ISW News Roundup - October 24, 2008
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
Amidst sharp exchanges between Iran and the US, the outcome of the SOFA negotiations remains uncertain. For the latest on the agreement, read:
Associated Press - Rice dismisses Iranian opposition to US - Iraq pact, by Nestor Iked
Reuters -Iraq doesn't need Iran's help, Rice says
Washington Post - Analysis: Confusion in Iraq if security deal fails, by Robert H. Reid
Voice of America - Iran's President Urges Iraqis to Reject US Security Pact
Security
Coalition and Iraqi forces continue to target AQI militants amid increasing regional support for the Government of Iraq and optimistic remarks from a U.S. general regarding a drawdown of US forces in west Iraq.
LA Times - Suicide blast targeting Iraq labor minister kills 9, from AP
Reuters - Iraq and its neighbors pledge to boost security, by Suleiman al-Khalidi
CNN - 66 suspects tied to al Qaeda captured in Iraq
Washington Post - U.S. general optimistic on troop cuts in west Iraq
Associated Press- Turkey: 25 Kurdish rebels killed in air strikes
Afghanistan
USA Today - U.S. to target Taliban drug traffic, by Jim Michaels
Associated Press - US says 3 insurgents killed in Afghanistan
Reuters - Europe could boost NATO Afghanistan troop levels
GEO World - Coalition troops claim killing 18 Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan
Seattle Times - 3 Coalition troops killed in Afghanistan, by Fisnik Abrashi
Agence France Presse - Imran Khan warns against US 'surge' in Afghanistan
Xinhua - Notorious Taliban commander arrested in S. Afghanistan
Region
Pakistan
Wall Street Journal - Pakistan Official Denies Loan Was Requested, by Matthew Rosenberg
LA Times - Pakistan's man in Washington walks a delicate line, by Paul Richter
Long War Journal -Pakistan on the Taliban: "Dialogue must now be the highest priority", by Bill Roggio
Israel
Wall Street Journal - Ultra-Orthodox Party Could Force Israeli Elections, from AP
OPEC
Washington Times - OPEC slashes production; crude continues to tumble, by George Jahn