REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

• A post on Islamist website al-Farouq appears to agree with a recent analysis by U.S. Maj. Gen. Richard Zahner. MG Zahner's viewpoint states that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's al-Qaeda in Iraq group is the "insurgency's driving element" and that the Saddam loyalists are doing nothing - riding on Zarqawi's coattails, hoping to subvert the political process towards democracy over time.

• In an interesting turn of events, Yasser Sabawi, a nephew of Saddam Hussein, was arrested Wednesday in Baghdad. Syrian authorities forced him to return to Iraq, after arresting him earlier this year. Sabawi is suspected of providing funds to support anti-government activities and terror operations.

• An airstrike targeted terrorists in Ramadi - reportedly killing 70 of them. However, Iraqis in the area have claimed that 39 civilians - including 18 children - and 13 terrorists were killed.

RECONSTRUCTION & THE ECONOMY

• Take a look at this week's reconstruction highlights: Over 15,650 houses have recently been connected to the Baghdad Water Distribution System. The dismantling of the old concrete–asbestos distribution mains from the newly installed network will begin shortly. Baghdad’s municipal water distribution system has deteriorated due to poor maintenance and lack of investment for over 20 years. The distribution system reportedly experiences 60 percent loss, three times the acceptable level of water losses for modern systems. USAID implementers have recently completed a major expansion (50% of original capacity) and are currently installing and refurbishing key equipment at a major water treatment plant north of Baghdad. The first ARDI Zoonotic Diseases Extension and Awareness Program has now been completed. Six teams, each comprised of one veterinarian and one agronomist/animal production specialist, visited 240 villages in Dahuk and Ninawa Governorates to conduct workshops to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases. “Zoonotic” refers to any disease that can be transferred from animals to humans. Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) classes, to eventually reach 11,000 students this year, began earlier this week in campuses across the country. ALP schools are helping out-of-school youths ages 12-18 return to class, completing two years of primary education in one year. The first issue of the Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture in over five years was recently published with assistance from the HEAD program.

• Basrah has a new Central Fire Station.

IRAQI POLITICS

• The referendum to establish a constitution in Iraq was widely attended - estimated to have been voted on by approximately 60% of the electorate. Shiites and Kurds voted overwhelmingly in favor of the constitution. There have been, however, charges of voter fraud in the Sunni areas, where passage of the constitution could be blocked. Despite difficulties, it is encouraging that so many Iraqis chose to implement policy in this manner, than by more violent means.

• The latest Carnival of the Liberated is up at Dean's World.

THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

• The Arab League is sponsoring a conference in Baghdad to promote national reconciliation between the ethnic and political rivals in Iraq. Iraqis have criticized the league body for not taking a more active role in Iraq. The Arab League delegation has received a chilly reception from Shi'ite and Kurdish leaders, who view the body as being a backer of Sunni Arabs.

• Iran and Iraq are exploring means to establish an operational oil pipeline between the two countries. Iraq requires considerable assistance in managing ways to get oil out of the country and its infrastructure suffers the effects of poor maintenance over the decades, sabotage, and war.

ETCETERA

• Irish reporter, Rory Carroll, was abducted in Baghdad last Wednesday, but was returned after 36 hours in captivity.

• Saadoun al-Janabi, the lawyer representing Saddam Hussein's co-defendant Awad al-Bander, was abducted by masked men from his office in Baghdad on Wednesday. He was found slain outside a mosque on Friday.

• 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!

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