Weighing News of Al-Qaida 'Setbacks'
politics, war, pandering, left wing, news media, bias, terrorism, hypocrisy, propaganda
On one hand, deny military progress means anything without political progress. So there has been political progress in Iraq, but don't give Bush the credit.
May 30, 2008, by Tom Gjelten
CIA Director Michael Hayden says al-Qaida has suffered "significant setbacks" around the world. But analysts say the terrorist network's problems are largely of its own making — not the result of U.S. counterterrorism strategy.
Political Progress in Iraq
January 12, 2008
The Democrats' party line is the "surge" in Iraq has failed despite the best efforts of our troops, because the surge has not been followed by the political progress called for in Congress's "benchmarks." Yesterday, one of the benchmarks was achieved as Iraq's Parliament voted to reinstate the ability of former Baathists to serve in government jobs.
Much more progress remains to be made. Still, perhaps one can look forward to the day when the Democrats, out of ammo, unveil a new slogan: "We just want to lose!"
Iraq Political Progress
SEPTEMBER 26, 2008
We used to hear from Joe Biden, the Pentagon and others on both sides of the aisle in Washington that only political reconciliation and a U.S. force pullout could stem the violence. They got it backwards. The "surge" and General David Petraeus's new counterinsurgency strategy, in a matter of months, turned or neutralized Sunni and Shiite militias and all but defeated al Qaeda in Iraq. Only now that it's calmer do Iraqis feel secure enough to make political progress.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query iraq terrorism. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query iraq terrorism. Sort by date Show all posts
Iraq Watch
war, news, terrorism, wmd, organizations, military
Iraq Watch is a comprehensive web site devoted to tracking mass destruction weapons in Iraq. In the wake of Saddam Hussein's ouster, the site is committed to monitoring efforts to account for these weapons. Iraq Watch details key Iraqi organizations and sites involved in weapons proliferation, lists their foreign suppliers, and provides access to U.N. and other documents that describe past and present activities in Iraq.
war, news, terrorism, wmd, organizations, military
Iraq Watch is a comprehensive web site devoted to tracking mass destruction weapons in Iraq. In the wake of Saddam Hussein's ouster, the site is committed to monitoring efforts to account for these weapons. Iraq Watch details key Iraqi organizations and sites involved in weapons proliferation, lists their foreign suppliers, and provides access to U.N. and other documents that describe past and present activities in Iraq.
Oh Brother... Libs Want to Take Credit For Iraq Success
November 30, 2008
The NY Times are scurrying to give Obama victory credit for Iraq.
Let the rewriting of history begin.
Obama’s Iraq Inheritance
November 30, 2008, by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
If he can pull this off, and help that decent Iraq take root, Obama and the Democrats could not only end the Iraq war but salvage something positive from it. Nothing would do more to enhance the Democratic Party’s national security credentials than that.
politics, left wing, Democrats, liberalism, propaganda, war, terrorism, video
November 30, 2008
The NY Times are scurrying to give Obama victory credit for Iraq.
Let the rewriting of history begin.
Obama’s Iraq Inheritance
November 30, 2008, by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
If he can pull this off, and help that decent Iraq take root, Obama and the Democrats could not only end the Iraq war but salvage something positive from it. Nothing would do more to enhance the Democratic Party’s national security credentials than that.
politics, left wing, Democrats, liberalism, propaganda, war, terrorism, video
Gore criticizes Bush for ignoring Iraq's ties to terrorism
September 29, 1992
Al Gore blasts George H.W. Bush for ignoring Iraq's ties to terrorists and disregarding Iraq's attempts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
war, terrorism, campaign, elections, video, Democrats, scandal
September 29, 1992
Al Gore blasts George H.W. Bush for ignoring Iraq's ties to terrorists and disregarding Iraq's attempts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
war, terrorism, campaign, elections, video, Democrats, scandal
CIA Agent Confirms Al-Qaeda Was In Iraq In 2002
war, news, terrorism, foreign affairs
November 13, 2008
Al-Qaeda leaders were in Iraq in 2002.
How do we know?
Because our agents saw them there
CQ Politics reported:
Charles “Sam” Faddis, who led a CIA team into northern Iraq following the 9/11 attacks, says the Pentagon’s “endless planning and delays” foiled a chance to wipe out a band of al Qaeda leaders who were fleeing American bombs in Afghanistan.
Faddis says the delays, beginning in 2002, also facilitated the escape of some “key” al Qaeda figures, including terrorist scientists who were working on chemical and biological weapons.
“Some died, some are still on the run,” Faddis said in a telephone interview Tuesday, following his appearance on NPR’s Diane Rehm Show to promote a new book, Operation Hotel California: The Clandestine War Inside Iraq.
war, news, terrorism, foreign affairs
November 13, 2008
Al-Qaeda leaders were in Iraq in 2002.
How do we know?
Because our agents saw them there
CQ Politics reported:
Charles “Sam” Faddis, who led a CIA team into northern Iraq following the 9/11 attacks, says the Pentagon’s “endless planning and delays” foiled a chance to wipe out a band of al Qaeda leaders who were fleeing American bombs in Afghanistan.
Faddis says the delays, beginning in 2002, also facilitated the escape of some “key” al Qaeda figures, including terrorist scientists who were working on chemical and biological weapons.
“Some died, some are still on the run,” Faddis said in a telephone interview Tuesday, following his appearance on NPR’s Diane Rehm Show to promote a new book, Operation Hotel California: The Clandestine War Inside Iraq.
Worst violence since US pullback hits Iraq
July 9, 2009 by CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
Iran involved in Iraq's affairs? So it wasn't just an Iraqi civil war.
BAGHDAD – Bombs killed nearly 60 people in Iraq on Thursday in the worst violence since U.S. combat troops withdrew from urban areas last week, and American forces released five Iranian officials suspected of aiding Shiite insurgents.
U.S. officials said they believe the Iranians, detained in northern Iraq in January 2007, had facilitated attacks on American-led forces but handed them over to the Iraqi government at its request because they were obliged to do so under a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
July 9, 2009 by CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
Iran involved in Iraq's affairs? So it wasn't just an Iraqi civil war.
BAGHDAD – Bombs killed nearly 60 people in Iraq on Thursday in the worst violence since U.S. combat troops withdrew from urban areas last week, and American forces released five Iranian officials suspected of aiding Shiite insurgents.
U.S. officials said they believe the Iranians, detained in northern Iraq in January 2007, had facilitated attacks on American-led forces but handed them over to the Iraqi government at its request because they were obliged to do so under a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
Biden sends son, Delaware troops off for Iraq
politics, patriotism, war, terrorism, congress, Democrats, military, foreign affairs
So, Joe doesn't think the war in Iraq is a lie?
October 3, 2008, by RANDALL CHASE
Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden told his son and other Delaware National Guard troops on Friday that his heart was "full of love and pride" as they prepared to leave for an assignment in Iraq.
"We take comfort in the knowledge that you are the best-trained, best-prepared group of citizen soldiers that our country to this day has ever sent into harm's way," Biden told members of the 261st Signal Brigade at a ceremony outside the state Capitol.
Biden's son Beau, Delaware's attorney general, serves as a captain and a lawyer in the 261st. The unit leaves Sunday for Fort Bliss, Texas, where it will train for about six weeks before heading to Iraq.
politics, patriotism, war, terrorism, congress, Democrats, military, foreign affairs
So, Joe doesn't think the war in Iraq is a lie?
October 3, 2008, by RANDALL CHASE
Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden told his son and other Delaware National Guard troops on Friday that his heart was "full of love and pride" as they prepared to leave for an assignment in Iraq.
"We take comfort in the knowledge that you are the best-trained, best-prepared group of citizen soldiers that our country to this day has ever sent into harm's way," Biden told members of the 261st Signal Brigade at a ceremony outside the state Capitol.
Biden's son Beau, Delaware's attorney general, serves as a captain and a lawyer in the 261st. The unit leaves Sunday for Fort Bliss, Texas, where it will train for about six weeks before heading to Iraq.
Potential Arms Material Missing in Iraq, U.N. Says
June 03, 2005
U.N. satellite imagery experts have determined that material that could be used to make biological or chemical weapons and banned long-range missiles has been removed from 109 sites in Iraq, weapons inspectors said in a report obtained Thursday.
In the report to the U.N. Security Council, Demetrius Perricos, the world body's acting chief weapons inspector, said he had reached no conclusions about who had removed the items or where they went.
He said the material could have been moved to elsewhere in Iraq, sold as scrap, melted down or purchased.
war, terrorism, news, wmd, foreign affairs
June 03, 2005
U.N. satellite imagery experts have determined that material that could be used to make biological or chemical weapons and banned long-range missiles has been removed from 109 sites in Iraq, weapons inspectors said in a report obtained Thursday.
In the report to the U.N. Security Council, Demetrius Perricos, the world body's acting chief weapons inspector, said he had reached no conclusions about who had removed the items or where they went.
He said the material could have been moved to elsewhere in Iraq, sold as scrap, melted down or purchased.
war, terrorism, news, wmd, foreign affairs
FBI notes: Saddam Hussein sought familiar refuge
July 3, 2009 by KIM GAMEL
So it was Saddam Hussein who lied about WMDs?
BAGHDAD (AP) — After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein stayed in Baghdad until he saw "the city was about to fall." Months later, he was caught hiding at the same farm where he had fled in 1959 after taking part in an attempt to kill the country's prime minister.
Unclassified FBI interviews conducted during his incarceration at a U.S. detention center offered new details Thursday about the late Iraqi dictator's life on the run — both before and after he was ousted.
The documents also confirm previous reports that Saddam falsely allowed the world to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction — the main U.S. rationale behind the war — because he feared revealing his weakness to Iran, the hostile neighbor he considered a bigger threat than the U.S.
politics, war, terrorism, news, wmd, iraq
July 3, 2009 by KIM GAMEL
So it was Saddam Hussein who lied about WMDs?
BAGHDAD (AP) — After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein stayed in Baghdad until he saw "the city was about to fall." Months later, he was caught hiding at the same farm where he had fled in 1959 after taking part in an attempt to kill the country's prime minister.
Unclassified FBI interviews conducted during his incarceration at a U.S. detention center offered new details Thursday about the late Iraqi dictator's life on the run — both before and after he was ousted.
The documents also confirm previous reports that Saddam falsely allowed the world to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction — the main U.S. rationale behind the war — because he feared revealing his weakness to Iran, the hostile neighbor he considered a bigger threat than the U.S.
politics, war, terrorism, news, wmd, iraq
Iraq warns of consequences of early U.S. pullout
politics, war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
November 22, 2008, by Wisam Mohammed
Iraq's defense minister on Saturday warned of the dangers of withdrawing U.S. forces before the end of 2011, a date set with Washington in a security pact opposed by some lawmakers.
Defense Minister General Abdel Qader Jassim said withdrawing before that date would threaten Iraq's oil exports, enable neighboring countries to encroach on Iraqi territory and give free reign to foreign spies.
"The period of the timetabled withdrawal gives us enough time to complete our abilities -- training, combat and technical -- and secures us great support," Jassim told a news conference in Baghdad.
politics, war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
November 22, 2008, by Wisam Mohammed
Iraq's defense minister on Saturday warned of the dangers of withdrawing U.S. forces before the end of 2011, a date set with Washington in a security pact opposed by some lawmakers.
Defense Minister General Abdel Qader Jassim said withdrawing before that date would threaten Iraq's oil exports, enable neighboring countries to encroach on Iraqi territory and give free reign to foreign spies.
"The period of the timetabled withdrawal gives us enough time to complete our abilities -- training, combat and technical -- and secures us great support," Jassim told a news conference in Baghdad.
Iraq bombings show progress, challenges
war, terrorism, politics, news media, bias
When was the last time you found a news story about terrorist attacks in Iraq and it was a good thing?
November 10, 2008, by Frank James
Today's bombings in Iraq which left dozens dead is a stark and horrible reminder that, while violence has dropped significantly there as a result of the U.S. military's surge, that country is still very dangerous.
It's a measure of progress that today's blasts, which killed at least 31 people in Baghdad and more elsewhere, according to the Associated Press, represented the worst day of violence since June. Less than two years ago such a time gap in major attacks was unheard of.
war, terrorism, politics, news media, bias
When was the last time you found a news story about terrorist attacks in Iraq and it was a good thing?
November 10, 2008, by Frank James
Today's bombings in Iraq which left dozens dead is a stark and horrible reminder that, while violence has dropped significantly there as a result of the U.S. military's surge, that country is still very dangerous.
It's a measure of progress that today's blasts, which killed at least 31 people in Baghdad and more elsewhere, according to the Associated Press, represented the worst day of violence since June. Less than two years ago such a time gap in major attacks was unheard of.
A Tree Falls In the Forest
politics, news media, bias, left wing, war, terrorism, foreign affairs,
October 12, 2007
Today General Ricardo Sanchez gave a speech to the Military Reporters and Editors' annual conference, in which he criticized just about everyone associated with our effort in Iraq. The Washington Post's headline was typical: "Former Iraq Commander Faults Bush."
Ex-Commander In Iraq Faults War Strategy
October 13, 2007, by Josh White
politics, news media, bias, left wing, war, terrorism, foreign affairs,
October 12, 2007
Today General Ricardo Sanchez gave a speech to the Military Reporters and Editors' annual conference, in which he criticized just about everyone associated with our effort in Iraq. The Washington Post's headline was typical: "Former Iraq Commander Faults Bush."
Ex-Commander In Iraq Faults War Strategy
October 13, 2007, by Josh White
Pact, Approved in Iraq, Sets Time for U.S. Pullout
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
November 17, 2008, by CAMPBELL ROBERTSON and STEPHEN FARRELL
Iraq’s cabinet on Sunday overwhelmingly approved a proposed security agreement that calls for a full withdrawal of American forces from the country by the end of 2011. The cabinet’s decision brings a final date for the departure of American troops a significant step closer after more than five and a half years of war.
The proposed pact must still be approved by Iraq’s Parliament, in a vote scheduled to take place in a week. But leaders of some of the largest parliamentary blocs expressed confidence that with the backing of most Shiites and Kurds they had enough support to ensure its approval.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
November 17, 2008, by CAMPBELL ROBERTSON and STEPHEN FARRELL
Iraq’s cabinet on Sunday overwhelmingly approved a proposed security agreement that calls for a full withdrawal of American forces from the country by the end of 2011. The cabinet’s decision brings a final date for the departure of American troops a significant step closer after more than five and a half years of war.
The proposed pact must still be approved by Iraq’s Parliament, in a vote scheduled to take place in a week. But leaders of some of the largest parliamentary blocs expressed confidence that with the backing of most Shiites and Kurds they had enough support to ensure its approval.
Reasons for War: Things you might have forgotten about Iraq
politics, war, news, history, terrorism, military, foreign affairs
Pre-War Quotes from Democrats
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998. *
"Together we must also confront the new hazards of chemical and biological weapons, and the outlaw states, terrorists and organized criminals seeking to acquire them. Saddam Hussein has spent the better part of this decade, and much of his nation's wealth, not on providing for the Iraqi people, but on developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them."
President Clinton, Jan. 27, 1998.
"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeleine Albright, Feb 18, 1998.
"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998.
politics, war, news, history, terrorism, military, foreign affairs
Pre-War Quotes from Democrats
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998. *
"Together we must also confront the new hazards of chemical and biological weapons, and the outlaw states, terrorists and organized criminals seeking to acquire them. Saddam Hussein has spent the better part of this decade, and much of his nation's wealth, not on providing for the Iraqi people, but on developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them."
President Clinton, Jan. 27, 1998.
"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeleine Albright, Feb 18, 1998.
"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998.
THE WAR IN IRAQ IS OVER AND WE WON
war, news media, terrorism
November 14, 2008
Continued School Openings Brighten Future for Iraqi Youth
Michael Yon just phoned from Baghdad, and reports that things are much better than he had expected, and he had expected things to be good. "There's nothing going on. I'm with the 10th Mountain Division, and about half of the guys I'm with haven't fired their weapons on this tour and they've been here eight months. And the place we're at, South Baghdad, used to be one of the worst places in Iraq. And now there's nothing going on. I've been walking my feet off and haven't seen anything. I've been asking Iraqis, 'do you think the violence will kick up again,' but even the Iraqi journalists are sounding optimistic now and they're usually dour." There's a little bit of violence here and there, but nothing that's a threat to the general situation. Plus, not only the Iraqi Army, but even the National Police are well thought of by the populace. Training from U.S. toops has paid off, he says, in building a rapport.
Sen. Harry Reid said the Iraq war is lost
war, news media, terrorism
November 14, 2008
Continued School Openings Brighten Future for Iraqi Youth
Michael Yon just phoned from Baghdad, and reports that things are much better than he had expected, and he had expected things to be good. "There's nothing going on. I'm with the 10th Mountain Division, and about half of the guys I'm with haven't fired their weapons on this tour and they've been here eight months. And the place we're at, South Baghdad, used to be one of the worst places in Iraq. And now there's nothing going on. I've been walking my feet off and haven't seen anything. I've been asking Iraqis, 'do you think the violence will kick up again,' but even the Iraqi journalists are sounding optimistic now and they're usually dour." There's a little bit of violence here and there, but nothing that's a threat to the general situation. Plus, not only the Iraqi Army, but even the National Police are well thought of by the populace. Training from U.S. toops has paid off, he says, in building a rapport.
Sen. Harry Reid said the Iraq war is lost
Iraq Officials: Al Qaeda Insurgent Leader Still in Custody
May 13, 2009
BAGHDAD — Iraq's defense minister on Wednesday insisted that the head of the country's major Al Qaeda front group was in custody, despite an online statement by the leader that he was still free.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs, iraq
May 13, 2009
BAGHDAD — Iraq's defense minister on Wednesday insisted that the head of the country's major Al Qaeda front group was in custody, despite an online statement by the leader that he was still free.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs, iraq
Iraq official: Biden affirms 'responsible' pullout
politics, pandering, propaganda, left wing, liberalism, anti-war, foreign affairs, war, terrorism, military
January 13, 2009, by ROBERT H. REID
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Vice President-elect Joe Biden told Iraqi leaders Tuesday that the incoming U.S. administration is committed to a responsible troop withdrawal that does not endanger improvements in security, an Iraqi spokesman said.
President-elect Barack Obama pledged during his election campaign to withdraw all American combat troops from Iraq within 16 months of taking office and shift the focus to Afghanistan to combat a resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants.
Since the November election, however, the U.S. and Iraq have signed a new security agreement that provides for all the more than 140,000 U.S. troops to leave by 2012, despite concerns among senior U.S. commanders that Iraqi forces might not be ready by then to ensure stability.
politics, pandering, propaganda, left wing, liberalism, anti-war, foreign affairs, war, terrorism, military
January 13, 2009, by ROBERT H. REID
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Vice President-elect Joe Biden told Iraqi leaders Tuesday that the incoming U.S. administration is committed to a responsible troop withdrawal that does not endanger improvements in security, an Iraqi spokesman said.
President-elect Barack Obama pledged during his election campaign to withdraw all American combat troops from Iraq within 16 months of taking office and shift the focus to Afghanistan to combat a resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants.
Since the November election, however, the U.S. and Iraq have signed a new security agreement that provides for all the more than 140,000 U.S. troops to leave by 2012, despite concerns among senior U.S. commanders that Iraqi forces might not be ready by then to ensure stability.
Car bomb in Iraq kills about 30 people
June 10, 2009 by ROBERT H. REID
BAGHDAD – A car bomb blew up Wednesday in a packed outdoor food market in one of the most peaceful areas of Iraq's Shiite south, killing about 30 people and wounding dozens more. The blast raised fears that militants may be planning more strikes in remote, poorly secured areas, seeking to stretch Iraq's security services as they take on a bigger role in Baghdad and other flashpoint cities.
Angry townspeople swarmed around police in the wake of the attack, cursing and blaming them for failing to prevent the bombing.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
June 10, 2009 by ROBERT H. REID
BAGHDAD – A car bomb blew up Wednesday in a packed outdoor food market in one of the most peaceful areas of Iraq's Shiite south, killing about 30 people and wounding dozens more. The blast raised fears that militants may be planning more strikes in remote, poorly secured areas, seeking to stretch Iraq's security services as they take on a bigger role in Baghdad and other flashpoint cities.
Angry townspeople swarmed around police in the wake of the attack, cursing and blaming them for failing to prevent the bombing.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs
Remnants of Iraq Air Force Are Found
August 30, 2009 by ROD NORDLAND
Are any other countries stashing anything else that belongs to Iraq?
BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials have discovered that they may have a real air force, after all.
The Defense Ministry revealed Sunday that it had recently learned that Iraq owns 19 MIG-21 and MIG-23 jet fighters, which are in storage in Serbia. Ministry officials are negotiating with the Serbs to restore and return the aircraft.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs, military,
August 30, 2009 by ROD NORDLAND
Are any other countries stashing anything else that belongs to Iraq?
BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials have discovered that they may have a real air force, after all.
The Defense Ministry revealed Sunday that it had recently learned that Iraq owns 19 MIG-21 and MIG-23 jet fighters, which are in storage in Serbia. Ministry officials are negotiating with the Serbs to restore and return the aircraft.
war, terrorism, news, foreign affairs, military,
Biden to Zapatero: Hey, thanks for all that help in Iraq
March 29, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Democrats, diplomacy, foreign affairs, humor, news, politics, terrorism, war, gaffe
March 29, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
MAN, BIDEN IS A GAFFE WITH LEGS: during his meeting with Spain’s primer minister José Luis RodrÃguez Zapatero in Chile yesterday, Biden thanked Zapatero for his effort… in Iraq (link in Spanish, haven’t found this detail in any English-language media).
As everybody knows, the first decision Zapatero made after his unexpected win in 2004, right after the Madrid train terrorist attacks, was to abruptly and unilaterally pull out from Iraq. So either Biden made a gaffe, or he was thanking Zapatero for angering Bush…
Democrats, diplomacy, foreign affairs, humor, news, politics, terrorism, war, gaffe
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