What, that there is "a line of people outside a police and army recruitment center in northern Iraq"? I think that is a good thing myself. It shows that they want to take care of themselves.
"What, that there is "a line of people outside a police and army recruitment center in northern Iraq"? I think that is a good thing myself. It shows that they want to take care of themselves."
(And still they are NOT coming forward as they were, just months ago. Recruiters are far-behind their hoped-for quotas)
There are a lot of people here that arent going to reenlist... But there are a lot of people here that are. I have re-enlisted twice with no bonus... and I will be again in 2008, most likely (but hopefully with a bonus.) It is different for everybody. I don't like being over here, but for all of the sacrifices made by the others before me, this is a cakewalk. I am fortunate to have a decent and reliable food supply, internet, phones available etc... It is no resort by any means, but it is no Vietnam either. Everyone has different motivations, but the Army's answer now seems to be $$$. Money is not the answer to all peoples problems, nor is it always the best motivator. On that note, wasn't it said that money is the root of all evil?
Money isn't everything to everybody, but you are right. There is a lot of gimme gimme going on when people enlist. I first enlisted for college money. Never used it but that was the goal. I ended my first 6 year enlistment in 1997 with no plan on ever going back. In September 2001, when I reenlisted it took on a new meaning for me. It is like that for a fair amount of people, but it is different for everyone.
Would you consider a first enlistment knowing that the chances of you leaving and going to another country in a reasonably short period of time were fairly high? To alot of us, leaving for our basic training and MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) school is the first time we have been away from the comforts and conveniences of home for so long... and to most, that is still usually less than 6 months. So to consider that they will have to be gone for say 6 months, and shortly after leave again for 12-20 months to go to a different country (and possibly die) is a very hard thing to swallow.
That was my 2 cents... take it for what it is worth. (2 cents)
Since I don't have change for a nickel...
As in, earning a living wage?
At least they have the opportunity to now, something they couldn't do before... But, the immense risk that is involved for those in the ING, or Iraqi police is greater than the risk here for me. They are being singled out and targeted by the insurgency. For there to be lines of people waiting to enlist and join up despite those odds is remarkable.
When I was in there were serious number of soldiers that weren't reenlisting for so many different reasons. I would say a good 75% of my unit was not reenlisting. I mostly heard about the basic bullshit that people were tired of. The stuff with the chain of command, how they were treated blah blah blah.  Being in Germany there were a lot of deployments mostly to Bosnia at the time. The danger was no where near what it is today. I almost didn't get out because there was a stop loss for about a month (Saddam was playing games at one point). I was happy that it was lifted about 2 weeks before my end date.  I am encouraged by those who are reenlisting now with all the BS that they hated before as well as the added danger now. It takes some very brave people to do it:)   Just my 2 cents....
i'm amazed everyday that any one can make it thru it! and i have the extreme utmost respect for all those involved, no matter how much i hate the situation.
Does anyone know what ever happened to that LUV2FLY dude?
Wasn't there something that happened to his wife? Car accident or something serious? I think he was taking time off for that and has never found his way back yet.
Thanks to everyone for the kind words I appreciate it. I had a brief moment and thought I'd stop in and say hi and give an update. My wife is doing better and home from the hospital. It was and has been a scary few weeks. She has a cast on her legs still and will for another few weeks. She starting to feel somewhat better the bruising and swelling she had is going down and the medication they had her on is being reduced which is a good sign. But she'll be laid up for some time so I'll have to wait to take her dancing:). It's been crazy trying to take care of her, the kids, run errands, keep the house clean and run my business etc.. Thank God for family and friends :) I'm just glad she's home. It puts things into perspective when you face losing someone who is your entire life. The kids are o.k but still a little afraid to go in the car but are getting better. It's amazing how resiliant kids are. It definately puts things in perspective though and makes you realize what matters.
I don't know when I'll be back to harassing you nice people but it will be a while. Thanks again to those who've sent well wishes and kind words, I really do appreciate it :) Thanks,
This was on Oct. 23, 2003. I am sure his family is much better now, but maybe he found better things to do. If he is lurking here, I hope he post how things are going now.
Last time heposted on this thread... I am sure things have gotten better than they were in 2003 by then, you'd think... there was no goodbye with it... hope everything is ok with him
I talked to him briefly in April. He and his family are fine as far as I know. I don't remember his exact words, but basically he said he was taking a break.
It is getting hotter, so I wonder how that will affect any attacks from either side. We have been in triple digit temps for quite a while... I know it didn't take long for it to cool off, in a week last November we went from 115 to 90's... I am expecting the same or similar now, we are having unusaully cool weather for this time of year though, has been below 110 since the then as well... it is getting up there though
Hamza Adnan, 8, Jinan Jassim, Ayah Faiz, 5, and Duha Munaf, 16, from left, watch Dubai-based satellite television station al-Arabiya in a house in the Karada area of Baghdad, Friday May 20, 2005, as it broadcasts Friday's front page of Britain's mass circulation tabloid newspaper, the Sun, showing Saddam Hussein standing in his white underwear while folding what appears to be a brown pair of trousers. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) http://apnews.excite.com/image/20050520/IRAQ_SADDAM_PHOTOS.sff_BAG108_20050520111120.html?date=20050521
And for the first time they have the freedom to laugh at the former dictator without fear of reprisals.
[Edited 2 times. Most recently by on May 23, 2005 at 08:06pm.]
Baghdad neighbourhood emboldened by local resident who stood up to the insurgents.
By Hussein Ali in Baghdad (ICR No. 125, 18-May-05)
Nearly two months after he confronted and killed three insurgents who were terrorising his neighborhood, carpenter Dhia Muhsin said he doesn’t have any regrets.
In fact, he said if insurgents return to his neighborhood, he will shoot first again...
...Al-Dora residents had been too scared to face down the insurgents but after seeing Muhsin’s bravery, some, it seems, have decided to fight back.
“We are ready to confront any terrorist and the people in the area, after they saw what I did, have become more daring and strong,” said Muhsin...
Mudher Khudher, 42, a bakery owner, said he is proud of Muhsin actions and he and others have decided to follow his example, “Dhia taught us that the terrorists are cowards and they can’t face all Iraqis.”
Saleem Barakat, 32, a student, called Muhsin a hero and noted that their street in al-Dora has been quiet since the insurgents were killed.
Islamic party denounces violence (Al-Taakhi) The Iraqi Islamic Party headed by Muhsin Abdul Hameed has said it regards all acts of violence aimed at Iraqis as crimes of the utmost gravity. The party, which boycotted the January elections, has denounced all kinds of violence, regardless of whether the targets are Sunni, Shia, police, or National Guardsmen. The party called for dialogue instead of violence. It added that the Iraqi security forces have no right to use violence against the people, either. http://www.iwpr.net/archive/ipm/ipm_238.html
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The first democratically-elected city council of Fallujah held its inaugural meeting today at the Civil-Military Operations Center in Fallujah.
The 20-member council met for approximately two hours, during which time they elected the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the council. Imams, sheiks, engineers, lawyers, educators, administrators and businessmen are among those who make up the council.
Sheik Khalid Hammoud Mahal al-Joumaily, newly-elected chairman, said “We are happy with the free democratic process which led to a successful election.”
Mohamed Hussain Alzobai, representative of the Provincial Council, attended the meeting and offered words of encouragement to the Fallujah City Council. “You are the ones selected to represent the people of Fallujah and we hope your intent is good for the people of Fallujah,” said Alzobai. “You must do what you can to encourage the people to vote in the upcoming election.”
Iraq storms the screens on day two of Cannes Film Festival
Kurdish-Iraqi and Japanese filmmakers offer their different perspectives of the war
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, May 13, 2005
CANNES, France: Iraq - past and present - loomed over the second day of the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday with two films, one Iraqi and one from Japan. "Kilometer Zero," by Kurdish-Iraqi filmmaker Hiner Saleem, is the first Iraqi film to be selected for the official Cannes competition since the festival's inception in 1946, generating a buzz of its own.
At the press screening late Wednesday ahead of its official showing Thursday, journalists appreciated the dark humor in its tale about a Kurdish-Iraqi conscripted into Saddam Hussein's army to fight against Iran in 1988, but were more intent on putting it into the context of the ongoing controversy about the Iraq war and its aftermath.
The film itself invited comparison with the U.S.-led war by bracketing the story with contemporary scenes of the main characters reacting to the conflict in Paris, first with surprise then with glee over the fall of Baghdad.
"This director doesn't swim with the tide of European thought, and I thought that was refreshing," said Harlan Jacobson of USA Today magazine...
More than one million used cars have entered Iraq in two years
By Abdulsattar al-Bako Azzaman, May 16, 2005
More than a million used cars have entered the country in the past two years, a traffic police study shows.
The figure is double the number of cars that existed in the country before the fall of Baghdad to U.S. troops in April 2003, according to the study...
...The substantial improvement in wages – from a few dollars to at an average of 300 a month – is perhaps one of the few merits of the post-Saddam era.
Moreover, the country’s financial authorities have managed to stabilize the exchange rate of the local currency – the dinar –the thing which Saddam Hussein dismally failed to do.
In fact the dinar is now much higher in value than under Saddam Hussein, enabling salaried Iraqis to plan family budgets and purchases for the first time in decades.
2005-06 Aid budget: Iraq reconstruction assistance
The Australian Government will provide an additional $45 million over two years to provide further reconstruction assistance to Iraq.
This funding demonstrates the Government's commitment to helping build stability and democracy in Iraq. This additional funding will bring Australia's total reconstruction commitment to Iraq to over $170 million since 2003...
German Scientific and Cultural Aids to Iraqi Universities
Bernd Erbel, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Baghdad, announced the launch of additional scholarships for the students and professors of Iraqi universities.
Yesterday, during his visit to Al Mostansria University, Erbel pointed out that about 150 Iraqi students have visited Germany during last year and the beginning of this year. Dr. Taqei Al Musawi, Almostansria University president, met with the German ambassador and discussed the possibility of activating the cultural and scientific relations between Al Mostansria University and its German counterparts and resuming the partnership agreement with Norenberg University. Al Mousawi told Al Zaman that Erbel expressed the readiness of the German side to offer more scientific and cultural aids within the framework of developing and strengthening the relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of libraries and computers.
The National Guard’s Strange Occupation of Northern Iraq
Thousands of cars, trucks, tractors, and donkeys crowd a winding mountain highway outside the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, lurching and honking and weaving, careening within inches of precipitous slopes as drivers battle to make their way to mountaintop parks and resorts. There are no lanes, no traffic lights, and only a handful of weary cops wave at passing cars with resigned expressions. But despite the tumult, drivers and passengers alike slow and cheer as cars pass a log-jammed patrol from the Idaho National Guard’s 148th Field Artillery Regiment, deployed to Camp Stone just outside the city.
“They love us here,” Sgt. 1st Class Jose Alvarez Jr., 34, says. He smiles and waves at a truck full of pretty Kurdish girls in traditional dresses...
...
“As far as deployments go, this is a pretty good one,” Murdoch says. Atop the mountain, at a hilly, flower-sprinkled resort teeming with happy Kurds in traditional baggy suits and sequin dresses, Murdoch attempts a traditional Kurdish dance (left foot, right foot, shake your shoulders), jokes with teenagers who marvel at his 6-foot-plus height, and holds babies while their parents snap photos.
More often than not, the babies cry. Murdoch grimaces: “I’m a big scary American with a gun.”...
...Murdoch and his fellow soldiers almost can’t believe their luck. They spend most days training the nascent Iraqi Army. Between training, they play ambassador to an adoring nation. They tour the countryside with Kurdish colonels and generals, eat kebabs in restaurants where the patrons smile and wave, and even visit a carnival built atop a former Iraqi Army outpost to shake hands and sip smoothies...
Iraqi Arab Sunnis head towards Army enlisting posts in spite of explosions
After the Iraqi government confirmed the appointment of a Sunni in the position of defense minister. Iraqi Arab Sunnis started heading for the army enlisting centers to join the new Iraqi Army. This was evident by the long lines and large crowds of young men outside these centers in the largely Sunni area of Baghdad. This is the main reason for the increase in the terrorist activities in and around these centers.
The high unemployment amongst the Sunnis is due to non-participation in the electoral and governmental process. This is due to their religious leaders forbidding them from joining the government and the security forces in the past. This situation has now changed. We witnessed thousands of Iraqi Arab Sunnis coming from different provinces to military enlisting station in Baghdad.
Ahmend Mahmud, age 30, from Aathamiah came to the enlisting office to join the new Iraqi military. "I came because I desire to join in protecting the peace and my country," he said. Adnan Hussein from Meqdadieh who was in the old Army said; "Since the fall of the old regime I had no employment to feed my kids, thus I decided to join the new military, which pays a decent wage, and I heard a number of (Sunni) religious leaders call for us to join the new army". Luaai Ahmed from Aathamiah said, "I voluntarily enlisted in the new military because I wanted to and upon advise from my relatives".
Security forces go back to Baghdad Iraqi soldiers complete four-month training with U.S. Marines
After more than four months of side-by-side training with U.S.Marine and Army forces, the Iraqi Security Forces of the 2nd Battalion, Muthanna Brigade are heading home to Baghdad.
The parting is bittersweet for troops from both sides who have formed bonds of both professionalism and friendships. But while some would have liked for the battalion to remain in the Fallujah area, it’s time for the unit, also known as the "Prime Minister’s Brigade," to take on the missions for which they have been training.
"They’re some of the best soldiers I’ve ever worked with," said Marine Capt. Andrew "Del" Del Gaudio, 30, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, who serves as the senior adviser. He has helped train the armies of six Middle Eastern countries. "These guys really want to show us that they’re capable of running their own show"...
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Oprah has a fan base in Iraq. Iraqi mothers fret about the amount of time their teenagers spend watching "Star Academy," an Arabic-language cross between "American Idol" and "The Real World."
And an ad for the satellite channel MBC's new lineup - which includes "Inside Edition," "Jeopardy!" and "60 Minutes" - declares: "So you can watch what THEY watch."
Satellite dishes, which Saddam Hussein and his coterie withheld from ordinary Iraqis, have sprouted everywhere since his regime fell. They sit on the roofs of mansions and sidewalk vendors' stalls, pulling in hundreds of channels from all over the world. Even squatters in a bombed-out and looted club once reserved for air force officers have a receiver set up, next to a swimming pool filled with trash and a layer of green slime.
Before the war, television was all Saddam, all the time. Even music videos featured his image. Iraqis giddy to be free from the propaganda snapped up satellite dishes soon after American tanks rolled in...
Murdoch and his fellow soldiers almost can’t believe their luck. They spend most days training the nascent Iraqi Army. Between training, they play ambassador to an adoring nation. They tour the countryside with Kurdish colonels and generals, eat kebabs in restaurants where the patrons smile and wave, and even visit a carnival built atop a former Iraqi Army outpost to shake hands and sip smoothies...
How do I get stationed there? Man, I don't do that mauch stuff in the states...
Happy belated memorial day Bill, Luv2Fly (wherever you are), and all of the other vets I can't think of right now.
Will try... I have become victim yet again to the payroll monster... Grrr.... Hopefully it will be taken care of in less than the month I am expecting it to take..
Other than that, safe and sound... well as sound as you can be, this deployment is getting to me again... but I have bounced back before and I will do it again :)
No other new news from here... which may be a good thing
Bill, I hope you don't think this is a simple-minded question, but what difference does it make if we fight them in Afghanistan versus Iraq? We'd still be fighting them over there instead of over here.
It always has been. They hate us just for being. They always will. We won't change their minds. We have to kill them. I'd rather our troops do it over there than here. I don't think it matters whereover there, not to them. They'd go after us wherever we were.
Do you honestly think that if we cut and run from Iraq we'll win?
I agree that we are coming in a close second in our War on Whatever in Iraq...I believe if we keep our troops there for about 60 years we will be able turn Iraq into another South Korea...perhaps not a preunification West Germany or Japan though...
I disagree that we contained the terrorists in Afghanistan. Many Al Qaeda and some Talibanis walked over the mountainous border and escaped and live happily in the Northwest Frontier Province/Tribal Areas of Pakistan - which Pakistan made off limits to our troops! They plot there and enjoy free passage through Pakistan and Iran to the World!
I have no doubt what their beef is. They hate us because we're free. You can talk all you want about what "we" have done to "them." The fact is that they are religious fanatics (and you hate those, don't you, Crabs, or is it just Christian "fanatics" that you hate?).Â
The nations of the Middle East have been under brutal tyrannies for centuries. Their leaders encourage religious fanaticism and hatred of the West to divert their people from their own kleptocracies.
When people ANYWHERE get a taste of freedom, as we've been seeing in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and other places, they become much more interested in reforming their own countries than in hating us.
There will always be those who fear and hate freedom and strike out at it. That's what's happening in Iraq. A free Iraq is a much bigger threat to them right now than the free West. That's why they focus on attacking there. That's why it's imperative that we stay in Iraq until it can defend itself.
The best way to fight these fanatics is to spread democracy.
Incidents like this seem to be coming with alarming regularity
What, that there is "a line of people outside a police and army recruitment center in northern Iraq"? I think that is a good thing myself. It shows that they want to take care of themselves.
"What, that there is "a line of people outside a police and army recruitment center in northern Iraq"? I think that is a good thing myself. It shows that they want to take care of themselves."
As in, earning a living wage?
There are things I don't understand. That was my point. You don't understand most of the things you advocate.
Difference between you and I: I'll admit it.Really? I don't understand opera. Your point is denied.
There are a lot of people here that arent going to reenlist... But there are a lot of people here that are. I have re-enlisted twice with no bonus... and I will be again in 2008, most likely (but hopefully with a bonus.) It is different for everybody. I don't like being over here, but for all of the sacrifices made by the others before me, this is a cakewalk. I am fortunate to have a decent and reliable food supply, internet, phones available etc... It is no resort by any means, but it is no Vietnam either. Everyone has different motivations, but the Army's answer now seems to be $$$. Money is not the answer to all peoples problems, nor is it always the best motivator. On that note, wasn't it said that money is the root of all evil?
Money isn't everything to everybody, but you are right. There is a lot of gimme gimme going on when people enlist. I first enlisted for college money. Never used it but that was the goal. I ended my first 6 year enlistment in 1997 with no plan on ever going back. In September 2001, when I reenlisted it took on a new meaning for me. It is like that for a fair amount of people, but it is different for everyone.
Would you consider a first enlistment knowing that the chances of you leaving and going to another country in a reasonably short period of time were fairly high? To alot of us, leaving for our basic training and MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) school is the first time we have been away from the comforts and conveniences of home for so long... and to most, that is still usually less than 6 months. So to consider that they will have to be gone for say 6 months, and shortly after leave again for 12-20 months to go to a different country (and possibly die) is a very hard thing to swallow.
That was my 2 cents... take it for what it is worth. (2 cents)
Since I don't have change for a nickel...
At least they have the opportunity to now, something they couldn't do before... But, the immense risk that is involved for those in the ING, or Iraqi police is greater than the risk here for me. They are being singled out and targeted by the insurgency. For there to be lines of people waiting to enlist and join up despite those odds is remarkable.
Oh bullshit, Fold. You've whined and ranted about increased enlistment bonuses and re-ups to lure the poor into serving. Your hypocrisy is astounding.
Translation...........luring unsuspecting young kids for money only is just fine by Fold. Yup, for "whatever the reason."
Thanks for playing.
Zeph,
When I was in there were serious number of soldiers that weren't reenlisting for so many different reasons. I would say a good 75% of my unit was not reenlisting. I mostly heard about the basic bullshit that people were tired of. The stuff with the chain of command, how they were treated blah blah blah.  Being in Germany there were a lot of deployments mostly to Bosnia at the time. The danger was no where near what it is today. I almost didn't get out because there was a stop loss for about a month (Saddam was playing games at one point). I was happy that it was lifted about 2 weeks before my end date.  I am encouraged by those who are reenlisting now with all the BS that they hated before as well as the added danger now. It takes some very brave people to do it:)   Just my 2 cents....
Stay safe Zeph!!!
Â
i'm amazed everyday that any one can make it thru it! and i have the extreme utmost respect for all those involved, no matter how much i hate the situation.
definately stay safe!!!
Does anyone know what ever happened to that LUV2FLY dude?
Wasn't there something that happened to his wife? Car accident or something serious? I think he was taking time off for that and has never found his way back yet.
I hope everything is alright with him now.
If everyone is stupidly wasting their time, here, why do you hang around?
[Edited by on May 18, 2005 at 05:16am.]
Fold, I found this:
This was on Oct. 23, 2003. I am sure his family is much better now, but maybe he found better things to do. If he is lurking here, I hope he post how things are going now.
11:48am Feb 11, 2005 PST
Last time heposted on this thread... I am sure things have gotten better than they were in 2003 by then, you'd think... there was no goodbye with it... hope everything is ok with him
I talked to him briefly in April. He and his family are fine as far as I know. I don't remember his exact words, but basically he said he was taking a break.
Yes. I miss him, though.
It is getting hotter, so I wonder how that will affect any attacks from either side. We have been in triple digit temps for quite a while... I know it didn't take long for it to cool off, in a week last November we went from 115 to 90's... I am expecting the same or similar now, we are having unusaully cool weather for this time of year though, has been below 110 since the then as well... it is getting up there though
We have been in triple digit temps for quite a while...
That sucks!
I heard CA & AZ are having a heat wave. Not that you give a crap.
:-(
Wow... glad I am not there... hehe was only supposed to be 104 today, so it is not too bad yet.
Yeah, but the bad thing is, they live here and are much more accustomed (sp?) for this type of weather.
I can just hope they forgot from last year...
.
.
Hamza Adnan, 8, Jinan Jassim, Ayah Faiz, 5, and Duha Munaf, 16, from left, watch Dubai-based satellite television station al-Arabiya in a house in the Karada area of Baghdad, Friday May 20, 2005, as it broadcasts Friday's front page of Britain's mass circulation tabloid newspaper, the Sun, showing Saddam Hussein standing in his white underwear while folding what appears to be a brown pair of trousers. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) http://apnews.excite.com/image/20050520/IRAQ_SADDAM_PHOTOS.sff_BAG108_20050520111120.html?date=20050521
And for the first time they have the freedom to laugh at the former dictator without fear of reprisals.
[Edited 2 times. Most recently by on May 23, 2005 at 08:06pm.]
Local Hero Inspires Resistance to Insurgency
Baghdad neighbourhood emboldened by local resident who stood up to the insurgents.
By Hussein Ali in Baghdad (ICR No. 125, 18-May-05)
Nearly two months after he confronted and killed three insurgents who were terrorising his neighborhood, carpenter Dhia Muhsin said he doesn’t have any regrets.
In fact, he said if insurgents return to his neighborhood, he will shoot first again...
...Al-Dora residents had been too scared to face down the insurgents but after seeing Muhsin’s bravery, some, it seems, have decided to fight back.
“We are ready to confront any terrorist and the people in the area, after they saw what I did, have become more daring and strong,” said Muhsin...
Mudher Khudher, 42, a bakery owner, said he is proud of Muhsin actions and he and others have decided to follow his example, “Dhia taught us that the terrorists are cowards and they can’t face all Iraqis.”
Saleem Barakat, 32, a student, called Muhsin a hero and noted that their street in al-Dora has been quiet since the insurgents were killed.
http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/irq/irq_125_3_eng.txt
[Edited by on May 23, 2005 at 08:19pm.]
Islamic party denounces violence
(Al-Taakhi) The Iraqi Islamic Party headed by Muhsin Abdul Hameed has said it regards all acts of violence aimed at Iraqis as crimes of the utmost gravity. The party, which boycotted the January elections, has denounced all kinds of violence, regardless of whether the targets are Sunni, Shia, police, or National Guardsmen. The party called for dialogue instead of violence. It added that the Iraqi security forces have no right to use violence against the people, either.
http://www.iwpr.net/archive/ipm/ipm_238.html
Fallujah Holds Its First City Council Meeting
May 17, 2005
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The first democratically-elected city council of Fallujah held its inaugural meeting today at the Civil-Military Operations Center in Fallujah.
The 20-member council met for approximately two hours, during which time they elected the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the council. Imams, sheiks, engineers, lawyers, educators, administrators and businessmen are among those who make up the council.
Sheik Khalid Hammoud Mahal al-Joumaily, newly-elected chairman, said “We are happy with the free democratic process which led to a successful election.”
Mohamed Hussain Alzobai, representative of the Provincial Council, attended the meeting and offered words of encouragement to the Fallujah City Council. “You are the ones selected to represent the people of Fallujah and we hope your intent is good for the people of Fallujah,” said Alzobai. “You must do what you can to encourage the people to vote in the upcoming election.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/templatereleaseview1/BF4A5DE49CDC0BFF852570050039BAD6?opendocument
Iraq storms the screens on day two of Cannes Film Festival
Kurdish-Iraqi and Japanese filmmakers offer their different perspectives of the war
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Friday, May 13, 2005
CANNES, France: Iraq - past and present - loomed over the second day of the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday with two films, one Iraqi and one from Japan. "Kilometer Zero," by Kurdish-Iraqi filmmaker Hiner Saleem, is the first Iraqi film to be selected for the official Cannes competition since the festival's inception in 1946, generating a buzz of its own.
At the press screening late Wednesday ahead of its official showing Thursday, journalists appreciated the dark humor in its tale about a Kurdish-Iraqi conscripted into Saddam Hussein's army to fight against Iran in 1988, but were more intent on putting it into the context of the ongoing controversy about the Iraq war and its aftermath.
The film itself invited comparison with the U.S.-led war by bracketing the story with contemporary scenes of the main characters reacting to the conflict in Paris, first with surprise then with glee over the fall of Baghdad.
"This director doesn't swim with the tide of European thought, and I thought that was refreshing," said Harlan Jacobson of USA Today magazine...
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=15034
More than one million used cars have entered Iraq in two years
By Abdulsattar al-Bako Azzaman,
May 16, 2005
More than a million used cars have entered the country in the past two years, a traffic police study shows.
The figure is double the number of cars that existed in the country before the fall of Baghdad to U.S. troops in April 2003, according to the study...
...The substantial improvement in wages – from a few dollars to at an average of 300 a month – is perhaps one of the few merits of the post-Saddam era.
Moreover, the country’s financial authorities have managed to stabilize the exchange rate of the local currency – the dinar –the thing which Saddam Hussein dismally failed to do.
In fact the dinar is now much higher in value than under Saddam Hussein, enabling salaried Iraqis to plan family budgets and purchases for the first time in decades.
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2005-05-16\10373.htm
[Edited by on May 23, 2005 at 08:34pm.]
Former military corporation converted to civilian use
By Alya Qassem
Azzaman, May 7, 2005
A major military corporation is now producing cranes and electrical cables instead of missiles and bombs.
Al-Simoud Enterprise, the pride of former regime’s military industries, has been converted to civilian use.
Its main products include cranes, pylons, communication towers, concrete bridges and steel in addition to power infrastructure equipment...
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2005-05-07%5C10363.htm
2005-06 Aid budget: Iraq reconstruction assistance
The Australian Government will provide an additional $45 million over two years to provide further reconstruction assistance to Iraq.
This funding demonstrates the Government's commitment to helping build stability and democracy in Iraq. This additional funding will bring Australia's total reconstruction commitment to Iraq to over $170 million since 2003...
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/ACIO-6C9KQ2?OpenDocument
[Edited by on May 23, 2005 at 08:38pm.]
German Scientific and Cultural Aids to Iraqi Universities
Bernd Erbel, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Baghdad, announced the launch of additional scholarships for the students and professors of Iraqi universities.
Yesterday, during his visit to Al Mostansria University, Erbel pointed out that about 150 Iraqi students have visited Germany during last year and the beginning of this year. Dr. Taqei Al Musawi, Almostansria University president, met with the German ambassador and discussed the possibility of activating the cultural and scientific relations between Al Mostansria University and its German counterparts and resuming the partnership agreement with Norenberg University. Al Mousawi told Al Zaman that Erbel expressed the readiness of the German side to offer more scientific and cultural aids within the framework of developing and strengthening the relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of libraries and computers.
http://www.almendhar.com/almendharen/details.aspx?nID=3140
Dancing in Kurdistan
The National Guard’s Strange Occupation of Northern Iraq
Thousands of cars, trucks, tractors, and donkeys crowd a winding mountain highway outside the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, lurching and honking and weaving, careening within inches of precipitous slopes as drivers battle to make their way to mountaintop parks and resorts. There are no lanes, no traffic lights, and only a handful of weary cops wave at passing cars with resigned expressions. But despite the tumult, drivers and passengers alike slow and cheer as cars pass a log-jammed patrol from the Idaho National Guard’s 148th Field Artillery Regiment, deployed to Camp Stone just outside the city.
“They love us here,” Sgt. 1st Class Jose Alvarez Jr., 34, says. He smiles and waves at a truck full of pretty Kurdish girls in traditional dresses...
...
“As far as deployments go, this is a pretty good one,” Murdoch says. Atop the mountain, at a hilly, flower-sprinkled resort teeming with happy Kurds in traditional baggy suits and sequin dresses, Murdoch attempts a traditional Kurdish dance (left foot, right foot, shake your shoulders), jokes with teenagers who marvel at his 6-foot-plus height, and holds babies while their parents snap photos.
More often than not, the babies cry. Murdoch grimaces: “I’m a big scary American with a gun.”...
...Murdoch and his fellow soldiers almost can’t believe their luck. They spend most days training the nascent Iraqi Army. Between training, they play ambassador to an adoring nation. They tour the countryside with Kurdish colonels and generals, eat kebabs in restaurants where the patrons smile and wave, and even visit a carnival built atop a former Iraqi Army outpost to shake hands and sip smoothies...
http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=9976
[Edited by on May 23, 2005 at 08:56pm.]
Iraqi Arab Sunnis head towards Army enlisting posts in spite of explosions
After the Iraqi government confirmed the appointment of a Sunni in the position of defense minister. Iraqi Arab Sunnis started heading for the army enlisting centers to join the new Iraqi Army. This was evident by the long lines and large crowds of young men outside these centers in the largely Sunni area of Baghdad. This is the main reason for the increase in the terrorist activities in and around these centers.
The high unemployment amongst the Sunnis is due to non-participation in the electoral and governmental process. This is due to their religious leaders forbidding them from joining the government and the security forces in the past. This situation has now changed. We witnessed thousands of Iraqi Arab Sunnis coming from different provinces to military enlisting station in Baghdad.
Ahmend Mahmud, age 30, from Aathamiah came to the enlisting office to join the new Iraqi military. "I came because I desire to join in protecting the peace and my country," he said. Adnan Hussein from Meqdadieh who was in the old Army said; "Since the fall of the old regime I had no employment to feed my kids, thus I decided to join the new military, which pays a decent wage, and I heard a number of (Sunni) religious leaders call for us to join the new army". Luaai Ahmed from Aathamiah said, "I voluntarily enlisted in the new military because I wanted to and upon advise from my relatives".
http://chrenkoff.blogspot.com/2005/05/dam-breaks.html
Security forces go back to Baghdad
Iraqi soldiers complete four-month training with U.S. Marines
After more than four months of side-by-side training with U.S.Marine and Army forces, the Iraqi Security Forces of the 2nd Battalion, Muthanna Brigade are heading home to Baghdad.
The parting is bittersweet for troops from both sides who have formed bonds of both professionalism and friendships. But while some would have liked for the battalion to remain in the Fallujah area, it’s time for the unit, also known as the "Prime Minister’s Brigade," to take on the missions for which they have been training.
"They’re some of the best soldiers I’ve ever worked with," said Marine Capt. Andrew "Del" Del Gaudio, 30, with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, who serves as the senior adviser. He has helped train the armies of six Middle Eastern countries. "These guys really want to show us that they’re capable of running their own show"...
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=28163&archive=true
A Freedom Joe unheard of under Saddam!
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Oprah has a fan base in Iraq. Iraqi mothers fret about the amount of time their teenagers spend watching "Star Academy," an Arabic-language cross between "American Idol" and "The Real World."
And an ad for the satellite channel MBC's new lineup - which includes "Inside Edition," "Jeopardy!" and "60 Minutes" - declares: "So you can watch what THEY watch."
Satellite dishes, which Saddam Hussein and his coterie withheld from ordinary Iraqis, have sprouted everywhere since his regime fell. They sit on the roofs of mansions and sidewalk vendors' stalls, pulling in hundreds of channels from all over the world. Even squatters in a bombed-out and looted club once reserved for air force officers have a receiver set up, next to a swimming pool filled with trash and a layer of green slime.
Before the war, television was all Saddam, all the time. Even music videos featured his image. Iraqis giddy to be free from the propaganda snapped up satellite dishes soon after American tanks rolled in...
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/special_packages/iraq/11621486.htm
[Edited by on May 23, 2005 at 09:22pm.]
How do I get stationed there? Man, I don't do that mauch stuff in the states...
Happy belated memorial day Bill, Luv2Fly (wherever you are), and all of the other vets I can't think of right now.
Will try... I have become victim yet again to the payroll monster... Grrr.... Hopefully it will be taken care of in less than the month I am expecting it to take..
Other than that, safe and sound... well as sound as you can be, this deployment is getting to me again... but I have bounced back before and I will do it again :)
No other new news from here... which may be a good thing
Bill, I hope you don't think this is a simple-minded question, but what difference does it make if we fight them in Afghanistan versus Iraq? We'd still be fighting them over there instead of over here.
Why not shut down our borders....and fight the shitheads there??
My sentiments exactly.
This has now become a religious War
It always has been. They hate us just for being. They always will. We won't change their minds. We have to kill them. I'd rather our troops do it over there than here. I don't think it matters whereover there, not to them. They'd go after us wherever we were.
Do you honestly think that if we cut and run from Iraq we'll win?
Greetings Gentle People!
Â
'Bill - Fold' 7/10/05 3:17am
I agree that we are coming in a close second in our War on Whatever in Iraq...I believe if we keep our troops there for about 60 years we will be able turn Iraq into another South Korea...perhaps not a preunification West Germany or Japan though...
I disagree that we contained the terrorists in Afghanistan. Many Al Qaeda and some Talibanis walked over the mountainous border and escaped and live happily in the Northwest Frontier Province/Tribal Areas of Pakistan - which Pakistan made off limits to our troops! They plot there and enjoy free passage through Pakistan and Iran to the World!
you don't even attempt to understand what their beef is, do you.
I have no doubt what their beef is. They hate us because we're free. You can talk all you want about what "we" have done to "them." The fact is that they are religious fanatics (and you hate those, don't you, Crabs, or is it just Christian "fanatics" that you hate?).Â
The nations of the Middle East have been under brutal tyrannies for centuries. Their leaders encourage religious fanaticism and hatred of the West to divert their people from their own kleptocracies.
When people ANYWHERE get a taste of freedom, as we've been seeing in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and other places, they become much more interested in reforming their own countries than in hating us.
There will always be those who fear and hate freedom and strike out at it. That's what's happening in Iraq. A free Iraq is a much bigger threat to them right now than the free West. That's why they focus on attacking there. That's why it's imperative that we stay in Iraq until it can defend itself.
The best way to fight these fanatics is to spread democracy.
Drona K, welcome to the Water Cooler!
Muskwa 7/10/05 1:02pm
The best way to fight these fanatics is to spread democracy.
I disagree. The best way to fight fanatics to is stamp them out. Some say it can't be done, but it already has.
We didn't beat the Kamakazis and Nazis with democracy, we beat them into submission with bombs and bullets.
"you don't even attempt to understand what their beef is, do you."
They've been kind enough to spell it out in writing a few times. Granted these aren't the specific complaints, but you can get the picture.
Our women wear thong bikinis and act way too uppity. We don't stone homosexuals to death. Our television sends naughty images into their brains.
We're the illigitimate children of monkeys and pigs. We get one shot to convert to Islam. If we don't, they have a holy right to kill us.
I don't know how much it's about democracy. I think that is what we WANT to think. And I often wonder why we think it's ours to spread.
Do you think it's about Halliburton?
And how could I forget the most important reason for their beef?
We're the pawn of the Zionist pig-dogs in Israel.
WE WERE RIGHT. THEY LIED!
NEWSWEEK NAILS ROVE
Amanpour Interrupted On Air; Man Speaks Truth On Iraq
I disagree. The best way to fight fanatics to is stamp them out. Some say it can't be done, but it already has.
We didn't beat the Kamakazis and Nazis with democracy, we beat them into submission with bombs and bullets.
Why the buck stopped on Pakistan-Saudi arabia-North Korea? Kamikaze n Nazi did not have nukes thats why.
Richard:
Your approach will re-elect one Republican after another.
I'm a Democrat. Thanks for nothing, pissant.
and you will ignore it... I know.