hick politics: The Point: News From the Front

vol. I, 1st edition, 15 March 2006

America is fighting a war against Terrorism. On September 11, 2001 we were forced to say so publicly. Before that day, this sleeping giant was content to swipe at individual acts as they happened. When 3,000 of our souls were taken from us, we emerged on the other side having survived, but finding ourselves as a Nation mortally wounded. When the fires were finally put out, and as many of the bodies identified and claimed as possible, we arose from the ashes to face our enemy with resolve and righteous indignation. The phrase “Never Forget” meant something then, and for those engaged in the fight, it still means something today. We are in a war, and we must win.

Today, the two most active theaters of this war are Afghanistan and Iraq. Our Civilian leadership and our brave men and women in uniform are fighting for US, and in our stead. We owe them loyalty, support, honor, and commitment. Not through Political machines; power-hungry self-important aspirants to the halls of Congress or the Whitehouse, but through our direct involvement with, and understanding of the evils they face and the accomplishments they continue to make with dignity, courage, and faithful execution of the mission. While commercial media and disingenuous detractors nip at the edges of their courage and sacrifice, I bring you this report:

Eight Strategic Pillars to Victory in Iraq:

Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgency
Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance
Help Iraqis Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government
Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services
Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy
Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Civil Rights
Increase International Support for Iraq
Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents

The President discusses Freedom and Democracy in Iraq

The President delivered an update on March 13, 2006, on progress in training Iraqi Security Forces and explained Coalition efforts to combat improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The President's Strategy for Victory in Iraq has three tracks: political, economic, and security. This speech focused on the security track. Excerpt:

1- The Iraqi People Have Chosen A Future Of Freedom And Peace
2- Iraqi Security Forces Are Taking The Lead In Defending Their Democracy
3- Coalition Forces Are Combating The Threat Of IEDs

US State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report:

Highlights (through 8 March 2006-a 2nd edition will come out with the 15 March status update)

1. Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgents:

Coalition and Iraqi forces’ operations in Iraq northeast of Fallujah and in Anbar
province recently resulted in the detention of 62 suspects.

2. Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance:

The 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division assumed battle space responsibility of
an area covering western Baghdad and eastern Abu Ghraib from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, on March 2.

3. Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government:

On March 5, Iraq's president, Jalal Talabani, said he planned to convene the
new Council of Representatives for the first time on March 12.

4. Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services:

More than 250,000 residents and 250 businesses in Baghdad, Maysan, and Najaf Provinces have access to potable water after the installation of almost 10
kilometer of water line, repair of a compact water unit, installation of two water compact units, construction of an elevated storage tank, rehabilitation of two pumps, installation of an additional pump, and repair of a water main by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

5. Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy:

On March 6 South Korea and Sweden both signed bilateral agreements with Iraq to forgive 80 percent of Iraq’s debt.

6. Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law:

Saddam Hussein said he alone should be tried for Iraqi government actions in
Dujail in 1982. He acknowledged that he signed orders for the destruction of
orchards and farmland after an failed assassination attempt against him failed.

7. Increase International Support for Iraq:

On March 4, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa announced that the Arab League will open offices in Iraq for the first time since the 2003, part of its efforts to help reconcile the country's Sunni Arab, Shiite and Kurdish communities.

8. Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents:

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on March 7, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said that “For now, Iraq has pulled back from [civil war] after the wave of sectarian reprisals that followed the February 22 bombing of a Shiite Muslim shrine in Samarra. If another incident [occurs], Iraq is really vulnerable to it at this time, in my judgment.”

Dept. of State Quarterly Report on Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Funding and Expenditures

Excerpts:
During this October-December 2005 quarter, the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund(IRRF) supported a wide range of programs and activities in ten sectors. This report highlights three of particular importance:

(1) programs to support Iraq’s constitutional referendum in October and the parliamentary elections in December;
(2) support for institutional economic reforms, which supported the conclusion of an IMF Stand-By Arrangement on December 23; and
(3) continued support in delivering essential services, including capacity building for Iraqis responsible for providing those services.

USAID: Assistance for Iraq

USAID Celebrates Women in Iraq

Program Financial Summary through 3 March 2006

US Department of Defense

National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism

US Department of Defense War on Terror Main Page
Current headlines:

New Iraqi Parliament's First Meeting Slated for March 16

War on Terrorism Requires More Than Might, DoD Official Says

Funding, Public Opinion Pose Challenges in War on Terrorism

Iraqis at Crossroads But Seem to Be Choosing Unity, Pace Says

US Central Command

Current Headlines:

AFGHAN NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES FOCUS ON POPPY ERADICATION

BASTOGNE SOLDIERS CATCH TERRORISTS RED-HANDED

CACHE DISCOVERED NEAR TIKRIT

IRAQI POLICE RAIDS LEAD TO CACHE DISCOVERIES