets to share in the joy. Sow the whirlwind and reap the typhoon. Far too often a huge portion of this world's terrorist attacks link back to Pakistan. The nation's collective kharmic debt is staggering.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 0:27 Comments || Top||

#2  I hope it's alright to mention this, but Zman you should check out topix.net for interesting breaking stories and commentary. I think you would appreciate the give-and-take.
Posted by: Galactic Coordinator Shins1195 || 09/12/2007 9:21 Comments || Top||

#3  There's a thing as collective Karma indeed, Zenster, and the Pakis have a huge load of it and constantly adding on to it. Btw, there's this 7.9 quake in Sumatra.....
Posted by: Duh! || 09/12/2007 9:54 Comments || Top||

#4  Thank you for the tip, GCS1195. It's on my toolbar now.

there's this 7.9 quake in Sumatra.....

I guess they just aren't Islamic enough yet. Maybe that sort of purity can only be achieved when they are all martyred. I'm sure that there's some way we could help this idea along.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 16:32 Comments || Top||

#5  I'm the Florida Realist over there, so go easy on me.
Posted by: Galactic Coordinator Shins1195 || 09/12/2007 17:25 Comments || Top||


Clashes in Pakistan's Waziristan; 7 killed
At least seven people have been killed in clashes with pro-Taliban fighters in a Pakistani tribal region where militants have held captive 240 soldiers since August, security officials said on Tuesday.

Clashes began early on Monday in South Waziristan, a hotbed of support for the Taliban and al Qaeda on the Afghan border, and continued overnight as militants mounted a counterattack on a school where security forces had set up camp. "Militants launched the attack after offering funeral prayers for comrades killed earlier," an intelligence official said.

Two paramilitary soldiers and four militants were killed during the fighting in the remote Makeen area, while a villager was killed when a mortar hit a house.

Negotiations with tribal elders to secure release of the soldiers captured in the nearby Ladha area were continuing and media reports on Monday that the men had been freed were incorrect, military officials said on condition of anonymity. The militants want the army to withdraw and free 15 comrades. They released six captured soldiers earlier this month.

On Sunday, the military said it had killed 10 fighters in the Shawal area of North Waziristan. Most of the violence is concentrated in the tribal belt along the Afghan border, but suicide bombers have struck in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, where the army is headquartered. The deteriorating security situation has helped fuel scares that President Pervez Musharraf might declare a state of emergency to cling on to power, as he faces mounting opposition to his plans to secure a second five-year term.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Two civilians, sub-inspector killed
Two civilians were killed in crossfire between suspected militants and security forces in the Makeen area of South Waziristan, residents said on Tuesday. “Two residents of Ishengai village in the Makeen area were killed after their house was hit on Monday night,” a tribal elder told Daily Times by phone. Security forces pounded suspected militant hideouts in the Makeen area from the Razmak Fort in North Waziristan and the Makeen Fort in South Waziristan using long range artillery and mortar guns, sources said.

Reuters adds: Clashes began early on Monday and continued overnight as militants mounted a counterattack on a school where security forces had set up camp. “Militants launched the attack after offering funeral prayers for comrades killed earlier,” an intelligence official said. Negotiations with tribal elders to secure release of the soldiers captured in the nearby Ladha area was continuing, military officials said on condition of anonymity.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Crossfire! Someone is taking lessons from the RAB?
Posted by: Free Radical || 09/12/2007 16:56 Comments || Top||


Taliban damage Buddha relic in Swat
A bomb detonated by pro-Taliban militants on Tuesday damaged a rock engraved with Buddha’s images in Swat district, police said. The incident recalled the internationally condemned destruction of the huge Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan by the Taliban regime in 2001.
The picture here is of the Bamiyan Buddhas being boomed by the Talibs. I found the pic at this link, which quotes part of an NYT article titled: Why Attack Art? Its Role Is To Be Helpful. The article itself is behind the pay firewall.
Shrapnel from the blast in the town of Malam Jabba hit the rock, but didn’t damage the Buddhist images, local police chief Mohammad Iqbal told AFP. “It appears to be the work of the local militants who condemn these relics as being un-Islamic,” Iqbal said. “It looks more like a symbolic attack to embarrass the government internationally.” The Northern Areas are known for Buddhist heritage and archaeological sites that attract a large number of religious tourists, mainly from Buddhist countries, despite security fears.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  And the Egyptian pyramids were dedicated to the Sun God (Ra). Get a jack-hammer.
Posted by: McZoid || 09/12/2007 0:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Who remembers that the Taliban's "Roving Ambassador" accepted a Muslim Students Association invitation and spoke at the University of Southern California, on March 10, 2001? Years ago, I heard a tape of the speech, and when the destruction of the Buddhas was defended, the audience roared in approval. As for the alleged drug eradication, that is completely false. Taliban took a 15% cut of the Helmand drug industry then, and they do now.
Firefox barred from linking:
http://www.geocities.com/islamicissues/taliban.html
MSA announcement of speech:
http://www.mail-archive.com/msa_ec@listbot.com/msg02630.html
Posted by: McZoid || 09/12/2007 0:33 Comments || Top||

#3  In reference to the Bamiyan Buddhas, mullah Omar is said to have issued the order: "Go ahead; it's only breaking stones."

I am beginning to believe it is time to break a certain stone in Mecca.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 0:35 Comments || Top||

#4  There is no god but Buddha Allah and Mohammad is his messenger’
Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 0:45 Comments || Top||

#5  I always wanted to ask Mullah Omar, "If it's only stones, why are you so nervous about them?"
Posted by: Seafarious || 09/12/2007 1:11 Comments || Top||

#6  The US has recently issued a new deck of cards with all the art sites for Iraq and Afghan. They even have nice "thoughts of the day" on them. My favorite is "This site has survived seventeen centuries. Will it survive yours?" Maybe we should print them in Arabic and mail some out to AQI.
Check out some of the cards here:
http://www.archaeology.org/0707/trenches/solitaire.html
Posted by: NOLA || 09/12/2007 2:14 Comments || Top||

#7  LOL Zenster and Seafarious.

Moslem men are a bunch of spoiled brats crying "ME, ME, ME . . . "
Posted by: ex-lib || 09/12/2007 7:25 Comments || Top||


Iraq
UK Troops to Iran Border
British forces have been sent from Basra to the volatile border with Iran amid warnings from the senior US commander in Iraq that Tehran is fomenting a "proxy war". In signs of a fast-developing confrontation, the Iranians have threatened military action in response to attacks launched from Iraqi territory while the Pentagon has announced the building of a US base and fortified checkpoints at the frontier.

The UK operation, in which up to 350 troops are involved, has come at the request of the Americans, who say that elements close to the Iranian regime have stepped up supplies of weapons to Shia militias in recent weeks in preparation for attacks inside Iraq.

The deployment came within a week of British forces leaving Basra Palace, their last remaining base inside Basra city, and withdrawing to the airport for a widely expected final departure from Iraq. Brigadier James Bashall, commander of 1 Mechanised Brigade, based at Basra said: "We have been asked to help at the Iranian border to stop the flow of weapons and I am willing to do so. We know the points of entry and I am sure we can do what needs to be done. The US forces are, as we know, engaged in the 'surge' and the border is of particular concern to them."

The operation is regarded as a high-risk strategy which could lead to clashes with Iranian-backed Shia militias or even Iranian forces and also leaves open the possibility of Iranian retaliation in the form of attacks against British forces at the Basra air base or inciting violence to draw them back into Basra city. Relations between the two countries are already fraught after the Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a British naval party in the Gulf earlier this year.

For the British military the move to the border is a change of policy. They had stopped patrols along the long border at Maysan despite US concerns at the time that the area would become a conduit for weapons into Iraq.

The decision to return to the frontier has been heavily influenced by the highly charged and very public dispute with the United States. British commanders feel that they cannot turn down the fresh American request for help after refusing to delay the withdrawal from Basra Palace. They also maintain that the operation will stop Iranian arms entering Basra.

Brigadier Bashall said: "We are not sitting here idly at the air bridge. The security of Basra is still our responsibility and we shall act where necessary. We are also prepared to restore order in Basra City if asked to do so."
Good show.
The US decision to build fortifications at the Iranian border, after four years of presence in Iraq, shows, say American commanders, that the "Iranian threat" is now one of their main concerns.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/12/2007 16:14 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: IRGC

#1  The last report was the Britts were leaving. The Dems rejoiced at the Bush failure, only to find out they were redeploying to the Iranian border. LOL LOL LOL today is a good day.
Posted by: 49 Pan || 09/12/2007 18:16 Comments || Top||

#2  ... the Pentagon has announced the building of a US base and fortified checkpoints at the frontier.

Which suggests to me there have been no fortified checkpoints at the frontier. You know, call me crazy, but I think I have a theory about how those shaped charges are getting into the country.
Posted by: Excalibur || 09/12/2007 18:41 Comments || Top||

#3  This may actually be a very interesting turn of events. The Brits may be acting as a trigger, that in case of an Iranian incursion into Iraq could make a NATO response possible.

I have suspected for a long time that the Iranians may try a sweep into southern Iraq, to bog down US forces there instead of fighting them in Iran. It wouldn't be very taxing on Iran, as it would be mostly expendable infantry, and use the Iraqis as human shields.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 09/12/2007 19:25 Comments || Top||

#4  Would also make shipping hard via the ports ... supplies in, Iraqi oil out
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 19:44 Comments || Top||

#5  A couple of days ago? that "lady" Fox reporter that is in Iraq (doing a superb job with her topics) was at that international border, spotlighting all the changes that have been made. It was the soon to be opening day, and she showed the existing border, custom crossing, then, the new facility and how it will be implemented. It not "just" some added x-rays. It's huge! State of the art facility.

Too bad Fox isn't putting her reports on file.... she shows some outstanding reports. I recently went hunting for the one where she did an interview with a sheik. He wasn't just a shiek, he was "The Shiek." Out in the Anbar. The one who started this whole "Enlighting" thing. Over a million folks in his tribe, included Sunni and Shia.... those in Iraqi and Syria and Turkey... incredible house, and wants the Americkki tribe to stay at least four more years.
Posted by: Sherry || 09/12/2007 20:07 Comments || Top||

#6  There have been unconfirmed reprots or Poster claims that the proposed new border base may harbor local BMD assets eg PATRIOTS. Iff true, means Syria + Iran will essens be cut off from one another wid Syria per se unilater facing a multi-front threat from the USA=Allies and Israel. Dubya just may had "upped the ante" agz Moud again, all but publicly/officially daring Moud to do something militarily andor via Terror.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 09/12/2007 20:51 Comments || Top||

#7  >incredible house, and wants the Americkki tribe to stay at least four more years.

Wow, great! I'll look for more. Thanks.

On the same topic, the SNOW interview with "Ahmad" has an interesting post-interview reflection...

http://www.chanel4.com/v2/player.jsp?showId=9076

Snow Grills him on the "proxy effect"...
And "Ahmad" grins & gives assurances that they aren't killing the Britts.

The Brits aren't buying it, one iota! :/
Posted by: MB || 09/12/2007 21:43 Comments || Top||


Iranian Intel Officer & Qaeda Leader Killed in Same Raid!
H/T Gateway Pundit
As General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker were testifying in front of Congress yesterday about Iran seeking to "create a Hezbollah-like force" in Iraq, US forces killed an Iranian Intelligence officer in a raid in Samarra. US forces also killed an Al Qaeda leader in the same raid!
Double-plus excellent!
Baghdad - An Iranian intelligence officer and an al-Qaeda terrorist network leader in Salahaddin province were killed in a US raid in the city of Samarra, while three people were killed and 13 wounded in another US attack in eastern Baghdad's Sadr City, sources said Tuesday. Twelve militants, including the reported Iranian intelligence officer and the al-Qaeda leader Abu Obeid al-Jazaeri, were killed in the US raid carried out Monday in Samarra, 125 kilometres north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, in Salahaddin province, according to an official report.

The unnamed intelligence officer was carrying an Iranian passport, but the report gave no further details. The al-Jazaeri's wife was also killed in the operation.
Posted by: Sherry || 09/12/2007 16:07 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Iraq

#1  Two-fer!
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 16:25 Comments || Top||

#2  Nothing on this from MNF-I yet.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 09/12/2007 16:51 Comments || Top||

#3  they were...lovers!

a two-fer indeed. Allan's Snackbar!
Posted by: Frank G || 09/12/2007 17:31 Comments || Top||

#4  Deliver the body to the Iranian ambassador at the UN for him to claim.
Posted by: anymouse || 09/12/2007 19:23 Comments || Top||

#5  At what point do we start showing some of these guys to the MSM?
Posted by: Keystone || 09/12/2007 20:00 Comments || Top||

#6  Iff true, 'tis NOT GOOD for Iran = Iran's credibility. IMHO/IMPO A LARGER, MORE SERIOUS EVENT(S) MAY PROVE TO BE THE FINAL CATALYST FOR DE FACTO US-IRAN CONFLICT, AND BEFORE 2008!? E.G. a"proven" Iran-led/ordered, destructive, US casualty-intensive attack on a mil convoy(s) or mil basing(s). *FREEREPUBLIC POSTER [paraphrased] > Incidents like this one show Iran is already forced intervening in Iraq agz US and IGA interests, even contrary to the UNO. WHICH INCIDENT WILL BE THE ONE TO GOAD THE USA INTO INVADING, AND HOW MANY US SOLDIERS WILL DIE IN SAID INCIDENTS BEFORE IRAN IS STOPPED?
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 09/12/2007 21:02 Comments || Top||


Michael Yon: Hunting Al-Qaida, Part 1 of 3
Read it all, of course.

I'm excerpting one passage about an American born in the wrong place:


Before our Bradley’s roll, a 20 year-old U.S. soldier from Kiev, Ukraine sees my camera and begins telling me about a Russian journalist who had come here some months ago. . . .

The soldier was Stanislav Mykhaylichenko. Stanislav’s father had fought in Afghanistan, but never talked to his son about it. Stanislav’s mother left his father in Kiev, where he lives today, taking her two children with her to New York. Stanislav was in Manhattan with his mom and sister when the jets crashed into the World Trade Center towers. Although he was only 14, Stanislav said he knew that military service was in his future. He joined the American Army and has been fighting in Baqubah for about 11 months.

He’s 20 now; but like many young veterans he seems twice that. It’s almost like talking with a 40-year-old man, although glimpses of Stanislav’s youth shine through at the oddest moments, like when he mentioned he’ll soon be 21 and allowed to drink. . . .
Posted by: Mike || 09/12/2007 13:02 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Iraq


Coalition forces kill nine terrorists, detain eight while disrupting criminal network
Coalition forces conducted an operation to detain criminals involved in murder, kidnapping, IED and mortar attacks and weapons smuggling. The operation targeted a network in East Baghdad and resulted in nine armed terrorists killed and eight captured.

Precise fire support from aircraft destroyed a dump truck being used by the terrorists. There were no Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition forces casualties as a result of the raid. “Coalition forces continue to respect Muqtada al Sadr’s declaration to stop attacks and the restraint shown by his faithful followers, who are honoring this directive. Those who do not honor Sadr’s pledge and continue attacks are criminals, and we will take the actions necessary to stop them and protect the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  They killing inicents, the invadors are terrorists,
Posted by: hayer duor || 09/12/2007 9:05 Comments || Top||

#2  Let me guess. Public school?
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 9:09 Comments || Top||

#3  no, I was "public schooled". Our troll lives alone, and was hom skooled :-)
Posted by: Frank G || 09/12/2007 11:02 Comments || Top||

#4  Me too, Frank, but back then they taught us more then self esteam and deevircity appreeciashun...
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 11:09 Comments || Top||

#5  Our troll is typing with a Pakistani accent, so be gentle. Use the small hammer.
Posted by: Steve || 09/12/2007 16:48 Comments || Top||


Coalition forces advance Baghdad security, six terrorists killed, five detained
Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained five suspected terrorists during operations Tuesday to disrupt the al-Qaeda network and boost security in Baghdad. Coalition forces targeted the expected number 3 replacement for the al-Qaeda in Iraq emir of the southern belts around Baghdad, who was killed in a Coalition operation Sept. 5.

A group of armed men engaged Coalition forces with heavy small arms fire in Southern Baghdad. Coalition forces responded in self-defense, returned fire and called in close air support to engage the enemy force. Coalition forces ground and air fire killed six armed men in the engagement.

Also in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq operative allegedly associated with senior terrorist leaders. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground forces detained four other suspected terrorists. “We’ve been putting consistent pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq and impairing its ability to attack innocent Iraqis,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue our aggressive operations to bring security to Baghdad and the surrounding areas.”
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency


Car booms injure 10 in central Baghdad
Two car bombs detonated simultaneously in the Sheik Marouf neighborhood of the Karkh District, injuring 10 Iraqi civilians Sept. 10.

The car bombs, which detonated shortly in the central Baghdad neighborhood, were set off near an Iraqi Army checkpoint that had been set up earlier in the day after Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces received tips that there might be possible car bombs in the area. The cars had been abandoned by their drivers near the checkpoints. Both Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces responded to the scene to provide security and medical assistance. The scene was quickly secured and then cleared by an explosive ordinance disposal team. The attack is under investigation.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  Headline does not match story: if the scene was secured and then cleared by an explosive ordinance sisposal team, whence came the ten injuries?
Posted by: Grunter || 09/12/2007 7:49 Comments || Top||

#2  The cars were indeed detonated, causing injuries.

But EOD teams were sent in to make sure there weren't 2nd explosions rigged in the area - a common tactic on the part of the Orcs.
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 7:53 Comments || Top||

#3  Pretty poor pickings for the Orcs, lotp. Two car bombs net only 10 injured? Used to, a car bomb by itself would kill 20 and injure 50. Seems to be a big drop-off not only in incidents of violence, but in effectiveness as well. SOMETHING is working, and the surge is the logical explanation.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 13:40 Comments || Top||

#4  The surge is a part of it, but so are the several very high-priority counterIED research projects JIEDDO has sponsored over the last 2 years.
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 14:35 Comments || Top||


Eight terrorists killed, 15 suspects detained in northern Iraq
Eight terrorists were killed and 15 suspected terrorists were detained during Coalition operations Tuesday targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in northern Iraq.

Coalition forces conducted two operations targeting the al-Queda in Iraq network that conducts attacks and facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists in northwestern Iraq. Several armed men engaged Coalition forces during a raid in a desolate area six miles from the Syrian border. Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing six armed men. Coalition forces also discovered two men hiding inside a tent, one of whom detonated a suicide vest he was wearing, killing only himself and the other terrorist. Coalition forces found several suicide vests, weapons, rockets, grenades and $18,000 in U.S. currency at the site. They also detained one individual. In the second operation, in the far western part of Ninewa province, Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists.

In Bayji, Coalition forces captured a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader believed to have taken over the sniper and assassination network in the area after Coalition forces captured his predecessor Aug. 4. Also in the Tigris River Valley, ground forces detained one suspected terrorist near Balad for his alleged ties to a network known to attack Coalition forces.

Iraqi and Coalition forces in Kirkuk targeted the al-Qaeda in Iraq leader of the city’s car-bombing network, who also facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists who conduct suicide attacks. The ground forces detained seven suspected terrorists and found a cache of bomb-making materials, which they safely destroyed on site. “Terrorists have no safe haven in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue to find al-Qaeda in Iraq’s leaders and operatives and foil their attempts to destabilize the elected government.”
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  Yeah, but we're playing Vietnam again, leaving the safe havens of Iran and Syria to the terrorists and their supporters. We won't be able to completely stabilize the area until these rogue regimes that support and fund terrorism are destroyed. The sooner we do it, the sooner the war will be over. Someone in the Pentagon hasn't gotten that message - or maybe it's not reaching the guy that really needs to make that decision - GWB.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 14:37 Comments || Top||

#2  Old Patriot, Iran and Syria's infrastructure and industry are vulnerable as hell to Spec-OPs etc, BUT the Pentagon is handcuffed by the same political party which handcuffed our fighting Power in Vietnam.

They will Leak, Cut Funds, Promise to Impeach, and Compromise any Large Effective Offensive OP which damages either Iran or Syria.
*****

Coalition forces returned fire in self-defense, killing six armed men. Coalition forces also discovered two men hiding inside a tent, one of whom detonated a suicide vest he was wearing, killing only himself and the other terrorist.

the other guy, "brilliant tactical move Ahmed"..
Posted by: Red Dawg || 09/12/2007 16:03 Comments || Top||


East Baghdad raid yields cache, suspect
Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division captured one suspected insurgent and recovered a weapons cache during Operation Tacoma III Sept. 10 in the New Baghdad section of the Iraqi capital.

The operation, carried out by Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, resulted in the recovery of two explosively formed penetrators, eight hand grenades, one rocket, 218 rounds of ammunition, three mortars and three rolls of wire. The suspect detained is being held for further questioning. The operation was part of the continuous effort to sweep out insurgent strongholds. This includes setting up Coalition outposts and joint security stations as part of the Baghdad Security Plan to pacify the capital.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency

#1  Excellent. East Baghdad isn't known as an al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold. In fact, Shiite control of the airport corridor has left Sunni pockets isolated and vulnerable.
Posted by: McZoid || 09/12/2007 9:20 Comments || Top||


Iraqi Army, U.S. Special Forces detain two al Qaeda cell leaders, five insurgents
Iraqi Army Forces detained two suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leaders during an intelligence driven raid in support of Operation Phantom Strike Sept. 10 in the Sharqat village in northern Iraq. One of the targeted individuals is accused of the kidnapping and beheading of Iraqi Soldiers and emplacing improvised explosive devices targeting Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

Iraqi Army and U.S. Special Forces also seized five AK-47 assault rifles, one shotgun, one 9mm pistol, five AK-47 bayonets, body armor and numerous al-Qaeda documents. The forces also detained three other suspected al-Qaeda terrorists during this operation.

In a separate operation, Iraqi Army forces detained two Sunni extremists during a raid near Tikrit. The extremists are linked to a small arms and rocket propelled grenade attack on Coalition Forces August 28 that left one civilian critically wounded.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Iraq

#1  No one can kill alqaida ranked persons ,they kill ordinary people.
Posted by: hayer duor || 09/12/2007 9:09 Comments || Top||

#2  It's true, you know. Bullets bounce right off their chests, like Superman.
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 9:37 Comments || Top||

#3  Only a ninja can kill a ninja!
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 9:39 Comments || Top||

#4  'cept our soldiers use kryptonite bullets. Got 'em from the Fortress of Solitude.
Posted by: Steve White || 09/12/2007 11:20 Comments || Top||

#5  Man, thisn is teh serz olde time trollin
Posted by: Thrusogum Sproing8482 || 09/12/2007 11:31 Comments || Top||

#6  No one can kill alqaida ranked persons ,they kill ordinary people.
Don't let me spoil it for you, but 'alqaida ranked persons' also have sex with animals. It's true. Sorry to be the one to tell you.
Posted by: eLarson || 09/12/2007 15:00 Comments || Top||

#7  #5 Man, thisn is teh serz olde time trollin
Posted by: Thrusogum Sproing8482 2007-09-12 11:31

Sorry to disagree with you, TS8482, but in the past, trolls had an IQ above room temperature, and had at least a modest command of the English language. This is just some iggerent pakiwaki wannabee playing in the coffee shop.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 15:45 Comments || Top||

#8  #2, tw, well, maybe bullets bounce off, but 500 lb bombs don't. Just ask Zarqawi. Oh, that's right...
Posted by: Rambler || 09/12/2007 17:10 Comments || Top||


Iraqi insurgent group threatens to kill German hostage
A foreign ministry spokesman in Germany said Tuesday that his country was continuing to work for the release of a German hostage, hours after an insurgent group in Iraq posted a video showing the man who has been held for over six months.

The video, posted late Monday, showed Sinan Krause seated drinking tea in front of a blue backdrop and talking with his mother, Hannelore, who was freed in July and weeped openly in the footage. As the image shifted to Hannelore sitting alone dressed in her headscarf, a voice was heard saying she was released because she converted to Islam. Germany's Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger said the recording was clearly old. He stressed that the ministry's crisis unit "is continuing to work with all vigor for the release of the hostage."
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Iraqi Insurgency


Iraqi police: US and Iraqi army kill 2 civilians in Sadr City raid
US and Iraqi forces killed two civilians during a joint raid early Tuesday on the Baghdad stronghold of a powerful Shi'ite militia, Iraqi police said.

Six others were injured in the pre-dawn operation in Sadr City - home to 2.5 million of Baghdad's poorest residents as well the Mahdi Army, a militia loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Last month, al-Sadr called a temporary halt to the group's activities after deadly Shi'ite-on-Shi'ite violence in Karbala. At least two children were among the wounded, an Iraqi officer said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

Ten people were arrested in the raid, which took place around 4 a.m., the officer said. Eight civilian cars were damaged, and several sheep and cattle were also killed in a yard fire ignited by gunfire, he added. The US military had no immediate comment on the incident.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Mahdi Army

#1  in a yard fire ignited by gunfire

Secondary explosions? Big secondary explosions?
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 0:10 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
IDF, Shin Bet arrest operatives responsible for Tekoa attack
Authorities announced Tuesday that the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Services) arrested three Islamic Jihad members and one Fath member responsible for carrying out a terror attack near Tekoa in April. The operatives were caught in areas around Bethlehem.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic Jihad

#1  They were taken alive?
Oh!! I forgot.......human intelligence.
Okay quiz em and then shoot em.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 09/12/2007 23:43 Comments || Top||


Hamas moves Schalit, fearing kidnapped senior member will 'sing'
Kidnapped IDF Cpl. Gilad Schalit, held by Hamas since June 2006, has been transferred to a new hiding place, Channel Two reported Tuesday. A commentator on the station estimated that the kidnapping of Senior Hamas official Mohawah al-Qadi, at first denied by the IDF but then referred to by Interior Security Minister Avi Dichter, was the reason for transferring Schalit. Reportedly, Hamas was afraid al-Qadi would disclose details regarding the whereabouts of the soldier.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas


Israel Strikes Back
Moved to Wednesday, 9/12, for further commentary. AoS.
A little over a year after its war with Hizballah, Israel has apparently struck at weapons intended for the group, and Syrian military facilities used to support the delivery process.

Both CNN and the Jerusalem Post are reporting that last week's raid went far beyond an "accidental incursion" in Syrian airspace, as the event was originally described. Damascus claimed that its air defenses fired on Israeli fighters which entered northern Syria last Thursday. Spokesman for the Israeli Defense Forces have refused comment on the original report and on the details that have emerged in recent days.

"...Sources told CNN the military operation, which happened Wednesday into Thursday, may have also involved Israeli ground forces who directed the airstrike which "left a big hole in the desert" in Syria.

The strike may have targeted Hezbollah weapons coming into Syria or transiting through the country from Iran - a pattern over the past three or four years which has occurred without any retaliation or action taken against it - the sources said.

The Israeli government is very happy with the success of the operation, the sources said.
The Israeli government is very happy with the success of the operation, the sources said.

The Post has a copy of the graphic which shows the Syrian version of events, depicting a flight path that took Israeli jets across northern Lebanon and Syria before striking targets near the Iraqi border.








If that version of events is accurate, then Damascus should find it very disturbing, for a variety of reasons. First, take a look at this graphic, depicting operational Syrian Air Force bases (courtesy of the Dutch aviation magazine Scramble, a superb on-line resource).












If you believe the Syrian foreign minister, then the Israelis flew through the heart of his nation's air defenses - apparently undetected - to strike at targets near the country's eastern border. And it wouldn't be the first time that the IAF has accomplished such a feat; in 2003, Israeli jets struck a Palestinian terrorist complex near Damascus, taking advantage of confusion within the Syrian air defense system to bomb the target and escape, with no reaction from fighters or ground-based air defenses. The success of this particular raid suggests that despite a reported shake-up of the Syria's air defense organization, the system remains incapable of defeating an Israeli attack.

... it's quite possible that the helicopters (and commando elements) staged from a "foreign" base
And, making matters worse, the IDF raid apparently included a ground attack, featuring commandos that were (presumably) ferried in by helicopter. While IAF CH-53 Sea Stallions have the range (540 NM) to reach distant targets, getting the chopper(s) and the commandos in and out of enemy territory was indeed an impressive feat. Apparently, the Syrians fared no better against the heliborne element of the mission than they did against the IAF jets. However, given the location of the target area -and initial Syrian comments about Israeli aircraft "coming out of Turkey" - it's quite possible that the helicopters (and commando elements) staged from a "foreign" base.

As for their mission, some analysts might suggest that the Israeli ground teams were dispatched to "designate" the target for precision weapons dropped by Israeli fighters. But with all IAF F-16 and F-15I squadrons now JDAM capable, the need for laser designation has decreased. More than likely, the IDF commandos were on the ground for a secondary demolition mission, or (more likely) to kill or capture high-value assets.

In its coverage of the event, Time magazine suggests that the Israeli raid might be connected to the acquisition of Russian-made Pantsyr-1 air defense systems by Syria and Iran. Damascus took initial deliveries of the system in August, and Iranian crews are likely training on the Pantsyr as well. But the destruction of an air defense training site wouldn't account for that "big hole" in the desert. The attack was apparently concentrated in an area that's not far from known Syrian surface-to-surface missile facilities. Given the scope of the damage inflicted - and the apparent size of the Israeli strike force - we're guessing that the attack was aimed at more than air defense equipment.

In any case, it looks like Hizballah's order-of-battle will be missing a few items, at least temporarily. The raid was also a wake-up call for Damascus and Tehran, reminding them that the IDF can reach remote targets with air and ground forces. And finally, the strike illustrates that "Syrian Air Defense" is still an oxymoron, no matter how much hardware they buy from the Russians, or anyone else.
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria

#1  So it looks like they flew all the way across Syria, hit their targets, and flew all the way back across Syria. And Syria could do nothing about it?

heh heh heh... Change of underwear time there, Zippy?
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/11/2007 16:23 Comments || Top||

#2  It would be interesting to think, ponder, or spread the rumor, that an Israeli squadron continued into Iraq so the next time they can really baffle the Syrian air defences.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 09/11/2007 16:27 Comments || Top||

#3  Just beautiful. The IAF is still a very effective force.

Just go poop yourself Zippy. Israel can end you whenever it wants too.
Posted by: DarthVader || 09/11/2007 16:41 Comments || Top||

#4  The fear uncertainty and doubt the rumor would generate would be delicious, but there is no way we could really allow it to happen. No way it would be kept secret from the iraqi people that we were letting the joooos use their territory to stage attacks on fellow muzz. More trouble than it would be worth. 'Course, if the fighters had US markings...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 09/11/2007 16:43 Comments || Top||

#5  Apparently, the Syrians fared no better against the heliborne element of the mission than they did against the IAF jets.

A splendid hint of what awaits further Syrian facilitation of Hezbollah. All that expensive Russian hardware was for shit up against some real warriors. There is absolutely no irony in the fact of how democratic, non-Islamic Israel has developed technology and trained a fighting force that can take apart surrounding Islamic militaries like a brat plucking the wings off of a fly.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/11/2007 16:47 Comments || Top||

#6  PS: One can only hope that Iran has taken note of this unopposed incursion against the same crappy hardware that the mullahs bought from Putin.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/11/2007 16:50 Comments || Top||

#7  Israel can end you whenever it wants too.

Well, there's no time like the present.
Posted by: mcsegeek1 || 09/11/2007 17:00 Comments || Top||

#8  There may be an awful lot of disinformation going on. For example, if planes flew East across northern Syria, it would have lit up their radar like a Christmas tree, so that is where their radar would have been pointed.

But what if they sent in fast aircraft to do just this, *while at the same time*, a much larger aircraft flew into Syrian from the West?

That is, say a C-130 carrying a bunker buster?

In other words, why would the Syrians have a major Command and Control bunker near the Euphrates river across the border from Iraq?
Posted by: Anonymoose || 09/11/2007 17:03 Comments || Top||

#9  shhhhh 'Moose. ;-)
Posted by: lotp || 09/11/2007 17:20 Comments || Top||

#10  The most astounding thing about this operation is that Olmert would allow it.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/11/2007 17:24 Comments || Top||

#11  You sure they told him ahead of time?
Posted by: lotp || 09/11/2007 17:28 Comments || Top||

#12  If that map is right, the target was darn near in howitzer range of our forces in Iraq. And easy helicopter range. I think 'moose is onto something - even if he is directionally challenged. If that was the true target, and heliborne forces were involved, then they weren't speaking Hebrew.
Posted by: Glenmore || 09/11/2007 19:05 Comments || Top||

#13  It would take the syrians 30 years to understand a force protection multiplier. Therefore, it is a good idea for them to decide to not test this because we already know you are way in over your head anyway, syria.
Posted by: newc || 09/11/2007 20:02 Comments || Top||

#14  Any bets there are not more than a few Hebrew speaking "Arabic translators' working in Iraq? Maybe a few who wandered off (wink wink...)across the border?
Posted by: Skunky Glins5285 || 09/11/2007 20:20 Comments || Top||

#15  Maybe a snatch followed by a bunker-buster?

Nobody looks for vaporized Iranian brass.
Posted by: mojo || 09/12/2007 0:37 Comments || Top||

#16  Might they have snagged one of the new Russia missiles for evaluation? If they blew the rest of it to kingdom come, who'd know?
Posted by: gorb || 09/12/2007 3:01 Comments || Top||

#17  Wondering how Israelis knew precisely where to hit... There were some Israeli mil satellites launched recently, weren't they? Or wuzit local recon?
Posted by: twobyfour || 09/12/2007 3:31 Comments || Top||

#18  A simple short-range training mission, but a handy dent placed in warstocks migrating into Iraq nonetheless. Future targets lie much, much further to the east. Thank you Syria! We greatly appreciate the radar signature reference points.
Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 4:59 Comments || Top||

#19  Best news about Israel since last summer.
Posted by: badanov || 09/12/2007 6:40 Comments || Top||

#20  Oopsies: Just looked at the calender

Since August, 2006.

The Israelis are back.
Posted by: badanov || 09/12/2007 6:41 Comments || Top||

#21  The raid was also a wake-up call for Damascus and Tehran, reminding them that the IDF can reach remote targets with air and ground forces.

Lets hope its also a wake-up call to W and the DoD that its possible and achievable to use a pre-emptive strike including SOF on Tehran and Pakistan/NFP/Waziristan. Me thinks that the IDF was a bogie in all this and we just wanted to gauge the Syrian AD reaction. I would think Iranian AD can't be that much better if they are also just now coming into new systems from the Ruskies.
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 09/12/2007 11:05 Comments || Top||

#22  Did anyone check the site for radioactivity? The latest posting about NK selling Syria and Iran nukes would give good reason for a big hole in the desert.
Posted by: Danielle || 09/12/2007 11:28 Comments || Top||

#23  I wonder if Israeli helicopters have aerial refueling capability. If they do, then no place in the Middle East is safe.

Al
Posted by: Frozen Al || 09/12/2007 11:36 Comments || Top||

#24  #23 I wonder if Israeli helicopters have aerial refueling capability. If they do, then no place in the Middle East is safe.

Aerial refueling is great, but it you've got a cow bird along and enough time to set down and establish a Forward Area Refuel Point (FARP) en route, you're golden.

Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 12:51 Comments || Top||

#25  Re: Airborne refueling: all it takes is a C-130 with a drogue style package ( think USNavy, not USAF) and therequisite boom on the aircraft; no need to set up a gound station.
re: big hole: has anyone done the Google Earth-thing? i am ignorant on making that work with anysort of reliable results. i fall into the 'even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while' category.
Posted by: USN, Ret. || 09/12/2007 14:06 Comments || Top||

#26  your technology is only as effective as the people trained to use it
Posted by: Ebbort de Medici7567 || 09/12/2007 16:09 Comments || Top||

#27  Some comments on the comments:

We KNOW the Syrians have at least three SA-5 sites. One is in Homs, one is in Aleppo, and the other one is near Damascus. The SA-5 is a strategic weapon that was developed to counter the B-70 Valkyrie and the SR-71. They have very good radars. We know the Syrians also have SA-3 point defense systems, SA-6 mobile SAM systems, and a few SA-8 and SA-11 (improved SA-6) systems. They also have multiple batteries of radar-controlled AAA batteries, and dozens of mobile systems. The Pansyr system is new to me, at least by that name, but I think I know which one it is. The air defense threat from Syria is NOT minimal, yet if the graphic is correct, the Israelis completely stumped them. That's not something to sneeze about. I'm sure the Russians are in need of a change of underware, as well as the Iranians and Syrians. Hezbollah may be quaking in their boots, as well. As for WHERE they struck, I wonder if Israel hit some buried Iraqi WMDs.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 16:20 Comments || Top||

#28  Israel Strikes Back

I would be guessing... my guess is the missle plant provided by Iran and/or the new stuff provided by Russia or both.

OP, "I wonder if Israel hit some buried Iraqi WMDs."

..interesting thought... perhaps along with the/a Syrian WMD bio/chem manufacturing site.
Posted by: Red Dawg || 09/12/2007 16:58 Comments || Top||

#29  Sour grapes on the part of the Syrians; they got caught with their pants down, importing Nork nuclear components and or Iranian missiles! A Second 'Osirak strike' for Israel, and through the heart of Syrian defenses...most impressive!!
Posted by: smn || 09/12/2007 19:48 Comments || Top||

#30  ...and a Syrian response.

"We think the Israeli purpose behind such an aggressive act is to torpedo the peace process, to torpedo the idea of holding an international conference," Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told reporters.

Asked about Hezbollah's weapons, Ja'afari said, "This is blah, blah. This is nonsense, this is an unfounded statement. It is not up to the Israelis or anyone else to assess what we have in Syria."

"There was no target," he added. "They dropped their munitions. They were running away after they were confronted by our air defense."


I wonder how many dead generals funerals are being planned in Syria tonight?
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 20:43 Comments || Top||

#31  Look for an increase in Russian contract-personnel and air cargo flights.

Might also be a good time to boost surveillance of Suez canal and the Gibraltar/Dardanelles straits.

Posted by: Pappy || 09/12/2007 20:48 Comments || Top||

#32  I wonder how many dead generals funerals are being planned in Syria tonight?

You can bet that in the very near future some of Syria's top brass for Air Defense are going to suffer "Adult Sudden Death Syndrome".
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 23:11 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Two dead in southern Thailand as pre-Ramadan crackdown continues
Suspected terrorists insurgents shot dead a retired police officer, Senior Sgt-Major Wicharn Namikul, 52, while in nearby Yala, Useng Yusoh, 21, a resident of Tambon Satengnok, was found shot dead in a similar attack.

Useng's brother, Mahyuding Yusoh, 36, suffered gunshot wounds from the attack and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Wicharn was killed after being hit by three shots fired at close range by a gunman who came from behind on a motorbike, police said.

In Narathiwat, combined forces confiscated three M16 rifles, one AK47, one shotgun, 200 litres of fuel and scores of bullets in Rusoh district. The shakedown came a day before Muslims in the restive region prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan.

The Army, in a concession to locals, has said it will lift the curfew imposed since March on two of the most violent districts in Yala province - from today until October 21. More than 100 suspected insurgents have been arrested since Saturday and taken to detention camps at Army bases, where they are questioned and often made to take "re-education" programmes. If the suspects are not charged, they must be released after 30 days, but can be detained again in further security sweeps.

Meanwhile, Yala provincial officials provided Bt500,000 to the family of the late Aliyah Mae-ae, the deputy village chief killed in a recent shootout.
Posted by: ryuge || 09/12/2007 07:31 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Alleged Jemaah bomber falls in south Philippines
(Xinhua) -- An alleged bomber said to have ties to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant group was arrested in General Santos City in south Philippines before he could stage a bombing attack on a mall there, local TV network GMA News reported Tuesday.

The report said the bomb suspect, Maipasagi Gani, was caught with an 81-mm mortar with nails, a rifle grenade and a cell phone to be used as a detonator. He said he was instructed to plant the bomb in a shopping mall in the city on Tuesday, to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, according to the report.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Jemaah Islamiyah


Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka says sinks 3 rebel arms ships
Sri Lanka's military claimed a major victory against Tamil Tiger rebels on Tuesday, saying it sank three vessels carrying war equipment including three light aircraft and a bullet-proof car. "We consider this is the biggest victory Sri Lanka's navy has achieved so far," Commander Wasantha Karannagoda told reporters in Colombo, adding between 40-45 rebels were also killed in the clash.

The Tigers, fighting for an independent state for minority ethnic Tamils in the north and east, were not immediately available for comment.

The navy said the destroyed vessels were carrying three light aircraft, a bullet-proof vehicle for rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and other war-related material.

The clash was the latest in a spate of land and sea battles, ambushes and air raids between the armed forces and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. "When we challenged these vessels, they didn't respond so we had to follow internationally accepted rules of engagement," Karannagoda said. "They opened fire. We had no choice but to fire and destroy the vessels."

The clash follows a new offensive launched by the Sri Lankan military to drive the Tamil Tigers rebels from the northwest Mannar area, after evicting them from jungles in the east of the island.
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I like following the news from Sri Lanka...naval battles are so much more interesting than "convoy ambushed, soldiers pursue rebels into the jungle" stories that everywhere else gets.
Posted by: gromky || 09/12/2007 9:24 Comments || Top||


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Report: Israel spots nuclear installations in Syria
Washington official says Israeli surveillance shows possible Syrian nuclear installation stocked by North Korea, Israeli Arab newspaper claims target of alleged raid last week was Syrian missile base financed by Iran. Israel believes that North Korea has been supplying Syria and Iran with nuclear materials, a Washington defense official sold told the New York Times. “The Israelis think North Korea is selling to Iran and Syria what little they have left,” he said.

Damascus warns that international community's silence on Israel's violation of Syrian airspace will have tragic consequences.

The official added that recent Israeli reconnaissance flights over Syria revealed possible nuclear installations that Israeli officials estimate might have been supplied with material from North Korea.

Meanwhile on Wednesday the Nazareth-based Israeli Arab newspaper The Assennara cited anonymous Israeli sources as saying that Israeli jets "bombed a Syrian-Iranian missile base in northern Syria that was financed by Iran... It appears that the base was completely destroyed."

According to the Times, American officials confirmed Tuesday that Israeli jets launched an airstrike inside Syria. Sources said that Israel struck at least one target in northeastern Syria, but could not provide more details. The most likely target was, according to some administration officials, weapon caches sent by Iran to Hizbullah through Syria.

North Korea commented on the incident Tuesday, calling it a "dangerous provocation", Chinese News Agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday. "This is a very dangerous provocation little short of wantonly violating the sovereignty of Syria and seriously harassing the regional peace and security," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the above-said intrusion and extends full support and solidarity to the Syrian people in their just cause to defend the national security and the regional peace."
Posted by: Gleck Unavising7367 || 09/12/2007 07:39 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria

#1  in other "news", the Russians admitted that the software they sold Syria along with the radar installations was actually "Red Alert 2".

A Russian spokesman said: "It's not our fault that they didn't know how to use the advanced features like the cloning vats and blimps!"
Posted by: Justrand || 09/12/2007 10:28 Comments || Top||

#2  "This is a very dangerous provocation little short of wantonly violating the sovereignty of Syria and seriously harassing the regional peace and security," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

However, Syria and Iran have no problem in violating the sovereignty of other nations such as Israel and Iraq through well-supplied and financed terrorist proxies.
Posted by: JohnQC || 09/12/2007 10:51 Comments || Top||

#3  North Korea commented on the incident Tuesday, calling it a "dangerous provocation", Chinese News Agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

"This is a very dangerous provocation little short of wantonly violating the sovereignty of Syria and seriously harassing the regional peace and security," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the above-said intrusion and extends full support and solidarity to the Syrian people in their just cause to defend the national security and the regional peace."


Isn't this an ADMISSION by NK that Syria has a Nuke Program with NK material and people?
Posted by: 3dc || 09/12/2007 11:17 Comments || Top||

#4  Paging Stretch Pelosi...
Posted by: doc || 09/12/2007 11:29 Comments || Top||

#5  North Korea commented on the incident Tuesday, calling it a "dangerous provocation", Chinese News Agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday. "This is a very dangerous provocation little short of wantonly violating the sovereignty of Syria and seriously harassing the regional peace and security," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the above-said intrusion and extends full support and solidarity to the Syrian people in their just cause to defend the national security and the regional peace."

Why is NKorea getting upset re an attack on Syrian land?????Wont get their money now????
Posted by: Paul || 09/12/2007 12:26 Comments || Top||

#6  Damascus warns that international community's silence on Israel's violation of Syrian airspace will have tragic consequences.

Indeed it will for Syria and very shortly Iran, my guess anyway. I believe the Gig may soon be Up.
Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 13:20 Comments || Top||

#7  Any evidence of nuclear installations and the US is going to more than leave a big hole in the Syrian desert.

It will be a Grand Canyon sized hole in their desert. Which will make a very good abject lesson to the Iranians, as well.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 09/12/2007 13:55 Comments || Top||

#8  With such a 'craw' up their backs over the destruction of the goods in Syria, the Norks are pissed for one of two reasons; like Paul#5 said, they won't get paid now, or worse, they got paid for the first 'and last' shipment at the same time! My guess would be the latter. Israel now has to watch out for the pitbull pup yelping to it's 'mother' (Russia) and 'big bro' (Iran). It's definitely 10 minutes to midnight on Israel's ticking clock!!
Posted by: smn || 09/12/2007 14:56 Comments || Top||

#9  Syria, Iran and N. Korea need to be made into object lessons on how now to fuck with the west.
Posted by: DarthVader || 09/12/2007 16:10 Comments || Top||

#10  That should be, "An object lesson on how not to fuck with the West."
Posted by: DarthVader || 09/12/2007 16:11 Comments || Top||

#11  I don't think Syria has its own nuke program, it just acted as a middleman for Iran, for the purpose of deniability of acquisition of the material by Iran.
Posted by: twobyfour || 09/12/2007 16:16 Comments || Top||

#12  Does anyone else think that North Korea is off-loading its nuclear material for profit just before they finally open up to a round of in-country inspections? All further aid to North Korea should be contingent upon the removal and arrest of Kim for crimes against humanity.

As to Syria and Iran, what 'moose said. In the usual Islamic fashion, Syria just got their ass handed to them on a platter yet here they are spinning this into another "victory" by making more belligerent threats. Surreal.
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 16:41 Comments || Top||

#13  Does anyone else think that North Korea is off-loading its nuclear material for profit just before they finally open up to a round of in-country inspections?

Zen, is not that obvious? I'd say it is the first thing going through everybody's mind after reading the article.

As for Syria making belligerent threats to Israel, Damascus has a long history in that regard, spanning several millennia (Israel, Judah). Some things never change.
Posted by: twobyfour || 09/12/2007 19:06 Comments || Top||

#14  Ala NEWSMAX, LUCIANNE, etal. the USA is reportedly preparing for an eventual NUCLEAR + DIRTY WMD ATTACK(S) INSIDE AMERICA. NOW, SO MUST ISRAEL + ANY OTHER US ME ALLY = PRO-US-WESTERN ME NEUTRAL. Ditto for Russia-China + Euros.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 09/12/2007 21:08 Comments || Top||


Syria complains to UN over Israel
Syria has denounced Israel to the United Nations Security Council for “flagrant defiance of international law”, after allegations that Israeli warplanes flew into its airspace last week in a possible raid on weapons destined for Hizbollah militia in Lebanon.

In a letter to Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, and the Security Council, released on Tuesday, Syria’s ambassador accused Israel of “choosing aggression and escalation” which – if ignored – would “subject the region...to serious consequences that may be difficult to control”.

The letter is likely to heighten concern over the possibility of violence between the two neighbours, as well as affect the wider regional struggle between Iran, the US and their respective allies.

But an analyst in the UN secretariat did not see immediate cause for significant alarm and noted that Syria had not made as much noise about the incident as might have been expected. A UN diplomat said there were no plans to discuss the affair at the Security Council and stressed that Syria had not requested a debate.

Syria said the incident took place after midnight on September 6, but details are sketchy. CNN, international cable news channel, cited US and regional sources on Tuesday as saying that Israeli aircraft had carried out an airstrike inside Syria, “possibly targeting weapons that were destined for Hizbollah militants”.

While Israel had no comment on the report, CNN said its sources indicated that the military operation “may have also involved Israeli ground forces who directed the airstrike, which ‘left a big hole in the desert’ ”.

Syria, which last week said it had fired back at the Israeli aircraft, claimed the munitions did not manage “to cause any human casualties or material damage”.

CNN’s sources said the target might have been weapons coming into Syria or crossing the country from Iran. Recent months have seen repeated accusations from Israel, reported by the UN, that munitions have been flowing in large numbers across the Syrian border into Lebanon in order to rearm Palestinian militia and the Iranian-backed Hizbollah movement.

An uneasy peace has endured since the deployment of UN peacekeepers to southern Lebanon, but the situation remains tense. Syria has also seen a marked deterioration over recent weeks in relations with Saudi Arabia.

A scheduled visit by Walid al-Moualem, Syria’s foreign minister, to Saudi Arabia was cancelled on Tuesday, Reuters reported, casting doubts on the possibility of a reconciliation. Mr Ban limited himself on Tuesday to an expression of concern “at reported violations of Syrian airspace by Israeli aircraft”.
Posted by: lotp || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria

#1  Good luck with that, eh? Hey, the UN might condemn them. Goll-lee!
Posted by: mojo || 09/12/2007 0:24 Comments || Top||

#2  YNETNEWS/HAARETZ/ISRAELNEWS > NYT > IAF overflight may had photo'ed possible Syrian nuke sites. Israel believes NORTH KOREA may be selling nucmats to both Iran and Syria.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 09/12/2007 1:58 Comments || Top||

#3  Also in defiance of "international law", UN member states which seek permanent war with other UN member states.
Posted by: Excalibur || 09/12/2007 8:46 Comments || Top||

#4  Geez, maybe if UNIFIL was doing it's job, Israel wouldn't have to fly up there to blow shit up...
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 8:54 Comments || Top||

#5  As far as I can tell UNFIL is doing its job.

Oh you mean its job isn't to facilitate the transfer of arms to terrorists and murderers? Who knew?
Posted by: CrazyFool || 09/12/2007 8:57 Comments || Top||

#6  Inshallah. *shrug*
Posted by: imoyaro || 09/12/2007 11:30 Comments || Top||

#7  This is like the idiots you read about calling the police to complain about the theft of a brick of marijuana. What was it, Syria? A violation of airspace, or a raid? And if it was a raid, what all was blown up? Facists.
Posted by: Perfesser || 09/12/2007 14:25 Comments || Top||

#8  Sour grapes on the part of the Syrians; they got caught with their pants down, importing Nork nuclear components and or Iranian missiles! A Second 'Osirak strike' for Israel, and through the heart of Syrian defenses...most impressive!!
Posted by: smn || 09/12/2007 15:16 Comments || Top||

#9  Pencilneck must really be missing Kofi right now.
Posted by: Principal || 09/12/2007 15:50 Comments || Top||


Good morning, six years of Rantburg edition
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Remember when the first post 9-11 sites were referred to as 'war blogs?'
Posted by: McZoid || 09/12/2007 0:13 Comments || Top||

#2  Rantburg: upholding freedom of speech and informing the world since 2001

Thanks, Fred
Posted by: anon1 || 09/12/2007 5:27 Comments || Top||

#3  After six years the best antidote to denial about the WOT and who's involved, is to go to Rantburg and just read the headlines, and the headlines of the day before, and the day before, and the day before etc. . . . Kinda puts things in perspective. It's a great exercise to challenge people who don't get it. Just tell them to read the headlines only for as many days back as they can manage, and it will magically come clear. THANKS TO FRED and the others who make the site possible.
Posted by: ex-lib || 09/12/2007 7:04 Comments || Top||

#4  Thanks alot Fred, avid ready and writer. I really appreciate the forum.

God Bless

Keep it up.
Posted by: Rightwing || 09/12/2007 8:37 Comments || Top||

#5  Those who want to remain ignorant still are, but the rest of us are better informed.

Thanks in part to Fred and people like him.
Posted by: mhw || 09/12/2007 9:04 Comments || Top||

#6  This site is a port in the storm. Thank you.
Posted by: Excalibur || 09/12/2007 9:14 Comments || Top||

#7  Don't forget the tipjar. Paypal and Amazon buttons are just over there on the right. ;-)

Thank you, Fred, for making this wonderful place where sanity can be re-found.
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 9:49 Comments || Top||

#8  Tipping is as easy as shooting the deadenders of AQ. Just made my contribution, who's next?
Posted by: Jack is Back! || 09/12/2007 10:47 Comments || Top||

#9  Since I still don't have a job, that tipjar is doubly - quadrupally - important...
Posted by: Fred || 09/12/2007 12:15 Comments || Top||

#10  I try to point everyone I know to Rantburg, Fred, so they can become as well-informed about this war against our freedom. Too many today still don't believe we're at war. I guess they haven't really listened to what bin Laden and his cohorts are saying. They couldn't remain that uninformed if they stopped by here as little as twice a week. Thank you for all you do.
Posted by: Old Patriot || 09/12/2007 13:00 Comments || Top||

#11  Thanks Fred!
Posted by: Besoeker || 09/12/2007 13:08 Comments || Top||

#12  First time poster. Long, long, long time lurker. Tip Jar just hit. Can't thank you enough, Fred, for all your work. It absolutely humbles me. No day is complete without reading Rantburg and the contributions and comments of all you regulars. Your observations are far more valuable to us lurkers than you will ever know.
Posted by: Canuckistan sniper || 09/12/2007 13:12 Comments || Top||

#13  Thank you CS, welcome to the Burg.
Posted by: Seafarious || 09/12/2007 13:16 Comments || Top||

#14  Since I still don't have a job, that tipjar is doubly - quadrupally - important...

That's important information to have. Since I have been able to cancel my subscription to Playboy as a result of .com's postings the front page of the DS&TP, I've sent the funds your way.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 09/12/2007 13:26 Comments || Top||

#15  I tipped on Fred's birthday but I'm tipping again today. I'm not a big tipper but it's gotten to be comparable with my subscription to the San Diego Union Tribune. I'd cancel the UT but Mrs. Uluque6305 reads the travel, food and entertainment sections. That's about all the UT is good for.

BTW, Myrna Loy is looking really hot.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 09/12/2007 14:12 Comments || Top||

#16  Tipping is easy if you can remember your Amazon password. But sometimes that's a pretty big "if".
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305 || 09/12/2007 14:17 Comments || Top||

#17  Canuckistan sniper, this conversation could use some more Canadian perspective. Please let this be the first of many posts. That goes for the rest of you lurkers, too -- surely y'all know a great deal more than this little, civilian housewife from the outer suburbs of the Midwest who once actually held a shotgun! Join the conversation, and add your bit to this pool of knowledge we all share.

Thank you in advance, my dears. I look forward to making your acquaintance. :-D
Posted by: trailing wife || 09/12/2007 14:32 Comments || Top||

#18  Just made another overdue contribution. We can also be clicking on those ad links to help too, right? I know it's not much, but it adds up--and if enough readers make a few clicks every day...
Posted by: Dar || 09/12/2007 15:38 Comments || Top||

#19  Have been a lurker for a while, but after Greensburg hosted the Cirque de Sebelius last Spring I had to weigh in since that whole deal was close enough to blow more than the wind. It was a real chew of reality how different the MM portrayed that event compared to what was really happening.
First thing my Fire instructor said: 'Knowledge and planning prevent 90% of incidents'. With a new daughter and family (many friends but they are family) overseas I take to mind the inside information and stories, enjoy the snarks, hope to contribute quality when I can, and will have a good idea what to do with that pork tenderloin tonight.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 09/12/2007 16:25 Comments || Top||

#20  What everybody else said.

Thnx, Fred!

(No matter what Ethel says, you're still a GOD. :-D)
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut || 09/12/2007 18:44 Comments || Top||

#21  Six years. Thanks for the sanity...and exposing the insanity.
Posted by: tu3031 || 09/12/2007 19:49 Comments || Top||

#22  Well, I've been around a long time, and I'm so sorry that somehow through the years, I missed that Amazon button, cause I'm a big Amazon order-er. Here's hoping you are seeing some increase in those Amazon orders.... let's see, through Rantburg, I'm now listening to Dvorak Symphony No 9... then I ordered ..... oh, and there was that .......

Thanks Fred.. and let me add, a big ole Texas hug, 'cause we all know, everything is bigger in Texas!
Posted by: Sherry || 09/12/2007 19:54 Comments || Top||

#23  Thanks Fred for the many years of great reading.
Posted by: TomAnon || 09/12/2007 21:26 Comments || Top||

#24  thx Fred. I trust I'm current on my Paypal?
Posted by: Frank G || 09/12/2007 22:24 Comments || Top||

#25  Don't forget the tipjar.

Thank you, Fred, for the privilege of participating at Rantburg. I am proud to say that a check is in the mail and headed your way. I can think of few more deserving institutions than Rantburg. You have my deepest gratitude for increasing my awareness of how perilous these times are. Thank you so very much.

Zenster
Posted by: Zenster || 09/12/2007 23:07 Comments || Top||

#26  Thanks, Fred (and the mods) for all your hard work. The one (and only) site I try to check every day, just to keep my "head on straight" and know that I'm not alone in seeing the threats we face.

Oh, and the snark and Ramalamadingdong receipes are just an added bonus. Not to mention TW's Tea Parties.
Posted by: BA || 09/12/2007 23:11 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
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Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
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Two weeks of WOT
Wed 2007-09-12
  Suicide bomber kills 16 in Pakistan
Tue 2007-09-11
  Six Years: Never forgive, never forget, never "understand"!
Mon 2007-09-10
  Petraeus reports
Sun 2007-09-09
  Germans hunt 49 in 'Fritz the Taliban' terror plot
Sat 2007-09-08
  Binny: "Convert or die, infidels!"
Fri 2007-09-07
  Tarzan Dogmush murdered
Thu 2007-09-06
  Germany foils massive terrorist campaign
Wed 2007-09-05
  Bomb blasts kill 25 in Rawalpindi cantonment
Tue 2007-09-04
  Danish police arrest 8 in terror plot
Mon 2007-09-03
  Afghans bang 120 resurgent Talibs
Sun 2007-09-02
  Nahr al-Bared falls to Lebanon army
Sat 2007-09-01
  Knobby gives up veto in return for consensus on new president
Fri 2007-08-31
  Liverlips plans to form a puppet government in Lebanon
Thu 2007-08-30
  Mullah Brother is no more
Wed 2007-08-29
  Shiite Shootout Shuts Shrine

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