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ISW News Roundup - October 22, 2008
Oct 22, 2008 - Anonymous
Status of Forces Agreement
As the SOFA negotiations near their deadline, the Iraqi Cabinet is seeking further amendments to the SOFA draft regarding the duration of U.S. troop presence. Responding to this request, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated his reluctance to make any changes to the draft given the time constraints. For the latest on these complex negotiations, read:
New York Times - Mullen Says Iraq Running Out of Time On Forces Accord, by Thom Shanker
New York Times -Iraqi Cabinet Wants Security Agreement Altered, by Alissa J. Rubin and Katherine Zeopf
LA Times - Iraq Cabinet seeks changes in security pact with U.S., by Ned Parker and Saif Hameed
Associated Press - Cleric in Iran issues fatwa against US - Iraqi pact, by Ali Akbar Dareini
Adnkronos - Iraq: Sadrist cleric issues edict against security pact with US
Reuters - Iraq cabinet seeks changes to U.S. troops pact
Reuters - Gates says US reluctant to alter Iraq troop draft, by David Morgan
Security
Although many Iraqis are returning safely to their homes as overall violence continues to drop, the Iraqi Christian community in Ninewah province has witnessed a series of brutal murders and assassinations over the past week. This occurs amidst increasing security gains against AQI and Special Groups, and movement on the U.S. - Iraqi SOFA agreement.
Associated Press - Iraq al-Qaida leader eulogizes top commander
Associated Press - Iraq: Few Christians returning to Mosul, by Hamid Ahmed
Reuters - Vatican demands more protection for Iraq Christians, by Phillip Pullella
Reuters - Khazakhstan withdraws soldiers from Iraq
Region
Afghanistan
Wall Street Journal - U.S. - Led Airstrike Kills Nine Afghan Soldiers
Agence France Presse - Saudi confirms it sponsored Afghan-Taliban talks
Oil Countries
Wall Street Journal - Iran, Qatar, Russia Form Gas Alliance
Hezbollah/Lebanon
LA Times - Columbian cocaine ring linked to Hezbollah, by Chris Kaul and Sebastian Rotella
Washington Post - Lebanese City's Strife Reflects 2 Conflicts, by Alia Ibrahim