Salem-News.com Iraq Coverage articles Page 3

Crossed Swords of Baghdad, Iraq: a Window into History (VIDEO)

The crossed swords over Baghdad, one of Iraq's most recognizable sites, are a story of previous war with Iran and a failed dictatorship.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - It is still an active war, but the International Zone of Baghdad is calmer than at any other point in Iraq's recent history. One place most Americans would recognize from news clips and photos is Saddam Hussein's parade area where troops passed under massive crossed swords.

They are, quite literally, a direct reminder of the former dictator.

Andrew Hanselman is a Public Affairs specialist with the U.S. Army in Baghdad. He says the swords are a painful reminder of the late Saddam Hussein, and that they are actually molded after Saddam Hussein's wrist or hands.

One Day in Baghdad: Part 1 (VIDEO)

Iraqi Special Forces kill terrorists at Dora and record the aftermath on a cell phone camera.

(BAGHDAD, Iraq) - An embedded reporter in Iraq can travel through the country a couple of different ways. The top choice is to catch a ride aboard military aircraft. On this particular day, I needed to reach the Combined Press Information Center in Baghdad to receive reporter's credentials. My day started at 4:30 AM by boarding a twin engine Army plane for the flight to Iraq's capitol.

Arriving at Baghdad International Airport, another photographer and I found a group of Iraqi soldiers in HUMVEE's that have been provided to their Army by the U.S. government. The soldiers were extremely proud of the armored vehicles and it is easy to understand why. While this is my first time visiting Iraq, I did spend the winter of 2006/2007 in Afghanistan.

Vietnam Veterans Burn Candle Late to Show Support for Iraq Soldiers (VIDEO)

Soldiers are reminded by Vietnam Veterans that they are supported and loved by their country, regardless of the politics involved.

(CAMP BEURING, Kuwait) - Boarding a giant aircraft bound for Kuwait with a number of U.S. Army units this week, I moved one step closer to Iraq, and the combat theater where I will be embedded with an Oregon Guard aviation unit sent in country for a six-month tour of duty.

Salem-News Follows Oregon Soldiers Departure For Iraq (VIDEO)

Tim King is embedded with the 2-641 Aviation group; watch for his ongoing series from the Iraq war zone

(FORT BENNING, Georgia) - Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation on their way to a deployment in Balad, Iraq have spent the last week at Fort Benning, Georgia preparing for their deployment in the war theater. The weather has been warm and humid but they say the training is essential toward their preparation.

Staff Sergeant Chris Fisher with the Oregon Guard says it’s a change from Northwest living.

"It’s hot and muggy here, that’s for sure, it is quite a culture shock and a weather change from being on the west coast."

Salem-News.com`s Tim King Leaves for Iraq

War correspondent Tim King is joining Oregon troops to bring their stories to the world.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Salem-News.com is pleased to announce that Tim's international news mission has begun. Our chief reporter Tim King has departed Oregon for a five-week assignment in Iraq where he will be embedded with Oregon National Guard soldiers arriving there for a year-long combat tour.

Joined for a proper send off at the Portland airport by Q Madp and some of his PGR friends, Tim bid us all farewell as he walked down the terminal heavy-laden with camera equipment and more and into a new phase of Salem-News.com war reports.

Salem-News.com Will Go to Iraq With Mobilizing Oregon Guard Unit (VIDEO)

Salem-News.com reporter/photojournalist Tim King covers the mobilization ceremony of a military group that he will deploy to Iraq with to cover in-country for the next several weeks.

(SALEM, Ore.) - We are happy to announce that I will have the honor of joining a group of Oregon Guard soldiers from 2-641 Aviation who are deploying to Iraq to work in the aviation sector at Balad. The soldiers were officially mobilized this week.

This will be my second opportunity to be embedded with an Oregon Guard unit at war. I spent the winter of 2006/2007 embedded with the Oregon Guard in Afghanistan.