One Night In Pakistan

We've dealt with the abstract far too much lately. The New Yorker's Nicholas Schmidle's riveting account of the events of the night we eliminated Bin Laden should snap us back to reality:

During the next four minutes, the interior of the Black Hawks rustled alive with the metallic cough of rounds being chambered. Mark, a master chief petty officer and the ranking noncommissioned officer on the operation, crouched on one knee beside the open door of the lead helicopter. He and the eleven other SEALs on “helo one,” who were wearing gloves and had on night-vision goggles, were preparing to fast-rope into bin Laden’s yard. They waited for the crew chief to give the signal to throw the rope. But, as the pilot passed over the compound, pulled into a high hover, and began lowering the aircraft, he felt the Black Hawk getting away from him. He sensed that they were going to crash.

Find half hour to quietly read the entire piece.

My Morning Wooten

Steaming.

Barack Obama is a text-message president. His speeches have no particular foundation in anything that precedes or follows. In his West Point address, for example, he accused the former administration of denying or ignoring requests for more troops. “Commanders in Afghanistan repeatedly asked for support to deal with the re-emergence of the Taliban, but these reinforcements did not arrive,” he speechified. Responded former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld: “Such a bald misstatement, at least as it pertains to the period I served as secretary of defense, deserves a response. I am not aware of a single request of that nature between 2001 and 2006.”

Is there no sense of outrage left on Marietta St? How about just plain honesty? Is the new policy that Jim Wooten gets to print anything he wants without accuracy or context? Does anyone even give a damn any more?

To understand why I am so furious watch the video. Not only was Shinsheki's request not granted but he was canned.

(And I understand his request was Iraq and not Afghanistan, but if you try to make that argument, understand that I will consider you just as dishonest in your reasoning as the revered Jim Wooten. Once upon a time we were told to not support a President in time of war was un-american. Things never change - except when they do)

The Strangest Day Ever?

12-1-09. Next time you think things can't get any weirder, remember that date.

Atlanta elected a new mayor and it wasn't even close to the top story. Not even locally. Why?

Republicans scurried behind close doors to determine the fate of politically wounded leader Glenn Richardson. Two news outlets reported his resignation was imminent. In typical Richardson manner, his people immediately fired back with a "nu uh". Yet, still this morning Republican insiders are saying it's going to happen. (And I ain't even going to get into that "other shoe about to drop" Erick mentioned)

President Obama gave a speech about sending more troops to Afghanistan which resulted in Democrats whining about a "war President" (when this is exactly what Obama told them over a year ago he would do) and Republicans plumbed new depths of cognitive dissonance by calling it isolationism. And you thought the partisanship in the Atlanta Mayor's race was screwy.

Speaking of affairs, the most famous man in the world has been caught not only in one affair, but now two (maybe three, maybe infinity) and even better than Richardson's ex, this one has tape! If you haven't heard the voice mail, let's just say it is devestating.

Oh.

And Atlanta elected a mayor. Maybe. Maybe not.

It's like the entire world took a big huff of glue yesterday.

My Morning Wooten

Compare and contrast.

A conservative writes a thoughtful essay about not rushing to judgment on the Ft. Hood shootings and its larger implications.

A "so-called" conservative writes an essay filled with leaps of logic and heaps of talk radio screech.

In the deranged world of Jim Wooten, President Obama calling our service men and women "valiant" shows a "disconnect" and exposes his lack of understanding about true "valor". His own brothers and sisters in the press reporting what they are being told by sources and witnesses on the ground (you know, the actual job of the press) is just more evidence of the press colluding with a liberal, anti-war agenda.

In Jim-land, those like his fellow witch burners Erick Erickson who boldly proclaim minutes after the fact and with no real knowledge of the event that we had suffered a terrorist attack are the truth-tellers and worthy of admiration. The President and those he toiled with in the news trenches for decades? Not so much.

AJC - why don't you just reprint the garbage spewed on WorldNetDaily or the Hannity show. It would be more honest. Probably cost effective too.

Perspective

Take five minutes today and read this.

Georgia Gang Howler Of The Week

Hell, it should be the whopper of the week this time. Who else? Phil Kent claiming he opposed the PATRIOT Act.

You forget what a lot of us conservatives have said. We actually agreed with you
that freedoms were being eroded under George Bush.

Somebody pull the tape! I'm willing to bet a large sum that somewhere there's footage of Phil Kent defending warrantless wiretapping.

CORRECTION: A small slice of crow. Phil Kent said in 2003:

"We must balance at all times the fact that national security is important, but freedom is essential," said Phil Kent, president of the conservative Southeastern Legal Foundation, which has taken issue with expanded federal surveillance powers granted under the law.

I still find it difficult to believe that in the subsequent years on the Georgia Gang that there weren't occasions where Phil talked about "tools to fight terrorism" or the other nonsense that was bandied about, but lacking evidence of those utterances, I have to say Phil was right. I was wrong.

What's Happening In Pakistan?

A brief detour into international affairs.

Despite my occasional rants, I rarely work up much of a lather.

But what's happening in Pakistan scares the bejeebus out of me.

My Morning Wooten

techniques that could be considered mean-spirited or at least insensitive ~Jim Wooten, 1-22-09

This is the Jim I will not miss.

The difference between the Bush Administration’s approach to the events of 9/11 and his critics’ is that Bush saw the attack on the homeland as an act of war. Most of those who opposed him on the war that followed saw it as a criminal justice matter, something akin to gangland killings on a larger scale.

Pardon me, but, bullshit.

Following 9/11, all America, with the exception of a thin sliver of pacifists and anti-war kooks, answered President Bush's call to take the battle to the terrorists' homeland with a resounding yes. 46 nations followed us into Afghanistan in an effort to stamp out al-Qaeda and their ruthless supporters the Taliban.

Then we invaded Iraq and it all began to fall apart.

What followed was a death spiral of US prestige in the world. What followed was a government wiretapping its own citizens, detaining its own citizens and yes, torture. What followed was a cascading failure taking our country from its highest pinnacle to one of its lowest depths.

Jim rolls out the usual litany of revisionism and fallacy claiming there was no torture, only "mean-spirited" and "insensitive" activities. He claims a renunciation of torture will tell the world the U.S. now plays by "recess rules".

He also claims that if the remaining detainees are brought from Guantanamo to the U.S., they will be treated like "pick-pockets" and "shop-lifters". How easily these supposed ardent defenders of our great nation slap in the face a judicial system which has served us well for 220 years.

What Jim fails to note is that by threading the loophole of detaining combatants on non-U.S. soil, the Bush administration gambled it could avoid constitutional protections that lace the bedrock of our principle. But what it did not appear to concieve is one day the detention camps must be closed and the remnants must be cleaned in a manner which not only continued to insure our security but also saw justice served.

Even Republican presidential candidate John McCain correctly noted Guantanamo is a stain on the honor of America. It is a stain which is deep and difficult, but it will be removed. Fortunately for us all, President Obama recognizes the need for prudence and deliberation to prevent damage to the fabric beneath.

But it will be closed. Thank God for us all, it will be closed.

Don't Panic Extended Edition

A full length Don't Panic is this week's Creative Loafing cover story. It opens with a pert but pertinent question.

"How has a cave-dwelling trust-fund baby with a video camera and a chip on his shoulder managed to outfight the most powerful nation in the history of Earth?"

One of the strawman myths of the "right" is the "left" doesn't want to fight the "War on Terror". Most of the "left" (except the looney cause junkies who want any excuse to take to the streets) with whom I've talked do want our enemies attacked and eliminated. They just want the battle to be fought with tactical and strategic common sense. Instead we have seen errors rolled in with mule-ass obstinance to create a giant dirty snowball of bad.

And now I am temporarily retiring quotation marks (including air ones) for the rest of the day.

Let The Lies End

Let them end now.

Behind The Barn

The story.

An American security contractor is hired by an Iraqi firm. When he notices his employer stockpiling a large cache of arms, he contacts the F.B.I. Eventually, feeling his life is in danger, the contractor contacts the American embassy in Baghdad and is rescued by an assault team. That night he sleeps comfortably in an embassy room. It will be his last peaceful night for months. The following morning...

just before dawn, they were awakened, handcuffed with zip ties and made to wear goggles with lenses covered by duct tape. Put into a Humvee, Mr. Vance said he
asked for a vest and helmet, and was refused.

For the next three months, American Donald Vance was detained by the American military. He was subjected to sleep deprivation and interrogation. He was given no legal counsel. For two weeks he was not allowed any contact with the outside world. His fiance thought he had been killed. Eventually his fate was determined by one of those military tribunals we have heard so much of.

Their legal rights, laid out in a letter from Lt. Col. Bradley J. Huestis of the Army, the president of the status board, allowed them to attend the hearing and testify. However, under Rule 3, the letter said, “You do not have the right to legal counsel...

Mr. Vance and Mr. Ertel were permitted at their hearings only because they were Americans, Lieutenant Fracasso said. The cases of all other detainees are reviewed without the detainees present, she said. In both types of cases, defense lawyers are not allowed to attend because the hearings are not criminal proceedings, she said....

At the hearings, a woman and two men wearing Army uniforms but no name tags or rank designations sat a table with two stacks of documents. One was about an inch thick, and the men were allowed to see some papers from that stack. The other pile was much thicker, but they were told that this pile was evidence only the board could see....

Eventually Mr. Vance was released. The reasons for his detention or even his release may never be known. Thus is the method and the madness of military tribunals.

The Times story is all over the blogs. Normally, I don't post news where I feel you may already have ample access, but frankly, this story is that important and it is getting no traction in the mainstream media. So it's time for a blog storm. Make them see the story. Make them report the story. It is time for this nation to wake up.

If this story does not make you mad, what will? This is not some vague ideological game theory. This is not foreigners. This is not a pile of naked Muslims with whom you may feel no connection. This is an American citizen. Not only doing his job, but attempting to assist in the security of his country. This is an American citizen.

If that isn't enough for you to wipe the sleep from your eyes, maybe this will.

...currently there were three Americans in military custody in Iraq. The military does not identify detainees.

Why do we even pretend this is justice? Why don't we just take them behind the barn and shoot them?

We Really Need Some Good News

And it just doesn't seem like we get any.

The Taliban is setting up a mini-state in Northern Pakistan.

Islamic militants are using a recent peace deal with the government to consolidate their hold in northern Pakistan, vastly expanding their training of suicide bombers and other recruits and fortifying alliances with Al Qaeda and foreign fighters, diplomats and intelligence officials from several nations say.

And this is exactly how they got started in Afghanistan in the early 90s. If this development isn't bad enough, please remember this region is right next door to Kashmir.

It's as if an ill wind stirs a cauldron of horror.

The Baker Report: Tough Pill To Swallow

As I continue to read the report, I am continually struck by its freshness and frankness. However, on occasion I cross a section that gives pause and makes me wonder if this is possible.

Much will be made of the reports recommendation to engage Iran and Syria. So far the focus has been on Iran and eventually the pundits will pounce on the recommendation for the U.N. to continue as the point in negotiations regarding Iran's Nuclear program. Lost in the chatter may be the report's recommendation regarding the Golan Heights.

Recommendation 15 lists concessions required by Syria.

• Adherence to U.N. resolutions regarding territory sovereign to Lebanon
• Cooperate with investigations into political assassinations in the region
• Cessation of aid to Hezbollah
• Influence Hezbollah and Hamas to return Israeli prisoners
• Cessation of undermining the elected goverment of Lebanon
• Cessation of arms shipments through Syria to Hamas
• Assist in influencing Hamas to recognize Israel

A difficult hill to climb, but with real diplomacy between Washington and Damascus, not impossible.

As I read Syria's required concessions, I wondered what Israel would be required to concede.

Recommendation 16:

• In exchange for these actions and in the context of a full and secure peace agreement, the Israeli's should return the Golan Heights, with U.S. security guarantee for Israel that could include an international force on the border, including U.S. troops if requested by both parties.

Uh oh. Here lies the item that may vex the whole deal.

In the current geo-political world, the West Bank and Gaza dominate Israeli security issues. In a traditional military sense, the Golan Heights are more important.

The Heights dominate the Galilee region of the Jordan Valley. Prior to the 1967 war, Syria used the geographical advantage to lob artillery and rockets into Israeli positions. An army that controls the Heights controls the region.

The Golan is a maze of ridges and boulder strewn hills. It provides a natural fortress for any occupying force. In the 67 war, a significant portion of the Israeli casualties occured in the bloody battles of the Golan.

It is worthy to note that in the following 40 years while the other territories acquired by Israel in the Six Day War, the Sinai, the West Bank and Gaza, were all reoccupied by Arab nations, the Golan Heights have never been seriously discussed.

For the Israeli military and body politic to give up such a vital region to such a bitter enemy may be the toughest pill to swallow.

The Baker Report: Quote Of The Day

The report addresses one area of the chaos that has largely been ignored by the Western press. Criminals. Many "insurgents" are active criminal enterprises taking advantage of the lawlessness.

As one knowledgeable American official put it, "If there were foreign forces were in New Jersey, Tony Soprano would be an insurgency leader."

More evidence that we are now and for some time have been involved in a police action. The melange of enemies in Iraq have created a situation that no longer involves counter-terrorism but security. Although our combat forces are incredibly skilled, we do not use them to root out the mob. It's simply not what they are designed to do.

The Baker Report: The Whole Thing

You can download the entire report here.

Guess I will be doing a little more than watching the UEFA Champions League this afternoon.

The Baker Report: Three Main Recommendations

Lee Hamilton and James Baker on CNN state the group has three primary recommendations. (Note:These are not exact quotes but as close as I could transcribe)

1. Change in primary mission of US forces that will enable the US to move forces out of Iraq responsibly..should evolve to support of Iraqi army which would take over combat operations. U.S. combat forces could then begin to move out. All combat brigades out by first quarter 2008.

2. Prompt action by Iraqi govt to achieve milestones partifuclarly on national reconciliation..if the Iraqi government fails to make progress towards milestones, the U.S. should begin removing political, economic and military support.

3. New, enhanced diplomatic efforts in Iraq and the region..the US should work with the government of Iraq to create an international support group which should include Iran, Syria, the Gulf States, Egypt and the U.N. perm five Security Council members.

There's little here that has not already been leaked but I am struck by the reach of the recommendations and the strength of the language. Both Baker and Hamilton give the impression they are throwing a lifeline to a drowning man. The question is will Bush grab the rope?

The Baker Report: A Prediction

The full report is scheduled to be released at any time. Details are already leaking out.

Here is a sentence I predict will be latched onto by the administration and right wing outlets.

Violence is increasing in scope and lethality. It is fed by a Sunni Arab insurgency, Shiite militias, death squads, al-Qaida and widespread criminality.

Here is the sentence immediately following that I predict those entities will ignore.

Sectarian conflict is the principal challenge to stability.

Not al-Qaida. Yes, they are there. No one doubts this fact. But only the delusional believe they are the primary cause of the death spiral in Iraq. Here's hope that my prediction is wrong. But we all know it won't be.

Journalism Reaches A New Low

I've always tried to keep an open mind about Fox News. My moment of clarity came listening to Sean Hannity rant one day. It bothered me that a news organization that would allow a host to spew complete falsehoods for three hours a day with no editorial oversight and no chance of retraction of lies and then prop him up for an hour every night as a "serious" journalist.

It's the same reason I was so furious when CNN hired Glenn Beck.

Well, just when I thought it couldn't get any lower, the following is what passes for editorial control at Fox News.

The election and Rumsfeld's resignation were a major event, but not the end of the world. The war on terror goes on without interruption... And let's be on the lookout for any statements from the Iraqi insurgents, who must be thrilled at the prospect of a Dem-controlled congress.

My irritation at Sean Hannity now screams Pollyanna.

And to those of you who bought the liberal media myth, let me assure you if executives thought it would sell one more salad shooter CNN and MSNBC would do the same.

People have said it before but I'm going to say it again. Journalists need to wake up. You've been asleep at the switch for the past six years. You've been wheezing and rattling your last breaths since the mid-90s. Public trust for your noble profession is trending towards non-existent.

Either shape up or roll over in the tar pit and sink into fossilization.

Breaking News: Rumsfeld Steps Down!

Just flashed on CNN.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is resigning.

Glory hallelujah! It is as if the dark veil is slowly being removed. There are many ill, oily things out there to content with but this really has the feel of things moving in the right direction.

UPDATE: Robert Gates is the replacement choice. He's the ex-CIA director. Interesting.

UPDATE II: The tv talking heads believe that Gates is a savvy choice. He served under both Clinton and Bush I. He should be easily confirmed whether its the lame duck congress or the new one. That's more positive news. Let the healing begin.

UPDATE IV: Some on the left are already rumbling about Gates involvement in Iran-Contra. Based on what I've read, Gates came away with as little taint as possible for someone that high in the Bush I administration. Come on left! You've got to give this a chance to work!

Habeas? We Don't Need Know Stinkin' Habeas!

What if what some of have feared for a long time is actually true? What if our President's insistence on the abandonment of Habeas Corpus has nothing to do with fighting terrorism but more to do with his increasing intransigence to admitting mistakes have been made? Any mistakes. What if an examination of evidence of the Guantanamo detainees showed that there is little if any evidence they intended to perform acts of terror?

What if someone just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

When asked about the man's crime, Manchel laughs bitterly. "Being the usual suspect in the wrong place at the wrong time," he says. "He was held as an enemy combatant, but he wasn't captured on a battlefield and there was no allegation that he'd had any special training. There's nothing I've seen to suggest that he's done anything wrong."

But that guy was actaully in Pakistan so stories about being in the wrong place aren't exactly true.

Emmet Bondurant, a prominent Atlanta litigator, is likewise frustrated with the lack of evidence against his client, a 39-year-old Moroccan named Ahmed Errachidi. In fact, a recent investigation by the Boston Globe concluded that during the months the U.S. government claims he attended an al-Qaeda training camp, Errachidi was actually working at a restaurant in London.

But these guys were apprehended by U.S. or allied forces who have no motivation other than the protection of the American people right?

Veteran defense attorney Howard Manchel represents Abdullah Ibrahim Al Rushaidan, a Saudi who said he'd been plucked out of a car by a bounty hunter in Pakistan and brought to Guantanamo blindfolded, chained to the floor of a cargo plane. Manchel's client was later sent back to Saudi Arabia, whose government threw him into prison -- all without explanation.

Well, that all just sounds like fancy lawyering from attorneys who are trying to set terrorists free. The military obviously knows the real deal.

Brig. Gen. Jay Hood, the camp commander at Guantanamo until he left the post earlier this year, voiced his frustration to the Wall Street Journal in early 2005. "Sometimes," he said, "we just didn't get the right folks."

Habeas Corpus exists not just to protect the innocent. It doesn't even exist to just protect the guilty. Habeas Corpus exists to protect us all. It is the first stone in the foundation of every humane judicial system that has existed since 1250. What kind of nation have we become that this most basic principle would be sacrificed to cover up the insane zealotry of a few politicians?

If what some of us have suspected all along turns out to be true, not only will the Bush administration rot in a level lower than Nixon in history's hell but we will all be swathed with the taint.


Read the full article where I found these excerpts at Creative Loafing.