MAY 27/03: Our goal is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Out of respect for Memorial Day in the USA, we're running this feature Tuesday and Thursday this week instead.
If you find something here you want to blog about yourself (and we hope you do), all we ask is that you do as we do and offer a Hat Tip hyperlink to today's "Winds of War". Welcome!
IRAQ BRIEFING
Saddam's deadliest biological weapons may have been his sons, Uday and Qusay Hussein. "An appalling portrait of evil," says Conrad of Gweilo Diaries. Yes - and more.
As predicted, Col. Tim Collins of the Royal Irish, who gave an historically fine pre-war speech to his troops, appears to have been cleared of all charges quickly. He's still upset, however, as anyone in his position would be. Here's more background on his accuser, a U.S. Army Reserves Major. Was revenge a motive for the charges? My take: the system is screwed up. I can see why the Major might feel compelled to report what he had heard. I do not see why his report was deemed serious enough for an inquiry.
Is Iraq the most likely place for future al-Qaeda attacks? Intel Dump thinks so, and explains why.
Donald Rumsfeld on rebuilding Iraq. Some good reminders and policy markers, since very few people remember what a mess Europe was for several years between 1945-1950. Still don't understand the latest move re: just disbanding the Iraqi Army wholesale, though.
This is not a good sign: Shi'a clerics establishing parallel institutions of justice, run according to their version of Islamic law.
Reminder of what Special Forces are up to since full-scale hostilities stopped.
Speaking of Special Forces, Armed Liberal speaks from experience to analyze the PFC Jessica Lynch rescue. Looks like the definitive treatment to me - why couldn't the media just do this in the first place?
Just what did those opening-night strikes hit? Something important enough to pause "shock and awe," but exactly what is now unclear.
Which "cards" have we captured so far? The CENTCOM list. And the visual version of "Ba'ath Poker." Meanwhile, Boomshock has a list of our best poker hands.
The troops are still there. So is the Winds of Change.NET consolidated directory of ways you can support the troops. American, British and Australian. Anyone out there with more information, incl. the Poles and Czechs? [updated April 1, 2003]
U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY
Celeste notes that Eco-Terrorists in ALF and ELF are upping the ante. Now they're blowing up peoples' homes.
THE WIDER WAR
Armed Liberal, with the best summation I've yet seen of the wider war we face. He explains it on a civilizational level as well as a strategic level, and ties the two together.
Two more excellent WoT reports: Kate covers al-Qaeda's strategy, and "Playing Offense" covers America's actions since 9/11.
This one ties nicely into Armed Liberal's thesis, and it's important reading: How South Korea's View of the North Flipped.
Ledeen on why Iran must be next. Note that he no longer closes his columns with "faster, please."
Donald Rumsfeld expressed some thoughts of his own concerning Iran. Nick at The Agonist notes, however, that apathy may be a problem.
Our Roadmap Roundup offers some hopeful and not so hopeful takes on the Israeli-Palestinian Roadmap, along with some useful background on key regional player Jordan.
Who killed Daniel Pearl? And why it might matter.
We try to close on a lighter note if possible. Apparently, there's a for-real Caped Crusader running around in London, England (a.k.a. Gothic City?). Da da da da Da da da da...
The jerk that made the accusations against Col. Collins not only was trying to get even, he's a high school guidance counselor.
Sure, there are some good counselors out there. But remember the scene from "Clerks"?
So let me get this right. Iran's next, then maybe Pakistan, or North Korea or Syria.
O.K. and when do we start the draft?
And how many bonds are we going to sell to pay for this after the tax cuts?
In order: Yes, probably not, maybe, doubt it, never, lots.