Today's Pic's. - Dec. 17

[He219]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20031217/i/r1381361063.jpg

http://wwwi.*******.com/images/2003-12-17T113923Z_01_SAM01_RTRIDSP_2_IRAQ.jpg

Two U.S. soldiers from the third Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division stand guard on the streets of Samarra, Iraq December 17, 2003. A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard began early Wednesday morning, targeting a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches. *******/POOL/Stefan Zaklin


http://wwwi.*******.com/images/2003-12-17T124705Z_01_SAM02_RTRIDSP_2_IRAQ-SAMARRA.jpg

A U.S. soldier from 1-8, 3rd Brigade, of the 4th Infantry Division uses a sledge hammer to break the padlock of a store in the industrial zone of Samarra, Iraq, December 17, 2003. A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard, which targeted a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches, began early Wednesday morning. *******/POOL/Stefan Zaklin

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20031217/i/r1748891609.jpg

Two U.S. soldiers inspect the damage after a small explosive charge was used to blow the door off a store in the industrial section of Samarra, Iraq (news - web sites), December 17, 2003. A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard, which targeted a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches, began early Wednesday morning. *******/POOL/Stefan Zaklin

http://wwwi.*******.com/images/2003-12-17T124910Z_01_SAM14_RTRIDSP_2_IRAQ-SAMARRA-RAID.jpg

A U.S. soldier from 1-8, 3rd Brigade, of the 4th Infantry Division holds the trigger to an RPG launcher he found in a a bag with other bomb-making materials during a raid in Samarra, Iraq, December 17, 2003. A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard, which targeted a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches, took place early Wednesday morning. *******/POOL/Stefan Zaklin

http://images.wn.com/i/56/f0819d2249b393.jpg

South Korea's government has ended months of divisive debate by announcing its final decision to send a contingent of 3,000 troops to support US-led stabilisation efforts in Iraq(***** Images)

For Operation Ivy:
http://www.army.mil/images/newsimages/03Dec16-038-lr.jpg

Soldiers fire a M109A6 Paladin howitzer during a section certification and live-fire exercise near the Abu Ghraib section of Baghdad, Iraq. The Soldiers are assigned to Battery C, 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment. Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense.

http://www.army.mil/images/newsimages/03Dec16-helicopter.jpg

Soldiers conduct deck-landing qualification on the USS Curtis Wilbur, using two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, off the coast of Pohang, Republic of Korea. The Soldiers and aircraft are part of the 17th Aviation Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lisa Jendry.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20031217/capt.sge.phg64.171203111345.photo00.default-384x272.jpg

An armored personnel carrier (APC) of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (GSDF). Japan is likely to send the first main contingent of ground troops to Iraq (news - web sites) in late February to support humanitarian work in the war-torn country.(AFP/JIJI Press/File)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494887

Iraqi police officers inspect the wreckage of a truck used by a suicide bomber in Baghdad, Wednesday Dec 17, 2003. The truck, loaded with explosives rammed into a small bus and exploded near a police station, killing at least 10 people. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494874

U.S. soldiers secure the scene of an explosion in Baghdad, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. A truck loaded with explosives rammed into a small bus, visible on background, and exploded near a police station, killing at least 10 people. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

http://photo.worldnews.com/PhotoArchive//uploads/2003/12/17/uploaded-40637_large.jpg

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494791

Members of the Nigerian army engage Ijaw militants, not pictured, in a gun battle near the shores of the seaport in Warri, in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria, in this Friday, May 2, 2003 file photo. The scramble for oil proceeds in Nigeria's south was the spark behind ethnic fighting that killed hundreds and crippled petroleum exports from Africa's leading producer of crude, an international human rights group said on Wednesday. (AP Photo/George Osodi)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494793

Soldiers deployed to restore order stop and search people in Warri, Nigeria in this Wednesday, March 26, 2003 file photo. The scramble for oil proceeds in Nigeria's south was the spark behind ethnic fighting that killed hundreds and crippled petroleum exports from Africa's leading producer of crude, an international human rights group said on Wednesday. (AP Photo/George Osodi)

http://photo.worldnews.com/PhotoArchive//uploads/2003/12/17/uploaded-40612_large.jpg
100 Years ago, Today.

[Guttorm]

Great pic's, as always

[uri]

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-01.jpg
IDF Chief of staff Moshe Yaalon (on the left), visiting Givaty brigade maneuvre, this morning.

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-02.jpg

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-04.jpg

Big Miracle Was Here !
Happy Hanukka !

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-05.jpg

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-06.jpg

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/december/dotz-16.12.03-07.jpg

[UoUo]

happy hanuka

:hug: :hug:

[Seoulstriker]

A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard, which targeted a large number of wanted men

hey operation ivy, you're popular! :D

[ShotOver]

Shalom everyone, and happy hanuka :hug:

[AirZone]

happy hanuka and christmas everybody :hug:

[Miles Teg]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's is Hanuka. I think there is no relation with this artist guy :

http://asafhanuka.com

http://asafhanuka.com/uncleOil.jpg

[Miles Teg]

Find much more better answer more far in Google :


The Story of Hanuka (Chanukah)by
David Barnett

When I look at the Hanuka candles I connect with my ancestors. Their actions are as fresh today as they were nearly twenty-two centuries ago. Their motives and those of their enemies seem to be constants of human nature - as do their frailties. It is the quality of Judaism, which remembers (and is rooted in) the constants of human nature, which makes it forever young yet forever old and forever relevant.

In 200 b.c.e. Antiochus III, the Syrian-Greek ruler of the Seleucid kingdom, defeated decisively Ptolemy IV, the Egyptian-Greek king, at Panium near the source of the Jordan. Both the Ptolemies and the Seleucids were successors to the empire of Alexander the great. For a hundred years the Ptolemies had ruled Judah from Egypt while the Seleucids tried to wrest it from them.

The Ptolemies' main interest in Judah was levying taxes. This they did through the hated system of tax farming. Leading citizens would go to Alexandria and bid for local tax collecting privileges. Anything above their bid which they collected, they could keep. Anything less had to be made good from their personal fortunes. There were laws to limit the profits of the tax gatherers but there were also laws to encourage informers on tax evaders. Certain families cemented and multiplied their wealth through tax gathering. The most prominent such family, in this era, were the Tobiads.

Garrison towns became quickly hellenised and the ruling classes tended to favour assimilation to Greek ways. But the countryside remained staunchly traditional and Jerusalem was an uneasy mixture. The Ptolemies left Jewish religious autonomy intact and the high priest continued to serve a dual religious and administrative role dating from Persian times. He held office for life but ruled with the aid of a council of elders. The high priest's administrative role was diminished by the existence of the tax farmers. The upper classes in Jerusalem held a spectrum of views ranging from the very traditional to strongly assimilationist. By the time of Ptolemy's defeat, Greek names were fairly common amongst the Jewish upper classes.

The taxes were very oppressive. Antiochus consolidated his position by promising tax relief. In return, the Jews of Jerusalem welcomed him and helped to oust Ptolemy's garrison there. For a few years everything worked well, and apart from the temporarily lower tax rates, nothing really changed under Seleucid rule.

But it did not last. In 190 b.c.e. Antiochus III suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Romans. The Romans insisted on a huge war indemnity and took one of the king's sons, the future Antiochus IV, to Rome as a hostage. From then on, the Seleucid king always had financial problems and sought money wherever he could. Antiochus III met his death attempting to plunder the famous Elamite temple in 187.

His son, Seleucus IV was faced with the same financial difficulty. Tax rates were raised and strictly enforced. The government schemed with leading men of the various subject peoples to plunder their temples and national treasures.

In Jerusalem, one Simon, of the Tobiad tax-gathering family, was overseer of the temple. He clashed with the traditionalist high priest, Jonathan III, who dismissed him. In revenge, Simon went to the governor and told him of the enormous treasure concealed in the Temple. As a result, Seleucus IV sent the royal treasurer, Heliodorus, to expropriate the treasure. Jonathan pleaded that most of the money was private deposits given to the sanctuary for safe keeping. Heliodorus returned empty-handed. Some say that when he entered the sanctuary, he was scourged by a terrifying horseman and two youths.

In 175 Seleucus IV was assassinated by Heliodorus. Seleucus' brother, Antiochus IV, became king. He had returned from Rome after a fifteen year stay as hostage. Antiochus was an aggressive helleniser with a strong taste for things Roman. He introduced gladiatorial contests at Antioch and erected Athenian-style temples and public buildings in Syrian cities. He styled himself "Epiphanes" ("god incarnate") but his detractors called him "Epinanes" ("violent" or "insane").

Jonathan, the high priest, had a brother, Joshua. He was a Hellenist and changed his name to Jason. He wanted to impose Hellanic education on his people and "modernise" them. He went to Antiochus IV and offered him a huge sum of money if he would depose Jonathan. He also promised to open in Jerusalem a gymnasium for athletic games, and other hellenising measures. Antiochus was only too glad to agree; defying tradition, he banished Jonathan to Antioch (174).

Jason pursued his hellenising policy aggressively. He even sent money, on the eve of an Olympic games festival at Tyre, to purchase sacrifices to the Phoenician Hercules. The young Jews in the delegation refused to take part in this idolatry and gave the money to the royal treasury for ship-building instead.

Traditional Jews were outraged by Jason's activities.

Jason lasted three years. A certain Menelaus of the Tobiad family decided to usurp the high priesthood. Jason had sent him to Antiochus with the tribute. Menelaus offered the king 300 talents above what Jason was paying. Antiochus agreed and Jason fled across the Jordan.

Menelaus found it difficult to raise all the money he promised. One time he was summoned to Antioch to explain. He took some Temple vessels as a bribe for the king's representative, Andronicus. The old priest, Jonathan, denounced Menelaus as a looter. Andronicus had Jonathan murdered. The murder caused such an outrage, even amongst Greeks, that Antiochus executed Andronicus. Menelaus remained high priest and continued the policy of looting the Temple to pay the tribute.

While he was in Antioch, Menelaus had left his brother, Lysimachus, in charge in Jerusalem. An outraged mob repulsed Lysimachus and his soldiers from the Temple treasury. Three elders went to Antiochus in Tyre to denounce Menelaus as author of the troubles. Antiochus refused to listen and had them executed. This act convinced Jews that they must direct their struggle against Syrian rule altogether.

In 170 b.c.e. Rome was distracted by a new war against Macedonia. Antiochus took the opportunity to invade Egypt. When rumours spread that he had been killed, the Jews of Jerusalem were Jubilant. Jason returned at the head of 4000 men (better the "moderate" Hellenist than the tyrant Menelaus). Menelaus fled.

But Antiochus was very much alive. He came to Jerusalem and put down the rebellion with great ferocity. He also plundered the Temple of anything of pure gold. Jason escaped and Menelaus was restored.

In 168 Antiochus went again into Egypt, and it looked as if he would oust the Ptolemies. While he was at the gates of Alexandria, the Roman senate sent him an ultimatum to halt his invasion or be considered an enemy of Rome. Antiochus was awed by Roman might, having spent fifteen years in Rome. He withdrew in short order.

With time on his hands, and injured pride, Antiochus devoted his energies to hellenising and homogenising his empire. Judah was clearly the most resistant province.

Antiochus began with a campaign of terror. He sent General Apollonius, at the head of a large army, to Jerusalem. Entering on Shabbath, he killed men in the streets, abducted women and children and demolished houses. Terrified inhabitants fled the city in large numbers. Their homes were occupied by Greeks and Syrians.

Apollonius converted the City of David (south of the Temple) into a garrison stronghold and renamed it Acra. The garrison in Acra would remain a thorn in the flesh of Judah for the next quarter century.

The most important part of the plan was breaking the source of Jewish resistence - the religion. Antiochus decreed that all peoples should renounce their distinctive customs and become one people. Jewish Temple service was abolished. Study of Torah, circumcision, observance of Shabbath and Kashruth were forbidden on pain of death. Participation in the official Greek cult was obligatory. On 15th Kislev 168 b.c.e. they erected an alter to Olympian Zeus behind and above the alter of the Lord in the Temple and on 25th Kislev offered the first pagan sacrifice.

Loyal Jews (known as `hasidim) largely withdrew from the cities where the hellenists held sway with soldiers at their backs. Jews continued to study Torah in secret, at great peril. If too many Jews were gathered in one place the soldiers might come to investigate. When the Jews saw them coming they hid their scrolls and pretended to be doing some other activity (such as gambling - the origin of the draydle custom).

There were many apostates - a few willingly from amongst the extreme hellenists - but mostly under duress. Those who refused became martyrs in large numbers.

The story of Hannah and her seven sons is symbolic of this phenomenon. Six sons were killed for refusing to worship an idol. Each one cited a verse of Torah such as "You shall have no other gods before me". Finally, when the youngest also refused, the emperor whispered that the boy should pick up the ring he would drop and so merely appear to violate the Torah without really doing so. The boy answered, "Woe unto you. If you are so concerned for your honour, how much more must I be concerned for the honour of G-d". So the youngest boy, too was killed, and Hannah hurled herself from the roof and died too.

Officials went round the smaller towns setting up alters and organising sacrificial meals of pork. In the town of Modiin (half a day's walk from Jerusalem) they sought out the leading citizen to set an example by offering the sacrifice and eating it. When they called on the priest, Mattityahu ben Jonathan the Hasmonean, he refused. Another prominent citizen, a hellenist, stepped forward, hoping to ingratiate himself with the authorities. Mattityahu slew the apostate. Before they knew what was happening, Mattityahu and his five sons and a few other daring men fell on the official and his soldiers and killed them.

This was the beginning of the organised revolt. Mattityahu and his sons took to the hills with other loyal Jews. They became known as the Maccabees.

Mattityahu made an important ruling. If they were attacked on Shabbath they could defend themselves. This neutralised the Syrian tactic of attacking on Shabbath hoping to find observant Jews easy prey.

Mattityahu died in 166. His son Judah proved to be a brilliant military leader. He limited has band of fighters to the most fearless men, but he could count on support in every village. He had eyes everywhere.

At first the Syrians did not understand how serious the uprising was. Apollonius came to suppress the uprising with his army from Samaria. Judah attacked and defeated him. Apollonius himself fell. Thereafter Judah used his sword. Every rout of the enemy provided Judah with more arms and supplies.

Antiochus could no longer ignore the rebellion. He sent a large army from Syria under generals Nicanor and Gorgias. In their train they welcomed Greek slave-traders who would purchase the large numbers of prisoners they hoped to take.

Judah's force gathered at Mitzpeh in Benjamin. Gorgias led his army to nearby Emaus. Gorgias planned to take part of his army and make a surprise night attack on Judah at Mitzpeh. But Judah learnt of it, withdrew from Mitzpeh and fell upon the sleeping camp at Emaus. The Syrians fled their camp. When the disappointed Gorgias returned he found his camp occupied by Jews ready to do battle. He did not want to meet it and retreated to the land of the Philistines, abandoning all his supplies, transports and the slave-traders' gold.

A larger Syrian army came. This too Judah defeated at Beth-Tzur, clearing the way to Jerusalem. There, Judah besieged Acra, neutralising its garrison. Now, the Jews were free to restore the Temple.

They demolished the alter of Zeus and cast its rubble into an unclean place. They took the stones of the defiled alter of the Lord and put them aside to await a prophet. A new alter was built from fresh natural stones. After cleansing the Temple, they performed a rededication (`hanuka) on 25th Kislev 165, three years to the day from its defilement.

Jews flocked to Jerusalem and celebrated eight days. At night the Temple gates were brightly lit. The Talmud records that they found only one small cruse of holy oil with which to kindle the menorah, but it lasted all eight days and this was seen as a sign from heaven.

For another twenty years the struggle for independence continued. The ailing Seleucid empire could not accept it, and they still had the Acra. There was also a considerable non-jewish population in the cities.

The Jews were help by the dynastic struggle in the empire. Antiochus died in 164. His son's regent made an armistice with the rebels. But Seleucus IV's son Demetrius gained control of the empire in 162 and attempted to restore his authority. Judah won his last great victory against General Nicanor at Adasa near Beth-`Horon. That day, 13th Adar 161, became known as Nicanor day. Judah was free to recapture Jerusalem.

One of the steps to independence was to become "friend of Rome". It suited Roman policy to weaken the Seleucids. Judah the Maccabee died in battle in 160. His brothers, Jonathan and Simon, continued the the pro-Roman policy. Over time, the Roman treaty made the Seleucids increasingly wary. In 142 a Seleucid recognised Simon as high priest and independent ruler.

The extreme hellenists, with their programme of forced assimilation, had provoked a violent reaction from loyal Jews. In that atmosphere it was nearly impossible to be a 'moderate' hellenist or loyalist.

It is ironic that later Hasmonean rulers became hellenised, corrupt and tyrannical. Eventually there was a succession squabble. In 63 b.c.e. the Roman, Pompey, entered Jerusalem in the name of preserving the peace in a "friend of Rome". Independence was over.

We remember the rededication of the Temple with the `Hanuka lights. We remember the miracle. We remember the triumph of integrity over evil. We remember winning independence. But I can't help recalling that we lost it again when we became complacent and lost sight of our integrity..

[uri]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's is Hanuka.


Hanuka is a Jewish Holiday, not a millitary issue...

but, you can download that PDF and read about it, it's realy nice :)
http://www.jafi.org.il/market/birkon.pdf

[Javehn]

Well , it can be also millitary issue , depending how you look at it ...

[Macs.]

Happy Hanukka !

Where is Mr. Hankey ? p-)

[Miles Teg]

So happy Chanuka and Christmas.

[He219]

Happy Hanukka !

Where is Mr. Hankey ? p-)
Mr. Hankey? - You mean the Christmas Pooh?!? :lol:

Indeed, Happy Hanukah!



Some interesting pic's...




http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494960

Members of the newly formed Anti-Terror Unit line up before a hostage rescue drill at a police training ground in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2003. The unit was funded and trained by the U.S. government under the Antiterrorism Assistance Program as a joint cooperation in combating terrorism. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)


http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=494979

Members of the newly formed Anti-Terror Unit enter a room during a hostage rescue drill at a police training ground in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2003. The unit was funded and trained by the U.S. government under the Antiterrorism Assistance Program as a joint cooperation in combating terrorism. (AP Photo/Achamd Ibrahim)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495005

An Israeli soldier holds his weapon, as he stands behind a Palestinian flag during an Israeli army operation in the Balata refugee camp, adjacent to the West Bank town of Nablus, Wednesday Dec. 17, 2003. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495052

Israeli soldiers carry computer parts and other items from a mosque during a search opeartion at the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank town of Nablus Wednesday Dec. 17, 2003. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to announce details of his plan on taking unilateral action if peace efforts regarding the conflict with the Palestinians fail.(AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495074

A Palestinian throws a rock from a roof to an Israeli army jeep during clashes at the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank town of Nablus Wednesday Dec. 17, 2003. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to announce Thursday details of his plan on taking unilateral action if peace efforts regarding the conflict with the Palestinians fail.(AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495010
Three cheers for Lord Robertson!

Nato Secretary General Lord Robertson waves to the media as he makes his final farewell at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday Dec.17, 2003. The allies go into the new year without the pugnacious leadership of Secretary-General Lord Robertson, who chaired his last NATO meeting Wednesday before formally handing over his position on Dec. 31 to Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, a former Dutch foreign minister. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495007

A U.S. Army soldier from the 4th Infantry Division (Task Forse Ironhorse) holds a flyswatter and machine-gun as she guards the American military base in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)


These guys look like a Special Operations force... ;)
http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495064

U.S. Army troops patrol the streets of Samarra Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. U.S. forces launched a major sweep in the town of Samarra, breaking down doors and searching shops for guerrilla leaders in an effort to stamp out the insurgency in the area, which has seen a number of ambushes on U.S. forces. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495059

A U.S. Army, left, and Iraqi soldier, second from left patrol a street of Samarra Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. On Wednesday, U.S. forces launched a major sweep in the town of Samarra, breaking down doors and searching shops for guerrilla leaders in an effort to stamp out the insurgency in the area, which has seen a number of ambushes on U.S. forces. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495050

Members of the Turkish army's Special Forces listen to a commander near Ankara on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. The Special Forces are trained for operations ranging from rescue work during natural disasters to air plane hijacking rescue operations. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

I need some help with this one, Haiw....

http://www.nldetirak.nl/fotopagina/december/091203g1093.jpg

Irak, As Samawah, 9 december 2003 - twee mariniers de wacht bij de voertuigen onder toeziend oog van een lokale politieagent.

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495091

Actor and pilot John Travolta, right, holds an umbrella for President Bush as he arrives for a rain-soaked celebration of 100 years of aviation, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. Behind them is a mural depicting Orville Wright lifting off from this same site in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, 100 years ago today. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495104

French President Jacques Chirac, center, is framed by French Grand Rabbi Joseph Sitruk, left, and Paris Mosque rector Dalil Boubakeur after his speech at the Elysee Palace in Paris Wednesday Dec.17, 2003. Chirac said he will ask parliament to pass a law banning Islamic head scarves and other religious insignia in public schools. (AP Photo/Michek Euler)

[Javehn]

Something supicios on this picture ...

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495007

[He219]

I just noticed myself..


:lol:


http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495113

Christodoulos Xiros, a gunmen of Greece's November 17 terrorist group arrives at a courtroom at Athens' Korydallos maximum security prison in this March 6, 2003 file photo. Xiros and five other gunmen were sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. (AP Photo/Aris Messinis, File)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495108

School teacher Kostas Telios, center, leaves Athens' Korydallos in a police van after a court suspended his 25-year sentence for participation in Greece's November 17 terrorist group, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. Six of the group's gunmen were sentenced to life imprisonment. The court showed Telios lenciency for cooperating with the trial proceedings. (AP Photo/Eurokinissi)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495110

Alexandros Giotopoulos, leader of Greece's November 17 terrorist group arrives at a courtroom at Athens' Korydallos maximum security prison in this March 17, 2003 file photo. Giotopoulos and five other gunmen were sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. (AP Photo/Eurokinissi, File)

[uri]

Something supicios on this picture ...

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495007

HOW DO I JOIN THIS UNIT ?!

I would like to use that pink thing on her ...
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/smileysex2.gif

[Macs.]

Something supicios on this picture ...

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495007

"**** you Fly" :D

[Uncle Chô]

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495091

Actor and pilot John Travolta, right, holds an umbrella for President Bush as he arrives for a rain-soaked celebration of 100 years of aviation, at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. Behind them is a mural depicting Orville Wright lifting off from this same site in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, 100 years ago today. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Speaking of John Travolta... Here is a top view of what is said to be his house. You'll note his very own private B707 restored in the old Quantas paint scheme and the Gulfstream G IV bizzjet (I think it is the one)...

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/TPC/Funny_Pictures/0001-1000/0501-0600/0593/0593.jpg

[Uncle Chô]

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495059

A U.S. Army, left, and Iraqi soldier, second from left patrol a street of Samarra Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. On Wednesday, U.S. forces launched a major sweep in the town of Samarra, breaking down doors and searching shops for guerrilla leaders in an effort to stamp out the insurgency in the area, which has seen a number of ambushes on U.S. forces. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Just in case there could be some mistake ??

;)

He almost looks like a WWII German Afrika Korps soldier :)

[Operation Ivy]

A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard, which targeted a large number of wanted men

hey operation ivy, you're popular! :D

Well duhhhh everybody knew that :D :hug: ..Good pics!

[He219]

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031215-N-0111R-038.jpg

At sea aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) Dec. 15, 2003 -- A sailor aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp transports MK-82 500 pound bombs across the flight deck for loading on an U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier. The MK-82 is a free-fall, non-guided general-purpose bomb. Wasp is part of the seven ship Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG-2) that will be the first to use the range at Eglin Air Force Base on the gulf coast. The range is important because it is one of the few places on the East Coast of the United States where the Navy and Marine Corps team can practice integrated live-fire training prior to deployment overseas. The size of its ranges and its location on the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with new virtual training environments, permit Sailors and Marines to hone their combat skills prior to deploying. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Todd Reeves. (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031216-N-9742R-001.jpg

Arabian Gulf (Dec. 16, 2003) – A naval aviator completes aircraft checks for a F-14A Tomcat assigned to the “Checkmates” of Fighter Squadron Two One One (VF-211) during a pre-flight walk around on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are underway on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Milosz Reterski. (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-001.jpg

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- Airman Stephen Johnson assigned to the “Wildcats” of Fighter Strike Squadron One Three One (VFA-131) cleans the canopy on a F/A-18 Hornet before morning flight operation begin aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is preparing for their upcoming deployment by conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-006.jpg

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Tony Diaz assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) and Information Systems Technicians 2nd Class Jason Erickson load a "Dummy Mine" into a SH-60 Seahawk helicopter assigned to the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5) for a Mine Pounce Exercise. EODMU 6 is aboard USS George Washington (CVN73) conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-009.jpg

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- Gunners Mate 1st Class Casey Rodgers assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) attaches 20 pounds of explosives to a "Dummy Mine" during a mine counter measures exercise. EODMU 6 is aboard USS George Washington (CVN73) conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)


http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-011.jpg

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-013.jpg

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- Gunners Mate 1st Class Casey Rodgers assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) is hoisted up into a SH-60 Seahawk assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5) after attaching 20 pounds of explosives to a Dummy Mine during a mine counter measures exercise. EODMU 6 is aboard USS George Washington (CVN73) conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031213-N-5319A-014.jpg

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- Gunners Mate First Class Casey Rodgers, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Kraft and Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Tony Diaz assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU 6) fast rope out of a SH-60 Seahawk assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5) onto the flight deck aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), during a mine counter measures exercise. EODMU 6 is aboard USS George Washington (CVN73) conducting Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031125-N-7408M-002.jpg

Arabian Gulf (Nov. 25, 2003) – A Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) makes its way back to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) after bringing mail and other cargo to the guided missile cruiser USS *****sburg (CG 64). *****sburg is currently deployed with the Enterprise Strike Group conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Justin McGarry. (RELEASED)

One of our Israeli colleagues posted something similar (http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11100) a few weeks ago...

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031125-N-7408M-003.jpg

At sea with USS *****sburg (CG 64) Nov. 25, 2003 -- Personnelman 3rd Class Christopher L. Marino from Memphis, Tenn., uses a remote control to steer a modified Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) called the Spartan Scout. The Spartan Scout was created by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., and will make future unmanned missions for a number of applications. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Justin McGarry. (RELEASED)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20031217/capt.fra12512171716.iraq_samarra_raid_fra125.jpg

Two U.S. soldiers from 1-8, 3rd Brigade, of the 4th Infantry Division relax in the back of their Bradley fighting vehicle before going on a mission into Samarra, Iraq (news - web sites), on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. A major operation named Operation Ivy Blizzard began early Wednesday morning which targeted a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches. (AP Photo/Stefan Zaklin, Pool)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20031217/capt.fra12212171717.iraq_samarra_raid_fra122.jpg

Bradley fighting vehicles from 1-8, 3rd Brigade, of the 4th Infantry Division prepare to leave the industrial zone of Samarra, Iraq (news - web sites), on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. Operation Ivy Blizzard began early Wednesday morning which targeted a large number of wanted men and suspected weapons caches. (AP Photo/Stefan Zaklin, Pool)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20031217/capt.sge.plf84.171203172827.photo01.default-347x294.jpg

A graphic showing Asian deployments in Iraq (news - web sites), as South Korea (news - web sites) announced it will send 3,000 troops to support the US-led stabilization efforts(AFP)

[IDFM203]

One of our Israeli colleagues posted something similar (http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11100) a few weeks ago...

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_031125-N-7408M-003.jpg


good memory there :D


For actually it was me who posted something similar before, but I see what I posted is just a bit different………your pic looks like a regular inflatable boat that they just added electronics to make it remote controlled, while what I posted is something that was designed from scratch to be remote piloted…….but yeah I guess they are similar in what they do.

Here is a pic of the new Israeli Unmanned Naval Patrol Vehicle (Protector) and a link to that thread.

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/protector/protector.jpg
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6127

Shalom :D

[Dave the Dawg]

I need some help with this one, Haiw....


Irak, As Samawah, 9 december 2003 - twee mariniers de wacht bij de voertuigen onder toeziend oog van een lokale politieagent.


Something like: "Two marines on watch by [their] vehicles under the watchful eye of a local police officer."


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20031217/capt.sge.plf84.171203172827.photo01.default-347x294.jpg

A graphic showing Asian deployments in Iraq (news - web sites), as South Korea (news - web sites) announced it will send 3,000 troops to support the US-led stabilization efforts(AFP)

Australia and New Zealand are not Asian countries. If they are including Pacific island states, they should add Fiji (see below). Kazakhstan and Mongolia are definitely in Asia, though, and both have troops in Iraq. And Azerbaijan, another coalition member, is on the border between Asia and Europe.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20031206/i/r903618316.jpg

Fijian soldiers, part of the U.S.-led force, sit on trucks loaded with bank notes as they guard a money convoy in the town of Baquba in central Iraq (news - web sites), December 6, 2003. *******/Shamil Zhumatov

[cut]

I need some help with this one, Haiw....


Irak, As Samawah, 9 december 2003 - twee mariniers de wacht bij de voertuigen onder toeziend oog van een lokale politieagent.


Something like: "Two marines on watch by [their] vehicles under the watchful eye of a local police officer."


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20031217/capt.sge.plf84.171203172827.photo01.default-347x294.jpg

A graphic showing Asian deployments in Iraq (news - web sites), as South Korea (news - web sites) announced it will send 3,000 troops to support the US-led stabilization efforts(AFP)

Australia and New Zealand are not Asian countries. If they are including Pacific island states, they should add Fiji (see below). Kazakhstan and Mongolia are definitely in Asia, though, and both have troops in Iraq. And Azerbaijan, another coalition member, is on the border between Asia and Europe.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20031206/i/r903618316.jpg

Fijian soldiers, part of the U.S.-led force, sit on trucks loaded with bank notes as they guard a money convoy in the town of Baquba in central Iraq (news - web sites), December 6, 2003. *******/Shamil Zhumatov

Aus and NZ are in Australasia or Oceania, whichever you prefer, but seeming as it is such a poxy continent, they can be considered as Asia

[Lone Wolf]

Something supicios on this picture ...

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=495007

HOW DO I JOIN THIS UNIT ?!

I would like to use that pink thing on her ...
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/smileysex2.gif

wait till she turns on u with her M249 :fork: rofl

[Haiw]

http://www.nldetirak.nl/fotopagina/december/091203g1093.jpg
Irak, As Samawah, 9 december 2003 - twee mariniers de wacht bij de voertuigen onder toeziend oog van een lokale politieagent.

Iraq, As Samawah, december 9th 2003 - a local policeman watches as two marines are on guard near the vehicles...

Sorry for the late response, was kinda busy for a few days..