Iraq Report, 20 Mar/06

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TOP TOPICS

• The third anniversary of the start of the Iraq War was marked by protests around the world and retrospectives on the run-up to the war and the conduct of the fighting. Meanwhile, uncaring of the wisdom of the invasion, 35 more people died in insurgent attacks across Iraq.

• In the wake of Operation Swarmer, Bill Roggio examines the media coverage of the operation and deems it sadly wanting. As Bill correctly notes, air assault operations are hardly a novelty in this war.

Other Topics Today Include: President Bush sets goal for Iraq turnover; U.S. strategy review; reconstruction highlights; the Goldilocks principle; Carnival of the Liberated; no U.S. bases in Iraq; Aziz asks to visit Moscow.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

• President Bush vowed for the first time yesterday to turn over most of Iraq to newly trained Iraqi troops by the end of this year, setting a specific benchmark as he kicked off a fresh drive to reassure Americans alarmed by the recent burst of sectarian violence.

• "In an examination of Iraq's military strategy, the U.S. Joint Forces Command prepared a day-by-day reconstruction of Saddam's movements, which shows that his escape was desperate and improvised. The study also indicates that U.S. intelligence knew little about his whereabouts during the early part of the war and that Saddam was nowhere near the site of two failed bombing raids intended to kill him."

RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY

• An Iraqi economic expert called for holding the conferences and training courses in Iraq instead of abroad to help boost the national economy.

• Top 10 British firms profiting in Iraq.

• Check out this week's reconstruction highlights:

USAID recently surpassed the 100-hour mark reliability test for its V94 turbine generator at the Kirkuk power plant. The V94 passed its one and only reliability test without issue and was immediately placed in normal service providing continuous power to the Iraqi grid.

USAID awards three grants – totaling $8.9 million – to establish a sustainable microfinance industry in Iraq.

USAID is working to increase the availability of agricultural machinery for Iraqi farmers through direct repair of tractors and by strengthening repair and maintenance services for agricultural machinery. The direct repair of tractors is currently underway; the program will return to service at least 5,000 tractors. To date, 1,437 tractors have been repaired in workshops located around Iraq. USAID has increased the capability of approximately 250 Iraqi mechanics to provide repair and maintenance services for agricultural machinery.

Nearly 37,000 Iraqis have participated in civic forums on the role of the national Parliament. Despite the curfews and increased violence, Iraqis remained committed to improving the political process by continuing to conduct trainings and grassroots organizing in civic forums. Last week alone 14,000 citizens received training on the role and responsibilities of elected members of parliament (MPs) as well as how to advocate for citizens' rights, through USAID's implementing partner the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Over 40,000 booklets on Structure, Role, and Public Life of the Council of Representatives were also distributed.

USAID provides support to a newspaper specializing in women's issues. This newspaper, based in Northern Iraq, is a non-political publication focused on promoting the role of women in Iraq. In September 2003, the newspaper published its first edition, printing 1,500 copies.

IRAQI POLITICS

• Australia's defense minister, John Reid, warned that too many delays in forming the new Iraqi government could allow the insurgency to try to fill the power vacuum. But at the same time, Reid warned against rushing into a new government and getting it wrong.

• This week's Carnival of the Liberated is up.

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said yesterday that his country did not want permanent military bases in Iraq.

• The commander in charge of six Royal Miltary Policemen killed by a mob in Iraq has told their inquest it was not seen as a volatile part of the country - denying claims from family members that the troops were sent into a "powder keg".

ETCETERA

• Tariq Aziz, the former Iraqi foreign minister under Saddam Hussein now held prisoner by the U.S. in Baghdad, has asked to go to Moscow for treatment of heart problems.

• 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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