Posted on 06/27/2004 2:02:10 AM PDT by Cannoneer No. 4
Awesome article. Just what I needed.
Imagine what happens post-June 30 if Iran continues to meddle in Iraqi affairs? The Iraqis will make their complaints in public and to the U.N. All of a sudden the complaints will gain credibility, and the U.N. will be forced to address the issue.
This provides the U.S. with the necessary justification to increase pressure on Iran. And should the U.S. determine that military force is necessary it will have the acknowledgement, if not the approval, that action is justified.
If your username indicates a qualification badge or assignment to a Ranger Bn. then you should be familiar with the briefings received when Operations Orders are issued. And you should be familiar with the level of detailed information the MI guys are able to gather about the opponents. Given that the Specialist is writing post operation, why is it surprising that he has such detailed information if he has attended any After Action Reviews?
The Specialist admits to being 36 years old. He may have been politically active before joining the Army. He may just have stumbled into correspondence with the organization when surfing the net in his off duty time and appreciated an attentive audience for his writing.
With respect to money given to militants, wouldn't you expect the money to be distributed along chain of command lines? And haven't we learned enough from history that commanders will sometimes not buy the necessary rations for their subordinates and keep the money? Why should we think the militants in this case would be different, especially since there is no formal chain of command to hold them accountable?
A wonderful account to stand on (from someone with a proven trustworthy record) as this delicate week begins.
Thank you for the post and the ping, Cannoneer No. 4.
Thank you, Amy Ridenour.
Thank you, Spc. Roche!
Here in Baghdad we are facing a serious sustained terrorist offensive. This we expected. Just at the point that democracy and self-determination are being advanced for the Iraqis, there will always be these terrorist offensives meant to destroy the progress. We must not cower and apologize for our being here at this time. This is, in fact, the most important time for us to show our resolve. And your soldiers are doing this valiantly.
Bump!
I have no doubt that Iran supported Moqtada al-Sadr -- after all, Iran has for decades, through administrations of left and right, led the State Department list of terrorist-sponsoring nations, which Madeline Albright renamed "Nations of Concern," because, I reckon, she was not terribly concerned. After all, we'd twist Israeli arms until they cut a deal with Arafat, and then the "root cause" of Islamic terror would be gone. A bit naïve, but what can you expect? The left is a bit light on suspicion of third world multicultural paradises. But in re Iran, Americans of all political stripes have long understood that the ayatollahs mean us ill, and they do what they can to give their ill intentions substance.
I agree that the numbers, the specifics, are curious and I have not seen them elsewhere. I routinely had information like that when I was a very junior SP4, but it was not information I could share outside channels (unless I wanted to go from E-4 to E-1 and from a plum assignment to a stone cell). It is possible that these have been widely reported among the troops but not picked up by the media here.
So the press-release bit is explained: somebody else pole-vaulted a blog into a press release. But I admit I too am curious about where he is hearing these details about Iran. I want to read more of whatever that source is myself.
On Iran, there is justification aplenty over the years but no moral imperative or will for us to attack that nation. More importantly, there is no need. The Iranian people are a proud people with a long history. (Remember the legend of the 300 Spartans? At the end of the day, who was holding the pass at Thermopylae? Iranians, that's who). Moreover, the Iranian youth thirst for liberty and engagement with the great world outside their borders. We should maintain "correct" relations (with a small r) with the current theocracy, while doing all we can to support those freedom-loving youngsters. It won't be easy, and it won't be fast. But it won't leave mothers wailing over graves in both countries, either; it won't leave wounds that take 20 years and more to heal (like the 1978 hostage takings).
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
It does not. "Ranger" is not a soldier (I don't know if he's a veteran). He explained to me once the meaning of his nick, which has nothing to do with Army Rangers.
His son was in the Army and was killed in Iraq in the early days of the insurgency. Some are critical of his public appearances with Democratic politicians. From what I have seen, his interest has been in trying to see that other soldiers are better protected than his son was. His home state has none but Democratic politicians in Washington; for someone wishing to influence policy now, they are the only game in town.
I have no idea what Ranger's personal politics are. Let's address the questions that he asks on their own merits. One's arguments have an existence and a standing that need to be addressed on their own, not by ad hominem attack on the person making the argument.
In other words, a good idea is a good idea, a right answer a right answer, and an intriguing question an intriguing question. Even if the idea, the answer, or the question come from someone across the aisle.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
Guess US is getting money worth on training it pay for and Turks provide to Chechins...will US ever learn?
In these times its all to easy to make reflex assessments.
However, one should be aware at all times.
Spc. Roche bump!
Just further proof that our troops are awesome and brave and committed to winning.
(Jun 18 04) Hey mom how’s it going,
well its 110 or more at all times, and we aren’t slowing down one bit, the supply of s*** heads just doesn’t seem to get any smaller for us, things here are pretty amazing, one second your bored out of your mind, then the world's on fire, then they are talking about s*** that doesn’t matter till we get back, then they are tellin' us to focus on this place right now, because we still have a lot to do here, and your still in a war zone!! Its amazing, but its doable, it is, so how’s everyone doing do you have any new news on Miranda and Chad or Billy
well not too much longer and I should be home, so take it easy, keep in touch, and ill talk to you soon.
love
rob
Gotta go love you guys and I'll write more later
rob
Thanks, Coop.
Keeping Rob and his fellow Marines in prayer, hoping he finds this post and knows we have a whole army of prayer warriors on the homefront and around the world lifting him and his fellow troops in prayer daily.
God bless your son!!
Not my son, but thanks just the same. :-)
Maybe the Old Media is having trouble locating returning soldiers who will say what they want them to say.
Kerry might have some (or dress up some phonies) at the Dem convention.
Hmmmm .... I guess there are some folks over there who still haven't heard of the NSA.... Dumbasses.
ping for later
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