Current Events and Links

Bush Orders Gradual Troop Cuts in Iraq

Sept. 14, 2007 - U.S. troop strength in Iraq stands at 168,000, the highest it has ever been. But President Bush ordered gradual reductions in U.S. forces in there. Some troops will come home by Christmas and others by July, but there will still be more than 130,000 left at that point. Further cuts will depend on how well things go in Iraq. He said, "The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home."

Still, Bush firmly rejected calls to end the war, saying the insurgents who threaten Iraq's future are a danger to U.S. national security. American troops must stay in the battle.

Source: NewsMax

Bush makes surprise visit to Iraq

Sept. 3, 2007 - President Bush is in Iraq today on a surprise visit to meet key advisors and gain first-hand information about the conditions there.

The US military commander and the US ambassador in Iraq will deliver a keenly-anticipated report on the US troop surge to Congress this month.

The President's plane landed in Anbar province. This is significant because this area has been the center of the Sunni insurgency. His acceptance there is a dramatic demonstration that the troop surge and diplomacy have brought about a better climate with Sunnis and has reduced the threat from Sunni militant groups such as al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Source: BBC

GAO: Iraq meets only 5 of 18 goals set by Bush

Aug. 30, 2007 - A report from the The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will reportedly claim that 13 of the 18 benchmarks to measure the surge of U.S. troops to Iraq will not be met by the Sept. 15 deadline.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been made public, also said the administration is preparing a case to play down its findings, arguing that Congress ordered the GAO to use unfair, "all or nothing" standards when compiling the document.

Source: MSNBC

'Chemical Ali' to hang for killing Kurds

July 25, 2007

Source: AP

U.S. Military Says 14 Soldiers Killed in Iraq

June 21, 2007 - The U.S. military announced the deaths of 14 American troops, including five killed Thursday in a single roadside bombing that also killed four Iraqis in Baghdad.

Source:

U.S. Sends 10,000 Troops Into Diyala to Take on Al Qaeda in Iraq

June 19, 2007 - With the arrival of 30,000 additional U.S. troops in Iraq, about 10,000 U.S. soldiers launched an offensive against Al Qaeda northeast of Baghdad. The troops were accompanied by attack helicopters, Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. At least 22 insurgents were killed.

Source: Fox

Radical Anti-American Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr Returns to Iraq

May 25, 2007 - Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric, came out of hiding in Iraq Fridy to deliver a fiery anti-American sermon to about 6000 followers.

Al-Sadr had gone into hiding in Iran four months ago at the start of the U.S.-led Baghdad security crackdown. It was not immediately clear why he chose to return now to his base in the Shiite holy city of Najaf.

Source: Fox

Body Believed to Be Missing U.S. Soldier Found in Iraq

May 23, 2007 - According to Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, chief U.S. military spokesman in Iraq, a body found floating in the Euphrates River south of Baghdad is thought to be one of three U.S. soldiers missing since May 12.

Source:Fox

Bush to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq

Jan. 10, 2007 - President Bush will address the nation tonight, and is expected to announce plans to send more than 20,000 additional American forces to Iraq. He reportedly plans to admit that we should have had more troops there earlier.

Seeking support for a retooled strategy to win support for the unpopular war, the president also will acknowledge that the rules of engagement were flawed, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said.

Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Edward M. Kennedy say the President should get congressional approval before sending more troops to Iraq.

Source: MSNBC

Saddam Hussein Executed by Hanging in Iraq

Dec. 30, 2006 - Saddam Hussein and two other men were put to death by hanging in Iraq for the 1982 killings of 148 men and young boys in Dujail. Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri Al-Maliki had rejected requests for Saddam to be spared, because that would be an insult to the victims and their families.

Mariam al-Rayes, a legal expert and a former member of the Shiite bloc in parliament, told Iraqiya television that the execution "was filmed and God willing it will be shown. There was one camera present, and a doctor was also present there."

Source: Fox

Saddam Hussein executed before dawn - MSNBC

U.S. Is Being Told Hussein Hanging Seems Imminent

Dec. 29, 2006 - Iraq is preparing for the execution of Saddam Hussein. The process awaits the transfer of Hussein from U.S. custody, and could take place at any time.

A senior administration official said that the execution would probably not take place in the next 24 hours, but that the timing would be swift. “It may be another day or so,” the official said.

There is no plan to make the event public or even to give advance notice of the execution in order to avoid violence.

Source: New York Times

Iraqi appeals court upholds Hussein death sentence

Dec. 26, 2006 - Judge Munir Haddad, of The Iraqi High Tribunal's appellate chamber, announced that they upheld the November decision that Saddam Hussein should be executed by hanging for the 1982 killings of 148 people in Dujail. He said this decision was the final word in the case.

Under international law, most governments have the power to stay any executions, but Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has said his government would not do so in Hussein's case.

The execution must be carried out within 30 days, but it could be done any day now. The execution will terminate Saddam Hussein's involvement in an ongoing case involving the killings of up to 100,000 Kurds in 1988.

Source: CNN

Iran tells Talabani that US-led forces must leave Iraq

Nov. 28, 2006 - As violence and the threat of civil war intensifies in Iraq, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani visited Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei to ask for advice. Khameni told him that U.S. forces must leave the country before they can establish their own security.

"Americans will absolutely not succeed in Iraq and the continuation of Iraq's occupation is not a mouthful that Americans can swallow," Khamenei said Tuesday during a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

Source: Breitbart.com

Bush: 'Nothing less than victory' acceptable in Iraq - WIS TV

Kissinger: No 'Military Victory' in Iraq

Nov. 20, 2006 - Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger told BBC viewers that he doesn't believe that military victory in Iraq can be achieved. He defined military victory as control of the civil war and sectarian violence within a reasonable period of time.

But Kissinger warned against a rapid withdrawal of troops, saying it could lead to "disastrous consequences," destabilizing Iraq's neighbors and causing a long-lasting conflict.

Source: NewsMax

Megapastor Rick Warren blasts Iraq war, praises Syria

Nov. 16, 2006 - Megachurch pastor Rick Warren is meeting various leaders and officials in Syria, much to the dismay of many in the U.S. He has reportedly encouraged their leaders and criticized the Iraq war.

"We at VCY America Radio network are appalled and angered that Rick Warren is praising a nation that has long supported international terrorism and that desires the utter destruction of Israel," said a statement from the broadcasting organization.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Warren denies praise for Syria - WorldNetDaily

Uniformed Iraqi Gunmen Kidnap 150 From Research Center in Baghdad

Nov. 14, 2006 - About 80 gunmen in police uniforms stormed a Baghdad research institute and kidnapped up to 150 staff and visitors. Iraq's education minister closed all universities until security could be improved.

A spokesman for U.S. forces in Iraq said American troops were ready to help in the hunt for the kidnappers. "We will support all efforts by the Iraqi government to bring these criminals to justice," Lt. Col. Christopher Garver said.

Source: Fox

Saddam sentenced to death by hanging

Nov. 5, 2006 - The verdict in Saddam Hussein's trial came Sunday. Iraq's High Tribunal found him guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced him to hang for the 1982 killing of 148 Shiites in the city of Dujail. His sentence goes to an automatic appeals panel of nine judges. It has unlimited time to review the case, but once it upholds a death sentence, the execution must be carried out within 30 days.

Source: MSNBC

Shiites Celebrate, Sunnis Remain Defiant in Wake of Saddam Verdict - Fox

Curfew eased after Saddam verdict - BBC

Saddam ready to die, leave 'literary legacy' - WorldNetDaily

Iraq terrorist calls scientists to jihad

Sept. 28, 2006 - Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, the al-Qaida leader in Iraq, spoke on a terrorist website, calling scientists to join their cause, encouraging the kidnapping of Westerners, and stating that more than 4000 foreign fighters have been killed so far in the war in Iraq. He said:

The field of jihad can satisfy your scientific ambitions, and the large American bases (in Iraq) are good places to test your unconventional weapons, whether biological or dirty, as they call them.

Source: chron.com

US soldiers reported tortured, beheaded

June 21, 2006 - Two US soldiers, were abducted last Friday from a vehicle checkpoint that came under attack, have been found dead in the town of Youssifiyah. An Iraqi official said the Americans had been tortured and killed in a ``barbaric" way.

According to residents of Youssifiyah and a relative of one of the victims, the soldiers were beheaded.

Source: Boston.com

Al-Qaida says new leader killed kidnapped GIs - MSNBC

Al-Qaida in Iraq's al-Zarqawi 'terminated'

June 8,2006 - US forces in Iraq killed Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, al-Qaida leader, in a precision airstrike. Al-Zarqawi led a bloody campaign of suicide bombings and beheadings of hostages.

Al-Zarqawi and seven aides, including spiritual adviser Sheik Abdul Rahman, were killed Wednesday evening in a remote area 30 miles northeast of Baghdad in the volatile province of Diyala, just east of the provincial capital of Baqouba, officials said.

Source:MSNBC

Zarqawi Found Alive After Bombing - Fox

Bush summons war advisers for Iraq meeting - MSNBC

Mahdi Rising. . .

Apr. 6, 2006 - Moqtada al-Sadr, the thirty-two year old leader of the self-described "Mahdi Army"in Iraq, has raised an independent force of 15,000. He is a Muslim Cleric, who has been a thorn in America's side since the beginning of the operations there. The U.S. has not stopped him.

Instead, the US is taking a 'hand's off' approach, unsure what to do next. al-Sadr has joined the political process, with stunning results. The current prime minister, Ibrahim Jaafari, effectively owes his job to al-Sadr's support.

Worst of all, al-Sadr, like President Ahamadinejad of Iran, believes he is preparing the way for the apocalyptic "Mahdi," who they believe will be the rider on the white horse of Revelation 6:1, and will cause the death of one-fourth of mankind.

Source: Jack Kinsella - Omega Letter

Kidnapped U.S. Reporter Jill Carroll Freed

Mar. 30, 2006 - Jill Carroll, a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor who was kidnapped nearly three months ago in Iraq, has been released by her captors.

"I was treated well, but I don't know why I was kidnapped," Carroll said in a brief interview on Iraqi television, during which she wore a light green Islamic headscarf and a gray Arab robe. "I'm just happy to be free. I want to be with my family."

Source: Fox

Did Russian Ambassador Give Saddam U.S. War Plan?

Mar. 23, 2006 - A number of documents recently made public indicate that the Russian Ambassador to Iraq gave detailed information about U.S. military size, location, and plans of attack before the war in 2003. Other documents five insight about Iraq contacts with Osama bin Laden, and about weapons of mass destruction.

Source: ABC

Rep. Curt Weldon Says Osama Is Dead

Mar. 17, 2006 - This story is not confirmed, but Rep. Curt Weldon, who has obtained good information in the past from sources in Iran, says that he was told that Bin Laden has been hiding in Iran, and that he has died.

Source: NewsMax

'Operation Swarmer' Air Assault Launched in Iraq

Mar. 16, 2006 - Because of expected insurgent activities during the upcoming Shiite Muslim holiday, Coalition forces launched the largest air assault in Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003. The goal of the raids is to clear a suspected insurgent operating area southeast of Samarra. The operation is expected to continue for several days.

Ret. Army Lt. Col David Hunt, agreed that this kind of military operation would not have been launched without some very specific intelligence regarding the location and plans of Al Qaeda.

Source: Fox

Ex-Official: Russia Moved Saddam's WMD

Feb. 20, 2006 - According to former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense John. A. Shaw, Iraq did have weapons of mass destruction, but moved them to Syria and Lebanon before 2003 liberation of Iraq.

They were moved by Russian Spetsnaz (special forces) units out of uniform, that were specifically sent to Iraq to move the weaponry and eradicate any evidence of its existence.

Source: NewsMax

Bush argues case for staying in Iraq

Dec. 19, 2005 - At the White House last night President Bush said that the United States is winning the war in Iraq and issued a plea to Americans divided by doubt: “Do not give in to despair and do not give up on this fight for freedom.” He did admit that mistakes have been made, and took responsibility for failures.

Source: MSNBC

Full Text of President Bush's Speech - MSNBC

Saddam Yells at Judge in Unruly Session

Dec. 5, 2005 - Saddam Hussein's trial again degenerated to a shouting match, with Saddam saying the court is not proper, the judge not allowing certain testimony, Sadam's brother shouting, "Why don't you just execute us?" and the defense team walking out of the proceedings.

Source: Yahoo

Saddam trial told of 'massacre' - BBC

Saddam's trial will not be fair, says United Nations - Guardian - U.K.

Saddam trial hears first witness

Nov. 28, 2005 - The first witness in Saddam Hussein's trial was a video recording made by Wadah Ismael al-Sheik, a Iraqi intelligence officer. The witness is now deceased.b The trial has been adjourned until December 5th.

Source: BBC

Separate Iraq Bombings Kill at Least 73

Nov. 18, 2005 - Iraqi homicide bombers attacked two Shiite mosques, killing 65 people, and a Baghdad hotel where 8 others were killed. Another 75 people were injured.

Source: Fox

Bush Fires Back Against Iraq War Critics

Nov. 12, 2005 - President Bush's Veteran's Day message was a forceful response to critics of the war. He said that those who are now claiming that the administratiion lied about intelligence that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction had the same information he had at that time, and they voted to execute the war. He said, "it is deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how that war began."

Bush also reiterated the need to defeat extremists seeking to destroy America and other modern governments, saying the "murderous ideology of Islamic radicals" is the great threat of the 21st century.

The President compared terrorism to the threat of global conquest that led to World Wars I and II, and said that the troops who are engaged in Iraq deserve support from the lawmakers who sent them there.

Source:Fox

Nov. 17, 2005 - Cheney calls war critics 'opportunists' - MSNBC

Zarqawi Moves His Headquarters to Baghdad

Nov. 9 - American forces in Iraq have received intelligence that Abu Musab al Zarkawi, the head of Al-Qaida in the Middle East has moved from his Sunni hide-out into Baghdad, the Capital city in order to assert full control over the insurgency activity there. He supposedly came in a convoy of stolen military vehicles, disguised as Iraqi military leaders, right through the roadblocks without being detected.

But Zarqawi’s overriding goal, according to DEBKA-Net-Weekly’s counter-terror sources. It is to cast the Iraq capital into such a state of turmoil and dislocation as to make it impossible to hold parliamentary elections as scheduled on December 15.

Source:DEBKAfile

Iraqis vote for new constitution

Oct. 25, 2005 - After investigating the election results in the approval of Iraq's first constitutiona, the Electoral commission affirmed that 78% of voters had backed the charter and 21% opposed it in the vote on 15 October.

Farid Ayar, an official with the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, said the vote was "100% correct".

Source:BBC

Saddam pleads innocent, trial adjourns

Oct. 19, 2005 - A defiant Saddam Hussein appeared before a court in Baghdad today to face the first of several trials. He scuffled with guards, would not identify himself, still claimed to be President of Iraq, and asked the judge who he was. He pled innocent to the charges. The judge adjourned the trial until Nov. 28 because many of the witnesses were afraid to appear.

“They were too scared to be public witnesses,” Rizgar Mohammed Amin told Reuters. “We’re going to work on this issue for the next sessions.”

Source:MSNBC

Saddam Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges - Fox

Iraq Constitution Approved but Procedure Being Checked

Oct. 18, 2005 - Iraqi voters showed a very strong approval of their draft constitution, but unexpectedly high "yes" percentages in some areas (approaching 99%) have triggered an investigation of the process by election officials. Insurgents resumed attacks after the election. Two U.S. Marines were killed in one fight near the town of Rutba.

At least 1,978 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

Source: Fox

Update- Oct. 25 - Draft Constitution Adopted by Iraq Voters - Yahoo

Syria warns 'gates of hell will open' if U.S. attacks

Oct. 12, 2005 - Responding to A Newsweek article that indicated the U.S. discussed attacking Syrian camps that are supporting terrorism in Iraq, Syrian Premier Naji Otari said "all the gates of hell will open on the U.S. if it attempts to attack Syria." Newsweek also said that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice blocked the plan. Rice would not comment on the issue.

Source:Daily Star

OTHER HEADLINES

Deal in Iraq Raises Hopes For Passage of Constitution - Washington Post

Al-Qaida No. 2: Get Set to Fill Iraq Void - Yahoo

U.S. Special Forces Kill No. 2 Terrorist in Iraq

Source: Fox

Official: No constitution draft on Thursday

Aug. 25, 2005 - The deadline for accepting a draft constitution in Iraq will not be met.

The Iraqi National Assembly will not meet Thursday to decide on the draft constitution and no date for a new session has been set, a parliamentary spokesman said.

There are disagreements among Iraq’s Shiites, Sunnis Arabs and Kurds about portions of the constitution. Fighting in the streets and boycotts by some members of the new government are also causes of the delay.

Source:MSNBC

Militant leader Al-Zarqawi reportedly injured

May 25, 2005 - A website that reports information from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has posted news that he was injured, and asked for prayers for his recovery. According to U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Steve Boylan,

“We don’t know if the report is fact or fiction or what the state of his health is. He remains our No. 1 priority to capture or kill,”

Source:Fox

Zarqawi Laptop Treasure Trove of Terror Info

Apr. 27, 2005 - Terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi narrowly escaped capture recently, but he left his personal computer behind. Information on the computer indicate that he has been expanding his influence, and is emerging as al Qaeda's preeminent global military commander. Former CIA counterterrorism director Vincent Cannistraro said,

"He's becoming the new bin Laden. He's the man out there carrying out attacks on Americans every day while bin Laden, who is heavily pressured and having difficulty communicating on a regular basis, is ... becoming more of a symbolic figure."

Source:Fox

Syria hands over Saddam's half brother

Feb. 28,, 2005 - Saddam Hussein's half brother, Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, and 29 other officials of the deposed dictator's Baath Party have been captured by Syria and handed over to Iraq as a goodwill gesture.

The arrests dealt a blow to an insurgency that some Iraqi officials claim was helping organize and fund from Syria.

Source:USA Today

Car Bomb Kills More Than 110 in Iraq

Feb. 28, 2005 - Iraq has suffered the worst attack since the fall of Sadam Hussein. A car bomber targeted a crowd of national guard recruits, killing at least 110 people and injuring 133 others.

Source:Fox

Iraq poll 'a victory over terror'

Jan. 31, 2005 - The Iraqi elections were very successful in spite of terrorist attacks.

Source:BBC

European leaders welcome Iraqi election - EU Observer

U.S. probes deadly attack on base in Mosul

Dec. 22, 2004 - Officials believe a rocket struck a tent being used as a military mess hall in Mosul. It was one of worst attacks against American soldiers in Iraq.

The dead included 18 Americans — 14 servicemembers and four U.S. civilian contractors — and four Iraqis, the U.S. military command in Baghdad said Wednesday.

A fundamentalist group called Ansar al-Sunnah Army claimed the responsibility for the blast.

Source:MSNBC

U.S. Forces Storm Western Fallujah

Nov. 8, 2004 - Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi approved an international and Iraqi assault on Falujah, considered the strongest bastion of Iraq's Sunni insurgents. "We are determined to clean Fallujah of terrorists," he said.

Backed by warplanes and a barrage of artillery, U.S. troops fought their way into the western outskirts of the city, seizing a hospital and two bridges over the Euphrates River in the first stage of the major assault in the Sunni Triangle city.

Source:Fox

Nov. 10 update: Battle rages in centre of Falluja - BBC

Bush Vows No Letup in Iraq, War on Terror

Nov. 6, 2004 - President Bush was the first president in 68 years to win re-election while his party gained seats in both the House and Senate. While moral issues were key to the highest segment of voters, the war in Iraq was also an important question. He has affirmed that the War on Terror will continue to be a high priority. He spoke about stabilizing Iraq's new democracy, as a model for the rest of the Middle East.

"And I fully understand that that might rankle some, and be viewed by some as folly... I just strongly disagree with those who do not see the wisdom of trying to promote free societies around the world."

Source:My Way

Syria: Jihad Without Borders

Nov. 1, 2004 - The Baath Party may have been abolished in Iraq, but it is still in power in Syria. Foreign fighters are able to enter Iraq through Syria, where they are trained and equipped to keep the resistance going in Iraq.

Source:MSNBC

Russia tied to Iraq's missing arms

Oct. 28, 2004 - According to John A. Shaw, the deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security, Russian special forces "almost certainly" removed the high-explosive material that has just recently been used as a presidential campaign issue. The New York Times had released the story Monday, and Sen. John Kerry has been using it to accuse President Bush of failing to guard the explosives.

"The Russians brought in, just before the war got started, a whole series of military units," Mr. Shaw said. "Their main job was to shred all evidence of any of the contractual arrangements they had with the Iraqis. The others were transportation units."

The weapons were transported to Syria Lebanon, and possibly to Iran. The RDX and HMX explosives are probably of Russian origin.

Source:The Washington Times

350 Tons of Explosives Missing in Iraq

Oct. 25, 2004 - A report to the International Atomic Energy Association says that nearly 380 tons of powerful explosives are missing from a former military base.

The explosives included HMX and RDX, which can be used to demolish buildings but also produce warheads for missiles and detonate nuclear weaponry, the newspaper said. It said they disappeared after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq last year.

Source:Fox

Zarqawi Movement Vows al-Qaida Allegiance

Oct. 18, 2004 - Iraq's terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is the chief suspect in last year's bombing of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad, and the beheading of numerous foreign hostages. He now says that his Tawhid and Jihad groups are officially alligned with Osama bin Laden.

The statement ran a Quranic verse encouraging Muslim unity and said al-Zarqawi considered bin Laden "the best leader for Islam's armies against all infidels and apostates."

Source:AP News

Nuclear assets 'vanish' in Iraq

Oct. 12, 2004 -

Last week, a report from chief US weapons inspector Charles Duelfer concluded that Saddam Hussein had stopped trying to build weapons of mass destruction following the 1991 Gulf War.

Now Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),says that equipment known to exist in Iraq that can be used to produce nuclear weapons has disappeared, and whole buildings have been dismantled without proper documentation. Related sensitive technology, such as rocket engines, has turned up for sale abroad.

Source:BBC

U.S. contradicts Iraqis over release of women

Sept. 22, 2004 - Iraq's Justice Ministry announced that Iraq and coalition officials have decided to release Rihab Rashid Taha ("Dr. Germ") on bail. She is one of the woman prisoners for which terrorists are demanding release. They have beheaded two Americans and threaten to behead a Briton unless the prisoners are released. However, the U.S. officials say the woman will not be released.

"The two women are in legal and physical custody of the multinational forces in Iraq and neither will be released imminently," a spokesman for the U.S. embassy said.

Source:MSNBC

U.S. Death Toll Tops 1,000 in Iraq

Sept. 8, 2004 - A surge in fighting, which has killed 17 U.S. service members in the past four days, has pushed the total for U.S. military deaths in the Iraq campaign past 1,000. The majority of these deaths have occured since President Bush declared major combat over.

Source:Fox

Najaf quiet as peace takes hold

Aug. 27, 2004 - After three weeks of fighting, Shiite rebels in Najaf have been silenced and the Imam Ali mosque is being released by the militia.

The leader of the Najaf revolt, Moqtada Sadr, is reported to have handed over the keys to the shrine.

Ayatollah Sistani, Iraq's top Shia leader, will assume the responsibility for the shrine from Moqtada Sadr.

Source:BBC

Iraq rebels 'leave Najaf shrine'

Aug. 20, 2004 - After intense fighting in Najaf, during which 77 people were killed and 70 others wounded since Thursday, followers of Moqtada Sadr have left the Imam Ali shrine in Najaf.

On Friday before the apparent withdrawal from the Najaf mosque, a spokesman for Mr Sadr, Sheikh Ali Shaibani, said the cleric would not comply with the government's demand to disband his Mehdi army and vowed to fight on.

Source:BBC

Iraqi Defense Minister Expects 'Decisive Battle' in Najaf
Nation's Forces May Storm Shrine

Aug. 18, 2004 - Militiamen loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr were warned by Iraq's Defense Minister, Hazim al-Shaalan, that they must surrender or face a major battle that could include occupation of the Islamic shrine where rebels are hiding. Shaalan said:

It will be Iraqis who enter the shrine... there will be no American role in this, except giving air protection and protecting some roads leading to the shrine. But the entry (of the shrine) will be 100 percent Iraqi.

Source:AOL

US moves to crush Shia uprising

Aug. 12, 2004 - 2,000 US marines and 1,800 Iraqi soldiers, supported by tanks and aircraft, have invaded a cemetery in the heart of the Shiite holy city of Najaf. About 1,000 militiamen, loyal to radical cleric Moqtada Sadr, have waged an uprising there during the past week.

Source:BBC

Iraq Cleric Vows Fight to Death Vs. U.S.

Aug. 10, 2004 - Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite cleric who controls the Mahdi Militia, made an appearance and vowed that he would fight "until the last drop of my blood has been spilled."

The five-day-old uprising by al-Sadr's Mahdi Army began to affect Iraq's crucial oil industry, as pumping to the southern port of Basra - the country's main export outlet - was halted because of militant threats to infrastructure, an official with the South Oil Company said.

Source:My Way

U.S.: 300 Militants Killed in Two Days

Aug. 7, 2004 - About 300 Iraqi militiamen, who were loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, have been killed during two days of fighting in the city of Najaf. Three american military were killed and twelve others were injured.

Source:Washington Times

Coordinated Blasts Hit Iraqi Churches

Aug. 1, 2004 - Several Iraqi Christian churches were bombed while people were inside.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sabah Kadhim said a total of four churches were hit in Baghdad, two in Karada, one in the Dora neighborhood and one in New Baghdad.

Most Christians in Iraq are Chaldean Roman Catholic. Other denominations include Syrian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox and Assyrian.

Source:Yahoo

Iraq's Beleaguered Christians More Fearful Than Ever - Crosswalk

900th GI Dies Since War Began in Iraq

July 21, 2004 - A 1st Infantry Division soldier has became the 900th U.S. military death in Iraq since the beginning of the war in March 2003. He was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol 45 miles north of Baghdad.

Source:Guardian UK

Arab troops and the Iraq dilemma

July 3, 2004 - The new Iraqi government may accept military help from Arab countries, but not from next-door neighbors. The advantage of Arab forces would be a better relationship with Iraq's own citizens, but there is concern that Arab soldiers might be opposed to the experiment in democracy, and would undermine progress there.

Source:BBC

Defiant Saddam appears in court

July 1, 2004 - Saddam Hussein made his first appearance in the new Iraqi court. He said that the proceedings were "all theatre," and that George W Bush is the "real criminal."

He defended Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, said he was still president and rejected the court's jurisdiction.

Eleven other defendants were also brought in to hear charges against them. A full trial will not begin for months because of the many details that need to be worked out during that time.

Source:BBC

Iraqis Given Legal Custody of Saddam

June 30, 2004 - Legal custody of Saddam Hussein has been transferred to the new Iraqi government. The U.S. maintains physical custody because the new government is not yet equipped to keep him securely. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow to face charges of genocide and war crimes.

The crimes against humanity for which Saddam is expected to be tried include the 1988 chemical weapons massacre of Kurds in Halabja, the slaughter of Shiites during a 1991 uprising in southern Iraq, the 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

Source:Fox

Iraq Becomes Sovereign Before Deadline

June 28, 2004 - In a surprise move, power was transferred today from the coalition to the new Iraqi government. Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said that they were ready to accept the responsibility and would be capable of controlling the country's security. He said all people would find freedom there.

"Iraq will be for all the Iraqis, regardless of religion and ethnicity. All will enjoy full citizenship, a country that enjoys justice," Allawi said at the ceremony.

Source:Fox

US hands over sovereignty in Iraq - BBC

U.S. to Transfer Legal Custody of Saddam to Iraqis - Yahoo

'Al-Zarqawi tape' threatens Iraq P.M.

June 24, 2004 - A tape recorded warning has been posted on an Internet site. The voice on the tape is believed to be that of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who is responsible for attacks against U.S. forces and Iraqi civilians.

The voice on the tape threatened to continue attacks against coalition troops, Iraqi security forces and the interim Iraqi government, and threatened to kill Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

Source:CNN

South Korean hostage executed

June 22, 2004 - Korean citizen Kim Sun-il, 33, was beheaded by Islamic radicals and his body was dumped between Fallujah and Baghdad. The South Korean government still plans to send 3,000 troops to Iraq. President Bush said, “The free world cannot be intimidated by the brutal actions of these barbaric people.”

Source:MSNBC

US strikes 'at al-Qaeda shelter' - BBC

Korea appeals for hostage release

June 21, 2004 - Islamic radicals in Iraq have kidnapped a Korean Kim Sun-il, and threaten to behead him today unless South Korea pulls its troops out of Iraq. Arabic television al-Jazeera aired a plea from the 33-year-old translator.

In the video released by the militants on Sunday, Kim Sun-il screams: "Korean soldiers, please get out of here. I don't want to die. My life is important"

Korean government officials said they would not be deterred from their plans for troop deployment.

Source:BBC

Car Bombs Around Baghdad Kill 41, Wound 142

June 17, 2004 - Two car bombs in Iraq have claimed the lives of 41 people and injured at least 138 others. One car targeted a crowd of people waiting to volunteer for the Iraqi military, and the other killed members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi described the carnage as a "cowardly attack.

"We are going to face these escalations," he said. "The Iraqi people are going to prevail and the government of Iraqi is determined to go ahead in confronting the enemies."

Source:Fox

Iraqi Official Links Zarqawi to Car Bombing - Fox

Red Cross ultimatum to US on Saddam

June 14, 2004 - A spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross said that the right to keep prisoners of war will end for the U.S. on June 30 when the Iraqi occupation officially ends and Iraq will be given control of its own government. At that point, Saddam Hussein and the other POWs must either be released from custody or charged in order to conform to international law.

Source:Guardian UK

World leaders hail deal on Iraq

June 8, 2004 - The UN Security Council has given unanimous approval to resolution 1546, which defines the powers and constraints for the new interim Iraqi government, due to take power from the US administration on 30 June. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that the resolution ends the "occupation" in Iraq.

US President George W Bush called it a "great victory" for Iraq, while UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said rebels there now faced a "united world".

Source:BBC

Bush compares Iraq, terror wars to World War II

June 3, 2004 - In a follow-up message to his speech last week, in which he outlined the steps Iraq will take to free elections, he compared the war against terrorism to the long and difficult campaigns of World War II.

"Like the Second World War, our present conflict began with a ruthless surprise attack on the United States," Bush said "We will not forget that treachery, and we will accept nothing less than victory over the enemy.

Source:CNN

Iraq's interim cabinet sworn in

June 1, 2004 - The governing body that will take control of Iraq's affairs on June 30th has been sworn in at a ceremony in Baghdad. They will prepare the country for elections in January next year. Ghazi Yawer was named as president.

Mr Yawer is a US-educated civil engineer and tribal leader who has recently criticised the way the US has handled security in Iraq.

Source:BBC

Bush: Troops Are in Iraq to Make It Free

May 25, 2004 - President Bush's speech last night laid out a five-step plan forthe establishment of a free and democratic Iraq:

— hand over authority to a sovereign Iraqi government,

— help establish security,

— continue rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure,

— encourage more international support and

— move toward a national election "that will bring forward new leaders empowered by the Iraqi people."

Source: Fox

Raw Data: The President's Speech

Bush to Address Iraq Handover in Speech

May 24, 2004 - President Bush will address the nation tonight from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He is expected to talk about the future of Iraq, giving a timeline for the transfer of governmental power to an Iraqi governing council. A June 30 date is still given for the initial transfer of power, but there will be other steps along the path, including an election there early next year.

President Bush is also expected to announce plans to improve security in areas of Iraq where violence is still a daily problem.

Source:FOX

Bush to list five-step process for Iraq - MSNBC

Baghdad blast kills Iraq leader

May 17, 2004 - Ezzedine Salim, the current head of Iraq's US-appointed Governing Council, was one of several people killed by a suicide car bomb blast near the headquarters of the US-led coalition in Baghdad.

A US military spokesman said it bore all the hallmarks of attacks carried out by supporters of Jordanian-born al-Qaeda suspect Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

The attack is apparently an attempt to derail plans for the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis, scheduled for 30 June.

Source:BBC

U.S. Troops Release Over 300 Detainees

May 14, 2004 - More than 300 Iraqi prisoners were released from the Abu Ghraib prison on Friday, the day after Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld made a surprise visit there.

One bus carrying 40 prisoners left the jail and drove to an American military base in west Baghdad, where tribal leaders awaited some of them. One by one, prisoners got out, kneeled, and prayed beside the bus.

Source:My Way (AP)

Some Arabs say beheading justified

May 13, 2004 - Arab reaction to the beheading of Nick Berg ranges from glee to disgust. Some representatives from various Middle Eastern countries feel the action is justified because of American abuses in Iraqi prisons. A spokesman for the militant Shi'ite group Hizbollah said:

Hizbollah condemns this horrible act that has done very great harm to Islam and Muslims by this group that claims affiliation to the religion of mercy, compassion and humane principles.

Source:China View

Militants Behead American Hostage in Iraq

May 11, 2004 - Nick Berg, a 26-year-old American from Pennsylvania was beheaded to avenge the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers. The gruesome act was videotaped and posted on a radical Islamic website.

The tape shows assailants thrusting the knife through his neck. A scream sounds before the men cut Berg's head off, repeatedly shouting "Allahu Akbar!" — or "God is great." ...They then hold the head out before the camera.

A caption on the videotape claimed that the brutal act was performed (or ordered) by Al Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

Source:Fox

White House Reacts to Iraq Beheading Video - Fox

US pledges to catch Berg killers - BBC

Web a 'vital tool' for Islamists - BBC

Sharon: Islam a cruel, inhumane enemy - Jerusalem Newswire

Islam - Prophecy Central

Muslim leaders urged to condemn beheading - Times (UK)

Arabs React to Execution - Fox

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Rumsfeld: 'I Take Full Responsibility'

May 8, 2004 - During questioning by members of Congress, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accepted responsibility for the prisoner abuse scandal at Iraq's Abu Ghraib facility.

"These events occurred on my watch. As Secretary of Defense, I am accountable for them. I take full responsibility," Rumsfeld told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Rumsfeld said those who are responsible for the abuses will be brought to justice, including people in command who may have directed or allowed the actions. He also said he favored finding some way of compensating prisoners for their suffering.

President Bush had already apologized for the situation, but said that Rumsfeld will continue as head of the military despite the call for his resignation by some Democrats.

Source:NewsMax

Rumsfeld Warns of Worse to Come - Fox

Raw Data: Rumsfeld's Statement to Committees - Fox

Bush to Discuss Prisoner Abuse With Arab Media

May 5, 2004 - President Bush will answer questions about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners on two Arab Television Networks (Al Arabiya and Al Hurra) today. He will admit that the images that have been shown on television are "shameless and unacceptable." Investigations are continuing into the abuses. Six military police already face charges that may lead to courts-martial, and seven more have been disciplined administratively. There is also outrage in congress over the abuses. Senator Joseph Biden, D-Del called it,

"...the single most damaging act to our interests in the region in the last decade, and it will negatively affect our national security. Accountability is essential … if the answers are unsatisfactory, resignations should be sought.

Source:Fox

Scores killed in Iraqi bombings

Apr. 21, 2003 - Four car bombs in the British-controlled city of Basra have killed more than 60 people and injured over 100. The targets of three of the bombs were police stations, in an apparent protest against Coalition forces in the country.

Many of the dead and injured were children travelling in passing buses on their way to school.

Source:BBC

Bush, Blair Meeting Showcases Iraq Unity

April 16, 2004 - President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are meeting today, and will hold a joint news conference about noon. They are showing a united front on plans for a June 30 deadline for handing off political power to an Iraqi interim government. They also want the United Nations to issue a new resolution on Iraq that would lead to a broad international force of peacekeepers in the country.

Source:Fox

U.S. Halts Fallujah Offensive, Retakes Kut

April 9, 2004 - Coalition forces in Fallujah have taken an "operational pause" in order to allow humanitarian aid into the city and allow a delegation of city leaders to meet with U.S. commanders.

The coalition was also letting women and children out of the city, but men of military age were to remain.

Meanwhile a new U.S.-led operation has retaken the city of Kut, with the intention of eliminating the al-Mahdi Army militia led by the cleric al-Sadr.

Source:Fox

Mosques no sanctuary, says US - Sidney Morning Herald

Al-Sadr not supported by Shiite leaders - Rebel fighting for Islamic state condemned by governing council - WorldNetDaily

Iraq plunges into hostage drama

April 9, 2004 - An Iraqi group called Mujahideen Brigades has kidnapped three Japanese citizens, and is threatening to burn them alive unless Japan withdraws troops from Iraq. Arab al-Jazeera TV showed the hostages being held at knife-point.

Source:BBC

Japan, S. Korea Vow to Keep Troop Commitments in Iraq Despite Kidnappings - Voice of America

Muslim rivals unite in Baghdad uprising

April 7, 2004 - While U.S. Marines conduct an offensive in Fallujah, a volatile seat of Sunni resistance just west of Baghdad, Shiite Muslims join with Sunni Muslims against the U.S. in Baghdad. Militiamen from the rival parties claim to be fighting in the name of their common faith, Islam.

Source:MSNBC

U.S. Forces Launch Major Fallujah Operation

Apr. 5, 2004 - In retaliation for last week's attack against American civilians in Fallujah, U.S. Marines launched "Operation Vigilant Resolve" today. About 1,200 Marines and two battalions of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corp have surrounded the city, which is a stronghold for loyalists to Saddam Hussein. They plan to take up to several days to carefully search for those responsible for the attack.

"Our concern is precise. We want to get the guys we are after. We don't want to go in there with guns blazing," said Lt. James Vanzant, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Source:Fox

Heavy fighting in sealed Falluja - BBC

U.S. vows to hunt down Fallujah killers

Apr. 2, 2004 - U.S. officials say that the brutal killing, mutilation and public demonstration of the remains of four U.S. contractors in Iraq will result in decisive retaliation.

Oct. 14, 2003

Islamic Summit Welcomes Iraqi Government - Yahoo

Saudi Arabia Hands Over 'More Than Three' American Terror Suspects - Fox

New Iraq Resolution/ New Iraq Currency - NDTV

Kay: Clues Exist on Anthrax, Missiles Still in Iraq

Oct. 6, 2003 -Weapons hunter, David Kay told Congress that even though his survey team had not found nuclear, biological or chemical weapons yet, they may still them. Tips from Iraqis make them believe they will still find anthrax and Scud missiles.

Source:Fox

Bush unbending on Iraq

Sept. 23, 2003 - President Bush speaks to the United Nations today, issuing a "call to action" on Iraq. At the same time, he rejects any criticism of the US-led invasion in Iraq.

But while America wants a Security Council resolution authorising a multinational force, the president has made it clear he will not apologise for going to war without a UN mandate.

Approximately one year ago, President Bush warned the United Nations General Assembly that unless they had courage to deal with Iraq they risk becoming irrelevant.

Source:BBC

Text of president's U.N. speech

Reaction:Bush isolated as speech to UN falls flat - Guardian, UK

Car Bomb Explodes Near U.N. Compound in Baghdad

Sept. 22, 2003 - A homicide bomber killed himself and an Iraqi policeman while trying to get close to the U.N. headquarters that was bombed a month ago. Nineteen other people were also injured.

Source:Fox

Iraq governing council member shot

Sept. 20, 2003 - Akila al-Hashimi, a member of Iraq's newly established Governing Council was shot this morning when gunmen ambushed her two-car convoy.

Hashimi is one of three female members of the Iraqi Governing Council, which was sworn in earlier this month. The council was approved by the U.S. and charged with running day-to-day governmental operations.

Hashimi is one of the few council members who held a high position with deposed leader Saddam Hussein's Baath Party.

Source:CNN

Former Iraqi Defense Minister Surrenders

Sept. 19, 2003 - Former Gen. Sultan Hashim Ahmad, Iraq's last defense minister, surrendered after weeks of negotiations.

Ahmad, the eight of hearts in the deck of playing cards of Iraqi fugitives, was no. 27 on the most-wanted list. Thirty-eight of that group are now in custody and 14 remain at large. Three are either dead or thought to be dead.

During the negotiations, the U.S. promised to remove Ahmad's name from the list of 55 most-wanted, and provide special treatment for him. The reason given for these concessions is that, when Iraqi soldiers, who have been using the guerrilla-style attacks against U.S. soldiers, see the kind treatment of their leader, it might defuse their anger and attacks.

Source:Fox

'Saddam' tape calls for US withdrawal

Sept. 17, 2003 - Another audio tape purportedly from Saddam Hussein has just been aired by Arabic television channel al-Arabiya. It contains a call for Iraqi people to "wage holy war by all means against the foolish invaders".

Source:BBC

Explosion Rocks U.N. Mission in Baghdad

Aug. 19, 2003 - A suicide bomber destroyed part of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad today, killing at least 20 people and injuring approximately 100 others.

One of those who died was U.N. Iraq representative Sergio Vieira de Mello (search), one of the highest-ranking officials at the United Nations.

Source:Fox

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