Al-Qaeda in Iraq

Security

Associated Press- Twin Blasts Kill at Least 31 in Baghdad

BBC News- Fresh bombs hit Baghdad rush hour from BBC

Reuters- FACTBOX: Security developments in Iraq

Security

November 10

Security

New York Times Slideshow - Escalating Conflict in Mosul

Aswat al-Iraq - $36,000 stolen in armed robbery in Diala

New York Times - Blasts Kill 3 in Baghdad

U.S. Raid in Syria

US Special Forces conducted a daylight raid against Al Qaeda within the Syrian border.  US sources call the raid successful while Syrian authorities have decried it as a violation of their sovereignty.

Wall Street Journal - Syria Halts Diplomacy After U.S. Military Strike, by Jay Solomon

Security

U.S. Special Forces have reportedly conducted a raid inside Syrian territory on the border with Iraq.  While U.S. officials have not publically claimed responsibility, sources say U.S. hunter-killer teams trained their sights on Al Qaeda's senior coordinator in Syria, Abu Ghadiya.  For the latest on this operation, see:

New York Times - Syria and Iran Blame U.S. in Blast on Iraq Border, by Katherine Zoepf

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

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.  For the latest on these complex negotiations, read:

Agence France Presse- US, Iraq will get security pact 'worked out', Rice says

Asia Times - Details of Iraq pact reveal US debacle, by Gareth Porter

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

Security

Recent security developments in Iraq highlight the killing of Al Qaeda in Iraq's second in command as well as ongoing operations against terrorists and insurgents around the country.  For more information on these developments, check out the following stories:

 LA Times - Al Qaeda in Iraq's No. 2 commander is dead, U.S. reports, by Ned Parker and Saif Hameed