Translators Needed

PowerLineBlog.COM ^ | 3/21/06 | John Hinderaker

[Phsstpok]

A new batch of Iraqi documents has been released on the Foreign Military Studies Office web site. Only three are in English, so we need some Arabic speakers to take a look at the others.

Only one of the three translated documents appears interesting. It is from Iraqi intelligence, and includes the following order, dated Dec. 2, 2001:

In preparation for any foreign attack (God forbid), be prepared to disperse documents from Headquarters to private residences in various geographic locations.

Which raises three questions: Why was Iraqi intelligence fearful of a "foreign attack" in December 2001? Why was the agency so intent on preventing its documents from being captured by an enemy in the event that Baghdad fell? And, of course, were Iraqi intelligence records in fact dispersed to private residences in 2003, and if so, how many have been recovered?

The same document includes this related instruction, which appears to come from Saddam Hussein himself:

Subject: Details of the Bags

1. First bag
2. Second bag
3. And so on through bag 23. [Correspondence going out and correspondence coming in 1996 through 2002]

Next comes this, which is apparently a description of the last page of the document, rather than a translation:

Final document is the handling message turning over the bags with intelligence correspondence 1996-2002 to apparatus employee Jamal Hadi Majid with his signature witnessed by A'Del Aba's Ali.

What a treasure trove! It sounds as though, on the eve of the March 2003 invasion, the last six years of Iraqi intelligence correspondence was given to a trusted agent for safekeeping. I did a quick Google search and found nothing on Jamal Hadi Majid. Has he been captured, and has the six years worth of correspondence been recovered? Is this the source of many of the documents now being released? Don't know.

Again, one wonders why Iraqi intelligence was so concerned about preventing its files from being captured. This would happen only if Baghdad were taken, in which case such records would seem to be the least of the regime's worries. Or maybe the concern was that the records might be destroyed by bombs; but then, the solution would be to put them in a hardened bunker, of which Iraq had many.

Posted by John at 02:40 PM | Permalink

[Phsstpok]

This may well have been posted via other sources, but I intend to make sure that all of us know about this stuff, particularly so that those of us with resources to deliver (in this instance Arabic speakers) can step up and use their immense talents to contribute.

Have at it.

[Phsstpok]

Activist Ping

Do any of you have resources to bring to bear on this? Can yout think of anyone else to ping who does?

(this is a subset of my weekend preview PING list - I'm setting up an activists PING list... unless I find a good one that alraedy exists?... if you want on or off this activists ping list please FreepMail me)

[Txsleuth]

jveritas has been doing a GREAT job of translating the documents.

[Bahbah]

I don't know if jveritas is on your ping list so I am taking the liberty.

[traderrob6]

We have our own translator (jveritas) and we aren't giving him up.

[Lizavetta]

Just out of curiosity, what's the going rate for Arabic or Afghani (Pashtu) translators these days?

[Shermy]

"Which raises three questions: Why was Iraqi intelligence fearful of a "foreign attack" in December 2001?"

Um, because Bush was talking about finishing Saddam off then? How soon forgotten.

[MineralMan]

"Just out of curiosity, what's the going rate for Arabic or Afghani (Pashtu) translators these days?

"

I don't know. Back in the early 70's, I got $1 a word for translating Russian, though. Translations aren't cheap.

[Phsstpok]

I don't know if jveritas is on your ping list so I am taking the liberty.

I'm modifying my ping list for my "weekend preview thread" to include only folks who I think have indicated an interest in topics  related to activism, which I define as folks who care doing things about stuff that matters.  Your name has come up a couple of times in that regard, particularly linked to anything dealing with information from the Middle East in Arabic. 

Before I add you to my ping list for "activist" issues I'd like to get your take.  So far everything I've thought of pinging people on has been about the ME situation, in one way or another.  Clearly that won't always be the case.  May I add you to my "activists ping list" (a totally personal list, just folks who I think might have an iterest) or would you prefer I limit any pings to things specifically related to that particular part of the world? Or should I leave you alone, entirely? ;^>

[Phsstpok]

Just out of curiosity, what's the going rate for Arabic or Afghani (Pashtu) translators these days?

Not enough, whatever it is. Five times that for reliable folks who will spot check what the other folks are translanting.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

High five figures for US citizen with Secret clearance.

[LibertarianInExile]

Sorry, I only speak English and Jive.

[Myrddin]

Ping

[xusafflyer]

I was offered $80,000 the first year and $120,000 after that to translate Arabic in 2003. I had a TS/SCI in the 90s.

I'm too married, and too out of practice though to take the job and be effective. I am taking Arabic again at the local university (great GPA padding) and I have arabic satellite TV.

[ParadigmLost]

Has something changed at the FMSO web site?

When I try to go there, I get a redirect to an ip address of 70.169.163.24 that is unable to be opened.

Is this me, or are others getting the same thing.

And yes I am logged in, my beeber is on stun, and I have just got out of the shower. :)

[ParadigmLost]

Never mind, they seem to have been updating the web site.

Everybody can stand down now. :)

[Phsstpok]

It's working for me:

---

Foreign Military Studies Office Joint Reserve Intelligence Center Operation Iraqi Freedom Documents

At the request of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the US Army Foreign Military Studies Office has created this portal to provide the general public with access to unclassified documents and media captured during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The US Government has made no determination regarding the authenticity of the documents, validity or factual accuracy of the information contained therein, or the quality of any translations, when available. Users who come across documents they feel are inappropriately released may contact the responsible officers at docex@center.osis.gov. The ODNI press release and public affairs contact information is available at http://www.odni.gov/

Home | DNI

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All Files 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Page 1 of 8 202MI-2003-00000001 Synopsis: N/A 202MI-2003-00000001.pdf - Text 2RAD-2004-M0001926 Synopsis: Propaganda By Iraq TV including dancing and singing with Iraq national songs, praising Saddam Hussein's achievements for Iraq and shouting dreadful words against the United States 2RAD-2004-M0001926.wmv - Video BIAP-2003-002059 Synopsis: N/A BIAP-2003-002059.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-000776 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-000776.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-001950 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-001950.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-005793 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-005793.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-005914 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-005914.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-008945 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-008945.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-012666 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-012666.pdf - CMPC-2003-012666-Translation.pdf - CMPC-2003-012666.doc - CMPC-2003-012938 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-012938.pdf - Text CMPC-2003-015213 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2003-015213.pdf - Text CMPC-2004-000394 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2004-000394.pdf - Text CMPC-2004-001117 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2004-001117.pdf - Text CMPC-2004-002219 Synopsis: N/A CMPC-2004-002219.pdf - Text DOCEX Saddam 030306 Synopsis: N/A DOCEX Saddam 030306.doc - IISP-2003-00026588 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00026588.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00026728 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00026728.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00027971 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00027971.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00031173 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00031173.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00038100 Synopsis: Intelligence coded memo by two IIS Officers: O'mer Ghanim Muhammad and Manzar Ibrahim Al Mashhadani containing intelligence information on various topics: Weapon Boat (Ship); Palestinian Muneer Fathi Basiis, Palestinians trained in Iraq, sources, codeetc. IISP-2003-00038100.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00044225 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00044225.pdf - Text IISP-2003-00046258 Synopsis: N/A IISP-2003-00046258.pdf - Text ISGB-2003-00001833 Synopsis: N/A ISGB-2003-00001833.pdf - Text ISGC-2003-M0005595 Synopsis: N/A ISGC-2003-M0005595.pdf - ISGP-2003-00001498 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00001498.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00003005 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00003005.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00007057 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00007057.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00011423 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00011423.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00014127 Synopsis: SECRET MEETING WITH TALIBAN GROUP MEMBER AND IRAQI GOVERNMENT ISGP-2003-00014127.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00014647 Synopsis: An order from Saddam Hussein to present $25,000 for the suicide bomber families in Palestine ISGP-2003-00014647.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00015320 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00015320.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00015672 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00015672.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00017230 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00017230.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00026130 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00026130.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00028868 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00028868.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00031138 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00031138.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00033345 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00033345.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00034014 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00034014.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00035064 Synopsis: N/A ISGP-2003-00035064.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00035946 Synopsis: Iraqi Military Intelligence, Correspondence letters. ISGP-2003-00035946.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-00036745 Synopsis: Orders from the Arabic Socialist Ba'ath Party to the General Command of the People's Army ISGP-2003-00036745.pdf - Text ISGP-2003-10150276 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein's speech urging the Arab people to get rid of their regimes ISGP-2003-10150276.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150277 Synopsis: SADDAM's Hussein Speach criticizing the Arab Leaders ISGP-2003-10150277.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150375 Synopsis: Ba'ath party speech about the cooperation between the government and the people, Meeting of some party and public leaders with Saddam ISGP-2003-10150375-2.mp3 - ISGP-2003-10150375-1.mp3 - ISGP-2003-10150376 Synopsis: President Saddam PRACTICING giving a speech for a certain occasion ISGP-2003-10150376.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150388 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein talking to Some Iraqi Officials About the Management Stuff and Songs from Iraqi Folklore ISGP-2003-10150388.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150398 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein's meeting with the Minister of Education concerning the teaching of Holy Quran ISGP-2003-10150398.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150407 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein's speech ISGP-2003-10150407.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150410 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein receiving phone calls and talking about Al-Dur Governorate issues ISGP-2003-10150410.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150413 Synopsis: A Political Speech Recorded by Saddam Hussein Detailing the Great Advancement Day (1995 Election) ISGP-2003-10150413.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150425 Synopsis: President Saddam giving Medals and promotions for Um Al-Maarek of the first class ISGP-2003-10150425.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150426 Synopsis: President Saddam receiving the Religious leaders and sheikhs of Anbar Province ISGP-2003-10150426.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150430 Synopsis: President Saddam receiving the officers and others involved in Al-Fao ISGP-2003-10150430.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150605 Synopsis: Report about the Kurdish situation read by Iraqi officers in the presence of Saddam Hussein ISGP-2003-10150605.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150749 Synopsis: Islamic Conference Held In Iraq During The War Between Iran And Iraq ISGP-2003-10150749.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150751 Synopsis: This file is an audio tape that contains details a session of the Islamic People's Conference; it is attended by Arab Scholars and Saddam Hussein talking about Iraq-Iran War ISGP-2003-10150751.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150753 Synopsis: Speeches Of Religious Scholars During The Iraqi Iranian War ISGP-2003-10150753.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150755 Synopsis: Islamic Conference about ending the Iraqi Iranian War ISGP-2003-10150755.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150756 Synopsis: This file is an audio tape that details a session of the Islamic People's Conference; it is attended by Arab Scholars and Saddam Hussein talking about Iraq-Iran War ISGP-2003-10150756.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150794 Synopsis: Conference of Arab Scholars for Supporting Saddam During the Iraqi-Iranian War ISGP-2003-10150794.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10150809 Synopsis: Islamic Conference Concerning The Iranian And Iraqi War ISGP-2003-10150809.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151316 Synopsis: A Meeting Of The Revolutionary Command Council; Saddam Discussing Methods Of Developing Agriculture In Iraq ISGP-2003-10151316.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151317 Synopsis: Saddam talks to the Egyptian workers, to inquire about their concerns in Iraq ISGP-2003-10151317.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151321 Synopsis: A Revolutionary Command Council Meeting Chaired By the Deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ISGP-2003-10151321.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151326 Synopsis: Saddam's speech talking about incidents that he faces in his meetings ISGP-2003-10151326.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151329 Synopsis: Speaker explains to Saddam about foreign workers wages verses the Iraqi's wages, and other topics ISGP-2003-10151329.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151331 Synopsis: Meeting between Saddam Hussein and Iraqi officials discussing the ways of improving the Iraqi cinema ISGP-2003-10151331.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151333 Synopsis: A speech by Saddam Hussein about the agriculture in Iraq ISGP-2003-10151333.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151514 Synopsis: Meeting between Saddam Hussein and members from the Arab League ISGP-2003-10151514.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151519 Synopsis: This tape contains a meeting between Saddam Hussein and the Arab Labor Union ISGP-2003-10151519.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151520 Synopsis: Interviews of Saddam Hussein with some Turkish journalists ISGP-2003-10151520.mp3 - Audio ISGP-2003-10151521 Synopsis: Saddam Hussein meeting with the Council of Minsters ISGP-2003-10151521.mp3 - Audio 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Page 1 of 8

Other released documents can be found at http://www.ctc.usma.edu/harmony_docs.asp

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