The Cool Blue Blog

The Voice of Kurdistan

Civil affairs assistance helps Kurds tell their story in northern Iraq

By Maj. Robert J. Schultz
426th Civil Affairs Battalion

DAHUK, Iraq (USASOC News Service, Dec. 29, 2004) — High atop a hillside in northern Iraq is a television tower that is now broadcasting the latest stories and updates to a wide array of viewers within the region. 

The television station that owns the tower, Kurdistan TV, is one of the most widely viewed and popular channels within the Kurdish region of the country.

The station began operation on May 3, 1992, and was the first station in the region.  At that time, the Kurdish region of northern Iraq had just completed ousting members of the Baath party and destroying the remnants of Saddam Hussein’s army, which had brought chaos and disarray to the region for many years.  With 13 volunteers and 4 cameras, the station began to produce interviews with key leaders of the Kurdish government to provide updated information to people within the region about changes and progress taking place.

Today, with more than 100 employees, nine operative towers and nine cameramen who work three shifts to ensure adequate coverage, the station remains the most widely viewed station in northern Iraq, where 70 percent of the people within the region receive the station’s broadcast.  Although the coverage and reception throughout the area is good, more personnel, more cameras, more towers and better equipment are needed for the organization to reach its broadcast goals.

To help address those concerns, the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Army Reserve special operations unit from Upland, Calif., currently deployed to Iraq, traveled to the station to help the Kurdish broadcasters meet those goals.

Daily Dish

Preparations for elections in Iraq a month from now are well underway. A US and Iraqi security plan will field 100,000 Iraqi police and National Guard in addition to the 34,000 US troops situated within the Sunni Triangle. People are excited about voting and the fact remains that the security situation is such that voteing could occur securly in 16 of the 18 provinces today. But not everyone is excited. Al Qaeda, following in the wake of an OBL statement, has declared Democracy un-Islamic. Their logic? "Democracy is a Greek word meaning the rule of the people, which means that the people do what they see fit," the groups said in a warning. "This concept is considered apostasy and defies the belief in one God -- Muslims' doctrine." Of course they generally forget the fact that people interpret the Quran as well and there are hardly two people you can find that interpret it in exactly the same way. But intellectualism isn't a strong asset of the fascist killers and thugs. Regardless, while the Arab world itself debates the sanctity (or not) of Democracy, the election will happen. Mechanisms are even in place for Iraqi expatriates to vote. And once individuals get a taste of freedom, the bet is they'll want more of it, not less. And, of course, this is a more serious threat to Islamists and Arab dictators than the US....

Naval ships from the United States, Australia, India, and Singapore are heading to Southeast Asia. They are carrying supplies, personnel, and construction equipment to aid in relief efforts. As the US leads a Coalition of Aid, some snipe seeing it as an effort to undermine the UN. The fact is, the UN undermines itself and doesn't need help from the US to do it. As the massive humanitarian effort ramps up, some turn their backs on the destruction nearby and live it up, returning to the beaches and Pina Coladas at the Ampanpuri Resort (among others) popular with celebrities like Sarah Ferguson, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, assorted Spice Girls and soap stars. Hey! They're on vacation! Just ignore those bodies washing up on the shore. Secretary Powell isn't on vacation. And here's the Stingy Report (via the Instapundit)

In Illinois, a battle over violent video games is brewing.

Bush resubmits to Congress 20 Federal Judge nominees.

A Justice Department memo says torture violates US and International Law.

Anna Nicole Smith gets stripped....of her fortune.

Yes, the childs name is Zhao.com

Is a "spiritually induced death" suicide? Not if it doesn't occur when forecast. If the 15,000 followers gathered to witness it try to help him out, would it be murder?

The 2004 roundup of Good News

""Spiderman, Superman and Batman were involved in a minor altercation at 12.32 am at Wincheap on Christmas Day."

The colossal leap forward

Human brain took great leap forward, gene study finds

By Ronald Kotulak
Chicago Tribune
  Posted December 30 2004

The first study of genes that build and operate the brain shows that humans underwent a unique period of rapid brain expansion that endowed them with a special form of intelligence not shared by any other animal, according to University of Chicago researchers. The colossal leap forward grew the human brain to three or four times the size of that of a chimpanzee -- man's closest genetic relative -- when body sizes are equalized.

Daily Dish

As one of the world's biggest humanitarian relief efforts came to life, warships, helicopters, search aircraft, transport planes and refrigerated containers were dispatched from around the globe to help an estimated five million people affected by the Asian tsunamis. President Bush vows to lead a Coalition of Aid. The Diplomad, currently stationed in one of the affected countries notices that the UN is currently engaged in Brownian Motion as opposed to actual useful activity. Blogs, in contrast, are on the forefront of the recovery effort. And while some in the newsrooms prefer to think of ways to Blame Bushtm, some even by claiming that Global Warming is the root cause of earthquakes. JT leads todays Opinion Journal with "Top Scientists Warn: Sea Gods Angry" which makes about as much sense. In a world where everything, of necessity must be politicized, we hear less about some things than we do about others. So for instance, it is very difficult to find stories that show Israel in a good light and the fact that they are always there when a disaster strikes is, um, underreported . And have you heard that Sri Lanka is refusing aid from Israel? Now how could a country so devastated refuse aid from anyone? My guess is that the IDF will prove in the end more useful than the UN. And they likely won't steal from people or rape anyone. Or, if someone did, they'd be held accountable....

Islamic extremists set off bombs and battled with police in the Riyadh, leaving nine militants and one bystander dead as the insurgents signaled they will keep up attacks. Meanwhile, the President uses OBL's own words to underline the incompatible goals of the two sides in the War against Islamo-fascists. The Command Post has a special analysis of the OBL tapes. But the Islamists are so desperate to prevent political and economic freedom, they are even beginning to attack American posts headon, with the expected results: Good for us, bad for them.

Military ties between India and China grow.

French legal authorities opened a preliminary criminal probe into lawmaker Didier Julia and his two aides, who failed a private mission to gain the two French reporters' (who weren't ransomed) release in Iraq.

An Arkansas circuit judge on Wednesday threw out the state's ban against foster parenthood by gay couples or by households that include a gay adult.

States balk at defense budget cuts.

Former US Attorney under Lyndon Johnson General Ramsey Clark joins Saddams legal defense team. " Mr Clark told reporters in the Jordanian capital that his principle concern was protecting the rights of Saddam.... Mr Clark also said the US itself must be tried for the November assault on Fallujah, destruction of houses, torture in prisons and its role in the deaths of thousands of Iraqis in the war." Will Mr Clark defend the US as well? Just askin'

Navy Seals sue the Associated Press.

Blackfive says the US has learned the real lesson of the Vietnam War.

Fred King, a fugitive from justice, was found by cops hiding inside a sofa. Does that make him a Sofa King?

The Tao of Kate Bosworth. "Great Danes are just, like, so great, aren't they? They're just, like, big dogs! I know! Yeah, yeah, Great Danes are great. Oh, my God, they just so are."

In Tennessee, people wash their cars after getting them dirty.

An "ongoing feud" over a woman results in jousting with cars, only without the traditional pointy sticks.

South Park, Iraq

;

Soldiers Deliver Supplies to East Baghdad School

In a poor region of Baghdad, soldiers provide   basic school supplies as part of an effort to renovate and equip the rundown schools.

By U.S. Army Spc. Jan Critchfield 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 29, 2004 — U.S. soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, visited eastern Baghdad’s South Park elementary school Dec. 21 and gave the children packets of school supplies. "We wanted to make sure everyone was satisfied. The school is filled to capacity … so we try to make it as good an experience as we can in terms of their equipment," U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Gilbert Juarez   More than 100 packets were purchased through an Iraqi contractor and included pencils, pens, paper, a ruler, erasers, a plastic document holder and other assorted supplies. “We wanted to make sure everyone was satisfied,” said 2nd Lt. Gilbert Juarez, 23, Battery A, information operations officer. “The school is filled to capacity … so we try to make it as good an experience as we can in terms of their equipment.” South Park is an exceedingly poor area and most families cannot afford basic supplies for their children. Renovating and equipping the area’s dilapidated schools is a priority for the 1st Brigade Combat Team. “We’re always there,” Juarez, a San Antonio, Texas native said. “We patrol the area regularly… the families know our presence is there and they know when we’re there we provide safety.” Computers, new paint jobs, air conditioners, heaters, bathroom renovations and other donations have been included in school reconstruction projects funded by the team. The soldiers also brought, computers, copiers, printers, lockers, desks and chairs to South Park elementary. All of the supplies were purchased from the local economy. “The cost of the equipment totaled about $42,000,” Juarez said. “Every time we visit [South Park elementary], they always extend their gratitude and appreciation and we can see that they respect our efforts.”

Daily Dish

The death toll for the countries affected by this weekends Tsunamis is up to 67,000 and unlikely to level off just yet. The US Navy has dispatched more than 5,000 military personel, including the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit along with three ships to Sri Lanka to help in relief efforts. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has also been dispatched along with other elements of the US Military. It's probably redundant to point out that some say the US doesn't do enough. Comapred to who? The French? Hell, Americans contributing through Amazon.com alone have given more money than the French. And, of course, The Washington Post is more than happy to jump on that bandwagon. Good thing the new media is around to fact check them. And here's a list of who's giving what in Europe and worldwide. I am happy to see that Egypt, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are contributing but where is Iran, Syria, and Lebanon? And here is a clearinghouse for Tsunami aid and contact information. (Instapundit (unwittingly) contributed to this report.)

While residents continue to return to Fallujah, al-Zarqawi takes responsibility for the attack on a Shi'ite political party that almost killed its leader. I guess if OBL says people should boycott the elections, al-Zarqawi is gonna make sure it happens whether they want to or not. Meanwhile, campaigning continues in Paelestine. I wonder if OBLs indictment of political freedom extends to Palestine? In Iran, viral freedom as represented by bloggers is under assault by the government while the Saudi's strike at Islamists in Jeddah and Riyadh.

A Christmas morning burglar is caught after he leaves a trail of footprints through the first snow to hit Brownsville in 109 years. Drats, foiled again.

2004: Year of the Boob

Oooops. Sorry. We broke into the wrong house. We'll be leaving now to break into the right house. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Bend over for the psychic butt reader.

Scientists may have discovered the secret behind the Pioneer Anomaly

"A religious liberties lawsuit brought by a Satan worshipper, a Wiccan witch, a white supremacist, and an adherent of an ancient Viking religion is drawing the impassioned support of major national religious groups as it approaches a hearing before the Supreme Court."

Farmhands

Division Aids Baghdad Farmers                                                     

Cavalry soldiers help farmer’s co-op build an equipment storage building.

By U.S. Army Spc. Jan Critchfield
                122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

                                       

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq, Dec. 28, 2004 — As a part of multinational forces' unrelenting drive to improve the lives of Baghdad's citizens, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division is coordinating the construction of an equipment storage building for a farmer's co-op formed by the unit earlier this year.

“What we've been doing is working with the farmers out there and trying to get them organized,” said Capt. William Powers, unit information operations officer. “Not to the state of a U.S. co-op… just trying to get them to work together.”

Since the co-op began in June, hundreds of tons of seed and fertilizer have been parceled out to eastern Baghdad farmers in an effort to jumpstart the local economy, provide more quality produce for the local population, and lend some of the poorer residents of the area — the farmers themselves — a helping hand.

“In the co-op, it's more toward the free-market economy, where the profits will go toward the farmers instead of the government,” Capt. William Powers, information operations officer.

“We started working on this in June, but we had difficulty finding meeting places … so we decided what would help the co-op was to give it an actual place,” Powers said. “Originally, we were going to renovate some buildings, but we were able to get the Ministry of Agriculture to donate some land for a co-op facility, so we're building a facility that is over 650 square meters, includes four large storage units as well as a large area in the middle for tractors. Attached to that is a restroom and a large conference facility. It will be furnished, as well as have a fence and a guard house.”

Daily Dish

The death toll from the tsunamis generated by a giant earthquake in the Indian Ocean has reached a staggering 44,000. Japan Has pledged money and sent three Navy ships to the area to aid in relief efforts. In addition to pledging money and P-3 Orian survellience aircraft, five or six C-130 aircraft full of relief materials has been dispatched. The UN has also begun relief operations but they will have to be watched closely. China sends 50 million yuan, and humanitarian aid, Russia loads cargo planes full of supplies and Europe mobilizes to help as well. Arab countries remain silent... Michelle of A Small Victory is posting a list of organizations to which you can donate money to help support relief operations.

The Arab League sees no hope for a Palestinian state in the near future while Osama advocates boycotting elections in Iraq claiming the constitution setting up the new government is blasphemous to Muslims and only "infidels" would vote. And only indfidels would help disaster victims (watch out Red Cresent, you're on Osama's shit list now). Well, if they can't stop the elections with violence, I suppose convincing people that political freedom is a sin is the next best thing. Dispite the fact that a major Sunni party is refusing to participate in the elections, the US is working to assure Sunni representation in a post-election government regardless.

More soldiers than Americans support the effort in Iraq, a Military Times poll finds. Gee, I wonder why that is? Could it be that what Americans hear from the media is vastly different from what soldiers see? The disparity can be clearly seen when you look at what the soldiers saw recently in Mosul as opposed to what you have heard. And how many of these stories have you heard reported on the nightly news? The folks at the Diplomad defend Secretary Rumsfeld, which is something else you won't see the Axis of Bias doing often.

The folks in Holland no longer like their anything goes/anyone comes immigration policy.

China warns Japan against issuing a visa to the Dhali Llama for a planned visit in April.

Your complete guide to ASCII art featuring...cows.

"Hangman's noose awaits octo-granny's feared tentacles." Say what?

An inmate jailed on drug charges sent his long locks to the salon, an official collection site for a nonprofit that makes wigs for financially disadvantaged children suffering from hair loss because of illness.

How to bathe a cat.

Dying man awakes from a coma when he hears his boss yell "Get your ass back to work". Talk about tough love.

Gen. Abdallah donates a Christmas Tree

Thank God the ACLU is too chicken to go to Iraq or this might be a problem

Deputy Governor donates Christmas tree

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, TIKRIT, Iraq – Gen. Abdallah, Deputy Governor for the Salah Ad Din Province helped Task Force Danger Soldiers get into the holiday spirit by donating a Christmas tree to be put in the hallway of the Division Main headquarters on Christmas Day.

Abdallah said he was sorry the Task Force Danger Soldiers had to spend the holidays so far away from home, but hoped they would accept the tree as a gesture of appreciation for all the hard work they have done throughout the year.

Col. Keith L. Cooper, 1 Cooper, 1^st Infantry Division Chief of Staff thanked Abdallah for his generosity and said every Soldier makes sacrifices at some point and it’s an honor to be serving in Iraq during these historic times.

Shiek Naji, an influential member of the province, also attended the donation of the tree.  (Story by Spc. Joe Alger, 1e Alger, 1^st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Daily Dish

Democracy wins again. In a redo of an election rife with blatant fraud, challenger Victor Yushchenko wins easily over incumbant (and Russian pick) Viktor Yanukovych in the Ukraine. And the US has been on the right side of this despite the fact that the winner is less supportive of US policies than was the incumbant. So integrity wins as well. Glenn Reynolds has more. As does Captain Ed. And Dean posts about the Ukraine's new First Lady, who's an American. Democracy didn't fare as well in Uzbekistan.

A suicide car bomber hit one of the biggest Shi'ite Muslim parties, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), missing its leader Abdul Aziz  al-Hakim. Almost simultaneously, the top Sunni political party withdrew itself from participation in elections that will take place next month. In contrast Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai met with his Cabinet ministers, three of whom are women, and urged them to avoid political intrigue and work together for the future. Given that just 47 years ago Iraq was a shining star in the region and Afghanistan was still a pile of rocks, the contrast today is startling.

Sissy writes about a Jewish conservative who's views get marginalized because he doen't fit the mold.

Hindrocket fact-checks the New York Times - again.

Instapundit has a roundup of the disaster taking shape in Southeast Asia.

Alphecca has posted the yearly check on gun bias in the media; that's against, not for.

A doctor amputates the wrong limb.

Endoscopy by worm.

Art Bell's predictions for 2005.

The top ten worst gadgets of 2004.

UFOs plague Iran.