Iraq: Security

Multinational Force

Petraeus Renews Arms Accusations Against Iran

Gen. Petraeus has renewed accusations that Iran is fuelling violence in Iraq. He said there was "no question" but that Iran had supplied arms, training, funding and in some cases the direction for operations to Iraqi militants. Iran denies involvement. Petraeus also said that Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad, Hasan Kazemi-Qomi, was a member of the Quds Force of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards. (RFE/RL)

100,000 U.S. troops could leave soon: Iraq president

At least 100,000 U.S. troops could return home from Iraq by the end of 2008, President Talabani said on October 7, although he proposed that several American military bases stay in Iraq. Pres. Talabani envisioned faster U.S. troop reductions than U.S. commanders have discussed in public. But he stressed that the pace of withdrawal was up to those commanders and did not explain why he foresaw a faster pullout. (Reuters)

US Military in Iraq Says 6 Terror Suspects Killed in Raids

Coalition forces killed six terrorists during operations on October 6. Four of the militants were killed south of Baghdad in an operation targeting an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Two others were killed in another operation near Samarra. Nine suspects were captured in the operations, while nine others were detained in separate raids in Baghdad, Samarra and Kirkuk. (VOA)

Observations about the war

Prof. Victor Davis Hanson writes that "Almost all the Marines and Army units I visited from Ramadi to Taji to various hot spots in Baghdad and Diyala believe there has been a sudden shift in the pulse of battlefield. Sometimes without much warning thousands of once disgruntled Sunni have turned on al Qaeda, ceased resistance, and are flocking to join government security forces and begging the Americans to stop both al Qaeda and Shiite militias. Commanders in the field are cautious. They know that if the Shiite dominated government in Baghdad stays vengeful for decades of past suffering at the hands of Sunni Baathists, the reconciliation will fail. So thousands of American officers are desperately pressuring ministries to start distributing the vast wealth of Iraq’s $80 a barrel oil revenues to Anbar and Diyala before the Sunni revert back to insurgency." (VictorDavisHanson.com)

U.S. military says kills 37 Iraqi militants

A U.S. air strike killed about 25 suspected Iraqi militants linked to Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias on October 5 and another 12 al Qaeda fighters were killed in separate raids. U.S. troops said they were engaged in a heavy firefight west of Baquba, capital of Diyala province north of Baghdad, during a dawn raid against a commander it said was linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ elite Qods force. The U.S. military also said it had killed 12 suspected al Qaeda in Iraq fighters during separate strikes in Baghdad and Yusifiya on October 5. (Reuters)

Suspected ‘100 million dollar al-Qaeda financier’ netted in
Iraq

Iraqi and U.S. forces detained a man they believe received $100 million this summer from Al Qaeda sympathizers to hand out for terrorist operations in Iraq, the U.S. military said on October 4. "The 100 million was what our intelligence reports indicate he has received spanning several months this year," a U.S. military spokesman said. A statement from the military said the man, who was detained in the central Baghdad neighborhood of Al-Kindi, was suspected of handing over $50,000 a month to Al Qaeda using his leather merchant business as a front. (AFP)

More Evidence Shows Iran Directly Supports Iraq Insurgents

Coalition forces are finding more evidence that Iran is directly supporting insurgents in Iraq. “We know that they do have official involvement,” Air Force Col. Donald Bacon said on October 3. “When you actually have captured Quds Force operatives and leaders in country and you know that they’re involved in it…there is no doubt that there’s official involvement.” (American Forces Press Service)

US says finds list of Qaeda fighters in Iraq

The U.S. military said on October 3 that it had seized a list of some 500 Al Qaeda members recruited to fight in Iraq from the Middle East and Europe during a raid in northwest Iraq that killed eight militants. Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner said the September 11 raid near Sinjar targeted a senior Al Qaeda in Iraq leader, known as Multhanna, who was killed along with seven other terrorists [see below]. (AFP)

MG Berner Press Conference

Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner said on October 3 that coalition forces continue to work with the Iraqi Security Forces to maintain pressure on Al Qaeda in Iraq by targeting their leadership, their networks, and their sanctuaries. During the month of September, 29 senior Al Qaeda in Iraq operatives were either killed or captured. Five were Emirs at the city level or higher in the Al Qaeda in Iraq leadership structure, 9 were geographical or functional cell leaders, and 11 were facilitators who supported foreign terrorist and weapons movements. During the operation involving Multhanna, U.S. forces captured multiple documents and electronic files that provided insight into Al Qaeda’s foreign terrorist operations, not only in Iraq but throughout the region. They detail the larger al-Qaeda effort to organize, coordinate, and transport foreign terrorists into Iraq and other places. The 400-plus documents, three computer hard drives, two thumb drives and eleven compact discs at the si! te revealed a list of over 500 foreign terrorists being recruited by Al Qaeda, biographies on 143 foreign terrorists who were en route to Iraq or who had already arrived, routing and the financial transactions involving the movement for each foreign terrorist, and other documents including a formal pledge from foreign terrorists who were committed to suicide operations. (MNF-Iraq.com)

Coalition Raids Kill One, Net 10 Al Qaeda in Iraq Agents

Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspects during a series of raids targeting Al Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern Iraq on October 2, officials reported. “Every day we’re removing terrorists from the ranks of al Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We will continue to pursue individuals who facilitate and conduct attacks against the Iraqi people.” (American Forces Press Service)

U.S. takes Anbar model to Iraqi Shiites

The violence has dropped dramatically, say U.S. commanders, in the towns surrounding Forward Operating Base Iskan in northern Babil Province, south of Baghdad. The reason, they say, is that the same approach that won success in Anbar Province, where the Marines gained support of Sunni tribesmen against Al Qaeda, is taking hold in mixed-sectarian areas. But here, Americans have enlisted Shiites frustrated with extremists from such groups as the Mahdi Army, run by Moqtada al-Sadr. Across the Euphrates River Valley, known to the military as the southern belts of Baghdad, about 14,000 Shiite and Sunni "concerned citizens" are being paid to man checkpoints and patrol roads in an effort to prevent attacks from violent extremism of either sect. (Christian Science Monitor)

UK troops in Basra cut by 1,000

UK troops in Basra are to be cut by 1,000 by the end of the year, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on October 2 on a visit to Iraq. Brown also confirmed Basra province could be handed over to full Iraqi control within the next two months. (BBC)

Ramadan violence falls sharply in Iraq: U.S

Violence in Iraq during Ramadan has fallen by almost 40 percent from last year, the U.S. military said on September 30, despite a warning from al Qaeda that it would increase attacks during the Muslim holy month. Rear Adm. Mark Fox said a surge of 30,000 extra troops into Iraq this year and the new tactic of moving soldiers into small combat outposts instead of "commuting to the war" from large bases had helped bring down violence. (Reuters)

Iraq wants security deal with U.S.

Iraq wants the U.N. Security Council to extend the mandate of the 160,000-strong multinational force in Iraq only through the end of 2008, then replace it with a long-term bilateral security agreement, Foreign Ministry officials said on September 29. Aides to Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said the mandate extension for the coalition, due to be discussed at the end of this year, would be "the last extension for these forces." Iraq would then seek a long-term, bilateral security agreement with the U.S. like the ones Washington has with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt. (AP)

A senior Al-Qaeda leader killed in Iraq: US military

A senior leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq was killed in a U.S. air strike in Iraq, a U.S. military commander said on September 28, calling it a key loss to a group already fractured by U.S. operations. Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson identified the man as Abu Usama al-Tunisi, a Tunisian described as in line to succeed Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Al Qaeda in Iraq’s Egyptian leader. The general said the September 25 strike that killed al-Tunisi was a "significant blow" to Al Qaeda in Iraq, which he said has been severely disrupted by U.S. operations and may now be reassessing its position in Iraq. (AFP)

‘Dragon’ Offensives Destroy al Qaeda Outposts in Dora with
Iraqi Assistance

Coalition offensives in southern Baghdad, spurred by Iraqi intelligence, have dramatically reduced Al Qaeda-inspired violence, a military commander said on September 28. “We’ve had about a 60-percent reduction in murders since we arrived and took over in March,” Army Col. Ricky Gibbs said. “That’s huge.” (American Forces Press Service)

Italy arrests Iraqi over planned attack in Iraq

Italian police arrested an Iraqi man on September 28 on suspicion of preparing an armed attack in Iraq and charged him with belonging to a group linked to Al Qaeda. A police special operations group arrested the man in Padua, northeastern Italy, and said he had bought equipment in Italy with which he planned to carry out an attack in Iraq. (Reuters)

U.S. Needs ‘Long-Term Presence’ in Iraq, Gates Says

Defense Secretary Gates told Congress on September 26 that he envisioned keeping five combat brigades in Iraq as a “long-term presence.” Secretary Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee, “When I speak of a long-term presence, I’m thinking of a very modest U.S. presence with no permanent bases, where we can continue to go after Al Qaeda in Iraq and help the Iraqi forces.” He added that “in my head” he envisioned a force as a quarter of the current combat brigades. There are now 20 combat brigades in the country, a number that is scheduled to drop to 15 by next summer. Secretary Gates has previously expressed hope that if security conditions in the country continue to improve, force levels in Iraq could drop to 10 brigades by the end of 2008. (NY Times)

Iraqi Forces

Military forces must develop ‘irreversible momentum’ in Iraq, Coalition general says

Coalition and Iraqi forces have “tactical momentum” in the country, but they need to develop “irreversible momentum,” Gen. Odierno said on October 3. Gen. Odierno said coalition and Iraqi forces have made significant progress against Al Qaeda in Iraq and are making progress against Shia extremist groups as well. (The Advisor)

Sha’ab Residents Stand Up for Security

Over the past week, nearly 600 men applied to join Sha’ab’s new volunteer security force in eastern Baghdad, a government-authorized, U.S.-funded community police force that will guard important local infrastructure sites such as offices, schools, and markets. The total force will eventually number more than 1,200. “These guys are going to work in partnership with the Iraqi police and the Iraqi national police to secure their own neighborhoods and streets and markets,” said Capt. Dennis Marshall said. (DefendAmerica News)

Besmaya now home to Iraq’s only EOD school

Iraqi Army instructors and faculty, along with selected coalition partners, were all present for the opening of Iraq’s only bomb disposal school at the Besmaya Range Complex on September 30. Two main courses taught at the school aim to prepare soldiers for anything they may encounter. The first course covers basic bomb disposal and de-mining, while the second focuses more on advanced bomb disposal and improvised explosive device defeat. (The Advisor)

Baghdad Police College graduates 1,500 new recruits

More than 800 volunteers from the Abu Ghraib district graduated from the Iraqi Police training program at the Baghdad Police College on September 25. The group of volunteers joined approximately 700 of their fellow Abu Ghraib residents who graduated from the school on September 20. The training at Baghdad Police College is a four-week course that includes classroom and field training in police ethics, human rights, rifle and pistol marksmanship, Iraqi Rule of Law, establishment of manning and checkpoints, personnel and vehicle searches, communications, officer safety and physical fitness. (The Advisor)

Iraqi army says kills 40 militants

Iraqi army forces killed 40 militants during operations in three northern Iraqi provinces in the previous 24 hours, the Defense Ministry said on September 30. The operations took place in the volatile provinces of Diyala, Salahuddin, and Kirkuk. Another eight people were arrested in those provinces. (Reuters)

Iraq’s Sunnis and Shi’ites sign up in Qaeda battleground

Hundreds of Sunni Arab men, and a smattering of Shi’ites, have begun signing up for local tribal police units in areas southeast of Baghdad where pitched battles were fought with al Qaeda only weeks ago. In Tuwaitha, 256 young men have joined a "concerned citizens" group, one of the latest examples of tribal police units based on the "Awakening" model established in western Anbar, once the most dangerous province in Iraq. Lt. Col. John Kolasheski said about 700 people had signed up for such groups across his religiously mixed area of command southeast of Baghdad, which includes pockets of al-Sadr’s Mehdi Army militia as well as Al Qaeda. (Reuters)

Security Situation

Disbanding Militias ‘Key To Cutting Iran Sway In Iraq’

Mahmud al-Mashhadani, Iraq’s parliament speaker, said on October 5 that disbanding Shi’ite militias will be key in reducing Iranian influence in the country. U.S. and Iraqi officials have accused Iran of smuggling sophisticated weapons to Iraqi militants fighting coalition forces. Al-Mashhadani described Iranian influence in Iraq as "clear and present," but said that Iraq’s parliament could only urge Tehran not to interfere. He said the ideal solution would be to disband the militias. (RFE/RL)

US frees 707 Iraq detainees during Ramadan

U.S. forces in Iraq released a total of 707 detainees in the first three weeks of Ramadan, the military said on October 4. "The detainees were no longer determined a security threat and were released," a statement said. On September 13, when Ramadan began in Iraq, the U.S. military said it would release 50 to 80 detainees a day under Operation Lion’s Paw, a joint venture with the Iraqi government. (AP)

Detained Iranian an intelligence agent: US general

An Iranian arrested by U.S. forces in Iraq’s Kurdish region had been involved in Tehran’s intelligence operations in Iraq for more than a decade, Maj. Gen. Bergner said on October 3. "Multiple sources" had also implicated him in providing weapons to "Iraqi criminal elements in the service of Iran," Maj. Gen. Bergner said. On September 20, U.S. troops raided a hotel in Sulaimaniyah in the autonomous northern autonomous region and seized Mahmudi Farhadi, claiming he was a member of the Quds Force, the covert operations arm of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards. (AFP)

Al Qaeda in Iraq

According to StrategyPage.com, "Al Qaeda has lost half its leadership this year, and the replacements find themselves struggling just to stay alive in the face increasing activity by American and Iraqi troops. What hit the Iraqi terrorists was a perfect storm of misfortune. The years of attacks had left the Americans with a huge database of information on who the terrorists were, and how they operated. With that, the terrorists were easier to track and run down. By 2007, most of the American troops in Iraq had been there before. They were combat experienced, and this made their raids, patrols and searches more rapid, thorough and effective. Same with Iraqi troops and police. Finally, the sending of 30,000 additional American troops created a critical level of forces for running down and smashing entire terrorist networks. Each province contained several of these, and as the Summer wore on, the lights began to go out. Week by week, terrorist cells and networks went offline! . No one could reach them, and that’s because the members were either dead, or fled. Recently, al Qaeda communications have been referring to the ‘Iraq problem.’ In other words, ‘how are we going to spin our defeat in Iraq.’ Good question. The answer will soon be revealed." (StrategyPage.com)

US says Iranian-made missiles found in Iraq

The U.S. military in Iraq said September 30 that it had seized sophisticated Iranian-made surface-to-air missiles that were being used by insurgents. Several Misagh-1s have been found in different locations, the military said, although it stopped short of saying the use of the weapons represented an escalation of Iranian activity in Iraq. (AP)

Iraq, Turkey Sign Agreement to Combat Kurdish Rebels

Turkey and Iraq have signed an anti-terrorism agreement aimed at cracking down on Kurdish rebels who have been launching attacks inside Turkey from bases in northern Iraq. But the two sides failed to agree on a provision that would allow Turkey to send troops across the border to pursue the rebels. Turkey’s Interior Minister Besir Atalay and his Iraqi counterpart, Jawad al-Bolani, signed the agreement on September 28 in a ceremony broadcast live on television. (VOA)

Stop meddling in Iraq, PM urges neighbouring states

In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Maliki has urged neighboring states to stop meddling in his country. Prime Minister Maliki told the United Nations that the continued flow of weapons, money and suicide bombers into his country would result in "disastrous consequences" for the world. He urged the international community to support Iraq’s national reconciliation process to rid terrorism from the country and bring peace to the region. (ABC.net.au)

Trucks must unload cargo before entering Iraq

Foreign trucks on way to cross Iraqi borders must unload their cargo before being loaded once again into Iraqi vehicles, according to a new government ruling. The decision makes it compulsory for custom officials and border guards at the country’s border crossings to force all incoming trucks to empty their cargo for inspection. “Through this measure we will be able to uncover the trucks hiding weapons, explosive and even humans,” said Lt. Gen. Muhsen Lazem, commander of Iraqi border forces. Lazem said the country’s crossings with its neighbors are being electronically monitored now and passengers finger-printed as they cross into Iraqi territory. (Azzaman.com)

Iraq leader: U.S., Iraq share same goal

Iraq is the "tip of the bayonet" in the fight against terror, Iraq’s prime minister said on September 24 ahead of a meeting with President Bush, stressing that the same group responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks was behind the destruction of the minarets of a revered Iraqi Shiite shrine. Those "who destroyed the towers of the (World) Trade Center are the same as those who blew up the (Golden Mosque) in Samarra and carried out the bombings of hotels in Jordan and Algeria," Prime Minister Maliki said. (AP)

Iraq: Governance

Shi’ite factions to halt rivalry

Two of Iraq’s most powerful Shi’ite leaders agreed on October 6 to end a bitter rivalry in a bid to end months of armed clashes and assassinations in the oil-rich south that have threatened to spread into a wider conflict. Radical Shi’ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the largest Shi’ite political party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, promised to stop the bloodshed and enhance cooperation between their two movements. An official in Sheik al-Sadr’s office in the city of Najaf called the agreement a "fresh start." (AP)

Opening of US Embassy in Iraq delayed

The opening of a mammoth, $600 million U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which had been planned for last month, has now been delayed well into next year, U.S. officials said on October 4. The compound, which will be the world’s largest diplomatic mission, has apparently been beset by construction and logistical problems. Problems identified so far are related to the complex’s physical plant, including electrical systems, and do not pose a security risk, said an official. (AP)

Chemical Ali" execution postponed for Ramadan-PM

Iraq will put off carrying out the death sentence against Saddam Hussein’s cousin, widely known as "Chemical Ali", until the end of Ramadan, the prime minister said on October 3. An Iraqi appeals court upheld Ali Hassan al-Majeed’s death sentence at a hearing on September 4, with the sentence to be carried out within 30 days of that decision. That deadline was to expire on October 4. (Reuters)

Proposed Press Law Too Limited

While many independent journalists are backing a draft media law that would boost press freedom in northern Iraq, many say it does not go far enough. Although leading media figures are supporting the proposed legislation, which would replace draconian Ba’ath-era Iraqi penal codes that criminalize libel, most say it will have a limited impact on press freedom. Over the last few years, independent Iraqi Kurdish journalists have apparently faced dozens of lawsuits–primarily from Kurdish officials–and say the Ba’athist laws are one of the biggest hurdles to press freedom in the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq. The proposed law would not only prohibit jail sentences for journalists but would also do away with the need for government permission to launch new media –although it would require publications to register with the Kurdistan Journalists’ Syndicate, a professional association. While many independent newspapers have endorsed the media bill, editors say the draft law does not go far enough in increasing press freedom. They are concerned about certain elements in the draft, including a clause which would make it illegal for journalists to publish news the authorities believe may incite violence or terrorism. Another section prohibits publishing stories that are critical of public customs, harm the interests of the region, or infringe the rights of religious groups. (IWPR)

Iraq reconciliation drive offers marriage bonus

Iraq is offering a cash bonus to married Iraqi couples from different sectarian groups in a drive to heal rifts between communities and foster reconciliation. At a ceremony in Baghdad to launch the new initiative on October 2, 250 recently married couples from across Iraq accepted awards from Sunni Arab vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. Those in mixed marriages received $1,500. Hashemi did not specify whether all couples getting married in the future would qualify for the bonuses but said there would be a program of ceremonies to celebrate mixed marriages. (Reuters)

Iraq PM rejects U.S. Congress call for federalism

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki said on September 28 that a U.S. Senate resolution calling for the creation of separate Sunni, Shi’ite, and Kurdish federal regions in Iraq would be a disaster for his country. "They should stand by Iraq to solidify its unity and its sovereignty," Maliki told Iraqi state television on his flight back from the U.N. General Assembly. (Reuters)

Iraq: Reconstruction

Government allocates $25 million for Iraqi refugees abroad

The Iraqi government has earmarked $25 million for the millions of Iraqi refugees. $15 million will go to Syria where nearly 1.5 million Iraqis are seeking refuge. Jordan will get $8 million and Lebanon $2 million. (Azzaman.com)

Karbala Radio Station Challenges Traditions

A radio station in Karbala is pushing boundaries in this holy Shia city by broadcasting music and cultural programming that some clerics and leaders consider inappropriate. Originally backed by the Iraqi National Congress, a moderate party led by Ahmad Chalabi, Karbala FM launched in October 2003 from a small home in the city’s Hussein neighborhood. Karbala FM is now independent and is the most popular station in the city–particularly among its youth. Karbala FM today broadcasts from a studio in the city and runs programming for much of the day, covering everything from culture to politics to religion. Its content frequently challenges traditions, raising eyebrows in the city. (IWPR)

Hospital Project Provides Jobs

The construction site of the Basra Children’s Hospital is a hotbed of activity these days, with an average of 750 workers on the job each day, according to Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chad Lorenzana. The number of workers is likely to hit 1,000 or more a day as the project enters new phases, said Lorenzana, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Gulf Region South District resident engineer. (DefendAmerica News)

Iraqi sacred site to be rebuilt

Reconstruction work will begin next month on a revered shrine in the Iraqi city of Samarra blown up in the current conflict, U.N. cultural body UNESCO said on September 29. The al-Askari shrine, one of Iraq’s most sacred Shia sites, was partly destroyed in two attacks over two years by suspected Sunni militants. Thousands have died in sectarian violence triggered by the first attack. The rebuilding work will be carried out by a Turkish company, and is being funded mostly by the EU and UNESCO. (BBC)

Iraqis Take over Basrah Railroad Station

The completed rehabilitation of the Basra railroad station marks an important achievement in the development of basic transportation services and strategic infrastructure for the Iraqi people. The $480,000 project was one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ main transportation projects in southern Iraq. In Basra Province, the Basra station is one of seven railway stations that are being rehabilitated. All were looted and damaged after the fall of Saddam Hussein. A chief Iraqi engineer who worked on the Basra station project said that rebuilding the rail industry in Basra Province is very important to Iraq’s future economy. As one of the oldest cities in Iraq, Basra has a great impact on the country’s economy, he said. With the completion of the Basra station work, the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation will take over operations. (DefendAmerica News)

Iraq: Economy

Official: Iran opens 5 border crossings

Iran on October 8 re-opened five border crossing points with Kurdish-run northern Iraq, closed last month by Tehran to protest the U.S. detention of an Iranian official as the Americans step up allegations that the Iranians are fueling the violence in Iraq. The border points, which had been shut down on September 24, were reopened after a Kurdish delegation traveled to Iran to complain the region should not be punished for something the Americans did. A spokesman for the Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq expressed hope the resumed flow of traffic and goods would help reduce price hikes that had plagued the region since the closures. The reopening is in the "economical interests of both countries," the spokesman said, adding that Tehran and Baghdad share the responsibility to "prevent gunmen from having access to either side of border." (AP)

Iraqi Kurdish leader defends oil deals

Iraq’s Kurdish regional government on October 7 defended its adoption of an energy law and the clinching of global deals, saying the moves were aimed at making oil work for the people of Iraq. "This is not an attempt to usurp the nation’s oil resources, but rather our best effort to move the process forward," said Kurdish premier Nechirvan Barzani said. "(We are) leading by example… to make these valuable resources work for the people of Iraq. The resources that can ease the suffering of the people of Iraq lie beneath our feet," Barzani said. He said the Kurdistan Regional Government had signed eight production-sharing contracts with international oil and gas companies since it passed an oil law in August, and another two were in the pipeline. (AFP)

Minister hails 2008 budget

There will a large increase in funding for municipal services in Iraq in 2008, said Finance Minister Baqer al-Zubaidi as he unveiled 2008 budget. Zubaidi said 2008 budget, estimated at $42 billion, is larger than 2007 due to the increase in oil prices. This year’s budget has been estimated at $41 billion. Zubaidi made the remarks during a two-day conference in the southern city of Hilla held to discuss post-war reconstruction. (Azzaman.com)

Iraq gives Jordan additional oil discount

The Iraqi government is apparently to increase the discount on crude oil shipments to Jordan by an additional $4 in a move seen to reward Amman for its supportive stands. The countries have signed an agreement under which Iraq has pledged to meet Jordan’s energy needs. But security problems are hindering the country’s attempts to meet those needs estimated at more than 100,000 barrels a day. Under the agreement Iraq was to sell a barrel $18 minus the market price. But the new discount gives Jordan a preferential treatment of $22 below the market. (Azzaman.com)