Petraeus: Life In Iraq Showing ‘Astonishing Signs Of Normalcy’
Petraeus: Life In Iraq Showing ‘Astonishing Signs Of Normalcy’
In an interview with USA Today yesterday, Gen. David Petraeus, top commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, claimed that he sees “astonishing signs of normalcy” in Baghdad:
“I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant. … The Iraqi army has, in general, done quite well in the face of some really serious challenges.”
Petraeus painted a similarly rosy picture of progress in Iraq last week, when he declared on CNN that “what is taking place in Anbar is almost breathtaking.”
Yet, a report released yesterday by the Pentagon — “the first comprehensive statistical overview of the new U.S. military strategy in Iraq” — directly contradicts Petraeus’ optimistic assessments:
Overall, however, violence “has increased in most provinces, particularly in the outlying areas of Baghdad province and Diyala and Ninewa provinces,” … In Diyala’s restive capital of Baqubah, U.S. and Iraq forces “have been unable to diminish rising sectarian violence contributing to the volatile security situation,” [the report] said. … [I]t cited “significant evidence” of attacks on Sunni Arabs by the predominantly Shiite government security forces, which have contributed to the displacement of an estimated 2 million Iraqis from their homes.
Patraeus’s unrealistic and misleading talk of “professional soccer leagues” and “markets that are very vibrant” mirrors the rhetoric of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who recently claimed that strolling through an Iraqi market with an escort of 100 soldiers, 3 Blackhawk helicopters, and 2 Apache gunships proved that one could “walk freely” in areas of Baghdad.
Additionally, Marwan Ja’afar, a prominent Iraqi soccer player, was killed in a mortar attack last month, and 21 Iraqis who worked in the Baghdad market visited by McCain were ambushed, bound and shot dead the day after he left.
UPDATE: Spencer Ackerman at TPMmuckraker has more on Petraeus’s comments.
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95 Responses to “Petraeus: Life In Iraq Showing ‘Astonishing Signs Of Normalcy’”
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Normal? A car backfires in Congressional Hall and people go running Helter Skelter all freaked out… Yeah, sure the state of Iraq is ‘normal’… Sheesh!
June 14th, 2007 at 7:56 pmwhat a sham. does the propaganda EVER stop? It’s sad to me, when even the military leaders are partisan politicians. I guess it’s the nature of warfare…..and has been for ages.
The fact is, you don’t bring peace to people by waging wars on their cities and towns and you don’t save innocent lives by taking other innocent lives.
Amazing.
The time to get out of Iraq is now!
And some people still wonder why people hate and want to harm America??
Some follow up reading:
“Why do they Hate us so Much?”
June 14th, 2007 at 7:57 pmhttp://www.populistamerica.com/why_do_they_hate_us_so_much
I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant.
I see that someone drove him through the mega-Embassy, and he confused it with Baghdad…
June 14th, 2007 at 7:58 pmWell, hey, freedom ain’t “free” folks.
Sometimes it costs a little.
Sometimes it costs a lot.
Sometimes it costs an arm and a leg.
I mean, the USA isn’t there to be a crutch for the Iraqi people. Think of us more as, say, a prosthetic leg. Not supposed to be there but you’re stuck with us for the rest of your lives.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:00 pmI’ll just say he’s a c*ck-s*ckin’ liar!!! CUA!!!
June 14th, 2007 at 8:02 pmthe general is a liar, plain and simple. Remember folks, he was the den in charge of trainig up the IRAQI POLICE AND MILITARY! NOW THAT WAS A SUCCESS. Just ask him. He iS a LIVING BOBBLE HEAD DOLL. HE WAS BUILT BY THE CHIMP AND WHEN THE CHIMP GETS TIRED OF HIM HE WILL THROW HIM RIGHT INTO THE DUMP.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:04 pmAbsolutely shameful. A liar and a sycophant.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:05 pmYeah leave Iraq and they will settle it just like Hamas is in Gaza. Pull the BandAid off quick and get it over with. This slow pull isn’t helping.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:06 pmDems: The generals are idiots
June 14th, 2007 at 8:10 pmReps: How dare you insult the generals
Dems: Soldiers are dying
Reps: How dare you give comfort to the enemy
Dems: The president is retarded
Reps: How dare you criticize the CinC during a war
Dems: It’s a crime
Reps: Unless the president does it
Dems: Don’t even think about bombing Iran
Reps: Finally we agree. Don’t think, just do it.
General Betrayus certainly knows which side his bread is buttered on.
He’s smart enough to know exactly what he has to do to keep his job, and he’s unscrupulous enough to deliver.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:11 pm“I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant.
I heard of Craterland. The rides are really scary and sometimes the guy in the seat in front of you has his head blown off. So bring a towel.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:15 pmAstonishing bullshit - Thanks
June 14th, 2007 at 8:20 pmGen. Betray-Us is full of sh*t.
and hubris.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:20 pm3 blown-up bridges = normalcy
June 14th, 2007 at 8:28 pmThese fascist bastards have infiltrated the military. At a better time, the civilians were there to defend us from the military taking over the government…with the fascist thugs in the crime family, the only military they keep around are ass kissers and fascists who will sing hail to the commmander guy who will promote me and give me a medal. This is sickening.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:28 pmi see - normalcy - but when this guy took over,the country was already a mess - so what is he saying? - it became messier just after i arrived but has gone back to the same level of messiness as it was at the time of my arrival?….only now there’s rollercoasters and merry-go-rounds!!! - COOL!! - i suppose it is hard to get shot when you’re whizzing around on a rollercoaster….does anybody know where these amusement parks are? - this is the first i have heard
June 14th, 2007 at 8:29 pmIslam is a pathetic cult.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:31 pmMohammad was Pedophile, Dog hating genocidal madman.
Islam must be exterminate in Amerioca.
Death to Islam!
Kill them all!
Just another General put in place to lie. Once the American people get tried of General Patraeus lies, Bush will appoint another General to continue to lie. While the lies continue our troops are being killed in larger numbers. Americans will see the deaths of troops in the tens of thousands if Bush is allowed to stay the course. At lease heaven wont be crowded as so many are working for Satan right now.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:32 pmWe should Nuke Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:34 pmGive Kossovo back to Serbia and support Russia against Chenya.
Death to Islam!
Obviously Petraeus graduated cum laude from the Tony Snow School of Propaganda.
Actually he probably graduated Ad Absurdum rather than cum laude.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:37 pmWhy do you Leftist support a Dog hating cult like Islam?
June 14th, 2007 at 8:40 pmWAR IS A RACKET
WAR is a racket. It always has been.
It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.
A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of the people. Only a small “inside” group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few, at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make huge fortunes.
Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few – the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.
- Major General Smedley D. Butler, USMC [Retired]
http://www.lexrex.com/ enlightened/ articles/ warisaracket.htm
June 14th, 2007 at 8:47 pmEmperor Palpatine = TROLL!!
IGNORE!!!
June 14th, 2007 at 8:48 pmI really hope that is get normal there soon, I feel for those poor people with what has happened there, but come on don’t suger coat it, just state facts.
There for all you rightwing nutjobs, how about that, us progressives want success there, which you always say we don’t, we do, but we are not seeing it yet.
IGNORE THE TROLLS - Debate good, Emerpr Palpatine Troll bad
June 14th, 2007 at 8:49 pmGen. David Petraeus (A.KA. Baghdad Bob)
June 14th, 2007 at 8:51 pmWhy do right-wingers (including the military) believe that the rights of democracy end during “wartime”? During a “war” the right-wing’s love for democracy becomes empty rhetoric. I’d much rather be a liberal who believes that democracy is always and forever.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:55 pmGen Betrayus needs a dictionary.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:56 pm“tell them things are good…there are professional soccer teams…(pause)…real grass stadiums…(longer pause, slight bemused sound from voice)…amusement parks…(giggle)…markets…(more giggling)…markets…(chuckling)….markets are…(laughter)…markets are…are very vibrant….(howling, eyes watering)…the Iraqi army…(oh, god, even I can’t keep a straight face anymore…)….Iraqi…army…quite well…(laughing uncontrollably now)…sorry, sorry, you’ll have to finish this one on your own…
Gen Patraeus: “I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant. … The Iraqi army has, in general, done quite well in the face of some really serious challenges.â€
Right?
June 14th, 2007 at 8:57 pmWhy do right-wingers (including the military)
Ok so the military is full of right wingers?
Interesting!
June 14th, 2007 at 8:58 pmthe first part was left out:
(voice from the Dark Side)
“tell them things are good…there are professional soccer teams…(pause)…real grass stadiums…(longer pause, slight bemused sound from voice)…amusement parks…(giggle)…markets…(more giggling)…markets…(chuckling)….markets are…(laughter)…markets are…are very vibrant….(howling, eyes watering)…the Iraqi army…(oh, god, even I can’t keep a straight face anymore…)….Iraqi…army…quite well…(laughing uncontrollably now)…sorry, sorry, you’ll have to finish this one on your own…
(voice retreats deep into interiors of Dark Side)
(meanwhile, back on the ground)
Gen Patraeus: “I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks — big ones, markets that are very vibrant. … The Iraqi army has, in general, done quite well in the face of some really serious challenges.â€
Right?
June 14th, 2007 at 9:00 pmI’d much rather be a liberal who believes that democracy is always and forever.
Comment by Willy — June 14, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
ABSOLUTE POETRY, TRUE, TRUE, TRUE……..
June 14th, 2007 at 9:01 pmDubya has replaced all the generals who told him the truth and has chosen those who are willing to tell him what he wants to hear. Keep in mind that generals are war people and they get their promotions and awards from wars. He will always find a general who will prolong his war. Also keep in mind that there are no less than twelve former generals who say this is a failed policy and that they are lying to us.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:03 pmJordan smears Patreaus, cherry-picks negative. What the report really says:
Although it is premature to judge whether FAQ is creating the conditions necessary for political reconciliation, early indications are that sectarian killings have declined, especially in Baghdad; vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) found and cleared comprised roughly 69% of all VBIED incidents; and national confidence in the Government of Iraq’s (GoI) ability to improve the security environment reached its highest level (63%) in twelve months. In another somewhat encouraging development, Sunni tribal resistance to al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) along the Euphrates River Valley has been growing and—combined with a robust Coalition presence in Fallujah and Ramadi and increased effectiveness of Iraqi forces—is hindering AQI operations.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:04 pmThese so called “people” are FREAKS of nature so removed from reality, it’s not even funny.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:05 pm:-/
I wrote my post too fast. I really meant “military top commanders”.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:06 pmI wrote my post too fast. I really meant “military top commandersâ€.
Comment by Willy — June 14, 2007 @ 9:06 pm
Whew ok, had me worried there a sec
June 14th, 2007 at 9:07 pmI heard of Craterland. The rides are really scary and sometimes the guy in the seat in front of you has his head blown off. So bring a towel.
Comment by dlet — June 14, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
That’s right, dlet. When hitchhiking through the galaxy, one should always bring a towel.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:14 pmGeneral Betrayus is saying whatever Chimpy tells him to say, facts be damned.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:16 pmIs this the same path that McCain took perhaps?
June 14th, 2007 at 9:18 pmThis HAS to be a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
June 14th, 2007 at 9:21 pmIt’s true! It’s a natural progression of statistics.
When most of your population is either dead, in torture chambers, or so crippled that they can’t leave their beds eventually the amount of violence has to decrease. It’s so bad that the winner will be decided by a suicide.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:23 pmI’d much rather be a liberal who believes that democracy is always and forever.
Comment by Willy — June 14, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
ABSOLUTE POETRY, TRUE, TRUE, TRUE……..
Comment by dixie blood — June 14, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
WAKE UP, CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Time to stop dreamin’ about Communes and LSD and Unprotected Casual Sex with Multiple Partners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 14th, 2007 at 9:24 pmWayne,
June 14th, 2007 at 9:26 pmLet’s hope this story turns out better for the Earth. g’night all…and thanks for the fish.
Time to stop dreamin’ about Communes and LSD and Unprotected Casual Sex with Multiple Partners!
Comment by Mr. President
For once I agree with you. Stop dreamin’ it and start livin’ it.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:27 pmWhy do right-wingers (including the military) believe that the rights of democracy end during “wartime� During a “war†the right-wing’s love for democracy becomes empty rhetoric. I’d much rather be a liberal who believes that democracy is always and forever.
Comment by Willy — June 14, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
What the fukc are you talking about?
…”The rights of Democracy”…
Please…
June 14th, 2007 at 9:28 pmFrom the article:
“Petraeus … declared on CNN that “what is taking place in Anbar is almost breathtaking.â€
EXTRA, EXTRA!
Patraeus tells the truth at last.
Many people are having their breath taken away every day!
June 14th, 2007 at 9:43 pmFrom the article:
“Patraeus’s unrealistic and misleading talk of “professional soccer leagues†and “markets that are very vibrant†mirrors the rhetoric of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)”
Breaking News!
Update!
Patraeus to resign soon. Will join the John McBush campaign as top advisor on foreign policy.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:49 pmIf the new definition of normalcy now includes daily car bombings, Mosque bombings, hostage taking, frequent mortar attacks into the green zone, and at least a dozen injured or killed Americans, then yeah, I guess he’s right.
This is great news.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:58 pmTime to stop dreamin’ about Communes and LSD and Unprotected Casual Sex with Multiple Partners!
Comment by Mr. President
For once I agree with you. Stop dreamin’ it and start livin’ it.
Comment by dlet
The good old days….
June 14th, 2007 at 10:07 pmGen Betrayus
Comment by Zooey — June 14, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
Perfect name! Is that a ZooPatented item? Can i steal it?
June 14th, 2007 at 10:19 pmThose good old days were a while ago… sigh…
June 14th, 2007 at 10:22 pmToo bad Mr. P thinks it’s still a threat. He missed out I guess!
dixie blood = DEMWIT
June 14th, 2007 at 10:24 pmHey All You Demwits Listen Up . Peace is a Dream Reality is getting your Head Sawed Off By a Muslim Extremist .
June 14th, 2007 at 10:28 pmHey Zooeydemwit . the General was never loyal to you so he could never betray you . I think you have already had enough LSD .
June 14th, 2007 at 10:30 pmThose good old days were a while ago… sigh…
Too bad Mr. P thinks it’s still a threat. He missed out I guess!
Comment by SKdeA — June 14, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
No, I just think it is irresponsible.
And I had my share of bad trips…
June 14th, 2007 at 10:32 pmTime to stop dreamin’ about Communes and LSD and Unprotected Casual Sex with Multiple Partners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Mr. President
That makes you about 29 years old, (son), a little wet behind the ears to be pResident.
June 14th, 2007 at 10:32 pmand, no, I’m not your Dad, bank on it……..;)
June 14th, 2007 at 10:34 pmProve it…
…you lying piece of dogsh*t…
…move YOUR family to Baghdad…
…and NOT inside the green zone…
June 14th, 2007 at 10:34 pm…and take the LIEvermins with you…
June 14th, 2007 at 10:35 pmPetraeus is another one of the WH whores. The bastard is lying through his teeth. He does not give a damn about soldiers being killed or maimed. He does not care about Iraqi civilians being killed. All that self-centered piece of sh*t cares about are the decorations that AWOL Bush will clip on his uniform. Disgusting!
June 14th, 2007 at 10:42 pmThat makes you about 29 years old, (son), a little wet behind the ears to be pResident.
Comment by heyzeus — June 14, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
Actually, I’m 24.
June 14th, 2007 at 10:43 pmPerfect name! Is that a ZooPatented item? Can i steal it?
Comment by SKdeA — June 14, 2007 @ 10:19 pm
Steal away, SKdeA! I stole it from someone else. :D
June 14th, 2007 at 10:53 pmAnd I had my share of bad trips…
Comment by Mr. President
Actually, I’m 24.
Comment by Mr. President
(you ain’t had your share yet……………..
June 14th, 2007 at 10:55 pmHey Zooeydemwit . the General was never loyal to you so he could never betray you . I think you have already had enough LSD .
Comment by Harry Truman
Hey assh*le, the General works for US, not me personally. Even YOU are part of US — the betrayed.
There isn’t enough LSD on earth for people to want to be around you, dear.
June 14th, 2007 at 10:55 pmHey All You Demwits Listen Up . Peace is a Dream Reality is getting your Head Sawed Off By a Muslim Extremist .
Comment by Harry Truman
Smoke crack much, HT?
June 14th, 2007 at 10:57 pm(you ain’t had your share yet……………..
Comment by heyzeus — June 14, 2007 @ 10:55 pm
You’d be suprised by the 80s babies.
June 14th, 2007 at 10:59 pmYou’d be suprised by the 80s babies.
Comment by Mr. President
You’d be suprised by the 60s babies.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:03 pmReality is getting your Head Sawed Off By a Muslim Extremist .
Comment by Harry Truman
How about getting burned alive by a posphorus bomb, Harry?
Or a little good, old-fashioned “Shock and Awe”?
June 14th, 2007 at 11:10 pm…don’t waste your timewith this inhuman inbred…
…Harry Truman…
…he/she believes carpet bombing is…
…legitimate murder…
…so long as it’s U.S. forces doing the bombing…
…against brown and black sheepherders in Toyota pickup trucks…
June 14th, 2007 at 11:26 pmSo the Bush butt kisser General thinks Iraq has normalcy? Iraqis have less than 4 hours of electricity a day and the temperature goes up to about 130 in the shade in summer. Water supply is contaminated with bacteria and sewage flows down the streets. Bombs blow people to bits while they are shopping and can drown in their cars if on a bridge that gets blown. Snipers pick off civilians at random, but heck all is normal > NOT!
June 14th, 2007 at 11:28 pmThis is amazing.
US hawks put Negroponte in Iraq in order to create death squads and escalate the violence, meanwhile US govt and military officials do their worst to convince US citizens that Iraq is an achievable task (insert the sense you like). Of course, the frustrated people will think victory (sic!) is the goal.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:42 pm…so long as it’s U.S. forces doing the bombing…
…against brown and black sheepherders in Toyota pickup trucks…
Comment by big papa
Thank you for your posts. Right on the money.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:43 pmThat would suck to get my head sawed off by a Muslim extremist. Good thing I have a better chance of dying in a car wreck.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:44 pmThat would suck to get my head sawed off by a Muslim extremist. Good thing I have a better chance of dying in a car wreck.
Comment by ForTruth — June 14, 2007 @ 11:44 pm
You’d also have a better chance of getting struck by lightening, stung to death by bees, or eaten by sharks than you do of getting your head cut off by a Muslim extremist.
These people are so scared of their own imagination that they think that you and I should be scared of their imagination, too.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:50 pm1979
Nov. 4, Tehran, Iran: Iranian radical students seized the U.S. embassy, taking 66 hostages. 14 were later released. The remaining 52 were freed after 444 days on the day of President Reagan’s inauguration.
1982–1991
Lebanon: Thirty US and other Western hostages kidnapped in Lebanon by Hezbollah. Some were killed, some died in captivity, and some were eventually released. Terry Anderson was held for 2,454 days.
1983
April 18, Beirut, Lebanon: U.S. embassy destroyed in suicide car-bomb attack; 63 dead, including 17 Americans. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.
Oct. 23, Beirut, Lebanon: Shiite suicide bombers exploded truck near U.S. military barracks at Beirut airport, killing 241 marines. Minutes later a second bomb killed 58 French paratroopers in their barracks in West Beirut.
Dec. 12, Kuwait City, Kuwait: Shiite truck bombers attacked the U.S. embassy and other targets, killing 5 and injuring 80.
1984
Sept. 20, east Beirut, Lebanon: truck bomb exploded outside the U.S. embassy annex, killing 24, including 2 U.S. military.
Dec. 3, Beirut, Lebanon: Kuwait Airways Flight 221, from Kuwait to Pakistan, hijacked and diverted to Tehran. 2 Americans killed.
1985
April 12, Madrid, Spain: Bombing at restaurant frequented by U.S. soldiers, killed 18 Spaniards and injured 82.
June 14, Beirut, Lebanon: TWA Flight 847 en route from Athens to Rome hijacked to Beirut by Hezbollah terrorists and held for 17 days. A U.S. Navy diver executed.
Oct. 7, Mediterranean Sea: gunmen attack Italian cruise ship, Achille Lauro. One U.S. tourist killed. Hijacking linked to Libya.
Dec. 18, Rome, Italy, and Vienna, Austria: airports in Rome and Vienna were bombed, killing 20 people, 5 of whom were Americans. Bombing linked to Libya.
1986
April 2, Athens, Greece:A bomb exploded aboard TWA flight 840 en route from Rome to Athens, killing 4 Americans and injuring 9.
April 5, West Berlin, Germany: Libyans bombed a disco frequented by U.S. servicemen, killing 2 and injuring hundreds.
1988
Dec. 21, Lockerbie, Scotland: N.Y.-bound Pan-Am Boeing 747 exploded in flight from a terrorist bomb and crashed into Scottish village, killing all 259 aboard and 11 on the ground. Passengers included 35 Syracuse University students and many U.S. military personnel. Libya formally admitted responsibility 15 years later (Aug. 2003) and offered $2.7 billion compensation to victims’ families.
1993
Feb. 26, New York City: bomb exploded in basement garage of World Trade Center, killing 6 and injuring at least 1,040 others. In 1995, militant Islamist Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman and 9 others were convicted of conspiracy charges, and in 1998, Ramzi Yousef, believed to have been the mastermind, was convicted of the bombing. Al-Qaeda involvement is suspected.
1995
April 19, Oklahoma City: car bomb exploded outside federal office building, collapsing wall and floors. 168 people were killed, including 19 children and 1 person who died in rescue effort. Over 220 buildings sustained damage. Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols later convicted in the antigovernment plot to avenge the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Tex., exactly 2 years earlier. (See Miscellaneous Disasters.)
Nov. 13, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: car bomb exploded at U.S. military headquarters, killing 5 U.S. military servicemen.
1996
June 25, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: truck bomb exploded outside Khobar Towers military complex, killing 19 American servicemen and injuring hundreds of others. 13 Saudis and a Lebanese, all alleged members of Islamic militant group Hezbollah, were indicted on charges relating to the attack in June 2001.
1998
Aug. 7, Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: truck bombs exploded almost simultaneously near 2 U.S. embassies, killing 224 (213 in Kenya and 11 in Tanzania) and injuring about 4,500. 4 men connected with al-Qaeda 2 of whom had received training at al-Qaeda camps inside Afghanistan, were convicted of the killings in May 2001 and later sentenced to life in prison. A federal grand jury had indicted 22 men in connection with the attacks, including Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden, who remained at large.
2000
Oct. 12, Aden, Yemen: U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cole heavily damaged when a small boat loaded with explosives blew up alongside it. 17 sailors killed. Linked to Osama bin Laden, or members of al-Qaeda terrorist network.
2001
Sept. 11, New York City, Arlington, Va., and Shanksville, Pa.: hijackers crashed 2 commercial jets into twin towers of World Trade Center; 2 more hijacked jets were crashed into the Pentagon and a field in rural Pa. Total dead and missing numbered 2,9921: 2,749 in New York City, 184 at the Pentagon, 40 in Pa., and 19 hijackers. Islamic al-Qaeda terrorist group blamed. (See September 11, 2001: Timeline of Terrorism.)
2002
June 14, Karachi, Pakistan: bomb exploded outside American consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, killing 12. Linked to al-Qaeda.
2003
May 12, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: suicide bombers killed 34, including 8 Americans, at housing compounds for Westerners. Al-Qaeda suspected.
2004
May 29–31, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: terrorists attack the offices of a Saudi oil company in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, take foreign oil workers hostage in a nearby residential compound, leaving 22 people dead including one American.
June 11–19, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: terrorists kidnap and execute Paul Johnson Jr., an American, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2 other Americans and BBC cameraman killed by gun attacks.
Dec. 6, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: terrorists storm the U.S. consulate, killing 5 consulate employees. 4 terrorists were killed by Saudi security.
2005
Nov. 9, Amman, Jordan: Suicide bombers hit 3 American hotels, Radisson, Grand Hyatt, and Days Inn, in Amman, Jordan, killing 57. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility.
2006
Sept. 13, Damascus, Syria: an attack by four gunman on the American embassy was foiled.
2007
June 15th, 2007 at 12:34 amJan. 12, Athens, Greece: the U.S. embassy was fired on by an anti-tank missile causing damage but no injuries.
Juan C still living at home with Mom ?
June 15th, 2007 at 12:36 amThe Republic of Stupidity I do not care how a terrorist dies but he should be drenched in pig blood and have swine entrails crammed in his mouth when they bury him or her . go to baghdad and teach’um a little peace so I can watch your head roll around on the floor on a youtube video .
June 15th, 2007 at 12:43 amlets see this I think is funny republicans accuse Democrats of using 9/11 the Iraq war and the troops yet who is the guy that since 9/11 has given speech infront of troops using 9/11 and Iraq war to cloud the thinking then out of the presidental canidate which one has made a futune from speaking about 9/11 (hint America’s Mayor) Mr. Petraeus sir I don’t know you, you must be a carring thoughtfull guy but you say things seem to be gatting better since the surge and fnc’s Falafel Bill O’Reilly has jump all over this statement Sir I repect you and the best/Bravest men in the world the American solder so I ask this question with respect Sir why are over 100 solders dying a month so far this month of June the report is 38 and it is only the 15th of the month America needs you to be honest with us and not sugar coat it. it is son/daughters of the countries greatest families over there so all I ask Sir is you please give the citzen your best assment and explain to us if it is going better then why are so many young people still dying and getting wounded so horribly
June 15th, 2007 at 12:48 amHey Demwits did you know that your former fearless leader Bill Clinton PARDONED these Puerto Rican Freedom Fighters ? the 4 killed were U.S. Sailors . I guess we know why the Military Despised Blowjob Bill .
1975
June 15th, 2007 at 12:51 amJan. 24, New York City: bomb set off in historic Fraunces Tavern killed 4 and injured more than 50 people. Puerto Rican nationalist group (FALN) claimed responsibility, and police tied 13 other bombings to the group.
Patrick Roemer you need to pay attention to your Spell Check . your Liberal Run Government School Education is showing and your soapbox speech was boring . but be happy Soldiers and Marines die so you can be and sound Stupid
June 15th, 2007 at 12:55 amJuan C If we lose over there as you people want we will surely lose here. Which means the weakest ” Thats You and Yours ” will die First . which may be well deserving and not necesserly a bad thing
June 15th, 2007 at 1:02 amGood night Idiots
June 15th, 2007 at 1:06 amOld Harry’s talkin to himself again, I see.. (#82)
June 15th, 2007 at 1:47 amhey harry - just out of curiosity and since you seem to be a bit of a stats man,what is the enemy or insurgents (or whatever you want to call them) body count to date?
June 15th, 2007 at 2:02 amforgot to add - why doesn’t petraeus show everyone that stat? - i would think an enemy body count would be a good indication of the success of a military surge,right?
June 15th, 2007 at 2:04 amIn this postmodern world, you are not doing a lot of good here.
June 15th, 2007 at 4:54 amSweet Jesus
I had great hopes for Petraeus but Iam starting to have my doubts. he’ll be reporting “officallly” in September rather then to the media. Even with this “local” success is rendered meaningless unless it can affect change on the stratergic level which is now continueingly spirelling out of control.
June 15th, 2007 at 5:46 am1979
Nov. 4, Tehran, Iran: Iranian radical students seized the U.S. embassy, taking 66 hostages. 14 were later released. The remaining 52 were freed after 444 days on the day of President Reagan’s inauguration.
2007
Jan. 12, Athens, Greece: the U.S. embassy was fired on by an anti-tank missile causing damage but no injuries.
Comment by Harry Truman — June 15, 2007 @ 12:34 am
Thank you for this list of completely unrelated terrorist attacks. You have changed my mind. I now see the need to fight an endless war against an abstract concept. In fact, against all abstract concepts. Abstract concepts are the problem.
Hubris, your days are numbered!!! Nihilism - you’re next!
June 15th, 2007 at 7:46 amI now see the need to fight an endless war against an abstract concept. In fact, against all abstract concepts. Abstract concepts are the problem.
Hubris, your days are numbered!!! Nihilism - you’re next!
Comment by toasterhead — June 15, 2007 @ 7:46 am
Can we fit Conservatism in that list somewhere?
June 15th, 2007 at 8:13 amMr. President - I have been meaning to thank you for your multiple use of exclamation marks. It makes it much easier for me to skip by your posts. I appreciate all the help I can get from the Trolls.
June 15th, 2007 at 9:31 amHarry Truman — Three words you should familiarize yourself with, son: State Sponsored Terrorism.
It’s the oldest trick in the book. It works because dimwitted, shit-heels like yourself fall for it. The War isn’t against Terrorism, Its against the idiotic Citizenry of America. You’ll do whatever the Government tells you to do, out of fear, including give up all your liberties, and your morals just to feel safe. The Founding Fathers are spinning in their graves.
You are a pathetic excuse for a human being, Harry.
June 15th, 2007 at 10:06 amWow, normalcy? I feel for the poor General. His home life must be rough.
June 15th, 2007 at 10:28 amThings are so normal over ther that we’re helping the Sunnis exercise their God Given Rights under Our second amement. Yes folks, we’re arming the Sunnis. Now they can practice target shooting and varmint hunting whenever they want to. They’ve even solmenly promised never, ever to use those guns against our forces. Soccer leagues, amusement parks, vibrant markets, militias armed with U.S. weapons, talk about your big ones. Aahhh, I love the smell of normalcy in the morning!
June 15th, 2007 at 10:53 amCan we fit Conservatism in that list somewhere?
Comment by Wayne A. Schneider — June 15, 2007 @ 8:13 am
Yup - it’s on the target list. Anything that ends in an “ism.” Sorry, Dark Side of the Moon but the prism on your album cover has to go…
June 15th, 2007 at 10:56 amSorry, Dark Side of the Moon but the prism on your album cover has to go…
Comment by toasterhead — June 15, 2007 @ 10:56 am
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
June 15th, 2007 at 7:49 pmNot my Pink Floyd album, too? (sob)