hick politics: The Point: News From the Front

vol. II, 1st Edition, 30 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
	NEW: The President Discusses Democracy in Iraq with Freedom House "America will leave Iraq, but we will not retreat from Iraq. We will leave because Iraqi forces have gained in strength, not because America's will has weakened. We will complete the mission in Iraq because the security of the American people is linked to the success in Iraq. We're pursuing a clear strategy for victory. Victory requires an integrated strategy: political, economic and security. These three elements depend on and reinforce one another. By working with Iraqi leaders to build the foundations of a strong democracy, we will ensure they have the popular support they need to defeat the terrorists. By going after the terrorists, coalition and Iraqi forces are creating the conditions that allow the Iraqi people to begin rebuilding their lives and their country. By helping Iraqis with economic reconstruction, we're giving every citizen a real stake in the success of a free Iraq. And as all this happens, the terrorists, those who offer nothing but death and destruction, are becoming isolated from the population. " NEW: Fact Sheet: Strategy for Victory: Freedom in Iraq The President discusses Freedom and Democracy in Iraq Whitehouse Releases "National Security Strategy"

	UPDATED: US State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report:
	Highlights through 29 March 2006: 1. Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgents Soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 1st Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade, conducted a coordinated operation in northeast Baghdad March 26 to capture and detain insurgents responsible for kidnapping and execution activities. 2. Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance The Iraqi Army took another step forward in combating terrorism and insurgency March 22 when 139 elite soldiers graduated from the Iraqi Special Operations Forces Commando Course. . 3. Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government Speaking after a March 28 Cabinet meeting, President Bush called upon members of his Cabinet to reach out to their counterparts in Iraq to build relationships and help Iraqi officials strengthen their democracy, once a government is formed. 4. Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services All towers on the Bayji to Baghdad West Number Two 400kV line have been erected, and the Ministry of Electricity (ME) is in the process of completing the stringing of the towers. The interdicted towers along the Bayji to Baghdad West Number One 400kV line are expected to be completed by the end of the March. 5. Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy USAID's Agriculture Reconstruction and Development Program for Iraq (ARDI), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and two American equipment providers, has repaired 1,543 tractors in workshops across Iraq. 6. Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law Coalition forces now are focusing on upgrades to Iraq's security forces, calling 2006, “the year of the police,” says U.S. Army Lieutenant General Martin Dempsey, head of the Multi-National Security Transition Command in Iraq. 7. Increase International Support for Iraq The Arab League Summit began March 28 in Khartoum to discuss issues involving Iraq's future. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said Iraq's neighbors should honestly cooperate with the Iraqi people to preserve the country's integrity and unity. 8. Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents On March 26, US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad inaugurated the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Baghdad.
	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
	NEW FEATURE: USAid Press Releases
	USAID Official to visit Horn of Africa and Assess Humanitarian Crisis On World Tuberculosis Day, USAID Provides $1 Million to the "Stop TB Partnership" U.S., Mexico to Collaborate on Capture and Reuse of Methane Gas
	Program Financial Summary through 17 March 2006 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update through 17 March 2006

	US Department of Defense
	National Military Strategic Plan for the War on Terrorism NEW: National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction
	UPDATED: US Department of Defense War on Terror - Current Headlines: New Threats Demand New Approach to Deterrence, Defense DoD Committed to Stopping Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorist Cell Leader Captured; Soldiers Destroy Weapons Caches Iraq Veterans Proud to Serve, Eager to Deploy Again Afghan, Coalition Doctors Provide Care to Villagers Anti-Terror War Is Struggle of Ideas, Vice Chairman Says Bush: United States Will Leave, 'But Not Retreat' From Iraq

	US Central Command
	FULL STATEMENT OF GENERAL JOHN P. ABIZAID BEFORE THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE 2006 POSTURE OF THE UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 14 MARCH 2006
	Current Headlines
	BASTOGNE SOLDIERS TRAIN IRAQI PLATOON ANA'S CENTRAL MOVEMENT AGENCY CONDUCTS OPERATIONS COALITION FORCES PRESS ADVANTAGE IN HELMAND PROVINCE TERRORIST TURNED OVER TO MND-B SOLDIERS BY RELATIVE

	Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq
	Multi-National Security Transition Command: Press Releases 20 March :: Twenty detained in Diyala operation 18 March :: Weapons cache destroyed near Habbaniyah 18 March :: Iraqi Soldiers find, destroy weapons cache

Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System

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