2007.08.14 Politics and National Defense Roundup
Hope and Despair in Divided Iraq
By Ullrich Fichtner in Iraq
When describing Iraq, the word "peace" is seldom used. Truth be told, the Americans have restored order to many parts of the county. But Iraq remains fractured, and where new schools are built today, bombs could explode tomorrow.
The Iraq war came within a hair of returning to Ramadi in early July. The attackers had already gathered four kilometers (about 2.5 miles) south of the city, on the banks of the Nasr canal. Between 40 and 50 men dressed in light uniforms were armed like soldiers and prepared to commit a series of suicide bombings. They had already strapped explosive vests to their bodies and loaded thousands of kilograms of explosives, missiles and grenades onto two old Mercedes trucks. But their plan was foiled when Iraqis intent on preserving peace in Ramadi betrayed them to the Americans.
Quick hits:
- What's Hillary Trying to Hide?
Kim Priestap: Hillary Clinton has said that one of the reasons she should be elected president is her experience, a very important part of which is her record as first lady; however, over 2 million of Hillary's records are currently at the Clinton Presidential Library, but she won't let anyone see them until after the 2008 election. So what's she hiding? ...
- Attention, (F)lying Imams: Put up or shut up
Michelle Malkin: The non-profit Becket Fund is putting pressure on the flying imams to drop John Doe whistleblowers from their discrimination lawsuit. Contrary to MSM reports (the Associated Press reported “Imams not suing flight passengers“), the citizen John Does are not off the hook. The Becket Fund has filed an amicus brief urging the court to dismiss the charges against the John Does: ...
Combat vets attempt to sway Iraq debate
Military activists fast becoming powerful lobbying force on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON - Despite their opposing views on the war, soldiers Pete Hegseth and Jon Soltz have much in common, not the least of which is time spent in Iraq.
Both profess their love of the Army. They are young, athletic and clean-shaven, and they speak eloquently about honor - and a sense of duty, as though plucked from central casting to play the role of the patriotic soldier. Above all, they draw heavily on their experiences in combat to justify their views on Iraq, hoping their message will resonate with voters because they - unlike most of America - have witnessed combat.
They also represent dueling activist groups that are fast becoming a powerful lobbying force on Capitol Hill. And to politicians trying to make their case in anticipation of a critical assessment on the war this September, such groups have become valuable public relations tools in the deeply partisan, pull-no-punches Iraq debate. ...
Exit question: Of the two vets mentioned by name in the article, which one's been in Iraq recently and which one hasn't been there since shortly after the invasion?
Report: MSM Source Disclosure Ordered in Anthrax Suit
Michelle Malkin
Interesting development in a civil suit that should be getting more attention: Five reporters must reveal their government sources for stories they wrote about Steven J. Hatfill and investigators’ suspicions that the former Army scientist was behind the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001, a federal judge ruled yesterday. The decision from U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton is yet another blow to the news industry as it seeks to shield anonymous sources who provide critical information — especially on the secret inner workings of government.
“The names of the sources are central to Dr. Hatfill’s case,” Walton wrote in a 31-page opinion. ...
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Ed Morrissey: Reaping And Sowing -- In The Same Field
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