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Last Week's Weekly Report on Iraq (State Dept.)
Highlights:There was a 41% drop in sectarian killings in Baghdad for the week of October 24- 30 which included the days immediately following the end of Ramadan and the Eid al-fitr holiday. IED activity was at its lowest level in seven months. During the week of November 1-7, electricity availability averaged 8.6 hours per day in Baghdad and 12.1 hours nationwide. The Sunday Washington Post said Baghdad was lit up only 2.3 hours (something like that) per day. Wonder where they got their data? Electricity output for the week was three per cent below the same period in 2005. The government of Iraq announced October 31 an initiative to increase the Iraqi military by approximately 18,700 troops. This initiative, which reportedly will be financed solely by the government of Iraq, will provide the IA with three additional division command headquarters, five additional brigade command headquarters, additional battalions, and one additional special operations battalion. This new initiative is in addition to a previously announced plan from Prime Minister Maliki to add an additional 12,000 troops to the force structure, allowing the 112 existing combat brigades to each be staffed to 110 percent of their current authorized levels to offset temporary absences created by attrition and leaves. If you can wade thru all the stuff at the link, you might get the impression Iraq is a functioning country, with trade shows, securities markets, and even new membership in the UN Economic and Social Council, receiving 181 of a possible 191 votes. Posted by: Bobby 2006-11-14 |
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