Obama changes mind: Opposes POW abuse photos

Per USA Today, United States President Barack Obama has decided that he is now against the release of photos detailing alleged abuse of prisoners of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to Pentagon spokesperson Geoff Morrell, some military commanders have raised concerns that releasing said images could aid al-Qaeda in their propaganda efforts.

The 44 images in question were part of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and are slated to be released to the public on May 28th.  

Early Twitterverse reaction appears to be in favor of President Obama's switched view on the issue:

1. 
   BeaconOfLight (Unlisted location) Obama finally realized release of pictures would put US soldiers in danger. Da, 4 as smart as he is supposed 2 B, it took him long enough. 
2. 
   Jamey_F (Unlisted location) Wow Obama... You actually are thinking and not releasing pictures.. Finally good job 
3. 
   MoBrain (Unlisted location ) Just heard Obama is blocking the pictures of "torture" under Bush Admin. I'm suspicious. Maybe Cheney hit a nerve! 
4. 
   ehlersd (Texas) RT @texaszman: LOL! Obama Reverses Course, NOW opposes release of Prison Pictures! Wait! Which way is the Wind Blowing?? 
5. 
   MSGTAM (Woodland, WA) Sitting here thinking that President Obama made a great decision in not releasing the interrogation pictures. 

Obama changes mind: Opposes POW abuse photos

U.S. soldier fires on fellow troops in Iraq

Per BBC, Army Sgt. John Russell, will be charged with five counts of murder for firing on fellow troops in Iraq at a stress clinic at Camp Liberty.

Some Twitterers express concern for stress on U.S. soldiers.

granolajoe (Denver, Co.) The Dangers of Soldier Stress: U.S. Soldier Kills Fellow Troops in Iraq [via Miranda622] http://www.razoo.com/articles/Soldier-Violence



While other Twitterers criticize the unruly assault.


jayninedee (Philadelphia, Pa.) WTF? Anybody else hear about this? US soldier kills 5 fellow soldiers in a random attack in Iraq http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/12/iraq.soldiers.killed/inde...

Additional criticism for U.S. forces continues to prevail.


Klearchos (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria) "Suspected U.S. drone attack kills 9 in Pakistan", "U.S. soldier kills 5 comrades in Iraq".. Isn't there any TAMIFLU against US Forces?



josephchez (Undisclosed) US soldier on his 3rd tour in Iraq turns on his own side and kills. Battle fatigue or decrepit Middle East policy? Pakistan/india next.

U.S. soldier fires on fellow troops in Iraq

Great Britain Ends Military Operations in Iraq

Per BBC, the British military officially ended their combat operations in Iraq as 20 Armored Brigade took part in a flag-lowering ceremony accompanied by an American brigade on Thursday.

The ceremony was held in Basra to commemorate the fallen British soldiers.

From London, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said a new chapter in relations between the two countries had begun, as reported by BBC News.

Twitter users across the UK lament and rejoice for their soldiers' return:

1. 
   M1TZY (London, England) RT @bbcbreaking: British troops to formally end combat operations in Iraq marking the end of a 6yr military campaign <<< Finally! 30 Apr 2009 from twhirl
2. 
   nick_reeve ( London, England) Hoorah! About bloody time, some would say... RT @bbcbreaking British troops to end combat operations in Iraq http://bit.ly/pXq0H 30 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   doberama (England, Midlands) yeah... Heard on the news they are bringing back our troops. Can't happen quick enough 30 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   jw_smith (London, England) Rejoice! British troops have officially ended combat operations in Iraq. Shouldn't have been there anyway, but at least we're out. 30 Apr 2009 from TwitterFox
5. 
   ICAWarwick (University of Warwick, UK) The end of British troops in Iraq. Hope the US can cope alone and it's not too soon. 30 Apr 2009 from web
6. 
   NickJSmith (Burnley, England) Watching news at 1. The transfer of control in Basra to the US, about time we brought our troops home. 179 is too many in this day an age. 30 Apr 2009 from Tweetie
7. 
   iaingriffin (Eastbourne, East Sussex) So, we're finally done with Iraq. What other country can we go and exploit now? All deaths are sad; troops, civilians. Shame it was needless 30 Apr 2009 from TwitterFon

Great Britain Ends Military Operations in Iraq

Suicide bombers rock Iraq

Per Al Jazeera, Iraqi police claim that in two separate sites, Baghdad and Diyala at least 73 people have been killed during two isolated suicide attacks in Iraq.

The Baghdad bombing claimed 28 people's lives, while the Diyala explosion targeted Iranian pilgrims north of the Iraqi capital, leaving 45 dead.

Approximately 50 people were wounded and at least five children were among the dead, according to Iraqi police reports, per Al Jazeera.

Twitter users speak out about the day's horrific events:

1. 
   @DomeGoat (United States) @BreakingNews If I'm reading all the updates right, suicide bombings seem to be on the rise in Iraq 23 Apr 2009 from web in reply to BreakingNews
2. 
   @azzi (Beirut, Lebanon)@octavianasrCNN why all this violence iraq today?? Is this day something specific and coordinated or is it just random violence 23 Apr 2009 from web in reply to octavianasrCNN
3. 
   @CitizenWayne (Washington, US) Leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq is arrested, but the media focus is on the bombings? Success is not interesting news? http://tinyurl.com/cxe39t 23 Apr 2009 from twhirl
4. 
   @yourstuffstores (Texas, US) cnn.com Bombings kill more than 70 in Iraq ,BUT THERE IS NO war or TERRa 23 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   @JDudd (Mississippi, US) I just saw that dozens were killed in Iraq by suicide attacks. This makes me wonder if my brother is okay. Haven't heard from him in a month 23 Apr 2009 from mobile web
6. 
   @americankestrel (Undisclosed) How will this be ignored?: Two terrorist incidents in Iraq left almost 200 people dead or injured, including Ira.. http://tinyurl.com/cydgeb 23 Apr 2009 from twitterfeed

Suicide bombers rock Iraq

Gay men executed in Iraq

Per New York Times, as many as 25 men and boys who presumably identified as gay have been found dead in Sadr City in the past two months.

According to the article, Iraqi police suspect the killers to be Shiite death squads as well as tribal and family members ashamed by their gay relatives.

Twitter users reacted:

1. 
   Salam (Baghdad, Iraq) @kuschkusch my worry is that these killings are almost socially acceptable. And I thought those clerics had bigger concerns than gay bashing 04 Apr 2009 from web in reply to kuschkusch
2. 
   ryanj81 (Wisconsin) Gays in Iraq face killings, cop crackdowns. Is it safe to be gay and live anywhere?? http://viigo.im/gpu 08 Apr 2009 from Viigo
3. 
   joearf ( Old Greenwich, CT )How effectively can you be an advocate for gay rights in Iraq if you're afraid to be killed? 08 Apr 2009 from mobile web

Many Twitterers noted that the news of gay bashing in Iraq coincided with news of LGBT progress in the United States. Per Reuters, Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

1. 
   WPennHouse (Washington D.C.) Celebrating the incredible progress on gay rights (Vermont, DC, Iowa), but praying for those in Iraq who are being persecuted. 08 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   gerock NYTimes front page 2 stories one Gay marriage in Vt the other Gays hunted and killed in Iraq 08 Apr 2009 from Tweetie

Gay men executed in Iraq

Shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist's sentence reduced to one year

Per Al Jazeera, Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former U.S. president George W. Bush, has had his prison sentence reduced to one year. A court official said the decision was made because al-Zeidi had no prior record.

Al-Zeidi's family called it "a victory for the Iraqi people," according to Al Jazeera. His lawyers have argued the move was one of freedom of expression rather than an assault. Al-Zeidi has become a folk hero in the Arab world, where Bush has been widely reviled for his U.S-led invasion of Iraq, the article reports.

Twitterers responded to the news.

1. 
   megloper (D.C./Jackson, Miss.) Iraqi shoe thrower gets reduced sentence. Let's have one last look for old times sake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM3Z_Kskl_U 07 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   wayne310 (Undisclosed) Shoe throwing trend on the rise, First Bush, then Chinese PM, Now India's home minister 07 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   DinahLord (Colorado) Iraq: Shoe thrower gets reduced sentence upon appeal.: Please! Will this guy's 15 minutes EVER be up? His shoe i.. http://tinyurl.com/dd2g9k 08 Apr 2009 from twitterfeed

Many responses involved humor.

1. 
   EmmaK67 (London, U.K.) I'm glad the Iraq shoe thrower's had his sentence reduced but I think he should be released instantly and made king of the world 07 Apr 2009 from Tweetie
2. 
   seanbedlam (Melbourne, Australia) The Iraq Shoe Thrower's sentence has been reduced. Good news, but he should be released to unveil a shoe-chucking statue built in his honor. 07 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   Packard_Sonic (Weston, Wisc.) RT @newsticker: Iraqi shoe-thrower's prison sentence reduced - PRESS TV http://tinyurl.com/cfbmuf | Getting 2nd chance? I got extra shoe 07 Apr 2009 from twhirl
4. 
   kingpinslim (Undisclosed) the Iraqi dude who threw the shoe at Bush got his time reduced from 3 years to 1 year justice is served! 07 Apr 2009 from mobile web

Related Breaking Tweets article:
Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush sentenced to three years, March 12

Shoe-throwing Iraqi journalist's sentence reduced to one year

Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush sentenced to three years

Per the International Herald Tribune, the Iraqi journalist who caused a stir after throwing his shoes at then President George W. Bush in December was sentenced to three years in prison.

The Christian Science Monitor described the situation as, "1 angry Iraqi journalist + 2 flying shoes = 3 years in jail."

Twitterers around the world threw up their own comments after the verdict was announced.

@salam (Baghdad, Iraq): ..alert to all shoe throwers.. hide your shoes! 3yrs jail for attacking Bush with shoe, and missing!.. http://bit.ly/VJSXB



@andrespencer (Aveiro, Portugal): If you're Iraqi, don't take your shoes off.



@TheStory (Canada): Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush sentenced to 3 years... A bit harsh don't ya think, he missed



@minda31180 (Oklahoma): I'm sorry, but in my opinion, the Iraqi reporter that threw his shoes at former Pres. Bush does NOT deserve 3 years in prison.



@sixwheeler (Great Britain): A pox on the Iraqi judges who sentenced Muntadhar al-Zeidi to three years for throwing shoes at George W Bush. Craven cowards!



@Ayodele05: 3 years jail for the Iraqi journo who threw his shoes at Prez Bush. Too harsh. Hope his lawyers appeal. Was his act 'freedom of speech'?

Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush sentenced to three years

Iraq ex-regime members sentenced

Per BBC Arabic, former Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Tariq Aziz has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, for his part in the execution of 42 men.

The United Arab Emirates Khaleej Times reports that in the same ruling Ali Hassan al-Majid (aka Chemical Ali) and two other men were sentenced to death for their parts in the murders, which happened in 1992.

@APNewsAlert Former Saddam Hussein aides Tariq Aziz and 'Chemical Ali' get 15 years in jail for executions.



@afahad (Syria) I will never forget the fierce fight Tariq Aziz put up about WMD's prior to the invasion, this is a US Vendetta we will not forget easily

@afahad I loath the international society for this http://bit.ly/AP91v Tariq Aziz has serious health issues, and cannot be tried under occupation




@markhillary (London, England) Interesting to see Tariq Aziz going down for 15 years. Considering the trial involved 42 murders I wonder why he didn't get a capital trial?



@heidirettig (Oregon, USA) I kind of feel like Tariq Aziz could spent more than 15 years in prison for executing 45 people.



@bigaone22 (Trinidad, West Indies) What a lucky man, This Tariq Aziz, spared from the Gallows...



@Jojopong (Silicon Valley, USA) Great court ruling against Tariq Aziz for 15 years in prison in Iraq... you cannot be killing people and get away with it.

Iraq ex-regime members sentenced

Suicide bombing in Iraq kills 33

Per BBC News: Early reports claim 33 people, including local Iraqi military officials and dignitaries, were killed and 46 wounded in a suicide attack on Baghdad's west side, reported by BBC.

The attack targeted a group of Iraqi leaders as they exited a national reconciliation conference.

Although, violence in the Iraq has declined recently, this bombing marks the third major attack in the last few days, stated today by BBC News.


Picture courtesy of AFP

Twitter users in Baghdad hear the bombs explode:



@davidsteven: (Baghdad, Iraq) Just heard another bang. Earlier bomb was a direct attack on the reconciliation process


@salam:(Baghdad, Iraq) .. and to add irony while I sit here listening to bombs going off left'n'right.. Iraqi tv is showing a report about how security is better


Twitter users around the globe comment on attacks and deescalation of American forces:


@Gianmaria_V:(Turin, Italy) 33 peole died in a suicide attack in Baghdad. How far we are from a stabilization of Iraq? What will happen in the next days?



@nishitd:(Bangalore, India) Suicide attack in Sri Lanka. Suicide attack in Iraq. Violent demonstrations in Kenya. What's up with the world???



@jmp5329::(Phenix City, Alabama) Another suicide bombing in Iraq since O announced cut and run.... (sigh) children at play in DC #tcot



@Bashar_Kokash:(Damscus) RT @afahad A chain of suicide bomb attacks rip through Baghdad after Rafsanjani's latest visit to Iraq, coincidence? I think not

Suicide bombing in Iraq kills 33