REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

• A previously unknown Shiite group is taking credit for recent attacks on American forces while disavowing any attacks on Iraqi civilians. The group claims that its goal is to free Iraq from foreign occupation.

• Saddam Hussein's wife and daughter are on a new list of Iraq's 41 most wanted for connection with terrorism.

• Reports of an investigation into U.S. soldiers raping an Iraqi woman and murdering her and her family has resulted in the Muslim Scholars Association declaring it to be the 'real, ugly face of America.'

RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY

• The smuggling of petroleum products from the port city of Basra to neighbouring countries has led to the delay of a number of Iraqi development projects, said one high-level petroleum official.

• About 750 companies will take part in the 2nd Iraqi Reconstruction Exhibition, which is organized by the Iraqi-US Chamber of Trade and Industry in the northern Iraqi city of Suleimaniya during November 11-14.

• ConocoPhillips (COP) hopes to acquire refining assets in Iraq as soon as a the war-torn nation becomes more stable.

• Apart from the relative stability of the local currency’s exchange rate, prices of most commodities in the country are volatile - the biggest headache for Iraqi families is fuel despite their country’s massive oil reserves.

IRAQI POLITICS

• Iraq's prime minister presented a plan for national reconciliation to parliament. Part of his reconciliation plan would offer amnesty to insurgents who had not been involved in terrorist activities. The plan has come under some attack for being short on detail at this time.

• Eleven Sunni insurgent groups have offered an immediate halt to all attacks, including those on American troops, if the United States agrees to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq in two years.

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

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• Denmark has agreed to carry out new projects in Basra to improve the southern province’s irrigation systems and boost agricultural yields.

ETCETERA

• In his second trial since capture, Saddam Hussein and six co-defendants will stand trial starting Aug. 21 for his 1980s military campaign against Kurds.

• Baby Noor, who was rescued by Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team soldiers and brought to Georgia for life-saving medical care, was delivered to her home in Abu Ghraib by the U.S. Army.

• The remains of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi have been buried in a secret location in Iraq, defying Jordan's request the body be returned there for burial.

• 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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