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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Troops See Progress, Grow Weary of Negative Reports on War

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, July 16, 2007 – Troops on the ground in Iraq are not as much tired of the war as they are of those who are not in the fight saying that no progress has been made, a top commander in the region said today.

The troops there see progress every day, said British Army Lt. Gen. Graeme Lamb, deputy commander of Multinational Force Iraq and senior British representative in Iraq, speaking to Pentagon reporters via satellite.

“They see the water going to people who didn't have it before. They see electricity coming on line. They see stability to the networks. They see all the stuff that no one really portrays,” Lamb said. “While it's so clear to them that we're making progress, it's not reflected by those who are not in the fight, but [who] are sitting back and making judgment.”

Overall, Lamb called the day-to-day work there by coalition forces “hard pounding,” and said that extraordinary things are being accomplished by ordinary people.

“You should be enormously proud of what I see your Marines, your Air Force, your Navy, your Army and the civilians who are in the fight out here, as to what they do, and gladly,” Lamb said.

The British general has served in Iraq since August 2006. This is his second tour to the region. He said, that in the first month of the surge there has been “good progress, steady momentum, hard fighting, [and coalition forces] going places where they haven't been before. I see -- unequivocally -- that this surge is making a difference.”

Lamb compared the complexities of the mission there to playing three-dimensional chess in a dark room – while being shot at.

But, he said, Iraqi forces are making ground in their training and several units own their own battlespace. This is key as coalition forces begin clearing and holding new sections of the capital city.

Only a few years ago, after coalition soldiers would leave cleared areas, insurgents would return and again take control. Under the new strategy, coalition forces now hold sections of the city allowing for local governments to be formed, construction of key infrastructure, training of security forces and the rebuilding of the economy and workforce.

Now, when coalition forces leave, Lamb said, the “vacuum” is not filled with insurgents, but a trained security force and a growing economy.

He said it is a concerted effort on the parts of coalition forces, the local community, Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government. “The sum of the parts is so much greater than where we were before, and the difference should not be underestimated,” Lamb said.

Already, several Iraqi units are holding their own north in Diyala and Salahuddin and south in Babil and Basra.

Still, most units require U.S. help with logistics, command and control and intelligence, he said.

Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government are busy weeding out those who are aligned with the insurgency and sectarian violence, especially within the police force, he said. U.S. forces are arresting, and turning over to the Iraqis, any of their security force who are guilty of using their positions to promote sectarian violence, Lamb said.

“We'll take the individuals, arrest them and put them through the Iraqi criminal justice system,” he said.

Already, 11,000 members of the police force have been removed and 4,000 are in the criminal justice system under review.

“I've seen over my time here people … looking to improve and deliver a force that is Iraqi rather than sectarian,” he said.


Biographies:
British Army lt. Gen. Graeme Lamb

Related Sites:
Multinational Force Iraq

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CHANGE OF COMMAND — Afghan National Army soldiers watch during the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan change of command in Kabul, July 16, 2007. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert W. Cone took command from Maj. Gen. Robert E. Durbin. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Cohen


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In Today's News - Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Quote of the Day
"He will win who knows when to fight
and when not to fight.
He will win who knows how to handle
both superior and inferior forces.
He will win whose army is animated
by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.
He will win who, prepared himself,
waits to take the enemy unprepared.
He will win who has military capacity
and is not interfered with by the sovereign."

-- Sun Tzu


News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bombings kill more than 80 in Iraq
Pace: US troops in Iraq could rise
U.S. Launch New Offensive in Iraq
From A Military Standpoint, Surge Is Working
Report: Shiites Massacred
Radical Shiite Bloc Ends Boycott of Iraqi Parliament

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Trump to Rosie: "You're hired," if you want
Australia halts Indian doctor's bail release - Video
Bush calls for Mideast conference - Video
Human ashes cause airport bomb scare

Other Military News
Mystery Men Parachute Into Prison

Worldwide Wackos
Iran Unveils 'Rescue the Nuke Scientist' Video Game
Iran police step up crackdown on unIslamic dress
Iranian TV Shows Accused U.S. Spies
Libya postpones decision on medics
Cuba seen shifting closer to other American states
North Korea talks - now comes the hard part - Video

Politics / Government
'I Am the Emperor and I'm Here To Take Over State Government'
Sen. Vitter Denies New Orleans Brothel Accusations
UPDATE '08: Giuliani to Reveal Judicial Advisory Panel
Muslim Rep. Ellison Compares President Bush to Hitler
Reid Threatens to Keep Senate Up All Night - VIDEO
Republican McCain hit with more staff losses

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Official: 'We Made a Mistake'
Cops: Man Burned Girlfriend Alive - VIDEO
Convicted Cop Killer Granted Stay of Execution in Georgia
College Head Fired in Cover-Up of Student Rape, Slay
Father Accused of Stuffing Daughters in Trunk of Car
Wyoming Cops Hunt for Alleged Sniper - VIDEO
Settlement OK'd in L.A. Diocese Sex Abuse Case - VIDEO
LA clergy abuse settlement finalized in court - Video

Adventures in Political Correctness
FDA-Regulated Cigarettes?
Bill in both houses of Congress would charge federal agency with making deadly product safer

U.N. News
Russia rejects West's U.N. plan on Kosovo's future

Media in the Media / Bloggers in the News / Watching the Web
Judge spares bull that's on Moo Tube

Science / Medicine / Technology
Operation brings smiles back to paralysis patients
Study sees rise in U.S. colitis cases
Mexican volcano is test bed for trees on Mars
Sony to phase out $500 PlayStation 3
U.S. says to reach GPS-Galileo agreement this week
Space shuttle crew in Florida for launch drill
Chimps on treadmill offer human evolution insight
Archaeologists find old mask in Bulgaria
Humans walk upright to conserve energy

Mother Nature
Japan Rocked by Earthquakes, 9 Dead - VIDEO - PHOTOS
Japan shuts units at top nuclear plant after quake - Video
Japan quake victims take shelter - Video
New Possible Nuclear Leak Probed
New orchid smells like 'sweaty feet'
Red panda escapes from Zoo exhibit again

Oddities
Elvis Has Left the Building — But Has He Moved to a Rock?
Britain expels Russian diplomats in murder row

Other News of Note
Children of Holocaust Survivors Sue Germany for Therapy
Boy, 6, Accidentally Hangs Self With Jump Rope
Britain to Expel 4 Russians Over Poisoned Ex-Spy
NATO "very concerned" at Russia treaty pullout

Fox News
Microsoft's DRM System Cracked

Reuters: Top News
Potter book under guard at secret U.S. warehouse
U.S. man sues foundation controlling Warhol works
Lohan out of rehab: report - Video
Subprime worries hurt broad market but Dow rises - Video
Oil eases after hitting fresh 11-month high
Dollar stays weak, nagged by subprime concerns
Rohm and Haas board OKs $2 bln buyback, stock up
Phoenix shares up, Keefe Bruyette raises target
The implications of Ford without Volvo
Copper futures could end "shorts" trend
McDonald's CEO: U.S. potential "huge"
Houghton Mifflin to buy Harcourt
Barclays to sweeten bid for ABN: FT
Vodafone says not planning Verizon bid - Video
Lear Corp. shareholders reject Icahn bid
Judge dismisses case against 13 KPMG defendants

AP World News
'Apprentice' to return with celebrities
Poll: Rooting for Bonds divided by race
Dow hits record on possible Verizon deal
Indians give Wedge a 3-year extension
New role, network for Isaiah Washington
Joltin' Joe diaries echo shyness, stress
Slumping Bonds scratched from lineup
Star Jones to open up about weight loss
Wade may not rehab in time for camp

Military.com
Op-ed: Goodbye Honest Government
Videos and More With New Shock n' Awe
Def Tech: Crushing Tomcats
Use Your GI Bill Right
Discount: Apple iPhone

CENTCOM: News Releases
ROCKETS AIMED AT FOB HAMMER FOUND, NEUTRALIZED
IRAQI ARMY AND COALITION FORCES KILL INSURGENT CELL COMMANDER IN BAGHDAD

USJFCOM
USJFCOM leaders, others to speak at 2007 industry symposium
Command seeks input from industry and academia to develop a force provider collaborative workflow staffing capability
Download the requirements (Adobe Acrobat reader required)
Newsmaker Profile: Joseph Camacho
More about JKDDC
USJFCOM, others to test Coalition Combat Identification capability during Bold Quest 07
More about CCID - podcast

Multi-National Force-Iraq
Security forces gaining strength, generals say
Hawaiian Soldiers build bypass, strengthen bonds
Ubaidi, Anbakia tribes sign peace agreement in Diyala
Anbar leaders celebrate awakening
Rusafa car bombings kill two, wound three others
Fardh Al-Qanoon Update: MND-B general sees change, progress
Good ‘intel’ makes Polar Tempest success
Iraqi Army, Coalition Forces detain insurgent linked to Iranian IEDs
MNC-I Soldier dies of non-battle related cause
Second School destroyed in two days north of Baghdad

DefenseLink
Chairman Visits Iraq to Assess Surge Progress - Photos
Pace Checks Morale Among Deployed Troops
Commander: No Need for More U.S. Troops in Iraq
Iraqi Forces Continue to Improve, Build Trust
Troops on the Ground See Progress in Iraq - Video
Transcript: Lamb Gives Briefing from Iraq

More Headline News
Patriotism, Pride Spur On Troops in Combat
Bush Urges Vigilance to Ensure Surge Succeeds
Gates: Al Qaeda Presence Grows in North Africa

Military News
Search Under Way for WWII Japanese MIAs in Alaska
Kadena Recovers From Typhoon Man-Yi
Guard Troops Continue Kansas Flood Assistance
Global Engagement Teaches Leadership, Base Deployment

War on Terror
Coalition Captures Suspects
Nine Extremists Detained
Iraq Raids Net Terrorists, Weapons
Top Terrorist Leader Captured

Transformation
Symposium Keys on Future
Officials Realign Installations
Defense Officials Offer Million-Dollar Prize for Power Innovations

Face of Defense
Father, Daughter Serve
Peer Amputee Helps Veterans
Sailor Earns Bronze Star
Coach Chooses Army Life

America Supports You
WNBA Salutes Troops, Families
‘Spirit of America Tour’ Honored
Jeep Puts Group in Driver’s Seat
Radio Show to Feature Troops
Foundation Helps Families

DefendAmerica
ON THE GROUND
Sailors Depart for Air Cargo Handling Mission - Story
Personnel Services Support Deployed Troops - Story
Individuals Assist in Search for Criminals - Story

IN IRAQ
Hawaiian Soldiers Strengthen Ties with Project
Role-model Town Produces Positive Results
Iraqi National Police Receive Medical Training
Iraqi Army Cleans Baghdadi of Insurgency
Operation Sets up Combat Outpost in Iraq
Hundreds of Police Recruits Vie for Security Jobs

IN DJIBOUTI
Civil Affairs Donates Supplies to African Hospital
Marines Train Djiboutian Navy in Security Tactics
Medical Task Force Educates to Save Lives

IN AFGHANISTAN
Coalition, Afghan Workers Complete Projects
Army Medics Continue Sustained War Efforts
Army Engineers Host Summit in Afghanistan

BACKGROUND
IRAQ

Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
War on Terror Reconstruction Report
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

Weather
Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Germany
Ansbach Aschaffenburg Berlin Berlin-Tempelhof Berlin/Schonefeld Bremerhaven
Darmstadt Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Freiburg/Breisgau Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Geilenkirchen Gelnhausen Giessen Kitzingen
Hanau Am Main Heidelberg Mainz Mannheim Nurnberg Stuttgart Trier
Wiesbaden Wurzburg

Gitmo

Guam
Agana Agana Heights Agat Andersen AFB Asan Barrigada

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

Japan
Kadena Air Base Okinawa Tokyo Yokohama

Today in History
1549 - Jews are expelled from Ghent, Belgium.
1775 - The first military hospital is approved.
1850 - Harvard Observatory takes the first photograph of a star (Vega).
1861 - Congress authorizes paper money.
1862 - The U.S. Army is first authorized to accept blacks as laborers.
1863 - Battle of Honey Springs, largest battle of the war in Indian Territory.
1864 - CSA General Joe Johnston is replaced by John Bell Hood.
1879 - The first railroad opens in Hawaii.
1897 - The first ship arrives in Seattle carrying gold from the Yukon.
1898 - The Spaniards surrender to the U.S. at Santiago, Cuba (Spanish-American War).
1917 - The British Royal family officially changes its name from Hanover to Windsor.
1938 - Infamous aviator Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan leaves NY bound for LA - he ends up in Ireland.
1944 - In Port Chicago, CA, two ammunition ships explode, killing 322.
1946 - Resistance leader Mikhailovich is executed by the Tito regime.
1948 - The Republic of (South) Korea adopts its constititution.
1954 - For the first time in major league baseball, the majority of a team is African-American (the Dodgers); construction begins on Disneyland.
1955 - Disneyland opens its doors in Anaheim, CA.
1959 - Dr. Leakey discovers what was then the oldest humanoid skull (600,000 years old); Tibet abolishes serfdom.
1962 - Robert White flies to X-15 to a record-setting altitude of 108 km (354,300 ft); the Senate rejects medicare for seniors.
1964 - Don Campbell sets a record for a turbine vehicle, at 429.31 mph.
1966 - Pioneer 7 is launched
1968 - In Iraq, the Ba'ath party (which advocates a single Arab Socialist nation) seizes power, with Saddam Hussein playing a key role in the coup (Revolution or National Day).
1972 - The FBI's first two females begin training at Quantico.
1975 - Apollo 18 and Soyuz 19 make the first US/USSR space link-up.
1980 - Ronald Reagan formally accepts the Republican nomination for president.
1984 - Soyuz T-12 carries three cosmonauts to the Salyut-7 space station.
1990 - Saddam Hussein's Revolutionary Day speech claims that Kuwait stole oil from Iraq.

Holidays
Iraq - Revolution Day / National Day (1968)
South Korea - Constitution Day (1948)

Birthdays
1487 - Esma'il I, shah, converted Iran from Sunni to Shi'ah Islam
1744 - Elbridge Gerry, 5th VP, Governor of MA, invented gerrymandering
1763 - John Jacob Astor, richest man in US/banker/fur trader
1900 - James Cagney, actor ("Yankee Doodle Dandy")
1920 - Bill Monroe, NBC-TV newscaster ("Congressional Report")
1934 - Donald Sutherland, actor ("M*A*S*H")

Passings
1928
- Mexican president Álvaro Obregón Salido, assassinated by a Roman Catholic seminary student
1946 - Draja Mikhailovich, anti-Soviet resistance leader, executed by the Tito regime
1959 - Billie Holiday, blues singer, of liver failure at age 44
1961 - Ty Cobb, Detroit Tiger hall of fame baseball player
1975 - Modoc the elephant, the oldest known non-human mammal, dies at age 78

Reported Missing in Action
1965
Copeland, H.C., USAF (TX); F105 shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - alive as of 1998

1968
Cross, Ariel L., USMC (IA); EF10B shot down, presumed KIA, body not recovered.

Cassell, Harley M., US Army (VA); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;Released December, 1968

Chevalier, John R., US Army (NJ); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;Released December, 1968

Crowe, Winfred D. US Army (GA); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;Released December, 1968 - alive as of 1998

Grigsby, Donald E., US Army (OH); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;Released December, 1968 - alive as of 1998

Henry, Lee D., US Army (LA); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;released December, 1968

Kramer, Terry L., US Army (WI); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn; released December, 1968

McCullough, Ralph, US Army (GA); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;released December, 1968 - deceased

Parra, Lionel, Jr., USMC (CA) - EF10B shot down, presumed KIA, body not recovered

Price, Donald E., US Army (OH); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;released December, 1968

Simms, Harold D., US Army ; captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn;released December, 1968

Wilmoth, Floyd A., US Army (NC); released December, 1968 - alive as of 1998

Zupp, Klaus H., US Army (NY); captured by Cambodia after LCU 1577 (Sunset Strip), took a wrong turn - released December, 1968

1972
Brown, Wayne G. II, USAF (WA); F4D shot down (pilot was rescued)

Haas, Leon F., USN (NJ); A7B crashed, killed, body not recovered

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