Sunday, 23 January 2011
Search goes on for missing Americans in Iraq
More than four years later, Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan who was born in Iraq, is the only American service member still missing here. His family fears he will never be found.
At the twilight of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, a unit is dedicated to searching for al-Taie and 12 missing civilians, including seven Americans. Its mission is a key piece of unfinished business for the U.S. as it prepares to withdraw its remaining troops from Iraq by the end of this year.
Kidnappings for ransom or political motives, mostly of Iraqis but also many foreigners, were common as the insurgency gained steam after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. The February 2006 bombing of a Shiite mosque by Sunni insurgents caused retaliatory bloodshed to spiral. Death squads roamed the streets."
Blair should be forced to release secret Iraq files, says his former Cabinet Secretary | Mail Online
Blair should be forced to release secret Iraq files, says his former Cabinet Secretary | Mail Online: "Tony Blair should be forced to release secret documents that are believed to show he lied to Parliament over the Iraq War, a former Cabinet Secretary said last night.
The respected mandarin, who served in the last Labour Government, said the ex-Prime Minister was wrong to refuse to release notes of discussions and private memos concerning his pledges to George Bush.
Current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell came under fire last week after announcing that Mr Blair would not be forced to publish the documents."
The respected mandarin, who served in the last Labour Government, said the ex-Prime Minister was wrong to refuse to release notes of discussions and private memos concerning his pledges to George Bush.
Current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell came under fire last week after announcing that Mr Blair would not be forced to publish the documents."
Ex-soldier Danny Fitzsimons Iraq murder trial hearing
BBC News - Ex-soldier Danny Fitzsimons Iraq murder trial hearing: "A fresh hearing is being held in the trial of a UK security guard accused of killing two colleagues in Iraq.
Danny Fitzsimons, 30, from Rochdale, is accused of shooting dead the men from security firm ArmorGroup.
The ex-soldier could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of his colleagues' murder.
A verdict is thought to be imminent in the ex-soldier's Baghdad trial which was delayed by adjournments to allow for psychiatric reports to be prepared.
His defence team said their client was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the incident.
John Tipple, a case worker with solicitors Linn and Associates, said: 'I am alarmed by reports that no notice is being taken of his psychiatric state.'
Mr Fitzsimons is accused of killing Paul McGuigan, of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, and Darren Hoare, of Queensland, Australia, both 37, on 9 August, 2009.
Mr Fitzsimons' family in the UK have called on the British government to bring him back to face a trial under the UK judicial system.
The former soldier is the first westerner to stand trial in Iraq after a 2009 US-Iraqi security agreement lifted immunity for foreigners.
The three men had been working for British security firm ArmorGroup, based in the Iraqi capital's fortified Green Zone, at the time."
Danny Fitzsimons, 30, from Rochdale, is accused of shooting dead the men from security firm ArmorGroup.
The ex-soldier could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of his colleagues' murder.
A verdict is thought to be imminent in the ex-soldier's Baghdad trial which was delayed by adjournments to allow for psychiatric reports to be prepared.
His defence team said their client was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the incident.
John Tipple, a case worker with solicitors Linn and Associates, said: 'I am alarmed by reports that no notice is being taken of his psychiatric state.'
Mr Fitzsimons is accused of killing Paul McGuigan, of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, and Darren Hoare, of Queensland, Australia, both 37, on 9 August, 2009.
Mr Fitzsimons' family in the UK have called on the British government to bring him back to face a trial under the UK judicial system.
The former soldier is the first westerner to stand trial in Iraq after a 2009 US-Iraqi security agreement lifted immunity for foreigners.
The three men had been working for British security firm ArmorGroup, based in the Iraqi capital's fortified Green Zone, at the time."
Canada bids to expel suspected terrorist - UPI.com
Canada bids to expel suspected terrorist - UPI.com: "Proceedings to expel a suspected al-Qaida terrorist from Canada back to Algeria have begun, but an appeal on human-rights issues has been raised, lawyers said.
A lawyer for former Ottawa pizza delivery worker Mohamed Harkat, 42, said a Ministry of Immigration letter announcing the government's intention to deport the man would be appealed, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Attorney Matt Webber told reporters he would fight the order all the way to the Supreme Court, as Harkat could be subjected to torture in his native country.
Harkat was arrested in 2002 and accused of being an al-Qaida 'sleeper agent' who gathered intelligence to aid terror activities.
In December a federal court deemed him to be a security threat, leading to the deportation order, the Ottawa Citizen said."
A lawyer for former Ottawa pizza delivery worker Mohamed Harkat, 42, said a Ministry of Immigration letter announcing the government's intention to deport the man would be appealed, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Attorney Matt Webber told reporters he would fight the order all the way to the Supreme Court, as Harkat could be subjected to torture in his native country.
Harkat was arrested in 2002 and accused of being an al-Qaida 'sleeper agent' who gathered intelligence to aid terror activities.
In December a federal court deemed him to be a security threat, leading to the deportation order, the Ottawa Citizen said."
Suspected terrorist loses his extradition fight
Suspected terrorist loses his extradition fight - Local News - News - Gazette Live: "ALLEGED Al-Qaeda terrorist who was arrested in Middlesbrough on the fifth anniversary of the London bombings has lost his fight against extradition.
Abid Naseer, 24, will now face trial in America for an alleged plot to bomb UK targets, including Manchester City Centre, and an alleged July 7-style peroxide bomb plot on the New York subway.
Naseer, who was arrested in Middlesbrough on July 7, is accused of plotting terrorist attacks in America, England and Norway in 2009, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.
Following his arrest in Middlesbrough, Naseer, who allegedly trained with Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, was taken to London for a late-night extradition hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been in custody ever since."
Abid Naseer, 24, will now face trial in America for an alleged plot to bomb UK targets, including Manchester City Centre, and an alleged July 7-style peroxide bomb plot on the New York subway.
Naseer, who was arrested in Middlesbrough on July 7, is accused of plotting terrorist attacks in America, England and Norway in 2009, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.
Following his arrest in Middlesbrough, Naseer, who allegedly trained with Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, was taken to London for a late-night extradition hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been in custody ever since."
Frontline cop in Afghanistan reveals battle to bring law and order to badlands - The Daily Record
Frontline cop in Afghanistan reveals battle to bring law and order to badlands - The Daily Record: "AN officer policing the Afghanistan frontline has revealed a chilling epidemic of ruthless murders and sexual slavery in the country's tribal badlands.
Military policeman Billy Hayes was sent to the deadliest part of the ravaged nation to mould new recruits and build a new force to take on Taliban fanatics.
He discovered a crime-ridden wasteland littered by roadside bombs where warlords kidnapped boys for their sexual pleasures.
But his tour of duty scored a series of spectacular successes, including:
Capturing a serial killer who wiped out an entire family, including two girls aged just three and five years old.
Rescuing a 12-year-old boy who had been snatched off the streets by heavily armed militiamen to serve as a 'dancing boy' for their perverse amusement.
Saving hundreds of British soldiers by pinpointing clusters of mines and roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the Taliban."
Military policeman Billy Hayes was sent to the deadliest part of the ravaged nation to mould new recruits and build a new force to take on Taliban fanatics.
He discovered a crime-ridden wasteland littered by roadside bombs where warlords kidnapped boys for their sexual pleasures.
But his tour of duty scored a series of spectacular successes, including:
Capturing a serial killer who wiped out an entire family, including two girls aged just three and five years old.
Rescuing a 12-year-old boy who had been snatched off the streets by heavily armed militiamen to serve as a 'dancing boy' for their perverse amusement.
Saving hundreds of British soldiers by pinpointing clusters of mines and roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the Taliban."
Funeral for hero soldier killed in Afghanistan
Funeral for hero soldier killed in Afghanistan - mirror.co.uk: "A SIMPLE wreath reading Hero adorned the coffin at the funeral of a “caring” soldier who was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Charlie Wood, 34, died on December 28 shortly after defusing a 20kg bomb while clearing a path for colleagues.
His mum and widow fought back tears as his coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried into St John the Evangelist Church in Middlesbrough by comrades. The procession also passed Middlesbrough FC.
Major Piers Strudwick, officer commanding, C Company 2 Scots, said WO Wood organised Christmas at his patrol base, Nahidullah.
He said: “The delivery of Christmas dinner to soldiers was planned by him and is an example of how he cared for the welfare of soldiers.”"
Warrant Officer Charlie Wood, 34, died on December 28 shortly after defusing a 20kg bomb while clearing a path for colleagues.
His mum and widow fought back tears as his coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried into St John the Evangelist Church in Middlesbrough by comrades. The procession also passed Middlesbrough FC.
Major Piers Strudwick, officer commanding, C Company 2 Scots, said WO Wood organised Christmas at his patrol base, Nahidullah.
He said: “The delivery of Christmas dinner to soldiers was planned by him and is an example of how he cared for the welfare of soldiers.”"
Fundraiser celebrates vet wounded in Afghanistan
Fundraiser celebrates vet wounded in Afghanistan :: Local News :: Post-Tribune: "With sirens screaming, a motorcade passed by an honor line of American flags on Saturday as it brought military hero John Masson back home for a packed benefit for him at American Legion Post 100.
One of the onlookers showing support was Bill Crawford of the Indiana Patriot Guard.
'I'm just proud to be here,' said Crawford, a resident of Francesville.
Masson lost his left hand and both legs in October when he stepped on a hidden improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger medic.
After exiting an impressively long limousine, the 39-year-old Masson entered the legion hall to a rousing reception that was accented by the playing of Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the U.S.A.'
With a giant 'Welcome Home' banner as a backdrop, Masson settled in to greet a mammoth stream of well-wishers and accept emotional hugs.
'I love you guys; thank you so much,' said the Lake Station native who had sacrificed so much in service to his country. 'I promise you I would do it all over again. God bless America.'"
One of the onlookers showing support was Bill Crawford of the Indiana Patriot Guard.
'I'm just proud to be here,' said Crawford, a resident of Francesville.
Masson lost his left hand and both legs in October when he stepped on a hidden improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger medic.
After exiting an impressively long limousine, the 39-year-old Masson entered the legion hall to a rousing reception that was accented by the playing of Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the U.S.A.'
With a giant 'Welcome Home' banner as a backdrop, Masson settled in to greet a mammoth stream of well-wishers and accept emotional hugs.
'I love you guys; thank you so much,' said the Lake Station native who had sacrificed so much in service to his country. 'I promise you I would do it all over again. God bless America.'"
The battle back home
The battle back home | Canada | News | Toronto Sun: "The combat mission in Kandahar will soon be over for Canadian soldiers, but the legacy of pain and suffering will last a lifetime for thousands of wounded troops.
Afghanistan veterans return to Canada to fight a new battle on the home front. Some have lost limbs, skin, hearing or sight. Others are traumatized from witnessing bloodshed or encountering close calls with their own death.
Most are grieving fallen friends.
Lt.-Col. Rakesh Jetly, adviser to the Canadian Forces surgeon general on mental health and psychiatry, said one of the biggest challenges is helping these troops adjust to 'the new normal' — and ensuring they don't fall off the radar after warfare ends.
'It's naive to think just because the combat mission ceases or changes that these cases aren't going to continue to surface,' he said. 'There could be cases from Afghanistan for many years to come. This has affected a whole generation of soldiers, and it will be a generation's worth of work for the mental health professionals within our organization.'"
Afghanistan veterans return to Canada to fight a new battle on the home front. Some have lost limbs, skin, hearing or sight. Others are traumatized from witnessing bloodshed or encountering close calls with their own death.
Most are grieving fallen friends.
Lt.-Col. Rakesh Jetly, adviser to the Canadian Forces surgeon general on mental health and psychiatry, said one of the biggest challenges is helping these troops adjust to 'the new normal' — and ensuring they don't fall off the radar after warfare ends.
'It's naive to think just because the combat mission ceases or changes that these cases aren't going to continue to surface,' he said. 'There could be cases from Afghanistan for many years to come. This has affected a whole generation of soldiers, and it will be a generation's worth of work for the mental health professionals within our organization.'"
The U.S. Defense Department’s latest announcements of fatalities:
The U.S. Defense Department’s latest announcements of fatalities:
•Army Pfc. Amy R. Sinkler, 23, of Chadbourn, N.C., was killed Jan. 20 by a rocket-propelled grenade in Baghlan province, Afghanistan.
•Marine Sgt. Jason G. Amores, 29, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was killed Jan. 20 in combat in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
•Army Spc. Joshua T. Lancaster, 22, of Millbrook, Ala., was killed Jan. 19 by indirect fire at the Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan.
•The body of Navy Petty Officer Dominique Cruz, 26, of Panama City, Fla., was found Jan. 19 in the Gulf of Oman after he was reported missing Jan. 18.
•Army Maj. Michael S. Evarts, 41, of Concord, Ohio, was killed Jan. 17 in Tikrit, Iraq, in an incident unrelated to combat.
•Marine Cpl. Joseph C. Whitehead, 22, of Axis, Ala., was killed Jan. 17 in combat in Helmand.
•Army Sgt. Michael P. Bartley, 23, of Barnhill, Ill., was killed Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, when an Iraqi army trainee shot him.
•Army Spc. Martin J. Lamar, 43, of Sacramento, Calif., also was killed in the Mosul attack.
•Army Spc. Jose A. Torre Jr., 21, of Garden Grove, Calif., was killed Jan.15 by a rocket-propelled grenade in Baghdad.
•Army Pfc. Zachary S. Salmon, 21, of Harrison, Ohio, was killed Jan. 12 by small-arms fire in Kunar province, Afghanistan.
•Army Maj. Evan J. Mooldyk, 47, of Ranch Murieto, Calif., was killed Jan. 12 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, in an incident unrelated to combat.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/22/2602842/recent-us-military-deaths-in-iraq.html#ixzz1BrAT34Lf
German defense minister orders comprehensive military probe | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 23.01.2011
German defense minister orders comprehensive military probe | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 23.01.2011: "Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has ordered a thorough investigation of the the German army, navy and air force following a recent spate of problems, including an alleged mutiny on board a training ship, the accidental shooting of a soldier in Afghanistan and claims of tampering with army mail.
The minister said he would also ask investigators to find out whether there have been cases of 'a relationship between too much pressure on troops and breaches of the basic principles of the internal leadership,' such as the frivolous handling of weapons.
Guttenberg said he believed that the recent problems were simply isolated incidents.
'But I'm taking a decisive step against all those who suspect the Bundeswehr of wrongdoing,' the minister told the popular Bild am Sonntag newspap"
The minister said he would also ask investigators to find out whether there have been cases of 'a relationship between too much pressure on troops and breaches of the basic principles of the internal leadership,' such as the frivolous handling of weapons.
Guttenberg said he believed that the recent problems were simply isolated incidents.
'But I'm taking a decisive step against all those who suspect the Bundeswehr of wrongdoing,' the minister told the popular Bild am Sonntag newspap"
Australia soldier gets Victoria Cross for Afghan battle
BBC News - Australia soldier gets Victoria Cross for Afghan battle: "An Australian soldier has been awarded the country's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, for bravery while serving in Afghanistan.
Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith, 32, was given the medal for single-handedly overpowering Taleban machine-gunners attacking his platoon last June.
'You went to Afghanistan a soldier, you came back a hero,' Australian PM Julia Gillard said at the awards ceremony.
Cpl Roberts-Smith said the real heroes where those who died for the country.
Australia has a 1,550-strong contingent in Afghanistan."
Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith, 32, was given the medal for single-handedly overpowering Taleban machine-gunners attacking his platoon last June.
'You went to Afghanistan a soldier, you came back a hero,' Australian PM Julia Gillard said at the awards ceremony.
Cpl Roberts-Smith said the real heroes where those who died for the country.
Australia has a 1,550-strong contingent in Afghanistan."
Iraq bomb blasts kill eight
Iraq bomb blasts kill eight | World news | The Guardian: "A series of bomb blasts killed eight people and wounded 33 across Baghdad this morning.
The three-hour drumbeat of explosions began in Baghdad's rush hour at the start of the working week. An Iraqi intelligence official said the attacks were attempt to undermine security ahead of a meeting of Arab heads of state in Baghdad in late March.
Police said at least two car bombs exploded, apparently targeting police patrols, killing a policeman and a bystander. Two people were killed in a blast at the offices of the government sewage department.
In the city's northern Kazimiyah suburb, another bomb exploded near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, killing one and injuring nine. Shia pilgrims make daily visits to the gold-domed shrine of Kazimiyah, where two revered imams are buried.
In Taji, north of Baghdad, a car bomb killed a farmer and his son heading to a nearby market to sell their crops. In nearby Tarmiyah, once an insurgent stronghold, a bomb went off outside a school, killing a seven-year-old boy.
Violence in Iraq has dropped dramatically since a few years ago when daily death tolls sometimes were in the hundreds. But small-scale bombings and drive-by shootings still persist on a near daily basis. No group immediately took responsibility for today's attacks."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
The three-hour drumbeat of explosions began in Baghdad's rush hour at the start of the working week. An Iraqi intelligence official said the attacks were attempt to undermine security ahead of a meeting of Arab heads of state in Baghdad in late March.
Police said at least two car bombs exploded, apparently targeting police patrols, killing a policeman and a bystander. Two people were killed in a blast at the offices of the government sewage department.
In the city's northern Kazimiyah suburb, another bomb exploded near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, killing one and injuring nine. Shia pilgrims make daily visits to the gold-domed shrine of Kazimiyah, where two revered imams are buried.
In Taji, north of Baghdad, a car bomb killed a farmer and his son heading to a nearby market to sell their crops. In nearby Tarmiyah, once an insurgent stronghold, a bomb went off outside a school, killing a seven-year-old boy.
Violence in Iraq has dropped dramatically since a few years ago when daily death tolls sometimes were in the hundreds. But small-scale bombings and drive-by shootings still persist on a near daily basis. No group immediately took responsibility for today's attacks."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Counter-terrorism review at nuclear plants - Crime, UK - The Independent
Counter-terrorism review at nuclear plants - Crime, UK - The Independent: "secret counter-terrorism review of Britain's nuclear power plants is under way after fears arose over safety at the giant Sellafield reprocessing site.
Officials at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which is responsible for assessing the work of police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, have begun an urgent assessment.
It is understood their work will cover the protection of pipelines, oil refineries and other key parts of national infrastructure but will focus on Sellafield.
The Cumbria site includes a £120 million bunker that will eventually store 100 tonnes of raw plutonium as well as redundant facilities built as part of early nuclear defence work.
Concerns about protecting the plant may have come to light during an exercise in which special forces posed as terrorists to test security, according to The Times newspaper.
Officers at Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command and MI5, which operates the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, have been kept up to date on the progress of the review.
The ongoing review will be discussed during a meeting between officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary Authority today.
They include retired police chief and former Association of Chief Police Officers chairman Sir Chris Fox, who now leads the authority, and Tony Regan, its executive director."
Officials at HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, which is responsible for assessing the work of police forces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, have begun an urgent assessment.
It is understood their work will cover the protection of pipelines, oil refineries and other key parts of national infrastructure but will focus on Sellafield.
The Cumbria site includes a £120 million bunker that will eventually store 100 tonnes of raw plutonium as well as redundant facilities built as part of early nuclear defence work.
Concerns about protecting the plant may have come to light during an exercise in which special forces posed as terrorists to test security, according to The Times newspaper.
Officers at Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command and MI5, which operates the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, have been kept up to date on the progress of the review.
The ongoing review will be discussed during a meeting between officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary Authority today.
They include retired police chief and former Association of Chief Police Officers chairman Sir Chris Fox, who now leads the authority, and Tony Regan, its executive director."
Al-Qaida planned to bomb Manchester, court hears | UK news | guardian.co.uk
Al-Qaida planned to bomb Manchester, court hears UK news guardian.co.uk: "UK-based al-Qaida operative planned a bomb attack on Manchester city centre as part of a terrorist plot targeting the UK, Norway and the US, a court heard today.
Abid Naseer's cell probably intended to attack St Ann's Square or the Arndale shopping centre, City of Westminster magistrates court, in central London, was told.
The 24-year-old faces extradition to the US to stand trial on allegations of providing material support to al-Qaida, conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaida and conspiracy to use a destructive device.
David Perry QC, for the US authorities, said: 'The allegation is that the defendant was an al-Qaida operative who participated in a conspiracy to attack western interests by the use of explosive devices.
'A wide international conspiracy was conceived by the al-Qaida external operations leader in Pakistan and the conspiracy extended to planning attacks in the UK, Norway and the United States of America.
'The conduct alleged against this particular defendant arises from his alleged involvement between September 2008 and April 2009 in an al-Qaida cell operating in the UK in which the participants conspired to conduct a terrorist attack between 15 April and 20 April 2009 in Manchester city centre, most likely in the vicinity of St Ann's Square or the Arndale shopping centre.'"
Abid Naseer's cell probably intended to attack St Ann's Square or the Arndale shopping centre, City of Westminster magistrates court, in central London, was told.
The 24-year-old faces extradition to the US to stand trial on allegations of providing material support to al-Qaida, conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaida and conspiracy to use a destructive device.
David Perry QC, for the US authorities, said: 'The allegation is that the defendant was an al-Qaida operative who participated in a conspiracy to attack western interests by the use of explosive devices.
'A wide international conspiracy was conceived by the al-Qaida external operations leader in Pakistan and the conspiracy extended to planning attacks in the UK, Norway and the United States of America.
'The conduct alleged against this particular defendant arises from his alleged involvement between September 2008 and April 2009 in an al-Qaida cell operating in the UK in which the participants conspired to conduct a terrorist attack between 15 April and 20 April 2009 in Manchester city centre, most likely in the vicinity of St Ann's Square or the Arndale shopping centre.'"
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Suspended three-month sentence for US Iraq veteran
Suspended three-month sentence for US Iraq veteran: "American military contractor held in prison for two-and-a-half months for carrying weapons parts on a plane was yesterday given a suspended three-month jail term and a Dh15,000 fine.
The contractor, Nicholas Moody, was arrested at Abu Dhabi International Airport on September 29 after customs officers found the parts in his hand baggage.
Security officials found four pieces related to a rifle, including a gun-cleaning brush and a front grip. The parts were not considered dangerous.
The former US soldier, who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, had been travelling from Iraq. He stopped in Abu Dhabi for a day before a scheduled trip to the United States.
Through a translator, Chief Justice Shehab al Hammadi, of the State Security Court, told Mr Moody that he was free to go, but if he were arrested again, he would have to serve his sentence.
The parts 'could not make a weapon', Mr Moody said after the hearing. 'That is why I didn't think twice.'
Of prison he said: 'It has been ... tough. I was treated nicely, but it is not a good place to be.' He said he was going back to the United States 'as soon as possible'.
State Security Court verdicts are final and cannot be appealed."
The contractor, Nicholas Moody, was arrested at Abu Dhabi International Airport on September 29 after customs officers found the parts in his hand baggage.
Security officials found four pieces related to a rifle, including a gun-cleaning brush and a front grip. The parts were not considered dangerous.
The former US soldier, who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, had been travelling from Iraq. He stopped in Abu Dhabi for a day before a scheduled trip to the United States.
Through a translator, Chief Justice Shehab al Hammadi, of the State Security Court, told Mr Moody that he was free to go, but if he were arrested again, he would have to serve his sentence.
The parts 'could not make a weapon', Mr Moody said after the hearing. 'That is why I didn't think twice.'
Of prison he said: 'It has been ... tough. I was treated nicely, but it is not a good place to be.' He said he was going back to the United States 'as soon as possible'.
State Security Court verdicts are final and cannot be appealed."
Why are British Universities Producing Islamic Terrorists?
Why are British Universities Producing Islamic Terrorists?: "Iraqi-born Taimour Abdulwahab Al-Abdaly became the latest Islamic terrorist to have passed through the British university system on December 11th, 2010, when the former University of Bedfordshire student blew himself up in a Stockholm street. Last year's failed plane bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (University College London), was said to have become radicalised while studying just a little further south in the capital. British universities are under suspicion of allowing themselves to become breeding grounds for Islamic radicalism. Is it coincidental, or is there something about the university system that provides a fertile environment for brainwashing fundamentalists."
Sweden suicide bomber: terrorist who dreamed of Judgment Day on Facebook - Telegraph
Sweden suicide bomber: terrorist who dreamed of Judgment Day on Facebook - Telegraph: "Taimour Abdulwahab al-Abdaly was also a regular user of the social networking site Facebook.
He was searching online for a second bride when he killed himself.
The Iraqi-born father of two described himself as a Sunni Muslim who hoped any potential wife would be a “strong believer” striving for “jannah” – paradise."
He was searching online for a second bride when he killed himself.
The Iraqi-born father of two described himself as a Sunni Muslim who hoped any potential wife would be a “strong believer” striving for “jannah” – paradise."
Soldier to be repatriated today (From Swindon Advertiser)
Soldier to be repatriated today (From Swindon Advertiser): "body of a British Army paratrooper killed in an apparent friendly-fire incident in Afghanistan will be repatriated through Wootton Bassett today.
New Zealander Private John 'Jack' Howard died while on patrol in Helmand Province on December 5.
Pte Howard, 23, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was serving with 16 Air Assault Brigade's Reconnaissance Force on his second tour in Afghanistan.
He was on a patrol six miles south-west of the provincial capital of Helmand Province, Laskar Gah, when he was fatally wounded.
Initial reports suggested he could have been hit by cannon fire from a low-flying US plane, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The MoD has launched a full investigation into the incident, which military experts suggested could have been a case of 'misidentification'."
New Zealander Private John 'Jack' Howard died while on patrol in Helmand Province on December 5.
Pte Howard, 23, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was serving with 16 Air Assault Brigade's Reconnaissance Force on his second tour in Afghanistan.
He was on a patrol six miles south-west of the provincial capital of Helmand Province, Laskar Gah, when he was fatally wounded.
Initial reports suggested he could have been hit by cannon fire from a low-flying US plane, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The MoD has launched a full investigation into the incident, which military experts suggested could have been a case of 'misidentification'."
Canada ponders releasing soldiers wounded in Afghanistan from military
Canada ponders releasing soldiers wounded in Afghanistan from military: "Canadian Forces will review the files of up to 50 soldiers wounded during the Afghan war to determine whether they should be allowed to continue to serve or be released from the military.
The administrative review is expected to start in the spring but sources say as many as 18 of the soldiers, some severely wounded, could be asked to leave.
Rear-Admiral Andy Smith, chief of military personnel, confirmed the reviews will take place but he said it is too early to determine the outcome.
'Those who are wounded in action represent a special set of people who have gone out there and done the business and merit the full compassion of the institution and the country,' he said.
But Smith said that the Canadian Forces still adhere to the principle of universality of service, which dictates that all members must be fit and capable of deploying on operations."
The administrative review is expected to start in the spring but sources say as many as 18 of the soldiers, some severely wounded, could be asked to leave.
Rear-Admiral Andy Smith, chief of military personnel, confirmed the reviews will take place but he said it is too early to determine the outcome.
'Those who are wounded in action represent a special set of people who have gone out there and done the business and merit the full compassion of the institution and the country,' he said.
But Smith said that the Canadian Forces still adhere to the principle of universality of service, which dictates that all members must be fit and capable of deploying on operations."
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
