Babylon: Ancient History Brought to Life by Sgt

Click here to subscribee July 22, 2009 Babylon: ancient history brought to life By Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw MND-S AL HILLAH – High-reaching walls, ancient statues and a past fi lled with wonders and fame are an intrinsic part of Babylon. Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, Multi-National Di- vision – South commanding general, Brig. Gen. Gerald Lang, MND-S deputy commanding general for support, Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Julin, MND-S senior enlisted leader and other Soldiers and civilians vis- ited the site July 18 to see what this ancient city has to off er for Iraq. “The mission (to Babylon) was to edu- cate those on the command staff and some of the primary staff members on the impor- tance of the religious aspects of this country and what there is to off er,” said Julin. “Even though we are at war there are some very important things we have to preserve here and help them preserve as well.” Babylon is recognized by some as one of the fi rst civilizations on earth. “Babylon was established as a sett lement in 3000 B.C. and was a product of dynasty work which was already old here,” said Ahmed Aziz Ibrheme, an archeologist with the Department of Babylon city. “It has a long history of about 5,000 years.” Babylon’s story is not only one of great length, but also one of much fame and his- torical signifi cance. The earliest of this fame is Hammurabi and his legal code around 1700 B.C. This code was displayed on tablets so everyone could read them. The only known surviving code has almost 300 laws, stands seven-feet tall and is currently displayed at Paris’ Lou- vre Museum. The code covers many social and eco- nomic relationships, one law stating, “If a free person puts out the eye of a free person, then that person’s eye shall be put out.”

Photo by Sgt. Debralee P. Cranskahw BABYLON Soldiers stand guard within the walls of the ancient city of Babylon. Some of the ruins were Page 3 reconstructed by Saddam Hussein. The Red Bull Report July 22, 2009  Page 2 New direction, task along Maysan’s border By Capt. Gordon Gimse 4th BCT, 1st Armd. Div.

CAMP SPARROW HAWK –– As Iraqis celebrated National Sovereignty Day June 30 and U.S. forces moved outside the cities, the border in May- san province was secured by the Iraqi Army, Department of Border Enforce- ment and their partners from Alpha Batt ery, 2nd Batt alion, 29th Field Artil- lery Regiment, “Task Force Pathfi nd- er.” The batt ery is advising and assisting 1st and 2nd Batt alion, 41st Iraqi Army Brigade, and 3rd and 4th Batt alion, Iraqi Department of Border Enforce- ment in Maysan’s marshlands. The Iraqi forces are responsible for the security of a portion of Iraq’s east- ern border. This region has a long and costly history with Iran. Maysan is lit- tered with military debris and unexploded ordnance from its war during Courtesy photo the 1980s. The Army’s Explosive Ord- Spc. Manuel Figueroa of Battery A, 2nd Battalion 29th Field Artillery Regiment instructs 2nd Bn, 41st Iraqi nance Disposal team on Forward Op- Army Brigade medics on the proper use of tourniquets during fi rst-responder training. Figueroa is a healthcare specialist from El Paso, Texas deployed with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. erating Base Hunter is routinely called to collect and dispose of this ammuni- such as maintenance, medical fi rst re- A strong relationship between IA tion. sponder, room clearing and patrolling and DBE forces will be required to “During the war, residents were procedures. maintain security along the border af- told to leave without compensation “The training is very helpful in get- ter the U.S. departs. from their villages,” said Ehsan Alaba- ting us ready for the next step,” said Soldiers of Btry. A are helping bridge di, a veteran of the Iraq-Iran War who Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Abdul Amir, 1st Bn. this gap by training both units simulta- serves as an interpreter on FOB Hunter. commander. neously. They are enabling both forces “When they returned, they had to start Additionally, the batt ery has been and, in doing so, making cohesion eas- all over in a place full of land mines increasing the core abilities of Iraq’s ier for them in the future. and other unexploded bombs.” Border Agents while encouraging its Soldiers of Btry. A train their Iraqi cooperation with the IA stationed near- For all of Capt. Gimse’s stories go to: counterparts here on Soldier skills by. www.TheRedBulls.org/Gimse

The Red Bull Report is an authorized 34th Inf. Div. PAO: Lt. Col. Kevin Olson 172nd Brigade Combat Team publication for members of MND-S. OIC, Command Information: Maj. Page Baldwin 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division NCOIC, Command Information: 1st Sgt. Larry Mears Contents of The Red Bull Report are not 4th BCT, 1st Armored Division NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Dave Lankford necessarily offi cial views of, or endorsed 41st Fires Brigade Managing Editor: Staff Sgt. Derek Smith 343rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment by, the U.S. Government, Department of Assignment Editor: Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw Defense, Department of the Army or the 193rd Military Police Battalion Graphics Designer: Sgt. Eric Jungels Special Troops Battalion, 34th Inf. Div. 34th Infantry Division. All editorial content Photo Editor: Spc. Tyler Maulding Task Force 28 of The Red Bull Report is prepared, edited Layout/Design: Spc. Stephanie Cassinos provided and approved by the 34th Infantry Staff Writers: Sgt. Frank Vaughn, 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) Division Public Affairs Offi ce. Sgt. Brandon LeFlore, Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery, Media Queries please contact 34th Inf. Div. Public Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence Affairs Offi ce at [email protected] The Red Bull Report July 22, 2009  Page 3

From Page 1 god, Adad. The re-creation was built in the 1930s with site BABYLON tiles. The foundation of the original gate remains at the site. To archaeologists, the historic signifi cance comes from the There is also signifi cance in the city for those interested age of Nebuchadnezzar II in approximately 600 B.C. This in war and military commanders. Alexander the Great con- was called the Golden Period. quered the city in 331 B.C. Babylon became the center of his “Most of the great parts were built during this age, the empire for his 12-year campaign against the Persians and Hanging Gardens which were one of the Seven Wonders of India. He died in Babylon in 323 B.C. His generals fought for the World and, in addition to that, the construction of Baby- control of his empire, causing the citizens of Babylon to dis- lon tower and other (structures) here, like the walls, temples perse. Babylon never regained its position as a great world and palaces,” said Ibrheme. power. The Hanging Gardens are the only wonder whose exis- To religious people, Babylon also has a strong signifi - tence remains in some doubt. However, there is a part of cance. the tour with arched ceilings and indoor wells where it is “Babylon is a very important empire and city in the old believed the gardens may have grown. In early lists of the testament. It fi gures prominently in the development of the seven wonders, the Walls of Babylon were included. Later Jewish faith as well as the Christian faith,” said Chap. (Lt. lists replace the walls with the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Col.) John Morris, MND-S command chaplain. “About two- These walls are one of Babylon’s claims to fame. One of thirds of the old testament mentions Babylon in one form the most famous of these was Ishtar’s Gate. or another. Sometimes it’s prior to the Babylonian exile of The tour of the site begins by passing through a re-cre- Jewish people from Israel to Babylon. Sometimes it’s in the ation of the Ishtar Gate. This gate was originally built by midst of that exile and sometimes it’s aft erwards.” Nebuchadnezzar II in 575 B.C. It was dedicated to Ishtar, the “The prophets particularly talk about Babylon as an in- goddess of love and war. It was decorated with glazed blue strument of God’s wrath,” Morris continued. “The Book of tiles with alternating rows of dragons and bulls. The drag- Daniel centers itself in Babylon as well as the Book of Eze- ons were a tribute to Marduk, the god of water, vegetation, kiel. So, Babylonian history is very important for people of judgment and magic. The bulls were dedicated to the rain faith to understand.” Muslims and Christians are also an important part of Babylonian history. “In addition, Muslims revere many of the prophets who were in Babylon who were mentioned in the old testament,” said Morris. “Of course, Christians understand Babylon from the new testament. It’s mentioned prominently in the Book of Revelation as a city and as a metaphor for a gigantic civilization in opposition to God. So, that empire and that city are important for people of monotheist faiths to understand the development of their faith.” In recent history, Saddam Hussein had begun reconstruction of the ruins and built a palace on the site. Many bricks of the reconstruction have an inscription in the imitation of Nebuchadnezzar II. Many of them state, “This was built by Saddam Hussein, son of Nebuchadnezzar, to glorify Iraq.” Today, surveys are being conducted to determine the pos- sibility of making Babylon a historic and tourism site. For people like Morris, this is an exciting prospect as he saw the visit as a unique opportunity. “To be there today for me personally as a person of faith and a Christian is a sacred privilege,” he said. For more of Sgt.Crankshaw’s stories, visit: www.TheRedBulls.org/Crankshaw

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Photo by Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw Soldiers and civilians prepare to enter the ancient city of Babylon for a tour. The entrance to the ruins is a re-creation of Ishtar Gate. This gate was originally built by Nebuchadnezzar II in 575 B.C. It was dedicated to Ishtar, the goddess of love and war. The Red Bull Report July 22, 2009  Page 4 “Iraqi Dinar only, please!”

By Pfc. Bethany L. Little 172nd Inf. Bde.

FOB KALSU – ThThe llocal national market at Forward Operating Base Kalsu serves as a morale booster for Sol- diers by off ering many items such as electronics, movies, video games, souvenirs, microwaves and televisions. Recently, there has been a serious change to the way business is handled at the market. Prior to July 1, Soldiers were able to use either U.S. dollars or Iraqi Dinar to pur- chase products from the market. However, in an eff ort to help boost Iraq’s economy, the market will no longer ac- cept U.S. dollars as currency. “As the United States pulls out of the country, we’re trying to push the use of the Iraqi Dinar as much as pos- sible,” said 1st Lt. Daniel C. Meadows, dispatching agent, Detachment A, 230th Financial Management Company. “We’re trying to strengthen their economy and help the Iraqis have faith in their own money.” The new policy from the Defense Finance and Account- ing Service states that in October of this year, the fi nance offi ce here will no longer be able to disperse U.S. currency. “We’re instituting changes now so when the policy is implemented, residents are prepared to handle their fi - nances when October gets here,” said Meadows, a native of Andalusia, Ala. “We didn’t want to surprise Soldiers and civilians with an abrupt halt of distribution, so we’re weaning them off the need of American money here.” Photo by Pfc. Bethany L. Little Previously, anyone could draw as much as $200 a month Spc. Marie A. Bryniarski, military police, 563rd Military Police Company, gives in American money from the fi nance offi ce. Now residents Spc. Monica A. Eitniear, fi nancial management technician, Detachment A, 230th can only pull out $50 in American money. Anything more, Financial Management Company, $50 to exchange into 57,925 Iraqi Dinar to be up to $200 worth, is converted into Iraqi Dinar. used at the local national market at Forward Operating Base Kalsu. By October of this year, American money will not be dispersed for use in Iraq. Soldiers “Soldiers and civilians traveling on environmental mo- redeploying or traveling on environmental morale leave will be able to withdraw rale leave or redeploying to their home unit are able to American currency. receive American money,” said Meadows. “Our goal is to To acquire Iraqi Dinar, Soldiers and civilians can go help boost the Iraqi economy by making their currency to the fi nance offi ce during their business hours, 9 a.m. stronger. In order to do that, the American dollar has to to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on stop circulating through the country.” Sundays. If the shop owners do not comply with the new policy, they are suspended from conducting business in the For all of Pfc. Little’s stories go to: market for fi ve days on the fi rst off ense. If they are seen www.TheRedBulls.org/Little accepting American money again they are permanently suspended from the market.

Sam Waddles, paranormal investigator the famous “ghost hunter” was born in Andalusia in 1933. Sam’s most well-known encounter with an apparition was the now infamous Smurl haunt- ing, an alleged demonic possession in the United States, on which the ﬁ lm The Haunted was based. The Red Bull Report July 22, 2009  Page 5

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Around the world in 34 seconds BEĲ ING - They fl ed in droves, terrifi ed by rumors of a radiation leak. While most residents of Henan province’s Qi county had returned by July 20 amid government assurances it was safe, last week’s mass exodus illustrates how quickly rumors can spread and cause alarm in China. The unease was sparked July 17 when bystanders saw government workers at a factory using robots to examine a cobalt-60 irradiator that had malfunctioned. The machine is used mainly for sterilizing pepper powder, fl avoring used in instant noodles and garlic. Within hours, alarm spread as people began hearing word that explosions occurred at the irradiation plant. Zhu Zhihai, manager of a garlic-processing factory, estimated that about a third of the county’s 1 million people fl ed. He said he didn’t leave because the local environmental protec- tion bureau told him there was no disaster. BISHOP, Calif. - A lightning-sparked wildfi re in the Inyo National Forest near Bishop surged to 2,000 acres July 19 and forced the evacuation of a small community and several campgrounds, authorities said. The fi re was the larg- est of 23 likely started by lightning in the forest over the weekend. It thrived in hundred-degree heat aft er it started July 18, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Louth. The town of Aspendell was evacuated, along with nine campgrounds in the Inyo National Forest. Louth said the blaze was on a ridge above homes and no structures were in immediate danger. About 200 fi refi ghters, with help from fi ve air tankers, two helicopters and a spott er plane, fought the fi re burning in diffi cult-to-reach terrain amid heavy vegetation, Louth said. The fi re was about 10 miles west of Bishop, a central Cali- fornia city of about 3,500, but Louth says the blaze was burning northward toward less populated areas.

PHILADELPHIA - Rodrigo Lopez knows he might get dumped from Philadelphia’s starting rotation for a healthy Pedro Martinez. He wants to make next month’s decision a tough one for the Phillies. Raul Ibanez hit a three-run homer, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard each went deep to back Lopez, and the sizzling Phillies won their ninth straight game, 10-1 over the Chicago Cubs July 20. The Phillies are on their longest winning streak since 2006 and improved to 23-23 at home. They were 13-22 at home before they went 9-1 in their last homestand. RAHWAY, New Jersey - Police in central New Jersey said they arrested a man on burglary charges aft er he returned to the victim’s house to apologize. Rahway offi cers arrested 35-year-old Craig Fletcher July 15 shortly aft er the homeowner told them a man had just rung his doorbell, apologized for the break-in and ran off on foot. The homeowner said he interrupted the June 29 burglary. He chased the burglar, who had stuff ed three laptops and an Xbox game console into a backpack. The intruder threw the bag down and got away. Fletcher was also charged with a second burglary in the same neighborhood. He was taken to the Union County Jail in lieu of $60,000 bail. Police did not know whether he had a lawyer