Headline News

How ISIS Was Created In A US Prison Camp Called Camp Bucca

It was called Camp Bucca. To coalition forces in Iraq, it was the primary detention facility for enemy prisoners of war. It is the birthplace of ISIS.

Published

10 years ago

June 3, 2015

Geoffrey Grider

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The facility spread out below him, row after row of neatly aligned white aluminum roofs, looking like Chiclets set against the endless beige of the desert floor.

It was called Camp Bucca. To coalition forces in Iraq, it was the primary detention facility for enemy prisoners of war. To Mitchell Gray, then 48 and serving his country for the third time, it was simply the place where the US Army had decided his skills, which included a law degree and a fluency in Arabic, were needed most.

He and the rest of his unit, the 45th Infantry Brigade of the Oklahoma National Guard, were flying helicopters in from Kuwait. It was shortly after landing that he got a first glimpse at a few of the 26,000 detainees, staring at him from the other side of the concertina wire.

A soldier stands guard as detainees pray at a U.S. military detention facility Camp Bucca.

“You never see hatred on the faces of Americans like you saw on the faces of these detainees,” Gray remembers of his 2008 tour. “When I say they hated us, I mean they looked like they would have killed us in a heartbeat if given the chance. I turned to the warrant officer I was with and I said, ‘If they could, they would rip our heads off and drink our blood.’ ”

What Gray didn’t know — but might have expected — was that he was not merely looking at the United States’ former enemies, but its future ones as well. According to intelligence experts and Department of Defense records, the vast majority of the leadership of what is today known as ISIS, including its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, did time at Camp Bucca.

And not only did the US feed, clothe and house these jihadists, it also played a vital, if unwitting, role in facilitating their transformation into the most formidable terrorist force in modern history.

Camp Bucca started, as so many policy blunders do, with nothing but the best intentions. The Army simply needed a place to stick bad actors where they could not harm US troops.

The 800th Military Police Brigade, a reserve unit based on Long Island, were the ones who christened it Camp Bucca. It was fitting symbolism for a place designed to hold terrorists: Ronald Bucca was an FDNY marshall who died on 9/11.

For much of the war, Bucca might as well have been invisible to folks back home. The war correspondents focused their attention on Mosul or Fallujah, places where the bullets were flying and the blood was flowing. The only detention facility to gain real notice was Abu Ghraib, where abuses against Iraqi prisoners made headlines around the world.

Early in Bucca’s existence, the most extreme inmates were congregated in Compound 6. There were not enough Americans guards to safely enter the compound — and, in any event, the guards didn’t speak Arabic. So the detainees were left alone to preach to one another and share deadly vocational advice.

Adel Jasim Mohammed, a former detainee, once described the scene to Al Jazeera. “Extremists had freedom to educate the young detainees,” Mohammed said. “I saw them giving courses using classroom boards on how to use explosives, weapons and how to become suicide bombers.”

They were also networking in ways that never would have been possible outside the wire. A few months back, The Guardian published an extraordinary interview with an ISIS leader it called Abu Ahmed, who described his years at Bucca in glowing terms.

This is the US prison where ISIS was born

“We had so much time to sit and plan,” Ahmed said. “It was the perfect environment. We all agreed to get together when we got out. The way to reconnect was easy. We wrote each other’s details on the elastic of our boxer shorts. When we got out, we called. Everyone who was important to me was written on white elastic. I had their phone numbers, their villages.”

“It really was that simple,” Ahmed said later during the interview. “Boxers helped us win the war.”

Al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed caliph of the Islamic state, spent 10 quiet months at Bucca. According to Pentagon records, he was released in December 2004. He was such a model inmate, a military review board deemed him not to be a significant threat.

Bucca also housed Haji Bakr, a former colonel in Saddam Hussein’s air-defense force. Bakr was no religious zealot. He was just a guy who lost his job when the Coalition Provisional Authority disbanded the Iraqi military and instituted de-Baathification, a policy of banning Saddam’s past supporters from government work.

According to documents recently obtained by German newspaper Der Spiegel, Bakr was the real mastermind behind ISIS’s organizational structure and also mapped out the strategies that fueled its early successes. Bakr, who died in fighting in 2014, was incarcerated at Bucca from 2006-’08, along with a dozen or more of ISIS’s top lieutenants.

The collusion at Bucca got so bad that when Marine Maj. Gen. Doug Stone was put in command of the camp in 2007, he became aware that some insurgents were allowing themselves to be caught so they could join their comrades.

“They showed up knowing about our intake process,” Stone said. “They would come in and say, ‘I believe this and such and therefore I’d like to get into Compound 34.’ These guys were using detention for their own purposes.”

Stone immediately set about breaking up the 1,000-man compounds into 10-man huts to limit inmate interaction. He released detainees who weren’t a threat, so they couldn’t be indoctrinated by the ones who were. He implemented an ideological re-education program, bringing in local imams to preach a moderate version of the Koran.

“It made a difference. And if we had done some of those things five or six years earlier, it might have made more of a difference,” Stone said. “At that point, it was probably too little too late.”

As the battle-weary US began scrambling for the exit in 2009, many former-and-future jihadists held at Bucca were simply let go. Others were released into the hands of Iraqi authorities, who proved inept at keeping them locked up.

One of the first priorities of the Islamic State when it began organizing and gaining strength in 2010 and 2011 was to spring its would-be compatriots, which it did through a combination of bribing corrupt Iraqi officials and staging coordinated attacks on the prisons.

“There were a number of detainees that when we left, we said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t let these guys out,’ ” Stone said. “But of course they all got free. There was a lot of talent and expertise there. They really broke out the Who’s Who in the Zoo.”

It is with sadness that Stone, Gray and other soldiers look at the chaos now in the region. They came to help an oppressed people build a new Iraq. The end result, as ISIS rewrites the rules of region, may be that Iraq is wiped off the map altogether.

“There were obviously mistakes made in how we handled Iraq,” said Greg, the ex-officer. “In retrospect, bringing every jihadi and insurgent into the same place and giving them all the time in the world to get to know one another may go down as our biggest mistake.” source

Headline News

NTEB SUNDAY SERVICE: Too Many Birthdays

Published

17 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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Is there such a thing as too many birthdays? There sure is if you waste the time the Lord has given to get something done for Him.

The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon, has a lot to say about the true nature of life, and the inherent danger in having too many birthdays. The time to get something done for the Lord is when you have the time, opportunity and strength to do it. Preached live this morning at Bethany Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (KJB)

SUNDAY SERVICE STUDY NOTES: Too Many Birthdays

Too Many Birthdays

OT: 12 sons of Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 spies in Canaan, 12 stones in altar of Elijah, 12 minor prophets, 12 unleavened cakes in the Temple

NT: 12 apostles, 12 baskets of leftovers, Jesus is 12 years old teaching in the Temple, Jesus spoke of calling 12 legions of angels, 12 foundations and 12 gates in New Jerusalem, the 144,000 is 12 x 12,000, 24 elders in Revelation.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJB)

“Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:5 (KJB)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (KJB)

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (KJB)

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.” Proverbs 5:21 (KJB)

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” Proverbs 6:6 (KJB)

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.” Proverbs 7:1 (KJB)

“Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Proverbs 8:34 (KJB)

“Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” Proverbs 9:6 (KJB)

“The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.” Proverbs 10:28 (KJB)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 (KJB)

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.

But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

Free Bible Program

Infamous Mafia Hitman And Contract Killer Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano Believes The Gospel And Gets Saved, Born Again And Water Baptized

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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Sammy Gravano was in and out of prison long before Bibles Behind Bars was raised up, but every day we give King James Bibles to inmates just like he was

When I first watched the video of Sammy “The Bull” Gravano getting baptized, it brought tears to my eyes and the look on his face absolutely genuine and right in line with what you’d expect to see in a brand-new baby Christian who just got saved. Then I went back to listen to the entire story, and my heart sank a little as I heard Gravano talking about his testimony which, the longer I listened to it, the shakier it got. Then, at 13:02 minutes into the video, paydirt, Sammy said he needed forgiveness and redemption (that’s it!) for the deeds done in his life, and that he acknowledged that Jesus Christ (That’s it again!) was the only place to get it. Praise the Lord, Sammy The Bull got saved! This is one of the reasons why Bibles Behind Bars is so very important in these last days.

“And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.” Acts 22:4 (KJB)

Sammy Gravano was in and out of prison long before Bibles Behind Bars was raised up by the Lord, but hardened criminal inmates just like Gravano are behind bars right now, and if Sammy The Bull can get saved, they can too. To date, we have record of nearly 700 inmates who have gotten saved by believing the gospel and given a Bible from Bibles Behind Bars. 700! And many of them are men just as wicked and as vile as Gravano, just as wicked and vile as you and I were when we came to the Lord to get saved. Right now, the Carson City Correctional Center in Michigan is surrounded by double fences with razor-ribbon wire and two gun towers. Electronic detection systems and patrol vehicles are also utilized to maintain perimeter security. And guess what? Chaplain Lonny there has reached out and asked us for Bibles to give to as many of their 2,300 inmates as we are able to provide. The total for that many Bibles is $8,257.00 if you were wondering. Christian, if we’re not working to see people get saved, then why are we here?

Come help us to send King James Bibles, books and Christian literature to every jail and prison that asks us, and pray the Lord that many more like Sammy The Bull will get saved.

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

If God has prospered you, please take a moment to click on the donate button to help us in this monumental task of providing King James Bibles, New Testaments, scripture portions, gospel tracts as well as Spanish Bibles to inmates in jails and prisons from Florida to Alaska, and every state in between. We need your prayers, we need your generous financial support, and we need you to stand with us in the closing days of the Church Age. Thank you so very much, TO THE FIGHT!!!

NOTE: If you need a 501 C3 Letter of Donation for tax purposes, please send your donation to:

NTEB Ministries
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Ste. 1272-129
Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano Believes The Gospel And Gets Saved

To watch this video in its full context, include the all-important part starting at minute 13:02, click here for the full version.

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

Headline News

NTEB PROPHECY NEWS PODCAST: Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq Says He Is The Part-Muslim And Part-Jewish Leader That The Bible Calls The Antichrist

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

Geoffrey Grider

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Today we introduce you to Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq, the man who says he is the biblical fulfillment of who the Bible says is the Antichrist

According to his web site bio, “Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq (From Him is Peace) is the long awaited Savior of Mankind, the promised Mahdi and Qaim prophesied to come from the narrations of Mohammed and the Family of Mohammed (From Them is Peace). He is the son of Imam Ahmed al-Hassan (From Him is Peace) and the grandson of Imam Mohammed ibn Al-Hassan Al-Askari, Al-Mahdi in the soul world.” If this were to be true, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq would be the biblical Antichrist. That’s the memo.

“And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.” Micah 5:5 (KJB)

On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, a strange thing is going on since the death of the Roman pontifex maximus Francis, it’s like a lid was lifted on the underworld, in the spirit realm, and all sorts of end times devils are bubbling to the surface. Is Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq the biblical Antichrist? Highly likely not, but, that’s not to say that he’s not here to play a part in this ongoing last days drama. One thing is for sure, he’s done a little homework and understands, from the Bible, who and what the actual Antichrist is, and for that reason deserves to come on the NTEB radar. Christian, prophecy is unfolding and fulfilling at such a rapid rate that it’s impossible, without a King James Bible, to keep up with what’s going on, going down and coming up. On this episode, prepare to have your mind blown as we introduce you to Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq. Also, updates from Rome ahead of the funeral service of Pope Francis set for Saturday.

Abdullah Hashem Aba Al Sadiq Says He Is The Biblical Messiah

Study Helps And Links For Today’s Podcast

• The NTEB Sunday Service at Bethany Baptist Church

Every Sunday morning, from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST, we invite you to join us live and in-person at Bethany Baptist Church here in Saint Augustine where we lift up the Lord Jesus Christ in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and preach a message from the pages of the King James Authorized Version Holy Bible.

OUR MOST RECENT SUNDAY SERVICE VIDEO: Risen By His Own Power

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Every Sunday and Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST, we offer an in-depth rightly dividing and dispensationally correct rocket ride through the preserved word of God as found within the pages of the King James Holy Bible.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Our original Sunday Night Radio Bible Study, it’s from 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST, and we have praise, singing, testimony and of 90-minute King James Bible study. All our King James bible study programs are archived here.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Our Tuesday Night Radio Bible Study, it’s from 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST, and we have praise, singing, testimony and of 90-minute King James Bible study. All our King James bible study programs are archived here.

• The NTEB PROPHECY NEWS PODCAST Hour

Every Monday and Friday afternoons from Noon to 1:30 PM EST, we examine breaking news and current events in light of bible prophecy.

MONDAY AT NOON: Every Monday at Noon we review all the latest news and events related to bible prophecy, and examine what is happening in light of what is written. If you miss the live show, all of our Prophecy News Podcast programs are archived here.
FRIDAY AT NOON: Friday at Noon we review all the latest news and events related to bible prophecy, and examine what is happening in light of what is written. If you miss the live show, all of our Prophecy News Podcast programs are archived here.

Your Generous Donations Make These Live King James Radio Bible Studies & Prophecy News Podcasts Possible!

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I just want to thank you for the teachings you give every Sunday night on radio. You are such a blessing to me. I absolutely love your way of teaching the scriptures. I don’t have a church where I can have fellowship and teaching, so you have been my teacher for many months now. Thanks God you are there for all of us who have no church to go to. I pray that the Lord will bless you abundantly in your ministry, and your loved ones too. You are such a blessing to me, and many others, in these last days before the rapture. Thank you so much Geoffrey, from the bottom of my heart. May the Lord keep you, until He comes back for us. You are in my prayers.” Donald Godin
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