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Title: Coordinated Attacks Strike 13 Towns and Cities in Iraq
Source:
NY Times
URL Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/w ... middleeast/26iraq.html?_r=1&hp
Published: Aug 25, 2010
Author: Anthony Shadid
Post Date: 2010-08-25 13:46:09 by war
Keywords: None
Views: 76004
Comments: 79
BAGHDAD — In one of the broadest assaults on Iraq’s security forces, insurgents unleashed a wave of roadside mines and a more than a dozen car bombings across Iraq on Wednesday, killing dozens, toppling a police station in the capital and sowing chaos and confusion among the soldiers and police officers who responded.
The withering two-hour assault in 13 towns and cities, from southernmost Basra to restive Mosul in the north, was as symbolic as it was deadly, coming a week before the United States declares the end of combat operations here. Wednesday was seemingly the insurgents’ reply: Despite suggestions otherwise, they proved their ability to launch coordinated attacks virtually anywhere in Iraq, capitalizing on the government’s dysfunction and perceptions of American vulnerability.
For weeks, there had been sense of inevitability to the assaults, which killed at least 51 people, many of them police officers. From the American military to residents here, virtually everyone seemed to expect insurgents to seek to demonstrate their prowess as the United States brings its number of troops below 50,000 here. But the anticipation did little to prepare security forces for the breadth of the assault. Iraqi soldiers and police officers brawled at the site of the biggest bombing in Baghdad, and residents heckled them for their impotence in stopping a blast that cut like a scythe through the neighborhood.
“A bloody day,” Khalil Ahmed, a 30-year-old engineer, said simply, as he stared at the cranes and bulldozers trying to rescue victims buried under the police station.
“From the day of the fall of Saddam until now, this is what we have — explosions, killing and looting,” he said. “This is our destiny. It’s already written for us.”
The assaults began at 8:20 a.m. when a pickup truck packed with explosives detonated in a parking lot behind the police station in the northern Baghdad neighborhood of Qahera. The police station collapsed, and the blast sheared off the top floors of nearby homes. Windows were shattered a half-mile away. One family was pulled out alive. Hours later, cranes and bulldozers tried to remove others trapped beneath the rubble.
Police officers kept angry residents from entering the scene.
“You get millions of dinars in salaries and you won’t let us help our families?” one youth shouted.
Another cried, “You just take money and don’t care about us!”
An Iraqi investigator walked by the scene.
“This is the state?” he muttered. “This is the government?”
Twice, soldiers and police officers brawled at the scene, and shots were fired in the air.
The rest of the capital was snarled with traffic, as police and army vehicles, sirens blaring, tried to break through the traffic jams. American soldiers in Humvees and armored vehicles, with a token Iraqi escort, drove through parts of the city.
For weeks, insurgents have carried out a daily campaign of bombings, hit-and-run attacks and assassinations against the security forces and officials, seeking to undermine confidence in their ability to secure the country. They remained the target Wednesday in attacks in Falluja, Ramadi, Tikrit, Kirkuk, Basra, Karbala, Mosul and elsewhere.
In one of the worst assaults, in the southern city of Kut, Iraqi officials said a car bomb detonated by its driver killed 19 people and wounded 87, most of them police, in an attack that destroyed the police station near the provincial headquarters.
In Diyala Province, five roadside bombs detonated in the morning in Buhriz, the first against a police patrol, a second against reinforcements who were heading to the scene and three others intended for houses belonging to policemen, officials said. They were followed by a car bombing that struck the provincial headquarters in Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, killing three people. Another car bombing struck a hospital in nearby Muqdadiya.
“The beginning of the storm,” said Saleh Khamis, a 38-year-old teacher in Buhriz.
In Ramadi, a car bomb tore through a bus station, killing eight people.
Under a deadline set by the Obama administration, the United States has brought its number of troops here to a little below 50,000, a presence it intends to maintain through next summer. The administration and the American military have sought to portray the partial withdrawal as a turning point in the American presence here, insisting that Iraq’s army and police are ready to inherit sole control over security here.
Military officials have said they believe that insurgents only number in the hundreds, and the military has issued a daily drumbeat of announcements that leaders and cadres in the insurgency have been arrested in American-Iraqi operations.
“The message the insurgents want to deliver to the Iraqi people and the politicians is that we exist and we choose the time and the place,” said Wael Abdel-Latif, a judge and former lawmaker. “They are carrying out such attacks when the Americans are still here, so just imagine what they can do after the Americans leave.”
The attacks come amid deep popular frustration with the country’s politicians, who have failed to form a government more than five months after elections in March. Shoddy public services, namely electricity, have only sharpened the resentment.
At the scene of the bombing in Baghdad, residents grimly swept up glass from storefronts. Others milled among the dozens of police and army vehicles. No one seemed to express optimism; most said they were bracing for more of the same.
“The situation doesn’t let us live our lives here,” said Mahmoud Hussein, a 26-year-old mechanic. “No water, no electricity no security. Every day it gets worse.”
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#40. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#36)
(Edited)
What historical fact is that, Nebby? That in an era where there was no mass communication and no mass system of transportation that within 18 months of ratifying the USCON, the US had scrapped one system of governbment, moved the See of that government, held elections and seated a fully functioning government? Here we are five going on six years later in Iraq.
I never cease to be amazed at how self proclaimed small government types love to see power exercised in its rawest form..."What's mine is mine and what's yours I can take at will..." They wholly ignore the fact that If we existed in the form the Framers expressed we'd have never fought a war in Iraq... That's why I call these guys "Convenient originalists"... Kind of like the inherent contradiction that the government can legistlate abortion, school prayer and marriage but not feed, clothe or tend to the health of the people.
I think Carter's energy policy was more in tune with the founding fathers. Kind of like the inherent contradiction that the government can legistlate abortion, school prayer and marriage but not feed, clothe or tend to the health of the people. Convenient is right - makes them feel like they're doin good by exercising governmental power over behavior they don't like just as long as it doesn't cost them anything important like money.
Riiight, cause the Founders thought gas lines were a good thing...(eyes rolling) Sheesh, goofy.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Far better than it was when Sadaam was in power. Sorry, Iraq is no longer an enemy, and we did it DIRT FUCKING CHEAP.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Liberation. We liberated them. They wholly ignore the fact that If we existed in the form the Framers expressed we'd have never fought a war in Iraq... That's why I call these guys "Convenient originalists"... Real Politik. Look it up and educate yourself.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Iraq has had 5 elections without seating a functional government. It did manage. however, to put guys on trial and excute them... Go figure... What pisses you off, unlike the myriad of Democratic Wars we've pissed away hundreds of thousands of good American lives and untold sums of money, Bush defeated Iraq, and did it on the cheap.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Since you haven't paid the price, it isn't up to you to decide if it was cheap or not.
You're out of your fucking mind. You really are insane if you think it's better now. Then again, you probably believe we found WMD's and that there were rape rooms and that the soccer team really WAS executed... As for dirt cheap? A trillion borrowed dollars and 4000 lives.
Iraq was the most liberal and open society in the mideast. It no longer is. We liberated them from what?
Iraq didn't invade us nor did they declare war on us and we were told that the war wasn't against Iraq but Saddam Hussein and terror. And you're out of your fucking mind if you believe that a trillion borrowed dollars and 4000 lives is cheap.
Clean water and reliable electricity. We also gave them an income tax - something they never had before, and gas lines.
Sometimes, the dumbest shit just falls out of your mouth... 5000+ dead, and 10x that amount seriously injured (crippled or disfigured)... Over a million dead, God knows how many of them were actual "insurgents," versus how many of them injured. How many children have to die, before their lives are no longer "cheap" to you? How many of our military troops- sent into a meat-grinder, with no real goal, and left out there to be chopped up by IEDs- have to die, before it's no longer "cheap" to you? Tell me, what value do you put on life? Your neighbors' life, the kids down the street, the kids shot up in the wikileaks video, or the thousands of other innocents killed (and documented) in the wikileaks files? IS there any value to life, in your eyes? Your statements are bizarre, not grounded in reality or tempered by an iota of ethics.
Yes, I can say from a historical point of view that the 4000 we lost in Iraq was far less than the 60,000 we lost in Viet Nam. Iraq= a resounding victory where Al Queda bled to death. Viet Nam= Democratic War where the nation lost 60,000 plus and nearly went bankrupt due to the huge cost of running a Democratic War.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Sorry, Obama's failed stimulus cost more than the Iraq war. And yes, Iraq was a great victory where we bled Al Queda to death.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
You don't know of Sadaam's crimes? Your ignorance is outstanding! Breathtaking. Did you go to public school????
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
We also gave them an income tax - something they never had before, and gas lines. Well, you're a liberal and liberals love income tax. You must be very happy for them!
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN: American casualties total 500,000, counting injury and disease, writer claims latimesblogs.latimes.com/.../06/iraqafghanistan-.html I don't think we're going to know what the price is for awhile. Iraq= a resounding victory where Al Queda bled to death. Really? Al Quada wasn't in Iraq when we invaded and its a bit premature to announce its death seeing as how they thrive in Pakistan and all.
You have no talent in the mind reading department - give it up before it gets you into trouble.
Iman Obama and the leftwingnuts love reaching into the taxpayer's pocket.
Zzzzzzzzzzz....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
You are such a fucking whack job...
Saddam treated his people better than the people in Kuwait were treated.
The truth hurts, doesn't it?
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
I'll see your $100 and raise you $200: Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
You mean like these Kurds who were GASSED by Saddam? Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
The US Army War College did an analysis of that incident and determined it was IRAN who gassed those Kurds.
We lost that war too. Your point?
No. It's hilarious. You Padlock and Boofer are the only people on the planet who promote the idea that this was a good thing.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/06/iraq/main3797487.shtml * Home * World * Iraq After Saddam * BAGHDAD, Feb. 6, 2008 U.S.: Al Qaeda In Iraq Training Children Seized Videotapes Show Young Boys Learning How To Kill And Kidnap, Officials Say * Font size * Print * E-mail * Share * 337 Comments Like this Story? Share it: Share On Facebook * Play CBS Video Video Al Qaeda Videos Target Kids Children as young as six-years-old are being turned into killers, after being recruited through al Qaeda training videos that make war look like a game. Mark Strassmann reports. * Video The New Mujahedeen "CBS News RAW:" U.S. military Rear Admiral Gregory Smith explains a video recovered from a raid on an al Qaeda hideout, depicting Iraqi children in a mock raid carrying guns. * Video Iraqi Kids In Terror Training Seized video shows children in training to be the next generation of terrorists. Maggie Rodriguez talks to CBS News Terrorism Analyst Paul Kurtz about what the video represents. * o U.S. and Iraqi officials said they could offer no estimate on how many children have fallen under al Qaeda in Iraq's control. U.S. and Iraqi officials said they could offer no estimate on how many children have fallen under al Qaeda in Iraq's control. (AP Photo/US Military) o This undated image made from video released by the U.S. military in Iraq which it says shows an apparent al Qaeda training operation. The videotapes seized during U.S. raids on suspected al Qaeda in Iraq hide-outs show the terror group training young boys to kidnap and assassinate civilians, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. This undated image made from video released by the U.S. military in Iraq which it says shows an apparent al Qaeda training operation. The videotapes seized during U.S. raids on suspected al Qaeda in Iraq hide-outs show the terror group training young boys to kidnap and assassinate civilians, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/US Military) Previous slide Next slide o 0 o 1 * Interactive Battle For Iraq The government, the insurgency, key players, background and photos. * Stories * U.S. May Not Meet Iraqi Refugee Pledge (CBS/AP) Videotapes seized during U.S. raids on suspected al Qaeda in Iraq hide-outs show the terror group training young boys to kidnap and assassinate civilians, U.S. and Iraqi officials said Wednesday. Footage aired for reporters showed an apparent training operation with black-masked boys - some of whom appeared to be about 10 years old - storming a house and holding guns to the heads of mock residents. Another tape showed a young boy wearing a suicide vest and posing with automatic weapon
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Your point? Man, you are dumb. I mean "shit-for-brains" stupid.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Right. Sure. The UN and the rest of the world was wrong in who did it, but the "US Army War College" is now THE Source. Even if you thought Saddam did it, it wouldn't matter. Just be honest, for once in your life, just once.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Nope, wrong. You live in an echo-chamber where you don't get out and hear what the real Americans have to day. Tell me, where do you live? What city?
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Dwarf is only following orders from the DNC. He is incapable of independent thought.
2008?!? Tool...
What do we have today?
....all received their intelligence information [and thus formed their conclusion] from one source: The US Government. Are you, Boofer and Padlock the last three morons on earth who believe that Colin Powell told the truth at the UN?
Tool... That fucking kid was Al Queda. Doom on him.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Care to explain that historical fact?????
#41. To: lucysmom (#39)
(Edited)
#42. To: war (#41)
They wholly ignore the fact that If we existed in the form the Framers expressed we'd have never fought a war in Iraq...
#43. To: lucysmom (#42)
I think Carter's energy policy was more in tune with the founding fathers.
#44. To: war (#40)
Here we are five going on six years later in Iraq.
#45. To: war (#41)
I never cease to be amazed at how self proclaimed small government types love to see power exercised in its rawest form..."What's mine is mine and what's yours I can take at will..."
#46. To: war (#38)
But...but...but...Saddam's army was formidable!!!!
#47. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#44)
Sorry, Iraq is no longer an enemy, and we did it DIRT FUCKING CHEAP.
#48. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#44)
Far better than it was when Sadaam was in power...
#49. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#45)
Liberation. We liberated them.
#50. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#46)
Bush defeated Iraq, and did it on the cheap.
#51. To: war (#49)
We liberated them from what?
#52. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#44)
Sorry, Iraq is no longer an enemy, and we did it DIRT FUCKING CHEAP.
Sorry, we need the oil. "real politik" is how the world operates, not in some fantasy land where we don't go to war for oil.
Mad dog gets "calibrated..."
#53. To: lucysmom (#47)
Since you haven't paid the price, it isn't up to you to decide if it was cheap or not.
#54. To: war (#48)
As for dirt cheap? A trillion borrowed dollars and 4000 lives.
#55. To: war (#49)
Iraq was the most liberal and open society in the mideast. It no longer is. We liberated them from what?
#56. To: lucysmom (#51)
Clean water and reliable electricity.
#57. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#53)
Yes, I can say from a historical point of view that the 4000 we lost in Iraq was far less than the 60,000 we lost in Viet Nam.
#58. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#56)
Well, you're a liberal and liberals love income tax.
#59. To: Nebuchadnezzar, lucysmom (#56)
Well, you're a liberal and liberals love income tax.
#60. To: lucysmom (#58)
You have no talent in the mind reading department - give it up before it gets you into trouble.
#61. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#54)
Sorry, Obama's failed stimulus cost more than the Iraq war.
#62. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#54)
And yes, Iraq was a great victory where we bled Al Queda to death.
#63. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#55)
You don't know of Sadaam's crimeS?
#64. To: war (#61)
You are such a fucking whack job
#65. To: war (#62)
#66. To: war (#63)
Saddam treated his people better than the people in Kuwait were treated.
#67. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#66)
#68. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#65)
#69. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#64)
(Edited)
#70. To: war (#62)
#71. To: war (#68)
We lost that war too.
#72. To: war (#67)
The US Army War College did an analysis of that incident and determined it was IRAN who gassed those Kurds.
#73. To: war (#69)
No. It's hilarious. You Padlock and Boofer are the only people on the planet who promote the idea that this was a good thing.
#74. To: Nebuchadnezzar, war (#73)
#75. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#70)
#76. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#73)
(Edited)
You live in an echo-chamber where you don't get out and hear what the real Americans have to day.
#77. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#72)
Right. Sure.
#78. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#72)
The UN and the rest of the world...
#79. To: war (#75)
2008?!?
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