TEA TIME — U.S Army Sgt. 1st Class David Banks, from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, drinks tea with locals during a cordon and search of Pana, Afghanistan, June 9, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael L. Casteel

Labels: 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Afghanistan, cordon and search, Pana, photos, US Army

"Sixty years of Western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe -- because in the long run, stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment, and violence ready for export. And with the spread of weapons that can bring catastrophic harm to our country and to our friends, it would be reckless to accept the status quo... The advance of freedom is the calling of our time; it is the calling of our country. From the Fourteen Points to the Four Freedoms, to the Speech at Westminster, America has put our power at the service of principle. We believe that liberty is the design of nature; we believe that liberty is the direction of history. We believe that human fulfillment and excellence come in the responsible exercise of liberty. And we believe that freedom -- the freedom we prize -- is not for us alone, it is the right and the capacity of all mankind."
-- President George W. Bush

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Blast Kills 78 at Baghdad Mosque - PHOTOS
10,000 GIs Go After Al Qaeda in Iraq - VIDEO
Misery in desert for Iraq's dispossessed
Iraqi refugees in Syria face poverty trap

Operation Enduring Freedom
Taliban fighters seize south Afghan area
Anatomy of a Suicide Bombing

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Bush Meets With Israeli Prime Minister Olmert
Backing Abbas - Video
Hamas faces big challenges in Gaza
Carter: U.S. aims to split Palestinians
Third-party bids long shot in election
Mediators hopeful on deal to end Lebanon fighting
Gazans stream to crossing with Israel
Video Shows Terror Camp 'Graduation Day'
Missile strike kills 32 militants in Pakistan

Supporting Our Heroes
Help Sought for Hurt Soldiers' Families

Other Military News
Reports slam British response to Iran sailors kidnap
U.S., Australia Launch War Games

Worldwide Wackos
North Korea Tests Missile Toward Japan
Thompson highlights serious Iran threat
U.S. hopes for 6-way Korea nuclear talks in July
U.S.: Disputed N.Korean funds in account
Vilma Espin, wife of Raul Castro, dies

Politics / Government
Presidential Hopeful Barack Obama Calls India Memo Attacking Hillary Clinton 'Dumb Mistake'
Judge to Duke DA Nifong: Get Outta Here
White House Budget Director Resigns
Sen. Clinton to Get a Little Hubby Help in Iowa
Clinton spoofs Sopranos in Web video
White House aides' e-mail records gone
Georgia votes to replace Rep. Norwood

Illegal Immigration / Border Control
Authorities: Milwaukee Police Officer Admits Being Illegal Immigrant

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Canines Used in Missing Mom Hunt - VIDEO - PHOTOS
Missing woman was excited about baby
Family Still Holding Out Hope on Case
Indiana Teen Found Dead in House After Killing Police Officer
Michigan Mom Gets 12 to 22 Years for Sex 'Contract' on Underage Daughter
Cops Investigate Substitute Teacher Allegedly Having Sex With Daughter's Boyfriend
No victims, no smoking gun, Conrad Black trial told
Ex-Spector attorney held in contempt

Adventures in Political Correctness
Hot Debate in Knesset - PHOTO ESSAY

Media in the Media / Bloggers in the News / Watching the Web
YouTube programs channels in 9 nations
Report: Parents wary of media violence

Science / Medicine / Technology
CDC Warns About Mercury in Antiques
Shuttle Undocks - PHOTOS
Babies "smoke" when parents do: study
Foie gras may cause rare disease
Shuttle Atlantis begins journey home
Study finds staggering cost of treating diabetics
China says quality of farm products improving (Oh, good, maybe now they've gone from being deadly to just making you really, really sick...)
Conjoined twins set for separation

Mother Nature
North Texas Floods Kill 5 - VIDEO - PHOTOS
30 homes evacuated near Colo. wildfire

Oddities
Thou Shalt Not Drive Angry - Vatican issues 'Ten Commandments' for drivers
Boy Scout Camper Killed by Falling Totem Pole
Woman Killed by Her Own Pet Dog
Sparks From Golf Swing Start Reno Fire
Ten Commandments for cars: no vroooom! at the inn
China demands its pilots speak better English
New age town embraces dollar alternative

Other News of Note
Geronimo's Great-Grandson Wants Apache Leader's Remains Returned
Cruise passenger missing off Bahamas

Fox News
Home Starts Dip 2.1%; Permits Up
GRRR! Royal Hangover
Bikini Model Turns Newswoman for Fox Reality Show 'Anchorwoman'
Tiger Woods' Wife Gives Birth to Daughter

Reuters: Top News
West worried about Bosnia's stubborn divisions
Extinct ancestor was pygmy version of modern panda
Google launches YouTube local language sites
Swarmcast offers faster way to download iTunes
Fashion icons gather for funeral of designer Ferre
Boatmakers face headwinds, see smoother waters
Harry Potter faces evil, teen angst in 'Phoenix'
Weinstein Co. cries malpractice over "Sicko" leaks
Best Buy profit disappoints; shares drop
Stocks rise as GE jumps, bond yields back down - Video
Expedia to buy back more than a third of its stock
Oil slips to $72, near 10-month high
Dollar tracks bond yields lower, euro also retreats
Office Depot looks to India
Callaway to fulfill driver demand by July
Seeds of credit crunch grow
Home Depot in $10 bln deal to sell unit: sources
BHP eyeing rival bid for Alcan: sources
Housing starts slip in May, but permits up
Blackstone Group IPO to be priced Thursday
Boeing wins $8.8 billion order

AP World News
Regulators clear Chrysler purchase
Britney complains, billboards removed
Ind. football coach Terry Hoeppner dies
Stocks edge up despite Best Buy warning
Yahoo co-founder replaces Semel as CEO
Figgins' 6th hit leads Angels to victory
McCann's father knows best as Braves win

Military.com
Advisors: Divorcees' Benefits
Op-Ed: Next Domino Lebanon?
Military Gamers' Delight
Summer Vacations Made Cheap(er)
Army Wives Episode Three Chat
Benefits Index Cuts Red Tape
U.S. Navy SEALs

CENTCOM: News Releases
TASK FORCE LIGHTNING STRIKES AL-QAEDA
CHILDREN SAY THEY WERE FORCED TO STAY INSIDE
AIRSTRIKE IN PAKTIKA
CIVILIAN TIPS NET MASSIVE EXPLOSIVE CACHE
COALITION FORCES MEET WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS PAKTIKA AIR STRIKE
MARNE TORCH AIR ASSAULT YILDS FIVE DETAINEES
PROLONGED BATTLES FOUGHT IN HELMAND AND KANDAHAR
MND-B AVIATION, SOLDIERS DISCOVER ROCKETS IN RASHID SCHOOLYARD
MARNE TORCH COMMENCES IN AREAS SOUTH OF BAGHDAD
IP DETAIN FOUR INSURGENTS WOUNDED AFTER EMPLACING IED
IRAQI FORCES DETAIN TERRORIST FACILITATOR IN KIRKUK
IRAQI SECURITY FORCES DETAIN FOUR SUSPECTED TERRORISTS DURING RAID IN SAMARRA
SUSPECTS SEIZED IN CORDON, SEARCH OPERATION IN ABU SAIDA
'GARRYOWEN' TROOPS DETAIN SUSPECTED ROADSIDE BOMBERS
SOLDIERS AID IRAQI MAN AFTER IED BLAST NEAR AL SUMALAT
NATIONAL POLICE AND MND-B TROOPS RESPOND TO CAR BOMB ATTACKS IN SOUTHERN BAGHDAD
COALITION FORCES MEET WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS PAKTIKA AIR STRIKE
JOINT OPERATION ARDENNES DETAINS 2
RASHID SHEIKS MEET TO DISCUSS PEACE, PROGRESS
ISF CONTINUE STRING OF SUCCESSES WITH SMUGGLER'S HAUL; CACHE FIND

USJFCOM
Newsmaker Profile: Rear Adm. Stewart O’Bryan
USJFCOM Standing Joint Force Headquarters deploys for 2007 hurricane season exercise
Global force management efforts helps improve command's joint provision process - podcast
USJFCOM Transformation Advisory Group helps command shape future
More about the Transformation Advisory Group - podcast
Joint Transformation Command - Intelligence welcomes new commander
More about Joint Transformation Command - Intelligence - podcast

Multi-National Force-Iraq
Wounded Soldier reaffirms commitment to fight
Brigade helps Iraqis help themselves
Firefight claims insurgents
Task Force Lightning strikes al-Qaeda
10th Mountain Soldiers lend Iraqis a helping hand
Six IED cell members arrested
Small arms fire targets MND-B patrol
8 extremists killed, 2 detained during operations in Baqouba
1-15 Infantry detains five suspected insurgents

DefenseLink
‘Arrowhead Ripper’ Strike Highlights Iraq Ops
Iraqi Government Cited After Mosque Attack
Navy, Operation Smile Team up for Children
President’s Commission on Medical Care Meets
Top NCO Urges Troops in Korea to Embrace Life

More Headline News
Iraq Successes at the ‘Macro Level,’ Leader Says
Gates: Troop Surge Will Take Time to Judge
Sectarian Murders in Baghdad Fall, Petraeus Says
Reducing Stigma Key to Better Mental Health

Military News
Texas Guard Ready to Assist Flood Relief Efforts
Video: Texas National Guard Troops Aid Flood Victims
Wisconsin, Michigan Guard Search for Missing Boy

War on Terror
Soldiers Killed in Iraq
Troops in Iraq Kill 21, Detain 31
Militants in Afghanistan Killed
Afghan Police Get SWAT Mentors

America Supports You
Students Can Still Apply for Trip
Group Shows Support to Troops
Guide Offers PTSD Resources
D.C. Soccer Team Honors Military

Transformation
Ordnance Disposal Unit Debuts
Seabees Get Intel Specialists
Medical Models Cut Time, Risk

Face of Defense
Marine Enjoys Korean Tour
Challenges, Triumphs for Marine
Air Corps Mentor Ends Tour
Soldier Serves Many Roles

DefendAmerica
BLOGGERS' ROUNDTABLE with U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill
Success Determined at ‘Macro Level’ - Story
Bloggers' Roundtable Web Site

ON THE GROUND
Sheiks Meet in Baghdad, Discuss Progress - Story
Well Drillers Increase African Water Supply - Story
Marines, Iraqi Police form Security Dynamic Duo - Story
Mission Success Relies on Maintenance Troops - Story

IN IRAQ
Medics Receive Invaluable Training in Baghdad
Abu Nuwas Street Revitalization Center Opens
Air Cavalry Soldier Discusses Father's Day
Food Service Troops Prepare for Army’s Birthday
Iraqi Security Forces Thwart Car Bomb Attack
NBA Players Post Up with Servicemembers
Advisory Team Working with Iraqis in Baghdad

IN DJIBOUTI
Task Force Invites Coalition Partners to Forum
Marines Train Servicemembers in Martial Arts

IN AFGHANISTAN
Army Battle Company Makes Presence Known
Panjshir Opens Teachers’ Training College
Medical Outreach Brings Care to Afghans
Airmen Bring Hospital to Wounded 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
1778 - Washington's troops finally leave Valley Forge.
1862 - Slavery is outlawed in U.S. territories.
1864 - The sloop USS Kearsarge sinks the CSS Alabama off the coast of France.
1865 - All slaves in Texas are freed (Juneteenth).
1875 - The U.S. Marine Hospital at the Presidio is formally opened.
1910 - Father's Day celebrated for the first time.
1917 - King George V orders members of British royal family to cease the use of German titles and surnames; they take the name Windsor.
1931 - In West Haven, CT, the first photoelectric cell is installed commercially.
1934 - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is created.
1947 - Alberty Boyd flies the first plane to exceed 600 mph (An F-80, 1004 kph).
1961 - Kuwait regains complete independence from Britain; The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a Maryland constitutional provision requiring state office holders to believe in God.
1967 - Muhammad Ali is convicted for refusing induction into the U.S. Army.
1976 - The U.S. Viking 1 goes into Martian orbit after a 10-month flight from Earth.
1981 - The Boeing commercial Chinook 2-rotor helicopter is certified.

Birthdays
1556 - James VI of Scotland (James I of England)
1903 - Henry Louis Gehrig, New York Yankee first baseman
1908 - Quentin N Burdick (Sen-NC)
1914 - Alan Cranston (Sen-CA)
1921 - Howell Heflin (Sen-AL)
1922 - Aage Neals Bohr Denmark, physicist, Nobel Prize winner
1933 - Viktor I. Patsayev, cosmonaut (Soyuz 11)
1978 - Garfield the Cat

Passings:
1867 - Maximilian, Mexican emperor, executed
1953 - Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, executed at Sing Sing

Reported Missing in Action:
1964
Ledbetter, Thomas I., US Army SF (FL); MIA after ground fight, likely KIA, body not recovered

Talley, James L., US Army SF (GA); MIA after ground fight, likely KIA, body not recovered

1969
Tellier, Dennis A., USMC (RI); Released by PRG March, 1973

Labels: Headlines, History