The latest in war gaming - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected
Basically it has the potential for a safer ride, but, the 'workability' of the vehicle once outside of it is impossible to accommodate the needs of battle. It's like a tank with a back door. It still has tires and is very vulnerable. It's just the next hurdle for any opposition forces to figure out. What works on any armored vehicle will work on this unworkable new Super-Humvee.
What soldiers don’t like (click here)
-Difficult to fit an injured soldier on a stretcher in the smaller models.
-Lack of exterior lighting.
-Height makes it difficult to load and unload equipment out the back.
-Difficult to tie down equipment that may move around.
-There are more blind spots for drivers.
The cost is one half million US dollars 'each.'
The cost of acquiring a MRAP vehicle fleet will be significant. However, it is militarily and financially less expensive to acquire MRAP vehicles than to continue to suffer casualties in excess of Vietnam's historical loss rates. Protecting people is cheaper than replacing them in an all-volunteer service. Research by the Math and Statistics branch of the Naval Safety Center incicates that the financial costs associated to casualties should be adjusted upward no less than 250% from its current 1988 baseline to account for the real dollar costs of care and replacement. Adjusted enlisted casualties average $500,000 dollars while officers, depending upon their military occupation range from one to two million dollars each. This means the average light tactical vehicle with one officer and four enlisted personnel is protecting 2.5 million dollars of the DOD's budget. This $2.5 million is real O&M dollars. The argument that "we can't afford armored vehicles" is specious. The opposite is true, at 2.5 million dollars of precious cargo each, the Corps cannot afford UN-armored vehicles.
BAE Systems is the major contractor for this vehicle and I don't know if it's been "Rat Claw" tested. (click here)
The Arab News
Global Oil Market Needs Fundamental Reforms
Giacomo Luciani
GENEVA, 17 November 2007 — OPEC heads of state gather in Riyadh today for the third summit meeting of the organization, at a time when oil prices are close to the psychologically important threshold of $100 per barrel. The summit is a political, not a technical meeting — and as such is unlikely to make specific decisions on prices or production — but a strategic statement on oil markets and prices seems a certainty.
OPEC heads of state are likely to disagree on the desirable level of prices. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are of the opinion that the present level is too high, but other member countries with less abundant reserves might be quite happy with current circumstances.
That said, all OPEC members should be wary of volatility, because the latter is a threat to rational policy making for all — producers, companies and importers alike. The price of oil was $50 per barrel in January this year and is now double that — a 100 percent increase in a span of just 10 months.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=103651&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Delinking Oil From Dollar ‘Sensitive’
Raid Qusti, Arab News
RIYADH, 17 November 2007 — Ministers openly debated yesterday whether oil should continue to be valued in US dollars considering the weakening currency. The topic was raised by the Iranian and Venezuelan delegations to the third OPEC summit beginning in the Saudi capital today.
The foreign ministers left the closed-door session after almost three hours of debate. Sources close to the discussions told Arab News that the currency proposal would not be added to the final communiqué.
Calling the topic “sensitive” and cautioning against hasty decisions, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal warned of the “consequences” of officially tabling such a proposal. He said that such speculation at an OPEC summit could itself further weaken the US currency and hurt the interests of OPEC member states.
“The very announcement to put this case for study could make the dollar descend even further,” said the minister. “Hence, it would add to the problems for our countries.”
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=103653&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Global Refining Capacity Shortage: One Way Out
Ibrahim A. Al-Mutrif, tariqmutrif@hotmail.com
Global energy needs are likely to grow steadily for at least the next 25 years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that if the world continues with the current energy-related policies, its energy needs would be more than 50 percent higher in 2030 than now. Over 60 percent of that increase would be in the form of oil and natural gas; much of this demand would be centered on gasoline and distillates.
Despite this ever-rising demand, the global refining capacity has been steadily shrinking. The capacity has decreased to 103 percent of the total oil demand in 2004, down from 109 percent in 1990 and 107 percent in 2000. Prime reasons for this trend are traditionally low profit margins and stiff regulations.
The soaring demand and the resulting spiraling higher prices of oil products prompt for huge investments. A global investment of $3 trillion has been projected by the IEA for the period 2001-2030, mostly to maintain current production levels.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=103677&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Criminals Exploit Expat’s Fear of Authority
Badea Abu Al-Naja & Muhammad Al-Juaid, Arab News
MAKKAH, 17 November 2007 — The scam works like this: An Arab man (not always a Saudi) will approach an expatriate, claim to be an undercover police officer and then, in the process of a fake interrogation that exploits common fears harbored by foreign workers, shake his victim down for cash.
The ruse is quite common in Saudi Arabia, often because expatriates are unaware of their rights to demand that these crooks prove the authority they claim. Few victims of this scam seem to be aware that, for example, they are not compelled to show their iqamas (work/residency visas) to any official who does not positively identify himself.
An inventory of recent reports illustrates the ubiquitous nature of this crime, including several arrests recently of men posing as police officers. In Taif, police arrested two Saudi men posing as cops who had set up a fake checkpoint to stop drivers and attempt to extract bribes from them. Two Yemeni nationals with perfect Saudi accents were also arrested recently in Jeddah posing as undercover cops hoping to get money from their victims.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=103654&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Jordan’s Poll Drive in Full Swing
Abdul Jalil Mustafa, Arab News
AMMAN, 17 November 2007 — The campaign for Jordan’s parliamentary elections peaked yesterday, the last weekend before the polling day on Tuesday, as King Abdallah issued strict directives to the government to ensure fairness of the ballot process.
During a visit to the Prime Ministry, the monarch reaffirmed the government’s “commitment to ensure that the polls are conducted in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness and transparency,” according to a royal court statement.
“These elections should reflect our vision to bolster democracy and produce a Parliament capable of dealing with all challenges in the forthcoming stage,” he said.
The king made the remarks as main streets, public gathering areas, road tunnels, even hospitals and schools turned into billboards with flashy posters of smiling candidates and slogans worded to grab attention and support.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=103661&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Swiss Group to Clear Mindanao of Land Mines Under Manila-MILF Deal
Arab News
MANILA, 17 November 2007 — The Philippines and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group have agreed to allow a team of Swiss demining experts to recover tons of unexploded ordnance in conflict areas in the south, officials said yesterday.
Rodolfo Garcia, a retired general and the government’s chief peace negotiator, told Reuters the recovery of unexploded rounds of mortar, howitzer and aerial bombs was among issues the two sides had agreed in two days of talks in Malaysia this week.
“Both sides agreed that these unexploded ordnance pose real dangers to civilians in Muslim communities in the south,” Garcia said, adding the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would also draft an agreement on the demining activities.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=103649&d=17&m=11&y=2007&pix=world.jpg&category=World
Sree Chitra Institute Develops Oral Insulin
Mohammed Ashraf, Arab News
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 17 November 2007 — The city-based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology is getting ready to conduct clinical trials on an oral insulin preparation that it has developed and successfully experimented on mice.
Though insulin injections have been around for eighty years, an alternative method failed to emerge as insulin digests like other proteins in the food and proteins are quickly denatured.
Some of the Type 2 diabetics take medication to enhance their body’s limited ability to produce insulin and in many cases, the ability deteriorates over the time, eventually making injecting insulin necessary. The oral insulin is expected to limit further deterioration.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=103667&d=17&m=11&y=2007&pix=world.jpg&category=World
More Space for Women at Prophet’s Mosque
Fatima Sidiya, Arab News
JEDDAH, 17 November 2007 — Madinah officials are gearing up for the forthcoming Haj, where pilgrims visit the Prophet’s Mosque on their way to the pilgrimage.
Abdul Wahid Hattab, spokesman at the Presidency of the Prophet’s Mosque Affairs, said that new arrangements are being drawn up to accommodate women in Al-Rawda area after night prayers.
Al-Rawda is a very special area in the heart of the Prophet’s Mosque, which extends from the tomb of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his pulpit.
“During peak time women are getting a wider area in Al-Rawda,” Hattab said. “We have also added a night period to make it easy for women to go in at night. The night period starts after Isha prayer until 12 a.m. This is beside the morning period and the noon period.” The morning period is from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. while the noon period is from 1.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=103656&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Editorial: Nuke Worries
17 November 2007
Iran continues to challenge the international community over its nuclear program. Yesterday’s update from the International Atomic Energy Agency states that while Tehran was finally being more cooperative on the history of its nuclear drive, it continues to withhold information on its current uranium-enrichment activities while defying the UN Security Council by pressing on with the construction of a heavy water reactor.
Iran’s failure to allow fuller inspection of its nuclear facilities comes despite assurances it would. The IAEA nevertheless reports that the Iranians now have almost 3,000 centrifuges, the key number that atomic experts say is necessary to enrich enough uranium to make a nuclear weapon within one or two years.
Yet the Iranians continue to protest that their nuclear program is for power generation alone. They are not trying to acquire atomic weaponry. As King Abdullah observed on his European tour, if that is indeed the case, then Iran has no reason to fail to comply with the IAEA inspection rules, to which as an IAEA member it is clearly subject.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=103647&d=17&m=11&y=2007
Iran and Iraq - In realizing Iran and Iraq are now allies, there won't ever be another Iran-Iraq War. It's called stabilizing the Middle East.
Deaths
As of Saturday, 3,867 U.S. troops have died in Iraq. Identifications as reported by the U.S. military and not previously published:
-Army Sgt. Derek R. Banks, 24, Newport News, Va.; explosion Oct. 25 in Baghdad, died Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas.
-Army Spc. Jermaine D. Franklin, 22, Arlington, Texas; explosion Nov. 9; Jisr Naft.
-Army Sgt. Christopher R. Kruse, 23, Emporia, Kan.; explosion Tuesday; Mukhisa.
-Army Pfc. Casey P. Mason, 22, Lake, Mich., small-arms fire Tuesday; Mosul.
-Army Spc. Peter W. Schmidt, 30, Eureka, Calif.; explosion Tuesday; Mukhisa.
-Army Spc. Ashley Sietsema, 20, Melrose Park, Ill.; vehicle accident Monday; Kuwait City.
-Army Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek, 22, Elmhurst, Ill.; small-arms fire Monday; Baghdad.
[Last modified November 18, 2007, 02:14:58]
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/11/18/Worldandnation/Last_week_in_Iraq.shtml
Iran unlikely to threaten U.S. territory in next 10 years
15:13
08/ 11/ 2007
MOSCOW, November 8 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has no capability to build nuclear weapons that could reach U.S. territory within the next seven to 10 years, a Russian military expert said on Thursday.
"Iran may develop primitive nuclear weapons, but not weapons capable of reaching the United States in the next seven to 10 years," said Col. Gen. Varfolomei Korobushin, first vice president of the Russian Academy of Military Sciences.
He said the Iranian threat cannot be used to justify U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense system in Central Europe.
Iran has been under international scrutiny over its nuclear research, which Tehran says is aimed at generating energy, but Western nations suspect the Islamic Republic of pursuing a clandestine weapons program.
The U.S. announced its Central European missile defense plans earlier this year, claiming the facilities were needed to counter possible threats from so called rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. Moscow considers the plans a threat to national security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier warned that if Washington ignores Russia's concerns and deploys interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic, Moscow could be forced to adopt countermeasures.
Speaking at a news conference following the October Russia-EU summit in Portugal, President Putin said the plans were reminiscent of the political crisis caused by the Soviet Union's nuclear missile bases in Cuba in 1962.
http://en.rian.ru/world/20071108/87175363.html
Ahmadinejad says U.S. remains Iran's enemy
15:44
12/ 11/ 2007
TEHRAN, November 12 (RIA Novosti) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that the resumption of talks with Washington on security issues in Iraq did not reflect any changes in Tehran's attitude toward the U.S.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini earlier said that Tehran was ready to continue talks with the U.S. on Iraq security after the successful completion of negotiations last summer.
"The talks with the Americans are related to security in Iraq and are being held at the request of the Iraqi people and government," Ahmadinejad said, addressing a group of students at the Science and Industry University in Tehran.
"Our position toward the United States remains unchanged, however - the U.S. is conducting a vengeful and hostile policy against the interests of the Iranian people," he said.
The first round of official negotiations between Tehran and Washington took place in Baghdad in late May, and were the first direct talks between the two countries for 27 years. The main issues discussed were the situation in Iraq and the release of Iranian diplomats seized by the U.S. in January in Iraq on suspicion of aiding Iraqi militants.
The second round was held in July, also in Baghdad, and the three sides agreed to set up a trilateral committee on Iraqi security.
Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said at the time that Tehran might consider consultations between the countries deputy foreign ministers "if the United States files an official request".
However, Iran remains the subject of international concern over its controversial nuclear program. The U.S. and Europe suspect Iran of pursuing a clandestine weapons program. Tehran says it needs the program for energy.
Two sets of UN Security Council sanctions are currently in place against Iran over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment that could be used in both electricity generation and weapons production. A further round of more stringent sanctions has been blocked by China and Russia so far.
Ahmadinejad, who has recently faced growing domestic criticism over his no compromise attitude, largely seen as to blame for subsequent U.N. Security Council sanctions, called on Monday his critics "traitors," and pledged to expose them if they continued to apply pressure over Tehran's nuclear enrichment.
"We are not exposing them right now because of some sensitive issues, but upon closure of the nuclear issue, we will reveal everything," Ahmadinejad said.
"These people are traitors," he said without specifying any names.
http://en.rian.ru/world/20071112/87659421.html
Iraq Credits Iran for Helping to Curb Attacks by Militias
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: November 18, 2007
BAGHDAD, Nov. 17 — The Iraqi government on Saturday credited Iran with helping to rein in Shiite militias and stemming the flow of weapons into Iraq, helping to improve the security situation noticeably.
Reach of War
The Iraqi government’s spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, speaking at a lunch for reporters, also said that the Shiite-dominated government was making renewed efforts to bring back Sunni Arab ministers who have been boycotting the government for more than four months.
Speaking about Iran, he said that that government had helped to persuade the Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr to ask his Mahdi militia to halt attacks. Mr. Sadr ordered his militia to stop using weapons in early September, and officials say that the militia’s relative restraint has helped improve stability. They say it also seems to have helped decrease the frequency of attacks with explosively formed penetrators, a powerful type of bomb that can pierce heavy armor.
Mr. Dabbagh’s comments echoed those of the American military here, who in recent days have gone out of their way to publicly acknowledge Iran’s role in helping to slow the flow of weapons into the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/world/middleeast/18iraq.html
Iraqi gov't: Teheran showing 'more restraint' in support for militants
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Iraqi government said Saturday that Iran has shown increasing restraint in its alleged support for militants and urged Teheran and the US to take advantage of the situation to hold a new round of talks on stabilizing Iraq.
The comments by government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh came on the heels of similar assertions by US officials who seem to be softening their stance against Teheran in Iraq amid a decline in violence.
"Iran is showing more restraint in sending people and weapons to destabilize Iraq," al-Dabbagh said during a wide-ranging discussion with reporters at his compound in the heavily guarded Green Zone in central Baghdad.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1195127526388&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Iraqi President vows to halt PKK threat
Thursday, November 15, 2007 09:09 GMT
As tension rose again on Iraqi-Turkish borders reaching its peak with the Turkish air raid against military targets in Northern Iraq, visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani vowed from Cairo to deploy all efforts possible to halt the threat of Kurdistan Workers party, saying that terrorism poses threat to both Iraq and Turkey. In a meeting with Egyptian Newspapers Chief editors, Talabani revealed that special Turkish Forces are present in Iraq to track PKK activities with the support of Kurdish authorities in Northern Iraq. He added that any PKK action against Turkey from Iraqi territories is "hostile" against the Iraqi people. Iraqi President’s statements have coincided with reports about a Kurdish delegation heading to Ankara for talks with Turkish leaders in order to reach a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the PKK issue. Kurdistan Alliance MP Abdul Khaleq Zankana clarified that a Kurdish delegation including Secretary-General of Kurdistan Islamic Union and official of Kurdistan Democratic Socialist Party headed to Turkey with a series of proposals and notes to solve the crisis. Zankana reiterated Kurds’ rejection of a Turkish incursion into North Iraq in order to attack PKK bases. He explained that Kurds refuse as well PKK activities that would threaten Turkey’s security. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government reiterated its commitment to vows taken in Istanbul Conference. In this context, Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki’s advisor Yassin Majid confirmed that some measures announced by Al Maliki in Istanbul Conference have begun to be implemented as the Iraqi Government shut down many PKK offices in addition to offices of parties in cooperation with Kurdistan Workers Party.
On the other hand, Othman Ojlan, the party’s leader brother in Turkey said that thousands of PKK fighters stationed in Northern Iraq have moved to Iran in fear of an expanded attack by the Turkish Army on their bases.
http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News/1-10202-Iraqi-President-vows-to-halt-PKK-threat.html
PKK's Violent Struggle for Kurdish Independence Approaches 24 Years
By Margaret Besheer
Washington
16 November 2007
Tensions continue along the Turkish-Iraqi border as Turkish security forces pursue rebels from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) who have used safe havens in northern Iraq to launch attacks inside Turkey. VOA's Margaret Besheer has more on the rise of the group considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and Europe.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-11-16-voa60.cfm
Kurds in remote village fear Turkish attack on elusive rebels
2 days ago
KHIZAVA, Iraq (AFP) — Nervous Iraqi Kurds in the impoverished village of Khizava along the border with Turkey are awaiting a Turkish attack on Kurdish rebels, although many believe the guerrillas will prove elusive.
In Khizava, anxiety was palpable when the humming of a US drone filled the sky above, prompting residents to strain their ears and look up.
"I'm sure the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) fighters are not up there. They have left. They will not wait to be bombed," said Khaled Hassan, 32.
Hassan and two of his cousins crouched by the side of the main road leading out of Khizava and onto the mountain summits, which the PKK use as hideouts because they are difficult to penetrate.
Iraqi Kurdish policemen and soldiers manned checkpoints nearby, allowing only villagers to drive through.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iAIhhgAfn1xWhB5iw3ch-Osi4ybA
Goading Ankara to overreach
Nov 15th 2007
From The Economist
AFP
Come and get me
SINCE the late 19th century Turkey's Kurds have rebelled repeatedly against their Turkish masters. But no uprising has been as violent or long-lasting as that launched in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in its bid to unite the 25m Kurds scattered across Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Turkey's latest threat to clobber the rebels in their haven in northern Iraq has again raised the spectre of regional war. It has also concentrated attention on the PKK: who are these indomitable fighters and what is their true goal?
“Blood and Belief” offers unusual insight into the rebels' shadowy universe and, by extension, into Turkey's festering Kurdish problem. Aliza Marcus, an American journalist who was put on trial in Turkey for her reporting on the Turkish army's abuses against ordinary Kurds, charts the origins and evolution of the movement. Her scholarly, gripping account is based on interviews with, and the unpublished diaries of, former PKK militants.
http://www.economist.com/books/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10130690
Democrats' bill to fund war in Iraq is rejected
Minnesota's senators were in opposition as the Senate blocked military spending linked to a deadline for troop withdrawal.
By Kevin Diaz, Star Tribune
Last update: November 16, 2007 – 11:07 PM
WASHINGTON - The latest spending skirmish over the Iraq war ended in stalemate Friday, dividing Minnesotans in Congress along party lines.
As they returned home for Thanksgiving, Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar cast opposing votes on an ill-fated Democratic proposal to provide $50 billion linked to the start of troop withdrawals.
Coleman, a Republican who has voiced muted criticism of President Bush's war strategy, voted against the proposal, underscoring his consistent opposition to a congressionally mandated pullout date.
Klobuchar, elected last year as an anti-war Democrat, voted for the measure, which would require U.S. troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq within 30 days. It set a goal of Dec. 15, 2008, for most troops to leave Iraq.
The House approved a similar plan on Wednesday by a vote of 218-203.
All three Minnesota Republicans voted against it, including Rep. Jim Ramstad, who had been among 17 Republicans supporting a resolution last February opposing Bush's troop surge.
Coleman, facing reelection next year, accused Democrats of "political theater" in staging a vote on a bill that would have no chance of being signed by the president.
The Democratic proposal got 53 votes, seven short of the 60 needed to proceed to final passage.
Coleman instead supported a Republican effort to allocate $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with no troop withdrawal requirement.
Democrats, calling that a "blank check," voted it down.
http://www.startribune.com/10223/story/1556995.html
Head of British army says Iraq and Afghan conflicts are damaging his forces
3 hours ago
LONDON - The head of the British army believes conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are damaging Britain's armed forces, a newspaper reported Saturday.
Years of underfunding and excess demand have left British troops feeling "devalued, angry and suffering from Iraq fatigue," the Sunday Telegraph newspaper quoted Gen. Sir Richard Dannatt as saying in an official report.
The newspaper said it had received a copy of an official report in which Dannatt wrote that current trooping levels are unsustainable and increasing numbers of troops are disillusioned.
Simultaneous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are damaging and "mortgaging the goodwill of our people," Dannatt allegedly said.
Dannatt rose to prominence in Oct. 2006, when he told a British newspaper that his forces' continued presence in Iraq "exacerbates the security problems" for Britain worldwide.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iiUCcFkhbmHoBbfdK4MpiXbygO-Q
Poland to withdraw Iraq troops
The new Polish government has said it is to withdraw all of its 900 troops from Iraq next year. It is one of the first announcements made by the ruling liberal party which was voted to power last month and sworn in yesterday. Poland deployed a total of 2,600 soldiers to Iraq following the US-led invasion in 2003. That number was reduced to 1,500 in 2005, then to 900 a year later.
Polish troops lead a multi-national division in Central South Iraq, where they are primarily involved in training local security forces. Since their deployment 22 of Poland's soldiers have been killed in action. Prime minister Donald Tusk made troop withdrawal a pledge of his electoral campaign. A study in June suggested that 80 percent of Poles were against a national military presence in Iraq.
http://www.euronews.net/index.php?page=info&article=454412&lng=1
Iraqi MPs debate fate of oil hub
11 hours ago
BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraqi lawmakers on Saturday hotly debated the issue of Kirkuk, with some warning that a deadlock on a stipulated referendum concerning the northern oil hub could lead to new civil strife.
"If the issue of Kirkuk is not solved, it will lead to hell," Hadi al-Ameri, a parliamentarian from the powerful Shiite party the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) told AFP.
Kirkuk, an ethnically volatile city, is claimed by both Arabs and Kurds.
In 1988, then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein launched a brutal campaign against Iraqi Kurds living in northern Iraq, evicting large number of Kurds from Kirkuk and handing their homes and jobs to Arabs.
The Kurds, who hold a strong sense of identity, now want Kirkuk to be incorporated into their autonomous northern regional government.
The Iraqi constitution, however, stipulates that the fate of the city, which houses vast oil reserves, must be decided by a public referendum before the end of 2007.
But with Iraq still battling a sectarian strife and insurgency, it seems highly unlikely that a referendum would be held by the deadline.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j9oA2TSeHVnN3Xq9_F7-wK47lgGA
Reliance’s problems in Iraq are just the tip of the iceberg
D.Murali
Chennai: The latest difficulties confronting Reliance Industries in Iraq are just the tip of the iceberg for any foreign contractor hoping to enter Iraq’s oil sector, says Mr Roger Howard, author of ‘Iran Oil’ (www.vivagroupindia.com).
As reported earlier, Iraqi Oil Minister said on November 15 that Reliance’s deals with Kurdish Region have no standing. And also that the companies which have signed the contracts with the Kurdish Region may compromise their chances of getting future contracts in Iraq. Reliance has said that the two exploration blocks in the Kurdish Region for which it has signed the agreements are within the legal framework.
“There will be numerous more obstacles – political and legal – rather than just technical ones lying ahead,” foresees Mr Howard, in an e-mail interaction with Business Line.
Excerpts from the interview.
What is the core problem?
Ethnic tensions in Iraq. The country has of course always been a very artificial amalgam of different cultures and religions. As a result, the questions of who owns the northern oil-bearing regions around Kirkuk and Mosul, and who has rights to the revenue the fields generate, have been extremely complex and controversial. Both the Arabs and the Kurds have been staking their claims, and Saddam Hussein tried hard to alter the local demographic balance in favour of the Arabs.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/006200711171377.htm
U.S. accused of killing Sunni allies in battle
ARMY CAN'T CONFIRM ACCOUNT OF TRIBAL LEADER
By Tina Susman
Los Angeles Times
Article Launched: 11/17/2007 01:38:55 AM PST
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The frantic phone call came late at night to the Sunni tribal sheik. It was his brother, shouting that he was under attack from the U.S. forces he was trying to help.
Hours later, Sheik Shadhir Abid Salim Assaf says, his brother was dead, along with dozens of other men the sheik had recruited to bolster U.S. troops fighting insurgents around Tarmiya, 25 miles north of Baghdad.
U.S. military officials said Friday they could not confirm what Assaf and other Iraqis allege was a mistake in which U.S. troops attacked friendly fighters.
The violence, which began late Tuesday and ended early Wednesday, left at least 25 people dead. The military says they were suspected insurgents who attacked U.S. forces pursuing members of the group Al-Qaida in Iraq.
Asked Friday about the allegations that friendly Iraqi forces were hit, Maj. Winfield Danielson III, an American military spokesman, said the military had no confirmation of this.
"I can only say that we had personnel on the ground who engaged a hostile force that fired on them and whom they suspected of being terrorist affiliates," Danielson said.
Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the No. 2 U.S. military commander in Iraq, said officials were continuing their investigation.
http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_7490471
Mass Grave Found in Southern Baghdad
By ROBERT H. REID – 10 hours ago
BAGHDAD (AP) — Remains of possibly dozens of people believed slain in sectarian violence were unearthed Saturday from a mass grave in a former al-Qaida stronghold in southern Baghdad — the third such find in Iraq this month.
Also Saturday, an Iraqi television station reported one of its reporters had been kidnapped — the latest in a grim series of attacks that has made Iraq among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists.
The badly decomposed remains were found in Baghdad's mostly Sunni Dora neighborhood by Sunnis who have turned against al-Qaida in Iraq, police said. They were discovered in an area overlooking the main highway leading to Shiite shrine cities in the south.
Sunni extremists would often waylay travelers along that road, kidnapping and killing Shiites.
The remains were placed in black plastic bags and transferred to a Shiite mosque in Dora, according to a police officer at the mosque. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gkx-3oYeFwuWKCusr2jrojs98w8wD8SVJQLG2
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