New optimism signals future cooperation
New York Times Nov 7, 08 2:51 AM CST
(Newser)
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A wave of optimism in the wake of Barack Obama's victory is causing a shift in Iraqi politics, the New York Times reports. Shiite politicians are signaling that they're more prepared now to sign a new security agreement with the US. They believe Obama will speed the pace of withdrawal, and trust him to respect the timetable. An agreement could be signed before the end of the month.
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Bilateral pact, which gives Iraq control over troops, must be approved by parliament
Reuters Oct 15, 08 4:32 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Iraq's government could soon be in charge of US troops for the first time, a prelude to their full withdrawal by 2011 under a deal now awaiting approval by Iraqi politicians, Reuters reports. The deal sets a firm timeline, and lets the Arab nation prosecute American soldiers for some serious crimes committed off of US bases—previously a major stumbling block.
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Shiite government isn't incorporating Sunni Sons of Iraq, or, worse, hunting them down
Washington Post Sep 30, 08 1:18 PM CDT
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As Iraq's Shia-led government assumes greater control of security, US soldiers fear the sudden disintegration of the 54,000-strong Sunni force that had been key to improving conditions there, the Washington Post reports. The government has pledged to hire 20% of the so-called Sons of Iraq, but that still leaves the haunting prospect of thousands of young men “unemployed, with weapons,” says a US captain.
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Ali al-Lami accused linked to June attack that killed 10, including 4 Americans
Associated Press Aug 28, 08 1:00 PM CDT
(Newser)
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A top Shiite in Iraq’s government was arrested today by US forces, which believe he played a role in a June bombing that killed 10 people, including four Americans, the AP reports. The arrest of Ali al-Lami, who heads a committee that keeps Saddam Hussein loyalists out of government, could bring strong pressure from Sunni groups concerned about Iranian influence in the government.
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US commanders fear reversal of hard-fought peace
New York Times Aug 22, 08 6:30 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Iraq's Shiite-dominated government has begun a crackdown on groups of US-backed Sunni fighters, the New York Times reports. The government fears the fighters, part of what is called the Awakening movement, could be waiting to turn their guns on Shiites. In several parts of the country senior members have been arrested in recent weeks, and hundreds of others, many of them on the US payroll, have been targeted.
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Government wants to oust director of South Oil, but he's resisting
Wall Street Journal Jul 30, 08 3:44 PM CDT
(Newser)
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The central government in Iraq is trying reassert its control over a huge state-owned oil company by forcing out its maverick—but highly effective—chief, the Wall Street Journal reports. He's refusing to go, however, and the resulting turf war could have huge implications not only for Iraq but the world: The company, South Oil, pumps 2 milion barrels a day, making it one of the biggest global suppliers.
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Shiite Mahdi Army's extortion and violence alienate residents
New York Times Jul 27, 08 5:38 AM CDT
(Newser)
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The sway of a key Iraqi militia has declined significantly and it's losing control of its Baghdad strongholds to the government, the New York Times reports. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army once controlled politics and police in areas throughout the city, but supporters became disenchanted by its violence and extortion as American and Iraqi forces hammered the group.
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Baghdad aggressively courts international investment
Der Spiegel Jul 22, 08 12:00 PM CDT
(Newser)
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With security and stability on the rise, Iraq’s government is turning its attention, and its generous budget, toward reconstruction. That’s led to some big opportunities for Western businesses, which are scrambling to get a cut of the country’s $25 billion reconstruction budget. Iraq, which lacks the resources to rebuild on its own, is just as eager to make deals, reports Der Spiegel.
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Staunch war critic optimistic about upcoming election
Associated Press May 17, 08 12:12 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Nancy Pelosi visited Iraq today, and the staunch war critic said she liked what she heard. After meeting with several top Iraqi and US officials, including Nouri al-Maliki and David Petraeus, Pelosi emerged optimistic about the upcoming provincial elections. She also praised Baghdad for passing a budget and oil legislation, the AP reports.
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US audit says many in special forces aren't actually serving
Military Times Apr 25, 08 2:08 PM CDT
(Newser)
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The number of men in Iraq's security forces is estimated to be a healthy 530,000. Trouble is, a "substantial number" of them are injured, dead, or AWOL, a new government audit says. The review casts doubt on Pentagon reports about Iraqi capabilities and questions Baghdad's ability to train its own forces, the Military Times reports.
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Group cites amnesty law, anti-Shiite crackdown as positives
New York Times Apr 24, 08 3:04 PM CDT
(Newser)
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The biggest Sunni bloc in Iraq is returning to the government after a nine-month boycott, encouraged by a new amnesty law and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s redoubled attention to Shiite militias, the New York Times reports. Which cabinet positions the Tawafiq bloc will get, and which members will hold them, is still up in the air.
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Mahdi Army must disband, Maliki says,
or lose political power
Associated Press Apr 7, 08 8:32 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Muqtada al-Sadr and his loyalists will be banned from upcoming elections if the Mahdi Army doesn't disband, Nouri al-Maliki said today, in his toughest rhetoric yet against the popular cleric. Sadrists say the Iraqi PM has no constitutional power to make that threat, but even if lawmakers succeed in banning parties that operate militias, the backlash could be violent, the AP reports.
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PM's adviser warns Baghdad may challenge contract
CNN Apr 5, 08 4:24 PM CDT
(Newser)
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An Iraqi official called the renewal of Blackwater USA's contract "bad news" today, CNN reports. "I personally am not happy with this, especially because they have committed acts of aggression, killed Iraqis," said the adviser to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. With many in Baghdad upset about it, he said he may press officials to contest the contract renewal.
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