Helicopters Attack Insurgents Placing Roadside Bomb in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2007 – Helicopters from Multinational Division Baghdad engaged insurgents preparing to emplace a roadside bomb south of the Iraqi capital today. Elsewhere in Iraq, U.S. and coalition troops found several weapons caches in recent days.

Blair blackmail terror bid foiled

By GEORGE PASCOE-WATSON
Political Editor
January 31, 2007

EVIL Muslim terrorists were to kidnap a British soldier on UK streets and force him to plead with Tony Blair for his life in return for a pull-out of troops from Iraq, The Sun can reveal.

Testing the Bounds of Power

Associated Press | January 30, 2007

WASHINGTON - The new Democratic-led Congress is on a collision course with the White House over how far lawmakers can or should go to stop the war in Iraq, a dispute that could test the bounds of the Constitution.

Fallon Wants New Direction in Iraq

Associated Press | January 30, 2007

WASHINGTON - Stabilizing Iraq will require "new and different actions" to improve security and promote political reconciliation, the Navy admiral poised to lead American forces in the Middle East said Tuesday.

Iraqi, U.S. Troops Find Bombs, Other Weapons During Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2007 – American military engineers in Iraq discovered and detonated an anti-tank mine; Iraqi police were attacked by an improvised explosive device; and Iraqi soldiers nabbed an insurgent during operations in Iraq over the past few days, officials said.

Middle East Region Critical to World, Fallon Says

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2007 – Acknowledging the immense security challenges in the Middle East, President Bush’s pick for command of U.S. forces there said today that he is eager to work with U.S. troops in the region and is optimistic about the future of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bush Lauds Iraqi Performance in Najaf Fight, Warns Iran

By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2007 – Early reports that credit Iraqi troops for taking the initiative during a Jan. 28 battle with insurgents near Najaf are heartening news, President Bush said during an interview with National Public Radio here yesterday.

Driving While Defeatist

Frank Gaffney | January 29, 2007

Members of the 110th Congress are behaving like drunken drivers with respect to the conflict in Iraq, veering wildly all over the road, seemingly oblivious to the risk they pose to others. Before they do actual harm by voting on various resolutions aimed at repudiating President Bush and further undermining his wartime leadership, they should be obliged to sit through the sort of sobering, behavior-modification program to which courts assign those found operating heavy equipment while inebriated.

Iraq Victory Requires Renewed Resolve

Paul Morin | January 29, 2007

America's stiff upper lip is starting to quiver. At least that's what one may deduce from many of the noises coming from the halls of Congress these days. Resolutions attempting to undermine President Bush could be dismissed as ordinary political posturing if not for the demoralizing effect it has on our troops serving in Iraq.

Bush Issues Strong Warning to Iran

Associated Press | January 29, 2007

WASHINGTON - Deeply distrustful of Iran, President Bush said Monday "we will respond firmly" if Tehran escalates its military actions in Iraq and threatens American forces or Iraqi citizens.

Commander Guardedly Optimistic About Progress in Anbar

By Fred W. Baker III American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2007 – Fed up with al Qaeda’s murderous rampage in the region, local tribes in the Iraq’s Anbar province have endorsed and joined local government efforts to drive out insurgents and establish security in the area, the commander of Multinational Force West said today.

Joint Center Prepares Deploying Troops to Confront IED Threat

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

FORT IRWIN, Calif., Jan. 29, 2007 – As a full-time member of the opposing force at the National Training Center here, Army Spc. Tim Lawson is accustomed to putting troops preparing to deploy through rigors like they’ll confront in Iraq and Afghanistan.

33 Detained in Iraq; Insurgent Training Site Destroyed

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2007 – Coalition forces detained 33 insurgents and destroyed a terrorist training facility this week in operations across Iraq.

Coalition Forces Reportedly Kill at Least 250 Militants in Iraq

Sunday, January 28, 2007
BAGHDAD, Iraq — A U.S. helicopter crashed Sunday while providing air support during a large-scale ground confrontation between Iraqi security forces and gunmen allegedly plotting to kill Shiite pilgrims and clerics during a religious festival.

The military said two crew members were killed in the crash, which occurred about 12 miles northeast of Najaf. Iraqi officials said about 250 militants were killed in the fighting, but the figure could not be independently confirmed. Sources told FOX News that up to 300 insurgents may have been killed.

14 Enemy Fighters Killed, Dozens Nabbed in Recent Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2007 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed 14 terrorists and captured dozens of suspected insurgents during operations conducted in Iraq today and over the past week, officials said.

U.S., Afghan Forces Nab Five Terrorists Near Khost

American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 28, 2007 – Coalition and Afghan forces arrested five individuals connected with a known terrorist sub-commander and weapons transporter during a raid at a compound near Khost city today, officials said.

Progress Quietly Proceeds in Afghanistan, General Says

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2007 – More Afghan adults are employed; more of their children are attending school; and the Afghan government is expanding, the senior U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said today.

Senate Unanimously Confirms Petraeus to Head Operations in Iraq

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2007 – The Senate today confirmed Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus for promotion to general and assignment as commander of Multinational Force Iraq.

Nine Insurgents Killed in Iraq, 21 Detained; Weapons Caches Discovered

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2007 – Coalition forces killed nine insurgents and detained 21 more this week in operations across Iraq.

Does Congress Care?

Oliver North | January 26, 2007

Camp Lejeune, N.C. – The Marines and their families here at this sprawling base on the Carolina coast didn't have much to say about the President's State of the Union Address. For many of them, his address the week before had been more important. It was then that they had learned that many more of them would be heading for Iraq – and that the tour of duty for those already there would be extended. But amazingly enough – not one of them – despite Democrat bombast and mainstream media remonstrations to the contrary – expressed any anger at the commander in chief for the added sacrifice.

US to Increase Spending in Afghanistan

Associated Press | January 25, 2007

WASHINGTON - President Bush will ask Congress to give more than $8 billion to Afghanistan to help its security forces and assist in reconstructing the war-ravaged nation, the White House said Thursday.

NATO Attacks Afghan Taliban Post

Associated Press | January 26, 2007

KABUL, Afghanistan - A NATO airstrike destroyed a Taliban command post in southern Afghanistan, killing a suspected senior militant leader, the alliance said Friday, while 10 rebel fighters died in a clash with police in the east.

43 Insurgents Detained, Weapons Found, Captives Freed

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2007 – In a string of operations across Iraq over the past four days, Iraqi and coalition forces detained 43 suspected terrorists, found several weapons caches, stopped an illegal checkpoint, and freed three captives, military officials reported.

Iraqis Celebrate School Reopening, Forces Provide Aid to Citizens

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2007 – An Iraqi neighborhood north of Ramadi celebrated the reopening of its school Jan. 23, U.S. and Iraqi forces provided aid to citizens in Adhamiyah this week, and students in Tal Afar received cold weather gear from Iraqi forces Jan. 22, military officials reported.

War on terror not just Bush's war

Walter Jackson
Millbrook
My fellow Sunday Advertiser readers addressed the war on terror as "Bush's war" and while I understand the emotions behind these thoughts I must object. The war on terror is not President Bush's war, it is indeed our war and a world war.

US Launches New Airstrike in Somalia

Associated Press January 24, 2007
WASHINGTON - The United States launched an airstrike in Somalia against suspected terrorist targets - the second such attack this month, defense officials said Wednesday.

U.S. Troops Clash With Baghdad Insurgents

Associated Press January 24, 2007
BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi troops clashed with gunmen firing heavy weapons from concrete high-rises in a Sunni insurgent stronghold north of the heavily fortified Green Zone on Wednesday. Iraqi's defense ministry said as many as 30 militants were killed and 27 captured.

U.S. Working With Countries in Horn of Africa to Go After al Qaeda

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2007 – The United States will track down al Qaeda operatives wherever they try to find safe haven, including in the Horn of Africa, a senior Defense Department official said today.

Combined Operation Nets Insurgents, Weapons in Baghdad

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2007 – Several insurgents were captured and a weapons cache was found during a combined security operation that was kicked off today in the Haifa Street area of Baghdad, officials said.

Senate Panel Votes Against Bush on Iraq

Jan 24, 1:48 PM (ET)

By ANNE FLAHERTY

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee dismissed President Bush's plans to increase troops strength in Iraq on Wednesday as "not in the national interest," an unusual wartime repudiation of the commander in chief.

Petraeus Says 'Tough Days' Ahead

Associated Press | January 23, 2007

WASHINGTON - The Army general who would carry out President Bush's new war plan urged a skeptical Congress and American public Tuesday to be patient, but acknowledged "the situation in Iraq is dire."

"None of this will be rapid," Lt. Gen. David Petraeus told the Senate Armed Services Committee. "The way ahead will be neither quick nor easy."

Bush Urges Congress to Support Victory Strategy in Iraq

By John D. Banusiewicz American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – Citing freedom’s progress in the Middle East, the ambitions of a thinking and determined enemy and the consequences of failure in Iraq, President Bush tonight urged Congress in his State of the Union Address to support a strategy of victory in Iraq.

Soldier Honored at State of the Union Address

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – An Army sergeant who was awarded the Silver Star for his valiant actions in Iraq was honored by President Bush at the annual State of the Union Address here tonight.

Bush Stresses Cooperation, Perseverance in War on Terror

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – Emphasizing that failure in Iraq would be grievous and far-reaching, President Bush said tonight that American leaders must work together to set the conditions for success in the long war against terrorism.

100 Terrorists Killed, 50 Detained in Operation Turki Bowl

By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – U.S. and Iraqi forces killed 100 terrorists, detained 50, and dismantled a large terrorist group in January during Operation Turki Bowl, the senior U.S. Army officer in Iraq’s Diyala province said yesterday.

16 Insurgents Killed in Iraq, 18 Detained; Weapons Caches Found

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – Coalition forces killed 16 terrorists and detained 18 others in Iraq this week, military officials said, and troops discovered multiple weapons caches.

Petraeus Supports Troop Increase in Confirmation Hearing

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 – President Bush’s pick for command of Multinational Force Iraq today supported the new strategy for Iraq, emphasizing that additional U.S. forces are essential in accomplishing the mission there.

Retreat Isn't an Option

By Liz Cheney
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
...America deserves better. It's time for everyone -- Republicans and Democrats -- to stop trying to find ways for America to quit. Victory is the only option. We must have the fortitude and the courage to do what it takes. In the words of Winston Churchill, we must deserve victory.

EYEING IRAN

January 6, 2007 -- WORD that Adm. William Fallon will move laterally from our Pacific Command to take charge of Central Command - responsible for the Middle East - while two ground wars rage in the region baffled the media.

Why put a swabbie in charge of grunt operations?

Myths of Iraq

March 14, 2006
By Ralph Peters
During a recent visit to Baghdad, I saw an enormous failure. On the part of our media. The reality in the streets, day after day, bore little resemblance to the sensational claims of civil war and disaster in the headlines.

Ahmadinejad: U.S. Claims 'Ridiculous'

Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 2:18 p.m. EST
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad described U.S. accusations against his country of meddling in Iraq as the "most ridiculous" of Washington's charges against Iran, state media reported Monday.

Experts: Ahmadinejad’s Days May Be Numbered

Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 3:34 p.m. EST
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is facing increased opposition within his nation’s hierarchy and could be toppled in the near future, according to two experts on Iran.

Details Emerge About Possible Terror Threat

By PIERRE THOMAS
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2007 — - Mimicking the hijackers who executed the Sept. 11 attacks, insurgents reportedly tied to al Qaeda in Iraq considered using student visas to slip terrorists into the United States to orchestrate a new attack on American soil.

Iran's Saber-Rattling Escalates

Associated Press January 22, 2007
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran conducted missile tests Monday as its leadership stepped up warnings of possible military confrontation with the United States. Hard-liners said an American attack would spark "hell" for the U.S. and Israel, with some threatening suicide attacks against U.S. forces.

Suspected Terrorist Killed, 25 Detained During Operations

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 18 others while conducting multiple operations throughout Iraq today, military officials reported.

Meeting President Bush

Deborah Tainsh January 17, 2007
Except for the men and women in uniform who have pledged to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, I've never been star struck. So when my husband, Sergeant Major David Tainsh USMC (Ret.), and I, parents of fallen hero Army Sergeant Patrick Tainsh, received the invitation to meet with President Bush on January 11 at Fort Benning, I told the caller I had a conflict. I was scheduled to be in California that day meeting with other very important people: 100 family members of other fallen heroes.

Gates Trip Aimed at Understanding Ground-truth

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2007 – Seeking ground-truth, Robert M. Gates made his second trip of his less than month-long tour as defense secretary to the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

Pace Points to Colombia’s Counter-drug Efforts as Possible Model for Afghanistan

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 20, 2007 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked Colombia’s leaders here yesterday for using their country’s long experience in its counter-drug effort to help the Afghan government fight a similar battle.