Iraq

Chairman Addresses Iraq, North Korea, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Global Security (Free subscription) | 3 hours ago

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed the situation in Iraq, relations with North Korea, China and Russia and possible changes to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy during an appearance on a television news show today.

• Chairman Addresses Iraq, North Korea, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - Department of Defense
• Head of Joint Chiefs Discuses North Korea, 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' - THE TENSION

News Analysis: In New Iraq Role, U.S. Searches for Means of Influence

New York Times (Free subscription) | 4 hours ago

In dealing with Iraqi politics, American diplomats — who have a reputation for being heavy-handed — must find a new tone.

Iraq - Sovereignty?

Global Voices Online (Free subscription) | 9 hours ago

"It is like deja-vu all over again. How many times will the media declare Iraqi Sovereignty and us bloggers are expected to stand up and respectfully applaud?" writes Salam Adil in reaction to the news of further US troop withdrawal in Iraq. He brings us more reactions from the Iraqi blogosphere about their "new-found sovereignty".

News Analysis: America’s New Role in Iraq Prompts a Search for Means of Influence

New York Times (Free subscription) | 4 hours ago

As they deal with Iraqi politics, the Americans — who have a reputation for being heavy-handed — must find a new tone.

The Caucus: Vice President Says His Trip Proves Iraq Remains Priority

New York Times (Free subscription) | 8 hours ago

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. said that he had assured Iraqi leaders that the country had not been pushed aside to make way for more pressing concerns.

Insurgent attacks in Iraq kill 2 in Mosul, Baqouba

San Diego Union (Free subscription) | 11 hours ago

Attackers targeted police patrols in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Sunday, killing a police officer with a grenade and injuring 14 people in a car bomb blast, authorities said.

Insurgent attacks in Iraq kill 2 in Mosul, Baqouba

kansascity.com (Free subscription) | 11 hours ago

Attackers targeted police patrols in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Sunday, killing a police officer with a grenade and injuring 14 people in a car bomb blast, authorities said.

Iraq hit by worst sandstorms in decades - Feature

The Earth Times Online Newspaper (Free subscription) | 18 hours ago

Baghdad - The weather in Baghdad has been biblical of late. Great walls of sand, driven by scorching hot winds, have crashed against the walls and windows of the city, delaying historic business deals, waylaying diplomatic visits, even interfering wi...

Link Between Iraq Violence and Troop Withdrawals Is Considered

Washington Post (Free subscription) | yesterday

A recent spike in violence in Iraq is prompting senior defense officials to ask whether the gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities over the past several months has provided an opening to extremist groups eager to spark sectarian attacks between Sunnis and Shiites.

• Link Between Iraq Violence and Troop Withdrawals Is Considered(?!) - Chippshots

Review of Vietnam in Iraq: Tactics, lessons, legacies and ghosts

The Blue Voice (Free subscription) | 4 hours ago

Vietnam in Iaq: Tactics, lessons, legacies and ghosts , edited by John Dumbrell and David Ryan, has a publication date of 2007. But the 11 essays in this collection predate the announcement of The Surge. But there is real value to looking at contemporary commentary on the Iraq War. Because just as with the Vietnam War, later claims of new perspectives and revisionist history on the war in general can...

Joe Biden provides consultation for al Qaeda in Iraq

The Real Revo (Free subscription) | yesterday

Yesterday our vice president explained to al Qaeda in Iraq and other anti-government forces what they need to do to recover from their inglorious defeat and still win the war. Vice President Joseph Biden told Iraqi leaders that the path to a secure peace lies in uniting ethnic and sectarian groups and said the U.S. might [...]

IRAQ: Baghdad tells US not to interfere in 'internal' matters

France24 (Free subscription) | yesterday

An Iraqi government agent said Saturday that the US should not interfere in its affairs, in response to a remark made by US Vice President Joe Biden that Washington would politically disengage if ethnic or sectarian violence resumed.

Reporter’s Notebook: In Iraq, Biden Paints a Holiday Ceremony With Colorful Talk

New York Times (Free subscription) | yesterday

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presided over a naturalization ceremony that included 12 soldiers from Iraq, and his blunt remarks.

Iraq declines offer of U.S. help with reconciliation

Reuters (Free subscription) | yesterday

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq on Saturday ruled out foreign involvement in its efforts to reconcile rival factions, just after visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden urged Iraqis to do more to bury grievances and stave off renewed conflict.

This Just In: Coverage Of The War In Iraq Has Been Cancelled Due To Low Ratings.

JackRabbit Café (Free subscription) | 12 hours ago

WELCOME! NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED, NO SHIRT OR SHOES REQUIRED. I'M YOUR HOST--JOHNNYRUSSIA. ENJOY YOURSELF--IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK.

GOP Fiscal Honesty Myth Shattered- $Billions Lost in Iraq

mrinternet | 05/28/2008

When the Inspector General for the Defense Department recently released a 69-page audit to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform criticizing the ‘reckless at best', accounting practices by the Pentagon of the Iraq invasion and subsequent occupation that couldn't rationally account for almost $15 Billion worth of goods and services ranging from trucks, bottled water and mattresses

On Iraq and why we can't leave

thevaneljounal.com | 04/11/2008

I am sure by now you've read the reports on Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus' testimony on Capitol Hill this week. All of the candidates were present to fire questions at the general and one point was painstakingly made clear: regardless of who wins the white house this November, we will be in Iraq for some time. Eugene Robinson wrote an excellent Op-ed artcile in the Washington Post this...

"Battle of Basra" Puts Moqtada al-Sadr on Notice, Seeks to Secure Election

quickrob | 04/07/2008

The "Battle of Basra" is being characterized by the media as an example of failure in Iraq. I will argue that it is not a failure at all, and it in fact signifies the readiness of a unified Iraqi government to force al-Sadr into the political process. If and when Moqtada and his Mahdi Army lay down their weapons this will portend a successful election later in the year which will influence the US...