1 How awful

2 All so Obama can announce a full withdrawal in October 2012. Maybe it's time to hire one warlord to fight for us, and get our kids the hell out of there.

3 Until we start treating Pakistan and the corrupt fuckers in the Afghan government  like the foe they are, we aren't going to be able to fix Afghanistan.

4
If the GOP had any sense and balls they would've demanded our withdrawal from Trashcanistan two years ago.

5
Hillary, Secretary Douche Bag, scolded Congress this week for even considering cutting off funds for our friends in Pakistan.

6
13 Americans dead.

Unacceptable.

7 We shouldn't be trying to fix their shit hole country. After 9/11, we should have turned it into a radioactive wasteland.

8
I can dig up comments by me on this blog from 5-6 years ago asking why Americans were getting killed by the dozen by the hands of 12th century barbarians.

By the dozen.

The best military force in the history of the world. These losses are unacceptable.

9 I've ridden on those buses.  The guys on it most likely either just got in country, or were on their way to the airport for their flight home.  Terrible.

10 We had a cure for this type carnage in Vietnam.  We targeted a nearby village, and killed everything that moved.  The hooches were ignited with WP, and the message was loud and clear.

How is that any different than what the Nazis did to Lidice after Heydrich was killed? 

11 I have really had enough of our men and women dying for these savages. Bring our men home, drastically reduce the size of our embassies in the region, dramatically limit the number of visas issued, and let them kill each other. If they try some nonsense here in the US, do what Ronaldus Maximus did, and bomb the crap out of their families, til they leave us alone. It's the only way to be sure.

12 btw, I'm not calling you a Nazi, and I supported the war in Vietnam.

13 JDAM(s) + ISI HQ(s)

14 God give me strength....3 more months and he's out of there.

15 pep, winners write the history books

16 If they try some nonsense here in the US, do what Ronaldus Maximus did, and bomb the crap out of their families, til they leave us alone. It's the only way to be sure. Posted by: moki at October 29, 2011 11:30 AM

That's all just myth and folklore that warmongering religious freaks on the Religious Right make up

Daddy would have engaged them in dialog, just like President Obama who is just like daddy

17 None of this would have happened if America had simply launched 'Operation Sheet Of Smoking Glass' after 9/11/01.

18 Let's see that picture that the lefties are spamming on Facebook about how the SCOAMF has kicked ass around the world and we haven't thanked him

19 After 911, Bush and Cheney should have switched places.

20 Let me know when we've won "the hearts and minds" of the peaceful muzzies.
I won't be holding my breath, just as we shouldn't be holding our fire.
The Pentagon can stick their pathetic PC ROEs up their asses sideways.

Don't worry, we won't ask or tell.

21 JDAM(s) + ISI HQ(s)

Posted by: Jean at October 29, 2011 11:31 AM (v9wwx)

Yes.

Unfortunately we are blinded by the short-term political needs of our feckless leaders. A strong president and congress would make it clear that the Pakis have one chance to change, and then they will be considered enemies of America and fomenters of terrorism.

22 15-Tami, my family will pray him home, sweetie. Safe, and sound. The 'rons and 'rettes are good for prayers too. There are many good people here who will support you in this. Just let us know what we can do for you.

23
Any of you historians know when all this "we can't target non-military personnel and non-military facilities during war" nonsense began?

24 off velcro sock

25 damn it, need to take off the god damn kid gloves!

26 The best military force in the history of the world. These losses are unacceptable.

No, those losses are expected in a war zone.  All of our shiny toys only do so much good.  Sometimes the enemy gets lucky.  My prayers for their families, but at the same time remember that those losses will do almost nothing to disrupt operations. 

27 Just let us know what we can do for you.

Posted by: moki at October 29, 2011 11:38 AM (dZmFh)

You just did it Moki....thank you so much!

And how are you feeling?

28 I love these clowns who make up their own history to justify their opinions.

29 ...and yes, I am still a, um-uh -- Stuttering Clusterf*uck Of A Miserable Failure.

30 tami tami! the cards are the world series champs! congratulations!

31 Please don't forget to mention the 3 australian trainers who were shot by an afghan soldier as well.

32


When a van is speeding towards a US military convoy, what happens?

a) They immediately open fire on the van and stop it and then ask questions later.

b) Ask questions first, then shoot, but only after they receive permission from commanders at the base who have to consult with Pentagon lawyers.

c) Repeatedly yell "Stop!" and hope that the driver of the van complies.

33 Here's a pic of a Rhino, aka the uparmored schoolbus.  Generally used for admin moves around Kabul.  I spent 11 months there, and only rode one twice - from the airport to Phoenix when we first got there, and from Phoenix back to the airport on the way home. 

34 25. My guess is that when the Dems screamed and yelled that W was a baby killer, he asked the Pentagon to reduce collateral damage as much as possible. That probably wasn't enough for the Dem led Defense committees, who had liberal staffer weenies write ROE for the Pentagon to utilize. Liberal staffer weenies who had no experience with the military, whatsoever. Because they knew better than knuckle dragging soldiers, airmen, sailors, coast guard and marines. Because they are staffers. Sorry, rant off.

35

I'm sitting here on the Ops Floor here at Creech Air Force Base, in my capacity as an intelligence analyst, wtching Predator and Reaper feeds from Afghanistan and Iraq.  My wife and I high-fived in the driveway, as she came home from a midnight shift at Nellis AFB operating room.  And my son is somewhere south of Kandahar, fighting evil men that do things like THIS.

This morning, I can't even begin to describe all the things I'm feeling: the pride in my family that is carrying this fight on their shoulders, the despair for the families that are hurting so much today, the guilt for stepping away from my part of the fight for a year, and so much more.

I hate this fuckin' war.  And I want to be in it for as long as it takes.  I don't know if anybody knows what I mean.  I don't know if I do, either.

36 My mistake, the guy was wearing an afghan army uniform. Click on my name for the report from ABC

37
So luck really has nothing to do with it.

The lawyers aren't allowing the use of immediate force to stop that suicide-kamikaze van.

38 b) Ask questions first, then shoot, but only after they receive permission from commanders at the base who have to consult with Pentagon lawyers.

This is the closest of your choices to real life, but the guy making the decision is the convoy commander.  Still, he knows he's going to be second-guessed on everything by his superiors and the lawyers.

39 There will be no peace with the Taliban. We will not suffer them. Cowards. Murderers. More drone strikes, please, and take them deep into Pakistan and just ruin these guys.

40 I hate this fuckin' war.  And I want to be in it for as long as it takes.  I don't know if anybody knows what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean.

41 Damn, they hit a Rhino Run.  Chances are those guys either just got in country or were on their way home.  Dammit, dammit, dammit.

42

Same military stupidity as Viet Nam - keep using the same route over and over and then act surprised when you get ambushed. Sheeesh!

I agree with CoolCzech with this modification - we should hire several warlords as mercenaries. Do not let any one or combination get bigger/tougher than the rest.

Personally I would cozy up to India. Declare Kashmir to be forever part of India. Kick Pakistan to the curb. Declare a state of war with Waziristan and bomb it flat - nothing but nothing lives. Then I would bring the kids home and tell Afgoofystan that if they blink they get levelled.

43 tami! the cards are the world series champs! congratulations!

Posted by: phoenixgirl ready to drink the perry flavor-aid at October 29, 2011 11:43 AM (SH3gZ)

What a great series it was!  Both teams played their hearts out.

44 And fuck Yahoo and the AP for publishing pictures of the dead at the scene.  That actually pisses me off more than the fucking attack.

When we do finally get done with the Taliban I'm all for sending the drones after the goddamned reporters.

45 37-Bluesman, thank you, thank you to your precious wife, and thank you to your brave son. We will lift him up too. I understand wanting to fight the bastards who do this to you. I guess that I have war fatigue now. This is the fourth one we have personally been involved with, and I am weary of being and sending my family in harm's way. But I understand what you mean. Tami, thank you for asking. We have run into a little problem, since the doc who did my biopsy apparently did things without authorization from my urologist, and now crap is beginning to hit the fan. I will find out Monday what is going on, or change doctors. Sorry, we have to run. Dog show for the newf. Hoping for best in drool.

46 CBD, that's just my appetizer. The next course would be to destroy the Haqqqnis and put enough polonium in water tables of their valley's to keep the uninhabited for a millenia.

47
I think we've had quite enough of this Arab Spring.

48 Oops, just saw that Bomber said the same thing.  Same situation for me, except in Iraq: rode from VBC to FOB Prosperity going in and from the FOB to VBC on the way out.  Fortunately Route Irish was quiet by then.

49 Tami, thank you for asking. We have run into a little problem, since the doc who did my biopsy apparently did things without authorization from my urologist, and now crap is beginning to hit the fan. I will find out Monday what is going on, or change doctors.
Sorry, we have to run. Dog show for the newf. Hoping for best in drool.

Posted by: moki at October 29, 2011 11:50 AM (dZmFh)

Oh no!  I'll keep praying for you and good luck at the dog show!

50 www.filters-king.com, filters wholesale, filters manufacturer, spare filter parts

51

My son will come out of there in January or April (don't ask - it's an Army thing), never to return, thank Allah.  My wife, an active-duty captain, goes in April for 120 days.  And I will be watching from 10,000 feet and thousands of miles away, every workin' day, until I die, get fired, or the war finally ends.  I'm never walking away from this stinking job ever again, because this is what I am good at, and what I do, whether I want to or not.

I'm in a grim bloody mood just now, I gotta tell ya.

52 Impossible to win wars with this type of strategy.  If WWII was fought like this it would still be going on.  I feel for families who lose loved ones or have them come home in awful mental and physical shape.  Should have destroyed enemies and all poppy crop and left.  Islam does not allow for democracy.  It is against the "religion." 

53
Route Irish?

There's a new-ish movie out with that name.

54 Here's the simple answer.  If you've flown over a particular village  and taken ground fire repetitively with both hull and human losses, there will eventually be retaliation. 

Simple solution:  Don't fire upon armed aircraft.

Sorry, but nonresponsive.  You aren't talking about responding to fire or shooting at a bus speeding at you despite orders to stop.  You said to go in after the fact and wipe them all out to teach the others a lesson.  That is, and should be, a war crime. 

55 The real problem is the Afghani government which screams and moans to the press every time a civilian is killed.  The lawyers I worked with were always clear that we had a right to defend ourselves if we felt threatened. A van speeding towards a convoy, at least for our unit, meant one very shot up vehicle and probably dead driver. 

I would also caution with speculation at this time.  The incident is likely still being reviewed, and we don't know all the details.

56
When we do finally get done with the Taliban I'm all for sending the drones after the goddamned reporters.

I agree with this exception to my previous.

57 I would also caution with speculation at this time.  The incident is likely still being reviewed, and we don't know all the details.

We know enough details.  13 of our guys are dead, almost definitely at the very beginning or very end of their tours, and 4 four of the good Afghans who stuck their necks out to help us. 

58 Soothsayer, it's directed by Ken Loach, came out in 2010 and it shits on america, the uk, their armies, their heroes. No surprise since he directed that other piece of shite The Wind That Shakes the Barley. Irish murderers = good, British - baaaad.

59 Route Irish is/was one of the MSR's (Main Supply Route) through Baghdad.  In the early days it was one of the most IED'd road in Iraq.  It's been pretty well quiet the past few years.

60
thanks for the info, jules
I kinda suspected it was trash.

61 You want to stop this shit once and for all and get back the fear these savages used to have for us? Put up a picture of Mecca in a reaper's crosshairs

62 We aren't fighting the Taliban, they are just a weapon that would disappear in a heartbeat if they weren't being supported and equipped by the Pakistani ISI. Does anyone believe that bin Laden could live a mile from one of the biggest military bases in Pakistan for years and nobody in the military happened to notice? This approach of trying to make nice with Pakistan publicly while heaping all the focus on the Taliban is not working. It's way past time to confront Pakistan directly and tell them they either reign in their rogue Islamist ISI or we are going to start raining hell on them. It's time to end this shit.

63 i'm very confused.......i don't understand why afghanistan and pakistan still exist.....

64 We know enough details.  13 of our guys are dead, almost definitely at the very beginning or very end of their tours, and 4 four of the good Afghans who stuck their necks out to help us.

When the Taliban shot down that helicopter in Wardak, I remember a lot of speculation and condemnation of lawyers, superiors, Pakistan, etc.  I also know that it was based on bullshit, since my unit was the BSO for that area.  It annoys me.  So far, all we know is that the enemy got lucky and killed 13 US and 4 Afghans.  We don't know fully what happened, or who screwed up, if anyone.  Unfortunately, sometimes in war you can do everything right and people still die.

65
why Americans were getting killed by the dozen by the hands of 12th century barbarians.

By the dozen.

The best military force in the history of the world. These losses are unacceptable.
Posted by: soothie at October 29, 2011 11:28 AM

Amen.

66
Alex, no doubt you know more than me.

But do you recall the incident in 2005 when that Italian reporter was shot when she was in a car with Italian secret service agents in Baghdad? The reporter, an asshole, was kidnapped and then rescued by Italian agents.

She made a big deal about it and said she was intentionally targeted.

Incidents like that, I think, changed the ROE policies in Iraq and Afghanistan and put the troops and soldiers in more risk.

67 Here's another solution: get the lawyers out of the department of defense

68 Coming soon to an urban center near you.

69 So far, all we know is that the enemy got lucky and killed 13 US and 4 Afghans.  We don't know fully what happened, or who screwed up, if anyone.

We know they hit a Rhino.  An unarmed fucking bus.  It's obvious to even the dumbest fucking inbred muslim that it is a high-value, low-threat target.  Doesn't matter how many MRAPs you put in the convoy with it, especially when the guys in the turrets know they can't shoot until hostile intent is displayed.  In this case, as in most cases, hostile intent is the fucking boom.  Nothing left to shoot at.  Nothing to do at that point except pick up the body parts, as the fucking article in the link happily demonstrates.

70

66

 

Dead-on right.  This is a crafty, cunning enemy, and they are so ruthless that it's sometimes impossible for a Western mind to know what they WON'T do for their goals.  Before 9/11, most everybody thought that when an aircraft got hijacked, it was to extort something out of the victims, using the passengers as bargaining chips.  Not many people were on to the shift in the goal: they don't want us to give them something; they want us to die.

 

71 Everytime we accidentally bomb something, Karzai goes ballistic with outrage. So, Mr. Karzai, how about some outrage now? I would never have guessed we'd leave Iraq before Afghanistan, or leave Iraq in semi-decent shape while Afghanistan rots.

72
btw, if Afghanistan is still a war zone, why are we mucking about?

Either prosecute this goddamn war or bug out.

73 13 Americans dead. Unacceptable. Posted by: soothie at October 29, 2011 11:26 AM (sqkOB) The enemy gets a say in war.

74 So, Mr. Karzai, how about some outrage now?

Nah, given what Mr. Karzai said just a few days ago:

Karzai: We'd Support Pakistan In War Against U.S.

75 Tami, extra-extra prayers for you today and for the fallen and their families. I think the Cards winning is a sign of good things to come for you!

76 She made a big deal about it and said she was intentionally targeted.

Incidents like that, I think, changed the ROE policies in Iraq and Afghanistan and put the troops and soldiers in more risk.

That may be the case, or it may not.  However, nothing that has come out so far suggests that the ROE played a role in the success of this attack.  That is my issue: people are assuming that something must have gone wrong and immediately blaming all the usual boogymen without any proof.

77 About time Karzai got the Osama treatment.

78 >>Karzai: We'd Support Pakistan In War Against U.S. They all ready are.

79 However, nothing that has come out so far suggests that the ROE played a role in the success of this attack

ROE says we don't shoot until they demonstrate hostile intent.  They know this.  They demonstrate hostile intent by blowing us up.  That definitely suggests that ROE played a role in this.

80
OT:

Has anyone mentioned this? If not, it would make a nice Saturday Schadenboner post.

Media Matters -- September 2010

Beck's Baseball Curse

"It started as some gossip among baseball fans after St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and All-Star hitter Albert Pujols attended Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' rally last Saturday.

The team started losing. But five games later, with losses to the lowliest of their National League rivals, the gossip is becoming a minor news story.

Some believe there might be a Glenn Beck curse."

81 I know it sucks, but keep in mind we have troop transports sunk by enemy subs in WW II. The enemy wants to kill us, and its frustrating because we know we're there to help Aghanistan but some of those folks don't want us there.... I'm okay if we just leave....let Karzai deal with his own people.

82 You can label the action from your armchair any way you wish.

I wondered how long that would take.  It has the virtue of truth for you.  And no, I'm not a lawyer, nor have I served. 

If the choice is to continue losing men and equipment by no action, that's within the prerogative of a field command.

You still haven't answered the original question.  If what you say above is the metric, then a battlefield commander can justify doing anything in the interests of protecting the lives of his men.  We all agree on the goal or protecting those lives, however judgement is required, not only because brutal actions can be counterproductive, but also because we are not Nazis. 

83 Just terrible news. I am waiting to see the casualties list. One of my Corpsman is in Khandahar.

84 >>put enough polonium in water tables of their valley's to keep the uninhabited for a millenia.
Posted by: Jean at October 29, 2011 11:50 AM (v9wwx) 49
>>I think we've had quite enough of this Arab Spring.
Posted by: soothsayer at October 29, 2011 11:51 AM (sqkOB)

Perfect name for Jean's water plan

85 Tony La Russa and All-Star hitter Albert Pujols attended Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' rally last Saturday. The team started losing. But five games later, with losses to the lowliest of their National League rivals, the gossip is becoming a minor news story. Some believe there might be a Glenn Beck curse." Posted by: soothsayer at October 29, 2011 12:15 PM (sqkOB) I knew La Russa was one of us, but I did not know that about Pujolos. OK now I am a fan of his even if he plays in the National League

86
Ever since Obama won his Nobel Peace Prize, we've had an increase of violence in the Middle East and tragic loss of US military personnel.

Obama curse?

Some do think so.

87 terrible.  My prayers to our heroes and their families.

The thing I do not get at this point is our mission.  Yes we needed justice for 9/11, we got bin laden and most of the top guys responsible, we hammered their taliban protectors.  The mission can not be nation building there.  There is no nation to build, nothing but nasty historical tribes of evil. 

Our mission was accomplished as far as I am concerned, bring them home.

88 Bluesman, thanks for what you're doing. And thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. These guys were from my camp. I was on that route (not in a Rhino) just the other day to pick up my boss from a shurra at Camp Julian. A counter-IED shurra no less. It'll be freaky next time we're out...

89 glenn beck curse? or blessing?

90 did perry go to any of the games?

91 ROE says we don't shoot until they demonstrate hostile intent.  They know this.  They demonstrate hostile intent by blowing us up.  That definitely suggests that ROE played a role in this.

Which way did the enemy approach the convoy?  How large was the blast and from what distance did it occur?  What were the orders to the convoy regarding allowing vehicles to pass?  Where those orders followed?  What time what the convoy moving through the area, and what were the conditions on the ground like with regards to traffic and bystanders?

There are still plenty of questions that we don't have answers to that provide context.  It's possible, for example, that the unit was authorized to fire on any vehicle that approached, and the convoy commander gave an order not to.  Or that they attempted to stop the vehicle and it still managed to get close enough to detonate.  Depending on the location and the vehicle, the convoy may not have had enough time to react before it was close enough to inflict damage.  Hell, Joe in the turret may have not been paying attention to what he should have, and didn't see the vehicle until it was too late.   

92
I dunno. You'd think so.

93

George Bush, due to the fiasco in Samolia, said we wouldn't be involved in nation building and after 9-11 took down Saddam's regime and the Taliban in Afcrapistan.  He immediately undertook nation building.  Jugears grabbed his baton and kept up theat thinking.  We are warriors not peace keepers.  We have lost more good men doing that than we did in the wars themselves.  I wish our policy was don't piss us off.  If your country supports a terrerist operation in our country we go in and blow up your capital along with your polititions, whip their ass, grab one of their generals, say you're in charge, don't make us come back and LEAVE.  If a neighboring shithole despot wants to take care of the power vacumn tell him the same fate awaits him.  A clear demonstration of the power we have and the willingness to use it will save a lot of lives on both sides. 

May god grant peace to their families.

94

g3cko -

I am privileged to be able to watch over your shoulder while you do your mission.  I hope I do a good job for you and your people.

Stay safe, and thanks for being there, so we can be here, safe.

Love you, buddy.

95 This is the end result of a compassionate conservative fighting a war on a budget, ponny wise, pound foolish, and bleeding heart.

The effective way is still killing as damn many of the enemy as it takes for the survivors to change their religion (and really believe it), and those guys with the guns are their just to slow you down in getting to the enemy.

96 94

The bus was on it's side.  That means the VBIED was pretty damn close when it went off.  It alsomeans it was a good-sized vehicle to pack that much of a punch. 

There are still plenty of questions that we don't have answers to that provide context.

Biggest question I have is, what the hell are we doing there anymore?

Turn 'em loose or bring 'em home.

97 Right back at you. We'll be alright. Keep doing what you're doing. One team- one fight.

98 Hillary, Secretary Douche Bag, scolded Congress this week for even considering cutting off funds for our friends in Pakistan.
Posted by: soothie at October 29, 2011 11:24 AM

Over at Tepid Air, "Poppin' Fresh is anal-yzing Hitlery Clinton's desire to sit down and yak with Mullah Omar. That oughtta fix everything, right?

I can't help thinking about World War II, where what happened to the enemy was considered secondary to protection of our military and meeting our objectives.

Can't imagine that Georgie Patton, had he been given the tools we have now, wouldn't have gotten things done in a far faster and more efficient way.

99 It wasn't the only attack. In general, if you read an Afghanistan news aggregate and/or have a poc over there, you'll have a better idea of what's going on. U.S. news agencies report very little. Fox doesn't even do embeds. The dreaded dinosaur networks do embeds but ignore a lot of breaking news stories.

100 Time to pull our people out of this shithole.

101 Tami, extra-extra prayers for you today and for the fallen and their families. I think the Cards winning is a sign of good things to come for you!

Posted by: jeannebodine at October 29, 2011 12:10 PM (byR8d)

Thanks jeanne...I'll take all the prayer I can get.  And my son is a huge Cardinal fan so, yeah let's go with that!

102

REPRISAL: A tactic during war time and allowed under the geneva convention.

"Reprisals refer to acts which are illegal if taken alone, but become legal when adopted by one state in retaliation for the commission of an earlier illegal act by another state. Counter-reprisals are generally not allowed."

If a nation or it's soldiers, citizens are attacked in an illegal manner under the laws of land warfare the tactics of reprisal become legal.

Yes, under the right circumstances letting wille pete visit an enemy city/village is legal.

103 The current ROE just suck. Hostile intent is BS when you have VBIEDs that can be flying down the road and t-bone or parallel our vehicles from out of nowhere. It's time we get in and kick some ass.

Any time there's an incident involving our troops, the nearest town or everything in a 1KM radius (or both) gets the full anal probe. Every outhouse, doghouse, farmhouse, etc., gets a full top-to-bottom search. Every road, street, cart path, cow path, etc., gets a road block and every vehicle is searched, including those with diplomatic status.

On another note, here's some simple math:

GBU-43/B + ISI HQ = WIN!

104 Yes, under the right circumstances letting wille pete visit an enemy city/village is legal.

Please elaborate, since it was my understanding that MyLai was a trial about just this sort of action.

105 But, HEP-T - we don't want to look like Nazis!!!

106 Any time there's an incident involving our troops, the nearest town or everything in a 1KM radius (or both) gets the full anal probe. Every outhouse, doghouse, farmhouse, etc., gets a full top-to-bottom search. Every road, street, cart path, cow path, etc., gets a road block and every vehicle is searched, including those with diplomatic status.

As it should be.

107 109 But, HEP-T - we don't want to look like Nazis!!!

Wow, good one.  I remember 3rd grade fondly.

108 Was it an all girl's school?

109 Broken-hearted over this loss of American life.  The loss for the families and the nation weighs heavy.
Deepest thanks to those of you keeping us safe and keeping it real for us here.
No words convey how much you are honored.  Our prayers for you are daily.
The ROE's and such are partly responsible for this tragedy, but, bluesman said it best, I paraphrase: the barbarity of these people, and their filthy cult of islam that requires this sort of act to have a chance at paradise in the eyes of a capricious, evil god called allah is the problem. 
Just make them a parking lot and start over. 
God bless America and her brave heroes and their families.

110 We live in interesting times.

Posted by: sickinmass at October 29, 2011 12:31 PM (1rflU)

And in the North, the Turks are crossing the border to go after the Kurds, and the Shiite central Govenrment is not doing anything...

This is EXACTLY what happens when you give a tribal mentality country, with multiple tribes, Democracy.... the largest tribe will use Democracy as a bludgeon to knock the others out of power....

Democracy only works within a coherent group... if you think you are outside of the whole, you vote with your group (see US and Black Vote), even against your best interests....

The Founders KNEW Democracy was flawed... which is why they gave us a Repbulic... too bad our Education system did not bother to teach that the last couple of generations.

111 112 Was it an all girl's school?

OK, I laughed at that.  Damn you.

112 This was a suicide attack.  Many of our worst losses have been from suicide attacks. 

We used to have an enemy who did suicide attacks.  They were called kamikazes.  They don't do that anymore. It's been a while, but does anyone remember why they stopped?

113 One of the troops was Canadian; and three Australians were shot yesterday by a (possibly) turncoat Afghan soldier. (Contrasted with a Talibani in disguise.)

114 turncoat Afghan soldier. (Contrasted with a Talibani in disguise.)

Not really much of a contrast.  Had a buddy that was killed by one in '09.  Dude was a Taliban that joined the ANA.  They trained him, gave him a uniform and a rifle, and put him close to Americans.  He shot four of them, killed two of them.  Then shot himself.

115 We used to have an enemy who did suicide attacks.  They were called kamikazes.  They don't do that anymore. It's been a while, but does anyone remember why they stopped?

Posted by: bill at October 29, 2011 01:03 PM (8Rf/A)

Ummmmm, we crushed them militarily.  We broke their shit and killed their people and now they no longer want to fuck with anyone.

116 I really supported this war when it started. Kinda makes me wonder what the fuck I was thinking. We need clear, limited objectives and then GTFO.

117 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

118 Southern Israel is hitting hit with Grad rockets from the "peaceful, un-occupied" Gaza strip.  Fortunately, nobody is hurt...yet.

119 , we crushed them militarily. We broke their shit and killed their people and now they no longer want to fuck with anyone. Posted by: Osama bin Truck Monkey, TEArrorist Son of a Bitch at October 29, 2011 01:09 PM (jucos) Sounds like a plan to me

120

If anyone has time to watch this (it's about 15 minutes long) to the end - it's worth it. Related. It's an Indian Muslim warning a Canadian audience about Islamic fascism. He's a "Marxist" and a "Democrat" and he is troubled by the fact that we now have 3 members of the Muslim Brotherhood in the White House.  Be sure to listen to the end where he names them. 

121 The turncoat has always been a big worry. My man has two MOS. Both put him in with Afghans. There was also a failed female bomber. Well, thankfully, she blew herself and no one else. I think it was actually Afghans who spotted her. I want to hear more stories about Afghan security doing their job successfully.

122 Posted by: Lemon Kitten at October 29, 2011 01:15 PM (O7ksG) Who are the 3 Muslim Pricks in the white House

123 126 Never giveup:  If you have 15 minutes - I recommend you give it whirl. The whole thing is right on target. He names them.

124 dramatically limit the number of visas issued

Yeah to zero. There is no reason to allow these people in our country at all.

125
Pigford II

Black farmers receive $1.2B from liberal shithead bleeding heart judge.

Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday that the settlement helps "African-American farmers to focus on the future and brings us one step closer to giving these farmers a chance to have their claims heard."

Pigford III?

126 Who are the 3 Muslim Pricks in the white House

Posted by: nevergiveup at October 29, 2011 01:18 PM (aYQHH)

You think anyone in the white house believes in a higher power?

127 I'm always stunned by these idiots that you hear talking about Israel "occupying" the Gaza or anywhere else for that matter. I'm assuming that the entire educational system is leaving out WHY Israel occupies land outside of its original borders.

128
Tom Vilsack the head hack at the USDA is "thrilled by the court's approval so we can continue turning the page on this sad chapter in USDA history."

Key word: continue

There is no end to these reparation lawsuits.

129
Attn: All you white folk

Time to pay the piper.

130 108, poor AAR writing, nothing more. Should have included, " top kick provided verbal reports of incoming fire from ..." and/or "receiving mortars from grid ..."

131 At about 11:30 onwards: Rashid Hassan (spelling??? American ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Countries); Dahlia Mogahed woman speechwriter; and another unnamed woman speechwriter from the same circle of the Egyptian MB as Dahlia.

BTW, Weasel Zippers has a piece just up now of Dahlia the Moslem White House advisor in action telling the Administration not to meet with the head of the Maronite Christians.

132 135 Andycanuck. Thanks.

133 Marionite Christians (catholics) are syrian christians for those of you that might not know that. Makes the lapse even more egregious

134 You're welcome, Lemon Kitten.

135 You want to stop this shit once and for all and get back the fear these savages used to have for us?

Put up a picture of Mecca in a reaper's crosshairs

Posted by: Navycopjoe at October 29, 2011 11:58 AM (A1uUz)

^^^^This^^^^

136 ncj, take the Temple Mount, license Disney to arrange tours, medevil themed games, and watery.

137 I have a few friends over there in that area.  I'm purposely not watching because I don't want to see the casualty list.

fuck.

138 Does anyone know how to find out either the unit or the names of those killed? I know it will be a while before names are released - but besides random googling for news stories, is there one or three sites I could be checking, when the info is released? My nephew is there (Khost, actually), and I thought he had leave around ... now. And my heart is in my throat but I cannot ask my sister - if she doesn't know, i'll make it worse for her, and if she does... I'll make it worse for her. Thanks.

139 "we can't target non-military personnel and non-military facilities during war" nonsense began? Peace of God, ca AD 989 Although the article cites Gibbons as finding parallel movements in Roman and Teutonic cultures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_and_Truce_of_God

140 143 Does anyone know how to find out either the unit or the names of those killed? I know it will be a while before names are released - but besides random googling for news stories, is there one or three sites I could be checking, when the info is released?

My nephew is there (Khost, actually), and I thought he had leave around ... now. And my heart is in my throat but I cannot ask my sister - if she doesn't know, i'll make it worse for her, and if she does... I'll make it worse for her.

Thanks.

Posted by: Alice at October 29, 2011 02:07 PM (kawhQ)

Alice,

There's nothing to do but wait.  If it's your sister's son, she'll know before you do.  One of my best friends is there and... I'm just not going to think about it for now.

141 eatery, not watery

142 139


I want my Country back. I will take it if necessary. A POX upon the liberal/progressive/Commies.

Posted by: sickinmass at October 29, 2011 01:54 PM (1rflU)

you forgot to add "shitbags"

143 When a unit takes a hit, they 'black out' the incoming/outgoing comms for awhile to avoid families either getting hurt by getting bad news the wrong way from a back-channel, or people worrying and doing what they should not for no reason.

The system is fairly well set-up and refined, as it should be.  This is the second-most sensitive military operation, right behind combat.  Everybody hang on; the wheels are turning, and eventually, we'll know more.

144

Another tradgic example of how dangerous the mission remains to this day...news is reporting up here in Canada that one of our servicemen was also among dead.

RIP

145 How can we let men and women such as these be lead by the political scum that we continue to elect to high office?
I am sickened by this loss of precious life, and sickened by the inability of our leaders to even announce a coherent goal for what our purposes in the ME are!

146 Thanks, Tangonine and bluesman. I can be patient, so long as I know I have no other choice.

147 152 Thanks, Tangonine and bluesman. I can be patient, so long as I know I have no other choice.

Posted by: Alice at October 29, 2011 02:31 PM (kawhQ)

We wait, hope and pray.  there are 13 families that will bear the cost of our freedom today.  God be with them.

148 Yeah, but there is the Arab Spring, and the idiot Pubs may nominate a Pizza Guy says the laughing lesbian to President Drug Dealer

149

Democracy only works within a coherent group... if you think you are outside of the whole, you vote with your group (see US and Black Vote), even against your best interests....

Which reminds me...Password is iotw in case it asks.  Warning:  No PC involved in this at all.

150
This whole misbegotten mess was on the wrong foot from the very beginning, when it was announced that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were going to be "key allies in the War on Terror".

Hello?

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are TAP ROOTS of terror. Prime movers. Central sources. They have been all along. They continue to be today. They've been openly and contemptuously playing the U.S. all along.

Until these hard cold facts are openly recognized and incorporated into policy (which has not happened even once since 9/11), our service members will continue to die in the service of delusional ideas.

151

Nuke em from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

These corrupt maggots are going to take the side of the Paki's when we have to exterminate them anyways. We might as well wipe them out now and declare victory.

152 As it should be.

Not possible, especially in Afghanistan where there are innumerable little goat trails and smuggling paths through the mountains.  Futhermore, many places often have only a single road to access them, or require helicopters which are too rare to be used everywhere (my BDE had two Chinooks for use in our AO at night).

153 This is not a good weekend to be watching "Taking Chance".  I got 30 minutes in and had to stop for a bit.
God bless all those who serve and served!

154 My oldest son is on his way there today. He's a hospital corpsman with the 2/11 Marines. I'd appreciate your prayers for him and his jarheads.

155 How about this.  Let's leave Afghanistan and Iraq as everyone want us to do - and then next time they attack us, just drop a f'n  indiscriminate atom bomb in the middle? 

156 160 My oldest son is on his way there today. He's a hospital corpsman with the 2/11 Marines. I'd appreciate your prayers for him and his jarheads.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at October 29, 2011 04:14 PM (C6OjH)

I'm sure you're proud and scared 50/50.  Trust your son, trust the NCOs and officers that trained him.  Trust the way you raised him.

157 154 Yeah, but there is the Arab Spring, and the idiot Pubs may nominate a Pizza Guy says the laughing lesbian to President Drug Dealer

Posted by: Cackling Hen Hillary at October 29, 2011 02:51 PM (AOHOp)

This is not the thread for your political bullshit.  Shut the fuck up and sit the fuck down.  Jackass.

158

tangonine: All the training in the world won't stop a van full of explosives from crashing into them if our own policies won't allow us to fight the way we should. My son is the biggest BAMF I've ever known and he still isn't bullet or IED proof.

159 I'll be doing my best for him and all those nearby from here.

160 Heroes is a bit much. It takes more than getting blown up to be a hero. In this case, our troops were victims.

161 164

tangonine: All the training in the world won't stop a van full of explosives from crashing into them if our own policies won't allow us to fight the way we should. My son is the biggest BAMF I've ever known and he still isn't bullet or IED proof.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at October 29, 2011 05:28 PM (C6OjH)

I cannot disagree.  Watch some skinny with an AK shoot a ranger through the head and you quickly understand that in combat, nothing is certain.  

What makes the difference on a platoon level is training though... that one skinny got lucky and 400 of his friends died because they weren't trained.

162 166 Heroes is a bit much. It takes more than getting blown up to be a hero. In this case, our troops were victims.

Posted by: Jordan at October 29, 2011 07:38 PM (XJYf4)

I'll respectfully disagree.  I don't have the time or energy to lecture you on what it takes to be an American wearing a uniform of our armed services on the ground in asscrackistan.  If you fail to realize that, then.

Fuck You.   (disrespectful part)

163 To me a hero is courageous. A hero displays valor, prowess. A hero does great deeds, often at risk to oneself. Getting blown up in a convoy is tragic, but not heroic. As you put it "wearing a uniform in asscrackistan" is admirable, but not heroic. Say no to word inflation.

164 I hope you never stop!  This is one of the best blogs Ive ever read.  Youve got some mad skill here, man.  I just hope that you dont lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there.  Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

165 Jordan: Put a uniform on and head on over.

166 You made a few good points there. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of people will agree with your blog.

167 YouÂ’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, IÂ’ve shared your site in my social networks!

168 I donÂ’t usually add my comments, but I will in this case. Nice work. I look forward to reading more.

169
That is useful information and its quite easy to come a croper if you are not vigilant.

170 the rino is a mine resistant vehicle. suicide car bomber doesn't rely on penetrating mine protected underside of vehicle.

171

"154 Yeah, but there is the Arab Spring, and the idiot Pubs may nominate a Pizza Guy says the laughing lesbian to President Drug Dealer"

Pizza Guy - Degree in Mathmatics, Masters in Computer Science. Worked for the USN designing fire control systems. Number didn't come up in the draft. 

Systems analyst for Coca-Cola. At food giant Pillsbury he worked his way up to vice president. At Burger King Cain learned the ropes by manning the grills himself and eventually became a regional vice president for the fast-food chain.

In 1986, He accepted the post of president and CEO of the failing Godfather's Pizza chain. In fourteen months, Cain managed to turn the pizza chain around, cutting the number of stores by a third and boosted sales at the remaining restaurants. He and other executives later bought the chain from Pillsbury.

As the head of the National Restaurant Association, he challenged President Bill Clinton on healthcare at a television event. Cain publicly criticized First Lady Hillary Clinton's plans for healthcare reform. He thought the suggested reforms would have a negative impact on business. (Biography.com)

172 spare filters parts, filters manufacturer, filters wholesale

173 www.genset-china.com