Thursday Iraq Report

Via Antiwar.com
Thursday: 1 US Soldier, 20 Iraqis Killed; 20 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 5:30 p.m. EST, Jan. 31, 2008

For the third day in a row, Baghdad saw a number of small bombings. One explosion killed an American soldier. At least 20 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 20 more were wounded in attacks across the country. Meanwhile, the head of a parliamentary committee warns of the dire consequences facing Iraqi war widows. Also, military authorities reported that military suicides are up by as much as 20 percent, while Bush administration officials released stricter rules to govern security contractors in Iraq

Updated at 11:50 p.m. EST, Jan. 31, 2008

For the third day in a row, Baghdad saw a number of small bombings. At least 23 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 38 more were wounded in attacks across the country. Two U.S. soldiers were also killed. Meanwhile, the head of a parliamentary committee warns of the dire consequences facing Iraqi war widows. Also, military authorities reported that troopmember suicides are up by as much as 20 percent, and Bush administration officials released stricter rules to govern security contractors in Iraq.

A roadside bomb explosion killed an American soldier today in Baghdad, while another U.S. servicember was killed by indirect fire in Tikrit.

From Wingnut Wizardette Malkin

Today's lesson in wingnut logic is more akin to a gaffe

or a nugget of truthiness. Take your pick.

From the mouth of the wingnut wizardette herself.

So, Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John McCain. He extolled McCain for “reach[ing] across the political aisle to get things done.”

We’ll hear that annoying platitude a bazillion and one times through Super Tuesday and beyond.

To which I say: When did it become the Republican Party’s top priority to “get things done"

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Man O man, Michelle nails it on this one. We're half way thru the 110th Congress and Republicans have already broke all records for filibusters. They're on pace to double that dubious distinction of being the filibuster Kings of all time in American history. Hoorah! Michelle, hoorah. By your noble standards the current minority in congress has succeeded in getting little done by blocking everything that moves thru the US Senate.

tip from Sadly, No!

Wednesday Iraq Report--Mr. Bush's Gift to Iraq

Wednesday: 28 Iraqis Killed, 35 Wounded courtesy of Antiwar.com

Updated at 9:00 p.m EST, Jan. 30, 2008

A flurry of small bombings continued in and around Baghdad for the second day in a row. Overall, at least 28 Iraqis were killed and 35 more wounded throughout the country. No Coalition deaths were reported. Also, two new studies reported significant new findings concerning Iraqi war deaths and wounded American soldiers.

According to an Opinion Research Group poll, over one million Iraqis have died since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

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One million dead Iraqi's Mr. Bush. It's a good thing we got rid of Saddam Hussein so Iraqi's could be free and safe from his murderous ways. Now over one million have no more worries at all!

George W. Bush - A Law Unto Himself

Bush asserts authority to bypass defense act

Calls restrictions unconstitutional

President Bush said Congress's prohibition on building permanent military bases in Iraq infringes on his executive powers.

Email|Print| Text size – + By Charlie Savage Globe Staff / January 30, 2008

WASHINGTON - President Bush this week declared that he has the power to bypass four laws, including a prohibition against using federal funds to establish permanent US military bases in Iraq, that Congress passed as part of a new defense bill.

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What an arrogant ass we have for a President. So for you pea brain Republicans who voted this narcissistic brat in for two terms as President, if Hllary or Barrack decides they want to militarize the planet what are you going to say. No doubt you'll cry foul as your heads explode. But remember, it's your fault. We tried to warn you, but your allegiance to the "conservative cause" has brought us here, to a President who believes he is King and his serfdom includes the Congress and the Courts.

It's not the first time Bush has exceeded his authority, but this is one of the most egregious. A President who can permanently assign the US Military to occupy any country he wants in spite of US law and Constitution. OK! Ms Pelosi can we impeach the seditious SOB now!

And permanent bases in Iraq is not the only law he doesn't like in the Defense Bill.
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The signing statement also targeted a provision in the defense bill that strengthens protections for whistle-blowers working for companies that hold government contracts. The new law expands employees' ability to disclose wrongdoing without being fired, and it gives greater responsibility to federal inspectors general to investigate complaints of retaliation.

In addition, Bush targeted a section that requires intelligence agencies to turn over "any existing intelligence assessment, report, estimate or legal opinion" requested by the leaders of the House and Senate armed services committees within 45 days. If the president wants to assert executive privilege to deny the request, the law says, White House counsel must do so in writing.

Finally, Bush's signing statement raised constitutional questions about a section of the bill that established an independent, bipartisan "Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan" to investigate allegations of waste, mismanagement, and excessive force by contractors.

The law requires the Pentagon to provide information to the panel "expeditiously" upon its request.

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Hurry up January, 2009!!!!!!!1

Good Luck John Edwards

CNN:

Edwards quitting presidential race — (CNN) — Former Sen. John Edwards is dropping out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, CNN has learned. — Edwards has told top advisers about his decision. It is expected he will announce it at a speech in New Orleans, Louisiana, at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
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John was my guy and the only candidate I trust to scale back the excessive power big corporations have gained the last 30 years, especially the last 8. I have no problem voting for either Hillary or Barack, but then I'd vote for uncle Elmer's yellow dog before I'd vote for a Republican--at least for the foreseeable future. Anyways John, adios and good luck and may you and Elizabeth be healthy, because your already wealthy and wise.

Tuesday Iraq Report

Tuesday: 34 Iraqis Killed, 46 Wounded Anti-War.com

At least 34 Iraqis were killed and another 46 were wounded in attacks mostly targeting civilians and security personnel. Nineteen of the victims were found in a gruesome discovery in Muqdadiyah. No Coalition deaths were reported.

A suicide car bomb in Mosul left one dead and as many as 15 Iraqis injured. The target was a U.S. patrol, but no Americans were injured. This attack comes a day after five Americans were killed in a combined attack in the Sumer neighborhood, and as Iraqi troops descend on the city to rid it of suspected al-Qaeda elements.

Tuesday: 1 US Soldier, 61 Iraqis Killed; 56 Iraqis Wounded
Updated at 8:30 p.m EST, Jan. 29, 2008

At least 61 Iraqis were killed and another 56 were wounded in attacks mostly targeting civilians and security personnel. Nineteen of the victims were found in a gruesome discovery in Muqdadiyah. The DOD reported that a U.S. soldier died Sunday of wounds received in a roadside bombing last July. Also, President Bush said that a slowdown in troop withdrawal is likely.

The Darkness of Lord Cheney

From Thinkprogress

Cheney has piece of house where Zarqawi died ‘on display.’

In a cover story on “how Bush decided on the surge,” the Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes declared that “it’s clear the surge has been a success” and noted that Vice President Dick Cheney has a gruesome souvenir from Iraq:

The week before Camp David, Abu Musab al Zarqawi, the al Qaeda leader in Iraq, had been killed. (Cheney has a piece of the house where Zarqawi died on display at his residence.)

Image from my questionable imagination and photoshop skills.