army

A pro-Palestine protestor shot "like a mosquito"

Sophie — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:22:59 +0200

This amateur video, which has caused uproar on the internet, would seem to demand some serious questioning of the Israeli Army's techniques in Palestinian territories. The footage was filmed in Bil'in, a village in the West Bank near to the border with Israel.

The video was published by B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organisation. The incident happened two months ago during a protest against the separation wall put in place by Israeli authorities, which cuts off a part of the village used for farming.

Images show the protester, 18-year-old Eran Cohen, being hit by a rubber bullet at close range. He later explained that he was protesting against the incarceration of one of his friends and that he shouted "enough with the violence!" to the soldiers, when they fired at him. He was shot in the leg and taken to the Assaf Harofeh medical centre where doctors were able to extract the bullet. Eran says that he will continue to demonstrate against the injustice served to Palestinian people, who "have received more bullets" than him.

The army said that it would investigate the incident, adding that "security forces were ordered to employ crowd dispersal means on the demonstrators".

War in Iraq: "Mission Russian roulette"

Julien — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:14:34 +0200

This video was filmed from the inside of an American tank that finds itself in the middle of a rocket attack in Adhamiyah, Baghdad. Disturbingly, the reaction of the marines in the vehicle seems to be one of despair and disorder. An American soldier who served in Iraq tells us that this is just a glimpse into an increasingly chaotic situation.

"The Sahwa militia has brought peace to my district"

Julien — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:09:19 +0100

Our Observer in Baghdad, Last of Iraqis, took the same street scene and filmed it once in June 2007 and then in March 2008. In the first video nobody dared set foot outside; the street is deserted. But now, it seems to have come back to life. Thanks to the American Army? Apparently not. According to Last of Iraqis it's the al Sahwa militia to be thankful to.

The Sahwa (meaning 'awakening councils') are a Sunni-based Iraqi military funded by the American army to fight against al Qaeda. Many of its 80,000 members are former insurgents. The movement has its stronghold in the district of Adamiyah, north Baghdad, in Last of Iraqis' neighbourhood.

More info on Iraq: FRANCE 24 reporter's notebook.

Bloggers react to Bush’s speech on Iraq

Julien — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:10:42 +0100

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, George Bush made a speech to the Pentagon today, in which he insisted that the controversial offensive had opened a "major strategic victory" in the broader war on terror. Two American bloggers criticise their president's speech, but for very different reasons.

Bush reaffirmed in the speech that removing Saddam Hussein from power was the "right decision", and that this is a fight "America can and must win". He then went on to reiterate the somewhat worn out argument for continuing the war; that the Americans must combat al Qaeda in Iraq in order not to face them on their own soil; and to leave too quickly would cause chaos and strengthen terrorists in neighbouring Iran.

Chuck Norris, American idol

Julien — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:24:00 +0100

Actor Chuck Norris has become quite an idol at American military bases. His posters are as frequent on camp walls as the obligatory pin-up, and soldiers at the Baghdad helicopter base have even erected an altar in his glory.

"Chuck" is admired by many but also ridiculed by others. Sites and videos that make fun of the actor are not hard to come by on the web. Chuck Norris Facts, for example, ironically lists the star's incredible abilities and feats. Our favourite: "Chuck Norris counted to infinity- twice".

The net is divided. War hero and patriot, Norris represents more a complex conflict troubling Americans: namely the Iraq war.

A bit of hash with your Viagra sergeant?

Julien — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:42:54 +0100

An insight into the daily life of American soldiers in Iraq. In this video, filmed from the top of an army vehicle, backstreet vendors try to peddle Viagra and hashish to the soldiers.

Don’t try this at home: waterboarding

Julien — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:49:29 +0100

Waterboarding is a form of interrogation that induces the sensation of drowning, causing the victim to sense intense panic and imminent death. In the last century the method has been considered a crime by the US and been prosecuted against. The Army Field Manual prohibits its use by any military personnel. However increasing rumours of its use by the CIA and the US Army have been circulating since the launch of the ‘war on terror' after Sept. 11, and many high-profile politicians and judges have said that its prohibition needs reassessing. The method is forbidden under the rules of the Geneva Convention.

Does the army make "real Israelis"?

Julien — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:09:00 +0100

It’s estimated that around 25% of Israelis don’t complete their mandatory military service. This group is largely made up of Arab-Israelis, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, married and religious women and individuals with physical and psychological disorders, but it also includes many who simply refuse to partake. These "conscientious objectors" are the target of a critical campaign from conservative Israeli groups.

Apprenticeships in terrorism with al Qaeda

Julien — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:48:00 +0100

The American military in Iraq released five videos this week which they say show Iraqi children being trained by al Qaeda to capture civilians and to use weapons. The American army, which seized the material during an operation against al-Qaeda in Khan Bani Saad, north Baghdad, says that the videos are being used for propaganda and to recruit young people. Our Observer for Iraq, ‘Treasure of Baghdad’, was shocked by the videos. Here is his reaction.

Showtime in Iraq: harmless fun or simply tasteless?

Julien — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:08:00 +0100

The proliferation of camera cell phones has seen an increasing number of amateur videos emerging from Iraq. The favourite genre appears to be humour, which is spurring the production of hundreds of videos that would match ‘Pop Idol' standards. With hours to spare and nothing to do between often dangerous missions, US soldiers are choreographing, performing, and recording themselves dancing and singing, and then posting the videos on YouTube. We put together a collection of these videos, although dates and locations are unknown, and showed them to ex-soldiers and US Army officials to get their reactions. Post your questions on their profile pages.