REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

• Iraqi Army forces are taking greater control of the Iraqi battlefield, conducting some 25% of combat operations independently with the percentage continuing to grow.

• Several bombings over the weekend in Baghdad killed seven people, including a U.S. Soldier.

• Bill Roggio has an interview with COL Stephen W. Davis, commander of the 2d Marine Regimental Combat Team, currently serving in Western Iraq.

• Don't miss Michael Totten's reports from Iraq.

RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY

• Attacks on oil pipelines cost the Iraqi economy an estimated US $6 billion in 2005, severely restricting the funding available for post-war reconstruction, according to the Ministry of Oil.

• AWB executives used their positions as Howard government-appointed advisers in Iraq to ensure the post-war survival of one of dictator Saddam Hussein's top trade officials.

IRAQI POLITICS

• Iraqi political parties have run into obstacles in talks on a new national unity government, officials said Sunday, raising the possibility of a major delay that would be a setback to U.S. hopes for a significant reduction in troop levels this year.

• Iraq’s Shia United Iraqi Alliance postponed until today a decision on its candidate for prime minister, with the country still without a government two months after a landmark election.

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• British judges will be asked to rule the Iraq war an illegal aggression as the result of defense pleas by peace activists who argue that their actions were not crimes because the government's actions were illegal.

• Danish troops' uncertain status in Iraq appeared to be resolved Wednesday evening after the Iraqi government told Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller that it wanted the troops to stay in Iraq.

• Japan plans to send 110 additional soldiers to Iraq in late March to assist the withdrawal of their fellow soldiers currently on humanitarian mission in that country.

ETCETERA

• The trial of Saddam Hussein and his seven codefendants on Tuesday adjourned until Feb. 28, after defiant Saddam said he and his aides have been on hunger strike for three days.

• One of the wealthiest men in Iraq and his son were kidnapped from their luxury home in a bloody abduction that saw their five bodyguards murdered and laid out in the front garden -- each with a bullet wound to the head.

• Do you have your GI Bracelet? Many military families fall into financial hardship when the breadwinner is injured or killed. The entire purchase price of the GI Bracelet is donated to support our troops and their families! Please join us to give back to these brave people in their time of need.

• The troops are still there. So is the Winds of Change.NET consolidated directory of ways you can support the troops: American, Australian, British, Canadian & Polish. Anyone out there with more information, contact us!

• Don't forget Chief Wiggles' Toys for Iraq drive!

• Many American troops have taken it upon themselves to reconstruct schools and gather learning tools for the children of Iraq. Their efforts have been met with immense gratitude from the local Iraqis and their children. You can help too! Visit Operation Iraqi Children and get involved.

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