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   <title>kgb999&apos;s Blog</title>
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   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352</id>
   <updated>2009-10-09T22:46:53Z</updated>
   
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<entry>
   <title>Bill Moyers on Banking (updated)</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/10/bill-moyers-on-banking.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.295175</id>
   
   <published>2009-10-09T20:14:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-10-09T22:46:53Z</updated>
   
   <summary>This is pretty much a duplicate of a post by Arianna Huffington highlighting tonight&apos;s topic on Bill Moyers&apos; show - big banks and how they are screwing us all. The whole issue makes me both mad and heartsick. Here&apos;s Arianna&apos;s...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="28357" label="Bill Moyers Banking Industry Rip Off Geithner Summers" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
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      <![CDATA[This is pretty much a duplicate of a post by <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/a-moment-of-truth-with-bi_b_314797.html">Arianna Huffington</a> highlighting tonight's topic on Bill Moyers' show - big banks and how they are screwing us all. The whole issue makes me both mad and heartsick. Here's Arianna's lead in:<br /><br /><blockquote>When I spoke to Bill yesterday he described it as "a moment of
truth-telling that could ignite the public's passion for Wall Street
reforms that have been strangled in the crib by the big banks and their
bought-and-paid-for politicians." <br /></blockquote><br />To be honest, I'm skeptical that it will ignite anything. People are too busy celebrating or decrying Obama's selection for a largely meaningless prize from some hoary organization. And even if that were not the case, I'm sure Michelle Bachmann has said something stupid or Glen Beck has gone off the rails again, or some other such important distraction has occurred.<br /><br />At any rate, here are the two preview clips PBS has released. <br /><br />
<object width="425" height="344" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OAU2o6r9k_8&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OAU2o6r9k_8&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344" /><object />
<br />(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAU2o6r9k_8&amp;feature=player_embedded">link</a>)<br /><br />
<object width="425" height="344" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cpp8AfujPhU&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cpp8AfujPhU&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344" /><object />
<br />(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpp8AfujPhU&amp;feature=player_embedded">link</a>)<br /><br /><br />The show will air tonight. Do watch it if you get the chance.<br /><br /><b>Update: If you only watch one clip ... watch this one.</b> I gets right to the heart of why the system is all screwed up and some ideas on how to fix it.<br />
<object width="425" height="344" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/efOvcS353EI&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/efOvcS353EI&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344" /><object />
<br />(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efOvcS353EI&amp;feature=player_embedded">link</a>)<br /><br /><br /><object /><object /><object /><object />]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>Attack on Zelaya: toxic gas or hot air?</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/09/attack-on-zelaya-toxic-gas-or.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.292551</id>
   
   <published>2009-09-26T14:00:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-09-27T10:22:03Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Another day another murder attempt on Honduras&apos; Manuel Zelaya. The embassy in which he is sheltered was attacked with potentially deadly gas ... or was it? Catholic priest Andrés Tamayo who is with Zelaya and his supporters in the Brazilian...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
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   <category term="27688" label="Honduras Zelaya toxic gas HCN" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Another day another murder attempt on Honduras' Manuel Zelaya. The embassy in which he is sheltered was attacked with potentially deadly gas ... or was it? <span><span>Catholic priest Andrés Tamayo who is with Zelaya and his supporters in the Brazilian embassy issued several impassioned statements. He was quoted thus in Honduran news outlet <a href="http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/4450-padre-tamayo-desde-un-helicoptero-y-una-cisterna-lanzaron-gases-contra-la-embajada&amp;prev=hp&amp;rurl=translate.google.com&amp;usg=ALkJrhjhEMsMJPXLIxU4kYzBjWGozAxW9A">Teimpo</a>:<br /><br /></span></span><blockquote><span><span>"First
came a helicopter and then a tank, which was a sign of a company, but
was handled by soldiers," said Tamayo, who also suffered the effects of
chemicals.</span></span><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><span><span><span></span></span><span>The
priest, who observed when discharging chemicals, said a hundred
citizens, who are in the building, most presented problems, such as
dizziness, headaches, stomach and throat, vomiting and bleeding.</span></span><br /><span><span></span></span></blockquote>&nbsp;  <span><br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.tiempo.hn/images/stories/Tamayo.jpg" /></td><td>Truck allegedly delivering toxic gas to be used against Zelaya. Enough HCN to kill an army ... the army doesn't seem too nervous.<br />(source: Teimpo.hn)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>

<br />In the Mexican </span><a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&amp;hl=en&amp;js=y&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elpais.cr%2Farticulos.php%3Fid%3D13597&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;history_state0=">Nuestro Pais</a> (h/t <a href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/neoboho/">neoboho</a>) <span><span>Tamayo</span></span> didn't mention the helicopter or the truck. But interestingly, the story picks up an emerging theme in recent Zelaya assertions: Israel is behind everything.<br /><span></span><span><br /></span><blockquote><span>Military
Armed Forces of Honduras, <b>with the logistical support of Israel
advisers</b>, gases released from neighboring homes into the interior of
the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, causing vomiting of blood to the
refugees in the embassy.</span><br /><span></span>[...]<br /><p> <span><span></span>He said that "people are vomiting blood, are closed to the airways, and
cause other serious problems of intoxication" and therefore called on
all nations "to stop this barbarism."</span> <br /></p></blockquote><p>Zelaya also made a statement that was carried by several sources including <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&amp;hl=en&amp;js=y&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiempo.hn%2Fsecciones%2Fcrisis-politica%2F4443--zelaya-denuncia-intoxicacion-con-gases-y-pide-intervencion-cruz-roja&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;history_state0=">Teimpo</a>:</p><blockquote><p><span><span><span>"They
spread a toxic gas that the military used to evacuate people, here are
sixty people all trying to breathe in the yard," said the president,
who said he is using a gas mask and although it has a dry throat .</span></span></span> <span><span><br /><br /></span></span><span><span><span>"There are people vomiting and urinating blood," said Zelaya.</span></span></span> <span><span><br /></span></span></p></blockquote><p>Physicians were called to the scene including <span><span>former
Health Minister, Marco Rosa and Zelaya's personal physician </span></span><span>Mark Rhodes</span>. According to <a href="http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/4447-marco-rosa-confirma-intoxicacion-dentro-de-la-embajada-de-brasil&amp;prev=hp&amp;rurl=translate.google.com&amp;usg=ALkJrhh_fghQaUiGNLq0LuNIK4DVrWRq1w">Teimpo</a>:<br /><br />
</p><blockquote><span><span>Former
Health Minister, Marco Rosa, confirmed a few minutes inside the Embassy
of Brazil there are at least 25 to 30 people poisoned with some kind of
gas.</span></span><span></span><br />
  <br />
  <span><span>Indicated, by means of television, outside the building, those affected with vomiting, headache, diarrhea and even nosebleeds</span></span><br />
  <span></span>[...]<br />
  <span><span>Initially,
Rosa said he did not know if it was some kind of food or gas, but soon
after confirmed that from inside it confirmed that they have found a
hose through which the gas would be infiltrating.</span></span><span></span><br />
  <span></span></blockquote>
  <span></span><p><span>So there's a group of people pissing/vomiting blood; Rosa finds a hose; a diagnosis is made; toxic gas!</span> Let's pause for a moment and run down the symptoms that eyewitness sources within Zelaya's media team have reported:</p><p>-Vomiting<br />-Vomiting Blood<br />-Urinating Blood<br />-D<span><span>izziness<br />-</span></span><span><span>Headaches<br />-Sore Throat<br />-Diarrhea<br />-Nosebleeds<br /></span></span></p><p>Those conditions are no joke! Anything plus blood = not good. And don't forget, according to <span><span>Tamayo</span></span>, this attack began with gas delivered from a helicopter. Sure was lucky Zelaya had a gas mask ....</p><table><tbody><tr></tr><tr><span></span><td><img src="http://www.tiempo.hn/images/stories/tamayo1.jpg" /></td><span></span><td>Manuel Zelaya displays the "gas mask" that saved him. <br />
(source: Teimpo.hn)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>]]>
      <![CDATA[<p>Soon thereafter, the Zelaya media team held a <a href="http://cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/25/zelaya-brazil-embassy-in-honduras-attacked-with-gas/">press conference</a> (h/t <a href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/neoboho/">neoboho</a>) identifying the gas:</p><span></span><blockquote><span>Zelaya
and his aides said at a news conference that a local public health
specialist they identified as Dr. Mauricio Castellano took air samples
near the embassy after the attack and determined that the gas contained
HCN, an abbreviation for hydrogen cyanide. HCN can cause dryness and
burning of the throat, shortness of breath, convulsion, coma and
cardiovascular collapse.</span><br /><span></span></blockquote><span>Now why does hydrogen cyanide sound familiar again .... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide">OH YEAH</a>.<br /></span><blockquote><span>Its
most infamous application was the use of hydrogen cyanide by the Nazi
regime in Germany for mass murder in some gas chambers during the
Holocaust.</span><br /><span></span></blockquote><span>So,
Zelaya and his camp are alleging that the assault on the embassy was
planned by Israeli advisers employing chemicals most infamously used
to mass-murder innocent Jews. Way too cute.<br /><br />According to <a href="http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/hydrogencyanide/recognition.html">OSHA</a>, the ACGIH has assigned hydrogen cyanide a ceiling limit value of 4.7
ppm (5 mg/m(3)), which should not be exceeded during any part of the
working exposure. The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of acute
poisoning. 270 ppm is fatal after 6 to 8 minutes (181 after 10). That's
some pretty toxic stuff - delivered by helicopter and in a big-ole
water truck. Amazing nobody from the Honduran military bothered to
wear protective gear! Not to mention the UN guys who showed up to
inspect the place.<br /><br /></span><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.laprensa.hn/var/laprensa_site/storage/images/ediciones/2009/09/25/multimedia/8-graficas-de-adentro-y-fuera-de-embajada-de-brasil/3193225-1-esl-HN/8-Graficas-de-adentro-y-fuera-de-Embajada-de-Brasil_noticia_maqueta_der.jpg" /></td><span></span><td>UN
Guys looking pretty breezy for inspecting a embassy that has just been
attacked with a toxic gas that may likely still linger in the air and
on surfaces. Are they usually so careless if they think a situation
may be toxic?<br /><br />
(source: laprensa.hn)<br />
</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Are we really supposed to believe that a
medical professional goes to a compound where individuals are
exhibiting the symptoms described and didn't send them immediately to
the hospital? Bear in mind this is within 2 hours of the supposed gas
attack - so even if the symptoms subsided, it would be INCREDIBLE not
to send the people who complained of problems to the hospital to make
sure they were OK. According to the Teimpo article linked above, there
were ambulances standing by. <br /><br />The attribution to HCN just makes this even more unbelievably incredible. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanide_poisoning">WikiPedia</a>
indicates The United States standard cyanide antidote kit first uses a small
inhaled dose of amyl nitrite, followed by intravenous sodium nitrite,
followed by intravenous sodium thiosulfate.&nbsp; Or you could just give 'em
some milk - the treatment <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&amp;hl=en&amp;js=y&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elpais.cr%2Farticulos.php%3Fid%3D13597&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;history_state0=">indicated</a> by <span><span>Tamayo</span></span>. Wiki does mention different countries have different methods, I guess Honduras a bit more holistic than we in the states.<br /><br />Another
intreaguing question: why isn't anyone but Zelaya and his supporters
echoing these assertions? Brazil has personnel in the compound - and
their diplomats had the floor at a UN security council meeting
specifically addressing issues at the embassy. Zelaya has alleged
snipers were firing into the embassy windows, mind-altering death rays
and gas attacks (before this one). Yet Brazil is insisting on a call for <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&amp;hl=en&amp;js=y&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiempo.hn%2Fsecciones%2Fcrisis-politica%2F4446-onu-pide-a-gobierno-de-facto-de-honduras-cesar-acoso-de-embajada-de-brasil-&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;history_state0=">uninterrupted phone service</a>? And what about the UN guys who inspected the compound - they didn't say anything either. Very odd. Very odd indeed.<br /><br />One other factor to consider is that the compound is under <a href="http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://www.laprensahn.com/Ediciones/2009/09/25/Noticias/Las-visitas-nocturnas-a-la-embajada-de-Brasil&amp;rurl=translate.google.com&amp;usg=ALkJrhjgVGXJyCFwPjf7gkNNyVmXCwJFyA">scrutiny 24/7 by journalists</a>.
They are kept a few blocks away, but they see everything that comes and
goes. If people were removed in ambulances, it would be reported. Their
presence also makes it HIGHLY unlikely that an LRAD-X device (which is
clearly audible at 300 yards) has been employed in the vicinity of the
embassy since the big showdown on Tuesday.<br /><br />The idea has
been offered that Zelaya's assertions are likely true because nothing could possibly be in need of cleaning in the environs of the Brazilian
embassy.<br /><br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs274.snc1/10133_135316578966_8079573966_2511252_4335700_n.jpg" /></td><td>The road in front of the Embassy on Tuesday. (there were curfews until Thursday).<br /><br />(src: laprensa.hn)</td></tr><tr><td><img src="http://www.elheraldo.hn/var/elheraldo_site/storage/images/ediciones/2009/09/25/multimedia/gases-toxicos-acusan-a-policia-de-lanzar-gases-toxicos/2429534-1-esl-HN/gases-toxicos-Acusan-a-policia-de-lanzar-gases-toxicos_noticia_full.jpg" /></td><td>The same area shown shortly after the "gassing"<br /><br />(src: elHaroldo.hn)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>

<br />All that trash didn't pick itself up. And there is likely more
trash this evening. Despite what the Zelaya propaganda machine is
trying to project, the police are not blocking peaceful demonstrations.
Earlier today, a rally <a href="http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&amp;sl=es&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/4454-miles-de-hondurenos-piden-a-zelaya-que-resista-asedio-a-embajada-brasilena-&amp;prev=hp&amp;rurl=translate.google.com&amp;usg=ALkJrhhsP5_sWGj0eQkfyymiID0WKa1iXw">of 6,000 peaceful</a> pro-Zelaya demonstrators showed their support in a march passing the Brazilian embassy. So there may be more cleanup to come..<br />
<br />
It is truly impossible for we in the United States to *really* know
what's going on in Honduras. What we know for certain is that two sides
are battling and seeking whatever advantage they can find. A key
component of this is a propaganda war - the misinformation campaign is
brutal right now. It is likely best not to take the word of either the
interim government or Manuel Zelaya's team without official
confirmation through more credible sources (such as Brazilian
diplomats who's embassy is at the center of conflict - and who are likely to defend their sovereign territory).<br /><br />I'm not professing to know for sure, but as the story sits right now something isn't adding up.<br />]]>
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>My tech recommendation for TPM.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/09/my-tech-recommendation-for-tpm.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.290600</id>
   
   <published>2009-09-17T05:28:39Z</published>
   <updated>2009-09-18T04:13:53Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Josh:I know the cafe isn&apos;t a huge money maker and your business model doesn&apos;t warrant a full time employee for the site. I also am lacking in some basic information about your system and capacities so I&apos;m sort of going...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="27044" label="TPM SPAM recommendation" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Josh:<br />I know the cafe isn't a huge money maker and your business model doesn't warrant a full time employee for the site. I also am lacking in some basic information about your system and capacities so I'm sort of going blind here. But clearly there is a consistent problem with mega-spam.<br /><br />It seems you are balancing two competing needs which are: the need to allow people to participate and the need to maintain control over content in regards to spam. The spam problem appears to stem exclusively from the fact that accounts have auto-activation that immediately allows new users to post diary entries en mass. The key is to find a way to curtail this while still making it convenient for people to sign up to comment, as well as to find a solution that does not significantly increase overhead to the staff. It seems to me that the site doesn't add *that* many new legitimate diary posters in any given day/week.&nbsp; You should consider limiting the ability for new users to post diary entries without approval.<br /><br />This is the<a href="http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/gt-post-approval/"> first wordpress plugin</a> that popped up by searching for "wordpress blog approval" on Google. It may not be the best for the task, but it will work fine to describe what I'm talking about. The plugin (called "GT post approval") advertises that it allows administrators to approve/reject posts, and to set an access level for auto-approval of posts. An imaginary operational policy would go something like:<br /><br />1 - All current posters set to auto approval level<br />2 - All new posters have their posts drop to the approve/reject que<br />3 - After the user makes their first diary entry that is obviously serious, set their access level to auto appoval level.<br />4 - clean out all the spam with a simple click of a reject button<br />5 - delete spam producing accounts (optionally, block the IP)<br /><br />This would block the diary entry spam while not interfering with people who want to sign up and comment immediately. It would also allow you to manage the approval/spam removal process as a scheduled task that can be budgeted in a (reasonably) predictable fashion which would likely take some of the uncertainty out of managing the cafe. I can't imagine that it would take more than 15 minutes for an employee to go through and approve/clear out a decent list. Depending on available resources, if you were able to do it twice daily there wouldn't even be that big a delay for new members.<br /><br />Anyhoo, that's what I'd tell you if you were a client. :-)<br /><br /><i>And yes, I'm post-timing this for around 10am tomorrow because we're in the midst of a new spam attack ... and putting it on muck and dc even though it's meta 'cause I'd like management to see it.</i><br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>The mechanics of individual mandates.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/09/the-mechanics-of-individual-ma.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.290539</id>
   
   <published>2009-09-16T23:51:04Z</published>
   <updated>2009-09-17T00:02:11Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Individual Responsibility. It sounds so practical. Who wouldn&apos;t be in favor of that? And the Patriot Act is just so ... patriotic. As you likely know, this is the code word for individual mandates in the various versions of the...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
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   <category term="26944" label="HR3200 Individual Mandates Health Reform HELP" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Individual Responsibility. It sounds so practical. Who wouldn't be in favor of that? And the Patriot Act is just so ... patriotic. As you likely know, this is the code word for individual mandates in the various versions of the healthcare/insurance reform/giveaway bills winding their way through that abyss we call our legislative process.<br /><br />But first, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/us/politics/26text-debate.html?ex=1361854800&amp;en=250cc1249b4dcae1&amp;ei=5124&amp;partner=permalink&amp;exprod=permalink">a flashback</a>. The date is Feb. 26, 2008. Cleveland Ohio, democratic debate between Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton. Among heady issues such as a picture of Obama in native Somali garb and quips about pillows that dominated subsequent news coverage, the candidates spent 16 minutes discussing health care reform. Let's remember what then-candidate Obama said on this topic when he was still chasing our votes (excerpted) .<br /><br /><blockquote>... the main difference between Senator Clinton's plan and mine is the fact that she would force in some fashion individuals to purchase health care.<br /><br />Now, Senator Clinton has not indicated how she would enforce this mandate. She hasn't indicated what level of subsidy she would provide to assure that it was, in fact, affordable. And so it is entirely legitimate for us to point out these differences. <br /><br />And the last point I would make is, the insurance companies actually are happy to have a mandate. The insurance companies don't mind making sure that everybody has to purchase their product. That's not something they're objecting to. The question is, are we going to make sure that it is affordable for everybody? And that's my goal when I'm president of the United States. <br /><br />On the -- on the point of many adults, we don't want to put in a situation in which, on the front end, we are mandating them, we are forcing them to purchase insurance, and if the subsidies are inadequate, the burden is on them, and they will be penalized. And that is what Senator Clinton's plan does. <br /></blockquote><br />Hmmm, mandates sound horrible don't they - and that evil Hillary wants to force them on you. <br /><br />What a difference an election makes. Helpfully, the insurance industry heard Obama's critique and stepped up to the plate with a hum-dinger of an answer on how to enforce the mandates they love so much. And how do they plan to collect? Why, through your income taxes of course. Because as you have likely heard: the only two sure things in life are death and taxes, and there is nothing corporate America&nbsp; loves better than a sure thing when it comes to putting people's money in their own pockets.<br /><br />The House (HR3200) and the Senate (HELP bill) use pretty much the same basic mechanism. There are some differences in implementation though. The major difference being that HR3200 uses a percentage of income, and HELP uses a set penalty. Both accomplish the reporting, collection and enforcement by amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The relevant related information is often spread out in several different subparagraphs/sections, so quotes may represent portions of different sections/paragraphs/subparagraphs (I tried to avoid confusion, but a disclaimer seems appropriate).<br /><br /><i></i>]]>
      <![CDATA[HR 3200 includes <a href="http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text?version=ih&amp;nid=t0:ih:1113">modifications to the tax code</a> that call for a tax of 2.5% of gross earnings (including some income exempt from income tax) <br />
<br />
<blockquote>SEC. 59B. TAX ON INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT ACCEPTABLE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.<br />
(a) Tax Imposed- In the case of any individual who does not meet the
requirements of subsection (d) at any time during the taxable year,
there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 2.5 percent of the excess of--<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (1) the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year, over<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (2) the amount of gross income specified in section 6012(a)(1) with respect to the taxpayer.<br />
[..]<br />
  <ul><ul>(5) MODIFIED ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME- For purposes of this
section, the term `modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross
income--</ul></ul>

  <ul><ul><ul>  (A) determined without regard to section 911, and</ul></ul></ul>

  <ul><ul><ul>  (B) increased by the amount of interest received or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year which is exempt from tax.</ul></ul></ul>
  <br />
</blockquote>
This maximum tax penalty will be limited to 100% of the average annual cost of an insurance policy.<br />

<blockquote>(A) IN GENERAL- The tax imposed under subsection (a) with
respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed the
applicable national average premium for such taxable year. <br />
  <br />
(B) APPLICABLE NATIONAL AVERAGE PREMIUM- <br />
  <br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (i) IN GENERAL- For purposes of subparagraph (A), the `applicable
national average premium' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
average premium (as determined by the Secretary, in coordination with
the Health Choices Commissioner) for self-only coverage under a basic
plan which is offered in a Health Insurance Exchange for the calendar
year in which such taxable year begins. <br />
</blockquote>
<br />
So unless my rudimentary math skills escape me, for a worker making
$35,000 a year the tax for not carrying insurance will be $875. When
stacked against a $4824* annual premium, this seems a bargain. For a
worker making $75,000 it would be $1875. You get the idea. For those
failing to provide insurance for "more than one individual" the maximum
penalty is tied the "average family policy" ($13,375*).<br />
<br />
Over in the senate, the <a href="http://help.senate.gov/BAI09I50_xml.pdf">HELP bill (big .PDF)</a> is a bit harder to pin down. This bill hands much of the power to the Secretary. (<i>Note: the relevant section starts on pg. 160</i>)<br />
<br />
<blockquote>(A) IN GENERAL.--In the case of any individual who did not
have in effect qualifying coverage (as defined in section 3116 of the
Public Health Service Act) for any month during the taxable year, there
is hereby imposed for the taxable year, in addition to any other amount
imposed by this subtitle, an amount equal to the amount established
under paragraph (2).<br />
  <br />
(C) LIMITATION.--The maximum amount imposed under this paragraph with
respect to any taxpayer shall not exceed 4 times the amount determined
under paragraph (2)(D).<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
Now we move on to paragraph (2) where we get into the meat of what penalties are expected to be levied.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>(A) REQUIREMENT TO ESTABLISH.--Not later than June 30 of
each calendar year, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
of Health and Human Services and with the States, shall establish an
amount for purposes of paragraph (1).<br />
  <br />
(C) REQUIRED CONSIDERATION.--Subject&nbsp; to the limitation described in
subparagraph (D), in establishing the amount under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall seek to establish the minimum practicable amount
that can accomplish the goal of enhancing participation in qualifying
coverage (as so defined).<br />
  <br />
(D) LIMITATION<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; (i) IN GENERAL.--Subject to an adjustment under clause (ii), the amount established under this subparagraph is $750.<br />
</blockquote>
This is where they get a bit (intentionally?) confusing. In
paragraph (1) they authorize up to 4 times the rate defined in
paragraph (2)(D). They also indicate it is a penalty in addition to
others defined in this section.&nbsp; Then in paragraph (2) the Secretary is
empowered to set a rate for the purposes of paragraph (1). When looking
at subparagraph (2)(C) the penalty is limited by subparagraph (2)(D). If you only read paragraph (2), it would seem that the limitation
is $750; but paragraph (1) authorizes up to 4 times that amount. <br />

<br />
The way I am interpreting this is they have set a hard limit for a
maximum penalty at $3000 (4 x $750). The only thing I can figure is
they wanted to make the number $3000 look like $750 to a casual reader
who did not go in depth into the bill.<br />
<br />
Based on the language of the bill, it seems that there isn't an
adjustment in the penalty based on income. In other words, it appears
that someone making $35,000 will end up paying the same penalty as
someone making $75,000 per year for noncompliance: $3000. When stacked
against a $4,824* premium this still seems a minor bargain.<br />
<br />
The HELP bill does provides some escape clauses not available in HR3200.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>(c) EXEMPTIONS.--Subsection (b) shall not apply to any individual--<br />
(1) with respect to any month if such month occurs during any period in
which such individual did not have qualifying coverage (as so defined)
for a period of less than 90 days,<br />
(2) who is a resident of a State that is not a participating State or
an establishing State (as such terms are defined in section 3104 of the
Public Health Service Act),<br />
(3) who is an Indian as defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act,<br />
(4) for whom affordable health care coverage is not available (as such terms are defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under sec tion 3103 of the Public Health Service Act), or<br />
(5) described in section 3116(a)(4)(C) of the Public Health Service Act.<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
<i>Note: HR3200 also provides a loophole "in cases of de minimis lapses
of acceptable coverage" which I am construing to be similar to
paragraph (1) above and the ability to apply for a "hardship waiver".</i><br />
<br />
The bills create a new filing requirement for all insurance providers.
Carriers must provide the insured what can only be described as a
"proof of insurance" certificate essentially mirroring the requirements
of a W2. It must be provided to the insured by Jan 31.<br />
<br />
When it comes to filing requirements and failure to file, HR3200 simply
knocks a couple of "ands" "ors" and various punctuation marks out of
the relevant tax code and appends language integrating the health
coverage penalty tax to the sections that address the same issues for
income taxes. So, basically the IRS is given power to come after anyone
who does not comply with the requirements of this section of the bill.
I assume this activates the full range of traditional attacks employed against tax evaders including
garnishing wages and property seizure. The HELP version seems to
accomplish&nbsp; the same thing in a more elegant fashion (see below).<br />
<br />
In an interesting sleight of hand, the language in both the house and
the Senate say that this tax will not count as a tax ... for any
purposes that might result in it being termed as a tax increase. At the
same time, the language expressly counts the provisions as a lawful tax
for any purposes related to determining total tax owed, collection and
legal sanction. (HELP quoted here).<br />
<br />
<blockquote>(1) NOT TREATED AS TAX FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.--The amount
imposed by this section shall not be treated as a tax imposed by this
chapter for purposes of determining--<br />
(A) the amount of any credit allowable under this chapter, or<br />
(B) the amount of the minimum tax imposed by section 55.<br />
  <br />
(2) TREATMENT UNDER SUBTITLE F.--For purposes of subtitle F, the amount
imposed by this section shall be treated as if it were a tax imposed by
section 1.<br />
  <br />
(3) SECTION 15 NOT TO APPLY.--Section 15 shall not apply to the amount imposed by this section. [<i>note: HR3200 states this as, "The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not be treated as a change
in a rate of tax for purposes of section 15 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986."</i>]<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
HR3200 seems to leave it an open question what the collected tax would
be used for. The HELP committee bill specifically designates any funds
collected will be dispersed to the insurance carriers to pay for other
people's subsidized insurance coverage.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>(e) USES.--Amounts collected under this section shall be
dedicated to premium credits established under section 3111 of the
Public Health Service Act.<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
So, there you have it. A general overview of mandate mechanics based on
my non-expert analysis of the bills. As you have likely inferred from
the tenor of this post, I'm not too impressed. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<i>*<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2009-09-15-insurance-costs_N.htm">USA today reports</a>
that the average cost of EMPLOYER based individual coverage is $4824,
and family coverage is $13,375. Privately negotiated insurance plans
are reported to be considerably higher, but my best efforts have not
been able to locate a specific average for this demographic.</i>]]>
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Teabags and town halls - is this battle even necessary?</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/08/teabags-and-town-halls---is-th.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.283561</id>
   
   <published>2009-08-07T05:15:09Z</published>
   <updated>2009-08-07T05:26:37Z</updated>
   
   <summary>I&apos;ve been pondering the whole situation with the violence unfolding at the health care &quot;town halls&quot;. My initial reaction was, of course, &quot;let them try that crap with me, and they&apos;ll see what&apos;s really up!&quot;. Even pondered going on road...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
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      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="24716" label="Health care town hall violent crazies" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[I've been pondering the whole situation with the violence unfolding at the health care "town halls". My initial reaction was, of course, "let them try that crap with me, and they'll see what's really up!". Even pondered going on road trips to WA and MT to "show support".&nbsp; But after watching the videos from that Florida debacle, I got a vivid image of myself toe-to-toe with an 80 year old, and the most overwhelming feeling was ... embarrassment. It made me realize that maybe we're looking at this situation all wrong.<br /><br />There is a premise that somehow we've got to "win" at the town halls.&nbsp; But why? The whole town-hall thing really gained popularity as a sham conducted by George Bush to wrap himself in the illusion of popular support. The reason they worked is because they were stage managed, not because it's a good format to discuss things. Now, I know there's more to it than that but at this point, it's pretty much the truth.<br /><br />It seems there is little, if anything, to lose by refusing this fight all together. If the goal is to present the health care proposals as serious plans by people who care and want to address the policy seriously - what is to be gained by engaging in a juvenile fight with a bunch of teabaggers? What does the policy fight lose by ceding this battlefield? Now that their forces and resources are committed to this tactic, it could be time to use guile and do an end-run around their dumb-asses. Leave them looking batshit-crazy for the teevees, and find a better way to maintain contact with the legislators.<br /><br />Instead, I propose a campaign of quietly visiting the local field offices of representatives. Most of the time, these offices are not very busy at all and there is often a staffer who can actually spend some time talking. Articulate that you don't want to have to worry about being targeted by a crazed Glenn Beck fan to let the representative know your dedication to real reform. Ask the staffer for help. In the current environment, I think that would leave a bigger impression than trying to make "our" side seem bigger than "their" side for the cameras by joining the crazies in the mud.<br /><br />Another thought about how to amplify a quiet personal visit is the use of a mini-petition. In other words, get the support of like minded neighbors who may not be able to go themselves - or articulate the issues as well. If progressives could quietly deliver signatures, five or ten at a time, in person, with respect, wouldn't that send a much more effective message than having fisticuffs with an angry geriatric who spends way too much time watching TV?<br /><br />I don't know exactly what the petition should say .... maybe something simple like "We put our support behind the democratic plan and the progressive caucus, including a strong public option. Please don't play politics with our health." And just ten signature lines or something - with local addresses (and probably an "ok to contact with more info Yes/No check box").<br /><br />So that's my idea for how to deal with the recess.&nbsp; My rep is Walt Minnick ... and he's a total ass-clown who's already committed to obstructing. But that's the approach I'm going to take to try and get my opinion noted. I don't see why I need to fight with anger against a mob - when the new dynamic let's me ask for personal attention based on legitimate desire to avoid violent crazies.<br /><br />I just don't think this round is going to be won by going toe-to-toe at town halls. Let them go crazy-town by themselves and be totally discredited, yet again. <br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Honduras Crisis Update</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/08/honduras-update.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.283483</id>
   
   <published>2009-08-06T19:10:03Z</published>
   <updated>2009-08-06T21:06:29Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Here is a quick recap of some major events in Honduras over the last couple of days, complied from Honduran news sources.Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras: (note: this protest has been characterized very differently by different sources, this narrative is...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="24707" label="Honduras Protests UNAH" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Here is a quick recap of some major events in Honduras over the last couple of days, complied from Honduran news sources.<br /><br /><b><span>Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras</span></b>: (<i>note: this protest has been characterized very differently by different sources, this narrative is a composite drawn from multiple sources, some pro-Zelaya, some pro-government</i>). At about 10:30 am on Aug. 5, students gathered on Suyapa Boulevard in front of UNAH. They were joined by members of the UNAH union and blocked the highway and entrance to the university, setting some tires ablaze. The group seems to have numbered between 300 and 500. Between 11:30 and 12:00 police arrived and used tear gas to attempt to disperse the protesters who responded with a hail of stones.<br /><br /><br /> <table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.laprensahn.com/var/laprensa_site/storage/images/ediciones/2009/08/06/multimedia/1-policia-repelio-a-supuestos-estudiantes-de-la-unah/2706596-1-esl-HN/1-Policia-repelio-a-supuestos-estudiantes-de-la-Unah_noticia_full.jpg" /></td><td>Protesters on the streets in front of UNAH. Peacefully making their voices heard with stones.<br />(http://www.laprensahn.com)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />The police employed an armored vehicle equipped with a water cannon causing the students to retreat to the university grounds. The police followed them, using batons to hit many students. At this point some teachers also joined the group throwing stones at the police. Some reports indicate the police also responded by throwing rocks back at the protesters.<br /><br />The rector of the university<span>, Julieta Castellanos,</span> became involved. The events are somewhat in dispute. But essentially, she attempted to speak with the police and ask them to withdraw from the university complaining that they were agitating the students and subjecting innocent people to tear gas and risk of injury. <br /><br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/vieja-cae-1.jpg" /></td><td>Image "proving" the police tried to protect the Ms. <span>Castellanos</span>.<br />(http://www.latribuna.hn)<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td><img src="http://www.tiempo.hn/images/stories/UNAHF3.jpg" /></td><td>Image "proving" that Ms. <span>Castellanos</span> was brutally beaten<br />(http://tiempo.hn)<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>

<br />During the encounter she was shoved to the ground, reportedly by the police. Some students have claimed that she was savagely beaten. On the other end of the spectrum the state media claims that they were overrun by protesters and the police simply tried to protect her. The most credible reports and purported quotes from Ms. <span>Castellanos</span> indicate that she was shoved to the ground by police and sustained minor bruises.<br /><br />Also at the university, a photographer (wearing a Time t-shirt) was assaulted by the police. The incident occurred as the police captured a student protester and were reportedly beating him. As he prepared to take pictures, the photographer apparently shouted some form of insult (or perhaps a threat that the photos would bring retribution?). Two members of the police responded with baton hits, causing the camera to fly through the air. Later the photographer was accosted by a larger group of police who demanded he surrender the camera's memory card (unclear if he complied). The photographer reported injuries to his arm and hand and some bruises to his body.<br /><br />After the police withdrew from the university grounds, the protesters returned to the streets. Several businesses were damaged. The windows of a fast-food establishment were smashed and several businesses looted. <span>Molotov </span><span>cocktails</span> were used to set a vehicle parked on the street ablaze (belonging to a student).<br /><br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.laprensahn.com/var/laprensa_site/storage/images/ediciones/2009/08/06/multimedia/2-policia-repelio-a-supuestos-estudiantes-de-la-unah/2706606-1-esl-HN/2-Policia-repelio-a-supuestos-estudiantes-de-la-Unah_noticia_full.jpg" /></td><td>Protesters on the streets in front of UNAH. Preparing to throw the traditional peaceful protest <span>Molotov</span> <span>cocktail.</span><br />(http://www.laprensahn.com)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />There were reports of many injuries and at least 4 arrests. Thankfully, no lives were lost.<br /><b><br />The Supreme Court:</b> On Aug. 5, 2009, <span>thousands
of protesters moved peacefully along Boulevard Suyapa and
culminated at the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ), to demand
the return of the exiled president, Manuel Zelaya Rosales.</span><br /><br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.tiempo.hn/images/stories/MANIFESTACION.jpg" /></td><td>Peaceful protesters demonstrate in front of the Supreme Court of Justice.<br />(http://www.laprensahn.com)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>

<br /><span>The
demonstrators carried in their hands the Constitution, demanded the
authorities to stop violating the charter and placed their hopes in the
San Jose Accord, considered the best solution to the political crisis
that is currently living in the country.</span> <br /><br />There were no reports of violence and both the march and gathering at the Supreme Court were unimpeded by police.<br /><br /><b>5 Day March</b>: Supporters of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya mobilized on Aug 3 to prepare new protests calling for his return to power. Zelaya
supporters said they would begin a five-day march in two of Honduras'
main cities, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, starting Wednesday. The marchers plan to camp along the way.<br /><br />A spokesman for the transition government stated that as long as there was no attempt to impede traffic that the marches will not be interfered with.<br /><br /><b>Wake of slain protester turns violent</b><b>:</b><br />In Tegucigalpa, Aug 3, 2009, hundreds of Zelaya supporters -- including the
president's wife Xiomara Castro -- gathered Sunday for a wake for Roger
Abraham Vallejo, a 38-year-old high school teacher who was shot during
a mid-week demonstration. Another teacher, Martin Florencio Rivera, was
stabbed to death after leaving the wake, which Zelaya supporters blamed
on regime supporters.<br /><br />"He was killed after being stabbed 27 times when he was leaving
Vallejo's wake," Eulogio Chavez, a teachers organization leader stated.
"That is the same way they killed the comrade in El Paraiso," he said,
referring to a Zelaya supporter beaten and stabbed to death who was
found near the border with Nicaragua on July 25th.<br /><br />Primary Sources:<br /><a href="http://www.laprensahn.com/">http://www.laprensahn.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/">http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/</a><br /><a href="http://tiempo.hn/portada">http://tiempo.hn/portada</a><br /><a href="http://hondurasnews.com/">http://hondurasnews.com/</a><br /><br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Honduras, Myth vs. Reality - a challenge to journalists.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/07/honduras-myth-vs-reality.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.282017</id>
   
   <published>2009-07-29T23:00:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-07-30T00:43:05Z</updated>
   
   <summary>Not since the Iraq war have so many journalists written so many stories based on facts that simply don&apos;t add up. From Fox news to our own TPM, assertions are being presented about the Honduran situation as fact that can...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
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   <category term="24215" label="Honduras myths case against Zelaya" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Not since the Iraq war have so many journalists written so many stories based on facts that simply don't add up. From Fox news to our own TPM, assertions are being presented about the Honduran situation as fact that can only be described as grossly inaccurate.&nbsp; So, before going into the details, let start by listing a few of the popular myths and the correction:<br /><br /><blockquote><b>#1 </b><br /><b>Myth:</b> The Honduran court declared the referendum proposed by Zelaya illegal. <br /><b><br />Fact:</b> The issue was never tried on it's merits. The Honduran court issued a temporary injunction against the referendum. It found that without an injunction, remedy for the plaintiff would become moot and public money spent on the poll would be unrecoverable in an event where a hearing on merits found the referendum illegal and it had already taken place. This injunction was upheld on appeal.<br /></blockquote><br /><blockquote><b>#2</b><br /><b>Myth:</b> Zelaya was removed from office for trying to extend his term.<br /><b><br />Fact:</b> Zelaya was removed from office for what amounts to contempt of court because of ignoring the injunction and subsequent court orders.<br /></blockquote><br /><blockquote><b>#3</b><br /><b>Myth:</b> The legal challenge to the referendum was based on an allegation that Zelaya wanted to extend his term in office.<br /><br /><b>Fact:</b> The argument against the referendum was based on two issues, one statutory and one constitutional. The statutory argument involved jurisdiction: if Zelaya had legal authority to authorize the expenditures and conduct the poll, or if the authority is granted to a different government organ as alleged by the plaintiff. The constitutional argument is based on the nature of the November ballot question proposed in the referendum.&nbsp; Based on the Honduran constitution, certain articles can not be changed. Additionally the method for legal changes to the constitution is strictly defined in Article 373 which itself is one of the protected Articles. The court cites constitutional Articles 373, 374, and 375 as the basis for the legal challenge. Article 239, limiting presidential terms, is simply not mentioned or used as the basis for any legal argument.<br /></blockquote><i>Please note. This is not to assess the merits of the argument they are putting forward. Instead this is an attempt to provide a factual report of the actual allegations against Zelaya from the Honduran establishment's point of view. </i><br /><br /><b>So, what's the basis for saying this?</b><br />
<br />
At some point after Zelaya's removal and before Honduras' own ejection
from the OAS, the Honduran courts issued <a href="http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/NR/rdonlyres/87E2BFFC-AF4D-44EA-BFC5-D93730D8D81C/2413/ExpedienteJudicial1.pdf">a legal explanation (.pdf)</a> for the
decision to remove Zelaya. The undated document outlines 12 points
describing the progression and legal situation that led to the events on June 28, 2009
and provides the supporting court rulings. Though it can't necessarily be "believed", it certainly seems to accurately reflect the legal argument the transitional government is advancing.<br />
<br />Unfortunately for myself, and apparently the entire industry of
journalism, it's in plumb-foreign Spanish. After frittering around for
a month hoping someone in the newzes or the internetz or places
with teachingz, who could actually speak the language, would bother to make it readable to we shlubby types
... well ....let's just say "nada". <br /><br />In this environment, there are two real sources: right wingers and leftist activists - both of which are consistently full of spin and baloney.&nbsp; Everyone else seems to be regurgitating whatever these two groups say, with source choice based mainly on ideological prejudice.&nbsp; So ultimately it was <a href="http://translate.google.com/#">to</a> <a href="http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt">the</a> <a href="http://www.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html">online</a>
<a href="http://www.studyspanish.com/translator.htm">translators</a> for me. By running text through several sites, it's possible to get pretty close to understanding what the documents say. Here's what I got out of it:<br /><br />]]>
      <![CDATA[<b>Explanation from the Honduras court.</b><br /><br />Going through the Honduran court's document from the top; they open
with a "Howdy", pointing everyone's attention to Article 2 of the
Inter-American Democratic Charter. The opening basically says: we
also believe in
government with all branches functioning in mutual recognition of limits to authority - that's why Zelaya was
removed. A standard formal intro paragraph. <br />
<br />
Then it's on to the points at issue:<br />

<blockquote>1. On May 27, 2009, the Administrative Law Tribunal issues a ruling in
relation to [the request an injunction be imposed on] Executive Decree
PCM-05-2009. The court dictated a "sentence interlocutoria" ordering
the suspension of the proposed consultation by the President or any of
his subordinates in the administrative structure.<br />
</blockquote>

This is what starts the whole thing from the court standpoint. It's
an injunction. There is no issue determined other than if an immediate
injunction is warranted. Clunking through it, it is amazingly standard
stuff. The ruling ultimately rests on weighting the assumption of
legality concerning the contested action against the harm to the
plaintiff if the action is not stayed yet ruled illegal when
the case is heard on merit. The plaintiff argued if the
referendum were taken and later proven illegal, there was no remedy
that could erase the act, and that the referendum would be held at
state expense and the expenditure would also be unrecoverable.<br />
<br />
From the injunction ruling on page 10 of the linked .pdf:

<blockquote>WHEREAS (4): That in this sense it is important to note
that when the request is resolved suspension of the contested measure
has been taken into consideration that the remedy is not effective if
the final rule, it is difficult or practically impossible satisfaction
of the claim contained in the demadnda, so the correct decision of this
application requires balance and harmonize the two conflicting
principles, on the one hand, the effective judicial protection, and
secondly, the effectiveness of administrative action, that the
presumption of legitimacy of the act, seeking to avoid beginning with
implementation of the act of injury difficult or impossible to repair,
the absence of a suspension of the act is challenged, so when order the
suspension of the effects of a particular act which is to provide that
when issued a final ruling is merely declaratory and inefficient with
respect to the plaintiff's claims.<br />
</blockquote>
In the citation section of the ruling, the constitutional and statutory
references all point to the authorities and requirements for
deciding the question of an injunction<br />

<br />Moving on, the court declaration highlights the court sending a clarification to the Presidency on
May 29, 2009 informing that the injunction covered any action of the general or specific
nature of a public consultation, and that changes in "denomination"
would still fall under the definition of the injunction. This was followed up
with a
June 3, 2009 notice of legal requirement to abide by the court injunction. The
next major occurrence was Zelaya's appeal of the injunction which occurred on June 16th.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>4.
On June 16, 2009 the Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the May 27
injunction. Rejecting the request presented by President's Council
Velasquez Diaz to overturn the Administrative Law Tribunal ruling. Lawyer Rosa
America de Galo representing the Soliciter General presented the
argument in favor of upholding the court order. The appeals court
confirmed the legality of the May 27, 2009 injunction as well as the
additional clarification issued on May 29. 2009.<br /></blockquote>
On June 18, the Administrative Law Tribunal issued a second notice to Zelaya
reiterating the legal requirement to comply with the court orders. At the
same time, they
issued a court order that Zelaya confirm his intent to comply with the
ruling in writing to an appointed officer of the court within five days.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>6.
On June 18, 2009, the Administrative Law Tribunal issue third
communication to the Presidency through the Secretary General to order
to respond within five (5) days to the court with jurisdiction
acknowledgment of intent to comply with the "sentence interlocutoria"
as clarified in the May 29, 2009 notice.<br /></blockquote>
Five days later (not counting the weekend), was June 25th, the day the
Constitutional Court overruled Zelaya's removal of the military chief.&nbsp;
On June 26, 2009, Zelaya had not given a response and the court decided
to take action based on the Presidency's decision to ignore the court
order of
June 18.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>8.On
June 26 the court found that the Presidency had not complied with the
June 18 court order to provide acknowledgment of intened compliance with
court injunctions within five days, which expired on June 25, 2009. The
court found that Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, as leader of the executive
branch was in contempt of court orders and was responsible for the
crimes against the GOVERNMENT FORM, TREASON TO the MOTHER COUNTRY,
ABUSE OF OFFICE AND USURPATION OF FUNCTIONS that damaged the
administration. The panel found unanimously that the President would be
suspended for contempt on June 30, 2009 in the event of continued
noncompliance. The Supreme Court designated a magistrate to contact the
Presidency and determine the status of the required filing. The court
issued formal charges and a warrant for arrest.<br /></blockquote>
This
seems to have given until June 30, 2009, at the latest, for Zelaya to address the court and avoid sanction and also granted the court authority to act prior to that date. Also on the 26th, the court notified the military that the proposed
referendum was illegal and that they should suspend all activity
related to consultations or surveys and should seize any materials that
had been produced for a June 28 poll in specific. The court also prepared
and issued notification to a large number of South and Central American
nations alerting them to the legal jeopardy and the courts decisions.<br />
<br />
On
June 28, the court executed the arrest warrant and notified the
international community as well as the Honduran public that the
military was acting on court authority. And the rest is history. <br /><br />So, that's
the legal progression that led to Zelaya's removal. Notice, not one
time does the issue of term limits even enter the picture. Specifically, Article 239 of the constitution is not a factor at all. It
seems that Zelaya was officially removed for placing the Presidency above the
Judiciary - not for trying to secure multiple terms.<br />
<br />
<b>What about the case against the referendum</b>?<br />
<br />
This
is an interesting situation. The popular meme, repeated ad infinitum by
the media, including here at TPM, is that the referendum was challenged
on the ground that it was seen as an attempt by Zelaya to remain in power. Well,
that is simply wrong. This was never a specific point of legal debate in
Honduras as far as the courts are concerned.<br />
<br />
The real issue had
to do with an entirely different part of the constitution - the part of
the constitution that spoke to it's own existence and the legal process
by which it could be modified. Essentially it boils down to this:
Article 373 explains the method by which the constitution can be
modified - by 2/3 majority vote of the legislature in two successive
legislative sessions. This article further states that this is the sole
means by which the constitution may be changed.<br />
<br />
Briefly, Article
374&nbsp; declares the portions of the constitution that are "set in stone".
This includes both the presidential term limitations as well as Article
373. Article 375 speaks to the protection of the constitution itself
and basically says: if anyone attempts to take power by eliminating the
constitution that the constitution is still in force and it is the
responsibility of all Hondurans to work for it's restoration - and
authorizes the penalty of property seizure against any official who had supported
the constitution's overthrow. <br />
<br />From page 72 of the linked .pdf:<br />
<blockquote>...In this regard, the convening of a Constituent National Assembly,<b> it is
clear that it intends to repeal the current Constitution, acts
constituting the crime at issue in light of the provisions of Articles
373, 374 and 375</b> of our Constitution not lost its validity, or no
longer fulfilled and can not be subject to modification, but by any
other means and procedures other than that she has, therefore, under no
circumstances may dictate and approve a new constitution because this
would with the reform of stone articles, which can not be reformed in
any case.<br />
</blockquote>
That's
a very brief teaser on the argument against the legality of Zelaya's
referendum. The issue is quite interesting, and now that it is
confirmed this indeed was the point of law that was brought against the
referendum, there will likely be followup post exploring this argument
in detail. <b>It should be reiterated, this question was never adjudicated</b>.
The legal track to a trial on the subject was derailed when Zelaya
abandoned the legal framework and attempted to conduct the poll based
on his own authority in violation of a court injunction.<br />
<br />
<b>A Challenge:</b><br /><br />I
hereby challenge anyone who wants to assert Zelaya extending
his own term was the basis for actions of the Honduras court: provide
documentation of this assertion (an actual court filing/ruling). Here I am, a booglie-eyed anonymous
avatar who doesn't even speak Spanish ... it should be pretty easy for
someone "real" to clarify where my assessment is off base. As best I
can tell, the "debate" so far centers around one great big strawman.<br /><br />Anyone who relies on the
product of
journalism for information should be asking a big question: what
process has the media used to confirm the "facts" that are being tossed
around? It clearly wasn't by analyzing the arguments before the
Honduran
court or documents that have been publicly available since these events
occurred. How did they get the basics so wrong? Even if the facts don't
change the illegalities of Zelaya's removal, isn't there a basic
requirement to give an accurate account and to discuss the legal issues based on what was actually in litigation?<br />
<br />
The point of this post is to simply present the actual legal arguments being made by and before the Honduran courts, and not
opine; but needless to say, I *do* have an opinion here ... that's for
another thread. So, I'll just leave this with a question: <i><b>who benefits
most from misinformation on this topic being accepted as reality?</b></i><br />]]>
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>The sergeants particularly liked removing victims&apos; brains.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/07/the-sergeants-particularly-lik.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.281835</id>
   
   <published>2009-07-28T07:25:41Z</published>
   <updated>2009-07-28T08:36:26Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[I'm not sure what more can be said here. Via Fire Dog Lake is this report from the Colorado Springs Gazette. It is part one of a series and appropriately titled&nbsp; "The hell of war comes home". The article highlights...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="24115" label="Iraq Abuse PTSD Crime Fort Carson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[I'm not sure what more can be said here. <a href="http://firedoglake.com/2009/07/27/you-came-too-close-we-lit-you-up-%E2%80%93-the-lethal-warriors-come-home/#more-42140">Via Fire Dog Lake</a> is this report from the <a href="http://www.gazette.com/articles/iframe-59065-eastridge-audio.html">Colorado Springs Gazette</a>. It is part one of a series and appropriately titled&nbsp; "The hell of war comes home". The article highlights a group of Iraqi vets, and the violent crimes that were committed in America on their return. But it also highlights crimes that were seemingly routine on the front lines of Iraq and implies a photo scandal that could make the detainee abuse picture issue seem tame.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>Another sergeant shot a man in the head without cause while
questioning him, Needham said, then mutilated the body, lashed it to
the hood of his Humvee and drove around the neighborhood blaring
warnings to insurgents in Arabic that "they would be next."</p><p>Other Iraqis were shot for invented reasons, then mutilated, Needham said.</p><p>The sergeants particularly liked removing victims' brains, Needham said.</p><p><b>Needham offered a photograph of a soldier removing brains from an
Iraqi on the hood of a Humvee and other photos as evidence. His father
supplied copies to The Gazette.</b></p><p>The Army's criminal investigation division interviewed several
soldiers from the unit and said it was "unable to substantiate any of
his allegations."</p></blockquote>



<p>This is a really amazing piece of journalism. The author does not go for a simple account of horrible behavior in Iraq. Instead, Dave Philipps provides a chilling deconstruction of what is happening to our soldiers. It follows the progression of young soldiers deployed with a unit called the "Lethal Warriors" through battle experiences and subsequent return to the US to an ultimate end in prison for violent crimes.&nbsp; It is a stark statement of the deadly results putting soldiers through a meat grinder and bringing them home with no mental health support has for American communities and the soldiers themselves.</p><blockquote><p>Soldiers from other units at Fort Carson have committed crimes after deployments -- <a href="http://www.gazette.com/sections/military/">military</a>
bookings at the El Paso County jail have tripled since the start of the
Iraq war -- but no other unit has a record as deadly as the soldiers of
the 4th Brigade. The vast majority of the brigade's soldiers have not
committed crimes, but the number who have is far above the population
at large. <b>In a one-year period from the fall of 2007 to the fall of
2008, the murder rate for the 500 Lethal Warriors was 114 times the
rate for Colorado Springs.</b></p></blockquote><p> Equally amazing are the prison interviews with infantry specialist Kenneth Eastridge. In two parts, he describes activities in Iraq that led to reprimands and a fatal incident that occurred when he and fellow soldiers returned, resulting in the death of a fellow Iraq War veteran on his birthday.</p><p>One thing that I find inexcusable is that the military has treated these soldiers with PTSD like the private insurance companies treat patients with cancer: try to find some way to kick them out.</p><blockquote><p>"As soon as I got out [of the mental counseling facility], I had a scheduled bitching session with the
sergeant so he could yell at me about what a liar I was," he said.
"After they found out a guy was getting evaluated for PTSD, they would
try to find any little thing to kick him out."</p><p>Dozens of soldiers who screened positive for PTSD received an "other
than honorable" discharge from the Army -- the equivalent of being
kicked out -- for infractions such as missing duty and drug use, Pogany
said. If soldiers are kicked out, they often aren't eligible for free
health care, counseling or other benefits that soldiers who are
medically discharged with PTSD receive. Often, Pogany said, that means
veterans who need help the most don't get it.</p></blockquote>
<p>There is no way any blog on the subject is going to do this article justice. It is quite long ... but well worth the time to read.<br /></p>]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Mercedes announces EV Gullwing</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/07/mercedes-announces-ev-gullwing.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.280000</id>
   
   <published>2009-07-17T06:24:42Z</published>
   <updated>2009-07-17T07:21:12Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[ OK, this one has been filed under totally cool.&nbsp; Mercedes has started releasing information on their new SLS Gullwing (although not undisguised pictures apparently!) due to hit American streets next year. The vehicle is impressively engineered - the gasoline...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="23398" label="Mercedes SLS Electronic Car" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[<img src="http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/11625_2010-slsamg-f34-mercedesbenz-fd-500-2.jpg" /><br />
<br />OK, this one has been filed under totally cool.&nbsp; Mercedes has started <a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/16/officially-official-mercedes-to-produce-electric-sls-gullwing/">releasing information</a> on their new SLS Gullwing (although not undisguised pictures apparently!) due to hit American streets next year. The vehicle is impressively engineered - the gasoline V8 version boasts 751HP, 479 <span>lb-ft of torque, accelerates to 60 in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 168mph. With all aluminum construction and </span><span><span>an all-alloy spaceframe</span></span>, it clearly won't be cheap.<br /><br />The electric version is reported to have a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery
pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the
electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft). This is right in line with the output of the V8. Acceleration is reported to be 0-62 in 4 seconds.<br /><br />In addition to a solid power plant, the SLS EV has many other apparent innovations. From their press release:<br /><br /><blockquote>The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive transforms the vision of
powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality
thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is
provided by four electric motors [...] positioned
near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to
wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This
intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimized power
transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring - in other
words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In
its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a
liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with
an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. <b>The 400-volt
battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking
whilst the car is being driven</b>. [emphasis mine]<br /><br />The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as
early as the concept phase when the new swing-wing model was being
developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the
integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way
of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be
positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle. The same
applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located
in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats.
Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity
and the balanced weight distribution - ideal conditions for optimum
handling, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its
petrol-driven sister model.<br /></blockquote>Of course, like the Tesla - this isn't an everyman's car.&nbsp; But it certainly takes another step in the direction of solidifying the idea electronic cars can also be cool. As these technologies prove themselves at the high-end, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify failing to offer them in the various classes of production vehicle.<br /><br />I think it's pretty darn cool ... but it does make me wonder, is this the e-version of a gas guzzler?<br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>SASC Detainee Report Time Line.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/06/sasc-detainee-report-time-line.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.274833</id>
   
   <published>2009-06-12T19:30:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-07-06T17:44:10Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[I recently slogged through the Senate Armed Services Committee report: "Inquiry Into the Treatment of Detainees in U.S. Custody". One of the big difficulties I had was the thing kept doing time warps.&nbsp; Suddenly, it jumped from 2005 back to...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="21616" label="Iraq Detainee Senate report" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[I recently slogged through the Senate Armed Services Committee report: "Inquiry Into the Treatment of Detainees in U.S. Custody". One of the big difficulties I had was the thing kept doing time warps.&nbsp; Suddenly, it jumped from 2005 back to 2002 on a totally different subject.&nbsp; It makes it kind of hard to get a whole feeling for what happened when.<br /><br />So I started keeping some notes, and one thing led to another and it has expanded into a bit of a time line.&nbsp; Most of the key events mentioned in the report (and a bunch of minutiae) are listed in basically chronological order.<br /><br />Notes:<br /><ul><li>The time line is primarily based on the SASC report.
Just for fun, I've been rolling in additional information over the last
week; so that's where the other stuff came from.<br /><br /></li><li>This evolved from personal notes, so some may still be in a bit
of shorthand - especially the use of names without titles.<br />&nbsp; </li><li>Some of the
unknown dates [??] have likely been nailed down by other sources,
the dates here are gleaned directly from the reports.<br /><br /></li><li>Mostly
the list has been cleaned up to the point of being sensical, but is
still kind of rough there are likely typos and a few unfathomable
entries. Also, some of the notes were taken before I started keeping
track of
page numbers and not all those entries have been nailed back down
(usually have a ?? page number). If any major cleanup issues pop up,
I'll try to update. <br /><br /></li><li>Links to the reports used in the time line are
at the bottom of the post.</li></ul>I use it sort of as a reader's companion and it makes the report a bit more useful (and is a pretty good frame of reference for other reports as well).&nbsp; And I even figured out how to put the insanely long part after a jump! :-)<br /><br /><br />]]>
      <![CDATA[Oct 2001:<br /><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<p><strong>7:</strong><br />
  Ground operations in Afghanistan begin. Afghan SMU-TF 
  deploys(officially).</p>
<p>Nov 2001:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>15:</strong><br />
  Memo for John Bellinger from John C. Yoo and Robert J. 
  Delahunt Re: Authority of the President to Suspend Certain Provisions of the 
  ARM Treaty <br />
  (Pg 47 - Yoo Army Torture Memo)<br /><br /></p>
<p> Dec 2001:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[??]</strong>:<br />
  DoD Council (Haynes) requests information from JPRA about 
  detainee "exploitation"<br />
  (pg.3/4 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  Memo for Alberto R. Gonzales from Jay S. Bybee Re: Authority 
  of the President to Denounce the ABMTreaty<br />
  (Pg 47 - Yoo Army Torture Memo)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  Mohammed al Khatani captured in Pakistan.<br />
  (pg.57 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  JPRA (Baumgartner) sends DoD GC (Shiffrin) memo on "exploitation 
  process" offers JPRA on "exploitation and how to resist".<br />
  (pg.6 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>26:</strong><br />
  Mohammed al Khatani turned over to US Forces.<br />
  (pg.58 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[late]:</strong><br />
  SERE psychologists Mitchell and Jessen review information 
  on Al Qaeda resistance training.<br />
  (pg.6 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jan 2002:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>9:</strong><br />
  DoJ Attorneys write memorandum to DoD General Counsel 
  William "Jim" Haynes II, advising Geneva did not apply in Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.1 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>18:</strong><br />
  Alberto Gonzalez advises President Bush of DoJ opinion 
  regarding Geneva.<br />
  (pg.1 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  Donald Rumsfeld instructed Joint Chiefs Chairman(Myers), 
  to inform Combatant Commanders al Qaeda/Taliban "not entitled to prisoner 
  of war status" under the Geneva Conventions.<br />
  (pg.2 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>21:</strong><br />
  Order goes out to field commanders the Geneva doesn't apply<br />
  (pg.2 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Powell asks Bush to reconsider Geneva policy<br />
  (pg.2 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  Gonzolez writes "Geneva Quaint" memo.<br />
  (pg.2 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Feb 2002:<br /></p><p><br />
  <strong>2:</strong><br />
  State department memo indicating opinion CIA bound by 
  military restrictions; but CIA argues Convention is policy and can be circumscribed 
  in relation to CIA.<br />
  (pg.3 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>7:</strong><br />
  Bush signs memorandum setting aside Geneva protections 
  for Armed Forces.<br />
  (pg.2 - SASC Report)<br />
  <br />
  The President's order was not followed by guidance that defined the terms "humanely" 
  or "military necessity."; those in the field left to interpret order.<br />
  (pg.3 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  Mitchell and Jessen submit Al Qaeda resistance / countermeasures 
  paper to Moulton.<br />
  (pg.7 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:<br />
  </strong>Mohammed al Khatani transferred to GTMO. Questioned 
  by JTF·170, CITF and FBI personnel at Camp X-Ray.<br />
  (pg.58 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>14:</strong><br />
  Moulton forwards Mitchell/Jessen plan to JFCOM. Cover 
  email recommends training mission to GTMO, and mentions [REDACTED-JSOC?] command 
  also requesting techniques.<br />
  (pg.7 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
   Email from Pema to Jessen etc. describing JPRA two week 
  crash course at DIA request for [REDACTED] personnel going to SOUTHCOM [??] 
  {Doesn't seem to be discussing Mar 2002 training?}<br />
  (pg.8 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
  JPRA (Jessen) provides GTMO (Col. Cooney) "Prisoner 
  Handling Recommendations".<br />
  (pg.11 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  March 2002:<br /></p>
<p><strong>8:</strong><br />
  First acknowledged training of Armed Services by JPRA 
  in response to DIA request for unit heading to SOUTHCOM.<br />
  (pg.8-10 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  Jessen reports to Moulton on training program.<br />
  (pg.10 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>18:</strong><br />
  Jessen pitches idea for a formalized exploitation training 
  program.<br />
  (pg.10 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22:</strong><br />
  Harrington makes recommendations for GTMO that seem to 
  protest some JPRA mandated handling procedures.<br />
  (pg.12 -14- SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
  Abu Zubaydah captured by CIA in Pakistan.<br />
  (pg.16- SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  [SPRING 2002]<br /><br />
  CIA sought policy approval from the National Security 
  Council to begin an interrogation program for high-level alQaida terrorists 
  (Rice testimony)<br />
  (pg.16- SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  April 2002:<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  Jessen circulates draft exploitation plan to JPRA and 
  DoD.<br />
  (pg.14-16 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>

<p>May 2002:<br />
  <br /></p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  JPRA Maj Steven Kleinman, releases report "Support 
  to DoD Interrogation Operations" detailing interrogation problems at GTMO<br />
  (pg.171 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  CJTF-180 Takes over in Afghanistan.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jun 2002:</p><p><br /><strong>[early]:</strong><br />
  FBI refuses to continue participating in Abu Zubaydah 
  interrogation, leaves GTMO.<br />
  (pg.19 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  BSCT team deploys to GTMO<br />
  (pg.38 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]</strong><br />
  SOUTHCOM (Speer) requests Joint Chiefs review of GTMO 
  intelligence, initiates Custer review.</p>
<p><strong>17: </strong><br />
  [REDACTED (JSOC?)] command requests JPRA training prepare 
  officers for rotations in Afghanistan and elsewhere.<br />
  (pg.20 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
  John Prior writes memo about [REDACTED (JSOC?)] request 
  to JPRA and DoD (Prior doesn't remember it).<br />
  (pg.21 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  SecDef approval for JPRA training of [REDACTED (JSOC?)].<br />
  (pg.21 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <br />

</p><p>Jul 2002:</p><p><br />
  <strong>[1-2]:</strong><br />
  JPRA Training of [REDACTED] at [REDACTED]. Trained in 
  waterboarding and other SERE techniques.<br />
  (pg.21 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
  CIA OGC provides overview of Abu Zubaydah interrogation 
  plan to NSC Legal Adviser, Dep. Ass. AG from OLC, DoJ criminal div head, Council 
  to President in meeting.<br />
  (pg.3 - SSCI OLC Opinion Report)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  BSCT (Bourney) Team requests modified JPRA training USASOC/SERE 
  Psychologist Louie "Morgan" Banks works out plan.<br />
  (pg.40 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  JPRA Joseph Witsch issues memo describing Jul. 1-2 training 
  for [RED - JSOC?]. Indicates use of harsh interrogation by these forces (Afghanistan) 
  is approved by CIA, for harsher techniques (specifically waterboard) DoJ approval 
  required.<br />
  (pg.21-23 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  DCI Meets with National Security adviser, CIA Authorized 
  to proceed with Abu Zubaydah interrogation, needed legality determination by 
  OLC.<br />
  (pg.3 - SSCI OLC Opinion Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:<br />
  </strong>Jessen provides training to "OGA"<br />
  (pg.23 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Jessen, Mitchell &amp; others leave JPRA and start contracting 
  company.<br />
  (pg.24 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22:</strong><br />
  Memo from Yoo to Alberto R. Gonzales regarding the applicability 
  of the Convention Against Torture.<br />
  (Pg 47 - Yoo Army Torture Memo)</p>
<p><strong>[24?]:</strong><br />
  Shiffrin requests information on exploitation techniques 
  from JPRA at behest of Haynes<br />
  (pg.24 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>24:</strong><br />
  JPRA psychologist Ogrisseg writes report on long-term 
  effects of SERE techniques.<br />
  (pg.29 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>OLC Verbally informs CIA that AG has determined certain 
  techniques permissible.<br />
  (pg.4 - SSCI OLC Opinion Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  JPRA responds to Shiffrin Jul. 24, 2002 request with sample 
  lesson plans already in use.<br />
  (pg.25-26 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>26:</strong><br />
  JPRA sends second exploitation memo in response to questions 
  Haynes' office at DoD.<br />
  (pg.26-31 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Another command; [REDACTED] also requested copy of JPRA 
  report to Haynes.<br />
  (pg.31 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>OLC Verbally informs CIA that AG has determined all techniques 
  permissible.<br />
  (pg.4 - SSCI OLC Opinion Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>27:</strong><br />
  FBI Start involvement in Mohammed al Khatani questioning.<br />
  (pg.58 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  Aug 2002:<br /><br />
  <strong>1:</strong><br />
  Bybee Memos I &amp; II Covering DoD(I) and CIA(II) released.<br />
  (pg.36-37 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  [REDACTED - JSOC?] commanders request additional JPRA 
  training support.<br />
  (pg.36-37 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>JPRA discusses creating a CONOP for [REDACTED - JSOC?] 
  (Operating instructions in DoD directive 1300.7 used in SERE school training).; 
  creates "Project 22b" to protect information associated with [whoever 
  REDACTED is] specifically in case of congressional investigation.<br />
  (pg.37-38 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  JTF-170 (Beaver) indicates leaning against stress positions</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
  JPRA Creates "Plan of Instruction" for September 
  16 training.<br />
  (pg.44 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>[SUMMER 2002]:<br /><br />
  GTMO requests JPRA assistance developing a program based 
  on [REDACTED] plan.<br />
  (pg.38 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>GTMO gets increased pressure from command and DoD (Wolfowitz) 
  {possible instructions to ask about Iraq links?}<br />
  (pg.41 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  SEP 2002:<br /><br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  4 Day training for GTMO personnel at Ft. Bragg. Hosted 
  by U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Psychological Applications 
  Directorate Chief LTC Morgan Banks (likely sept 16. training).<br />
  (pg.142 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
  JFCOM Notified of upcoming training on the 16th (But only 
  for Army).<br />
  (pg.43 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  Custer submits finding from GTMO intelligence operation 
  to Joint Chiefs. Notes (and protests) the coined phrase "Battle Lab".<br />
  (pg.42-43 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  BCST, CIA, JTF-170, Army personnel trained by JPRA at 
  Ft. Bragg (Followup to Jul. Request). Complain of limits (including wanting 
  longer interrogation times). (likely 4 day training hosted by USASOC)<br />
  (pg.43 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  FBI End lead of interrogation in Mohammed al Khatani questioning 
  as JTF-170 proposes more harsh plan.<br />
  (pg.58 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>23:</strong><br />
  FBI (CITF) Protests JTF-170 interrogation plan for Mohammed 
  al Khatani<br />
  (pg.58 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  Gonzolez, Addington, Haynes, Chertoff, Rizzo &amp; others 
  visit GTMO review intelligence operation. Opines Commanders should have leeway 
  to authorize techniques (remove Koran) per Pres. order.<br />
  (pg.49 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>

<p>Oct 2002:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>2:</strong><br />
Email from SERE psychologist LTC Morgan Banks to GTMO (Paul 
Burney) &amp; [???] warning SERE techniques are different when used on detainees<br />
(pg.5 - SASC Report) </p><p><br />
  GTMO Behavioral Science Consultation Team (BSCT) memo 
  written upon their return from the JPRA training at Fort Bragg. Define the levels 
  of interrogation (I, II, III) used in future interrogation discussions.<br />
  (pg.50-52 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.68 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CIA lawyer Jonathan Fredman has discussion with GTMO 
  staff about "effective" techniques (phobias,dripping towel).<br />
  (pg.62 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Jonathan Fredman meets with DoD officials at GTMO; stated 
  that the "CIA rallied" for the Conventions not to apply. <br />
  (pg.3 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.53-56 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>JTF-170 Takes over interrogation of Khatani at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.60 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
   JTF-170 uses Dogs used in interrogation of Khatani at 
  GTMO.<br />
  (pg.60 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>8:</strong><br />
  FBI describes unsuccessful sleep/sensory depravation on 
  Khatani at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.60 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>SMT-TF assessment team arrives at GTMO from Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.149 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  JTF-170 ends sleep/sensory depravation on Khatani at GTMO, 
  returns to brig, interrogation unsuccessful.<br />
  (pg.60 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>SMT-TF assessment team leaves GTMO.<br />
  (pg.149 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>11:</strong><br />
  LTC Phifer submitted a memorandum to JTF-170 Commander 
  MG Dunlavey requesting approval to use "counter-resistance" interrogation 
  techniques based on Oct 2 BCST memo. Went up chain of command to General Hill.<br />
  (pg.61-62 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.38 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Lt. Beaver submits Legal Review of Aggressive Interrogation 
  Techniques as cover to Phifer memo. Recommends permission or immunity in advance 
  from the convening authority.<br />
  (pg.63-65 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Afghanistan SMU-TF issues 
  memo covering GTMO trip recommends JPRA mobile training unit.<br />
  (pg.149 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Photograph of Abu Zubaydah interrogation taken (still 
  classified).<br />
  (Vaughn Index 2) </p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  JPRA Drafts a new plan to train GTMO personnel in Oct. 
  11 requested techniques.<br />
  (pg.72 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>25:</strong><br />
  General Hill submits Phifer request to Richard Myers with 
  request for DoJ / DoD review of Oct. 11 request.<br />
  (pg.66 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>26:</strong><br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF submits proposal to commander for proposed 
  interrogation techniques based on JPRA training.<br />
  (pg.150 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF commander produces memo proposing SMU-TF 
  handle own interrogations separate from CJTF-180.<br />
  (pg.150-151 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
   CITF (Mark Fallon) email to Legal Counsel (Sam McCahon) 
  re Oct 2. GTMO DoD/Freedman meeting minutes; concerned about language.<br />
  (pg.57 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>29:</strong><br />
  Draft order circulated regarding training at GTMO for 
  Oct 11 techniques.<br />
  (pg.73 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>30:</strong><br />
  Joint Staff J5 requests comments on JTF-7 GTMO request 
  from Armed Services<br />
  (pg.67 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Nov 2002:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  BSCT-GTMO SOP Established<br />
  (pg.39 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>1:</strong><br />
  Air force sends response 
  to JTF-7 request expressing concerns about legality, and admissibility of information 
  received. Suggested more in-depth review.<br />
  (pg.67 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>SMU TF Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) analyzed legal authorities 
  and constraints relevant to SMU TF personnel's participation in interrogations 
  [at UNDISCLOSED SITE] expresses some concerns.<br />
  (pg.152 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>3:</strong><br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF produce CONOP presentation detailing 
  exploitation plan.<br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF produce "Decision Briefing" for JCTF-180 approval 
  to build own facility.<br />
  (pg.151 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>4:</strong><br />
  Marines send memo to Joint Chiefs indicating immunity 
  is unrealistic under UCMJ. Disagrees with many techniques and legal analysis.<br />
  (pg.64 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.68 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Navy responds to JTF-7 indicating there should be a more 
  detailed review across all branches.<br />
  (pg.67 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CITF responds to JTF-7 proposed techniques expresses 
  serious concerns.<br />
  (pg.69 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>7:</strong><br />
  Army responds to JTF-7 proposed techniques expresses serious 
  concerns, asks for a legal review.<br />
  (pg.68 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Dalton directs staff to arrange video conference with 
  DIA, SOUTHCOM, Joint Chiefs, GTMO, Huachuca to review Armed Services concerns 
  with Oct 11 GTMO request. Haynes tells her to shut down analysis.<br />
  (pg.70-71 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Miller takes command of GTMO.<br />
  (pg.73 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  Miller approves all Category I &amp; II aggressive interrogation 
  techniques for Khatani at GTMO.<br />
  Phifer issues 4 page interrogation plan to Miller verifying the approval.<br />
  (pg.75 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>[UNKNOWN] Agency approved for training. Training conducted 
  "Mid November" in aggressive interrogation including Waterboarding.<br />
  (pg.91-94 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
  Khatani Nov. 12 plan is emailed to GTMO interrogators. 
  Proposed start date is Nov. 15.<br />
  (pg.76-78 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  GTMO SJA Beaver issues email to CTIF stating "NSC 
  has weighed in and stated that intel on this guy is utmost matter of national 
  security.. We are driving forward with support of SOUTHCOM. Not sure anything 
  else needs to be said."<br />
  (pg.76 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CTIF Commander COL Mallow objects to Nov 12 plan.<br />
  (pg.78 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>15:</strong><br />
  CTIF Commander COL Mallow objects to Nov 12 plan.<br />
  (pg.78 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Miller places Khatani interrogation on hold to review 
  CTIF (Mallow) objections.<br />
  (pg.79 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
  FBI, CTIF meet with JTF-GITMO staff to discuss mutually 
  agreeable plan for Khatani interrogation.<br />
  (pg.79 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>21:</strong><br />
  Video Conference with Miller, Phifer, CTIF, FBI, SOUTHCOM, 
  DoD General Council to discuss Khatani interrogation.<br />
  CTIF, FBI present Miller with alternative plan.<br />
  (pg.79 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22:</strong><br />
  NCIS psychologist, Michael Gells drafts formal review 
  of Khatani interrogation plan expressed concerns counterproductive.<br />
  (pg.79 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Revised Khatani interrogation plan created and proposed 
  to Miller.<br />
  (pg.80-84 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>FBI Sends memo to Miller protesting plan.<br />
  (pg.84 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>23:</strong><br />
  Miller approves Nov. 22 Khatani interrogation plan, and 
  authorizes start.<br />
  (pg.85 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CITF Informs GTMO SJA Beaver that CTIF staff would "stand 
  clear" of interrogation.<br />
  (pg.88 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Aggressive interrogation of Khatani begins (continues 
  to Jan 16, 2003). Is subject to 20 hour interrogations, forced to do dog tricks, 
  doused with water (poured water over head), menaced with working dogs.<br />
  (pg.87 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.135-136 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  Haynes recommends SecDef approves SOUTHCOM blanket use 
  of most of the techniques from Oct. 11 JTF-7 GTIMO request. Asserts all requested 
  techniques are legal, but not warranted for blanket authorization.<br />
  (pg.94 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Dec 2002:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>2: </strong><br />
  SecDef approves all techniques recommended in Nov 27. 
  Haynes memo including dogs, stress (forced workouts), nakedness at GTMO (famous 
  "why only 4 hrs. of standing").<br />
  (pg.208 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>FBI Agent (attorney) does analysis of Oct. 11 JTF-7 GTMO 
  plan and concludes illegal - sends to FBI OGC Marion Bowman.<br />
  (pg.85 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>3:</strong><br />
  Bowman responds to FBI concerns that agents should stand 
  clear and collect information<br />
  (pg.85 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
  Miller meets with FBI to hear concerns, prefers JTF-7 
  techniques<br />
  (pg.87 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  GTMO DI Phifer presents new SERE based SOP to CITF agent, 
  includes removal of clothing, stress, physical contact, hoods, etc.<br />
  (pg.97 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>LTC Beaver makes recommendations for SOP changes to Phifer.<br />
  (pg.99 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  BSCT psychiatrist Paul Burney warns of proper training 
  and possible unwanted effects.<br />
  (pg.100 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  Pfifer leaves position at GTMO replaced by Col. Sanders 
  (JIG). Sanders inherits SOP final draft.<br />
  (pg.100 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Navy CG Mora is informed of objections in CITF.<br />
  (pg.106 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>18:</strong><br />
  Second draft of GTMO interrogation SOP issued with Sanders 
  &amp; Moss signature blocks (neither signed?).<br />
  (pg.97-99 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Mora meets with NCIS psychologist Gelles who provides 
  interrogation logs indicating abuse and with Army GC and is shown Oct. 11 2002 
  request and Dec. 2 2002 SecDef authorization.<br />
  (pg.106 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  Mora briefs Navy Secretary on NCIS abuse reports and gets 
  authorization to contact Haynes. Extensively briefs Haynes on the problems and 
  warned that some techniques were torture, advised suspension of authorization.<br />
  (pg.106 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>30:</strong><br />
  SERE Specialists Rankin &amp; Ross arrive in GTMO to provide 
  training. Authorized by directive of SecDef. Instructors were provided Dec. 
  18 Draft SOP.<br />
  (pg.103 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>31:</strong><br />
  SERE Specialists begin training for personnel at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.103-104 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jan 2003:<br /><br />
  <strong>3:</strong><br />
  SERE training ends at GTMO - concerns expressed about 
  implementation commander expresses concerns.<br />
  (pg.105 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>6:</strong><br />
  NCIS Director informs Mora Dec. 2 interrogation authorization 
  is still in effect at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.107 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>8:</strong><br />
  Mora meets with assistant to Wolfowitz and assistant Rumsfeld 
  expressing concerns again.<br />
  (pg.107 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>9:</strong><br />
  Mora meets with Haynes and presents Gallotta report summarized 
  and attached comments that the military Services had submitted in November 2002 
  in response to the Joint Staff request. <br />
  <br />
  Mora also meets with CAPT Jane Dalton, the Service 
  General Counsels and senior Judge Advocates General, Army General Counsel Steven 
  MoreUo, Air Force General Counsel Mary Walker, and the DoD Principal Deputy 
  General Counsel Daniel Del'Orto.<br />
  (pg.107 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CIA Attorney makes 5 page memo related to interrogation 
  video tapes.<br />
  (Vaughn Index)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF Commander approves SOP for TF interrogations 
  based on the SecDef Dec 2 authorizations. Seeks authorization for Cat II techniques.<br />
  (pg.153 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  Mora delivers draft memo to Haynes declaring the techniques 
  authorized in Dec. 2 were torture. Threatens to sign if Rumsfeld doesn't repeal 
  Dec. 2 authorizations.<br />
  (pg.107 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Rumsfeld issues memo rescinding blanket approval of Category 
  II &amp; III techniques.<br />
  (pg.108 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Haynes requests OLC craft another opinion on interrogation 
  techniques.<br />
  (pg.118 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  Aggressive interrogation of Khatani ends.<br />
  (pg.87 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Aggressive interrogation plan for (?)Mohamadou Walid 
  Slahi created based on the interrogation of Khatani. (Submitted in July 2003)<br />
  (pg.135 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>17:</strong><br />
  Memo, Methods Employed X-Ray Interrogation ISN 63 produced 
  detailing interrogation of of Khatani.<br />
  (pg.88-91 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Haynes directs the creation of "Detainee Interrogation 
  Working Group" Under Sec Def, DIA, GC/JAG Army, Navy Air force, marines, 
  Joint Staff Council / J5.<br />
  (pg.110 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>23:</strong><br />
  Detainee Working Group has first meeting task DIA's Becker 
  with determining techniques in use. Briefed by the OLC.<br />
  (pg.110 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>21:</strong><br />
  Miller responds to Working Group with 9 "essential" 
  techniques (including false reports/documents). Also includes modified version 
  of Jan 17. Khatani interrogation description memo.<br />
  (pg.113 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>24:</strong><br />
  CJTF-180 SJA approves dogs, stress, clothing removal, 
  etc. in Afghanistan<br />
  (pg.208 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>CENTCOM (Cotell) issues report describing "current 
  and past" interrogation techniques used by CJTF-180 to Working Group and 
  SecDef - based on Dec 2 (Oct 11) techniques (JPRA/SERE training techniques). 
  Indicates that unless other guidance is provided will continue to assume it's 
  legal to employ listed techniques.<br />
  (pg.115 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.155-156 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Becker provides Working Group list of 36 techniques (including 
  waterboard, drugs, female interrogators, Sleep Deprivation)<br />
  (pg.111-113 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  Working group floats a draft legal analysis. Provides 
  to Haynes and OLC. Calls into question (or rejects) most Category II &amp; all 
  Category III techniques.<br />
  (pg.118-119 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  Draft OLC opinion presented to Working Group as "controlling 
  authority for all questions of domestic and international law". Working 
  group told to disregard the Jan 25 legal analysis and only consider OLC opinion.<br />
  (pg.119 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>30:</strong><br />
  Working Group requests information from JPRA regarding 
  what techniques they had trained forces on, they refused to provide the information.<br />
  (pg.116-117 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Feb 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>4:</strong><br />
  Draft "Final" Working group report. Recommends 
  36 techniques, plus 4 questionable ones.<br />
  (pg.122-126 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
  Maj Gen Jack Rives to Mary Walker Expressing concerns 
  over Working Group Feb. 4 draft (notably silent on UCMJ, civilian/international 
  liability, etc.).<br />
  (pg.126-127 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  SOUTHCOM LTC Beaver sends email pressing for 20 hour interrogations 
  and isolation.<br />
  (pg.128-129 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Afghanistan SMU-TF starts using dogs.</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  SOUTHCOM LTC Beaver followed up pressing for techniques 
  - indicates a Feb 19 approval promise.<br />
  (pg.129 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  Brig Gen Kevin Sandkuhler memo to Mary Walker Expressing 
  concerns over Working Group Feb. 4 draft (notably silent on UCMJ, etc.).<br />
  (pg.126-127 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  Mar 2003:<br /><br />
  <strong>6:</strong><br />
  Detainee Working Group circulates Final recommendation. 
  Recommends authorization of 36 techniques and lists but does not recommend 3 
  additional.<br />
  (pg.128 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  Email from Col James Walker to Daniel Ramos wanting Working 
  Group report to indicate authors were forced to accept OLC opinion and didn't 
  necessarily agree with "Yoo".<br />
  (pg.128 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>11:</strong><br />
  Meeting with Rumsfeld, Haynes, (SOUTHCOM) Hill, and (Joint 
  Chiefs) Myers. Myers raises concerns some might techniques be illegal combined. 
  SOUTHCOM promises a report on his desk by Mar 20.<br />
  (pg.129 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  SOUTHCOM LTC Beaver notified of the Mar. 11 meeting.</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  OLC "Yoo" Memo is finalized. (Was used as "controlling 
  authority" for detainee group's legal Analysis which was finalized on Mar 
  6th).<br />
  (pg.119-122 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
  War in Iraq begins forces under control of Coalition Forces 
  Land Component Command (CFLCC).<br />
  (pg.157 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>SMU-TF deployed to Iraq with interrogation SOP identical 
  to Feb 2002 Afghanistan SMU-TF SOP.<br />
  (pg.158-159 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>21:</strong><br />
  Hill issues memo to Myers listing 9 essential techniques 
  for SOUTHCOM.<br />
  (pg.129 - SASC Report)<br />
  <br />
  Myers issues a memo stating He and Miller agree all 36 
  identified and the additional 3 should be viewed as "critical"<br />
  (pg.129 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
  Rumsfeld meets with Wolfowitz, Haynes, Myers, Cambone, 
  Feith &amp; Billingslea to discuss techniques being considered by Working Group. 
  Authorizes 24 techniques explicitly. Additional techniques on case by case basis.<br />
  (pg.130 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>31:</strong><br />
  Joint Chiefs briefed on Rumsfeld's Mar 28 decision.<br />
  (pg.131 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  Apr 2003:<br /><br />
  </p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  "Physical Training" of detainees begins (maybe 
  late March) at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.132 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>2:</strong><br />
  Joint Chiefs council (Dalton) alerts CENTCOM of CIA concerns 
  over aggressive interrogation; requests list of CENTCOM approved techniques.</p>
<p><strong>4:</strong><br />
  Detainee Working Group final version created. Not circulated 
  to dissenters.<br />
  (pg.131 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
  Myers requests 24 techniques from Working Group recommendations 
  to Dep. Ass. SecDef Billingslea.<br />
  (pg.131 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>9:</strong> <br />
   Khatani provides actionable intelligence (3 months after 
  harsh techniques stopped?).<br />
  (pg.109 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  SecDef Billingslea sends memo to Sec Def and recommends 
  he approve all 35 techniques recommended by working group.<br />
  (pg.131 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>11:</strong><br />
  CENTCOM (deLong) sends email asking for Pace's help getting 
  approval for Jan 24 requested techniques.<br />
  (pg.156 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  SecDef authorizes commander to use 24 techniques, and 
  the ability to request any of the Working Group's recommended as needed.<br />
  (pg.132 - SASC Report)</p>

<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  Female interrogator sits on detainee's lap as part of 
  interrogation.<br />
  (pg.133 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  Miller provides Khatani report to SOUTHCOM<br />
  (pg.109 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>May 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>2:</strong><br />
  Miller instructs JIG stop the use of "Fear Up Harsh" 
  until retraining.<br />
  (pg.133 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[mid?]</strong>:<br />
   Ronald Burgess informs Miller to expect a request to 
  assist HUMINT in Iraq<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  CJTF 7 Takes over control from CFLCC, Sanchez asks for 
  assistance with intel exploitation. CFLCC withdraws forces. Pappas indicates 
  may need techniques help.<br />
  (pg.164-165 - SASC Report)<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jun 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[First Wk]:</strong><br />
  ISG Becomes aware of Iraq SMU-TF aggressive interrogations.<br />
  (pg.162 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>8:</strong><br />
  [REDACTED] sends CENTCOM list of SMU-TF interrogation 
  techniques from Iraq and Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.159 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10:</strong><br />
  CENTCOM Deputy Commander, LTG Delong, sent message to 
  Joint Staff Director Casey r.e. SMU-TF stating "I have confirmed that the 
  military interrogations at both [the SMU TF facility in Iraq (Nama)] and Bagrarn 
  are conducted using doctrinally appropriate techniques in accordance with [Army 
  Field Manual] 34-52 and SECDEF direction."<br />
  (pg.159 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>[Summer 2003]<br />
  <br />
  Continued ISG reports (from Cropper) of detainees with 
  abuse from Iraq SMU-TF. Continues through the fall.<br />
  (pg.163 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Iraq SMU-TF calls Moulton to request JPRA assistance 
  with training.<br />
  (pg.170 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  July 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>1:</strong><br />
  Miller submits Salashi interrogation plan to SOUTHCOM 
  based on Jan 16 draft. (Interrogation begins?)<br />
  (pg.136-138 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>6:</strong><br />
  Enhanced interrogation of Salashi Begins (Phase II) {NOTE: 
  The interrogation plan calls for 3-5 days of standard, then an increase. This 
  is the day long interrogations started making the 1st a likely date for interrogation 
  to start}<br />
  (pg.139 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  First post-invasion SOP drafted for SMU-TF in Iraq. Includes 
  20 hour sessions, dogs, isolation, stress, sensory overload. Commander refused 
  to sign orders, but implemented the policies.<br />
  (pg.160 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[Mid]:</strong><br />
  205th MI interrogation team dispatches to prepare Abu 
  Ghraib for operation "Operation Victory Bounty"<br />
  (pg.165 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>18:</strong><br />
  SOUTHCOM Gen Hill forwards Salashi interrogation request 
  to SecDef.<br />
  (pg.138 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>24:</strong><br />
  Marshall Billingslea issues memo recommending Salashi 
  interrogation request be approved.<br />
  (pg.138 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>26:</strong><br />
  Wood submits interrogation plan for Abu Ghraib based on 
  Iraq SMU-TF program to CJTF-7 command. Proposes harsh treatment limited for 
  EPWs; but also indicates no EPWs at Abu Ghraib to her knowledge.<br />
  (pg.167 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>28:</strong><br />
  Wolfowitz approves Salashi interrogation plan.<br />
  (pg.138 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Aug 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>2:</strong><br />
  Salashi GTMO interrogation increased (threats of rendition, 
  to family, increased pressures, etc.).<br />
  (pg.139 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>4:</strong><br />
  Carolyn Wood assumes OIC interrogation duties for 205th 
  MI (519th Battalion) at Abu Ghraib.<br />
  (pg.165 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>7:</strong><br />
  Salashi agrees to cooperate at GTMO (Reports indicate 
  cooperative throughout Aug-Oct).<br />
  (pg.139 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
  Rumsfeld approves Salashi enhanced interrogation plan.<br />
  (pg.138 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Miller sends email to Wolfowitz indicating interrogation 
  plan for [REDACTED (class of detainee / military group?)] is complete.<br />
  (pg.142 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  CJTF-7 sends out request for interrogation "wish 
  list" to subordinate commands (205th MI/519th MI, etc.).<br />
  (pg.168 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>21:</strong><br />
  Salashi placed into sensory depravation at GTMO. Reports 
  indicate that despite cooperating, full Jul. 1 2003 interrogation plan was being 
  implemented.<br />
  (pg.139 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  SMU-TF in Iraq formally requests a JPRA "interrogation 
  team." for 3 weeks to assist with interrogations.<br />
  (pg.170 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  CPT Wood 519th MI at Abu Ghraib resubmits interrogation 
  plan to CJTF-7 based on one submitted Jul. 26. Adds sensory deprivation.<br />
  (pg.169 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>JPRA received written approval from JFCOM to support 
  the SMU TF Iraq request for support.<br />
  (pg.171 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>29:</strong><br />
  CJTF-7 lawyers meet with CPT Wood 519th MI at Abu Ghraib 
  to inform they approve plan and are sending it up the chain of command.<br />
  (pg.170 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>31:</strong><br />
  GTMO commander Miller trip to Iraq starts<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>

<p>Sept 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>1:</strong><br />
  Miller meets with Sanchez and Fast (Ack. Geneva?)<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Originally scheduled deployment of JPRA support team 
  to Iraq SMU-TF.<br />
  (pg.171 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>2?:</strong><br />
  Miller, Sercy, Beaver visit Cropper<br />
  (pg.191-193 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>3:</strong><br />
  Col, Moulton contacts Centcom re expanded JPRA mission?<br />
  (pg.186/187{footnotes} - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>[4-10]: </strong><br />
  Miller adds Nama (SMU-TF) to itenery tries to schedule 
  initially "no"<br />
  Miller visits Nama (SMU-TF) for 45 minutes. Not allowed to see SOP, recommends 
  "interrogation authorities" (commander later won't sign)<br />
  (193 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[4-10]:</strong><br />
  Miller Visits Victory<br />
  (194 - SASC Report)<br />
  <br />
  Beaver meets with SMU-TF Legal advisor who expresses concerns 
  "punching,choking,beating"; tried to report; "risking life" 
  with meeting.<br />
  (193/194 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[4-10]:</strong><br />
  Miller Visits Abu Ghraib<br />
  (194-197 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Recommends Sanchez draft formal rules modeled after SecDef 
  April 16, 2003 guidance (with Geneva limit - for POWs).<br />
  (197 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>4:</strong><br />
  JPRA team arrives in Iraq for 3 week mission to support 
  SMU-TF.<br />
  (172 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Start of email conversation between Moulton, LTG Wagner, 
  and RADM Byrd about JPRA mission creep and "offensive" deployment. 
  (Emails on 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th).<br />
  (173 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>5:</strong><br />
  JPRA Iraq SMU-TF training team briefed and informed to 
  request modified ROEs to allow participation in Interrogations. Approved to 
  participate and employ full range of SERE school physical pressures.<br />
  (174 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>6:</strong><br />
  Moulton approved JPRA team participation in Iraq SMU-TF 
  training. JPRA participates in first interrogations. (NOTE: Description of interrogation 
  matches several public descriptions of Camp Nama run by JSOC under several aliases)<br />
  (174-176 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>JPRA participation in interrogations begins. There is 
  much disagreement in the team with Lt Col Steven Kleinman stopping several interrogations, 
  Russel disagrees with his decisions.<br />
  (177-183 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>10: </strong><br />
  Miller trip to Iraq ends<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>11?:</strong><br />
  Miller writes staff report on Iraq trip and briefs Wolfowitz 
  (Cambone?)<br />
  (pg.199 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  Sanchez issues first formal interrogation SOP - "requires 
  Geneva limits" for EPWs(POW), but asserts most prisoners do not have this 
  status.<br />
  CENTCOM notified policy will be implemented immediately unless otherwise directed 
  (indicates policy is reigning in behavior).<br />
  {{FM 34-52 left the "universe of approaches to the imagination of the interrogator" 
  and demanded additional structure}}<br />
  (pg.200/201 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Interrogation policy goes into effect at Abu Ghraib (and 
  rest of CJTF-7?)<br />
  (pg.200/202 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>15:</strong><br />
  COL Warren (CJTF-7 SJA) sent a copy of CJTF-7 policy to 
  CENTCOM SJA Col. Pribble and deputy William Hammill.<br />
  (pg.203 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  CIA Director briefs SoS and SecDef on CIA interrogation 
  techniques pursuant to a request from the National Security Adviser.<br />
  (pg.7 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  Ricci (Chief of International Law at CENTCOM) responds 
  to CJTF-7 policy, concerned about going beyond field manual for EPW prisoners. 
  Indicates non-EPWs don't need SecDef approval.<br />
  Ricci calls Warren who agreed to rework policy(to put limits on EPWs?).<br />
  (pg.203-4 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22: </strong><br />
  JPRA Pulls Lt Col Kleinman and Mr. Miller from SMU-TF 
  training mission in Iraq. (Severe friction)<br />
  (pg.186 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>23: </strong><br />
  JPRA creates CONOP for Iraq detainee exploitation, sent 
  to JFCOM; requested from [SMU-TF Commander?] (JPRA personnel considered the 
  Working Group report authoritative guidance on U.S. policy and law).<br />
  (pg.184-5 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  JPRA Pulls Russel from SMU-TF training mission Iraq. (Severe friction)<br />
  (pg.186 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>26: </strong><br />
  Email to Col Moulton; Capt. 
  Donavan comments on "SMU-TF" warning against using WG as "authoritative 
  WG guidance"<br />
  (pg.187 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>[29ish] :</strong> <br />
   (days after 26th) CAPT Donovan raised his concerns about 
  the SMU-TF CONOP to LTG Wagner, JFCOM's Deputy Commander, and Maj Gen James 
  Soligan, JFCOM's Chief of Staff, in anticipation of a scheduled visit by the 
  two to JPRA<br />
  (pg.188 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  Oct 2003<br /><br />
  <strong>3:</strong><br />
  CITF Reissues Order for Agents to "Stand Clear" 
  of Aggressive Interrogations.<br />
  (pg.143 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>email from GTMO's ICE Operations Officer described interrogating 
  a detainee for 15 hours, allowing him 5 hours of uninterrupted rest in his cell 
  and then moving the detainee to a new cell every half hour until the 24 hour 
  period expired.<br />
  (pg.148 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  Sanchez issues revised CJTF interrogation policy where 
  explicitly approved treatment limited to army, interrogator could approve more 
  harsh techniques (for non EPWs?) with 9 examples.<br />
  (pg.204-206 - SASC Report)<br />
  <br />
  CJSOTF-AP secret interrogation policy interrupted. Possible additional policy 
  created for CJSOTF-AP (or may have been subject to basic CJTF policy?)<br />
  (pg.220 - SASC Report) </p>
<p><strong>16:</strong><br />
  Iraq SMU-TF "New commander" [McChrystal?] officially 
  takes command - Note "new commander" mentioned in JPRA reports.<br />
  (pg.206 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>17:</strong><br />
  Salashi reports "hearing voices" after prolonged 
  sensory deprivation at GTMO.<br />
  (pg.140 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>25:</strong><br />
  SMU-TF issues independent SOP (Unreleased) with extended 
  approved techniques<br />
  (pg.206/7 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  Nov 2003:<br /><br />
  [??] Harrington commissioned to look at operation in iraq.<br />
  (pg.217 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
  GTMO (Miller) requests authority from SOUTHCOM to use 
  "Sound Modulation" and other [SECRET] methods on [SECRET individual 
  or class]. (seems to match class mentioned in Aug 13. memo).<br />
  (pg.142 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>GTMO (Miller) requests authority from SOUTHCOM for two 
  interrogation plans to be carried out on specific individuals based on Salashi/Khatani 
  plans.<br />
  (pg.143 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>19:</strong><br />
  Hill sends GTMO plans ??,#3,#4 to SecDef requesting approval. 
  Tom O'Connel (Asst Sec Def) recommends approval.<br />
  (pg.146 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
  Dog teams arrive in Iraq<br />
  (pg.208 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>24:</strong><br />
  First reported use of dogs at Abu Ghraib.<br />
  (pg.208 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Dec 2003:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>9:</strong><br />
  Harrington meets with Fast over Abu Ghraib<br />
  (pg.217/218 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Harrington returns from Iraq, debriefs Keith Alexander, 
  the Army G2, and his deputy Terry Ford; Issues report<br />
  (pg.217/218 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>19:</strong><br />
  Dogs prohibited from interrogation at Abu Ghraib<br />
  (pg.208 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  [Unknown, JSOC/SMU-TF] commander issues interrogation 
  policy for [Unknown, JSOC/SMU-TF?] forces based on Sept 14. CJTF-7 policy. Gives 
  authority for some approvals to [Unknown, JSOC/SMU-TF] commander/deputy commander.<br />
  (pg.220 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>31:</strong><br />
  Principal Deputy DoD General Counsel, Daniel Dell'Orto 
  approves Nov 13, 2003 GTMO interrogation plans.<br />
  (pg.146 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Latest date Hanyes can claim not having been notified 
  Goldsmith retracting March 14 2003 Yoo memo (could have seen as early as Dec. 
  25). Indicated need to get additional guidance to go beyond Sec Def. April 2003 
  memo.<br />
  (pg.146 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>[Early 2004]:<br />
  <br />
  CJTF Taskforce investigates Herrington report and concludes 
  "can't recreate conversations" - no problems<br />
  (pg.219 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jan 2004<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Iraq SMU-TF commander discusses removal of clothing, affirms 
  use.<br />
  (pg.161 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>2:</strong><br />
  Joint Chiefs GEN Myers approves Nov 13, 2003 GTMO interrogation 
  plans.<br />
  (pg.146 - SASC Report) </p>
<p><br />
  Feb 2004<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  CJSOTF-AP [REDACTED] commander issues policy for [REDACTED] 
  to use techniques based on Sep. 14, 2003 JCTF-7 policy. Dogs, Stress, Environment, 
  Noise, Light. Required JCTF-7 commander approval for EPWs; non-EPW required 
  only [REDACTED] commander or deputy approval.<br />
  (pg.220 - SASC Report) <br /><br /></p>
<p>Mar 2004<br />
  <br />
  <strong>18:</strong><br />
  Salashi prosecutor LtCol Stuart Couch protests interrogation 
  methods used to collect evidence and refuses to participate in prosecution.<br />
  (pg.141 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>23:</strong><br />
  Secret memo issued having to do with cautions implementing 
  Feb 27 [REDACTED] interrogation policy memo.<br />
  (pg.220 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>26:</strong><br />
  Unified interrogation policy set for SMU-TF in both Iraq 
  and Afghanistan authorizing harsh techniques<br />
  (pg.222 - SASC Report)</p>
<p>Memo for record documenting "Frequent Flier" 
  and other harsh tactics in use (location unknown?).<br />
  (pg.147 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27: </strong><br />
  SOP issued for CJTF-180 in afghanistan authorizing harsh 
  techniques<br />
  (pg.221 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  April 2004:<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong>7:</strong><br />
  Harrington notified his SMU-TF concerns were unsubstantiated<br />
  (pg.219 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22:</strong><br />
  Use of dogs rescinded from Mar 2004 SMU-TF authorized 
  SOP<br />
  (pg.222 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br />
  May 2004<br /><br />
  <strong>[early?]: </strong><br />
  IG JPRA mission Report Initiated (Narrow: did events reported 
  by Kaufman reSMU-TF flow up chain of command)<br />
  (pg.188 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  CIA IG completes report on detainee interrogation for 
  ultimate release to SSIC<br />
  (pg.7 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  CIA GC meets re CIA interrogation and IG review with Counsel 
  to President, Counsel to VP, NSC Legal Adviser, and senior Department of Justice 
  officials.<br />
  (pg.8 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>6:</strong><br />
  John Abizaid, the CENTCOM Commander, suspended use of 
  all non-FM 34-52 techniques.<br />
  (pg.222 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>12:</strong><br />
  CENTCOM requests JPRA training in Afghanistan floats initial 
  CONOP<br />
  (pg.225 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
  Revised CONOP for proposed JPRA training, concerns expressed 
  over mission<br />
  (pg.227 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>13:</strong><br />
   JPRA Mission to Afghanistan called off</p>
<p><br />
  <strong>23:</strong><br />
  SMU-TF issues memo to [Unknown] demanding suspended techniques 
  be re-approved.<br />
  (pg.223 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>27:</strong><br />
  [Unknown] requests authority for SMU-TF to use extended 
  techniques.<br />
  (pg.223 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jun 2004<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  CIA IG Releases report on detainee interrogation to SSIC<br />
  (pg.7 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>3:</strong><br />
  Hill has press conference acknowledging SERE influence.<br />
  (pg.66 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>4:</strong><br />
  Abizaid approved the use of some techniques for SMU-TF<br />
  (pg.222 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  Aug 1, 2002 Bybee I memo rescinded, Bybee II memo still 
  in place.<br />
  (pg.8 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>20:</strong><br />
  CENTCOM makes second request for JPRA mission to Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.228 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>30:</strong><br />
  JPRA training team told to stand by for deployment to 
  Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.229 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jul 2004<br />
  <br />
  <strong>12:</strong><br />
  Flurry of emails leading to final cancellation of JPRA 
  training mission to Afghanistan.<br />
  (pg.229-30 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>14:</strong><br />
  Associate Deputy Attorney General provides written testimony 
  to SSIC explaining limitations, and "not yet convicted" explanation.<br />
  (pg.9 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><strong>21-26:</strong><br />
  JPRA Brass starts work on "offensive" deployment 
  policy.<br />
  (pg.230 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><strong>22:</strong><br />
  OLC confirms to CIA that all techniques (including "limited" 
  waterboarding) authorized by Aug 1, 2002 BybeeII memo were legal.<br />
  (pg.9 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Sep 2004<br />
  <br />
  <strong>29:</strong><br />
  JFCOM issues formal guidance memo on JPRA "offensive" 
  deployment<br />
  (pg.231 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Dec 2004<br /><br />
  <strong>30:</strong><br />
  OLC issues opinion indicating differences with BybeeI, 
  but that they affirmed the legality of the techniques approved in the Aug 1, 
  2002 memo.<br />
  (pg.10 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Feb 2005<br />
  <br />
  <strong>1:</strong><br />
  DoJ responds to Arlen Specter about Bybee II - says the 
  conclude CIA's proposed program was legal.<br />
  (pg.??? - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>May 2005<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[??]:</strong><br />
  OLC Issues three secret memos assessing specific techniques 
  used by the CIA.<br />
  (pg.10-13 - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><br />
  Sep 2005<br /><br />
  <strong>23:</strong><br />
  IG JPRA mission Report complete - Though some verbal events 
  did flow up chain of command<br />
  (pg.189 - SASC Report)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Dec 2005:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>30:</strong><br />
  Detainee treatment act goes into effect.<br />
  (pg.13 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jun 2006:<br /><br />
  <strong>29</strong>:<br />
  Hamden v. Rumsfeld holds Geneva applies to Al Quaeda.<br />
  (pg.13 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Aug 2006:<br /><br />
  </p>
<p> [??]<br />
  OLC issues 2 secret opinions re CIA program in relation 
  to Geneva and the Detainee Treatment Act.<br />
  (pg.13 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Sep 2006:<br /><br />
  <strong>6:</strong><br />
  Bush publicly discloses CIA detention/interrogation program.<br />
  (pg.14 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Oct 2006:<br /><br />
  <strong>[17]:</strong><br />
  Congress passes and Bush signs Military Commissions Act.<br />
  (pg.14 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /><br /></p>
<p>Jul 2007:<br />
  <br />
  <strong>[20]:</strong><br />
  Bush issues executive order 13440 and and OLC opinion 
  interpreting DTA, Geneva, etc. Concludes the purpose of legislation was to approve 
  CIA techniques.<br />
  (pg.14-15 - SSCI OLC Opinion)<br /></p>
<br />
<p>May 2008<br />
  <br />
  <strong>19:</strong><br />
  CIA provides SSCI with access to all OLC opinions.<br />
  (preface - SSCI OLC Opinion)</p>
<p><br />
  Jul 2008<br /><br />
  <strong>24:</strong><br />
  Heavily redacted Bybee II 
  memo released. Yoo indicates applies to more than single case.<br />
  (pg.34 - SASC Report)</p>
<p><br /></p>Report Index
<p><strong>(SASC Report) </strong><br />
  <a href="http://armed-services.senate.gov/Publications/Detainee%20Report%20Final_April%2022%202009.pdf">Senate 
  ASC, Inquiry Into the Treatment of Detainees in U.S. Custody, 
  Nov 20 2008<br />
  (.pdf 15.21MB)</a><br />
</p>
<p> <strong>(Vaughn Index 1/2</strong> via. <a href="http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/">Empty Wheel</a> )<br />
  <a href="http://static1.firedoglake.com/28/files//2009/06/090608-vaughn-2.pdf">DOD 
  Vaughn Index 1 (.pdf)</a> <br />
  <a href="http://static1.firedoglake.com/28/files//2009/06/090608-vaughn-2.pdf">DOD 
  Vaughn Index 2 (.pdf)</a></p>
<p><strong>(SSCI OLC Opinion)</strong><br />
  <a href="http://intelligence.senate.gov/pdfs/olcopinion.pdf">Senate Select Comittee 
  on Intelligence (.pdf), </a></p>
<p><strong>(Yoo Army Torture Memo)</strong><br />
  <a href="http://www.aclu.org/pdfs/safefree/yoo_army_torture_memo.pdf">Memo from John Yoo R.E. Military Interrogation of Combatants Held Outside the US,</a><br /></p>]]>
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>More information on AP&apos;s battle against &quot;misappropriation&quot; (but not much additional clarity) </title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/06/more-information-on-aps-battle.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.273236</id>
   
   <published>2009-06-02T23:15:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-06-02T23:17:27Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[Recently, the Associated Press announced that they were going to war against "misappropriation" of their content.&nbsp; AP Chairman Dean Singleton made the drama-queenish declaration: ""We can no longer stand by and watch others walk off with our work under misguided...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="21085" label="AP fair use" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[Recently, the Associated Press announced that they were going to war against "misappropriation" of their content.&nbsp; AP Chairman Dean Singleton made the drama-queenish declaration: ""We can no longer stand by and watch others walk off with our work under misguided legal theories".&nbsp; And they are apparently moving forward with software to help track down the work-stealing miscreants responsible.<br /><br />Ars Technica recently explored what the AP has up it's sleeve in an interview with AP news editor Ted Bridis - <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/06/ap-tech-coming-to-stop-wholesale-theft-on-net.ars">published in an article yesterday</a> that gives a great update on an issue that may have a significant impact on the blogging community.&nbsp; Depending on who you listen to, either bloggers have nothing to worry about .... or can expect a RIAA vs. Napster battle over fair use. (<i>be sure to check out the whole article - my summary doesn't really do the topic justice</i>)<br /><br /><blockquote>Bridis explained that the news company is going to update its staff
about its mysterious new misappropriation heat-seeking system soon via
an internal webcast.<br /><br /><p> "The guidelines are coming," Bridis promised. "AP's main concern
are not the bloggers that excerpt a relevant passage, and then derive
some commentary. What happens an awful lot is just wholesale theft. So
those are the ones that will find the cease and desist letters
arriving."</p></blockquote>
<br />Now, that doesn't sound so bad.&nbsp; But a lawyer on the receiving end of a recent AP smackdown isn't as convinced of AP's good intent:<br /><br /><blockquote>Cadenhead was less sanguine about the future, even after he <a href="http://workbench.cadenhead.org/news/3372/ap-settles-dispute-drudge-retort">settled with AP</a>.
"If AP's guidelines end up like the ones they shared with me, we're
headed for a Napster-style battle on the issue of fair use," he warned.<br /></blockquote><br />The final conclusion is that we'll know more in 2 weeks.<br /><br /><blockquote>"We're going to be learning more ourselves about exactly how the technology is going to work" in about two weeks, Bridis said. But about this he is sure. "You can't just taken an entire AP wire
feed or even an entire AP story, or even half of an AP story,
necessarily, and republish it or repurpose it," he said. "We need the
money. The industry is falling apart."<br /></blockquote><br />Honestly, I don't think this will have much impact on the posters here at TPM.&nbsp; Rarely do any posts go beyond what I consider fair use.&nbsp; That said, there is an awful lot of wiggle room in their statements to be pretty aggressive against commentary based on AP content.&nbsp; This is certainly an issue to watch.<br /><br /><br /><i><u>Quick Site Plug</u>: Ars Techinca is by far my favorite source for information on tech policy.&nbsp; They cover energy legislation, privacy issues, electronic policy, and provide the most consistent tech-related stimulus spending coverage around.&nbsp; If these topics are of interest, the Ars "<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/">law and disorder</a>" section is a very solid addition to a news-junkie's virtual rounds.</i><br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Locations of Iraq Abuse (1st draft)</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/06/locations-of-iraq-abuse.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.273031</id>
   
   <published>2009-06-02T02:59:36Z</published>
   <updated>2009-06-02T03:01:13Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[When abuse in Iraq is discussed, it has become almost standard practice to call it "Abu Ghraib abuse" and seldom (if ever) is it referred to as what it often was: torture.&nbsp; Based on conventional wisdom, torture is something that...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="21018" label="Iraq abuse" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[When abuse in Iraq is discussed, it has become almost standard practice to call it "Abu Ghraib abuse" and seldom (if ever) is it referred to as what it often was: torture.&nbsp; Based on conventional wisdom, torture is something that happened at Gitmo while a couple of bad apples at Abu Ghraib went buck-wild on a few detainees in Iraq.&nbsp; I think embracing this point of view is both dangerous and wrong.<br /><br />My initial thought was to have a nice weekend project tracking down the "half dozen" facilities where abuse reportedly occurred. Maybe give a couple of narratives for each site to try and establish a more complete picture of what happened beyond Abu Ghraib.<br /><br />It didn't take long to find out that "half-dozen" is a euphemism for "boat-load".&nbsp; In very short order the list had ballooned to around twenty sites of alleged or confirmed systemic abuse - without scratching the surface of the reports.&nbsp; It became pretty clear this was a bigger job than first imagined.&nbsp; Certainly not a weekend affair.&nbsp;&nbsp; A big problem was the occasional use of pseudonyms (especially to the Red Cross) making disambiguation a part of the task.<br /><br />One detail that keeps popping up in the facilities explored so far is that abusive interrogations most frequently track back to JSOC (SMU-TF in the Levin report) or a team behaving exactly as JSOC task forces are described in other reports (plain clothes, lax grooming rules, murky command, etc.). Fun fact: the commander of these JSOC units, Stanley McChrystal, is facing a half-hearing to confirm his promotion as commander of military forces in Afghanistan tomorrow.&nbsp; I am not very confident that he will get a thorough questioning.<br /><br />Another consistent aspect is that most specific information seems to emerge from situations where JSOC personnel and regular troops operate in close contact.&nbsp; In almost every instance where a detailed account of abusive actions is given, it comes from a regular army source (MIs or MPs assigned from regular forces) .&nbsp; The JSOC itself rarely seems to leak - even when compelled in classified briefings they often simply refuse to provide information.<br /><br />After the jump, I've listed the locations identified thus far - with some supporting links and occasional notes.&nbsp; If anyone has additional facilities they know of (or resources documenting abuse at a facility on the list, or information about what troops were assigned to a facility), please toss it in a comment.<br /><br />]]>
      <![CDATA[<b>Source of the list</b>: The events in 3 facilities (Nama, Tiger, Diamondback/Glory) are extensively documented in a <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">human rights watch report</a>. A good number of the facilities on this list were identified as locations of significant abuse in <a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">the leaked IRC report</a> and/or mentioned in documents <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">recently released</a> in the ACLU's ongoing torture FOIA lawsuit. Several others were identified through reports encountered while researching a different facility.&nbsp; Many of the supporting links are redundant and lead to aggregate pages providing additional source documentation or reports covering more than one facility.<br /><br />This post is woefully incomplete and kind of a mess - deepest apologies, it's a work in progress (hoping to get some feedback to help shape the final). Bear in mind, in some circumstances an acute episode doesn't necessarily prove a systemic abuse program. Many of the locations on the list need more research to establish the extent of problems. Entries marked with ** indicate a high degree of confidence that systemic approved abuse occurred at the facility.<br /><br />(In no particular order)<br /><br /><b>&nbsp;1. Ministry Of Defense (Baghdad)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br /><br />&nbsp;<b>2. Presidential Palace (Baghdad)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;3. BIAP(pseudonym for Nama or Cropper?)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://ww4report.com/static/91.html#iraq6">http://ww4report.com/static/91.html#iraq6</a> (may be Cropper/Nama)<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>&nbsp;4. Camp Cropper (Baghdad Airport - Closed Oct. 2004)</b> **<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article997475.ece">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article997475.ece</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5094207">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5094207</a><br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />&nbsp;<b>5. Camp Nama (Baghdad Airport) **</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pd</a>f<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/19/international/middleeast/19abuse.html?pagewanted=5&amp;_r=1</a><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://armed-services.senate.gov/Publications/Detainee%20Report%20Final_April%2022%202009.pdf</a> (Iraq SMU-TF facility)<br /><br />Run by JSOC/Taskforce 6-26; McChrystal confirmed oversight of abuse.&nbsp; Used some MI from JTF-7.&nbsp; Closed summer 2004, taskforce moved to Balad (TF bases also reported near Fallujah, Ramadi and Kirkuk).<br /><br />Extensive narrative in linked HRW report.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>&nbsp;6. Abu Ghraib **</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.html">http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article997475.ece">http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article997475.ece</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /><br />Most publically documented of all facilities (examine last, if at all).<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />&nbsp;<b>7. Camp Whitehorse (Tallil Airbase, outside of Nasiriyah)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5094207">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5094207</a><br /><br /><br /><b>&nbsp;8. Al-Baghdadi (Ramdi)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br /><br /><b><br />--. Heat Base (Ramdi - Rifles??)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<b>9. Rifles Base (Ramdi)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.htm">http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.html</a><br /><br /><b><br />10. Habbania Camp (Camp Manhattan? - Ramdi)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.htm">http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.html</a><br /><br /><b>11. Ruthwania Palace(Al Basara)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br /><br /><b>12. Tikrit Holding Area:</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.htm">http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/OathBetrayed/silence-index.html</a><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>13. Camp Diamondback/Camp Glory (Mosul airport)</b> **<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;2nd Brigade Combat Team (101st Airborne Division) / Navy SEAL Team 7 (under JSOC?)<br /><br />
Extensive narrative in linked HRW report.<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>--. "Kilometer 22" (psudonym - either Blacksmith or Tiger)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>14. "Blacksmith Hotel" (outside Quaim) **</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/02/AR2005080201941_pf.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/02/AR2005080201941_pf.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/dic/mowhoush.asp">http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/dic/mowhoush.asp</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf">http://www.health-now.org/mediafiles/mediafile50.pdf</a> (Referred to as "former train station in Al-Kahim")<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf</a> (states some Mowhoush events at Tiger)<br /><br />A makeshift detention facility about six miles away from Qaim in the Iraqi desert, a prison fashioned out of an old train depot. Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 101st Airborne Division were running a series of massive raids called Operation Rifles Blitz(U.S. troops searched more than 8,000 homes in three cities, netting 350 detainees, according to court testimony), and the temporary holding facility, nicknamed Blacksmith Hotel, was designed to hold the quarry. Teams of Army Special Forces soldiers and the CIA were conducting interrogations.<br /><br />a tiered system of interrogations. Army interrogators were the first level. Second level detainees would be handed over to members of Operational Detachment Alpha 531, soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group, the CIA or a combination of the three. "The personnel were dressed in civilian clothes and wore balaclavas to hide their identity,". Third level, the interrogators would deliver the detainees to a small team of the CIA-sponsored Iraqi paramilitary squads, code-named Scorpions.<br /><br />The Scorpions went by nicknames such as Alligator and Cobra. They were set up by the CIA before the war to conduct light sabotage. After the fall of Baghdad, they worked with their CIA handlers to infiltrate the insurgency and as interpreters, according to military investigative documents, defense officials, and former and current intelligence officials. Example deployment: a Special Forces retiree, worked as a CIA operative with the Scorpions.<br /><br />Famous for Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush (smothered w/ broken ribs in sleeping bag). <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>15. FOB Tiger(Al Quaim) **</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf">http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/us0706web.pdf</a> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/dic/mowhoush.asp">http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/dic/mowhoush.asp</a><br /><br />Extensive narrative in linked HRW report.<br /><br />Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush turns himself in here before transfer to "Blacksmith" (Follow up on sons)<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>16. FOB Headhunter (Renamed Camp Independence - Baghdad/Muthenna Airbase, 1m off Hafia St.)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br /><br /><br />Camp Info: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/baghdad-muthenna.htm<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>17. FOB St. Michael (Mahmudiyah - 25k S. Baghdad)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br /><br />Camp Info: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/mahmudiyah.htm<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>18. Airbase H3 (Al Walid Airbase)</b><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html">http://www.aclu.org/torturefoia/released/111808.html</a><br /><br />(need to nail down exact facility)<br /><br />The H-3 Southwest airfield is one of three dispersal airfields in the H-3 base cluster located 435 kilometers from Bagdad in western Iraq. The main H3 airfield was originally built to support the H-3 oil pumping station. H-3 Main is supported by two dispersal airfields, H-3 Southwest, and H-3 Northwest, and a Highway strip, 42 kilometers to the west. H-3 Southwest is served by a single 9,700 foot runway and has a parrallel taxiway that could be used as an alternate runway. There are at least 6 hardened aircraft shelters, and 6 revetments. (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/h-3.htm#)<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><b>19. FOB Mercury (10 miles east of Fallujah) **</b> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.hrw.org/en/node/11610/section/2">http://www.hrw.org/en/node/11610/section/2</a><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment<br /><br />The acts of torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment they described include severe beatings (in one incident, a soldier reportedly broke a detainee's leg with a baseball bat), blows and kicks to the face, chest, abdomen, and extremities, and repeated kicks to various parts of the detainees' body; the application of chemical substances to exposed skin and eyes; forced stress positions, such as holding heavy water jugs with arms outstretched, sometimes to the point of unconsciousness; sleep deprivation; subjecting detainees to extremes of hot and cold; the stacking of detainees into human pyramids; and, the withholding of food (beyond crackers) and water.<br /><br />As soon as the 82nd pulled out of FOB Mercury in April 2004, the U.S. Marines that replaced the 82nd undertook a major offensive against insurgents in Fallujah.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><b>Hostage Incidents: </b><br />===============<br />Maj. Gen. Abed Hamed Mowhoush Mowhoush - beat with sledghammer handles and hoses, 5 broken ribs, smothered in sleeping bag. Turned himself in because his family was held hostage. 15 year old son, threatened, mock killing (Mowhoush died believing his son was murdered). (Tiger/Blacksmith).<br /><br />---------------<br /><br />Col. David Hogg, commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, said tougher methods are being used to gather the intelligence. On Wednesday night, he said, his troops picked up the wife and daughter of an Iraqi lieutenant general. They left a note: "If you want your family released, turn yourself in." Such tactics are justified, he said, because, "It's an intelligence operation with detainees, and these people have info." They would have been released in due course, he added later.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&amp;contentId=A54345-2003Jul27">http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&amp;contentId=A54345-2003Jul27</a><br />---------------<br /><br />]]>
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Gen Taguba vs. Obama - who&apos;s lying?</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/05/gen-taguba-vs-obama---whos-lyi.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.272393</id>
   
   <published>2009-05-28T13:30:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-05-28T13:51:24Z</updated>
   
   <summary><![CDATA[An interesting dynamic is emerging in the torture photo debate that deserves a mention.&nbsp; Last week when Obama decided to abandon his pledges of accountability and transparency in favor of state secrets and concessions democrats were unwilling to make with...]]></summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="20585" label="Iraq abuse photos obama taguba" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[An interesting dynamic is emerging in the torture photo debate that
deserves a mention.&nbsp; Last week when Obama decided to abandon his
pledges of accountability and transparency in favor of state secrets
and concessions democrats were unwilling to make with Bush in office, he
made a pretty explicit statement:<br /><blockquote>

 "I want to emphasise that 
  these photos that were requested in this case are not particularly 
  sensational, especially when compared to the painful images that we remember 
  from Abu Ghraib."
<br /></blockquote>


Of course, this explanation seemed a bit odd.&nbsp; We've known since 2004
that General Taguba's report found instances of sexual abuse and rape
(although the assertion of "child rape" <b><i>thus far</i> </b>exists only in the
warped fantasies of some TPM posters).&nbsp; Now the good general has come
out with <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5395830/Abu-Ghraib-abuse-photos-show-rape.html">additional statements</a> that would seem to directly refute what
the president said:<br /><blockquote>
"These pictures show torture, abuse, rape and every 
  indecency. ... The mere description of these pictures is horrendous enough, take my word for 
  it."<br /></blockquote>
It is impossible to reconcile the two statements.&nbsp; They simply can't
both be true.&nbsp; So I guess the question becomes: who's lying here?&nbsp; Some
<a href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/astral66/2009/05/do-we-really-need-to-see-photo.php">immediately</a> have<a href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/astral66/2009/05/obama-and-congress-are-right-t.php"> jumped</a> to the <a href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/timtimes/2009/05/military-raping-children.php?ref=recdc">conclusion</a> that Obama is the one making
inaccurate statements.&nbsp; Based on the public records, they are probably
right.&nbsp; Either Obama is completely clueless and hasn't actually
reviewed all the pictures, or he knows what's in the pictures and is
misrepresenting them.<br />
<br />
In either event, at the <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30725189/">time of withholding</a> the photos Obama also made some other assertions:<br /><blockquote>
Obama, explaining his change of heart on releasing the other photos,
said they already had served their purpose in investigations of "a
small number of individuals." Those cases were all concluded by 2004,
and the president said "the individuals who were involved have been
identified, and appropriate actions have been taken."<br /></blockquote>
So, riddle me this.&nbsp; If Obama isn't being forthcomming about the
existence of "rape photos" - how can we possibly trust him that those
who ordered and committed the abuses have actually been punished? Can
we assume "appropriate action" even means punishment?<br /><br />
If indeed, as Obama asserts, it was just a "small number of
individuals" and "appropriate action" has already been taken; the
victims deserve to know what punishment their abusers were given.&nbsp; The
only way this would be a danger to our troops is if, after a full
accounting, major of abuses had simply been swept under the
carpet with a few soldiers handed up for show trials tied in a
pretty bow. Considering
the selection of McChrystal to lead our forces in Afghanistan, I think
it's safe to say the ringleaders of Iraqi abuse have not been properly addressed.<br />

<br />America no longer has the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of the world. Nor do we deserve it. Those suspicious of our actions will imagine the worst abuses were commonplace and assume the abusers are still walking free - while America offers nothing to refute this view.&nbsp; Until this issue is resolved once and for all, it will continue to put our troops at increased risk every day and undermine the credibility of this administration. <br /><br />So what is it Mr. President?&nbsp; Is Taguba lying, or are you? ]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>A nation does not win a war.(who wants a war anyhow)</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/05/a-nation-does-not-win-a-warwho.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.272108</id>
   
   <published>2009-05-26T21:05:00Z</published>
   <updated>2009-05-26T21:07:38Z</updated>
   
   <summary>A nation fights war. What a nation wins is peace. Americans should not lose sight of what we seek to win as we determine how to conduct the fight....</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="12241" label="war on terror" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[A nation fights war. What a nation wins is peace. <br /><br />Americans should not lose sight of what we seek to win as we determine how to conduct the fight.<br /><br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

<entry>
   <title>Yet another thought on the Iraqi photo decision.</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/2009/05/yet-another-thought-on-the-ira.php" />
   <id>tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2009:/talk/blogs/kgb999//3352.270523</id>
   
   <published>2009-05-16T06:15:11Z</published>
   <updated>2009-05-16T06:15:59Z</updated>
   
   <summary>There are many who applaud Obama for his decision to block the release of Iraqi abuse photographs. I am not one. I know people have loved ones in the line of fire, I can&apos;t judge any opinion, partly because I...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>kgb999</name>
      
   </author>
   
      <category term="Cafe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="Muckraker" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
      <category term="TPMDC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
   
   <category term="19898" label="Obama Iraq Abuse Photos" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/kgb999/">
      <![CDATA[There are many who applaud Obama for his decision to block the release of Iraqi abuse photographs. I am not one. I know people have loved ones in the line of fire, I can't judge any opinion, partly because I too was very afraid when the first Abu Ghraib photos were published and someone I loved was deployed.&nbsp; But I still strongly disagree with Obama's decision.<br /><br />These are not normal times.&nbsp; We are in the shadow of great betrayal. Many of those who betrayed us are still very much walking the corridors of power, often in positions of high authority.&nbsp; This is true in finance as well as the military. It is the double-edged sword of Obama's bipartisan gamble. It's pointless to debate if the strategy was worth it, it's the course we are on. So it is not a foregone conclusion that everyone holding a position of authority in Obama's administration buys into, or is even necessarily working toward, his objectives.<br /><br />Many people have created strawmen of media fetish and torture-porn that disrespect the strength of conviction in those who feel it is important to disclose the photos for the purposes of justice. The official explanation of torture employed by our military in Iraq is unsustainable in face of the facts already exposed. There are holes in the explanations and obvious gaps in accountability. The belief this issue is being addressed by the democratic leadership is largely defined by speculation over what has not been ruled out completely, or simple blind faith.<br /><br />Congress responds based on public questions and popular demand for accountability - usually shouted to get over the din of special interest lobbyists. The only reason anybody has been held accountable to date is because Americans have fought to expose the abuses and officials have been forced to acknowledge and respond. If the questions had not been forced, those who now argue "we know it happened ... isn't that enough?" wouldn't even know it happened.&nbsp; A handful of low-ranking foot soldiers have been convicted, and no officer has officially been acknowledged as having participated. The official statement from Obama is that the Iraqi abuses were carried out by a mere few individuals.&nbsp; A couple of scapegoats rotting in a military prison is not justice in this instance.<br /><br />Soldiers have risked everything to come forward - and some paid a high price of ostracization and fear of violence.&nbsp; FBI and CIA agents faced legal sanction and the disdain of their peers, often effectively ending their careers to come forward. Still others have risked exposure providing crucial details to organizations like Human Rights Watch and even the oft maligned New York Times. The ACLU has fought tirelessly to free crucial memos and reports through FOIA requests - and they will burn countless additional resources seeing through the process that Obama had promised them, just last week, would be curtailed.<br /><br />Through the entire journey there has been an endless drumbeat: "<i><b>By exposing the wrongdoing you are putting the troops in danger.&nbsp; You are putting fellow Americans at risk</b></i>".<br /><br />The people who put themselves on the line to expose what little we know so far weren't democrats.&nbsp; They weren't republicans.&nbsp; They didn't stand up, speak out, dig deeper, for partisan gain.&nbsp; They did it for America. They took the accusations of working against America and putting their colleagues at risk and did the right thing. Despite the drumbeat. Many have no more reason to trust a democratic administration than the democrats had to trust the republicans.&nbsp; Now everyone is supposed to just toss up their hands and say "Oh well ... the democratic faithful have someone they trust. Battle won!".<br /><br />Why didn't we stop when the generals said the troops would be in danger back in 2004?&nbsp; Why did we push forward when the press secretary said exposing more information would just stir up anger and put the troops in harm's way in 2006?&nbsp; Why were we pushing, in the face of the military saying yet again we were putting the troops at risk, right up to the inauguration to get the torture memos released?&nbsp; What makes this time so different from all the other times we have been willing face that fear in the quest to correct the horrible detour from justice that still has America in a ditch arguing "<b><i>if torture works, is it really wrong?</i></b>".&nbsp; <br /><br />It makes me want to scream "<font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b>How can you watch the torture debate going on today and even question if the American public needs to </b></font><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b>again </b></font><font style="font-size: 1.25em;"><b>confront the reality of abuse at their own hand?</b></font>"<br /><br />I guess my point is, don't forget there are two sides to every story.&nbsp; I genuinely believe having the photos released is of importance to justice and the American soul.&nbsp; Obama may have very sound policy reasons - be it wanting his big "Islamic World" speech to go unmarred, not wanting to politically defend going against his generals, genuine concern for the troops, or a combination of reasons.&nbsp; But he needs to know that the American people are unwavering in our demand for accountability.<br />]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>

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