Operation Phantom Fury--Day 109 - Now Operation River Blitz--Day 4

U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greet American troops based in Germany at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005. Bush met earlier with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to work out post-Iraq) differences, including disputes over NATO's future and coaxing Iran to end its program to develop nuclear fuel. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Helicopter pilot sees the upside of Iraq

By Amy May

(2/19/2005) — Most Soldiers serving in Iraq get a somewhat limited view of the country. They stay at a base, convoy to a mission on a flat road and return. Photos sent to families back home show Soldiers, tanks and tents against a brown backdrop of blowing dust.

Helicopter pilots like Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee Lane got to see the whole country. Flying at low altitude on a variety of missions, Lane said she noticed a more varied terrain with rocky areas, marshes, clay soil, sand dunes and snow.

"In the north, it's mountainous and green, with flowering bushes and areas with large lakes. There's more water than I had imagined," she said.

"I think flying the helicopters is the best job in the Army. It's exciting and a lot of fun. You don't get stuck in one place. I got a chance to see all of Iraq."

Lane, who is from Chicago, had lots of surprises in Iraq.

Her unit, the 106th Aviation Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, arrived in Kuwait on Feb. 29, 2004, after training at Fort Knox. On March 12, the unit went on to Camp Anaconda, a logistics support area north of Baghdad. The base, Lane said, is nicknamed "Mortaritaville" because it is frequently attacked.

Lane's job was to fly people and supplies wherever they needed to go. The unit also maintained and planned missions for the fleet of Black Hawks and Chinooks.

"We're bus drivers in the sky more than anything. We transported mostly people," she said.

Her unit transported VIPs, such as Donald Rumsfeld and a four star general, music groups and celebrities in the country for USO tours, insurgent detainees, as well as deceased Soldiers, which she called the "hero missions."

One of their last missions was to transport ballots for the Jan. 30 Iraqi election.

"It was nice to feel that you were part of that process," she said. "It was just huge to see that people were so excited about their own future. We weren't just imposing our own ideas of something on them. They were willing to risk their lives for it. It (The election) marked exactly the end of our departure. Some left that day, others a few days later. It was a nice closure to our time there."

The unit returned to the United States in early February and demobilized at Camp Atterbury.

Although the news channels portray Iraq as an extremely dangerous place where Americans are unwelcome, Lane said she did not find that to be completely true.

The air assaults, for example, were very limited. Helicopters have crashed in Iraq. An explosive device damaged another helicopter while Lane was there. The pilot lost both legs in that incident. She also noticed helicopters coming back from missions with bullet holes, as well.

"Most of them didn't even know they'd been shot at," she said. "I didn't feel in danger most of the time. People were aware that anything can happen anytime, but over the course of the year, they were very isolated."

She said her unit, which included 18 pilots, flew around 600 hours in Iraq. Normal flight time for a pilot is 96 hours. In light of all the time they spend in the air, the number of incidents was extremely low, she said.

If a helicopter was attacked, the crew couldn't necessarily fire back.

"It had to be blatantly clear they were being attacked before taking action. There were lots of steps before you could respond to a threat - to the extent that you were erring on the side of caution."

They actually faced more danger from utility wires and birds. She remembered one incident where they were flying at 150 mph and a bird hit the gunner in the head. They usually flew about 50 feet above the ground but they flew higher at night to avoid the wires.

She found the Iraqi people to be friendly and welcoming.

"We'd be flying across the desert and they'd be waving, smiling, jumping up and down. They were enthusiastic to see us most of the time," Lane said.

The helicopters dropped "candy bombs," loads of candy, soccer balls, coloring books and other toys, donated by Americans, at the small Iraqi towns.

"This was some of the most rewarding work for us, to see physically the good you were doing there," she said.

Some aspects of the Iraqi culture are possibly misunderstood by Americans. For example, in Mosul one evening, the town suddenly erupted in gunfire. Lane learned the Iraqis were shooting their guns in the air to celebrate their Olympic team's victory in the soccer match.

"It's a completely different culture," she said.

She was also surprised by how well the American Soldiers adapted to their surroundings.

"They'd do creative things to make that a pleasant place to be in," she said.

For example, a Soldier might get up early on his off time to make waffles for everyone. Others chipped in and built a theater.

"They worked 10 days without a day off. Instead of relaxing and watching TV, they built things to make it better," she said. "Many of them, of course, didn't want to be there, but once you got there, you made the best of it. They are sacrificing for people they know nothing about. It was nice to be able to see that personally."

First Lady Laura Bush discusses the importance of education to more than 400 students in the gymnasium at Gen. H. H. Arnold High School, Wiesbaden, Germany, Feb. 22. Pvt. Jennifer McFadden Printer-friendly version

First lady meets with students in Germany

By Pvt. Jennifer McFadden

WIESBADEN, Germany (Army News Service, Feb. 23, 2005) – First Lady Laura Bush visited American high school students in Wiesbaden, Germany, Feb. 22, encouraging them to treasure their education and learn from every experience.

The first lady, who is accompanying President George W. Bush during his series of meetings with European leaders, spoke to more than 400 students in the Gen. H.H. Arnold High School gymnasium.

“Wherever you go in life there are a few things I hope you remember,” Mrs. Bush said. “One is to treasure your education. Remember it (education) is freedom and it never ends. Strive to learn everyday.”

And, learn from every experience, she added.

“You will make mistakes. Mistakes make life interesting, while learning from your mistakes makes life memorable,” the first lady said.

Bush, who was introduced by Eric Goldman, the school’s principal, was greeted by thunderous cheers and smiles in the after-school presentation.

“She is an educator, so she knows the important value of what we do. It is an honor to have her here. It took many days and hours of planning but it was all for these students,” said Shelia Smith, the vice principle of the high school.

Students filled the stage and bleachers to listen to the first lady’s advice.

“Getting to see Ms. Bush was exciting. She is a motivation for me, especially as a strong female role model,” said 18-year-old senior Norah Eloueslati.

After her speech, Bush shook the student’s hands and gave them an opportunity to pose with her for photos.

“It inspires the students that she took time out of her busy schedule to spend time with them,” said Smith. “Giving them the chance to shake her hand and get her photo is phenomenal.”

(Editor’s note: Jennifer McFadden serves with the1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office.)

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- First lady Laura Bush thanked servicemembers and their families Feb. 22 for their contributions to the U.S. and world security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Pomeroy)

First lady praises troops, families in Germany

by Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

2/23/2005 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- For U.S. troops fighting the war on terror, "heroism with a human touch is part of the mission," first lady Laura Bush told troops and their families at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, during a visit Feb. 22.

Mrs. Bush traveled to Kaiserslautern, the largest American military community outside the United States, to thank troops and their families for their contributions to U.S. and world security.

Later in the day, she told students at a high school in Wiesbaden -- most of them children of U.S. servicemembers -- that they too are serving their country with courage and resiliency.

The first lady said she recognized how significantly Ramstein's role has changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, Ramstein Airmen direct air operations in a theater spanning three continents covering more than 20 million square miles in 93 countries. And besides supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the Balkans and northern and southern Africa, Mrs. Bush said, base Airmen now stand "on the front lines of a new war of the 21st century -- to confront terror and to defeat it."

She credited the Airmen with supporting an air bridge from Europe to Asia that delivered more than 3,000 tons of humanitarian relief to northern Afghanistan, preventing mass starvation there. In addition, she said, they are opening critical airfields in Iraq and providing vital en route support to deploying forces.

"As you go about your duties here every day, you're standing watch for freedom, and you're protecting the rights and the liberties we all hold dear," she said. "And you're bringing opportunity and security to nations that have known decades of cruel oppression."

But "the most amazing thing about our men and women in uniform," Mrs. Bush said, "is that even as they fight to defeat terror, they still have an enormous capacity to extend the hand of friendship and compassion to people who desperately want a better life."

The faces of American servicemembers, she said, "are the faces of American compassion abroad."

"Each of you has a greater impact than you can ever imagine on people that you will only know for a brief time," the first lady said. "And all of you are delivering the greatest gift you will ever receive by sacrificing your own comfort, your own safety and your own lives so that others might know freedom."

Mrs. Bush paid special tribute to military families, who she said "make countless sacrifices to help your loved ones fulfill their duty."

At the high school, Mrs. Bush said she was proud of the children of U.S. servicemembers.

"You don't fly jets or wear uniforms, but as the children of our military, you serve too," she said. "The courage with which you do so is an inspiration to all of us."

The first lady told students they have something some young people do not: parents who are "incredible role models" as they fight terror, advance freedom and change lives.

Their parents have given children in Afghanistan and Iraq the chance to grow up in peace, she told the students.

"I know you are proud of your parents, just as every American is grateful for their service," she said.

Discussing recent events in Iraq are, from left, LCPI Michael Hopkins, Congressman Bill Jenkins, CPI Matt Stout, Sgt. John James and LCPI Josh Morris.

Iraq is a different kind of place than it once was.

New soccer fields for Iraqi children. Clean water delivered throughout the countryside. Restored power lines. Women walking their children to schools where attendance continues to rise. Sewer and water lines installed.

Successful elections. An interim constitution signed. Hugs of grateful children. Smiles of free Iraqi citizens. New life flowing back into a country that was under the regime of an evil empire for far too long.

According to four Marines who recently returned to East Tennessee after a tour of duty in Iraq, these are the stories that should be making mainstream media headlines.

LCPI Josh Morris, of Johnson City, said it this way: "Imagine taking every incident of crime in New York or another city and airing it all on television or in print.

It would paint a pretty gruesome picture of our country as a whole if that is all that was being reported. The reports might be accurate, since the crime all took place, but it certainly wouldn't be comprehensive of everything that is going on in the city, or in our country as a whole."

Morris and Sgt. John James, CPI Matt Stout, and LCPI Michael Hopkins, all of the Tri-Cities, were personally thanked for service to their country by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, just before they presented the colors at Carter County's GOP Lincoln Day Dinner Sunday.

As they waited for Frist to arrive, several other state officials welcomed them home to Tennessee, including Congressman Bill Jenkins. Though appreciative of the support from state leaders, the group of Marines asked permission to step out of the busy room filled with local and state GOP leaders.

"All the chatter and noise is starting to bother me," one of them said. "It's hard to get back to civilian life."

Though adjusting to civilian life will take some getting used to, the Marines said their experiences in Iraq had forever changed them. James, the eldest in the group at 27, said he had been impressed by the recent Iraqi elections.

He said he regretted the media did not focus more on the positive results of the historic election.

"There was a better turnout in the elections in Iraq than we have in American elections," James said. "People seem to have this idea that we made (the elections) happen, but we didn't. We simply gave them the avenues and opportunity to vote. The people of Iraq, who want freedom more than anything else, are the ones who made the elections a success."

Frist said providing the opportunity for others to be free will make the world, and therefore America, a safer place.

"Americans aren't meant to just sit back and enjoy their freedom. Freedom is not a blessing for some, but it is a right for all people," Frist said.

Speaking after the festivities, Frist agreed the Iraqi elections had been successful.

"Somewhere in Iraq at this very moment, a citizen is beaming with pride for having taken part in free elections.

There is no greater blessing than freedom nor is there any greater divine call than to defend it. America's, and the world's, best days are ahead," Frist said.

Frist also told stories recounted to him by a recently elected high-ranking official in Iraq.

"He has shared story after story with me of men and women going to the polling booths, even as they were being bombed," Frist said. He added, the attacks did not stop the determined citizens from moving forward toward the polls. In many instances, the attackers gave up as they realized their efforts to stop free elections were fruitless.

The four Marines had other stories as well, yet each story had the same theme: There's good stuff going on in Iraq, and the media hasn't done an adequate job of delivering that message to the American people. The stories included rescuing Iraqi citizens who had been living on one of Saddam Hussein's former biological testing fields. The land was not suitable for human habitat, and the people were grateful to the American Marines who helped them find refuge.

The East Tennessee Marines said their biggest job was providing security for other military personnel as they worked on school buildings, children's soccer fields and other projects. One of the Marines smiled as he told about delivering bladders of water.

"We did so much good stuff, but most of the pictures focused on the negative," he said.

Other stories from the group included guarding a power company while workers attempted to restore power.

Remembering what it felt like to help restore basic needs to Iraq citizens, one Marine beamed with pride as he told about the work that had been done.

"The infrastructure there had been neglected for a long time. Much of it had been blown up while Saddam was in power. The citizens hardly even had water. Some days they had power and other days, they did not," he said.

Another story that brought smiles to the Marines' faces was sharing candy with Iraqi children.

"We saved some of the candy our families sent us and gave it to the children," Hopkins said. "Some of the parents wanted the candy, too. It was fun to share, and a great way to make friends."

Agreeing more positive stories would prove to encourage the people of Iraq, as well as the American troops stationed there, the Marines said the media should focus on the over-all project, not just the negative stuff. "Yes," one agreed. "This is war. That part isn't pretty."

Kenneth Knight, a Morristown resident who served in the military for 22 years and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, agrees the media has not done an adequate job of portraying the whole picture of the war in Iraq. He admits war is gruesome, but says freedom is worth fighting for. 'war' is synonymous with death," Knight said. "The effects of war have not changed since the Civil War when General William Sherman made his famous speech declaring, 'War is hell.' War includes violence, terrorism, reconstruction problems, suicide bombings, and even civilian deaths. But in the end, war brings freedom. It is war that brought an end to slavery, communism, and Nazism.

It is also war that will bring reality to Iraq's interim constitution, which reads: 'The people of Iraq...shall hereafter remain a free people....'

Raymond T. Conway / S&S President Bush waves to the crowd after his speech Wednesday at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany.

Raymond T. Conway / S&S President Bush shakes hands with soldiers after a speech to U.S. servicemembers Wednesday at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany.

Raymond T. Conway / S&S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice poses for a photo with troops. Bush and Rice stopped in Wiesbaden as part of their European trip, during which the president is hoping to solidify ties with Western leaders, some of which were weakened by the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Raymond T. Conway / S&S President Bush makes a point during his speech at Wiesbaden

'America stands with you,' Bush tells troops during visit to Wiesbaden

By Jessica Inigo, Stars and Stripes

European edition, Thursday, February 24, 2005

WIESBADEN, Germany — President Bush praised thousands of troops and their families during a Wednesday afternoon pit stop at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield during his three-country European tour.

Before heading off to the Slovak Republic, the president and other White House officials stopped to thank war-weary troops and give them a bit of entertainment for a job well done.

“Laura and I were in the neighborhood, thought we’d drop by and say hello — howdy,” said the military’s commander in chief to cheering troops and family members. Bush had spent most of the day meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Mainz.

Just before Bush’s arrival, the Frankfurt Galaxy cheerleaders performed and “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo and the Gatlin Brothers sang.

Bush said he wanted to give the troops a taste of home after their yearlong deployment to Iraq.

“Today I bring you a message from back home: The American people are grateful to you. Your communities are proud of you. And as you defend the cause of freedom, America stands with you.”

The crowd, made up mostly of 1st Armored Division soldiers but including select 1st Infantry Division soldiers, as well as troops from all services, were all key players in helping America fight the war on terror, Bush said.

“The 3,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and their family members here today represent the more than 100,000 men and women of the United States European Command forward deployed and active in the global war on terrorism both in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’re also great Americans and willful ambassadors for the United States who work hard every day to enhance our relationship with our European allies,” said Maj. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, 1st AD commander, just before the president spoke.

Though this was the second time Bush visited 1st AD troops, reminding soldiers that he was the “guy serving turkey” at 2003’s surprise visit to Baghdad on Thanksgiving Day, he made it clear that the services made up one team.

Petty Officer 1st Class Zsolt Vecsernyes, an ordnanceman who was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk off of Iraq and Afghanistan, said the president hit the nail on the head.

“I’m impressed how he recognized every troop who contributed to the fight,” Vecsernyes said. “I believe everything he believes in. He has to be one of the best presidents, coming right behind Reagan.”

Bush noted how each unit made up an important piece of the overall mission in Iraq and Afghanistan and how that’s changing the world.

“The sacrifices you have made will change the world for decades to come. By fighting terrorists in places like Baghdad and Karbala and Tikrit, you are making sure we do not face those enemies at home. By helping captive peoples gain their freedom, you have made a critical contribution to the history of liberty. And that means the world will be more peaceful, and our children and grandchildren will be more secure,” Bush said, as the crowd burst into applause.

“Your challenges were unprecedented, and so was the outcome.”

The president’s passionate speech served to inspire some soldiers.

“He kind of gave me motivation to go back downrange again,” said Spc. Chen Sheng, a combat engineer with the 16th Engineers out of Giessen, Germany.

Ending his 30-minute speech with the same gratitude White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began their speeches with, the presidential party left the troops as the sounds of the 1st AD band kicked up.

“It can’t get any better than this,” said a smiling 1st Sgt. Garnett Brown of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Command. “It’s the boost that every soldier needs.”

U.S.: Suspect in Bush plot not tortured

MARK SHERMAN

Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A Virginia man accused of plotting with al-Qaida to kill President Bush should be held indefinitely, federal prosecutors said Wednesday in court filings that also rejected his contention that he was tortured while held in Saudi Arabia.

At a court hearing a day earlier in Alexandria, Va., 23-year-old Ahmed Abu Ali offered to display scars on his back as proof that he was tortured by Saudi authorities. In their filing Wednesday, prosecutors said, "There is no credible evidence to support those claims."

Abu Ali never complained about his treatment during several meetings with an American diplomat in Saudi Arabia, according to the filing. Moreover, an American doctor examined him Monday and found "no evidence of physical mistreatment on the defendant's back or any other part of his body."

Edward MacMahon, one of Abu Ali's lawyers, said Wednesday he had not seen the government's motion and declined to comment. But on Tuesday, both MacMahon and defense lawyer Ashraf Nubani had said they had seen the scars on his back. Nubani said they looked like whip marks.

Abu Ali would pose "an exceptionally grave danger to the community" if released before his trial, prosecutors said in Wednesday's filing in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. Abu Ali also would be unlikely to show up for his trial, they said.

Until now, the government has said little about the Abu Ali's arrest and detention in Saudi Arabia, where he was held for 20 months before being suddenly flown to America on Tuesday.

His lawyers and family allege the Saudis held him at the U.S. government's request and tortured him with the knowledge of American officials. Prior to Abu Ali's return, a lawsuit filed on his family's behalf in U.S. District Court in Washington sought information about his capture and treatment.

The government sought to have the case dismissed, but U.S. District Judge John Bates has declined, saying the family has presented circumstantial evidence to support their claims of torture.

Abu Ali was born in Houston and moved to Falls Church, Va., a Washington suburb. He was valedictorian of the Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, then went to Saudi Arabia to study. He was arrested there in June 2003 but never charged.

Bates has scheduled a hearing in the civil lawsuit on Thursday. A hearing on whether Abu Ali should remain in custody until his trial was pushed back to Tuesday, the Justice Department said.

The judge wrote in December that there was "at least some circumstantial evidence that Abu Ali has been tortured during interrogations with the knowledge of the United States."

In addition, Bates wrote that Abu Ali's family said a U.S. diplomat reported to them that Abu Ali said FBI agents who questioned him threatened to send him to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

He noted at the time that the government had not attempted to rebut the family's claims. Since then, however, the Justice Department has filed a classified document seeking to justify its call for the civil case to be dismissed.

Morton Sklar, Abu Ali's lawyer in the civil case, said his client's return to the United States should not end the lawsuit. "Our main concern is that the United States government seems to have done a very effective job of diverting attention from its own responsibility for illegal conduct by focusing attention on the criminal charges," Sklar said.

A Justice Department spokesman said he would have no comment before the hearing in the civil case.

To make its criminal case against Abu Ali, the government might have to disclose details about his detention that it has sought to keep secret.

The government could try to use classified evidence, limiting defense lawyers' access to it, several civil rights and defense lawyers said. A similar issue has yet to be resolved in the case against Zacarias Moussaoui, the only U.S. defendant charged in an al-Qaida conspiracy that includes the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Confessions and other evidence that result from coercive questioning or outright torture probably would not be allowed at trial. "If the information comes from mistreatment in Saudi Arabia, it would raise questions about whether there's enough evidence for the indictment to hold," said Priti Patel, an expert on detentions of terrorism suspects for Human Rights First.

In the indictment, the government alleges Abu Ali discussed assassinating Bush, conducting a terrorist attack in the United States and establishing an al-Qaida cell here.

It is unclear how much the indictment relies on Abu Ali's own words or those of several unidentified conspirators who the indictment says were known al-Qaida members.

Not too long ago, people in Germany were asking if it would be possible for George W. Bush (left) and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to ever shake hands again.

Bush Flatters Germany, But the Conflicts Remain - Spiegel

By Carsten Volkery in Mainz

Reception with military honors: Bush and Schroeder review a guard of honor in the courtyard of the Electors Palace in Mainz.

US President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder hammed it up Wednesday like old chums -- both playing their roles perfectly in a theatrical show of Oscar proportions. Good thing they didn't talk about the tough stuff, like the EU's desire to lift its weapons embargo against China and Germany's ambition to land a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

A partnership of statesmen: Bush and Schroeder attempted to set aside their difficulties on Wednesday.

George W. Bush has never publicly uttered the word "Gerhard" as many times as he did on Wednesday in Mainz, Germany. The United States president seemed to start every other sentence during his joint press conference with Gerhard Schroeder by thanking the German chancellor. In Mainz, a determined Bush acted as a model guest.

Sitting next to a confidant Schroeder, this time it was Bush who looked like the "junior partner," and not the other way around as has so often been the case in the past. After a three-day "listening tour" in Brussels, the president emphasized that it was important for him to come to Germany. "We can't have good, strong relations with Europe if we don't have good relations with Germany," Bush said. "This great nation is the heart of Europe."

Bush began touting his newfound unity with "Old Europe" in Brussels earlier this week and his tone of rapprochement continued unabated here. During his summit with Schroeder on Wednesday at a royal palace in Mainz, a spirit of détente prevailed, with neither side straying from the agreed to talking points. When asked if the two still had differences of opinion, Schroeder grinned before saying: "We have agreed that we are not going to constantly emphasize where we're not agreeing." After the line was translated for him, Bush couldn't stop laughing.

If you think about the fact that, not too long ago, people were speculating about when or if Bush and Schroeder might shake hands again or whether they could ever smile at one another again, the new tone between the leaders is striking. The diplomatic ice age and tense posturing, it seems, are things of the past. And against that backdrop, many observers of Bush's goodwill tour are already characterizing it as a success. Before Bush even set foot on European soil, Javier Solana, the European Union's foreign policy chief, had already assessed the trip as a success.

But for how long will symbolism satisfy? After Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit three weeks ago, the prevailing thinking in Berlin was that the charm offensive would not translate into policy changes. That, certainly, is one reason why Schroeder put forth his much-criticized idea regarding NATO reform, a plan that would ostensibly shift power in the managing the trans-Atlantic relationship from NATO to the EU in Brussels.

Schroeder's speech sparked a strong sense of alienation across the pond, particularly in conservative American circles. The Wall Street Journal went so far as to accuse Schroeder of seeking to sabotage Bush's trip. But on Wednesday, the president generously sidestepped the controversy, saying, "I interpreted the comments to mean he wants NATO to be relevant, a place where there is meaningful strategic dialogue. ... And so I appreciated the spirit in which those comments were made."

The mantra of the day was: "We have common goals." The phrase was repeated tirelessly throughout the approximately 20-minute press conference. Indeed, the two agree that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons. Both care about what Bush called "the quality of our air." Both want Iraq to be rebuilt. And both have tough words for Syria. Bush said he "fully" understands "the limitations of the German contribution" in Iraq. Schroeder announced a mutual desire to "deepen cooperation" on questions of the environment, "irrespective of the question as to whether Kyoto is the right tool to be using or not."

No Real Policy Changes

The two may insist that their goals are alike, but in truth their ideas about how to achieve those goals differ greatly. And while the words they share with each other in friendly press conferences are increasingly endearing, they disagree on how to handle almost every push-button issue. Each gap provides potential fodder for future trans-Atlantic strife. The atmosphere may be good, but the fact is, after four days of "listening" in Europe, Bush has not fundamentally changed. When, after his visit with Bush, French President Jacques Chirac announced that he had the impression Bush had become "more realistic," the words came out sounding more like wishful thinking than truth. Especially since such a shift in ideals has not been noticeable in any of the speeches Bush himself has given.

On Tuesday, Bush seemed to lose his diplomatic mask for a brief moment when he considered his visit with his next host, Vladimir Putin. Bush is to meet the Russian president in Bratislava, Slovakia, and is expected to reprimand him for his delinquent record on press freedom, human rights, and democracy. Russia was another theme that Bush wanted to talk to Schroeder about. He also wanted Schroeder's assessment of developments in Russia, he told a group of young leaders gathered for the visit. Schroeder has closer ties to Putin than any other Western leader, and in Mainz he defended his friend, German officials said, and asked Bush to consider Russia in the context of its history. Bush, reportedly, just listened.

Other push-button issues got nary a mention. Bush didn't address the EU's desire -- voiced this summer -- to lift the weapons embargo it has had in place against China since the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. Of course, he did touch on the issue on Tuesday in Brussels, warning NATO leaders that the lifting of the ban could dangerously shift the balance of power between Taiwan and China towards Beijing -- nevertheless, he did say he would consider the EU proposal if it addressed European concerns.

Nor did Bush and Schroeder discuss Germany's desire to land a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, government sources said. But the fact that these issues weren't discussed should also give pause, for only after they are openly debated can one begin to speak of a true partnership.

Bush in Germany: Transcript: "We Have a Great Opportunity, I Think, Gerhard"

Bush in Germany: Talking Points: Iran and the Environment

Group photo with first ladies. President Bush with his wife Laura and Chancellor Schroeder with his wife Doris Schroeder-Koepf.

AP Many Germans don't like President George W. Bush and like to criticize his foreign policy. But could Bush be right?

Could George W. Bush Be Right? - Spiegel

By Claus Christian Malzahn in Berlin

Germany loves to criticize US President George W. Bush's Middle East policies -- just like Germany loved to criticize former President Ronald Reagan. But Reagan, when he demanded that Gorbachev remove the Berlin Wall, turned out to be right. Could history repeat itself?

Quick quiz. He was re-elected as president of the United States despite being largely disliked in the world -- particularly in Europe. The Europeans considered him to be a war-mongerer and liked to accuse him of allowing his deep religious beliefs to become the motor behind his foreign policy. Easy right?

Actually, the answer isn't as obvious as it might seem. President Ronald Reagan's visit to Berlin in 1987 was, in many respects, very similar to President George W. Bush's visit to Mainz on Wednesday. Like Bush's visit, Reagan's trip was likewise accompanied by unprecedented security precautions. A handpicked crowd cheered Reagan in front of the Brandenburg Gate while large parts of the Berlin subway system were shut down. And the Germany Reagan was traveling in, much like today's Germany, was very skeptical of the American president and his foreign policy. When Reagan stood before the Brandenburg Gate -- and the Berlin Wall -- and demanded that Gorbachev "tear down this Wall," he was lampooned the next day on the editorial pages. He is a dreamer, wrote commentators. Realpolitik looks different.

But history has shown that it wasn't Reagan who was the dreamer as he voiced his demand. Rather, it was German politicians who were lacking in imagination -- a group who in 1987 couldn't imagine that there might be an alternative to a divided Germany. Those who spoke of reunification were labelled as nationalists and the entire German left was completely uninterested in a unified Germany.

When George W. Bush requests that Chancellor Schroeder -- who, by the way, was also not entirely complimentary of Reagan's 1987 speech -- and Germany become more engaged in the Middle East, everybody on the German side will nod affably. But despite all of the sugar coating the trans-Atlantic relationship has received in recent days, Germany's foreign policy depends on differentiating itself from the United States. And when Bush leaves Europe, the differences will remain. Indeed, Bush's idea of a Middle Eastern democracy imported at the tip of a bayonet is, for Schroeder's Social Democratic Party and his coalition partner the Green Party, the hysterical offspring off the American neo-cons. Even German conservatives find the idea that Arabic countries could transform themselves into enlightened democracies somewhat absurd.

This, in fact, is likely the largest point of disagreement between Europe and the United States -- and one that a President John Kerry likely would not have made smaller: Europeans today -- just like the Europeans of 1987 -- cannot imagine that the world might change. Maybe we don't want the world to change, because change can, of course, be dangerous. But in a country of immigrants like the United States, one actually pushes for change. In Mainz today, the stagnant Europeans came face to face with the dynamic Americans. We Europeans always want to have the world from yesterday, whereas the Americans strive for the world of tomorrow.

During the Cold War, these differences were covered up by clearly shared security and political interests; now, the gaps are becoming visible. The two continents will continue to drift apart despite all of the smiles exchanged today in Mainz, yesterday in Brussels and tomorrow in Bratislava.

It was difficult not to cringe during Reagan's speech in 1987. He didn't leave a single Berlin cliché out of his script. At the end of it, most experts agreed that his demand for the removal of the Wall was inopportune, utopian and crazy.

Yet three years later, East Germany had disappeared from the map. Gorbachev had a lot to do with it, but it was the East Germans who played the larger role. When analysts are confronted by real people, amazing things can happen. And maybe history can repeat itself. Maybe the people of Syria, Iran or Jordan will get the idea in their heads to free themselves from their oppressive regimes just as the East Germans did. When the voter turnout in Iraq recently exceeded that of many Western nations, the chorus of critique from Iraq alarmists was, at least for a couple of days, quieted. Just as quiet as the chorus of Germany experts on the night of Nov. 9, 1989 when the Wall fell.

Just a thought for Old Europe to chew on: Bush might be right, just like Reagan was then.

US concerns excluded from Russian talk agenda

Reuters

Moscow : Russia and the United States will focus on common threats at their summit this week, and their relations will not be derailed by complaints of "weak people", a Kremlin aide said yesterday.

The summit agenda given by aide Sergei Prikhodko seemed to exclude Russian issues raised by US President George W. Bush in a speech this week, where he voiced concerns over the media, the rule of law and democracy.

"In a responsible approach, which is dictated by ... state interests, there is no place for weak people, who are ready to overstress external problems, obstacles and differences," Prikhodko was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying.

"Our goal is to make this regular dialogue so intensive, open, sincere and pragmatic that we can speak about anything without worrying that something could negatively affect the general character of our strategic cooperation."

Bush and President Vladimir Putin will meet in Bratislava today.

The West has become increasingly concerned in recent months about what many see as Russia's drift towards authoritarianism, highlighted by differences over Ukraine, and concerns about Russia's legal assault on oil giant Yukos.

Bush said on Tuesday he would pass on complaints from the once-Soviet Baltic states over Russian behaviour, although most analysts think any US criticism will be passed on in private to avoid antagonising Putin.

U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush greet well wishers as they depart Air Force One upon their arrival to the Slovak capital Bratislava, February 23, 2005. President Bush will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin tomorrow. REUTERS/David W Cerny

US President George W. Bush and his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasparovic review the guard of honour at MR Stefanik's airport in Bratislava where President Bush will meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.(AFP/Joe Klamar)

By TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writer

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - President Bush is urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to reverse Moscow's recent retreat from democratic reforms, while seeking to refresh his "close relationship" with his Russian counterpart.

Closing out a European goodwill tour, Bush was meeting Putin on Thursday in this snow blanketed capital of Slovakia, once part of the Soviet bloc.

Both leaders are walking a fine line, wanting to air their grievances without undercutting generally improved relations between the old Cold War nuclear rivals who are now cooperating closely in the war on terror.

High on the agenda are U.S. concerns over Putin's moves to solidify his power and to clamp down on civil and press liberties. Also drawing U.S. alarm are Putin's attempts to influence elections in Ukraine and Russia's close ties to Iran.

"I look forward to talking to him about his decision-making process," Bush told a group of young German business leaders Wednesday in Mainz, Germany. He said he was particularly concerned about Putin's curbs on press freedoms. "And I look forward to talking to him about his decision-making process."

"It's a complex relationship," Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, said of the U.S.-Russian dynamic. Democracy in Russia remains "a work in progress," Hadley told reporters ahead of Thursday's summit.

"A free and democratic Russia is better for Russia. It's better for us," Hadley said. In the 21st century, he said, Russia will gain strength "through democratic structure. And hopefully that's something they will understand as well."

Bush arrived here before Putin. He and his wife Laura stepped from Air Force One late Wednesday to a red-carpet welcome, with a military brass band playing the anthems of both nations.

A young Slovak couple dressed in native costume gave Bush bread and salt, a traditional gift of welcome and hospitality.

Bush was greeted by both Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic and Prime Minister Makulas Dzurinda. Dzurinda later told Slovak state television that the decision to hold the summit in his country was "proof that Slovakia enjoys the confidence of both the United States and Russia."

Before his talks with Putin at the medieval Bratislava Castle, Bush will meet privately with Gasparovic and Dzurinda and address Slovaks from a snowy square in downtown Bratislava.

Putin was arriving Thursday.

The summit comes nearly a year after Putin's strong re-election victory. However, he is in a weakened position following a series of mishaps and setbacks in both domestic and foreign policy.

The setbacks include increased violence in the Chechen conflict, in particular the horrifying raid on a school in Beslan that ended in a torrent of gunfire and explosions that killed more than 330 people, half of them children.

Putin also ended direct popular election of regional governors, increasing central control. In addition, he waged a campaign against the Yukos oil company and its founders. Both drew criticism at home and abroad.

The visit to Slovakia was the final leg on Bush's five-day tour to heal the trans-Atlantic rift caused by his March 2003 decision to invade Iraq without broad international support. He visited Belgium and Germany before coming here, and met with nearly all European leaders at NATO and European Union meetings in Brussels.

Slovakia, an ex-communist country which joined both the European Union and NATO last spring, is a staunch U.S. ally and has deployed non-combat troops to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The United States turned to Slovakia and other eastern European countries for help in Iraq after longtime allies France and Germany refused to join the U.S.-led coalition.

Bush spent most of Wednesday in Germany. He and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder agreed to continue to disagree on the wisdom of the Iraq war, but vowed to seek common ground in helping to nurture what Schroeder called "a stable, democratic Iraq."

They also agreed they both wanted to see a nuclear-weapons free Iran, despite some disagreements over how to ensure that.

Bush expressed general support for negotiations by Germany, Britain and France that offer Iran incentives to abandon uranium enrichment. But the United States has resisted taking part in the European diplomacy and has insisted so far that Tehran should not be rewarded.

En route out of Germany on Wednesday, Bush told about 3,000 U.S. troops at Wiesbaden Army Airfield that "America stands with you."

Some of those gathered were among the troops Bush visited in Baghdad on Thanksgiving, 2003. "I was the guy serving the turkey," Bush said to roars.

U.S. President George Bush, left, and first lady Laura Bush are greeted by Slovakia's Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda as Bush arrives in Bratislava, Slovakia, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

U.S. President George W. Bush and President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic listen to the American anthem at the Bratislava Airport upon U.S. President arrival to the Slovak capital, February 23, 2005. President Bush will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday. REUTERS/David W Cerny

Status report from the silent majority of war casualties

Feb. 24, 2005 12:00 AM

Late last July James Cruse and his wife, Sherry, decided to drive to Sedona for a day, partly to escape the summer heat, partly to escape the constant stress of knowing that their son, Christopher, was serving in Iraq.

"From the time he was a little boy, 4 or 5, it was Army toys that he wanted," James says. "Toy soldiers. Video games. So when he told us in high school that he'd decided to join the service it wasn't a surprise to us."

Chris graduated early from Phoenix's North Canyon High School in order to enter the Army. He became a sergeant in a scout unit trained to infiltrate enemy lines. By July he had been in Iraq for 11 months, keeping in touch with his family through e-mail and occasional telephone calls.

When they returned to the Valley from Sedona, the couple received a call from their daughter-in-law, Alysa, in Fort Riley, Kan.

"She said there was a captain with her who wanted to talk to us," James says. "For a while after that it was all a blur."

The officer said that Chris was in a Humvee that struck an anti-tank mine. It exploded just below him, shredding him with shrapnel. He had a crushed vertebra, a broken jaw, a shattered left arm, a broken pelvis and terrible flesh wounds. Within a day or so James and Alysa were on a plane to Germany, to which Chris had been evacuated. They didn't know if he would live. Doctors kept him in a drug-induced coma for 10 days.

"We were with him there and we flew back with him to Washington when they transferred him to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center)," James said. "Once there, you're among all of the other wounded soldiers and their families. People you don't really hear much about."

Chris, who is 22, spent 12 weeks on his back. He had screws in his pelvis and a metal bar holding it together. His jaw was wired shut. He had a feeding tube.

"Not once did he ever complain," says his father. "He went through 25 different surgeries. But in that place there are so many amazing young guys. The wounds are awful but they just go on. They do the best they can. They really are special. Their toughness. Their optimism. People should know about that."

In any war, and particularly this war, the dead make the news while we hear little of the wounded - a silent majority of 10,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

James Cruse contacted me because "all of those hurt guys deserve to be recognized." In Washington he called the offices of Sen. John McCain and Rep. J.D. Hayworth. Each visited his son.

"Their people told me that even they have trouble finding out about kids from Arizona," Cruse says.

The lives of everyone close to Chris Cruse changed when he was wounded. His father abandoned his event photography business in order to be with his son. He's still trying to pick up the pieces.

"But I have no complaints," Cruse says.

His son is walking again. He has nerve damage and he'll need additional surgeries, but he has returned to limited duty and is planning to make the military his career.

James says that Chris is scheduled to visit his family here next month. There were plans as well for a formal Purple Heart ceremony at the base in Kansas but Chris decided against it. He told his father that he viewed such an event as an "enemy marksmanship award" and he didn't want to give them the satisfaction.

"He wants to go back to Iraq with his unit," says his father. "You can guess how I feel about that. But what can I say? I'm one of the lucky ones. My son is alive."

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