[Previous entry: "China Has Lost Faith in Stability of U.S. Dollar, Top Chinese Economist Says at World Forum"] [Next entry: "Turkey Warns Kurds About Kirkuk Control"]

01/26/2005:

"37 Troops Die on Deadliest Day in Iraq"

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A U.S. helicopter crashed in a desert sandstorm in the early morning darkness Wednesday, killing the 30 Marines and one Navy sailor aboard. Six other troops died in insurgent ambushes in the deadliest day for Americans since the Iraq war began nearly two years ago.

Only days before Iraq's crucial elections Sunday, militants set off at least eight car bombings that killed 13 people and injured 40 others, including 11 Americans. The guerrillas also carried out a string of attacks nationwide against schools that will serve as polling centers.

In Washington, President Bush called on Iraqis to defy terrorism and go to the polls despite relentless insurgent attacks. He said it was a "very discouraging" day when the U.S. death toll for the war rose above 1,400.
Full Article: apnews.myway.com

Bush Upbeat on Vote but Warns Iraqis Need to Take Initiative
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 - President Bush today described the elections in Iraq this weekend as "a grand moment in Iraqi history" and part of a global march toward freedom. But he also acknowledged that Iraqis had not yet taken the initiative in defending their country against insurgents and might even doubt Washington's will to prevail.

Mr. Bush's assessment at a hastily called 40-minute news conference came on an especially deadly day of the Iraq war for American forces. A Marine helicopter crash took 31 lives, and 5 other troops died in separate incidents.

"The story today is going to be very discouraging to the American people," Mr. Bush said. "I understand that. We value life. And we weep and mourn when soldiers lose their life. But it is the long-term objective that is vital, and that is to spread freedom. Otherwise, the Middle East will continue to be a cauldron of resentment and hate, a recruiting ground for those who have this vision of the world that is the exact opposite of ours."
Full Article: nytimes.com