TOP STORIES
Bombing Kills 47 At Police Station In Iraqi Capital
[New York Times, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
A suicide car bomb loaded with artillery shells blew up outside a Baghdad
police station, killing at least 47 people and injuring 114 others.
Police Recruits Targeted In Iraq
Bomb Kills Scores Near Headquarters
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
Insurgents bent on toppling Iraq's interim government are targeting
young
men who gather in long lines to find jobs in the country's security
services, killing scores of them in a campaign that directly threatens
U.S.
plans to increase the size of Iraq's police and National Guard.
Outlook: The Growing Insurgency Could Doom U.S. Plans For Iraq, Analysts
Say
[Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
America's strategy for creating a stable, democratic Iraq is coming
under
fire from a growing insurgency.
Rebel Attacks In Iraq Reveal New Cooperation
Officials Fear Recent Rise In Baghdad Violence Stems From Growing
Coordination
[Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
Iraq's once largely fragmented insurgency is becoming more cohesive,
with
once disparate groups cooperating more often to attack U.S. and Iraqi
government targets, while steadily gaining control of more areas of
the
country.
New Cracks In Nuclear Containment
As North Korea, South Korea and Iran test limits and raise risks of
an arms
race, the global challenge to nonproliferation grows.
[Christian Science Monitor, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
The global effort to contain nuclear proliferation could be facing some
of
its most challenging issues in years. Nuclear efforts by North Korea,
South
Korea and Iran could coalesce into a whole more dangerous than the sum
of
their parts.
Bleak Prognosis By CIA Nominee
[New York Times, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
Porter Goss, at his confirmation hearing, said rebuilding the CIA would
take
more than five years and that U.S. spies need encouragement to take
more
risks.
RUMSFELD TRIP
Rumsfeld Thanks 101st Airborne
Taking war to terrorists is noble work, defense chief says
[Nashville Tennessean, September 15, 2004]
Secretary Rumsfeld told GIs at Fort Campbell that the nation appreciates
their work in the war on terrorism. The meeting with troops, closed
to the
public, gave Rumsfeld a chance to brag on the 101st. He said that as
Iraqi
security forces grow and improve, more U.S. forces would be brought
home.
Secretary Of Defense Sidesteps Politics
[Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, September 15, 2004]
Secretary Rumsfeld defended U.S. operations in Iraq as he acknowledged
the
sacrifices made by the military and their families. He also expressed
support for the Pentagon's "stop-loss policy" and said it
is meant to
maintain unit efficiency and is not a back-door draft.
Rumsfeld Says He's Upbeat About Iraq
He tours Army post at Fort Leonard Wood
[St. Louis Post-Dispatch, September 15, 2004]
Secretary Rumsfeld said he is optimistic about U.S. efforts in Iraq
despite
increased insurgency that has killed scores in Baghdad and other Iraqi
cities.
Rumsfeld Praises Training At Fort Wood In First Visit
Secretary of defense meets with troops in Ozarks
[Springfield News-Leader, September 15, 2004]
Secretary Rumsfeld praised Fort Leonard Wood for it joint-training
capabilities, saying the concept of one service training others will
need to
be expanded.
Rumsfeld Visits Fort Hood, Tests On Driving Simulator
[Lebanon Daily Record, September 14, 2004]
Donald Rumsfeld lauded troops at Fort Leonard Wood and was tested on
a
driving simulation, scoring 88 out of a possible 100 points on a test
used
to train military truck drivers.
Rumsfeld's Charge
[Washington Times, September 15, 2004, Pg. 8]
Secretary Rumsfeld said journalists have gotten tip-offs from terrorists
of
impending attacks in Iraq, and singled out Al Jazeera television as
"Johnny
on the spot a little too often for my taste."
IRAQ
59 Killed In Iraq as Insurgency Rages On
A bombing and an ambush target police recruits; a Jordanian militant
purportedly claims responsibility. A U.S. soldier is also killed.
[Los Angeles Times, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
A car bomb and gunfire killed 59 people in Iraq on Tuesday, many of
them
young men seeking to join the country's security forces. Also, one U.S.
soldier was killed in a firefight near Mosul.
219 U.S. Troops Wounded In Iraq In Week; 7,245 Since War Began
[Baltimore Sun, September 15, 2004]
More than 200 U.S. military personnel were wounded in Iraq during the
past
week. Eighty one of those injured were returned to duty.
Seeing Threat To Iraq Elections, U.S. Seeks To Shift Rebuilding Funds
To
Security
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
The Bush administration will ask Congress for permission to transfer
nearly
20 percent of its aid budget for rebuilding Iraq to security and short-term
job creation programs. Officials acknowledged that continued violence
in
Iraq threatens plans for elections early next year.
Dispute With U.S. On Turkmen Eased
[Washington Times, September 15, 2004, Pg 13]
U.S. and Iraqi force permitted citizens to return to Tal Afar, signaling
an
end to a siege of the city the killed dozens of people and angered Turkey.
The siege's end came a day after Turkish officials warned that Ankara
would
stop cooperating in Iraq if U.S. troops continued to harm the Turkish
minority in Iraq's north.
In Retaken Iraqi City, Perils Lurk
Masked Informer Leads U.S. Search For Insurgents
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
An Iraqi known as "The Source" wears a black mask as he guides
U.S. troops
to areas where insurgents live.
In Iraq, Chance For Credible Vote Is Slipping Away
Bush administration, populace have much riding on Jan. election
[Baltimore Sun, September 15, 2004]
Iraq's chances for conducting national elections in January is slipping
away
as insurgent violence sets back preparations and keeps some of the country
out of reach of election organizers.
Heavy Burden Rests On Narrow Shoulders Of The New Army's Soldiers
[London Daily Telegraph, September 15, 2004]
U.S. hopes for success in Iraq could depend whether Iraq's new National
Guard will stand and fight side by side with American troops, which
would
make victory possible. Otherwise, defeat could be assured.
'We Are Losing Our People'
Iraqi victims of military actions, crime go undocumented amid chaos
of war
[Chicago Tribune, September 15, 2004, Pg. 1]
More than 300 people a month in Baghdad are dying from gunshot wounds,
compared with an average of 15 per month in 2002. The post-invasion
violence
in Iraq has left emotions raw, and it shows no signs of calming down.
Saboteurs Knock Out Oil Pipelines, Power
The attack near Iraq's northern city of Beiji hit a key junction that
had
recently been repaired.
[Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15, 2004]
Saboteurs knocked out a recently repaired pipeline junction. The resultant
fire set off a series of power blackouts that illustrates the frustration
faced by U.S. engineers trying to upgrade northern Iraq's creaky oil
facilities in the face of relentless bombings.
IRAQ-ABU GHRAIB
Lawyer 'Has Proof Of More U.S. Abuses'
[London Times, September 15, 2004]
A British lawyer claims to have uncovered evidence that U.S. troops
mistreated detainees in Mosul, suggesting that abuse has spread far
behind
Abu Ghraib prison.
Attys Want Untrained Interrogators Barred From Iraq Jails
[Wall Street Journal, wsj.com, September 14, 2004]
Attorneys for eight Iraqis who are suing a pair of defense contractors
asked
a federal judge to block one of the companies, CACI International, from
using untrained civilian interrogators in Iraqi prisons.
GUANTANAMO
U.S. Tribunal Could Lose Members
[USA Today, September 15, 2004, Pg. 5]
Bush administration efforts to create a separate criminal justice system
for
foreign terrorism suspects may hit a snag that could result in the
replacement of more than half of the first military tribunal convened
since
World War II. Some members of the Guantanamo tribunal could be disqualified
because they were not properly screened prior to being placed on the
panel.
Spy Suspect's Court-Martial Delayed
[USA Today, September 15, 2004, Pg. 3]
Ahmad Al Halabi's court martial has been delayed until Thursday. The
Air
Force translator is accused of taking part in an alleged spy ring at
Guantanamo Bay.
Doubts Raised About Trial Of Australian
[Los Angeles Times, September 15, 2004]
Australian terrorist suspect David Hicks can't get a fair trial before
a
military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, and should be tried in another
court,
according to an independent legal observer. Lex Lasry, a criminal lawyer
in
Melbourne, wants Australia's Law Council to request that the U.S. remove
Hicks from the military commission process and try him before a
court-martial, the U.S. civilian criminal justice system or return him
to
Australia.
Alleged Al-Qaida Bodyguard Won't Attend U.S. Military Panel
[Wall Street Journal, wsj.com, September 14, 2004]
A prisoner accused of developing terrorist propaganda and serving as
Osama
bin Laden's bodyguard refused to attend a U.S. military review hearing
in
what appeared to be the case of a charged prisoner having his case reviewed
by the panel.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Research Measures Emotional Toll of 9/11
Depression Among Major Residuals
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. 23]
Researchers found that for DoD employees, the aftermath of the Sept.
11
attack on the Pentagon has left a signification mix of depression and
post-traumatic stress.
Marine Returned To Duty At Base
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun was returned to full duty at Camp Lejeune.
The Corps is still investigating his disappearance in June and contention
that he had been kidnapped in Iraq.
U.S. Fighter Pilot Survives Crash
[Sydney Morning Herald, September 15, 2004]
A U.S. Marine Corps pilot safely ejected from his F/A-18 fighter moments
before the plane crashed into Australia's Northern Territory outback.
AIR FORCE
Flyovers To Launch Tribute To Air Force
Memorial to Break Ground With a Roar
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. B3]
A B-52 and other Air Force aircraft will fly over Arlington County as
part
of the groundbreaking ceremony for an Air Force memorial---the first
to
honor those who served in that branch of the military.
Roche: Academy's Reputation Restored After Sexual-Assault Scandals
[AirForcetimes.com, September 14, 2004]
USAF Secretary James Roche said the Air Force Academy is making progress
in
mending a culture that accepted sexual assaults.
NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE
At National Guard Meeting, It's Today's War That Matters
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
Many military reservists aren't interested in what President Bush did
or did
not do while serving in the Air National Guard some 35 years ago. Neither
do
they care to hear any more about John Kerry's hero status in Vietnam.
They
are more concerned about getting their comrades home safely from Iraq
and
Afghanistan.
WHITE HOUSE
In Guard Speech, Bush Says He Is Proud Of His Service
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
President Bush acknowledged that the war in Iraq has created hardships
for
National Guard members and their families. Bush ignored the controversy
about his own Guard service, saying that he is proud to be one of 19
U.S.
presidents who had served in the National Guard.
Bush Succeeds In Tying Iraq, Terror War
[Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2004, Pg. 16]
Despite an increase in violence in Iraq, President Bush's standing on
the
Iraq issue appears to have strengthened. He is also about to get some
good
international news---France seems ready to drop its objections to at
least a
limited NATO training mission inside Iraq.
9/11 Panel Urges Action To Avert Post-Election Void
[Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15, 2004]
The Sept. 11 commission told Congress that presidential candidates should
announce their secretaries of defense and state and national security
advisor before the election so those officials can get security clearances
and be ready to respond to terrorism as soon as the president takes
office.
At Hearing Goss Vows Nonpartisan CIA Leadership
Nominee Calls for More Risk Taking By Agents Abroad
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. 4]
Porter Goss, President Bush's choice to head the CIA, told a Senate
panel
that he would shelve his Republican rhetoric, while warning that it
will
take more than five years to rebuild the agency's human intelligence
capabilities.
CIA Unit On Bin Laden Is Understaffed, A Senior Official Tells Lawmakers
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
The CIA has fewer experienced case officers assigned to its Osama bin
Laden
headquarters unit than it did when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred. The
bin
Laden unit is stretched so thin that it relies on inexperienced officers
rotated in and out every 60 to 90 days, and they leave before learning
enough to perform any meaningful work.
TERRORISM
Zarqawi 'The Next Generation Of Al Qaeda'
Terrorist seen as relatively minor figure before Iraq war, but now he's
one
of the most-wanted by U.S.
[USA Today, September 15, 2004, Pg. 8]
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a militant Jordanian directing terrorist operations
in
Iraq, has become the most wanted terrorist after Osama bin Laden.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea To Wait Out Election In U.S., Then Talk, Diplomat Says
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
North Korea is waiting out the U.S. presidential election in order to
bargain with the winner over its nuclear weapons program.
U.S.: N. Korean Story On Blast Is 'Consistent'
[USA Today, September 15, 2004, Pg. 15]
U.S. officials said a massive explosion in North Korea last week might
really have been demolition work, as Pyongyang claimed.
AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Warlord Cedes His Citadel
The ousted Herat governor's militia hands over fortress to the national
police. Peace returns to the city, but the public is still angry.
[Los Angeles Times, September 15, 2004]
An Afghan citadel that has stood since 1305 was handed over to Afghanistan
national police by a warlord who was ordered replaced as governor by
President Hamid Karzai.
MIDEAST
World In Brief
[Washington Post, September 15, 2004, Pg. 21]
A U.S.-European rift has surfaced over how harshly to deal with Iran
and its
suspect nuclear program. The Europeans have ignored U.S. suggestions
and are
circulating their own recommendations to other delegates at a key meeting
of
the U.N. atomic agency.
RUSSIA
Powell Offers New Criticism Of Putin Limits On Reforms
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
Colin Powell expressed concern about Vladimir Putin's recent action
to
consolidate his power in Russia, saying that Putin was "pulling
back" on
democratic reforms in the name of fighting terrorism.
Russia Rejects U.S. Criticism Of Planned Reforms
[New York Times on the Web, September 15, 2004]
Russia curtly rejected American criticism of sweeping political changes
proposed by Vladimir Putin, telling Washington to stay out of its business.
BUSINESS
General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin Win Army Communications Pact
[Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2004, Pg. 4]
General Dynamics Corp. and Lockheed Martin Co. have been selected by
the
Army to develop a $7 billion battlefield-communications network.
F-35 Slims Down, At Least On Paper
Engineers make about 400 design changes to cut 2,700 pounds
[Dallas Morning News, September 15, 2004]
Engineers have managed to trim 2,700 pounds from the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter. The excess weight was a key concern that slowed the $244 billion
program.
U.S. Air Force Reviewing Boeing Launch Ban, May Lift Soon
[Wall Street Journal, wsj.com, September 14, 2004]
The Air Force may soon lift a ban that prevents Boeing Co. from bidding
for
new rocket contracts.
OPINION
Soldiers' Kin Pay A High Price
Michael Daly
[New York Daily News, September 15, 2004]
A stipend that was established in 2003, intended to help families of
wounded
soldiers leave jobs and homes to stay with their loved ones in military
hospitals, is about to be stopped.
Terror's Pals In The Press
Ralph Peters
[New York Post, September 15, 2004]
How is that "reporters" from al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya are
nearly always on
scene when terrorists attack in Iraq. Arab journalists are not only
in
contact with terrorists, they also are in collusion with them. American
journalism isn't immune from criticism---see CBS. Dan Rather and his
cohorts
at CBS refuse to name its source for those "incriminating"
documents about
President Bush's National Guard service. Rather strange, especially
when
just about every expert who's examined those documents question their
authenticity.
What Bush Did Right On North Korea
Richard V. Allen
[New York Times, September 15, 2004]
John Kerry accused President Bush of failing to deal adequately with
North
Korea following a huge explosion in that country. Kerry's rhetoric is
dangerous. The explosion is obviously cause for concern, even though
it did
not release any radiation and caused no known deaths. Bush's policy
on North
Korea remains one of careful consideration. He told Kim Jong Il's government
that he would not resume talks begun by the Clinton administration,
and that
firm position is one he maintains. Kerry and his bunch can insist that
Bush
doesn't have a North Korean policy; they're wrong. It just a policy
they
don't like.
EDITORIAL
Metastasis
[Baltimore Sun, September 15, 2004]
The conflict in Iraq has taken a turn for the worse. Insurgents and
U.S.
troops have killed scores of Iraqis since widespread fighting erupted
Sunday. President Bush needs to explain how he plans to put things right
in
Iraq.
Source: Defense News
