Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hotspot-Wed. 7-15-09
ABC News tonight had a story with Bob Woodruff, the reporter injured in Iraq, interviewing Joint Chiefs head, Adm. Mullen. Mullen described how US fighter pilots are not dropping bombs now, they will just fly over and scare the Taliban in Afghanistan. It also showed the Marines on the ground, and told the world and the enemy they are forbidden from shooting under most circumstances because a civilian may be killed. I saw with these restricted rules of engagement endangering our troops on the ground, they should come and the USA should bring its money with us. If all it takes to scare the Taliban is for a jet to fly low overhead, they take all US troops off the battlefield and just use jet fighters flying in off a ship to scare the Taliban.
Various links below from around the Global War on Terrorism. I did read in the Wall Street Journal several days ago in an opinion piece by a general, that the pull back from Iraq shows how the mission was a success. I wrote my representative and senators and said I would like work to begin on an IRAQ VICTORY MEDAL. Our troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom should have a victory medal. Links:
1.) So, now are American military men forced to hold hands with the “villagers”? See photos, also it says US troops still wary. Why not send in Afghan troops and bring the US troops and our money home? I will send this story to my representative and senators, it states that US taxpayer money is going to build mosques. I believe that is unconstitutional. At least they should build a church too if building a mosque. Actually I don’t think any religious building should be built with US tax dollars. Link:
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63725
2.)
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hotspot-Tue. 7-14-09
I heard on the news and on the radio yesterday that there was a story, I think in the Washington Post about White House staffers complaining about long hours. I have not read the story, I will say this up front, but from what I heard I just kept thinking of our troops, especially our Marines who were force marched across the desert of Helmand Province, Afghanistan in120 deg. F heat carrying a 100 lb pack along with wearing body armor. I don’t there is much room for complaint for the White House staff until they have spent a day with the Marines on a forced march like this.
God bless our troops and may they have the restricted rules of engagement lifted so they can win this war and come home to V-A Day (Victory in Afghanistan) very soon.
Various stories from around the Global War on Terrorism, the GWOT:
1.) 2/3 NCO dies from blast wounds suffered last month. God bless his family, and I am so thankful for his service. I read that when Gen. McChrystal took over he was going to respect the Afghan culture as they want to compensate for wrongs. With all the killings they have done of our troops, I don’t know what type of culture would kill innocent Marines there to help them. In any case, I have written my senators and representative and the Armed Services Committee and asked for a copy of the statement from the Afghan government, the village, and a link if it is posted on YouTube of the compensation ceremony where Gen. McChrystal said he would accept compensation for our troops and our country from the Afghans as they had a strong sense of wanting to compensate for wrongdoing. To win the hearts and minds of Americans, it would be beneficial to see the general accepting the compensation and apologies for our war dead and injured, at least as a down payment for what they owe to compensate the US government for the death of our Marine. Link to 2/3 Marine story:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/marine_lembke_071309w/
2.) Crooked Afghan police, smoke pot, load guns near Marines in threatening manner:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_marines_afghan_police_071309/
3.) U.S. troops rightfully protect themselves in Iraq-shoot drivers approaching their convoy. Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/07/11/iraq.main/index.html?iref=newssearch
4.) Why aren’t the lawyers and others in headquarters out on the ground with the Marines? The lawyers should be with the Marines on the ground, and shot at just like the Marines.
The USA cannot win a war this way and Marines and troops on the ground are endangered. I sent the following letter by e mail to my senators and representative and suggest others reading this who support the American troops also write to their representatives.
DEAR SIRS:
THIS STORY STATES THAT THE LEADERSHIP COMPROMISES THE U.S. FIGHTER PILOTS WHO MIGHT HAVE A MARINE KILLED WITH THEIR INACTION, BUT THEY HAVE TO COMPARE THIS WITH THE THREAT OF PROSECUTION IF A CIVILIAN IS KILLED IF THEY DROP A BOMB WHICH WOULD SAVE MARINES.
TOP LEADERSHIP FROM THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF ON DOWN HAS PUT OUR GROUND TROOPS AT HIGH RISK FOR DEATH OR MAIMING WITH THE RESTRICTED RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. A WAR CANNOT BE WON THIS WAY. THE CIVILIANS ARE NOT TARGETED BY THE U.S. TROOPS, BUT IN A WAR, THERE WILL BE CIVILIAN DEATHS. IF THE LEADERSHIP CANNOT STOMACH THIS, THEN ALL U.S. TROOPS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD.
IT IS A SHAMEFUL DAY WHEN U.S. MILITARY LEADERSHIP IN HEADQUARTERS WOULD TOLERATE A MARINE DEATH RATHER THAN RISK A CHARGE BEING FILED AGAINST THEM, SO THEY IN EFFECT, SIDE WITH THE TALIBAN AND ENEMY RATHER THAN THEIR OWN FELLOW AMERICANS ON THE GROUND WHO NEED AN AIR STRIKE TO STAY ALIVE.
THIS STORY STATES THAT U.S. PILOTS ARE AFRAID TO DROP BOMBS WHEN CALLED IN BY MARINES OR SOLDIERS ON THE GROUND AND HAVE TO CONSULT WITH A LAWYER AND OTHERS IN A HEADQUARTERS FIRST.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A WAR.
THE LAWYERS SHOULD DEPLOY WITH THE MARINES OR SOLDIERS ON THE GROUND SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE SHOT AT FIRST HAND. THE HEADQUARTERS SHOULD BE CLEANED OUT AND ALL LAWYERS PUT ON PATROLS WITH THE MARINES AND SOLDIERS.
ALSO, WITH THE LAWYERS ON THE GROUND WITH THE SOLDIERS AND MARINES, THE FIGHTER PILOTS WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY WHEN THEY DROP THEIR BOMBS.
THE FIGHTER PILOTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEIR GLOBAL CARBON FOOTPRINT EITHER, WITH NEEDLESS FLIGHTS JUST FLYING OVER A TERRORIST COMPOUND.
I ALSO HAVE TO ADD: THIS STORY STATES THAT THE LOUD NOISE OF THE FIGHTER PLANE SILENCED THE ENEMY. I DON’T THINK THIS IS PERMANENT AS DEATH WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH A BOMB. THE ENEMY IS ALIVE AND CAN STILL SHOOT AT OUR TROOPS, OR FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.
THE LAWYERS AND OTHERS IN THAT HEADQUARTERS NEED TO BE GIVEN A FORWARD ADDRESS AND EMBEDDED WITH COMBAT TROOPS ON THE GROUND SO THEY CAN COME UNDER FIRE AND KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE PINNED DOWN NEEDING AN AIR STRIKE.
LAWYERS SITTING IN A HEADQUARTERS WITH OTHERS CANNOT POSSIBLY KNOW THE SITUATION LIKE THEY WILL WHEN THEY ARE PUT IN WITH THE TROOPS. THIS SHOULD BE DONE IMMEDIATELY.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS.
STORY ABOUT LAWYERS CALLING THE SHOTS IN THE WAR FROM A HEADQUARTERS; LET’S GET THEM EMBEDDED WITH THE TROOPS AND NOT IN A HEADQUARTERS:
Mindful of Civilians, Pilots in Afghanistan Alter Tactics
By ERIC SCHMITT
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/world/asia/14airstrike.html?_r=1
ABOARD U.S.S. RONALD REAGAN, in the Gulf of Oman — After taking repeated fire from Taliban fighters holed up in a building last week, a group of American Marines in southern Afghanistancalled in airstrikes to wipe out the threat.
But the Navy F/A-18 fighter pilots who responded worried that bombing the militants could hurt civilians, and suggested a different solution to the ground troops. The airmen then roared in low and fast, without firing a shot, in a deafening pass that frightened the militants into silence.
DEAR SIRS:THIS STORY STATES THAT THE LEADERSHIP COMPROMISES THE U.S. FIGHTER PILOTS WHO MIGHT HAVE A MARINE KILLED WITH THEIR INACTION, BUT THEY HAVE TO COMPARE THIS WITH THE THREAT OF PROSECUTION IF A CIVILIAN IS KILLED IF THEY DROP A BOMB WHICH WOULD SAVE MARINES.
TOP LEADERSHIP FROM THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF ON DOWN HAS PUT OUR GROUND TROOPS AT HIGH RISK FOR DEATH OR MAIMING WITH THE RESTRICTED RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. A WAR CANNOT BE WON THIS WAY. THE CIVILIANS ARE NOT TARGETED BY THE U.S. TROOPS, BUT IN A WAR, THERE WILL BE CIVILIAN DEATHS. IF THE LEADERSHIP CANNOT STOMACH THIS, THEN ALL U.S. TROOPS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD.
IT IS A SHAMEFUL DAY WHEN U.S. MILITARY LEADERSHIP IN HEADQUARTERS WOULD TOLERATE A MARINE DEATH RATHER THAN RISK A CHARGE BEING FILED AGAINST THEM, SO THEY IN EFFECT, SIDE WITH THE TALIBAN AND ENEMY RATHER THAN THEIR OWN FELLOW AMERICANS ON THE GROUND WHO NEED AN AIR STRIKE TO STAY ALIVE.
THIS STORY STATES THAT U.S. PILOTS ARE AFRAID TO DROP BOMBS WHEN CALLED IN BY MARINES OR SOLDIERS ON THE GROUND AND HAVE TO CONSULT WITH A LAWYER AND OTHERS IN A HEADQUARTERS FIRST.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A WAR.
THE LAWYERS SHOULD DEPLOY WITH THE MARINES OR SOLDIERS ON THE GROUND SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE SHOT AT FIRST HAND. THE HEADQUARTERS SHOULD BE CLEANED OUT AND ALL LAWYERS PUT ON PATROLS WITH THE MARINES AND SOLDIERS.
ALSO, WITH THE LAWYERS ON THE GROUND WITH THE SOLDIERS AND MARINES, THE FIGHTER PILOTS WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY WHEN THEY DROP THEIR BOMBS.
THE FIGHTER PILOTS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEIR GLOBAL CARBON FOOTPRINT EITHER, WITH NEEDLESS FLIGHTS JUST FLYING OVER A TERRORIST COMPOUND.
I ALSO HAVE TO ADD: THIS STORY STATES THAT THE LOUD NOISE OF THE FIGHTER PLANE SILENCED THE ENEMY. I DON’T THINK THIS IS PERMANENT AS DEATH WOULD HAVE BEEN WITH A BOMB. THE ENEMY IS ALIVE AND CAN STILL SHOOT AT OUR TROOPS, OR FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.
THE LAWYERS AND OTHERS IN THAT HEADQUARTERS NEED TO BE GIVEN A FORWARD ADDRESS AND EMBEDDED WITH COMBAT TROOPS ON THE GROUND SO THEY CAN COME UNDER FIRE AND KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE PINNED DOWN NEEDING AN AIR STRIKE.
LAWYERS SITTING IN A HEADQUARTERS WITH OTHERS CANNOT POSSIBLY KNOW THE SITUATION LIKE THEY WILL WHEN THEY ARE PUT IN WITH THE TROOPS. THIS SHOULD BE DONE IMMEDIATELY.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS.
STORY ABOUT LAWYERS CALLING THE SHOTS IN THE WAR FROM A HEADQUARTERS; LET’S GET THEM EMBEDDED WITH THE TROOPS AND NOT IN A HEADQUARTERS:
Mindful of Civilians, Pilots in Afghanistan Alter Tactics
By ERIC SCHMITT
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/world/asia/14airstrike.html?_r=1
ABOARD U.S.S. RONALD REAGAN, in the Gulf of Oman — After taking repeated fire from Taliban fighters holed up in a building last week, a group of American Marines in southern Afghanistancalled in airstrikes to wipe out the threat.
But the Navy F/A-18 fighter pilots who responded worried that bombing the militants could hurt civilians, and suggested a different solution to the ground troops. The airmen then roared in low and fast, without firing a shot, in a deafening pass that frightened the militants into silence.
Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/world/asia/14airstrike.html?_r=1
5.) A story from June 15, 2009 when Gen. McChrystal took command and said that he could tell if they were winning by the number of civilians protected not the Talinan killed. I have written my reps and said I wanted to know each week how many civilians are protected each week:
http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/mcchrystal-assumes-command-in-afghanistan.html
6.) Children being used in attacks:
http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/children-used-to-carry-out-attacks.html
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hot Spot -Mon. 7-13-09
More fallen American and British heroes in Afghanistan. I say we need to fight to win, or bring US troops home. God bless the US and allied troops, I hope the political leaders and generals who follow their orders will loosen the restricted rues of engagement so the US can move on toward victory and bringing the troops home. Links:
1.) Mother of fallen Marine speaks about her fallen son. May God bless and keep her and we all owe a debt of gratitude to her son for his service to keep us free. May the political leaders sending our troops to war, and our generals honor the service of the fallen by loosening the ties that bind their hands and letting the USA win this war so our troops can come home after 8 long years of war. Link:
http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/western-26482-afghanistan-alamance.html
2.) Four more casualties reported in Afghanistan:
http://salem-news.com/articles/july102009/war_casualties_7-9-09.php
3.) Eradication of poppy crop not in the picture for Marines anymore:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_afghanistan_poppies_071009/
4.) Adm. Mullen calls for more community support for our troops.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/military_mullen_communitysupport_070809w/
5.) Reports of mass killings of Taliban in 2001:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/world/asia/11afghan.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
6.) Taliban fighters dress in burqas to escape from Marines in Afghanistan:
7.) “Architech of futile war” is how the NY Times describe the Sec. of Defense during Vietnam war, Robt. McNamara. With the US troops also fighting in Afghanistan with their hands tied, will the current Commander in Chief and his general be remembered by the NY Times also as an “architech of a futile war”?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/us/07mcnamara.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
8.) British parents of soldiers killed in Afghanistah lash out, and rightfully so. American parents should be aware that apparently the Commander in Chief issued orders to Gen. McChrystal to restrict rules of engagement which endanger our troops too. US citizens should ask Congress, the Senate, and the President why we are in Afghanistan if we cannot kill the enemy and have our hands tied? Link:
9.) Camp Bastion hospital in Afghanistan has its bloodiest day:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B396494.htm
10.) Four American troops killed in Afghanistan:
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSSP471837
11.) British PM under pressure with increasing British deaths in Afghanistan:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gNxgosyd9rkP-LPzZ-Z7VFwkZiyw
12.) I disagree, but these writers think the Afghan war is worth the loss of US lives:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20090712_In_Afghanistan__U_S__needs_a_steady_push.html
13.) I don’t like smoking, but I thought this was over the top. The politicians send troops to die in war, then worry about them smoking. If they are so worried about health care, then win the wars, let the troops fight and win and bring them home. Right now they are gettint killed and injured which results in high medical care. Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/12/military.smoking.ban/index.html
14.) Iraq and Afghanistan vet pulls gun in Topeka, Kansas VA hospital:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDCah4s03LpuWa-Qnv1xw0NkuwdwD99D71500
15.) Gen. McChrystal answers some questions at the end of the story:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1138704.html
16.) Recon Marines killed in Afghanistan:
http://www.jdnews.com/news/marine-65560-corps-medals.html
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july122009/casualties_afghan_3_tk_7-12-09.php
17.) Marine who lost legs last month in Afghansitan dies:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/tualatin_marine_matthew_lembke.html
18.) British vehicles called “coffins on wheels”:
19.) US Ambassador to Iraq barely misses roadside bomb injuries:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/07/12/iraq.us.ambassador/index.html
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hotspot-7/12/09-Sun.
Another Sunday and in America we are free to go to the church of our choice. We can go to any religious service we want to, or we can choose not to go. This is a freedom that people around the world do not have, and our military fought for. Now we have troops serving around the world. In official Marine Corps Publications or links, you might notice they don’t just call it “Afghanistan” but add this: “Islamic Republic of Afghanistan”. It has not been explained to me how this is democratic, and it has not been explained to me if the people of Afghanistan have religious freedom to attend the religious ceremony of their choice: Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic or one of many other religions, or if the citizens have the choice not to attend a religious service? I think it is important to know: Are our troops fighting in a war in Afghanistan in which the people have no religious freedom?
I read in a Sunday story in the KC Star a week or so ago, by Missouri Sen. Kit Bond, that Army troops are building mosques in Iraq. (I would suppose with US taxpayer money, which I think would violate the U.S. Constitutuion they are sworn to uphold, and officers and a Senator should know this. The soldier’s salaries at the very least are paid by US tax dollars, even if Iraq paid for the materials, why not have Iraqi labor build the mosques. I wondered if any churches were built in Iraq by US soldiers?) I read in Stars and Stripes on line that U.S. Marines were building mosques in Afghanistan. I would wonder how many churches they built, or synagogues? The stories did not say.
As so many of our innocent and brave troops are dying in Afghanistan, I am going to try and focus on their stories along the way, as well as our fallen allies such as the British.
Let’s just hope the restricted rules of engagement for US and Allied troops being ordered by Gen. McChrystal, who works for the Commander in Chief Obama, are not getting these troops killed.
I say, and have written my representatives: IF WE ARE NOT IN AFGHANISTAN TO FIGHT, bring the troops home. I also have questions on the Afghan troops trained for the last 8 years.
In the USA we have the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) and similar programs. I would like to know why the Afghans in their version of the IRR are not called back? I am going to have to write my representative and senators and ask for an answer and if I get one I will post it.
Army Gen. McChrystal it is now reported, along with Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, as stating they need more Afghan troops, and more American troops, and more Americans to train the Afghans. I am really confused.
We have been training the Afghan Army for eight years. I would say call those already trained back to active duty as we do in the USA with our IRR. Once we get the Afghan IRR troops that are already trained called back, I have a suggestion I might send to my representative and senators, but haven’t yet. The suggestion is this:
The Marine Corps has the longest recruit training (boot camp) of any American branch of service, at 13 weeks, and the hardest. The Marine recruit training is separated by the sexes unlike the Army and other branches where both sexes train together.
So, for Afghanistan especially, I would separate their female recruits and their male recruits as the US Marine Corps does. Male drill instructors train the male Afghans, and female drill instructors train the female Afghans. With the Taliban and enemy fighters cross-dressing as women, as reported in the KC Star Wed. July 8, 2009, and in other publications, the female Afghan soldiers will play a role more important than ever in their country, espcecially once we get them all trained and leave.
Once the sexes are separated, set up Afghan training based on US Marine Corps Training. Set up 2 MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) type facilities. One for female Afghan recruits and one for male Afghan recruits. Then, based on Marine Corps training standards, train the recruits for 13 weeks.
I think as an added bonus, U.S. Marines disabled in battle who still have a strong voice, can serve as assistants to the drill instructors, help with marksmanship, which can be done from a wheelchair in some circumstances, or with artificial legs, with classroom training, and all aspects of the Afghan recruit training. Even disabled American vets who do not have a strong voice due to damage to their mouth or vocal cords could serve in the classroom, teaching or grading papers, I think they will just be willing to serve to train these Afghan troops so US troops can go home.
Other branches’ disabled soldiers, sailors, and airmen can help with the Afghan 13 week recruit training.
I have read stories of US Marines and other soldiers who have wanted to be a drill instructor or drill sergeant, and have had their legs amputated. I believe they have a valuable service they could provide in Afghanistan at the new 13-week recruit training for Afghans. This would take them out of the “disabled” ranks and put their valuable knowledge to work in Afghanistan.
I would think there would be a waiting list of disabled vets, Marine amputees, and others who would go to Afghanistan and train these Afghan recruits so that their brothers in arms can return home ASAP and turn it over to the Afghans.
The Secretary of Defense and others state they want “new eyes” on the ground in Afghanistan. I believe they should listen to the taxpayers who pay their salary and want a victory in Afghanistan and for our troops to come home.
Various links:
1.) Criticism of Afghan war on the rise in Britain according to one story. I believe this is the case in the USA too as military families see that their sons and daughters are sacrificed. See the story at #2 which is one I have said explains the situation we face: our troops being sacrificed. Our troops are DYING FOR DEFEAT with the “soft” tactics which won’t win this war against what the British press called yesterday (see yesterday’s post) a ruthless enemy. Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/world/europe/12britain.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
2.) U.S. Marines using “soft power” in Afghanistan. I think this is is misuse of the training the Marines have in killing the enemy. The State Dept. or Peace Corps should be using the “soft power” and Marines should kill the enemy. That is just my opinion, as far as I know, I can still have an opinion against the generals who carry out the Commander in Chief’s orders.
It just sounds like to me, from this story, that the Taliban are still alive, we are just opening up stores, schools, etc., but what happens when we leave, if the enemy is still alive? It sounds like if we tried this in Germany in WWII, we would have just drank beer and ate bratwurst with the locals, and let the Nazis stay alive. Well, if we used that back then, when we left the Nazis would still have been there.
The last I heard from the Commander in Chief, the mission in Afghanistan was to disrupt, dismantle, destroy and defeat the enemy. I don’t see how the general’s orders are doing that. But, I know they are following the President’s orders as commander in chief, so he must have changed the orders and I don’t recall a speech about it changing to doing what the Marines are doing here.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/11/AR2009071102815.html
3.) Afghan base construction continues. Camp Leatherneck and other permanent bases being built. I am writing my representatives and asking what the exit plan for Afghanistan is:
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=63692
4.) British special report from Afghanistan: Hope US generals and politicians read it: what it is really like:
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hot Spot-Sat. 7-11-09
There have been many allied deaths in Afghanistan since the restricted rules of engagement have been handed down from President Obama to Gen. McChrystal, as some publications are reporting. Eight British troops died in Afghanistan yesterday. I don’t know what role the restricted rules of engagement played in their deaths, if any role at all.
With the deaths rolling in and the media not reporting much on them, I am going to try and focus on our American and allied heroes for awhile. I still suggest contacting your Congressman, Senators, and White House comment line by fax, e mail, snail mail, and especially PHONE. Call their local and Washington D.C. offices. I am pointing out these headlines to them which show tactics by Gen. McChrystal, following Pres. Obama’s orders, which endanger our troops: denying them the right of air strikes, denying them the right to defend themselves, denying them the right to search people, such as all the enemy who employed cross-dressing as a tactic, as reported in the KC STAR Wed. 7-8-09 and out of “cultural sensitivity” U.S. Marines could not search what turned out to be enemy fighters who had pre positioned burqas and women’s attire in a mud compound, and knowing the Marines could not call in air strikes or shoot, came out cross-dressed as women. In a failure of command, no female Marines were posted there and Gen. McChrystal would not let the men search the burqa clad cross dressed men who were enemy fighters. All enemy fighters got away. The next day there was an explosion of a lumber truck which killed 30 Afghans including 16 children. Then, 8 British soldiers were killed yesterday, and all these deaths could be blamed on the enemy fighters who escaped. Thus, it is my opinion that the policy of letting the enemy escape is not valid, and led to civilian deaths and the deaths of innocent British and American troops.
I did read one inspitational story and will list it below, as I sent it to my representative. This is what I wrote my representative and senators at #1, and a link to the story.
1.) Letter I sent to my Congressman and 2 Senators:
Finally some good news out of the War in Afghanistan: DEAD TALIBAN!! The cowardly enemy tried to shoot injured British troops in a field hospital. The cowardly Afghan Taliban were shot dead by a British soldier wounded himself. This story needs to be put into the Congressional Record as what our BRAVE BRITISH allied soldier did which in turn could save American lives, as he shot the Taliban dead. I am requesting that whatever medal or honor you can give a British allied soldier, you give to this young man. This is an honorable thing he did to KILL the COWARDS who were going to fire on a field hospital. It should also be exposed as to how cowardly the enemy is, and how low they are and a disgrace to mankind as they were going to shoot on the wounded. I also request that you notify Gen. McChrystal the head of the American and NATO troops, and have him have a ceremony with this British soldier and STRONGLY CONDEMN the COWARDLY attackers, and STRONGLY PRAISE the British soldier who killed them, and award this soldier whatever the highest NATO medal is. This is a HUGE morale booster for allied troops, and the American troops need a morale boost with the restricted rules of engagement Gen. McChrystal and Pres. Obama have them sacrificing their lives for. Story follows:
WOUNDED HERO KILLS TALIBAN FIGHTER FROM HOSPITAL BED
Private Anthony Myers on the front line
Thursday July 9,2009
By Chris Riches A BRITISH soldier was hailed a hero yesterday for shooting dead a Taliban fighter from his field hospital bed.
Link:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/112666/Wounded-hero-kills-Taliban-fighter-from-hospital-bed
2.) U.S. Marine’s mom: “He dide with honor.” Marine killed in Afghanistan.
http://www.newsherald.com/news/span-75690-div-font.html
3.) This site seems to be anti-war. Let’s see how they protest the war liberal Pres. Obama is sending more troops to. They raised such a stink over Bush’s Iraq surge, but I don’t see much about Obama’s Afghanistan surge:
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/davemarkland/2009/07/take-your-candy-and-shove-it
4.) British: “All we care about is getting our mates out alive.” The U.S. President must order his general, Gen. McChrystal who is also NATO commander, relax the restricted rules of engagement. Our troops and NATO troops must be allowed to kill the enemy. Eight British troops died yesterday. Link:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1198958/All-care-getting-mates-alive.html
5.) TIME Magazine story, read story #4 on what the British call a WAR and I realize the US is not going to win this war fighting a ruthless enemy with restricted rules of engagement. Write, call, fax, and e mail your representatives and the president and demand these losing tactics and restricted rules of engagement be dropped. Either send in the Marines to fight and win or BRING THE TROOPS HOME. Link:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1909261,00.html
6.) I-Casualties: Site where you can track the deaths from the war in Afghanistan. There is also a site for Iraq war deaths. You can easily see how many troops have died from various countries in Afghasnitan. You can also look at this site and see how many died since Obama’s surge started and Gen. McChrystal followed with the more restricted rules of engagement. Link:
7.) Gen. McChrystal says more US and Afghan troops needed, plus billions of dollars: (Afghanistan has resources, copper, granite, marble, etc. they should pay for their own forces. The USA is broke, no money available.)
8.) Excellent story on how the Marines cannot shoot in Afghanistan among other restricted rules of engagement-scroll down for photo of Taliban in truck and story about how Marines are working under extreme restricted rules of engagement:
Afghanistan Today-the GWOT Hot Spot-Fri. 7-10-09
The killing of U.S. troops continues in Afghanistan. Yesterday, according to Gen. McChrystal’s more restricted rules of engagement for U.S. troops, as reported in the KC Star Wed., the enemy was allowed to escape cross-dressed as women, under his policy to let the enemy escape. Today, the news has been reporting 30 dead Afghans, including 16 school children. The enemy that the troops were ordered to let escape, could have been the very one who killed these civilians today in Afghanistan. Various links below:
1.) This is a story that must be read as our nightmare of restricted rules of engagement, and generals who place the lives of Afghans over the lives of the troops they lead continues. From the Las Vegas Sun:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/23/afghanistan-strategy-sacrifices-us-troops/
2.) One of our brave troops paid the ultimate price for the Afghan people he was ordered to protect. This soldier was there protecting our national security. Please pray for his family at this difficult time. Link:
3.) Brave British soldier fights and kills Taliban fighter while laying on cot in field hospital! Cowardly Taliban fighters were about to fire on sick and injured men. Where is the condemnation of this? Link:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/112666/Wounded-hero-kills-Taliban-fighter-from-hospital-bed
4.) Truck explosion in Afghanistan kills about 30 people, many of them children. With the new policy of Gen. McChrystal to let the enemy go such as when they escaped while cross dressing as women, as reported in the Kansas City Star on Wedensday, 7-8-09, those who were allowed to escape with this policy, could have killed these civilians as they were allowed to live another day. In addition, this story states that 3 American troops died. May they RIP and God bless their family. Link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-bomb10-2009jul10,0,6075428.story
5.) U.S. troop deaths in Afghanistan-latest update:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jmVICVPpmVGLrJ2f3c53jVXJy9vQD99BA4H00
6.) RIP MarSOC Marine: KIA Afghanistan. Let’s see if the villagers want to be friends with us and turn over the murdererof this Special Ops Marine. God bless this Marine’s family and may there be justice for the enemy who committed this murder. Link:
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12803
7.) MarSOC Marine murdered in Afghanistan had numerous decorations:
http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/508090.html?nav=5011
8.) Notes fron National Review Online; Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson:
http://tank.nationalreview.com/post/?q=M2E2ZTIxMWJlYmRiMDc5ZWM5ZjQwNmI5MGE3YmU1MmY=
9.) Full transcrpit from Brig. Gen. Nicholson from Afghansitan with the Marines in Helmand Province:
http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4442
10.) Marine KIA in Afghanistan: may God comfort his mother and family:
http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-story-alamance-grad-killed-090709,0,5621294.story
11.) Starting anew in Afghansitan: Time Magazine report. One way would be to do what the new general said he would do: Collect compensation from Afghans when a wrong was committed. Well, look at story #10 for a wrong which needs a compensation ceremony. The Afghans need to apologize for their wrongs in killing this Marine and start paying compensation, which the general said is a sense of their honor to pay. Link:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1909261,00.html
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hotspot-Thurs. 7-9-09
Again there are stories quoting Army Gen. McChrystal and that he will sacrifice US and now British troops to save a possible Afghan civilian in a building. I wrote a scathing letter to my senators and representative disagreeing with this sacrifice of US and allied troops. I will try and link some of them below. I would suggest anybody who cares should contact their representatives and state that it is wrong to sacrifice US troops or our allies like this. I will try and link again the letter to the editor of the Las Vegas sun who opposed this policy early on.
Links:
1.) Where is Karzai, Gen. McChrystal and Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson now? 16 children killed in truck blast:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/world/asia/10afghan.html?_r=1&ref=global-home
2.) Gen. McChrystal’s policies put British troops at greater risk in Afghansitan war on Taliban:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6670392.ece
3.) Afghanistan policy threatens US troops, excellent letter from Las Vegas Sun:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/23/afghanistan-strategy-sacrifices-us-troops/
Afghanistan Today-The GWOT Hot Spot-Wed.-7-8-09
Ten U.S./NATO troops died in Afghanistan yesterday, first there were 7 Americans, then three more in a NATO helicopter crash to total 10. I heard later the 3 in the helicopter were Canadian, and some reports it went down in a dust storm. God bless the families of our Canadian allies who went down. In any case, 10 troop deaths of US and/or allies. God bless our troops, and I do not want they dying for defeat with restricted rules of engagement. Various stories below. Links:
1.) Marine casualty identified in Afghansitan. The Afghan government and U.S. generals need to have a ceremony and collect compensation and apologies from this death for this U.S. Marine:
http://www.jdnews.com/news/casualty-65454-identified-marine.html#slComments
2.) Info from a woman living in Afghanistan:
3.) US Marines tread softly in Southen Afghanistan. Told by commanders that even one civilian death means mission failure. I think Marines should only be sent to fight and the villagers should be told we do not target civilians, but in any war there will be civilian deaths. The hearts and minds of American military families and the general American public should be won first. This is not done when commanders say they will sacrifice U.S. troops. Link:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=8020992&page=1
4.) Why 17,000 US troops were sent to Afghansitan, very good explanation:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-fitzgerald/17000-troops-whats-really_b_227285.html
5.) July 8 security devlopments in Afghanistan. I have to wonder if the Taliban the US Commander Gen. McChrystal’s policy’s let escape, such as those dressed as women, could have been the ones who killed the 8 Afghan policemen and kidnapped eight? Letting the Taliban go is not good policy. They could kill again and they could even kill civilians the American commander thinks he is shielding. I don’t see why Ugandian troops are not contracted like they are at Al Asad airbase in Iraq, sent to Afghan villages, and tasked with shielding the villagers from the Taliban? This makes much more sense and economic sense than sending in U.S. Marines who should be reserved for fighting and not occupation or security duty. Link:
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSISL442768
6.) US deaths in Afghanistan at 646; restricted rules of engagement will cause more:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jmVICVPpmVGLrJ2f3c53jVXJy9vQD999V2700
7.) Relatives of US soldier killed in Afghanistan decry lack of coverage:
Afghanistan Today, the GWOT Hotspot-7/7/09-Tues.
The situation in Afghanistan gets hotter and hotter. Today 7 U.S. troops are reported as having been killed. God bless them and their families, and those wounded. May we get generals in there who are there to win a war and not continue an occupation for whatever reasons, but I know they will have to get the orders to win from the Commander in Chief.
1.) Seven U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD9994NU80
2.) Marines under restricted rules of engagement ordered by Army Gen. McChrystal and Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson are forced into letting Taliban fighters go. The male Taliban cross dressed as women and left a compound, fooling the Marines. The Marines probably would not have been fooled if not for the restricted rules of engagement. Now dangerous Taliban are on the loose, who might have been killed in previous wars. May God help US troops that they not be killed by these terrorists which restricted rules of engagement had a role in letting loose. This policy endangers US national security and I have told my representatives, Pres. Obama, and members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee as much. How do they think this WINS THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF AMERICAN TAXPAYERS WHO ARE FUNDING THIS WAR, the general’s salaries, and for all the equipment, and Marines, who are supposed to be defending US national security and protecting national security. The terrorists who were let loose due to restricted rules of engagement could come to US shores to kill American civilians like on 9-11-01. If we are not in Afghanistan to win a war and kill terrorists U.S. troops should be brought home. We should NEVER EVER let down our Marines putting their lives on the line in a war. They should be allowed to fight and win. Anything less is a disgrace to our fighting men and women. Why would American generals shame US Marines like this, our courageous fighting men? The American President, the Commander in Chief should hear about this, as well as senators and representatives. US Marines should be allowed to fight and win. Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/06/afghanistan.marine.standoff/index.html
3.) Under Gen. McChrystal’s restricted rules of engagement: 7 US troops die. As I don’t know if the restricted rules of engagement directly led to their deaths, I have written my representatives and the Commander in Chief for answers. Did the restricted ROE play any role in the deaths of these 7 American troops? I will try to post any reply. Link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94657615
4.) Marines experiencing heat exhaustion after long march. From the story and link:
“It is terribly hot, the foreign soldiers move heavily, they carry food, water, heavy uniform and protection. They cannot survive in that heat for long.”
At least two Marines have been evacuated suffering chronic heat exhaustion, the force has said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090706/wl_sthasia_afp/afghanistanunrestustaliban_20090706045612
5.) 7 American GI’s killed in Afghanistan, deadliest day in almost a year:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/world/asia/07afghan.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
6.) It seems to me the title should be:
“Rules for increasing US troop deaths revealed”
If the United States does not enter a war to win it, they we should leave. If we are not in Afthanistan to win, I think we should leave and take our money with us:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_afghanistan_civilian_casualties_070609/
7.) Adm. Mullen says Marines making progress in Helmand:
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/ap_marines_afghanistan_070509/
8.) US mission in Afghanistan: Protect Afghan civilians. Why not hire Afghan contractors to go into the villages and protect their own civilians?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jeTPVLfktNuk8EqIBo7tqGWCBwYw
9.) Khan Neshin: Calm restored by US Marines in Afghanistan:
http://www.enctoday.com/news/neshin-65427-jdn-khan-afghan.html
Afghanistan Today-the GWOT Hot Spot-Mon. 7-6-09
Things continue to be hot in Afghanistan, and going to get hotter.
1.) A link with several good stories about what is going on in the Global War on Terror, the GWOT-site called: Long War journal. Link:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/
2.) U.S. general in Afghanistan, Marine Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson removes his glasses and helmet on purpose, in a bazaar, to buy a watermelon. This sets a bad example for U.S. Marines who need their protective gear on, including ballistic glasses, and should not get lax like this.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ij6gl5futzISPrjAC8uRaoX8Esfw
3.) Photo of U.S. Army Sgt. on patrol in Afghanistan:
4.) Mission impossible for US Marines: make Afghan villagers like them. Earn our trust or go, villagers tell Marines. Link:
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSB593438
5.) Marines mission in Afghanistan: not to kill the Taliban or insurgents, but to provide security for Afghan villagers (who could be Taliban!), there is no way to win this war for Americans who put forth this policy:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-07-05-afghanistan_N.htm
6.) Taliban strike back as US stoops to conqure:
http://www.smh.com.au/world/taliban-strike-back-as-us-stoops-to-conquer-20090705-d984.html
7.) U.S. tax dollars sent to Afthansitan since the 1940’s: still they don’t like us! Link:
http://www.institute-for-afghan-studies.org/Foreign%20Affairs/us-afghan/helmand_0.htm
8.) Operation Khanjar: “America in Asia”:
