Saturday, November 08, 2014

Iraq snapshot

Saturday, November 8, 2014.  Chaos and violence continue, Barack wants to send more US troops -- even more -- into Iraq, Iraq's government declares the move "too late,"  Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani rebukes corruption, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tries to act important, and much more.


He waited until after the mid-term election to announce it, but US President Barack Obama is sending more US troops into Iraq.  CBS News notes, "White House officials said the timing wasn't driven by the political calendar but that the request came from the Iraqi government and was refined over the last several weeks."

Yesterday, the White House issued the following:

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Deployment of Additional U.S. Military Personnel to Iraq

One of the pillars of the United States’ counter-ISIL strategy is building the capacity of local forces to take the fight to ISIL. We have been providing this support for Iraqi Security Forces through advise and assist programs; through the provision of weapons, equipment, and intelligence; and through airstrikes with our coalition partners to enable our Iraqi partners’ success. As a part of our strategy for strengthening partners on the ground, President Obama today authorized the deployment of up to 1500 additional U.S. military personnel in a non-combat role to train, advise, and assist Iraqi Security Forces, including Kurdish forces. The President also authorized U.S. personnel to conduct these integral missions at Iraqi military facilities located outside Baghdad and Erbil. U.S. troops will not be in combat, but they will be better positioned to support Iraqi Security Forces as they take the fight to ISIL.
The President took these decisions at the request of the Iraqi Government and upon the recommendation of Secretary Hagel and his military commanders based upon the assessed needs of the Iraqi Security Forces. This mission will be undertaken in coordination with multiple coalition partners and will be funded through the request for an Iraq Train and Equip fund that the Administration will submit to Congress.

In recent weeks ISIL has suffered a series of defeats in Iraq against the Iraqi Security Forces and Peshmerga, with the support of U.S. and coalition air strikes and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, as well as U.S. military advice. The United States and its coalition partners will continue to confront the threat of ISIL with strength and resolve as we seek to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism campaign. The President values the dedication and valor of the American servicemen and women whom he asks to carry out this mission on behalf of the American people.


Again, Barack waited until after the mid-term election on Tuesday to announce his decision.


Possibly, he was fearful of a backlash in the United States?

If so, he was mistaken, sadly.

Peace groups or 'peace' groups have bent over backwards for the baby boy they whored for in 2008.

They've refused to call him out as he's carried out more wars than Bully Boy Bush, carried on the worst policies of Bully Boy Bush and proven to be one of the worst presidents of all time.

To their credit, for a change CodePink had neither their head in the sand or a case of laryngitis and actually noted their opposition to the move:




Equally true, though, they're part of a campaign to call Hillary a "bitch."  (Little Denny Trainor Junior's campaign -- which won't make him man, but nothing else has either.)

To call her a "bitch" or the c-word or worse.

They think it's 'cute' and 'antiwar.'

And maybe it would be if just one damn time they called Barack a bastard (which, linguistically speaking, he is).

But they can't and they won't call Barack mean names.  They can barely bring themselves to object to his war making.

And that is definition of sexism.

If their approach to protesting war was calling people curse words, then that would be their approach.

And we could examine it or amplify it or critique it or condemn or whatever.

But that's not their approach with men.

It's only how they treat women.

And when you have a double standard, that's the definition of sexism.

Since 2008, they've protested Hillary, heckled her, called her mean names and attacked everything about her.

During this time?  Barack Obama has spent six years as US President.

And they've never called out the precious little baby boy.

No.

They've applauded and cheered and said, "Look, Barack made stinky in the toilet all by himself like a big boy!"

They've applauded and cheered his every baby step towards further destruction and death.

When they look back on the last years, they'll see they've vilified a one-time US Secretary of State while letting the most powerful person in the world, a sitting US president, get away with, yes, murder (see The Drone War for the first of many examples).

Beyond issues of ethics and fairness, their past actions matter because Barack hasn't started another wave of the ongoing Iraq War in a vacuum.

He's done it because the so-called 'left' in the United States hasn't had the backbone, ethics, what have you to call him out.

If only he were a Republican (or a woman), he could be vilified by what passes for a peace movement in the United States.


Instead, so-called 'leftists' still rush to lie that Barack has 'ended' the Iraq War.

Lolita C. Baldor (AP) reports the proposal Barack's making comes with a $5.6 billion price tag and Congress is expected to begin considering it next week. Missy Ryan (Washington Post) observes, "The new training mission in Iraq echoes a much larger effort that the United States initiated after its invasion of Iraq in 2003. That years-long endeavor, which rebuilt Iraqi forces­­ largely from scratch, cost the United States more than $20 billion."  And yet Barack's rushing to spend more billions at a time when he has repeatedly attacked the safety net programs in the US (see, for example, Andre Damon's "Obama budget slashes Social Security, Medicare" at WSWS last year).



Spencer Ackerman and Tom McCarthy (Guardian) report, "Barack Obama has authorized the doubling of US troop levels in Iraq for the war against Islamic State (Isis) militants, further straining his pledge against 'boots on the ground'."  And the press, with the exception of Ackerman and McCarthy, agree to pretend there are no boots on the ground and that US pilots dropping bombs in Iraq are not flying combat missions.

 BBC News reports (link is video) on a reaction to the news today:



Russell Trott:  Despite the lack of security on the streets of the Iraqi capital, some see the announcement of the deployment of   1,500 non-combat US troops as a fresh occupation of their land

Hamd Al Mutlaq (Iraqi Sunni law-maker): The US has sent thousands of soldiers and invaded Iraq and failed to impose security and stability in the country.  What gives us security and stability is the unity of the Iraqi people.  What is needed from the US is for it to help bring the Iraqi people together.

Russell Trott: More bomb blasts in Kobani a border town under siege for more than 40 days now despite the bombardment by US led aistrikes on Islamic State positions, they still control large areas of Iraq and Syria.  In Kobani, they're up against [. . .] and in Iraqi Kurdistan where their own battle with the Islamic State continues, the announcement of more US troops is welcomed but not unconditionally.

Ari Harsin (Defence Comm Head, Kurdish Regional Govt): I hope that they can effectively take part in the battle and, especially, because we need the ground troops.

Russell Trott: That is something Washington has so far resisted.  Three months after  US forces  first launched airstrike, the Pentagon believes Iraqi forces are better prepared to take on Islamic State militants on the ground thanks in part to the training they have received.  


Barack is selling this as a response to a request from the Iraqi government (made weeks ago, did he only now get the message?).  So it's interesting to read All Iraq News:  "The Iraqi Government assured on Saturday 'the decision of sending more international troops into Iraq is welcomed despite the fact that it is too late step'."

It is too late?


Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time 
There's something wrong here, there can be no denying 
One of us is changing 
Or maybe we just stopped trying 
 And it's too late, baby, now it's too late 
Though we really did try to make it 
Something inside has died 
And I can't hide and I just can't fake it
-- "It's Too Late," written by Carole King and Toni Stern, first appears on Carole's Tapestry album


It's too late -- the hymn to the White House.

And, though the western press is ignoring the remarks of the Iraqi government, let's note that they fall under the category of "slap in the face" and not "gratitude."

Three months, over three months, Barack's 'plan' has been carried out and it's accomplished nothing.

So what he does he propose?

More of the same.

That's not a strategy for success.

That's a sign of a highly ignorant person refusing to own their mistakes and learn from them.

Stephen Collinson (CNN) offers, "To date, Anbar province and Taji district have been considered as two likely locations for operations centers outside of Baghdad and Erbil. CNN reported last week that the military was preparing plans to deploy U.S. advisers to Anbar, much of which is under the control of ISIS."

Last Saturday, UNAMI underplayed the death toll yet again.  Here are the totals according to UNAMI, October saw 1506 violent deaths and 2594 people injured in violence.

By playing games in their own press release, the United Nation is (repeatedly) able to downplay and mislead with regards to the violence in Iraq.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's two terms will end with him never having defended the Iraqi people but instead as a rubber stamp for any actions sought by the US government.  Never before has the United Nations suffered from such a lack of leadership or courage.  Even Kofi Annan found the courage to call out the US government's actions when he was Secretary-General.

Ban Ki-moon, by contrast, looks like a pet, a dog, on a US leash being led around by his betters.

Why he ever took the position is a mystery to all because he's done nothing with it.

All Iraq News reports Ban Ki-Moon declared today, "Every day, ISIS, Al Qaida, Al Shabaab, Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations are threatening innocent civilians in seemingly new and more gruesome ways. I am deeply disturbed that these dangerous groups continue recruiting members of our societies, including mostly young people.  I am consistently addressing concerns about terrorism in my discussions with leaders around the world."


Having now taken the 'brave' stand to come out in opposition to terrorism, Ban next plans to take a hard hitting stand against littering and, time permitting, gingivitis.


No one will ever accuse Ban of exceeding expectations.


The violence never ends in Iraq.  Some of today's violence?  All Iraq News notes a southeastern Baghdad car bombing left 2 people dead and nine more injured and an Amen car bombing left 6 people dead and thirty-four more injured.  National Iraqi News Agency adds that a Sadr City car bombing left 6 people dead and thirty-five injured, a Musayyib Village roadside bombing left 1 woman and her two children injured "while they were herding sheep," and 49 corpses were discovered in Kirkuk (said to "unidentified suicide bombers whose relatives have not received their bodies").



Friday, Raheem Salman (Reuters) reported major news:

Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric said on Friday that corruption in the armed forces had enabled Islamic State to seize much of northern Iraq, criticism that will pressure the government to enact reforms in the face of an insurgency.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has become increasingly critical of Iraqi leaders since Islamic State's lightning advance created Iraq's worst crisis since a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

al-Sistani could determine elections, so great is his influence.  And he's a key figure the United States government seeks out whenever they attempt (half-assed or fully) an effort in Iraq.

While he remains politically neutral for the most part, he can remain pointedly politically neutral.

By 2011, it was clear al-Sistani was done with Nouri al-Maliki.  The protesters' demands were being ignored and that appeared to bother al-Sistani a great deal.  By the time the spring of 2012 rolled around and with Nouri facing real trouble, al-Sistani pointedly sat out on the issue of a no-vote in Parliament.  Though he was asked to weigh in and call for the proposal to be set aside, he pointedly refused to comment one way or another allowing the measure to move forward.  (Then-Iraqi President Jalal Talabani would kill the effort at the end of May 2012.)

His remarks today are significant in the timing.  While many others say similar things privately (Ammar al-Hakim, to name but one), al-Sistani is going public and doing so very early in Haider al-Abadi's tenure as prime minister which can be seen as al-Sistani putting the new government on notice that it needs to get its act together and do so quickly.

The Grand Ayatollah wasn't the only one making statements today.  All Iraq News reports, "The Religious Authority represented by Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalayi, called Authority called politicians to understand their huge responsibility at current critical stage."




In the United States, this coming Tuesday is Veterans Day. The American Legion issued the following:

As it gets closer to Nov. 11, everyone from local American Legion posts to the national organization is preparing to observe Veterans Day across the country. 
In and around the nation's capital, American Legion National Vice Commander William Bryant will represent the Legion at the White House during its Veterans Day breakfast, as well as at ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Verna Jones, the new executive director of the Washington office, will appear on C-SPAN to discuss veterans issues.
A group of Legion family members will march in New York City's "America's Parade," while another group will march in the San Diego parade.
Home Depot and Post 77 of St. Louis will conduct a rebuilding event in the city.
Veterans Day observances will not be limited to face-to-face interaction, either. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club will host a special on-air tribute with the opportunity to check in from anywhere and speak to fellow veterans. Read more details here.
All these events and more will be covered over the next week. The Legion has a dedicated Veterans Day page that also includes a Veterans Day speech; black and white and color special ad slicks; a list of discounts and offers courtesy of Military.com; and more. Visit www.legion.org/veteransday for ongoing Veterans Day coverage.



Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued the following:

Veterans Week 2014: Vets Rising

CONTACT: Gretchen Andersen (212) 982-9699 or press@iava.org


New York, N.Y. (November 7, 2014) – This Veterans Week, post-9/11 veterans and supporters will participate in events across the country, bringing all Americans together to highlight the sacrifices and strengths of the new greatest generation of veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will participate in New York City’s annual Veterans Day parade, The Concert for Valor hosted by HBO, Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase in Washington, D.C., the Veteran's Day Breakfast at the White House, and will be on the ground in more than 30 cities and towns across the country, including:


·      Events in California, including the Los Angeles, San Fernando, Palm Springs, San Francisco, and San Diego Veterans Day parades;
·      A service project in the Bronx, N.Y.;
·      A meet-and-greet with the band O.A.R. in Asheville, N.C.; and,
·      Parades in Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh, N.C., Milwaukee, Wisc., Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, Ariz., Portland, Ore., Grand Rapids, Neb., and Nashville, Tenn., among others.


Additional events can be found at http://iava.org/vetsday2014. Veterans can RSVP or create their own events through the website.


Veterans and supporters are encouraged to post pictures throughout the day that demonstrate the power of America's veterans on their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages along with the #VetsRising hashtag.
IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff will attend the White House breakfast on Veterans Day.


“Veterans Day is the most important time for our community,” said Rieckhoff. “This year, IAVA is celebrating the fact that veterans are not just meeting today's challenges, they're rising above them. Our veterans are not charity. They are leaders making a difference in their communities across the country. 

Veterans Day is every day, and IAVA will continue to engage with our members every day to highlight the sacrifices and successes of the New Greatest Generation!”   


IAVA Marches in the 2014 America’s Parade 
WHAT: IAVA will march the 2.5 miles up 5th Avenue in the 2014 New York City Veterans Day Parade.
WHO: IAVA members and families
WHEN: Tues., Nov. 11, 2014, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Flat Iron Plaza, 949 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 



IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary
WHAT: IAVA will host the IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary, a night to honor those who have made a unique and lasting contribution to IAVA’s mission to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
WHO: IAVA will present the 2014 IAVA Veterans Leadership Award to Admiral Mike Mullen, 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the 2014 IAVA Civilian Service Award to Travis Kalanick, CEO and Co-Founder of Uber. Willie Geist, co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald will also be speaking at the event.
WHEN: Thurs., Nov. 13, 2014, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 
Press check-in: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.  (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Sponsor Reception: 5:30 to 6:30pm (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Cocktail Reception: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Dinner and Award Presentation: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Cipriani 42nd Street)
WHERE: Cipriani 42nd Street, 110 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017


Note to media: Please contact press@IAVA.org if you would like to cover a Veterans Day event or IAVA’s Heroes Gala. We can also connect you with a veteran.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and has nearly 300,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide. Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, IAVA recently received the highest rating - four-stars - from Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.



# # #




Many food establishments will be honoring veterans on Monday or Tuesday.  Golden Corral will hold it's 2014 Military Appreciation Monday "thank you" dinner Monday from 5 pm till 9 pm. That's for veterans and active duty -- as are the other events we're noting.  Maybe you're a fan of pancakes?  Tuesday, IHOP will be serving free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 am to 7 pm to "the brave men and women who have served, or are serving, in the United States Military."  Sizzler will be serving lunch on Tuesday, "Until 4 p.m., guests with proof of military service may choose a free entrĂ©e of either a six-ounce Tri Tip Steak, a single
Malibu Chicken or a half dozen Fried Shrimp. Coffee, iced tea or a fountain drink is included."  Maybe you're really busy Tuesday and not sure when you can eat?  Hooters will be serving a free entree to veterans and service members on Tuesday and click here for locations.  On The Border (except in Nevada -- and only in limited locations in California) will be serving veterans "a free Create Your Own Combo entree ('Choose 2' or 'Choose 3')" at these locations.

There will be many others but we highlight those who sent a press release or announcement to the public e-mail.  In addition to those establishments,  Great Clips will also be honoring Veterans Day:
On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, any day before Dec. 31, 2014.

“Most of us know at least one veteran we would like to thank on that day,” says Great Clips CEO, Rhoda Olsen, who is married to a Vietnam veteran.  “We invite everyone to come into a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to purchase a service and pick up a free haircut card. Give the card to a veteran in your family, a neighbor or just someone you notice is a veteran to thank them for serving our country. It’s a simple, yet meaningful, way for more people to show appreciation to veterans with the help of Great Clips.”

How It Works:

• Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
• Limit one card per customer (while supplies last).
• The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11–Dec. 31, 2014 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.
• Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. After Nov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.

FIND A SALON HERE







iraq
missy ryan










FACT SHEET: The Administration’s Strategy to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Updated FY 2015 Overseas Contingency Operations Request

The White House released the following yesterday:



FACT SHEET: The Administration’s Strategy to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Updated FY 2015 Overseas Contingency Operations Request

ISIL poses an immediate threat to Iraq, Syria, and American allies and partners throughout the region as it seeks to overthrow governments, control territory, terrorize local populations, and implement an oppressive and intolerant interpretation of sharia law.  If left unchecked, ISIL could pose a growing threat to the United States and others beyond the region.  Thousands of foreign fighters – including Europeans and some Americans – have joined ISIL in Syria and Iraq.  We are concerned that these trained and battle-hardened fighters will try to return to their home countries and carry out deadly attacks.  At the same time, ISIL is attempting to assert itself as the leader of the global jihad.  ISIL remains well-resourced and has demonstrated an ability to recruit and radicalize through social media.    


The United has built a global coalition of willing partners with the goal of degrading and ultimately defeating ISIL.  The President has set forward a comprehensive strategy featuring nine lines of effort to counter ISIL:



  • Supporting Effective Governance in Iraq:  We are supporting the new Iraqi government on efforts to govern inclusively and effectively as well as to strengthen its cooperation with regional partners. 
  • Denying ISIL Safe-Haven: We are conducting a systematic campaign of airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. Working with the Iraqi government, we are striking ISIL targets and supporting Iraqi forces on the ground. We will degrade ISIL’s leadership, logistical and operational capability, and deny it sanctuary and resources to plan, prepare and execute attacks.
  • Building Partner Capacity: We will build the capability and capacity of our partners in the region to sustain an effective long-term campaign against ISIL. Our advisors are working to advise Iraqi forces, including Kurdish forces, to improve their ability to plan, lead, and conduct operations against ISIL, and we will provide training to help the Iraqis reconstitute their security forces and establish a National Guard.  Our train and equip program will strengthen the Syrian moderate opposition and help the defend territory from ISIL.
  • Enhancing Intelligence Collection on ISIL:  Continuing to gain more fidelity on ISIL’s capabilities, plans, and intentions is central to our strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy the group, and we will continue to strengthen our ability to understand this threat, as well as to share vital information with our Iraqi and Coalition partners to enable them to effectively counter ISIL.   
  • Disrupting ISIL’s Finances:  ISIL’s expansion over the past year has given it access to significant and diverse sources of funding.  So, we are working aggressively with our partners on a coordinated approach to reduce ISIL’s revenue from oil and assets it has plundered; limit ISIL’s ability to extort local populations; stem ISIL’s gains from kidnapping for ransom; and disrupt the flow of external donations to the group. 
  • Exposing ISIL’s True Nature:  Clerics around the world have spoken up in recent weeks to highlight ISIL’s hypocrisy, condemning the group’s savagery and criticizing its self-proclaimed “caliphate.”  We are working with our partners throughout the Muslim world to highlight ISIL’s hypocrisy and counter its false claims of acting in the name of religion.  
  • Disrupting the Flow of Foreign Fighters:  Foreign terrorist fighters are ISIL’s lifeblood, and a global security threat—with citizens of nearly 80 countries filling its ranks.  On September 24, the President convened an historic Summit-level meeting of the UN Security Council, focused on this issue and we will continue to lead an international effort to stem the flow of fighters into Syria and Iraq.
  • Protecting the Homeland: We will continue to use the criminal justice system as a critical counterterrorism tool, work with air carriers to implement responsible threat-based security and screening requirements, and counter violent extremism here at home. 
  • Humanitarian Support:  We and our partners will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the displaced and vulnerable in Iraq and Syria.


Pursuing the nine lines of effort to advance the comprehensive strategy is a whole of government effort.
FY 2015 Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Amendment


The Administration will submit an updated FY 2015 OCO request to Congress for the Department of Defense (DOD), the Intelligence Community (IC), and the Department of State and Other International Programs (State/OIP).  These amendments request $5.6 billion for OCO activities to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL.


These OCO amendments would provide resources for DOD and State/OIP for operations and activities that were not anticipated when the Administration submitted its June 2014 OCO budget request.


Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)


In support of OIR, the OCO amendments include $5.0 billion for DOD to conduct a range of military operations against ISIL in the Middle East region, which includes the $1.6 billion Iraq Train and Equip Fund.  These operations directly support the components of the Administration’s strategy that aim to deny ISIL a safe-haven and expand intelligence collection against ISIL.  Funds include items such as:


  • sustaining personnel forward deployed to the Middle East to provide training, advice, and assistance to partner security forces engaged in the fight against ISIL; 
  • providing forces with enablers to support operations, especially the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and support that are essential to conduct comprehensive counterterrorism operations;
  • replenishing or replacing munitions expended while conducting airstrikes against ISIL, including from Air Force and Navy platforms; and
  • financing operations and maintenance costs for air, ground, and naval operations, including: flying hours; ship steaming days; and fuel, supplies, and repair parts.      



The proposed OCO funding is in addition to the $58.6 billion DOD OCO request sent to the Congress in June 2014, which included the costs of operations in Afghanistan, DOD’s forward military presence in the broader Middle East region, and other critical missions.  The costs of military operations against ISIL in the Middle East region were not included in the June 2014 request, and DOD requires additional funding in order to avoid diverting funding from other key priorities within its budget.


Building Partner Capacity


DOD’s request supports the President’s strategy in terms of building partner capacity with the $1.6 billion Iraq Train and Equip Fund (ITEF).  ITEF will provide the resources to help reconstitute and develop security forces.  The funding will allow for training at multiple sites throughout Iraq for approximately twelve Iraqi brigades.  Coalition members will also play a critical role in the training of these forces. DoD will provide training, supplies, and equipment for Iraqi forces.  ITEF will complement other efforts to enable partners to counter terrorism, such as the Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund (CTPF) requested as part of the Administration’s June 2014 OCO request.


Funding for State/OIP


The amendments include $520 million in funding for State/OIP, which is in addition to the $7.3 billion total OCO request for State/OIP in the FY 2015 Budget and June OCO amendment including CTPF.  The existing request provides funding for diplomacy, governance, and security programs and activities to respond to the situation in Syria and other ongoing global crises.  This amendment includes additional resources to counter ISIL in Iraq, Syria, and the rest of the region – directly linked to denying ISIL Safe Haven, Building Partner Capacity, Exposing ISIL’s True Nature and Humanitarian Support lines of effort.



The funds will support the following activities: 



  • Bolstering regional partners and their efforts to address extremist threats along their borders;
  • Expanding ongoing assistance to the moderate Syrian opposition to develop their capacity to provide local security for communities;
  • Providing assistance to meet emergency humanitarian needs in Iraq; and
  • Exposing ISIL’s bankrupt ideology and narrative by amplifying positive messaging through international media and public diplomacy programs.












Friday, November 07, 2014

IHOP will be serving veterans on Veterans Day

IHOP is honoring Veterans on Veterans Day:




For generations, brave American men and women have given their time, and in many sad instances even their lives, to protect the qualities that make America the nation it is. This year, IHOP® restaurants are doing something special to express gratitude for these courageous men and women.


On Veteran’s Day, November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants around the nation will be honoring the brave men and women who have served, or are serving, in the United States Military by offering them free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Red, White and Blue pancakes, a patriotic twist on a classic IHOP restaurant favorite, features world famous Buttermilk Pancakes with blueberry and strawberry toppings and whipped cream.


“Words cannot fully express the gratitude we feel for the commitment and sacrifice of our Veterans and Active-Duty military members,” said Julia Stewart, Chairman and CEO, DineEquity Inc., and Interim President, International House of Pancakes, LLC. “It will be a privilege to welcome and serve these brave Americans who have served, and continue to serve our country.”


At some locations, the Red, White and Blue pancakes will be featured as part of a free combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns for past and present members of the military.


“Our franchisees and their team members are all looking forward to this opportunity to say thank you,” said Ms. Stewart. We are truly honored that these heroes would choose to spend part of their Veteran’s Day celebration with us here at IHOP.”


All veterans and active-duty military members must show proof of their service in order to receive an order of Red White and Blue pancakes. Valid identification includes wearing one’s uniform or any of the following: U.S. Uniform Services ID Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earning Statement, Veteran’s Organization Card, Photograph in Uniform, Citation or Commendation, or Military Dog Tags.

Promotion varies by location. See your local participating restaurant for details.



ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC

For over 56 years, International House of Pancakes, LLC has been a leader and expert in all things breakfast and a leader in family dining. The chain is highly competitive in its menu offering, serving 65 different signature, made-to-order breakfast options as well as a range of meals under 600 calories. Beyond offering “everything you love about breakfast®,” IHOP® restaurants have a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, as well. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of September 30, 2014, there were 1,664 IHOP restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Philippines and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under the licensed name IHOP at HOME® consumers can also enjoy a line of premium breakfast products available at leading retailers. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. DIN, -0.04% For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.IHOP.com. Follow IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.






Legionnaires prepare to honor Veterans Day

The American Legion issued the following:


As it gets closer to Nov. 11, everyone from local American Legion posts to the national organization is preparing to observe Veterans Day across the country.

In and around the nation's capital, American Legion National Vice Commander William Bryant will represent the Legion at the White House during its Veterans Day breakfast, as well as at ceremonies at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Verna Jones, the new executive director of the Washington office, will appear on C-SPAN to discuss veterans issues.

A group of Legion family members will march in New York City's "America's Parade," while another group will march in the San Diego parade.

Home Depot and Post 77 of St. Louis will conduct a rebuilding event in the city.

Veterans Day observances will not be limited to face-to-face interaction, either. The American Legion Amateur Radio Club will host a special on-air tribute with the opportunity to check in from anywhere and speak to fellow veterans. Read more details here.

All these events and more will be covered over the next week. The Legion has a dedicated Veterans Day page that also includes a Veterans Day speech; black and white and color special ad slicks; a list of discounts and offers courtesy of Military.com; and more. Visit www.legion.org/veteransday for ongoing Veterans Day coverage.










Sizzler Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

Tuesday is Veterans Day.  Sizzler will be showing their appreciation:

In honor of Veterans Day, Sizzler is serving vets and active-duty members of the United States military a free lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014.    
Until 4 p.m., guests with proof of military service may choose a free entrée of either a six-ounce Tri Tip Steak, a single
Malibu Chicken or a half dozen Fried Shrimp. Coffee, iced tea or a fountain drink is included.
Click to tweet: Participating Sizzler restaurants are serving vets and active-duty members of the United States military a free lunch on Veterans Day 2014.
Proof of service includes a U.S. military-issued or veterans’ group identification card, appearance in uniform or a photo of the guest in uniform.
“Current world events remind us of the contributions veterans made to our country and the sacrifices being made today by active-duty military personal,” said Kerry Kramp, president and CEO. “We look forward to showing our appreciation in-person on Veterans Day.”
Sizzler’s free lunch offer is valid for dine-in before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at participating locations. Offer does not include the Salad Bar or gratuity.
Link to participating locations: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn2/Sizzler/Promotions/Sizzler-VeteransDay_Participating-Locations.pdf
Connect with Sizzler online at www.sizzler.comwww.facebook.com/sizzler@Sizzler_USA#sizzler and www.youtube.com/user/SizzlerRestaurants.

Visit http://pressroom.sizzler.com for multimedia and more information.    



xxx

Veterans Day, the military eats free at Hooters

Veterans Day will be honored at Hooters







[In case "CLICK FOR LOCATIONS" above does not work, you can also click here.]






















'You served your country, let us serve you' (On The Border)

Veterans Day will be celebrated at On The Border:





Problem viewing? Click here.
On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina Menu Locations Catering Gift Cards










Ford Supports Honor Flight (DAV)

Disabled Veterans of America notes:





Ford Supports Honor Flight


Ford Motor Company and its Ford Motor Company Fund recently sponsored a flight bringing nearly 100 Chicago-area veterans to the National Mall in D.C. in advance of Veteran’s Day.

Escorted by guardians and medical volunteers, the 91 veterans who took part in the Oct. 29 flight spent about an hour touring the memorial before continuing on their trip, but not without expressing their gratitude for all those who made the trip possible.

“I have never had as much adulation as getting off the plane (to visit the memorials),” said Ted Sumara, a Navy veteran of World War II. “Get more of the veterans to see this. This is tremendous.”

It was the third Honor Flight the Fortune 500 Company has sponsored this year, and the ninth since the company began sponsoring the flights in 2012.

“Ford is privileged to play a small role in what we hope is a big day of reflection, remembrance and recognition for those who fought to defend freedom, democracy and the American way of life,” said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Since 1974, Ford has provided more than $9 million to veterans’ organizations, including DAV. The longstanding partnership between the two organizations began in 1922 when Henry Ford organized a caravan of 50 Model T’s to take veterans to their annual convention. Over the last 19 years, Ford has donated over 178 vehicles to DAV to support volunteer initiatives.










Veterans Week 2014: Vets Rising (IAVA)

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued the following:

Veterans Week 2014: Vets Rising

CONTACT: Gretchen Andersen (212) 982-9699 or press@iava.org

New York, N.Y. (November 7, 2014) – This Veterans Week, post-9/11 veterans and supporters will participate in events across the country, bringing all Americans together to highlight the sacrifices and strengths of the new greatest generation of veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will participate in New York City’s annual Veterans Day parade, The Concert for Valor hosted by HBO, Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase in Washington, D.C., the Veteran's Day Breakfast at the White House, and will be on the ground in more than 30 cities and towns across the country, including:


·      Events in California, including the Los Angeles, San Fernando, Palm Springs, San Francisco, and San Diego Veterans Day parades;
·      A service project in the Bronx, N.Y.;
·      A meet-and-greet with the band O.A.R. in Asheville, N.C.; and,
·      Parades in Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh, N.C., Milwaukee, Wisc., Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, Ariz., Portland, Ore., Grand Rapids, Neb., and Nashville, Tenn., among others.


Additional events can be found at http://iava.org/vetsday2014. Veterans can RSVP or create their own events through the website.


Veterans and supporters are encouraged to post pictures throughout the day that demonstrate the power of America's veterans on their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages along with the #VetsRising hashtag.
IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff will attend the White House breakfast on Veterans Day.


“Veterans Day is the most important time for our community,” said Rieckhoff. “This year, IAVA is celebrating the fact that veterans are not just meeting today's challenges, they're rising above them. Our veterans are not charity. They are leaders making a difference in their communities across the country. 

Veterans Day is every day, and IAVA will continue to engage with our members every day to highlight the sacrifices and successes of the New Greatest Generation!”   


IAVA Marches in the 2014 America’s Parade 
WHAT: IAVA will march the 2.5 miles up 5th Avenue in the 2014 New York City Veterans Day Parade.
WHO: IAVA members and families
WHEN: Tues., Nov. 11, 2014, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Flat Iron Plaza, 949 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 



IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary
WHAT: IAVA will host the IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary, a night to honor those who have made a unique and lasting contribution to IAVA’s mission to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
WHO: IAVA will present the 2014 IAVA Veterans Leadership Award to Admiral Mike Mullen, 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the 2014 IAVA Civilian Service Award to Travis Kalanick, CEO and Co-Founder of Uber. Willie Geist, co-anchor of NBC’s “TODAY” show and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald will also be speaking at the event.
WHEN: Thurs., Nov. 13, 2014, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 
Press check-in: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.  (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Sponsor Reception: 5:30 to 6:30pm (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Cocktail Reception: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Cipriani 42nd Street)
Dinner and Award Presentation: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Cipriani 42nd Street)
WHERE: Cipriani 42nd Street, 110 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017


Note to media: Please contact press@IAVA.org if you would like to cover a Veterans Day event or IAVA’s Heroes Gala. We can also connect you with a veteran.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and has nearly 300,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide. Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, IAVA recently received the highest rating - four-stars - from Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.


# # #






Military Appreciation Monday "thank you" dinner at Golden Corral

To honor Veterans' Day, Golden Corral will hold a Military Appreciation Monday:




2013 Military Appreciation Monday 'thank you' dinner is Monday, November 17, 5pm - 9pm

Golden Corral and its guests raise over $1.4 million for the Disabled American Veterans organization at 2013 Military Appreciation Monday Dinner.

Golden Corral's 13th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner was a huge success honoring over 433,500 veterans and active duty military with a free dinner buffet and beverage. All Golden Corral restaurants nationwide participated in this event to honor our military heroes, past and present.
Golden Corral restaurants and guests contributed a record total of over $1,409,000 for the Disabled American Veterans organization to be used by state and local chapters to assist veterans. This is the fourth consecutive year that Golden Corral restaurants and their guests have raised over $1 million dollars for the DAV.
To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 4 million free meals and contributed over $8.7 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Click here to find a Golden Corral near you.
   









Great Clips Honors Veterans with Free Haircuts

Tuesday is Veterans Day, Great Clips notes:




MINNEAPOLIS (October, 2014) – This Veterans Day, for the second consecutive year, Great Clips is showing appreciation to those who serve by offering free haircuts for veterans. It’s all part of the “Thank a Veteran” promotion from Great Clips, the world’s largest hair salon brand. In 2013, Great Clips salons provided 130,525 free haircuts to veterans through the promotion. You can help show appreciation by awarding your favorite U.S. military member a free haircut.




March into Great Clips


On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, customers who come in for a haircut at any U.S. Great Clips salon will receive a free haircut card to give to an active/inactive/retired military member of any branch, including the National Guard. Military members can also come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut or to pick up a free haircut card to use, with proof of service, any day before Dec. 31, 2014.



“Most of us know at least one veteran we would like to thank on that day,” says Great Clips CEO, Rhoda Olsen, who is married to a Vietnam veteran.  “We invite everyone to come into a U.S. Great Clips salon on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to purchase a service and pick up a free haircut card. Give the card to a veteran in your family, a neighbor or just someone you notice is a veteran to thank them for serving our country. It’s a simple, yet meaningful, way for more people to show appreciation to veterans with the help of Great Clips.”



How It Works:


• Customers come into any U.S. Great Clips salon on Nov. 11 and, with the purchase of a service, receive a free haircut card to give to a veteran.
• Limit one card per customer (while supplies last).
• The free haircut cards are redeemable by veterans at any U.S. Great Clips from Nov. 11–Dec. 31, 2014 with proof of service. The promotion applies to veterans only.
• Veterans who visit Great Clips in the U.S. on Nov. 11 receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to redeem by Dec. 31. After Nov. 11, veterans must have a free haircut card to get the free haircut.



“Many of our franchise owners, corporate staff and Great Clips stylists have served in the military, or have family members or customers who have served, so we are all excited to be a part of this nationwide ‘thank-you’ to our men and women in uniform,” says Terri Miller, Great Clips vice president of marketing & communications. “To make sure as many veterans as possible have the opportunity to get their free haircut, we made the free haircut cards good through the end of the year. We want to give these great people more time to visit a Great Clips and redeem this thank-you card for a free haircut in honor of their service.”



About Great Clips, Inc.



Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more than 3,500 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand. Great Clips salons employ nearly 35,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer service system and advanced technical skills. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. And it’s more convenient than ever with Great Clips’ Online Check-In and Clip Notes®. To check in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.


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On Veterans Day, IAVA Joins Starbucks, HBO and JPMorgan Chase For “The Concert For Valor” on the National Mall

Iraq and American Veterans of America issued the following:




On Veterans Day, IAVA Joins Starbucks, HBO and JPMorgan Chase For “The Concert For Valor” on the National Mall

CONTACT: Gretchen Andersen (212) 982-9699 or press@iava.org

New York, NY (November 6, 2014) – This Veterans Day, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will participate in the “The Concert For Valor” hosted by Starbucks, HBO and JPMorgan Chase on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The unique and free event will honor the sacrifice of America’s veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families, and raise awareness for veteran service organizations dedicated to education, wellness, reemployment and reintegration. 

IAVA is one of only 16 veteran service organizations recognized by “The Concert For Valor.” Visitors to www.theconcertforvalor.com are encouraged to go to www.iava.org/donate to help further IAVA’s mission to improve the lives of post-9/11 veterans and their families. 

The free concert will include artists from an array of genres, including Bruce Springsteen, The Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Dave Grohl, Eminem, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Metallica, Rihanna, and Zac Brown Band. The event will also be live streamed on www.theconcertforvalor.com and broadcast on HBO, allowing nonsubscribers to watch. iHeart Radio will also stream the concert. 

Numerous celebrities will serve as on-stage hosts, including Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, George Lopez, John Oliver and Bob Woodruff and the event will include special tributes by Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon.

“IAVA applauds Starbucks, HBO and JPMorgan Chase for bringing Americans together this Veterans Day through music as we salute our veterans, military families and active-duty servicemembers,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “We are honored to be a part of this first-in-its-kind event that will truly put veterans issues right into America’s living rooms. After more than 13 years in combat, and as conflict in the Middle East continues, it is vital our country remembers the sacrifices our veterans have made. America’s veterans are not a charity – they are an investment. Leading veteran service organizations, foundations and nonprofits like IAVA are committed to helping this community. We hope that ‘The Concert For Valor’ will encourage companies and philanthropies of all sizes to follow Starbucks, HBO and JPMorgan Chase’s lead.”


IAVA members wishing to attend the concert with fellow IAVA vets and supporters can RSVP at www.iava.org/vetsday2014.  


“The Concert For Valor” is just one of several events IAVA is a part of this Veterans Week. Across the country, IAVA members will be participating in multiple parades and events in more than 30 cities. 
On Veterans Day in New York City, IAVA will mark the 2.5 miles down Fifth Avenue in the city’s annual America’s Parade. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 13, IAVA will hold its IAVA’s Annual Heroes Gala Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. 


Note to media: To arrange an interview with IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff or other IAVA leadership email press@iava.org or call 212-982-9699.  


Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and has nearly 300,000 Member Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide. Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, IAVA recently received the highest rating - four-stars - from Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.
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Chairman Miller Statement Honoring the Life of Former HVAC Ranking Member Lane Evans

US House Rep Jeff Miller is the Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  His office issued the following:



Nov 6, 2014


WASHINGTON Chairman Jeff Miller released the following statement today regarding former House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Lane Evans.


“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman and House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Ranking Member Lane Evans. A Marine Corps veteran himself, Evans was a great friend to and a strong advocate for veterans and their causes throughout his entire congressional career. The earliest parts of my time on the committee were during Congressman Evans’ tenure as ranking member. He was an effective leader who commanded immeasurable respect from his colleagues and the veterans for whom he worked so hard to serve. I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with him and will always admire his legacy of service. He will be greatly missed.” – Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs





Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani voices concern

In major news out of Iraq, Raheem Salman (Reuters) reports:

Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric said on Friday that corruption in the armed forces had enabled Islamic State to seize much of northern Iraq, criticism that will pressure the government to enact reforms in the face of an insurgency.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has become increasingly critical of Iraqi leaders since Islamic State's lightning advance created Iraq's worst crisis since a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

al-Sistani could determine elections, so great is his influence.  And he's a key figure the United States government seeks out whenever they attempt (half-assed or fully) an effort in Iraq.

While he remains politically neutral for the most part, he can remain pointedly politically neutral.

By 2011, it was clear al-Sistani was done with Nouri al-Maliki.  The protesters' demands were being ignored and that appeared to bother al-Sistani a great deal.  By the time the spring of 2012 rolled around and with Nouri facing real trouble, al-Sistani pointedly sat out on the issue of a no-vote in Parliament.  Though he was asked to weigh in and call for the proposal to be set aside, he pointedly refused to comment one way or another allowing the measure to move forward.  (Then-Iraqi President Jalal Talabani would kill the effort at the end of May 2012.)

His remarks today are significant in the timing.  While many others say similar things privately (Ammar al-Hakim, to name but one), al-Sistani is going public and doing so very early in Haider al-Abadi's tenure as prime minister which can be seen as al-Sistani putting the new government on notice that it needs to get its act together and do so quickly.

The Grand Ayatollah wasn't the only one making statements today.  All Iraq News reports, "The Religious Authority represented by Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalayi, called Authority called politicians to understand their huge responsibility at current critical stage."

Last night, Iraqi Spring MC reports, 2 women were injured in the continued military bombing of Falluja's residential neighborhoods and they have video of today's continued bombings.


In other violence, National Iraqi News Agency reports, "The Islamic State organization executed three women working in a Beauty Shop in Mosul" and 3 Baghdad bombings left 5 people dead and twenty-four more injured.  Alsumaria adds 1 corpse was found dumped in Tareq, 4 more were found dumped outside Tikrit,  and a bombing late, last night to the south of Tikrit left 3 Iraqi soldiers dead and three more injured.



Tuesday is Veterans Day.  We've got a few things in the public account I'll try to note throughout the day today.  If you or your organization is offering a special to honor veterans, feel free to e-mail the public account (common_ills@yahoo.com) and we will note it.  All things received before the next Iraq snapshot will be noted in it.


The following community sites updated last night:






  • The e-mail address for this site is common_ills@yahoo.com.