Italian journalist Sgrena reveals details of shooting, 700m from Baghdad airport

repubblica ^ | March 05

[Truth666]

Lots of information pouring in:

13:04 Sgrena contradicts the US: the car wasn't speeding

13:11 americans knew we were coming -they were 700 meters away from the airport, which meant they passed already all the controls

13:19 shooting took place while italians had the italian government (Palazzo Chigi ) in the mobile phones

[norton]

I'd still bet that their time line got screwed up by an early hand over and maybe a suggestion that they haul butt out of the area. What I don't understand is why anyone in that car, at that time, would be calling the embassy & not paying attention to a check point.
for that matter, I cannot believe that an operation like this one would have been carried out without recognition & some form of bona fides being established in advance.

[kabar]

What I don't understand is why anyone in that car, at that time, would be calling the embassy & not paying attention to a check point.

Could be myriad reasons, including arrangements at the airports in Baghdad and Rome, press release information, etc. He could have even been checking on agreed upon checkpoint procedures and asking the Italian Embassy to confirm them again. Who knows, but with such a high profile passenger, it could be any thing.

[daybreakcoming]

Fabrizo Quattrocchi will always stand as an inspiration to most Americans. It was heartbreaking that he was murdered in such a way but what a lesson in courage he gave us.

[ArmyTeach]

Again, you are the voice of reason. I certainly hope that is the case. I'm sure there are methods for determining the speed of the vehicle and whether or not is was slowing in response to the soldiers' warnings. I do hope that President Bush also demands that Berlusconi explain and justify the actions of his people. I suppose I've become overly cynical as this conflict unfolds, but we typically do not press an issue and end up with all the blame.

[Allegra]

How many checkpoints are there on the way to the airport? Surely they went through others prior to the last one. Could they have gone through previous checkpoints following the rules and then picked up someone or something prior to the last checkpoint?

There are checkpoints on every artery road around the airport, as well as along the airport road itself. I think I know the one where this incident took place. It is VERY close to the airport if it's the one I'm thinking of - right up by the entrance.

It's not inconceivable that they could pick up someone or something between checkpoints, but it would have had to be done very quickly and surreptitiously.

I sure am disgusted with the way the media is spinning this story this morning, I can tell you that.

[Truth666]

Was Fatima's shield 700 m from the Baghdad Airport?

Fatima is a central event in the pre-tribulation period, which lasted from Christmas 1914 to October 1998.
I explained how Fatima is connected to the Spring 1981 bullets in the heart of Reagan and John Paul II, the two men that were at the base of the peaceful fall of communism.

[walford]

[reformjoy]

Running a checkpoint. Who the heck does this wench think she is, Hilliary?

maybe so!

[reformjoy]

Not only that, but signs with the phrases "DEADLY FORCE AUTHORIZED" and "KILL ZONE" in English and Arabic....

But, not in Italian!

[chuckwalla]

How also would the US know there was no bomb in the car.
They got the car from the terrorists.
The trustworthy terorists.

[Allegra]

But, not in Italian!

Yeah, that'll be their next excuse. ;-)