**** About 60 minutes
This BBC documentary focuses on the missing billions that were sent to Iraq. Not only is their billions missing- but money that was actually spent was spent poorly.
Paul Bremmer fired the top medical officials in the country because they worked under Saddam and therefore was considered Baathist.
Those chosen by the Bush administration were picked not by qualifications but for political loyalty.
As more information is coming out about war profiteers - via the Demeocratic lead Congress - the Administration embarrassing mismanagement might finally be decided to be criminal
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Washington Post Wrong: The Iraq war was NOT authorized by U.N. Security Council
The following is from the Web Site Media Matters:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200702260008
Wash. Post parroted White House claim that Iraq war was authorized by U.N. Security Council
Summary: Disregarding its own reporting, The Washington Post uncritically reported the White House's claim that "the United States went [into Iraq in March 2003] as a multinational force under United Nations authorization to take military action against Iraq." In fact, days before the invasion, the Bush administration failed to obtain the votes necessary from the U.N. Security Council clearly authorizing new military action against Iraq.
In a February 24 article on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) efforts to block a Democratic proposal to repeal the 2002 Iraq war authorization, The Washington Post uncritically reported that White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto "said the United States went [into Iraq in March 2003] as a multinational force under United Nations authorization to take military action against Iraq." The Post failed to note that Fratto's claim is disputed. On March 19, 2003, just before the invasion of Iraq, the Post itself reported (purchase required) that President Bush tried and failed to obtain a resolution from the U.N. Security Council clearly authorizing new military action against Iraq:
From Beijing to Mexico City, governments expressed regret that the United States had given up on diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's government. Many said war was not justified at this time, especially without the blessing of a new United Nations Security Council resolution that Washington unsuccessfully sought.
The weblog Think Progress also debunked Fratto's statement, pointing to a Post article from March 18, 2003, reporting that the Bush administration failed "in its months-long effort to win the blessing of the U.N. Security Council to forcibly disarm the Iraqi leader":
Earlier in the day, British and U.S. diplomats, facing certain defeat on the Security Council, withdrew a resolution that would have cleared the way for war. Though Bush on Sunday vowed another day of "working the phones," it quickly became clear that as many as 11 of 15 council members remained opposed and the effort was abandoned by 10 a.m.
The withdrawal of the resolution without a vote was a double climb-down for Bush. On Feb. 22, he had predicted victory at the United Nations, and on March 6 he said he wanted a vote regardless of the outcome.
The Bush administration maintains that the 2003 invasion of Iraq was justified by Saddam's violations of several earlier U.N. Security Council resolutions, going back to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
From the February 24 Washington Post article:
Democratic architects of the new initiative, including Reid, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) and Armed Services Chairman Carl M. Levin (Mich.), have argued that the 2002 authorization is no longer valid, because the intent was to destroy weapons of mass destruction -- which were never found -- and if necessary to depose Saddam Hussein, who has since been captured, tried and executed.
The second part of the authorization, Fratto said, "is still important and envisioned the changing nature there." Even Bush has acknowledged the shift, he said: "The president said this isn't the fight we entered in Iraq but it's the fight we're in."
Fratto said the United States went in as a multinational force under United Nations authorization to take military action against Iraq and was there as an occupying force. "And now we're there at the invitation of the sovereign elected government of Iraq," he said, adding that "U.N. Security Council resolutions that came subsequent to the war authorization, you know, envisioned those kinds of changes."
Biden responded in a CNN interview that while the Constitution allows Bush to conduct war, it does so "only if the Congress gave him the authority in the first place."
—B.A.
----------------------
To brush up on the details maybe the Washington Post should try reading:
Short video: What is the Difference Between Shiite and Sunni Muslims?
Sectarian warfare is tearing apart Iraq. In this short video Richard Engel makes a clear historical distinction between Shiite and Sunni Muslims on the Today Show.
Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq
A look at the historical and current divides between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq.
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HISTORY - A dispute over succession after the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 split the Muslim world into Sunni and Shiite branches. Shiites believe Ali, the prophet's son-in-law, was Muhammad's rightful heir. Sunnis believe the succession went to Abu Bakr, the prophet's close associate. Both branches follow the same basic tenets, but important differences include commemorations of rival historical figures, and the Shiite practice of giving greater authority to top clerics to interpret the Quran and traditions.
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IRAQ - Sunni Arabs account for about 15-20 percent of Iraq's 27 million people. Their cultural bonds are strongly linked to Sunni neighbors such as Jordan and Syria. Under Saddam Hussein, a fellow Sunni, they enjoyed a privileged position. Shiites, who represent about 60 percent, are bonded by tradition with neighboring Iran, the most populous Shiite nation. Several of the most important Shiite shrines and pilgrimage sites are in Iraq.
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CURRENT BATTLES - Sunnis boycotted the election in January 2005 and have led the insurgency against the Washington-backed government and U.S.-led forces. Some militant factions also have made alliances with foreign Sunni jihadists, including al-Qaida in Iraq. Shiites have widely supported the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite. But Shiite militias, including the powerful Mahdi Army, have waged fierce battles with U.S. troops.
Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq
A look at the historical and current divides between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq.
---
HISTORY - A dispute over succession after the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 split the Muslim world into Sunni and Shiite branches. Shiites believe Ali, the prophet's son-in-law, was Muhammad's rightful heir. Sunnis believe the succession went to Abu Bakr, the prophet's close associate. Both branches follow the same basic tenets, but important differences include commemorations of rival historical figures, and the Shiite practice of giving greater authority to top clerics to interpret the Quran and traditions.
---
IRAQ - Sunni Arabs account for about 15-20 percent of Iraq's 27 million people. Their cultural bonds are strongly linked to Sunni neighbors such as Jordan and Syria. Under Saddam Hussein, a fellow Sunni, they enjoyed a privileged position. Shiites, who represent about 60 percent, are bonded by tradition with neighboring Iran, the most populous Shiite nation. Several of the most important Shiite shrines and pilgrimage sites are in Iraq.
---
CURRENT BATTLES - Sunnis boycotted the election in January 2005 and have led the insurgency against the Washington-backed government and U.S.-led forces. Some militant factions also have made alliances with foreign Sunni jihadists, including al-Qaida in Iraq. Shiites have widely supported the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite. But Shiite militias, including the powerful Mahdi Army, have waged fierce battles with U.S. troops.
Pentagon Plans To Cut Leave Time For 14,000 Guard Troops
Pentagon Plans To Cut Leave Time For 14,000 Guard Troops
The New York Times | DAVID S. CLOUD | Posted February 21, 2007 10:07 PM
READ MORE: Iraq, United States National Guard, The Pentagon
The Pentagon is planning to send more than 14,000 National Guard troops back to Iraq next year, shortening their off-duty time to meet the demands of President Bush's buildup, Defense Department officials said Wednesday.
National Guard officials told state commanders in Arkansas, Indiana, Oklahoma and Ohio last month that while a final decision had not been made, veteran units from their states could be designated to return between January and June of next year, the officials said.
The New York Times | DAVID S. CLOUD | Posted February 21, 2007 10:07 PM
READ MORE: Iraq, United States National Guard, The Pentagon
The Pentagon is planning to send more than 14,000 National Guard troops back to Iraq next year, shortening their off-duty time to meet the demands of President Bush's buildup, Defense Department officials said Wednesday.
National Guard officials told state commanders in Arkansas, Indiana, Oklahoma and Ohio last month that while a final decision had not been made, veteran units from their states could be designated to return between January and June of next year, the officials said.
Bob Woodruff Reports on our Ijured returning Solsdiers
Short outtake from the ABC News Special -- Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports. Tuesday, February 27, 2007. Reporting on the numbers of soldiers who seek medical help (many for traumatic brain injuries). This comes on the heels of the damaging Washington post revelation about the poor care the soldiers receive at Walter Reed Hospital.
This also opens up the accusation that the Defense department is issuing gag orders to stop the release of the problems that our returning soldiers are suffering from.
This also opens up the accusation that the Defense department is issuing gag orders to stop the release of the problems that our returning soldiers are suffering from.
Iraq leaders call for International meeting to help stabalize thier country
1. Iraq invited all neighboring countries to the conference next month, which is aimed at improving security in the country amid daily attacks on civilians The conference is tentatively set for March 10-11, Iraq's ambassador in Washington, Samir Sumaidaie, said last month.
2. The four countries that hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council with the U.S. -- Britain, China, France and Russia -- also are invited, Invitations have also gone out to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, and the Arab League
3.Syria's ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar Ja'afari, said today his government hasn't decided whether to attend.
4. This will mark the first time the U.S. has sat with Iran and Syria to look at Iraq's future, an initiative that lawmakers and a bipartisan panel of American statesmen have sought. The Iraq Study Group, headed by former secretary of state Republican James Baker, recommended in its Dec. 6 report that the U.S. engage in a wider regional diplomatic offensive to curb violence in Iraq.The group also recommended direct U.S. talks with Iran and Syria without conditions
John Negroponte, the new deputy secretary of state, said in his Jan. 30 confirmation hearing that he didn't consider such a conference to be of utmost urgency. ``I would not say that, as a matter of priority, one would have to go right to a regional- type conference,'' he told senators
2. The four countries that hold permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council with the U.S. -- Britain, China, France and Russia -- also are invited, Invitations have also gone out to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Bahrain, and the Arab League
3.Syria's ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar Ja'afari, said today his government hasn't decided whether to attend.
4. This will mark the first time the U.S. has sat with Iran and Syria to look at Iraq's future, an initiative that lawmakers and a bipartisan panel of American statesmen have sought. The Iraq Study Group, headed by former secretary of state Republican James Baker, recommended in its Dec. 6 report that the U.S. engage in a wider regional diplomatic offensive to curb violence in Iraq.The group also recommended direct U.S. talks with Iran and Syria without conditions
John Negroponte, the new deputy secretary of state, said in his Jan. 30 confirmation hearing that he didn't consider such a conference to be of utmost urgency. ``I would not say that, as a matter of priority, one would have to go right to a regional- type conference,'' he told senators
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Video: Barack Obama Interview in :2002: Against Iraq
A flashback of Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
Afghanistan --suicide bomber targets Cheney
BAGRAM, Afghanistan --A suicide bomber on foot killed and wounded some two dozen people outside the main U.S. military base in Afghanistan on Tuesday during a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney, officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility and said Cheney was the target.
Article Tools
The blast happened near the first of several security gates outside the base at Bagram, north of the capital Kabul. Cheney's spokeswoman said he was fine, and the U.S. Embassy said the vice president later met with President Hamid Karzai in Kabul.
There were conflicting reports on the death toll. Provincial Gov. Abdul Jabar Taqwa said 20 people were killed, but NATO said initial reports indicated only three were killed, including one U.S. soldier and 1 coalition soldier. NATO said 23 were wounded. It was unclear why there was such a large discrepancy in the reports
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Diplomacy Failing :: War Closer for US and Iran
Iran - US tension on the rise.
The International Atomic Energy Agency last week reported that Iran had ignored a U.N. Security Council ultimatum to freeze its uranium enrichment program and instead had expanded the program by setting up hundreds of centrifuges.
The report came after a U.N Security Council deadline expired Wednesday for Iran to stop enrichment. Iran has repeatedly refused to halt enrichment as a precondition to negotiations about its program.
Iran declares nuclear program irreversible
France's International Heral Tribune reports that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country's disputed nuclear program was like a train without brakes or a reverse gear, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to respond that Iran needs "a stop button." The comments came Sunday.
Iran defies West's threat to impose more sanctions .
Diplomats from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members and Germany were expected to meet in London on Monday to begin discussing what steps to take to increase international pressure on Tehran to cooperate.
A senior British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with government rules, said diplomats would discuss whether the U.N. sanctions imposed on Iran in December could be widened to apply to certain individuals and organizations.
He said they would also examine options for further sanctions – including on export credits and arms exports. He acknowledged negotiations on new U.N. sanctions would likely be delicate, with the U.S., Britain, Germany and France thought to favor tougher measures than Russia and China will accept.
Russia and China - Anti Sanctions
In the case of Iran, Russia and China offer the biggest hindrance to the imposition of an effective economic sanction. Their reluctance to support a comprehensive sanction regime arises from purely pure national interests to a desire to assert their position on the global map. Iran is a major energy supplier to China, and as to Russia, the two countries have good trade relations.
On the international scene, since the end of the Cold War, Russia has sought to curve a new place under the sun for itself, by challenging American hegemony as seen recently with President Putin's declaration that America's approach to global relations is "very dangerous."
For China, its foreign policy centers on energy as it strives for economic growth. These considerations are bound to impact on negotiations relating to the language in the new resolution, the imposition of sanctions and the monitoring process. (The Jerusalem Post)
Just Threat of Sanctions has caused Oil Prices to rise
Crude oil rose for a fourth day on concern that sanctions against Iran may disrupt supplies from the Middle East.
And as prices go up, so does US consumption:
Gasoline consumption over the past four weeks has averaged 9.1 million barrels a day, 3.6 percent higher than the same period a year ago, according to the department, which tracks shipments from refineries, pipelines and terminals to calculate demand. (Bloomberg)
Meanwhile the price of Tomatoes rises in Iran
Iran President Ahmadinejad said: "..the country’s enemies have hatched a range of plots to push the Islamic Republic to give up its disputed nuclear programme, including driving up the price of tomatoes and other food, but that such tactics would not work, Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted him as saying.
Rising prices, particularly the cost of tomatoes which form an important ingredient in Iranian food, have prompted growing public criticism of Mr Ahmadinejad’s government. The president has often dismissed complaints as media exaggeration. “In order to harm us, they (enemies) make plots, for instance they come and push tomato prices up in the market. (http://www.timesonline.co.u)
US Planning for Military action
The New Yorker magazine said a Pentagon panel has been created to plan a bombing attack that could be implemented within 24 hours of getting the go-ahead from US President George W Bush.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney makes Threat
Accusing Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons and assisting Iraqi insurgents in fight against coalition forces in the war-torn country, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, during his visit to Australia on Saturday, refused to rule out the possibility of taking military action against Iran, saying that "all options are still on the table" over Tehran's nuclear programs.
Cheney said that Washington was still working with other countries to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear programs and preferred to achieve the goal peacefully.
"But all options are still on the table," Cheney said, adding that it is still being debated at home how to move next to deal with Tehran over the nuclear issue.
Iran Plays Down Threat of US Military Action :: US is in no position to start war
The Iranian foreign minister said yesterday the United States is in no position for another war and maintained negotiations -- not threats -- are the only way to resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear activities.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was responding to U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who renewed Washington's warning to Iran earlier yesterday that "all options" are on the table if Iran continues to defy UN demands to halt uranium-enrichment.
Mottaki said the U.S. cannot afford to settle its differences with Iran by launching a third war after Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We do not see America in a position to impose another crisis on its taxpayers inside America by starting another war in the region," Mottaki said. (London Free Press)
Iran claims it's ready for war
A deputy Iranian foreign minister said on Sunday that Tehran was ready for any scenario in its nuclear row with the West and "even for war", Iran's student news agency ISNA reported.
"We have prepared ourselves for any situation, even for war," Manouchehr Mohammadi, one of the deputies to the foreign minister, was quoted as saying at a conference in the central city of Isfahan. (http://www.arabianbusiness.com/)
7 Muslim countries urge peaceful solution to Iran nuclear standoff
The New York Times reports:
".. foreign ministers of seven Muslim countries met in Islamabad, Pakistan, and warned of a “dangerous escalation” between the West and Iran, The Associated Press reported. They called for a peaceful resolution.
The ministers represented Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.
The International Atomic Energy Agency last week reported that Iran had ignored a U.N. Security Council ultimatum to freeze its uranium enrichment program and instead had expanded the program by setting up hundreds of centrifuges.
The report came after a U.N Security Council deadline expired Wednesday for Iran to stop enrichment. Iran has repeatedly refused to halt enrichment as a precondition to negotiations about its program.
Iran declares nuclear program irreversible
France's International Heral Tribune reports that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country's disputed nuclear program was like a train without brakes or a reverse gear, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to respond that Iran needs "a stop button." The comments came Sunday.
Iran defies West's threat to impose more sanctions .
Diplomats from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members and Germany were expected to meet in London on Monday to begin discussing what steps to take to increase international pressure on Tehran to cooperate.
A senior British diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with government rules, said diplomats would discuss whether the U.N. sanctions imposed on Iran in December could be widened to apply to certain individuals and organizations.
He said they would also examine options for further sanctions – including on export credits and arms exports. He acknowledged negotiations on new U.N. sanctions would likely be delicate, with the U.S., Britain, Germany and France thought to favor tougher measures than Russia and China will accept.
Russia and China - Anti Sanctions
In the case of Iran, Russia and China offer the biggest hindrance to the imposition of an effective economic sanction. Their reluctance to support a comprehensive sanction regime arises from purely pure national interests to a desire to assert their position on the global map. Iran is a major energy supplier to China, and as to Russia, the two countries have good trade relations.
On the international scene, since the end of the Cold War, Russia has sought to curve a new place under the sun for itself, by challenging American hegemony as seen recently with President Putin's declaration that America's approach to global relations is "very dangerous."
For China, its foreign policy centers on energy as it strives for economic growth. These considerations are bound to impact on negotiations relating to the language in the new resolution, the imposition of sanctions and the monitoring process. (The Jerusalem Post)
Just Threat of Sanctions has caused Oil Prices to rise
Crude oil rose for a fourth day on concern that sanctions against Iran may disrupt supplies from the Middle East.
And as prices go up, so does US consumption:
Gasoline consumption over the past four weeks has averaged 9.1 million barrels a day, 3.6 percent higher than the same period a year ago, according to the department, which tracks shipments from refineries, pipelines and terminals to calculate demand. (Bloomberg)
Meanwhile the price of Tomatoes rises in Iran
Iran President Ahmadinejad said: "..the country’s enemies have hatched a range of plots to push the Islamic Republic to give up its disputed nuclear programme, including driving up the price of tomatoes and other food, but that such tactics would not work, Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted him as saying.
Rising prices, particularly the cost of tomatoes which form an important ingredient in Iranian food, have prompted growing public criticism of Mr Ahmadinejad’s government. The president has often dismissed complaints as media exaggeration. “In order to harm us, they (enemies) make plots, for instance they come and push tomato prices up in the market. (http://www.timesonline.co.u)
US Planning for Military action
The New Yorker magazine said a Pentagon panel has been created to plan a bombing attack that could be implemented within 24 hours of getting the go-ahead from US President George W Bush.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney makes Threat
Accusing Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons and assisting Iraqi insurgents in fight against coalition forces in the war-torn country, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, during his visit to Australia on Saturday, refused to rule out the possibility of taking military action against Iran, saying that "all options are still on the table" over Tehran's nuclear programs.
Cheney said that Washington was still working with other countries to persuade Tehran to abandon its nuclear programs and preferred to achieve the goal peacefully.
"But all options are still on the table," Cheney said, adding that it is still being debated at home how to move next to deal with Tehran over the nuclear issue.
Iran Plays Down Threat of US Military Action :: US is in no position to start war
The Iranian foreign minister said yesterday the United States is in no position for another war and maintained negotiations -- not threats -- are the only way to resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear activities.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki was responding to U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who renewed Washington's warning to Iran earlier yesterday that "all options" are on the table if Iran continues to defy UN demands to halt uranium-enrichment.
Mottaki said the U.S. cannot afford to settle its differences with Iran by launching a third war after Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We do not see America in a position to impose another crisis on its taxpayers inside America by starting another war in the region," Mottaki said. (London Free Press)
Iran claims it's ready for war
A deputy Iranian foreign minister said on Sunday that Tehran was ready for any scenario in its nuclear row with the West and "even for war", Iran's student news agency ISNA reported.
"We have prepared ourselves for any situation, even for war," Manouchehr Mohammadi, one of the deputies to the foreign minister, was quoted as saying at a conference in the central city of Isfahan. (http://www.arabianbusiness.com/)
7 Muslim countries urge peaceful solution to Iran nuclear standoff
The New York Times reports:
".. foreign ministers of seven Muslim countries met in Islamabad, Pakistan, and warned of a “dangerous escalation” between the West and Iran, The Associated Press reported. They called for a peaceful resolution.
The ministers represented Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.
New Post
Iraq War News & History has about 300 post covering the time prior to the US invasion to the present: There is a lot of interesting material here- news, videos, documentaries, television interviews, documents, music videos, book reviews... These are recent additions and some highlights.
New post include:
The documentary "The Road to Guantanamo"
Walter Reed Hospital:
In an incredible job of reporting, Washington Post found that many of the injured returning vets were being kept in poor conditions at Walter Reed Hospital. Several post cover this story:
;#1Tony Snow dodging reporters on the subject at a press conference.
#2A video interview with the Washington Post reporter Dana Priest And a bonus video of Kieth Obermann's take on the situation from MNBC News
#3The mistreatment of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital Two videos focus on the special report on the bad conditions our returning injured soldiers must face at the Walter Reed Hospital as reported in a Washington Post article.
#4 A blogger post from by John in DC 2/17/2007 on ttp://americablog.blogspot.com and a copy of the Washington post piece
Republicans misdirect their Slow Bleed rhetoric
Bush's Iraq 'surge' plan leads to massive implosion of bloody turmoil.
Condoleezza Rice in Baghdad More than just covering Condi's surprise visit- this piece covers the current situation.
Bombs Explode & Accusations Fly : US - Iran War Ratchets Up a Few notches.
Bin Laden returns to the misdirected Rhetoric of the War on Terror
Notes from Media Roundtable With Secretary Of Defense Robert Gates. The media asks questions of the new Defense Secretary- these are his answers.
House votes against troop surge in Iraq & Tim Ryan's speechThis historic no confidence vote and, in my opinion, one of the best speakers in the Debate
23 Administration Officials Involved In Plame Leak- a great article from Think Progress- a lot of interesting details.
Hilary Clinton did not support Bush's attack on Iraqsome people are trying to smear Senator and Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton about her pre-war position. however on close inspection her opinion seems to have been correct. She did not support the President pre emptive strike, but rather wanted Collin Powell to continue his efforts towards a diplomatic solution. Shame on all those who publish un-truths about this.
Other highlights:
Neil Young
Protest music is back with Neil Young's 2006 release, 'Living With War', featuring many great songs/ideas including this one,"Let's Impeach The President". Here we have an interview with Neil Young and a video of that song.
Impeach the President: recent books that outline how this can be possible.
The Documentary: The Power of Nightmares A documentary about neoconservatives and radical Islamic by the BBC.
The Ehren Watada Story- We have the story of the mistrial, a short video of the case, and an interview. This is the soldier who refused to be deployed to Iraq.
;An incredible video of a Haliburton Truck being ambushed in IraqVideo:
Explicit : Saddam Hussein's Execution
A very good 4 part documentary on the Neocons
The entire award winning Documentary Iraq for Sale
;
Added into past archives:Joe Wilson's Op-Ed for New York Times - This is the piece that started the outing of the CIA agent Vallery Plame and caused the LibbyTrial that is going on now.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
ISA BEST DOC "The Road to Guantánamo" /View entire film below
The documentary "The Road to Guantanamo" has just (this moment 2/24/07) won Best Documentary at the Independent Spirit Awards.
The complete documentary "The Road to Guantánamo" on Iraq News and History Below:
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS is an annual celebration of filmmaking that meets four criteria: uniqueness of vision, provocative and original subject matter, economy of means, and independent financing.
Part drama, part documentary, The Road to Guantánamo focuses on the Tipton Three, a trio of British Muslims who were held in Guantanamo Bay for two years until they were released without charge.
I have also include an interview with the Co-Directors/Co-Editors, Michael WINTERBOTTOM & Mat WHITECROSS.
"The Road to Guantanamo is a 2006 docu-drama directed by Michael Winterbottom about the incarceration of three British detainees at a detainment camp in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. It was premiered at the Berlinale on 14th February, 2006, and first shown in the UK on Channel 4 on 9th March, 2006. The following day it was the first film to be released simultaneously in cinemas, on DVD and on the Internet.
Filming took place in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, which doubled as Cuba. Mat Whitecross is credited as co-director, and handled most of the interviews with the real-life counterparts to the main characters.[1]
Actors detained
ACTORS DETAINED
Four of the actors in the film were detained for about an hour by police at London Luton Airport after returning from the film's premiere in Berlin. Rizwan Ahmed alleged that during questioning police asked him whether he had become an actor to further the Islamic cause, questioned him on his views on the Iraq war, verbally abused him and denied him access to a telephone.[11] He was then asked to become an informant for the police.[3]
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire police said that none of the men were arrested and that the Terrorism Act allows the police to "stop and examine people if something happens that might be suspicious". She did not clarify what the actors had done to arouse suspicion. [11]
From Wikipedia Here
#1 The New York Times: At the Tribeca Festival, Foreign Films Tell Tales That Hit Close to Home, April 28th, 2006
# 2 The Washington Post: MPAA Rates Poster an F, May 17th, 2006
# 3 a b The Observer: Using terror to fight terror, February 26th, 2006
# 11 a b The Guardian: Guantánamo actors questioned under terror act after film festival, February 21st, 2006
Since this is Independent Filmaking it would be great if you would purchase the film to support the directors. It is now available on ITUNES (along with all Independent Spirit Awards Nominated movies) .
THIS PAGE MAY TAKE A LITTLE LONGER TO LOAD
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight
Part Nine
Part Ten- Conclusion
The Movie Show Online interviewed Co-Directors/Co-Editors, Michael WINTERBOTTOM & Mat WHITECROSS about THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO.
Friday, February 23, 2007
President has not Issued any Special Orders to fix Problems at Walter Reed Hospital
White House Press Secretary tries to dodge a continual brutal attack by the press, questioning him about the The Walter Reed problem. It goes on for ten minutes.
Text after video.
Update of:
The mistreatment of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital
Q The administration's mantra for a long time has been "support the troops." What is the reaction, then, when you read this series of stories in The Washington Post about troops coming home from Iraq, Afghanistan and being treated so poorly, apparently, based on this long investigation? What's the President's reaction?
MR. SNOW: There are a couple of things. First, it's not a mantra. I would really choose words carefully. It's a commitment to support the troops. And the President, as you know, has visited the wounded many times at Walter Reed and we are concerned about it. And the people who --
Q Were you aware?
MR. SNOW: We are aware now, yes. And I would refer you to the Department of Defense, which I know is taking a very close look at it, too.
Look, the men and women who have gone and fought for our country over there, they deserve the best care.
Q So why has that not been guaranteed, then?
MR. SNOW: I'm not sure that -- you know, when you find a problem, you deal with it.
Q So you're saying the President learned about this from The Washington Post?
MR. SNOW: I don't know exactly where he learned it, but I can tell you that we believe that they deserve better. And, again, Ed, this is something where I'd suggest you give DoD a call, because I know they've taken a good, hard look at it.
Q Tony, can I follow on that? As Bob Dole might ask, where's the outrage?
MR. SNOW: There's plenty of outrage.
Q Is there?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q So the President responded how when he learned about this? What, specifically -- did he order something to be done?
MR. SNOW: What I'm suggesting -- there's a reason I'm suggesting -- DoD is the proper place in which we'll be taking care of these issues. And I would refer you to them for comment. But this is something that's going to have to be an action item.
Q But is there any evidence that it was even looked at before the paper printed its two stories?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q Then tell us about that evidence.
MR. SNOW: That's why -- again, I would refer you, Bill, to the Department of the Army, which runs the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This is the place where if you want to get --
Q That's just an easy way for you not to have to talk about it.
MR. SNOW: Well, it's also a way of pointing to the proper authorities, which is what you would want.
Q The White House doesn't want to be on record with a more emphatic expression of amazement and upset about this?
MR. SNOW: No. David asked where the outrage -- of course there's outrage that men and women who have been fighting have not received the outpatient care -- if you read the stories, there are many who are happy with it, some who are unhappy, and it's important that we show our commitment to the people who have served. I don't know what more you want me to do.
Q In December NPR ran a series looking at the quality of mental health care for Iraq veterans who have returned, showing that it's shocking how little care is provided to them. And several congresspeople -- Obama, Boxer and Bond -- sent a letter to the Pentagon, which you're referring us to, asking for an investigation, which they have not agreed to conduct. So you're referring us to the DoD, but they're not acting quickly on this. So does the President want them to act quickly?
MR. SNOW: Well, again, you've asked me about two separate stories.
Q It seems there's a problem that's endemic to the system.
MR. SNOW: Well, rather than leaping to a conclusion, as I said, I would suggest you call them, and then we can talk about it later.
Q Off camera this morning you said that you would have something at noon; you said, I'll talk about it then. And now you're not really --
MR. SNOW: Well, that's because -- again, I think that you may see some activity on it. And at this point I would refer you to the Department of Defense.
Q Is the system working?
MR. SNOW: Well, I'll tell you what -- is the system working? Yes. Is it working perfectly? No.
Q It's good enough?
MR. SNOW: No, I said, it's not good enough. I just told you it's not working perfectly. But there are also thousands of people who have been through the system who have been cared for. But it is important that we maintain a commitment to following up or providing the treatment that these men and women deserve.
Q Do you think the President is going to say something about this later?
MR. SNOW: No.
Q You responded to me a moment ago that the administration was aware of this before the articles appeared in the paper.
MR. SNOW: That is my understanding. But, again, this is something that's an action item over at the Department of Defense and, in particular, the Department of the Army. I am not fully briefed on the activities or who knew what, when. And I suggest --
Q Was the President aware of it? Was the White House aware of it?
MR. SNOW: I am not certain --
Q May I follow on --
Q What is the President's --
MR. SNOW: -- when we first became aware of it.* Now the President certainly has been aware of the conditions in the wards where he has visited, and visited regularly, and we also have people from Walter Reed regularly over to the White House as guests, sometimes in fairly large numbers. So as I said, the President is committed -- committed to these people, committed to men and women who have served. We need to make sure that whatever problems there are get fixed. I couldn't be any stronger or plainer about it.
Q Has he given any new orders?
MR. SNOW: No. At this point, Helen, I think the most important thing -- the way this would work is the Department of Army has its own investigation about what's going on at Walter Reed. They will be taking action. The President certainly wants to make sure that, as I said before, whatever problems there are get fixed.
Q On Walter Reed, a lot of the veterans, the medical community, the doctors, the neighbors who have worked at Walter Reed are very upset about this move, pending move to Bethesda. In light of everything that's happening, does the administration still support uprooting --
MR. SNOW: The Department of Defense has made the decision to consolidate the treatment facilities at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center.
Q Is there any chance of a second look? Some of the facilities at Walter Reed are brand new.
MR. SNOW: Well, again, I'm just going to refer you to that. This is -- all of a sudden people are trying to open up different avenues of inquiry. The fact is that those changes have, in fact, been decided upon by the Department of Defense. I am not aware of any decisions to change.
Q To clarify, were these -- any actions that the Pentagon has taken, these action items, were they done on its own, or did they do this in response to some order from here?
MR. SNOW: Again, I'm not aware that anybody has -- look, when you have a problem like this, the imperative is to fix it. I'm not sure that you have to issue orders; there are people there who know if they've got a problem they need to fix it. So I don't think that -- I will try to find out for you, but I'm not aware that the President has cut any special orders. But I will try to get for you additional information.
Q I think what we're --
MR. SNOW: I know what you're trying to do, you're trying to get a tick-tock on what did he learn and how did he respond and who did he call.
Q Yes, we're trying to determine if someone here built a fire under someone over there to do something.
MR. SNOW: You know, that's assuming that people there are callous about the fate of the people who are serving.
Q It isn't --
MR. SNOW: No, I think it is. When you say "light a fire," it's as if, you know, you find out that there's a problem and you don't move quickly to try to correct it. My sense is that there's plenty of fire for trying to get it right. But this is why I'm telling you if you want a more direct answer about this, you do need to talk to the people at the Department of the Army --
Q But, Tony, when you read --
MR. SNOW: -- who are at the ground level involvement here.
Q -- an account that says a commanding general, quotes a commanding general as saying, well, gee, we ordered repairs done, but they weren't done -- you'd think they would have known this hadn't been accomplished.
MR. SNOW: Well, again, that's why -- you've just made my point, which is you need to get back to them, and I will also get back for you with a tick-tock about what's going on at this end.
Q It's not just -- you're describing kind of a cold, detached bureaucratic process. We all know how this works. Something like this, this kind of story gets people's attention. You are now --
MR. SNOW: Well --
Q Wait a minute. You're now in the PR business, you know if something like this happens it's at odds with the commitments you make; the Commander-in-Chief might well stand up at a meeting and say, darn it, let's get to the bottom of this now and let's get answers. And this happened over the weekend, and you're saying you think the White House knew, but you're not sure; you're not sure when the President knew or if he said something to somebody. It just seems like you should have those answers.
MR. SNOW: Okay, but you also -- fine, I'll try to get them for you. But when you talk about cold detachment, I don't think saying that if it needs --
Q You're calling it an "action item"?
MR. SNOW: Well, yes, because what I'm telling you is that it is something that falls under the providence of the Department of the Army. Therefore, if you want the detailed answers about who knew what, when and how it's been handled, you do need to ask them, because they're going to have the information, David.
I can tell you that the President feels passionately about them, and you should have no doubt about it -- you've been at enough events where when he looks these people in the eye there is a commitment, a strong, profound emotional commitment to the people who serve this country. And it is one where the President is committed to doing right by the men and women who serve. There should be no doubt about that.
Q But, Tony --
MR. SNOW: Wait, wait. In that case, what I'm telling you is let's sort through the facts. I know that what you want is for me to tell you more than I know right now. So you keep at it --
Q But it would not be unreasonable for you or the President, through you, to express some kind of outrage over what has happened up there.
MR. SNOW: Well, it's also a matter of trying to figure out precisely what has happened. You have news stories, it is important to investigate. As you know, the most important thing is to fix a problem, correct? And there is absolute determination to fix the problem. The President is somebody, again, whose passion for these forces should never, ever be a topic of doubt on the part of the forces or the American people.
Q Right, but Tony, when you say he looks in the eyes of the families -- but what if the bureaucrats on the ground are not actually following through on the commitment you say he has? Doesn't he have a duty to follow through and say, what --
MR. SNOW: That's why I'm asking you to direct your questions to the people who are in direct line of responsibility for this, who are going to have more information on this than I do right now.
Q What is your reaction of Major General Weightman, who is the Commander at Walter Reed, also says in the bottom of the article on Sunday in The Washington Post, said that he's concerned and that they're bracing for, "potentially a lot more casualties," people coming to Walter Reed because of the surge. Does that cause the White House to think at all about that policy, because you have the Commander of Walter Reed --
MR. SNOW: There are a whole series of things, and, again, this is why you need to talk to people who are in the chain, because --
Q But this he said on the record.
MR. SNOW: I understand, Ed. But there are a series of things. First, for Walter Reed, what you end up having is treatment of people who are wounded -- and also this is Bethesda, as you know, different sorts of injuries are treated at the two facilities. And many of those people are there for months. And this story deals with outpatient care after that treatment, right? So it's important, I think, to understand that you've got to be prepared for all things that are going to come your way, including getting the piece right when it comes to outpatient care, and continuing also to do well by inpatients.
But, again, I know you want me to -- I'm simply not going to go beyond what I know. And in this particular case, the people who do know the facts and do know what's going on, and do know how the investigations are proceeding are the guys over at DoD.
Q I think that's part of the question. It doesn't seem like -- beyond what you know, it doesn't seem like you're asking that many questions to find out. I mean, you have a limited knowledge about the situation.
MR. SNOW: It's because they're working the issue, and I'm telling you, those are the people to talk to, the DoD.
Q -- I mean, you keep putting me off on other people --
MR. SNOW: I know.
Q This is a commitment the President has made, you said, to the families, right?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q So why isn't the President, why isn't his staff saying, let's get to the bottom of it now?
MR. SNOW: We are trying to get to the bottom of it, and the people who are responsible for getting to the bottom of it work on the other side of the river.
Text after video.
Update of:
The mistreatment of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital
Q The administration's mantra for a long time has been "support the troops." What is the reaction, then, when you read this series of stories in The Washington Post about troops coming home from Iraq, Afghanistan and being treated so poorly, apparently, based on this long investigation? What's the President's reaction?
MR. SNOW: There are a couple of things. First, it's not a mantra. I would really choose words carefully. It's a commitment to support the troops. And the President, as you know, has visited the wounded many times at Walter Reed and we are concerned about it. And the people who --
Q Were you aware?
MR. SNOW: We are aware now, yes. And I would refer you to the Department of Defense, which I know is taking a very close look at it, too.
Look, the men and women who have gone and fought for our country over there, they deserve the best care.
Q So why has that not been guaranteed, then?
MR. SNOW: I'm not sure that -- you know, when you find a problem, you deal with it.
Q So you're saying the President learned about this from The Washington Post?
MR. SNOW: I don't know exactly where he learned it, but I can tell you that we believe that they deserve better. And, again, Ed, this is something where I'd suggest you give DoD a call, because I know they've taken a good, hard look at it.
Q Tony, can I follow on that? As Bob Dole might ask, where's the outrage?
MR. SNOW: There's plenty of outrage.
Q Is there?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q So the President responded how when he learned about this? What, specifically -- did he order something to be done?
MR. SNOW: What I'm suggesting -- there's a reason I'm suggesting -- DoD is the proper place in which we'll be taking care of these issues. And I would refer you to them for comment. But this is something that's going to have to be an action item.
Q But is there any evidence that it was even looked at before the paper printed its two stories?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q Then tell us about that evidence.
MR. SNOW: That's why -- again, I would refer you, Bill, to the Department of the Army, which runs the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This is the place where if you want to get --
Q That's just an easy way for you not to have to talk about it.
MR. SNOW: Well, it's also a way of pointing to the proper authorities, which is what you would want.
Q The White House doesn't want to be on record with a more emphatic expression of amazement and upset about this?
MR. SNOW: No. David asked where the outrage -- of course there's outrage that men and women who have been fighting have not received the outpatient care -- if you read the stories, there are many who are happy with it, some who are unhappy, and it's important that we show our commitment to the people who have served. I don't know what more you want me to do.
Q In December NPR ran a series looking at the quality of mental health care for Iraq veterans who have returned, showing that it's shocking how little care is provided to them. And several congresspeople -- Obama, Boxer and Bond -- sent a letter to the Pentagon, which you're referring us to, asking for an investigation, which they have not agreed to conduct. So you're referring us to the DoD, but they're not acting quickly on this. So does the President want them to act quickly?
MR. SNOW: Well, again, you've asked me about two separate stories.
Q It seems there's a problem that's endemic to the system.
MR. SNOW: Well, rather than leaping to a conclusion, as I said, I would suggest you call them, and then we can talk about it later.
Q Off camera this morning you said that you would have something at noon; you said, I'll talk about it then. And now you're not really --
MR. SNOW: Well, that's because -- again, I think that you may see some activity on it. And at this point I would refer you to the Department of Defense.
Q Is the system working?
MR. SNOW: Well, I'll tell you what -- is the system working? Yes. Is it working perfectly? No.
Q It's good enough?
MR. SNOW: No, I said, it's not good enough. I just told you it's not working perfectly. But there are also thousands of people who have been through the system who have been cared for. But it is important that we maintain a commitment to following up or providing the treatment that these men and women deserve.
Q Do you think the President is going to say something about this later?
MR. SNOW: No.
Q You responded to me a moment ago that the administration was aware of this before the articles appeared in the paper.
MR. SNOW: That is my understanding. But, again, this is something that's an action item over at the Department of Defense and, in particular, the Department of the Army. I am not fully briefed on the activities or who knew what, when. And I suggest --
Q Was the President aware of it? Was the White House aware of it?
MR. SNOW: I am not certain --
Q May I follow on --
Q What is the President's --
MR. SNOW: -- when we first became aware of it.* Now the President certainly has been aware of the conditions in the wards where he has visited, and visited regularly, and we also have people from Walter Reed regularly over to the White House as guests, sometimes in fairly large numbers. So as I said, the President is committed -- committed to these people, committed to men and women who have served. We need to make sure that whatever problems there are get fixed. I couldn't be any stronger or plainer about it.
Q Has he given any new orders?
MR. SNOW: No. At this point, Helen, I think the most important thing -- the way this would work is the Department of Army has its own investigation about what's going on at Walter Reed. They will be taking action. The President certainly wants to make sure that, as I said before, whatever problems there are get fixed.
Q On Walter Reed, a lot of the veterans, the medical community, the doctors, the neighbors who have worked at Walter Reed are very upset about this move, pending move to Bethesda. In light of everything that's happening, does the administration still support uprooting --
MR. SNOW: The Department of Defense has made the decision to consolidate the treatment facilities at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center.
Q Is there any chance of a second look? Some of the facilities at Walter Reed are brand new.
MR. SNOW: Well, again, I'm just going to refer you to that. This is -- all of a sudden people are trying to open up different avenues of inquiry. The fact is that those changes have, in fact, been decided upon by the Department of Defense. I am not aware of any decisions to change.
Q To clarify, were these -- any actions that the Pentagon has taken, these action items, were they done on its own, or did they do this in response to some order from here?
MR. SNOW: Again, I'm not aware that anybody has -- look, when you have a problem like this, the imperative is to fix it. I'm not sure that you have to issue orders; there are people there who know if they've got a problem they need to fix it. So I don't think that -- I will try to find out for you, but I'm not aware that the President has cut any special orders. But I will try to get for you additional information.
Q I think what we're --
MR. SNOW: I know what you're trying to do, you're trying to get a tick-tock on what did he learn and how did he respond and who did he call.
Q Yes, we're trying to determine if someone here built a fire under someone over there to do something.
MR. SNOW: You know, that's assuming that people there are callous about the fate of the people who are serving.
Q It isn't --
MR. SNOW: No, I think it is. When you say "light a fire," it's as if, you know, you find out that there's a problem and you don't move quickly to try to correct it. My sense is that there's plenty of fire for trying to get it right. But this is why I'm telling you if you want a more direct answer about this, you do need to talk to the people at the Department of the Army --
Q But, Tony, when you read --
MR. SNOW: -- who are at the ground level involvement here.
Q -- an account that says a commanding general, quotes a commanding general as saying, well, gee, we ordered repairs done, but they weren't done -- you'd think they would have known this hadn't been accomplished.
MR. SNOW: Well, again, that's why -- you've just made my point, which is you need to get back to them, and I will also get back for you with a tick-tock about what's going on at this end.
Q It's not just -- you're describing kind of a cold, detached bureaucratic process. We all know how this works. Something like this, this kind of story gets people's attention. You are now --
MR. SNOW: Well --
Q Wait a minute. You're now in the PR business, you know if something like this happens it's at odds with the commitments you make; the Commander-in-Chief might well stand up at a meeting and say, darn it, let's get to the bottom of this now and let's get answers. And this happened over the weekend, and you're saying you think the White House knew, but you're not sure; you're not sure when the President knew or if he said something to somebody. It just seems like you should have those answers.
MR. SNOW: Okay, but you also -- fine, I'll try to get them for you. But when you talk about cold detachment, I don't think saying that if it needs --
Q You're calling it an "action item"?
MR. SNOW: Well, yes, because what I'm telling you is that it is something that falls under the providence of the Department of the Army. Therefore, if you want the detailed answers about who knew what, when and how it's been handled, you do need to ask them, because they're going to have the information, David.
I can tell you that the President feels passionately about them, and you should have no doubt about it -- you've been at enough events where when he looks these people in the eye there is a commitment, a strong, profound emotional commitment to the people who serve this country. And it is one where the President is committed to doing right by the men and women who serve. There should be no doubt about that.
Q But, Tony --
MR. SNOW: Wait, wait. In that case, what I'm telling you is let's sort through the facts. I know that what you want is for me to tell you more than I know right now. So you keep at it --
Q But it would not be unreasonable for you or the President, through you, to express some kind of outrage over what has happened up there.
MR. SNOW: Well, it's also a matter of trying to figure out precisely what has happened. You have news stories, it is important to investigate. As you know, the most important thing is to fix a problem, correct? And there is absolute determination to fix the problem. The President is somebody, again, whose passion for these forces should never, ever be a topic of doubt on the part of the forces or the American people.
Q Right, but Tony, when you say he looks in the eyes of the families -- but what if the bureaucrats on the ground are not actually following through on the commitment you say he has? Doesn't he have a duty to follow through and say, what --
MR. SNOW: That's why I'm asking you to direct your questions to the people who are in direct line of responsibility for this, who are going to have more information on this than I do right now.
Q What is your reaction of Major General Weightman, who is the Commander at Walter Reed, also says in the bottom of the article on Sunday in The Washington Post, said that he's concerned and that they're bracing for, "potentially a lot more casualties," people coming to Walter Reed because of the surge. Does that cause the White House to think at all about that policy, because you have the Commander of Walter Reed --
MR. SNOW: There are a whole series of things, and, again, this is why you need to talk to people who are in the chain, because --
Q But this he said on the record.
MR. SNOW: I understand, Ed. But there are a series of things. First, for Walter Reed, what you end up having is treatment of people who are wounded -- and also this is Bethesda, as you know, different sorts of injuries are treated at the two facilities. And many of those people are there for months. And this story deals with outpatient care after that treatment, right? So it's important, I think, to understand that you've got to be prepared for all things that are going to come your way, including getting the piece right when it comes to outpatient care, and continuing also to do well by inpatients.
But, again, I know you want me to -- I'm simply not going to go beyond what I know. And in this particular case, the people who do know the facts and do know what's going on, and do know how the investigations are proceeding are the guys over at DoD.
Q I think that's part of the question. It doesn't seem like -- beyond what you know, it doesn't seem like you're asking that many questions to find out. I mean, you have a limited knowledge about the situation.
MR. SNOW: It's because they're working the issue, and I'm telling you, those are the people to talk to, the DoD.
Q -- I mean, you keep putting me off on other people --
MR. SNOW: I know.
Q This is a commitment the President has made, you said, to the families, right?
MR. SNOW: Yes.
Q So why isn't the President, why isn't his staff saying, let's get to the bottom of it now?
MR. SNOW: We are trying to get to the bottom of it, and the people who are responsible for getting to the bottom of it work on the other side of the river.
US Ambassador Apologizes to Iraqi Political Leader for Arresting Son
Abdul Aziz al-HakimU.S. troops detained the son of Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, who leads the Badr militia and the country’s largest Shiite party, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
The son, Ammar Abdel-Aziz Al-Hakim, is in his mid-30s and normally dressed in black turban and clerical robes, is an influential member of the ruling Shi'ite Alliance in his own right and is secretary general of a humanitarian charity set up by SCIRI. The SCIRI was founded in Iran in1982 and its continued links to Shi'ite Islamist Iran is a source of concern for Washington, which accuses Iran of fuelling violence in Iraq by supplying Shi'ite militias with weapons, funding and training.
The son, Ammar Abdel-Aziz Al-Hakim,was "released after an intervention by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki," Al-Iraqiya state TV said in a breaking news report. He had been arrested by US troops at the Iranian border,
Why he was arrested:
U.S. authorities have complained about Iranian weapons sales and financial aid to the two major Shiite parties in Iraq, especially the Mahdi Army of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr who is thought by the US to be in Iran now.
There has been a generations-long feud between their Abdul Aziz al-Hakim familiy and al-Sadr's family creating a major divide in the Shiite population. The feud and has carried over into a personal and political rivalry between the men, and their militias have periodically clashed.
Both Washington and Iraqi leaders have vowed that no independent militia would be exempt as a major security operation is under way in Baghdad.
Abdul Azizal Harkins (the father's) Political Opinion:
"We, as Iraqis and Shiites, are still being subjected to mass killings, kidnappings, displacement, destruction of infrastructure and attacks on mosques and holy shrines as well as other crimes committed by Saddamists, Bathists and their takfiri allies," the cleric Has explained.
"We, with deep regret, still hear fatwas by the takfiris that call for the killings of millions of Iraqis. Such edicts are being issued from inside Iraq by some foreigners who entered the country illegally and also by some evil clerics in neighboring countries," said the leader of the largest Shiite group, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
Al Hakim was apparently referring to Abdullah Bin Jabrain, a key members in Saudi Arabia's clerical establishment, who earlier this month joined a chorus of other hardliners who have deemed Shiites as infidels.
Al Hakim is in favor of setting up Federal Regions in Iraq to help stop sectarian violence between the Sunni"s and Shiites.
End Result:
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said the arrest was being investigated but stressed that Washington did not mean any disrespect to al-Hakim or his family.
"I am sorry about the arrest," he said. "We don't know the circumstances of the arrest and we are investigating ... but he is being released."
Iraqi Education Minister Khodair al-Khozaei, a Shi'ite, condemned Hakim's arrest. "There will definitely be popular reactions," he told Dubai -based Al Arabiya television. "More than anybody else, it is the Americans who are violating the security plan through their cowboy methods," he said, referring to a major security crackdown launched this month in Baghdad.
The provincial council of the southern Shi'ite province of Najaf called for demonstrations on Saturday.
Update: Murder & Rape in Iraq - US Soldier gets 100 Year Sentance
Soldier Gets 100 Years for Rape, Killing
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, also was given a dishonorable discharge. He will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the terms of his plea agreement.
Cortez, of Barstow, Calif., pleaded guilty this week to four counts of felony murder, rape and conspiracy to rape in a case considered among the worst atrocities by U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
"I still don't have an answer," Cortez told the judge. "I don't know why. I wish I hadn't. The lives of four innocent people were taken. I want to apologize for all of the pain and suffering I have caused the al-Janabi family."
The military judge hearing the case, Col. Stephen R. Henley, issued a sentence of life in prison without parole, the maximum for the charges. Under military law, the defendant is given the lesser sentence unless he violates terms of the plea agreement, which requires Cortez to testify against others charged in the case.
Psychologist Charles Figley testified that Cortez and the other soldiers likely suffered stress brought on by fatigue and trauma.
Cortez was found not guilty of more serious charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to premeditated murder.
Original story:
US soldiers admitts to rape of 14yr old and then killing her and her family
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, entered the plea Tuesday to four murders, rape and conspiracy to rape. With the approval of the plea agreement by Col. Stephen R. Henley, Cortez will avoid the death penalty.
Cortez is one of five soldiers charged in gang raping Abeer Qassim al-Janabi and murdering her and her family in Mahmudiya Iraq.
A second US soldier Spc. James P. Barkerr, 24, pleaded guilty in November to rape and murder and was sentenced to 90 years in military prison
Sgt. Cortez said that he conspired with three other soldiers - Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, Spc. James P. Barker and Steven D. Green in the crimes. Another soldier Bryan Howard is also being charged for crimes relating to this event.
Jesse Spielman, 22, and Bryan Howard, 23, await courts-martial. Howard, who is confined to the post, was in the courtroom Tuesday observing Cortez's case. Green is charged in federal court in Kentucky, accused of being the ringleader. He is being tried as a civilian because he was discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder" before his superiors were aware of his suspected involvement.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to helping get rid of the murder weapon, an AK-47, which was thrown into a canal. He also admitted to drinking whisky prior to the attack, a violation of army rules against alcohol in that area of Iraq.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to arson and breaking into the girl's house.
Cortez had pleaded not guilty to separate charges of conspiracy to premeditated murder and premeditated murder, and a court-martial on those charges was scheduled to begin later Wednesday.
Premeditation?
Cortez, wearing a dress green uniform and flanked by his civilian and military lawyers, described how he, Spc. James Barker and Pvt. Steven Green, planned the attack over liquor and a game of cards.
"While we were playing cards Barker and Green started talking about having sex with an Iraqi female. Barker and Green had already known..." Cortez said before breaking down. He bowed his head and remained silent, sniffling occasionally, for a full minute before continuing.
"Barker and Green had already known what, um, house they wanted to go to ... knew only one male was in the house, and knew it would be an easy target," Cortez said.
Even with these admissions Cortez did not agree that the rape and murder were premeditated.
Alex Pickands, the prosecuting lawyer, said the soldiers "gathered together over cards and booze" last year in Baghdad and came up with a plan to rape and murder the girl.
Sentence
Even if premeditation is not proven, the sentencing options are the same: a maximum of life in prison without parole or a minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Barker and Cortez both avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty.
Details of the Crimes
Cortez said Pvt. Steven Green, was the ringleader Green took the girl's mother, father and little sister into a bedroom,, while he and Barker took the teenager, Abeer Qassim al-Janabi, to the living room.
"She kept squirming and trying to keep her legs closed and saying stuff in Arabic," Cortez said.
"During the time me and Barker were raping Abeer, I heard five or six gunshots that came from the bedroom. After Barker was done, Green came out of the bedroom and said that he had killed them all, that all of them were dead," Cortez said.
"Green then placed himself between Abeer's legs to rape her," Cortez said, sniffing audibly. When Green was finished, he "stood up and shot Abeer in the head two or three times." The entire crime took about five minutes to carry out, he added.
Cortez said the girl knew her parents and sister had been shot while she was being raped. He said she screamed and cried throughout the assault.
Other details
The March 2006 killing of the family was originally reported to be the work of insurgents
The Mahmudiya case was one of several killings and abuses involving US soldiers. It prompted Iraqi officials to call for a review of foreign troops' immunity from prosecution in Iraq.
The trial was adjourned after less than three hours so that lawyers could discuss Cortez's involvement in the burning of the girl's body in an attempt to cover up the attack.
Posted 2/21/07 by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, also was given a dishonorable discharge. He will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the terms of his plea agreement.
Cortez, of Barstow, Calif., pleaded guilty this week to four counts of felony murder, rape and conspiracy to rape in a case considered among the worst atrocities by U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
"I still don't have an answer," Cortez told the judge. "I don't know why. I wish I hadn't. The lives of four innocent people were taken. I want to apologize for all of the pain and suffering I have caused the al-Janabi family."
The military judge hearing the case, Col. Stephen R. Henley, issued a sentence of life in prison without parole, the maximum for the charges. Under military law, the defendant is given the lesser sentence unless he violates terms of the plea agreement, which requires Cortez to testify against others charged in the case.
Psychologist Charles Figley testified that Cortez and the other soldiers likely suffered stress brought on by fatigue and trauma.
Cortez was found not guilty of more serious charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to premeditated murder.
Original story:
US soldiers admitts to rape of 14yr old and then killing her and her family
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, entered the plea Tuesday to four murders, rape and conspiracy to rape. With the approval of the plea agreement by Col. Stephen R. Henley, Cortez will avoid the death penalty.
Cortez is one of five soldiers charged in gang raping Abeer Qassim al-Janabi and murdering her and her family in Mahmudiya Iraq.
A second US soldier Spc. James P. Barkerr, 24, pleaded guilty in November to rape and murder and was sentenced to 90 years in military prison
Sgt. Cortez said that he conspired with three other soldiers - Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, Spc. James P. Barker and Steven D. Green in the crimes. Another soldier Bryan Howard is also being charged for crimes relating to this event.
Jesse Spielman, 22, and Bryan Howard, 23, await courts-martial. Howard, who is confined to the post, was in the courtroom Tuesday observing Cortez's case. Green is charged in federal court in Kentucky, accused of being the ringleader. He is being tried as a civilian because he was discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder" before his superiors were aware of his suspected involvement.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to helping get rid of the murder weapon, an AK-47, which was thrown into a canal. He also admitted to drinking whisky prior to the attack, a violation of army rules against alcohol in that area of Iraq.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to arson and breaking into the girl's house.
Cortez had pleaded not guilty to separate charges of conspiracy to premeditated murder and premeditated murder, and a court-martial on those charges was scheduled to begin later Wednesday.
Premeditation?
Cortez, wearing a dress green uniform and flanked by his civilian and military lawyers, described how he, Spc. James Barker and Pvt. Steven Green, planned the attack over liquor and a game of cards.
"While we were playing cards Barker and Green started talking about having sex with an Iraqi female. Barker and Green had already known..." Cortez said before breaking down. He bowed his head and remained silent, sniffling occasionally, for a full minute before continuing.
"Barker and Green had already known what, um, house they wanted to go to ... knew only one male was in the house, and knew it would be an easy target," Cortez said.
Even with these admissions Cortez did not agree that the rape and murder were premeditated.
Alex Pickands, the prosecuting lawyer, said the soldiers "gathered together over cards and booze" last year in Baghdad and came up with a plan to rape and murder the girl.
Sentence
Even if premeditation is not proven, the sentencing options are the same: a maximum of life in prison without parole or a minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Barker and Cortez both avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty.
Details of the Crimes
Cortez said Pvt. Steven Green, was the ringleader Green took the girl's mother, father and little sister into a bedroom,, while he and Barker took the teenager, Abeer Qassim al-Janabi, to the living room.
"She kept squirming and trying to keep her legs closed and saying stuff in Arabic," Cortez said.
"During the time me and Barker were raping Abeer, I heard five or six gunshots that came from the bedroom. After Barker was done, Green came out of the bedroom and said that he had killed them all, that all of them were dead," Cortez said.
"Green then placed himself between Abeer's legs to rape her," Cortez said, sniffing audibly. When Green was finished, he "stood up and shot Abeer in the head two or three times." The entire crime took about five minutes to carry out, he added.
Cortez said the girl knew her parents and sister had been shot while she was being raped. He said she screamed and cried throughout the assault.
Other details
The March 2006 killing of the family was originally reported to be the work of insurgents
The Mahmudiya case was one of several killings and abuses involving US soldiers. It prompted Iraqi officials to call for a review of foreign troops' immunity from prosecution in Iraq.
The trial was adjourned after less than three hours so that lawyers could discuss Cortez's involvement in the burning of the girl's body in an attempt to cover up the attack.
Posted 2/21/07 by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Private Militias and Missing Cleric Continue to Plague Peace in Iraq
Sunnis Accuse US of Delaying Sadr City Crackdown
Political pressure has mounted on U.S. forces in Iraq to crack down on Sadr City, the Baghdad neighborhood that harbors the Shiite militia loyal to radical anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. For their part, American commanders appear reluctant to take that step, reportedly concerned about stirring up a hornet's nest in a neighborhood of more than 2 million Shiites.
Once known as Saddam City, then as Al Thawr, the district is one of the poorest in Baghdad. Unemployment is rampant. Homes are in disrepair. It is also a haven for criminals released from Iraqi prisons by Saddam shortly before the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003 the city was unofficially renamed to Sadr City. Named for the Imam Mohammed Sadr, an Iraqi religious leader killed by Saddam Hussein. His son, the troublesome Muqtada al-Sadr, is a powerful political leader in the city and in the country as a whole. He bases his legitimacy upon his relationship to his father, and gains much of his support through the popularity of his father. He commands as many allies in the Iraqi Parliament as any single party; and his armed followers permeate Iraq’s security forces, control the streets throughout eastern Baghdad and the Shiite south, and fill the ranks of many of the death squads that terrorize the country’s Sunni minority.
Shiites against Shiites
The predominantly Shiite south has been fairly peaceful. The stability of Iraq's government depends on a tenuous peace between Mr. Sadr, who controls one of the largest voting blocs in parliament, and Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, who leads the Badr militia and the country’s largest Shiite party, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. A generations-long feud between their families has carried over into a personal and political rivalry between the men, and their militias have periodically clashed.
The local governor is a former Mahdi Army commander. But the police chief is a former Badr Organization member, and many of his policemen pledge loyalty to that militia. This might partly explain why American commanders are reluctant to go into Sadr city with Iraqi police and military who may be seen enemies by the Mahdi Army. The Mahdi army has shown several times in the past that they are a force to be reckoned with. Last year the Mahdi army southeastern city of Amara destroyed police stations and seized control of entire neighborhoods, in apparent retaliation for the arrest of one of their fighters. Then as soon as negotiations were underway for the man's release the city was returned to the Iraqi military,
Where is Moqtada al-Sadr?
Followers of radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr insist their leader is still in Iraq, disputing claims by US officials that he has fled to Iran to avoid a new offensive against militants.
Four Sadr aides said he was still in the country, with some indicating he was in Najaf but had reduced public appearances for "security reasons." "He is now in Iraq," Nassar al-Rubaei, head of the Sadrist bloc in Iraq's parliament. The conflicting reports come after Iraq announced it is closing its borders with Iran and Syria and lengthening a night curfew in Baghdad to try to curb relentless violence in Baghdad.
The ABC News network reported al-Sadr had fled to Iran because of fears he might be targeted by US bombing raids. Two anonymous US officials repeated these assertions to Reuters. In a report on CNN, administration officials said Sadr's departure may have been prompted by Bush's plan to add 21,500 troops in Iraq to help the Baghdad crackdown. (Reuters, Feb. 14)
This may be part of an effort to show al-Sadr as an Iranian agent—which would be right in line with the recent claims that Iran is supplying explosives to the Iraq insurgents. The reason the the US attacked Afghanistan was because they refused (as though they had the power) to hand over Osama Bin Laden. Afghanistan therefore was found guilty of harboring a terrorist, and subject to punishment by the US military. The same case might be made about al-Sadr and Iran giving more legitimacy to the predicted US attack on Iran.
Fattah al-Sheikh, a Sadrist official in Baghdad, accused the U.S. of trying to besmirch Sadr's reputation as an independent Iraqi leader by implying that he is an agent of Iran, thereby giving U.S. forces an excuse to capture or kill him in accordance with President Bush's new policy authorizing American troops to hunt down Iranian agents operating in Iraq.
Fattah al-Sheikh promised that Sadr would deliver prayers this Friday to prove that he is still in Iraq.
"They want to harm the Sadr movement by suggesting that Moqtada al-Sadr is being paid by Iran, and then, under the pretext of him being an agent and a collaborator with Iran, which is impossible . . . they want to hunt him down," he said.
Moqtada al-Sadr has had a warrant out for his arrest in the past, and US forces have, again in the past, declared that they would capture him dead or alive. His strong political influence and his militia have kept him safe so far. US authorities have at thew beginning of this February tried to negotiate with Mr. Sadr but his officials declined the offer saying Al-Sadr does not want the US to be in Iraq, or to do any negotiations representing the interest of the Iraqi nation.
Sadr has not been seen in public since mid-January, when U.S. forces netted some 400 of his followers in a series of raids, including one of his top aides. He told the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica that he feared for his life, had moved his family to a "safe place" and moved constantly to evade assassination.
US is not shaking in their boots:
The US & Iraqi forces may not as of yet be going door to door in Sadr city as they have been in other parts of Baghdad, instead they are running special raids to decrease the power of the Mehdi army.
About 600 fighters and 16 leaders of the radical Shia militia, the Mehdi Army, have been captured by security forces in Iraq, the US military says. The statement said 52 operations had been conducted in 45 days targeting the militia, which is loyal to Najaf-based cleric Moqtada Sadr. A spokesman for the movement would not confirm the numbers detained, but he said they were now seeing Iraqi and US raids almost every day.
The military said five of the Mehdi Army leaders were detained in the pro-Sadr bastion, Sadr City. One senior figure was killed in a raid.
"The detainees are responsible for attacks against the government of Iraq, Iraqi citizens and coalition forces," the US military said. "Criminal activities by these individuals propagated instability within Iraq and their removal from the social structure is a critical start to providing the Iraqi populace with a safe and stable environment." I
The Sunni Position:
The US & Iraqi force have recently detained 33 Sunni "extremist cell leaders" in Baghdad, a statement said. "They were "responsible for foreign fighter facilitation, car bomb facilitation, and propaganda operations".
The Sunni's are continually battling against militant Shiite groups in Northern Iraq.
A previous US/Iraqi security plan launched last summer, faltered in part because the Shiite-led government refused to authorize the deployment of U.S. forces in Shiite areas dominated by the Mahdi Army.
"We would have members of the Council of Representatives who would call directly down to Iraqi commanders, police, army and give them directions that they would not conduct operations in certain areas [and] if they did arrest somebody, that they would release that person." said military spokesman Maj. Gen. William Caldwell.
The Sunni's fear the same type of favoritism for the Shiites in the current security crackdown.
President Bush showed his bias at a speech on 11/30/05 at Annapolis:
"The enemy in Iraq is a combination of rejectionists, Saddamists and terrorists. The rejectionists are by far the largest group. These are ordinary Iraqis, mostly Sunni Arabs, who miss the privileged status they had under the regime of Saddam Hussein -- and they reject an Iraq in which they are no longer the dominant group."
Other Notes:
Cindy Sheehans son died in Sadr City
On April 4, the Mahdi Army ambushed a U.S. Army patrol in Sadr City, killing eight American soldiers. This sparked urban fighting between the Mahdi Army and units of the 1st Brigade Combat team 1st Cavalry Division that lasted until June. Casey Sheehan, the anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan's son, was killed in Sadr City during the fighting.
Casey Sheehan was in Iraq only two weeks when he was killed while driving a Humvee just outside of southern Baghdad during the uprising there. He was one of eight soldiers killed by Shiite militia firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades in an early morning ambush of the convoy. He was 24 years old at the time (April, 2004). Sheehan was a member of the 82nd Field Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.
Should Prince Harry go to Iraq?
The determined Prince
Prince Harry, third in line to the throne behind father Prince Charles and older brother Prince William, is expected to accompany his troops to Iraq in April or May, an unidentified military source told CNN.
Harry's arrival in southern Iraq,would coincide with ongoing massive security clampdowns by coalition forces in Baghdad and in Basra.
The Daily Mail newspaper claimed the prince is already referred to as a "bullet magnet" by fellow soldiers as his Blues and Royals regiment prepares for an anticipated six-month tour of Iraq. As the grandson of the Queen of England Harry would inevitably be a 'prime target' for Iraqi insurgents.
The Iraq war is far from popular with the British population. Yesterday British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain's first large-scale cut of troops numbers in Iraq, with nearly a quarter set to return home within months.
Six British soldiers have been killed in southern Iraq since Christmas, four of them by roadside bombs. More than 1,200 British troops are currently engaged in 'counter-insurgency operations' in southern Iraq. There are a total of 7100 British troops in Iraq.
Harry's brother, 24-year-old Prince William, who is currently training as a troop leader in the Blues and Royals, cannot be deployed to war zones because he is second in line to the British crown.
Harry's opinion
'There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country,' Harry said in an interview marking his 21st birthday.
From the moment he left Sandhurst military academy last year to join the regiment of the Blues and Royals as a Second Lieutenant, Harry has been pressing to serve on the front line.
Troop Commander Wales, as Harry is known among his army colleagues, had warned his superiors that he would resign his commission if he was denied active service in Afghanistan or Iraq on security grounds, reports said.
Guarding Harry
The British police protection officer responsible for Prince Harry has flown to Iraq to begin making security arrangements for the royal soldier's deployment to Iraq amid fears for his safety, according to British press reports.
The question of whether Harry, under constant royal protection at home, should be accompanied by a police bodyguard to 'oversee' his security, is being reviewed. Harry's current police protection/ bodyguards have not been trained to operate in a war zone.Their skills, said one expert, would offer 'little protection against roadside bombs.'
An alternative would be to assign a team of Royal Military Police bodyguards, who specialize in guarding senior commanders and VIPs.
Background
Prince Harry was born on 15 September 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, in central London, England.
His father is Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His mother is the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in 1997, the former wife of the Prince of Wales.
His full title is His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, although he is seldom referred to as anything but Prince Harry.
Harry has graduated prestigious Eton College and from Sandhurst military academy last year
In April 2006, Prince Harry launched a charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to aid children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The charity is named Sentebale: The Princes' Fund for Lesotho. Sentebale is a Sesotho word meaning forget-me-not. The name is meant to honour both princes' mothers: the former Princess of Wales, who died in 1997; and Queen 'MaMohato of Lesotho, who died in 2003.
One of his mother Princess Diana's favorite causes was for the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Princess Dianna died on August 31 1997 in a car accident in Paris.
Her death came only a few days after she spent a holiday in northern France with William and Harry. The princes were staying at Balmoral Castle; it was Charles who awoke them and broke the news.
At Diana's funeral, their father, grandfather Prince Philip, and uncle (the Earl Spencer) walked with the two princes behind Diana's funeral cortege from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. On Diana's coffin was a card from Harry, made out to Mummy.
Princess Dianna's was also a champions for a worldwide ban on landmines and medical treatment for those injured by explosives.
posted by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
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Prince Harry, third in line to the throne behind father Prince Charles and older brother Prince William, is expected to accompany his troops to Iraq in April or May, an unidentified military source told CNN.
Harry's arrival in southern Iraq,would coincide with ongoing massive security clampdowns by coalition forces in Baghdad and in Basra.
The Daily Mail newspaper claimed the prince is already referred to as a "bullet magnet" by fellow soldiers as his Blues and Royals regiment prepares for an anticipated six-month tour of Iraq. As the grandson of the Queen of England Harry would inevitably be a 'prime target' for Iraqi insurgents.
The Iraq war is far from popular with the British population. Yesterday British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced Britain's first large-scale cut of troops numbers in Iraq, with nearly a quarter set to return home within months.
Six British soldiers have been killed in southern Iraq since Christmas, four of them by roadside bombs. More than 1,200 British troops are currently engaged in 'counter-insurgency operations' in southern Iraq. There are a total of 7100 British troops in Iraq.
Harry's brother, 24-year-old Prince William, who is currently training as a troop leader in the Blues and Royals, cannot be deployed to war zones because he is second in line to the British crown.
Harry's opinion
'There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country,' Harry said in an interview marking his 21st birthday.
From the moment he left Sandhurst military academy last year to join the regiment of the Blues and Royals as a Second Lieutenant, Harry has been pressing to serve on the front line.
Troop Commander Wales, as Harry is known among his army colleagues, had warned his superiors that he would resign his commission if he was denied active service in Afghanistan or Iraq on security grounds, reports said.
Guarding Harry
The British police protection officer responsible for Prince Harry has flown to Iraq to begin making security arrangements for the royal soldier's deployment to Iraq amid fears for his safety, according to British press reports.
The question of whether Harry, under constant royal protection at home, should be accompanied by a police bodyguard to 'oversee' his security, is being reviewed. Harry's current police protection/ bodyguards have not been trained to operate in a war zone.Their skills, said one expert, would offer 'little protection against roadside bombs.'
An alternative would be to assign a team of Royal Military Police bodyguards, who specialize in guarding senior commanders and VIPs.
Background
Prince Harry was born on 15 September 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, in central London, England.
His father is Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His mother is the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in 1997, the former wife of the Prince of Wales.
His full title is His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, although he is seldom referred to as anything but Prince Harry.
Harry has graduated prestigious Eton College and from Sandhurst military academy last year
In April 2006, Prince Harry launched a charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to aid children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The charity is named Sentebale: The Princes' Fund for Lesotho. Sentebale is a Sesotho word meaning forget-me-not. The name is meant to honour both princes' mothers: the former Princess of Wales, who died in 1997; and Queen 'MaMohato of Lesotho, who died in 2003.
One of his mother Princess Diana's favorite causes was for the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Princess Dianna died on August 31 1997 in a car accident in Paris.
Her death came only a few days after she spent a holiday in northern France with William and Harry. The princes were staying at Balmoral Castle; it was Charles who awoke them and broke the news.
At Diana's funeral, their father, grandfather Prince Philip, and uncle (the Earl Spencer) walked with the two princes behind Diana's funeral cortege from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. On Diana's coffin was a card from Harry, made out to Mummy.
Princess Dianna's was also a champions for a worldwide ban on landmines and medical treatment for those injured by explosives.
posted by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
-----------------------------------------------
US soldiers admitt to rape of 14yr old and then killing her and her family
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, entered the plea Tuesday to four murders, rape and conspiracy to rape. With the approval of the plea agreement by Col. Stephen R. Henley, Cortez will avoid the death penalty.
Cortez is one of five soldiers charged in gang raping Abeer Qassim al-Janabi and murdering her and her family in Mahmudiya Iraq.
A second US soldier Spc. James P. Barkerr, 24, pleaded guilty in November to rape and murder and was sentenced to 90 years in military prison
Sgt. Cortez said that he conspired with three other soldiers - Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, Spc. James P. Barker and Steven D. Green in the crimes. Another soldier Bryan Howard is also being charged for crimes relating to this event.
Jesse Spielman, 22, and Bryan Howard, 23, await courts-martial. Howard, who is confined to the post, was in the courtroom Tuesday observing Cortez's case. Green is charged in federal court in Kentucky, accused of being the ringleader. He is being tried as a civilian because he was discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder" before his superiors were aware of his suspected involvement.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to helping get rid of the murder weapon, an AK-47, which was thrown into a canal. He also admitted to drinking whisky prior to the attack, a violation of army rules against alcohol in that area of Iraq.
Cortez also pleaded guilty to arson and breaking into the girl's house.
Cortez had pleaded not guilty to separate charges of conspiracy to premeditated murder and premeditated murder, and a court-martial on those charges was scheduled to begin later Wednesday.
Premeditation?
Cortez, wearing a dress green uniform and flanked by his civilian and military lawyers, described how he, Spc. James Barker and Pvt. Steven Green, planned the attack over liquor and a game of cards.
"While we were playing cards Barker and Green started talking about having sex with an Iraqi female. Barker and Green had already known..." Cortez said before breaking down. He bowed his head and remained silent, sniffling occasionally, for a full minute before continuing.
"Barker and Green had already known what, um, house they wanted to go to ... knew only one male was in the house, and knew it would be an easy target," Cortez said.
Even with these admissions Cortez did not agree that the rape and murder were premeditated.
Alex Pickands, the prosecuting lawyer, said the soldiers "gathered together over cards and booze" last year in Baghdad and came up with a plan to rape and murder the girl.
Sentence
Even if premeditation is not proven, the sentencing options are the same: a maximum of life in prison without parole or a minimum of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Barker and Cortez both avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty.
Details of the Crimes
Cortez said Pvt. Steven Green, was the ringleader Green took the girl's mother, father and little sister into a bedroom,, while he and Barker took the teenager, Abeer Qassim al-Janabi, to the living room.
"She kept squirming and trying to keep her legs closed and saying stuff in Arabic," Cortez said.
"During the time me and Barker were raping Abeer, I heard five or six gunshots that came from the bedroom. After Barker was done, Green came out of the bedroom and said that he had killed them all, that all of them were dead," Cortez said.
"Green then placed himself between Abeer's legs to rape her," Cortez said, sniffing audibly. When Green was finished, he "stood up and shot Abeer in the head two or three times." The entire crime took about five minutes to carry out, he added.
Cortez said the girl knew her parents and sister had been shot while she was being raped. He said she screamed and cried throughout the assault.
Other details
The March 2006 killing of the family was originally reported to be the work of insurgents
The Mahmudiya case was one of several killings and abuses involving US soldiers. It prompted Iraqi officials to call for a review of foreign troops' immunity from prosecution in Iraq.
The trial was adjourned after less than three hours so that lawyers could discuss Cortez's involvement in the burning of the girl's body in an attempt to cover up the attack.
Posted 2/21/07 by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The mistreatment of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital
A special report on the Walter Reed Hospital following the Washington Post article. Dana Priest co- author of the article (with Ann Hall) is interviewed about her two month study. She admits that she cried while investigating the story - the situation was so bad.
Only 30 soldiers are in the actual Walter Reed Hospital, but 700 hundred are in a outpatient role facing neglect and lack of follow up. These are soldiers that are not ready to go home. These vulnerable soldiers are the focus of the piece.
In this video we get to see Building 18 - built between the two world wars, which is a centerpiece of the story with mice, cockroaches, mold, broken elevators, lack of hot water and traumatizing isolation.
This video gives visuals to this great work of journalism. Because of the article- major improvements including hiring more people and promises to fix the situation have come about.
Here is Kieth Oberman's coverage of the story giving more visuals and analysis. In addition to Dana Priest, he brings on former soldier John Soltz of Votevets.org with more great insights:
Link to origional Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/17/AR2007021701172.html
posted by paul Grant (follower of Basho)
__________________________________________________________________________
In Conflict takes a rare look at the Iraqi War through the words of those who have fought it. The book features more than two dozen veterans from all military branches, from fighter pilots, nurses, medics, and foot soldiers to prison guards, POWs, and reservists, each accompanied by a compelling photograph. Together they comprise a group portrait of American men and women located all over the country and from all age, race, and socioeconomic groups — men and women whose voices, surprisingly, are rarely heard in the din of discussion on this endlessly analyzed subject. They speak from veterans’ hospitals, homes, army bases, and homeless shelters. While their viewpoints are as diverse as their backgrounds — some supportive, some opposing, some simply confused — In Conflict captures one thing these eloquent commentators share: all have been irrevocably changed by their experience.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Republicans misdirect thier " Slow Bleed" rhetoric
The republicans have come up with a rhetorical response to the Democratic led rejection of the Bush "Surge Policy".
Bush's surge policy began prior to the State of The Union Address when he announced it, and without Congressional input. This lead the House to pass a non binding resolution opposing it - after it already was happening. Unfortunately, the President and the military did not have the 21,500 extra troops the President wanted- and so far only a part of the Surge has been sent.
The "Surge Policy" is part of a joint effort with the Iraqi military and Police to firmly secure the one city and surrounding area of Baghdad. This has been met by heavy violent resistance and many US military have already lost their lives. The Democrats have so far refrained from calling this the "Quick Bleed Strategy"
Democrats deny that they are seeking to cut off funding for the troops, however Democrat Senator Murtha promises to seek legislation to tie the funding to troop readiness= ADQUET TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT.
It is ironic that the Republicans are complaining about the Democrats desire to spend the governments money more wisely, since in the past they were considered the more fiscally conservative party.
US money in Iraq has been 'squandered' - report
The US government wasted tens of millions of dollars in Iraq reconstruction aid, including scores of unaccounted-for weapons and a never-used camp for housing police trainers with an Olympic-size swimming pool, investigators say.
Paul Bremer former coolition authority leadr in Iraq recentlly blamed poor payroll records for the 12 billion dollars lost somewhere in Iraq.
The quarterly audit by Stuart Bowen, the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is the latest to paint a grim picture of waste, fraud and frustration in an Iraq war and reconstruction effort that has cost taxpayers more than $300 billion dollars and left the region near civil war.
"The security situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate, hindering progress in all reconstruction sectors and threatening the overall reconstruction effort," according to the 579-page report, which was being released today.
Calling Iraq's sectarian violence the greatest challenge, Mr Bowen said that billions in US aid spent on strengthening security has had limited effect. Reconstruction now will fall largely on Iraqis to manage, and they are nowhere near ready for the task.
The audit comes as President George Bush presses Congress to approve $1.2 billion dollars in new reconstruction aid as part of his broader plan to stabilise Iraq by sending 21,500 more US troops to Baghdad and Anbar province.
Democrats in Congress have been skeptical. Sen. Jim Webb has suggested that the US is spending too much on Iraq reconstruction at the expense of rebuilding New Orleans, Louisiana, from the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrought 17 months ago. Rep. Henry Waxman plans in-depth hearings next week into charges of waste and fraud in Iraq.
According to the report, the State Department paid $43.8 million to contractor DynCorp International for the residential camp for police training personnel outside of Baghdad's Adnan Palace grounds, which has stood empty for months. About $4.2 million of the money was spent improperly on 20 trailers for important visitors and an Olympic-sized pool, all ordered by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior but never authorised by the US.
US officials spent another $36.4 million for weapons such as armoured vehicles, body armour and communications equipment that cannot be accounted for. DynCorp also may have prematurely billed $18 million in other potentially unjustified costs, the report said.
Responding, the State Department said in the report that it was working to improve controls. Already, it has developed a review process that rejected a $1.1 million DynCorp bill this month on a separate contract because the billed rate was incorrect.
Meanwhile President Bush has sent in troops ill equipped.
Meanwhile- Military families to Congress: cut the funds
The House passes a non-binding resolution against the "surge"; the Senate fails to. Opponents invoke the need to "support the troops." Is anybody listening to the troops and their families? From Military Families Speak Out, Feb. 5:
Military Families Urge Congress to Vote Down Bush Request for Billions to Contine Iraq War
Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) members today called on Congress to support our troops and honor the fallen by voting against President Bush's request for a supplemental appropriation that would allow the U.S. military occupation of Iraq to continue. Military Families Speak Out, an organization of over 3,200 military families opposed to the war in Iraq, is the largest organization of military families opposing a war in the history of the United States.
"President Bush is now requesting funds to continue an unjustifiable war that is taking the lives of three U.S. troops and countless Iraqi children, women and men each day," said Nancy Lessin, co-founder of Military Families Speak Out and stepmother of a Marine who served in Iraq. "Now is the time, and Congress is the vehicle, by which this horrific war can finally end. We call on Congress to support our troops by voting against the funds that would allow this war to continue. To do otherwise would be to abandon our loved ones and the people of Iraq to the unending and worsening violence of this misbegotten war. "
"Our elected officials cannot oppose this war and fund it at the same time. We expect more than resolutions, limitations and investigations," explained Charley Richardson, also a co-founder of Military Families Speak Out and father of a Marine. "The one thing that Congress can do to end this war, right now, with a 50% plus one vote of either house, is to de-fund it.
Military families across the country with loved ones currently serving in Iraq, those with loved ones soon to deploy or re-deploy, families with loved ones who have been wounded physically and/or psychologically, and those whose loved ones died as a result of the war in Iraq are available for interview regarding President Bush's supplemental funding request for the Iraq war, and the need for Congress to support our troops by opposing it.
Posted by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
Bush's surge policy began prior to the State of The Union Address when he announced it, and without Congressional input. This lead the House to pass a non binding resolution opposing it - after it already was happening. Unfortunately, the President and the military did not have the 21,500 extra troops the President wanted- and so far only a part of the Surge has been sent.
The "Surge Policy" is part of a joint effort with the Iraqi military and Police to firmly secure the one city and surrounding area of Baghdad. This has been met by heavy violent resistance and many US military have already lost their lives. The Democrats have so far refrained from calling this the "Quick Bleed Strategy"
Democrats deny that they are seeking to cut off funding for the troops, however Democrat Senator Murtha promises to seek legislation to tie the funding to troop readiness= ADQUET TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT.
It is ironic that the Republicans are complaining about the Democrats desire to spend the governments money more wisely, since in the past they were considered the more fiscally conservative party.
US money in Iraq has been 'squandered' - report
The US government wasted tens of millions of dollars in Iraq reconstruction aid, including scores of unaccounted-for weapons and a never-used camp for housing police trainers with an Olympic-size swimming pool, investigators say.
Paul Bremer former coolition authority leadr in Iraq recentlly blamed poor payroll records for the 12 billion dollars lost somewhere in Iraq.
The quarterly audit by Stuart Bowen, the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is the latest to paint a grim picture of waste, fraud and frustration in an Iraq war and reconstruction effort that has cost taxpayers more than $300 billion dollars and left the region near civil war.
"The security situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate, hindering progress in all reconstruction sectors and threatening the overall reconstruction effort," according to the 579-page report, which was being released today.
Calling Iraq's sectarian violence the greatest challenge, Mr Bowen said that billions in US aid spent on strengthening security has had limited effect. Reconstruction now will fall largely on Iraqis to manage, and they are nowhere near ready for the task.
The audit comes as President George Bush presses Congress to approve $1.2 billion dollars in new reconstruction aid as part of his broader plan to stabilise Iraq by sending 21,500 more US troops to Baghdad and Anbar province.
Democrats in Congress have been skeptical. Sen. Jim Webb has suggested that the US is spending too much on Iraq reconstruction at the expense of rebuilding New Orleans, Louisiana, from the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrought 17 months ago. Rep. Henry Waxman plans in-depth hearings next week into charges of waste and fraud in Iraq.
According to the report, the State Department paid $43.8 million to contractor DynCorp International for the residential camp for police training personnel outside of Baghdad's Adnan Palace grounds, which has stood empty for months. About $4.2 million of the money was spent improperly on 20 trailers for important visitors and an Olympic-sized pool, all ordered by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior but never authorised by the US.
US officials spent another $36.4 million for weapons such as armoured vehicles, body armour and communications equipment that cannot be accounted for. DynCorp also may have prematurely billed $18 million in other potentially unjustified costs, the report said.
Responding, the State Department said in the report that it was working to improve controls. Already, it has developed a review process that rejected a $1.1 million DynCorp bill this month on a separate contract because the billed rate was incorrect.
Meanwhile President Bush has sent in troops ill equipped.
Meanwhile- Military families to Congress: cut the funds
The House passes a non-binding resolution against the "surge"; the Senate fails to. Opponents invoke the need to "support the troops." Is anybody listening to the troops and their families? From Military Families Speak Out, Feb. 5:
Military Families Urge Congress to Vote Down Bush Request for Billions to Contine Iraq War
Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) members today called on Congress to support our troops and honor the fallen by voting against President Bush's request for a supplemental appropriation that would allow the U.S. military occupation of Iraq to continue. Military Families Speak Out, an organization of over 3,200 military families opposed to the war in Iraq, is the largest organization of military families opposing a war in the history of the United States.
"President Bush is now requesting funds to continue an unjustifiable war that is taking the lives of three U.S. troops and countless Iraqi children, women and men each day," said Nancy Lessin, co-founder of Military Families Speak Out and stepmother of a Marine who served in Iraq. "Now is the time, and Congress is the vehicle, by which this horrific war can finally end. We call on Congress to support our troops by voting against the funds that would allow this war to continue. To do otherwise would be to abandon our loved ones and the people of Iraq to the unending and worsening violence of this misbegotten war. "
"Our elected officials cannot oppose this war and fund it at the same time. We expect more than resolutions, limitations and investigations," explained Charley Richardson, also a co-founder of Military Families Speak Out and father of a Marine. "The one thing that Congress can do to end this war, right now, with a 50% plus one vote of either house, is to de-fund it.
Military families across the country with loved ones currently serving in Iraq, those with loved ones soon to deploy or re-deploy, families with loved ones who have been wounded physically and/or psychologically, and those whose loved ones died as a result of the war in Iraq are available for interview regarding President Bush's supplemental funding request for the Iraq war, and the need for Congress to support our troops by opposing it.
Posted by Paul Grant (follower of Basho)
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