Insurgents fight back against U.S. offensive
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces hunting down followers of Iraq's most wanted terrorist pushed into a lawless region near the Syrian border Tuesday after meeting unexpected resistance from insurgents hidden in remote desert outposts along the southern banks of the Euphrates River.
Marines fought house-to-house Monday against dozens of well-armed insurgents firing at them from balconies, rooftops and sandbagged bunkers in the border town of Obeidi and surrounding villages, the Los Angeles Times reported.
As many as 100 militants have been killed since Operation Matador, one of the largest American offensives in Iraq in six months, began Saturday night in Qaim, 200 miles west of Baghdad, the military said.
At least three U.S. Marines have been killed in the offensive, which involves more than 1,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets.
Bush says Georgia is an example of freedom to the world
TBILISI, Georgia - President Bush, before a cheering crowd of tens of thousands of people, said Tuesday that the former Soviet republic of Georgia is proving to the world that determined people can rise up and claim their freedom from oppressive rulers.
"Your courage is inspiring democratic reformers and sending a message that echoes across the world: Freedom will be the future of every nation and every people on Earth," Bush said in speech from the Freedom Square that symbolizes the city's democratic pursuits.
"You gathered here armed with nothing but roses and the power of your convictions and you claimed your liberty. And because you acted, Georgia is today both sovereign and free and a beacon of liberty for this region and the world."
In a line that appeared directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bush declined to support the bid of two separatist regions aligned with Moscow to gain independence from Georgia. "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia must be respected ... by all nations," Bush said.
Briefly ...
Gaza withdrawal will go on: Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip will not be called off under any circumstances, the defense minister said Tuesday, rebuffing suggestions by the foreign minister that the pullout should be canceled if the Hamas militant group wins Palestinian parliamentary elections this summer.
The comments by Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on Monday raised new questions about the government's readiness and commitment to the pullout plan. Adding to the uncertainty, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon confirmed Monday that the withdrawal would be delayed by three weeks until mid-August out of respect for an annual Jewish mourning period that ends Aug. 14.
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CA Is Burning said:
CA Is Burning said:
Too bad democrats are allowed to vote
Rick Bonilla said:
This is the second time you have hit the nail one the head in as many days! Thank you
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