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Thursday, February 17, 2005

Positive Changes Reflected in Eyes of Iraqi Children

Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by - Chief Suzanne Speight
FALLUJAH, Iraq (Feb. 16, 2005) -- In spite of lingering resistance and with battles left to fight, many cities across Iraq are, nevertheless, beginning to rebound and revitalize.

With the euphoria of election day still fresh in the air, cities like Najaf, Taqaddum, and even former insurgent stronghold Fallujah, are showing signs of a positive direction, with commerce in the markets and new construction projects starting up.

No where is this resilient spirit more apparent than in the eyes of Iraqi children. Navy Seabees attached to the I MEF Engineer Group are in a unique position to interact with children daily at project sites in a number of cities, including Haidiriyah, where Seabees are paving roads and connecting a school to a water treatment plant, and Najaf, where they are conducting a construction apprentice program, teaching construction skills while building a new school.

The relationship between the Seabees and the children is often poignant, and a special reminder of the value of the sacrifices the service members of the U.S. military have made for the people of Iraq.



HAIDIRIYAH, Iraq – Equipment Operator 2nd Class Brian DiSimone recites “abc’s” with Iraqi boys. DiSimone says he is learning the Arabic alphabet from the boys. Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael D. Heckman



HAIDIRIYAH, Iraq – Steelworker 2nd Class Chad Larsen introduces a new handshake to Iraqi children. Larsen says the local children remind him of his own kids, and says he is here “so my kids won’t have to come here.” Photo by: PH2 Michael D. Heckman



FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi children stand outside a project site, having received MRE’s from a Seabee convoy driver. Seabees are in Fallujah daily, working alongside Iraqi municipal leaders, supporting I MEF engineering and construction efforts. Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



Iraqi girls smile for the camera Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – A group of Iraqi children pose for a photo on a hill near where U.S. Navy Seabees, deployed in support of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, are working alongside local Iraqi’s to build a school. Photo by: PH2 Michael D. Heckman



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Steelworker 3rd Class David Blish conducts daily calisthenics sessions with children. Blish is a Tactical Movement Team convoy driver. Convoy troops have established first name basis friendships with the local children who come out to the project every day. Photo by: Chief Suzanne Speight



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Project Officer In Charge Ensign Majed Awad, with a young Iraqi friend. Awad is of Palestinian heritage and speaks Arabic. He says the project has been a great opportunity to “serve my country and give back to my heritage at the same time.” Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – A playful spin at the hands of a Navy Seabee brings a smile to a child’s face. Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom



SHAMAR VILLAGE, Iraq – Upset over a candy dispute with another child, a boy displays an angry pout. Photo by: Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom

from http://www.usmc.mil

In Today's News - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Quote of the Day
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
-- Edmund Burke, 18th-century English political philosopher


JuneauEmpire.com: Associated Press
Officials warn of future terror attacks
Speaking with one voice, President Bush's top intelligence and military officials said Wednesday that terrorists are regrouping for possible new strikes against the United States.

Iraq's PM race goes to secret ballot
Top Shiite politicians failed to reach a consensus Wednesday on their nominee for prime minister, shifting the two-man race to a secret ballot and exposing divisions in the winning alliance. In a chilling reminder of challenges facing the winner, a videotape showed a sobbing Italian hostage pleading for her life.

Iran, Syria to form 'united front'
Iran and Syria, who both are facing pressure from the United States, said Wednesday they will form a "united front" to confront possible threats against them, state-run television reported.

Parliament gives final OK on Gaza plan
Israel's parliament agreed Wednesday to pay nearly $900 million in compensation to 9,000 Jewish settlers who will be uprooted when Israel pulls out of the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank.

Iran explosion sets off fears of attack
An explosion in a southern city prompted fears Wednesday of a missile attack in an area where Iran has a nuclear facility, and Iranian authorities gave conflicting explanations for the blast — including construction work and Iranian friendly fire in a military area.


The US News: Iraq News
US unclear on size of Iraq enemy
US intelligence agencies had failed to provide any reliable estimates of the size of Iraq's insurgency, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said today. During a hearing of the House of Representat... [in The Daily Telegraph] The US News: Iraq News

Estimates on Iraq Insurgency Unreliable -Rumsfeld
By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. intelligence agencies have failed to provide any reliable estimates of the size of Iraq's insurgency, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said on Wednesday.... [in Reuters] The US News: Iraq News

New FBI Art Unit Recovers Looted Seals from Iraq
By Jon Hurdle PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation unveiled a new unit on Wednesday to tackle the multi-billion dollar market in stolen art and announced the FBI's first rec... [in Reuters] The US News: Iraq News

Coalition Struggles To Pick Next Iraqi Prime Minister
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The political coalition that won last month's election is having trouble picking Iraq's next prime minister. After hours of closed-door meetings, leaders of the Shiite Uni... [in WTVO] The US News: Iraq News

Officials Won't Put Timetable on Iraq Exit
AP Photo DCCD108 By LIZ SIDOTI Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Administration officials refused Wednesday to set a timetable on troops returning home from Iraq. Democrats pressed for a de... [in Guardian] The US News: Iraq News

Italian hostage pleads for troop pullout from Iraq
ROME: Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who was kidnapped two weeks ago in Iraq, was shown in tears begging Rome to pull out its troops from the country, in a video broadcast on Italian television o... [in Daily Times] The US News: Iraq News

British troops may face Iraq death charges
LONDON: British troops may be charged over the deaths of Iraqi civilians whose bodies have been exhumed by the military for forensic tests, the Independent newspaper reported on Wednesday. The newspap... [in Daily Times] The US News: Iraq News


Leading Iraqi prime minister candidate embraces Islamic influence
Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who emerged Wednesday as the favorite to be the next Iraqi prime minister, is almost certain to bring a stronger Islamic influence into the Iraqi government should he win the post. Kansas City Star: Iraq


Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq
Iran explosion sets off fears of attack
An explosion in a southern city prompted fears Wednesday of a missile attack in an area where Iran has a nuclear facility, and Iranian authorities gave conflicting explanations for the blast - including construction work and Iranian friendly fire in a military area. Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq

Iran's Bushehr nuke plant nearly completed
Menacing anti-aircraft batteries and off-limit signs attest to Bushehr's importance as a pillar of Iran's ambitious nuclear plans. But while nearly completed, it's still unclear when the power plant will go on line, and how much of a potential threat it will be when it does. Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq


Iraq's PM race goes to secret ballot
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Top Shiite politicians failed to reach a consensus Wednesday on their nominee for prime minister, shifting the two-man race to a secret ballot and exposing divisions in the winning alliance. In a chilling reminder of challenges facing the winner, a videotape showed a sobbing Italian hostage pleading for her life. Modesto Bee: Iraq


Weather
Weather information from The Weather Channel

Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar


From Fox News
Goss: Al Qaeda Gets Training in Iraq
CIA head tells Senate panel that terrorists are honing their skills on urban battlefields

Rumsfeld Warns of Terror

'A Common Front'
Iran, Syria pledge to back one another in face of Western threats; construction blamed for Iran blast

Iran: U.S. Drone Scoped Nuke Sites
Hariri Funeral Has Anti-Syria Tinge
Mosque Fire Kills at Least 59 in Tehran
Pentagon Denies Flying Drones Over Iran
Iran Won't Stop Building Reactor
Report: U.S. Using Drones to Spy on Iran
Sources: FBI Doing Intel Work Overseas
Goss Secures Leadership Team at CIA
Tenet Criticizes National Director Idea
Goss Sworn In as CIA Chief
Fast Facts: Porter Goss
Powell, Ridge Back NID
Senate GOPers Call for Disbanding CIA


From the Department of Defense
CIA, FBI Chiefs Categorize Terror Threat
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 — The al Qaeda terrorist network is still a significant threat, the director of Central Intelligence said today. In prepared testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence today, Porter J. Goss gave his best estimates of the threats facing America. He testified along with FBI Director Robert Mueller. Story

Rumsfeld Discusses War Costs, Budget
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 — During testimony before the House Armed Services Committee here today, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld explained why the costs of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are not included in the president's annual budget request. Story

Rumsfeld Outlines Progress, Future Needs

Military Stressed, But Able to Execute Strategy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 — Despite stresses and strains on the force, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told members of the House Armed Services Committee today that the American military remains able to execute America's national military strategy. Story

'Gitmo' Detainees Living in Varied Conditions
NAVAL BASE GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, Feb. 16, 2005 — The detainee population at the U.S. naval base here is a diverse group. The roughly 545 detainees hail from some 40 countries and speak at least 17 different languages. But nearly as diverse as the individuals are the conditions in which they're held. Story


ON THE GROUND
Soldiers Provide Relief to Storm Victims
DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 16, 2005 — Recent snowstorms in Afghanistan dumped several feet of snow that blocked roads, stranded travelers and trapped families in their homes without adequate food. U.S. Army soldiers have responded to the crisis by helping displaced civilians and stranded motorists, and delivering food and supplies to villages. Story

Iraqi Police Commandos Lead the Way
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Iraq, Feb. 16, 2005 — Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih has earmarked $40 million for renovation of the Police Commandos bases, barracks, and facilities. Story

IN IRAQ
Marines Make Valentine's Day Visit in Fallujah, Iraq
Airmen Keep Ground Mission Running
Speicher Runways Make Redeployment Easier

IN AFGHANISTAN
Expeditionary Logistics Team Carries the Load
Troops Help Afghans Endure Cold Weather
Afghan Army Assists in Plane Crash Aftermath
Coalition Doctors Mend Boy’s Cleft Palate

FACE OF DEFENSE
General Volunteers to Help After Tsunami Disaster
ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 15, 2005 — The devastation from December’s tsunami was simply too bad to be true; too terrible to comprehend. That’s why Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. James Robinson had to get involved. Story

HOMECOMING
Hawaii Homecoming: Unit Returns from Afghanistan
Navy Medical Detachment Returns to Norfolk
Personalized Shirts Greet Returning Soldiers

Musical Tribute to the Troops
'Salute Our Services' Expands
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2005 — An organization that helps bridge the miles between deployed troops and their families has added several new services to its lineup to augment those provided by existing military family support programs. Story

Sailor Starts up NASCAR Season
'Hero Card' Thanks Servicemembers
Mother Applies Skills to Help Son
Students Help Patients Phone Home

TOP NEWS
IN IRAQ
Four Soldiers Killed
Recruitment Drive Draws Thousands
U.S. Unit Rotations Continue
Baghdad Raids Grab 13 Suspects
Transportation Regiment Forms
Extremists Try to Impose Vision
Iraq Daily Update
Year in Review 2004 Fact Sheets (pdf)
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps
Weekly Progress Report (pdf)
IN AFGHANISTAN
Missing Aircraft Search Continues
Afghans, USAID Work Economic Plan
Forces Secure Weapons, Render Aid
Afghanistan Daily Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
U.S. Maritime Forces Play Vital Role
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base
MILITARY NEWS
'Devil Docs' Deploy to Iraq
Bush Sends Budget to Hill
Exercise Tests Emergency Response
National Guard, Reserve Update

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