Worst Case Scenario

Militarily speaking, the Arabs are no match against the United States. The US controls space, sea, above the sea, below the sea, ground and above ground. We are the greatest power on earth at this time in history. We could, if we wanted to, destroy the world with Nuclear Fire. The Arab nations are woefully behind in technological, economic, political and military capacity to stand against Pax Americana. However, like Rome before her, barbarians can still lay waste to a great people by virtue of their total disregard of civilization as we know it to be. Barbarians never cared much for city life, capitalism, rule of law and all of its comcomitant institutions that goes with civilization. For them, to live is to spoil and to die while spoiling is a virtue. All else is secondary.

I have earlier alluded to the issue that Arab governments utilize Islamic terrorists as "politics by other means". I believe that most Arab governments are complicite in international terrorism as a way to overthrow their enemies since they are militarily inept. With this in mind, what would Islamic Terrorists gain by attacking the United States the way they have? They know they will never occupy this land-space thus they can only "snipe" at our infrastructre and people. Granted, their "sniping" is deadly and destructive with no apparent rhyme or reason. But looks can be deceiving. Their conspiracy is well planned with the desired effect that they think will turn history in their direction. I believe their ultimate aim is to wear down the fortitude of the American people to retreat from its current position in the world so as to exploit the vacuum the political paradigm shift would entail. The ghost of Viet Nam past still haunts the American people though we are slowly growing weary of its spectre as well. Therefore, for the Arab they will utilize an option that would never be considered by an American populace inebriated with political correctness to their own demise. Namely, a doomsday device in the form of a biological weapon with the express intent of creating the greatest mass casualty not seen in the Western Hemisphere since the arrival of the Pox vis a vis the Spanish Exploration of the New World beginning in 1492.

The effects would be far more devastating than a nuclear explosion because it would not be contained to one city or locale. The effects of a biological weapon would affect America for generations to come and not at that one moment. The weapon of choice would probably be the bubonic plague or some derivative or perhaps the aptly named "Spanish Influenza". The death toll would be far greater than any explosion because millions of americans across the United States would be affected with debilatating disease that would result in whole regions being quarantined to prevent infection. Commerce between cities would be reduced to such a point that starvation would become a real possiblity for millions of Americans not seen since the days of our colonial foundation.

The economic devastation caused by this disruption would be to much to bear on a Foreign Policy that depends to much on perception and not enough on the procedural demands of the Consitution. The result would be an atrophy of American hedgemony throughout the world with armies and navies being redirected back to the United States for its basic defense of the homeland. The consequences of this action would leave open more possiblities for Arab governments than anything they could have dreamed of by direct military confrontation. Shortly thereafter, other minor and major players would try to fill the void with its far deadlier implications for world war.

Marines Tryout New Weapon System

Jeremiah C. McCulley, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan eliminates one of his opponents while the rest of the Cleveland Steamers, who had one of the most unique uniforms in the tournament, size up Jordan's Guatemalen Circus Midgets in the Championship Dodgeball round.

Beaten Zone

On the receiving end of Marine Corps target practice!

Silver Eagles

U.S. Marines, with the "Silver Eagles" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, perform maintenance on an F/A 18A+ Hornet after flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Persian Gulf, Dec. 11, 2004.

Chaldean Christmas

American armies thru the centuries have fought wars during the Christmas season. Perhaps it was George Washington and the Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Day in 1776 that set the standard. Today young men just out of High School still love the Christmas season even while in uniform. Our armies in Iraq are no exception in spite of the conditions they may be placed under, the troops still celebrate "this most wonderous season". The following excerpt from Chaplain Lewis currently serving with the Army in Mosul from Training For Eternity exemplifies the Christmas Spirit within the United States Army:

Christmas is unrelenting. Last night we held a Christmas Eve service in celebration of the birth of Jesus. In that service, I came to realize that the American soldier is indeed a unique and awesome individual. Despite the roar of mortars in the background, smiling faces sang, Silent Night. Despite the complete lack of greenery for miles, men of all ranks shook hands and sang, Deck the Halls. And despite being away from friends and family, our battle-hardened brothers joyfully sang, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Men who look like they'd just as soon break you in half as speak to you, smiled at one another and hugged one another as wishes of "Merry Christmas" echoed throughout our little chapel. After the service we gathered in a small trailer converted into something of a theatre to watch a Christmas movie or two and laugh together. Believe it or not, gifts were exchanged via Secret Santa's and we laughed as men hollered, "Thanks, it's just what I always wanted!" upon unwrapping a bar of deodorant, or a ball cap, or whatever else could be found at the Post Exchange. Today has been no different. With each soldier I passed a hand was quickly extended in greeting as "Merry Christmas" hit me like a freight train. I think I've been patted on the back one million times today.

With men like this in the American Armed Forces then miracles can happen in such a dark place like Iraq.

Last Full Measure

Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

This is War

With the recent so called "martydom" attack at Mosul the mainstream media in this country have been playing up the casualty count like it was Viet Nam all over again. My friends, this is war. Men will die. We must accept the inevitable consequences of waging war. There is no getting around the ugly truth of combat, some of our boys will not be coming home alive.

We lost more civilians since 9/11 than we have lost military personnel and we are in Iraq and Afghanistan and soon other places because of this callous and unforgivable plot. We are avenging New York, Washington and Pennsylvania in far away places like Baghdad, Fallujah and Kabul and where we stop has yet to be determined. Let us not forget the ruthless nature of our enemy and for them it is all or nothing.

Let us go forth in steely determination and bring down hellfire upon those who wish us harm until they beg for mercy or beg to die. Apparently, not enough of them have been killed to change their minds on the ferocity of the American Fighting Machine. Let us ponder Shakespeare in these dark times as we prepare for battle: "Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"

Guiding Light

An F-14B Tomcat receives fuel from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 during a late afternoon mission over Iraq, Nov. 26, 2004. Coalition aircraft average 40 combat sorties daily in the skies over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Land Bridge

Soldiers from the 502nd Engineer Company, V Corps, position their bridge erection boats against the current as they remove an assault float bridge from the Euphrates River near Al Qaim, Iraq.

From Turkey with Love

Turkey is now attempting to join the next greatest power on earth, the European Union. The key provisions for entry into this Christian club of European nations are many:

(1) Turkey must sign a customs accord extending to all EU members, including Cyprus.
(2) The accord must be signed by the start of entry talks, proposed for October 2005.
(3) Membership talks will be open-ended.
(4) There is no guarantee of full membership if conditions are met.

Even if Turkey should prostrate itself fully to European standards, a single nation within the Union could veto her entry with a no vote. The most likely culprit would be the French as they are fond to keep their culture extant within the Union. There is a lot of lip service given to the world about how important Turkey is to the Union, however, ancient history is more powerful than the ambitions and agendas of the collective states of the EU.

I believe the "hinge of fate" will force the door CLOSED on Ankara. Turkey will be shut out for several practical and historical reasons:

1) Turkey is a moslem nation. There is no denying this overiding fact and the way of the Moslem is not the way of European. Yes, the state may be "secular" however, the vast population practices Islam in some form or another which has its own circular problems endemic with its history that has never been addressed in a satisfactory way and perhaps never can, namely corruption. There is some talk that Islam can reform itself, which is nonsense. Islam's greatest enemy is peace for with it comes putrefaction of its basic tenents which embrace conflict as a means for spreading Islam. Freedom, peace and prosperity eats away at its lure and results in believers losing their way.

2) Turkey is a Eurabian power. Turkey is in Europe but is not of Europe. They are of a Turkic race which has its origins in Central Asia and after defeating the Byzantines in Asia Minor never took on the Hellene Culture which may have made them more acceptable to the Roman West. Like the Russians, they may play a part in Europe however they are tied irrevocalbly to the East. Like the Russians to the North, the Turks in the South form a bridge between Europe and the Middle East and are neither entirely centered in either one. Thus they are pulled in two directions at once. However, history points the way, for the Turks embraced Islam from the beginning of their existence and will therefore fall into the Moslem orbit.

3) For the European Union to work effectively, cultural unity is paramount. Roman Catholicism binds the European together and has done so for nearly 2000 years. If Rome could not abide with Christian Eastern Orthodoxy located in Constantnople thus resulting in the great schism, how can it abide with a more hostile religion in Instanbul? Cultural unity vis a vis Rome will not be acceptable to the average Turk. If Spain, Austria, Italy and France have their say, I suspect they will leave Ankara to its own devices.

The Ottoman Empire still extant in its current dimunitve form can take the lead for a United Islamic Front to compete with the European Union. It has absorbed as much as it can from the West since the end of WWI and now must make a decision to either follow Europe or lead the Mohammaden to greater glory in the future by forging a unifying force for moslems in the Middle East.

Bradley at Work

Soldiers in an M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle from the 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, search for insurgents near Forward Operating Base MacKenzie, Iraq.

Thunder of History

The Prime Minister of Turkey has spoken. According to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Europe must give way to the Ottoman Turk or face a future of death and destruction:

“Accepting a country that has brought together Islam and democracy will bring about harmony between civilisations. If, on the other hand, it is not welcomed, the world will have to put up with the present situation,” he said, referring to terrorism by such groups as al-Qaeda — whose local affiliates hit Turkey last year, bombing the British consulate and three other targets in Istanbul.

“That is the very clear and present danger and it is all around us today. There is nothing we can do if the EU feels that it can live with being simply a Christian club . . . but if these countries burn their bridges with the rest of the world, history will not forgive them.”

This amazing statement must not be taken lightly. The Ottoman Turks were the conquerers of the Second Rome, the city of Constantnople. This city was the last great Roman city of SPQR (Senate and People of Rome) that withstood the Germanic invasions of Western Europe which brought down the old empire in the west in 476 AD. Constantople, a Roman city-state, single handidly withstood invasions for nearly 1000 years from Persians, Arabs, Slavs, and Turks. Until finally, after recovering from a brief occupation by Frankish Crusaders, she gave up the ghost when the Ottoman Turks burst thru the Walls of Byzantium in the mid-15th century. By virtue of this victory over WESTERN CIVILIZATION, the Turks feel they must be treated with all due respect.

“We are Muslim, we are Turkish, we are democratic and our country is secular,” he said, emphasising every phrase. “Nothing else need be said.” Nevertheless, he believed that the EU, in trying to add safeguards and get-out clauses in the draft for the talks, was discriminating against Ankara. “I am of the opinion that Turkey is being faced with tougher criteria compared to other candidate countries,” he said. “No other country had to wait for 41 years at Europe’s door. We have fulfilled all the criteria, but despite this Europeans are hesitating.”

The embers of the Old Empire of Rome are burning hot by the winds of Islamic threats. These amazing statements coming from a head of state of one of the old empires of Islam almost seem out of historical context. But alas, it is the 21st Century and it is a new political era. It must be noted that it was Turkey that blocked the American 4th Infantry Divsion from invading Iraq from the North of Mosul during Operation Iraqi Freedom in April of 2003.

Despite his criticism, he remains optimistic, saying that he expected to be offered a start date within the next year for talks with the goal of full membership. He said: “In the last days of the Ottoman Empire we were then called the sick man of Europe. Note, of Europe, never the sick man of Asia. You said so yourself.”

Takeoff

An F-14B Tomcat, assigned to the "Swordsmen" of Fighter Squadron Three Two (VF-32), launches from the bow of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during evening flight operations in the Persian Gulf, Dec. 4, 2004.

Glory of Rome

Europe is rising to political and military signifigance after 60 years of licking its wounds from the 40-years-war between 1914 and 1945. War bled dry the vigor of the European peoples but now the continent is ready to recover what was lost during that turbulent period. Millions of Europeans lost their lives during these two global wars resulting in wanton destruction of their property and way of life but also the refutation that their culture was superior to all others. Polite culture gave way to a barbarism unknown to Western Civlization since the Fall of the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries. As Europe coalesces around a dedicated group of nations striving for a FEDERAL system of government, we see how the ancien' regime of Pax Romana comes into sharp focus.

The Roman Empire was the last unifying entity stretching from the borders of Scotland to the Egyptian hinterlands, from Spain in the west to present day Turkey in the east and centered entirely within Western Europe. Rome was defeated and humiliated on several occasions with the Celts sacking Rome early on to the Cartheginian victories under Hannibal to the German tribal invasions that ultimately broke the Western Empire into many pieces that in turn would form the first medieval states of Europe. However, even though Rome may have been defeated it always seems to recover and ultimately rise from the ashes of war. Roman ideals which were preserved by the Catholic Church which so happens to be based in the "eternal" city of Rome have been carried by each succesive generation to the present day. Now Europe is ripe for the consolidation of her ancient medieval states into a new Roman Empire that will astound the world albeit a weaker vessel than it once was.

Europe today can no longer afford the luxury of American military occupation of its continent. At some point, America will leave the fields and plains of Europa and return to its natural orbit around the Western Hemisphere. How long this may take is anyones guess. Europe will have to start paying for its own defense and when it does will be tempted to use it as "politics by other means". We do see a small EU military force taking charge from the American backed NATO contingent in the Balkans as well as other "non-Nato" states becoming more involved militarily speaking in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. In fact, after the fall of the twin towers in New York City on 9/11 we saw American airspace over New York being protected by GERMAN air force assets as America was starting to rev up for the War on Terror.

Perhaps America's War on Terror will be the catalyst that breathes to life the old body of the Roman Empire? We know Islamic Terrorism is a mechanism of political will to force other nations to do its bidding. Islam is a military paper tiger but does place a high priority on its religious fanatacism to make up for any deficiencies of its military capabilities. If Islam focus' its Terror campaign against a nascent Roman Empire then perhaps this will be the call to arms for a Revived Rome not seen since 476 AD. Just as the communist menace was the glue that kept NATO together then what will the Mohammaden threat be to the European Union? A glue or an acid? Only history will tell.

Countermeasures

"Blackhawks" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron 15 prepare to lift-off from the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 3 embarked aboard Truman are providing close air support and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in ongoing operations over Iraq.

Devil Dogs

Marines with Bravo Company, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire on enemy insurgents who are attacking the Marines with indirect and small-arms fire in the town of Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, Dec.1, 2004.

White Star

As the sun sets, Marines with Bravo Company, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, mark their position with a white star cluster to alert friendly forces of their position during a firefight in Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, Dec. 1, 2004.

VERTREP

An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6), crosses the bow of USS Monterey (CG 61) to receive cargo during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) while underway in the Persian Gulf, Nov. 27, 2004.

Mother of all Mosques

Once construction is completed on this mosque in Baghdad it will be the largest in the country of Iraq, Aug. 26, 2004.

The Iraqi Vortex

Iraq is the heart of the Middle East. Baghdad is the heart of Iraq. American consolidation of power in this strategic region is imperative if we are to win Operation WARTS (War on Terror States). There is no substitute for victory. But what does victory require in this case?

The first part of our war was won against Saddam Hussien and his Baathist regime. Now, we are fighting what remains of the old regime along with Islamic volunteers from all over the Middle East. This second phase is only possible because the remnents are being empowered by other forces outside of Iraq, both political and religious, that wish to drive a stake into the heart of a nascent democratic state on the Euphrates.

The major players trying to destablize and ultimately destroy this new Iraq are within striking distance of the US Military from the Fertile Crescent and they should think before they jump in this highly volatile situation. The following is a list of nations which may see a future visit by the combined arms of the United States military:

Syria: The last vestige of Baathist power. The son of Assad has seen fit to shelter terrorists of all sorts that use his nation as a springboard to attack other military/political/economic interests in Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and of course, Iraq. Syria still has approximately 30,000 troops in Lebanon and may be the repository of Saddams WMD program that we have failed to locate in Iraq. Syria has encouraged and harbored Jihad volunteers to fight the United States by crossing the Syrian-Iraqi border and blending into the Iraqi population for later strikes against US Military forces. Syria and Iran have a weak but long-term relationship/alliance to resist Israel through the primary use of terrorism and the secondary use of military force.

Iran: The center of Shiite power. Islam is divided between two religious factions, one Sunni and the other, Shia. These two rival factions despise each other equal to if not more than the Catholics and the Protestants did of the Reformation period in Europe. The only country that the Shiite faction of Islam controls is Iran. This country has been designated the second leg of the Axis of Evil by President Bush because of its interference in other regions of the world but also its development of THE BOMB. The Ayatollah of Iran has set his foreign policy against the United States since its inception in 1979 regardless if a Republican or Democrat has ruled the White House. Iran's best friends have been Damascus, Moscow, Pongyang and Beijing. Iran also has a large stake in Iraq in that a very large group of Shiites located in southern part of the country have been on the receiving end of Sunni religious and Baathist political wrath. Iran seeks to use this group to effect an overthrow of the newly forming regime in Iraq and establish their first satellite Shia nation after the likes of Iran. Iran is a geographically large nation and may require creative uses of firepower that is only available to the United States in order to effect our own "regime change" in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia: The howeworld of fanatic Islamic terrorism. All of the terrorists in the 9/11 WTC attack were Saudi Arabians of relative wealthy families. Saudi Arabia is the home of the Sunni faction of Islam and is the school for the fanatical religious belief of Wahabism. Its violent nature has allowed it to dominate Sunni Islamic belief and has put it on a collision course between all of Islams neighbors from Russia to the North, to the Indians in the East to the Jews in Israel to the Americans in the West and Africans in the South. The House of Saud sits upon the most strategic reserves of oil in the world. Combine the religious fanaticism of Islam with the blood of Industrial Production, petroleum, and you have quite a volatile mixture for war. Perhaps more volatile than the powder keg of Europe before WWI. However, the House of Saud has an Achilles heel in the form of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Hashemites once ruled the city of Mecca before al Sauds took it from them after WWI. The Hashemites are supported by the Anglo-American Alliance in the Middle East. An outright American invasion might be unwise to topple this sinister regime, however a combined operation such as that utilized in Afghanistan may be our response. Anglo-American Special Forces along with Hashemite units may topple this house of cards that has obviously overplayed their hand. This last scenario is the least likely to occur because the stock market would be dramatically affected in a negative way.

Floating on Air

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jeffery Bayless, front, supervises Seaman Francis Elevado as he directs a Landing Craft Air Cushion toward the well deck of USS PELELIU (LHA 5) during a "Friends and Family" Day cruise in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 23, 2004.

Thirsty Cat

An F-14B Tomcat, from fighter squadron one zero three VF-103 the "Jolly Rogers," receives fuel from a KC-10 extender from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over Iraq, Oct. 3, 2004.

Archon of Rulers

Christmas in the fourth year of the twenty-first century brings us that much closer to the Second-Advent of Jesus Christ. Christmas celebrates the first time that God appeared to us in the body of a human male nearly 2000 years ago with an explicit mandate from God the Father.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God....The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1: 1,14

No one has gone into Heaven except the one who came from
Heaven-- the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so
the Son of Man must be lifted up that anyone who believes in him may have
eternal life.

John 3:13-14

Jesus Christ humbly followed the plan of the Father for the salvation of mankind. In so doing, the Son of Man took upon himself the sins of the world, past, present and future and removed them as the basis of mankinds separation from God. The only thing for mankind to do is believe in the object of that salvation, Jesus Christ. For by faith are we saved, not by works lest any man should boast. Faith in the eternal Christ consumates this union that good deeds never could do. For even an unbeliever can do good deeds. Jesus Christ is the contract for eternal life and your faith in him is the signature on the dotted line! Without a signature, the contract is not in force.

The Second-Advent of Christ is yet future. When he returns it will not be a humble servant but a conquering King. They who do not believe in the Son of Man will be on the receiving end of the Wrath of God! Just as D-Day when Americans landed on the beaches of Normandy was the beginning of the end for the Nazi, so it will be for those opposed to the Son of Man when Jesus Christ returns to take possession of his earthly throne. Revelation 19: 11-16 says this regarding the Return of the King:

I saw Heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With Justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

The armies of Heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Attack of the Robots

Rockets, grenades and machine guns can all be carried on top of the 2-foot-6-inch Talon robots also known as UGV's (Unmanned Ground Vehichles). Due to become operational in the US Army in 2005.