Article

2005-11-05 Iraq

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Posted by Captain America 2005-11-05 01:54|| || Front Page|| [6 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 This should be heavily trimmed down to the content that matches the headline. The good stuff:

"U.S. military operation designed to deny al-Qaida in Iraq the ability to operate in the Euphrates River valley, which stretches through Anbar province, and to establish a joint permanent security presence along the Syrian border.

"'Operation Steel Curtain marks the first large-scale employment of multiple battalion-sized units of Iraqi army forces in combined operations with coalition forces in the last year,' the military said."

Excellent. Good Hunting.

Posted by Regnad Kcin 2005-11-05 03:55|| 2005-11-05 03:55|| Front Page Top

#2 This sounds like a brigade ftx that becomes a permanent deployment. First the place is thoroughly cleared, and the brigade gets to know its turf on the ground, each and every building and useful terrain feature. Then, right behind them come the engineers, to build whatever facilities they need for permanent camp in the area.

Posted by Anonymoose 2005-11-05 08:31|| 2005-11-05 08:31|| Front Page Top

#3 Go get 'em guys! From the reports I've seen, the Iraqi units are getting better and better. Right now, they are most likely the best arab force in the region. Not close to western armies, but gaining rapidly.

Posted by mmurray821 2005-11-05 09:43|| 2005-11-05 09:43|| Front Page Top

#4 As they say for speeches ...start well and end well. This reporter had a little something for everyone.

For Americans and Iraqis
The American military launched a major offensive near the Syrian border on Saturday aimed at destroying al-Qaida in Iraq's ability to smuggle in foreign fighters, money and equipment.

For Anti Americans and Terrorists
The feared insurgent group warned foreign diplomats to flee Iraq after announcing it would kill two kidnapped Moroccans[oooh...feared in the face of 2,500 Marines]

For Americans and Iraqis
families turned out in parks around the capital,

For Anti-Americans and Terrorists
We have no reason to celebrate under occupation and terrorism. [But you are celebrating, now aren't you? No doubt this one gloomy quote represented the viewpoint of all present]

Posted by 2b 2005-11-05 09:47|| 2005-11-05 09:47|| Front Page Top

#5
Gunmen shot and killed Tarik Hasan, a former colonel in the Iraqi air force, as he drove through Baghdad on Thursday, said police Capt. Talib Thamir. Rumor has spread through Baghdad that Shiite "hit squads" are hunting former air force officers, especially those who fought Shiite-led Iran during the 1980-1988 war.

Who is directing this effort and why? Vengeful Shiia Iranian Red guard who know we're going to need the Iraqi air forces to back us up when we crush Iran?

Or Southern Iraqi Shiia who were put down by these same pilots in 1991 during the Shiia uprising.

This is the great mystery from theis article that I'd like answered. Sounds more like the Red Guard to me putting a message out there for the Shiia community that actions against Iran will be punished Iraq or no Iraq.

EP

Posted by ElvisHasLeftTheBuilding 2005-11-05 11:00|| 2005-11-05 11:00|| Front Page Top

#6 Precisely Elvis, they have no Air Force at the present time. Excellent assessment.

Posted by Besoeker 2005-11-05 12:45|| 2005-11-05 12:45|| Front Page Top

#7 Elvis, I've been asking myself the same question. Saddam's fly-boys were instrumental in gassing Iranians and in gassing Kurds, if you follow the revenge angle.

Posted by Captain America 2005-11-05 13:16|| 2005-11-05 13:16|| Front Page Top

#8 If you recall, a good many of those Iraqi airframes never saw the first Gulf War. Brave muzzies that they were they high tailed it to Iranian sactuary early on. Oh, Captain Fezuli, you would now like to reside in Iran, have we got a deal for you!

Posted by Besoeker 2005-11-05 15:16|| 2005-11-05 15:16|| Front Page Top

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