I haven't seen the film you mentioned, but I have heard about it.  I am well aware of white phosphorous.  We used it as an alternative to smoke shells for concealment.  And it has the added military benefit of starting fires.  And yes, there's no doubt it is a fearsome weapon. Militaries have used flame weapons for some time, and as you may know all the World War II armies used flamethrowers, which spewed a stream of burning fuel some fifty to one hundred meters.  We had flamethrowing tanks, even, and used them against the Japanese in WWII.  We also had some flame equipment in Vietnam, though I never saw it used.  The Russians perfected the flame weapons and used them in Afghanistan, with a kind of rocket launched ball of flame that had far greater range than the old flamethrowers.  And we were trying to follow suit, when the cold war ended.

So, what I'm trying to say is that WP is just one of the means of delivering fire to the enemy.  It is not banned by the laws of warfare. It is a legal weapon.

But like all weapons, it has to be used properly.  Noncombatants should never be targetted, whether by WP or High Explosive (HE) rounds or any other artillery fire or weaponry.

After saying all this, remember, I'm saying that you don't go to war except as a last, last, last resort.  War is ugly, and terrible things can happen, especially by accident.  

Beyond this, I cannot comment on the film.

Yes, Willy Pete was often used as a smoke round.  But you know perfectly well the ROE for WP in NATO was never to fire it on anything but armor.  I was an FO in NATO, HHB FIST, 2/39 FA 3ID. I fired WP from 8 inch and 155 howitzers.

Like most things that are going on, this instance of wiretapping will be viewed through political lenses.  So Democrats will be angry, Republicans will say it was necessary, and others will simply want to know more about it.  It remains to be seen how damaging ultimately the revelation will be to the White House.

I do not subscribe to the doctrine of the President's having unlimited authority as Commander-in-Chief.  He must still obey the law.  What I don't understand in this case is why he just couldn't use the existing law.  It would seem to cover such cases perfectly, albeit with a secret court.  But the NSA could have even gained retroactive authority.  So why not use the existing law?  This is the major open question, which will determine where the story really goes....

The Democratic leadership could have objected and demanded that the Administration use existing law, threatened to blow the whistle, and committed an act of civil disobedience by leaking the information... This would have likely been hugely unpopular at the time, given the mood in 2001 when this began, and few Democratic lawmakers would have been up to it.  Just see the vote on the Patriot Act.

Of course, I would be interested in knowing exactly who they were listening to, and when... this is important to understand the significance of the intrusion upon privacy, and to understand why existing law wouldn't suffice.

This would, prima facie, seem to be a violation of the law, and Presidents shouldn't break the law.  This is what got Reagan in trouble in Iran-Contra.

Bush argued that there was not enough time to go to FISA courts, but it is my understanding that approval can be obtained up to 72 hours after the tap. So timeliness would not seem to be a factor in following this important law.

Do you think the alien technology we've recovered is the reason for the 50+ years of denial when it comes to UFOs?  Do agree it's time for disclosure and some congressional UFO hearings so that the 400+ Disclosure Project witnesses can testify before congress like they wanted to do just before the 9/11 attacks?  Thank you...

I've never been briefed on Roswell. 

Thank you sir, but what is your opinion on Roswell?  And do you think that "some" UFOs are Extraterrestrial visitors?  If so, why the need for secrecy?

meshuggah1324,

There is a HUGE UFO coverup going on within the government and military. For some reason, they're keeping a tight lid on the information. Officers, enlisted, Repugs, Dems, all of 'em. My theory is that they DID recover pieces of a craft and are trying to replicate the technology. For what reasons, who knows.? But if they recovered bodies and they KNOW life exists elsewhere, why would they spend so much money and allow so many NASA robot missions to Mars, Titan, Io, etc. to look for minimal microbial life?  Plausible deniability.?...

Linda, thanks for trying to watch.  The Fox contract ends in late May.

I was in NH in June and Iowa in August.  I'm in business, mostly, so I have to spread myself pretty thin helping the Party and candidates.  But I do plan to make it back to NH and Iowa this year. 

Here's the way to think about our country: never before in American history have ordinary Americans been so dependent upon what's happening beyond our borders.  Just consider: the war on terror, Iraq, energy, job loss to China, immigration, to name a few.  And that's only going to increase.  I used to teach economics and political philosophy, you know, and I worked in OMB, so I've had a pretty wide exposure, and you can see all my ideas on the web site here - but we can't have leaders in Ameica in the future who dont understand what happens overseas and know how to interact with foreign leaders and international institutions to best shape the outcome for Americans.  I've done that.

Thank you for this LJM, means a lot to me. I have posted my question, on which I would really like to read at least partial answer.

I also promised my view on Bosnian situation, which I'll write. All this thing for which I went to Sarajevo takes my time and any will for writing, so it might take some time. 

Non bene pro toto venditur libertas auro.

Your blog posts teach us something about other views around the world. We appreciate the time you put into them for us.

I hope that we'll grow into a major blog and increase our participation by a factor of 10.  I would like to see us reach all spectrum of opinion, and deal with all the really important issues for our country.  And I'd like to be able to say, a year from now, that we were a major factor in helping the right people be elected in 2006.

General Clark,

I would love to see you book some time in your schedule to participate in this summers YearlyKOS convention if possible. It will be an excellent opportunity to connect with an increasingly progressive blogosphere.

Drop me a line at brent (at) securingamerica.com to talk more about this.

--Brent

They are having military people at YearlyKos to talk about and answer questions. The other day someone suggested a panel discussion.  I don't know specifically what they are planning, but it would be great if the planners could be approached about Gen. Clark participating in that part of the program (if he wants to).

I am not a planner but hope to attend. I think we may have met at the WesPAC mtg in DC. Anyway, I think the planners would be quite pleased to have someone of Wes' stature to address the important issues. I think many progressives are confused about Iraq. Wes gave a cogent discussion of how we combine diplomacy and miltary strength if we are to achieve any sort of success in a military conflict. That vision should be shared.

...would be an excellent person to contact. I'm sure if we did a little searching, we could make contact.

You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley 

Bush has dragged the good name and reputation of our country through the mud (or worse). How will we ever be able to restore our moral authority?

I basically agree with the thrust of your answer. But this is difficult, because, as we all have seen, there are definite political advantages to committing the armed forces...and somehow, when we talk about laws, courts, ideologies, and so on, it loses the robustness that the Administration has savored. 

Now, of course, the disadvantages of using the armed forces are becoming ever more clear. and the Administration is now tap-dancing around diplomacy, law enforcement and so on, without quite admitting that the strategy is changing....

Really, this is a matter that will require some very clear and forceful articulation  in the next few months, if we are to hold the Administration accountable, in the eyes of the American public.

There's always been opportunity for international cooperation, but to get it you can't always dictate the terms and timing.  This means starting with a real strategic objective and then working towards it using diplomacy first.  The Administration's problem has been that it basically knew what it wanted to do before it understood the ultimate aims and strategy.  That is, they always wanted to get rid of Saddam, by invasion if necessary, but they hadn't thought through the overall impact on the Mideast...

We need to end the emabrgo on Iran, and start a dialogue with Syria.  Then much more will be possible.

Love John Murtha, but don't agree with the 6 month timetable.  Now, it may actually turn out that way...I know Bush wants to pull out troops, and to do so as rapidly as possible consistent with protecting the stability there, but in my experience arbitrary timelines just don't make strategic sense.

Yes, I agree on the bad feeling about the divisive atmosphere, but remember, this is part of a democratic system.  This divisiveness works.  Bush's strategy has been to energize his base, which he and his lieutenants do by name calling and labeling, as well as standing firm and not compromising with the other side. When Americans decide that we don't want it, we'll vote down the dividers and vote in uniters.  Until then, polling shows that the divisiveness, just like the negative attack ads, work!  So, grit your teeth, and speak out for what you believe in.  Everyone doesn't have to agree, or even be civil, unfortunately...But let's us be civil at least!

I would like to followup further on Vicky's question...

If you become president in 08 elections (or sooner, why not), what would be, in couple short points, policy of your administration concerning Balkans region? There are couple of major issues: Daytonian order in Bosnia and country being de facto separated to two conflicted entities even today, Kosovo issue and the post-war problems with radicals in Croatia and Serbia featuring wide range economical problems in whole region. 

Thank you for answering and best regards,
Vedran.

Non bene pro toto venditur libertas auro.

Vedran, do you think greater conflicts in the Balkans were a direct result of  US engagement into Iraq?

General Clark, you originally favored deployment of NATO forces to help secure Iraq, against the insurgency;  as well as Darfur, against the genocide. It seems that the NATO mission in Kosovo may have been compromised  because of US military commitments into Iraq.  With Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Darfur all presenting serious concerns for us in near future, I hope that many will soon realize why America needs you, especially in '08.

As for Balkans conflict, they would sure go on if international community didn't involve. It had three ways for ending - either Milosevic would win all the wars he started, although battle lines were spread too long to succesfuly keep them with, in the end, limited military forces. Second possiblity was that all sides get "too tired" from the war and we end up in Israel-Palestine like situation. Third, and less posible outcome would be Milosevic going on Kosovo even without ending the war in Bosnia and in Croatia, which would give ability for (let's imagine) joint Croatian-Bosnian-Kosovo forces to push forward into Serbia and defeat Milosevic on his own ground. Despite Serbia being the opposite side to my nation in the war, I wouldn't like to see that because I deeply believe it would just push genocide over the border and would really equal all the sides in Balkans conflicts in terms of war crimes and genocide.

International community involvement IMHO came in "5 to 12". Even worse, it came too late, but better ever than never. 

Non bene pro toto venditur libertas auro.

Vedran, do you think greater conflicts in the Balkans were a direct result of  US engagement into Iraq?

Um, sorry, just read this properly.. I'm not sure what do you mean, when the war in Iraq started, Balkans conflicts were already over. The problem is, none of the countries that were in war didn't go through complete transition, so we are having hard time with too large number of radicals. Seems like Serbia has more of that problem than Croatia, but I might be biased. 

Non bene pro toto venditur libertas auro.

Who are the radicals in Croatia? Are they local or people from foreign countries?

Well, I have a totally subjective feeling Bosnian Croats tend to nationalism, but let's leave that aside. I'll give you good examples of our Croatian-born radicals:

1. President of  Croatian Rights Party (not meant as right-wing, but as rule of the law) Anto Djapic has leaked in his press release names of the whitnesses in forthcoming court process against Croats suspected of war crimes over Serbian civilians at the beginning of the war. The trial is to be held in front of court in city of Osijek, but our Justice department is now considering moving the trial to Zagreb (capital of Croatia). Ofcourse, some whitnesses decided not to testify in this case, obviously afraid of the pressure or maybe even intimidated by threats on their lives.
2. Concerning that same trial, Feral Tribune (liberal newspaper) journalist Drago Heidl got the threat on his life because he wrote about crimes over Serbian civilians in Slavonia region. The message he got said "Ubit ćemo tebe i tvog Levara", which translated means "We'll kill you and your Levar" (Levar was a war crimes whitness which got killed by a bomb installed on his house in year 2000 IIRC).
3. Human rights watch warn about raising number of attacks on Serbian civilians in Croatia in 2005.
4. Not directly connected, but to give you the whole picture: Joso Mraovic got free from alegged rape of American basketball player, afroamerican woman, which played in one of our local basketball teams. Defence didn't prove that he didn't attack her, but the judge qualified "pushing the finger into anus" as "not qualifying as a rape, because no sexual organs were involved". Same judge is supposedly known from the past by very suspicious decisions - 5 of his decisions in last 5 years were rejected by supreme court. Even if this last fact is not true, I really hope he'll get kicked out of law practice after this last decision.

Don't get me wrong, here are many liberal people just like me who don't hate anyone and want to make good living for me and everyone else. But as I said, we are having hard time with radicals at the moments.

Non bene pro toto venditur libertas auro.

I don't have any relations with the current government in Serbia and have not returned there...Serbia still has to sort out the ill-feelings engendered by Milosevic's ultranationalism

Serbia is a great country, with a tremendous opportunity in Europe, if they can overcome the wounds and misperceptions of the last decade and a half.  This requires more active cooperation with the ICTY and really dealing with the terrible things done in the name of a greater Serbia during the 1990's.

I personally like the Serb people a great deal, and hope they will make a relatively rapid transition to modern Europe and away from the old attitudes which have caused so much pain and bloodshed.

As I said a moment ago, I am mostly in business, and working hard...I want to do everything I can to help the Democratic Party, the 2006 candidates, and the nation.  Beyond that I haven't made any plans or considerations.  Let's see what we can do in 2006!

"...but we can't have leaders in Ameica in the future who dont understand what happens overseas and know how to interact with foreign leaders and international institutions to best shape the outcome for Americans. I've done that."
Respectfully, when I saw this I said "He's running!" :)

As part of NATO.  See my August OpEd on the subject.  We'll post it again.

Right or wrong, the DCCC has a threshold that people have to meet.  Eric is working hard, and let's hope for the best - and let's help him get there.

I wish we could get our community more excited about Eric as well.

offer training and support to each and every candidate willing to run.

It is time that Democrats offer the same training and support. Without that level of commitment, it is unlikely that we can build the solid base of support that is needed to prevent the slide to theocracy/kleptocracy the Bushites have begun.  

"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers

Thanks for your comment.  In the Dmeocratic party, my guess is the percentages are about 15 percent, 15 percent, and 70...with 70 trying not to take too strong a stand if they don't have to....You must remember that most Americans have no special insights, they haven't served, they dont understand the military, the region or the mission, and they are wary of being on the wrong side of public opinion.  That"S not all bad...Remember, the Ameican people dont want to lose in Iraq, whatever winnning there means, and the group that makes us lose will suffer.  I wish I could get alll the Dems -  and the Administration to line upbehind my position...It's the truth, and the best presecription for success.

Well, first, to talk to all the parties.and explain.   Be rational...then, use leverage if necessary.  We still hold the military leverage, in both the training mission and the combat mission. And we may have to use this to get the political changes necessary,  Much will depend on the outcome of the vote and the subsequent composition of the government.

Sue, just keep talking, and keep postin'  People do listen..  And don't forget to call in to those talk radio shows that you disagree with.

General,

Your interviews with Ed Schulz have been appreciated.  

to ask about the death squads in Iraq, when James Fallows was on and was told I couldn't ask my question. I felt like I'd been talking to a censor.

Arky, this article online implies the NSA did the same thing during the Clinton Administration.  Has anybody heard this before?  http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/12/18/221452.shtml

It usually turns out that it was done, but to a much much lesser degree.

And with checks and balances.

There were rumors in the Mideast about something in March... I put that as a relatively low probability thus far....don't really know about the redeployments, except to suggest that the NATO forces are trying now to move throughout the country,

I feel fortunate that David survived his tour in Iraq, and he says Afghanistan has been "like summer camp" compared to Baghdad, but when I hear about rumors of camps being established on the Afghanistan/Iran border, I worry.  :)

((((Sharon and family))))

Three problems with the Medicare Drug bill.  First, the donut hole leaves a lot of confused and inadequately covered seniors. Second, the bill prohibits the govt from using its vast purchasing power to bargain down prices (that's just flat wrong, in my book!) and third, the costs to the taxpayer were vastly underestimated.  When Democrats come in, this bill will have to be overhauled.

Fruedian typo, General?  LMAO!

"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers

I agree with you and '06 elections cannot come too soon for me!

I've answered this before, No, I don't have anything new on it.  I'm going to go back to DoD and see if they've done any new research.  Everything we had up to a year or two ago said DU had no significiant impact.

Debra Bowen for CA Secretary of State \'06!

and gets into the food chain immediately.  Sgt. Hector Vega, Sgt. Ray Ramos, Sgt. Agustin Matos and Cpl. Anthony Yonnone from New York's 442nd Guard Unit—are the first confirmed cases of inhaled uranium oxide exposure from the current Iraq conflict.

I know we'd all be interested in looking into anything on this subject.

Thanks.

<a href="http://www.projectcensored.org/publications/2005/4.html">here</a>. I fired hundreds of DU rounds.

And just who rated my post as a -1?  I swear to God, if this was done by a WesPac morlock, I'll work my butt off to write everywhere that Wes Clark's people are pretending DU isn't an issue.  I'm taking this off to Kos in my next diary.

if not a staunch Clark supporter. I've read both sides and I'd like a straight answer!

Debra Bowen for CA Secretary of State \'06!

http://www.projectcensored.org/publications/2005/4.html

Don't get your knickers in a twist over the one...you've no idea who rated your post and neither do we. The rating system is there and we are all free to rate or not as we choose. The only thing you can say with authority is that someone didn't like your post...to try to imply anything else either here or on any other blog is pure speculation.

General Clark clearly stated that he intends to try to find out if there is any new info on the subject. It's been our experience that he doesn't lie so it's highly likely he appreciates that you have provided a link.

Soooooooo anyway, if you feel the need to vent your anger, please at least be honest enough to say you don't know who may have downrated your post. You know how irritating it is to have falsehoods and exagerations floating around the net.

In chronological order...

Military (Rand Review 1999) This of course, would be the pentagon.
Depleted Uranium (DU)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/du.htm

UK Unlimited Special Report (May, 2000)
Why deadly depleted uranium is the tank buster's weapon of choice
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uranium/story/0,7369,419936,00.html

Scientists dispute Pentagon assertions that depleted uranium shells used in Iraq are safe (Jun 16, 2003)
http://www.nuclearpolicy.org/index.cfm?Page=Article&ID=47

Depleted Uranium, all that deadly? (11 25 05)
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/001960.html

So what's your conclusion? Mine was an honest question - I still have many doubts.

Debra Bowen for CA Secretary of State \'06!

I too have many doubts...tis why I ask for a link. Still have doubts. It's one of those, "damnit if the human race would only get there act together for a change we wouldn't have to be disussing this!" things.