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May 02, 2006

Battle Of Tal Afar


Battle Of Tal Afar

In case you missed it, The Wall Street Journal writes today about the battle of Tal Afar and how it could be a turning point in the war against terrorists in Iraq. Among the key points of the story:

  • In recent days Iraqi forces -- yes, Iraqi forces -- have led the largest urban assault [in Tal Afar] since the liberation of Fallujah last November.
  • Iraqis are leading the fight and, most important, many will stay so the people of Tal Afar can begin to believe they can live free of terrorist intimidation.
  • [A] force of about 5,000 Iraqis and 3,800 Americans had killed at least 157 terrorists, detained 440 suspects, and discovered 34 weapons caches.
  • The Tal Afar operation calls into question the contention of war critics like Senator Joe Biden that there are only a handful of Iraqi troops capable of meaningful operations. In fact, U.S. commanders classify about 40 battalions -- roughly 750 soldiers in each -- as "fully independent" or able to fight "in the lead."
  • A U.S. officer with detailed knowledge offered us this assessment: "The Tal Afar operation has been a sweeping success for the Iraqi Security Forces in many ways. There is an Iraqi Army Brigade headquarters with four infantry battalions, a Special Police Commando Brigade headquarters with two battalions, and an Army Transportation battalion in the fight up there. The Police Commandos and one of the Army battalions were flown there by the Iraqi Air Force's own C-130 fleet executing their first combat support missions." Eight Iraqi soldiers and one American have died in the offensive.

Click here to read the entire article (subscription required).


Posted by blogposter at 11:34 PM |

April 19, 2006

The President`s Plan For Victory


The President`s Plan For Victory

During an emotional speech today at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the President explained his exit strategy for Iraq to an audience of Navy Cadets. He said To all who wear the uniform, I make you this pledge: America will not run in the face of carbombers and assassins so long as I am your commander in chief. He asserted that "no artificial timetables [will be] set by politicians in Washington." The President promised to stay the course, and troop levels will decrease over time, as Iraqis continue to take on more of the security and civilian responsibility themselves.

In support of the President s consistent strategy, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said, as quoted in this Time Magazine article, Quitting is not an exit strategy Cutting and running is unspeakable if we retreat from Iraq, the terrorists will pursue us and our allies, expanding the fight to the rest of the region and our own shores.


Posted by blogposter at 01:14 AM |

April 05, 2006

Battle Of Tal Afar


Battle Of Tal Afar

In case you missed it, The Wall Street Journal writes today about the battle of Tal Afar and how it could be a turning point in the war against terrorists in Iraq. Among the key points of the story:

  • In recent days Iraqi forces -- yes, Iraqi forces -- have led the largest urban assault [in Tal Afar] since the liberation of Fallujah last November.
  • Iraqis are leading the fight and, most important, many will stay so the people of Tal Afar can begin to believe they can live free of terrorist intimidation.
  • [A] force of about 5,000 Iraqis and 3,800 Americans had killed at least 157 terrorists, detained 440 suspects, and discovered 34 weapons caches.
  • The Tal Afar operation calls into question the contention of war critics like Senator Joe Biden that there are only a handful of Iraqi troops capable of meaningful operations. In fact, U.S. commanders classify about 40 battalions -- roughly 750 soldiers in each -- as "fully independent" or able to fight "in the lead."
  • A U.S. officer with detailed knowledge offered us this assessment: "The Tal Afar operation has been a sweeping success for the Iraqi Security Forces in many ways. There is an Iraqi Army Brigade headquarters with four infantry battalions, a Special Police Commando Brigade headquarters with two battalions, and an Army Transportation battalion in the fight up there. The Police Commandos and one of the Army battalions were flown there by the Iraqi Air Force's own C-130 fleet executing their first combat support missions." Eight Iraqi soldiers and one American have died in the offensive.

Click here to read the entire article (subscription required).


Posted by blogposter at 05:34 PM |

March 22, 2006

Steady Improvement In Mosul: Iraqi Troops Begin To Take Charge


Steady Improvement In Mosul: Iraqi Troops Begin To Take Charge
The Washington Post reports this morning A year after its police force melted away and the streets descended into anarchy, Mosul has climbed up from the abyss U.S. officials here say the city's fate will soon be in Iraqi hands. Confident in the skills of the newly trained Iraqi army and political and military leaders who say they are fiercely opposed to terrorism, U.S. commanders have started giving small units responsibility for protecting areas of this ethnically divided city

Posted by blogposter at 06:46 AM |

February 20, 2006

Movie to Show Real Stories from Our Troops


Movie to Show Real Stories from Our Troops
In response to anti-war Democrats and far-left voices in Hollywood, actor Bruce Willis has decided to make a film that honors the sacrifices of our troops in Iraq and their mission, reports the National Ledger. The actor said, I am baffled to understand why the things I saw happening in Iraq, really good things happening in Iraq, are not being reported on. The film will be based on a former green beret s experiences embedded in Deuce Four. This blog from Michael Yon, a citizen journalist working in Iraq, inspired the actor to bring these experiences to Hollywood.

Posted by blogposter at 08:41 PM |

February 15, 2006

Strong Turnout In Iraqi Elections


Strong Turnout In Iraqi Elections
During the largely peaceful Iraqi elections Thursday, Rueters reports The demand to vote was so strong that polling stations were kept open for an extra hour in some areas to allow those lining up outside to cast their ballots.

Posted by blogposter at 08:47 PM |

February 14, 2006

Movie to Show Real Stories from Our Troops


Movie to Show Real Stories from Our Troops
In response to anti-war Democrats and far-left voices in Hollywood, actor Bruce Willis has decided to make a film that honors the sacrifices of our troops in Iraq and their mission, reports the National Ledger. The actor said, I am baffled to understand why the things I saw happening in Iraq, really good things happening in Iraq, are not being reported on. The film will be based on a former green beret s experiences embedded in Deuce Four. This blog from Michael Yon, a citizen journalist working in Iraq, inspired the actor to bring these experiences to Hollywood.

Posted by blogposter at 09:51 PM |

February 13, 2006

After Successful Elections, Sunnis Join In Fight Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq


After Successful Elections, Sunnis Join In Fight Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq
Sunni tribal leaders and Iraqi insurgents are joining forces with the Iraq and United States militaries to fight Al-Qaeda. The Christian Science Monitor reports this morning that [Abu Mussab] Zarqawi's indiscriminate killing of innocent Iraqis has alienated many of his erstwhile Iraqi allies . Analysts say the participation of Sunni Arabs in the December elections, and the tripling of that sect's seats in parliament, has convinced local leaders that political participation can bear fruit. There is a change, says Mithal Alusi, a secular Sunni Arab parliamentarian. After these attacks, and after the elections, we find the people are eager to be rid of the terrorists.

Posted by blogposter at 08:36 PM |

February 12, 2006

A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President


A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President
In a Wall Street Journal editorial today, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani writes There is no more important international issue today than the need to defeat the curse of terrorism A transformation of the Iraqi state and Iraqi society is impossible without a sustained commitment of soldiers from the U.S. and other democracies. Iraq s democratically elected head of state, government and Parliament and the fact that members of the most repressed ethnic groups now hold the highest offices of state are a result of the courage and vision of President Bush and his allies. Talabani continues, Without foreign intervention, the transition in Iraq would have been from Saddam's bloodstained hands to his psychopathic offspring. Instead, thanks to American leadership, Iraqis have been given an opportunity of peaceful, participatory politics The rapidity of the democratization and reform of Iraq is staggering. There was no German state for four years after the Second World War. By contrast, Iraq has moved from a dictatorship to a decentralized, federal republic in half that time For all the short-term problems, the soundness of the long-term strategy of building up Iraqi forces was demonstrated in recent days when Iraqis took over sole control of security in the holy city of Najaf Without American forces, the vision of American leadership and the quiet fortitude of the American people, Iraqis would be almost alone in the world. With its allies, the United States has provided Iraqis with an unprecedented opportunity. Iraqis have responded by enthusiastically embracing democracy and volunteering to fight for their country. By giving us the tools, your troops help us to defend Iraqi democracy and to finish the job of uprooting Baathist fascism.

Posted by blogposter at 11:11 PM |

February 10, 2006

After Successful Elections, Sunnis Join In Fight Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq


After Successful Elections, Sunnis Join In Fight Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq
Sunni tribal leaders and Iraqi insurgents are joining forces with the Iraq and United States militaries to fight Al-Qaeda. The Christian Science Monitor reports this morning that [Abu Mussab] Zarqawi's indiscriminate killing of innocent Iraqis has alienated many of his erstwhile Iraqi allies . Analysts say the participation of Sunni Arabs in the December elections, and the tripling of that sect's seats in parliament, has convinced local leaders that political participation can bear fruit. There is a change, says Mithal Alusi, a secular Sunni Arab parliamentarian. After these attacks, and after the elections, we find the people are eager to be rid of the terrorists.

Posted by blogposter at 05:32 AM |

February 08, 2006

Democrats Can t Decide What They Think About Iraq


Democrats Can t Decide What They Think About Iraq
In the aftershock of Representative Jack Murtha s heartfelt speech, many Democrats, led by Senator John Kerry, have asked the President to withdraw 20,000 troops from Iraq and set a timetable for withdrawing the rest. However, top Democratic foreign policy advisors seem to disagree with many of their members on the proper course of action. Three top strategists from the Clinton Administration, Richard Holbrooke, Madeleine Albright, and Gen. Wesley Clark, argue vehemently against imposing a deadline, timetable or politically driven drawdown on Iraq, as quoted in this Washington Post article today.  Uncertainty within the Democratic Party became particularly apparent when President Clinton also disagreed with an automatic withdrawal of troops, saying We don t want to set a fixed timetable Not only is there dissention within the party about their cut and run position, but no one seems to have any concrete alternative strategies to the President s plan as he introduced it last week.

Posted by blogposter at 12:14 AM |

January 24, 2006

A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President


A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President
In a Wall Street Journal editorial today, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani writes There is no more important international issue today than the need to defeat the curse of terrorism A transformation of the Iraqi state and Iraqi society is impossible without a sustained commitment of soldiers from the U.S. and other democracies. Iraq s democratically elected head of state, government and Parliament and the fact that members of the most repressed ethnic groups now hold the highest offices of state are a result of the courage and vision of President Bush and his allies. Talabani continues, Without foreign intervention, the transition in Iraq would have been from Saddam's bloodstained hands to his psychopathic offspring. Instead, thanks to American leadership, Iraqis have been given an opportunity of peaceful, participatory politics The rapidity of the democratization and reform of Iraq is staggering. There was no German state for four years after the Second World War. By contrast, Iraq has moved from a dictatorship to a decentralized, federal republic in half that time For all the short-term problems, the soundness of the long-term strategy of building up Iraqi forces was demonstrated in recent days when Iraqis took over sole control of security in the holy city of Najaf Without American forces, the vision of American leadership and the quiet fortitude of the American people, Iraqis would be almost alone in the world. With its allies, the United States has provided Iraqis with an unprecedented opportunity. Iraqis have responded by enthusiastically embracing democracy and volunteering to fight for their country. By giving us the tools, your troops help us to defend Iraqi democracy and to finish the job of uprooting Baathist fascism.

Posted by blogposter at 02:58 AM |

January 14, 2006

Overwhelming Number Of Iraqis Support Constitution


Overwhelming Number Of Iraqis Support Constitution
The Washington Times (Quinn, 10/05/05) reports that, despite what the main stream media would have you believe, Recent polling shows widespread support for a new Iraqi constitution to be voted on Oct. 15, even in strongholds of Sunni Arab groups that are fighting to derail the charter [T]he polling by the Iraqi Center for Development and International Dialogue -- a nonprofit organization funded partially by the United Nations -- indicated that the referendum was headed for passage...[and that,] of 3,625 Iraqis, conducted Sept. 14 to 19, showed 79 percent in favor of the draft constitution and 8 percent opposed. The remainder did not respond. Equally encouraging was the respondents belief in the effect the constitution will have. A high percentage of respondents said they intended to vote and that the level of violence likely would be reduced after the referendum. Most encouraging, arguably, is that [S]upport for the constitution...topped 50 percent even in central provinces known as the heartland of Sunni unrest -- a sign, [ says Mehdi Hafedh, director of the Iraqi Center for Development and International Dialogue], that the Sunni-Shi'ite split is not as wide as many fear. Let me know where you read about this in the New York Times.

Posted by blogposter at 11:07 PM |

Mainstream Media Slow To Acknowledge Progress In Iraq


Mainstream Media Slow To Acknowledge Progress In Iraq
The New York Times reports this morning that news media organizations were focusing too much on casualties and mistakes by the military in Iraq, and were failing to provide a full picture of the progress toward stabilizing the country according to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In remarks yesterday at John Hopkins University Secretary Rumsfeld said We've arrived at a strange time in this country where the worst about America and our military seems to so quickly be taken as truth by the press, and reported and spread around the world, often with little context and little scrutiny, let alone correction or accountability after the fact."

Posted by blogposter at 02:28 AM |

January 08, 2006

Historian Finds Reasons For Optimism About War On Terror In The History Books


Historian Finds Reasons For Optimism About War On Terror In The History Books
Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and historian at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, quotes a cynical politician convinced that the United States cannot win the war in today s San Jose Mercury News: "I implore you to inaugurate or invite proposals for peace forthwith. And in case peace cannot now be made, consent to an armistice for one year.'' He then reveals that this throw-in-the-towel remark, however, did not come from Howard Dean or John Murtha -- but from Horace Greeley about the Civil War during the depressing summer of 1864. Hanson goes on to point out that it is not unusual for politicians to grasp on to minor losses and small bits of negativity in wartime, but that these pessimists are soon forgotten in the history books.  He discuses the impressive improvements that have already been made in Iraq, and expresses his optimism for a full victory in the War on Terror.  He writes Some Americans cannot see any of this yet, because we are still in our own summer of 1864. But as the conditions in Iraq improve, and comparisons to our sole loss in Vietnam ring hollow, expect critics to grow silent The blame game is not unusual on the impatient home front during American wars -- and is soon mostly forgotten after we finally win. Iraq is, and will be, no exception.

Posted by blogposter at 04:12 AM |

December 20, 2005

Iraqi Elections Only A Week Away Next Thursday Iraqis will


Iraqi Elections Only A Week Away

Next Thursday Iraqis will head to the polls for the third time this year in a brave signal of their commitment to democracy.

Show your support for American troops and freedom loving Iraqis by encouraging family and friends to ink their index fingers purple from December 12th to the 15th. Get all the details at Purple Finger For Freedom.


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 12:34 AM |

December 15, 2005

Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq Iraqi consumers appear


Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq

Iraqi consumers appear to be spending more money and gaining confidence in their economy.  LA Times reports the morning Iraqis interviewed around the country generally appeared to be spending more money this year than last year, a possible indication of increased consumer confidence.

LA Times interviewed Iraqi shopkeepers who said recent political milestones had spread optimism about the country's future.

"Business is better than previous years," said Saleh Abed, 34, a Baghdad clothing wholesaler. "Although there is terrorism and the country is going through a very rough time, there is some kind of stability. We have an army. We have police. We have a constitution."


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 01:23 AM |

December 13, 2005

Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq Iraqi consumers appear


Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq

Iraqi consumers appear to be spending more money and gaining confidence in their economy.  LA Times reports the morning Iraqis interviewed around the country generally appeared to be spending more money this year than last year, a possible indication of increased consumer confidence.

LA Times interviewed Iraqi shopkeepers who said recent political milestones had spread optimism about the country's future.

"Business is better than previous years," said Saleh Abed, 34, a Baghdad clothing wholesaler. "Although there is terrorism and the country is going through a very rough time, there is some kind of stability. We have an army. We have police. We have a constitution."


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 04:19 AM |

December 11, 2005

Battle Of Tal AfarIn case you missed it, The Wall


Battle Of Tal Afar

In case you missed it, The Wall Street Journal writes today about the battle of Tal Afar and how it could be a turning point in the war against terrorists in Iraq. Among the key points of the story:

  • In recent days Iraqi forces -- yes, Iraqi forces -- have led the largest urban assault [in Tal Afar] since the liberation of Fallujah last November.
  • Iraqis are leading the fight and, most important, many will stay so the people of Tal Afar can begin to believe they can live free of terrorist intimidation.
  • [A] force of about 5,000 Iraqis and 3,800 Americans had killed at least 157 terrorists, detained 440 suspects, and discovered 34 weapons caches.
  • The Tal Afar operation calls into question the contention of war critics like Senator Joe Biden that there are only a handful of Iraqi troops capable of meaningful operations. In fact, U.S. commanders classify about 40 battalions -- roughly 750 soldiers in each -- as "fully independent" or able to fight "in the lead."
  • A U.S. officer with detailed knowledge offered us this assessment: "The Tal Afar operation has been a sweeping success for the Iraqi Security Forces in many ways. There is an Iraqi Army Brigade headquarters with four infantry battalions, a Special Police Commando Brigade headquarters with two battalions, and an Army Transportation battalion in the fight up there. The Police Commandos and one of the Army battalions were flown there by the Iraqi Air Force's own C-130 fleet executing their first combat support missions." Eight Iraqi soldiers and one American have died in the offensive.

Click here to read the entire article (subscription required).


Katie Harbath

Posted by blogposter at 07:38 PM |

December 03, 2005

Lieberman Says Our Troops Must Stay Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) has


Lieberman Says Our Troops Must Stay

Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) has just returned from his fourth recent trip to Iraq. He discusses the heartening progress he witnessed there in today s Wall Street Journal, saying none of these remarkable changes would have happened without the coalition forces led by the U.S. And, I am convinced, almost all of the progress in Iraq and throughout the Middle East will be lost if those forces are withdrawn faster than the Iraqi military is capable of securing the country.

Senator Lieberman points specifically to impressive economic gains in Iraq, saying There are also positive economic indicators that receive little or no coverage in the Western media .

To view an abbreviated version of this article, visit http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=5950.


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 09:55 PM |

November 27, 2005

Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq Iraqi consumers appear


Signs Point To Economic Progress In Iraq

Iraqi consumers appear to be spending more money and gaining confidence in their economy.  LA Times reports the morning Iraqis interviewed around the country generally appeared to be spending more money this year than last year, a possible indication of increased consumer confidence.

LA Times interviewed Iraqi shopkeepers who said recent political milestones had spread optimism about the country's future.

"Business is better than previous years," said Saleh Abed, 34, a Baghdad clothing wholesaler. "Although there is terrorism and the country is going through a very rough time, there is some kind of stability. We have an army. We have police. We have a constitution."


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 09:46 PM |

November 25, 2005

A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President In a Wall


A Note Of Thanks From The Iraqi President

In a Wall Street Journal editorial today, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani writes There is no more important international issue today than the need to defeat the curse of terrorism A transformation of the Iraqi state and Iraqi society is impossible without a sustained commitment of soldiers from the U.S. and other democracies.

Iraq s democratically elected head of state, government and Parliament and the fact that members of the most repressed ethnic groups now hold the highest offices of state are a result of the courage and vision of President Bush and his allies.

Talabani continues, Without foreign intervention, the transition in Iraq would have been from Saddam's bloodstained hands to his psychopathic offspring. Instead, thanks to American leadership, Iraqis have been given an opportunity of peaceful, participatory politics The rapidity of the democratization and reform of Iraq is staggering. There was no German state for four years after the Second World War. By contrast, Iraq has moved from a dictatorship to a decentralized, federal republic in half that time For all the short-term problems, the soundness of the long-term strategy of building up Iraqi forces was demonstrated in recent days when Iraqis took over sole control of security in the holy city of Najaf Without American forces, the vision of American leadership and the quiet fortitude of the American people, Iraqis would be almost alone in the world. With its allies, the United States has provided Iraqis with an unprecedented opportunity. Iraqis have responded by enthusiastically embracing democracy and volunteering to fight for their country. By giving us the tools, your troops help us to defend Iraqi democracy and to finish the job of uprooting Baathist fascism.


Katie Harbath

Posted by blogposter at 04:29 PM |

Iraqi Constitutional Referendum Results In The AP reports this morning


Iraqi Constitutional Referendum Results In

The AP reports this morning Iraq's landmark constitution was adopted by a majority of voters during the country's Oct. 15 referendum, election officials said Tuesday .The constitution, which many Kurds and majority Shiites strongly support, is considered another major step in the country's democratic transformation, clearing the way for the election of a new Iraqi parliament on Dec. 15.


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 01:17 AM |

Marine In Iraq Says Morale Is High, But Troops Dismayed


Marine In Iraq Says Morale Is High, But Troops Dismayed By MSM Coverage
The Washington Times (11/22) runs a field report from an anonymous Marine, relayed through his father, a retired marine, According to [name redacted], morale among our guys is very high.  They not only believe they are winning, but that they are winning decisively. They are stunned and dismayed by what they see in the American press, whom they almost universally view as against them. The embedded reporters are despised and distrusted. They are inflicting casualties at a rate of 20-1 and then see s*** like Are we losing in Iraq? on television and the print media. For the most part, they are satisfied with their equipment, food and leadership.
Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 12:49 AM |

Iraqi Constitutional Referendum Results In The AP reports this morning


Iraqi Constitutional Referendum Results In

The AP reports this morning Iraq's landmark constitution was adopted by a majority of voters during the country's Oct. 15 referendum, election officials said Tuesday .The constitution, which many Kurds and majority Shiites strongly support, is considered another major step in the country's democratic transformation, clearing the way for the election of a new Iraqi parliament on Dec. 15.


Katie MacGuidwin

Posted by blogposter at 12:46 AM |