ISW News Roundup - October 24, 2008

Oct 24, 2008 - Anonymous

U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Griffin a medic attached to 7th Battalion, 10 Cavalry Regiment stands his post during a patrol along Market Street in the city of Abu T-Shir, Iraq Oct. 16, 2008. Here, 7-10 spends most of their time helping the local community take back control of their streets. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Todd Frantom/Released)

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

Additional Off-site Authors: 
Related Links: 
Al-Qaeda in Iraq
Iraqi Security Forces
Provincial and Central Government
Troop Surge