Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday.
Our "Winds of War" coverage of the global War on Terror is a separate briefing today, and both are brought to you by Robin Burk.
TOP TOPICS
* An anti-American operative in Iraq appealed for help from al-Qaida leaders to help spark a sectarian war between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in an effort to drive the U.S. out of the country. On the bright side, another part of this memo confirms their understanding that the U.S. isn't about to cut and run.
* "Going postal" - it's not just for the home front! Looks like some Iraqis are learning the hard way that American postal types can be ornery.
* The Washington Post has an article dealing with frontline views of soldiers returning from Iraq and attempting to debrief their new replacements on the dangers there. Winds of Change.NET has run a few of those, too.
Other Topics Today Include: Stryker's trial by fire; Committee formed to investigate pre-war intel; Banks opening; Extinguishing the wells; Arab League nervous about democracy; Support the troops; Cards captured; Toy drive recognized by President Bush.
REPORTS FROM THE FIELD
* Intel Dump examines the Improved Explosive Device ("IED") problem facing U.S. troops in Iraq and what measures they are taking to combat the situation. (Hat Tip: Stryker Brigade News)
* The new Stryker vehicles are undergoing their trial by fire in Iraq. There have been concerns that the new vehicle would be a fat target for RPGs and other light anti-tank weapons... but it looks like their armor design is working.
RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY
* So, what's it like to put out oil well fires in a war zone? Boots & Coots aided in extinguishing four wells which were on fire and safely controlling an additional five wells - all in the first 45 days of the war. This is their story.
* Follow the money. All $300 million of it. But will the banks hand over Hussein's blood-money?
* Iraq’s Central Bank has granted three foreign banks the first licenses. For the first time in 40 years, the banks will be able to open branches and offer full financial service.
* The Baghdad Business Center, which for the past 9 months has been the central office for disbursing Coalition contracts and business development loans and advice has been transferred to Iraqi control.
* The Ministry of Health along with several human rights NGOs have inaugurated one of the largest centers for psychological care and therapy in the region in a testament to the dramatic psychological trauma facing Iraqis.
THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
* The Bush Administration has appointed a group to investigate the quality of intelligence that led to the decision to invade Iraq. Bush, Rumsfeld and Cheney continue to vigorously defend the war.
* Victor Davis Hanson says the decision to invade Iraq has borne important fruit.
* The Arab League is nervous about Kurds and Shiites gaining influence in the new Iraq. Democracy on the doorstep - now THAT's a threat!
ETCETERA
* On a more somber note, DOD is investigating reported instances of rape of US female soldiers by male US troops.
* Which "cards" have we captured so far? The CENTCOM list. And the visual version of "Ba'ath Poker."
* The troops are still there. So is the Winds of Change.NET consolidated directory of ways you can support the troops.
* Don't forget Chief Wiggles' Toys for Iraq drive! Congrats on the Presidential recognition, Chief!
I have yet to see a good visual representation of the deck of cards. Couldn't someone scan the deck pictures of the villains, then put red-'X's over the ones "accounted for", with maybe just a date and brief mention beneath their card?
A single web page just showing 'X'-ed cards would speak volumes.
Dunno about the red Xs, but the visual version over at Doc Weevil's has almost everything else:
http://www.doctorweevil.org/BaathDeck.html