Articles 1.14.2005

The Delco Daily Times, Associated Press, Philadelphia Daily News, and Philadelphia Inquirer (reg req'd) carry articles on Spc. Michael J. Smith, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 1.11.2005. Spc. Smith's mother died of cancer in 1995. He called his father regularly, the last time on January 3 to wish him a happy birthday. Before joining the Army, Spc. Smith sang in a heavy metal band. According to his father, he joined the army "to improve his life and to serve his country." He married a Russian woman one month before being deployed to Iraq. His wife and stepson are still in Korea.
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The Associated Press picked up on a passing reference, first reported on 1.13.2005, that gunmen "stormed the Al-Rasheed Bank in the centre of Ramadi and made off with 20 billion dinars ($14 million). ""At 11 am, a group broke into the Rashid bank and locked all the employees in a room and took all the money from the bank before escaping," a police captain said." No other details have been provided.
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Other articles from the region:
- AFP: Anti-Shiite attacks mount in Iraq as Powell warns on vote
- Reuters: Iraqis Despair at Struggle of Their Daily Lives
- Washington Post: Iraq New Terror Breeding Ground
- Associated Press: Half of Iraq Population Estimated to Vote
- London Times: Preparations for the election
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraqis Are Far From Home but Voices Will be Heard
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraq War May Incite Terror, CIA Study Says