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Bush Declares Sacrifice In Iraq To Be ‘Worth It'
[New York Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
President Bush declared in his televised speech that the sacrifice of
American lives in Iraq "is worth it, and it is vital to the future
security of our country."
American Helicopter Crashes In Afghanistan
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
A military CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan, according
to U.S. officials. There is no word yet on casualties. Afghan officials
said the aircraft was hit by a rocket while flying over a province near
the Pakistani border.
Sunnis Will Nab Zarqawi When ‘Ready'
[Washington Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
Sunni "fence sitters" claim they would be willing to take
on Abu Musab Zarqawi, Iraq's master terrorist, and rid the country
of foreign saboteurs if the Shiite-run government's new political
structure is acceptable to them. A senior official involved in behind-the-scenes
talks with the Sunnis said "influential fence sitters" are
only tolerating foreign terrorists because they are a "pressure
tool" to force the Shiites and the U.S. to consider Sunni political
demands for more representation in the Baghdad government. They contend
they can catch Zarqawi when ready to do so.
Coke Launches Iraq Comeback
Soft drink giant takes new partners in Pepsi territory
[Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
Coca Cola is getting back into the bottling business in Iraq for the first
time in 37 years. The soft drink firm, in an effort to bolster its presence
in a region dominated by Pepsi, put together a deal for its first agreement
in Iraq since it pulled out in 1968.
PRESIDENT BUSH SPEECH
Speech Fails To Quell Some Viewers' Unease
‘Sounds great, but do we really have a plan?'
[USA Today, June 29, 2005, Pg. 8]
A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll of 323 people who saw President Bush's
televised speech on Iraq indicates that the president scored only a minor
success.
As War Shifts, So Does The Message
[Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
President Bush retooled his original argument for the war in Iraq, justifying
the military presence there as the solution to a problem that critics
say the war itself caused.
Acknowledging Difficulties, Insisting On A Fight To The Finish
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
President Bush sought to reshape public perceptions of what is happening
in Iraq after months during which the persistent insurgency has undermined
public support for the war. The questions now are how many more times
over how many years he might have to deliver the same message of patience
and resolve---and whether the American public will accept it.
Among Soldiers And Families, Applause Mixed With Doubts
[New York Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
A sampling of military personnel who have served in Iraq shows broad support
for U.S. troops still there. But there is some concern about the mission's
execution and its conclusion.
Reaction To President's Speech Shows Divide
[Fayetteville Observer, June 29, 2005]
Some GIs said the president's speech had nothing new, while others
were pleased to hear him promise to complete the mission in Iraq. Most
servicemen interviewed endorsed President Bush's televised speech
on the situation in Iraq.
A Case For Progress Amid Some Omissions
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 15]
President Bush correctly identified the gains made by the new Iraqi government
in the past year in the face of a fierce insurgency, while ignoring some
uncomfortable facts about the U.S. enterprise in Iraq. He also overstated
the extent of overseas support for U.S. efforts in Iraq.
‘Lessons Of Sept. 11' Again Take Center Stage
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
President Bush sought to reinvigorate public support for his policies
in Iraq in the face of almost daily suicide bombings and continued U.S.
casualties that call into question the administration's strategy
for success and exit there. He signaled no shift of policy; rather, his
goal was to reeducate Americans on his view of the stakes involved in
Iraq and the consequences to the Middle East and U.S. security if the
insurgents prevail.
Bush's Repetition Leaves Questions Unanswered
[Philadelphia Inquirer, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
President Bush's speech was aimed at increasingly skeptical Americans
who wonder about his stewardship as commander in chief. He delivered the
same message he has espoused in previous comments---Iraq is hard work
and we must persevere. He essentially asked Americans to renew their trust
in him, and to renew their "perseverance." But he never referred
to any of the issues that have created so many skeptics, particularly
among moderate and independent voters.
Democrats Reject Link To Attacks On America
[Washington Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
Congressional Democrats said President Bush's repeated attempts
to link the war in Iraq to the Sept. 11 attacks during his speech rang
hollow and did not constitute the plan to win the war they said he needed
to deliver.
IRAQ
Attacks Mar Anniversary Of Return To Iraqi Rule
The insurgency claims at least a dozen more lives. Two American soldiers
and an octogenarian legislator are among those killed.
[Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2005]
Car bombings in Iraq killed at least a dozen more people, including two
U.S. soldiers and Iraq's oldest legislator who sat in Iraq's
transitional National Assembly. The violence came on the first anniversary
of Iraq's return to sovereignty.
Shiite Lawmaker Killed In Car Bombing In Iraq
2 U.S. Soldiers Die In Separate Attacks
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 16]
Car bombers killed a prominent member of Iraq's National Assembly,
the second lawmaker to be murdered since the assembly was elected five
months ago. Two U.S. troops were killed in separate car bombings in northern
Iraq. Three others were wounded.
Sunnis Feel Full Force Of Lightening Strike
A clampdown on insurgents has sparked fears that Iraq's one-year-old
government is taking an increasingly authoritarian course.
[London Financial Times, June 29, 2005]
Iraqi troops backed by U.S. forces have for the past month been storming
through Baghdad's predominately Sunni Arab neighborhoods, arresting
thousand in a series of raids aimed at deterring bomb attacks that have
killed hundreds in the capital. Many of those arrested claim the campaign
is a form of collective punishment against the Sunni community.
Ranks Plagued By Infiltrators
Weak controls allow rebels to inflict harm in security forces' midst.
Officials say improving screening is essential.
[Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2005]
Iraq's security forces face a dangerous reality---insurgents are
joining up. That puts those forces at terrible risk, already proven by
two suicide bombings ignited by Iraqi security officers that killed some
30 soldiers and police officers.
Some Iraqis Optimistic About Sovereignty
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
An informal survey of Iraqis finds that most of them appreciate the work
being done by American forces and their new government. They don't
want the Americans to leave too soon because creating a secure Iraq, a
paramount concern, will take some time.
Home Beckons, But Iraq Duty Takes Priority
U.S. troops voice dismay over news of declining public support for their
mission. They also say a hasty pullout would mean many died in vain.
[Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2005]
U.S. troops in Iraq are disappointed with reports that their mission is
questioned by an increasing number of Americans. They support President
Bush in greater numbers than do their civilian counterparts. They also
react with raw emotion when it is suggested that the U.S. should vacate
Iraq quickly. Soldiers say such a move would mean everything they have
worked for would be gone.
2,700 In Iraq Approved For Release In Past Year
[Arizona Daily Star, June 29, 2005]
More than 2,700 detainees captured in Iraq have been approved for release
since a review board was created nearly a year ago. Some 6,500 have been
recommended for retention in jail.
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE
U.S. Offers $28 Million To States In Base Closings
[Philadelphia Inquire, June 29, 2005]
The Labor Department will provide $28 million to 35 states, the District
of Colombia and Guam to help civilian workers affected by a massive restructuring
of military bases.
Base Backers Ready For Action
Upcoming local session is last chance for campaigning
[Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 29, 2005, Pg. 3B]
A rally at Georgia Tech on Thursday will be the final chance for local
citizens to confront base closing officials and try to sway their opinions
on keeping four Georgia military bases intact.
Charleston Advocates Make Case To BRAC
Officials push to keep Navy facility
[Columbia State, June 29, 2005]
Advocates for keeping a Navy engineering facility in Charleston, S.C.,
claim that the Pentagon used "flawed" data and failed to follow
its own guidelines when it recommended closing the site.
Delegation Lobbies BRAC Panel
W. Va. representatives lay out case to keep 130th Airlift Wing at Yeager
[Charleston, W. Va., Gazette, June 29, 2005]
Officials from North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia lobbied
hard Tuesday to convince the base closing panel that facilities marked
for elimination by the Pentagon deserve a closer look.
Leaders Defend N.C. Bases
[Raleigh News & Observer, June 29, 2005, Pg. B1]
North Carolina leaders were happy when DoD left the state virtually unscathed
while recommending closing military bases in 22 other states. But they
still worked hard to convince members of the base closing commission that
the state's military facilities are essential to national security.
They also lobbied for additional military operations to be centered in
North Carolina.
Maryland's Work Force Is Staunchly Defended
Officials respond to New Jersey's criticism of plan to shift military
jobs
[Baltimore Sun, June 28, 2005]
Maryland officials staunchly supported their plan to transfer thousands
of military jobs to Aberdeen Proving Ground. New Jersey officials said
the plan to shift 5,000 civilian jobs from Fort Monmouth to Aberdeen doesn't
answer questions about Maryland's ability to provide suitably qualified
scientific workers.
Moving's No Pleasure To BRAC-Hit Workers
Defense employees in Virginia may not follow their jobs to Huntsville
[Huntsville Times, June 26, 2005]
Defense workers in Virginia don't want to move to Alabama, Texas,
Kentucky or any other state just to keep their jobs. The base closing
commission is looking at shipping 30,000 jobs out of the Washington, D.C.
area. Several thousand contractors would also be disrupted.
ARMY
Army Moves To Advance 2 Linked To Abu Ghraib
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
The Pentagon has promoted or nominated for promotion two Army officers
who oversaw or advised detention and interrogation operations in Iraq
during the height of the Abu Ghraib scandal. Maj. Gen. Walter Wodjakowski
was promoted to become head of the Army's infantry training school
at Fort Benning. Col. Marc Warren, the top military lawyer for the U.S.
command in Baghdad, has been nominated to receive his first star.
War On Terror Could Prolong Stress Disorders
[Lexington Herald-Leader, June 28, 2005]
A Fort Knox psychologist says that the war on terrorism is ripe for prolonging
post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers. Col. Susan Rogers said soldiers
returning from Iraq or Afghanistan don't feel safe even in their
familiar surroundings. She said that is prime symptom of post-traumatic
stress disorder.
Sailors, Airmen Saying No Thanks To Army Offer
Number of Blue to Green transfer falls short of expectations
[European Stars and Stripes, June 29, 2005]
Only 375 airmen or sailors have so far transferred to the Army under the
Blue to Green program. That total is well short of the 3,000 transfers
the Army had hoped to see.
MARINE CORPS
Marines Face Discipline After Recruit's Death
[Charlotte Dispatch, June 29, 2005]
An unidentified water survival instructor at Parris Island could face
military trial in the drowning of a 19-year-old recruit. Three other Marines
were recommended for discipline for actions related to Jason Robert Tharp's
death but not directly connected to the drowning. An investigation concluded
that the death could have been prevented.
Our Of The Bronx, To Iraq, And Never To Come Home
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
For Cpl. Ramona M. Valdez, the Marines were a way out of noisy, crowded
Bronx, N.Y. Last week, she was one of three women to be killed when by
suicide bombers in Fallujah.
AIR FORCE
Air Force General's Statement Calls For ‘Service Before Self'
House committee examines report on religious tensions
[USA Today, June 29, 2005, Pg. 5]
USAF Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper issued a service-wide statement that
warns of mixing religion with the chain of command, which could break
down the teamwork needed for military success.
COAST GUARD
Aviator Reaches Historic Heights
Despite a series of obstacles, Miami native Jeanine McIntosh was honored
to become the first black female U.S. Coast Guard aviator.
[Miami Herald, June 27, 2005]
Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Jeanine McIntosh said her training to become a pilot
has been humbling. It wasn't easy for her. She underwent eye surgery
to correct her vision and had to overcome a fear of water.
INTELLIGENCE
New Office To Oversee Intelligence Abroad
Change Is Result of Panel Recommendation
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 19]
The White House will establish an office to manage and coordinate all
U.S. human intelligence collection abroad, whether carried out by the
CIA, the Pentagon or the FBI.
New U.S. Center To Check Spread Of WMDs
[Washington Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 4]
The Bush administration agreed to set up a new interagency center to counter
the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
CONGRESS
VA Faces $2.6 Billion Shortfall In Medical Care
Agency Undercounted Size of Returning Force
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. 19]
The Bush administration acknowledged that it vastly underestimated the
number of service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who would
need medial care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care
programs will be at least $2.6 billion short next year unless Congress
approves additional funds.
House Bill Toughens Rules On Marketing To Military
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
The House of Representatives approved a measure that tightens the rules
governing the marketing of life insurance, high-cost loans and other financial
products to U.S. military personnel.
Tauscher Satisfied With Conditions At Guantanamo
But she fears U.S. is sending suspects to other countries
[San Francisco Chronicle, June 28, 2005, Pg. 5]
Rep. Ellen Tauscher said conditions at Guantanamo have improved, but she
fears the improvements have occurred because the U.S. is turning over
new suspects to be interrogated by countries with records of torture.
Hearing On Security Clearance Backlog Sparks Promises Of Action
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. B2]
The Bush administration is struggling to speed up investigations for security
clearances and reduce the backlog of cases. The Office of Personnel Management
estimates this year that it will get 550,000 new requests for background
investigations involving access to classified information---that's
in addition to 900,000 background checks to determine if an employee can
be deemed trustworthy.
STATE DEPARTMENT
Rice Wants U.S. To Help China Be Positive Force
Secretary of State Describes Outreach to Iraq's Sunnis, Criticizes
Iranian Election
[Wall Street Journal, June 29, 2005, Pg. 13]
Condoleezza Rice said the U.S. should not fear China's rising economic
and diplomatic clout, but should work to assure that the Asian giant is
a positive force as it moves to become a "superpower."
ASIA/PACIFIC
Military Strategy ‘Defensive,' Envoy Insists
[Washington Times, June 29, 2005]
A senior Chinese diplomat said China's military strategy is "defensive"
and Beijing does not seek to "exclude" U.S. forces from the
region.
MIDEAST
Saudis Are Becoming Top Threat To Our GIs
[New York Post, June 29, 2005]
Saudi Arabia has become a major center for recruiting and financing terrorist
operations in Iraq.
Despite Sanctions, U.S. Allies Aid Oil, Gas Pipeline Projects
[Washington Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 15]
Iran is expanding its oil, gas and petrochemical projects with U.S. allies
such as Iraq and India, finding ways to boost its energy deals and foreign
investment---in effect, doing an end around American sanctions threats.
Moscow Reaches Out To Tehran
[Moscow Times, June 29, 2005, Pg. 1]
Russian officials informed Tehran's new leadership that they are
keen to build more nuclear reactors in Iran.
Israel, U.S. Can't Agree On Future Weapons Sales
[Jerusalem Post, June 29, 2005]
Israeli and U.S. delegations ended two days of talks without reaching
agreement on future Israeli weapons deals with other nations. The aim
is for guidelines for Israeli weapons sales that would ease the strain
some past deals have had on an otherwise friendly relationship.
U.S. Agrees To Sell Anti-Aircraft Launchers To Egypt
[Jerusalem Post, June 29, 2005]
Washington okayed the sale of 25 Avenger anti-aircraft missile launchers
to Egypt, calling its ally "an important force for political stability
and economic progress in the Middle East."
BUSINESS
Grand Jury Demands Lawmaker's Documents
Investigation Centers On Ties to Contractor
[Washington Post, June 29, 2005, Pg. D1]
A Southern California grand jury has subpoenaed documents from Rep. Randy
Cunningham. Prosecutors are examining the congressman's relationship
with Mitchell J. Wade, the owner of defense contractor MZM Inc.
U.S. Army To Extend Titan Translation Contract
[Bloomberg.com, June 28, 2005]
The Army plans to extend the worldwide translation contract held by Titan
Corp. beyond its Sept. 30 expiration date to allow for an "orderly
transfer" after completing a competition for the next contract
Raytheon's High-Tech Ammo
[Arizona Daily Star, June 29, 2005]
Raytheon Missile Systems has won a $22.1 million contract to jump-start
production of the world's first satellite-guided artillery shell
for the Army.
OPINION
The War Is Over, And We Won
Karl Zinsmeister
[The American Enterprise, July/August 2005]
First-hand observations lead Zinsmeister to conclude that the Iraqi people
are taking more control of their lives. Sure, the insurgency remains a
deadly, everyday threat. But the terrorists have no public support and
the battle for Iraq is no longer one of war fighting---but of policing
and politics. Contrary to most newspaper headlines, the U.S. has won the
day in Iraq.
Waiting On Leadership For Iraq
Bush must step up to the plate
Jay Garner
[Orlando Sentinel, June 26, 2005]
Iraqi leaders want help in rebuilding their young democracy and taming
a growing insurgency---the world, especially the U.S., had better step
up to the plate. Continuing the current course requires enormous luck
to succeed. We must start by formulating a clear national strategy that
provides military security, economic recovery and political satisfaction.
President Bush must lead this effort.
W's War Pleas In Last Throes?
Michael Goodwin
[New York Daily News, June 29, 2005]
President Bush's televised speech regarding Iraq was a good one---but
will it hold public support for much longer. The president had almost
nothing new to say. Americans don't think the status quo is good
enough, or worth it. Absent clear gains, the public is unlikely to rally
around calls for patience and courage.
Arrested Development
Arlie Hochschild
[New York Times, June 29, 2005]
Half the victims of human trafficking may be children under 18---and we
should be concerned about that terrible statistic. We also have to be
concerned about the children detained in American prisons in Afghanistan,
Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. The Red Cross, a year ago, reported registering
107 detainees under 18 during visits to six prisons controlled by coalition
troops. Some prisoners were as young as 8. According to Human Rights Watch,
that number has grown. The Pentagon should open all prisons to human rights
inspectors. The U.S. needs to begin reversing some of the terrible harm
that continues to be done to children in our name.
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