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| October 8, 2008 |  Email to a friend  Permalink |
In Afghanistan with the ISAF
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is the mission established by the UN Security Council in 2001 to secure parts of Afghanistan to allow the establishment of Hamid Karzai's new administration. The ISAF operates separately, but cooperatively, with the U.S. coalition operation in Afghanistan called "Operation Enduring Freedom". The mission of the ISAF has expanded to provide security for all of Afghanistan, and is presently made up of over 53,000 troops from 43 different nations. The recent push into Taliban strongholds has led to more frequent conflicts, and increased attacks against ISAF convoys and soldiers. Pictured here are ISAF soldiers throughout Afghanistan, many of them from Germany, courtesy of Reuters' embedded photographer Fabrizio Bensch - again it's impossible to portray every member nation in just a handful of photos, just see these as representative of soldiers from 43 countries, all undertaking the same tasks. (30 photos total)
British paratroopers Private Danny Berk, right, and Corporal Scott Evens move through a hole blown in a compound wall by a grenade, Saturday Aug. 31, 2008, while protecting a convoy. The convoy consisted of over 100 vehicles in total, some carrying equipment and a new turbine for the power station at the Kajaki Dam. It passed through Taliban positions which were hit with artillery, mortars, Apache Attack helicopters firing rockets and Hellfire missiles, and fast jets dropping precision guided bombs, which resulted in an estimated 250 Taliban casualties. (AP Photo/Sgt. Anthony Boocock, MOD ho) #
A German soldier of the ISAF monitors the area during a tour for members of the German lower house of parliament Bundestag near Kunduz October 1, 2008. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government hopes to win a parliamentary mandate this month to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan by 1,000 soldiers. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) #
A German Bundeswehr soldier with the ISAF speaks into his radio as he stands next to a former Soviet army tank on a mountain during a sweep mission with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team on the outskirts of Fayzabad, north of Kabul, Afghanistan on September 20, 2008. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) #
ISAF soldiers of the German Federal Armed Forces pilot an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called Luna X from a container at their base outside Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, Monday, Sept. 22, 2008. The remotely piloted Luna X is equipped with video, camera and an infrared sensor. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) #
A German Bundeswehr armoured personnel carrier of the 263rd paratroopers unit of the ISAF passes in front of a well-guarded building where a reception commemorating the 18th anniversary of the reunification of Germany took place in Kunduz, Afghanistan on October 3, 2008. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) #
Honor guard carry the casket of Sergeant Prescott Shipway to a hearse past his daughter Rowan Shipway, 4, and his wife Diana Dawn Kaczmar (and his son Hayden, 6 holding a rose at far right) , at Canadian Forces Base Trenton September 10, 2008. Shipway, an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was killed on September 7 when his armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan. (REUTERS/Fred Thornhill) #
More links and information
International Security Assistance Force - Official site
ISAF - Wikipedia entry
Afghanistan - NYTimes.com Topics page
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No doubt it is nice to see the germans fighting on our side. its about friggin time! Thanx for the assist. Make it home safe...I'm out!
Pict # 9 I like it the best. The rest make me hate of BUSH the most
My thanks to all of you who appreciate what we do. And to my fellow coalition soldiers it is always an honor to fight alongside you.
As to those of you who whine....why isn't you can show so much passion in your complaints and not even attempt to adjust your lifestyle? I am recieved better in Afghanistan than I am in the US and everyone of you should be grateful that we have people we want to protect and fight for.
You are lucky that by protecting them means I have to protect you as well.
"De Oppreso Liber"
can anyone change this ?
this is our life and we are living in it
Pic #14 broke my heart.
God shoot.
Thomas
http://www.fotograf.sanok.pl
German soldiers have a "no combat" provision in their national caveats to participation in ISAF. They will not engage in offensive operations and have refused deployment to southern Afghanistan where the Brits, Dutch and Canadians have been taking casualties. The German sector is among the quietest in Afghanistan.
Thank you all the troops for everything you do may you all come home saftly!!!!! For or against the war show some respect these men and women stand for more than you will ever know in your life time
These photos are touching in several ways (even though he Germans are doing there part in Iraq by taking up space while other nations take the blows via suicide bombers and sh*tty-radical cowardly religous-radhead bastard martrys). We all need to support these brave men and women who have voluntered to serve there country. No matter if your for or against the war, pro/anti Bush; we are there to stay and nothing is going to change that any time soon. Yes, the reasons why we went into Iraq are unclear, who cares now, dont make the troops out to be the bad guys. Their job as soldiers is to say yes sir and do there damndest to perform their duty. GOD BE WITH THEM, PRAY.
"Impressive photos. Such a shame, though, that Western imperialism continues to this day." From Alfred (typical under a rock socialist). Hey Alfred, BITE ME!
You may not support the war, but SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!! and God Bless those doing their duty to their countries and to freedom everywhere
God bless those troops and a tip of the hat for the photographer.
After these magnificent photos one can not help but demand: more war please!
Aren't we wonderful, Wunderbar, Bravo. I'd say kill all who oppose us, terrorists, al qaeda, so called insurgents,Iran, Chavez, Farc, Palestinians, Russia, Mugabe, Somali, Filipino terrorists,etc.
Great pictures.
Those soldiers are doing great honor to their countries and the opposition of terror in a whole. We won't let terrorists win.
Good luck, guys, and stay safe.
God Bless those doing their duty to their countries and to freedom everywhere..
FREEDOM !!!
Go USA Go
BeBAD.us
Alright! I'm sick and tired of people saying to pull our troops back! It's ridiculous- did you people ever stop and think if we did that we would lose the grip we have on the war against terrorism? That if we left without finishing the job- that those soldiers who have died in this war would have died in vain? Yes, ending the war would be great and all, but it's NOT REALISTIC! We stay there until it's finished! Yes, it may take longer than we'd all like but we can't just say-OKAY! We're going to war -and then seven yrs. later say- oh, let's end it, its been going on for too long. NO! We started a job- and we're gonna finish the job!
You are right Civilian deaths are not acceptable, but I guess they weren't civilians until we got there. Get a grip! Thousands were killed before we got there but you weren't bothered by that little statistic were you Jerk!
No greater love than the sacrifice these and others are making for all mankind.
Their decision to serve confirms the last thoughts of those brave souls that have fallen to protect the innocent in our Liberty. They have all the same hopes and dreams as the protected at home. But they know without their Valor, the hopes and dreams in our Democracy would die with it. God will forever be on the side of these men and women so daring and noble. Those they fight for can never repay them so let us pray our Creator will forever keep them held high, for they truely are his best..
Magifiques photos d'une guerre qui ne peut être gagnée par les armes ! en attendant des hommes et des femmes souffrent, sont blessés, et le peuple afghan commence à craidre l'intervention des soldats ..
J'espère que le prochain président américain sera Obama et qu'il saura se sortir de ce piège...
Bonjour de la France
Thank You to all the men and women of all nations who stand a post against evil.
We ought to remember and be grateful for their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their families.
God Bless them all.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR BRAVE TROOPS for letting us have our freedom, sacrificing everything, and keeping us safe. Thank you for letting us have freedom of speech even though morons take their gift and bash you and our president for things they have no idea about. They only know what the media tells them to believe. Even if it is false information. 90% of news stations are liberal. We love our troops and their families.
Americans at their best!
I'm not a fan of war in general, but I agree that the war in Afghanistan is necessary. Iraq is a different story altogether.
I didn't realize there were so many Europeans fighting there as well. So thank you to all the troops of all nationalities!
-----"I'm glad New Zealand isn't represented here. I 'm ashamed to say they're still apart of this sham."
As an American military member who has had the honor of serving along side of the NZ SAS, I know for a fact that they're ashamed of you too. So to you and Mr/Ms Bole its a good thing that those of us who are prepared to fight this war no matter if we think its right or wrong don't give up on you, the selfish civilian, who will probably reap more benefits out of being safe in bed at night then I ever will. Sometimes the world would be a much easier place to for us mil members to live if the military just said screw it, but we accept the life we have to protect yours. So thanks for the support.
Thank You for your dedication and sacrifice. Some people appreciate your commitment to serve. Thank God for everyone one of you. Be safe and come home soon
It is encouraging that the campaign in Afganistan is a true multi-national force. Fighting for human rights is not exclusive to America. The lack of support from many other countries speaks volumes. You do nothing but sit back and bad mouth the efforts of these brave men and woman while knowing you can count on the same to fight and die for you.
Great stuff, great pictures. G-d bless these kids volunteering to do what every free-loading jerk sitting in the rear with the beer should be doing as well.
And for those with their heads up in very dark areas who criticize President Bush blaming him for a war that started 20 years before he stepped in office should fall on their knees and thank G-d he was in office when the towers were taken out September 11, 2001. Thank G-d for his cabinet for their excellence and performance. Where would we be? I suspect the majority of these critics are under the age of 26,the age when the mind finally matures. Thank you Troops!
I concur that these photos are gorgeous (from someone who does photography himself.) And I am appreciative of the sacrifices that soldiers make tho I admit that I find myself confused about when the US is using self defense and may actually be making wrong decisions in Iraq. I am not sure if this is the place to do it, but I am trying to ask people to fill out a survey for my coursework for psychology. I am interested in people's passionate opinions about global warming and the Iraq War. Anyone wanting to "contribute" can take my survey. It does not require registration and its anonymous. I need to get people any way that I can. Thanks.
http://yakhost.com/a/survey1/introduction.html
The history of the American soldier is to fight for the liberty and freedom for those who cannot fight for themselves. You cowards who look down your nose and spew your hatred against those of us who have served you with our blood, sweat, and tears need to realize that you are slaves to your comfortable lifestyle. That lifestyle has been guaranteed by the American soldier. I do not expect you to understand. Before you can see what we see, hear what we hear, and feel what we feel you have to sacrifice your freedom to fight for a cause greater than yourself.
Long live our American soldiers, men and women, who put their lives on line to preserve our freedom, and bring freedom for those who never had one!
I lived for more than 30 years in a Communist country, a regime imposed by the Russian troops after the second World War we could not do anything to get rid of it. For more than 30 years, most of our people dreamt of the day when the American troops or other freedom fighting countries would deliver us from the oppresive Communist regime. It never happen until a man, called Reagan, took the evil from its horns, rested with it, and won. Then all these Communist regimes fell like a castle of cards! What a relief! You people don't know what means to live in a country where you can be taken away by the secret police during the night time, then be put in a "gulag" or be dead, and your family will never know what happened to you! You don't know what means to live day and night in fear, be lead like sheep, be told what to do, when to do, what to eat and how much... Those of you who condemn (particularly) Irak or Afghanistan war or the war agains terorrism don't know what means lack of freedom, or be chased and hearded day and night, or be beaten by the police without any recourse just because you dare to show your face instead of wearing your burqua, or that you wanted to go to school and be educated, and so on! You lived all your life in a free country where you could say and do whatever you wanted without fear for your life. It's sickening that you try to tell us what is freedom for Afghanistan or Irak when you have no idea what is not to have freedom. Yes, freedom is expensive, and unfortunately must be paid by blood of those fine men and women who think sacrificing their lives is worthy! I don't think I will ever be able to express my thanks for these brave men and women going in a harm way for all of us, including the whinners and the cowards!
May the Lord bless every one of them, bless their families, particularly of those who lost the loved ones!
Ok, angry people.
As a Swede, I am -naturally- your intellectual superior, by default.
It is thus my moral duty to educate all of you about the reasons you are all upset.
I know these reasons better than you do because, as a swede, I carry with me an empathy for my fellow humans that is so vastly overwhelming, its almost unbareable.
Now, all jokes aside, maybe people should not confuse the reasons to why men and women GO to afghanistan, with the reasons of why they are SENT there in the first place by the powers that decide.
Chances are that those reasons does not match. At all.
So before we start badmouthing eachother on a personal level, just because the other person happens to be in the army, maybe we should stop to think that this guy might be trying to do the right thing? So who are we to blame him?
And maybe the "cowards" that complains are just worried about the development of the new political structure where armies are apparently being moved around the world for the profit of private businesses, as a part of a much bigger plan.
Big plans, big lies and big profit. Can we blame them?
Can we blame any of them?
No! But you do, because you dont speak the same "language". You dont have the same pictures in your heads when you say "War".
Ive always said that if you suspect youre not speaking the same lingo, say something bad about those new age vegetarian treehuggers, and youre instantly in sync.
No one likes vegetarians anyway.
Hats off to those who die.
To those who keep us safe; God Bless!!!!!. Where would any of us be if it wasnt for those who have fought and died for us. Those who did what they had to do. Everyone needs to remember: Nothing comes for free. There is always a price to pay. It is heartbreaking that the price for our freedom is the brave men and women who choose to protect us. Things will get way worse before it gets better. Dark days are still ahead of us. Thank you to those who have served to protect us. Thank you to those of you who have had family die for my freedom. Thank you for helping to set others free.
Awsome Pix. Im praying for all of them. God Bless
I am so sick of people saying Iraq was wrong. Answer this then...in 1990, when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, Kuwait did not go to the U.N. and ask for help. Probably because they knew the U.N. was spineless. They asked the Americans for help in kicking him out. Of course, we had oil interests so it served us to help kick him back to Iraq. Along comes the U.N. mandates trying to keep Saddam Hussein in a box. Did the U.N. soldiers enforce that mandate? Hell, no..because the U.N. is spineless. It was American manpower and money that kept him out of the north and south of his own country. Eventually, we agree to an "oil for food" scheme which he immediately began to exploit for his own power and greed. But when he refused to let the U.N. inspectors do their job, he was given an ultimatum. Again, this was a U.S. mission. . to contain Saddam Hussein...no other country pitched in yet there were plenty of other countries in collusion with his "oil for food' scam. Security organizations the world over thought he had wmd. Saddam Hussein could have avoided all of this if he had taken the ultimatum to leave the country so we could check further for wmd. Saddam Hussein created this mess. As usual the Americans are trying to clean it up. Going into Iraq was the only option.
As the son of a member in the US Armed Forces, I respect those who have gone into combat for our country. No matter what others may say, they are doing all they can to protect our nation. Yes, mistakes are made. It is war. War is a terrible thing, but it must be carried out in order to protect freedom and truth. In case those of you Americans who think that what we are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq and Afghanistan is wrong and unjust because people are dying, remember why you are an American. People went to war and died to give you your freedom. The least you can do is respect those who go out to protect that freedom
If there are no terrorists, then why did Senator Bieden state that Obama would be tested? In the 90's our soldiers and Embassy's were attacked, which is completely unacceptable. Yet the only response we gave was to bomb an empty building - which means exactly what to a terrorist? Clinton's response was completely inappropriate. Once they realized we wouldn't do anything to them off shore, they attacked us in our own country. We wouldn't be here today had Clinton handled it appropriately back then. Bush got it right. Terrorists have been attacking us for years, and when we've had a President - such as Reagan or Bush, the attacks seem to slow down. How many times since 911 have we been attacked on our own shores? Sure, we get attacked in Iraq and Afghanistan - where we are at WAR. At least the terrorists know where Bush stands and that he won't put up with it. War is ugly, there is nothing glorious about it and I wish we weren't in it but we are and there are times where war is necessary. Our brave men and women deserve to be honored and thanked for their service. The most rediculous part about the war, is how the press is behaving. You cannot win a war when you have a trial about it in the newspapers; It effects the decisions of leaders. You may have the attitude that this war is a sham but it's funny how you seem to change your mind when it's your family member that died or your life is on the line. Do you really think a terrorist can come to the table of reason? The pointless part about this war is it didn't have to happen - Bin and his loosers didn't have to attack us - now did they? I read an article a few years back about the dutch congresswoman who's father was one of these haters. She stood up to them in her country because they were trying to take them over and now she lives here and works in the US for a washington think tank. She's an extremely bright athiest. She said that the biggest mistake the US has made is believing that you were attacked because of something you did. She then said, they don't hate the US for anything you did - they hate the US because you exist.
I LOVE OUR COUNTRY! BUT WHY WE JUST GIVE A COVER STOREY OF U.S. SOLDIERS? There's other country's in this RITE? I just saying when I see 4 u.s. solldiers on the news that died! Im preety sure we got other soldiers in the U.N. that lost there lives! IF ONE GO'S WE ALL GO!! THIS IS NOT JUST AN U.S. PROBELM! IT'S EVERY BODY'S PROBEM! THINK OBOUT IT!!!???
Awesome pictures, thanks so much!
Each picture reflects emotions which are felt only by those experiencing the event but I appreciate the opportunity to try and develop a moment of understanding better the daily dangers, boredom and disgusting conditons our military is enduring because they were chosen to do so. We had to go to Iraq , terrorists do not understand "diplomacy" - they understand a big stick and that is what they deserve again and again until they get the message that we are not going to allow them to impose their "religion" or barbaric lifestyle on the rest of humanity and that is exactly what the Taliban and Al Queda are planning and have been for centuries. Wake up you ignorant people who go about your daily life never thinking about what their real intentions (Taliban and most Muslim leaders) are attempting. With Obama at the helm our country will be so weak and so proMuslim that no wonder he doesn't want offshore drilling to prevent his friends from receiving the annual billions from the US for Saudi oil - all Obama friends, all Obama campaign contributors most likely. Get straight with his intentions - we will all be reading the Koran before he is out of office. Just don't vote him in in the first place ! He is antimilitary, and will bring home our troops in disgrace and disgust rather than the honor and pride that should be shown to our brave troops and they should be allowed to complete their mission!
The pictures are great!! I would just like to say, politicians exist because of our brave soldiers. Our soldiers make the split-second life and death decisions so politicians can sit back and argue over what's right and wrong with the war. I still remember 9/11 and i still remember Bush saying this would be a long war and that if you support a terrorist you are a terrorist. Then we attack Iraq to bring down a terrorist and and not even 5 years later we're whining. We have a volunteer force, so these guys are there because they chose that life and thank God for it.
God love each of them and keep them safe.
olaf from #138
gen·o·cide (jµn“…-sºd”) n. The systematic and planned extermination of an entire national, racial, political, or ethnic group. [Greek genos, race; see gen…- below + -cide.] --gen”o·cid“al (-sºd“l) adj. --gen”o·cid“al·ly adv.
HERE IT IS OLAF the D.A. from wherever your from. (Obviously not from AMERICA)
Well put # 128 Mark Smith
# 126 John B
#217 Barbara Austin.
I Love You. I just wish that I had said all that first. THANK YOU!
#129 Hoplessly lost
What about the thousands of family members that suffered loss of loved ones and the WTC after 9/11. Who is helping the thousands with their bills and life challenges. What about the men and women suffering and dieing from the rescue efforts. LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT THEM!!!!!!!!!!
All i see are pictures of foreign troops, where are our soldiers at? No disrespect to the ISAF- but the americans are the heart and soul of the operations over there. My husband served two tours there, and i'm completely disheartned to see that there are no pictures of American men and women here.
What the hell... germans are not doing their part properly. Heavy lifting is done by Canadians, Brits and Americans.
To Matthias:
You’re whining about 3 civilian deaths? So you would have let Hitler rule the world rather than let three innocent people die in the war to stop him? Grow up. If you’re going to rule a line somewhere, rule it through your ridiculous comment and start again.
Our military is our first line of defending our country, they sacrifice every thing, their families take a toll on their absence and they have the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Lets talk about agent orange in Viet nam and how they kept denying its effects on the our men and women, and the genetic defects it had on their children. Thirty years later, yes thirty years later, many deaths and psychological trauma years later the government finally admitted to the effects. Now we have our police , firemen and medics facing the same lies and deceit that befell the military from the causes and effects of 911. Unreal ! Lets get rid of corruption.
ITS EASY TO A BE COWARD AND LOVE PEACE ...BUT IT TAKE A MAN(HERO) TO LOVE PEACE AND IS WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT
Well, let's see If I can sum this up.....
Terrorists - Bad
Troops - Good
War - Bad
Pictures - Good
People in general....... STUPID
God Bless these very brave men and women. We can only pray that they are allowed to do the job they have been sent to do. No small part of that is fighting for the right of people to write childish comments on postings.
Thank you for your sacrifice. This quote is from John Stuart Mill (1806-1873).
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." You're always in our prayers.
I'am a veteran and i say Hooah! to all our troops every where in the world and our allies that make the sacrifices for freedom in the world,and anyone that has anything negative to say about them needs to put on your combat boots and get into the fight or shut the hell up,because you are the spokes persons for the people in the world that are cowards that are not willing to stand up and take arms against those in the world that challenge your safety and freedom and peace for all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOOAH!!!
where can i book that romantic adventure vacation?
Somehow I have found myself at this website. I am sitting here in tears while reading these comments, from those that have seen the pain and horror of war, and have served so unselfishly for people they will never know; those that are so grateful for being rescued from oppression and persecution; and those that are grateful for being able to wake up each morning knowing their family is safe... I can't imagine how difficult it must be for every wonderful man and woman in uniform to fight for ALL of us! Especially with the anger and hatred that fills the hearts of so many. (Not just on the battlefield.) Thank you and God bless you.
Thank you soldiers of freedom , stay strong . and to you folks that riducule and whine , move to china, oops you can't they would throw you in jail.
WELL...SOME PEOPLE CANT READ....(HINT:GO USA!)WOW! As a marine Infantryman,veteran of iraq, and working college student it still amazes me the amount of sheep we still have on this planet. Wars do turn a profit at times no denying that. We have spent alot of money on the "Global War on Terror".However to insinuate that the bush administration is "evil" and that "war never solved anything" is just , well.....for lack of a better term ludicrous.War believe it or not has brought stability to the people of Iraq and perhaps the people of Afghanistan(eventually). I have seen it personally in Iraq, with my own eyes. Just remember if you live in America just remember it was a war that brought you freedom.Maybe not this one,but it was a war none-the-less.Whether you believe in the war in Iraq or not. Do a little research ,ask a veteran or two what he thinks about Iraq......you may get a positive response, possibly a negative one,but the point remains the same.We all signed the same contract and we knew the risks when we did. Now we need to finish what we started........I believe that whole- heartedly.
"the kind of evil we must fear most is when good men stand idly by and do nothing"
Mindless embedded "Journalism" and Propaganda at its best.
MY PARENTS LEFT A SOCIALIST COUNTRY AND BROUGHT ME HERE IN 1952 AND I SERVED PROUDLY FOR 21 YEARS IN THE AIRFORCE. VIETNAM WAS MY GRADUATION GIFT ALONG WITH THE DRAFT. WHEN I SEE MY NEW COUNTRY SLIPPING TOWARD SOCIALISM I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE ONES WE TRUST TO TEACH AREN'T TEACHING OUR CHILDREN THE VALUES WE NEED TO STAY A FREE COUNTRY. THERE MUST BE ROOM FOR RELIGION AND TOLERANCE. THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN ARE THE ONLY THING PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE AGAINST THE NEW THREAT FROM ISLAMIST EXTREMISM ----- BE VERY GRATEFUL TO ALL IN THE MILITARY WHO PUT EVERYTHING ON THE LINE DAILY. GOD BLESS THEM.
"God Bless our Troops" Thank you for the freedoms in which you fight so valiantly for. I'm grateful everyday that I have hot showers, good food and a nice bed to sleep in. Thank you so much for all your service and to your families who are away from you.
Pic #7 is Kids and guns. I predict more fighting will be the result of teaching kids that guns solve problems.
It is very simple and not hard to understand. Al Queda attacked the west first - and they do kill indiscriminately. The Taliban chose to side with them, and thus we are forced to fight in Afghanistan. To those who advocate letting the UN do the job. I assume that we are talking about the same UN that set up so called safe havens in Bosnia and failed to act in Rwanda and even now are failing miserably in Darfur.
I sleep a lot better at night knowing that soldiers from NATO other nations are daily putting their lives at risk so that I won't be butchered in some train station or maimed in a cafe. There is no sitting on the fence here. You either support Al Queda or you oppose them.
Its because of america the war even started so shut up
To the soldiers of America... thank you! Many take for granted the sacrifices you've made to protect our freedoms and way of life. Again, I thank you!!
Bucko guns do solve problems! Because of guns you arnt under british rule, Because of guns slavery was abolished, Because of guns you dont have the hammer and sicle as the symbol of your country........ sounds like you owe guns and the people who fire them a little respect!
Thank you, brave German citizens for partnering with the US in doing such dirty, but historic work.
These pictures are so sad but so real!! All one can do is ask not to forget our soldiers and live a life of such gratitude!! NEVER FORGET!!
The last poster blames Bin Laden on America. Sure, so let's blame Hitler on the Jews. There have been such men throughout history. Inadequate in themselves they seek a base to provide power, adulation, recognition and often, wealth. Bin Laden had begun long before the first American weapon was handed over to the Afghan rebels. Nor was it American shoulder weapons that brought down the WTC. The suxcess of such men depends on one common talent........the con.
I am truly amazed, that those who decry the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and believe that the Western governments think life is cheap, aren't hearing themselves cheapen the lives of those who are trying to keep yours safe. Citizens from cultures of liberty and just cause understand the Blood shed by those who came before us can't be dishonored by retreat, and defeat, and allow those who would bully the rest of the world into their way of thinking, their way of praying, their way of living. Those men and women who serve us now, cannot be dishonored either by those who can't stomach the truth, that they themselves are inwardly ashamed that they have neither the courage nor the strength to serve themselves or support those that do. It is far easier to criticize from afar, than to get onto the ground and see for themselves. Thanks to all of the nations around the globe who support the fight for Freedom in this world. Blessings to each and every man and woman who gives of themselves on a daily basis to keep us free and ensures that future generations will have freedom, and a country they can call their own.
I think you all should take it down a notch.
It sure is nice to get drunk on international policies, but the real question is: As the live of the people been improved?
Is it better than before the war?
I think in Afghanistan that Answer is a definite yes. While still somewhat 'undemocratic' by western standards things are going better. And while, in our eyes, their is still much improvement to be made, they did at least achieve a platform from where all other things can be reached. They are free to do as they see it, even if that means they do other then we would like them.
In Iraq on the other hand, so far one kind of lawlessness has been replaced by another. The Dictatorship of one group has been exchanged for the cronyism of another. The Kurds do as they want in the north and have established a kind of police state (though noone cares because, as the Iraq goes, they at least keep you reasonably save). In the south sunni and shi'i, and more important, people of persian and arabic descent war against one another. And since this war has been going on for some 500 years now, it does not seem to be so smart to encapsule them both in the same national state.
While Afghanistan is a success of kind, Iraq is a huge mess. And no end in sight.
I was spiritually moved by these pictures, I just wanted to say thank you for all the nations fighting for the worlds freedom.
I was an American paratrooper in Iraq. I know what you guys go through and I appreciate your efforts, keep up the good work.
I guess the only one picture of the Dutch and Canadians eventhough the Canadians make up 25% of NATO casulities with only 10% of Troops on the ground in the dangerous southern Afghanistan. And the right beside our troops the Dutch which are engaged with the enemy every day.
30 pictures, a million thoughts a million lives and counting on the cradle of civilization to start new again. Wanting to change and waiting to change be-
comes a matter of thought seen in 30 pictures.
FIRST I WANT TO THANK ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE IN THE ARMED SERVICES AND FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. MY THOUGHTS AND LOVE GO OUT TO YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE AND ARE DOING FOR ME AND THE REST OF THE WORLD. MY BROTHER IS IN THE ARMY, AND THIS IS HIS 19TH YEAR. I AM VERY PROUD OF HIM. HE HAS BEEN TO IRAQ SEVERAL TIMES AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS HE WILL GO BACK IN JANUARY 2009. I PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL WATCH AFTER HIM AND ALL THAT IS THERE FOR OUR SAFETY AND MOST OF ALL FREEDOM. THANKS TO YOU ALL.
As a Vietnam and Iraq vet I'm proud to have served with soldiers like those shown in these pictures. As for the detractors, maybe we should be showing pic's of the Taliban killing men and women simply because they didn't wear the right clothing or have a beard. If these wimps lived in a Taliban controlled country they wouldn't survive long after the first complaint about the murder of innocents.
Thank you for all you are doing to keep us here at home safe! keep your heads up! God Bless America!
Awesome pictures. What a sacrifice to leave home and family to fight! Let's be sure to support them while they're there and try to do everything to help them accomplish their objectives and get them home. War is a costly and horrible thing, but sometimes necessary.
I've seen the Sun
A.M.S. (c) 2007
Part of the collection 'There and Back Again'
Noble men write the words,
Honorable men deliever those words,
Hopless dream upon them,
and I'm just the bastard that defends them.
I've seen the sun the way most never will,
I've felt the light of God and the burn of the Devil.
I've longed for the inoccents of the rains,
only to watch them pass me by.
I've ran through the fires of hatred,
and dodge the bullets of rightiouness.
I've made choices that turned boys into men
and made men cry like little boys.
Some say what I am doing is right,
Some say what I am doing is wrong.
I've played in the gray for way to long
to know the diffrent of right and wrong.
I've done things that made Angels sing,
and Demons cheer in victory,
while God and the Devil Laughed in dispair.
All at the price of my inoccent.
I've fought for freedom,
I've killed for another homeland,
Lost some of those I admired and called brother
all for the chance to see my family again.
I've seen the sun the way you never will.
I felt it's light like the burn of the devil.
I've longed for the rains of innocents,
only watch as they deemed me unworthy
Breaks my heart to see another casket covered with my country`s flag, but i know we`re doing good over there. I also despair that so many in my country seem to have no understanding of the sacrifices made by our troops and their families, and have no stomach for the realities of warfare. More soldiers were killed in a single battle in WWI and WWII than have died bringing freedom to Afghanistan.
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields."
- John McCrae
To our military troops. Thank You! Thank You!!!!
This is in response to Marc at #164 - I too am a military veteran, Vietnam, Infantry, class of '70 and I have to say that Iraq was NOT and IS NOT, a war to satisfy President Bush's ego. We went into Iraq with a vote of the Congress of the United States, after intelligence agengies from the US, GB, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt and Jordan all INDEPENDENTLY reported that Sadaam Hussein had WMD's - something which President Clinton himself warned about just before leaving office AND to enforce the 17 United Nations Security Council Resolutions which Hussein continually broke.
Are people still suggesting that we leave Iraq at this point? I know we have heard it before for a long time, but we are finally on the brink of victory. To leave now would be an insult to all of those that gave their lives and hand over a victory to our enemies. Absurd!
SOLDIERS!!!! I salute you. Thank you for my freedom. Thank you for my peace of mind. Thank you for defending this country and liberating others. Do not fret. God watches over you. My prayers will always be with you. I will never forget what you have given for me. I am forever indebted for the service you do not hold me indebt to. Keep up the good fight. I stand beside you.
GOD BLESS AND PROTECT ALL OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN
I am a former wwII marine that lost a brother in Air plane crash in California in 1954. He was Navigator on B-29's in bombing Japan. I know what our brave troops are having to do and receiving caustic comments from our free press,I lost quite a few buddies in Korea,Viet Nam.I would volunteer tomorrow if they would accept 81 year olds.May God bless all our troops and our allies in this fight against terroism.I salite each and every one.
I saw the pictures and I am proud to see that our allies are in the thick of it as well. I understand that the German Govt. will not let their troops participate in direct offensive combat operations. I believe that this is because of the memories left behind from the second world war. We have to respect the fact that the Germans are there to help out. As for the other nations that are willing to duke it out, I say GIVE THEM HELL BOYS!!! I am a combat vet from "Operation Just Cause" (AKA 1989 Panama Invasion) I am proud to see fellow grunts doing the "deed" and getting dirty!!!!
I wish to THANK all the troops fighting the terrorist in other countries, where ever they are. Since their actions have began, there has not been another bombing on US soil. Even though most Americans do not know better or they are not educated enough is beside the point. If their family members had been in the twin towers, I bet the liberal left, or the protestors, would have a different opinion.
Reguardless of the country you come from I thank all of the troops for fighting for what is right and justice is being served each time a terrorist is killed, captured of detained. "Kill them all and let God sort them out!".
Thank all of our servicemen from whatever country they come from. Being a former Veteran of the Viet Nam Era I salute you with my pride in your service and the pride I have in what you have already accomplished to promote freedom in a country that has not know freedom in their life time.
I want to thank all of our US soldiers for everything you do. Also I would like to thank the other countries that are there helping too. To all American Troops please don't let Obama bring you home until your done and fight for what is right.
Don't let this be in vain. US soldiers are 1st in my book and I am proud of our Military. Thank you for all you have done USA loves you.
Thank you for all the support and care you all provide for us. It is much needed, and very much appreciated.
LCpl Murray, United States Marine Corps
A big thank you to all trying to do the right thing!
Being cowards and complaining and not
doing anything except complaining and
being cowards! Get my point?
Great pictures, some people are big talkers,
that is all they do, some give their lives to make life better for
others....
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL WHO SERVE US TO KEEP OUR FREEDOM AND KEEP US SAFE!
WE ALL OWE YOU ALL A VERY DEEP AND GRATEFUL PRAYER FOR YOUR SAFETY AND FOR YOUR FAMILIES EACH AND EVERY DAY YOU ARE AWAY FROM THEM!
THANK YOU AND GOD PROTECT YOU ALL+++
THANK GOD FOR OUR U.S.A SOLDIERS, I HAD A GRANDSON SPENT 2 TERMS IN THE WAR, IF HE AN OTHERS HAD NOT WENT TO WAR, WE HERE IN THIS FREE COUNTRY [ NOW]BUT NOT FOR LONG, WOULD BE IN WAR OVER HERE, HOW MANY BUILDINGS WILL IT TAKE , TO WAKE UP YOU PEOPLE.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU ALL HAVE SACRIFICED! I AM KEEPING YOU & YOURS IN MY PRAYS!!!
Sincerely, . Mrs. Dana N. POTTER----MISSOURI
We pray for all soldiers safety everyday. All of you are a part of not only me, but of the American people as a whole!! We appreciate everything you do in standing in defense of our freedom God bless all of you!! It is our hope and prayer that it will not be long before you can come home and be with your families!! My wife andf I have the utmost respect for all of you!! Americas military is second to none. Thank you, and come home soon!!!!!
I do not think of myself as being very smart. but the knowledge that ive gotten even with our failing schools, and media bias. in my 42 years of life and my 27 years of 1finger typing 3 kids and two dogs what do i have too be mad about.. ............ ........... lets see the guys were fighting might be able to read at a 6th grade level their brothers been shot to death by who knows at this point. their fathers a whissbang blowhard that is.. if he's still alive. and their mothers are not important to their lives.- what to they have but genuine hatred for anyone who comes around and looks different -this is a ticking timebomb that no one cept perhaps dumb guys like me actually understand and this unfortunatly is why we need war and its hell....
Service Men and Women All Over the World: Thank-you every one of you...I realize you are in numerous ways, sacrificing more than I can ever understand, while offering more hope to more downtrodden and hopeless people than I can ever count. Be careful...so many people here are depending on you to come home safely...they love you so!
I have one question fron the ISAF seurrity.
Why the Afghan governoment cano't stop the bad situation and what is the responsebelety of Afghan Governoment and the ISAF securrity.
Objection: As I think if you (ISAF) and Afghan Govenoment make a good securrity and best check points the condation will be save
THANKS