Egypt Prepares for Million Man March: A "Breathing Revolution"

As tens of thousands of Egyptians sleep in the streets in preparation for the million man march the government has stopped all train service into Cairo and blocked the major highways.

Google has launched their voice to tweet function and the international numbers posted and now available for use are being actively used. Tweets are coming in again from the streets of Egypt.

One of the most compelling tweets in the last hour states that Tahrir Square is a "breathing revolution". Emotions are said to be running very high. It will soon be dawn for those sleeping there and their marching orders await them.

Let us hope that the day will not go down as "Bloody Tuesday".

Tammy Swofford

Egypt and Orderly Transition of Power

The latest news stating the United States seeks an "orderly transition" of power in Egypt must be read against the backdrop of the Constitution of the Arabic Republic of Egypt. I read the document several years ago.

Article 84 appears to address the question of orderly change in power, questions of chain of command, and the allowance of a maximum sixty day window for election of a new president. My bet has been on El-Baradei from the start, and my gut tells me a departure of Mubarak and election of a new president will take much less time than the required sixty days for the sake of stability.

Interestingly, the Egyptian actor from one of my favorite films, "The Yacoubian Building" has weighed in, favoring President Mubarak. If you have seen the film, the actor's name will come to mind. smile The book "The Yacoubian Building" by Alaa Al-Aswany was a gift to me from a friend. I so thoroughly loved the book that the film version was soon within my hands. The film is equally gripping. For any who have followed the situation in Egypt, I highly recommend viewing the film. It is lovely, visually pleasing, a passionate story of life in Egypt.

Film link

Tammy Swofford

Egypt January 31st: The Sentiment and Unsubstantiated Rumors

The sentiment in Egypt is evolving to one of mistrust and entrenchment against the government, but more importantly, against any outside intervention during the current state of affairs. This is creating a pull-to-the-middle dynamic which will bring an unstable political vortex today.

The resentment is intense and growing regarding the almost total media blackout of the protests. Fears and rumors are rampant. One of the more bizarre rumors presents with a tale of members of Egyptian security preparing car bombs to be set off in front of churches as false flag operations to allow them to unleash on the crowds.

There is consideration of a large movement of population today to physically remove the president from power. One consistent graphic now shows Mubarak as one of the hands of a clock. The other hand, is an airplane. Time is indeed ticking.

The proxy sentiment showed in the tribal regions of Algeria in peaceful protests. May their residents stay home and not head to the city. It does seem that prayers are in order. What supercedes the wisdom of man, requires supplication to the Almighty for divine guidance.

Tammy Swofford

Mubarak: Negotiating his Departure -Predictive Analysis

Predictive analysis:

The negotiation for the departure of Mubarak from Egyptian soil will be the source of a real time delay at this point. Who can afford to harbor him? Who has anything to gain; and who has the most to lose?

It was on January 16th, 1979 that the Shan of Iran fled to Egypt. From there he moved to Morocco, the Bahamas, on to Cuernavaca, Mexico (the city of my early childhood) and later to the U.S. for medical treatment. The allowance of entry to the U.S. for medical treatment caused major political fall-out. We bounced the man to Panama and then he came full circle back to Egypt as a final destination before his death.

What will be the fate of Mubarak? The words "international vagabond" comes to mind. His usefulness as the symbol of the engagement of a successful populist revolt against an entrenched regime will make him unpalatable to his Arab neighbors who are experiencing the same type of tremors. As far as where he will land, it probably remains up in the air. But my bet - is the negotiations are in play - and no one is blinking. Mubarak is a political liability.

Tammy Swofford

Egypt Day of Wrath: Prayer and Looting

Both prayer and looting are occurring. There is also an increase in violence and deaths, acts of arson and things which speak of the herd mentality affecting a few.

Tammy Swofford

Egypt: Saturday January 29th - Web Images

Images are beginning to appear again in spite of the nearly total blackout of internet and cell phone access in Egypt. I have pulled out a few files and books today due to the situation in Egypt. It is also a bit worrisome to see a few small brush fire protests appearing in Western nations. As long as the protesters keep their free speech within the respected boundaries things will go well for them. But I am a "don't bring your crap to my doorstep" kinda gal when it comes to issues of international activism. smile

Egypt: Leave Quickly Mubarak

In response to President Mubarak's speech the new rallying cry is "Leave quickly, Mubarak".

The communications firewall in Egypt which has effectively blocked cell phone images and text messages of the moment-by-moment events on the streets is a mixed blessing. While the darkened spaces may prevent Twitter storms it is producing journalistic countermeasures by men who are now writing conceptually and with broader vision.

"Stinging winds". These are the words of one journalist when sending his warning shot into Jordan. Referring to Egypt as the rhinocerous which has been paralyzed for thirty years, he speaks of the aspirations of his generation. It is a vision of regime change which moves across the hot sands of all nations where leadership corruption takes the form of barnacles on the ship.

The "leave quickly" sentiment should be translated as "move quickly" to other governments in the region. There must be rapid movement to activate reforms which are noticeable. The stinging and hot winds of passion are providing links of identity between Tunisians and Egyptians, Jordanians and Syrians, etc. And when people begin to identify with concepts - movements are birthed.

There is a birthing process going on and what will become of the neonate?


Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Egypt: Images from the Protest

The images must be viewed for what they represent: public demonstration against President Mubarak and his administration. At the moment, internet access and telephone access is limited unless using dial-up capacity. Commercial airlines have scuttled their flights. Tomorrow will dawn with the fifth day of protest in motion. My own first inkling of this event was on Sunday afternoon when plans began to make an appearance across social networking sites. This is history in the making and when the situation calms it will take many months to truly assess the long term outcome of the uprising of the population of Egypt.

Tammy Swofford

Egypt Day of Wrath: The Internationals Join the Nationals

As Saudi security forces arrest demonstrators in front of the King Khalid mosque in Riyadh they also rumble down the streets in their vehicles to provide security to their Saudi missions. In Qatar demonstrators have convened peacefully. Protesters in South Africa have also gathered in small manner. Turkey is experiencing small-scale protest, while Gaza is also moving with proxy sentiment.

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The streets are rumbling under the weight of the feet in Egypt. While the security forces are seeking to cordon Mohamed El-Baradei and his entourage and keep them stationary, crowds in the tens of thousands gather in streets with symbolic meaning. Sure - it was a no-brainer. The Friday prayers gave the marching orders. The Masajid functioned as campaign HQ, no differently than Iran maintains a back-up plan to use their masajid as the staging area should they require a massive call-up for the Basij.

The Egyptian stock market continues to plummet in free fall manner. Government edifices are being occupied by the protesters as their occupants are expelled onto the street. Some policemen are removing their uniforms to join the throng. Perhaps the fact that police stations are being besieged gives additional reason to fade into the backgound. Police are clashing with protestors outside the major mosques. The Interior Directorate of Cairo tasked with security is rumored to be in a nearly collapsed state.

President Hosni Mubarak - cannot lead without followers. What awaits the poor and hopeful of Egypt in days ahead remains to be seen.

Tammy Swofford

Egypt: Friday January 28th - Protest

Tunisia did it with ten million. Egypt can accomplish it with eighty million. It is the line of reasoning being advanced as protestors move into what will be the fourth day of national activism.

Rules of Engagement for Friday, January 28th. Expect to see:

* Movement into the street from pre-designated staging areas.

* Greater use of the Egyptian flag in the marches.

* No use of sectarian chants. The standard chant is to be, "We are Egyptians."

* Solidarity between the Muslim-majority and the Christian minority.

* A demand that no display of traditional arms be considered as part of the protest.

* The allowance for things which make for a good old-fashioned street fight appear sanctioned.

Organization is moving strongly if the chatter is to be believed. Perhaps the most vivid online portrayal of Mubarak is the one where he is shown in pictures opposite pictures of Reagan in 1981, Bush "41" in 1989, Clinton in 1993, Bush "43" in 2000 and Obama in 2009. The message is clear. President Mubarak is not the poster child for democracy. The organizers seek for this to have the scent of democracy.

While the Muslim Brotherhood is running public updates every 20-30 minutes, activist sites will run their updates within minutes of each other. One site, has over 21,000 views of their data since January 25th.

Unsubstantiated rumors are the following:

*Police centers known for torture and illegal incarceration will be targeted.

*Weapons are moving from Gaza into Egypt.

*Contemplation of a demonstration in Nasr City - an area with wealthy residents.

*Expulsion of "American clients". This seems more end-game then immediate.

*Libya - is stated to be forming the visible rim of their own resistance to their present government.

*Banking transactions which are hemorrhaging area banks have been noted. One interesting rumor is that Ahmed Ezz, the National Democratic Party organizational secretary transferred tens of millions of dollars to Swiss accounts prior to fleeing to unknown destination.

The goal of the Friday demonstration appears to involve the massive movement of Egyptians into the streets from staging areas whilst seeking minimal confrontation, hence giving the army little reason to intervene. It will be dawn soon in Egypt.

Egypt: The Caravan Moves and Trade Winds Shift

"America is walking into a historical timeline which will shake to the core our diplomats, top strategy analysts and leaders of government. Our idealism of the past and for the future will be no match either intellectually or politically for the reality which awaits us. " LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, February 2008

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An estimated 5,000 Egyptians slept on the streets of the port city of Suez last night. Poor sleep architecture combined with anticipatory response will bring a potential increase in loss of life if the hidden hands within the movement do not move in effective manner via the street operatives to maintain a greater sense of calm and purpose. The mutual slogan, "No retreat, no surrender", voiced by police and protester alike shows the nature of government confronted with the will of the people.

The pop-techno (populist movement aided by technology) aspects of what is happening in Egypt will produce a more successful outcome than the Iranian venture in 2009. In the investigatorial environment inherited from SAVAK, the Iranians surely grasped the quick reaction time and rapid removal from the streets of the major players of their Sea of Green protest against the 2009 presidential election results. But they counted too heavily on Twitter as a means of communication and when their capabilities were blocked the movement fizzled. (Brute force also helps....)

Egyptian activists have worked to provide multiple means of eCommunication to keep the protests going. Everything from Twitter, to Facebook, audio advocacy by the Sheikh community and YouTube are being used to propagate message. Every cell phone captures history and every person on the street, a cub reporter. Alternate lanes of transmission appear to be quickly identified and what is happening in Egypt has a greater sense of inhabited political space.

Global consultants who directed their clients to establish a working relationship with Gamal Mubarak now face a credibility gap. At this point, reading the tea leaves might work as well.

Our Department of State has undoubtedly called up all members of crisis management teams and they are working overtime. Our contingency plans might contain the blueprints for managing the domino-effect of civil unrest. But with Tunisia, Lebanon and now possibly Egypt seeing the collapse of a status quo government our startled eyes must also move to Yemen. The end is possibly not in sight.

A strong psychological transition from the backward look at Tunisia to a forward look at how Egypt will function after their presidential "blessing" (Mubarak) is removed was noted late yesterday. The end of unrest in Egypt may prove the beginning of revolution in a new region. This growing political synergy could well produce a political tidal wave across the region.

Tammy Swofford

Mohamed El-Baradei Returns to Egypt: The End of an Era for the Mubarak Dynasty

I will continue to cover this situation throughout the day. An updated blog will be written tonight.

Egyptian activists gave their prediction yesterday.

Three more days.

Saturday is the target date.

Who will provide de facto leadership?

During the transitional phase: Mohamed El-Baradei.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Egypt Day of Rage Moves into Second Phase

Night tensions are rising as the protesters continue to hit the streets, with the Suez region being particularly restive.

Earlier, residents of Kafr el-Sheikh - a region along the western sleeve of the Nile Delta - received their marching orders from the mosque loudspeakers to cut off access to the international highway. The result was a tear gas volley sent into the area market.

The "Day of Rage" is entering the second day and what is being called by some as a "Day of Passion". Use of tear gas, heavily armored vans being driven into crowds and the estimate of the arrest of 500 and the death of five, has propelled the masses into a second day of civil unrest.

Blocked Tweets which had been used to identify target meeting areas have produced proxy means of communication. There has been a massive use of YouTube and also live video feeds from Cairo to document the movement of the citizens and their interaction with the police. For the most part, the crowds appear unafraid of the local police presence due to sheer mass of numbers. It also appears some of the baton-swinging by the police has been timid and half-hearted. There have been passive signs of resistance, such as graffiti art sprayed on buildings and the more active signs of resistance as tear gas cannisters are kicked back toward the police line and armored vehicles are attacked with rocks.

Crowds have moved from intermingling between the sexes and representative age groupings to what now appear to be smaller and tightly constructed groups of young men wielding sticks during the night hours.

The mood grows a bit darker from the blogging quarters with word of "a war on the streets of Suez". Morning, will bring a new day.

Glorious Resolve

It is interesting to note a new film release from Pakistan. The producers are military men. The "death before disgrace" theme is reminiscent of the remarks of Winston Churchill when learning of the defeat at Tobruk. His thoughts can be read in _The Hinge of Fate_ which is one of my favorite military classics. Within the pages, start with Book 2: The Eighth Army at Bay. (p. 413)

You may view a trailer from the link.

Film clip here

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Gamal Mubarak Takes Flight to London

The images coming from the streets of Cairo have shown relative calm compared to what was anticipated. Marching men appeared determined and in control of their immediate environment.

A continuous posting of updated Tweets places Gamal Mubarak and his family in London with 97 pieces of luggage in tow. Gamal Mubarak has been noted as the heir apparent to his father's power. But with several additional days of protest planned for Alexandria, along the Suez Canal, etc. things still have the potential to build into a worst-case scenario.

Suzanne Mubarak is also said to be in London and it is rumored the president is suffering from dysentery. I imagine a jittery case of loose bowels is the least of his worries.

It will be interesting to see if additional flight patterns emerge in the next 24 hours for primary political players. One of the more popular street taunts is, "Mubarak, Saudi Arabia awaits you!"

This is the first time I have seen such a continuous update of news via Twitter on a heavily-populated jihad forum. Tunisia is somewhat being cast as child's play. The evolving situation in Egypt has the appearance of deliberate organization and a follow-the-plan look to the events which are occurring.

Tammy Swofford

Writing About Tunisia for a Different Audience

Readers,

I pulled an article last week from the Daily Times of Pakistan queue due to a concern expressed by a professional colleague. The editorial staff graciously suggested I write something regarding Tunisia instead.

What happened in this small nation in north Africa certainly effects the surrounding neighborhood. But it is the Arab nations who will be the most calculating to assess the ripples from this event. Even a cursory reading of any of the available U.N. Arab Human Development Reports demonstrate the scope of the challenges. On a personal note, I somewhat distanced myself from the third report because it seemed to have moved from a scholarly to a politicized process. But do take a moment to acquaint yourself with these issues.

Below are the links to my latest contribution to international journalism and the site for the U.N. reports.

Daily Times


U.N. Arab Human Development Report

Tammy Swofford

Anwaar Hussain: Cross-Pollination

Readers,

Cross-pollination of thoughts allows for healthy discourse. Anwaar sent me his latest commentary this a.m. He places a strong spotlight on one of the current issues which plagues Pakistan, that of religious extremism.

I do not agree that religious organizations need to be banned from political play. Moderation and not obstructionism is the answer. In America, we make political process work for all Americans. Our method is healthy. A single religious identity is not allowed to control the gears of political process in totalitarian manner. But all religious identities are allowed political space. Like it or not, all individuals have a religion. Secularism and atheism are also religions of choice!

Religious PAC's in America concern themselves with societal issues which have common ground. But America does not allow stagecrafting on the political stage with Bibles held aloft and crosses dragged across the platform. But we are allowed our voice, freedom of expression and right to engage acts of conscience.

Take a couple minutes and read what Anwaar has placed on his site today.

Article Link

Tammy Swofford

Making Bombs and IED's Has Never Been More Fun....

Blood cries out. But it doesn't matter to the deranged residents of the bomb and IED cottage industrialists. My policy is minimal usage of videos to make a point. But a few thumbnails from an hour long video on the finer points of blowing up people (yes, they show exploding humans) seems in order.

It is important that Americans remember that we are at war. The ideology is virulent, lacks conscience and is embraced by a distinct group of individuals who lack tear ducts. They don't mind targeting women and children but they howl when we use a drone to take out an adult male bombmaker of their own. These vermin do churn out great trade show quality video products. They also have a propensity to show the results of their handiwork 2-3 times in a row when a victim makes point of contact with their homemade products. These are the people who would never consider using a test car dummy. Why not just use a real human to test the product?

The fourth thumbnail which shows the ballbearing pizza is quite chilling.

Are these people human? The lack of tear ducts is more than amply compensated for by the amount of saliva which drips from the jaws of the commentators. But the studio quality and professional format of this particular video amazes me.

Pray for our troops. Trust our government to do what is right. And be at peace with your neighbor.

Tammy Swofford

The Tunisia Effect: Fertile Soil

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning for Tunisia on January 16th. In coming days the same warning might possibly be issued for Albania if the corridor of their revolt widens.

Albanians have moved their chess piece on the board. It is a small nation, with one of the lowest per capita incomes in Western Europe. The Tunisia Effect is moving the pawns on the geopolitical chessboard. What will happen if the knights or rooks begin to experience pressure due to populist unrest? It is time to engage a bit of predictive analysis.

*Tunisia is at the beginning point of a new political process. But as in all Muslim nations there is recognized leadership and the de facto leadership of diaspora political players who have left the physical space but still wield a measure of power via circles of influence. Anticipate the return of a few Tunisian political outcasts. They will quickly parachute into the new political clime and seek consolidation of power. The same will hold true if Albanians topple their leadership. Activists will claim a right of return to the native soil. They are hardy players and willing to assume risk.

*Anticipate the work of quasi-legal political organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb-ut-Tahrir and a few other notable heavyweights to quickly position membership for the parliamentary process. The emergence of the true leadership grid will not show its public face for 2-4 years. "Front desk" men will facilitate the back room politics.

*Attempts to replicate the Tunisia Effect against the larger government structures will bring an iron fist via deep state players. Intelligence and security apparatus with the aid of a willing judiciary will rebuild the wall of fear. Certain individuals will disappear with a few making reappearance as corpses and the majority inaccessible to family enquiry. But the fright of threat to power will allow for a few conciliatory measures by the larger Muslim governments.

*Terror organizations will be actively assessing and analyzing the changes of political fortunes to better their operational designs. Chaos breeds opportunity for criminal elements. The terror groups will prey on any perceived vulnerabilities.

Article Link

Tammy Swofford

Governor Robert Bentley: Brotherhood Aside - Can you Govern Well?

Yep, I am one of the "sisters" of whom Governor Bentley speaks. And in context of a church gathering with those of like faith his words are spoken to the class known as the "already convinced". Every religion sports the "already convinced" and it is a dynamic of devotion.

America allows freedom of religion. Governor Bentley is merely giving public testimony that his faith in God is an important component of his life. It is mean-spirited to extrapolate his simple comments and pound nails into his hands for his words. It is also unconstitutional. His is a protected right. He should not be cast as a draconian despot for merely defining part of his psyche in religious terms.

Perhaps media should give the man a break and just sit back and take a deep breath and jot down little notes over the next four years.

* Does he select a representative cross-section to serve with him?


*Is he ethical and does he abide by recognized standards of practice?


* Will he leave office much wealthier than when he entered the office?


* Do his children, siblings and friends reap financial benefit from his powers?

Let's sit back for the next four years and examine actions to see if they match his words. Until then, this "sister" gives the man a fair shake.

Article Link


Tammy Swofford

Cutting my Hair - For no Apparent Reason

A tale of enduring value is "The Gift of the Magi". Just this morning I realized that I had a "cut my hair" event - so to speak - for the sake of a friendship. It provided a surprising moment in time and caused me to take a few minutes to revisit the story of the intersection of love and purpose.

There are many "cut the hair" and "sell the watch" moments for all of us. Our sacrifice brings definition to love and caring for the other. These memories bind us together in this journey of life.

As we have recently finished the Christmas season I reflect on the extreme commercialism surrounding the birth of the One who brought a sacrificial gift. The presentation of love as diamond necklaces, chocolate truffles in brightly colored boxes, and the deluge of items which bring momentary joy but lack enduring value overwhelm our senses.

In loving manner I also participate in the giving of gifts. But there is little sacrifice involved. The simple awareness remains. My true expression of love never comes in a gift box placed under a tree but via actions under the shadow of a Cross.

So I had a "cut the hair" moment for a friend to later find that there was no need to whack it all off. But the events provided opportunity to revisit my humanity. Friends are the greatest treasure of all.

The Gift of the Magi

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Tunisia Exposes a Powder Keg

The first note of a proxy response to the Tunisian political clime was seen in Egypt. It moved to Jordan. It now engulfs Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria if Facebook is an indicator of flights of imagination. The word "revolution" is in the air. Directed against governing bodies it is taking a turn against anyone who aligns with Jews and the state of Israel. This is predictable. But the overall mood is one of "You are next!", and the sentiment is toward creating a domino effect.

Tunisia prays. There are images of men bowed in ranks on the streets. The imaginations of others are being armed. Both hope and agitation exist amongst the chatterboxes of forum sites. If the ground begins to swell via networking sites the spaces may require darkening. It is most important that the average and decent citizen not be swept along with a sentimentality devoid of a plan, a cause which brings to the forefront the mentality of the herd, and requires the horns of the government to restore order. The primary function of government in the coming days will to be maintain order within the public squares and assume heightened vigilance for non-state players. The secondary task will be to seek a few immediate and achievable changes which reflect the echo of the greater population regarding their concerns and frustrations. Tunisians have moved in fairly restrained manner. But the sudden change of political fortune shows the ability of the mass to move in effective manner against the stagnant core political body. It is unlikely that history will be generous in a second act on the stage with a new cast of characters. Tunisia has exposed a powder keg.

Tammy Swofford

Tunisians Oust Their President: Golf Clap Please

The rapidity of the toppling of President Zine-al-Abidine Ben Ali is the news of the hour. I have followed this story closely via "on the ground" reports and images from alternative media outlets.

Accomplished by very little violence (a motorcycle burning in the street, small flashes of fire, minimal death and injury) the turmoil is rumored to have been sparked by a simple act: the rough treatment by the police against a poor local farmer trying to sell his produce without a permit.

The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article by Margaret Coker. I just disagree with the smaller headline, "U.S. Applauds Change of Power; Rare Popular Uprising is Shock to the Arab World". While this is a sentinel political event which may indeed cause Arab leadership to consider the corrupt manner in which they wield power, we must remember that the beginning point of a story is never the historical end. What lies ahead may astound and surprise in greater manner.

It seems more rational for the U.S. to be extremely wary of change of power within any Muslim-majority demographic, even if it has the look of improvement. Tunisia is not known to have a strong domestic terror scaffolding in place. But the ladies-in-waiting are making overtures and all players will be converging on the landscape to execute either further agitprop capabilities or loaded with cash to aid the process which works best in the Middle East - cronyism. Already Abdul Wadud is telling Tunisians to send their sons into the loving arms of Al Qaida for weapons training. Opportunism is the name of this game.

Rudyard Kipling once said, "A fool lies here who tried to hustle the East". For the moment, Tunisia does not wear the business suit of freedom which accompanies good governance. But the waft of freedom in the air due to a successful populist uprising is the scent captured by the birds of prey. They also see the freedom to act as an external political force seeking to move into dominant play. We would do well to consider the political vacuum.

Golf clap, please.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Sacrifice and Honor: Military Service

Readers,

Unfortunately, I received this announcement 1.5 hours before the event, so was unable to attend. But it seems fitting to post the media advisory and ask all readers to take a moment to pray for our American troops.

Dallas - Fort Worth National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75211
Department of
Veterans Affairs
Media Advisory

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DFW National Cemetery
Ron Pemberton, DFW National Cemetery
(214) 467-3374 (office)
Oral Cronin, Air Force Mortuary Affairs
1-800-531-5803
MSgt Chris Ellis, Joint Service Honor Guard
(325) 660-8696

Remains of Two Vietnam-era Air Force Officers Buried at
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Jan. 14

Event: Burial for remains of two Vietnam-era Air Force officers MIA
since Nov. 1969

Date: Friday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.

Place: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75211

Background:
The remains of two Vietnam-era Air Force members will be repatriated to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 14. Col. James Eugene Dennany and Maj. Robert Leon Tucci were listed as missing in action on Nov. 12, 1969 when their F-4 Phantom aircraft was shot down over Laos during a night mission. Both men were assigned to the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn Airfield, Thailand.
The Airmen, whose remains were recently identified by Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii, will arrive at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday, January 13 where a procession will escort them to the Laurel Oaks Funeral Home in Mesquite.
Three F-16s from the 301st Fighter Wing, NAS Fort Worth JRB, along with an F-4 from Detachment 1, 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., will be performing a missing man formation during the service on Friday, Jan. 14 and the Joint Service Honor Guard from NAS Fort Worth JRB will perform full military funeral honors.
Visitation will be at the Laurel Oaks Funeral Home, 23649 Lake June Road, Mesquite, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 13. The burial service will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14.

The 638-acre cemetery opened May 2000 and is located in the southwestern part of Dallas adjacent to Mountain Creek Lake. Since inception, the cemetery has conducted more than 28,000 interments of veterans and immediate dependents and laid to rest 40 soldiers from Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom.

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Media Boots on the Ground

The 56th issue of "Mujahideen Harvest" (Al-Ansar media arm) and the Jan/Feb. issue of "Steadfastness" (monthly magazine of the IEA) have made their appearance. I don't intend to read them because I value my brain cells.

There continues to be verbal threat against the Arab League Summit meeting which will convene in March. The threat extends to the delegates and their entourage. "One fell swoop" sounds a bit different than a Mumbai-style attack.

Tammy Swofford

For the Good of Pakistan

My latest thoughts on the page of the Daily Times.

Women and Jihad


It remains a joy to enter the only true world without boundaries - the world of ideas. As I travel to Pakistan with my thoughts there is not a TSA patdown to endure, a queue to get my passport stamped, or jet lag.

Here I am - seated at my computer - and saying hello to people in Pakistan.

Tabassum!

Tammy

Hezbollah Departure from Government: Containment of Political Backlash

In advance of the release of an investigation which is widely rumoured to nail Hezbollah for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a mass exodus of party members from the machinery of government is not unexpected. As of this moment eleven cabinet ministers have vacated their posts.

The two organizations which function as the regional political vise on Israel have been on a quest for international acceptance for the last couple of years. But at the moment it is Hassan Nasrallah who has the most to lose should the Special Tribunal of Lebanon provide strong evidence of the direct involvement of his political organ in the business of assassination of elected officials.

Somewhat seeking to distance himself from the current fray, Khaled Meshaal gave a lengthy interview today in Damascus to his Hamas press corps in which he stated that the world will be surprised at Hamas ability to recover from recent political woes. He also seeks to present the kinder, gentler face of an organization which has been known to pass out bags of rice with one hand and weaponry with the other.

But what of the party of God? Problematic for Hezbollah in general is how the usual pesky doctrinal issues can strip a religious-based entity of pious mask when the truth comes out. The Shi'a are Ahl ul Bayt (or the People of the Prophet's House) and they stake a claim to Qur'an 33:33 which is known as ayah al-tathir, or the "purification verse".

"....God wishes to remove all filth and impurity from you, O People of the House of the Prophet, and to render you utterly free of all pollution." Ahzab 33

The word filth is interesting because in context with this particular ayat the word "rijs" denotes an inward impurity - in our lingo, rotten at the core.

We shall see what the party looks like when the STL release their findings.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The State of our National Character

One family is at the beginning point of dealing with the frightening world of traumatic brain injury. They are entering a world where miracles unfold slowly.

There is a shell-shocked mother giving interviews to honor her young daughter. The public glare and preparation for a funeral will shield her from the stark reality of dresses in the closet which will never be worn again and childhood treasures which will now remain untouched.

Other families are preparing for funerals and many additional relatives and friends remain at the hospital beds of those who were injured in the vicious assault which sought out a well-respected public official as the primary target.

Grief is a journey best accomplished in private. But the public nature of what happened in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday confronts all Americans with a tragic event which played out on our television screens in an almost surreal manner.

I am ashamed. Tragedy as object lesson. It seems so calloused. Six individuals died. They lost breath, pulse and the light in their eyes in mere moments of time. It took less than twenty-four hours before these Americans were depersonalized for political gain.

Our humanity lasts not much longer than the "moment of silence". Afterward, the victims are fair game for any senseless individual who wishes to convert a national tragedy into affirmation of their personal political leanings.

I am ashamed of the mean-spiritedness of the few. It is hoped that our national character will display in better manner. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. The national posture should be one of comfort. The national posture should be one of prayer.

Tammy Swofford

Freebooting into Iraq

Mainstream media has picked up on the generalized threat which emerged against Iraq for hosting the Arab League in March. The short statement was released via one of the media arms for terror organizations last week. I remain hesitant to place such generalized threat statements out for public view. The nature of such things is that it seems counterproductive and aids propaganda stream.

The threat against the Arab League delegates and their entourage seems credible. There is a bit too much freebooting within one largely populated jihad site. These things are like entering a shadow land of information. But the convergence of several random variables do cause me to consider probability theory. On my level of math competence - where there is smoke there is fire - works for me. smile

Apart from a consideration of threat against the Arab League, the preening cleric Muqtada al Sadr is just another reason for the Baghdad administration to carefully examine their current capabilities to provide a secure environment for the arrival of a large body of foreign dignitaries.

Any attack on the Arab League will provide the political capital needed to provoke an upswing in sectarian violence. Recent freebooting dialogue shows a desire for strike against Shi'a symbols of power. The standard tit-for-tat seems in play. Operationally and historically these things always present as ambush via small raiding parties. Prophet Muhammad sent out approximately sixty asymmetrical configerations during his lifetime and the topography remains much the same and the borders pourous to terror caravans.

In the image above, the poor who follow Muqtada al Sadr. He is the sign of both rebel's mast and bright future for his followers. But what of an attack on the Arab League? It will be accomplished by skilled operatives.

The political landscape is still a bit drizzly for Iraq. Perhaps it is still a bit too overcast for the flights of the Arab League to land? What will be our place to assure that these meetings are successful, productive and free of a strike?

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Why Jared Laughner Does Not Define America

Jared Laughner is the name being released as the primary suspect in the Arizona shooting spree. This act of carnage and undiluted rage severely injured Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and also killed and injured others who were gathered in manner allowed by our Constitution. But Jared Laughner does not define America.

In press conferences following the event mention was made repeatedly of the manner in which media and political vitriole can affect unstable personalities. This is undoubtedly true. But it is also true that for such individuals the simple act of another person brushing their teeth or burping too loudly can ignite the spark. Having done lock-down psychiatric nursing I have seen the extremes of human behavior. The population runs the course from severe neurosis to psychosis. I have cared for women who would engage self-mutilation with cuts across their arms to then turn around and examine nail polish to make sure it was not chipped. I have cared for men who could have easily slit my throat with a knife to then turn around and use the same piece of silverware to make a sandwich and eat it seated on top of my corpse.

The past political season has been extremely vibrant. The people have spoken with loud voice and demanded accountability from government to engage legal containment. Illegal immigration, pork-barrel funding, and expansion of government activities which produce redundant function have been targeted with firm voice, banners and sloganeering. These primary issues of concern affect my (future) grandchildren. I support the raucous town hall "Will of the People" being expressed in peaceful Constitional manner which threatens to change process and representation minus threats to the safety of the elected official. Most Americans have behaved in Constitutional manner. The few who have surpassed the boundaries of decency usually end up politically marginalized by the rest of us.

What happened in Arizona was the act of a selfish bastard, an enraged cretin who has probably never even applied for a voters registration card. Yeah, I bet he has never even cast a vote. He is an oxygen thief at this point. The sooner the better....

But what of America? May our sorrow turn to action. Let that action be one of Democrats and Republicans reaching across the aisle to work for the good of the People. This is indeed a nation of the People, by the People and for the People.

God Bless America.

Tammy Swofford

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords: A Nation Prays

When a nation is distressed the best response is for citizens to pray.

Heavenly Father,

You are the God who bottles the tears of those who cry and count each one which cascades down the cheeks of those who mourn.

The hairs on our head our numbered. In You we live, move and have our very being.

We are cast upon You in the time of our deepest distress.

May the peace of God overshadow the Giffords family and each individual personally impacted by this tragedy.

In Christ's Name,

Amen.

*Feel free to add your own prayer in the comments section.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Muqtada al Sadr: A Man Whose Time has Come

Ayatollah wannabe Muqtada al Sadr made his reappearance in predictable manner. Descending on Najaf, the Shi'a holy city where Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani snoozes his way from old age to death, he planted his feet at a highly symbolic shrine and engaged in poetic verse on the death of Imam Hossein.

Back from four years of tutelage under the clerical institution and leadership known as "rowhaniyat" Al Sadr will take a de facto leadership role beyond that of the parliamentary gains of his followers.

Until his last breath, Grand Ayatollah al Sistani will be left alone whilst his deputies continue to function by direction. But Al Sadr has been honed in the art of maktab (viable ideology) and a window exists for him to move effectively into political play while the declining elder stateman spends his days in REM sleep.

Although his retreat to Iran may look like the actions of the sixth Imam, our government makes the usual mistake straight out of the gate in assuming a public pose of yawning and fiddling while this man springs back into action. It is very important that interior corridor assessment of this man match public remarks regarding this man. U.S. embassy spokesman David Ranz brushes off Muqtada al-Sadr by a show of disinterest and plays into the hands of a man who is an important chess piece of the larger grand game. In the Middle East, disinterest can translate on the street to a show of weakness. This man is dangerous to the nascent stability in Iraq. Please note that I do not consider Iraq a "democracy" yet in the truest sense of the word. Stability precedes democracy and I have always stated that stability must be the exportable product of our military operations. Democracy and political homeostasis cannot be established without peaceful terrain. Iraq has not earned the right to the term democracy yet, and the stability is as of yet not fully secured.

More thoughts to follow at a later date.

Tammy Swofford

The Terror Organization Template: Ground Zero Alexandria

The awareness of a suicide mission directed against the Coptic Christian community in Egypt came to me via a jihad site. The words "Urgent" usually substitute for standard broadcast rules which use the term "immediate release". I have learned over time that the initial "Urgent" news release is later followed by a bloody trail. In this case, it was an image of blood-smeared tiles as witness to the terror evoked in the moments after the attack.

It seems the targeted attacks against religious and ethno-specific demographics have considerations which move far beyond the initial movements in a post-attack environment. To wet-vac the blood and locate the head of the suicide bomber for positive identification is necessary. Sending the injured off in ambulances and the deceased to the morgue is standard practice. But our standard practice must improve to consider the psychological impact of extreme violence. The terror organizational template contains a primary goal: generational reverberations which will lead to a crisis in government. These guys don't give a damn about the people they kill. They give a damn because they can't kill the right people - heads of state and members of legislative bodies.

The attack in Alexandria showcases the need for purposeful, immediate and also long-term psychological intervention by leadership aimed at minimizing generational reverberation. The news of the attack was accompanied by witness reports of the screeching of panicked Christians wishing to "defend the Cross", trashing of the nearby mosque, and later, the more loosely organized protests against the Mubarak administration. But most chilling was the news of the Coptic community wishing to leave the blood on the walls of their church to remind them of the massacre of worshippers gathered on New Year's Eve. Generational reverberations are already in play.

There is the need for the activation of highly trained rapid response teams the moment a successful attack is deployed. These teams must be tasked to assist individual victims and their families. They must follow them to the hospitals, to the morgue and to the funerals which follow. They must cast a constant shadow of governmental concern for their plight and serve as a ready source of comfort and debriefing. The social services must extend to economic aid of widows and orphans. But most importantly, these agents of mercy must intermingle with the communal sorrow for months to come. Their job is to wash away the bitterness. Their mission is to restore peace.

Grief is a journey traveled alone. Each individual sets their own pace. But grief without companionship is unbearable. The Coptic community will pull together and receive a measure of comfort from the beliefs held next to their hearts. But if a month from now the blood is allowed to remain on the walls of the church the terror organizational template will have worked its magic. And evil will prevail - throughout the generations.

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

The Continued Joy of Freedom of Expression

Here is my latest contribution to print journalism. It is a joy to enter the world of ideas with other journalists and researchers. My continued gratitude to all who put my thoughts on their page.



Article Link


Tammy

Al-Qassam Martyrs Brigade

Wiki Leaks discussions continue to cast a large shadow over one of the more populated jihad forum sites. But Al-Qassam Martyrs Brigade has also had an unusual presence in the last month. With a steady stream of official press releases, interviews and photographs the signals are moving in cyberspace. Unsure what the signals foretell.

There is always difficulty in assessing the propaganda war. It is rarely based on facts but small factoids are used to facilitate the bigger lie. The lens of the individual is used to interpret the war. Moods and feelings are the exploitable products which are adeptly manipulated to craft the message delivered to the audience. In the case of a vigorous propaganda presence of Al-Qassam, the increased operational tempo on a forum site gives rise to a couple of concerns:

*What is the reason for the sudden release of a stream of information?

*Why now? Why several months of smattering of posts followed by media saturation?

The month has ended with what now appears to be less grandstanding, and more a recruitment effort. The brigade hosted an event with an anchoring memorial which looks very familiar - a "wall" displaying the images of 119 martyrs from 1989-2000. One thousand images of "occupation" are also on display. Naturally, images of children retain high value for propaganda wars. Beyond the photography are visible presentations of the booty of war: weaponry, the uniform of an Israeli soldier along with field gear, munitions laid out for display.

Al-Qassam states they are "ready to repel aggression". Are they looking for a fight or do they see a fight coming to them?

Tammy Swofford

The State of the Blog 2011

Journalism and research which does not move in evolutionary manner becomes stagnant over time. Over the years my journalism has drifted away from addressing America's sociopolitical and cultural issues. Enough individuals are covering the domestic front. It has become more of a priority to write about Islam, foreign policy and more importantly, the slow seepage of poison into the ground water of society due to the influence and activities of terror organizations.

An initial movement into Islamic literature after 9/11 gave way to moving into the undercurrent of radical Islam. The door later opened to networking capabilities with influential Muslims across the globe. It is through dialogue amongst professional peers that my understanding has deepened regarding issues.

The coming year I intend blow the lid off my blogging regarding improperly vetted jihad and an understanding of the stakes involved if we do not aggressively and actively confront this threat with both policy and a new suite of laws. It is one thing to observe and interact in close proximity to the symptomology of a disease process (terror organizations) and quite another to then engage analysis regarding policy measures needed to eradicate a societal ill. Disease identification without a subsequent attempt at eradication is a charlatan's game. It is one I choose not to play.

Jihad sites are part of a dynamic universe of misinformation and propaganda which now send their tentacles across the globe and into the minds of men. As the human mind has a vast capability to archive scenery, jihad webmasters and senior members are somewhat like cultivators in a garden. They are creating a new landscape in the mind and it is accomplished with photographic images and the visual arts. While examination of jihad sites provide negligible intelligence value, the greater worth is to track the symbolism and emotional pulse regarding current events. By way of a simple example, the sensitive leaks by Julian Assange continue to provide ample propaganda use on jihad sites and his leaks open up viable threats against specific individuals when they are named.

The recent emergence of a black list of sorts on a forum site not only named individuals, but also their vehicular identification and apartment bloc in Iraq. The permeable nature of 21st century communication technology will be the coinage with both blessing and curse. But history will judge most harshly those of us who educated ourselves to then remain silent.

Silence no more. The pen must become sword. Do not mistake my intent. I always embrace a policy of "do no harm". It is in my nature to be peaceable and to extend the same peace to my neighbor. But it is also in my nature to educate. So if education regarding the threat we face makes you uncomfortable, find a blog which focuses on happy thoughts. There are millions of them within the blogosphere. smile

Tammy Swofford

The USS Enterprise: How Lewd Videos Cross the Acceptable Boundary of Camraderie

The sound of chanting filled the tent. An officer had provoked the ire of the president of the mess at a "dining in" at Camp Pendleton. His punishment was to strip to the waist and fire off one hundred push-ups for the sake of our entertainment. Leaping onto a dining room table the sailors watched as the bare-chested officer's shoulder muscles rippled, chest muscles quivered and sweat began to form as he underwent the discipline of the mess on a hot summer night. We had already enjoyed the parading of the beef, trips to the Grog bowl and other traditions. But the officer completing his final push-up to the sound of cheers provided a highlight for our evening of festivities. Camraderie brings unit cohesion. Camraderie enhances organizational identity. But when the acceptable boundary of camraderie is breached and tasteless behavior ensues, unit morale is effected.

Any event which has the potential to create a controversial perception contains the greater hidden danger. The videos created by the XO of the USS Enterprise for the crew of the ship now allow for a debris field to be cleaned up by the United States Navy.

This was not a single lapse in judgement. The video released to a media outlet notes "highlights" from prior videos. From a lapse in judgement to lax shipboard discipline will be the assumption which the public affairs office will now have to battle. And for Captain Owen Honors, who is now the Commander of the USS Enterprise, this will surely be the longest week of his Navy career.

There is little doubt that the release of the video is political blackmail. The videos were made in 2006-2007 and are now released anonymously in 2011. Blackmail always displays as defamatory information held close to the chest until it is politically advantageous to break the bad news. Who harbors intense animosity toward Captain Honors? It remains in the realm of the unknown.

The USS Enterprise is a city afloat which houses both the physical and the human cargo of the United States Navy. It represents the tremendous sea power capabilities of our fleet. But when camraderie degrades respect for command staff, the Navy has a problem.

Tammy Swofford

Navy Leadership at Sea: The Issues Surrounding Lewd Video Entertainment

It had been my intention to give a bit of guidance regarding the direction of the blog in 2011. But at times the news of the moment will cause me to take the fork in a road instead.

Starting the New Year sharing my thoughts regarding a controversial issue from my own Navy community seems equitable and fair journalistic practice. Let me gather my thoughts a bit and see where my stance falls. The article link is included.

Article link

Tammy Swofford

tammyswofford@yahoo.com

Looking Forward by Taking a Step Back: Part V

Predictive analysis:

The removal of the Ba'athist party leadership in Iraq will continue to plague the West. A Sunni minority demographic with both political majority and control of the political levers kept Iran at bay.

There are two factors which work in tandem to determine the future of Iraq with her neighbors. The spiritual umbilical cord of the fourth Caliph Ali is a long one. And the tethers to Iranian agency and influence will strengthen in the 21st century.

Iraq will also determine her future with gaze set on bi-level rules of engagement.

*There is the modern geographic boundary of Iraq which will be recognized as national sovereignty by the international community. Through this entity Iraq will seek U.N. approval, legitimacy with the World Bank, treaties and memorandum of agreements with viable global partners.

*Sovereignty of the Shi'a to govern their affairs according to their rules of play will also strengthen in coming years. The Grand Ayatollah leadership inhabits physical space and also exists as command structure with presence felt amongst the diaspora of Shi'a scattered across the globe. The political membrane is very permeable between the Shi'a and the loyalties are intense.

Iraq's partnership with the West will continue to give a veneer of cooperation. But the political hardware will increasingly be used to see a rise of Shi'a dominance against the Sunni neighborhood.

Tammy Swofford