http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/oif/ en-us Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:25:03 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047822/posts "We have succeeded", not, "we are succeeding" Bold move on McCain's part. YouTube http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047822/posts#comment Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:25:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046633/posts WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two top Pentagon officials said Wednesday that they expect to be able to recommend troops cuts in Iraq this fall and will try to increase troops in Afghanistan. Adm. Mike Mullen, right, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates speak at the Pentagon on Wednesday. The remarks came after U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday in the deadliest firefight in Afghanistan in recent years. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said he had ruled out extending the deployment of U.S. forces in Afghanistan or making tours longer than 15 months, leaving few options other than shifting troops who were destined for... CNN http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046633/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:13:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2045600/posts A single-digit month. Looking at the coalition fatalities for the first half of July, 2008 shows something remarkable...something not yet noted by any mainstream news agencies or blogs. At first glance, the stats show that 6 good Americans gave their lives for our country so far this month in Iraq. But that number of 6 doesn't tell the tale. Looking more closely at the numbers, two of our lost soldiers were due to non-hostile work accidents (e.g. one was electrocuted). But that doesn't mean that we've lost 4 good men to combat this month...you see...two of those lost to combat... iCasualties.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2045600/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:20:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045576/posts TEHRAN (AFP) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he met two military commanders from US-led forces on his trip to Iraq in March and that they even took souvenir pictures to commemorate the encounter. His claims were published on Saturday in reformist newspapers and the conservative Jomhouri Eslami, which said the comments came in a speech he made over a month ago that was first broadcast by state television late on Wednesday. There was no immediate confirmation of the comments from the Iranian presidency or any further reaction on Sunday. Ahmadinejad has already said he was the target of an... AFP via Iran Focus http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045576/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:30:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045489/posts 14 July 2008The war continues to abate in Iraq. Violence is still present, but, of course, Iraq was a relatively violent place long before Coalition forces moved in. I would go so far as to say that barring any major and unexpected developments (like an Israeli air strike on Iran and the retaliations that would follow), a fair-minded person could say with reasonable certainty that the war has ended. A new and better nation is growing legs. What's left is messy politics that likely will be punctuated by low-level violence and the occasional spectacular attack. Yet, the will of the... Michael Yon Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045489/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:33:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044764/posts There are moments that throw the nature of America's enemies into the sharpest possible relief. One such moment came this week, as the Army revealed that it had identified the remains of two US soldiers taken captive in Iraq. Pfc. Byron Fouty, 19, and Queens-born Sgt. Alex Jimenez, 25, were captured last May after heavy fighting in Iraq's then-explosive Sunni Triangle. The body of a third captured GI, Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr., was found not long afterward - but Jimenez and Fouty's families held out hope for their return. Until now. It's the smallest of comforts that the country may... NEW YORK POST http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044764/posts#comment Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:45:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045293/posts ....says Washington Post. There are a large number of "depending on" qualifiers and so this is by no means a done deal. In any case, the military has no plan to send additional troops to Afghanistan till next years. If this happens, three brigades slated for Iraq in 2009 will retrain for Afghanistan. So why are we not happy? Haven't we been yelling and screaming for more troops for Afghanistan? We are not happy for two good reasons. First, the US has an absolute shortage of combat brigades. That three may go to Afghanistan and not Iraq changes nothing: the... ORBAT.COM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045293/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:14:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045001/posts Both the United States and Britain are hoping to reduce their military commitment in Iraq to focus on Afghanistan. The US is considering cutting American troop numbers to below 120,000, compared with 170,000 last year. Up to three combat brigades could be withdrawn in September. Britain is also looking to cut troop numbers by almost a half in Iraq, from 4,000 to about 2,500, although not until next year. This would give the Government the option of deploying more units to Helmand province, where the Taleban has intensified its operations, using suicide attacks, roadside bombs and mines. More American and... Times Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045001/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:35:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044765/posts In Chicago, pan pizza rules. But in Iraq it's more like panned pizza, as the military serves a ketchup/sliced hot dog mutant. (At least the crust isn't a bun.) Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village and teen son Kent decided to deliver, hoping to ship pan pizzas to troops for Independence Day. They did it with cash donations and help from DHL and Lou Malnati's. Here's how the mission unfolded. 2145 hours, May 30: Evans and his son are chowing down on Lou Malnati's when they hear a news report on Iraq. Kent wonders about... Chicago Tribune via Restaurants and Institutions http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044765/posts#comment Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:45:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044477/posts The explosions in the Sha'ab neighborhood in the Baghdad district of Adhamiyah, which killed 16 civilians and wounded 29 more, have been "misreported," according to the US military. The explosions in the Mahdi Army stronghold were initially reported in the media as a car bomb attack that targeted a police commander. The attack was held up as the largest bombing in Baghdad since mid-March. But the US military has refuted the reports, saying the explosions were caused by the premature detonation of a Special Groups improvised rocket launching system. The system, which has been described as a flying improvised explosive... The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044477/posts#comment Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:03:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044593/posts WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is considering the withdrawal of additional combat forces from Iraq beginning in September, according to administration and military officials, raising the prospect of a far more ambitious plan than expected only months ago. Such a withdrawal would be a striking reversal from the nadir of the war in 2006 and 2007. One factor in the consideration is the pressing need for additional American troops in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other fighters have intensified their insurgency and inflicted a growing number of casualties on Afghans and American-led forces there. More American and allied troops died... NY Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044593/posts#comment Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:45:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044137/posts WASHINGTON, July 11, 2008 – The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has identified human remains found in Iraq as those of two 10th Mountain Division soldiers who had been missing since a May 2007 ambush. Army Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, and Pfc. Byron W. Fouty, 19, were listed as “missing/captured” during operations in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, on May 12, 2007. The two men were soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, N.Y. Jimenez and Fouty were part of a patrol of seven Americans and an Iraqi army interpreter... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044137/posts#comment Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:30:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2043956/posts The body of Alex R. Jimenez, a Lawrence-based soldier who was kidnapped more than a year ago, has been found in Iraq in a tragic ending to a family's wrenching hope for his return. Jimenez's father, Ramon "Andy'' Jimenez, was notified by Army servicemen who came to his home yesterday that his son's body was found two days ago by Iraqi authorities, who contacted their American counterparts. The elder Ramirez, who had held out hope that he would one day see his son's return, seemed to come to terms with the news. "It comforts you when you accept something, and... Boston Globe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2043956/posts#comment Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:05:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041762/posts Clashes broke out in the Sadr City district in northeastern Baghdad after Iraqi forces detained a senior Sadrist leader, an Iraqi news outlet reported. Iraqi soldiers and police cordoned several neighborhoods in the Mahdi Army stronghold to contain the fighting that occurred after security forces detained Abbas Abdul Aal, who is a "senior Sadrist leader," Voices of Iraq reported. Aal's nephew was also detailed. "Security forces closed all of the city's outlets and prevented the movement of traffic and pedestrians," an eyewitness told the Iraqi newspaper. The move in Sadr comes one day after Iraqi soldiers closed the Sadrist office... The Long War Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041762/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:25:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041821/posts US Removes Iraq Uranium-MORE EVIDENCE OF SADDAM WMD PROGRAM Its been all over the press for the past few days. 550 METRIC TONS (that's BIGGER than 5 Rosie O'Donnells) were removed from Bagdad by the US Government: The last major remnant of Saddam Hussein's nuclear program — a huge stockpile of concentrated natural uranium — reached a Canadian port Saturday to complete a secret U.S. operation that included a two-week airlift from Baghdad and a ship voyage crossing two oceans. The removal of 550 metric tons of "yellowcake" — the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment — was a significant... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041821/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:29:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040523/posts WASHINGTON, July 3, 2008 – More than 1,100 servicemembers stationed in Iraq will celebrate the nation’s birthday tomorrow by re-enlisting, the senior enlisted leader for Multinational Force Iraq said today. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill said 1,157 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will re-enlist at the Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, in Baghdad. This may be the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, Hill said via phone from Baghdad. This is becoming an annual blockbuster event for the command. Last year, 588 servicemembers re-enlisted. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments we have... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040523/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:44:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040745/posts More than 1,200 soldiers serving in Iraq gave America a precious gift today. BAGHDAD (AFP) - More than 1,200 US troops serving in Iraq signed up for extended service in the military to mark America’s national day on Friday. At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport. General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle... LGF/AFP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2040745/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:33:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038181/posts RAMADI — Ramadi was regarded by many to be one of the most violent cities in Iraq for much of the last five years. The thought of rebuilding the troubled city during that time was improbable, the risks were too high. Now, Ramadi is much safer and rebuilding the city is no longer just an impossible idea but an everyday reality in the recovering region. The country is now transitioning from violence and fighting, to healing and freedom. The focus in Ramadi, and all of al-Anbar province, is no longer on warfare but on reconstructing the region’s damaged infrastructure. “Ramadi... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038181/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:18:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035601/posts The GAO and Pentagon cited less violence but also Iraqi forces unprepared to go it alone. WASHINGTON - Two new government reports, one by the Pentagon, pointed Monday to encouraging security improvements in Iraq but were pessimistic about prospects for political and economic progress and warned that costly military gains remain fragile.One report, by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, concluded that many political reconciliation efforts have stalled, that Iraq's security forces remain largely unable to operate without U.S. assistance and that its central government has not fulfilled commitments to spend its own money on reconstruction efforts.... Los Angeles Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035601/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:36:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035602/posts (CNSNews.com) - Progress in Iraq has been so substantial that by the end of this year, the U.S. may be able withdraw forces from Iraq to support its troops in Afghanistan, where violence has been rising, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters Monday. "I am hopeful that if the turnaround in Iraq continues as it has in recent months, then we will be able to create some additional force [in Afghanistan] at the same time that we are growing the Army and the Marine Corps," he said at a Pentagon news briefing. "Through that... CNSNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035602/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:37:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034803/posts WASHINGTON, June 22, 2008 – U.S. and Iraqi forces discovered and confiscated weapons caches and captured insurgents during ongoing operations over the past several days in Iraq. In Baghdad today, Iraqi police seized an explosively formed projectile and several machine-gun rounds during operations in the New Baghdad district. In another operation, police uncovered a weapons cache in New Baghdad consisting of mortar rounds, a rocket, an artillery round, a number of machine-gun rounds, a mortar base plate, a telescopic sight, explosives, a night vision device and a rocket sled. Iraqi soldiers later confiscated several AK-47 rifles, two magazines and a... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034803/posts#comment Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:41:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033088/posts FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — Upon arriving in Baghdad, the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, began its 15-month deployment in central Baghdad detached from its organic brigade, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. Now attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, the “Straight Arrows” Battalion conducts the same mission of providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi citizens but in a different operating environment. “Every Soldier in the Battalion has embraced their mission here in Baghdad with a lot of courage, dedication and motivation,”... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033088/posts#comment Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:47:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032103/posts Iraqi and US forces were poised to strike a key Shia militia stronghold in southern Iraq yesterday as Nouri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister, pushed ahead with his campaign to rid the country of al-Mahdi Army gunmen. A woman holds a portrait of the radical cleric Hojatoleslam Moqtada al-Sadr Iraqi army tanks, armoured troop carriers and infantrymen surrounded al-Amarah, a lawless tribal city near the Iranian border that is renowned for its smuggling rings. It once held a British base but the army was mortared so heavily by al-Mahdi Army irregulars that it withdrew to patrol the Iranian frontier. Mr al-Maliki... The Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032103/posts#comment Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:16:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031991/posts In the wake of the U.S. Air Force leadership shake up, Defense Secretary Robert Gates is directing the service to field six more Predator combat air patrols (CAPs), as well as more Reapers to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The order comes shortly after Gates’ first briefing from the new Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force June 6. He set up the task force in April, explaining during a speech at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., that getting warfighting support from institutional military — namely, the Air Force — was “like pulling teeth.” A lack of support for... Aviation Week http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031991/posts#comment Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:57:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031443/posts Team members visit a renovated school. Most schools in southern Iraq showed years of neglect so the renovations normally included window and door repair, new lights, bathroom fixtures and painting. DarrowÂ’s six-person FEST-A team started 170 projects, including 49 schools, during four months in 2003. Courtesy photo. FOB KALSU — He was among the first helping rebuild key facilities in southern Iraq shortly after Saddam Hussein’s regime was toppled. This month, Lt. Col. Michael Darrow returned to Iraq on another U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission. This time he will be the Officer-in-Charge of the Forat Area Office overseeing 42... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031443/posts#comment Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:03:33 GMT