tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20407692090325692642011-11-29T22:06:37.976-05:00News and informed analysis of the current events, politics, economcs, and military actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and the Middle East / Central Asian areasAndrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.comBlogger3461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-51700217170962553512011-06-28T10:38:00.002-04:002011-06-28T10:45:31.847-04:00

Last week I returned from Afghanistan after spending five weeks with the U.S. Marines in Helmand Province. It was my sixth visit since April 2007; I embed with and write on Marine-Army-National Guard operations. And unlike most journalists (and 99% of America) my son serves; he's a U.S. Marine, and last year I was able to spend a few days with him in Afghanistan when he was out on his most recent

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-74790739632153909392011-05-05T11:44:00.001-04:002011-05-05T11:48:20.040-04:00

http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/audio/leathernecks-andrew-lubin-interviews-majgen-richard-mills

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-23234384646365096072011-05-05T07:37:00.003-04:002011-05-05T07:49:46.549-04:00

Claude Stanley Choules, the last known combat veteran of World War I, died Thursday at a nursing home in the Western Australia city of Perth, his family said. He was 110Beloved for his wry sense of humor and humble nature, the British-born Choules — nicknamed "Chuckles" by his comrades in the Australian Navy — never liked to fuss over his achievements, which included a 41-year military career and

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-29300521628042720672011-05-04T21:18:00.002-04:002011-05-04T21:26:14.601-04:00

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ZEEBRUGGE, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines have been defending the area around the Kajaki Dam near here for more than a year, but they are not the only force fighting to protect this key terrain.Many of the nearly 130 Afghan Uniformed Police officers stationed at Kajaki can literally call the area home, and the Marines based here say their Afghan counterparts have proven

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-50906220875448631012011-05-03T07:26:00.001-04:002011-05-03T07:30:10.593-04:00

Boehner: Afghanistan now more importantFrom NBC's Shawna ThomasHouse Speaker John Boehner sees the death of Osama bin Laden as proof that U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan is a necessity for the country’s safety. "It's important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to defeat terrorist enemies and protect the American people,” he said during a late afternoon press conference at the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-23476663463766960232011-04-29T07:32:00.002-04:002011-04-29T07:42:29.348-04:00

Amphibious Ready Groups and Marine Expeditionary Units Switching OutUSS BATAAN, Mediterranean Sea - The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group relieved the Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU of their duties in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility April 27.The Bataan ARG has assumed responsibilities as Commander, Task Force 62 and will conduct maritime security operations

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-45676663631307791252011-04-25T08:12:00.003-04:002011-04-25T08:29:56.134-04:00

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them"By Matt Khoury, CNNFor many Australians in 2011, nothing is more sacred than April 25.If it fell on Good Friday, it would probably supersede any religious commemoration.Easter Monday is fitting: thousands of young Australians

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-4967456889305217792011-04-15T08:16:00.001-04:002011-04-15T08:21:22.319-04:00

Time to Re-Think the Drone Wars?by Ali Chishti Karachi. It's no secret that drone strikes have become a hot-button issue in Pakistan. The Pakistani security establishment has publically distanced itself from the CIA drone program while allegedly supporting it quietly. Pakistani military officials have called the drone attacks in its federally administered area “against humanity” at the same time

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-81423811071291622612011-04-14T09:49:00.002-04:002011-04-14T09:53:29.308-04:00

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:AOL LAUNCHES "MILITARY FAMILIES WEEK"Special program enables you to show your support for troops and their familiesYesterday, AOL, Inc. announced the launch of "Military Families Week" in support of a White House initiative calling on Americans to honor, recognize, and support military families. As part of the project, AOL Huffington Post Media Group is launching a

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-54543908868872101492011-04-12T12:12:00.006-04:002011-04-12T12:27:07.916-04:00

PRESIDENT OBAMA, VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN, FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND DR. JILL BIDENLAUNCH NATIONAL “JOINING FORCES” INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT AMERICA’S MILITARY FAMILIESMajor Commitments in Employment, Education, Wellness and Public AwarenessWashington, DC – President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden today launched Joining Forces, a national

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-90202293665163649542011-04-12T08:16:00.001-04:002011-04-12T08:29:31.496-04:00

17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Announced HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS- The Commandant of the Marine Corps announced today his selection for the next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. "I'm pleased to announce Sergeant Major Micheal P. Barrett as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps," said General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "Sergeant Major Barrett, through his long

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-45314090841367824802011-04-11T09:08:00.002-04:002011-04-11T09:15:39.559-04:00

31ST MEU RETURNS TO OKINAWA AFTER OPERATION TOMODACHIUSS ESSEX, AT SEA - 2,200 Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary unit, are returning home to Okinawa, Japan, after nearly three weeks of conducting relief operations with the Japan Maritime and Ground Self-Defense Forces in support of Operation Tomodachi in mainland Japan.USS Essex (LHD 2), with the majority of Marines and Sailors

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-8702518106975314082011-04-09T22:45:00.002-04:002011-04-09T22:51:00.303-04:00

Romney, Trump Not Going to Do It for GOPNewsmc.com. 4/9/2011The latest public poll showing Donald Trump running right behind Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican presidential nomination suggests some very serious problems on the Republican side. No offense to Mr. Trump, a master showman, but hosting "Celebrity Apprentice" is a far cry from running the country. It's almost funny to think of

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-54620402703397320292011-04-03T21:44:00.002-04:002011-04-03T21:51:36.447-04:00

OSHIMA, Japan - Approximately 170 Marines and Sailors from Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit left the USS Essex (LHD 2) beginning Operation Field Day in support of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, April 1.The operation involves clearing and cleaning-up debris on the remote island of Oshima, which has been isolated since March 11

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-12057240224275868732011-03-29T13:52:00.003-04:002011-03-29T13:57:39.848-04:00

22nd MEU to deploy this weekMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune, N.C. received deployment orders to support the commanders of the U.S. European, African and Central commands.The MEU has been instructed to deploy to relieve the 26th MEU and maintain an uninterrupted

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-31058633560643328012011-03-29T08:41:00.003-04:002011-03-29T08:46:01.075-04:00

ARLINGTON, Va (March. 28, 2011) -- The USO Board of Governors announces six new members to serve on its board in 2011. Elected to the board are:Honorable Gordon England, president of E6 Partners LLC and the 29th Deputy Secretary of DefenseSergeant Major John L. Estrada, USMC (Ret.) former SgtMaj of the Marine Corps,Senior Manager for Training Solutions Inc. a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Global

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-34285289125330524742011-03-28T07:41:00.002-04:002011-03-28T08:04:10.462-04:00

31st MEU: Marines ashore @ Oshima IslandBy Capt Caleb Eames31st MEU, PAOOhima Island: Power to the island was restored the same evening we delivered utility repair trucks, assisting the Japanese workers to repair the system after 16 days with no electricity.Two U.S. Navy landing craft carrying Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11, as well as

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-1087873223093377992011-03-26T12:29:00.005-04:002011-03-26T12:35:57.830-04:00

31ST MEU CONTINUES RELIEF EFFORTSUSS ESSEX, Off the coast of Japan - The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit continues relief efforts off the northeast coast of Honshu in support of Operation Tomodachi.The MEU arrived off the coast March 19, after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the region on March 11. As of March 25, the unit has delivered more than 50,000 pounds of

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-6090284128769994882011-03-25T09:04:00.003-04:002011-03-25T09:08:21.785-04:00

Qamar David’s death shrouded in mystery By Ali K Chishti The Friday Times, 3/25/2011Lahore, PKQamar Davis a Pakistani Christian died in a Karachi jail under mysterious circumstances and no one wants to talk about him While the “ghiarat brigade” and most mainstream news channels were busy blowing trumpets on a one-point agenda of hanging an American CIA staffer, the funeral of Qamar David (an

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-36251898412449545462011-03-24T16:14:00.002-04:002011-03-24T16:17:51.445-04:00

26th MEU aids Coalition efforts, protect AjdabiyahFrom Capt Richard Ulsh26th MEU PAOUSS Kearsarge, At sea. AV-8B Harrier jump-jets with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a unit making up part of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, continued air strikes against tanks, mobile rocket launchers, and infantry fighting vehicles belonging to Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi near the city of Ajdabiyah to remove

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-76280636272538710092011-03-21T14:25:00.003-04:002011-03-21T14:31:21.631-04:00

Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to April 8, 2011, allowing personnel more time to apply for the benefits they've earned under the program guidelines. The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-23648519941814322572011-03-20T08:50:00.003-04:002011-03-20T08:56:14.692-04:00

Marine Harriers Strike!USS Kearsarge, At sea. 0639 EST. AV-8B Harriers from 26th MEU struck Libyan ground forces and air defenses in the early morning hours of March 20, 2011 under the authority of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from the Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi regime.The 26th MEU joined the international

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-30516123365475353052011-03-17T14:51:00.003-04:002011-03-17T14:55:45.649-04:00

31st MEU and Operation TomodachiBy Andrew LubinThe Marines of 31st MEU, Col Andrew MacMannis commanding, will be arriving off the west coast of Japan tomorrow morning. Lead by the USS Essex (LHD 2), the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) are currently in the Sea of Japanto arrive off the coast of Akita prefecture (west coast of Honshu) tomorrow morning to await further tasking

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-7593236401366166342011-03-15T09:43:00.003-04:002011-03-15T09:59:51.198-04:00

Current Ops outside of Kandahar; an Army unit's fight to control their area:The war hasn't let up much for the Wolfpack this winter. They've taken three casualties the last couple weeks. A platoon commander, a 19-year old single father, and a PFC from another company. Spc Adam been out on two air assault missions in CH-47s and a whole bunch of village sweeps lately.Two weeks ago, they swept a

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-45377080888918750952011-03-09T16:23:00.002-05:002011-03-09T16:28:21.403-05:00

Wounded Warrior Project calls on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the White House to make good on promised benefits.Caregivers of veterans recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) at risk for being left out of Congressionally mandated benefits by VA Jacksonville, FL (March 7, 2011) As we enter Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is committed to ensuring

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-76020628714485838952011-03-07T17:37:00.005-05:002011-03-07T17:53:00.941-05:00

Behind The Raymond Davis FiascoBy Ali K. Chistiwww.military.com7 March 2011Raymond Davis, a CIA contractor, was in Lahore on his way back from a routine reconnaissance mission when he was intercepted by ISI operatives. Davis has said that he thought he was being robbed and he shot the gun-toting operatives in self-defense. The issue, which could have been one of simple diplomatic immunity has

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-44627312637626476532011-03-05T09:52:00.003-05:002011-03-05T09:57:13.883-05:00

Statement by the Press Secretary on Harvard’s Decision toWelcome the ROTC Back to Campus March 4,2011THE WHITE HOUSEThe decision by Harvard University to formally welcome the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps to its campus is an important step in moving past the old divisions that often kept many Americans from seeing what we share with one another,including love of country and a profound

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-77543980166998065542011-03-03T11:36:00.003-05:002011-03-03T11:40:53.916-05:00

5 Reasons Not to Strike LibyaBy J.D. GordonAOL News.Mar 3, 2011 Conventional wisdom might suggest that the U.S. military should step in to halt a notorious dictator from carrying out ruthless crackdowns on his own people -- especially against those standing up for democracy.This is particularly true in Moammar Gadhafi's case, as he has been a thorn in our side since taking power in a 1969

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-54402612024907240492011-03-02T16:11:00.004-05:002011-03-02T16:22:38.500-05:00

AMERICAN JUSTICEUSA TODAY ★ JANUARY 2011By Andrew Lubin"IF THE WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH had simply picketed LCPL Snyder’s funeral, this would perhaps be a First Amendment issue,” explains Craig Trebilcock, one of the two attorneys representing plaintiff Albert Snyder. “Instead, they subjected the Snyderfamily to a reign of harassment prior to their son’s funeral to two weeksafterwards—which

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-66460771632203317952011-03-02T14:34:00.002-05:002011-03-02T14:40:56.904-05:00

In an egregious decision that runs against common sense and common decency, the Supreme Court today ruled 8-1 that the Westboro Baptist Church's ignorant displays at the funerals of KIA Marines and soldiers are protected by the 1st Amendment's Freedom of Speech.Below is a statement by Albert Snyder's attorney, Craig Trebilcock: We're disappointed in the ruling by the Supreme Court because it

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-50493678089796590022011-02-26T10:52:00.005-05:002011-02-26T10:57:52.472-05:00

Will Middle Eastern Democracies be Friends or Foes?Citing the Reichstag fire just one month after to solidify his grip on power, Hitler shredded the constitution and outlawed all other political parties. Six years later WWII began, costing some 60 million livesThe AmericanoBy J.D. Gordon25 Feb 2011Many in the West have cheered the prospect of Western-style democracies taking hold in the Mid-East,

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-21746141028400149102011-02-20T16:34:00.003-05:002011-02-20T16:48:09.785-05:00

A post from Rob Raimond (Allegheny College) who is studying at the American University in Cairo. A boots-on-the-ground report:Since I last wrote Egypt has almost been flipped on its head. Mubarak announced he would not step down then stepped down the protesters have left Tahrir and life is more or less normal again. Before I get ahead of myself though, let me congratulate Egypt, and say that the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-49356675106577260342011-02-17T21:00:00.004-05:002011-02-17T21:04:18.915-05:00

Demonization of the US in Pakistanby Ali K Chishti “When hatred of foreign policies turns into hatred for an entire people and their civilisation, then enlightenment is dead, giving way to demonology – something similar has happened to the US in Pakistan…” In a recent Gallup survey conducted in Pakistan, 35 percent of the people hold the US responsible for terrorism in Pakistan, 39 percent

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-85473643637550011712011-02-15T13:21:00.003-05:002011-02-15T13:26:57.523-05:00

https://surveys.cua.edu/military/ Hi, my name is Emily Mulvey and I am a Marine spouse working on my PhD in Clinical Psychology at The Catholic University of America (CUA). For my degree, I am conducting a survey that explores family life from the perspective of military spouses. We are interested in exploring how military families adapt and overcome the stresses associated with family life. I

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-16327501824852333712011-02-14T21:03:00.004-05:002011-02-14T21:14:08.683-05:00

A Guest Editorial by Ms. Krista Peterson:Asbstos Care TodayThe Navy has protected Americans even it was offically named. Since 1775, the US Navy has sacrificed comfort and security to travel the seas, keeping peace alive and inspiring hope in people all over the world, including those at home in the US. It is imperative that we, as civilians, do our parts to keep these men and women safe. Though

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-13629401947367335692011-02-11T10:40:00.003-05:002011-02-11T10:43:57.217-05:00

The intelligence and agencies of Pakistan (Part I)By Ali K Chishti Daily TimesKarachi: There are visible signs. What is, however, not so visible and will not be is the role that has been played by the intelligence agencies in shaping and running of the political process in Pakistan. There are more than a dozen or so intelligence agencies working in Pakistan which is commonly referred to as “

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-39757842777583076562011-02-10T11:40:00.006-05:002011-02-10T11:47:35.883-05:00

HUD @ VA Issue First-ever Report on Veteran Homlessness in AmericaAssessment part of Obama Administration plan to prevent and end homelessnessWASHINGTON – For the first time ever, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today published the most authoritative analysis of the extent and nature of homelessness among American

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-16549120363581923212011-02-09T07:21:00.004-05:002011-02-09T07:31:09.783-05:00

I want to thank the World Affairs Council of Northern California and the Marines’ Memorial Association for inviting me here tonight to speak about our Nation’s Marine Corps. I’m also grateful for Major General Mike Myatt’s faithfulness to our Nation over many years...And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Secretary George Shultz, for whom this lecture series is named. He is a

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-88872610994423086402011-02-03T16:05:00.002-05:002011-02-03T16:10:10.532-05:00

Will Egyptians Ever Like Us?By J.D. GordonAOL NewsFebruary 3, 2011Except for Hosni Mubarak and his throng of increasingly violent supporters in Cairo, it seems just about everyone's cheering the uprising in Egypt. But while the events in Egypt may ultimately be good for Egyptians, they seriously complicate our relations with the country.After all, the more representative Egypt's government is of

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-81774974976607193802011-01-26T08:54:00.003-05:002011-01-26T09:00:11.207-05:00

Petraeus Cites ‘Impressive’ Progress in Letter to TroopsBy Karen ParrishAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2011 – Continued hard work will lead to sustained progress in Afghanistan this year, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force there told his troops in a letter dated today.Army Gen. David H. Petraeus addressed his comments to ISAF’s soldiers, sailors,

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-46816179033440200422011-01-20T08:14:00.003-05:002011-01-20T08:20:57.114-05:00

Quetta Shura is now Karachi ShuraBy Ali K Chishtihttp://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\01\20\story_20-1-2011_pg7_8In the light of recent revelations published by the Washington Post about Mulla Omar, who reportedly suffered a serious cardiac problem and underwent a major operation in Karachi, Daily Times would like to reminds its readers that it was Daily Times that first published a

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-82233771783873920312011-01-18T10:41:00.003-05:002011-01-18T10:46:19.177-05:00

Marines Fighting Back in Helmand ProvinceISW Scholar Jeffrey A. Dressler examines the heated fight for the Taliban’s financial hub, Helmand province, finding the insurgency has been driven out en masse Washington, D.C: Helmand is Afghanistan’s largest province and the central node of the Taliban’s narcotics empire, generating substantial funds to finance a brutal insurgency. In short, success in

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-491461658229703752011-01-17T11:15:00.002-05:002011-01-17T11:19:45.071-05:00

This is what Sect Gates proposes:Navy end strength 324K cuts 0K 0% cutUSAF end strength 331K cuts 0K 0% cutArmy Guard end strength 358K cuts 0K 0% cutUSAF Guard end strength 106K cuts 0K 0% cutArmy Civ's end strength 250K cuts 0K 0% cutNavy Civ's end strength 199K cuts 0K 0% cutUSAF Civ's end strength 177K cuts 0K 0% cutDoD Civ's end strength 126K cuts 0K 0% cutArmy end strength 562K cuts 49K -

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-91839547712276067542011-01-14T07:56:00.002-05:002011-01-14T08:00:18.551-05:00

22nd MEU Marine to receive Bronze StarMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE – A Marine from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is scheduled to receive high honors during a ceremony Friday, Jan. 14, for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Lance Cpl. Sean A. Warren, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU, is

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-59330745268357722132011-01-12T09:19:00.004-05:002011-01-12T09:23:38.746-05:00

Biden calls on Pakistani's to step upBy Patricia Zengerle and Chris Allbritton Reuters, 1/12/2010ISLAMABAD — Vice President Joe Biden attempted on Wednesday to dispel what he called common anti-American misperceptions in Pakistan while urging the government to fight growing religious extremism. Biden's comments at a news conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani come as the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-5845845626312377032011-01-07T15:42:00.004-05:002011-01-07T15:54:55.384-05:00

Letter from KarachiBy Taimur KhanForeign Affairs"An influx of working poor into Pakistan's cities is leading to violent competition over land and political loyalties -- not to mention changing the very social fabric of the country. Will Karachi, and Pakistan as a whole, be able to adapt?"Read in on Foreign Affairs: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/node/67173

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-62476791235681894872011-01-07T15:25:00.003-05:002011-01-07T15:30:28.733-05:00

Soldier Suffering from PTSD Threatened with RedeploymentJanuary 6, 2010(FORT CAMPBELL, KY.Less than two months after surrendering himself at Fort Campbell from AWOL status, Army Spc. Jeff Hanks awaits imminent redeployment to Afghanistan without having received treatment for war wounds.Hanks, who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, returned to the U.S. on leave this past September suffering

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-49001807865368651372011-01-04T12:47:00.004-05:002011-01-04T12:55:31.714-05:00

Fire Capt. Honors? Not So FastBy J.D. GordonJanuary 4, 2011AOL NewsAs the mainstream media passes the megaphone to those calling for the ouster of Navy Capt. Owen Honors for his lewd videos shown years ago on board the USS Enterprise while serving as the ship's second-in-command, let's hope Navy leadership takes a hard look at his case before simply caving into political pressure and ending

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-70790330154886267402010-12-21T08:23:00.004-05:002010-12-21T08:30:58.637-05:00

USS Bataan; Norfolk, Va. “An amphibious operation can be as prominent or as low-key as desired,” BrigGen Christopher Owens, USMC, said, “You’d be surprised to learn there have been 106 amphibious operations in the last 20 years, and only 2 were combat ops.” Owens, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) Commanding General, is the co-commander, along with Rear Admiral Kevin Scott who commands

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-64214831175248706122010-11-28T19:38:00.007-05:002010-11-29T01:05:18.224-05:00

Please read this speech written by Lt. Gen.John F. Kelly. He delivered it four days after his son Robert, platoon commander of First Platoon, Lima Company, 3/5 waskilled in action in the District of Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.SEMPER FI SOCIETY OF ST LOUIS Speech by LtGen John Kelly, 13 Nov 2010Nine years ago three of the four commercial aircraft took off from Boston, Newark, and

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-86023650796033445872010-11-17T16:37:00.003-05:002010-11-22T11:31:30.132-05:00

Veterans Day: An Honored National HolidayBy Kevin Pearia, guest writerThe celebration of the 2010 Veterans Day marks the 72nd year of the national holiday. Once celebrated worldwide as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is now a United States National holiday taking place each year on the 11th of November. The date commemorates the signing of the WWI Armistice by the Allied Powers and Germany at the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-63028565351358380072010-11-04T08:33:00.003-04:002010-11-04T08:39:40.984-04:00

"The Karachi Project"By Ali K. ChistiForeignpolicy.comIn a dramatic series of raids in February, Pakistani authorities captured more than two dozen top al Qaeda, Afghan Taliban, and Pakistani Taliban leaders, mostly in Pashtun areas on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city. The list included Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar's top deputy, Mullah Baradar, whose capture raised hopes

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-22491953490533046012010-11-01T09:42:00.002-04:002010-11-01T09:47:51.804-04:00

Iconic Crown Royal Bags Being Shipped to Troops OverseasIt’s still purple! The iconic Crown Royal purple bag is heading to Afghanistan, but in camouflageATLANTA (Sept. 16, 2010) – On their most important mission to date, camouflage-designed Crown Royal purple bags will be packed with gift items for America’s bravest, just in time for the holidays. Crown Royal, teaming up with non-profit Operation

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-48497531566755402712010-10-27T07:25:00.003-04:002010-10-27T07:30:03.185-04:00

Funding Pakistan’s Jihad By Ali K ChishtiKarachi. While it may be true that over the years the militants have developed a vast and effective network for raising funds by taking as much as a rupee from a poor man to millions from the rich, donations are pouring in for jihad from every segment of societyAll the commitment and fanaticism notwithstanding, terrorist operations cannot be run without

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-60622464436918685402010-10-04T23:02:00.003-04:002010-10-04T23:08:43.441-04:00

The 65th anniversary of Pappy Boyington's Medal of Honor presentation is today, October 5th. In a White House ceremony on October 5, 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Boyington with the Medal of Honor. On October 4, 1943 Pappy flew off the Russell Islands with 5 other Black Sheep on a cover mission for a Marine bomber strike near Kahili. As they approached

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-47456178305403804172010-09-30T20:23:00.002-04:002010-09-30T20:26:42.103-04:00

"Brigade 313" prepares plan to attack Commonwealth Games By Ali K ChishtiDaily Times: http://tinyurl.com/32yd4seKarachi, Sept 30, 2010It can be confirmed that al Qaeda and a group based in North Waziristan calling itself “Brigade 313”, which is made up of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and allied extremist group members, including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Karachi-based Jandullah, has prepared a plan

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-70426797445340072162010-09-29T07:52:00.004-04:002010-09-29T07:55:57.616-04:00

From the Bob Woodward book "Obama's War"President Obama dispatched his national security adviser, retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones, and CIA Director Leon Panetta to Pakistan for a series of urgent, secret meetings on May 19, 2010. Less than three weeks earlier, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen born in Pakistan had tried to blow up an SUV in New York City's Times Square. The crude bomb - which a

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-31031855092393120702010-09-22T08:29:00.003-04:002010-09-22T08:38:11.095-04:00

THE PRESIDENT: Please be seated. Good afternoon, and on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House. And I thank you, General Cyr, for that wonderful invocation. Of all the military decorations that our nation can bestow, the highest is the Medal of Honor. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry; for risking one’s life in action; for serving above and beyond the call of duty.

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-2755272465548022942010-09-18T07:59:00.004-04:002010-09-18T08:05:48.932-04:00

Diplomatic Efforts for Afghanistan By Ali K ChishtiDAILY TIMES, Karachi18 Sept 2010Daily Times has learned of a massive diplomatic effort by the United States, Pakistan and certain Arab Governments to ‘find a solution for Afghanistan’. A western diplomat who has been at the forefront as a fixer told Daily Times that, “that, the idea is to have broad based government that includes Talibans in

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-56787134649057530722010-09-09T22:19:00.002-04:002010-09-09T22:22:34.098-04:00

ANALYSIS: Profiling Pakistani Jihadists By Ali K ChishtiKaraci: One major draw for jihadis in Pakistan is the clout a religious militant enjoys with the law-enforcement agencies. The militant organisation gives otherwise powerless men a strong sense of identity in an increasingly fragmented social structureWhat kind of people are rushing to join jihadi organisations? Where are they coming from?

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-2206240762805017622010-09-09T07:46:00.003-04:002010-09-09T07:49:38.309-04:00

Building on FaithBy FEISAL ABDUL RAUFAS my flight approached America last weekend, my mind circled back to the furor that has broken out over plans to build Cordoba House, a community center in Lower Manhattan.I have been away from home for two months, speaking abroad about cooperation among people from different religions. Every day, including the past two weeks spent representing my country on

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-73395198830229039312010-09-06T13:26:00.004-04:002010-09-06T13:32:34.125-04:00

American Muslims Ask, Will We Ever Belong?By LAURIE GOODSTEINNY Times, Sept 5, 2010For nine years after the attacks of Sept. 11, many American Muslims made concerted efforts to build relationships with non-Muslims, to make it clear they abhor terrorism, to educate people about Islam and to participate in interfaith service projects. They took satisfaction in the observations by many scholars that

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-10780419386176157852010-09-06T09:04:00.004-04:002010-09-06T09:08:15.321-04:00

The Pacific Campaign, Dam DivisionBy SAMUEL C. FLORMAN(NYTimes, 3 Sept 2010)ON Sept. 1, 1945 — 65 years ago this week — I arrived in Leyte Gulf, the Philippines, aboard a Navy transport ship. Along with other newly commissioned ensigns in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, I was prepared to join one of the Seabee battalions being mustered for an invasion of the Japanese mainland. However, as we had

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-71978815803453095712010-09-03T09:14:00.006-04:002010-09-03T09:25:19.763-04:00

Pappy Boyington - USMC Ace in WW2On September 12, 1943, the VMF-214 Black Sheep Squadron began their combat tour in the Solomon Islands. The CO, Maj Gregory "Pappy" Boyington alreadfy had combat experience in China as he flew against the Japanese as a member of Gen Claire Chennault's famed "Flying Tigers." He continued his success flying from Guadalcanal. On September 16, 1943, Pappy shot down 5

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-76443117164222513062010-09-01T09:42:00.003-04:002010-09-01T09:47:27.303-04:00

The TTP & Operation ‘Samosa’By Ali K ChishtiDaily Times; KarachiIt has been reported from at least two Interior Ministry sources in Pakistan that the ministry is in a state of panic and, as one of the sources, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirmed to Daily Times, “We are currently in a state of panic. If the whole al Qaeda, Taliban, TTP, local jihadi organisations and floods were not enough,

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-62441033799929533842010-08-31T08:20:00.003-04:002010-08-31T08:25:47.801-04:00

We Owe the Troops an ExitBy BOB HERBERTNew York Times31 Aug 2010At least 14 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan over the past few days. We learned on Saturday that our so-called partner in this forlorn war, Hamid Karzai, fired a top prosecutor who had insisted on, gasp, fighting the corruption that runs like a crippling disease through his country. Time magazine tells us that

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-16592655104720279172010-08-29T22:58:00.003-04:002010-08-29T23:04:10.727-04:00

The photo above shows why the war in Afghanistan is not going well for the United States.It came from Laura King’s LATimes.com article of 17 Aug “'Three cups of tea' a byword for U.S. effort to win Afghan hearts and minds.” As Ms. King so aptly explains, the phrase “three cups of tea” has been adapted from the Greg Mortenson best-seller of the same name by the American military as the basis of

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-85445037257431731862010-08-28T10:48:00.003-04:002010-08-28T10:55:26.221-04:00

Afghan Insurgents Attack 2 BasesBy THE ASSOCIATED PRESSFiled at 10:35 a.m. ET KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Insurgents wearing U.S. Army uniforms launched pre-dawn attacks Saturday on a major NATO base in eastern Afghanistan and a nearby camp where seven CIA employees were killed last year in a suicide bombing. NATO said there were no coalition casualties and the attacks were repelled. NATO said at

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-79857228611254497942010-08-26T12:32:00.003-04:002010-08-26T12:36:34.685-04:00

Mentors support families of fallen soldiersBy Renee ChouWRAL.comAugust 21, 2010Coping with a soldier's death can be a lonesome and difficult journey. But survivors of fallen soldiers don't have to go through it alone.The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers peer mentor training to help survivors grieving a military loss.Randy and Betsy Beard learned about TAPS after their 22-

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-47970228100013568042010-08-25T09:38:00.002-04:002010-08-25T09:42:04.098-04:00

Al Qaeda shifting to Pakistan’s urban areasBy Ali K ChishtiDaily Times (Karachi)Aug 24, 2010Al Qaeda is gradually shifting its base from the unsafe and spy-infested tribal belt of Pakistan – which is under the radars of virtually all intelligence agencies – to more secure, urban areas of the country, which according to a Western diplomat, are “immune to drones”, Daily Times has learned. The

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-14300394076871330392010-08-24T16:12:00.004-04:002010-08-24T16:16:23.649-04:00

Marines will still be 'hammering' Afghanistan next yearBy Jim MiklaszewskiNBC News’ Pentagon Correspondent Aug 24, 2010As U.S. combat troops complete their withdrawal from Iraq, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway addressed Afghanistan’s deadline for its similar pullout next summer during a Pentagon press briefing Tuesday.Conway predicted that a significant number of U.S. Marines and combat

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-75853891485278929632010-08-24T06:06:00.004-04:002010-08-24T06:15:33.260-04:00

Camp allows youngest victims of war to express their lossFayetteville News & ObserverSun Aug 22, 2010PINEHURST- The small children of fallen soldiers and Marines covered James Gobble, laughing as he pushed his way off the floor and gently tossed them off his back.Gobble was among the adult volunteers at Good Grief Camp, an event held at a Pinehurst resort hotel Saturday aimed at helping families

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-14112609038374450962010-08-23T07:08:00.001-04:002010-08-23T07:10:56.716-04:00

Code Stinkby Kanani FongI wore pink because it's always been my fucking color. The fact that this crew of rich harridans hijacking my color for their own political means has always grated my sensibilities. And so it was that I spent an interesting afternoon at the Jerry Brown gubernatorial fundraiser sponsored by wealthy Code Pink co-founder Jodie Evans. As expected, none of the people coming to

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-3364934421770412692010-08-22T10:06:00.002-04:002010-08-22T10:11:32.967-04:00

Somalia resembling Afghanistan under Taliban Some experts say the similarities are no accidentAssociated PressBy JASON STRAZIUSO, MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN updated 8/22/2010 12:00:09 AM MOGADISHU, Somalia — Men are forced to grow beards. Women can't leave home without a male relative. Music, movies and watching sports on TV are banned. Limbs are chopped off as punishment, and executions by stoning have

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-91658318240900091102010-08-21T10:14:00.002-04:002010-08-21T10:19:29.269-04:00

U.S. anti-Islam protest seen as lift for extremistsRhetoric over planned Islamic center near ground zero feeds anti-U.S. sentimentNew York TimesBy Scott Shane updated 8/21/2010 3:58:25 AM ET WASHINGTON — Some counterterrorism experts say the anti-Muslim sentiment that has saturated the airwaves and blogs in the debate over plans for an Islamic center near ground zero in Lower Manhattan is playing

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-3423339412847432032010-08-20T08:45:00.004-04:002010-08-20T08:58:46.345-04:00

JUDGE EXTENDS DEADLINE TO JOIN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BY THREE MONTHS FOR OEF/OIF VETS WITH PTSD WHO WERE SHORTCHANGED ON BENEFITSVeterans’ advocates win extension through November 10, 2010 for Sabo v. United StatesNVLSP calls on friends and families of OEF/OIF vets to encourage class members to “opt-in”FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-4810612766706848062010-08-19T08:31:00.002-04:002010-08-19T08:35:29.269-04:00

Efforts in Philadelphia to Save Showpiece ShipsBy BILL MARSHNew York Times, 8/19/2010PHILADELPHIA — They made an impressive display of America’s seafaring might, the aging maritime stars moored along both sides of the Delaware River. There is the 1892 cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship afloat, whose guns and those of the ships it led blasted away a Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, announcing

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-80690306078048976732010-08-10T15:08:00.003-04:002010-08-10T15:13:10.372-04:00

Did the Pentagon 'Cave' On Four Banned Reporters at Gitmo Trial?By J.D. Gordon FoxNews.com August 09, 2010Four previously banned reporters will attend the military commission trial at Gitmo on Tuesday. Did the Pentagon do the right thing?Tomorrow, on Tuesday, August 10, the first military commission trial under the Obama administration will begin at Guantanamo.Omar Khadr, a Canadian citizen

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-35854151237945462472010-08-10T08:27:00.005-04:002010-08-10T08:31:47.896-04:00

Fake Passports By Ali K Chisti10 Aug 2010DAILY TIMES (Karachi)Imagine if al Qaeda and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) train a team of suicide bombers in FATA and send them to the US and all the European capitals to carry out a series of suicide bombings and 26/11-style fidai attacks? A logical question countering the argument would be: who will provide the logistics and visas? Well, there is

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-85640518181068100362010-08-09T13:13:00.003-04:002010-08-09T13:20:42.433-04:00

Monday, August 9, 2010Three Seasoned Professionals Senselessly MurderedBy Kanani Fongwww.TheKitchenDisptach.com "Let him grieve undistracted, without having to worry about how he looked in mine or anyone else’s eyes. Death is a strange and complete entity. In plain sight of death we contemplate our own mortality and that sensation of loss that is so fucking unfair." --The late British surgeon

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-42357528863183044142010-08-08T11:10:00.003-04:002010-08-08T11:19:37.634-04:00

Mischief in ManhattanWe Muslims know the Ground Zero mosque is meant to be a deliberate provocation. It's an act of "fitna"Raheel Raza and Tarek FatahThe Ottawa CitizenAugust 7, 2010Last week, a journalist who writes for the North Country Times, a small newspaper in Southern California, sent us an e-mail titled "Help." He couldn't understand why an Islamic Centre in an area where Adam Gadahn,

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-16352657176552998702010-08-02T13:28:00.002-04:002010-08-02T13:34:11.015-04:00

“Pappy Boyington Field” NewsletterThe EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow has just concluded, and featured a Salute to Veterans events. It was an honor to have the film “Pappy Boyington Field” included in the events.Later this month, the Coeur d’Alene Airport Association will be welcoming pilots for a Fly-in at Pappy Boyington Field on August 28th. If you fly in you’ll be able to learn more about

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-22512480777943879802010-07-31T12:43:00.002-04:002010-07-31T12:48:00.396-04:00

Buffalo Soldiers in DC:29 July 2010:Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) met with 12 original Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry and 24th Infantry Regiment who served in World War II. They visited her in Washington, DC office yesterday while in town attending the 144th Anniversary Reunion of the Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldier Day is celebrated July 28. Throughout the year

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-77313000276784078452010-07-30T08:32:00.007-04:002010-07-30T08:41:33.913-04:00

30 July 2010 Last updated at 08:06 ET UK troops launch Operation Tor Shezada in Afghanistan By Ian PannellBBC News, Helmand Military chiefs said Operation Tor Shezada got off to a "successful" start. Hundreds of British soldiers have launched an operation against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Operation Tor Shezada began early on Friday morning in Helmand province in the south of the country

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-78128555258366730842010-07-29T22:09:00.003-04:002010-07-29T22:15:15.610-04:00

Understanding the Human Terrain: Key to Success in AfghanistanPosted by SMALL WARS JOURNAL Editors on July 16, 2010Understanding the Human Terrain: Key to Success in Afghanistanby Andrew GarfieldGeneral Petraeus, in his recent Senate Confirmation Hearing, reminded everyone that in Afghanistan, as in Iraq, “the key terrain is the human terrain.” Taking and holding the human terrain is the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-25315136246814093012010-07-26T14:38:00.003-04:002010-07-26T14:52:02.563-04:00

The WikiLeaks Fiascoby Ali K.ChishtiDaily TimesWikiLeaks, a Swedish whistleblower project which consists of activist journalists who had previously leaked videos and articles embarrassing the US Government Sunday leaked damaging 90,000 top secret documents of US military records consisting on cables, internal memos and emails sent out to various DoD officials related to Afghanistan revealing and

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-1407144666416455732010-07-23T10:11:00.003-04:002010-07-23T10:22:33.191-04:00

The Benefits of a VA LoanBy Adam Gibson((Note: We're pleased to post this article by Adam Gibson, a financial writer and consultant. VA Mortgage details on: http://valoans.vamortgagecenter.com))Buying a new home is an exciting process. A homeowner no longer has to answer to a landlord or live in the unpredictable situation of rental responsibilities. However, with homeownership comes a great

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-87287004452059146452010-07-21T10:46:00.005-04:002010-07-21T10:53:19.192-04:00

Afghanistan: Transition to ANA Must Start NowDEFENSE NEWSBy Col Jeff Haynes (USMC, ret) Glevum AssociatesAt the current rate the U.S. military will not leave Afghanistan — ever. After eight years of dedicated effort, billions of dollars in training and investment, and numerous advisers killed or wounded, there is still not a single province where the Afghan National Army (ANA) is entirely

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-66988493942046618842010-07-19T22:27:00.004-04:002010-07-19T22:46:39.819-04:00

Petraeus’s Successor Is Known for Impolitic WordsBy THOM SHANKERWASHINGTON — To those who have served under him, Gen. James N. Mattis is the consummate Marine commander, a warrior who chooses to lead from the front lines and speaks bluntly rather than concerning himself with political correctness. But General Mattis, President Obama’s choice to command American forces across the strategic

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-72282408789734600632010-07-13T08:47:00.002-04:002010-07-13T08:51:59.345-04:00

SOUTHERN SHORSURAK, Afghanistan (July 12, 2010Cpl. Matt Garst should be dead.Few people survive stepping on an improvised explosive device. Even fewer walk away the same day after directly absorbing the force of the blast, but Garst did just that.A squad leader with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Garst was leading his squad on a patrol in Southern Shorsurak, Afghanistan, June 23 to establish

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-89653591095293886402010-07-09T09:59:00.003-04:002010-07-09T10:05:39.218-04:00

Petraeus reviews directive meant to limit Afghan civilian deathsBy Rajiv ChandrasekaranWashington Post Staff WriterFriday, July 9, 2010; A01 To the U.S. soldiers getting pounded with thunderous mortar rounds in their combat outpost near Kandahar, it seemed like a legitimate request: allow them to launch retaliatory mortar shells or summon an airstrike against their attackers. The incoming fire

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-60360144192771953102010-05-22T16:57:00.002-04:002010-05-22T17:01:18.970-04:00

US To Command UK's Helmand ForceBy James Blitz, Defence and Diplomatic EditorFinancial TimesMay 22, 2010Britain’s 8,500 troops in Helmand province will go under the direct control of a US Marine Corps general next month as Nato restructures its military operations in southern Afghanistan.Following Washington’s decision to pour an extra 20,000 troops into the south this year, the Ministry of

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-44966768803681805672010-05-20T10:10:00.003-04:002010-05-20T10:17:37.210-04:00

In Ambush, A Glimpse Of A Long Afghan SummerBy C. J. ChiversNew York TimesMay 20, 2010 BALUCH, Afghanistan — Minutes after surviving the first ambush, Cpl. John M. Boone, a Marine sniper, called over his radio. “We’ve got a civilian here who got shot in his gut,” he said.The civilian, Mohammed, an elderly Afghan farmer, had been shot through his large intestine when the Taliban fired on a patrol

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-81526989616317953312010-05-19T07:32:00.002-04:002010-05-19T07:36:25.421-04:00

To Suppress Taliban, U.S. Deploys Farm AidBy Yaroslav TrofimovWall Street JournalMay 19, 2010 BABA SAHEB, Afghanistan— Dozens of goggle-clad laborers converged at the Lalay family orchard at dawn, spraying pomegranate trees with soap water against parasites.They were paid by U.S. taxpayers, as are tens of thousands of laborers across southern Afghanistan who have been put to work in a $360

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-37726051074218451262010-05-16T08:49:00.004-04:002010-05-16T08:52:29.196-04:00

Marine Official Says There Is More 'Tough Fighting' Ahead In AfghanistanMaj. Gen. Richard Mills, in a teleconference with reporters at Camp Pendleton, says, however, that progress is being made in defeating the Taliban and winning the allegiance of Afghan civilians.By Tony PerryLos Angeles TimesMay 16, 2010Reporting from Camp Pendleton--Marines from Camp Pendleton and other bases are making

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-22455140189883920042010-05-15T09:17:00.002-04:002010-05-15T09:23:11.292-04:00

Is the Marine Corps just another army?By Robert HaddickThis Week at War (smallwarsjournal.com)May 14, 2010On May 7, during a discussion with students at the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College, Defense SecretaryRobert Gates revealed that he is interviewing candidates to replace Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway, who will retire this fall. Gates said he will expect the candidates

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-66938147355832717392010-05-14T07:39:00.003-04:002010-05-14T07:43:30.163-04:00

McChrystal Sees Progress, but 'Nobody Is Winning' Afghan War YetFOXNews.comThe assessment by McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, comes a day after President Obama predicted the war will get worse before it gets betterIn a blunt assessment of the war in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal declared in a TV interview Thursday that "nobody is winning," though he also pointed

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-78364950587297787242010-05-13T07:26:00.003-04:002010-05-13T07:29:51.062-04:00

Mr. Obama And Mr. Karzai, Take TwoNew York TimesMay 13, 2010After months of rancor, President Obama made nice to President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan on Wednesday, and Mr. Karzai made nice back. At a White House press conference, the two men painted a sunny, improbable picture of cooperation and mutual respect. There was no mention of the many failings of Mr. Karzai’s government or his

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-845830743379919902010-05-12T13:21:00.002-04:002010-05-12T13:26:45.613-04:00

There was a recent exchange of letters between Sen. Levin and Sec. Def. Gates about the study the military is doing about Don't Ask, Don't Tell. In it Sec. Gates confirmed that the military was looking at how best to implement the policy on the assumption that the rule would be changed. He also asked Congress to wait until the study was completed so any action they took would be based on the

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2040769209032569264.post-36084892410324609862010-05-08T21:30:00.002-04:002010-05-08T21:35:53.238-04:00

A stand-in Mother’s Day cardBy Luke LarsonOn this Mother’s Day millions of heartfelt cards will be sent. When opened they will reveal great appreciation for all the sacrifices mothers endured for their children. However there will be one group who desperately would love such a card - although their mailbox has the highest chance of remaining empty - they are the mothers of the 180,000 service

Andrew Lubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13755197625688707081noreply@blogger.com0