Roger Arnold

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  • Tong Her in an ambulance during tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities threatened to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007. Tong has been recieving reconstructive surgery in Thailand and was being taken from the Dention Center to Nong Khai Hospital for treatment. Half of Tong's face was shot off by Lao Army forces in the jungles of Laos.  ....The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men, including Tong's father Blia Shoua Her, barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ....The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ....On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos.....Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    Tong Her 1 01Copy.jpg
  • Tong Her in an ambulance during tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities threatened to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007. Tong has been recieving reconstructive surgery in Thailand and was being taken from the Dention Center to Nong Khai Hospital for treatment. Half of Tong's face was shot off by Lao Army forces in the jungles of Laos.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men, including Tong's father, Blia Shoua Her, barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    Tong Her 301Copy.jpg
  • Tong Her in an ambulance during tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities threatened to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007. Tong has been recieving reconstructive surgery in Thailand and was being taken from the Dention Center to Nong Khai Hospital for treatment. Half of Tong's face was shot off by Lao Army forces in the jungles of Laos.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men, including Tong's father, Blia Shoua Her, barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    Tong Her 4 02Copy.jpg
  • Tong Her in an ambulance during tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities threatened to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007. Tong has been recieving reconstructive surgery in Thailand and was being taken from the Dention Center to Nong Khai Hospital for treatment. Half of Tong's face was shot off by Lao Army forces in the jungles of Laos.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men, including Tong's father, Blia Shoua Her, barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    Tong Her 201Copy.jpg
  • There were tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities tried to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007.  In protest the women and children sat in the street infront of the buses.  Some Hmong collapsed with emotion and exhaustion from the ordeal.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    _DSC0035.1Copy.jpg
  • A woman prays for help to an official at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities tried to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007.  In protest the women and children sat in the street infront of the buses.  Some Hmong collapsed with emotion and exhaustion from the ordeal.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    _DSC0141Copy.jpg
  • There were tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities tried to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007.  In protest the women and children sat in the street infront of the buses.  Some Hmong collapsed with emotion and exhaustion from the ordeal.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    _DSC0027Copy.jpg
  • There were tense scenes at the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Center as authorities tried to deport 152 Hmong refugees back to Laos, Nong Khai, Thailand, on Tuesday January 30th, 2007.  In protest the women and children sat in the street infront of the buses.  Some Hmong collapsed with emotion and exhaustion from the ordeal.  ..The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos...Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   This includes Blia Shoua Her's group of 438 people who suffered the massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from humanitarian groups.
    _DSC0015Copy.jpg
  • Refugee, Tong Her, holding his UNHCR refugee certificate in Thailand. He escaped from the jungles of Laos after half his face was shot off by the communist Lao Army.  ....His group of Hmong people report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces near Vang Vieng, Laos.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).....On January 30th, 2007, Thai authorities tried to forcibly deport Tong Her along with 152 other refugees.  The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ....The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ....On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos.  The Lao Government called this group of 160 "Economic refugees"; however, they have vanished inside Laos.....Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   ..This includes jungle leader Blia Shoua Her?s group of 438 people who suffered the alleged massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from the UN, Amnesty International, diplomats and human rights groups.....Deporting recognized refugees is an illegal act against a principle of international law called non refoulment.  ..**Exclusive**
    Hmong Nong Khai 28.1.jpg
  • Refugee, Zong Lee Lor, holding his UNHCR refugee certificate in Thailand. He was captured by the Lao Army in the jungles of Laos and claims he was tortured for one year in arm and leg stocks unable to move before he finally escaped.  He currently suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.....Zong Lee Lor told a human rights advocate,  "When the Lao soldiers capture and detain us they say they?re not arresting its Lao citizens they?re arresting Americans. When they hit and beat us they say they don?t beat us but beat the Americans."....On January 30th, 2007, Thai authorities tried to forcibly deport Zong Lee Lor along with 152 other refugees.  The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ....The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ....On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly deported a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers to back Laos.  The Lao Government called this group of 160 "Economic refugees"; however, they have vanished inside Laos.....Up to 1,000 Hmong jungle people surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to Lao Military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   ..This includes jungle leader Blia Shoua Her?s group of 438 people who suffered the alleged massacre April 6, 2006.  All of these Hmong have vanished and the Lao Government has made no account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from the UN, Amnesty International, diplomats and human rights groups.....Deporting recognized refugees is an illegal act against a principle of international law called non refoulment.  ..**Exclusive**
    Hmong Nong Khai 30.jpg
  • A refugee girl at Camp Ei Tu Hta on the Salaween River, Myanmar (Burma) on Monday, April 2, 2007.  The camp started in early 2006 when 815 people fled from Taungoo District in Karen State due to increased violence by the Burmese State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).  It is believed that these people along with many others who did not make it to the camp were displaced for being too close to the new Burmese captial city Naypyidaw. The camp population is currently 2,971 with new arrivals coming each day.  Thousands of ethnic Karen are internally displaced people (IDP's) living in fear of their government.  Human rights groups have documented thousands of abuses by the SPDC including forced labor, rape, human mine sweeping, murder, and ethnic cleansing.
    Ei Tu Hta 09.jpg
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  • Thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar crossing the Naf River border through rice paddies into Bangladesh near Anjuman Para village, Palong Khali, Bangladesh, October 16, 2017.  Over 500,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since the outbreak of violence in Myanmar in August.   The UN High Commisioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, has described the situation as seeming to be a ‘textbook example of ethnic cleansing.’
    National Geographic Thailand.jpg
  • Thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar crossing the Naf River border through rice paddies into Bangladesh near Anjuman Para village, Palong Khali, Bangladesh, October 16, 2017.  Over 500,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since the outbreak of violence in Myanmar in August.   The UN High Commisioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, has described the situation as seeming to be a ‘textbook example of ethnic cleansing.’
    National Geographic Hungarian.jpg
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  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_17.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_19.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_15.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_16.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_12.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_09.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_14.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_11.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_07.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_06.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_01.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_18.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_05.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    _DSC5938.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_20.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_10.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_13.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_08.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_04.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_02.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos.1.jpg
  • US Special Forces mentor Afghan Commandos at Camp Morehead, Rish Khvor, Afghanistan.  The camp was a former training facility for the Soviet Army and later the Taliban.
    Afghanistan ODA & Commandos_03.jpg
  • United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as Red Shirt protestors, gather at their strategic strong hold blocking the central shopping district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailand's most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_3.jpg
  • United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as Red Shirt protestors, gather to hear speechs by leaders at their strategic strong hold blocking the central shopping district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 8, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailandís most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_4.jpg
  • Hmong protest forced repatriations and burn down half of Petchabun refugee camp.  The tried to march to Bangkok but were stopped by police.
    20-06-2008 20-11-49_0364.jpg
  • Hmong protest forced repatriations and burn down half of Petchabun refugee camp.  The tried to march to Bangkok but were stopped by police.
    01.jpg
  • Patches being sold at a booth inside the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD also known as Red Shirt) protestors strategic strong hold of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 15, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailand's most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_8.jpg
  • United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as Red Shirt protestors, gather at their strategic strong hold blocking the central shopping district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailand's most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_5.jpg
  • United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as Red Shirt protestors, gather at their strategic strong hold blocking the central shopping district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailand's most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_1.jpg
  • Refugee, Zong Lee Lo, holding his UNHCR refugee certificate in Thailand. He escaped from the jungles of Laos.  ..On January 30th, 2007, Thai authorities tried to forcibly repatriate Zong Lee Lo along with 152 other refugees.  The deportation was postponed after the Hmong men barricaded their jail cell and threatened mass suicide if they were forcibly sent back to Laos where they face possible torture and death.  ..The men reportedly declared, "We would rather die in Thailand than be sent back to Laos".  ..On May 16, 2007 the Thai Military Junta forced the UNHCR Bangkok refugee office to stop accepting applications from asylum seekers.  On Friday night June 8, 2007, after UNHCR and western diplomats had gone home for the weekend, Thai authorities forcibly repatriated a different group of 160 Hmong asylum seekers.  The Lao Government called this group of 160 "Economic refugees"; however, they too had well documented claims of persecution...Up to 1,000 Hmong hiding in the jungle surrendered to Lao authorities last year due to military pressure, an inability to defend themselves, and lack of food or medicine.   ..Thailand continues to forcibly repatriate Hmong and the Lao Government has made no open account of their whereabouts or condition despite requests from the UN, Amnesty International, diplomats and human rights groups...Deporting recognized refugees is an illegal act against a principle of international law called non refoulment.  .
    Zong Lee Lor 02.jpg
  • Hmong protest forced repatriations and burn down half of Petchabun refugee camp.  The tried to march to Bangkok but were stopped by police.
    IMG_2055.jpg
  • United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as Red Shirt protestors, gather at their strategic strong hold blocking the central shopping district of Ratchaprasong, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2010.  The protestors have forced the closure of some of Thailand's most prestigious upscale malls and hotels in a battle that has been depicted by the Red Shirts as peasants vs. the elite.
    Red Shirts_2.jpg
  • Hmong protest forced repatriations and burn down half of Petchabun refugee camp.  The tried to march to Bangkok but were stopped by police.
    20-06-2008 20-11-44_0363.jpg
  • Hmong protest forced repatriations and burn down half of Petchabun refugee camp.  The tried to march to Bangkok but were stopped by police.
    02.jpg
  • Hmong General Vang Pao, holding hands with Thai Army Chief Of Staff, Surakij Mayalab, overlooking the famous Hmong/CIA headquarters, Long Tieng, Laos, Circa 1972/1973.  To the left of Surakij Mayalab with shaved head is CIA case officer, Burr Smith, AKA "Mr. Clean".  ....Third from the right, with the receding hairline, is Thai General Witoon Yasowarat, commander of Thai forces in Laos.  ....The rest of the men in the photo are Thai, from the elite CIA trained unit call PARU, or Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit, and Royal  Thai Army, both of which served in Laos with Lao-Hmong forces.  Fourth from the left, for example is Thai Police Colonel Rashane Kijjavej, an advisor to Vang Pao for many years.....The PARU worked directly with Vang Pao from 1961 to 1975 defending the Royal Lao Government from communist forces, most of whom were North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Thai Army ran its wartime operations in Laos from Udorn Thani.  ....Thailand impletmented its Task Force Unity deploying approximately 24,000 Thai volunteers to Laos who fought along side the Hmong and other ethnic groups.  Approximately 2,200 Thai were killed defending the Kingdom of Laos from invading Lao and Vietnamese communists.  It is likely up to 50,000 Thai soldiers are veterans from the "secret war" in Laos.......
    Thai_Army_Laos.jpg
  • Candidates for ANA officer cadet school take academic tests given by American, ISAF NATO, and Afghan soldiers at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), modeled on the US Military Academy at West Point.  Out of approximately 3,000 applicants only 300 are selected each year during three days of academics and fitness tests.  The first class will graduate in 2009 with four year degrees majoring in civil engineering, computer sciences and law.  By 2012 the campus will be housed in a new $150 - 200 million facility named the Afghan Defense University (ADU).  The school is run by Afghan instructors with mentors from the 41 nation coalition International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces.
    ANA 6.jpg
  • Candidates for ANA officer cadet school take academic tests given by American, ISAF NATO, and Afghan soldiers at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), modeled on the US Military Academy at West Point.  Out of approximately 3,000 applicants only 300 are selected each year during three days of academics and fitness tests.  The first class will graduate in 2009 with four year degrees majoring in civil engineering, computer sciences and law.  By 2012 the campus will be housed in a new $150 - 200 million facility named the Afghan Defense University (ADU).  The school is run by Afghan instructors with mentors from the 41 nation coalition International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces.
    ANA 28.jpg
  • Candidates for ANA officer cadet school take academic tests given by American, ISAF NATO, and Afghan soldiers at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), modeled on the US Military Academy at West Point.  Out of approximately 3,000 applicants only 300 are selected each year during three days of academics and fitness tests.  The first class will graduate in 2009 with four year degrees majoring in civil engineering, computer sciences and law.  By 2012 the campus will be housed in a new $150 - 200 million facility named the Afghan Defense University (ADU).  The school is run by Afghan instructors with mentors from the 41 nation coalition International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces.
    ANA 5.jpg
  • Ms. Khoua Lee, only a teenager, shows her injuries, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 3, 2006.  She told me her story of being ambushed by Laos Government soldiers on July 15, 2003.  She says they shot her in the face and hand before she was able to escape.  Tears trickled down her face over the scare that reached from her mouth almost to her ear...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos Hmong 129.jpg
  • 80 year old, Blia Yang Fang, holds his battered American made AR-15 he used as part of the CIA Secret Army, near Vang Vieng Laos, July 3, 2006..  He fought for the French when they held Laos as a colony and later fought for the CIA working in demolition teams to sabotage the North Vietnamese Army invading Laos...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 5.jpg
  • The religious officer from the ANA 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, speaks with villagers during an operation in Tagab Valley.....Colonel Haynes was firm about the Afghan's potential indicating they inherently understand COIN.  The ANA is a national army with each unit strictly reflecting the ethnic make up of the nation.  Unlike foreign forces they speak the same languages, understand the culture and people.  Haynes stated, "Heck they even invented the corps religious officer who they use to relate to the people.  I never heard of it before, but I love it!"  Each ANA brigade deploys a religious officer, or mullah, who preaches to villagers the sins of supporting violent insurgent groups.   Unconventional innovative ideas like this are essential in COIN.
    ANA 10.jpg
  • Soldiers rest in their abandoned village, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 2, 2006...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 8.jpg
  • Nang Li Hua, boils a wild plant from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 6.jpg
  • Jo Vong Thaw, holds a rat he caught for food bare handed, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  The Hmong hiding in the jungle are near starvation in many cases, surviving on any wild plants or animals they can scavenge.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 2.jpg
  • Chea Thaw with bloated stomach common to most children hiding in the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 15.1Copy.jpg
  • Mr. Wang Chai Her, 40 years old, killed April 6, 2006.  He was the oldest son of group leader Blia Shoua Her.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 2.jpg
  • Candidates for ANA officer cadet school take fitness tests given by Turkish NATO soldiers at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA), modeled on the US Military Academy at West Point.  Out of approximately 3,000 applicants only 300 are selected each year during three days of academics and fitness tests.  The first class will graduate in 2009 with four year degrees majoring in civil engineering, computer sciences and law.  By 2012 the campus will be housed in a new $150 - 200 million facility named the Afghan Defense University (ADU).  The school is run by Afghan instructors with mentors from ISAF NATO forces.
    ANA 4.jpg
  • Afghan National Army recruits practice urban warfare training at the KMTC (Kabul Military Training Center) with mentoring by American and members of the 41 nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition.  Most training is done by officers from the Afghan Army.  As of November 2008 the ANA was 68,000 soldiers strong and projected to reach 134,000 by 2012.  CSTC-A and the Kabul Military Training Institute continue to churn out a 1,200 battalion of soldiers every two weeks.
    ANA 22.jpg
  • Afghan National Army recruits practice urban warfare training at the KMTC (Kabul Military Training Center) with mentoring by American and members of the 41 nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition.  Most training is done by officers from the Afghan Army.  As of November 2008 the ANA was 68,000 soldiers strong and projected to reach 134,000 by 2012.  CSTC-A and the Kabul Military Training Institute continue to churn out a 1,200 battalion of soldiers every two weeks.
    ANA 19.jpg
  • Hmong soldiers camped in the remote jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 26, 2006. ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  The CIA trained and funded many Hmong hill tribes in Laos from 1961 to 1973 to fight communism.  The Hmong suffered massive casualties defending their homeland and rescuing US pilots.  When America withdrew from the conflict most Hmong were left alone to face the might of the North Vietnamese Army.  The Royal Lao Government fell to the communists and the Hmong became outcasts in the country they fought to defend.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN....
    Laos JungleHmong 10.jpg
  • Mrs. Bao Thao, 32 years old, killed April 6, 2006.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  ....
    Hmong Nong Khai 27.jpg
  • An AN-124 delivers two new Russian built Mi17 helicopters to the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) at Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 25, 2009.
    _DSC9100.jpg
  • An AN-124 delivers two new Russian built Mi17 helicopters to the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) at Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 25, 2009.
    _DSC9064.jpg
  • An AN-124 delivers two new Russian built Mi17 helicopters to the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) at Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 25, 2009.
    _DSC9086.jpg
  • US Marine Colonel Jeff Haynes, Commanding Officer, 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command, (left) inside a "Qalat," with a OH-58 Kiowa helicopter overhead.  To his right is Marine Major Byron V. Chapman.....US mentors are living with Afghan National Army soldiers in a small "Qalat" rented from a nearby village in Tagab Valley.  It is part of the counterinsurgency effort to connect with villagers, gather intelligence and provide local security.....Colonel Haynes said fixating solely on the enemy is a mistake.  His men are on the sharp end of the fight taking calculated risks as COIN doctrine prescribes.  The Marines' COIN strategies come from lessons learned by the French and British as well as their own history.  During the Vietnam War the Marines employed a similar COIN idea with some success known as "Combined Action Programs (CAP's)."  They lived in villages and fought alongside indigenous Vietnamese security forces.  Marine General Victor "Brute" Krulak defended the program and waged his own internal policy war with Army General Westmoreland.  Krulak lost his battle with Westmoreland who preferred massive firepower and body counts - a strategy that wreaked havoc on the civilian population.  ..
    ANA 29.jpg
  • Afghan National Army recruits practice urban warfare training at the KMTC (Kabul Military Training Center) with mentoring by American and members of the 41 nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition.  Most training is done by officers from the Afghan Army.  As of November 2008 the ANA was 68,000 soldiers strong and projected to reach 134,000 by 2012.  CSTC-A and the Kabul Military Training Institute continue to churn out a 1,200 battalion of soldiers every two weeks.
    ANA 21.jpg
  • Afghan National Army recruits practice urban warfare training at the KMTC (Kabul Military Training Center) with mentoring by American and members of the 41 nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition.  Most training is done by officers from the Afghan Army.  As of November 2008 the ANA was 68,000 soldiers strong and projected to reach 134,000 by 2012.  CSTC-A and the Kabul Military Training Institute continue to churn out a 1,200 battalion of soldiers every two weeks.
    ANA 18.jpg
  • Blia Shoua Her (center standing), and some of his group, near Vang Vieng, Laos, July 4, 2006.  He apologized to me that more of his 500 people could not be present for a village portrait as they were too busy and desperate out searching for food in the jungle.  ..**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 20.1Copy.jpg
  • Sua Her, peels wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 16.jpg
  • Women and children wash wild roots dug from the jungle, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 11.jpg
  • Mr. Kong Meng Fa or Tong Fang, injured April 6, 2006.  His wife was killed.....Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).
    Hmong Nong Khai 26.jpg
  • Mrs. Doua Thao, 30 years old, killed April 6, 2006...Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  ..
    Hmong Nong Khai 11.jpg
  • An AN-124 delivers two new Russian built Mi17 helicopters to the Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC) at Kabul International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, on September 25, 2009.
    _DSC9114.jpg
  • An Afghan villager tends a field outside a "Qalat" used by US mentors living with Afghan National Army soldiers rented from a nearby village in Tagab Valley.  In the background is the graded road being paved to help the valley.....It is part of the counterinsurgency effort to connect with villagers, gather intelligence and provide local security.....Colonel Haynes said fixating solely on the enemy is a mistake.  His men are on the sharp end of the fight taking calculated risks as COIN doctrine prescribes.  The Marines' COIN strategies come from lessons learned by the French and British as well as their own history.  During the Vietnam War the Marines employed a similar COIN idea with some success known as "Combined Action Programs (CAP's)."  They lived in villages and fought alongside indigenous Vietnamese security forces.  Marine General Victor "Brute" Krulak defended the program and waged his own internal policy war with Army General Westmoreland.  Krulak lost his battle with Westmoreland who preferred massive firepower and body counts - a strategy that wreaked havoc on the civilian population.  ..
    ANA 15.jpg
  • Tong Hua Her, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 29, 2006.  Half of Tong's face is missing from a bullet wound leaving him blind in one eye with his nasal cavity exposed.  His father and group leader, Blia Shoua Her yelled, "Communist!  Communist do this!"  His father says on July 15, 2003, Tong and some family were ambushed by Communist Lao troops who were on patrol...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 7.jpg
  • As we approached the site of the April 6th massacre one soldier, Song Yee Thao, screamed and began to cry, then many of the others joined in mourning, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 30, 2006.  Group leader, Blia Shoua Her, in background...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 17.1Copy.jpg
  • Young Hmong girls return with bamboo shoots for food, near Vang Vieng, Laos, June 28, 2006.  The women and children hunt all day in the forest for wild roots and berries while the men do their best to protect them.  They usually spend about 18 hours per day just trying to find food and often go hungry.  They say the Lao army shoots at them so often they are unable to stay in one place to farm vegetables or livestock.  Many suffer digestive problems, malnutrition and starvation...**EXCLUSIVE, no tabloids without permission**  .Pictured are a group of Hmong people who report an attack against them April 6, 2006 by Lao and Vietnamese military forces.  26 people perished, 5 were injured, and 5 babies died shortly after because their dead mothers could not breast-feed them.  Only one adult male was killed, the other 25 victims were women and children (17 children).  The Lao Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this is a fabrication, an investigation has been completed, and there was no attack.  The Hmong group says no officials have interviewed witnesses or visited the crime scene, a point the Lao Spokesman did not deny.  ..The Hmong people pictured have hidden in remote mountains of Laos for more than 30 years, afraid to come out.  At least 12,000 are said to exist, with little food, scavenging in the jungle. Most have not seen the modern world.  Since 1975, under the communists, thousands of reports evidence the Hmong have suffered frequent persecution, torture, mass executions, imprisonment, and possible chemical weapons attacks.  Reports of these atrocities continue to this day.  The Lao Government generally denies the jungle people exist or that any of this is happening.  The Hmong group leader, Blia Shoua Her, says they are not part of the Hmong resistance and want peace.  He claims they are just civilians defending their families, hoping to surrender to the UN..
    Laos JungleHmong 14.jpg
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