Care Packages For Our Servicemen and Women

Quick plug here. There is another resource for sending care packages to our military. There will also be a June 26th ‘web-a-thon’ (I guess that’s the modern equivalent of a telethon) to get as many of these packages out to our troops as possible.

Jelly Belly has also donated a bunch of candy packs four our troops to hand out to the children (aka candy diplomacy) in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more details on this effort (including information on the web-a-thon) see: Mark your calendars: June 26 From the Front Lines web-a-thon.

Additionally, you need not wait for June 26th - you can buy the care packages now by clicking here.

Alternatively, if the above isn’t something you are interested in but do want to show your support in some other way, check out: America Supports You - Show Your Support page (plenty of categories to choose from). There is also the USO.

Yon’s Book, Iraq, and Afghanistan

I was able to get a copy of Michael Yon’s book “Moment of Truth In Iraq” (available at Amazon, see also Yon’s reader comments). I highly recommend the book for anyone looking for an easy to read summary of the war (post invasion) from the perspective of the front lines. Yon notes our failures to conduct effective operations and strategies to avoid destabilizing effects throwing the overall action into danger as well as critical failures of al Qaeda which gave us the second chance we are capitalizing on now. Yon details how we, through counter-insurgency and General Petraeus, are taking advantage of this chance. We are seeing some of the fruits of this change in strategy.

Yon gives a warning that this isn’t over yet, based on how we act as a nation, we can stifle the progress and be witnesses to a bloodbath. Most notably, Yon believes (at the time of writing) that we should increase troop numbers to effectively conduct counter-insurgency in the remaining areas.

Finally, Yon also gives a strong warning that Afghanistan needs to be addressed ASAP as he feels we are loosing. Unfortunately, Michael Yon doesn’t go into any detail regarding how or why he believes we are loosing in Afghanistan. That is the only criticism I have of the book - if you bring up the issue, make the argument, Michael doesn’t. The reader is left guessing (likely, Yon is also referring to counter-insurgency operations here too). With General Petraeus’ promotion to also overseeing Afghanistan operations, counter-insurgency may well be what Yon is referring to but without any specifics, that is the only guess I have for his opinion.

On a personal side, Michael Yon mentions how well the 101st Airborne (under General Petraeus’ leadership) performed in Mosul after the invasion,specifically relating to strategies aimed at preventing insurgency. I remember sending some requested supplies to the 101st for them to use in a joint humanitarian project at that time, it was nice to know that I was a part (albeit tiny) of making a difference.

Anyway, I mentioned that there has been a bunch of progress. To date, we’ve seen the Anbar Awakening and the Diyala Awakening where former insurgents came to us and we jointly hammered al Qaeda. We have also seen the Iraqi forces become stronger and more competent and seen Basra and Sadr City battles handled with Iraqi forces in the lead (and Maliki taking a much stronger leadership role) and Moqtada al Sadr effectively give up in both places (not to mention Maliki telling Iran to quit meddling). One of the best signs is also the return of the Sunnis to the government and the greater political competency by local leaders (also discussed in Yon’s book) after some mentoring.

With all this positive progress, we must remember that Mosul (al Qaeda is running to it) must still be settled and now is not the time to say ‘good enough’ and leave. In any battle or war there are many (probably countless) critical junctures. This is another one. Let us not fail the Iraqis and keep our thoughts, as well, to Afghanistan.

Side note: In terms of Afghanistan (and the region, in general), I’ve found The Long War Journal to provide a pretty good wrap up of the region (click here for Afghanistan-specific entries).

Note on Afghanistan: In responding to a comment, I remembered Yon had highlighted an article written by a British MP named Adam Holloway. The article may well be what Yon has in mind when he discusses Afghanistan: To bring peace to the Afghans, talk to the Taleban

UPDATE: Speaking of Mosul…

Iraq War Update: Sadr and Mosquitos

About six months ago, Sadr withdrew from Iraq and suspended Mahdi operations. At the time, I suspected that it was just a way to take the heat off while he tried to regain his grip on the organization and allowed him to rearm (see previous link). While the prospect of Iran taking things over remains (see emphasis), it appears Sadr may be calling it quits on the political front as well:

Iraq’s elusive Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr has decided to drop out of politics for the time being because his disillusionment with the political scene in Iraq has left him sick and anxious, he said in an unusually personal letter to his followers released Friday.

He also cited the betrayal of some followers, whom he accused of falling prey to “materialistic” politics.”So far I did not succeed either to liberate Iraq or make it an Islamic society — whether because of my own inability or the inability of society, only God knows,” Sadr wrote.

This was the first time Sadr has sought to explain his absence, which had given rise to speculation that he was no longer exerting full control over the Mahdi Army. [emphasis added]

Iran (via Quds Force and material/logistic help) may be taking a greater role in these militias or the militias may continue to splinter and act on their own. Both scenarios present their own, unique challenges. While the aforementioned splinter groups may choose to pursue terrorist actions, they may choose to disband (go back to work and family) or join Iraqi Police Units or assist coalition forces as concerned citizens groups seen elsewhere in Iraq. Ideally, the latter, positive, choices will be made.

What about Mosquitoes?

Yon has a post (deceptively titled “Guitar Heroes“) about Kiowa Warriors (insurgents call them mosquitoes).

I have a friend who flies F-16s. Prior to that, they flew helicopters for the army. I asked why they switched. The response was “I didn’t like getting shot down”. While I understood the response, reading Yon’s post brings much more meaning. The men and women, such as CW2 Susan Weathers, truly deserve the title provided by their aircraft. Here are some teasers:

Ambush! Three bullets struck the helicopter and one hit Jamison’s helmet. The flight helmets have no ballistic protection because Kevlar is heavy, and when you crash it can break your neck or even snap your head off. The bullet went straight through the back of Jamison’s helmet…

Bullets ripped through the cockpit. One bullet punched through the pedals between the pilot’s feet. Another slammed into a seat. Another bullet popped a rotor. And one bullet tore through the belly of the helicopter, severing a wrist-thick skein of wires.

The last thing a lot of pilots hear before they die is the “Caution, Warning, and Advisory System.” Di Giorgio and Sickler heard it start blaring…

War Update

This will be really quick (I’m playing catch up). Yon has a good post up. I’ve been meaning to highlight it here, but never found the time until now. It is actually written by LTC. Jame Crider:

Commander’s Update #9 JAN 08

Yon also has a short post up worth checking out:

News Flash: Al Qaeda is on the run

Finally, here’s another good post by Michael where he raises the concern that while things are looking up in Iraq,  we ought not forget about Afghanistan where we (NATO) may be faltering:

News Flash: General Reassignment

It is also worth checking out Michael Totten and The Long War Journal.

Rap Tax and Pet Projects (Centerville Mayor)

The Davis County Clipper has a spotlight on Mayor Ron Russell. I had been told that Russell’s support of the Rap Tax may be partially tied to his involvement in Rogers Memorial Theatre. I, admittedly, didn’t do the work to confirm/deny the information (and, thus, didn’t say anything about it) but the Clipper inadvertently did so for me:

…Russell’s now-married daughter Taryn introduced her father to Rodgers Memorial Theatre, and Russell utilized his sudden free time to appear in a few RMT plays. He encouraged another son to appear in a play with him and continues to be involved with RMT as the theater’s photographer.

Though that free time dried up after he was elected as mayor, the love of the theater RMT inspired has fueled Russell’s efforts to establish a larger theater that would serve all of south Davis.

I assume that Russell is still the RMT’s photographer (I think the following paragraph refers to his acting carreer). Nevertheless, it appears my source was right. I’ve stated, numerous times before, that the Rap Tax is the type of tax ripe for use for politician’s pet projects, it appears that is the case from the start. That also begs the question: are any other council members or mayors involved with RMT?

Centerville is also planning on using your tax dollars to tell you how great government is.

Ending on the positive: I need to say a “thank you” to the Centerville City Council and the Mayor for this: Centerville to increase military utility waiver

Christmas Support For Our Troops

Just a reminder not to forget those who sacrifice so much for us (our military and their families).

I encourage all to donate to a military support charity during the season of giving and gratitude.

There a myriad of reputable choices at America Supports You. Trust me, you will find a charity for our soldiers or their families that best fits you at the site.

Here are a few I like (my own list - I’m not sure if they are all listed at the above link):
The USO
Operation Give (Utah based)
Fisher House
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Again, go to the America Support You link and look through the categories. Heaps of charities are available.

Finally, someone else worth considering is Michael Yon. He’s done a super job reporting from the front lines of both US and British forces. Click the link and take a look at his dispatches. He recently put up a series on the British in the south. I’ve noted before that the British deserve our heartfelt thanks and admiration for their heroism. They are a great, dependable ally.

Week’s Iraq News Wrapup

First, it’s worth noting that yes there is still a war in Afghanistan (see The Long War Journal for more).

It’s been a while since I said much on Iraq and a lot of positive things have occurred. I hope most have tried to keep up, despite media inattention on the issue recently. If not, here are links spanning the last week (note: I don’t think they include links on the major decline in coalition and Iraqi casualties and attacks - you’ll have to look that up yourself):

The Good News:

Baghdad by night - juice bars, neon lights, bustling streets (11/18/07)
Qaeda chased from last Baghdad bastion (11/16/07)
Embattled Baghdad shows signs of hope (11/14/07 )
A ‘boots on the ground’ view:
Hot Air Audio: CPT Aaron Kaufman, US Army, on the surge and whether we’re winning (11/14/07)

Not-to-be missed pictures and background on a Christian Mass in Baghdad (church reopened). It includes Yon’s ‘thousand words’ photo/post of Muslims assisting Christians reopen their church (and put up its cross): Come Home

Today, Muslims mostly filled the front pews of St. John’s. Muslims who want their Christian friends and neighbors to come home. The Christians who might see these photos likely will recognize their friends here. The Muslims in this neighborhood worry that other people will take the homes of their Christian neighbors, and that the Christians will never come back. And so they came to St. John’s today in force, and they showed their faces, and they said, “Come back to Iraq. Come home.”

I asked Ice if the Muslims treat the Christians poorly in Iraq, and he said what other Iraqi Christians and Muslims have also told me: an unequivocal “No.”

The message may be getting out: Better security sees Iraqi refugees flood home

Problems on the Home Front:

Unfortunately, timeline politics is nothing new to Reid/Pelosi nor is it their only dangerous ploy to curry political points with the Code Pink types (nor is it limited to Iraq).

Dems threaten to cut Iraq purse strings (11/13/07)
Reid to Bush: Start withdrawing troops or else (11/13/07)
SecDef Gates cowboys up against the surrendercrat Congress (11/15/007)
GOP Senators: Take the war budget out of pork (11/16/07) - Congress had the will to pass the Defense Appropriations bill (with plenty o’ pork) - suggestion to use that pork to while waiting for Congress to knock-off the timeline politicking.
Pentagon ramps up fight with Congress (11/20/07)

The AP has also recently shifted tactics to hit on desertion rates. This post casts light on the figures and context they are using as well as a historical perspective (effectively showing the desertions stories seem to be an attempt to make a non-issue an issue):
Military Desertion Rates and the Associated Press

Pentagon stupidity: Military demands partial refund of signing bonus from wounded vets. Fortunately, they seem to have received the message loud and clear: Pentagon backpedals furiously on denying bonuses to wounded vets

Looking to the Future - Words of Warning:

Now that things are shaping up on the ground, it is critical that the Iraqi government step up:
U.S. begs Iraqi government to seize the moment before it passes (11/15/07)

Hitchens also chimes in: Something To Give Thanks For (11/19/07)

Finally, with Thanksgiving coming up remember to keep our soldiers, our allies, the Iraqis (and their government) , and Afghans in our thoughts and prayers.

Christmas is also around the corner. Go to America Supports You (linked on blog roll too) for plenty of ways to say thanks. You will also find legitimate organizations focused on helping our military servicemen/women as well as organizations that further enable our troops help others in need (in Iraq, Afghanistan…wherever) .

The Iraq Disconnect (and how to help)

Michael Yon has another excellent post up about the major disconnect (or “glass dome” we live under) regarding the Iraq war and what the current situation is in the country. The post is a sobering wake-up call on the importance on accurate AND timely information. I will excerpt the first few paragraphs of Yon’s post, but before I do so, I would beg of you to go directly to his post and read it in its entirety.

Additionally, I would ask that you consider assisting Michael Yon in his critical endeavor. I will be pitching in and for those of us who never want anything for Christmas (seriously annoying your mother, wife, etc) - consider putting Mr. Yon on your list. You can securely donate through Yon’s homepage (click “support the next dispatch”) or through the link at the bottom of each post (or click here).

Here is the excerpt from “Resistance Is Futile“:

All describe the bizarro-world contrast between what most Americans seem to think is happening in Iraq versus what is really happening in Iraq. Knowing this disconnect exists and experiencing it directly are two separate matters. It’s like the difference between holding the remote control during the telecast of a volcanic eruption on some distant island (and then flipping the channel), versus running for survival from a wretch of molten lava that just engulfed your car.

I was at home in the United States just one day before the magnitude hit me like vertigo: America seems to be under a glass dome which allows few hard facts from the field to filter in unless they are attached to a string of false assumptions. Considering that my trip home coincided with General Petraeus’ testimony before the US Congress, when media interest in the war was (I’m told) unusually concentrated, it’s a wonder my eardrums didn’t burst on the trip back to Iraq. In places like Singapore, Indonesia, and Britain people hardly seemed to notice that success is being achieved in Iraq, while in the United States, Britney was competing for airtime with O.J. in one of the saddest sideshows on Earth.

No thinking person would look at last year’s weather reports to judge whether it will rain today, yet we do something similar with Iraq news. The situation in Iraq has drastically changed, but the inertia of bad news leaves many convinced that the mission has failed beyond recovery, that all Iraqis are engaged in sectarian violence, or are waiting for us to leave so they can crush their neighbors. This view allows our soldiers two possible roles: either “victim caught in the crossfire” or “referee between warring parties.” Neither, rightly, is tolerable to the American or British public.

Today I am in Iraq, back in a war of such strategic consequence that it will affect generations yet unborn—whether or not they want it to… [click here to read the rest!]

LTC Crider’s Letter (Michael Yon)

I would say this is a great post by Yon, but it’s not really his, per se. I’m also not going to even post an excerpt of it - it is far better to read the whole thing along with the background Yon’s previous posts provide:

Achievements of the Human Heart

God Bless our Troops and their Families.

Pelosi Supports Troops By Cutting Supply Lines (update)

A political move by the left is in play to effectively cut off a large portion of our military’s supply lines in Iraq. The article entitled “Pelosi’s Most Dangerous Ploy” details the strategy. I’ve excerpted parts below but would strongly recommend reading the article.

Congressional Democrats anxious to force a withdrawal of American forces from Iraq are frustrated by their inability to muster a veto-proof majority for legislation that would establish a firm date for retreat. But what they cannot do directly they are now working hard to do indirectly.

According to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Incirlik Air Base near Adana, Turkey is the transshipment point for about 70% of all air cargo (including 33% of the fuel) going to supply US forces in Iraq. Included are about 95% of the new “MRAP” — mine-resistant, ambush-protected — vehicles designed to save the lives of American troops. Turkey wasn’t always this helpful. In 2003, the Turks refuse permission for the 4th Infantry Division to enter Iraq through Turkey.

Turkey’s Erdogan government has indicated that if the House of Representatives takes action on a non-binding resolution being pushed by Speaker Pelosi, Turkey might revoke our ability to use Incirlik as a waypoint for Iraq supplies.

At issue is the non-binding resolution passed on October 10 by the House Foreign Affairs Committee that labels the 1915-1923 massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire a genocide. Such resolutions can be passed by either or both houses of Congress and are not subject to presidential veto.

But the resolution is gratuitous and Democrats’ timing suspicious. It’s gratuitous because, in 1981, President Reagan referred to the Armenian massacre as genocide in a proclamation commemorating the Nazi Holocaust.

Why, if Pelosi is so committed to ending genocide, aren’t she and Senate Democrat leaders doing something about the ongoing genocide in Darfur or the massacres of protesters in Burma?

The timing couldn’t be worse. Not only are we dependent on Turkey for our principal supply line into Iraq, we are in on the verge of a crisis with Turkey, trying to convince the Erdogan government to continue to refrain from attacking the PKK — Kurdish terrorist forces — that have been raiding into southeastern Turkey for years.

After the House committee vote, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Nabi Sensoy was recalled…

Speaker Pelosi is apparently so intent on forcing an end to American involvement in Iraq that she is willing to interfere in our tenuous friendship with Turkey. When she does, it will be an historic event: the House of Representatives will be responsible for alienating a key ally in time of war and possibly interdicting supplies to US troops.

In other words, call your representative (the top has a rep finder and drop down menu of reps) and ask them to oppose the resolution AND call Speaker Pelosi’s office (202-225-4965 or 415-556-4862 or email) and politely, but firmly, request that she reconsider this unnecessary, destructive political maneuver.

UPDATE: Not good.

UPDATE: Cooler heads prevail?