Let’s see, if you are wearing an explosive device, hidden beneath your clothing then joining a religious pilgrimage prior to detonating the device….  I think suicide might be more appropriate.  However, if this woman did not know that she had the device on, and it was remote detonated I can see it being a homicide.

Another fact to ponder…  since the woman was part of the incident how does anyone know the facts presented:

• It was a woman — are you sure?
• Explosive Belt.  Not a vest?  Not distributed throughout her clothing?

I think what we do know is a device detonated among the crowd.

You be the judge.

Female Homicide Bomber Kills 41 in Baghdad

Monday, February 01, 2010

BAGHDAD —  A female homicide bomber walking among Shiite pilgrims in northern Baghdad detonated an explosives belt on Monday, killing at least 41 people and wounding more than 100, officials said.

The bombing was the first major strike this year against pilgrims making their way to the southern city of Karbala to mark a Shiite holy day. It raised fears of an escalation of attacks when the pilgrimage culminates on Friday.

The bomber hid the explosives underneath an abaya — a black cloak worn from head to toe by women — as she joined a group of pilgrims on the outskirts of the Shiite-dominated neighborhood of Shaab, said Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, Baghdad’s top military spokesman.

A police official said 41, including a number of women and children, were killed and 106 were wounded.

Hospital officials in Baghdad confirmed the casualties. All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

Al-Moussawi put the toll at 19 killed and 80 wounded. Conflicting casualty counts are common in Iraq in the aftermath of an attack.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene in the minutes following the blast.

Orphanage receives help from Iraqi community, 2/9 Marines

Story and photos by Cpl. Ryan Turnage

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SOFIYA, Iraq – Through the winding dirt roads, across miles of farmland, a community of widows and orphans have settled in a place known as Sofiya in the eastern al Anbar province. Resources are scarce, so Iraqis are working with the Marines of Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6, to aid those in need.

Many of the families lost their brothers, fathers, husbands and sons during the turbulent times that were once characteristic of al Anbar. Now, one man devotes his time to helping the families of the fallen.

Sheik Jasem Mohammed, the tribal leader in Sofiya, has been organizing and conducting efforts with Weapons Company to help his community during rough times. Mohammed understands that the effects of conflict continue long after the triggers were pulled.

“We have been distributing bags of supplies from the Marines to all the poor families, and we are so grateful,” said Mohammed.

Blankets, hygiene items, school supplies and other necessities were given to each family. Children’s faces filled with joy as Seaman Darryn Howard and Pvt. Glenn Cocagne handed out gifts to orphans of all ages.

“It’s a great feeling to see the huge smiles on all the children’s faces when I hand them something as simple as a blanket,” said Howard.

Over the course of six months, Mohammed and 1st Lt. Andrew Szwejbka, commanding officer of Weapons Company, have formed a very strong friendship during this ongoing community outreach effort, said Szwejbka.

“I’m honored to have met Sheik Jasem and I’m going to miss coming out here to help,” said Szwejbka.

The two leaders discussed upcoming plans to provide medical supplies and vitamins to the community. While the local Iraqi citizens are fortunate enough to have a doctor in the area, supplies are inadequate for the current amount of cases he deals with, said Mohammed.

“Although we are leaving Iraq soon, I plan to start delivering medical supplies as soon as possible,” said Szwejbka.

Mohammed predicts their community will become an independent town in the near future. Until then, Mohammed and the Marines of Weapons Company are continuing to

care for the Sofiya community and assist them as they become self-sustaining.

For more information on the ongoing mission in Iraq’s Al Anbar province, visit http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd .

COMMERCIAL AIRLINE TRAVEL FROM EUROPE TO BAGHDAD HAS RESUMED.

This is huge. The threat of MANPADs or other SAM weapons has always been significant. You have a fixed location for aircraft to land at, and realtively reliable routes that commercial airliners are going to take to reach that airstrip. It’s not like these planes are going to enter the pattern at high speed for a break turn and short final.

This is a SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT and speaks to the normalcy that can be found in the country. But the MSM has closed all their news bureaus in Baghdad so the peace, security, and normalcy that is returning to that region of the world is being missed by those that have given so much to achieve this.

Nordic Leisure flew about 150 passengers from Copenhagen.

The first commercial flight between Europe and Iraq in at least 17 years has landed at Baghdad airport.

Swedish-based company Nordic Leisure says it expects to fly to the Iraqi capital once a week.

About 150 passengers, mainly Iraqis, arrived from Denmark on the first such flight since UN sanctions were imposed after the 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Iraqi national carrier Iraqi Airways has said it hopes to start flying routes to Europe in the coming months.

More international arrivals are expected in the next two days, including one from Hong Kong, Iraqi Transport Minister Amer Abduljabbar Ismail told journalists, AFP news agency reported.

The sun had barely risen when the two sentries spotted a 20-foot-long truck headed toward the gate, weaving with increasing speed through the concrete barriers. Two Iraqi police officers assigned to the gate ran for their lives. So did several Iraqi police on the adjacent street.

Yale and Haerter tried to wave off the truck, but it kept coming. They opened fire, Yale with a machine gun, Haerter with an M-16. Their bullets peppered the radiator and windshield. The truck slowed but kept rolling.

A few dozen feet from the gate, the truck exploded. Investigators found that it was loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives and that its driver, his hand on a “dead-man switch,” was determined to commit suicide and slaughter Marines and Iraqi police.

The thunderous explosion rocked much of Ramadi, interrupting the morning call to prayers from the many mosques. A nearby mosque and a home were flattened. The blast ripped a crater 5 feet deep and 20 feet across into the street.

Shards of concrete scattered everywhere, and choking dust filled the air.

Haerter was dead; Yale was dying.

Three Marines about 300 feet away were injured. So were eight Iraqi police and two dozen civilians.

But several dozen other nearby Marines and Iraqi police, while shaken, were unhurt. A Black Hawk helicopter was summoned in a futile attempt to get Yale to a field hospital in time. A sheet was placed over Haerter.

When it was considered safe to take Haerter’s body to a second helicopter, his section leader insisted he be covered by an American flag. “We did not want him carried out with just a sheet,” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Grooms.

Go here to read the whole story, there is a lot more to it than just these actions.

Semper Fi

So on July 5, the Assosicated Press reported here that:

The last major remnant of Saddam Hussein’s nuclear program – a huge stockpile of concentrated natural uranium – reached a Canadian port Saturday to complete a secret U.S. operation that included a two-week airlift from Baghdad and a ship voyage crossing two oceans.

The removal of 550 metric tons of “yellowcake” – the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment – was a significant step toward closing the books on Saddam’s nuclear legacy.

Over at American Thinker, and elsewhere, there have been a number of good rundowns on this event. Here are the two things that I want you to think about:

1. Was there really WMD threat that was posed by Iraq? If you say no, go read the articles and then think about your answer.
2. 550 metric tons, 1.2 million pounds of yellow cake. Let’s put that in perspective… if youe were able to take a tractor trailer rig and fill the trailer absolutely to the max (assuming the density of the yellowcake would allow, as well as the radioactivity and heat risks) that would work out to over 27 semi truckloads. That’s a lot of material.

Take a look at some of the thoughts of those that are elsewhere around the globe today (here), and remember that they continue to protect and defend the freedoms that are the basis for this day.  I encourage you to hit the link, and frequent the site.  If you don’t want to link out, here are the thoughts of Maj. Pain.

In most branches of the military, the first of the month is when service members get promoted if they have met the requirements. On July 1st, Marines here in Iraq were no different.  As blowing sand came across the landscape, their promotion would be done in a combat zone instead of some nice clean meeting room, Marines gathered in formation as they had accomplished the requirements and met guidelines to be promoted to the next rank. No family members, no high attention, just fellow Marines ready to be promoted and fellow Marines ready to congratulate them.

“In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute.” Wikipedia

Wide eyed, covered in dirt, Marines in their early 20s stood as symbols of America’s finest.  Brave, disciplined and eager to fight any sort of insurgency that showed its face on the drop of a hat, they positioned themselves to be promoted. When promoted, a warrant is read and they are asked who they would like to pin on their new rank. It is an honor to recognize the new Sergeants, Corporals and Lance Corporals as the selected fellow Marine actually pins on their new rank onto the collar of the Marine and welcomes them to the new challenges.

These are the young leaders of America. The ones typical Americans may think had no other choice but to join the military, or looked upon as kids. I can assure you that the days of resorting to the military as a last choice are gone and these “kids” not only maintain million dollar military equipment perfectly, but can make a life and death decisions in a blink of an eye and are tuff as nails.  These are the warriors who get tasked to serve the thankless jobs of several patrol, standing guard and small unit leaders.  However when on guard, they could be and usually are faced with that one situation of a suicide borne vehicle that attacks a front gate and they make the conscious decisions to fight back and kill the attacker. These are the service members who then return back to the states only to resume mundane jobs when they get out of the military and are considered ”kids”.

America, you got to know your young Marines are on the cutting edge of it all. Maturity, discipline, education and health. They truly are the epitome of America and those who found this country, would still be proud of their Marines today as they were in 1776.

During this 4th of July holiday, when we celebrate the independence of our great country, take a second during the picnics, BBQs, patriotic music and fireworks and pay a few seconds of honor to those keeping our independence free. Because as you enjoy your holiday, newly promoted warriors stand guard and keep the wolf at bay.

“In 1778, General George Washington marked Independence Day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute.” Wikipedia)

Have one for us during your holiday and keep the other shot of rum until we can get home and share it with you!!
Semper Fidelis – Maj Pain

Semper Fi

Making a difference, one action at a time.  If you understand the desert sands to any small degree, this picture says a lot.

H/T Soliders Angels DE

Get your butt over to One Marine’s View, work your way to this post.  Follow the directions there.

The desert gets hot, sandy, and can get to be very isolated.   This is especially true if that desert is half a world away from your family.  There are a whole bunch of young men and women that could use a reminder that they are not alone, they are not isolated, and that the work they are doing is important to you.

Take a few minutes and craft a quick note to these folks.  Let ‘em know they, and the mission that they are performing is appreciated.

Over at Blackfive, they have had a number of guest writer’s from the ranks of Veterns for Freedom.  One of those is Kate Norely.  You can find the entire post here.  Because I think that this is a very important post, I am including the entire text below…

Ms. Norley is someone who has impressed me, and she will grab you as well.

Women to the front

Kate Norley

Iraq? I was there-no shit. Was going there something I had dreamt of  as a young girl? No it was not. But real things happen in real life. The reality of my life as a young, free, American woman came into focus the moment my country was attacked by terrorists on September 11,2001. It was at that moment I understood what people meant when describing finding one’s own purpose in life. I felt it.

A new willingness to commit myself to a cause I believed in, led me to make the best decision of my life-joining the United States Army. Some who knew me questioned my decision and doubted my ability to survive in the armed services. One thing I’ve learned is it’s too common, for people to make assumptions and form opinions about issues they know nothing about.

Well I was in Iraq and I know what I saw.

I served with the 1st Cavalry Division based out of Ft Hood, TX as a combat medic, my assigned responsibilities changed daily in accordance with the op tempo. Some days consisted of performing routine convoys, working sick call, providing medical care to wounded at various entrance gates of FOBS, sometimes working alongside Mortuary Affair teams in identifying bodies, but all too often to accompany combat patrols.

I was asked to join a civil affairs convoy and meet with local Iraqi women studying at the University of Baghdad Veterinary School. I immediately agreed not knowing just what the interaction would be, or the significance this chance meeting would ultimately have on my Several female Iraqi students had asked to speak freely with an American soldier of their gender. While a simple request, acting in response was a fairly tall order.

In order for this meeting to happen a willing, experienced female translator was essential, as well as perimeter security surrounding the University, the classroom, and also personal security providing safety for my presence once inside. I arrived in a classroom of 8 women (originally 20 had been in attendance, some left in fear of their own safety for purposely meeting with me) and felt like the Pope of Rome with the private security detail assigned me. Acting alone with solely my translator Layla (as she chose to be called while working alongside coalition forces), I stood before these women feeling blank. Aside from the classroom being so different from those I was familiar with, it seemed as if finding a starting point might be a bit tough-we were all nervous as hell!

So I un-slung my M-16 from my shoulder, removed my Kevlar, OTV, and without hesitation let down my hair from a fixed bun and smiled. Instantly, I was encompassed by smiles all around as the female students spoke to Layla asking for permission to be face-to-face with me. From there came a sort-of show and tell consisting of my hair being touched and analyzed, my hands examined, and a relay session of Q&A wrapped with more innocence and excitement than ever before. So much shock and awe felt for all there as we spoke freely with each other through the gift of Layla’s translation. Remember the times way back when of being encouraged to follow your dreams, no matter how far-off they may have seemed? Well seeing was believing that day over the exchange of shared hopes and learning of experiences detailing the beauty of freedoms once unimagined. While I didn’t exactly cite  anything remotely comparable to the “I Have A Dream” speech, I encouraged them as best I could to not give up in their own pursuit of happiness and a better life. I offered them motivation and promises of an existence and conditions other than that of cruel oppression. Never once suggesting the deterrence from Islam, but expressing the significance in learning of rights experienced by women outside of Iraq. In parting, we were no longer strangers. We ended on shared tears, smiles, and commitments from us all to never give up on ourselves.

Years later, deep memories of that day remained along with the desire to learn if improvements had been made in the lives of those women I had once met with; those fellow females, my friends. On March 10, 2008, I attended International Women’s Day hosted by our President at The White House. That day a handful of women from around the world were honored for a variety of accomplishments made despite the cultural practice of gender inequality. I recognized from the program provided that one of those to be honored was an Iraqi woman, and following the ceremony attended the reception in hopes of introducing myself as a former visitor who had met with Iraqi women. In the midst of those in attendance my eyes locked by chance with the Iraqi woman. With no exaggeration, time seemed to literally stop. Despite an unknown familiarity shared by us both and without any hesitation we approached one another.

At that moment, both eyes and mouths smiled as this women unveiled her appreciation for my visit several years back at the University of Baghdad. I couldn’t believe this was really happening!! “I never forgot what you said”, she spoke in perfect English. It was then we reached out to embrace in the midst of heavy tears. What are the chances of both our paths crossing again? Not to mention the likelihood of being in attendance at The White House unknowingly for the honor of a friend once surviving under agonizing conditions. I listened as this beautiful woman beamed with courage and happiness. She explained after having met, she was determined to better the life of herself and her family by researching the freedoms experienced by women from around the world and the influence they were able to have in  their own community by doing so. From that she pushed herself through school and earned her degree as a PhD. Hearing this news all the while seeing into her eyes was the proof of success. It was real, and I felt it too.

Now, another interesting story coming out of Iraq last week here.   For continuity’s sake, here is that story as well.

3/6 recruits ‘Sisters’ in Ameriyah, Ferris

6/5/2008  By Cpl. Chris Lyttle  ,

AMERIYAH-FERRIS, Iraq  —

AMERIYAH-FERRIS, Iraq  —The training program designed to strengthen Iraqi Security Forces and employ women in the fight against terrorist activity has expanded in Al Anbar province as several new recruits graduated and became the Sisters of Ameriyah-Ferris here on June 5.

Previous graduates of the Sisters of Fallujah program work at multiple entry control points into the city to disrupt insurgent efforts to use women to transport contraband into the city of Fallujah. The Sisters of Amariyah-Ferris is the first group trained outside of Fallujah within the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines’ area of operations.

The Sisters participated in classes held near the towns of Ameriyah and Ferris. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines was augmented by the female search teams of Combat Logistics Battalion 1 who came out and taught the five-day training.

To thoroughly train the new Sisters to assist Iraqi Police, the Sisters studied topics such as police ethics, human rights, women’s issues, working in a terrorist environment, female searches and first aid. The Sisters also performed live-fire training with AK-47 rifles and 9mm pistols as a confidence booster. The final stage before graduation involved putting their newly learned skills to the test with on-the-job training at entry control points to Ferris Town.

“In contrast to Fallujah, which already has female search points, this will be a first for Ferris, meaning the women here are starting from scratch,” said 1st Lt. Kathryne Schilling, officer in charge of the training, who is overseeing her third class of Sisters with 3rd Bn., 6th Marines. The women were taught very basic skills since the idea of women providing security alongside all the male Iraqi Police is new to Ferris.

Schilling and the CLB-1 Marines also addressed the issue of women protecting themselves while performing a dangerous job such as this. Ferris is a small but dense city that is home to approximately 30,000 people, with only one way in and out. The Marines went over different tactics to deter the unique threats against them in Ferris.

One of the new graduates said the Iraqi Police of Ferris Town told her about this job opportunity. She said this is her first job and it is a new challenge that she is happy and brave enough to take on.

“I joined to help the Iraqi Police and to help my family,” she said. “I’m proud to get this job. I’m proud to help the Iraqi Police. I’m going to make the city safer. I can prevent illegal passengers in the city. I’m so proud, I’m so happy.”

I am thinking that there is strong link here between these stories.  But what I would really like to know is who came up with this program to open the Iraqi cultural blinders?  Who is currently orchestrating it?  That is one of the people that needs to be recognized for their achievements in winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people with activities like these.  Exposure to ideas and activities that may be “foreign” to these women is turning out to be a key factor to their ability to influence the culture, and success of Iraq.

Did you know that Michael Fumento is the only reporter that has written about Monsoor’s CMOH, that was embedded with the team?

Get on over and read Fumento’s piece here.