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This article and link was sent to me by I friend. It is headed straight for my "Favorites."Wednesday, July 13th, 2005EXCLUSIVE: Saddam Trained 4,000 Terrorists; ...and... Coalition Bases Being Turned Over to Iraqis
Move America Forward - From Baghdad, Iraq


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 13, 2005 CONTACT: Mark Washburn at Mark@MoveAmericaForward.org or (916) 441-6197
Iraqi General: Saddam Harbored 4,000 Terrorists on War’s Eve

* “Voices of Soldiers” Truth Tour Obtains Exclusive Briefing from Iraqi General on Status of Iraq Security Forces

* 18 Coalition Bases Have Been Turned Over to Iraqi Forces

(SACRAMENTO) – The “Voices of Soldiers” Truth Tour organized by Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org) and RighTalk Radio Network (www.RighTalk.com) has learned in an exclusive briefing that Saddam Hussein harbored approximately 4,000 terrorists in Iraq in the six months leading up to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Iraqi Lt. General Abdul Qader Jassim told the “Voices of Soldiers” Truth Tour delegation that these Iraqi-trained terrorists were designed to undermine Iraq’s enemies, most specifically Israel and Iran. Jassim also said that many of these same individuals are believed to be involved with or assisting the terrorist insurgents seeking to undermine the current Iraq regime.
Lt. General Abdul Qader Jassim reported that recruiting, training and equipping Iraqi forces has progressed significantly with Iraqi security forces about 60% of where they need to be to assume complete control in Iraq’s defense and protection of its people from terrorist attacks.
Also during the briefing, U.S. Col. Ben Hodges announced that as of today 18 Coalition Bases have been turned over to Iraqi Forces. There are an additional 91 Coalition bases that still need to be turned over to the Iraqi’s, Col. Hodges said.
The briefings by Iraqi Lt. General Jassim and U.S. Col. Hodges lasted approximately 2 hours and took place in Baghdad, Iraq.
“Saddam Hussein was operating as one of the world’s largest sponsors of terrorism before Coalition Forces put him out of business,” said Howard Kaloogian, Co-Chairman of Move America Forward.
“We are closer to winning the war on terrorism because of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and anyone who doubts that needs only look to see how determined Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups are to see us fail here,” Kaloogian said.
The “Voices of Soldiers” delegation includes talk show hosts from around the country as well as the leadership of Move America Forward who have been filing live reports on the situation in Iraq to radio stations and networks covering the entire nation.
“We’ve been talking to soldiers and Marines who are fighting on the front lines of the war against terrorism. Universally, they have told us they are proud to serve their country and believe their efforts in Iraq are an important part of winning the war against terrorism,” said Melanie Morgan, Co-Chair of Move America Forward and also radio host on KSFO 560 AM (San Francisco).
The group will be traveling throughout northern Iraq speaking with U.S. Troops throughout the week.
“We’re giving our troops a chance to talk to the American people, because there is no better source for accurate and honest assessments as to the progress being made in Iraq. And so far, we’ve found that everyone has been more than willing to tell the American people things are better than you might be hearing from certain media outlets,” Morgan said.
The purpose of this trip is to provide a means for the men and women of the U.S. military serving in Iraq to have their voices heard – direct and unfiltered. The talk show hosts will broadcast live from Iraq – with broadcasts streamed at www.RighTalk.com
Last week the group received an extensive briefing on conditions in Iraq, the status of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other national security issues from officials at the U.S. Central Command, based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Brigadier General John Custer (CENTCOM’s #2 official and top Intelligence Officer) led the briefing.
“There are some people, quite frankly, seeking to undermine the U.S. military and would like nothing better than to lose the war on terror. They are suggesting our trip is somehow paid for by the U.S. Government or taxpayers and at the direction of the Bush White House – and that is completely untrue,” said Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, a host with the RighTalk Radio Network, bestselling author and board member of Move America Forward.
“We’ve paid our own way to get here, because we felt like our guys and gals serving in the military deserved to have their voices and opinions communicated directly to Americans without the biased reporting of the mainstream media. Our troops are being used as pawns for political expediency and it’s disgusting” Patterson said.
The radio talk show hosts currently in Iraq include: Melanie Morgan (KSFO 560 AM - San Francisco, CA); Michael Graham (WMAL 630 AM – Washington, D.C.); Mark Williams (KFBK 1530 AM – Sacramento, CA); Martha Zoller (WDUN 550 AM – Atlanta/Gaineville, GA); Lt. Col (Ret.) Buzz Patterson (National – RighTalk Radio Network); Brad Maaske (providing live reports to the Ray Appleton Show on KMJ 580 AM – Fresno, CA).
More information on the “Voices of Soldiers” Truth Tour can be found at www.VoicesOfSoldiers.com and www.MoveAmericaForward.org