Travelling doggie-style Mar 9, 2010
My talkaholic neighbour whines on about Iraq and the difficult choice to choose a president. I close my eyes and tell myself the trip has to end soon. (iAfrica.com)
Cautious Optimism Follows Iraq Election Mar 9, 2010
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 8, 2010 ... Election day has arrived in Iraq and despite several violent attacks, voters headed to the polls ... As Elizabeth Palmer reports, some Iraqis are calling this their 'new beginning. (CBS News -- Early Show)
A biased review Mar 8, 2010
Daily Press reporters sat down and traveled with National Guard members who were fresh out of serving in Iraq as they patrolled Greene County helping those in need. That s where we found Jewel Kitrell on Greene 407 Road. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
`Hurt Locker' earns best-picture Academy Award Mar 8, 2010
"Hurt Locker" director Kathryn Bigelow won the top directing honor for her intimate Iraq war drama, making her the first woman to take the prize _ though as she's often said, she likes to think of herself as a filmmaker, period. "I hope I'm the first of many," she said afterward backstage. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Director Bigelow makes history with `Hurt Locker' Mar 8, 2010
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Kathryn Bigelow made Oscar history Sunday night, becoming the first woman to win best director at the Academy Awards for her gritty Iraq war saga "The Hurt Locker." ... She dedicated the award to the military men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world: "May they come home safe.". (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Iraq vote: PM Maliki emerges as front-runner Mar 8, 2010
The key estimates from the Baghdad region, which could swing the results of Sunday's poll, were not yet available but local officials said Maliki was so far leading in the nine of Iraq's 18 provinces ... US President Barack Obama, who has promised to withdraw all US troops from Iraq by the end of next year, paid tribute to "the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people who once again defied threats to advance their democracy." ... Maliki's State of Law Alliance was ahead in Shiite regions while... (India Times, India)
Iraqis Ignore Violence and Vote. Now the Hard Part Mar 8, 2010
Iraqis Ignore Violence and Vote ... Iraqis Ignore Violence and Vote ... An Iraqi woman casts her ballot in the Iraq's general elections in Baghdad. (Time.com)
'Alternative' spring-breakers steered from Haiti missions Mar 8, 2010
Holland, an veteran, is leading an alternative break to Colorado Springs, where she and other student veterans will rebuild the homes of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Loyola Marymount is sending 18 other trips out this spring but is unable to send students to its most highly requested location, Haiti, because of safety concerns, says Joanne Dennis, alternative-breaks coordinator. (USA Today -- News)
Bloody start to Iraq's election Mar 7, 2010
BBC News - Iraq parliamentary election hit by insurgent attacks ... Iraq parliamentary election hit by insurgent attacks ... Iraqis hope the election will lead to reduced violence. (BBC News)
September 11 attacks a big lie: Ahmadinejad Mar 7, 2010
For reprint rights: Iran's hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has again questioned the official version of the September 11 attacks in the US, calling it a "big lie" used as an excuse to invade Afghanistan and Iraq. 00000000. (India Times, India)
* Senior US official embarks on tour of Southeast Asia Mar 7, 2010
Obama administration officials have pledged to invest time in Southeast Asia, criticizing former US president George W. Bushs team for being too busy with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to nurture ties in the emerging ASEAN region. Its absolutely essential that the US convey to the key players in the Asian-Pacific region that we are here to stay and that were going to play a dynamic and continuing role, Campbell told lawmakers on Wednesday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Predictability out of the picture at Oscars Mar 7, 2010
With the best-picture lineup expanded to 10 films instead of the usual five, the science-fiction spectacle and box-office behemoth "Avatar" is head-to-head with the low-budgeted, low-grossing Iraq War story "The Hurt Locker." Each has nine nominations. Adding to the suspense is how this year's use of preferential voting for best picture _ where voters rank the 10 nominees in order of preference _ may affect the category's outcome. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
`Precious' dominates Spirit Awards with 5 prizes Mar 6, 2010
The Iraq War drama "The Hurt Locker," tied with blockbuster "Avatar" for the Oscar lead with nine nominations each, is absent from this season's Spirit Awards. "The Hurt Locker" premiered at film festivals in 2008 and was eligible for the Spirit Awards a year ago, when it earned nominations for actors Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Expatriates vote in Iraq election Mar 6, 2010
Iraqi expats vote in Amman, Jordan. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi expatriates have begun voting ahead of the main polling day for the country's general election on Sunday ... The United Nations refugee agency estimates around 2 million Iraqis live abroad, the bulk leaving after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. (BBC News)
'Hurt Locker' favorite for Oscars Mar 5, 2010
LOS ANGELES: Scandal-tainted Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" is poised to overcome science-fiction epic "Avatar" at the Oscars on Sunday as the movie industry descends on Hollywood for the 82nd Academy Awards ... Scandal-tainted Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" is poised to overcome science-fiction epic "Avatar" at the Oscars on Sunday as the movie industry descends on Hollywood for the 82nd Academy Awards. (India Times)
UK house prices 'dropped by 1.5%' Mar 5, 2010
BBC News - UK house prices see first fall since June, says Halifax. Page last updated at 13:04 GMT, Thursday, 4 March 2010. (BBC News -- Business)
Levin to replace Rangel as tax panel chairman Mar 5, 2010
was next in line for the post and held it a day, until Democrats decided they didn't want one of their most confrontational members Stark once accused Republicans of wanting to send troops to Iraq "to get their heads blown off for the amusement of the president" in such a high-profile job when their party already is under assault from voters. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Senators: Lift ban on gay blood donors Mar 5, 2010
Paul, over at Power Line, is warning White House officials to "keep the champagne on ice" with respect to Iraq. Even as Iraqis head to the polls, Paul notes, "the election will be tainted by the dubious exclusion of various candidates by a panel headed by Ahmed Chalabi, an opportunist with ties to Iran. And no one really knows what will happen to Iraq's fledging democracy following the election.". (TheHill.com)
Polling stations attacked in Iraq Mar 5, 2010
BBC News - Polling stations bombed as Iraq election begins ... Polling stations bombed as Iraq election begins ... At least 14 people have been killed in Baghdad on the first day of voting in Iraq's parliamentary elections. (BBC News -- Africa)
Iran Casts its Shadow over Key Iraq Vote Mar 5, 2010
Iraqi men walk past an election campaign poster depicting Ali al-Lami, the director for the Accountability and Justice Committee that vetted candidates for ties to the former regime and recently announced a blacklist containing hundreds of names, who is also a candidate with the Iraqi National Alliance, in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. Writing in Arabic on poster reads "316. The Iraqi National Alliance. Vote for your candidate Ali Faisal al-Lami. 24." (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) ... (AP) As... (CBS News -- World)
Pushing troop support Mar 4, 2010
ST. MARTINVILLE Yellow ribbons in support of local soldiers soon heading to Iraq are abound in the city s historic business district and surrounding areas a development one St. Martinville Knights of Columbus member hopes will spread to make Cajun Country the epicenter of yellow ribbon troop support ... Each town in the parish is being asked to litter the town with yellow ribbons, Colletti said, and will be judged at a later date to see which town has shown the most spirit for the Louisiana... (New Iberia, LA)
US tries to slip round ban on Kopassus Mar 4, 2010
Suicide bombers kill 30 in Iraq. Suicide bombers target a police station and a hospital in Baquba, days before the Iraqi national election. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Stressed out Mar 4, 2010
BBC News - India's overworked elephants. Page last updated at 00:01 GMT, Thursday, 4 March 2010. (BBC News -- Science)
In a sea of election signs, Iraqis are awash in candidates' gifts Mar 3, 2010
There are many ways to describe the campaign strategies now being employed in Iraq ... There are no laws governing how political parties raise and spend money, and while the Americans might have brought democracy to this country, campaigning here is done in a distinctly Iraqi way ... For all the outraged speeches, newly created Facebook pages and advertisements on the Arabic satellite channels, Iraqi politics remains an intensely local and personal affair, so much so that Gen. David Petraeus,... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Suicide attacks kill 10 ahead of Iraq polls Mar 3, 2010
Baquba, about 60 kilometre (40 miles) north of Baghdad and capital of Diyala province, is one of Iraq's disputed areas and was a hotbed of Sunni insurgents in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion. Iraqis go to the polls on March 7 in legislative elections, the second such vote since Saddam Hussein was ousted in a US-led invasion in 2003 ... For reprint rights: Three coordinated suicide attacks in the central Iraqi city of Baquba, killed at least 10 people and wounded 30 on Wednesday, just days... (India Times, India)
Show and Transcript: March 3 Mar 3, 2010
Iraq Appoints Ambassador ... Iraq has selected an ambassador to Kuwait for the first time in two decades ... Here's some background on this for you: Kuwait borders Iraq to the south. (CNN -- US)
Veterans need a new bus for transport to VA hospital Mar 2, 2010
The van isn t handicap accessible, and, Flaherty said, with soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with injuries or lost limbs, there have been several incidents where people have had a lot of trouble getting in and out of the vehicle. In some cases, people or wheelchairs need to be lifted. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Cramped quarters define the daily struggles of Iraqi families Mar 1, 2010
BAGHDAD -- When Wathiq Htaib talks about the crisis in Iraq, he does not mean politics or sectarian strife ... Beneath the grand issues hanging over Iraq, like the coming national elections or the continuing violence, the day-to-day lives of most Iraqis turn on more quotidian concerns: the lack of electricity; the pervasive corruption; and a housing shortage that forces two, three, even four families to live under the same roof ... Half of Iraq, it is said, lives with the other half. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Iraq leader defends banning candidates Mar 1, 2010
BAGHDAD - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki yesterday defended a decision to ban hundreds of candidates from Iraq s upcoming election, saying the decision was not intended to target the country s minority Sunni population ... The decision to keep hundreds of candidates, including a prominent Sunni lawmaker, from the election for alleged ties to Saddam Hussein s ruling party has dominated Iraq s political debate for weeks and reflects the deep sectarian differences that still divide the country ...... (Boston Globe)
Sentenced to caning for drinking beer Mar 1, 2010
Malaysian Law Allows Women To Be Whipped. 9:04PM Monday Mar 01, 2010. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Palm Beach County waste engineer visited resort for conference that bidder sponsored Feb 28, 2010
More than 200 men and women with ties to Florida have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. By. (The Palm Beach Post)
'Saudi Arabia can be interlocutor in Indo-Pak ties' Feb 28, 2010
"We expect to have a constructive conversation on the issue. The tentacles of terror have already spread from Afghanistan to Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, and latest is Yemen," he added. Saudi Arabia, the Gulf's most influential country, was the first to recognise the then Taliban regime in Kabul in the mid-nineties and enjoys enormous leverage with Pakistan. (India Times, India)
Obama set to have first physical Feb 28, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010. By Sam Youngman - 02/26/10 04:35 PM ET. (TheHill.com)
Shut down Jim Bunning's "charitable" fraud Feb 28, 2010
Chick Ward, a Republican and a 27-year veteran of the Navy, challenged Bunning's assertion that U.S. forces were not stretched too thin with the deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bunning, apparently unused to such challenges, got red-faced and bristled. (Salon)
Strong earthquake prompts tsunami warning in Japan Feb 27, 2010
U.S. victories in a couple of wars in which a military designed to defeat the Warsaw Pact was deployed to crush bankrupt, backward countries like Iraq, Serbia and Afghanistan were interpreted as proof that the world -- and not just bankrupt, backward countries -- trembled before the might of Washington's legions. Otherwise sensible people, swept up in the conventional wisdom, wrote things like, "Not since Rome has a single state been as powerful as the United States of America.". (Salon)
Cuba's Doctor Abuse Feb 27, 2010
eIBD Investor's Business Daily Digital Edition. Access recent eIBD issues easily. (Investors Business Daily)
Iraq brings back 20,000 Hussein-era officers Feb 27, 2010
BAGHDAD - Iraq yesterday reinstated 20,000 former army officers dismissed after the US-led invasion, a landmark gesture at reconciliation ahead of the March 7 elections. It s a move designed to allay some of the bitterness that still rankles Iraq years after the Bush administration made the controversial decision to dismantle Saddam Hussein s army ... News of the reinstatement was followed by a UN announcement that Iraq was gaining momentum with its bid to end UN sanctions imposed after Hussein... (Boston Globe)
* Syria affirms Iranian ties Feb 27, 2010
But she said Washington remained troubled by suspected Syrian support for militant groups in Iraq and elsewhere, interference in Lebanon and Syrias close relationship with Iran. Ahmadinejad, meanwhile, said Syria and Iran are partners with a long history. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
The military’s evolution on gays Feb 27, 2010
To be sure, go slow sentiment remains strong as the individual commanders of the Marines, the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force all voiced concern on Capitol Hill this week about ending don t ask while we are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan ... Iraq and Afghanistan US military commander General David Petraeus this week acknowledged that the openly gay policies of the militaries of the United Kingdom, Israel or, indeed in our own CIA and FBI have been uneventful. (Boston Globe)
Iran, Syria deride US for its efforts in Mideast Feb 27, 2010
Assad also criticized what he regarded as the United States new situation of colonialism in the region, with troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, and pressure on Syria to split from Iran, a friendship Assad emphasized was secure even given Syria s faltering economy. Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
A wise overture to Damascus Feb 26, 2010
But they do come in response to greater Syrian cooperation in policing Syria s long border with Iraq. They are part of a measure-for-measure process of overcoming the official enmity between Washington and Damascus - a rupture that began five years ago with the assassination of Lebanon s former prime minister, Rafiq Hariri, which a UN investigation linked to Syria. (Boston Globe)
India misses 200 mn kg tea-export target Feb 26, 2010
While the north Indian tea exports showed a decline, the south Indian tea exports looked up mainly due to active buying by Iraq and other Asian countries such as Pakistan ... The major buyer has been Iraq ... Iraq was the major buyer of Indian tea about four years ago. (India Times)
Syria, Iran affirm ties despite U.S. calls Feb 26, 2010
But she said Washington remained troubled by suspected Syrian support for militant groups in Iraq and elsewhere, interference in Lebanon and Syria's close relationship with Iran ... First imposed by Bush and renewed by Obama in May, the sanctions cite Syria's support for terrorism, its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and other activities including efforts to undermine U.S. operations in Iraq. (MSNBC -- International)
Biden: 'It's easy being vice president -- you don't have to do anything'... Feb 26, 2010
In the last month, the vice president has, among many other things, made his fourth trip to Iraq since being elected, delivered a major speech on the administration s non-proliferation agenda, produced a report on the Recovery Act s first year to the president and played a key role in bringing about the president s bi-partisan Fiscal Commission, Carney said. In the coming days and weeks, the vice president will deliver a first-year report from the Middle Class Task Force, which he chairs, and... (The Drudge Report)
Rubio: Crist leaked AmEX statements; charges legit Feb 25, 2010
More than 200 men and women with ties to Florida have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. By BRENDAN FARRINGTON. (The Palm Beach Post)
Hamid Karzai, D-Chicago Feb 25, 2010
This use of civilians as shields takes place in the Palestinian territories, where the death of civilians is used as propaganda against the Israel Defense Forces, and, of course, in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the death of innocents is seen as a propaganda triumph against us. Islamic fundamentalists not only use civilians as shields but also target them with roadside bombs and -- even grislier -- with suicide bombers attacking bazaars and cafes. (Townhall.com)
US favours direct India-Pakistan talks: Hillary Clinton Feb 25, 2010
6 billion for supporting efforts in "frontline states", Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. The request for Pakistan includes $3. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Navy Supply Corps celebrates 215 years 'Ready for Sea' Feb 25, 2010
"The Supply Corps' mission of providing combat capability through logistics is a critical aspect of our Fleet Response Plan. If we don't have effective logistics support, then we can't properly prepare our forces for global assignments." Supply Corps officers and supply community enlisted Sailors serve in hundreds of Individual Augmentee (IA) logistics and contracting positions in Afghanistan, Iraq (in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom), and the Horn of Africa. More than... (The Dolphin, CT)
Rubio says Republican Party had no policy against personal charges on party credit cards Feb 25, 2010
See the faces and find the names of Florida's fallen heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan. Archives lect> Gov. Crist paints with Highman Robert Butler for charity. (The Palm Beach Post)
Avatar: The Prequel Feb 24, 2010
As a start, dont assume that the current fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan will simply end or that the United States will ever willingly withdraw its forces from a in the Persian Gulf area. As long as the United States obtains part of its oil from the region -- and the North American Federation might still be fighting to do so in 2144 -- U.S. forces are likely to remain. (CBS News)
Searching for Saddam Feb 24, 2010
However, the 1-22 got several consolation prizes: $8 million in U.S. currency secreted away in two fireproof bank boxes, much of it still in Chase Manhattan wrappers; another $1 million or so in Iraqi currency; sniper rifles, night-vision goggles, and other sophisticated weapons; and the personal jewelry collection of Saddam's first wife (and first cousin) Sajida, the mother of his sons Uday and Qusay ... Russell reported to Col. James Hickey, the brigade commander who ordered up the social... (Slate)
NATIONAL GUARD - Biden Cites Guard's Work Feb 24, 2010
Biden said that during overseas travel that has included 17 visits to Iraq and during conversations with combatant commanders, he has been impressed by how Guardmembers synchronize with active duty and reserve forces in a joint environment ... The Bidens oldest son, Capt. Beau Biden, who is a member of the Delaware Army National Guard, recently returned from a deployment to Iraq. (DOD DefenseLINK -- News)
Ga. Guardsmen return home Feb 23, 2010
Soldiers returned to similar homecoming events here in 2006, after spending a year in Iraq fighting insurgents, training Iraq soldiers and guarding supply convoys ... For example, Capt. Patrick Grover, commander of 118th s Alpha Battery, has deployed to Afghanistan twice and Iraq once since 2001. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
23 dead in wave of prevote violence in Iraq Feb 23, 2010
BAGHDAD - A series of bombings, beheadings, and shootings rippled through Iraq yesterday, leaving at least 23 people dead - including 9 children - and intensifying concern about a spike in violence with less than two weeks until national elections ... The top US general in Iraq said yesterday that he could slow the exit of US combat forces this year if Iraq s politics become chaotic after the March 7 elections, the Associated Press reported ... The United States has agreed to withdraw combat... (Boston Globe)
A irony born from freedom Feb 23, 2010
He thought he d be busy trying to get his wife and daughter out of Iraq, to join him in Boston ... But nothing in Iraq is easy ... Relatives in Iraq, those fortunate enough to have jobs, are lucky to make $100 a month. (Boston Globe)
Michael Franti’s love song for the world Feb 23, 2010
When I go to Iraq and Israel and Palestine, people want the same stuff. They say, don t sing us songs about the harshness of the war, play something that makes us clap and dance and sing. (Boston Globe)
Pan Pacific group raising cash Feb 22, 2010
Senior Airman Robert Evans distributes soccer balls to children in Iraq. Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard distributed more than 450 donated soccer balls over the past several months as part of Operation Soccer Ball. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Mind exercises may improve alertness Feb 21, 2010
The study saw a high-stress U.S. military group preparing for deployment to Iraq being trained. It was found that the more time participants spent engaging in daily mindfulness exercises the better their mood and working memory, the cognitive term for complex thought, problem solving and cognitive control of emotions. (India Times, India)
Hamas: Murdered operative made mistakes Feb 21, 2010
Starting in September, the war in Iraq will have a name the Obama administration thinks better reflects the U.S. forces' reduced role there. NBC's Brian Williams reports. (MSNBC -- International)
3,000 La. troops prepare for duty at Miss. camp Feb 21, 2010
training for duty in Iraq ... The units are expected to travel to Iraq in April as part of a 400-day long deployment that began Jan. 5 ... In Iraq, their duties will include security for convoys and their assigned base. (KSLA.com, LA)
Novelist backs ElBaradei Feb 20, 2010
He has become a familiar face on the international stage after he first poured cold water on US claims that Saddam Hussein's Iraq was trying to buy uranium for a nuclear bomb from Niger, then issued stern warnings about attempts to inflate Iran's nuclear capabilities in the public perception. However, pro-government newspapers have described Mr ElBaradei as out of touch with the reality of Egypt and lacking in political experience. (BBC News -- Africa)
President Obama and Military "Corpsemen" Feb 20, 2010
He must do this even while he is trying to win the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Once the Obama military has been formed, how will the new gay troops be housed. (Townhall.com)
Guardsman Improves Convoy Routes Feb 20, 2010
CAMP ADDER, Iraq, Feb. 19, 2010 An Oregon National Guard member, who is a line-haul driver for FedEx in his civilian job, is helping to improve the convoy routes for military logisticians in Iraq ... Ted Carlson, the brigade operations sergeant major for the Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is using his civilian skills as a line-haul driver for Federal Express to develop more efficient convoy routes for troops serving in Iraq ... Col. Dan Hokanson, the 41st IBCT... (DOD DefenseLINK -- News)
Green groups call for federal probe of Vt. Yankee Feb 20, 2010
They say the U.S. government "has been damaged in the amount of many millions of dollars in funds." Brad Davis also claims he witnessed acts of excessive force by company workers in Iraq. A federal law enforcement official told The Associated Press that federal authorities in Virginia were investigating whether Blackwater had overbilled for its State Department work. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Lower Peach blossoms Feb 20, 2010
"I like to hang out with hippy dudes. I'm not one of them, but they're definitely more relaxed." Serving in Iraq took its toll on his spirit. "Maybe I just got tired of it," he said. (Erie Times-News, PA)
