For Immediate Release 19 OCT 05

October 19, 2005
Release Number: 05-10-72
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. INVESTIGATES ALLEGATION OF LAW OF WAR VIOLATION

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Army Criminal Investigation Division has initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct by U.S. service members, including the burning of dead enemy combatant bodies under inappropriate circumstances."This command takes all allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior seriously and has directed an investigation into circumstances surrounding this allegation," said Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, Combined Joint Task Force-76 Commander. "If the allegation is substantiated, the appropriate course of action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and corrective action will be taken." Service members are expected to abide by the highest standards of behavior and the law, he said. "This command does not condone the mistreatment of enemy combatants or the desecration of their religious and cultural beliefs," Kamiya said. "This alleged action is repugnant to our common values, is contrary to our commands approved tactical operating procedures, and is not sanctioned by this command. Our efforts to thoroughly investigate this allegation are a reflection of our commitment to the Government of Afghanistan and the Afghan people."

http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=20051072.txt

HAY HAULING THE OLD WAY

This is a common sight in the rural areas. Once the hay is cut it is loaded on the donkeys back and transported to the barn to a collection point, where it can be fed or loaded to a truck. I took this picture out of one of the local newspapers. Another point is that this is considered a task for women. One of the benefits of the job is they get to ride the donkey...

DATE PALM GROVE

Here is a nice well kept date palm grove along the Tigris river south of Baghdad.

THE FEEDLOTS OF BAGHDAD

These cattle are waiting for some hay to arrive. There are aproximatley 30 to 40 head per pen. I am not sure if these cattle are on a regular feed cycle or if its a hit and miss situtation as they look a little lean side to me.

HAULING HAY

These guys know how to load a truck. They put all this hay on the truck to deliver to the market. I believe they got their hays worth. Up up and away, on my beautiful (hay) balloon...

SIGN OF I VOTED

This Iraqi soldier was one of the first to exercise his right to vote. Then he gives the V sign for victory which also means peace and now I voted.

MY TUMMY HURTS

These sheiks had one too many Ka-Bobs. Now they are paying the price and have an upset stomach. Has anyone got an Alka- Seltzer?

GRAZING WATER BUFFALO

Meanwhile back at the farm life goes on as usual as the Water Buffalo continue to graze oblivious to the historical events taken place within the country. They already have their place in this society.

STANDING IN LINE

Here is another picture of Iraqi citizens eagar to exercise their right to vote. This was a great moment in the history of Iraq as thousands of people come out to vote.

THE MARK OF A VOTER

The ladies fingers have been dipped in ink which means they exercised their right to vote. Things are changing in Iraq as we move one step closer to a New government inIraq.

PREPARING THE LAND

First the ground is plowed then leveled. The next step is to make rows. If they plant wheat then they sow the seed first and then make rows so they can water. The last step is to flood the field with water. You can see the different stages of development in this picture...

TALKING BUSINESS WITH THE SHEIK

I showed the sheik the kind of crops we grow in Texas and he could not believe his eyes. He was confused about the grain sorghum as he referred to it as corn. Later I learned grain sorghum is called white corn in Iraq because when its crushed its white. Now I'm confused...

GIN STAND IN IRAQ

Have you ever wondered where all the old gin stands ended up. Well now you know this one founds its way to Iraq. The the proof is in the picture...

TIME TO HARVEST DATES

These dates are ripe and ready to harvest. They say the best dates come from Iraq. They led the world in date production at one time. All the dates I have ate have been very good...