Attack on PNS Mehran Base, Pakistan: Commentary

Readers,

Here is the latest contribution to print journalism. It remains a joy to contribute my thoughts to the page of the Daily Times.

Link here

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Pakistan Dumps a Bloody Lesson on her Citizens Regarding a Free Press

Link to Article

Truth is always stranger than fiction.

The ISI killing their own citizens?

Imagine....

It's easy if you try.

Tammy Swofford

UNTITLED

Memorial Day 2011: CLOTH TRIANGLE

Cloth Triangle

Stars and Stripes

Folded Creases

Stars on Dark Sky

Cloth Triangle

Gloved Hands Extend

To Broken Hearts

Accepting of Freedom's Gift

Cloth Triangle

Reminds of Buried Treasure

Bones of Brave Men

Encased in Earth's Soil

Cloth Triangle

Soul Retains the Oath

No Escape With Last Breath

Faithful Lips into Eternity

Cloth Triangle

Symbol of Sovereignty

Freedom from Tyranny

Borne by Human Frame

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

FRIENDS

Enjoy the link below.

FRIENDS


Smiling,

Tammy

America's Military Might: Strength and Dignity

The Wall Street Journal has a great piece on the opinion page, "The Gates Farewell Warning". It covers a lot of ground. But I wish to skirmish a bit with a quote of the SecDef when speaking at Notre Dame.

"More perhaps than any other Secretary of Defense, I have been a strong advocate of soft power- of the critical importance of diplomacy and development as fundamental components of our foreign policy and national security."

Let me add abbreviated thoughts from my last brief, "Gestalt", which was released in 2010. While noting that the military does have FAO's (foreign affairs officers) in place, my proposal has been for a complete military flank composed of officers trained to adapt to specific ethnography and geopolitical reality to function as the public face of diplomacy within conflict-ridden demographics. We need men and women on the ground and in the open. And that is how our military functions!

"The officer-diplomat who recognizes and skillfully enhances dialogue by recognizing signals and symbols of Islam embedded within conversation will have a distinct advantage. Communication at a root level means we are all speaking the same language. But beyond a grammatically fluent lexicon are socio-cultural and religio-political considerations within each Muslim-majority region of the world. The officer tasked to Malaysia will receive a different training track then one deployed into the Indian subcontinent, etc. But training tracks must include immersion studies within the Qur’anic Sciences.

One overriding concern regarding forward movement into uncharted terrain is unnecessary mistakes. I have made more than a few over the years but it beats inertia. But what of the unwitting mistakes because I did not dig the furrow deep enough, mine the shaft long enough, by placing enough sweat on my brow prior to jumping to unsubstantiated conclusions? Intellectual inertia and laziness must be weeded out of academic military ranks. We can ill-afford bumbling analysis and field negotiations which show a level of ineptitude equal to malpractice. We need military practitioners within the IB and operational spaces who are held to a high standard of performance and goal acquisition . The 21st century requires a diplo-military flank."

Our military machine must remain oiled. Our foreign policy needs a blood transfusion. And we need to consider a vibrant diplo-military flank configuration. As it is, many of our diplomats remain cloistered within their fortresses and peer out of bullet-proof windows as they speed along in SUV convoys. The military is prepared to take the bullet. And I propose they also receive greater training to take the diplomatic front into the streets of the hot spots we call "home". Strengthened and reality-oriented foreign policy might just save American soldier's lives. The State Department will scoff, as they hold tightly to their own purse strings. These things become pissing contests. But who can forget how these well-paid and pampered bureaucrats slid under their desks when Condi Rice asked a few of them to sign up for a new duty station in Baghdad? It is time for reallocation of a few funds. Our 20th century State Department paradigm needs an overhaul.

I agree with SecDef Gates on all points. Defense Department cuts pimped over to the entitlement sector may make our free-spending Socialist administration popular on the domestic front. But it is a weepy-eyed policy when looking at what awaits us "out there" between now and 2050.

Tammy Swofford
tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Political Assassinations: Ali al Lami

The news is distinctly in the "chaos" column coming across jihad sites today. At the top of the news is the political assassination of Ali al-Lami along a stretch of the Muhammad al-Qasim highway last night. The head of the Accountability and Justice Commission (Iraq) was targeted around nine p.m. Reports state the assailants fled in a Hyundai Elantra after wounding both the target and his driver. Ali al-Lami died of his wounds shortly after arrival at an area hospital. The graphic which accompanies the news shows a hammer pulling a nail from a piece of wood. The head of the nail, is the face of the deceased. The next nail in line, is that of Iraq's PM Nouri al-Maliki.

What is extremely disgusting is the jesting which accompanies the announcement of a political assassination. Where does sanity end and psychosis begin?

Restive Muslim populations noted today in "real time" as shown on a jihad forum:

*Egypt
*Iraq
*Morocco
*Yemen
*Libya

The list goes on.... and the implications of the ongoing movements are frightening. Egypt and the "Anger II" movement which was announced on Wednesday is due to sprout today. Staging of this event preceded digital announcement.

Tammy Swofford

Buy Yer' Own Suicide Kit: Make your Final Exit in Style

It seems Sharlotte Hydorn had little problem reconciling living to an admirable age of ninety-one whilst sending a suicide kit to a twenty-nine year old male.

Oregon has no one to blame but themselves. The state was the first to enact a "Death with Dignity Act" in 1997. Once the line is crossed there is no turning back and the slow march toward a death culture continues unabated. The people of Oregon lacked wisdom.

These things always amaze me. Abortion is not quite so bad when presented as "therapeutic abortion". Killing another human being is not a trangression of a basic human right when it is a "mercy killing". And suicide is not such an ugly word when it is merely a "final exit" plan.

We are made in the image of God. What image are parents left with when they find their child collapsed at home wearing a hood hooked to a helium tank, and in the final moments of life it is possible that they defecated and urinated all over themselves?

These "final exits" leave a lifetime of pyschological waves lapping at the shores of mental stability for the family unit which remains. There is nothing comforting, pretty nor noble with a suicide. Ahhh, the mess that is left behind.

I penned a small book, "Death by Human Intervention" a few years ago. It was for use in a megachurch which we attended. At the time, I was heavily involved with the women's ministry of the church. I was also active in the pro-life corridor. This book discusses the ethical issues we face and is written for a Christian audience to give guidance regarding Biblical teachings for end of life issues. Click on PayPal to give a donation and send along an address into my email.

*Donate less than ten dollars and I keep the money and buy a box of chocolates. Fair is fair! smile

Article Link

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Egyptian Anger II: Friday, May 27th

Egypt may possibly blow again on Friday. There is a lot of activity on the street to make it happen. Look for the action to begin in usual manner (read my lips) - "After the Friday prayers."

The culprits will not be mentioned on the blog, but they are various. Communication is moving by Facebook, word of mouth, outdoor meetings, and the distribution of leaflets with the goals of Egyptian Anger II.

A primary goal is the execution of Hosni Mubarak. After that, the list reads like Marxism on steroids.

Keep the head ducked if in Egypt on Friday.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Anwaar Hussain: Latest Online Journal Commentary

Readers:

Here is the latest contribution to freedom of expression from the desk of Anwaar Hussain.

Article link


Tammy

Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin: Frank Bailey Coughs up a Hairball

"In 2009 I had the sense if she made it to the White House and I had stayed silent, I could never forgive myself," Frank Bailey told The Associated Press.

Translation:

"In 2009 I saw the need for a bit of income and knew that I could never forgive myself if I didn't write a book slamming a friend who trusted me."

Ahhh, political weasels. It was only about three years ago that a former White House spokesman wrote a scathing book against President George W. Bush and his administration. Anyone remember the author's name? Of course not. Even "moi" with my archival capabilities had to do a Google search. But it is because I hit the delete button after Scott McClellan's book surfaced.

In the case of Mr. Frankly Boring, a joke comes to mind: "How many authors does it take to screw a few thousand emails into a book?"

In this case, it takes three. The snitch requires two assistants: Ken Morris and Jeanne Devon.

Ethical considerations? Plenty. As someone who considers the mini-secrets, concerns, hopes and dreams of my own inner circle of friends to be a private matter, Mr. Bailey resides in a category all by himself. While there may be nothing illegal about his activities, ethics are a matter of character.

This book will be the end of the road and not the pot at the end of the rainbow. And what will Mr. Bailey do with the remainder of his life? And what of the publishing house? I guess if yellow journalism sells, there is money to be made. Now if tomorrow we find that Mr. Bailey exposes Sarah Palin for sharing nuclear secrets with "I can see Russia from here", then give me a call on the telly. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider using the book to prop up a broken couch leg.

There you have it - my own hairball!

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Tornado Strikes Joplin, Missouri

The emerging photos show the utter devastation. When Heaven casts her gaze toward earth in destructive manner it is finite man who casts his gaze back with the best of all one word accusations, "Why?"

We just moved through a week where the suspense built in needless manner to consider the false prophetic prediction of a senseless human frame. Fascination with end-of-the-world scenarios allow the individual to deflect the focus away from the world of individual mortality. There is an eternal question which haunts mortal man. Kings, philosophers and poets have pondered the question. Rich and poor alike ponder their fate. Each of us know date of birth. But it is that little dash to date of death which plagues us.

But back to the original question of why things happen which remove the human wheat from the bundle of the living in such dramatic manner.

The answer is really quite simple. Regardless of events or predictions of charlatans, death is coded into our DNA. The DNA which is part of our life-giving force contains a small legal clause of allowance for the Creator to do with His creation - as He wills. He chooses the place. He chooses the time. He who creates also destroys.

Each of us need to consider that we are possibly a heartbeat away from our own death. That is the reality. The "why" should be replaced by "why not"? And as we remember those who mourn the deaths of family and friends in Joplin today may our lips extend prayers of comfort to those who remain.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Terrorists Attack Pakistan Navy Air Base: Sunday May 22

The reports are coming in via various media outlets. A bold attack has taken place at Pakistan's Naval Air Base PNS Mehran. Unattributed reports place American engineers on the tarmac at the time of the attack.

Yeah, I put up the same picture twice. Call it a set of photographic bookends. smile

Tammy Swofford

President Obama puts on his "Big Boy Pants" - and Prepares for his Next Black Eye

Shoot me now! Please!

In the aftermath of a public scolding by an Israeli hawk regarding ill-advised comments on reconfiguration of Israel's borders my Commander-in-Chief needed a defining, face saving moment.

Unfortunately, he took his best shot at Pakistan during a season in which it is critical that every word be calculated and succinctly measured with our nuclear ally.

So his boomerang remark regarding our capability and willingness to enjoin the hunt again on Pakistan's soil is a stupidly unnecessary remark. Grandstanding for a less-than-adoring public, he offers up his remaining good eye to be pummeled by a Pakistani fist.

Israel or Pakistan? What the hell! President Obama remains his own worst enemy when it comes to what drones through the vocal cords. Ms. Hillary tags along with her own stilted gait.

Naturally, the BBC is thrilled with this journalistic tit-for-tat. This is a classic kick the dog scenario, but the dog should have been kicked inside the White House walls. We would not have heard the bark, but we will certainly hear the bark coming back from Pakistan. sigh

The intellectual midgets of our foreign policy strike again!

Tammy Swofford

SUNDAY PRAISE

Enjoy the link here.

Smiling,

Tammy

Daily Times Commentary

Readers,

My latest contribution to the Daily Times came out today. As you will note, the British grammar and punctuation prevail such as in the editorial copy edit for a piece of real estate known to Americans as "Pearl Harbor" but changed to "Pearl Harbour" to reflect the manner in which the word is perceived elsewhere. The Daily Times editorial board continues to amaze me with their liberal allowance for freedom of expression. So it causes little discomfort if on the morrow I acquaint myself with a writer who is oppositional to my opinion. Such is the nature of allowing freedom of expression to bring societal health.


Smiling.

Link here


Tammy Swofford

President Obama: Restoring Pre-1967 Borders, Opening a Political Maw

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...." Ecclesiastes 3:1

President Obama gives a speech and offers the opening salvo for the return to pre-1967 borders for Israel. He effectively creates a political maw in a season when holding the line with Israel is in the best interests of foreign policy. But then again, I have never accused President Obama of having a cogent 21st century foreign policy nor considered his strategic depth perception adequate for the challenges.

The waters have not yet returned to their banks from the populist and agitprop revolts which have clutched the Middle East and northern Africa. There is greater instability as opposed to greater stability.

His message is heartfelt yet hollow; hopeful yet capable of greater misery; unwise for this moment in time.

All strong messages from heads of state are taken in context with the time in which they are given. President Kennedy had his strong message. President Reagan offered his own. Their words were "in season". This current message by our President does not properly discern the political horizon. Look up the definition for the word "maw". Perhaps you will understand.

Tammy Swofford

Bombs, Banners and bin Laden

The death of a serial mass murderer has provided new incentives for the anarchists of jihad. Abu Mansour al-Amriki made an appearance with other members of Al-Shabaab to eulogize bin Laden, complete with a printed program for the audience. The slain leader of Al-Qaedah has his face on banners which are carried along and kissed by his fans.

Jihad groups excitedly post video tributes with old footage. And graphics such as the ones above are being churned out from day to day. The first tribute has a helicopter making an appearance through the clouds. It is quite a romanticized point of view.

Jihad members talk excitedly about "the banner of Prophet Muhammad" and flag depictions such as the last frame, adorn one site. Gosh. A time machine would be a convenient piece of stealth technology to rid ourselves of these wretches.

Of concern is an increase in posts from jihadists in Iraq. There is talk of using primary explosions to draw troops to the site of secondary larger explosions. The second explosion is considered "the ambush". There is concern to get the word out to civilian Muslims in the areas where the devices will be placed to not run "toward" but "away" from initial blast sites.

The death of bin Laden has been good for business. No doubt about it.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Technology and the Demise of Communal Landscape

The Wall Street Journal has an article "The Future of Shopping" with a giant barcode splashed across the top of the page. In the _Personal Journal_ the article begins with a little toot, "Shaving Time Off the Weekly Grocery Run to Keep Consumers in Stores and Spending".

Essentially, a portable scanner will not only keep a running tally of what is in your cart but also spit out coupons based on buyer behavior. Scan coffee? A coupon for coffee creamer may appear next.

I harbor a small concern. Technological gains can have a detrimental effect on communal landscape, and eventually it will be shown that these marvelous applications also change the human psyche in ways which will be both harmful to the individual and also the community at large.

Identity is based on cohabitation and interaction with those in the home and whomever we count for our community support.

If I no longer have to interact with a cashier and bagger at my local store, find little need to shop for ordinary items except from online catalogues, order my flowers online, and have food delivered to the door, do I lose a part of what it means to live within a neighborhood community?

Is my community 430 "friends" on Facebook scattered across the globe? Or do I know the name of the employees at my local grocer?

If community increasingly becomes a matrix of isolated citizens with scanners in hand and frozen smiles on their faces, what does it mean for national identity as an American?

Do a quick little test:

How many people within your community have names to go with their faces? I know the names of the couple who do our dry cleaning. I know about their life, hopes and struggles.

What do you know about those within your immediate communal landscape? If they look like an ordinary barcode to be quickly scanned and forgotten you have become too isolated.

Tammy

IMF Chief Strauss-Kahn: Perhaps He Read the Employee Handbook

The following is taken from the Sofitel Employee Handbook for the Al-Khobar location:

Sofitel and its people:

"The Sofitel brand is based on three core values guaranteed by each employee every day:A Passion for Excellence, an Essence of Pleasure and a Spirit of Openness.Through their actions and know-how, the Men and Women that are the creators of Sofitel’s luxury, offer clients a highly personalised service. By transforming every detail into a unique moment of pure comfort and elegance, they create and nurture a relationship with their guests.The Sofitel values are also at the heart of the communication between employees. It is the legacy received and transmitted by all those involved in the brand to guarantee the continuity of the Sofitel spirit in the hotels and headquarters."

Unverified reports are now emerging of Mr. Strauss-Kahn having had a history of sexual harassment complaints against him at the Sofitel Hotel in New York. These complaints came from maids who dealt with him in the past. The Sofitel staff moved quickly regarding this current situation. But did they drop the ball before this incident?

But it does bring up a valid question. If a hotel staff member complains of sexual harassment by a client what is the procedure in place to protect the employee and also avoid liability? Does in-house security knock on the door and request the luggage be immediately packed, the client placed on the curb, and their status be persona non grata? Why would it be anything less?

My husband and I have been the pampered guests at a Sofitel hotel in Paris, France. But I would love for Sofitel headquarters to release a copy of their employee handbook and the manner in which they deal with employee sexual harassment complaints which are lodged against their clients.

What is their workplace practice? Or does pampering the client include putting up with unacceptable sexual advances, sexual innuendo and men (or women) behaving badly?

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

IMF Strauss-Kahn: A $3,000 Suite for Him and a Rape Kit for Her

What do you call a man who emerges from a bathroom naked?

A naked man.

What do you call a naked man who emerges from a bathroom to chase a hotel cleaning maid down a hallway?

A predator.

What do you call a naked man who pulls a fighting woman into a bedroom to sexually assault her?

An assailant.

What do you call a naked man who drags a fighting woman into a bathroom and forces her to perform oral sex on him?

An assailant not done with his victim yet.

What do you call a woman who is lucky enough to break free from a man intent on raping her further?

A traumatized woman in need of a rape kit.

Article Link

Daily Times Article

Readers,

Latest article below. Take a few moments and do a bit of background reading on Anjem Choudary. He is a native born British citizen. Read articles on Islam4UK.

Daily Times Link



Tammy Swofford

Kandahar Prison Break: The Images from Al-Somood

I have seen a smattering of images from the Kandahar Prison Break. But the 60th edition of the cyber magazine for the Taliban offers the best selection of photos and also a debriefing commentary.

The first photo:

Home where the digging of the tunnel was started. Initial digging was done by one person, with three tasked to remove the dirt. The dirt and sand was placed in baskets in scooters and ferried to trucks where the dirt was then sold. Later the operational tempo increased and more spades and buckets were added with an average of four meters per night in progession of the escape route.

The entrance of the tunnel within the prison:

At one hundred meters problems were encountered with ventilation. A fan was used at first but merely caused headaches. Later, air tubes were added and a total of 45 lanterns were used to light the space. The article does not note how the space was braced to keep from caving in.

The vulnerability:

The political wing of prisoners was housed on the lowest level. That made tunneling an achievable objective.

Final two photos:

Inside the prison - a bit of diversion was provided as the final few meters of tunnel was dug and the spades made their way up through the floor. Prisoner evacuation progressed starting at 12:30 a.m. and happened in what is described as an orderly fashion with prisoners being awakened in each room, in order of the rooms. Thirty-six prisoners per truck were ferried to the outskirts of the city. It is stated that "high level consultations" were made prior to the actual end game to assure an orderly and rapid transition through the tunnel.

The cost of the operation is stated to be $20,000 U.S. dollars. The article also gives reference to prison breaks in June 2003 and June 2008. I have not included images which would clearly identify our soldiers, nor any of the Afghan force guarding the prison. There are some available. Journalism should never be at the expense of endangerment to our troops.

Tammy Swofford

Volunteerism

I have been actively involved as a volunteer team leader (in training) for the Genghis Khan Exhibit since June 2010.

This month provides an exciting culmination to many meetings for the team leaders who will now facilitate a large contingency of volunteers. This is a world-class exhibit.

The exhibit was well-received in all other regions. As of yet I am unsure as to the response in Singapore - where it was housed - prior to coming to us. As of this date over 15,000 school students are signed up to come view the artifacts. We are very excited about enriching the lives of young Americans.

The last week in May is a flurry of activity for staff and volunteers. This includes the "Very Important Barbarian Party" which opens the art treasures to the eyes of the community. Naturally, the Genghis Khan Grill will cater the event. smile Earlier that same day media will tour the exhibit. I am opting out of that event. I am too shy.

Blogging may be sporadic but please check in for new posts. I have always loved the arts, but this is my maiden voyage in volunteering for the Irving Arts Center. It is a nice facility tucked into the landscape near Las Colinas, and several years ago I had the honor of writing about the facility for the Dallas Morning News. I feel like I have come full circle now!

As I have visited Mongolia and experienced the warmth of the people it brings great joy to know that a few dignitaries from Mongolia will surely cross my path in coming weeks. But if you reside within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex please take an hour or two and join us at the arts center.

Genghis Khan Exhibit

Smiling,

Tammy

AGNUS DEI

What a great way to start the morning!

Enjoy the link here.


Smiling,

Tammy

Happy Mother's Day: To the Women who Choose Adoption

You felt the first flutter of little feet kicking inside of your expanding womb. It is possible that you were also the first to hear a heartbeat which let you know that a little life was rhythmically calling out to the world, "I am alive! I am alive!"

You suffered the nausea and food cravings, the swollen ankles and hormonal shifts of pregnancy, and experienced the first urgings of labor with occasional Braxton-Hicks contractions.

You birthed a child with effort and heard the first cry and then chose a most beautiful course of action. Looking at the miniature yet fully formed life which God had created but outsourced to you, an export of human production followed. You chose adoption.

Mothers who are desperate due to the abandonment of the father choose adoption. Mothers who love their babies but cannot afford to raise them choose adoption. And mothers who would rather die themselves than to than to allow a predatory abortion industry to take charge also make this beautiful choice to sustain the generations .

Two mothers - made that beautiful choice which impacted both of our lives as women.

Two babies: I helped deliver the first and welcomed the second home when he was less than three days old.

Two sons: Different mothers gave me a man child, and both with a bountiful heart.

I hope that God has been exceedingly gracious to you. I have raised these remarkable gifts of God with the love which you would have lavished on them, given different circumstances. Every year, I remember the emotional cost of the adoption for you. You have missed birthdays, first days of school and so many other things. In turn, I have taught my sons to respect the birth mother who gave them life. I have placed the seed of love in their hearts - for you.

These children are a part of me. They are a part of you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Death of Osama bin Laden: The Propaganda Blitz

Jihad forums are blossoming with elaborate graphics commemorating the death of the leader of Al-Qaedah. One of the most interesting graphics is of OBL waving from the clouds. To the side of his face is what looks like a helicopter, somewhat embedded within the cloudscape. All graphics are accompanied by congratulatory messages for his martydom. As of yet only invectives being tossed about against the West are noted with my quick scan. Vague "we will get you" type of messages, etc. are out there.

Jihad magazine archives are also being opened in Pandora's Box fashion. A new readership will troll through such things.

The Shura Council for the IEA has issued a statement of resolve in light of the death of OBL.

Anjem Choudary is stirring things up in front of the U.S. embassy in London as I write this, unless security personnel have intervened. Sites are happily chattering about this news. Mr. Choudary's videos make a semi-regular appearance on jihad sites and he is favored by his small audience in London. He is usually surrounded by thuggish-looking bodyguards. The man has cornered his little market for looking angry and insulted and making chips grow on shoulders. He attracts alarmists, conspiracy theorists and gullible women. He stokes hatred and that is the devilish gift which he possesses. The man should be handed a shovel to take care of the crap which he leaves behind in the wake of his promotional events. Choudary is an intellectual fraud.

OBL will probably make more appearances than Elvis on jihad sites in coming days. It is the nature of the beast.

Tammy Swofford

SWOFFORD UNLEASHED

The nature of secrecy requires deception. Deception on grand scale was required to provide safety for the man responsible for planning the operation executed against American citizens on 9/11/2001. Greater than three thousand innocent lives were taken. Our citizens died by incineration, suffocation and as human components of missiles aimed at symbolic landmarks.

When the news broke regarding the geographic locale of Osama bin Laden I experienced an intense rush of hatred. Finding OBL within yards of a military academy in Pakistan would have been comparable to finding the Unabomber in a high-walled facility adjacent to the Naval Academy. Undoubtedly, a few testicles jumped all the way up into the throat amongst Pakistani officials after the raid because they took long enough to then clear their damn throats and speak of "national sovereignty." Perhaps they need to speak of spitting on the face of their nation by their actions.

When writing the piece for the Daily Times it seemed necessary to draw a line of distinction between the innocent and the guilty. Hence, the portrayal of the simple Muslim inadvertently placed in the crosshairs of a situation he did not understand provides bookends to the main body of the text. The rot within the flesh of some men is not a rot amongst all Pakistani citizens.

The main text of the tale is meant to present the manner in which the safety of OBL and his family required layers of management to keep the secret safe. I contend that President Zardari may have been unaware of the locale and nature of the VIP resident, but that it is more likely that (former president) General Musharraf was aware of the facility and occupants. They set up housekeeping under his watch as Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

Link to Swofford May 7th, 2011 article Daily Times Pakistan

We now know that Al-Qaedah planned a second dramatic attack on 9/11/2011 and the target was the New York rail system. For those involved in assuring the safety of a monster so that he could strike again and kill our children:

View this link

I have to direct a question from the movie "The Kingdom" to the men responsible for protecting a man who kills without conscience, again and again and again. Does Allah love your children, more than he loves my children?

Tammy Swofford

Dr. Mohammad Taqi: The Hornet is Dead Near the Nest

Excellent commentary from the Daily Times of Pakistan.


Read at this link


It is good to remember that public consumption statements in coming days regarding our relationship to Pakistan will not match the reality of what is happening behind closed doors.


Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Farewell to the Thief, Osama bin Laden

A world leader dies. The end of his life dominates the news with reverent tones. Photos and video footage of his early life and career are flashed on the TV screen and in these days dominates the Internet and social media sites. If he was fortunate enough to have made it to retirement, add in some shots of dignitary event appearances and downtime on the ranch or at a grandchild's baseball game.

The nation flies the flag at half staff. His cabinet and congress, or parliament members, take the floor to memorialize him. Allies send their condolences. Political enemies send their respects. He lies in state. He is buried with a prominent gravestone, on a site that is never short of fresh flowers. His family is then, for the most part, left alone.

His birthdate and deathdate are remembered. If he was beloved, he is commemorated with a national monument and/or a national holiday. The nation pauses to honor and mourn him.

...Today the world is together experiencing a loss of a different kind. A leader whose following has caused much harm has been officially dismissed of his duties. The United States Military shot and killed Osama bin Laden.

While I am not sad about the news, I am not one of the Americans who is thumping his chest and chanting "USA" in the streets. Maybe watchful calm comes with age, or maybe it is the unofficial crash course on al Qaeda I have received from Tammy and others who are more educated than am I in these matters.

I am sorry for bin Laden's innocent victims, the casualties of his atrocities. The Embassies. The USS Cole. Today President Obama will visit the mass gravesite that is Ground Zero. I pray the news brings the 9-11 Families some level of peace.

I am also sorry for bin Laden's family members who have had no part of his destructive operations, and have tried to distance themselves from him. Just remember: You can't choose your family.

The conflict is not over. There is always another shoe that will drop. These disagreements may never be over in our lifetime. Still, we Americans will stay the course and continue to work to protect the innocent and the defenseless. We will also relentlessly seek justice where injustices have been done. Huah!

-Blackfoot

Photojournalism and Propaganda

This blog was part of the first wave releasing a forged "martyrdom" image from a jihad site which then spewed with congratulatory messages to OBL for having attained martyrdom, hence Paradise, etc. The next day it appeared in an email thread stating, "I have a buddy in the Pentagon...." Yeah, right. And I am Lady Gaga.

My very early experience in Jihadabad with disinformation fed to me by one of the players sharpened my skill for debunking myths. One such packet of photos of our soldiers molesting Muslim women (think open trench coat, a German shepherd and a kneeling woman, sodomy, etc.) moved up a journalism chain and by early the next morning had been tracked to a portal in Tunisia to free Saddam Hussein. The uniforms were all wrong, but one mainstream media organization received the same packet which included additional fakery of shipboard sailors on the deckplate and hastily presented the propaganda as truth.

I also received photos sent from London of our "dead soldiers" in Iraq. Also disinformation.

Americans must cease to be gullible, cease and desist to satiate the desire for sensory stimulation from the media and begin to think as adults. Is the journalism attributable, credible, believable? Always assume you are swallowing a lie and chew before you swallow.

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Tammy Swofford

Prayer in Time of Fear: Battlefield Allowance

Commentary below taken from "Predictive Analysis of the Forward Movement of Islam in the West". 10 February 2008

As Muhamamd and his followers moved quickly to Makkah with their camels the Quraishites became frightened and quickly assembled a council. Dispatching Khalid bin Al-Waleed with a mounted army of two hundred horsemen Muhammad changed the direction of his own advancement. It was also at this time that a Qura'nic revelation came about to make the allowance for a "prayer of fear" which allows abbreviated prayers and praying with weapons at the side. Muhammad was aware that times of prayer were not only called out to bring the Muslims into rank, but that his enemies also knew the specific times for the call to prayer throughout the day. Realizing this placed his troops at a distinct disadvantage, the Qur'anic ayat, An-Nisaa 101-104 came into place. These four verses are referred to as "the prayer of fear". These are considered exceptions to the rule, and as soon as possible, regular prayer is to be established again. Per Ahadith "prayer on time" was one of the commands to be adhered to by the Muslim, except in time of travel.

*Please note that within a year Khalid bin Al-Waleed formed an alliance with Muhammad and is revered as a military strategist with few equal among the ranks of Islam.

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

Osama bin Laden: Masajid Death Announcements

Mosque announcements for the death of Osama bin Laden as offered in the Middle East.

There is a self-imposed "restraining order" on my words for the moment due to the intensity of my feelings.

When I can respond, "Swofford Unleashed" will lay out my thoughts regarding the geographic location of Osama bin Laden.

Tammy Swofford

The Battle of Badr: After Action Report

Al-Anfal which is the eighth Surah of the Qur'an provides a unique commentary on the Battle of Badr, and provides for the basic mechanics of an after-action report within the text. Other ayat which are fox-holed also provide a glimpse into how a successful battlefield stratagem of war brought the underpinnings of new traditions for war.

Within the text not only are Muslims instructed regarding the need for an integrated society but they are reminded that the battle is against men who turn from the path of Allah. (Qur'an 8:47) This is a war for theocratic dominance.

Muslims are reminded that objectives were attained with Divine support, whether it be angels (8:9), the throwing of sand by Prophet Muhammad which blinded the enemy with a violent sandstorm (....but Allah threw." 8:17), or simply by casting terror into the heart of the enemy. (8:12)

Jihad is now shown in its strongest position, having moved from the early admonition during the Makki period of "tying of the hands" when in a weakened state, to permission to take up arms when numerical strength existed, (Qur'an 22:39) to *fighting acts of aggression (Qur'an 2:190) and finally - to jihad against all polytheists. Jihad moved from *avoid it, *allowed for self-defense* to *taking up of arms to protect and expand the political structure of the Islamic state.

Questions of spoils of war (booty) were addressed and laws of war and peace were codified. Prayer could now be observed in a sitting position, and the fast-breaking festival of 'Eid finds correllary in Qur'an 8:26.

After the Battle of Badr new rules came into play regarding deceased combatants. They were not to be washed nor shrouded but buried in the clothing in which they died. Allowances were also made for multiple corpses in one grave as opposed to separate graves.

It was also established that fratricide would be compensated by blood money from the state treasury, as opposed to offered by the next of kin.

There is significant symbolism attached to the Battle of Badr. I have covered this in cursory manner. It is a good choice of operational nomenclature for what the Taliban hopes to accomplish with their "Spring Offensive".

There will be one final blog which covers another tradition of war for Muslim combatants.

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

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The Battle of Badr: The Spoils of War

"Here is the situation as it stands," said Prophet Muhammad, as he stood in front of his men. "That well-rubbed palm tree, Al-Alkhnas bin Shuraiq, has convinced a flank of the men to mutiny against Abu Jahl and they have returned to Makkah. Banu Hashim have become fearful and wish to break away also but their fear of the wrath of Abu Jahl remains greater than their fear of us. This places the remainder of the army at a troop strength of approximately one thousand men. They are currently stationed beyond the sand dunes of Al-'Udwat Al-Quswa. Our last scouting party secured two of the young water carriers for the camels of our enemies and they have confirmed the numerical strength of the enemy and also named the notable leadership attached to Abu Jahl."

Pausing for emphasis, Prophet Muhammad allowed his gaze to sweep the men. "In a dream last night I saw the corpses of the Qureish thrown across the sand. But because Al-Ansar (the helpers from Madinah) are protected from this venture because of the clause within Al-Aqabah pledge I must offer the opportunity for them to leave our ranks if they so choose. They are not committed to the fight beyond their territories. Advise me and my men, oh Ansar."

Sa'd bin Mu'adh stepped forward, "I speak for all of us. We are experienced in war and trustworthy in combat. We will form our battle line with you."

The Muslims marched and encamped at the far bank of the valley near a well with ample water. At midnight, and under the cover of rain, they set out to destroy and stop up nearby wells of water to deny their enemies refreshment in the heat of battle. A raised and partially protected platform was also erected so that Prophet Muhammad could visualize and direct the battle movements on the ground.

As the sun arose over the desert sand the following morning Prophet Muhammad took an arrow in his hand and used it to divide up the ranks. His instructions were specific. No man was to move out except by his command. The arrows were to be used sparingly and the men were only to resort to the sword for close quarter combat. The back was not to be turned to the enemy unless leaving to join another group for strategic reasons or to rest from the battle. Giving them a final word of encouragement he told of seeing ranks of thousands of angels in succession. (Qur'an 8:9) Looking at the men with a firm look he said of the enemy, "Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs." (Qur'an 54:45)

The opposing forces moved forward and an initial three duels were fought by men chosen from each side. Curses rang out, and the greater battle began. "These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord." (Qur'an 22:19)

The battle began to go badly for the Qureish and their allies when the deserted and solitary figure of Abu Jahl was identified when the battle lines were broken. He was slain by two younger warriors whilst still mounted on his horse. Both presented their bloody swords to validate the kill. Yet only one of them received the booty of Abu Jahl. The other, Mu'awwadh bin Al-"Afra was later killed during the final stages of the Battle of Badr.

Qur'an 8 - Anfal, or "Spoils of War" concerns the Battle of Badr, along with some of the fox-holed ayat which I have included from other Surah. It is important in studying the battles of the Muslims to remember that the Qur'an is the beginning point for entering the Intellectual Battlespace, and the text has seven layers of meaning. Throw in Ahadith, Seerah literature, etc. and the complete compendium of thought exists for the scholars and the guardians of the secrets of Islam.

The translation of the Qur'an by Yusuf Ali, with attached tafsir (commentary) is excellent to understand the theo-political doctrine attached to the Battle of Badr. Books titled "Maghazi" give great detail and chronological recounts of the battles and expeditions of the Muslims. The Book of Battles by the historian Muhammad bin Ishaque comes to mind. Al Waqdi has a well known work in three volumes.

The blog is not the proper format for a complete discussion of the Battle of Badr. I am available on email for any further queries regarding this event. We will move to the after action report next and then one final blog to cap the discussion.

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

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The Battle of Badr: Considerations of the Terrain

The map is a scan from _Ar-Raheeq Al- Makhtum_ by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri p. 218

This is one of three books which I am using to create a three-dimensional space for the Battle of Badr.

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The Battle of Badr: Inside the Quarterdeck

The silence was palpable as the men entered into conference again to consider the practicality of not only attacking but also winning the battle against a force which was superior in both mounts and armor.

"We only have two horses, seventy camels and limited arms. Our opponent Abu Sufyan, Allah's curse be upon him, sent Al-Ghifari to enlist the help of the Qureishites and for good measure he cut off the nose and the ears of his camel when delivering the message. We also know from our scouts that the enemy now consists of 1,300 foot soldiers and within that mass our scouts count 100 horses, 600 soldiers with mail shirts and a host of snorting camels. Their food supply will not fail them as the few camels slaughtered each day easily fill the bellies of their men."

Prophet Muhammad spoke to the men. "We know what we must do. Recite with me the Qur'an."

The men began to recited: Qur'an 2:27, 2:190-193. Az-Zalimun, Az-Zalimun! Their voices rang out. One man then stood and began to recite Qur'an 2:217 which had recently been revealed after the attack of the platoon of Nakhlah, which happened in the sacred months. Shouting to his companions he said, "We have been given permission to fight. We have permission to fight even in the sacred months. What is left to hold back the sword of Islam?"

Sa'd bin Mu'adh now stood to speak. He proclaimed the men to have given their pledge to the cause and to be firm in obedience. "....if you were to ask us to plunge ourselves into the sea, we will do so most readily and not a man will stay behind....."

One of the older men behind him stated gruffly, "Perhaps Sa'd speaks thus because he knows that Abu Sufyan has left the primary route and directed the caravan toward the Red Sea to avoid an ambush."

Abu Bakr responded, "There are rights of man toward his fellow man. Jihad is a right of Allah over man. Do not ever forget the decree. It is Allah's right."

It was surmised that a bloody encounter was now inevitable. The men gathered outside and taking a stick, Prophet Muhammad laid the battle out on the sand. Sending out a small scouting party one more time, the men in camp awaited the word from their leaders to configure their ranks for the battle.

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC

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Osama bin Laden Dead: Burial at Sea

President Obama has announced the death of OBL with a burial at sea. Jihad sites are blazing with shocked pronouncements of disbelief. Here is one example from the "forged martydom" crowd. Naturally, this event will produce more rumors than ticks on a dog. *Did the bad guys forge the first photo? Hmmm All things are assumed false until proven otherwise when it comes to jihad media outlets.

Unsure where the pronouncement of a burial at sea according to Islamic tradition is verified. I do not have anything in my personal library which speaks of sea burials. My library is fairly comprehensive.

The statement of sea burial to not allow a shrine to be built makes sense.

Naturally, the Taliban claims Osama is still alive. Unless they can produce a video with Osama holding a NYT announcing his death.....

Regardless, a travel ban to Pakistan at this moment in time seems prudent.

As a Navy gal, it will be an honor to view any interview given by the Navy Seal teams - with faces blurred - of course. smile Many Americans have awaited this day with expectation that justice would be done. As for myself, I cannot forget the woman who leaped to her death on 9/11.

*I am still working on the next blog on the operational considerations for the Battle of Badr, and will also include a map from one of my books.

Tammy Swofford

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The Battle of Badr: Reconnaisance

The scouts saw the thin line of smoke curling up from the fire long before their nostrils caught the smell of the grilled meat. Moving close enough to the caravan to see the hooves of the camels glinting in the evening sun they quickly scanned the scene. It was the second year after Hijrah and also the month of Ramadan. The Qureish were returning from the part of al-Sham known as modern day Syria. Estimating both the numbers of camels and men, Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah and Sa'id bin Zaid also performed a somewhat informal inventory of the wares laden on the backs of the animals which walk like ships on the waves of the sea.

In the preceding months two distinct flanks had moved out from among the Muslims. The one flank was the diplomatic flank to seek non-aggression pacts with various tribes. As they did their work the smaller and more important intelligence flank moved into play with reconnaisance patrols exploring geopolitical features of the various commercial routes upon which the caravan trade traveled, carefully noting manpower and fighting strength. Using both code words and stealth they moved back and forth across the landscape feeding valuable intelligence to the Muslim community. This intelligence then allowed for the formation of small and quickly formed platoons which practiced and refined the classic Arab art of war - ambush and quick pillage.

A major skirmish with a caravan of Abu Jahl had been averted in 623 A.D. but it is a time when the first flag or banner of the Muslims - white in color and entrusted to Kinaz bin Husain Al-Ghanawi - found its place in battle lore. This white color became the battle standard.

(Qur'an 96:9-19 is addressed as a challenge to Abu Jahl, an arch enemy of the Muslims.)

After this time, several successful expeditionary platoons made it apparent to the Muslims that they were capable of expanding military control over an area of approximately three hundred miles, should they choose to consolidate their planning.

Reporting back to Prophet Muhammad, the scouts offered a stunning account of the approximate value of the booty. An immediate consultation ensued amongst the Sahabah regarding the merits of mounting an attack against the caravan. In the next blog we will move into the command center as the various players consider the practicalities of an attack.

LCDR Tammy Swofford

The Battle of Badr: Setting the Stage

When entering the IB (intellectual battlespace) to discuss the battles of Prophet Muhammad it seems best to present the story through the eyes of an embedded reporter. The battles of the troops under the Muslim banner play out in Maghazi literature, which is the compendium of manuscripts and books dealing specifically with the major battles in which Prophet Muhammad participated (nine in number) and smaller expeditionary footprints (approximately sixty in number) with were led by leading Muslim men.

The large battles are termed "Ghazwa" (singular) and the smaller skirmishes or raiding parties are called "Saraya". These smaller raids also retain important significance in that under the Abbasid Dynasty, the Qadi (judges) established firm guidelines for establishing single raid emirates. It is comparable to our concept of holding a berm, a trench, a small parcel of land or for that matter, the Battle of Iwo Jima - in which tremendous losses were incurred for a strategically important piece of real estate.

Further complicating the battlespace in Afghanistan and along the one thousand mile border shared with Pakistan is the concept of "Ribaat" or outposts/land of stationing to protect territorial borders of what are considered Muslim lands.

The Battle of Badr was the first decisive battle in the win column for the Muslims, and it sent shock waves through the region. As such, the Talib are hoping for their own shock and awe.

As an editorial comment, note that I use the term Prophet Muhammad as one of rank, not allegiance. As such, I do not use the honorific (PBUH) after his rank. He is indeed considered a General amongst his troops, and the first Caliph Abu Bakr solidified the concept of an officer within the ranks when he established battalion strength formations to further the message of Islam.

It is necessary that I move you into the terrain of the mind as cultural and ethnographic considerations will have play in the manner the Taliban move forward with their spring offensive. All such organizations in varied form or fashion attempt to follow the seventh century template. The theo-political thought will surge into the 21st century to become the battle cry of the Badr Spring Offensive. So come sit at the fire with me as we prepare for the Battle of Badr, execute the battle plan, and move into an after action report.

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC