Bill Roggio has another report on the progress of Canadian Forces in Afghanistan;
The battle group receive their orders: the Zari and Panjwai regions south of Highway 1 are to be swept of large concentrations of Taliban believed to be in the area. Charlie Company and the Afghan National Army are the hammer, and Bravo Company and the Afghan National Police are the anvil, setting up blocking positions in an effort to seal the Taliban’s escape. Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah and two other senior leaders are thought to be in the area. Intelligence indicated the Taliban are armed with small arms, RPGs and mortars and there is the possibility an anti aircraft gun and even Stinger antiaircraft missiles are in their possession.
[…]
On Sunday, the battle group broke from lunch and proceeded east to begin the operation. The Canadian effort is part of an overarching operation called Mountain Thrust, which is designed to decrease the Taliban’s influence and military power throughout southeastern Afghanistan. Military operations are followed with an increased security presence and aid programs designed to win back local support. Mountain Thrust has been in action for several weeks now in Zabul, Helmand Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces. Over the past few days, Mullah Omar’s brother in law, Mullah Amanullah, was killed along with fourteen other Taliban fighters in Uruzgan. Ten Taiban were killed in the Sangin district of Helmand province
Bill’s work in the field is especially valuable, for it frees a Canadian media already stretched thin covering both the death watch and weekly opinion polling on the Canadian mood towards Conservative warmongering.
Unrelated comment.
First Conservative with expense claim problems? And it’s only not even been a year.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060614.ANDERS14/TPStory/National
Bill’s work also frees up the Ottawa Parliamentary Press from their group-whining duties.
With all this freed-up time, they could even go back to previously ignored stories of a decade plus of wilfully-ignored Liberal incompetence, corruption and criminality. Just a thought…
Always enjoy reading imbedded bloggers as they seem to see things differently than the 15 sec MSM sound bytes from the lobby of the holiday Inn.
BTW: Operation Mountain Thrust… shouldn’t that title be in the prostate thread? :-0 Me bad, sorry.
But the Globe and Mail, and the rest of our MSM, churns on, asserting that Afghanistan (and Iraq) is a disaster.
Check out Jeffrey Simpson’s column in today’s Globe, where he asserts, under the title ‘An Oxymoron for the Age: Afghan Progress’, that ” ‘progress’ in Afghanistan and Iraq is slow to non-existent”.
I don’t recommend Bill Roggio’s site to anyone, unless they are a neocon. He’s very pro-war, militant and at the same time very ignorant when it comes to the root causes of this so called “war on terror”. Another thing: if you disagree with his opinion, he’ll just throw insults your way. Very simple.
Hmmm…whenever I hear someone utter the phrase “root causes”, the needle on my BS Meter starts to rise.
The root cause of the War on Terror, which is decades overdue, is fundamentalist Islam’s violent opposition to Western Civilization’s Liberty and 20th-21st century modernity.
Good work, Bill. Keep on truckin’
Nice broadside at an entire profession, Kate. Keep on… Um, never mind. You’ll do just fine without any additional encouragement.
Afghanistan is a mission to assist the legitimate government of the country establish a nascent democracy. It is not a disaster.
The UN is a quaqmire, a disaster, corrupt from the loading dock to Kofi’s office. Maybe Simpson should put his talents to work covering a REAL disaster.
An interesting quote last nite on the Daily Show from Republican chairman Ken Mehlman. In the discussion he made a passing reference to Afghanistan. He said they had a ‘failed government’. It looks like they might be looking for another leader soon. They aren’t pleased with Karzai. The secondment from his oil company will be short lived.
Todd, your link goes nowhere, much like your train of thought. Perhaps you could bring forth the *vital* and *pressing* issue of Members decorum in the House that the Liberals deemed necessary to devote *all five* lead questions to in QP today.
It’s days like these that I wish the PM would just pull the plug on Parliament so we can wash away the stain that has become the Liberal Party du Canada.
“The soldier is not a man of violence. He carries arms and risks his life, for mistakes not of his making. He has the merit if being unflinchingly true to his word to the end, while knowing that he will be forgotten.”
-Antoine de Saint Exupery
I do not know why, but somehow, this reminds me of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, March 13-May 8, 1954- but with a very big difference:
We will not lose this one. You wanna fight for Allah- fine! Better there, than here……….
‘Here’, is coming! Prepare yourselves!
The root cause of terrorism is terrorists.
Todd – your infrequent comments are notable in that they almost universally ignore the topic, or craft a straw man. You’re better than this – please clean up your act.
steve d – if you can’t even watch the Daily Show and get a quote right, then please – stop spreading your idiocy here.
The root cause of roots is evolution, hmmm or is it creationism, wait a minute let’s ask Ann Coulter she knows everything about everything.
Decent story in Ottawa Citizen, “10,000 soldiers take on Taliban: Canadians to play key role in ‘major battle’ in mountains”:
Excerpts:
“The U.S.-led coalition is drawing on more than 11,000 troops at its disposal — including 2,200 Canadians — for the biggest offensive against insurgents since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
The push by American, Canadian, British and Afghan troops aims to squeeze Taliban fighters in the southern mountains of Afghanistan extending over four volatile provinces…
Operation Mountain Thrust will involve about 2,300 U.S. conventional and special forces, 3,300 British troops, 2,200 Canadians, about 3,500 Afghan soldiers and air support troops, said U.S. Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Freakley. There will also be coalition air support…
The offensive began on a smaller scale on May 15 with attacks on Taliban command and control and support networks. According to U.S. military and Afghan figures, about 550 people, mostly militants, have been killed since mid-May.
Another goal of Operation Mountain Thrust is to set the conditions for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, which takes command in Afghanistan from the U.S.-led coalition in late July or early August…”
On Jeffrey Simpson: he writes in his column that “…U.S. forces chased the Taliban from power in late 2001.” That is not accurate (though better than the many journalists who write of the U.S. “invasion” of Afghanistan).
The Taliban were actually defeated by Afghan Northern Alliance forces, supported by American air power and American and British special forces. Taliban forces had already been chased from almost all of the country before the first significant deployment of U.S. regular forces took place, some 1,000 Marines south of Kandahar in late November 2001.
Surely Mr Simpson must remember the criticism the Bush administration faced from Senator Kerry during the 2004 presidential campaign for “outsourcing” to local militias–instead of using American troops–the failed “hunt for bin Laden” at Tora Bora in December, 2001? No chasing by American forces there.
Mark
Ottawa
Kate, so I guess it’s okay when maz2 posts unrelated comments when it’s on a pleasing slant to you but not when it goes against the Conservative gods. Fair enough — you pay the bandwidth so you can have your biases.
So, Jim, as you now all about root causes, then what is the root cause of the incredible ignorance, poverty and oppression in most of the muslim world … as documented byu the UN no less?
….The root causes of the root causes, one might say.
If you had been paying more attention to content, instead of indulging your own little pet peeves, you’d have noticed that I’ve been issuing warnings for all commentors to stay on topic, including a specific one to Maz2 (after deleting a number of his contributions) just yesterday.
And yes, I pay the bandwidth, and for the record:
I have the right to emphasise whatever biases I wish. It’s not a dirty word. It suggests one might have actually come to some decisions about how life works.
I supported Reagan’s stance against the Evil Empire in the face of the insipid leftist attacks by the “drive by media” of his day, I supported Bush 41’s Gulf War, Clinton’s intervention in the Balkans and Chretien’s decision to send Canadian Forces to serve in the war in Afghanistan.
Call it a bias if you will. I consider it a preference to remain on the right side of history.
By the way, for the person who posted this:
“The root cause of the War on Terror, which is decades overdue, is fundamentalist Islam’s violent opposition to Western Civilization’s Liberty and 20th-21st century modernity.”
And how do you know this? You asked a Muslim about this when? According to…? Yes, I anxiously await your answer. Oh, wait, maybe you’ve been listening to the most ignorant man on the subject: John Gormley.
It’s funny because that line you spewed out is pretty much the same nonsense we hear from just about all the media sources in the West. If that sentence had any merit, many Muslims would never had chosen to live here in peace. You’d have a lot more to deal with it. You can choose to believe it or not, but Muslims could care less about the way of life here. There is no jealousy whatsoever. 🙂 That’s a promise. And if you’re concerned about democracy? Well, a little reading won’t hurt you either. You may want to turn off Kevin Newman (Global) and CNN once in a while and dig a little deeper.
Wonder how those fathers among the MSM that are trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory will feel about their daughters living under an Islamofascist theocracy? One can only assume that they don’t really care. Which makes me wonder for whom their hearts really bleed. Oh never mind, they just enjoy using their ever-diminishing illusion of power.
I look forward to reading the real story on the blogs.
Quotes from the Daily Show, as in the Comedy Network? Well, the left has finally sunk to new lows of research. What next, a quote from Harpo Marx? Think about that one a bit. honk honk
Quote me something from their religion, from authentic books that indicates that Islam is a fascist religion. Though it may test your capacity, try to keep things in context.
Well, Jim, here’s a disturbing eye opener for you that shoots down your benign Muslim immigrant theory:
The study found 40 percent of the Moroccan youth in the Netherlands reject western values and democracy. Six to seven percent are prepared to use force to defend Islam.
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=1&story_id=30780&name=Centre+for+extremist+studies+established
And, jihad in the Koranic context. Plus, the roots of dhimmitude by an Islamic scholar.
There isn’t much that isn’t happening today among Muslims that isn’t right out of the Koran. I think that’s the book you are seeking.
Jim you might find this site helpful as it openly refers to itself as leftist.
http://eustonmanifesto.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=38
You will note by scrolling down to item 9 that refers to terror and where it comes from.
9) United against terror.
We are opposed to all forms of terrorism. The deliberate targeting of civilians is a crime under international law and all recognized codes of warfare, and it cannot be justified by the argument that it is done in a cause that is just. Terrorism inspired by Islamist ideology is widespread today. It threatens democratic values and the lives and freedoms of people in many countries. This does not justify prejudice against Muslims, who are its main victims, and amongst whom are to be found some of its most courageous opponents. But, like all terrorism, it is a menace that has to be fought, and not excused.
moose.
even a smooshed moose by the roadside, eating waffles is cooler than your stupid blog, which I didnt even read.
I usually post under the name Jim. I just want everyone to know I am not this Jim.
That’s just really lame. You took the cake on that one. Was that supposed to be remotely funny?
Roggio interviewed by Hewitt today. Transcript probably at radioblogger.
Roggio interviewed by Hewitt today. Transcript probably at radioblogger.
Anyone hermetically sealed enough to not recognize Islamofacism is probably the best candidate for being a subject thereof. Jim.
Jim, I’ve pretty much read the whole Koran. Just like I don’t have to try sticking hot needles in my eyes to know I don’t want to try it, I reject the Islamofascist cult.
I know, I know, there’s not much that can compare with Chop-Chop Square on a Friday afternoon, or a good stoning. I’ll just have to do without.
I for one don’t really care about the childish cheap shots. I do care a great deal about the good work BILL Roggio is doing for us. We need a lot more reporters like him. Thank you “Bill” for your good work.
did anyone hear Kevin Newman doing his anchor as ignorant of anything military schtik the other night . . . talked about the troops being supported by a “massive 250kg bomb” being dropped by the Air Force.
What would he say if they had used a Big Blu . . . .
Keven Newman worked for ABC for a number of years
with the likes of Peter Jennings. Keven is as left as anyone can get and uses his job to promote it all he can, never being really careful of the truth, lots of spin!
But, they are pretty well all the same, they
just read off what ABC or CNN is saying and
repeat the bias. They do not think at all,
just the usual sheep liberals.
If only we got FOX in Canada, we could see some
positive conservative issues done well.
Oh, well, perhaps we should start writing in and
asking loudly for Fox, it is better than the others. They do try to be fair and balanced.
They are not always, but they try.
Fox is “fair and balanced.” That’s not what we need to offset all the Pravda wannabe outlets.
What we need is a nice and biased right wing outlet… with nightly news anchored by Kate .. better still with analysis by Kate.
Hell, I’ll volunteer to be Kate’s live on the ground with the troops journalist. But only if I can get my old M-4 back though!
What, no mention of the hand gestures?
Hey Howard, did you notice that the biggest whiners are from the party that originated the fuddle duddle and the PET salute. Talk about the proverbial pot calling the kettle…
Hey, Combat Jump Star!
You beat me to it. Drat.
You’re likely more qualified for the Rogglio-type job. Doubt if they’d send a Navy type like me.
Sigh.
(Even if I’m real handy with a C7, I’d prefer the old .303 Enfield. If I can see it, I can hit it with that old bugger!)
😉
Hows about it Kate? When the time comes, who ya gonna send? The Sailor or the Lawn Dart?
🙂
Sorry Kate, not trying to have a conversation in your comments section here. I just had to reply to Mike. You know Mike, I like your style. In all honestly, for the Afghani terrain, I’d rather have my M-4 for those normal engagements, but carry along an M-24 or M-25 for those long range shots in the mountains. Plus a nice Colt 1911 for a sidearm. Man I love the Army. Wait, why did I get out of the Army again?
To quote Jim
“Another thing: if you disagree with his opinion, he’ll just throw insults your way. Very simple.”
Seems like he learned very well from you Jim, and no that is not meant to be funny even thought you are.
Mad Mike,
Yes, why is it that old Enfield is so spot on? I got one with unused rifling, [sharp] and sporterized stock years ago from a little used merchandise store near Hazelton – YellowHead highway.
Best long range picker – offer of any that I have owned. Made the Winchester 94 look like a pea shooter by comparison. The rifle that settled the West. Looks good but can*t shoot straight.
Never shot a single animal for meat so far.
Always found great steaks at the supermarket every time I looked, but it*s good to know that bagging game is a breeze if the meat market ever runs low. TG
Mad Mike,
Yes, why is it that old Enfield is so spot on? I got one with unused rifling, [sharp] and sporterized stock years ago from a little used merchandise store near Hazelton – YellowHead highway.
Best long range picker – offer of any that I have owned. Made the Winchester 94 look like a pea shooter by comparison. The rifle that settled the West. Looks good but can*t shoot straight.
Never shot a single animal for meat so far.
Always found great steaks at the supermarket every time I looked, but it*s good to know that bagging game is a breeze if the meat market ever runs low. TG
A thought:
The old Soviet Union had a bad time in Afstan, but they were there for quite a while. I wonder if any ex-Soviet Army types have since immigrated to Canada? This may be an off-the-wall suggestion, but I wonder if it would be worthwhile for the CF intel types to talk to a few. They could surely give us good advice WRT which helicopter is the best! (Oh, my…I just had a mental picture of an MI24 Hind with the Maple Leaf painted on the fuselage!)
The circumstances were a bit different, yes, but the view from the ground would have been the same. Learning from history, even on a tactical level, is probably a good idea.
In most cases a soldier, sailor, or airman is just that; regardless of uniform or the credibility of the state he is commanded by.
Anything that could help us, even a little bit, is worth considering, IMHO.
???
TG:
I don’t really know why the Enfield works so well for me. I’ve shot a fair number of different stuff, including the Remington 700 (Which is what CJS’s M24 is based on) The accuracy and stopping power differences between .303 British and .308 Win (7.62 Nato) seem negligable. Shooter and rifle seem more important.
In fact, the very best one I’ve had was a WW1 vintage. Century-old weapon, and I get consistent hits on man-sized targets at 800m. Even with the old iron “Volley Sights”.
Maybe it’s the collective Karma of 100,000 Allied veterans guiding the weapon…
Anybody know any Russian Afstan vets?
“I have been made victorious with terror.” – Mohammad (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 52, No.220)
The root cause for the Mohammadans love of terror, mass murder, rapine and thievery is Mohammad.
The root cause of the term ‘root cause’ are idiot, bleeding heart, western hating, self loathing and trecherous leftists.
To Irwin Daisy and Shaken (who supposedly read the Koran)
Drawing the conclusion that Mohammed was a root cause of terror by the statement you pulled from Bukhari is extremely poor and simple. That statement was taken from the context of fighting in war, because you failed to cut and paste the part that mentions the “enemy”. Unless of course you think that for example, the Americans are spreading “democracy” in Iraq through flowers and love, and not “terror”. Terror is terror, even when dropped from a plane – and it causes fear in the hearts of both the innocent and guilty.
Lastly, I’d like to bring to your attention quotes from the Koran that I found as well as Bukhari sources of what Mohammed is like in terms of attributes and idealogy:
Mohammed
5667. “The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”
2852: “forbade killing women and children”
5628: “One of the major wrong actions is for a man to abuse his parents.”
5654. ‘Allah (God) divided mercy into a hundred parts. He kept back ninety-nine parts with Himself and left one part on the earth. It is from this part that creatures show mercy to one another so that an animal lifts its hoof from its young fearing to hurt them.'”
5661. “Someone who strives on behalf of widows and the poor is like someone who fights in the way of Allah.”
Hmm…not exactly the words or ideas of a mass murderer is it.
Koran, Chapter Nisa:
“And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbour who is a stranger,…”
I can only say, roll up your blinds. To conclude that the entire religion or group of people is murderous and cruel because of a select number who may distort the image, is prejudice – something that most on this blog would deny they are. If life were that simple, they may claim the entire Canadian army is corrupt and evil because of what happened in Somalia, or that Americans are such and such because of Abu Ghuraib or Haditha. It’s a big loss to think like that. You miss out on the potential of global unity and peace.
Well Jim, when they stop killing those who want to leave the religion, I’ll “roll up my blinds” so to speak, until then it’s a cult to me.
Jim
Good post.
It is amazing how most are totally unaware of the history of Christianity. What is occuring today in some Islamic countries happened in some Christian countries a few hundred years ago. Who is to say it couldn’t happen again in a Christian country.
You have to remember there are 1.3 billion Muslims. How many are terrorists?
The US has convicted about 59 and we have arrested 17. Yes, seventeen terrorists out of some 750,000 Canadian Muslims. Some would want to ban Islam altogether because of the 17. It looks like most of those 17 were taken in by a persuasive fanatic who caught them at the right time in their development and led them astray. This guy would have been a Charlie Manson forty years ago. Today he, and others, are using Islam.
To borrow a phrase from a former Muslim:
Islam demands we submit or die….why would anyone defend that?
One more, you don’t mind I’m sure it’s from the quran.
Qur’an 33:36 “It is not fitting for a Muslim man or woman to have any choice in their affairs when a matter has been decided for them by Allah and His Messenger. They have no option. If any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a wrong Path.”