REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

• Insurgents in Amarah set a fire in a vegetable market in an attempt to lure British soldiers into an ambush, leading to the deaths of five civilians during the fighting.

• Reuters takes a look at the intelligence work that went into finding and killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. USA Today has a more detailed look.

• Al Qaeda in Iraq is ready to swear allegiance to its new leader, as soon as they find one. Two possibilities are Abu Abdul-Rahman al-Iraqi or Abu Ayyub al-Masri, but the group has not made any official announcement yet. (Hat tip: Austin Bay.)

• Al Qaeda in Iraq is promising large-scale attacks to avenge the death of their leader, threatening to 'shake the enemy and rob them of sleep.'

• In Tikrit, the security situation seems to be deteriorating. Read how MNF commanders work with neighborhood leaders to find a solution.

RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY

• Iraqi Electricity Minister Karim Waheed has said the government joined the Arab bourses union.

• Iraq's crude oil production has reached 1.95m bpd, 15% more than the average output for the past 10 months.

IRAQI POLITICS

• Prime Ministrer al-Maliki announced the appointment of three new ministers to his cabinet: Jawad Bolani will serve as interior minister, General Abdel Qader Jassim as defense minister, and Shirwan al-Waili as minister of state for national security. The filling of these positions completes the creation of the new Iraqi unity government and marks a major step forward in turning Iraq wholly over to the Iraqi people.

• Iraq's new government released more than 150 prisoners as part of a national reconciliation scheme to release 2,500 intended to build support for the government.

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

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• The lawyer for one of the Marines being investigated ">The lawyer for one of the Marines being investigated for the deaths of Iraqi civilians in Haditha claims that his client's unit acted within the rules of engagement in Haditha, did not intentionally kill civilians, and did not attempt to cover up the killings. While the official investigation goes on, it appears Haditha will be tried in the media long before it reaches a courtroom. As part of that trial, Time magazine has had to clarify some of its initial reporting on Haditha. (Hat tip: Instapundit.)

ETCETERA

• Wretchard offers some good additional reading on the future of Iraq in the wake of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

• Authorities in Najaf have uncovered 424 forged licenses used to purchase fuel at subsidized prices and resell on the spot market.

• 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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