iraq: the "real" inconvenient truth for democrat's

8/15/2019 Iraq: The "Real" Inconvenient Truth For Democrat's

1/23

Iraqs Inconvenient TruthTruth Of Iraq And How America And Iraq Are Winning The War

Iraqi Sunni Politicians House Raided, Al-Mahdi Army Suspect ArrestedMarch 10th, 2007

(BBC Monitoring)

Between 0800 gmt and 1200 gmt on 9 March, Baghdad Al-Sharqiyah Television reports on security and political developments in Iraq asfollows:

Security Developments:

- An Ira qi Army force ra ided th e h ouse of Khalaf al-Ulayan , re pres ent ative of the Iraqi Al-Tawafuq [Accord] Front in the Council of Representatives, in the Al-Yarmuk area in western Baghdad, stripping the guards of their weapons. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone,Al-Ulayan held the Iraqi Government responsible for anything that might happen to his family, saying that the raid operation was orderedby Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Al-Ulayan says: Acting on orders from the prime minister and the defence minister, a National Guard force raided my house in the Al-Yarmuk area. They broke the doors and ransacked the house, despite the fact tha t I am a me mber of the Council of Represe ntatives a ndhave immunity, which was not respected. They stripped the guards of their weapons; they only left two rifles and two pistols. This is apermission for the terrorist militias and forces to kill all the guards, who are soldiers assigned by the defence ministry, which provided themwith these weapons. Despite all of this, they carried out this provocative and humiliating operation. We, therefore, hold the prime ministerand the defence minister responsible for any operation against this area in general and against my familys house and my office inparticular.

- Joint US-Iraqi forces a rreste d a prominent comma nde r of Al-Mahd i Army, which is affiliate d with Ira qi cleric Muqta da al-Sadr, whom theUS forces accuse of involvement in identity-based murder and abduction operations, in Al-Shab neighbourhood in eastern Baghdad. Localresidents said Husayn al-Asadi was arrested while at a ba nquet in the area. The arrest came after the forces raided the h ouse of hisbrother, who gave information about Al-Asadis whereabouts. All those who accompanied Al-Asadi to the banquet were also arrested. Itwas disclosed th at a large n umber of the arrested are Iraqi Police membe rs who are involved in opera tions carried out by death squads.

- A medical source said that Baqubah Hospital received the bodies of seven treacherously-killed people, which were found with signs of torture an d bullet h oles in various a reas in the governorate.

- The US Army announced that a gunman was killed and 48 suspects were arrested during operations in various Iraqi cities. A US Armystatement said that the coalition forces killed a gunman and arrested 21 people suspected of affiliating with Al-Qaidah Organization inMosul, including a commander of an armed cell responsible for several abduction and suicide operations in Mosul and Al-Ramadi. Thestateme nt add ed tha t US forces arreste d two people suspe cted of carrying out armed op erations and a ssisting foreign arme d men in Al-Fallujah, west of Baghdad, in addition to arresting a commander in the Al-Qaidah Organization and seven other people suspected of providing information to the organization in the Al-Karmah area in the city. The statement also added that joint US-Iraqi forces carried outmilitary o pera tions in Al-Duluiyah Subdistrict, d uring which th ey a rreste d e ight peop le.

- A security source said that the Iraqi Police thwarted attempts to deton ate two booby-trapped cars at an industrial compound in northernKirkuk, nort h of Baghd ad.

Political Developments

- Iraqi Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Lubayd Abbawi expressed hope that the international conference scheduled to be held in Baghdadon Saturday would yield positive results that would reflect positively on the situations in Iraq. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone, Abbawisaid that all countries of the region and the five permanent members of the Security Council will attend the conference, something that willmake the discussions more transpare nt an d frank, unlike previous conferences.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/10/iraqi-sunni-politicians-house-raided-al-mahdi-army-suspect-arrested/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/10/iraqi-sunni-politicians-house-raided-al-mahdi-army-suspect-arrested/


2/23

- Basim al-Sharif, representative of Al-Fadilah Party in the Iraqi Council of Representatives, said that the party is currently workingindepe ndently to formulate new political visions away from the sectarian a tmosphere , adding that the pa rty mem be rs are op en to anynational dialogue. Speaking to Al-Sharqiyah over phone, Al-Sharif welcomed Arab League Secretary General Amr Musas statements onforeign interference in Iraqs internal affairs and expressed hope that the Baghdad international conference would end divisions in Iraq.IraqUpdates

Source: Al-Sharqiyah TV, Dubai

Posted in Iraqs Inconvenient Truth | No Comments

USCENTCOM NEWS BRIEFS For March 09 2007March 9th, 2007

Title: SUSPECTED AQ MEDIA EMIR, ALLEGEDBUTCHER CAPTURED IN RAIDSRelease Date:3/9/2007Release Number:07-01-03PDescription:

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces killed one terrorist and captured 16 suspected terrorists including an alleged al-Qaeda media emir duringraids Friday morning throughout Iraq.

In Mosul, Coalition Forces captured an al-Qaeda related suspect known as The Butcher who is allegedly responsible for numerouskidnappings, beheadings, and suicide operations in the Ramadi and Mosul areas. Coalition Forces captured five additional suspects andkilled one terrorist during the raid.During operations in Fallujah, Coalition Forces captured two suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation.Northeast of Karmah, a susp ected a l-Qaeda med ia em ir was captured along with seven others. The suspects a re also believed to be part of an al-Qaeda courier network.Coalition Forces will continue to target al-Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist facilitators regardless of where they may hide, said Lt. Col.Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson.

Title: I RAQI ARMY, ATTACK HELICOPTERS CAPTURE 32 INSURGENTSRelease Date:3/8/2007Release Number:07-01-03PDescription:

CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - Iraqi soldiers from the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 4th Division and Iraqi police fromTikrits Emergency Service Unit completed operations today in Duluiyah and the abouri Peninsula where they detained eight suspectedterrorists.

U.S. Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and attack helicopters assisted the Iraqi-led perations,which began at the request of the local populace.

This operation demonstrates the ability of the [Iraqi security force] to react and conduct complex operations. The support of the forcesfrom Tikrit has been outstanding, and its impressive that the Iraqi army is able to mass forces at different points in the province,said Lt. Col. Kevin Dunlop, comman der, 3rd Combined Arms Batta lion, 8th Cavalry Regiment . Operations like th is are poss ible onlybecause local people come forward with information and ask for help. The more information and cooperation the Iraqi army receives, themore frequently it can conduct these missions, so that security is provided for everyone.

In Bayji more tha n 400 Iraqi army soldiers from the 2nd Strategic Infrastructure Brigade detained more than 24 suspe cted terrorists during joint operations. Paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, provided quick reactionassets.

The Iraqis are taking great strides in leading and planning operations, said Bryan Owens, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/10/iraqi-sunni-politicians-house-raided-al-mahdi-army-suspect-arrested/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/march-09-2007-uscentcom-news-briefs/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/march-09-2007-uscentcom-news-briefs/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/10/iraqi-sunni-politicians-house-raided-al-mahdi-army-suspect-arrested/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


3/23


4/23

The political maneuvering has nonetheless triggered rumors across Baghdad that a coup plot is being hatched, stirring fury among al-Malikis suppo rte rs.

If the re is a ny consp iracy or plot aga inst Malikis g overnme nt, millions of peo ple will take t o th e stre ets, Shiite legislator Hassa n Sna id,one of al-Malikis closest advisers, told Al-Hurra TV, in a reminder that the Shiite government enjoys the support of the vast majority of ordinary Shiites .

Supporters of the new front deny that they are conspiring to remove al-Maliki. They say they will seek to replace him only if he fails to fulfilla se t of dema nds th at includes the formation of a new governme nt, a n overhaul of the de-Baathification law, which prevents many formerBaathists from returning to public life, and a review of the constitution.

These are longstanding Sunni demands, backed by the U.S., that al-Maliki has repeatedly said he will address. They also include a revampof his Cabinet, which he has promised in the coming week.

Our problem is not with Mr. Maliki as a person. Our problem is with the system, which must be modified, said Izzat Shahbandar, aparliamentarian from Allawis bloc who is closely involved in the new effort.

The first step is for Mr. Maliki to make changes, and if he doesnt respond we are ready to form a parliamentary bloc that is big enough toremove th e prime minister.

The latest challenge to al-Maliki has the support of most members of the main parliamentary Sunni and secular blocs, and efforts are alsounder way to lure support away from the Shiite coalition, which controls 128 seats. Past efforts to split the United Iraqi Alliance have failed,though the small Fadhila Party, with 15 seats, announced it was leaving the coalition earlier this week.

But with the Kurds in control of 53 seats, that still leaves the Allawi initiative far short of the 138 seats needed to bring about aparliamentary coup.

Im not optimistic that it will succeed, said Othman, the Kurdish legislator. Id prefer a secular government, but the Shiites are stickingtogether and theyre a strong coalition. IraqUpdates


Iraq Reconstruction Projects Providing Residents With Essential ServicesMarch 9th, 2007

(USACE)

U.S. reconstruction efforts are providing successful, tangible results in the lives of Iraqis every day, said the commanding general of theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Walsh addressed the media at two press conferences recently at the Combined Press Information Center one with

Adm. Mark Fox from Multi-National Force Iraq, the other with Ambassador Joseph Saloom from the Iraq Reconstruction ManagementOffice.

Every day in Iraq we see the successes of the U.S. governments construction p rogram better essent ial services where, in m any places,there were non e; and 75 pe rcent of the country with twice a s much power as before the war, Walsh said. Many of the services are thingsAmericans take for granted access to medical facilities, a fire station or school in your neighborhood, a paved road, clean water.

To date, the United States has contributed almost $22 billion toward Iraqs rebuilding effort an effort that was estimated by the WorldBank to be an overall $60 billion to $80 billion task in 2004. At the end of Fiscal Year 2006, the Department of Defense had obligated all of its $13.4 billion Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Funds on a broad range of projects throughout the country.

While our efforts to date have been successful, we should remember the U.S. contribution was intended to jumpstart the rebuildingefforts, Walsh continued, to help the Iraqi government lay a foundation upon which to continue to rebuild of their country.
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/in-iraq-whispers-of-soft-coup-arise-allawi-re-emerges-to-push-political-overhaul/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraq-reconstruction-projects-providing-residents-with-essential-services/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraq-reconstruction-projects-providing-residents-with-essential-services/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/in-iraq-whispers-of-soft-coup-arise-allawi-re-emerges-to-push-political-overhaul/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


5/23

As of Feb. 28, the Departmen t of Defense has:

Planned 3,832 projects, at a program cost of $12.05 billion.

Completed 3,183 projects, at a program cost of $8.67 billion.

The projects are being completed throughout the country in the categories of Facilities, Public Works and Water, Oil and Electricity.

Electrical demand rose 32 percent after 2003, an d has risen m ore than 10 percent every year thereafter. At presen t, it is estimated t hatdeman d for power has increased more than 70 percent since 2003, Walsh said. Thats a good sign it means th at pe ople are able to buymore luxury items washing machines, televisions. However, it means as we add capacity to the Iraqi system, we find ourselves chasingthis increasing deman d.

Walsh cited healthcare and potable water as other areas that reconstruction is making a difference in the daily lives of the Iraqi people, andinvited media out to his projects to see for themselves.

The Erbil-Ifraz Water Treatment Plant a $191 million project is one of the three largest infrastructure projects in Iraq, and provideswater to a population of more than 950,000. The Basrah Childrens Hospital, scheduled for completion in late 2008, will bring specialtyoncology care to Iraqi children. IraqUpdates

Certainly, the work in Iraq is challenging and difficult, but reconstruction efforts are a vital component to Iraqs progress towarddemocracy, Walsh said. Ultimately, it is up to the Iraqi people to rebuild and secure their country. We are giving them the assistance theyneed to e nsure that success.


Iraqi Army Medics Train With A Little Help From Their U.S. Army FriendsMarch 9th, 2007

by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq The sounds of explosions fill the air and bullets whiz past the heads of IraqiArmy medics as they perform life-saving medical procedures on their wounded brothers-in-armson a battlefield.

Bea ring st retchers, the se combat medics carry their wounded countrymen to awaiting field
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraq-reconstruction-projects-providing-residents-with-essential-services/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraqi-army-medics-train-with-a-little-help-from-their-us-army-friends/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraqi-army-medics-train-with-a-little-help-from-their-us-army-friends/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraq-reconstruction-projects-providing-residents-with-essential-services/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


6/23

ambulances. In some instances they must provide security, engaging enemy fighters as they waitfor military aircraft to evacuate their more seriously wounded comrades to military medicalfacilities.

These were the types of scenarios Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Army Division(Mechanized) faced during a tactical combat casualty care course instructed by Soldiers fromMedical Company C, 115th Brigade Support Battalion March 1 on Camp Taji, Iraq.

For three weeks, Soldiers from the company have been te aching Iraqi army medics and a fewIraqi transportation troops in classes designed to prepare them for treating wounded troops inthe combat environment. The students in the course included Iraqi troops from the 2nd and 3rdBrigade of the 9th IA Div. and the divisions logistics battalion.

This serves as some refresher training for some of them, and for others this is all new, saidTallassee, Ala. native Staff Sgt. Lisa Woods, a platoon sergeant for the medical company andnoncommissione d officer-in-cha rge of Tajis Muleskinner clinic.

Its very rewarding to see what theyre putting into it, added Woods. They get totally engagedin it and they really want to learn.

The training was a t eam e ffort.

The Soldiers worked with an Iraqi Army platoon leader, an Iraqi army pharmacist and an Iraqienvironmental officer. Military transition team medical advisors were also on hand to observe thetraining.

During morning lectures, Iraqi army soldiers did hands on instruction in preventing bleeding,preventing shock, learning how to give intravenous fluids, managing trauma, splinting fracturesand many other life-saving techniques.

They also were given realistic trauma lanes to train on which allowed them to perform in asimulated combat environment using their classmates acting as casualties.

Speakers b lared ba ttle sounds of gunfire a nd e xplosions while the Iraqi troops going through thelanes rushed to the aid of their comrades who donned rubber appliances representing variousinjuries.

Simulated wounds ranged from fractures to amputa tions and head injuries to abdominal wounds.

Well be depending upon these guys when they go outside the wire, so its very important forthem to not be too surprised by the types of things theyll see and encounte r when theyre in (theactual combat environment), said Sgt. Haider Al Salami, an Iraqi army combat medic serving inthe 9th IA Div., who holds a degree in nursing and aided in the training.

Although U.S. Soldiers s erved a s the main instructors for the course, they sa id they wante d to dothings the Iraqi way.


7/23

Were not trying to change their household, Woods said. But rather to add to the thingstheyve already had. Were not telling them you need to do it this way or the American way, butwere doing it their way.

Weve ta ken their past experiences a nd continue building on them a nd theyre more receptive tothis way of training, added Woods. Were hoping they will continue doing it their way.

Due to an obvious language barrier, there were many obstacles instructors had to overcomeduring 8-hour training days.

It ha s been extreme ly challenging, and we use d a lot of help from our interprete rs, many of them have seen people die on missions, so they know the importance of being able to stressemphasis on medical things in the class room, Woods said.

Without their knowledge and skills, we could not have transferred the right information to oursoldiers and built a solid foundation for them, said Al Salami.

Those who aided in the training sa id the y were impressed with how the Iraqi troops performed.

I have confidence tha t when we go out as a MiTT outside the wire, they can save e ach other orone of us if necessa ry, said Capt. Michae l Whiddon, a medical opera tions MiTT advisor a nd anative of Purvis, Miss.

Theyre obviously making progress, said Al Salami. When they first came to the course the ybarely knew anything, but now they are very proficient.

It was another way for them to build bonds.

We work together as brothers, said Al Salami. The Iraqi soldiers used to ask each other whatsect are you, what religion? Now weve got just one sectwe are one family.

Photo: Iraqi coldiers with the 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) treat a simulated casualty,who has a amputat ed leg during a tactical combat casua lty care course March 1 on Camp Taji,Iraq.


Petraeus: Iraq Security Plan Can Work, But Will Take TimeMarch 8th, 2007

Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraqs citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric, Petraeus said. If we can do this,and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population, then the Iraqigovernment will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraqi-army-medics-train-with-a-little-help-from-their-us-army-friends/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-iraq-security-plan-can-work-but-will-take-time/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-iraq-security-plan-can-work-but-will-take-time/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/09/iraqi-army-medics-train-with-a-little-help-from-their-us-army-friends/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


8/23

Mar 08, 2007BY Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service, March8, 2007) - A new strategy that puts U.S. and Iraqiforces inside Baghdad neighborhoods to safeguardresidents against insurgent a nd s ectarian violence canwork, but itll take time to be fully implemented, the topU.S. military commander in Iraq said in Baghdad duringhis first news conference today.

We and our Iraqi partners recognize that improvingsecurity for the Iraqi people is the first step in rekindlinghope, said Gen. David H. Petraeus, who became Multi-National Force - Iraq commander Feb. 10. The upwardspiral we all want begins with Iraqi and coalition forcesworking tog ether and locating in the neighborhoodsthose forces must secure.

About 40 joint Iraqi-U.S. security posts have beenestablished across Baghdad as part of the three-week-old Operation Law and Order, Petraeus said. Protectingthe p eople, he noted, is an important component of counte r-insurgency operational doctrine.

However, the operation will take months, not days or weeks, to fully implement, Petraeus cautioned, noting it will have to be sustainedto achieve its desired effect.

Iraqi and coalition se curity forces are working in tande m during patrols throughout Baghda d an d surround ing a reas to locate and captureor kill insurgents, Petraeus said. Their efforts seem to bearing early fruit, he said, noting sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad inrecent weeks compared to the previous month . And, sma ll numbers of Baghda d residents are returning to homes theyd aba ndoned toescape the violence, he added.

Import ant ly, Ira qi and coalition forces will not just clea r ne ighb orhood s, Petrae us said. They will also h old the m to facilitate the buildphase of the operation and help Baghdads residents realize aspirations beyond survival.

As Iraqi citizens feel safer, that will set conditions for the resumption and improvement of basic services, Petraeus said. The Iraqi

government, he added , ha s bu dgete d billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements a nd capital investment.

This is hugely important. Indeed, Iraqis have often ranked the provision of services ahead of security in importance, Petraeus said. And,it is vital that the ministry representatives in the neighborhoods are able to provide for their constituents.

Additiona lly, a joint U.S. Stat e Depa rtmen t/ Defense Departme nt initiative will double th e num ber of Provincial Recons truction Teams (PRT)in Iraq from 10 to 20, Petraeus announced, noting the PRTs will focus their efforts on Baghdad and al Anbar Province in western Iraq.

As security improves in Iraq commerce will return and local economies will grow, Petraeus said, noting that Iraqi leaders have drafted anew hydrocarbon law that calls for equitable distribution of the countrys petroleum-derived wealth among its citizens.

Each step in this process helps reinforce the desired momentum, the general said. And, over time, the government and its ministries will

be able to gain the populations confidence and support by demonstrating the capability to deliver.

Earlier this year, President Bush directed the deployment of more than 21,500 additional U.S. Soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and restiveareas of western Iraq to deter rising sectarian and insurgent violence. A tragic example of this violence was the Feb. 22, 2006, bombing of a holy mosque in the Iraqi city of Samarra.

It is not in our power to turn back the clock to the day before the mosque was bombed, Petraeus acknowledged. However, he said, itspossible to work with the Iraqis to help improve security to enable them to contain the sectarian violence thats torn at the countryssocietal fabric over the past year.

Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraqs citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric, Petraeus said. If we can do this,and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition Soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population, then the Iraqigovernment will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces.
http://dodsearch.afis.osd.mil/search?q=Gerry+J.+Gilmore+American+Forces+Press+Service&client=defenselink&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=armyDefault_frontendhttp://dodsearch.afis.osd.mil/search?q=Gerry+J.+Gilmore+American+Forces+Press+Service&client=defenselink&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=armyDefault_frontend


9/23

Meanwhile, the build up of U.S. and Iraqi security forces continues, Petraeus said, noting that the last of the 21,500 troops constituting theoriginal surge directed by the president should arrive in Iraq by early June. An additional 2,200 military police announced yesterday bySecretary of Defense Robert M. Gates should arrive in a few months, the general said. PR


Iraqi Vice-President Says Common Vision Emerged At Syria TalksMarch 8th, 2007

[News conference by Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shara and Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi in Damascus on 7 March - recorded]

(BBC Monitoring)

[Al-Shara] Allow me to tell you that the visit Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi paid to Syria was successful. Several intensive meetingswere he ld. These were he aded by his me eting with President Bashar al-Asad. The meeting, which I a ttende d, was thorough and detailed. Itstemmed from our large concern for brotherly Iraq and from the fact that the essence of the current political process in Iraq is maintainingthe u nity and the Arab identity of Iraq an d working for the indepe ndence of Iraq in accordance with a n ag reed timetable tha t he lps theIraqi people attain a comprehensive national reconciliation. Syria stands by the side of all factions of the Iraqi people and it will be astrategic depth for Iraq. It supports any solution tha t leads to the restoration of security and the establishment of a ne w Iraq th at is Arab in

affiliation and that is an active member of the Arab League as well as a brother of Syria and all other Arab countries - an Iraq that has verygood relations with its neighbours.

The meeting with the vice president was very useful. I believe we have reached good results which will reflect on the situation in Iraq, Godwilling, especially in the light of what we heard about the hopes pinned on the meeting that will be held in Baghdad for the neighbouringcountries and the permanent UN Security Council member states on 10 March, and the subsequent meetings that will be held to deal withthe s ituation in Iraq and help bring a bout th e su ccess of the political process in Iraq. I once a gain welcome my brother and colleague andleave the podium for him.

[Al-Hashimi] In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude forthe kind invitation my brother His Excellency Vice President Faruq al-Shara addressed to me and for the constructive meetings and usefuldialogue I had with His Excellency President Bashar al-Asad and their excellencies the vice president, the prime minister, the foreignminister, and leaders of the Arab Socialist Bath Party. We discussed several issues of common concern, headed by the situation in Iraq. We

emerged with a common vision. Our analysis of the situation was identical and we had a common vision of the way to address the chaoticsituation in Iraq. We also discussed the distinguished role our brotherly neighbour the Syrian Arab Republic can play to help the Iraqis getover the hard times through which they are passing at present.

Several issues were discussed an d I see a broa d horizon for the development of relations between the Republic of Iraq an d the Syrian ArabRepublic. There is a joint de sire to do so and there are common areas where th ese relations can be developed. These include the politicaland economic fields, in addition to the security field, of course. [The broadcast is interrupted abruptly at this point for four minutes to carrythe call to evening prayer] The national interest of Iraq requires the activation of these committees and agreements. We will do our best todevelop the se relations an d alleviate th e suffering of the Iraqis are going through at present. At the same time, we hope th at the goodwords we he ard du ring th e pa st few days will be translated -an d I am s ure the y will - into a policy that is adopted by the government of the Syrian Arab Republic to activate and develop its performance in order to alleviate the Iraqi peoples suffering. Thank you very much.

[Unidentified correspondent] Vice President Al-Shara: Have you discussed the anticipated Baghdad conference, especially since large hopesare pinned on it? Will there be a US-Syrian dialogue in Baghdad?

[Al-Shara] We have not reached that point because the aim is helping Iraq and the Iraqi people. Iraq is going through an extremely largehardship and difficulty. We hope that a horizon will open up so that this major issue can be solved. Syria will do all it can withoutreservation to help brotherly Iraq in all that leads to the success of national reconciliation in Iraq, preservation of the unity of Iraq, and thereturn of security to Iraq. As I told the Iraqi vice president a short while ago, Syria will be a strategic depth for Iraq in the same way asIraq is a strategic depth for Syria.

[Unidentified correspondent] Iraqi vice president: You spoke about the Syrian role in the process of national reconciliation in Iraq. How doyou view this role in the upcoming Baghdad conference and how do you view Syrian-Iranian relations? How will this reflect on the successof the conference?

[Al-Hashimi] I was rea lly please d when the foreign minister briefed me on paragraph s of the paper he s ent t o the Arab League and some of
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-iraq-security-plan-can-work-but-will-take-time/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/iraqi-vice-president-says-common-vision-emerged-at-syria-talks/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/iraqi-vice-president-says-common-vision-emerged-at-syria-talks/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-iraq-security-plan-can-work-but-will-take-time/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


10/23

his colleagues, the Arab foreign ministers. I discovered that some of the main points of our national plan were contained in the Syrianpaper. These are headed by activating the national reconciliation plan, which still needs two things. The first is reforming and developingthis documen t in order to include the elements an d forces which were not included in this extremely important document. These have todate refrained from participating in the political process. They are headed by the national resistance.

The second issue is fulfilling some obligations mentioned in this document. These have not been fulfilled yet and the Iraqi Government canfulfil them immediately. These obligations or commitments are headed by declaring a general amnesty for the detainees.

The issue of Syrian-Iranian and Iraqi-Iranian ties was certainly discussed. I do not conceal from you the fact that we still haveapprehe nsions and worries a bout the interference of our neighbour Iran in Iraqs affairs. I be lieve the messa ge ha s reached theirexcellencies the president and the vice president. I also believe that the situation in Iraq has clearly reached the leaders in the Syrian ArabRepublic and they promised us well in this regard. I am confident that the Syrian Arab Republic will not relinquish its pan-Arab role forwhich it is historically known.

As for u s in Ira q, I will convey my coun trys a ppre hen sions to Iran during my visit next week, God willing. I will hold d ialogue with theIranian leaders face to face. I will frankly tell them about my apprehensions. I hope to receive frank and firm answers and a pledge thatIran will help the Iraqis get over their ordeal and nothing else. Thank you. IraqUpdates

Source: Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad


Petraeus: More Violence In IraqMarch 8th, 2007

(Aljazeera)

US General David Petraeus says anti-government forces in Iraq have sought to intensify attacks during a security surge in Baghdad and areregrouping north of the capital.

But Petraeus, in his first news conference in Baghdad since taking command of US forces in Iraq last month, said sectarian killings anddisplacement were down in the capital.

He said on Thursday that a US-backed Iraqi security crackdown in Baghdad will take months, but there have already been signs of progress.

[Its] too early to discern significant trends, [but] there have been a few encouraging signs, he said.

Petraeus said US and Iraqi forces would press ahead with the plan while recognising that some sensational attacks inevitably will continueto take place.

Political action

He denounced the recent wave of other attacks, including the thugs with no soul who have killed more than 150 Shia pilgrims in the past

three days.

But Petraeus said it was critical for Iraqi leaders to halt any drift towards sectarian conflict.

He also said that US and Iraqi security forces cannot solve the problem of violence in Iraq without political action from Iraqi leaders andreconciliation with disaffected group s.

There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq, to the insurgency of Iraq, Petraeus said.

Military a ction is n eces sary t o h elp improve se curity but it is not sufficient .

He said political progress would require talking to and reconciling with some of those who have felt the new Iraq did not have a place for
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/iraqi-vice-president-says-common-vision-emerged-at-syria-talks/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-more-violence-in-iraq/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-more-violence-in-iraq/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/iraqi-vice-president-says-common-vision-emerged-at-syria-talks/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


11/23

them.

No more troops needed

Petraeus also said that he currently saw no immediate need to request more US troops be sent to Iraq other than those alreadyannounced.

Right now we do not s ee oth er reque sts [for troops] looming out there, he sa id.

Thats not to say that some emerging mission or emerging task will not require that, and if it does then we will ask for that.

Petraeus took comma nd of US troops in Iraq last month at a critical time, having be en a ppointed to oversee the new strate gy of GeorgeBush, the US president

The new plan aims to halt the daily suicide bombs and death squad killings in Baghdad in an attempt to prevent Iraq descending into civilwar.

Bush has promised to send 21,500 more troops, mostly to Baghdad, to help the Shia-led government of Nuri al-Maliki, the prime minister.IraqUpdates


Joint Iraqi And U.S. Forces Arrest Senior Leader Of An Al-Qaeda Iraqi Cell In Muqdadiya TownMarch 8th, 2007

A joint Iraqi and U.S. force arrested the senior leader of an al-Qaeda Iraqi cell in Muqdadiya town, Diala province, 57km northeast of Baghda d, a police source said on Wednesda y.

Overnight a combined force of U.S. and Iraqi troops initiated a security crackdown in the Blour area, near Muqdadiya, after reliableintelligence re ports indicated the presence of al-Qaeda elements there, the source, who asked not to be named , told the independen tnews agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).

The operation ended with the arrest of Udai Khalid al-Sameraai, who is believed to be the leader of an al-Qaeda armed group inMuqdadiya, and to have been involved in several attacks against security forces and civilians in the area, he added.

The forces also seized a large amount of weapons and CDs during the raid, the source said. Muqdadiya is 45 km northeast of Baaquba,which is the capital city of Diala province. IraqUpdates


Glimmer Of Hope For BaghdadMarch 7th, 2007

By Amir TaheriOn March 10, Baghdad will host the largest gathering of foreign diplomats it has seen since the 1970s. With more than 200 diplomatsrepresenting 70 nations, including all major powers, the gathering is a targe t of choice for opponents of new Iraq.

Two insurgent groups have warne d the y would not allow the conference to convene.

Called by the Iraqi government, the conference offers the international community, especially the Arab states, an opportunity to end theirunofficial boycott of new Iraq. It also provides an early test for the new plan to secure Baghdad with the help of more than 20,000
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-more-violence-in-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/glimmer-of-hope-for-baghdad/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/glimmer-of-hope-for-baghdad/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/joint-iraqi-and-us-forces-arrest-senior-leader-of-an-al-qaeda-iraqi-cell-in-muqdadiya-town/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/08/petraeus-more-violence-in-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


12/23

add itional American t roops.

Holding the conference a month a fter the plan was launched is a ges ture of defiance towards terror groups who ha ve promised tochallenge any move to normalise the capital.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki called the conference after receiving assurances from two men who may hold the key to the future of Iraq.

One is Lt General David Petraeus, the new commander of the US-led multinational force, who took charge last month. The other is MajorGeneral Abboud Qanbar, the Iraqi commander in Baghdad.

Despite being under the limelight of Congressional and media scrutiny for weeks, Petraeus is still regarded as a hard man to read.

He evokes a mixture of admiration and envy within the American military elite.

One recently retired American general, speaking off-the-record last week, described Petraeus as a precocious general who had newideas and wanted to do things differently. Well, maybe that is not a bad thing, seeing that old ways of doing things seem to have troublewith new forms of asymmetric war.

If Petraeus is still a relative unknown, his Iraqi partner Qanbar is even more of an enigma.

The two men have what might be the most difficult task assigned to military commanders in recent history.

They have to work with two dysfunctional governments that, in turn, have to fight hostile legislatures and media. They know that well-organised opponents of new Iraq are determined to portray any setback as proof that the war is lost.

The same retired US general, who spoke of Petraeus with grudging admiration, says he is impressed and surprised by Qanbarsperformance.

The guy seems to be the right man in the right place at the right time, said the retired general. All the feedback on him is positive.

That opinion is shared by some in the Iraqi military elite, including many generals purged under the new regimes de-Baathificationprogramme.

In interviews with the Baghdad daily Al Mada (Perspective), several former Iraqi generals said they were confident that Qanbar was theman needed to clear Baghdad of terrorists and death-squads.

But is Qanbar the saviour (munqidh) that some Baghdadis, desperate for normality, seem to imagine?

Qanbar has some positive features. He is one of the few Shiite soldiers to rise to positions of command in the Iraqi army under the Baathparty. Born in Amarah, he comes from the same tribe as Al Maliki and thus is trusted by him. Many purged army officers see Qanbarsreturn to service as a sign that they, too, might be invited t o re-enlist.

Serious error

The Iraqi army has a lways been the key non -sectarian institution preserving th e concept of statehood in a land of different ethnic andreligious commun ities.

Its dissolution was a serious error and its reconstitution, in the service of an elected government, could reassure the aggrieved Arab Sunnisand secularists that new Iraq will not be a Shiite sectarian state.

The success of the Baghda d plan, bas ed on US President George W. Bushs surge strategy, depen ds on too ma ny imponderab les b eyondthe control of Petraeu s and Qanbar.

So far only a fifth of the troops promised have arrived, and even fewer have been deployed. The new US Congress may cut funding for thesurge or impose such constraints on the use of American troops as to render them meaningless in practical terms.


13/23

So far, however, things seem to have gone better than expected.

To start with, Iraqi units assigned to Qanbar have all shown up and seem to be performing well. This is in contrast with previous attemptsto secure Baghdad whe n only 10 per cent of Iraqi units promised showed up .

By the time the new build up is complete, Qanbar will have 10 Iraqi brigades in and around Baghdad. Contrary to claims by opponents of new Iraq th at the plan would depend on Kurdish units, only 15 per cent of the troops u sed a re Kurds.

There has also been a sh arp drop in se ctarian killings. More importantly, perha ps, the insurgents appea r to ha ve all but s topped infantrystyle attacks on Iraqi and US positions.

According to Iraqi and US sources, th e de ployment of new units in Baghdad h as p ersuade d ma ny fence-sitters to stop he dging their bets.Intelligence tip-offs in the five most terrorist-infested districts of the capital have risen four-fold since February.

According to US and Iraqi sources more tha n 2,000 insurgents and terrorists ha ve bee n killed a nd a further 8,000 capture d.

Sign

Another sign that the new plan may be working is the virtual disappearance of Moqtada Al Sadrs Mehdi Army, described by someopponents of new Iraq as the strongest military force in the country.

Al Sadr remains in Iran while more than 100 of his key associates are under arrest. Accompanied by US troops, Qanbars units control SadrCity, the fugitives stronghold.

Perhaps the most important sign of confidence in the new plan is Qanbars invitation to families who have fled to return. Since 2005 anestimated 60,000 Baghdadi families, both Sunnis, Shiites and Christians, have been driven out of their homes in what amounts to ethniccleansing through intimidation.

Qanbar has declared a ll seizure of property in Baghdad to b e illegal and promised to rem ove squatte rs. In the past two wee ks some 700families, mostly Sunnis, have regained their homes in Baghdad.

In recent days Baghdadis have seen Qanbar walking along Haifa Street, the heart of the capitals badlands. They have also seen Al Malikiventure out of the Green Zone to press flesh in a campaign-style walkabout, the first by an Iraqi prime minister since 2004.

Does this mean that Petraeus and Qanbar have already succeeded?

It is too early to tell.

What is certain, however, is that th ey have shown tha t, given the will and the means , success is possible. IraqUpdates

Iranian author Amir Taheri is based in Europe.


Bahrain Emphasizes Gulf Desire To Open On IraqMarch 7th, 2007

(Al-Sabaah)Trade ministry emphasized that the first Iraqi-Gulf meeting supervised by Bahrain would participate in an active form andenhance opening of Arab gulf states on Iraq in all fields after 15 years withdrawal.

General Director of the Iraqi General Fairs Company of trade ministry Dr. Sabah al-Saedi said in a press statement that, the rendezvouswhich organized within Iraqi Roaia company arrangementpresents a big universal manifestation including fairs organizing which 10thousand sides participate with including the mainly companies in all gulf states besides the biggest international companies interested ininvestment in Iraq . IraqUpdates
http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/glimmer-of-hope-for-baghdad/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/bahrain-emphasizes-gulf-desire-to-open-on-iraq/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/bahrain-emphasizes-gulf-desire-to-open-on-iraq/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/glimmer-of-hope-for-baghdad/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/scat/18%22


14/23


MP Says Iraq Cabinet Reshuffle To Include 10 PortfoliosMarch 7th, 2007

07 March 2007 (BBC Monitoring)

Council of Representatives Member Sami al-Askari has said that the cabinet reshuffle will include 10 portfolios, noting that the securityportfolios will not be included in the first stage. Other members of the Council of Representatives said that convening Baghdad conferenceon 10 March is a positive step in the current stage. The Council of Representatives resumed its activities with a debate session in Baghdadtoday.

- Iraqi security forces have arrested 160 suspected members of the so-called terrorist Jund al-Sama [soldiers of heaven] Organization. Thiscame in raid and search operations carried out by the security forces against the said organization in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate.


US Raids Net 24 Suspected InsurgentsMarch 7th, 2007

07 March 2007 (AP Worldstre am)U.S. forces detained 24 suspected insurgents in raids across Iraq on Wednesday morning, the U.S. military said.

In a raid northeast of Karmah, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Baghdad, U.S. troops detained nine suspects believed to have ties to senioral-Qaida in Iraq leaders, the military said in a statement.

Five suspected bomb-makers were detained in Rutbah, in arid western Iraq about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Baghdad, it said.

In southern Baghdad, ground troops detained eight suspects accused of planting car bombs to target U.S. and Iraqi soldiers, the statement

said.

Two others accused of weapons trafficking were picked up in Samarra, 95 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad, it said.


Top Iranian General Dies, Disappears, Defects, Or Is KidnappedMarch 7th, 2007

March 5, 2007 by Allahpundit

Everyones already linked this, but for the benefit of our three readers who missed it, it seems a very big fish has vanished from his ta

One respected analyst with sources in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard says Gen. Ali Reza Asgari has defected and is now in aEuropean country with his entire family, where he is cooperating with the U.S

This is a fatal blow to Iranian intelligence, said the source, explaining that Asgari knows sensitive information about Iransnuclear and military projects. Iran called tens of its Revolutionary Guard agents working at embassies and cultural centers inArab and European countries back to Tehran out of fear that Asgari might disclose secret information about their identities,according to the analyst

Asgaris years with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Iranian defense ministry would make him an invaluable source of
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/bahrain-emphasizes-gulf-desire-to-open-on-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/mp-says-iraq-cabinet-reshuffle-to-include-10-portfolios/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/mp-says-iraq-cabinet-reshuffle-to-include-10-portfolios/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/us-raids-net-24-suspected-insurgents/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/us-raids-net-24-suspected-insurgents/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/top-iranian-general-dies-disappears-defects-or-is-kidnapped/http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/03/kidnapped_or_de.htmlhttp://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/03/kidnapped_or_de.htmlhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/top-iranian-general-dies-disappears-defects-or-is-kidnapped/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/us-raids-net-24-suspected-insurgents/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/us-raids-net-24-suspected-insurgents/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/mp-says-iraq-cabinet-reshuffle-to-include-10-portfolios/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/mp-says-iraq-cabinet-reshuffle-to-include-10-portfolios/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/bahrain-emphasizes-gulf-desire-to-open-on-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


15/23

information. He was reportedly based in Lebanon in the 1990s and was in charge of ties with the Lebanese Shiite groupHezbollah.

Haaretz also says it has reason to believe (without saying how) that he may have defected, and that hes likely to have intimateknowledge of the nuclear program. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard news site claims he was kidnapped by the CIA or Mossa d; nat uratheyd prefer that storyline to one in which he crosses over willingly to our side, but the Debka thinks there may be some truth to it.Specifically, th ey t hink this might be an American reprisal:

The missing general has been identified as the officer in charge of Iranian undercover operations in central Iraq, according toDEBKAfiles intelligence and Iranian sources. He is believed to have been linked to or participated in - the armed group

which stormed the US-Iraqi command center in Karbala south of Baghdad Jan. 20 and snatched five American officers. Theywere shot outside the Shiite city.

An Middle East inte lligence s ource told DEBKAfile that the Americans could not let this pre med itate d o utra ge go u nan swere dand had been hunting the Iranian general ever since.

Another tantalizing d etail: th e Saudi press se ems to ha ve known a bout th is earlier than the rest.


Decade Plan To Develop Iraqs Technical InstitutionsMarch 7th, 2007

Technical Education Organization prepared indications of decade plan from 2006 to 2016 to develop its institutions and facilities, head of the Org. Dr. Mahmood Shaker said at press s tateme nt.

He added that the plan which made according to directions of High Education and Scientific Research Ministry includes creation 13 technicalcolleges, 169 scientific depa rtments besides 10 re search un its as two units to ea ch main specialty at the Org. a nd creating doctorateprograms at 2010, and providing 759 laboratories to meet need of new departments as 5 laboratories to each engineering department, 4 toeach of medical and agricultural specialties and 3 to management and practical arts specialties.


50,000 Iraqi Soldiers Trained On Street War Flow Into PlanMarch 7th, 2007

Baghdad, 07 March 2007 (Al-Sabaah)

Number of soldiers who trained to support security plan reached to 50 thousands after addition new large unites finished the training onstreets of war recently, General Terry Wolf General Commander of training and support team at multinational forces.

He added at limited press conference that those soldiers become ready to join the security plan forces after extensive trainings at Basmaiacamp on fight in cities to agree with the plan, and he denied that this added big force is the units which officials spoke about bring it fromKurdistan or south provinces, stressed that they newly trained examined to basic training programs besides extensive trainings on fightingarmed men at inhabited areas.


Headline News Briefs From IraqMarch 6th, 2007
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/833410.htmlhttp://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1171894570087&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFullhttp://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1259http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3372373,00.htmlhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/top-iranian-general-dies-disappears-defects-or-is-kidnapped/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/decade-plan-to-develop-iraqs-technical-institutions/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/decade-plan-to-develop-iraqs-technical-institutions/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/50000-iraqi-soldiers-trained-on-street-war-flow-into-plan/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/50000-iraqi-soldiers-trained-on-street-war-flow-into-plan/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/headline-news-briefs-from-iraq/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/headline-news-briefs-from-iraq/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/50000-iraqi-soldiers-trained-on-street-war-flow-into-plan/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/50000-iraqi-soldiers-trained-on-street-war-flow-into-plan/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/decade-plan-to-develop-iraqs-technical-institutions/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/decade-plan-to-develop-iraqs-technical-institutions/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/07/top-iranian-general-dies-disappears-defects-or-is-kidnapped/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3372373,00.htmlhttp://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=1259http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1171894570087&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFullhttp://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/833410.html


16/23

Controlling Investment In Iraq06 March 2007 (Gulf News) With considerable fanfare, Iraqs Cabinet last week announced approval of a draft law that would permitforeign investment in the nations oil industry and provide for

Iraq Sets Provincial Oil production Quot asBAGHDAD, 06 March 2007 (UPI) The Iraq Oil Ministry will set production quotas for provinces to ensure oil revenue sharing, though theeffects of war still hamper the vital oil sector.

Turkey To Invest In Iraqi Oil Sector06 March 2007 (MENAFN) The Turkish Energ y Minister a nnou nced tha t th e Turkish govern men t will host d iscussions with US an d Ira qiofficials over Iraqs oil development program, Iraq Directory reported.

Maliki: Plan Began In Baghdad To06 March 2007 (Al-Sabaah) While more than 500 officers pledged during concluding their conference to support Malikis Govt. andfighting t error, Gene ral Comma nde r of a rmed forces Noori Maliki said

Exhibition For Construction Material Kicks Of In ArbilArbil, 06 March 2007 (Voices of Iraq ) A five-da y constru ction m ate rial exhibition was open ed on Monda y with the part icipation o f morethan 80 companies, most of them Turkish, working in construction

Controlling Investment In Iraq06 March 2007 (Gulf News) With considerable fanfare, Iraqs Cabinet last week announced approval of a draft law that would permitforeign investment in the nations oil industry and provide for

US Plans To Vitalize Iraqs Economy06 March 2007 (MENAFN) MWC News reported that the Pentagons Under Secretary, accompanied by 45 US business figures will visit allIraqi provinces in an attempt to revive the business in post-war

Ashour International Bank Opens Two Branches In Kurdistan06 March 2007 (Iraq Directory) Wadee Al-Hanzal, board chairman of Ashour International Bank, confirmed that the Kurdistan region,which is considered a promising market for the active investment

Tehran To Host First Iran-Iraq Economic Meeting in AprilTehran, 05 March 2007 (BBC Monitoring) The first Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee meeting will be held here from April 6-7, Ministryof Commerce rep orted toda y.

Higher Demand For Dollar ActionBaghdad, 05 March 2007 (Voices of Iraq) Demand for the dollar increased in the Iraqi Central Banks daily auction on Sunday to reach$67.810 million, compared with $63.110 million on Thursday.

A Shared Stake In Iraqs Future04 March 2007 (Times) Under the national hydrocarbon law approved last week by Iraqs council of ministers, oil will serve as a vehicleto unify Iraq and will give all Iraqis a shared


Iraqi PM Interviewed on Baghdad Conference, Security PlanMarch 6th, 2007

Bagh dad Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic at 1805 gmt on 4 March carries a 30-minute recorde d interview with Iraq i Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, con ducte d b y an unident ified foreign media ne twork in Baghd ad.

Asked by an unidentified correspondent about the most important aims of the conference that will be held in Baghdad this month, Al-Malikisays: The conference will be held upon an Iraqi initiative as part of the process of imposing stability and building a state based on theconstitution, which stressed the need to maintain strong ties with the neighbouring countries. He adds: We expect the countries invited tothis conference to support the Iraqi peoples choices, headed by their choice of democracy, elections, national unity government,parliamen t, and the constitution on which the Ira qi people voted. We hope the re presenta tives of the countries attending the conferencewill become acquainted with the progress the Iraqi people have made and with the Iraqi peoples aspirations. We also hope they will knowthe true state of affairs, which might have been distorted by the media and political interests of those who object to the political process.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/headline-news-briefs-from-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/iraqi-pm-interviewed-on-baghdad-conference-security-plan/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/iraqi-pm-interviewed-on-baghdad-conference-security-plan/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/headline-news-briefs-from-iraq/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


17/23

Asked if the conference will witness Iranian and Syrian dialogue with the United States, he says: We will do our best to find solutions tooutstanding problems between the countries of the region or betwee n them and Iraq or the b ig powers -the United States, Britain, and theinternational community. Therefore, we will invite the UN Security Council permanent member states, in addition to the neighbouringcountries. Some countries which have problems with other countries will meet during this conference. We hope that this will provide themwith the opportunity to discuss the se p roblems and find solutions to them.

Asked if the security plan will also t arge t s ome politicians involved in t errorist a ctivities, th e p rime ministe r sa ys this is a lega l and judicialissue and orders ha ve bee n issued to arrest th e su spects who committed violations or crimes a gainst innocent Iraqis. He a dds th at th iswill be done after lifting their diplomatic immunity and subjecting them to interrogation. He then says: We are now talking only aboutsummoning them for interrogation in order to see if the charges levelled at them are credible. As for the politicians participating with us inthe process but have no immunity, Operation Law Enforcement will apply to them. As we have repeatedly said, we do not distinguish

between a politician participating in the political process and another outside it if he breaks the law. We also believe that not only thepoliticians participating in the government are responsible for the success of the Baghdad security plan, but also the politicians outside thegovernment. Law will impose itself and the judiciary will continue to be respected. The judicial authority should continue to play its rolewithout interference from the executive authority in order to apply the anti-terrorism law and impose security, stability and national safety.

Told that the multinational forces reportedly have lists of such Iraqi politicians and asked if this issue was discussed with them, Al-Malikisays: Actually, there is now a lot of integration and coordination between us and the multinational forces. This began early this year byspecifying the ones who should be arreste d and the rea sons for their arrest. The Iraqi governmen t insists tha t arrests should be made withits knowledge so that no injustice will be done to others. In arrests, we adopted a policy that respects the citizens human rights, thehouses of worship, and the offices of political parties. No office will be raided and no person will be arrested unless there is a reason forthat. Coordination is continuing almost daily through the Baghdad security plan in order to specify the targets and deal with them on theground.

An unidentified reporter than asks this question in English: There have been great hopes when the unity government came into office thatthe g overnment will bring Iraq is toge ther, bu t in the first six or seven months security in Baghdad and some other places in Iraq worsene d.There were political squabbles within the government and the gulf between Sunnis and Shiis seemed to widen. I would like to know whatyour opinion is and what went wrong an d how your government now can take steps t o rectify those problems.

Responding, the prime minister says te nsion was high in Iraq when the na tional unity government a ssumed power and there wereexternal and internal interferences. He adds that the government launched a plan for national reconciliation and we managed to achievea great deal of harmony and stability in relations with others but terrorists belonging to Al-Qaidah and organizations branching for it andthe Bathists continued the ir indiscriminate killings as see n daily. He add s: After e xhaus ting a ll political efforts within the framework of reconciliation, we had to move on to the adoption of security plans to punish those who rebelled against reconciliation. After completingour political efforts, we are now in a good position. The government is now enjoying a large popular support. All those who rebelled againstthe law have been robbed of a ll excuses. Therefore, when the Baghdad security plan b egan, the masses - both Sunnis an d Shiis - greatlyinteracted with it because they realized that the past policies and practices only led to the destruction of the country and the killing of moreIraqis. Continuing, he says: We are now on the threshold of a completely new stage. Many in Al-Anbar, Diyala, the south, and Baghdadhave a gain adopted the principle of supp orting th e na tional unity government and the Iraqi state so that the country can be stabilized. Thisgave us renewed strength and a large m omentum to emba rk on operations and to strongly and effectively strike at th e outlaws. We hopethat the implementation of the Baghdad security plan will further unite the various entities of the Iraqi people and to further target anddismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist organizations, militias, and criminal organizations.

Asked about the anticipated cabinet reshuffle and the Iraqi Lists threat to withdraw from the government, Al-Maliki says: The cabinetreshuffle will take place this or next week. We will then announce the names of the ministries which will be included in the reshuffle at thisstage. There is another stage which will perhaps include other ministries. We had wished to undertake a comprehensive cabinet reshufflebut we have pa rtners in the national unity government and we ha ve to obta in the ir approval of such a comprehe nsive res huffle. He th enregrets th e s tateme nt the Iraqi List issued, indicating tha t the list me mbers a re pa rtners in the government, p arliament , and PoliticalCouncil for National Security. He adds: But I also congratulate them for benefiting from the atmosphere of democracy and freedom whichallows them to make a decision that is in harmony with their convictions when they decide to withdraw from the government or parliament.This is democracy. Continuing, he says: Nevertheless, I hope the brothers will not make such a decision but continue to work within thegovernment and in the political process away from all foreign implications so that efforts will be pooled to rescue Iraq. He adds: Werespect their decision and relations between us and them will continue. They can play their role in parliament as a list objecting togovernment policy. This will give the list strength and stability and turn it into part of the scrutiny mechanism that should be there.

Asked aga in a bout the security plan a nd if it will also be implemen ted in t he govern orate s, Al-Maliki says: The plan is called Operation LawEnforcement. This means the law will be enforced not only in Baghdad but also in all Iraqi governorates. Every Iraqi group should abide bythe law. All outlaws in any Iraqi governorate will be punished. He adds: We should not judge the security plan now because some of itsmechanisms have still not been activated. The plan will work more seriously, scientifically, and professionally. Once again I would like tosay that the plan is not all that we have to rectify the security situation. We will continue our national and political reconciliation efforts anddialogue. We will boost this dialogue with pra ctical measures as happe ned in retu rning, honouring, and compensating the disbande d a rmyand police personnel. The process of reconciliation will continue. It will be boosted with every step the security plan makes forward. Inaddition to the security measures adopted daily in this deployment, we have strong intelligence activity, supported by the peoplescooperation with the security and intelligence services. Therefore, the plan does not have only a military form. We have a plan aimed atdismantling the infrastructure of terrorism by arresting the head terrorists and wanted outlaws. This process will continue and gradually


18/23

exhaust the militias, terrorist orga nizations, and supporters of the former regime.

A correspondent then asks the following question in English: Last September the government issued a number of benchmarks for itself,including the new oil law, review of the de-Bathification law, re view o f the constitution, a nd ena cting a law on provincial elections. The oilpart has been, of course, accepted by the cabinet and is almost complete to the process. I wanted to know what the status of the otherbenchmarks is, particularly the de-Bathification, and when do you expect to see some progress or some finalization of these otherbenchmarks?

Responding, the prime m inister sa ys: The g overnment h as d efined the requiremen ts tha t ne ed to be a ccomplished in accordance with aset timetable. Praised be God, we ha ve mana ged to accomplish th em. We ha ve accomplished the investment law, which was important andnecessary to develop the e conomy and op en th e d oor for national and foreign capital and for companies to invest in Iraq. This wasapproved by the Council of Representatives. We have also accomplished the law on provincial elections and it was approved, too. We haveaccomplished other laws dealing with oil. We have accomplishments in the field of building the army and armed forces. All depends on theextent of our success and how stable the security situation in the country is. He adds: This week we will take over responsibility forcommand and control of two divisions in Baghdad. We will continue to take responsibility for security side by side with the continuation of the security plan and spread of security in Iraq. Once the government, security, and the political process stabilize, it will not be necessaryto have international forces. We will then have accomplished together the joint aims in terms of attaining full sovereignty, full control, andstability of the security situation. I do not give this a long time because, God willing, we will triumph and succeed through this partnershipand this willingness to work together in dealing blows to terrorism. Terrorism wanted to use Iraq as a lodging place and a launching pad tocommit terrorist acts not only in Iraq but also in the region and the world. When we triumph, it will be easy for our forces to take over thewhole security file and relieve the international forces of the need to be present so intensively. This will take place after we and theysucceed in stabilizing the security situation.

Asked abo ut the accusations levelled at the pers onne l of the 36th Regimen t of t he Iraqi division in the Al-Sadr City, Al-Maliki praises the

divisions efforts in combating terrorism and pursuing outlaws and says it is qualified and well trained. He, however, adds: But duringthe implementation of tasks some mistakes or unacceptable practices might take place. He then says: We will investigate the complaintlodge d a gainst this division. We will also investigate any violation by any o the r military u nit.

The following question is then asked in English: I noticed a moment ago that you mentioned that in the past political overtures had failedand now it is time to enforce the law. Does this mean there will be no more political overtures, no more conciliation talks or contacts withthe so-called nationalist wing, the resistance?

Responding, Al-Maliki says: No, they have not failed. I did not say they failed. They have largely succeeded with those who returned totheir national ranks and those who discovered that the slogans the Bathists or terrorist organ izations raised un der the name of resistanceor jihad were all false. They benefited from opening the door of the political process and reconciliation for them and they returned. Theyare now part of the political reality, praised be God. Instead of providing shelter to or opening their areas to the activities of theseorganizations, they are now confronting the se orga nizations a nd a rresting a nd e ven killing the membe rs of these organizations as you h ear

daily. I stress that national reconciliation has largely succeeded. Its success has led to isolating the rebelling wing - the wing which seeks toreach political positions over the peoples blood. Here we moved on from reconciliation to the use of force against them. The door of reconciliation, however, continues to be open for anyone who wants to return to the right path and work with us in building the country.We came to build Iraq and all the Iraqi people n ow realize that these are destroying the country. If they object to the current regime, letthem ob ject through the democratic channels. If they want to further rebe l, let them use force a gainst the governme nt. Why are they usingforce and committing ugly crimes against the innocent Iraqis, students, and places of worship?

Source: Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad


IRAQI Helicopters Patrol Baghdad SkiesMarch 5th, 2007

04 March 2007 (Al-Sabaah)

Yesterday a Heway fighter aircrafts flied, headed by two Iraqi aviators in an exploratory air patrol to support the lawimpos ition in Baghda d.

A stateme nt issued by the defense m inistry, as-Sabah ne wspaper, received a copy of it, and said that the defense ministerAbdul Qadar Mohammed Jassam had participated yesterday morning in this patrol.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/iraqi-pm-interviewed-on-baghdad-conference-security-plan/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/iraqi-helicopters-patrol-baghdad-skies-2/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/iraqi-helicopters-patrol-baghdad-skies-2/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/06/iraqi-pm-interviewed-on-baghdad-conference-security-plan/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


19/23

The stateme nt qu oted th e minister confirmation tha t such patrols are a reflecting to the big work, through which, the airforce is symbolizing the presence of the IRAQI air force in the military field to offer support to the land forces.


The US Military Rocks!March 5th, 2007

Another new operation launched in Iraq to secure Bagdad and the rest of Iraq


The Iraq House of Representatives Resumes Its Sessions TomorrowMarch 5th, 2007

The Iraq parliament resumes its ses sions tomorrow

- 05/03/2007 - 2:43 | : 25 | : 0Baqir al-Hadi

.The Euphrates channel

space is that the parliament will resume its meetings tomorrow, Tuesday after the e nd of the Legislat ive chapter for the current year. .It added that the first deputy Canal the President of the House of RepresentativesSheikh Khaled al-Attiya confirmed that he will be tomorrow, Tuesday held the first hearing of the House of Representatives for the firstLegislative chapter for the current year.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/iraqi-helicopters-patrol-baghdad-skies-2/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-us-military-rocks/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-us-military-rocks/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-iraq-house-of-representatives-resumes-its-sessions-tomorrow/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-iraq-house-of-representatives-resumes-its-sessions-tomorrow/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-us-military-rocks/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/ushelicopteriraq.jpghttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-us-military-rocks/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/iraqi-helicopters-patrol-baghdad-skies-2/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


20/23

. She explained that it is expected to be ratifiedby the House of laws and a number of important projectsincluding the oil, gas and cabinet reshuffle the new law,expected to uproot the Baath. ( )The news agency pratha (father)


A Plan To Build A Power Station In Every Iraqi ProvinceMarch 5th, 2007

A plan to build a power station in every Iraqi province

04 March 2007 (Iraq Directory)Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Kareem Waheed, said that his ministry is determined to implement its short,medium and long-term plans despite the many problems it is currently experiencing, in order to access in the production of electric energyto the extent of self-sufficiency in 2009, and try to produce more than 28 thousand megawatts in 2015, which gives the country the abilityto export excess capacity.

Waheed said in a press conference that there is a plan to build a power station in each Iraqi province, under a specific timetable inaccordance with the regulations and technical standards calculated. He added that the ministry is currently intensifying its efforts to providethe electric current to the capital Baghdad as soon as possible, before the in coming of the summer, by installing diesel generators inseveral areas in the city. Waheed Also uncovered a project of electricity linkage with Iran (by partially linking the network through the cityof Basrah), which is expected to be completed before the summer season, which contributes to increase the electricity network by 50megawatts.

The Iraqi minister confirmed that electricity in Iraq can be improved in the presence of several key factors; the most important of which are

security and protection of th e condu cting power lines, which extends thousand s of kilometers in un inhabited a reas. He p ointed out th at t herecent sabotage operations contributed in isolating the city of Baghdad completely after targeting the eight lines conducting energy to it.

Waheed described electricity in Baghdad of being miserable and semi hopeless of it in most administrative, technical and financialaspects. He a dded that there are suspend ed p ower stations because of the n on-availability of natural gas re quired for its opera tion, likethe stations of Nasiriyah, Samawah and Khawr al-Zubayr in the south of Iraq, as well as Al-Quds thermal station which has stoppedcompletely for the same reason; he called on the Ministry of Oil to provide fuel for those stations in order to operate the power generationunits.


Fresh Mechanism To Distribute Oil Derivatives Among Iraqi ProvincesMarch 5th, 2007

Baghdad, 05 March 2007 (Voices of Iraq)

Iraqi Oil Minister, Dr. Hussein al-Shahrastani, revealed his ministrys plan to hammer out a new mechanism for distributing oil derivativesamongst the p rovinces, dep ending on the amount available in warehous es a nd the population rate in ea ch province.

Each province will be notified of its weekly quota to guarantee fair sharing, according to an oil ministry statement quoting Shahrastani,received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Sunday.
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-iraq-house-of-representatives-resumes-its-sessions-tomorrow/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/a-plan-to-build-a-power-station-in-every-iraqi-province/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/a-plan-to-build-a-power-station-in-every-iraqi-province/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/fresh-mechanism-to-distribute-oil-derivatives-among-iraqi-provinces/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/fresh-mechanism-to-distribute-oil-derivatives-among-iraqi-provinces/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/a-plan-to-build-a-power-station-in-every-iraqi-province/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/a-plan-to-build-a-power-station-in-every-iraqi-province/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/the-iraq-house-of-representatives-resumes-its-sessions-tomorrow/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


21/23

He said production from local oil refineries has not reached targeted figures due to either power failures or acts of sabotage targeting oilpipelines.

The ministry was using the pre-planne d system to distribute oil products over the Iraqi provinces but due to sa botage and technicalglitches there was a gap between the planned amount and the actual distributed amount, said Shahrastani.

Some provinces insisted on ha ving the ir quota s intact so as to supp ly the local residents needs, h e a dded.


Security Developments In Iraq (Highlights on Sunday, March 04, 2007)March 5th, 2007

Kirkuk - Iraqi security forces arrested on Sunday 14 suspected militants during two separate security crackdowns in the northern Iraqi cityof Kirkuk, a security source said.

Baghdad - A kidnapped adviser to the Iraqi defense minister was freed on Sunday morning after an army force raided the captors hideoutin western Baghda d, spokesman for Baghda d operations command said.

Baghdad - A gunman was killed and 106 suspected militants were arrested by Iraqi security forces in several areas in Baghdad during thepast 24 hours within the Baghdad law-imposing plan, the Baghdad operations command said on Sunday.


US-Iraqi Troops Pour Into Baghdads Sadr CityMarch 5th, 2007

BAGHDAD, 05 March 2007 (Middle East Online)

Iraqi and US forces on Monday pushed into Shiite militia bastions in Baghdad where they once fought raging street battles, as their securityplan faced the first big test of its authority.

The operation by hundreds of troops in Sadr City, once a no-go area controlled by Shiite militias, comes amid a growing row over a raid onthe interior ministry in Basra by Iraqi and coalition troops which infuriated Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The house-to-house searches in Sadr City are testing the resolve of Malikis government to back coalition forces in going after Shiitemilitan ts in th e bas tion of one of its key allies, radical anti-American cleric Moqta da al-Sadr.

Al-Sadrs militiamen have melted into the shadows since a joint operation by Iraqi and US forces was launched in Baghdad more than twoweeks ago to flush out Sunni insurgents and Shiite militiamen.

The operation in Sadr City, which on its first day on Sunday drew no resistance but also saw no arrests, is sweeping through the samestreets where US-led forces engaged Shiite militias in bitter battles in 2004.

US officials have for several months been pushing Maliki, who on Sunday announced an imminent cabinet reshuffle, to form a new alliancearound moderates.

They hope to sideline Sadr whose Mahdi Army militia is accused by US commanders of being the single most dangerous threat to Iraqistability.

Maliki owes his own election to the votes of Sadrs 32 lawmakers, and the anti-American firebrands movement controls six ministries.

The shove into Sadr City began Sunday when 600 US and 550 Iraqi troops set up checkpoints and visited homes in the Jamila district on
http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/fresh-mechanism-to-distribute-oil-derivatives-among-iraqi-provinces/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/security-developments-in-iraq-highlights-on-sunday-march-04-2007/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/security-developments-in-iraq-highlights-on-sunday-march-04-2007/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/us-iraqi-troops-pour-into-baghdad%e2%80%99s-sadr-city/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/us-iraqi-troops-pour-into-baghdad%e2%80%99s-sadr-city/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/security-developments-in-iraq-highlights-on-sunday-march-04-2007/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/security-developments-in-iraq-highlights-on-sunday-march-04-2007/http://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/2007/03/05/fresh-mechanism-to-distribute-oil-derivatives-among-iraqi-provinces/#respondhttp://iraqsinconvenienttruth.com/category/iraqs-inconvenient-truth/


22/23

the s outhern edge of the a rea, whe re a police station is due to be converted into a fortified base for a joint US-Iraqi force.

The number two US military commander in Iraq however warned that the security crackdown in Baghdad is making only slow progress andthat it would take at least six to nine months to hand security over to Iraqis.

Were starting to see some progress, but its very slow, Major General Raymond Odierno told CNN television. We expect it to be becausewe think this will take months, not weeks, to accomplish.

Iraqis have deployed 18 battalions into the Baghdad a rea, Odierno said, although the y are not a t full strength. Seven units are at 55-65percent strength levels, seven others are at 65-85 percent and the last four battalions are at 95 percent strength, he said.

Coalition forces, meanwhile, were Monday under fire f

iraq: the "real" inconvenient truth for democrat's

Documents