Iraq Reconstruction News
4 March 2007
1. U.S. official says network of Iraqi and world businessmen underway - Baghdad, March 3, (VOI) – A U.S. official said his job in Iraq is to create a network between Iraqi businessmen and their global counterparts to help refresh the country's economy. "We will work on refurbishing defunct government plants. International businessmen can invest in Iraq by reviving these," said Paul Brinkley, U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Business Transformation in a press conference held in Baghdad on Saturday. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=38597&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
2. U.S. Energy Information Administration Iraq page http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/international/iraq.html
3. Reconstruction Projects provide Iraqis with big improvements to essential services http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-03-01-3.pdf
4. Fresh mechanism to distribute oil derivatives among Iraqi provinces – minister. Baghdad, March 4, (VOI) – Iraqi Oil Minister, Dr. Hussein al-Shahrastani, revealed his ministry's plan to hammer out a new mechanism for distributing oil derivatives amongst the provinces, depending on the amount available in warehouses and the population rate in each province. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=38655&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
5. Iraqi Air Force shows off rebuilt Huey helicopters - BAGHDAD, March 3 (Reuters) - Iraq's Air Force should have 50 to 60 helicopters by the end of the year, including 28 new Russian aircraft, Iraq's defence minister said on Saturday as he inspected two refitted Vietnam-era Huey helicopters in Baghdad. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/PAR347933.htm
6. Implementing service projects alongside the security plan - The Director of the National Coordination Team in the American embassy said that his government has allocated amounts of money to implement service projects in Baghdad as part of the first phase of the security plan implemented by the Iraqi government. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3224
7. Iraq bank loans - The general board of the Bank Loans Guarantees Company convened in its first meeting for 2007 in the city of Irbil, in Kurdistan, which became the safe haven for businessmen to exercise their various activities away from explosions after they have devoted most of their meetings in Amman or elsewhere. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3242
8. Ninewa PRDC is Stepping up to the Challenge - Iraq Roads are Receiving a Face-lift http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-23.PDF
9. Economic Agreement is a Buy Sign in Iraq - With most of American politics focused on the troop surge and partisan maneuverings over its implementation, another story has gotten lost: The Iraqis themselves have made important progress in a basic economic issue that has fueled the sectarian divide. The only real industry in Iraq comes from its only real natural resource: oil. Unfortunately, the reserves of oil are not shared equally among the population groups. Most of the oil is located outside the "Sunni triangle" and the Sunnis have fought the Shi'ites (and the Kurds to a lesser extent) in order to keep them from federalizing Iraq and hoarding all of the oil revenue from their respective areas of the nation. Many Sunnis have been unwilling to accept a democratically-elected government that naturally favors Shi'ites, or the federalism that favors the Kurds. http://www.aina.org/news/2007030192545.htm
10. Iraqi government to hike fuel prices by 15% - Consumer fuel prices will be hiked by around 15 percent in March as Iraq implements an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to cut subsidies, Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said. Iraq has the world's third largest known oil reserves but decades of war, sanctions, under-investment and now widespread violence and sabotage have left it critically short of fuel. It has to import much of its gasoline. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3232
11. Plan to set up new transformers to improve power http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3215
12. Iraq Farm System Collapsed, Food Supply in Danger. Breadbasket of Middle East Fallen Dependent on Imports - The Iraqi agricultural system has completely collapsed, leaving the food supply insecure and reliant on foreign imports, and the Iraqi diet dependent on government rations. In 2003 L. Paul Bremer changed the import law, dropping all the tariffs to make imported goods cheaper for Iraqis. The unintended effect of this law was to kill off the Iraqi family farm, since domestically-produced food could no longer compete with cheap imports. http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/1511/Iraq_Farm_System_Collapsed_Food_Supply_in_Danger
END
Friday, March 30, 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News 3 March 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
3 March 2007
1. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1172620800-2-1172707200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
2. War News Radio: One Step Forward - This week on War News Radio, we speak to an expert about the new plan for distributing Iraqi oil revenue.
http://warnewsradio.org/
3. Addax Reports Northern Iraq Discovery -- Addax Petroleum Corp. on Thursday announced flow test results for the TT-05 well, the second appraisal well recently drilled on the Taq Taq field by Taq Taq Operating Company (TTOPCO), the joint venture company formed by Genel Enerji A.S. (Genel) and Addax Petroleum to carry out the petroleum operations in the Taq Taq license area. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=42019
4. Iraq: Draft Oil Law Aims To Please All Sides -- March 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Iraq's cabinet this week endorsed a draft oil and gas law for the management of oil resources and an equitable distribution of revenues. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hailed the achievement, telling reporters on February 26 that with the endorsement of the draft law, the government "lays the foundation stone for building the state." The law will now be submitted to parliament for ratification before it takes effect later this year. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/3/85DF3EB6-D9C3-488E-9322-B572A098667C.html
5. Iraq: Summary Of Draft Oil Law -- March 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- On February 27, Iraq's cabinet approved a long-awaited federal oil law, with the aim of distributing oil revenues fairly among the regions. The law must now be approved by parliament to take effect. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/3/9D033277-AE99-4AD3-B470-4008AA0040B8.html
6. Oil Unions warn American companies of investing oil fields - The oil investment law prepared by the experts of the Iraqi Ministry of oil is expected to be discussed by the Parliament during the next few days. This law grants American companies long-term contracts exceed thirty years under the principle of shared production contracts. Experts confirm that this law is an international legal cover for these companies to control oil sector and its management through exploiting the weak negotiating position of the Iraqi government to pass saw this law. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3239
7. Troubles for the Iraq Oil Deal -- Paris -- Barely two days have passed since Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki hailed the country's new petroleum law as a "solid base for unity of all Iraqis" -- a rare boast these days. President Bush has also trumpeted it as proof that Iraq has a viable future. But parliamentarians and Iraq's oil unions have already begun mobilizing against the draft legislation, arguing that it is a desperate attempt by al-Maliki's government to satisfy Western demands, which could damage Iraq's economic future and speed the country's ultimate disintegration. http://www.aina.org/news/20070228151758.htm
8. Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara positive towards Iraqi oil bill - Text of report in English by Turkish news agency Anatolia. Ankara, 2 March: Ankara is positive towards Iraqi draft oil law as it includes elements that reinforce national integrity and centralization, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Iraqi cabinet earlier approved the bill and sent it to parliament for consideration. According to Article 1 of the draft law, which refers to Article 111 of the Iraq's Constitution that mentions "oil and natural gas belong to whole Iraqi people", "owner of the oil and natural gas is all Iraqis in whole regions". Diplomatic sources said it has been observed that Iraqi groups reached a consensus on unity and integrity of the country. With the draft law, authorities pertaining to oil and natural gas, will not be in one hand and will be shared by various institutions. Sources said centralization has come forefront with the distribution of authority on exploration and use of rich natural wealth of Iraq. Ankara has still been examining the draft oil law in detail, and seeking ways to cooperate with its neighbour Iraq on bilateral oil trade. Ankara considers formation of a central oil policy, which the Kurds are a part of, important for prevention of fragmentation of Iraq. Source: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English 1506 gmt 2 Mar 07
9. Price Check in Baghdad Neighborhoods http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/1722/Price_Check_in_Baghdad_Neighborhoods
10. Full electricity in Baghdad 6 years off // WASHINGTON // Getting full-time electric power turned on in Baghdad, a key wartime goal toward which the United States has spent $4.2 billion dollars, won't be accomplished until the year 2013, U.S. officials said yesterday, in what others called a significant setback for the new U.S. initiatives to quell Iraq's bloody insurgency. Power outages in the Iraqi capital are frequent, leaving residents without electricity for an average of 17 or 18 hours a day. For most residents without personal generators, that means not just no lights but dead radios and televisions, heaters, washing machines and water pumps. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/iraq/bal-te.powerless02mar02,0,644223.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
11. Turkey, Iraq, U.S. to meet on Iraq oil -- ANKARA, Turkey, March 1 (UPI) -- Turkey's energy minister said Ankara was asked for help developing oil in northern Iraq and will meet with U.S. and Iraq officials this month. But Hilmi Guler said the negotiations will be with the central Iraqi government, not the Kurdish leaders that control the oil rich north and are at odds with Turkey. http://www.upi.com/Energy/turkey_iraq_us_to_meet_on_iraq_oil/20070301-034728-5869r/
12. Fast-Track Learning for Women - Until three months ago, Miryam Majeed’s early morning routine involved feeding her two children and starting on the day’s chores. But now there is a new task that gets her out of bed and fills her with enthusiasm – she has gone back to school. Now 29, Majeed from Chamchamal, 60 kilometres south of Sulaimaniah in Iraq’s Kurdish region, never received an education as a child. "My father didn’t let me go to school", she explained. Now she carries her books to classes four days a week, and spends several hours studying at home. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=333554&apc_state=henpicr
13. Iraqi Mixed Marriages Under Siege In Conflict -- BAGHDAD -- The note was slipped under the door of May Mahmoud's shop. Neatly typed on a computer, it read: "You must leave your home. We give you three days. Or we will kill you." It was addressed to her husband. He was a Shiite Muslim. But she was a Sunni. Where would they go? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/03/AR2007030300647.html
END
3 March 2007
1. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1172620800-2-1172707200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
2. War News Radio: One Step Forward - This week on War News Radio, we speak to an expert about the new plan for distributing Iraqi oil revenue.
http://warnewsradio.org/
3. Addax Reports Northern Iraq Discovery -- Addax Petroleum Corp. on Thursday announced flow test results for the TT-05 well, the second appraisal well recently drilled on the Taq Taq field by Taq Taq Operating Company (TTOPCO), the joint venture company formed by Genel Enerji A.S. (Genel) and Addax Petroleum to carry out the petroleum operations in the Taq Taq license area. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=42019
4. Iraq: Draft Oil Law Aims To Please All Sides -- March 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Iraq's cabinet this week endorsed a draft oil and gas law for the management of oil resources and an equitable distribution of revenues. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hailed the achievement, telling reporters on February 26 that with the endorsement of the draft law, the government "lays the foundation stone for building the state." The law will now be submitted to parliament for ratification before it takes effect later this year. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/3/85DF3EB6-D9C3-488E-9322-B572A098667C.html
5. Iraq: Summary Of Draft Oil Law -- March 2, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- On February 27, Iraq's cabinet approved a long-awaited federal oil law, with the aim of distributing oil revenues fairly among the regions. The law must now be approved by parliament to take effect. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/3/9D033277-AE99-4AD3-B470-4008AA0040B8.html
6. Oil Unions warn American companies of investing oil fields - The oil investment law prepared by the experts of the Iraqi Ministry of oil is expected to be discussed by the Parliament during the next few days. This law grants American companies long-term contracts exceed thirty years under the principle of shared production contracts. Experts confirm that this law is an international legal cover for these companies to control oil sector and its management through exploiting the weak negotiating position of the Iraqi government to pass saw this law. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3239
7. Troubles for the Iraq Oil Deal -- Paris -- Barely two days have passed since Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki hailed the country's new petroleum law as a "solid base for unity of all Iraqis" -- a rare boast these days. President Bush has also trumpeted it as proof that Iraq has a viable future. But parliamentarians and Iraq's oil unions have already begun mobilizing against the draft legislation, arguing that it is a desperate attempt by al-Maliki's government to satisfy Western demands, which could damage Iraq's economic future and speed the country's ultimate disintegration. http://www.aina.org/news/20070228151758.htm
8. Turkish diplomatic sources say Ankara positive towards Iraqi oil bill - Text of report in English by Turkish news agency Anatolia. Ankara, 2 March: Ankara is positive towards Iraqi draft oil law as it includes elements that reinforce national integrity and centralization, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Iraqi cabinet earlier approved the bill and sent it to parliament for consideration. According to Article 1 of the draft law, which refers to Article 111 of the Iraq's Constitution that mentions "oil and natural gas belong to whole Iraqi people", "owner of the oil and natural gas is all Iraqis in whole regions". Diplomatic sources said it has been observed that Iraqi groups reached a consensus on unity and integrity of the country. With the draft law, authorities pertaining to oil and natural gas, will not be in one hand and will be shared by various institutions. Sources said centralization has come forefront with the distribution of authority on exploration and use of rich natural wealth of Iraq. Ankara has still been examining the draft oil law in detail, and seeking ways to cooperate with its neighbour Iraq on bilateral oil trade. Ankara considers formation of a central oil policy, which the Kurds are a part of, important for prevention of fragmentation of Iraq. Source: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English 1506 gmt 2 Mar 07
9. Price Check in Baghdad Neighborhoods http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/1722/Price_Check_in_Baghdad_Neighborhoods
10. Full electricity in Baghdad 6 years off // WASHINGTON // Getting full-time electric power turned on in Baghdad, a key wartime goal toward which the United States has spent $4.2 billion dollars, won't be accomplished until the year 2013, U.S. officials said yesterday, in what others called a significant setback for the new U.S. initiatives to quell Iraq's bloody insurgency. Power outages in the Iraqi capital are frequent, leaving residents without electricity for an average of 17 or 18 hours a day. For most residents without personal generators, that means not just no lights but dead radios and televisions, heaters, washing machines and water pumps. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/iraq/bal-te.powerless02mar02,0,644223.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
11. Turkey, Iraq, U.S. to meet on Iraq oil -- ANKARA, Turkey, March 1 (UPI) -- Turkey's energy minister said Ankara was asked for help developing oil in northern Iraq and will meet with U.S. and Iraq officials this month. But Hilmi Guler said the negotiations will be with the central Iraqi government, not the Kurdish leaders that control the oil rich north and are at odds with Turkey. http://www.upi.com/Energy/turkey_iraq_us_to_meet_on_iraq_oil/20070301-034728-5869r/
12. Fast-Track Learning for Women - Until three months ago, Miryam Majeed’s early morning routine involved feeding her two children and starting on the day’s chores. But now there is a new task that gets her out of bed and fills her with enthusiasm – she has gone back to school. Now 29, Majeed from Chamchamal, 60 kilometres south of Sulaimaniah in Iraq’s Kurdish region, never received an education as a child. "My father didn’t let me go to school", she explained. Now she carries her books to classes four days a week, and spends several hours studying at home. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=333554&apc_state=henpicr
13. Iraqi Mixed Marriages Under Siege In Conflict -- BAGHDAD -- The note was slipped under the door of May Mahmoud's shop. Neatly typed on a computer, it read: "You must leave your home. We give you three days. Or we will kill you." It was addressed to her husband. He was a Shiite Muslim. But she was a Sunni. Where would they go? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/03/AR2007030300647.html
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 2 March 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
2 March 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report 28 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81339.pdf
2. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/27/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
3. Brookings Iraq Index 26 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1172620800-2-1172707200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. That long-awaited share-out - A new oil law, apparently agreed upon at last by Iraq's politicians, should prompt a gush of much-needed foreign investment to reach the country with the world's second-biggest petroleum reserves. The law's passage was delayed for over half a year by a row between Iraq's federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, which runs much of the north-east, including some of Iraq's richest oilfields. Yet the law is still not quite complete. http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=8786337
6. Final Official Copy of the Iraqi Oil and Gas Law (in Arabic and English). Includes the 4 appendices and the Council of Ministers' resolution. http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2007/03/final-official-copy-of-iraqi-oil-and.html
7. Troubles for the Iraq Oil Deal - Barely two days have passed since Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki hailed the country's new petroleum law as a "solid base for unity of all Iraqis" — a rare boast these days. President Bush has also trumpeted it as proof that Iraq has a viable future. But parliamentarians and Iraq's oil unions have already begun mobilizing against the draft legislation, arguing that it is a desperate attempt by al-Maliki's government to satisfy Western demands, which could damage Iraq's economic future and speed the country's ultimate disintegration. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1594388,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
8. Kurdish Officials Praise Iraqi Oil Draft Law, but Hurdles Remain - Irbil - Iraq's Cabinet approved a draft law this week that is considered a key step toward developing the country's vast oil and natural gas reserves. But VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Irbil that Kurdish officials say the agreement does not resolve how the country will divide up its oil revenue. http://voanews.com/english/2007-03-01-voa39.cfm
9. Calling on Malaysian companies for rebuilding Iraq - Dr. Humam Abdul-Majeed Chairman of Re-studying the Constitution Committee called on Malaysian companies to invest and participate in reconstructing Iraq and particularly in the sectors of building, energy, fuel, reconstructing roads and health facilities. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3244
10. Industry Ministry not establish more factories - minister. Duhuk (VOI) – The Iraqi Industry and Minerals Minister Fawzi al-Hariri said on Thursday that the ministry would not establish any factory in the country anymore and would encourage private sector to start industrial projects. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37920&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
11. Three trillion for oil and one for electricity - Yunadim Kanna, member of the Investment and Construction Committee in the Parliament, said that the 2007 budget, which was approved by the Parliament last week, allocated three trillion dinars to the Ministry of Oil, while more than one trillion dinars were allocated to the Ministry of Electricity. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3209
12. $1.5 m to rehabilitate Mosul Airport - The Nineveh Province council has allocated $2 millions and half to rehabilitate al-Mosul Civilian Airport while the Ministry of Health has signed ID20 billions contract to supply the health establishments at the province with its needs of the medical requirements.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3235
END
2 March 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report 28 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81339.pdf
2. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/27/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
3. Brookings Iraq Index 26 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1172620800-2-1172707200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. That long-awaited share-out - A new oil law, apparently agreed upon at last by Iraq's politicians, should prompt a gush of much-needed foreign investment to reach the country with the world's second-biggest petroleum reserves. The law's passage was delayed for over half a year by a row between Iraq's federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, which runs much of the north-east, including some of Iraq's richest oilfields. Yet the law is still not quite complete. http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=8786337
6. Final Official Copy of the Iraqi Oil and Gas Law (in Arabic and English). Includes the 4 appendices and the Council of Ministers' resolution. http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2007/03/final-official-copy-of-iraqi-oil-and.html
7. Troubles for the Iraq Oil Deal - Barely two days have passed since Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki hailed the country's new petroleum law as a "solid base for unity of all Iraqis" — a rare boast these days. President Bush has also trumpeted it as proof that Iraq has a viable future. But parliamentarians and Iraq's oil unions have already begun mobilizing against the draft legislation, arguing that it is a desperate attempt by al-Maliki's government to satisfy Western demands, which could damage Iraq's economic future and speed the country's ultimate disintegration. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1594388,00.html?xid=rss-topstories
8. Kurdish Officials Praise Iraqi Oil Draft Law, but Hurdles Remain - Irbil - Iraq's Cabinet approved a draft law this week that is considered a key step toward developing the country's vast oil and natural gas reserves. But VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Irbil that Kurdish officials say the agreement does not resolve how the country will divide up its oil revenue. http://voanews.com/english/2007-03-01-voa39.cfm
9. Calling on Malaysian companies for rebuilding Iraq - Dr. Humam Abdul-Majeed Chairman of Re-studying the Constitution Committee called on Malaysian companies to invest and participate in reconstructing Iraq and particularly in the sectors of building, energy, fuel, reconstructing roads and health facilities. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3244
10. Industry Ministry not establish more factories - minister. Duhuk (VOI) – The Iraqi Industry and Minerals Minister Fawzi al-Hariri said on Thursday that the ministry would not establish any factory in the country anymore and would encourage private sector to start industrial projects. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37920&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
11. Three trillion for oil and one for electricity - Yunadim Kanna, member of the Investment and Construction Committee in the Parliament, said that the 2007 budget, which was approved by the Parliament last week, allocated three trillion dinars to the Ministry of Oil, while more than one trillion dinars were allocated to the Ministry of Electricity. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3209
12. $1.5 m to rehabilitate Mosul Airport - The Nineveh Province council has allocated $2 millions and half to rehabilitate al-Mosul Civilian Airport while the Ministry of Health has signed ID20 billions contract to supply the health establishments at the province with its needs of the medical requirements.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3235
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 28 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
28 February 2007
1. Iraq's Cabinet Backs Contentious Oil Measure -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 -- Iraq's cabinet approved draft legislation Monday that would enable the government to manage the country's vast oil resources and distribute revenue throughout the country, a step toward meeting a U.S. demand that the country's parliament pass such a law. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/26/AR2007022600161.html
2. Turkey readying for oil search in northern Iraq - ANKARA – Turkish Daily News. As the Turkish government is debating whether to establish dialogue with the Iraqi Kurdish leaders, Energy Minister Hilmi Güler said Turkey would be sitting at the negotiating table next month with the United States and the central Iraqi government in order to explore oil in oil-rich northern Iraq. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=67194
3. An Iraqi oil law? It would be a big step forward if Iraq actually approved and carried out long-promised and never-delivered legislation equitably sharing the nation's oil revenues among all Iraqis. Unfortunately, the draft oil agreement approved by Iraq's cabinet on Monday is still a long way from that. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/28/opinion/ediraq.php
4. The Decline of the Iraqi Oil Sector - Al-Hayat - When the US army entered Iraq, we heard so much about the US' goal to occupy Iraq and control oil, that Iraq has the world's second largest oil reserves, and that in more than two years oil prices have reached 40, 50, and $60 per barrel (bpd). Despite this, Iraq, which is a rich and old country, is still suffering from poverty, lack of security and deteriorating instability. Yesterday, we heard reports that the Iraqi government has unanimously approved a new oil law, but we must ask: what kind of foreign country would come to invest under such poor security conditions? http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/OPED/02-2007/Article-20070228-0863b484-c0a8-10ed-00b5-6dcf62daeda9/story.html
5. Oil Money and Federalism - Assessing the New Iraqi Oil Deal http://volokh.com/posts/1172575339.shtml
6. New Oil Law Seen as Cover for Privatization - Electronic Iraq, WASHINGTON (IPS) - The U.S.-backed Iraqi cabinet approved a new oil law Monday that is set to give foreign companies the long-term contracts and safe legal framework they have been waiting for, but which has rattled labor unions and international campaigners who say oil production should remain in the hands of Iraqis. Independent analysts and labor groups have also criticized the process of drafting the law and warned that that the bill is so skewed in favor of foreign firms that it could end up heightening political tensions in the Arab nation and spreading instability. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2923.shtml
7. Iraq maps strategy to revive oil fields - BAGHDAD — After months of contentious negotiations over the postwar spoils of Iraq's most valuable natural resource, the government announced Monday night that it had approved a draft plan to ramp up oil production and share the proceeds. The agreement by the Iraqi Cabinet was touted as a major breakthrough. It must still be approved by parliament, but because all of Iraq's vested ethnic and regional interests are represented in the Cabinet, the deal was viewed as having overcome a significant hurdle. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-iraqoil27feb27,1,1499618.story?coll=la-news-a_section
8. New Iraq''s oil legislation, a significant step forward -- official. BAGHDAD, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has welcomed the new oil legislation in the country referring to it as "a significant long-awaited step." "The new legislation regulates management of (the Iraqi) oil sector and secures just distribution of crude revenues to all Iraqis," the ministry spokesman, Asem Jehad, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday noting that the law set the sound bases for developing the oil industry in cooperation with the world's leading firms.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=956220
9. Iraq to decrease fuel subsidy 15 percent -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Iraq's oil minister said he will increase prices for scarce fuel to keep in line with donor requirements. Hussein al-Shahristani said he will increase fuel prices by 15 percent next month, Gulf Daily News reports. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Iraq_to_decrease_fuel_subsidy_15_percent/20070226-042151-6743r/
10. Official regrets Baghdad's ban on Iranian vehicles carrying goods into Iraq - IRNA - An Iranian transportation official regretted on Wednesday an Iraqi decision not to allow Iranian trucks and buses carrying goods and passengers into Iraq. Unfortunately, Iranian trucks and buses carrying goods and passengers into Iraq are currently stopped at Shalamcheh borderpoint and their cargo or passengers transported to Iraq by Iraqi vehicles, said the official. http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-16/0702288464150610.htm
11. Iraq expecting wheat, rice - Iraq said ships carrying 52,000 tonnes of Canadian wheat and 62,000 tonnes of US rice would arrive at the southern port of Um Qaser next month. A statement from the Trade Ministry said the vessels would arrive on March 3. ttp://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3284
12. Iraqis stash cash to avoid troubled banking system http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3256
13. International participations of business community - The Federation of Iraqi Importers and Exporters is organizing five economic delegations, within its agenda for the first half of this year 2007, to Bulgaria, Bahrain, Romania, Turkey and Korea. Head of the Federation, Thabit Albaldawi said. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3244
14. Drinkable water projects in Baghdad suburbs http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3215
15. Science ministry starts digitizing project http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3222
16. Sectarian lines dissolve when Shada sings on Friday night -- USATODAY, BAGHDAD — An Iraqi contestant in an Arab-world talent competition similar to American Idol has managed to unite her country like no government can. Every Friday night, Iraqis gather around their TVs to root for Shada Hassoon, 25, as she tries to sing her way to victory and a big cash prize on Star Academy. The show is a rare and welcome distraction for Iraqis cooped up indoors because of the violence and curfews affecting most of Baghdad. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-22-life-star-academy_x.htm
END
28 February 2007
1. Iraq's Cabinet Backs Contentious Oil Measure -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 -- Iraq's cabinet approved draft legislation Monday that would enable the government to manage the country's vast oil resources and distribute revenue throughout the country, a step toward meeting a U.S. demand that the country's parliament pass such a law. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/26/AR2007022600161.html
2. Turkey readying for oil search in northern Iraq - ANKARA – Turkish Daily News. As the Turkish government is debating whether to establish dialogue with the Iraqi Kurdish leaders, Energy Minister Hilmi Güler said Turkey would be sitting at the negotiating table next month with the United States and the central Iraqi government in order to explore oil in oil-rich northern Iraq. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=67194
3. An Iraqi oil law? It would be a big step forward if Iraq actually approved and carried out long-promised and never-delivered legislation equitably sharing the nation's oil revenues among all Iraqis. Unfortunately, the draft oil agreement approved by Iraq's cabinet on Monday is still a long way from that. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/28/opinion/ediraq.php
4. The Decline of the Iraqi Oil Sector - Al-Hayat - When the US army entered Iraq, we heard so much about the US' goal to occupy Iraq and control oil, that Iraq has the world's second largest oil reserves, and that in more than two years oil prices have reached 40, 50, and $60 per barrel (bpd). Despite this, Iraq, which is a rich and old country, is still suffering from poverty, lack of security and deteriorating instability. Yesterday, we heard reports that the Iraqi government has unanimously approved a new oil law, but we must ask: what kind of foreign country would come to invest under such poor security conditions? http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/OPED/02-2007/Article-20070228-0863b484-c0a8-10ed-00b5-6dcf62daeda9/story.html
5. Oil Money and Federalism - Assessing the New Iraqi Oil Deal http://volokh.com/posts/1172575339.shtml
6. New Oil Law Seen as Cover for Privatization - Electronic Iraq, WASHINGTON (IPS) - The U.S.-backed Iraqi cabinet approved a new oil law Monday that is set to give foreign companies the long-term contracts and safe legal framework they have been waiting for, but which has rattled labor unions and international campaigners who say oil production should remain in the hands of Iraqis. Independent analysts and labor groups have also criticized the process of drafting the law and warned that that the bill is so skewed in favor of foreign firms that it could end up heightening political tensions in the Arab nation and spreading instability. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2923.shtml
7. Iraq maps strategy to revive oil fields - BAGHDAD — After months of contentious negotiations over the postwar spoils of Iraq's most valuable natural resource, the government announced Monday night that it had approved a draft plan to ramp up oil production and share the proceeds. The agreement by the Iraqi Cabinet was touted as a major breakthrough. It must still be approved by parliament, but because all of Iraq's vested ethnic and regional interests are represented in the Cabinet, the deal was viewed as having overcome a significant hurdle. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-iraqoil27feb27,1,1499618.story?coll=la-news-a_section
8. New Iraq''s oil legislation, a significant step forward -- official. BAGHDAD, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has welcomed the new oil legislation in the country referring to it as "a significant long-awaited step." "The new legislation regulates management of (the Iraqi) oil sector and secures just distribution of crude revenues to all Iraqis," the ministry spokesman, Asem Jehad, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday noting that the law set the sound bases for developing the oil industry in cooperation with the world's leading firms.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=956220
9. Iraq to decrease fuel subsidy 15 percent -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Iraq's oil minister said he will increase prices for scarce fuel to keep in line with donor requirements. Hussein al-Shahristani said he will increase fuel prices by 15 percent next month, Gulf Daily News reports. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Iraq_to_decrease_fuel_subsidy_15_percent/20070226-042151-6743r/
10. Official regrets Baghdad's ban on Iranian vehicles carrying goods into Iraq - IRNA - An Iranian transportation official regretted on Wednesday an Iraqi decision not to allow Iranian trucks and buses carrying goods and passengers into Iraq. Unfortunately, Iranian trucks and buses carrying goods and passengers into Iraq are currently stopped at Shalamcheh borderpoint and their cargo or passengers transported to Iraq by Iraqi vehicles, said the official. http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-16/0702288464150610.htm
11. Iraq expecting wheat, rice - Iraq said ships carrying 52,000 tonnes of Canadian wheat and 62,000 tonnes of US rice would arrive at the southern port of Um Qaser next month. A statement from the Trade Ministry said the vessels would arrive on March 3. ttp://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3284
12. Iraqis stash cash to avoid troubled banking system http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3256
13. International participations of business community - The Federation of Iraqi Importers and Exporters is organizing five economic delegations, within its agenda for the first half of this year 2007, to Bulgaria, Bahrain, Romania, Turkey and Korea. Head of the Federation, Thabit Albaldawi said. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3244
14. Drinkable water projects in Baghdad suburbs http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3215
15. Science ministry starts digitizing project http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3222
16. Sectarian lines dissolve when Shada sings on Friday night -- USATODAY, BAGHDAD — An Iraqi contestant in an Arab-world talent competition similar to American Idol has managed to unite her country like no government can. Every Friday night, Iraqis gather around their TVs to root for Shada Hassoon, 25, as she tries to sing her way to victory and a big cash prize on Star Academy. The show is a rare and welcome distraction for Iraqis cooped up indoors because of the violence and curfews affecting most of Baghdad. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-22-life-star-academy_x.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 27 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
27 February 2007
1. "The Surge That Might Work" discusses DoD's effort to revive a significant source of employment - Iraq's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17316434/site/newsweek/
2 Iraqis Reach an Accord on Oil Revenues -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 — The Iraqi cabinet approved a draft of a law on Monday that would set guidelines for nationwide distribution of oil revenues and foreign investment in the immense oil industry. The endorsement reflected a major agreement among the country’s ethnic and sectarian political blocs on one of Iraq’s most divisive issues. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/world/middleeast/27iraq.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
3. Iraq's New Oil Law May Affect World Markets - All Things Considered, February 27, 2007 · The new oil law that Iraq's cabinet approved Monday is politically significant, says that oil revenue will be shared among the provinces or regions based on population. That was a key concern for Sunnis. But the legislation would also have big implications for oil companies around the world. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7626831
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172448000-2-1172534400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Iraq drafts deal on oil riches. Legislation reached to divide oil wealth among Iraq's ethnic and sectarian divisions. - CSMonitor.com - The Iraqi cabinet has signed off on draft legislation that would manage direct huge oil reserves, and spread its wealth among the country's ethnic and sectarian divisions. Reuters reports that passing such a law has been "a key demand" of the United States as part of its continuing support for the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0227/p99s01-duts.html
6. Iraqi Cabinet Approves Draft Oil Law - An Iraqi oil law deemed essential to helping allay the country's sectarian divisions and rebuilding Iraq's economy got a major boost Monday after Iraq's cabinet approved a draft of the measure, setting the stage for a key parliamentary vote in March that stands as the final barrier to the draft becoming law. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=41821
7. Iraq Shares Oil Riches - The Iraqi government has signed draft legislation to manage the country’s oil industry and share its wealth among the country’s ethnic and sectarian groups. Russian analysts note that the bill closes the door to the country’s vast oil industry for such countries as Russia and China. http://www.kommersant.com/p746030/Iraq_Oil_Bill_Russia/
8. Low public opinion of draft oil law -- WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Advancement of Iraq's hydrocarbon law is being met by low public approval in the country, which may affect the oil sector, a leading business risk firm says. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Low_public_opinion_of_draft_oil_law/20070227-022514-4272r/
9. "Options for Developing a Long Term Sustainable Iraqi Oil Industry" BearingPoint report to USAID, December 2003 http://www.carbonweb.org/documents/Bearing_Point_Iraq_oil.pdf
10. Iran's non-oil exports to Iraq surpassed USD 1b - Ahvaz, Khuzestan Prov, Feb 26, (IRNA) Head of Iran-Iraq Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines Hassan Tizmaqz said here Monday that Iran exported USD 1.3 billion worth of commodities to Iraq since the start of the current Iranian calender year 1386 (March 21,2006). http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/february/26/economy/irans_non_oil_exports_to_iraq_surpassed_usd_1b.html
11. Iraqi Trade Links launches wireless phone service in Iraq (MENAFN) According to the Head of the Iraqi Trade Links Company for Communications, the company has started providing wireless telephone services with the most modern technology in communications at initial cost of $350 million, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093143487
12. Cilvlians Can Win the Peace - Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sparked a maelstrom in Washington recently when they told President Bush and Defense Secretary Gates that the administration’s planned troop surge in Iraq may fail if it does not receive sufficient civilian support. The military role in Iraq will always be limited in what it can achieve, they said. No matter how well funded or well trained our troops may be, they alone cannot stabilize Iraq because many of the needed political, economic, legal, and other nation-building skills are not part of the military toolkit. http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2007/0221_civilians_peace.html
13. An Iraqi presents 20 archeological pieces to Babel provincial council - Hilla, Feb 21, (VOI) - An Iraqi citizen handed over on Wednesday authorities in Babel provincial council 20 different archaeological pieces belongs to different historical dynasties, a media source at Babel province said. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37846&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
14. Iran, Iraq sign memorandum of understanding on fisheriers cooperation http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20070221035556/SecCountries/pagIraq
15. McPherson to lead financial repair of Iraq - MSU President M. Peter McPherson will join coalition efforts to restore the Iraqi government. McPherson met with the Bush administration in Washington on Thursday to discuss the financial reconstruction of Iraq. The university president obtained financial experience while working second in command for the U.S. Department of Treasury under former President Ronald Reagan. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3217
END
27 February 2007
1. "The Surge That Might Work" discusses DoD's effort to revive a significant source of employment - Iraq's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17316434/site/newsweek/
2 Iraqis Reach an Accord on Oil Revenues -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 26 — The Iraqi cabinet approved a draft of a law on Monday that would set guidelines for nationwide distribution of oil revenues and foreign investment in the immense oil industry. The endorsement reflected a major agreement among the country’s ethnic and sectarian political blocs on one of Iraq’s most divisive issues. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/world/middleeast/27iraq.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
3. Iraq's New Oil Law May Affect World Markets - All Things Considered, February 27, 2007 · The new oil law that Iraq's cabinet approved Monday is politically significant, says that oil revenue will be shared among the provinces or regions based on population. That was a key concern for Sunnis. But the legislation would also have big implications for oil companies around the world. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7626831
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172448000-2-1172534400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Iraq drafts deal on oil riches. Legislation reached to divide oil wealth among Iraq's ethnic and sectarian divisions. - CSMonitor.com - The Iraqi cabinet has signed off on draft legislation that would manage direct huge oil reserves, and spread its wealth among the country's ethnic and sectarian divisions. Reuters reports that passing such a law has been "a key demand" of the United States as part of its continuing support for the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0227/p99s01-duts.html
6. Iraqi Cabinet Approves Draft Oil Law - An Iraqi oil law deemed essential to helping allay the country's sectarian divisions and rebuilding Iraq's economy got a major boost Monday after Iraq's cabinet approved a draft of the measure, setting the stage for a key parliamentary vote in March that stands as the final barrier to the draft becoming law. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=41821
7. Iraq Shares Oil Riches - The Iraqi government has signed draft legislation to manage the country’s oil industry and share its wealth among the country’s ethnic and sectarian groups. Russian analysts note that the bill closes the door to the country’s vast oil industry for such countries as Russia and China. http://www.kommersant.com/p746030/Iraq_Oil_Bill_Russia/
8. Low public opinion of draft oil law -- WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Advancement of Iraq's hydrocarbon law is being met by low public approval in the country, which may affect the oil sector, a leading business risk firm says. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Low_public_opinion_of_draft_oil_law/20070227-022514-4272r/
9. "Options for Developing a Long Term Sustainable Iraqi Oil Industry" BearingPoint report to USAID, December 2003 http://www.carbonweb.org/documents/Bearing_Point_Iraq_oil.pdf
10. Iran's non-oil exports to Iraq surpassed USD 1b - Ahvaz, Khuzestan Prov, Feb 26, (IRNA) Head of Iran-Iraq Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines Hassan Tizmaqz said here Monday that Iran exported USD 1.3 billion worth of commodities to Iraq since the start of the current Iranian calender year 1386 (March 21,2006). http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/february/26/economy/irans_non_oil_exports_to_iraq_surpassed_usd_1b.html
11. Iraqi Trade Links launches wireless phone service in Iraq (MENAFN) According to the Head of the Iraqi Trade Links Company for Communications, the company has started providing wireless telephone services with the most modern technology in communications at initial cost of $350 million, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093143487
12. Cilvlians Can Win the Peace - Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sparked a maelstrom in Washington recently when they told President Bush and Defense Secretary Gates that the administration’s planned troop surge in Iraq may fail if it does not receive sufficient civilian support. The military role in Iraq will always be limited in what it can achieve, they said. No matter how well funded or well trained our troops may be, they alone cannot stabilize Iraq because many of the needed political, economic, legal, and other nation-building skills are not part of the military toolkit. http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2007/0221_civilians_peace.html
13. An Iraqi presents 20 archeological pieces to Babel provincial council - Hilla, Feb 21, (VOI) - An Iraqi citizen handed over on Wednesday authorities in Babel provincial council 20 different archaeological pieces belongs to different historical dynasties, a media source at Babel province said. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37846&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
14. Iran, Iraq sign memorandum of understanding on fisheriers cooperation http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20070221035556/SecCountries/pagIraq
15. McPherson to lead financial repair of Iraq - MSU President M. Peter McPherson will join coalition efforts to restore the Iraqi government. McPherson met with the Bush administration in Washington on Thursday to discuss the financial reconstruction of Iraq. The university president obtained financial experience while working second in command for the U.S. Department of Treasury under former President Ronald Reagan. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3217
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 25 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News©
25 February 2007
1. I Miss Iraq. I Miss My Gun. I Miss My War. Here's an article those of us on the non-kinetic side of reconstruction can understand. http://www.esquire.com/features/essay/ESQ0307ESSAY-3
2. Brookings Iraq Index 22 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171843200-2-1171929600-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171929600-2-1172016000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172016000-2-1172102400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172102400-2-1172188800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
4. War News Radio: High Budget, Low Budget http://warnewsradio.org/
5. Kurdish leader says he now accepts new oil law, a major benchmark for progress in Iraq. SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq: Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq's vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Massoud Barzani, president of the self-governing Kurdish administration in the north, made the announcement at a joint press conference with U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and President Jalal Talabani. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/24/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Oil-Law.php
6. Iraqi ministry casts doubt on oil law - BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Oil Ministry cast doubt Sunday on statements indicating the Kurds had agreed to support a draft oil law that would divide revenues among all Iraqi factions and meet a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070225/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_oil_law_4;_ylt=AiaZA.qjt1ZeAOmHUtCVvceAsnsA
7. Technocrats Urge Iraq Govt Don't Sign Oil PSAs Over Security -- AMMAN (Dow Jones)--Prominent Iraqi oil technocrats Thursday urged the Iraqi government not to sign production-sharing agreements, or PSAs, with foreign companies until the security situation in the country improves. They have also voiced opposition to a number of articles in the controversial draft hydrocarbon law that is expected to be finalized this week by the cabinet of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki before submitting it to parliament for final approval. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidDN20070222004362/SecCountries/pagIraq
8. Kurds support new oil law, a key benchmark. Agreement to share oil wealth could open economy to new investments - SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq - Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq’s vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Approval of a new oil law could help open the way for international oil companies to invest billions to upgrade Iraq’s decrepit wells and pipelines and exploit the country’s reserves, among the world’s largest. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17318630/
9. Calibre Energy Provides Update on Bina-Bawi 1 Exploration Well in Kurdistan.
http://www.oilvoice.com/Calibre_Energy_Provides_Update_on_BinaBawi_1_Exploration_Wel/8892.htm
10. Iraq rebuilding short on qualified civilians. Reconstruction hampered by violence and turf wars between U.S. agencies. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17309199/
11. Iraq poised to hand control of oil fields to foreign firms. Baghdad under pressure from Britain to pass a law giving multinationals rights to the country's reserves. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2020560,00.html
12. Syria and Iraq discuss means of cooperation http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/14750
13. Istanbul Workshop Brings Consensus on Draft Secured Transactions Law. USAID economic advisors provide GOI with technical assistance for commercial legal framework. As part of efforts to facilitate economic reconstruction and policy reform in Iraq, the USAID-funded Economic Governance II project is working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to implement a sound and transparent commercial legal framework that fosters the rule of law and promotes a burgeoning private sector. A workshop held January 7-10, 2007, in Istanbul, Turkey, focused on educating key Iraqi stakeholders on the importance of a modern Secured Transactions Law and significantly assisted project advisors and their Iraqi counterparts in developing a final draft of such a law. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_stl.html
14. U.S., Iraqi Leaders Promote Business Opportunities in Northern Iraq -- Irbil, Iraq -- U.S. and Iraqi officials have launched a series of talks aimed at promoting private investment in Iraq's struggling economy. Government officials and businesses executives from the two countries have gathered in Irbil, Iraq, to discuss opportunities for American companies in northern Iraq. VOA's Barry Newhouse attended Tuesday's meeting, and has this report. The talks are officially called "Iraqi Business Gateways" and the first round is aimed at highlighting the merits of Iraq's northern Kurdistan region. But American and Iraqi officials also want companies to come here with a plan to expand into the rest of the country. http://radio.weblogs.com/0116902/2007/02/21.html#a5093
15. Wolfowitz May Bring Bank Back to Iraq - WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (IPS) - World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz may appoint a new resident director for Iraq soon, a move that sources inside the Bank say could contradict the institution's policies on engagement in conflict-stricken areas and put his role in the 2003 U.S. invasion back into the limelight. The move by Wolfowitz, the former number two official at the Pentagon and a main architect of the U.S.-led war, likely means the Bank would release new loans to the occupied Arab nation, despite the deteriorating security situation and recent disclosures of massive corruption in reconstruction efforts. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=36690
END
25 February 2007
1. I Miss Iraq. I Miss My Gun. I Miss My War. Here's an article those of us on the non-kinetic side of reconstruction can understand. http://www.esquire.com/features/essay/ESQ0307ESSAY-3
2. Brookings Iraq Index 22 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171843200-2-1171929600-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171929600-2-1172016000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172016000-2-1172102400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
- http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1172102400-2-1172188800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
4. War News Radio: High Budget, Low Budget http://warnewsradio.org/
5. Kurdish leader says he now accepts new oil law, a major benchmark for progress in Iraq. SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq: Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq's vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Massoud Barzani, president of the self-governing Kurdish administration in the north, made the announcement at a joint press conference with U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and President Jalal Talabani. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/24/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Oil-Law.php
6. Iraqi ministry casts doubt on oil law - BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Oil Ministry cast doubt Sunday on statements indicating the Kurds had agreed to support a draft oil law that would divide revenues among all Iraqi factions and meet a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070225/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_oil_law_4;_ylt=AiaZA.qjt1ZeAOmHUtCVvceAsnsA
7. Technocrats Urge Iraq Govt Don't Sign Oil PSAs Over Security -- AMMAN (Dow Jones)--Prominent Iraqi oil technocrats Thursday urged the Iraqi government not to sign production-sharing agreements, or PSAs, with foreign companies until the security situation in the country improves. They have also voiced opposition to a number of articles in the controversial draft hydrocarbon law that is expected to be finalized this week by the cabinet of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki before submitting it to parliament for final approval. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidDN20070222004362/SecCountries/pagIraq
8. Kurds support new oil law, a key benchmark. Agreement to share oil wealth could open economy to new investments - SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq - Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq’s vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Approval of a new oil law could help open the way for international oil companies to invest billions to upgrade Iraq’s decrepit wells and pipelines and exploit the country’s reserves, among the world’s largest. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17318630/
9. Calibre Energy Provides Update on Bina-Bawi 1 Exploration Well in Kurdistan.
http://www.oilvoice.com/Calibre_Energy_Provides_Update_on_BinaBawi_1_Exploration_Wel/8892.htm
10. Iraq rebuilding short on qualified civilians. Reconstruction hampered by violence and turf wars between U.S. agencies. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17309199/
11. Iraq poised to hand control of oil fields to foreign firms. Baghdad under pressure from Britain to pass a law giving multinationals rights to the country's reserves. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2020560,00.html
12. Syria and Iraq discuss means of cooperation http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/14750
13. Istanbul Workshop Brings Consensus on Draft Secured Transactions Law. USAID economic advisors provide GOI with technical assistance for commercial legal framework. As part of efforts to facilitate economic reconstruction and policy reform in Iraq, the USAID-funded Economic Governance II project is working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to implement a sound and transparent commercial legal framework that fosters the rule of law and promotes a burgeoning private sector. A workshop held January 7-10, 2007, in Istanbul, Turkey, focused on educating key Iraqi stakeholders on the importance of a modern Secured Transactions Law and significantly assisted project advisors and their Iraqi counterparts in developing a final draft of such a law. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_stl.html
14. U.S., Iraqi Leaders Promote Business Opportunities in Northern Iraq -- Irbil, Iraq -- U.S. and Iraqi officials have launched a series of talks aimed at promoting private investment in Iraq's struggling economy. Government officials and businesses executives from the two countries have gathered in Irbil, Iraq, to discuss opportunities for American companies in northern Iraq. VOA's Barry Newhouse attended Tuesday's meeting, and has this report. The talks are officially called "Iraqi Business Gateways" and the first round is aimed at highlighting the merits of Iraq's northern Kurdistan region. But American and Iraqi officials also want companies to come here with a plan to expand into the rest of the country. http://radio.weblogs.com/0116902/2007/02/21.html#a5093
15. Wolfowitz May Bring Bank Back to Iraq - WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (IPS) - World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz may appoint a new resident director for Iraq soon, a move that sources inside the Bank say could contradict the institution's policies on engagement in conflict-stricken areas and put his role in the 2003 U.S. invasion back into the limelight. The move by Wolfowitz, the former number two official at the Pentagon and a main architect of the U.S.-led war, likely means the Bank would release new loans to the occupied Arab nation, despite the deteriorating security situation and recent disclosures of massive corruption in reconstruction efforts. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=36690
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 24 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
24 February 2007
1. Kurdish Officials to Back Iraq Oil Law. The Associated Press. SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq -- Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq's vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Approval of a new oil law could help open the way for international oil companies to invest billions to upgrade Iraq's decrepit wells and pipelines and exploit the country's reserves, among the world's largest. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/24/AR2007022400656.html
2. Attacks cost Iraq 400K bpd of oil -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Attacks on Iraq's oil sector, mostly on pipelines, affects 400,000 barrels per day and billions of dollars annually, an Oil Ministry spokesman said. Assem Jihad said attacks on the country's oil infrastructure averaged one every other day, totaling 159 major blows in 2006, Azzaman reports. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Attacks_cost_Iraq_400K_bpd_of_oil/20070222-025538-6039r/
3. Abbas to serve in Iraq Cabinet. St. Cloud State University professor Abbas Mehdi has accepted a new Cabinet position in the Iraq government. Mehdi officially will start April 1 as the chairman of the Iraqi Investment Commission. The commission will be the "voice for the private sector," Mehdi said, and will work to rebuild the country based on free- market principles. http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS01/102230040/1009/RSS
4. Iraq war exacts toll on contractors. In a largely invisible cost of the war in Iraq, nearly 800 civilians working under contract to the Pentagon have been killed and more than 3,300 hurt doing jobs normally handled by the U.S. military, according to figures gathered by The Associated Press. Exactly how many of these employees doing the Pentagon's work are Americans is uncertain. But the casualty figures make it clear that the Defense Department's count of more than 3,100 U.S. military dead does not tell the whole story. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/24/AR2007022400656.html
5. Iraq's trade minister, U.S. official take up economic relations. Undersecretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce Frank L. Lavin discussed means to further economic cooperation relations as an important means of ending violence and unemployment in Iraq. The meeting took place in Arbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, on the sidelines of the Iraqi-U.S. businessmen's dialogue meetings. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37973&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
6. Violence deters Iraqi Americans returning to rebuild country - Associated Press - LOS ANGELES -- When Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003, the U.S. government encouraged Iraqis living in America to return home. They were seen as key to the rebuilding, since many were well-educated, well-to-do and supportive of democracy. But many of those who went back are giving up and returning to America, frightened and disillusioned by the bloodshed in their homeland. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/23/military/15_44_172_22_07.txt
7. Iraq Rebuilding Short on Qualified Civilians - Washington Post - In Diyala, the vast province northeast of Baghdad where Sunnis and Shiites are battling for primacy with mortars and nighttime abductions, the U.S. government has contracted the job of promoting democracy to a Pakistani citizen who has never lived or worked in a democracy. The management of reconstruction projects in the province has been assigned to a Border Patrol commander with no reconstruction experience. The task of communicating with the embassy in Baghdad has been handed off to a man with no background in drafting diplomatic cables. The post of agriculture adviser has gone unfilled because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided just one of the six farming experts the State Department asked for a year ago. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022302049.html
8. Japan to provide extra US$145 million in aid to Iraq. TOKYO: Japan will give Iraq US$145 million (€110.64 million) in a new humanitarian grant as part of international efforts to help rebuild the war-torn country, the Foreign Ministry said. The aid covers security and basic services ranging from food to medical support, ministry official Masato Usui said. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/23/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Iraq-Aid.php
9. US lawmaker promises hearings on Iraq reconstruction spending after visit. BOSTON: U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan vowed Friday to investigate how reconstruction funds were being used in Iraq, saying more money should not be committed to the country until more is known about what was spent. Meehan, the Democratic chairman of the newly created House Armed Services subcommittee on oversight and investigations, returned Friday from his third trip to Iraq. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/23/america/NA-GEN-US-Iraq-Reconstruction.php
10. Iraq's 2007 budget allocates $2.3b for oil, $778m for electricity http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093144019
11. Foreign firms eye new work in Iraq - THE WASHINGTON TIMES - The Bush administration is promoting business opportunities in Iraq as fighting rages on, with a senior Commerce Department official leading a mission there this week. Sectors that focus on rebuilding, such as telecommunications and construction, offer significant opportunities for foreign companies. http://washingtontimes.com/business/20070220-100313-2579r.htm
12. U.S. troops aiming to slip up oil smugglers - KIRKUK, Iraq — U.S. troops in northern Iraq have targeted oil smugglers as part of continuing efforts to restore the battered oil industry and prevent a nascent wave of organized crime from benefitting the insurgents. Military officials say they believe smugglers range in sophistication and motive: from poor local farmers seeking crude to tar their roofs to international rings using fraudulent paperwork and fleets of trucks to earn millions of dollars. http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=42750&archive=true
END
24 February 2007
1. Kurdish Officials to Back Iraq Oil Law. The Associated Press. SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq -- Kurdish authorities have agreed to back a draft law to manage and share Iraq's vast oil wealth, removing the last major obstacle to approving the measure and meeting a key U.S. benchmark in Iraq, a top Kurdish official said Saturday. Approval of a new oil law could help open the way for international oil companies to invest billions to upgrade Iraq's decrepit wells and pipelines and exploit the country's reserves, among the world's largest. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/24/AR2007022400656.html
2. Attacks cost Iraq 400K bpd of oil -- BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Attacks on Iraq's oil sector, mostly on pipelines, affects 400,000 barrels per day and billions of dollars annually, an Oil Ministry spokesman said. Assem Jihad said attacks on the country's oil infrastructure averaged one every other day, totaling 159 major blows in 2006, Azzaman reports. http://www.upi.com/Energy/Attacks_cost_Iraq_400K_bpd_of_oil/20070222-025538-6039r/
3. Abbas to serve in Iraq Cabinet. St. Cloud State University professor Abbas Mehdi has accepted a new Cabinet position in the Iraq government. Mehdi officially will start April 1 as the chairman of the Iraqi Investment Commission. The commission will be the "voice for the private sector," Mehdi said, and will work to rebuild the country based on free- market principles. http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS01/102230040/1009/RSS
4. Iraq war exacts toll on contractors. In a largely invisible cost of the war in Iraq, nearly 800 civilians working under contract to the Pentagon have been killed and more than 3,300 hurt doing jobs normally handled by the U.S. military, according to figures gathered by The Associated Press. Exactly how many of these employees doing the Pentagon's work are Americans is uncertain. But the casualty figures make it clear that the Defense Department's count of more than 3,100 U.S. military dead does not tell the whole story. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/24/AR2007022400656.html
5. Iraq's trade minister, U.S. official take up economic relations. Undersecretary for International Trade of the Department of Commerce Frank L. Lavin discussed means to further economic cooperation relations as an important means of ending violence and unemployment in Iraq. The meeting took place in Arbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, on the sidelines of the Iraqi-U.S. businessmen's dialogue meetings. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37973&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
6. Violence deters Iraqi Americans returning to rebuild country - Associated Press - LOS ANGELES -- When Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003, the U.S. government encouraged Iraqis living in America to return home. They were seen as key to the rebuilding, since many were well-educated, well-to-do and supportive of democracy. But many of those who went back are giving up and returning to America, frightened and disillusioned by the bloodshed in their homeland. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/02/23/military/15_44_172_22_07.txt
7. Iraq Rebuilding Short on Qualified Civilians - Washington Post - In Diyala, the vast province northeast of Baghdad where Sunnis and Shiites are battling for primacy with mortars and nighttime abductions, the U.S. government has contracted the job of promoting democracy to a Pakistani citizen who has never lived or worked in a democracy. The management of reconstruction projects in the province has been assigned to a Border Patrol commander with no reconstruction experience. The task of communicating with the embassy in Baghdad has been handed off to a man with no background in drafting diplomatic cables. The post of agriculture adviser has gone unfilled because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided just one of the six farming experts the State Department asked for a year ago. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022302049.html
8. Japan to provide extra US$145 million in aid to Iraq. TOKYO: Japan will give Iraq US$145 million (€110.64 million) in a new humanitarian grant as part of international efforts to help rebuild the war-torn country, the Foreign Ministry said. The aid covers security and basic services ranging from food to medical support, ministry official Masato Usui said. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/23/asia/AS-GEN-Japan-Iraq-Aid.php
9. US lawmaker promises hearings on Iraq reconstruction spending after visit. BOSTON: U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan vowed Friday to investigate how reconstruction funds were being used in Iraq, saying more money should not be committed to the country until more is known about what was spent. Meehan, the Democratic chairman of the newly created House Armed Services subcommittee on oversight and investigations, returned Friday from his third trip to Iraq. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/23/america/NA-GEN-US-Iraq-Reconstruction.php
10. Iraq's 2007 budget allocates $2.3b for oil, $778m for electricity http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093144019
11. Foreign firms eye new work in Iraq - THE WASHINGTON TIMES - The Bush administration is promoting business opportunities in Iraq as fighting rages on, with a senior Commerce Department official leading a mission there this week. Sectors that focus on rebuilding, such as telecommunications and construction, offer significant opportunities for foreign companies. http://washingtontimes.com/business/20070220-100313-2579r.htm
12. U.S. troops aiming to slip up oil smugglers - KIRKUK, Iraq — U.S. troops in northern Iraq have targeted oil smugglers as part of continuing efforts to restore the battered oil industry and prevent a nascent wave of organized crime from benefitting the insurgents. Military officials say they believe smugglers range in sophistication and motive: from poor local farmers seeking crude to tar their roofs to international rings using fraudulent paperwork and fleets of trucks to earn millions of dollars. http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=42750&archive=true
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 23 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
23 February 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/14/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Iraq Weekly Status Report 21 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81040.pdf
3. Proposed Iraq Oil Law (translation to English) http://www.freefilehosting.org/public/37070/Iraqi%20Oil%20Law.pdf
4. Iraqi Oil Law (and the Constitution). Here are the comments of an Iraqi oil & gas expert in London to a group of Iraqi technocrats who met in Amman on Saturday to discuss the draft oil law. http://iraqimojo.blogspot.com/2007/02/iraqi-oil-law.html
5. Draft Law on Oil Money Moves to Iraqi Cabinet -- KARABILA, Iraq -- A draft version of the long-awaited law that would govern the development of Iraqi oil fields and the distribution of oil revenues has been submitted to Iraq's cabinet, the first step toward approving the legislation, two members of a senior negotiating committee said this weekend. http://www.aina.org/news/20070219085708.htm
6. Iraq oil law goes to cabinet for approval [JURIST] Iraqi legislators delivered a draft law [JURIST report] to Iraq's cabinet over the weekend which outlines the development and distribution of oil in the country, according to two members of a negotiating committee tasked with developing the resolution.
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/02/iraq-oil-law-goes-to-cabinet-for.php
7. Oil, Anbar and the Insurgency. An interview with Colonel John A. Koenig on the prospects of petrolium development in Anbar. http://billroggio.com/archives/2007/02/oil_anbar_and_the_in.php
8. Pentagon to Fill Iraq Reconstruction Jobs Temporarily -- WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 — The Pentagon and State Department have worked out a deal to send a small number of military personnel and Defense Department civilians to Iraq for several months until Foreign Service officers and State Department contract workers with specialized skills can fill those jobs, senior officials said Monday. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/world/middleeast/20military.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
9. Kurdistan: The Other Iraq. (CBS) Try to imagine a peaceful and stable Iraq where business is booming and Americans are beloved. Now open your eyes because 60 Minutes is going to take you to a part of Iraq which fits that description: it's called Kurdistan. Technically, it's inside Iraq but the Kurds who live there behave as if they already live in a separate state. As correspondent Bob Simon reports, they have their own prime minister, their own army, their own border patrol—even their own flag. And the overwhelming majority of Kurds will tell you they want nothing to do with Baghdad and the rest of Iraq.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/16/60minutes/main2486679.shtml
10. $50 million hospital for Hilla http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-15\kurd1.htm
11. One-third of Iraqis live in poverty. A U.N. report cites the nation's damaged infrastructure and U.S. free-market policies. -- AMMAN, JORDAN — A third of Iraqis live in poverty, according to a study released under United Nations auspices Sunday, dire findings for a nation that enjoyed widespread prosperity less than three decades ago. The report, produced by a division of the Iraqi government and the United Nations Development Program, examined access to, and the quality of, a wide range of basic needs. It found that by 2004, Iraqi living standards had deteriorated considerably compared with that of the 1970s and '80s, particularly in the areas of water, electricity, sanitation, jobs, income and assets. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-poverty19feb19,1,1789343.story?coll=la-headlines-world
12. Full exemption on Arab goods in Free Zones http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3185
END
23 February 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/14/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Iraq Weekly Status Report 21 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81040.pdf
3. Proposed Iraq Oil Law (translation to English) http://www.freefilehosting.org/public/37070/Iraqi%20Oil%20Law.pdf
4. Iraqi Oil Law (and the Constitution). Here are the comments of an Iraqi oil & gas expert in London to a group of Iraqi technocrats who met in Amman on Saturday to discuss the draft oil law. http://iraqimojo.blogspot.com/2007/02/iraqi-oil-law.html
5. Draft Law on Oil Money Moves to Iraqi Cabinet -- KARABILA, Iraq -- A draft version of the long-awaited law that would govern the development of Iraqi oil fields and the distribution of oil revenues has been submitted to Iraq's cabinet, the first step toward approving the legislation, two members of a senior negotiating committee said this weekend. http://www.aina.org/news/20070219085708.htm
6. Iraq oil law goes to cabinet for approval [JURIST] Iraqi legislators delivered a draft law [JURIST report] to Iraq's cabinet over the weekend which outlines the development and distribution of oil in the country, according to two members of a negotiating committee tasked with developing the resolution.
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/02/iraq-oil-law-goes-to-cabinet-for.php
7. Oil, Anbar and the Insurgency. An interview with Colonel John A. Koenig on the prospects of petrolium development in Anbar. http://billroggio.com/archives/2007/02/oil_anbar_and_the_in.php
8. Pentagon to Fill Iraq Reconstruction Jobs Temporarily -- WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 — The Pentagon and State Department have worked out a deal to send a small number of military personnel and Defense Department civilians to Iraq for several months until Foreign Service officers and State Department contract workers with specialized skills can fill those jobs, senior officials said Monday. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/world/middleeast/20military.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
9. Kurdistan: The Other Iraq. (CBS) Try to imagine a peaceful and stable Iraq where business is booming and Americans are beloved. Now open your eyes because 60 Minutes is going to take you to a part of Iraq which fits that description: it's called Kurdistan. Technically, it's inside Iraq but the Kurds who live there behave as if they already live in a separate state. As correspondent Bob Simon reports, they have their own prime minister, their own army, their own border patrol—even their own flag. And the overwhelming majority of Kurds will tell you they want nothing to do with Baghdad and the rest of Iraq.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/16/60minutes/main2486679.shtml
10. $50 million hospital for Hilla http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-15\kurd1.htm
11. One-third of Iraqis live in poverty. A U.N. report cites the nation's damaged infrastructure and U.S. free-market policies. -- AMMAN, JORDAN — A third of Iraqis live in poverty, according to a study released under United Nations auspices Sunday, dire findings for a nation that enjoyed widespread prosperity less than three decades ago. The report, produced by a division of the Iraqi government and the United Nations Development Program, examined access to, and the quality of, a wide range of basic needs. It found that by 2004, Iraqi living standards had deteriorated considerably compared with that of the 1970s and '80s, particularly in the areas of water, electricity, sanitation, jobs, income and assets. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-poverty19feb19,1,1789343.story?coll=la-headlines-world
12. Full exemption on Arab goods in Free Zones http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3185
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 19 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
19 February 2007
1. Rebuild Iraq 2007, May 07-10, 2007, Amman, Jordan. The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to certify the 4th annual "Rebuild Iraq" trade exhibition and conference, to be held May 07-10, 2007, in Amman, Jordan. Last year's event attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 13,000 professional visitors, including 4,000 Iraqis. The leading industry sectors highlighted were Building/Construction, Electricity, Water Resources, Oil/Gas, Health, and ICT. For more information, please visit the event Web site. For exhibiting opportunities through the Commerce Department-certified U.S. Pavilion, U.S. companies and their agents/distributors should review the exhibitor package (1.85MB PDF only) and contact Mr. Giles Hazel at tel. (201) 251-2600 x119, e-mail: gilesh@kallman.com.
2. Interview of Samir Sumaida'ie, Iraqi Ambassador to U.S. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%3A%20Sunday%2C%20Feb.%2018&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj021807%5Fsumaidaie.rm
3. Crop prospects and food situation - No. 1, Feb 2007. HIGHLIGHTS: Favourable prospects for 2007 world cereal crops, mainly following expansion of plantings in Europe and North America, coupled with generally satisfactory weather conditions. FAO’s latest estimates put global cereal output in 2006 at just under 2 billion tonnes, 2.7 percent lower than in the previous year but still above average. In percentage terms production of wheat declined the most, then coarse grains, while the reduction for rice is seen to be marginal. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/KHII-6YK9GD?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=irq
4. Iraqi Sunni Lands Show New Oil and Gas Promise -- KARABILA, Iraq, Feb. 18 — In a remote patch of the Anbar desert just 20 miles from the Syrian border, a single blue pillar of flanges and valves sits atop an enormous deposit of oil and natural gas that would be routine in this petroleum-rich country except for one fact: this is Sunni territory. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/19/world/middleeast/19oilfields.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
5. WindsofChange.Net Iraq Report, 19 Feb/07 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009464.php#more
6. Jihad: the fall in oil exports due to bad weather. The official spokesman for the Oil Ministry said, last Saturday, that Iraq's oil exports fell last January because of poor weather conditions and not because of the closure of Basrah oil port, , as was mentioned by some press reports. http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3158
7. Dangers of the Turkish dam “Aliso” on Iraq’s water resources. Its share of the Tigris will shrink to 9.7 billion cubic meters annually. Iraq fired an intensive international campaign, to explain the dangers of dam ”Aliso” which the Turkish government intends to build on the Turkish Part of the river Tigris, and that will deprive thousands of hectares of Iraqi land from water. http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3156
8. Water shortage leads people to drink from rivers - BAGHDAD, 18 February 2007 (IRIN) - Umm Muhammad Jalal, 39, starts every day walking to a river 7km away from her temporary home in a displacement camp on the outskirts of Fallujah, 70km west of the capital, Baghdad. Because of severe water shortages, she and many others make the daily trip to the river to collect water for all their needs. http://www.irinnews.org:80/Report.aspx?ReportId=70243
9. Khamoushi calls for more extensive trade exchanges with Iraq - IRNA - Head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce and Industries Alinaqi Khamoushi here Saturday called for development of of economic exchanges with Iraq and improvement of the relevant laws and regulations. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3186
10. Artifact smugglers arrested. Azzaman, February 19, 2007. Anti-crime squads in the southern province of Missan have seized a group of smugglers trading in archaeological artifacts. The police say they were tipped that one of the smugglers was hiding ancient relics and was on his way to take them to sell them to middleman with contacts abroad. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-19\kurd.htmA
11. Transport workers strike over fuel shortages. Azzaman, February 15, 2007. Taxi and bus drivers are staging a strike in the northern city of Mosul over fuel shortages. The strike has almost brought life to a standstill in the city home to nearly two million people. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-15\kurd.htmA
12. Ambulance drivers risk their lives daily to save injured. USA TODAY - BAGHDAD — Driving an ambulance in Iraq is a labor of love. Drivers risk carjackings, roadside bombs and sniper fire — all to save other people's lives. If their ambulance does arrive safely at the scene of a bombing, then they often must face a confused, emotional crowd. "People are in hysterical situations," ambulance driver Hussein Mohamed Bressem explains, "so everyone wants to save his loved one." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-15-iraq-week_x.htm
END
19 February 2007
1. Rebuild Iraq 2007, May 07-10, 2007, Amman, Jordan. The U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to certify the 4th annual "Rebuild Iraq" trade exhibition and conference, to be held May 07-10, 2007, in Amman, Jordan. Last year's event attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 13,000 professional visitors, including 4,000 Iraqis. The leading industry sectors highlighted were Building/Construction, Electricity, Water Resources, Oil/Gas, Health, and ICT. For more information, please visit the event Web site. For exhibiting opportunities through the Commerce Department-certified U.S. Pavilion, U.S. companies and their agents/distributors should review the exhibitor package (1.85MB PDF only) and contact Mr. Giles Hazel at tel. (201) 251-2600 x119, e-mail: gilesh@kallman.com.
2. Interview of Samir Sumaida'ie, Iraqi Ambassador to U.S. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%3A%20Sunday%2C%20Feb.%2018&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj021807%5Fsumaidaie.rm
3. Crop prospects and food situation - No. 1, Feb 2007. HIGHLIGHTS: Favourable prospects for 2007 world cereal crops, mainly following expansion of plantings in Europe and North America, coupled with generally satisfactory weather conditions. FAO’s latest estimates put global cereal output in 2006 at just under 2 billion tonnes, 2.7 percent lower than in the previous year but still above average. In percentage terms production of wheat declined the most, then coarse grains, while the reduction for rice is seen to be marginal. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/KHII-6YK9GD?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=irq
4. Iraqi Sunni Lands Show New Oil and Gas Promise -- KARABILA, Iraq, Feb. 18 — In a remote patch of the Anbar desert just 20 miles from the Syrian border, a single blue pillar of flanges and valves sits atop an enormous deposit of oil and natural gas that would be routine in this petroleum-rich country except for one fact: this is Sunni territory. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/19/world/middleeast/19oilfields.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
5. WindsofChange.Net Iraq Report, 19 Feb/07 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009464.php#more
6. Jihad: the fall in oil exports due to bad weather. The official spokesman for the Oil Ministry said, last Saturday, that Iraq's oil exports fell last January because of poor weather conditions and not because of the closure of Basrah oil port, , as was mentioned by some press reports. http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3158
7. Dangers of the Turkish dam “Aliso” on Iraq’s water resources. Its share of the Tigris will shrink to 9.7 billion cubic meters annually. Iraq fired an intensive international campaign, to explain the dangers of dam ”Aliso” which the Turkish government intends to build on the Turkish Part of the river Tigris, and that will deprive thousands of hectares of Iraqi land from water. http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3156
8. Water shortage leads people to drink from rivers - BAGHDAD, 18 February 2007 (IRIN) - Umm Muhammad Jalal, 39, starts every day walking to a river 7km away from her temporary home in a displacement camp on the outskirts of Fallujah, 70km west of the capital, Baghdad. Because of severe water shortages, she and many others make the daily trip to the river to collect water for all their needs. http://www.irinnews.org:80/Report.aspx?ReportId=70243
9. Khamoushi calls for more extensive trade exchanges with Iraq - IRNA - Head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce and Industries Alinaqi Khamoushi here Saturday called for development of of economic exchanges with Iraq and improvement of the relevant laws and regulations. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3186
10. Artifact smugglers arrested. Azzaman, February 19, 2007. Anti-crime squads in the southern province of Missan have seized a group of smugglers trading in archaeological artifacts. The police say they were tipped that one of the smugglers was hiding ancient relics and was on his way to take them to sell them to middleman with contacts abroad. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-19\kurd.htmA
11. Transport workers strike over fuel shortages. Azzaman, February 15, 2007. Taxi and bus drivers are staging a strike in the northern city of Mosul over fuel shortages. The strike has almost brought life to a standstill in the city home to nearly two million people. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-15\kurd.htmA
12. Ambulance drivers risk their lives daily to save injured. USA TODAY - BAGHDAD — Driving an ambulance in Iraq is a labor of love. Drivers risk carjackings, roadside bombs and sniper fire — all to save other people's lives. If their ambulance does arrive safely at the scene of a bombing, then they often must face a confused, emotional crowd. "People are in hysterical situations," ambulance driver Hussein Mohamed Bressem explains, "so everyone wants to save his loved one." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-15-iraq-week_x.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 17 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
17 February 2007
1. Charting Iraq Progress: Security, Electricity, Oil. Morning Edition, February 16, 2007 · As President Bush seeks to measure success in Iraq, key areas of focus are the development of Iraqi security forces, electrical output and oil production. How are things going in those areas? Michael O'Hanlon, director of the Iraq Index Project at the Brookings Institution, gives Steve Inskeep a status update. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7445117
2. Al-Qaeda Affiliate Urges New Attacks on Oil Facilities. The Associated Press reported yesterday that in the online magazine Sawt al-Jihad (Voice of the Jihad), the terrorist faction Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula called for attacks on oil facilities throughout the world. The terrorist group included Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela in the list of targeted countries. http://counterterrorismblog.org/2007/02/alqaeda_affiliate_urges_new_at.php
3. Iraq’s Draft Petroleum Law: An Independent Perspective. The following paper was presented by Tariq Shafiq at a conference for Iraqi oil technocrats in 'Amman on 17 February. Mr Shafiq, a principal drafter of the petroleum law, is director of Petrolog & Associates, Chair Fertile Crescent Oil Company, and a former Executive Director and Vice Chairman of Iraq National Oil Company. http://www.mees.com/postedarticles/oped/v50n08-5OD01.htm
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o=c-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o=c-1-1171497600-2-1171584000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Cheney to ask Japan for Iraq, Afghan aid boost -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will ask the Japanese government to make a bigger contribution to reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan during a visit to Tokyo this week, a senior U.S. government official said Friday. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20070218TDY03003.htm
6. Iraq searches for oil compromise. Norwegian oil company Den Norske Oljeslkep says that the first oil from the company's Tawke well in Kurdistan is on target to be extracted by the end of March this year. http://www.kurdmedia.com:80/news.asp?id=14058
7. Wolfowitz takes actions to gear up World Bank for Iraq. Washington, D.C.: The Government Accountability Project (GAP) has learned from inside sources that World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is currently negotiating a contract with a new resident Iraq Country Director. This step strongly suggests that Wolfowitz intends to expand Bank-funded projects there dramatically in the near future, despite the deteriorating security situation and recent disclosures of massive corruption in "reconstruction" efforts. http://www.odiousdebts.org/odiousdebts/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=17057
8. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Manage Infrastructure Projects in Iraq - AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq – In Iraq, the ultimate goal of the multinational coalition is for the Iraqi people and their newly formed government to run their country themselves. To this end, an important initiative is to empower local and regional Iraqi government and community leaders with the responsibilities and the decision-making for construction projects that support their needs. Richard Riley, a deputy team leader with the U.S. Department of State in Dhi Qar, said that the U.S. government with its coalition partners has established Provincial Reconstruction Teams(PRTs) in the provinces of Iraq. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-04.pdf
9. Baghdad renovationg 18 gas stations http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12-2.pdf
10. The Fallujah Police Transition Team Mission. I arrived in Fallujah just as the bulk of American troops were pulled out of barracks in the city and back to the heavily fortified Camp Fallujah on the outskirts of town. There remain exceptions, however: the Military and Police Transition Team advisors to the Iraqi Army and police continued to operate and live in the city proper, embedded with the Iraqi units recently charged with taking primary responsibility for security. http://www.indcjournal.com/archives/002942.php
11. Success Story: Istanbul Workshop Brings Consensus on Draft Secured Transactions Law. USAID economic advisors provide GOI with technical assistance for commercial legal framework. As part of efforts to facilitate economic reconstruction and policy reform in Iraq, the USAID-funded Economic Governance II project is working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to implement a sound and transparent commercial legal framework that fosters the rule of law and promotes a burgeoning private sector. A workshop held January 7-10, 2007, in Istanbul, Turkey, focused on educating key Iraqi stakeholders on the importance of a modern Secured Transactions Law and significantly assisted project advisors and their Iraqi counterparts in developing a final draft of such a law. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_stl.html
12. The Struggle to Study at a Baghdad University. The Los Angeles Times today profiles two female students at Baghdad's Mustansiriya University. Zala Ghefori, 31, is a doctorate student in Arabic who lives in the university's dorm with 175 other women. The once co-ed student body is now mostly women (young men are favorite targets of militias and insurgents). http://electroniciraq.net/news/2896.shtml
END
17 February 2007
1. Charting Iraq Progress: Security, Electricity, Oil. Morning Edition, February 16, 2007 · As President Bush seeks to measure success in Iraq, key areas of focus are the development of Iraqi security forces, electrical output and oil production. How are things going in those areas? Michael O'Hanlon, director of the Iraq Index Project at the Brookings Institution, gives Steve Inskeep a status update. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7445117
2. Al-Qaeda Affiliate Urges New Attacks on Oil Facilities. The Associated Press reported yesterday that in the online magazine Sawt al-Jihad (Voice of the Jihad), the terrorist faction Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula called for attacks on oil facilities throughout the world. The terrorist group included Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela in the list of targeted countries. http://counterterrorismblog.org/2007/02/alqaeda_affiliate_urges_new_at.php
3. Iraq’s Draft Petroleum Law: An Independent Perspective. The following paper was presented by Tariq Shafiq at a conference for Iraqi oil technocrats in 'Amman on 17 February. Mr Shafiq, a principal drafter of the petroleum law, is director of Petrolog & Associates, Chair Fertile Crescent Oil Company, and a former Executive Director and Vice Chairman of Iraq National Oil Company. http://www.mees.com/postedarticles/oped/v50n08-5OD01.htm
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o=c-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171411200-2-1171497600-3-icr&o=c-1-1171497600-2-1171584000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Cheney to ask Japan for Iraq, Afghan aid boost -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will ask the Japanese government to make a bigger contribution to reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan during a visit to Tokyo this week, a senior U.S. government official said Friday. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20070218TDY03003.htm
6. Iraq searches for oil compromise. Norwegian oil company Den Norske Oljeslkep says that the first oil from the company's Tawke well in Kurdistan is on target to be extracted by the end of March this year. http://www.kurdmedia.com:80/news.asp?id=14058
7. Wolfowitz takes actions to gear up World Bank for Iraq. Washington, D.C.: The Government Accountability Project (GAP) has learned from inside sources that World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is currently negotiating a contract with a new resident Iraq Country Director. This step strongly suggests that Wolfowitz intends to expand Bank-funded projects there dramatically in the near future, despite the deteriorating security situation and recent disclosures of massive corruption in "reconstruction" efforts. http://www.odiousdebts.org/odiousdebts/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=17057
8. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Manage Infrastructure Projects in Iraq - AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq – In Iraq, the ultimate goal of the multinational coalition is for the Iraqi people and their newly formed government to run their country themselves. To this end, an important initiative is to empower local and regional Iraqi government and community leaders with the responsibilities and the decision-making for construction projects that support their needs. Richard Riley, a deputy team leader with the U.S. Department of State in Dhi Qar, said that the U.S. government with its coalition partners has established Provincial Reconstruction Teams(PRTs) in the provinces of Iraq. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-04.pdf
9. Baghdad renovationg 18 gas stations http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12-2.pdf
10. The Fallujah Police Transition Team Mission. I arrived in Fallujah just as the bulk of American troops were pulled out of barracks in the city and back to the heavily fortified Camp Fallujah on the outskirts of town. There remain exceptions, however: the Military and Police Transition Team advisors to the Iraqi Army and police continued to operate and live in the city proper, embedded with the Iraqi units recently charged with taking primary responsibility for security. http://www.indcjournal.com/archives/002942.php
11. Success Story: Istanbul Workshop Brings Consensus on Draft Secured Transactions Law. USAID economic advisors provide GOI with technical assistance for commercial legal framework. As part of efforts to facilitate economic reconstruction and policy reform in Iraq, the USAID-funded Economic Governance II project is working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to implement a sound and transparent commercial legal framework that fosters the rule of law and promotes a burgeoning private sector. A workshop held January 7-10, 2007, in Istanbul, Turkey, focused on educating key Iraqi stakeholders on the importance of a modern Secured Transactions Law and significantly assisted project advisors and their Iraqi counterparts in developing a final draft of such a law. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_stl.html
12. The Struggle to Study at a Baghdad University. The Los Angeles Times today profiles two female students at Baghdad's Mustansiriya University. Zala Ghefori, 31, is a doctorate student in Arabic who lives in the university's dorm with 175 other women. The once co-ed student body is now mostly women (young men are favorite targets of militias and insurgents). http://electroniciraq.net/news/2896.shtml
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 16 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
16 February 2007
1. Rebuilding Iraq: Reconstruction Progress Hindered by Contracting, Security, and Capacity Challenges, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-426T, February 15. http://www2.blogger.com/Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07426thigh.pdf
2. Iraq Weeky Status Report 14 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80686.pdf
3. SIGIR: Follow-up on SIGIR Recommendations Concerning the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-036.pdf
4. Ex-oil minister despairing of Iraq oil future - UPI - HOUSTON, TX, USA -- Former Iraq oil minister Issam Al Chalabi paints a bleak picture for the future of Iraq's oil industry, panning the result of the US-led war, its insistence on passing an oil law, and the situation aboveground hampering development of the resources below it. "Iraq offers nothing but misery and mystery," Chalabi told a plenary this week, during an international energy conference in Houston. http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070216-041202-1777r
5. Results out soon for OSL Iraq drilling. Oil logs being run on 300m section of Bina Bawi-1 well. WITHIN the next couple of weeks, the market will discover whether Oil Search has made a big oil discovery with what to date appears to be its most exciting wildcat exploration well in the Middle East.The company yesterday advised the Australian Stock Exchange drilling has been completed on Bina Bawi-1, its first exploration well in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, where there is potential for discovery of a billion barrel sized oil field. http://www.thenational.com.pg/021607/business2.htm
6. Time to fix the great failure. The Washington press corps has discovered the war -- the self-defeating tug of war between the Pentagon and virtually every other Washington government agency. Two recent articles in the New York Times portrayed the "interagency" struggle as primarily a turf tussle between the Defense Department and the State Department, with culture clash, personal animosities and money (as in budgets) the sources of accelerating friction. http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20070215-080826-4164r.htm
7. Army Engineers Help Build Potable Water Treatment Plant in Iraq. The Umm Qasr water treatment plant, one of the six largest infrastructure projects in southern Iraq, provides potable water for Umm Qasr port facilities and the town of Umm Qasr, thanks in part to the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. http://www.waterinfocenter.com/Army-Engineers-Help-Build-Potable-Water-Treatment-Plant-in-Iraq-newsPiece13033
8. DNO Reports on Ops in Iraq, Yemen. In 2006 DNO continued to build on its strong E&P position in Norway and the Middle East through an active exploration and development strategy. The main focus in 2006 was transferring resources to reserves at low cost. Going forward DNO will take this to the next stage by transferring new reserves into production. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=41279
9. Central Bank of Iraq plans to curb inflation (MENAFN) Officials at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) said that the bank is considering taking measures to curb inflation which hiked to 70 percent last year on soaring oil prices, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093143107
10. Assertion of more Iraq waste goes unsupported - http://www.govexec.com/ - House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., opened his latest hearing into the troubled Iraq reconstruction program Thursday by declaring that a government auditor had discovered $10 billion in "questioned and unsupported costs" and that the potential total waste, fraud and abuse could be much higher. But the committee's witnesses -- three of the top government fiscal watchdogs -- deflated Waxman's $10 billion number and refused to endorse his projection of "tens of billions more in waste." The heads of the Government Accountability Office, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction and the Defense Contract Audit Agency did provide ample evidence of reconstruction contracts that were poorly managed, wasteful and, in some cases, fraudulent, with the amounts of possibly misused funds mounting into the billions. Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36149&dcn=e_gvet
11. GRD Reconstruction Fact Sheets January 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/factsheets/docs/January_2007.pdf
12. World Bank adopts plan to support electricity sector in Iraq http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37172&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
13. North Baghdad community opens new girls' school http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12.pdf
14. Success Story: CBI Pushes Through Reforms to Reserve Requirements. USAID economic advisors work with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to develop monetary policy in line with international best practices. After 18 months of effort, USAID Economic Governance II advisors working with CBI staff have finally won support from the Iraqi Ministry of Justice to enact changes in the CBI reserve requirement regulation that will help maintain price stability in Iraq. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_cbi.html
END
16 February 2007
1. Rebuilding Iraq: Reconstruction Progress Hindered by Contracting, Security, and Capacity Challenges, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-426T, February 15. http://www2.blogger.com/Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07426thigh.pdf
2. Iraq Weeky Status Report 14 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80686.pdf
3. SIGIR: Follow-up on SIGIR Recommendations Concerning the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-036.pdf
4. Ex-oil minister despairing of Iraq oil future - UPI - HOUSTON, TX, USA -- Former Iraq oil minister Issam Al Chalabi paints a bleak picture for the future of Iraq's oil industry, panning the result of the US-led war, its insistence on passing an oil law, and the situation aboveground hampering development of the resources below it. "Iraq offers nothing but misery and mystery," Chalabi told a plenary this week, during an international energy conference in Houston. http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070216-041202-1777r
5. Results out soon for OSL Iraq drilling. Oil logs being run on 300m section of Bina Bawi-1 well. WITHIN the next couple of weeks, the market will discover whether Oil Search has made a big oil discovery with what to date appears to be its most exciting wildcat exploration well in the Middle East.The company yesterday advised the Australian Stock Exchange drilling has been completed on Bina Bawi-1, its first exploration well in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, where there is potential for discovery of a billion barrel sized oil field. http://www.thenational.com.pg/021607/business2.htm
6. Time to fix the great failure. The Washington press corps has discovered the war -- the self-defeating tug of war between the Pentagon and virtually every other Washington government agency. Two recent articles in the New York Times portrayed the "interagency" struggle as primarily a turf tussle between the Defense Department and the State Department, with culture clash, personal animosities and money (as in budgets) the sources of accelerating friction. http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20070215-080826-4164r.htm
7. Army Engineers Help Build Potable Water Treatment Plant in Iraq. The Umm Qasr water treatment plant, one of the six largest infrastructure projects in southern Iraq, provides potable water for Umm Qasr port facilities and the town of Umm Qasr, thanks in part to the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. http://www.waterinfocenter.com/Army-Engineers-Help-Build-Potable-Water-Treatment-Plant-in-Iraq-newsPiece13033
8. DNO Reports on Ops in Iraq, Yemen. In 2006 DNO continued to build on its strong E&P position in Norway and the Middle East through an active exploration and development strategy. The main focus in 2006 was transferring resources to reserves at low cost. Going forward DNO will take this to the next stage by transferring new reserves into production. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=41279
9. Central Bank of Iraq plans to curb inflation (MENAFN) Officials at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) said that the bank is considering taking measures to curb inflation which hiked to 70 percent last year on soaring oil prices, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093143107
10. Assertion of more Iraq waste goes unsupported - http://www.govexec.com/ - House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., opened his latest hearing into the troubled Iraq reconstruction program Thursday by declaring that a government auditor had discovered $10 billion in "questioned and unsupported costs" and that the potential total waste, fraud and abuse could be much higher. But the committee's witnesses -- three of the top government fiscal watchdogs -- deflated Waxman's $10 billion number and refused to endorse his projection of "tens of billions more in waste." The heads of the Government Accountability Office, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction and the Defense Contract Audit Agency did provide ample evidence of reconstruction contracts that were poorly managed, wasteful and, in some cases, fraudulent, with the amounts of possibly misused funds mounting into the billions. Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36149&dcn=e_gvet
11. GRD Reconstruction Fact Sheets January 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/factsheets/docs/January_2007.pdf
12. World Bank adopts plan to support electricity sector in Iraq http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37172&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
13. North Baghdad community opens new girls' school http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12.pdf
14. Success Story: CBI Pushes Through Reforms to Reserve Requirements. USAID economic advisors work with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to develop monetary policy in line with international best practices. After 18 months of effort, USAID Economic Governance II advisors working with CBI staff have finally won support from the Iraqi Ministry of Justice to enact changes in the CBI reserve requirement regulation that will help maintain price stability in Iraq. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/eg_ss0107_cbi.html
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 14 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
14 February 2007
1. SIGIR: Review of DynCorp International, LLC, Contract Number S LMAQM-04-C-0030, Task Order 0338, for the Iraqi Police Training Program Support http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-029.pdf
2. GRD Reconstruction Fact Sheets December 2006 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/factsheets/docs/December_2006.pdf
3. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Manage Infrastructure Projects in Iraq http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-04.pdf
4. Allocation $285 billions to construct Maysan http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3093
5. Citizens' housing fund represented over 6000 loans http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3146
6. War News Radio: Broken Apart http://warnewsradio.org/
7. Samarra-Baghdad highway to open in two months - PM http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37142&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
8. Nasri Consortium completes 1st stage of $1b project in Arbil http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093142611
9. Privatization in the Iraqi telecom industry. The liberalization of the telecommunication sector in Iraq is a good example of how privatization can actually help in economic growth. http://alannoraddin.blogspot.com/2007/02/privatization-in-iraqi-telecom-industry.html
10. Iraqi-American Commerce and Industry Chamber opens center in Baghdad Airport http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093142760
11. Syria and Iraq to Boost Cooperation in Transportation Field - DAMASCUS,(SANA)-Minister of Transport Ya'rob Badr discussed with his Iraqi acting counterpart Sharwan al-Wa'ili enhancing bilateral relations and activating the signed agreements between the two countries in transportation filed . http://www.sana.org/eng/24/2007/02/12/102246.htm
12. World Bank Iraq Economic Data Sheet. The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-December 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21186666/DATASHEETIRAQDec2006(final).pdf
13. Bank to encourage Iraqis build houses through loans. Azzaman. The government has announced its willingness to extend loans to Iraqis willing to build new houses. The state-run Real Estate Bank has promised to cover up to 75% of the cost and that the loans will be available to all Iraqis without discrimination. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-12\kurd.htm
14. Turkish proposed dam to jeopardize Iraq's water resources (MENAFN) The Iraqi Minister of Water Resources announced that the ministry will launch an international campaign to block Turkey's plans to set up a dam on the river Tigris that will jeopardize Iraq's water resources, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093143108
15. Future looks bright for TV fortune-telling show. BAGHDAD — The studio phones start ringing the moment the TV show Your Fortune begins every Saturday. They often don't stop until two hours after it ends. "From the girls, the questions are about marriage," explains co-host Hadeel al-Bayati. "Men ask about money." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-01-tv-your-fortune_x.htm
END
14 February 2007
1. SIGIR: Review of DynCorp International, LLC, Contract Number S LMAQM-04-C-0030, Task Order 0338, for the Iraqi Police Training Program Support http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-029.pdf
2. GRD Reconstruction Fact Sheets December 2006 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/factsheets/docs/December_2006.pdf
3. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Manage Infrastructure Projects in Iraq http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-04.pdf
4. Allocation $285 billions to construct Maysan http://www.iraqdirectory.com:80/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3093
5. Citizens' housing fund represented over 6000 loans http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3146
6. War News Radio: Broken Apart http://warnewsradio.org/
7. Samarra-Baghdad highway to open in two months - PM http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37142&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
8. Nasri Consortium completes 1st stage of $1b project in Arbil http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093142611
9. Privatization in the Iraqi telecom industry. The liberalization of the telecommunication sector in Iraq is a good example of how privatization can actually help in economic growth. http://alannoraddin.blogspot.com/2007/02/privatization-in-iraqi-telecom-industry.html
10. Iraqi-American Commerce and Industry Chamber opens center in Baghdad Airport http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093142760
11. Syria and Iraq to Boost Cooperation in Transportation Field - DAMASCUS,(SANA)-Minister of Transport Ya'rob Badr discussed with his Iraqi acting counterpart Sharwan al-Wa'ili enhancing bilateral relations and activating the signed agreements between the two countries in transportation filed . http://www.sana.org/eng/24/2007/02/12/102246.htm
12. World Bank Iraq Economic Data Sheet. The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-December 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21186666/DATASHEETIRAQDec2006(final).pdf
13. Bank to encourage Iraqis build houses through loans. Azzaman. The government has announced its willingness to extend loans to Iraqis willing to build new houses. The state-run Real Estate Bank has promised to cover up to 75% of the cost and that the loans will be available to all Iraqis without discrimination. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-12\kurd.htm
14. Turkish proposed dam to jeopardize Iraq's water resources (MENAFN) The Iraqi Minister of Water Resources announced that the ministry will launch an international campaign to block Turkey's plans to set up a dam on the river Tigris that will jeopardize Iraq's water resources, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093143108
15. Future looks bright for TV fortune-telling show. BAGHDAD — The studio phones start ringing the moment the TV show Your Fortune begins every Saturday. They often don't stop until two hours after it ends. "From the girls, the questions are about marriage," explains co-host Hadeel al-Bayati. "Men ask about money." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-01-tv-your-fortune_x.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 13 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
13 February 2007
1. Brookings Iraq Index 12 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
2. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171238400-2-1171324800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171238400-2-1171324800-3-icr&o=c-1-1171324800-2-1171411200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
3. Aspen Road Connects Southern Iraq with Kuwait http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-31.pdf
4. Bridges To Babylon: New Fund Focuses On Iraq www.FINalternatives.com Foreign investors are not yet allowed to trade on the two-and-a-half-year-old Iraq Stock Exchange—“They have said, ‘within six months,’ for the last two-and-a-half-years,” Englund laments, though he adds optimistically, “there is a possibility it will happen by the end of the year, but nobody really knows”—so you need locals on the ground. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3128
5. SIGIR: Status of Ministerial Capacity Development in Iraq http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-045.pdf
6. Trade Minister: Most Iraqi cities ready for investment. Iraqi Trade Minister, Abdul-falah Assudani, said: “Most areas of the country live a stable and secure environment and are ready to invest, so if companies thought of working in Iraq, they would gain preference”. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3126
7. Derelict power plant symbol of Iraq woes - Associated Press, YOUSSIFIYAH, Iraq - A giant smokestack looms over the green pastures and lazily flowing canals south of Baghdad. There is no smoke - just the sense of lost economic potential and an uncertain future. Saddam Hussein promised the Youssifiyah power plant would serve homes across a 330-square-mile stretch of Iraq. Instead, the derelict compound has served as an insurgent stronghold, and is now a makeshift base for 300 U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16677183.htm
8. Iraqi-Syrian economic committees reviewing agreements between the two sides soon. Iraqi-Syrian economic and trade committees will begin their meetings in Damascus soon to review the conventions and protocols signed between the two sides before the war. The Associate Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Ghassan Habash, said that most of the agreements signed between Syria and Iraq are good and valid to organize the economic cooperation and some of them can be development if necessary. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3125
9. 'Billion-dollar' trade centre unveiled. An Iraqi consortium has completed the first stage of what was billed yesterday as the billion-dollar Nishan Trade Centre in Arbil, northern Iraq and is to boast three 25-storey office towers. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3124
10. Japan gov't to extend special law for Iraq reconstruction http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=297977
11. M'sian Companies Invited To Participate In Iraq's Reconstruction. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies are invited to invest and participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, said Dr Humam Abdul Mageed of the United Iraqi Alliance. Dr Humam or better known as Sheikh Hammoudi, who is also the chairman of Iraq's constitutional review committee, said that among the sectors were power supply, oil refining, and reconstruction of buildings, highways and health facilities. http://www.bernama.com.my:80/bernama/v3/news.php?id=246805
12. Iraqi ministries failed to spend up to 50% of allocations last year, finance minister says. Azzaman, February 13, 2007. Finance Minister Baqer al-Zubaidi said Iraqi ministries could not spend most of the money earmarked for their projects in 2005. He said up to $9 billion of last year’s budget could not be utilized and they have been added to this year’s budget. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2007-02-13%5Ckurd.htm
13. Putin attempts to use Jordan to let Russia access Iraqi oil industry http://english.pravda.ru:80/russia/economics/13-02-2007/87361-Putin_Jordan-0
14. Iranian company to construct 3 hospitals in Iraq. Iran Construction Investment Company (ICIC) has won bids to construct three 200-bed hospitals in the main Iraqi cities of Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad. http://www2.irna.ir:80/en/news/view/line-18/0702128967185243.htm
15. Diala University professors suffering fears of physical liquidation Baaquba, Feb 11, (VOI) – Physical liquidation of Diala University professors has lately been on the rise, particularly those marked by efficiency and enthusiasm like Dr. Walhan Hameed, the dean of the physical education college, who was killed early in February. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37095&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
END
13 February 2007
1. Brookings Iraq Index 12 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
2. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1171238400-2-1171324800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1171238400-2-1171324800-3-icr&o=c-1-1171324800-2-1171411200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
3. Aspen Road Connects Southern Iraq with Kuwait http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-31.pdf
4. Bridges To Babylon: New Fund Focuses On Iraq www.FINalternatives.com Foreign investors are not yet allowed to trade on the two-and-a-half-year-old Iraq Stock Exchange—“They have said, ‘within six months,’ for the last two-and-a-half-years,” Englund laments, though he adds optimistically, “there is a possibility it will happen by the end of the year, but nobody really knows”—so you need locals on the ground. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3128
5. SIGIR: Status of Ministerial Capacity Development in Iraq http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-045.pdf
6. Trade Minister: Most Iraqi cities ready for investment. Iraqi Trade Minister, Abdul-falah Assudani, said: “Most areas of the country live a stable and secure environment and are ready to invest, so if companies thought of working in Iraq, they would gain preference”. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3126
7. Derelict power plant symbol of Iraq woes - Associated Press, YOUSSIFIYAH, Iraq - A giant smokestack looms over the green pastures and lazily flowing canals south of Baghdad. There is no smoke - just the sense of lost economic potential and an uncertain future. Saddam Hussein promised the Youssifiyah power plant would serve homes across a 330-square-mile stretch of Iraq. Instead, the derelict compound has served as an insurgent stronghold, and is now a makeshift base for 300 U.S. and Iraqi soldiers. http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16677183.htm
8. Iraqi-Syrian economic committees reviewing agreements between the two sides soon. Iraqi-Syrian economic and trade committees will begin their meetings in Damascus soon to review the conventions and protocols signed between the two sides before the war. The Associate Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Ghassan Habash, said that most of the agreements signed between Syria and Iraq are good and valid to organize the economic cooperation and some of them can be development if necessary. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3125
9. 'Billion-dollar' trade centre unveiled. An Iraqi consortium has completed the first stage of what was billed yesterday as the billion-dollar Nishan Trade Centre in Arbil, northern Iraq and is to boast three 25-storey office towers. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3124
10. Japan gov't to extend special law for Iraq reconstruction http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=297977
11. M'sian Companies Invited To Participate In Iraq's Reconstruction. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies are invited to invest and participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, said Dr Humam Abdul Mageed of the United Iraqi Alliance. Dr Humam or better known as Sheikh Hammoudi, who is also the chairman of Iraq's constitutional review committee, said that among the sectors were power supply, oil refining, and reconstruction of buildings, highways and health facilities. http://www.bernama.com.my:80/bernama/v3/news.php?id=246805
12. Iraqi ministries failed to spend up to 50% of allocations last year, finance minister says. Azzaman, February 13, 2007. Finance Minister Baqer al-Zubaidi said Iraqi ministries could not spend most of the money earmarked for their projects in 2005. He said up to $9 billion of last year’s budget could not be utilized and they have been added to this year’s budget. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2007-02-13%5Ckurd.htm
13. Putin attempts to use Jordan to let Russia access Iraqi oil industry http://english.pravda.ru:80/russia/economics/13-02-2007/87361-Putin_Jordan-0
14. Iranian company to construct 3 hospitals in Iraq. Iran Construction Investment Company (ICIC) has won bids to construct three 200-bed hospitals in the main Iraqi cities of Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad. http://www2.irna.ir:80/en/news/view/line-18/0702128967185243.htm
15. Diala University professors suffering fears of physical liquidation Baaquba, Feb 11, (VOI) – Physical liquidation of Diala University professors has lately been on the rise, particularly those marked by efficiency and enthusiasm like Dr. Walhan Hameed, the dean of the physical education college, who was killed early in February. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=37095&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 12 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
12 February 2007
1. GRD Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions 12 February 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12-3.pdf
2. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 12 Feb/07 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009450.php#more
3. UNDG Iraq Trust Fund Newsletter (January 2007) This issue features thematic issues in the Refugees, IDPs and Durable Solutions Cluster (F). As of end January 2007, the implementing UN agencies have legally committed $693 million (78%) and disbursed $591 million (66%) of total approved projects amounting to $893 million. http://www.irffi.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/IRFFI/0,,contentMDK:21216761~pagePK:64168627~piPK:64167475~theSitePK:491458,00.html
4. Baghdad, Kuwait aim to revive trade agreements. KUWAIT: A business delegation from Basra, Iraq met with the board of the Kuwaiti Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) yesterday in Kuwait. This paved the way for the possible revival of trade agreements and broke the long trade embargo between the two countries, which was hampered due to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990. The talks centred on one product from Basra, particularly tomatoes. The delegation mentioned tomatoes were bountiful in Iraq and the supply was really high especially after Iraq adopted new agricultural technology offered by the British government after the fall of the Saddam regime. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20070205045734/SecCountries/pagIraq
5. Iraq slow to move on 350 polluted areas. Minister says two sites cleaned up, but plenty of 'hot spots' still out there.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com:80/id/17030442/
6. Iraqi Vice President receives Kuwait Fund Chief, and Shipping Company. Iraq’s government has identified hundreds of polluted sites that pose huge health hazards, but insecurity and lack of funds are stifling attempts to make them safe, a minister said on Wednesday.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3115
7. Basra fishermen suffer security squeeze and fuel price hike. BAGHDAD (IRIN) - Fisherman Mazin Jawad, 36, cannot look at his seven children without feelings of shame and guilt overcoming him. Without the income he used to have, he has had to take four of them out of school and taken ‘luxuries’ such as meat out of their lives. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57531&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
8. Maximum security correctional facilities help secure Iraq's Future http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-08.pdf
9. USAID IZDIHAR Project Helps Banks Modernize Lending Techniques - The introduction of credit officers in two Iraqi banks is strengthening customer relationships and streamlining loan processing for greater profitability. Following technical assistance and training from the USAID IZDIHAR project, two Iraqi banks have introduced changes to establish more dynamic relationships with clients. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/stories.html#story115
10. The Snake Eater. Subject: A case study of how the U.S. got bogged down in Iraq. Problem: If a cop in Anytown, USA, pulls over a suspect, he checks the person's ID remotely from the squad car. He's linked to databases filled with Who's Who in the world of crime, killing and mayhem. In Iraq, there is nothing like that. When our troops and the Iraqi army enter a town, village or street, what they know about the local bad guys is pretty much in their heads, at best. Solution: Give our troops what our cops have. The Pentagon knows this. For reasons you can imagine, it hasn't happened. http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/dhenninger/?id=110009638
11. Treasury support to exports to Iraq. EkoTürk News Agency / Ankara. After the petroleum products crisis between Turkey and Iraq, the Treasury decided to support the companies exporting to Iraq. Until December 31, 2007, the companies exporting to Iraq will be allowed to bring in without declaration the foreign exchange earned via the sales to Iraq up to 100 thousand dollars. The communiqué of the Turkish Treasury has been published in the Official Gazette. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22812.html
12. South Korea, Iraq agree to boost economic ties. South Korea and Iraq agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation in various economic fields, including in construction, energy and information technology, South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3121
13. $42 billion dollar budget approved http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-11\kurd.htm
14. Judge Dismisses Contractor Fraud Charge. For the second time, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit against a military contractor that whistleblowers accuse of scamming the U.S. government out of tens of millions of dollars in the first months of the Iraq war. U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III in Alexandria ruled in favor of Fairfax-based Custer Battles LLC, which has been pilloried in Congress and elsewhere as an example of the fraud and mismanagement that plagued the occupation of Iraq under the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority. http://www.topix.net/content/ap/0593765239350516128519281357442677749041
15. Baghdad traffic police expect the unexpected. USA TODAY - BAGHDAD — On a typical day, Baghdad's traffic police deal with gunfire, militias and speeding convoys with armed men. And, oh yeah, there's also the traffic. With stoplights often dead because of blackouts, security checkpoints blocking many roads and more cars than ever circulating in the city, Baghdad's 1,700 traffic cops have their hands full. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-08-life-iraq-traffic_x.htm
END
12 February 2007
1. GRD Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions 12 February 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-12-3.pdf
2. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 12 Feb/07 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009450.php#more
3. UNDG Iraq Trust Fund Newsletter (January 2007) This issue features thematic issues in the Refugees, IDPs and Durable Solutions Cluster (F). As of end January 2007, the implementing UN agencies have legally committed $693 million (78%) and disbursed $591 million (66%) of total approved projects amounting to $893 million. http://www.irffi.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/IRFFI/0,,contentMDK:21216761~pagePK:64168627~piPK:64167475~theSitePK:491458,00.html
4. Baghdad, Kuwait aim to revive trade agreements. KUWAIT: A business delegation from Basra, Iraq met with the board of the Kuwaiti Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) yesterday in Kuwait. This paved the way for the possible revival of trade agreements and broke the long trade embargo between the two countries, which was hampered due to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990. The talks centred on one product from Basra, particularly tomatoes. The delegation mentioned tomatoes were bountiful in Iraq and the supply was really high especially after Iraq adopted new agricultural technology offered by the British government after the fall of the Saddam regime. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20070205045734/SecCountries/pagIraq
5. Iraq slow to move on 350 polluted areas. Minister says two sites cleaned up, but plenty of 'hot spots' still out there.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com:80/id/17030442/
6. Iraqi Vice President receives Kuwait Fund Chief, and Shipping Company. Iraq’s government has identified hundreds of polluted sites that pose huge health hazards, but insecurity and lack of funds are stifling attempts to make them safe, a minister said on Wednesday.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3115
7. Basra fishermen suffer security squeeze and fuel price hike. BAGHDAD (IRIN) - Fisherman Mazin Jawad, 36, cannot look at his seven children without feelings of shame and guilt overcoming him. Without the income he used to have, he has had to take four of them out of school and taken ‘luxuries’ such as meat out of their lives. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57531&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
8. Maximum security correctional facilities help secure Iraq's Future http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-08.pdf
9. USAID IZDIHAR Project Helps Banks Modernize Lending Techniques - The introduction of credit officers in two Iraqi banks is strengthening customer relationships and streamlining loan processing for greater profitability. Following technical assistance and training from the USAID IZDIHAR project, two Iraqi banks have introduced changes to establish more dynamic relationships with clients. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/stories.html#story115
10. The Snake Eater. Subject: A case study of how the U.S. got bogged down in Iraq. Problem: If a cop in Anytown, USA, pulls over a suspect, he checks the person's ID remotely from the squad car. He's linked to databases filled with Who's Who in the world of crime, killing and mayhem. In Iraq, there is nothing like that. When our troops and the Iraqi army enter a town, village or street, what they know about the local bad guys is pretty much in their heads, at best. Solution: Give our troops what our cops have. The Pentagon knows this. For reasons you can imagine, it hasn't happened. http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/dhenninger/?id=110009638
11. Treasury support to exports to Iraq. EkoTürk News Agency / Ankara. After the petroleum products crisis between Turkey and Iraq, the Treasury decided to support the companies exporting to Iraq. Until December 31, 2007, the companies exporting to Iraq will be allowed to bring in without declaration the foreign exchange earned via the sales to Iraq up to 100 thousand dollars. The communiqué of the Turkish Treasury has been published in the Official Gazette. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22812.html
12. South Korea, Iraq agree to boost economic ties. South Korea and Iraq agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation in various economic fields, including in construction, energy and information technology, South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3121
13. $42 billion dollar budget approved http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-11\kurd.htm
14. Judge Dismisses Contractor Fraud Charge. For the second time, a judge has dismissed a lawsuit against a military contractor that whistleblowers accuse of scamming the U.S. government out of tens of millions of dollars in the first months of the Iraq war. U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III in Alexandria ruled in favor of Fairfax-based Custer Battles LLC, which has been pilloried in Congress and elsewhere as an example of the fraud and mismanagement that plagued the occupation of Iraq under the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority. http://www.topix.net/content/ap/0593765239350516128519281357442677749041
15. Baghdad traffic police expect the unexpected. USA TODAY - BAGHDAD — On a typical day, Baghdad's traffic police deal with gunfire, militias and speeding convoys with armed men. And, oh yeah, there's also the traffic. With stoplights often dead because of blackouts, security checkpoints blocking many roads and more cars than ever circulating in the city, Baghdad's 1,700 traffic cops have their hands full. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-02-08-life-iraq-traffic_x.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 11 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
11 February 2007
1. Ankara seeks US help in oil row, says Bryza. 10 February 2007. The Turkish government has appealed to the United States to encourage the Iraqi Kurds in northern Iraq to comply with energy agreements, Matt Bryza, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, told the Turkish Daily News in an exclusive interview. http://www.today.az/news/politics/36250.html
2. Reports Fault Oversight of Iraq Police Program. Millions Paid to Contractors Squandered on Unauthorized Work, Shoddy Facilities, U.S. Auditors Say. The U.S. government has squandered millions of dollars intended for police training programs in Iraq because of rampant problems overseeing contractors, according to federal reviews released yesterday. In one case, contractors building a camp for American trainers constructed an Olympic-size swimming pool that hadn't been ordered. In another, human waste reportedly continues to leak from plumbing fixtures at a barracks for Iraqi police recruits, a year after the problem was first identified and despite assurances from the contractor that the problem was being fixed. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013001801.html?nav=rss_world/mideast/iraq
3. Iraq Rearmament Program Heavy on Weapons, Short on Logistics. Despite flat oil exports and a struggling economy, Iraq has embarked on a comprehensive program to re-arm its embattled security forces. The country is buying American patrol planes, Italian naval vessels, Russian helicopters and armored vehicles co-produced by American and British firms. The new equipment is utilitarian stuff -- optimized for patrols in and over Iraq's teeming cities and on its smuggler-infested waters rather than for attacks on external foes -- and reflects the complete inward focus of Iraq's military. But the purchases do little to solve the forces' nearly complete lack of logistics capability. http://worldpoliticswatch.com/article.aspx?id=514
4. A Forum in Amman to enhance economic partnership between Iraqis and their foreign counterparts http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3087
5. Security Contracts to Continue in Iraq. New Top Commander Counts Hired Guards Among His Assets. The Defense Department plans to continue hiring private contractors to provide security at reconstruction projects in Iraq and to train U.S. and Iraqi military officers in counterinsurgency, despite problems with past contracts for such jobs that traditionally have been done by military personnel. The contracting out of these wartime activities comes at a time when the United States is stretching its resources to provide the additional 21,500 troops in Iraq that are needed under President Bush's new strategy, which involves stepped-up counterinsurgency operations in Baghdad and the expansion of economic reconstruction activities. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/03/AR2007020301372.html
6. Syria hopes to resume cooperation with Iraq for the exploration of oil in Border Areas http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3086
7. Iraqi group unveils 'billion-dollar' Kurdish trade centre. ARBIL, Iraq, Feb 9, 2007 (AFP) - An Iraqi consortium has completed the first stage of what was billed Friday as the billion-dollar Nishan Trade Center in Arbil, northern Iraq and is to boast three 25-storey office towers. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA432040143551/SecCountries/pagIraq
8. Rural programs a key target of new US aid to Iraq. BAGHDAD, Feb 7, 2007 (AFP) - Iraq will spend 10 billion dollars to rebuild the war-ravaged nation this year and the United States will add 2.3 billion more, with rural programs to be a leading recipient of US aid, experts say. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA114038073601/SecCountries/pagIraq
9. Minister of Planning: optimistic about the investment allocations. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Dr. Ali Baban, expressed his optimism about the investment allocations within the budget of 2007, pointing out that the achievements of the budget for the past year were modest. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3118
10. FRIGHTFUL COMMUTE Baghdad workers, students are exposed daily to bodies, gunbattles and kidnappings. Baghdad -- During a bus ride to his morning classes one day last month, student Ali Makki and his fellow passengers came upon the aftermath of a roadside bombing. The attack forced the bus to detour along the outskirts of the city, where it encountered a wandering gang of militants armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/01/25/MNGAUNOPVL1.DTL
END
11 February 2007
1. Ankara seeks US help in oil row, says Bryza. 10 February 2007. The Turkish government has appealed to the United States to encourage the Iraqi Kurds in northern Iraq to comply with energy agreements, Matt Bryza, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, told the Turkish Daily News in an exclusive interview. http://www.today.az/news/politics/36250.html
2. Reports Fault Oversight of Iraq Police Program. Millions Paid to Contractors Squandered on Unauthorized Work, Shoddy Facilities, U.S. Auditors Say. The U.S. government has squandered millions of dollars intended for police training programs in Iraq because of rampant problems overseeing contractors, according to federal reviews released yesterday. In one case, contractors building a camp for American trainers constructed an Olympic-size swimming pool that hadn't been ordered. In another, human waste reportedly continues to leak from plumbing fixtures at a barracks for Iraqi police recruits, a year after the problem was first identified and despite assurances from the contractor that the problem was being fixed. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013001801.html?nav=rss_world/mideast/iraq
3. Iraq Rearmament Program Heavy on Weapons, Short on Logistics. Despite flat oil exports and a struggling economy, Iraq has embarked on a comprehensive program to re-arm its embattled security forces. The country is buying American patrol planes, Italian naval vessels, Russian helicopters and armored vehicles co-produced by American and British firms. The new equipment is utilitarian stuff -- optimized for patrols in and over Iraq's teeming cities and on its smuggler-infested waters rather than for attacks on external foes -- and reflects the complete inward focus of Iraq's military. But the purchases do little to solve the forces' nearly complete lack of logistics capability. http://worldpoliticswatch.com/article.aspx?id=514
4. A Forum in Amman to enhance economic partnership between Iraqis and their foreign counterparts http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3087
5. Security Contracts to Continue in Iraq. New Top Commander Counts Hired Guards Among His Assets. The Defense Department plans to continue hiring private contractors to provide security at reconstruction projects in Iraq and to train U.S. and Iraqi military officers in counterinsurgency, despite problems with past contracts for such jobs that traditionally have been done by military personnel. The contracting out of these wartime activities comes at a time when the United States is stretching its resources to provide the additional 21,500 troops in Iraq that are needed under President Bush's new strategy, which involves stepped-up counterinsurgency operations in Baghdad and the expansion of economic reconstruction activities. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/03/AR2007020301372.html
6. Syria hopes to resume cooperation with Iraq for the exploration of oil in Border Areas http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3086
7. Iraqi group unveils 'billion-dollar' Kurdish trade centre. ARBIL, Iraq, Feb 9, 2007 (AFP) - An Iraqi consortium has completed the first stage of what was billed Friday as the billion-dollar Nishan Trade Center in Arbil, northern Iraq and is to boast three 25-storey office towers. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA432040143551/SecCountries/pagIraq
8. Rural programs a key target of new US aid to Iraq. BAGHDAD, Feb 7, 2007 (AFP) - Iraq will spend 10 billion dollars to rebuild the war-ravaged nation this year and the United States will add 2.3 billion more, with rural programs to be a leading recipient of US aid, experts say. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidANA114038073601/SecCountries/pagIraq
9. Minister of Planning: optimistic about the investment allocations. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Dr. Ali Baban, expressed his optimism about the investment allocations within the budget of 2007, pointing out that the achievements of the budget for the past year were modest. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3118
10. FRIGHTFUL COMMUTE Baghdad workers, students are exposed daily to bodies, gunbattles and kidnappings. Baghdad -- During a bus ride to his morning classes one day last month, student Ali Makki and his fellow passengers came upon the aftermath of a roadside bombing. The attack forced the bus to detour along the outskirts of the city, where it encountered a wandering gang of militants armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/01/25/MNGAUNOPVL1.DTL
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 10 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
10 February 2007
1. On this date in 1258, Hulagu Khan and the Mongols sacked and burned Baghdad, a cultural and commercial centre of the Islamic world at the time, ending the rule of the Abbasid caliphate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baghdad
2. SIGIR: Status of Medical Equipment and Other Non-construction Items Purchased for PHCs http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-030.pdf
3. KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability. Washington DC, US (KRG.org) - Qubad Talabany, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, last Thursday testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the political strategy for Iraq. He said that a sound petroleum policy was necessary and could help to stabilise Iraq. He also stressed the need to follow the already agreed timetable for resolving the status of Kirkuk. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?ArticleNr=16019&LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70
4. Soothing fears in northern Iraq. U.S. general advises council to look at its resources for solution to security concerns. http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=43334
5. SAIC in Iraq: A Closer Look. Science Applications International Corporation is one of the major contractors doing work in the Iraq reconstruction. Journalists Don Barlett and James Steele investigated the little-known corporation for this month's issue of Vanity Fair. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7238049
6. Hindered by Delays and Corruption, the Iraqi Air Force Is Flying Again, but Barely. TAJI MILITARY BASE, Iraq — The five droopy blades of a new Russian-made helicopter painted with the Iraqi flag began spinning and the aircraft hovered off the ground, purring like an oversize Cadillac. “Sir, you have the controls,” an American in the co-pilot’s seat said late last month. “I have the controls,” replied the Iraqi pilot. The helicopter lifted, banked hard to the right over a junkyard, a palm grove and a series of warehouses, then soared toward the greenish waters of the Tigris River at the perimeter of this base. It would be an unremarkable sequence in almost any country, but here it is significant: it means that the Iraqi Air Force is flying again. http://www.nytimes.com:80/2007/02/05/world/middleeast/05helos.html?em&ex=1170824400&en=99ba73957cbcbcfe&ei=5087%0A
7. Iran to cooperate with Iraq in telecom field http://www.taliyanews.com/en/archive/2007/02/iran_to_cooperate_with_iraq_in.php
8. Iraq's 2007 budget allocates $7b for oil subsidies http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141853
9. Iraq slow to move on 350 polluted areas. Iraq’s government has identified hundreds of polluted sites that pose huge health hazards, but insecurity and lack of funds are stifling attempts to make them safe, a minister said on Wednesday. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3105
10. Iraqi fears of the consequences of raising support from fuel prices http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3088
11. Minister of Industry and Minerals discusses with major American companies the opportunities of industrial investment in Iraq
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3058
12. South Baghdad neighborhoods get water, sewer upgrade http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-05.pdf
13. Fight for Baghdad Starts with Fight for Police Force. All Things Considered, February 8, 2007 · Iraqi police are a key component for the American and Iraqi troop strategy for securing Baghdad. But it's an uphill struggle for American trainers to create a sense of responsibility and professionalism — and to combat infiltration by militias. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7283451
14. Assyrian Official of Iraqi Airways Gunned Down http://www.aina.org/news/2007020791201.htm
15. New Top Commander Counts Hired Guards Among His Assets. The Defense Department plans to continue hiring private contractors to provide security at reconstruction projects in Iraq and to train U.S. and Iraqi military officers in counterinsurgency, despite problems with past contracts for such jobs that traditionally have been done by military personnel. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/03/AR2007020301372.html
16. U.S. judge dismisses fraud allegation against war contractor. McLEAN, Virginia: A federal judge for a second time has tossed out civil fraud charges against a Virginia-based military contractor accused by whistleblowers of scamming the U.S. government out of tens of millions dollars (euros) in the months following the 2003 Iraq invasion. The ruling, made public Tuesday, is a decisive victory for Fairfax, Virginia-based Custer Battles LLC, which has been pilloried in Congress and elsewhere as a poster child for the fraud and mismanagement that plagued the occupation of Iraq under the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/08/america/NA-GEN-US-War-Contractor.php
17. Korea, Iraq Agree to Expand Economic Ties. Korea and Iraq have agreed to expand cooperation in construction, energy, information technology (IT) and other industrial fields, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation said Thursday. http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200702/kt2007020818315811860.htm
END
10 February 2007
1. On this date in 1258, Hulagu Khan and the Mongols sacked and burned Baghdad, a cultural and commercial centre of the Islamic world at the time, ending the rule of the Abbasid caliphate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baghdad
2. SIGIR: Status of Medical Equipment and Other Non-construction Items Purchased for PHCs http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-030.pdf
3. KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability. Washington DC, US (KRG.org) - Qubad Talabany, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, last Thursday testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the political strategy for Iraq. He said that a sound petroleum policy was necessary and could help to stabilise Iraq. He also stressed the need to follow the already agreed timetable for resolving the status of Kirkuk. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?ArticleNr=16019&LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70
4. Soothing fears in northern Iraq. U.S. general advises council to look at its resources for solution to security concerns. http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=43334
5. SAIC in Iraq: A Closer Look. Science Applications International Corporation is one of the major contractors doing work in the Iraq reconstruction. Journalists Don Barlett and James Steele investigated the little-known corporation for this month's issue of Vanity Fair. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7238049
6. Hindered by Delays and Corruption, the Iraqi Air Force Is Flying Again, but Barely. TAJI MILITARY BASE, Iraq — The five droopy blades of a new Russian-made helicopter painted with the Iraqi flag began spinning and the aircraft hovered off the ground, purring like an oversize Cadillac. “Sir, you have the controls,” an American in the co-pilot’s seat said late last month. “I have the controls,” replied the Iraqi pilot. The helicopter lifted, banked hard to the right over a junkyard, a palm grove and a series of warehouses, then soared toward the greenish waters of the Tigris River at the perimeter of this base. It would be an unremarkable sequence in almost any country, but here it is significant: it means that the Iraqi Air Force is flying again. http://www.nytimes.com:80/2007/02/05/world/middleeast/05helos.html?em&ex=1170824400&en=99ba73957cbcbcfe&ei=5087%0A
7. Iran to cooperate with Iraq in telecom field http://www.taliyanews.com/en/archive/2007/02/iran_to_cooperate_with_iraq_in.php
8. Iraq's 2007 budget allocates $7b for oil subsidies http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141853
9. Iraq slow to move on 350 polluted areas. Iraq’s government has identified hundreds of polluted sites that pose huge health hazards, but insecurity and lack of funds are stifling attempts to make them safe, a minister said on Wednesday. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3105
10. Iraqi fears of the consequences of raising support from fuel prices http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3088
11. Minister of Industry and Minerals discusses with major American companies the opportunities of industrial investment in Iraq
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3058
12. South Baghdad neighborhoods get water, sewer upgrade http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-02-05.pdf
13. Fight for Baghdad Starts with Fight for Police Force. All Things Considered, February 8, 2007 · Iraqi police are a key component for the American and Iraqi troop strategy for securing Baghdad. But it's an uphill struggle for American trainers to create a sense of responsibility and professionalism — and to combat infiltration by militias. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7283451
14. Assyrian Official of Iraqi Airways Gunned Down http://www.aina.org/news/2007020791201.htm
15. New Top Commander Counts Hired Guards Among His Assets. The Defense Department plans to continue hiring private contractors to provide security at reconstruction projects in Iraq and to train U.S. and Iraqi military officers in counterinsurgency, despite problems with past contracts for such jobs that traditionally have been done by military personnel. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/03/AR2007020301372.html
16. U.S. judge dismisses fraud allegation against war contractor. McLEAN, Virginia: A federal judge for a second time has tossed out civil fraud charges against a Virginia-based military contractor accused by whistleblowers of scamming the U.S. government out of tens of millions dollars (euros) in the months following the 2003 Iraq invasion. The ruling, made public Tuesday, is a decisive victory for Fairfax, Virginia-based Custer Battles LLC, which has been pilloried in Congress and elsewhere as a poster child for the fraud and mismanagement that plagued the occupation of Iraq under the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/08/america/NA-GEN-US-War-Contractor.php
17. Korea, Iraq Agree to Expand Economic Ties. Korea and Iraq have agreed to expand cooperation in construction, energy, information technology (IT) and other industrial fields, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation said Thursday. http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200702/kt2007020818315811860.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 9 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
9 February 2007
1. Significant personnel moves. Dr. George A. Folsom has left the position of Director for Iraq Assistance Coordination in the State Department's Bureau of Near East Affairs to return to the private sector. Dr. Folsom started his service to Iraq's reconstruction in 2004 in Baghdad with IRMO.
2. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/07/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
3. Brookings Iraq Index 8 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
4. Iraq Weekly Status Report 7 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80421.pdf
5. Reconstruction Teams at Premium in Iraq. Morning Edition, February 9, 2007 · One of the cornerstones of President Bush's new Iraq strategy is to have more civilian experts working alongside the military on what are called "provincial reconstruction teams." But while President Bush said there would be more teams going to Iraq, finding civilian specialists to serve there has not been so easy. And for now, military reservists are being asked to pick up the slack. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7299387
6. SIGIR: Fact Sheet on Major U.S. Contractors’ Security Costs Related to Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund Contracting Activities http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-044.pdf
7. Meters Cost Iraq Billions In Stolen Oil. Atop Iraq's al Basrah Oil Terminal, heavily armed anti-terrorism forces stand guard — while the theft of the century may be occurring right under their noses. Tankers berthed at the sprawling platform, located off Iraq's southern coast in the Persian Gulf, take on the oil that is the lifeblood of Iraq's war-torn economy. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/08/iraq/main2451828.shtml
9. South Korea, Iraq agree to boost economic ties. TOKYO, Feb 8 (KUNA) -- South Korea and Iraq agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation in various economic fields, including in construction, energy and information technology, South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported. http://www.kuna.net.kw:80/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=950272
10. Officials admit private security firm was hired under Iraq logistics contract. GovExec.com Army officials acknowledged Wednesday that a private security firm was hired under a contract for Iraq logistical support that explicitly bars their use, as lawmakers assailed the lack of transparency that arises from layered subcontracts like those employed in Iraq. In an opening statement at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Tina Ballard, a senior Army procurement official, said North Carolina-based Blackwater USA had been paid to provide armed guards under the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, or LOGCAP, contract. That arrangement, a noncompetitive umbrella contract held by Halliburton subsidiary KBR for military support work, bars contractors from carrying weapons without explicit approval, instead stipulating that they use military protection. In the past several months the Army has repeatedly denied that security firms have been used under LOGCAP, citing assertions by KBR officials that they had never directly hired armed guards and were not aware of any inappropriate subcontracts. But a Tuesday letter from Army Secretary Francis Harvey confirmed that Blackwater had provided protection under a subcontract for military dining facilities. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36088&dcn=e_gvet
11. Army Says It Will Withhold $19.6 Million From Halliburton, Citing Potential Contract Breach. WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 — The Army announced during a House oversight committee hearing on Wednesday that it would withhold $19.6 million from the Halliburton Company after recently discovering that the contractor had hired the company Blackwater USA to provide armed security guards in Iraq, a potential breach of its government contract. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/washington/08waxman.html?n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq
12. GRD 2007 Iraq Reconstruction Calendar and Photos http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/2007Calendar.pdf
13. Basra fishermen suffer security squeeze and fuel price hike. BAGHDAD, 6 February (IRIN) - Fisherman Mazin Jawad, 36, cannot look at his seven children without feelings of shame and guilt overcoming him. Without the income he used to have, he has had to take four of them out of school and taken 'luxuries' such as meat out of their lives. Like his fellow fishermen in Basra, some 600km south of the capital, Baghdad, Jawad has found it difficult to make a living since the government nearly doubled fuel prices at the start of 2007 and since security measures were tightened in Iraqi waters not long before this. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/1897d4a9c55122b94a17ded85be54113.htm
14. Insecurity and corruption hinder reconstruction, audit says. BAGHDAD, 1 Feb 2007 (IRIN) - Insecurity, corruption among Iraqi officials and weak US contract management have led to tens of millions of dollars in Iraq reconstruction aid going missing, a new audit report said on Wednesday.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57273&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
15. IFB to organize conference on Iraq's economy in April http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141452
16. Syria seeks Iraq's cooperation on oil exploration http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141853
END
9 February 2007
1. Significant personnel moves. Dr. George A. Folsom has left the position of Director for Iraq Assistance Coordination in the State Department's Bureau of Near East Affairs to return to the private sector. Dr. Folsom started his service to Iraq's reconstruction in 2004 in Baghdad with IRMO.
2. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 02/07/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
3. Brookings Iraq Index 8 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
4. Iraq Weekly Status Report 7 February 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80421.pdf
5. Reconstruction Teams at Premium in Iraq. Morning Edition, February 9, 2007 · One of the cornerstones of President Bush's new Iraq strategy is to have more civilian experts working alongside the military on what are called "provincial reconstruction teams." But while President Bush said there would be more teams going to Iraq, finding civilian specialists to serve there has not been so easy. And for now, military reservists are being asked to pick up the slack. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7299387
6. SIGIR: Fact Sheet on Major U.S. Contractors’ Security Costs Related to Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund Contracting Activities http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-044.pdf
7. Meters Cost Iraq Billions In Stolen Oil. Atop Iraq's al Basrah Oil Terminal, heavily armed anti-terrorism forces stand guard — while the theft of the century may be occurring right under their noses. Tankers berthed at the sprawling platform, located off Iraq's southern coast in the Persian Gulf, take on the oil that is the lifeblood of Iraq's war-torn economy. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/08/iraq/main2451828.shtml
9. South Korea, Iraq agree to boost economic ties. TOKYO, Feb 8 (KUNA) -- South Korea and Iraq agreed Thursday to strengthen cooperation in various economic fields, including in construction, energy and information technology, South Korean Yonhap News Agency reported. http://www.kuna.net.kw:80/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=950272
10. Officials admit private security firm was hired under Iraq logistics contract. GovExec.com Army officials acknowledged Wednesday that a private security firm was hired under a contract for Iraq logistical support that explicitly bars their use, as lawmakers assailed the lack of transparency that arises from layered subcontracts like those employed in Iraq. In an opening statement at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, Tina Ballard, a senior Army procurement official, said North Carolina-based Blackwater USA had been paid to provide armed guards under the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, or LOGCAP, contract. That arrangement, a noncompetitive umbrella contract held by Halliburton subsidiary KBR for military support work, bars contractors from carrying weapons without explicit approval, instead stipulating that they use military protection. In the past several months the Army has repeatedly denied that security firms have been used under LOGCAP, citing assertions by KBR officials that they had never directly hired armed guards and were not aware of any inappropriate subcontracts. But a Tuesday letter from Army Secretary Francis Harvey confirmed that Blackwater had provided protection under a subcontract for military dining facilities. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36088&dcn=e_gvet
11. Army Says It Will Withhold $19.6 Million From Halliburton, Citing Potential Contract Breach. WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 — The Army announced during a House oversight committee hearing on Wednesday that it would withhold $19.6 million from the Halliburton Company after recently discovering that the contractor had hired the company Blackwater USA to provide armed security guards in Iraq, a potential breach of its government contract. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/washington/08waxman.html?n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq
12. GRD 2007 Iraq Reconstruction Calendar and Photos http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/2007Calendar.pdf
13. Basra fishermen suffer security squeeze and fuel price hike. BAGHDAD, 6 February (IRIN) - Fisherman Mazin Jawad, 36, cannot look at his seven children without feelings of shame and guilt overcoming him. Without the income he used to have, he has had to take four of them out of school and taken 'luxuries' such as meat out of their lives. Like his fellow fishermen in Basra, some 600km south of the capital, Baghdad, Jawad has found it difficult to make a living since the government nearly doubled fuel prices at the start of 2007 and since security measures were tightened in Iraqi waters not long before this. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/1897d4a9c55122b94a17ded85be54113.htm
14. Insecurity and corruption hinder reconstruction, audit says. BAGHDAD, 1 Feb 2007 (IRIN) - Insecurity, corruption among Iraqi officials and weak US contract management have led to tens of millions of dollars in Iraq reconstruction aid going missing, a new audit report said on Wednesday.
http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57273&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
15. IFB to organize conference on Iraq's economy in April http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141452
16. Syria seeks Iraq's cooperation on oil exploration http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141853
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 8 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
8 February 2007
1. House Oversight Cmte. Hearing on Military Contractors 7 February 2007 http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=House%20Oversight%20Cmte.%20Hearing%20on%20Military%20Contractors&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020707%5Fcontractors.rm
2. Justice Dept. Briefing on Iraq Recontruction Investigation 7 February 2007 http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Justice%20Dept.%20Briefing%20on%20Iraq%20Recontruction%20Investigation&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020707%5Fdoj2.rm
3. On-the-Record Briefing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Iraq http://www.state.gov:80/p/nea/rls/rm/2007/80216.htm
4. Iraq Weekly Status Report 31 January 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79813.pdf
5. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170892800-2-1170979200-3-icr&o=c-1-1170892800-2-1170979200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
6. Five named in alleged Iraq contracting scam. WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A grand jury indicted three Army Reserve officers and two civilians Wednesday on charges they steered more than $8.6 million in Iraqi reconstruction funds to a contractor in exchange for kickbacks that included vehicles, jewelry and real estate. The 25-count indictment, which includes conspiracy, bribery and money-laundering charges, is the latest development in a wave of criminal charges stemming from the alleged fraudulent use of U.S. funds in Iraq. http://edition.cnn.com:80/2007/US/02/07/iraq.fraud/
7. More attacks target national grid. Azzaman, February 8, 2007. Saboteurs have destroyed five more pylons linking Baghdad to the power stations in Baiji in the north, the Ministry of Electricity said. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-08\kurd.htm
8. Iraq WTO bid will not hurt GCC relations. Dubai: Iraq's potential membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will not affect agreements with its neighbours in the Gulf, according to an Iraqi government official. Negotiations for the war-torn country's entry into the 151-member WTO are due to start in Geneva as early as next month. http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/01/11/10095943.html
9. Travel Company Offers Iraq Tours. Day to Day, February 6, 2007 · A British travel firm plans to start offering tours of the Kurdish area of northern Iraq later this year. Geoff Hann, director of Hinterland Travel, talks with Madeleine Brand about the dangers and interest in traveling to northern Iraq. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7217567
10. 20 oil smugglers arrested near Kirkuk. Kirkuk, Feb 6, (VOI) – Iraqi army forces arrested 20 oil smugglers and seized 10 oil tanks prepared for smuggling in southwestern Kirkuk, an Iraqi police source said on Tuesday. http://www.aswataliraq.info/print.php?sid=36700
11. 185 professors killed since U.S. invasion http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-01\kurd.htm
12. No board yet for Iraq development fund-US Treasury. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key U.S. Treasury official said Monday the board to monitor the use of the money in a development fund for Iraq has not been set up yet because there is no agreement over the rules for using the funds.
http://www.forbes.com/markets/newswire/2003/08/25/rtr1065940.html
13. Iraq urges India to be more `active` in reconstruction efforts. New Delhi, Jan 29: Iraq on Monday sought more active participation of India in efforts to rebuild the war-torn country, specifically in areas such as construction, it and oil explorations. "We want India to be more active. We have to promote the level of cooperation today for a better tomorrow. This is for the benefit of two sides," Muayad S Hussain, charge'd affairs at the Iraq embassy here, told media persons. http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=350780&sid=NAT
14. China's Huawei wins CDMA2000 contract in Iraq http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/01/30/afx3374211.html
15. Chaos hastens Iraq brain-drain. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Six months after the U.S. invasion, Esam Pasha, a 30-year-old Iraqi artist and writer, proudly painted a mural called "Resilience" over a giant portrait of Saddam Hussein on the wall of a government building. Now he lives in the United States. Pasha is among hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have been driven abroad since the war, many of them doctors, businessmen, academics and other professionals whose skills Iraq can ill-afford to lose. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070201/lf_nm/migration_mideast_iraq_dc_3;_ylt=AjITumUFBjn4FzsbWHfL5v9X6GMA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
16. 527 million dinar for paving the streets of Basrah. The Governor’s adviser of Basra said last Thursday that paving Haifa Street in Umm Qasr had been completed at the cost of 142 million dinar, while the director of the local Reconstruction Unit said that a local company had began this week paving the streets of the city of Qurnah at the cost of 385 million dinar. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3046
17. Rehabilitation of water infrastructure in health care centres. Over the past few weeks, the ICRC improved the water and sanitation infrastructure of 21 primary health care centres (PHCC), in three governorates (Salaheddine, Kerbala and Diwaniya). http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/KHII-6XT4CB?OpenDocument
18. Contractors balk at Iraq infrastructure projects. BAGHDAD — Iraqi military projects have been stymied by the refusal of contractors to work in insurgency-ridden areas. Officials said the Defense Ministry has been unable to conduct tenders for projects for the Iraq Army in such provinces as Anbar. They said most contractors dismiss the opportunity to develop infrastructure and other projects in areas where their staffers and assets would be under threat from Al Qaida insurgents, Middle East Newsline reported. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/07/front2454125.1222222224.html
19. Iraq allies dawdle on aid for rebuilding. Foreign countries are billions of dollars delinquent on their pledges to help Iraq rebuild, and four years after the war began, the international reconstruction effort is still mostly funded by the United States. Some of the biggest deadbeats are Iraq's oil-rich neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which are both about a half-billion dollars in arrears, and the United Arab Emirates, which has failed to make good on one penny of a $215 million promise, according to Iraqi government statistics. http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070206-122747-2576r.htm
END
8 February 2007
1. House Oversight Cmte. Hearing on Military Contractors 7 February 2007 http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=House%20Oversight%20Cmte.%20Hearing%20on%20Military%20Contractors&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020707%5Fcontractors.rm
2. Justice Dept. Briefing on Iraq Recontruction Investigation 7 February 2007 http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Justice%20Dept.%20Briefing%20on%20Iraq%20Recontruction%20Investigation&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020707%5Fdoj2.rm
3. On-the-Record Briefing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Iraq http://www.state.gov:80/p/nea/rls/rm/2007/80216.htm
4. Iraq Weekly Status Report 31 January 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79813.pdf
5. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170892800-2-1170979200-3-icr&o=c-1-1170892800-2-1170979200-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
6. Five named in alleged Iraq contracting scam. WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A grand jury indicted three Army Reserve officers and two civilians Wednesday on charges they steered more than $8.6 million in Iraqi reconstruction funds to a contractor in exchange for kickbacks that included vehicles, jewelry and real estate. The 25-count indictment, which includes conspiracy, bribery and money-laundering charges, is the latest development in a wave of criminal charges stemming from the alleged fraudulent use of U.S. funds in Iraq. http://edition.cnn.com:80/2007/US/02/07/iraq.fraud/
7. More attacks target national grid. Azzaman, February 8, 2007. Saboteurs have destroyed five more pylons linking Baghdad to the power stations in Baiji in the north, the Ministry of Electricity said. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-08\kurd.htm
8. Iraq WTO bid will not hurt GCC relations. Dubai: Iraq's potential membership in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will not affect agreements with its neighbours in the Gulf, according to an Iraqi government official. Negotiations for the war-torn country's entry into the 151-member WTO are due to start in Geneva as early as next month. http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/01/11/10095943.html
9. Travel Company Offers Iraq Tours. Day to Day, February 6, 2007 · A British travel firm plans to start offering tours of the Kurdish area of northern Iraq later this year. Geoff Hann, director of Hinterland Travel, talks with Madeleine Brand about the dangers and interest in traveling to northern Iraq. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7217567
10. 20 oil smugglers arrested near Kirkuk. Kirkuk, Feb 6, (VOI) – Iraqi army forces arrested 20 oil smugglers and seized 10 oil tanks prepared for smuggling in southwestern Kirkuk, an Iraqi police source said on Tuesday. http://www.aswataliraq.info/print.php?sid=36700
11. 185 professors killed since U.S. invasion http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-02-01\kurd.htm
12. No board yet for Iraq development fund-US Treasury. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key U.S. Treasury official said Monday the board to monitor the use of the money in a development fund for Iraq has not been set up yet because there is no agreement over the rules for using the funds.
http://www.forbes.com/markets/newswire/2003/08/25/rtr1065940.html
13. Iraq urges India to be more `active` in reconstruction efforts. New Delhi, Jan 29: Iraq on Monday sought more active participation of India in efforts to rebuild the war-torn country, specifically in areas such as construction, it and oil explorations. "We want India to be more active. We have to promote the level of cooperation today for a better tomorrow. This is for the benefit of two sides," Muayad S Hussain, charge'd affairs at the Iraq embassy here, told media persons. http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=350780&sid=NAT
14. China's Huawei wins CDMA2000 contract in Iraq http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/01/30/afx3374211.html
15. Chaos hastens Iraq brain-drain. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Six months after the U.S. invasion, Esam Pasha, a 30-year-old Iraqi artist and writer, proudly painted a mural called "Resilience" over a giant portrait of Saddam Hussein on the wall of a government building. Now he lives in the United States. Pasha is among hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have been driven abroad since the war, many of them doctors, businessmen, academics and other professionals whose skills Iraq can ill-afford to lose. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070201/lf_nm/migration_mideast_iraq_dc_3;_ylt=AjITumUFBjn4FzsbWHfL5v9X6GMA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
16. 527 million dinar for paving the streets of Basrah. The Governor’s adviser of Basra said last Thursday that paving Haifa Street in Umm Qasr had been completed at the cost of 142 million dinar, while the director of the local Reconstruction Unit said that a local company had began this week paving the streets of the city of Qurnah at the cost of 385 million dinar. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3046
17. Rehabilitation of water infrastructure in health care centres. Over the past few weeks, the ICRC improved the water and sanitation infrastructure of 21 primary health care centres (PHCC), in three governorates (Salaheddine, Kerbala and Diwaniya). http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/KHII-6XT4CB?OpenDocument
18. Contractors balk at Iraq infrastructure projects. BAGHDAD — Iraqi military projects have been stymied by the refusal of contractors to work in insurgency-ridden areas. Officials said the Defense Ministry has been unable to conduct tenders for projects for the Iraq Army in such provinces as Anbar. They said most contractors dismiss the opportunity to develop infrastructure and other projects in areas where their staffers and assets would be under threat from Al Qaida insurgents, Middle East Newsline reported. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/07/front2454125.1222222224.html
19. Iraq allies dawdle on aid for rebuilding. Foreign countries are billions of dollars delinquent on their pledges to help Iraq rebuild, and four years after the war began, the international reconstruction effort is still mostly funded by the United States. Some of the biggest deadbeats are Iraq's oil-rich neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which are both about a half-billion dollars in arrears, and the United Arab Emirates, which has failed to make good on one penny of a $215 million promise, according to Iraqi government statistics. http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070206-122747-2576r.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 7 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
7 February 2007
1. House Hearing on Abuse in Iraq Reconstruction. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=House%20Hearing%20on%20Abuse%20in%20Iraq%20Reconstruction&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020607%5Foversight.rm
2. Brookings Iraq Index 5 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. IWPR's Iraqi Press Monitor.
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o=c-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o=c-1-1170374400-2-1170460800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170374400-2-1170460800-3-icr&o=c-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170720000-2-1170806400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170720000-2-1170806400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
4. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report 7 February 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070207.pdf
5. Democrats, Bremer Spar Over Iraq Spending. Ex-Administrator Defends Outlays. House Democrats criticized former Iraq occupation administrator L. Paul Bremer yesterday for disbursing nearly $9 billion in Iraqi oil revenue without instituting accounting systems to track more carefully how Iraqi officials were using that money. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601718.html
6. Dems blast U.S. officials for wasting billions in Iraqi money. In a partisan session that likened pre-invasion Iraq to the regimes of Adolf Hitler, the Khmer Rouge and Josef Stalin, and prompted comparisons between an embattled President Bush and wartime setbacks that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington experienced, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Tuesday launched a weeklong look into government waste, fraud and abuse. Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and ranking member Tom Davis, R-Va., presided over a session that delved into allegations of waste under the Coalition Provisional Authority, the U.S.-led group that served as a government for Iraq following the fall of Saddam Hussein. A hearing memorandum prepared by committee Democrats described a "wild west" atmosphere in Iraq between May 2003 and June 2004, during which CPA spent $19.6 billion before handing over control to an interim Iraqi government. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36068&dcn=e_gvet
7. Military Wants More Civilians to help in Iraq. WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — Senior military officers, including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have told President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates that the new Iraq strategy could fail unless more civilian agencies step forward quickly to carry out plans for reconstruction and political development.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/washington/07military.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
8. Bremer admits errors in rebuilding Iraq. WASHINGTON — The former head of the U.S.-led occupation in Iraq testified at a congressional hearing Tuesday that he and the Bush administration made mistakes, including inadequate planning. Paul Bremer — former administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which ruled Iraq for 14 months in 2003 and 2004 — said he was wrong to temporarily stop paying salaries and pensions to former Iraqi army officers. He added that Iraqis went too far with his order to purge members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from the government.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-02-05-iraq-contracts_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA
9. Counterpart crisis" with Iraq resolved. The counterpart crisis which erupted after Iraq pointed Massoud Barzani as the counterpart for shipment of fuel products from Turkey, was resolved upon an official statement from Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22247.html
10. New policy aims to encourage housing sector investment in Kurdistan http://www.portaliraq.com/news/New+policy+aims+to+encourage+housing+sector+investment+in+Kurdistan__1112432.html
11. Byblos Bank invests in Kurdistan Arbil
http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36060&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
12. Scarce fuel...yet another problem for Iraqis. Baghdad, Jan 26, (VOI) – With a plethora of troubles, dangers and hardships that turn their lives into a daily struggle just to get by, Iraqis suffer another unlikely problem for a country that sits on the second largest oil reserves in the world. The snowballing crisis of fuel shortage has overburdened the people who have to purchase oil derivatives from the black market. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35965&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
13. Baghdad hospitals in crisis as they lack security and drugs, say specialists. BAGHDAD, 28 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) in Baghdad are facing a major crisis as a result of lack security and a shortage of medicine, equipment and specialised staff, say health specialists. “A major problem affecting [Iraq’s] health sector is definitely the country’s desperate security situation,” said Nada Doumani, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57224&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
14. Iraqi official calls for Iranian investment in infrastructure projects in his country. An Iraqi official here Sunday called on Iran's private sector to invest in projects to develop his country's infrastructure. The consul general of the Iraqi consulate in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah, Riyadh Hassoun, made the call during a meeting with an Iranian delegation comprising representatives of Ilam province's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines.
http://www.irna.com/en/news/view/line-16/0701282842132718.htm
15. Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to supply Baghdad with solar energy http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093140740
16. Yemen Airways to inaugurate flights to Baghdad http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=634&p=local&a=7
17. University Failures Threaten Iraq's Professionals. All Things Considered, January 29, 2007 · Iraq was once proud of its doctors, engineers and professors. Many hoped that with Saddam's fall and the end of economic sanctions, there would be a resurgence of professional skills. But the Ministry of Education says only 30 percent of Iraq's students are currently attending classes — the lowest level since U.S. troops invaded Iraq four years ago. The universities, which are directly linked to Iraq's future, are on the verge of collapse. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7070116
18. Brazil's exports to Iraq triple in 2006. Brazilian companies pulled in revenues totaling 152.9 million U.S. dollars from exports to Iraq in 2006, against 49.9 million dollars in 2005, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade on Monday. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1479.htm
END
7 February 2007
1. House Hearing on Abuse in Iraq Reconstruction. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=House%20Hearing%20on%20Abuse%20in%20Iraq%20Reconstruction&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq020607%5Foversight.rm
2. Brookings Iraq Index 5 February 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. IWPR's Iraqi Press Monitor.
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o=c-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o=c-1-1170374400-2-1170460800-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170374400-2-1170460800-3-icr&o=c-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170720000-2-1170806400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170633600-2-1170720000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170720000-2-1170806400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
4. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report 7 February 2007 http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070207.pdf
5. Democrats, Bremer Spar Over Iraq Spending. Ex-Administrator Defends Outlays. House Democrats criticized former Iraq occupation administrator L. Paul Bremer yesterday for disbursing nearly $9 billion in Iraqi oil revenue without instituting accounting systems to track more carefully how Iraqi officials were using that money. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601718.html
6. Dems blast U.S. officials for wasting billions in Iraqi money. In a partisan session that likened pre-invasion Iraq to the regimes of Adolf Hitler, the Khmer Rouge and Josef Stalin, and prompted comparisons between an embattled President Bush and wartime setbacks that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington experienced, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Tuesday launched a weeklong look into government waste, fraud and abuse. Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and ranking member Tom Davis, R-Va., presided over a session that delved into allegations of waste under the Coalition Provisional Authority, the U.S.-led group that served as a government for Iraq following the fall of Saddam Hussein. A hearing memorandum prepared by committee Democrats described a "wild west" atmosphere in Iraq between May 2003 and June 2004, during which CPA spent $19.6 billion before handing over control to an interim Iraqi government. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36068&dcn=e_gvet
7. Military Wants More Civilians to help in Iraq. WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — Senior military officers, including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have told President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates that the new Iraq strategy could fail unless more civilian agencies step forward quickly to carry out plans for reconstruction and political development.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/washington/07military.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
8. Bremer admits errors in rebuilding Iraq. WASHINGTON — The former head of the U.S.-led occupation in Iraq testified at a congressional hearing Tuesday that he and the Bush administration made mistakes, including inadequate planning. Paul Bremer — former administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which ruled Iraq for 14 months in 2003 and 2004 — said he was wrong to temporarily stop paying salaries and pensions to former Iraqi army officers. He added that Iraqis went too far with his order to purge members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from the government.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-02-05-iraq-contracts_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA
9. Counterpart crisis" with Iraq resolved. The counterpart crisis which erupted after Iraq pointed Massoud Barzani as the counterpart for shipment of fuel products from Turkey, was resolved upon an official statement from Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22247.html
10. New policy aims to encourage housing sector investment in Kurdistan http://www.portaliraq.com/news/New+policy+aims+to+encourage+housing+sector+investment+in+Kurdistan__1112432.html
11. Byblos Bank invests in Kurdistan Arbil
http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36060&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
12. Scarce fuel...yet another problem for Iraqis. Baghdad, Jan 26, (VOI) – With a plethora of troubles, dangers and hardships that turn their lives into a daily struggle just to get by, Iraqis suffer another unlikely problem for a country that sits on the second largest oil reserves in the world. The snowballing crisis of fuel shortage has overburdened the people who have to purchase oil derivatives from the black market. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35965&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
13. Baghdad hospitals in crisis as they lack security and drugs, say specialists. BAGHDAD, 28 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) in Baghdad are facing a major crisis as a result of lack security and a shortage of medicine, equipment and specialised staff, say health specialists. “A major problem affecting [Iraq’s] health sector is definitely the country’s desperate security situation,” said Nada Doumani, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=57224&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=Iraq
14. Iraqi official calls for Iranian investment in infrastructure projects in his country. An Iraqi official here Sunday called on Iran's private sector to invest in projects to develop his country's infrastructure. The consul general of the Iraqi consulate in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah, Riyadh Hassoun, made the call during a meeting with an Iranian delegation comprising representatives of Ilam province's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines.
http://www.irna.com/en/news/view/line-16/0701282842132718.htm
15. Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to supply Baghdad with solar energy http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093140740
16. Yemen Airways to inaugurate flights to Baghdad http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=634&p=local&a=7
17. University Failures Threaten Iraq's Professionals. All Things Considered, January 29, 2007 · Iraq was once proud of its doctors, engineers and professors. Many hoped that with Saddam's fall and the end of economic sanctions, there would be a resurgence of professional skills. But the Ministry of Education says only 30 percent of Iraq's students are currently attending classes — the lowest level since U.S. troops invaded Iraq four years ago. The universities, which are directly linked to Iraq's future, are on the verge of collapse. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7070116
18. Brazil's exports to Iraq triple in 2006. Brazilian companies pulled in revenues totaling 152.9 million U.S. dollars from exports to Iraq in 2006, against 49.9 million dollars in 2005, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade on Monday. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1479.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 1 February 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
1 February 2007
1. Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (01/31/2007) http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj013107%5Fbowen.rm
2. Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, has just issued his quarterly report investigating waste, fraud and security problems in the reconstruction efforts. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7094969
3. Iraq Weekly Status Report 31 January 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79813.pdf
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170201600-2-1170288000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170201600-2-1170288000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Status of Ministerial Capacity Development in Iraq. Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, 30 January 2007
http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-045.pdf
6. Audit Shows Millions Wasted In Iraq Reconstruction Aid. AP WASHINGTON -- Tens of millions of dollars have been wasted in Iraq reconstruction aid, some of it on an Olympic-size swimming pool ordered up by Iraqi officials for a police academy that has yet to be used, investigators say. The quarterly audit by Stuart Bowen Jr., the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is the latest to paint a grim picture of waste, fraud and frustration in an Iraq war and reconstruction effort that has cost taxpayers more than $300 billion and left the region near civil war.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117024090365793552.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
7. Winds of Change Iraq Report 29 January 2007 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/cat_geo_iraq.php
8. CRS: Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress, January 26, 2007. http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL33834.pdf
9. Turkey-Iraq oil crisis ends. Iraq National Oil Co. SOMO has sent an official statement to the Turkish Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade and stated that former provisions are still in effect and they will continue transporting oil to Turkey with former provisions. http://english.sabah.com.tr/0B52392DCEA8441B8849EF57514D83DF.html#0B52392DCEA8441B8849EF57514D83DF
10. Iraq bans Turkish oil and meat. BAGHDAD - UPI -- Iraq and Turkey are in a trade dispute over oil products and meat imports as tension between the neighboring countries continues. The BBC reports oil products shipments from two southern Turkish cities into Iraq have been suspended over a dispute with the central Iraqi government over resigning contracts. http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc0131UPI.html
11. Transport Ministry denies news of Iraqi airplanes suspension in Syrian airports. DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Transport Ministry denied Wednesday what was reported by media about suspending the Iraqi airplanes' landing in the Syrian airports. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/31/100088.htm
12. Turkish businessmen concerned about oil transportation problem with Iraq. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22174.html
13. Desperate Days for Iraq's Ambulance Drivers. Weekend Edition Sunday, January 28, 2007 · Baghdad's first responders are busy. But saving lives is nearly impossible in a deteriorating city. Ambulance drivers are often shot or arrested, road blocks impede rescues and there aren't enough ambulances in the first place. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7054512
14. UK gives £4 million to help tackle growing humanitarian needs in Iraq. The Department for International Development (DFID) has today announced that the UK will provide additional support to the International Committee of the Red Cross’ (ICRC) for its humanitarian efforts in Iraq.
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/pressreleases/iraq-humanitarian.asp
15. Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs starts small loans program.
http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+Ministry+of+Labor+and+Social+Affairs+starts+small+loans+program__1112438.html?PHPSESSID=981b1cb5ed488781a9b59c388f237ec0
16. Baghdad to embark on 500 service projects next month.
http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Baghdad+to+embark+on+500+service+projects+next+month__1112435.html
17. Minister of Industry and Minerals discusses with major American companies the opportunities of industrial investment in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3058
18. Iraq's Kurds plan new Erbil airport. Region hopes to attract business and act as stopover hub. Iraq's northern region of Kurdistan is planning to open a new $300 million international airport next year, which the local government believes will be essential to attracting business to the area. While the Iraqi capital Baghdad remains highly volatile, Kurdistan's primary city Erbil has been relatively stable - although it suffered a twin suicide bombing three years ago that killed scores of people, including several high-ranking political figures, and another devastating bomb attack 15 months later. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/30/211785/iraqs-kurds-plan-new-erbil-airport.html
19. Unemployment imposes unfamiliar jobs on university graduates Diwaniya, Jan 27, (VOI) - Wars, blockade and post-invasion conditions have given rise to new or say extinct phenomena Iraqis, namely university graduates, have never known before.These new jobs, which anyone can take for they do not need scientific or university skills, emerged as a result of crazy price hikes, tough living conditions, erosion of the country's middle class and maldistribution of salaries for state employees. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36047&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
20. Security conditions and the suspended Kuwaiti contract are behind the current fuel crisis in Iraq. An official source at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil attributed the current fuel crisis in the country to the difficulty in reaching Latifiyah warehouse by tankers transferring oil derivativess due to terrorist acts, as well as the suspension of the Kuwaiti contract to supply Iraq with fuel since last November due to cutting the road by the American forces and the new Kuwaiti conditions, causing a real crisis in fuel, especially petrol and its non-arrival to gas stations. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3050
21. 100 Iraqi Deputies call for the Kuwaiti National Assembly to cancel the debt of Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3047
END
1 February 2007
1. Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (01/31/2007) http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj013107%5Fbowen.rm
2. Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, has just issued his quarterly report investigating waste, fraud and security problems in the reconstruction efforts. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7094969
3. Iraq Weekly Status Report 31 January 2007 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79813.pdf
4. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1170201600-2-1170288000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170201600-2-1170288000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrmonth-2,year-2007&o=c-1-1170288000-2-1170374400-3-icr&o1=month-2,year-2007&month=2&year=2007
5. Status of Ministerial Capacity Development in Iraq. Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, 30 January 2007
http://www.sigir.mil/reports/pdf/audits/06-045.pdf
6. Audit Shows Millions Wasted In Iraq Reconstruction Aid. AP WASHINGTON -- Tens of millions of dollars have been wasted in Iraq reconstruction aid, some of it on an Olympic-size swimming pool ordered up by Iraqi officials for a police academy that has yet to be used, investigators say. The quarterly audit by Stuart Bowen Jr., the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is the latest to paint a grim picture of waste, fraud and frustration in an Iraq war and reconstruction effort that has cost taxpayers more than $300 billion and left the region near civil war.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117024090365793552.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
7. Winds of Change Iraq Report 29 January 2007 http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/cat_geo_iraq.php
8. CRS: Defense Contracting in Iraq: Issues and Options for Congress, January 26, 2007. http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL33834.pdf
9. Turkey-Iraq oil crisis ends. Iraq National Oil Co. SOMO has sent an official statement to the Turkish Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade and stated that former provisions are still in effect and they will continue transporting oil to Turkey with former provisions. http://english.sabah.com.tr/0B52392DCEA8441B8849EF57514D83DF.html#0B52392DCEA8441B8849EF57514D83DF
10. Iraq bans Turkish oil and meat. BAGHDAD - UPI -- Iraq and Turkey are in a trade dispute over oil products and meat imports as tension between the neighboring countries continues. The BBC reports oil products shipments from two southern Turkish cities into Iraq have been suspended over a dispute with the central Iraqi government over resigning contracts. http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc0131UPI.html
11. Transport Ministry denies news of Iraqi airplanes suspension in Syrian airports. DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Transport Ministry denied Wednesday what was reported by media about suspending the Iraqi airplanes' landing in the Syrian airports. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/31/100088.htm
12. Turkish businessmen concerned about oil transportation problem with Iraq. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22174.html
13. Desperate Days for Iraq's Ambulance Drivers. Weekend Edition Sunday, January 28, 2007 · Baghdad's first responders are busy. But saving lives is nearly impossible in a deteriorating city. Ambulance drivers are often shot or arrested, road blocks impede rescues and there aren't enough ambulances in the first place. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7054512
14. UK gives £4 million to help tackle growing humanitarian needs in Iraq. The Department for International Development (DFID) has today announced that the UK will provide additional support to the International Committee of the Red Cross’ (ICRC) for its humanitarian efforts in Iraq.
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/pressreleases/iraq-humanitarian.asp
15. Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs starts small loans program.
http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+Ministry+of+Labor+and+Social+Affairs+starts+small+loans+program__1112438.html?PHPSESSID=981b1cb5ed488781a9b59c388f237ec0
16. Baghdad to embark on 500 service projects next month.
http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Baghdad+to+embark+on+500+service+projects+next+month__1112435.html
17. Minister of Industry and Minerals discusses with major American companies the opportunities of industrial investment in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3058
18. Iraq's Kurds plan new Erbil airport. Region hopes to attract business and act as stopover hub. Iraq's northern region of Kurdistan is planning to open a new $300 million international airport next year, which the local government believes will be essential to attracting business to the area. While the Iraqi capital Baghdad remains highly volatile, Kurdistan's primary city Erbil has been relatively stable - although it suffered a twin suicide bombing three years ago that killed scores of people, including several high-ranking political figures, and another devastating bomb attack 15 months later. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/30/211785/iraqs-kurds-plan-new-erbil-airport.html
19. Unemployment imposes unfamiliar jobs on university graduates Diwaniya, Jan 27, (VOI) - Wars, blockade and post-invasion conditions have given rise to new or say extinct phenomena Iraqis, namely university graduates, have never known before.These new jobs, which anyone can take for they do not need scientific or university skills, emerged as a result of crazy price hikes, tough living conditions, erosion of the country's middle class and maldistribution of salaries for state employees. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36047&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
20. Security conditions and the suspended Kuwaiti contract are behind the current fuel crisis in Iraq. An official source at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil attributed the current fuel crisis in the country to the difficulty in reaching Latifiyah warehouse by tankers transferring oil derivativess due to terrorist acts, as well as the suspension of the Kuwaiti contract to supply Iraq with fuel since last November due to cutting the road by the American forces and the new Kuwaiti conditions, causing a real crisis in fuel, especially petrol and its non-arrival to gas stations. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3050
21. 100 Iraqi Deputies call for the Kuwaiti National Assembly to cancel the debt of Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3047
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 31 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
31 January 2007
1. SIGIR January 2007 and Semiannual Report. Last January, SIGIR identified 2006 as the year of transition, highlighting many challenges to effective turnover of projects and programs to Iraqi control. SIGIR observed limited progress on these issues during 2006: supporting anticorruption efforts; enhancing infrastructure security; building ministerial capacity; ensuring the sustainability of reconstruction programs and projects; increasing support for reconstruction by the international community; improving coordination of all U.S. agencies involved in reconstruction. In 2007, transition to Iraqi control will accelerate. Success, however, hinges on the effective resolution of each of these issues. http://www.sigir.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/Jan07.aspx
2. Report Finds Big Problems with Iraq Rebuilding. Morning Edition, January 31, 2007 · The Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction says billions spent on security have had a limited effect, while waste and fraud have cost tens of millions. Special Inspector General Stuart Bowen says 2006 was the worst year yet. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7092772
3. Iraq in Talks With Chevron, Exxon. LONDON — Iraq is in negotiations with Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil Corp. to build a new $3 billion petrochemical facility, and is in talks with several other Western companies over industrial projects. In an interview Thursday, Iraq's minister for industry and minerals Fowzi Hariri said the discussions with Chevron and Exxon began this week in Washington and are at an early stage. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4500382.html
4. War News Radio: Got Gas? http://warnewsradio.org/
5. SOMO denies Turkey letter. UpstreamOnline.com Iraq's state-run oil company Somo today denied it had asked Turkey to deal with Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq and said it would handle all contracts itself. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article127062.ece
6. Problem in the Oil Flow to Iraq. As well as being the neighbor of Iraq, Turkey is also an important logistics center for this country. There is a process of reconstruction in Iraq -especially in the northern part of it- and required energy, oil and construction materials go from the biggest supplier of the region; Turkey. However, this weekend the relations between these two countries have been disrupted due to bureaucratic problems that emerge in the transportation of oil to the region. http://www.turkishweekly.net/comments.php?id=2451
7. State Minister Tüzmen: Iraq should honor its signature. EkoTürk News Agency / Mersin, 30 January 2007. State Minister Kürşat Tüzmen said they expected Iraq to honor its signature at oil trade contracts. Holding a news conference on Iraqi oil deals crisis, Tüzmen said they are having problems to find a counterpart at Iraqi Oil Ministry. The minister stated that Iraqi state oil trading company SOMO had signatures at bilateral oil trading contracts, and no other entity in Iraq has the authority to export oil. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22101.html
8. Army Engineers Help Develop Iraq's Port Capacity. BASRAH, Iraq -- The Port of Umm Qsar directly influences the economy of Iraq and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) works to help improve the services of the Iraqi berths to handle the cargo flowing in or out of the country.
http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-21.html
9. For war zone workers, a new fight. Some US firms deny injury claims. Boston Globe. WASHINGTON -- US companies employing civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan have refused to settle workers' compensation and medical benefit claims for hundreds of war-zone injuries that range from back pain to post-traumatic stress. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/01/20/for_war_zone_workers_a_new_fight/
10. Record turnout expected for 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition. (MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — More than 1,000 exhibitors representing over 45 countries are expected to take part in the 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition and Conference here from May 7-10, organisers confirmed on Monday. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140050 The 4th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition, 7 - 10 May 2007, Amman, Jordan
http://www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/
11. Police seize archaeological finds. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-24\kurd.htm
12. IG Has More Audits Under Way of Contractors' Work. http://enr.ecnext.com/free-scripts/comsite2.pl?page=enr_document&article=newaar070129d
13. Contractors' Fears of Terrorists Hampers American Coalition Forces. (IsraelNN.com) Terrorist attacks against civilian contractors working in Iraq have hampered completion of American military projects in Iraq. Five contractors were killed this week after their helicopter came under attack by terrorists armed with machine guns. l Qaeda terrorist threats against civilians have delayed the issuing of tenders for military projects and present another obstacle in the American coalition effort to help the Iraqi government restore order to the country. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=120309
14. Iraqi Oil Minister: Iraq capable of raising oil exports to 1.9m bpd. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141106
15. Iranian Reveals Plan to Expand Role in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Jan. 28 — Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad outlined an ambitious plan on Sunday to greatly expand its economic and military ties with Iraq — including an Iranian national bank branch in the heart of the capital — just as the Bush administration has been warning the Iranians to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/29/world/middleeast/29iranians.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
16. Instability makes holiday treats a little less sweet. BAGHDAD — The Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha has been over for more than a week, but the al-Baraka Bakery is still feeling the pinch from a slow season. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/life-in-iraq.htm
END
31 January 2007
1. SIGIR January 2007 and Semiannual Report. Last January, SIGIR identified 2006 as the year of transition, highlighting many challenges to effective turnover of projects and programs to Iraqi control. SIGIR observed limited progress on these issues during 2006: supporting anticorruption efforts; enhancing infrastructure security; building ministerial capacity; ensuring the sustainability of reconstruction programs and projects; increasing support for reconstruction by the international community; improving coordination of all U.S. agencies involved in reconstruction. In 2007, transition to Iraqi control will accelerate. Success, however, hinges on the effective resolution of each of these issues. http://www.sigir.mil/reports/quarterlyreports/Jan07.aspx
2. Report Finds Big Problems with Iraq Rebuilding. Morning Edition, January 31, 2007 · The Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction says billions spent on security have had a limited effect, while waste and fraud have cost tens of millions. Special Inspector General Stuart Bowen says 2006 was the worst year yet. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7092772
3. Iraq in Talks With Chevron, Exxon. LONDON — Iraq is in negotiations with Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil Corp. to build a new $3 billion petrochemical facility, and is in talks with several other Western companies over industrial projects. In an interview Thursday, Iraq's minister for industry and minerals Fowzi Hariri said the discussions with Chevron and Exxon began this week in Washington and are at an early stage. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4500382.html
4. War News Radio: Got Gas? http://warnewsradio.org/
5. SOMO denies Turkey letter. UpstreamOnline.com Iraq's state-run oil company Somo today denied it had asked Turkey to deal with Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq and said it would handle all contracts itself. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article127062.ece
6. Problem in the Oil Flow to Iraq. As well as being the neighbor of Iraq, Turkey is also an important logistics center for this country. There is a process of reconstruction in Iraq -especially in the northern part of it- and required energy, oil and construction materials go from the biggest supplier of the region; Turkey. However, this weekend the relations between these two countries have been disrupted due to bureaucratic problems that emerge in the transportation of oil to the region. http://www.turkishweekly.net/comments.php?id=2451
7. State Minister Tüzmen: Iraq should honor its signature. EkoTürk News Agency / Mersin, 30 January 2007. State Minister Kürşat Tüzmen said they expected Iraq to honor its signature at oil trade contracts. Holding a news conference on Iraqi oil deals crisis, Tüzmen said they are having problems to find a counterpart at Iraqi Oil Ministry. The minister stated that Iraqi state oil trading company SOMO had signatures at bilateral oil trading contracts, and no other entity in Iraq has the authority to export oil. http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-22101.html
8. Army Engineers Help Develop Iraq's Port Capacity. BASRAH, Iraq -- The Port of Umm Qsar directly influences the economy of Iraq and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) works to help improve the services of the Iraqi berths to handle the cargo flowing in or out of the country.
http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-21.html
9. For war zone workers, a new fight. Some US firms deny injury claims. Boston Globe. WASHINGTON -- US companies employing civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan have refused to settle workers' compensation and medical benefit claims for hundreds of war-zone injuries that range from back pain to post-traumatic stress. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/01/20/for_war_zone_workers_a_new_fight/
10. Record turnout expected for 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition. (MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — More than 1,000 exhibitors representing over 45 countries are expected to take part in the 4th Rebuild Iraq Exhibition and Conference here from May 7-10, organisers confirmed on Monday. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140050 The 4th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition, 7 - 10 May 2007, Amman, Jordan
http://www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/
11. Police seize archaeological finds. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-24\kurd.htm
12. IG Has More Audits Under Way of Contractors' Work. http://enr.ecnext.com/free-scripts/comsite2.pl?page=enr_document&article=newaar070129d
13. Contractors' Fears of Terrorists Hampers American Coalition Forces. (IsraelNN.com) Terrorist attacks against civilian contractors working in Iraq have hampered completion of American military projects in Iraq. Five contractors were killed this week after their helicopter came under attack by terrorists armed with machine guns. l Qaeda terrorist threats against civilians have delayed the issuing of tenders for military projects and present another obstacle in the American coalition effort to help the Iraqi government restore order to the country. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=120309
14. Iraqi Oil Minister: Iraq capable of raising oil exports to 1.9m bpd. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093141106
15. Iranian Reveals Plan to Expand Role in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Jan. 28 — Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad outlined an ambitious plan on Sunday to greatly expand its economic and military ties with Iraq — including an Iranian national bank branch in the heart of the capital — just as the Bush administration has been warning the Iranians to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/29/world/middleeast/29iranians.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
16. Instability makes holiday treats a little less sweet. BAGHDAD — The Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha has been over for more than a week, but the al-Baraka Bakery is still feeling the pinch from a slow season. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/life-in-iraq.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 30 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
30 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/29/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Brookings Iraq Index 29 January 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. Izdihar Round-Up:Iraq Business News 27 January 2007. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/round-ups.html
4. Turkey refuses to deal with Iraqi Kurds. UpstreamOnline.com Turkey today rejected demands from the Iraqi national oil company Somo that its companies should deal in future with Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq when doing business there. Ankara is worried about Kurdish moves towards greater autonomy in northern Iraq, fearing they could spark separatism among its own Kurdish population in south-east Turkey. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article127005.ece
5. Oil crisis deepens with Iraq and Lebanon. Turkey yesterday stepped up its criticism of neighboring Iraq after it told Turkish companies exporting oil products to the country to talk to Kurdish authorities in the north for renewal of their contracts and warned of sanctions if the move is not retracted.
"Serious states keep their promises, … We expect Iraq to stand by its signature,” State Minister Kürşad Tüzmen told a press conference. “Our patience has limits; if Baghdad fails to keep its promises, Turkey will take the necessary steps.” http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=101483&bolum=102
6. Top Iraqi Kurdish officials reject Turkish statements on oil-rich city of Kirkuk. BAGHDAD, Iraq: Top Iraqi Kurdish officials on Sunday rejected recent statements by Turkey on the fate of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, saying such interference in domestic affairs is unacceptable. The criticism came after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this month warned Iraqi Kurdish groups against trying to seize control of the city 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Baghdad, saying Turkey would not stand by amid growing tensions among ethnic Turkomens, Arabs and Kurds in Iraq's oil-rich north. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/28/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Turkey.php
7. Iraq Electrical Grid gets a Boost. TIKRIT,Iraq-The $31.2 million rehabilitation and expansion of a 400kV/132kV substation, along with the five feeders in the Diyala Province, will provide a more reliable power source for more than 63,000 people. Built by local construction companies with quality assurance managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these renovations and additions will add stability to Iraq’s electrical grid. The 400kV substation – called Baghdad East - is considered to be an important component of the national electrical system, having a significant impact on the national grid.
8. Iraq Calls For Air-Force Recruits. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/1/8949AFB9-1558-439E-8CEB-830D5598CB83.html
9. Iraq Asks for More Weapons; U.S. Backpedals. All Things Considered, January 26, 2007 · Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he wants more military hardware from the United States. President Bush is providing more money for items like armored Humvees and BlackHawk helicopters, while the Iraqis want more unspecified firepower. The Pentagon is reluctant to give them too much weaponry, fearing it will fall into the wrong hands. Some, like retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, want to give Iraq more arms, such as artillery. He says that if the U.S. can't push back the insurgency with all its might, how can the Iraqis be expected to do it? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7043110
10. US to reopen Iraq's factories in $10m U-turn. Sunday Telegraph. US officials in Iraq are planning to re-open lumbering state industries set up as part of Saddam Hussein's command economy in an attempt to bring jobs to the country's most troubled areas. Moribund government-owned plants, including ageing tractor factories, tyre manufacturers and cement companies, have been earmarked for a multi-million dollar scheme designed to lure Iraqis away from the insurgents' payroll. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/28/wirq28.xml
11. Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions. BAGHDAD, Iraq – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division completed five construction projects and started four new projects in Iraq from Jan. 13-26, 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-30.html
12. KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability. Washington DC, US (KRG.org) - Qubad Talabany, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, last Thursday testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the political strategy for Iraq. He said that a sound petroleum policy was necessary and could help to stabilise Iraq. He also stressed the need to follow the already agreed timetable for resolving the status of Kirkuk. Talabany said that any successful strategy in Iraq “must come from within Iraq and not Washington.” Imposing a policy that ignores the realities on the ground would inevitably fail, he said. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?ArticleNr=16019&LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70
13. House Panel to Examine Iraq Contracts. With a Democrat now in the driver's seat, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is set to hold Congress's first in-depth hearings into charges of waste and fraud involving money spent on reconstruction in Iraq. Three days of hearings -- the first of what Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.) says will be a series unfolding in coming months -- are set to begin Feb. 6. They will mark the opening of what promises to be one of the most significant inquiries by the new Congress into actions by the Bush administration while Republicans controlled the House and Senate.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117004006711890851.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
14. Basrah Children's Hospital. There are battles being wages on the streets of Iraq, and not all of them require weapons. One of these battles, is right here in Basrah, it's the battle against childhood cancers. And this is Battle Headquaters, It's the Basrah Children's Hospital. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/video/downloads/childrens-hospital.zip
15. Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative (CIMI). http://www.cimiwetlands.net/index.htm
END
30 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/29/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Brookings Iraq Index 29 January 2007 http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. Izdihar Round-Up:Iraq Business News 27 January 2007. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/round-ups.html
4. Turkey refuses to deal with Iraqi Kurds. UpstreamOnline.com Turkey today rejected demands from the Iraqi national oil company Somo that its companies should deal in future with Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq when doing business there. Ankara is worried about Kurdish moves towards greater autonomy in northern Iraq, fearing they could spark separatism among its own Kurdish population in south-east Turkey. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article127005.ece
5. Oil crisis deepens with Iraq and Lebanon. Turkey yesterday stepped up its criticism of neighboring Iraq after it told Turkish companies exporting oil products to the country to talk to Kurdish authorities in the north for renewal of their contracts and warned of sanctions if the move is not retracted.
"Serious states keep their promises, … We expect Iraq to stand by its signature,” State Minister Kürşad Tüzmen told a press conference. “Our patience has limits; if Baghdad fails to keep its promises, Turkey will take the necessary steps.” http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=101483&bolum=102
6. Top Iraqi Kurdish officials reject Turkish statements on oil-rich city of Kirkuk. BAGHDAD, Iraq: Top Iraqi Kurdish officials on Sunday rejected recent statements by Turkey on the fate of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, saying such interference in domestic affairs is unacceptable. The criticism came after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this month warned Iraqi Kurdish groups against trying to seize control of the city 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Baghdad, saying Turkey would not stand by amid growing tensions among ethnic Turkomens, Arabs and Kurds in Iraq's oil-rich north. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/28/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Turkey.php
7. Iraq Electrical Grid gets a Boost. TIKRIT,Iraq-The $31.2 million rehabilitation and expansion of a 400kV/132kV substation, along with the five feeders in the Diyala Province, will provide a more reliable power source for more than 63,000 people. Built by local construction companies with quality assurance managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these renovations and additions will add stability to Iraq’s electrical grid. The 400kV substation – called Baghdad East - is considered to be an important component of the national electrical system, having a significant impact on the national grid.
8. Iraq Calls For Air-Force Recruits. http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/1/8949AFB9-1558-439E-8CEB-830D5598CB83.html
9. Iraq Asks for More Weapons; U.S. Backpedals. All Things Considered, January 26, 2007 · Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he wants more military hardware from the United States. President Bush is providing more money for items like armored Humvees and BlackHawk helicopters, while the Iraqis want more unspecified firepower. The Pentagon is reluctant to give them too much weaponry, fearing it will fall into the wrong hands. Some, like retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, want to give Iraq more arms, such as artillery. He says that if the U.S. can't push back the insurgency with all its might, how can the Iraqis be expected to do it? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7043110
10. US to reopen Iraq's factories in $10m U-turn. Sunday Telegraph. US officials in Iraq are planning to re-open lumbering state industries set up as part of Saddam Hussein's command economy in an attempt to bring jobs to the country's most troubled areas. Moribund government-owned plants, including ageing tractor factories, tyre manufacturers and cement companies, have been earmarked for a multi-million dollar scheme designed to lure Iraqis away from the insurgents' payroll. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/28/wirq28.xml
11. Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions. BAGHDAD, Iraq – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division completed five construction projects and started four new projects in Iraq from Jan. 13-26, 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-30.html
12. KRG US Representative says sound oil policy promotes stability. Washington DC, US (KRG.org) - Qubad Talabany, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, last Thursday testified before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the political strategy for Iraq. He said that a sound petroleum policy was necessary and could help to stabilise Iraq. He also stressed the need to follow the already agreed timetable for resolving the status of Kirkuk. Talabany said that any successful strategy in Iraq “must come from within Iraq and not Washington.” Imposing a policy that ignores the realities on the ground would inevitably fail, he said. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?ArticleNr=16019&LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70
13. House Panel to Examine Iraq Contracts. With a Democrat now in the driver's seat, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is set to hold Congress's first in-depth hearings into charges of waste and fraud involving money spent on reconstruction in Iraq. Three days of hearings -- the first of what Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.) says will be a series unfolding in coming months -- are set to begin Feb. 6. They will mark the opening of what promises to be one of the most significant inquiries by the new Congress into actions by the Bush administration while Republicans controlled the House and Senate.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117004006711890851.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
14. Basrah Children's Hospital. There are battles being wages on the streets of Iraq, and not all of them require weapons. One of these battles, is right here in Basrah, it's the battle against childhood cancers. And this is Battle Headquaters, It's the Basrah Children's Hospital. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/video/downloads/childrens-hospital.zip
15. Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative (CIMI). http://www.cimiwetlands.net/index.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 29 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
29 January 2007
1. Donors, UN map plan to rebuild Iraq. Foreign donors and the United Nations are close to agreeing on steps Iraq must take to secure funds for rebuilding the country, US Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said at the weekend. Iraq had expected billions of dollars in foreign funds after a US-led invasion toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003. But relentless bombings and kidnappings have kept foreign companies away.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/donors-un-map-plan-to-rebuild-iraq/2007/01/28/1169919210667.html
2. Iraqis fail to reach deal on draft oil law. BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favour Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country - an incentive to draw foreign investment. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=168594&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29315
3. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o=c-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170028800-2-1170115200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
4. Turkey's Ilisu Dam Will Cut Flow of Tigris. Iraq Worried about Turkish Dam. The Ilisu Dam will, when it's finished, provide hydroelectric power in south-eastern Turkey. Iraq, though, is worried it may also cut flows of the vital Tigris River. Officials in Iraq are angered by Turkish plans to construct a gigantic dam on the river Tigris in southeast Turkey, near the Iraqi border. The so-called Ilisu Dam's 300 square kilometer reservoir would be a significant source of hydroelectric power, and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at an opening ceremony on Aug. 5 that it "will bring big gains to the local people." But in Iraq, health officials are concerned that these gains will come at the expense of their own people. http://www.arabenvironment.net/archive/2006/10/112054.html
5. Talks over the Euphrates River water quotas. A source in the Syrian Ministry of Irrigation said on Monday that the Joint Syrian-Turkish Water Committee will resume its work in Damascus soon to discuss water issues between the two sides, to reach an agreement on better investment of the river Euphrates for the benefit of Syria, Turkey and Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3020
6. IMF managing director urges Iraqi authorities to move toward tighter monetary policy. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/IMF+managing+director+urges+Iraqi+authorities+to+move+toward+tighter+monetary+policy__1112422.html?PHPSESSID=2fc3eb23caaceb5bd1b194c20ca822bd
7. Iraq Information, Communication, Technology and Education Summit, Feb. 27-28 2007. On Jan. 24 the Iraq Development Program (IDP) confirmed that Iraqi Minister of Science and Technology Raed Fahmi will be attending the (ICTE) Feb. 27 to 28 in Sharjah, UAE. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/index.htm Other ICTE guests are Minister of Communications Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abed Theyab. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+Information,+Communication,+Technology+and+Education+Summit,+Feb.+27-28__1112426.html
8. Funding Directorates Instead of Ministries. http://thegroundtruth.blogspot.com/2007/01/funding-directorates-not-natl.html
9. Iraqis Receive 80% of Reconstruction Dollars. In today's Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Iraq reconstruction, David Satterfield, senior advisor to the secretary of state and coordinator for Iraq, stated that Iraqi firms are currently receiving approximately 80% of the contracts for the reconstruction in Iraq. http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/996
10. Trade fair of Iraqi products, 25-28 April 2007. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-25\kurd1.htm
11. Iraq Birds Thriving Anew. Discovery News. The Garden of Eden is making a comeback in Iraq — at least for local birds. While the war rages on elsewhere, a fertile expanse of what was once a wetland the size of Lake Ontario is coming back to life. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/01/25/iraqbird_ani.html?category=animals&guid=20070125113030&dcitc=w19-502-ak-0000
12. Hello, Mr. Chips: Vendors feeding demand in Iraq. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — It's a sight on Baghdad sidewalks as common as cigarette or kebab vendors: Rows of clear plastic bags, some the size of small duffle bags, bulging with golden potato chips. Dates are the country's biggest food export and pistachios are a better-known local commodity. But Iraqi-made potato chips — deep fried, thin and greasy — are considered more than a snack: They're a delicacy. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-25-life-in-iraq_x.htm
13. Iraqi Insurgents Target Water and Electricity, But Spare the Cell Phone. Throughout Iraq, insurgents have attacked water and electricity plants to spread chaos and disrupt progress, but they have allowed the communications sector to rebuild -- primarily because they rely on mobile phones to plan their attacks. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june07/infrastructure_1-29.html
14. N. Iraq key to oil deals, says Baghdad. The Iraqi National Oil Company (SOMO) has sent statements to Turkish companies exporting oil products to neighboring Iraq, suggesting that they contact officials in northern Iraq if they want to continue to do business with the Iraqi company. http://www.kurdishinfo.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5824
15. Turkey rejects Iraqi oil marketing firm's advice to trade with Iraqi Kurds. Text of report in English by Turkish news agency Anatolia. BBC Monitoring.ANKARA (A.A) -28.01.2007 -Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) sent a notice to Turkish companies which transport oil products to Iraq as 'if you want to continue to work, from now on you shall contact officials in northern states'. Upon question of A.A correspondent, Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen confirmed the incident, and reacted as, "those who want to test Turkey will pay the price." SOMO did not accept the demands (for a new contract) of Turkish companies after their contracts ended, and then sent a notice to these companies which says 'if you want to continue to transport oil to Iraq via Turkey, you shall contact related authorities in northern states.' Speaking to A.A correspondent, Tuzmen confirmed the notice and said, "we saw that such strange notices were sent to our companies. We have learned that some of companies were warned verbally similarly. Officials in Turkish Foreign Trade Undersecretariat asked for information from SOMO. However, we have not received a response yet. Officials of SOMO do not answer the phones." Stressing that this new attitude of SOMO cannot be acceptable, Tuzmen said, "if somebody is trying to test Turkey, its price will be paid. Turkey recognizes an Iraq which has a territorial integrity and which is not fragmented. Thus, in our oil shipment, our interlocutor is Iraqi central government and SOMO." In line with a circular of Prime Ministry, Turkey's interlocutor in oil trade with Iraq is only Iraqi central government and SOMO. On the other hand, Tuzmen sent a letter to Iraqi Petroleum Minister and conveyed his reactions about the notice of SOMO. Source: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English 0914 gmt 28 Jan 07
END
29 January 2007
1. Donors, UN map plan to rebuild Iraq. Foreign donors and the United Nations are close to agreeing on steps Iraq must take to secure funds for rebuilding the country, US Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt said at the weekend. Iraq had expected billions of dollars in foreign funds after a US-led invasion toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003. But relentless bombings and kidnappings have kept foreign companies away.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/donors-un-map-plan-to-rebuild-iraq/2007/01/28/1169919210667.html
2. Iraqis fail to reach deal on draft oil law. BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favour Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country - an incentive to draw foreign investment. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=168594&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29315
3. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o=c-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169769600-2-1169856000-3-icr&o=c-1-1170028800-2-1170115200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
4. Turkey's Ilisu Dam Will Cut Flow of Tigris. Iraq Worried about Turkish Dam. The Ilisu Dam will, when it's finished, provide hydroelectric power in south-eastern Turkey. Iraq, though, is worried it may also cut flows of the vital Tigris River. Officials in Iraq are angered by Turkish plans to construct a gigantic dam on the river Tigris in southeast Turkey, near the Iraqi border. The so-called Ilisu Dam's 300 square kilometer reservoir would be a significant source of hydroelectric power, and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at an opening ceremony on Aug. 5 that it "will bring big gains to the local people." But in Iraq, health officials are concerned that these gains will come at the expense of their own people. http://www.arabenvironment.net/archive/2006/10/112054.html
5. Talks over the Euphrates River water quotas. A source in the Syrian Ministry of Irrigation said on Monday that the Joint Syrian-Turkish Water Committee will resume its work in Damascus soon to discuss water issues between the two sides, to reach an agreement on better investment of the river Euphrates for the benefit of Syria, Turkey and Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=3020
6. IMF managing director urges Iraqi authorities to move toward tighter monetary policy. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/IMF+managing+director+urges+Iraqi+authorities+to+move+toward+tighter+monetary+policy__1112422.html?PHPSESSID=2fc3eb23caaceb5bd1b194c20ca822bd
7. Iraq Information, Communication, Technology and Education Summit, Feb. 27-28 2007. On Jan. 24 the Iraq Development Program (IDP) confirmed that Iraqi Minister of Science and Technology Raed Fahmi will be attending the (ICTE) Feb. 27 to 28 in Sharjah, UAE. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/index.htm Other ICTE guests are Minister of Communications Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abed Theyab. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+Information,+Communication,+Technology+and+Education+Summit,+Feb.+27-28__1112426.html
8. Funding Directorates Instead of Ministries. http://thegroundtruth.blogspot.com/2007/01/funding-directorates-not-natl.html
9. Iraqis Receive 80% of Reconstruction Dollars. In today's Senate Foreign Relations hearing on Iraq reconstruction, David Satterfield, senior advisor to the secretary of state and coordinator for Iraq, stated that Iraqi firms are currently receiving approximately 80% of the contracts for the reconstruction in Iraq. http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/996
10. Trade fair of Iraqi products, 25-28 April 2007. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-25\kurd1.htm
11. Iraq Birds Thriving Anew. Discovery News. The Garden of Eden is making a comeback in Iraq — at least for local birds. While the war rages on elsewhere, a fertile expanse of what was once a wetland the size of Lake Ontario is coming back to life. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/01/25/iraqbird_ani.html?category=animals&guid=20070125113030&dcitc=w19-502-ak-0000
12. Hello, Mr. Chips: Vendors feeding demand in Iraq. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — It's a sight on Baghdad sidewalks as common as cigarette or kebab vendors: Rows of clear plastic bags, some the size of small duffle bags, bulging with golden potato chips. Dates are the country's biggest food export and pistachios are a better-known local commodity. But Iraqi-made potato chips — deep fried, thin and greasy — are considered more than a snack: They're a delicacy. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-25-life-in-iraq_x.htm
13. Iraqi Insurgents Target Water and Electricity, But Spare the Cell Phone. Throughout Iraq, insurgents have attacked water and electricity plants to spread chaos and disrupt progress, but they have allowed the communications sector to rebuild -- primarily because they rely on mobile phones to plan their attacks. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june07/infrastructure_1-29.html
14. N. Iraq key to oil deals, says Baghdad. The Iraqi National Oil Company (SOMO) has sent statements to Turkish companies exporting oil products to neighboring Iraq, suggesting that they contact officials in northern Iraq if they want to continue to do business with the Iraqi company. http://www.kurdishinfo.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5824
15. Turkey rejects Iraqi oil marketing firm's advice to trade with Iraqi Kurds. Text of report in English by Turkish news agency Anatolia. BBC Monitoring.ANKARA (A.A) -28.01.2007 -Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) sent a notice to Turkish companies which transport oil products to Iraq as 'if you want to continue to work, from now on you shall contact officials in northern states'. Upon question of A.A correspondent, Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen confirmed the incident, and reacted as, "those who want to test Turkey will pay the price." SOMO did not accept the demands (for a new contract) of Turkish companies after their contracts ended, and then sent a notice to these companies which says 'if you want to continue to transport oil to Iraq via Turkey, you shall contact related authorities in northern states.' Speaking to A.A correspondent, Tuzmen confirmed the notice and said, "we saw that such strange notices were sent to our companies. We have learned that some of companies were warned verbally similarly. Officials in Turkish Foreign Trade Undersecretariat asked for information from SOMO. However, we have not received a response yet. Officials of SOMO do not answer the phones." Stressing that this new attitude of SOMO cannot be acceptable, Tuzmen said, "if somebody is trying to test Turkey, its price will be paid. Turkey recognizes an Iraq which has a territorial integrity and which is not fragmented. Thus, in our oil shipment, our interlocutor is Iraqi central government and SOMO." In line with a circular of Prime Ministry, Turkey's interlocutor in oil trade with Iraq is only Iraqi central government and SOMO. On the other hand, Tuzmen sent a letter to Iraqi Petroleum Minister and conveyed his reactions about the notice of SOMO. Source: Anatolia news agency, Ankara, in English 0914 gmt 28 Jan 07
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 28 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
28 January 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report 24 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79483.pdf
2. Brookings Iraq Index 25 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. Izdihar Round-Up: IRAQI BUSINESS NEWS 7-25 January 2007. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/PDFs/RoundUps/2007_01_january/2007_0108-0125_roundup.pdf
4. Iraqi officials fail yet again to reach compromise on draft oil law. BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favor Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country — an incentive to draw foreign investment. The Oil Ministry has been struggling for months to reach a compromise over draft legislation to govern Iraq's most important industry and pave the way for much-needed investment and know-how to revitalize the devastated infrastructure. But the measure faces strong objections by ethnic Kurds and concern about American influence in the sector. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/27/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Oil-Law.php
5. Iraq in talks with Chevron, Exxon on $3 billion petrochemical plant. LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Iraq is in negotiations with Chevron Corp (CVS) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) towards building a new $3 billion petrochemical facility and is in talks with several other Western firms over industrial projects. In an interview Thursday, Iraq's minister for industry and minerals Fawzi Hariri said the discussions with Chevron and Exxon began this week in Washington and are at an early stage. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/iraq-talks-chevron-exxon-3/story.aspx?guid=%7BD4A614E3-7FA7-4BE3-A3BB-C4D8E236EDA1%7D
6. Iraqis: Oil Law Won't Favor Americans. BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favor Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country _ an incentive to draw foreign investment. http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=111&sid=1045871
7. Senator challenges State official on Iraq reconstruction. GovExec.com A Senate foreign relations panel took a hard line on Iraq reconstruction spending Thursday, demanding that the State Department show an improved return on its investments or risk losing project funds. "I am not inclined to support any additional funding in this area without strong assurances that this sort of mismanagement has been weeded out," freshman Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., told Ambassador David Satterfield, State's senior adviser on Iraq, at a hearing. Webb cited idle contractors and overhead costs reaching more than half of total project costs, fraud and abuse investigations pending before inspectors general, and "blunders" by the State and Defense departments. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35959&dcn=e_gvet
8. State's Satterfield Outlines Plans To Rebuild Iraq. Reconstruction projects aimed at supporting military operations. USINFO. Washington –The United States plans to improve the distribution of economic reconstruction funds in Iraq as part of a strategy to support military operations aimed at securing neighborhoods from insurgents and sectarian violence, officials tell a Senate Committee. http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=January&x=20070125165238ndyblehs2.204531e-02
9. Who Owns and Controls Iraq's Oil? During a workshop organized by the German Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation, Niqash's oil expert Greg Muttitt gave a presentation on the legal aspects of Iraq's oil industry and its future. Examining the relevant articles of the Iraqi constitution, the development of the oil law, and the role of foreign companies in the current situation he suggests that the priorities of the Iraqi state and society need to be better addressed. http://www.niqash.org/content.php?contentTypeID=171&id=1783
10. Kurds: Kirkuk about history, not oil. IRBIL, Iraq, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Iraqi Kurdistan's prime minister said the push for ownership of Kirkuk is about righting injustice, not oil, as Turkey makes a play at its border. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070125-032213-3722r
11. City that is showing the way ahead for Iraq. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/19/wirq19.xml
12. Kurdistan Bolstered by Influx of Arab Academics. Higher education in Baghdad and other troubled cities dealt a blow as lecturers flee sectarian violence for the Kurdish north. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=328622&apc_state=henpicr
13. Iraq: Provincial Reconstruction Teams building local Iraqi leadership. Teams offer government coordination, training to make Iraqis self-sufficient. USINFO Washington -- Unlike other international aid programs operating in Iraq that focus on infrastructure projects, provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) are designed to expand the capacity of Iraqis to deliver essential services to their own people, helping to establish a permanent mid-level bureaucracy that will be able to respond to needs well after international assistance workers have gone. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/YSAR-6XKTQ2?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=irq
14. U.S. Army Probes War Contractor Fraud. WASHINGTON From high-dollar fraud to conspiracy to bribery and bid rigging, Army investigators have opened up to 50 criminal probes involving battlefield contractors in the war in Iraq and the U.S. fight against terrorism, The Associated Press has learned. Senior contracting officials, government employees, residents of other countries and, in some cases, U.S. military personnel have been implicated in millions of dollars of fraud allegations. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,247619,00.html
15. Five industrial parks to be built near Iran-Iraq border. TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – A deputy industries and mines minister announced on Saturday that Iranian companies would construct five industrial parks in the provinces bordering Iraq. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=440579
16. IWPR's Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169596800-2-1169683200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169683200-2-1169769600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
17. Industry Ministry director killed. Baghdad: The director general of Iraq’s Industry Ministry was shot dead along with his daughter and two others as he drove to work in Baghdad on Sunday. Adel Abdul Mehsun Al Lami's vehicle came under fire in the western Yarmouk area of Baghdad. http://www.gulf-news.com/region/Iraq/10100120.html
18. Fuel crisis worsens. Azzaman, January 27, 2007. Disorderly queues at petrol stations in Baghdad stretch for several kilometers and the armed police and soldiers deployed to keep order are no longer capable of containing the chaos. Many filling stations have no fuel to sell leading to even longer queues at the ones which are still operating. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-27\kurd1.htm
19. Dollar bids slightly lower, exchange rates stable in Iraqi auction. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36114&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
END
28 January 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report 24 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79483.pdf
2. Brookings Iraq Index 25 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3. Izdihar Round-Up: IRAQI BUSINESS NEWS 7-25 January 2007. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/PDFs/RoundUps/2007_01_january/2007_0108-0125_roundup.pdf
4. Iraqi officials fail yet again to reach compromise on draft oil law. BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favor Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country — an incentive to draw foreign investment. The Oil Ministry has been struggling for months to reach a compromise over draft legislation to govern Iraq's most important industry and pave the way for much-needed investment and know-how to revitalize the devastated infrastructure. But the measure faces strong objections by ethnic Kurds and concern about American influence in the sector. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/27/africa/ME-GEN-Iraq-Oil-Law.php
5. Iraq in talks with Chevron, Exxon on $3 billion petrochemical plant. LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Iraq is in negotiations with Chevron Corp (CVS) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) towards building a new $3 billion petrochemical facility and is in talks with several other Western firms over industrial projects. In an interview Thursday, Iraq's minister for industry and minerals Fawzi Hariri said the discussions with Chevron and Exxon began this week in Washington and are at an early stage. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/iraq-talks-chevron-exxon-3/story.aspx?guid=%7BD4A614E3-7FA7-4BE3-A3BB-C4D8E236EDA1%7D
6. Iraqis: Oil Law Won't Favor Americans. BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi officials say a hotly debated proposed oil law will not favor Americans but acknowledge that foreign companies will be allowed to take their profits out of the country _ an incentive to draw foreign investment. http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=111&sid=1045871
7. Senator challenges State official on Iraq reconstruction. GovExec.com A Senate foreign relations panel took a hard line on Iraq reconstruction spending Thursday, demanding that the State Department show an improved return on its investments or risk losing project funds. "I am not inclined to support any additional funding in this area without strong assurances that this sort of mismanagement has been weeded out," freshman Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., told Ambassador David Satterfield, State's senior adviser on Iraq, at a hearing. Webb cited idle contractors and overhead costs reaching more than half of total project costs, fraud and abuse investigations pending before inspectors general, and "blunders" by the State and Defense departments. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35959&dcn=e_gvet
8. State's Satterfield Outlines Plans To Rebuild Iraq. Reconstruction projects aimed at supporting military operations. USINFO. Washington –The United States plans to improve the distribution of economic reconstruction funds in Iraq as part of a strategy to support military operations aimed at securing neighborhoods from insurgents and sectarian violence, officials tell a Senate Committee. http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=January&x=20070125165238ndyblehs2.204531e-02
9. Who Owns and Controls Iraq's Oil? During a workshop organized by the German Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation, Niqash's oil expert Greg Muttitt gave a presentation on the legal aspects of Iraq's oil industry and its future. Examining the relevant articles of the Iraqi constitution, the development of the oil law, and the role of foreign companies in the current situation he suggests that the priorities of the Iraqi state and society need to be better addressed. http://www.niqash.org/content.php?contentTypeID=171&id=1783
10. Kurds: Kirkuk about history, not oil. IRBIL, Iraq, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Iraqi Kurdistan's prime minister said the push for ownership of Kirkuk is about righting injustice, not oil, as Turkey makes a play at its border. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070125-032213-3722r
11. City that is showing the way ahead for Iraq. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/01/19/wirq19.xml
12. Kurdistan Bolstered by Influx of Arab Academics. Higher education in Baghdad and other troubled cities dealt a blow as lecturers flee sectarian violence for the Kurdish north. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=328622&apc_state=henpicr
13. Iraq: Provincial Reconstruction Teams building local Iraqi leadership. Teams offer government coordination, training to make Iraqis self-sufficient. USINFO Washington -- Unlike other international aid programs operating in Iraq that focus on infrastructure projects, provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs) are designed to expand the capacity of Iraqis to deliver essential services to their own people, helping to establish a permanent mid-level bureaucracy that will be able to respond to needs well after international assistance workers have gone. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/YSAR-6XKTQ2?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=irq
14. U.S. Army Probes War Contractor Fraud. WASHINGTON From high-dollar fraud to conspiracy to bribery and bid rigging, Army investigators have opened up to 50 criminal probes involving battlefield contractors in the war in Iraq and the U.S. fight against terrorism, The Associated Press has learned. Senior contracting officials, government employees, residents of other countries and, in some cases, U.S. military personnel have been implicated in millions of dollars of fraud allegations. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,247619,00.html
15. Five industrial parks to be built near Iran-Iraq border. TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – A deputy industries and mines minister announced on Saturday that Iranian companies would construct five industrial parks in the provinces bordering Iraq. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=440579
16. IWPR's Iraqi Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169596800-2-1169683200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169683200-2-1169769600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
17. Industry Ministry director killed. Baghdad: The director general of Iraq’s Industry Ministry was shot dead along with his daughter and two others as he drove to work in Baghdad on Sunday. Adel Abdul Mehsun Al Lami's vehicle came under fire in the western Yarmouk area of Baghdad. http://www.gulf-news.com/region/Iraq/10100120.html
18. Fuel crisis worsens. Azzaman, January 27, 2007. Disorderly queues at petrol stations in Baghdad stretch for several kilometers and the armed police and soldiers deployed to keep order are no longer capable of containing the chaos. Many filling stations have no fuel to sell leading to even longer queues at the ones which are still operating. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-27\kurd1.htm
19. Dollar bids slightly lower, exchange rates stable in Iraqi auction. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=36114&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 26 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
26 January 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 24 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79483.pdf
2. Reconstruction in Iraq: The Uncertain Way Ahead. Synopsis: The course of the fighting on Iraq is now so uncertain that no one can predict when it will be possible to begin the systematic reconstruction of the economy and the petroleum sector. What began as an insurgency has become a sectarian and ethnic conflict that risks tearing the country apart and could lock it into a bloody civil war or divide it between Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurd. This fighting has compounded the serious, if not critical, problems in the past allocation of aid. The US programmed some $38 billion dollars in aid to Iraq between its invasion in 2003 and President Bush's announcement of a new strategy in January 2007. The international community pledged some $15 billion more. The new Bush strategy at most will buy time and support military operations for a year or so in ways that can weaken the economic incentives to support sectarian and ethnic fighting. To be successful, however, past aid plans will probably have to be totally restructured during the course of 2007 and 2008. http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/070119_iraq_reconstruction.pdf
3. Iraq riches tempt South Korea. UpstreamOnline.com. South Korea has sent a joint business-government delegation to Kurdistan to discuss future oilfield developments, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Energy said in reports. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126548.ece
4. Syria and Iraq to sign economic minutes. DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Trade and Economy Amer Hossni Lotfi and Iraqi Minister of Trade Abdullfalah al-Sudani singed the discussion minutes held between the Syrian and Iraq sides to enhance the fraternal ties connecting the tow countries particularly in the economic domain. Discussions concentrated on the economic cooperation especially in trade exchange and oil transportation. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/17/97241.htm
5. Energy Crisis Threatens Investment. Investors in Iraqi Kurdistan say escalating fuel costs are trying their patience. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=328624&apc_state=henficr328622
6. Iraq is preparing to receive the Japanese loan of 3.5 billion dollars. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/en/default.asp
7. Erbil seeks to become Middle East hub. ATWOnline.comTuesday January 23, 2007. The Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq is spending $300 million to upgrade Erbil International Airport in an effort to make the city that sits just 60 mi. from the Turkish and Iranian borders an important transportation hub. http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=7686
8. Positive signs in Iraq/Dina-Dollar exchange rate. A look at the price of the Iraqi dinar through today, Jan. 15, shows that it keeps moving up. If you go to the Central Bank of Iraq site and scroll down to the bottom you will see the most recent data. Note the explosion in dollar value of trading. http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2007/01/positive_signs_in_iraq.html
9. Implementing 11 service projects in Science & Technology. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1469.htm
10. Kurdistan is not demanding to take back Kirkuk just for oil -Barazani. Erbil, Jan 24, (VOI) – Kurdistan Prime Minister Nijirvan al-Barazani on Wednesday said the Kurds were not demanding to take back Kirkuk just for oil but because they were evicted from their homes there during the former Iraqi regime. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35867&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
11. New Iraq state oil company to control biggest fields. BAGHDAD, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Iraq will put its most prized oilfields under the control of a new national oil company that can invite multinationals to help boost exports and production, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said on Wednesday.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=tnBusinessNews&storyID=nL24379112
12. Kurdish reservations on the draft of the iraqi oil law. http://www.niqash.org/content.php?contentTypeID=171&id=1787
13. State oil company 'to oversee Iraqi fields'. UpstreamOnline.com Iraq will put its most prized oilfields under the control of a new national oil company that can invite multinationals to help boost exports and production, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain Shahristani said today. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article126724.ece
14. DNO aims for quick Iraq export licence. UpstreamOnline.com Norway's DNO expects to gain a licence soon to export oil from Iraq despite an apparent rift in the war-torn country's oil-sharing rules between Baghdad and its partner, the Kurdish authorities. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/middle_east/article126696.ece
15. S Korea to Send Delegation to Iraq This Week on Oil Devt. www.gulfoilandgas.com 1/22/2007 A South Korean delegation will travel to Iraq this week to seek the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government for the participation of South Korean companies in oil development projects there, said the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy Monday. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=4036
END
26 January 2007
1. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 24 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79483.pdf
2. Reconstruction in Iraq: The Uncertain Way Ahead. Synopsis: The course of the fighting on Iraq is now so uncertain that no one can predict when it will be possible to begin the systematic reconstruction of the economy and the petroleum sector. What began as an insurgency has become a sectarian and ethnic conflict that risks tearing the country apart and could lock it into a bloody civil war or divide it between Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurd. This fighting has compounded the serious, if not critical, problems in the past allocation of aid. The US programmed some $38 billion dollars in aid to Iraq between its invasion in 2003 and President Bush's announcement of a new strategy in January 2007. The international community pledged some $15 billion more. The new Bush strategy at most will buy time and support military operations for a year or so in ways that can weaken the economic incentives to support sectarian and ethnic fighting. To be successful, however, past aid plans will probably have to be totally restructured during the course of 2007 and 2008. http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/070119_iraq_reconstruction.pdf
3. Iraq riches tempt South Korea. UpstreamOnline.com. South Korea has sent a joint business-government delegation to Kurdistan to discuss future oilfield developments, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Energy said in reports. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126548.ece
4. Syria and Iraq to sign economic minutes. DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Trade and Economy Amer Hossni Lotfi and Iraqi Minister of Trade Abdullfalah al-Sudani singed the discussion minutes held between the Syrian and Iraq sides to enhance the fraternal ties connecting the tow countries particularly in the economic domain. Discussions concentrated on the economic cooperation especially in trade exchange and oil transportation. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/17/97241.htm
5. Energy Crisis Threatens Investment. Investors in Iraqi Kurdistan say escalating fuel costs are trying their patience. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=328624&apc_state=henficr328622
6. Iraq is preparing to receive the Japanese loan of 3.5 billion dollars. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/en/default.asp
7. Erbil seeks to become Middle East hub. ATWOnline.comTuesday January 23, 2007. The Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq is spending $300 million to upgrade Erbil International Airport in an effort to make the city that sits just 60 mi. from the Turkish and Iranian borders an important transportation hub. http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=7686
8. Positive signs in Iraq/Dina-Dollar exchange rate. A look at the price of the Iraqi dinar through today, Jan. 15, shows that it keeps moving up. If you go to the Central Bank of Iraq site and scroll down to the bottom you will see the most recent data. Note the explosion in dollar value of trading. http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2007/01/positive_signs_in_iraq.html
9. Implementing 11 service projects in Science & Technology. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1469.htm
10. Kurdistan is not demanding to take back Kirkuk just for oil -Barazani. Erbil, Jan 24, (VOI) – Kurdistan Prime Minister Nijirvan al-Barazani on Wednesday said the Kurds were not demanding to take back Kirkuk just for oil but because they were evicted from their homes there during the former Iraqi regime. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35867&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
11. New Iraq state oil company to control biggest fields. BAGHDAD, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Iraq will put its most prized oilfields under the control of a new national oil company that can invite multinationals to help boost exports and production, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said on Wednesday.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=tnBusinessNews&storyID=nL24379112
12. Kurdish reservations on the draft of the iraqi oil law. http://www.niqash.org/content.php?contentTypeID=171&id=1787
13. State oil company 'to oversee Iraqi fields'. UpstreamOnline.com Iraq will put its most prized oilfields under the control of a new national oil company that can invite multinationals to help boost exports and production, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain Shahristani said today. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article126724.ece
14. DNO aims for quick Iraq export licence. UpstreamOnline.com Norway's DNO expects to gain a licence soon to export oil from Iraq despite an apparent rift in the war-torn country's oil-sharing rules between Baghdad and its partner, the Kurdish authorities. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/middle_east/article126696.ece
15. S Korea to Send Delegation to Iraq This Week on Oil Devt. www.gulfoilandgas.com 1/22/2007 A South Korean delegation will travel to Iraq this week to seek the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government for the participation of South Korean companies in oil development projects there, said the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy Monday. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=4036
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 25 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
25 January 2007
1. Iraq Liberation and Reconstruction Performance Metrics. Here is an interesting series of weblog posts http://timelineview.blogspot.com/ by a researcher with a background in accurately measuring and depicting organizational performance. He looks at several leading statistical reports, such as the Brookings Iraq Index and The State Department's Iraq Weekly Status Report, and opines, "What's holding us back is that these data are neither readily-reusable in the sense we have been discussing in the blog, nor are they organized in a form to making then readily digestible by all interested citizens." He identifies the strong and weak parts of the reports and makes some recommendations regarding the presentation of the data and, last, gives his take on 34 of 142 Iraq factors key to identifying our progress. For the complete Iraq series go to http://timelineview.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html and start at 13 January 2007.
2. Iraq Struggles to Finish Oil Law. Forging an Agreement Requires Balancing Sharply Divided Interests, Ethnic Groups. Four months ago, about 80 oil company executives and consultants packed an office on St. James's Square in London for a briefing on exploration prospects in Iraq's Kurdish region and a Kurdish draft of an Iraqi national petroleum law. Despite the immense risks of working in Iraq -- pipeline explosions, kidnappings, insurgency, political infighting -- the oil company executives were lured by the potential rewards, which are immense, too. Outside Saudi Arabia, no country has proven oil reserves as big as Iraq's. And the oil there is high quality, easy and cheap to produce, and bottled up in reservoirs that many major oil companies were familiar with three decades ago before wars and sanctions drove them out. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/23/AR2007012301534.html
3. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/22/07. https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
4. Auditors Report Billions in Reconstruction Waste and Fraud in Iraq. VOA.Com Government auditors told Congress Thursday that waste and fraud in the reconstruction of Iraq have been rampant. They predict they will uncover losses in the billions of dollars. Key Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee demanded an accounting within two months. http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-01-19-voa32.cfm
5. Lack of security in Iraq wasting U.S. aid-inspector. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As much as 15 percent of $21.8 billion in U.S. reconstruction aid for Iraq may have been wasted largely because of the poor security situation, the U.S. inspector for rebuilding projects said on Thursday. The revelation comes as President George W. Bush planned to send 21,500 more U.S. troops into Iraq and to ask Congress for another $1.2 billion for rebuilding and jobs programs as part of his strategy to end sectarian violence in Iraq. http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=newsOne&storyid=2007-01-18T180952Z_01_N18449600_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&src=011807_1510_DOUBLEFEATURE_iraq
6. New Iraqi police station under construction in Ramadi. Blackanthem Military News, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Engineers completed perimeter fortifications on an outpost destined to be an Iraqi Police station in the Sofia District of Ramadi Jan. 14. http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/New_Iraqi_police_station_under_construction_in_Ramadi3636.shtml
7. Economic expert calls for the return of the Central Agency for prices. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2968
8. Economic researcher calls for the benefit from the expertise of the General Company for Cars. In supplying service offices to reduce the financial corruption and the role of intermediaries. The General Company for Cars and Machines Trade, one of the institutions of the Ministry of Commerce, has enough technical and material expertise to re-build all machines and repair service cars, which qualifies it to work in the service ministries. The company also possesses advanced garages and technical workshops, but they have not been invested yet. Why? http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2987
9. Central Bank Governor: This year's budget focused on increasing investment in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2990
10. Iraq: Electrical Power System. BG Michael Walsh of GRD discusses the Iraq Power System. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/video/downloads/ele.zip
11. New oil law will lead to fair competition: Iraqi minister. BAGHDAD - A new draft hydrocarbons law will pave the way for "transparent and fair" competition in bids to develop Iraq's oil wealth, the oil minister said Sunday as he sought to restore the confidence of foreign investors. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0fb9195b-c2ec-4c38-9f2f-3ce8af222d00&k=66194
12. $10 million court building for Basra. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-20\kurd1.htm
13. Iraqi economy restoration remains hopeful after evaluation. 20 Jan 2007. The U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Business Transformation, Paul A. Brinkley, held a press conference concerning the status of the Iraqi economy at the Combined Press Information Center in the International Zone Thursday afternoon. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1471.htm
14. Kurdistan's new Erbil airport, with 5km runway, aims for regional hub role. Iraq’s northern region of Kurdistan is expecting to open a new $300 million international airport next year which the local government believes will be essential to attracting business to the area. While the Iraqi capital Baghdad remains highly volatile, the northern Kurdistan province’s primary city Erbil has been relatively stable – although it suffered a twin suicide bombing three years ago which killed scores of people including several high-ranking political figures, and another devastating bomb attack 15 months later. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/24/211743/from-our-correspondent-in-iraq-kurdistans-new-erbil-airport-with-5km-runway-aims-for-regional.html
15. Temporary 'Enjoyment Marriages' In Vogue Again With Some Iraqis. BAGHDAD -- Fatima Ali was a 24-year-old divorcee with no high school diploma and no job. Shawket al-Rubae was a 34-year-old Shiite sheik with a pregnant wife who, he said, could not have sex with him. Ali wanted someone to take care of her. Rubae wanted a companion. They met one afternoon in May at the house he shares with his wife, in the room where he accepts visitors seeking his religious counsel. He had a proposal. Would Ali be his temporary wife? He would pay her 5,000 Iraqi dinars upfront -- about $4 -- in addition to her monthly expenses. About twice a week over the next eight months, he would summon her to a house he would rent.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/19/AR2007011901850.html
END
25 January 2007
1. Iraq Liberation and Reconstruction Performance Metrics. Here is an interesting series of weblog posts http://timelineview.blogspot.com/ by a researcher with a background in accurately measuring and depicting organizational performance. He looks at several leading statistical reports, such as the Brookings Iraq Index and The State Department's Iraq Weekly Status Report, and opines, "What's holding us back is that these data are neither readily-reusable in the sense we have been discussing in the blog, nor are they organized in a form to making then readily digestible by all interested citizens." He identifies the strong and weak parts of the reports and makes some recommendations regarding the presentation of the data and, last, gives his take on 34 of 142 Iraq factors key to identifying our progress. For the complete Iraq series go to http://timelineview.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html and start at 13 January 2007.
2. Iraq Struggles to Finish Oil Law. Forging an Agreement Requires Balancing Sharply Divided Interests, Ethnic Groups. Four months ago, about 80 oil company executives and consultants packed an office on St. James's Square in London for a briefing on exploration prospects in Iraq's Kurdish region and a Kurdish draft of an Iraqi national petroleum law. Despite the immense risks of working in Iraq -- pipeline explosions, kidnappings, insurgency, political infighting -- the oil company executives were lured by the potential rewards, which are immense, too. Outside Saudi Arabia, no country has proven oil reserves as big as Iraq's. And the oil there is high quality, easy and cheap to produce, and bottled up in reservoirs that many major oil companies were familiar with three decades ago before wars and sanctions drove them out. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/23/AR2007012301534.html
3. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/22/07. https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
4. Auditors Report Billions in Reconstruction Waste and Fraud in Iraq. VOA.Com Government auditors told Congress Thursday that waste and fraud in the reconstruction of Iraq have been rampant. They predict they will uncover losses in the billions of dollars. Key Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee demanded an accounting within two months. http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-01-19-voa32.cfm
5. Lack of security in Iraq wasting U.S. aid-inspector. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As much as 15 percent of $21.8 billion in U.S. reconstruction aid for Iraq may have been wasted largely because of the poor security situation, the U.S. inspector for rebuilding projects said on Thursday. The revelation comes as President George W. Bush planned to send 21,500 more U.S. troops into Iraq and to ask Congress for another $1.2 billion for rebuilding and jobs programs as part of his strategy to end sectarian violence in Iraq. http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=newsOne&storyid=2007-01-18T180952Z_01_N18449600_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&src=011807_1510_DOUBLEFEATURE_iraq
6. New Iraqi police station under construction in Ramadi. Blackanthem Military News, AR RAMADI, Iraq – Engineers completed perimeter fortifications on an outpost destined to be an Iraqi Police station in the Sofia District of Ramadi Jan. 14. http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/New_Iraqi_police_station_under_construction_in_Ramadi3636.shtml
7. Economic expert calls for the return of the Central Agency for prices. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2968
8. Economic researcher calls for the benefit from the expertise of the General Company for Cars. In supplying service offices to reduce the financial corruption and the role of intermediaries. The General Company for Cars and Machines Trade, one of the institutions of the Ministry of Commerce, has enough technical and material expertise to re-build all machines and repair service cars, which qualifies it to work in the service ministries. The company also possesses advanced garages and technical workshops, but they have not been invested yet. Why? http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2987
9. Central Bank Governor: This year's budget focused on increasing investment in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2990
10. Iraq: Electrical Power System. BG Michael Walsh of GRD discusses the Iraq Power System. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/video/downloads/ele.zip
11. New oil law will lead to fair competition: Iraqi minister. BAGHDAD - A new draft hydrocarbons law will pave the way for "transparent and fair" competition in bids to develop Iraq's oil wealth, the oil minister said Sunday as he sought to restore the confidence of foreign investors. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0fb9195b-c2ec-4c38-9f2f-3ce8af222d00&k=66194
12. $10 million court building for Basra. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-20\kurd1.htm
13. Iraqi economy restoration remains hopeful after evaluation. 20 Jan 2007. The U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Business Transformation, Paul A. Brinkley, held a press conference concerning the status of the Iraqi economy at the Combined Press Information Center in the International Zone Thursday afternoon. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1471.htm
14. Kurdistan's new Erbil airport, with 5km runway, aims for regional hub role. Iraq’s northern region of Kurdistan is expecting to open a new $300 million international airport next year which the local government believes will be essential to attracting business to the area. While the Iraqi capital Baghdad remains highly volatile, the northern Kurdistan province’s primary city Erbil has been relatively stable – although it suffered a twin suicide bombing three years ago which killed scores of people including several high-ranking political figures, and another devastating bomb attack 15 months later. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/24/211743/from-our-correspondent-in-iraq-kurdistans-new-erbil-airport-with-5km-runway-aims-for-regional.html
15. Temporary 'Enjoyment Marriages' In Vogue Again With Some Iraqis. BAGHDAD -- Fatima Ali was a 24-year-old divorcee with no high school diploma and no job. Shawket al-Rubae was a 34-year-old Shiite sheik with a pregnant wife who, he said, could not have sex with him. Ali wanted someone to take care of her. Rubae wanted a companion. They met one afternoon in May at the house he shares with his wife, in the room where he accepts visitors seeking his religious counsel. He had a proposal. Would Ali be his temporary wife? He would pay her 5,000 Iraqi dinars upfront -- about $4 -- in addition to her monthly expenses. About twice a week over the next eight months, he would summon her to a house he would rent.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/19/AR2007011901850.html
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 24 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
24 January 2007
1. Kurdish oil boss denies oil law claim. www.Upstreamonline.com A top Iraqi Kurdish oil official denied an agreement has been reached on a draft oil law for Iraq and said more meetings were needed to resolve outstanding issues, according to reports. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126622.ece
2. Baghdad bids to break stalemate. www.Upstreamonline.com Senior Iraqi officials will meet again today in a bid to resolve a last-minute hitch in plans to present a landmark law on the oil industry to Cabinet this week, senior government sources said. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126625.ece
3. Kurds deny Iraq oil law accord. LONDON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- Kurdish officials have dismissed a suggestion that Iraqs main political factions had overcome their differences on a proposed oil law and said that a final agreement could still be sometime away. http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=945152
4. Police Recruiting Day in Fallujah. http://www.indcjournal.com/archives/002933.php
5. Iraqi Minister of Industry: 230 factories functioning in Iraq. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140206
6. D.N.O declines re-negotiations over new oil draft law-Iraq. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140012
7. ABOT isolation spools installed ahead of time. BASRAH, Iraq – A shutdown to install four isolation spools at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in the Persian Gulf was completed ahead of time, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-20-2.html
8. Iraqi officials wrangle with Kurds over oil law. BAGHDAD, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Senior Iraqi officials will meet again on Tuesday in an effort to resolve a last-minute hitch in plans to present a landmark law on the oil industry to cabinet this week, senior government sources said. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=L23884528&WTmodLoc=World-R5-Alertnet-2
9. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Building Local Iraqi Leadership. http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=January&x=20070117180624esnamfuak0.9784815
10. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169424000-2-1169510400-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169424000-2-1169510400-3-icr&o=c-1-1169510400-2-1169596800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
11. Brookings Iraq Index, 22 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
12. Journalists call for protection in Iraq. Associated Press. BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Paris-based advocacy group Reporters Without Borders on Thursday urged Iraqi authorities to step up efforts to protect journalists here after, it said, six journalists and media workers were killed in less than a week. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070119/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_journalists_killed_1
13. Iraqi Troops Bedeviled By a Range of Problems. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Concerned that an Iraqi military base had grown too dependent on U.S. supplies, American officials decided to test how it would cope if forced to rely on its own supply lines for fuel. The result: three days of intermittent blackouts. U.S. troops finally rushed emergency fuel to turn the base's lights on and keep its vehicles moving. "The Iraqis were not stepping up," says Lt. Col. Kenneth Kirkpatrick, who supervises logistics at the Taji base on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116917142338481046.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
14. Iraqi dinar surges despite violence, economic hardships. Azzaman. The Iraqi currency is appreciating vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar but economists warn the surge in value may further increase economic hardships. The dinar has risen to nearly 1,200 to the dollar from about 1,500. The U.S. currency has been retreating against almost all major currencies but government officials see its decline in Iraq as a sign of economic well-being. Baghdad University economists said they did not share the government’s optimism. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-19\kurd.htm
15. Wheat ships arrive in Um Qasr port. http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=35848
16. Instability makes holiday treats a little less sweet. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — The Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha has been over for more than a week, but the al-Baraka Bakery is still feeling the pinch from a slow season. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-11-iraqweek_x.htm
24 January 2007
1. Kurdish oil boss denies oil law claim. www.Upstreamonline.com A top Iraqi Kurdish oil official denied an agreement has been reached on a draft oil law for Iraq and said more meetings were needed to resolve outstanding issues, according to reports. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126622.ece
2. Baghdad bids to break stalemate. www.Upstreamonline.com Senior Iraqi officials will meet again today in a bid to resolve a last-minute hitch in plans to present a landmark law on the oil industry to Cabinet this week, senior government sources said. http://www.upstreamonline.com/incoming/article126625.ece
3. Kurds deny Iraq oil law accord. LONDON, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- Kurdish officials have dismissed a suggestion that Iraqs main political factions had overcome their differences on a proposed oil law and said that a final agreement could still be sometime away. http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=945152
4. Police Recruiting Day in Fallujah. http://www.indcjournal.com/archives/002933.php
5. Iraqi Minister of Industry: 230 factories functioning in Iraq. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140206
6. D.N.O declines re-negotiations over new oil draft law-Iraq. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093140012
7. ABOT isolation spools installed ahead of time. BASRAH, Iraq – A shutdown to install four isolation spools at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal in the Persian Gulf was completed ahead of time, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-20-2.html
8. Iraqi officials wrangle with Kurds over oil law. BAGHDAD, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Senior Iraqi officials will meet again on Tuesday in an effort to resolve a last-minute hitch in plans to present a landmark law on the oil industry to cabinet this week, senior government sources said. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=L23884528&WTmodLoc=World-R5-Alertnet-2
9. Provincial Reconstruction Teams Building Local Iraqi Leadership. http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=January&x=20070117180624esnamfuak0.9784815
10. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1169424000-2-1169510400-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169424000-2-1169510400-3-icr&o=c-1-1169510400-2-1169596800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
11. Brookings Iraq Index, 22 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
12. Journalists call for protection in Iraq. Associated Press. BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Paris-based advocacy group Reporters Without Borders on Thursday urged Iraqi authorities to step up efforts to protect journalists here after, it said, six journalists and media workers were killed in less than a week. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070119/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_journalists_killed_1
13. Iraqi Troops Bedeviled By a Range of Problems. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Concerned that an Iraqi military base had grown too dependent on U.S. supplies, American officials decided to test how it would cope if forced to rely on its own supply lines for fuel. The result: three days of intermittent blackouts. U.S. troops finally rushed emergency fuel to turn the base's lights on and keep its vehicles moving. "The Iraqis were not stepping up," says Lt. Col. Kenneth Kirkpatrick, who supervises logistics at the Taji base on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116917142338481046.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
14. Iraqi dinar surges despite violence, economic hardships. Azzaman. The Iraqi currency is appreciating vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar but economists warn the surge in value may further increase economic hardships. The dinar has risen to nearly 1,200 to the dollar from about 1,500. The U.S. currency has been retreating against almost all major currencies but government officials see its decline in Iraq as a sign of economic well-being. Baghdad University economists said they did not share the government’s optimism. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-19\kurd.htm
15. Wheat ships arrive in Um Qasr port. http://www.alsabaah.com/paper.php?source=akbar&mlf=interpage&sid=35848
16. Instability makes holiday treats a little less sweet. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — The Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha has been over for more than a week, but the al-Baraka Bakery is still feeling the pinch from a slow season. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-11-iraqweek_x.htm
Iraq Reconstruction News 23 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
23 January 2007
1. Dems plan Iraq contract hearings in first oversight step. CongressDaily. In a sign that the Bush administration is entering a period of intense scrutiny from the new powerbrokers on Capitol Hill, a leading Democrat with oversight responsibility will announce next week a wide-ranging probe of government contracts for rebuilding Iraq. On Tuesday, the day of President Bush's State of the Union speech, House Oversight and Government Reform Government Management Subcommittee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., plans to unveil an investigation into "no-bid" contracts and possible conflicts of interest in the awarding of Iraq reconstruction contracts by the Pentagon. A Towns press release dated Jan. 23 states that "one of the primary targets of the investigations" would be "the Halliburton Corp. and its subsidiary Kellogg, Brown and Root." It also notes that Vice President Cheney is the former Halliburton CEO. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35912&dcn=e_gvet
2. Thousands Benefit from first Healthcare Clinic in Salah Al Den. TIKRIT, Iraq – More than 112,000 people in the Salah Al Den Province are receiving healthcare from the first completed Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in the north. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-16.html
3. Basra to get first cardiac hospital for $22 million. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35268&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
4. Iran, Iraq ink Memorandum Of Understanding on expansion of transportation ties. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=435739
5. Advisers: Baghdad repair will take time. WASHINGTON - Americans and Iraqis, working together to try to make Baghdad a livable city under gunfire, have made some headway in building sewer systems and schools. But the American heads of the 80-person provisional reconstruction team that provides advice acknowledged Wednesday that "it will take a very long time" to get the job done. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_reconstruction_2
6. Iraq promotes investment opportunities in the sectors of industry, tourism and construction. Iraqi officials and businessmen called their counterparts in the Emirates to invest in the various economic sectors in Iraq in spite of the deteriorating the security situation and its adverse repercussions on the economic conditions, considering that some areas are still providing opportunities for investment due to the relative security calmness in them; in the light of Iraq's need for considerable investments covering all fields. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2961
7. Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division completed 38 construction projects and started 23 new projects in Iraq from Dec.29, 2006-Jan. 12, 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-17.html
8. Grants awarded to microfinance organizations in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Grants+awarded+to+microfinance+organizations+in+Iraq__1112425.html
9. Diary of Saad Eskander, Director of the Iraq National Library and Archive. http://portico.bl.uk/iraqdiary.html
10. Iraq given access to Iran's southern ports. http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=49050&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs
11. Assassinations and kidnappings thwart Iraq reconstruction efforts. http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2007/s1829318.htm
12. IRAQ: Kurdistan, low in violence but lacking services. IRIN. ARBIL - Unlike other parts of the country, the three-province autonomous northern region of Kurdistan is not the Iraq of roadside bombs and beheadings. It is relatively safe and well-protected by an experienced security force. Locals and foreigners alike can walk around freely and there is even an active nightlife. “Have you seen the other parts of Iraq? It's spectacular. It’s peaceful,” states a website advertisement to lure tourists and investors to Kurdistan, which consists of Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk and Arbil provinces. “Welcome to Iraqi Kurdistan where democracy has been practiced for over a decade. This is not a dream. It’s the other Iraq,” adds the advertisement. However, not all Kurds are in accordance with the picture painted of their region by advertisements or politicians. http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc0118IRIN.html
13. Long Road Ahead to Iraq Reconstruction, Say Team Leaders. WASHINGTON — Americans and Iraqis, working together to try to make Baghdad a livable city under gunfire, have made some headway in building sewer systems and schools. But the American heads of the 80-person provisional reconstruction team that provides advice acknowledged Wednesday that "it will take a very long time" to get the job done. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244235,00.html
14. Iraqi Troops Bedeviled By a Range of Problems. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Concerned that an Iraqi military base had grown too dependent on U.S. supplies, American officials decided to test how it would cope if forced to rely on its own supply lines for fuel. The result: three days of intermittent blackouts. U.S. troops finally rushed emergency fuel to turn the base's lights on and keep its vehicles moving. "The Iraqis were not stepping up," says Lt. Col. Kenneth Kirkpatrick, who supervises logistics at the Taji base on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116917142338481046.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
15. Interview of David Satterfield, State Department, Senior Coordinator for Iraq. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%3A%20Sunday%2C%20Jan.%2014&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj011407%5Fsatterfield.rm
16. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report, 22 January 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070122.pdf
17. Iraqi oil exports still below pre-war level. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-22\kurd1.htm
END
23 January 2007
1. Dems plan Iraq contract hearings in first oversight step. CongressDaily. In a sign that the Bush administration is entering a period of intense scrutiny from the new powerbrokers on Capitol Hill, a leading Democrat with oversight responsibility will announce next week a wide-ranging probe of government contracts for rebuilding Iraq. On Tuesday, the day of President Bush's State of the Union speech, House Oversight and Government Reform Government Management Subcommittee Chairman Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., plans to unveil an investigation into "no-bid" contracts and possible conflicts of interest in the awarding of Iraq reconstruction contracts by the Pentagon. A Towns press release dated Jan. 23 states that "one of the primary targets of the investigations" would be "the Halliburton Corp. and its subsidiary Kellogg, Brown and Root." It also notes that Vice President Cheney is the former Halliburton CEO. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35912&dcn=e_gvet
2. Thousands Benefit from first Healthcare Clinic in Salah Al Den. TIKRIT, Iraq – More than 112,000 people in the Salah Al Den Province are receiving healthcare from the first completed Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in the north. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-16.html
3. Basra to get first cardiac hospital for $22 million. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35268&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
4. Iran, Iraq ink Memorandum Of Understanding on expansion of transportation ties. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=435739
5. Advisers: Baghdad repair will take time. WASHINGTON - Americans and Iraqis, working together to try to make Baghdad a livable city under gunfire, have made some headway in building sewer systems and schools. But the American heads of the 80-person provisional reconstruction team that provides advice acknowledged Wednesday that "it will take a very long time" to get the job done. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070117/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_reconstruction_2
6. Iraq promotes investment opportunities in the sectors of industry, tourism and construction. Iraqi officials and businessmen called their counterparts in the Emirates to invest in the various economic sectors in Iraq in spite of the deteriorating the security situation and its adverse repercussions on the economic conditions, considering that some areas are still providing opportunities for investment due to the relative security calmness in them; in the light of Iraq's need for considerable investments covering all fields. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2961
7. Construction Rollup: Project Starts, Completions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division completed 38 construction projects and started 23 new projects in Iraq from Dec.29, 2006-Jan. 12, 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-17.html
8. Grants awarded to microfinance organizations in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Grants+awarded+to+microfinance+organizations+in+Iraq__1112425.html
9. Diary of Saad Eskander, Director of the Iraq National Library and Archive. http://portico.bl.uk/iraqdiary.html
10. Iraq given access to Iran's southern ports. http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=49050&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs
11. Assassinations and kidnappings thwart Iraq reconstruction efforts. http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2007/s1829318.htm
12. IRAQ: Kurdistan, low in violence but lacking services. IRIN. ARBIL - Unlike other parts of the country, the three-province autonomous northern region of Kurdistan is not the Iraq of roadside bombs and beheadings. It is relatively safe and well-protected by an experienced security force. Locals and foreigners alike can walk around freely and there is even an active nightlife. “Have you seen the other parts of Iraq? It's spectacular. It’s peaceful,” states a website advertisement to lure tourists and investors to Kurdistan, which consists of Sulaymaniyah, Dahuk and Arbil provinces. “Welcome to Iraqi Kurdistan where democracy has been practiced for over a decade. This is not a dream. It’s the other Iraq,” adds the advertisement. However, not all Kurds are in accordance with the picture painted of their region by advertisements or politicians. http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc0118IRIN.html
13. Long Road Ahead to Iraq Reconstruction, Say Team Leaders. WASHINGTON — Americans and Iraqis, working together to try to make Baghdad a livable city under gunfire, have made some headway in building sewer systems and schools. But the American heads of the 80-person provisional reconstruction team that provides advice acknowledged Wednesday that "it will take a very long time" to get the job done. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244235,00.html
14. Iraqi Troops Bedeviled By a Range of Problems. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Concerned that an Iraqi military base had grown too dependent on U.S. supplies, American officials decided to test how it would cope if forced to rely on its own supply lines for fuel. The result: three days of intermittent blackouts. U.S. troops finally rushed emergency fuel to turn the base's lights on and keep its vehicles moving. "The Iraqis were not stepping up," says Lt. Col. Kenneth Kirkpatrick, who supervises logistics at the Taji base on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116917142338481046.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
15. Interview of David Satterfield, State Department, Senior Coordinator for Iraq. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%3A%20Sunday%2C%20Jan.%2014&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj011407%5Fsatterfield.rm
16. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report, 22 January 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070122.pdf
17. Iraqi oil exports still below pre-war level. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-22\kurd1.htm
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 22 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
22 January 2007
1. Iraqi oil terminal resumes exports after three-day shutdown. http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/01/21/afx3346623.html
2. Iraqi labour movement opposes new oil law. http://www.workersliberty.org/node/7579
3. Law Could Help Modernize Iraq Oil Sector. BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A new draft hydrocarbons law will pave the way for "transparent and fair" competition in bids to develop Iraq's oil wealth, the oil minister said Sunday as he sought to restore the confidence of foreign investors. The new law, if approved, is expected to encourage foreign oil companies with their investment clout and technology to modernize Iraq's oil sector and meet the country's goal of doubling the current crude production of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2010. http://www.columbian.com/news/APStories/AP01212007news95422.cfm
4. Lost in Translation: Iraq's Injured 'Terps'. WSJ. AMMAN, Jordan -- Cocky, cheerful Ali Adil thought he found his calling as an interpreter with the Third Marines, patrolling Iraq's most dangerous ground. The pay was good and he loved bantering about women and rock 'n' roll with young Americans. By helping Marines root out insurgents, he believed he was building a peaceful and just Iraq. But since July -- when a suicide bomber drove an explosives-filled tanker into a building his unit was guarding -- the 20-year-old Mr. Adil has faced a different future. After suffering severe burns, he has undergone nine skin grafts at a hospital in Amman and lives in a dormitory with a dozen other wounded Iraqi interpreters -- "Terps" as the Americans call them. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116909193503079872.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
5. Iraq readies law aimed to draw investors. BAGHDAD, Iraq. Iraq's long-awaited hydrocarbons law, which could attract huge investments from foreign oil companies, has been drafted and will be submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement next week, the Oil Ministry said Thursday. Once the draft law is endorsed by the Cabinet, it will go to the parliament for final approval, said ministry spokesman Assem Jihad. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070118/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_oil_law_1
6. Population influx is biggest problem in south. IRIN. BASRA/MUTHANA - Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim-dominated southern provinces have witnessed far less violence over the past three years than their eastern and northern counterparts. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Shi'ites have fled south or returned from abroad to seek refuge there, giving rise to a number of militias and making it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to cater to the needs of the displaced. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2831.shtml
7. Minister of Finance: support of oil derivatives continuous. Salary increases are calculated from this month, the dollar worth 1260 dinar this year and will drop to one thousand dinar soon. The Minister of Finance denied that the 2007 budget had lifted support for oil derivatives, and confirmed that his ministry had allocated the funds required for the new salary scale which will be implemented this month, but the Parliament did not approve the plan of implementation so far, pointing out that the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar will be 1260 dinar for this year with putting a fiscal policy to restore the strength of the Iraqi dinar. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2994
8. Sources: Iraq studies the best model for oil contracts in Europe and America. Sources in the Ministry of Oil said on Wednesday that Iraq seeks to find the best model for its future contracts with international oil companies through the study of existing agreements with Norway, Britain and the United States. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2989
9. A Norwegian firm: There is no need to renegotiate an agreement on Iraqi oil. The Norwegian company D.N.O, which was the first the foreign company to excavate oil in post-war Iraq, said on Thursday that the production agreement with the Kurdish regional authorities may not be re-negotiated under the new Iraqi oil draft law. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2988
10. Draft Law Keeps Central Control Over Oil in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 — After months of tense bargaining, a cabinet-level committee has produced a draft law governing Iraq’s vast oil fields that would distribute all revenues through the federal government and grant Baghdad wide powers in exploration, development and awarding major international contracts. The draft, described Friday by several members of the committee, could still change and must be approved by the Iraqi cabinet and Parliament before it becomes law. Negotiations have veered off track in the past, and members of the political and sectarian groups with interest in the law could still object as they read it more closely. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/world/middleeast/20oil.html?ref=todayspaper
11. Iraq's planned budget divisive too. Corruption fears and discord over funds for victims of Hussein's regime contribute to debate over spending. BAGHDAD — It's budget time in Iraq, and the lively debates that have erupted would strike a familiar chord for observers of such talks in any American statehouse or European parliament. But war-ravaged Iraq is no ordinary country, and the murkiness surrounding many items in the proposed 2007 budget has contributed to the general distrust between sectarian factions as well as widespread doubts about the ability of the government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to manage the nation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraqmoney19jan19,1,7095489.story?coll=la-headlines-world
12. Iraq to refrain from increasing oil exports: minister. BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq will not increase oil exports in support of fellow OPEC member states which want to underpin world crude prices, Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani said on Sunday. "We do not want to dump crude on to the market while it is suffering from surplus production because we are keen to maintain world prices," he told a press conference in Baghdad. http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=1/22/2007&Cat=9&Num=4
13. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o=c-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o=c-1-1169164800-2-1169251200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
14. Kerosene shortage spurs thriving resale market. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — When it comes to heating their homes, many Baghdad residents rely on a scrawny, white donkey named Sha'alan. Every morning, Sha'alan and countless other donkeys amble through the capital with their owners in tow, carrying tins of kerosene. Fuel is scarce, and more Iraqis than ever are depending on this old-fashioned form of home delivery. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-18-life-in-iraq_x.htm
15. War News Radio: Escalating Diplomacy. http://warnewsradio.org/
22 January 2007
1. Iraqi oil terminal resumes exports after three-day shutdown. http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/01/21/afx3346623.html
2. Iraqi labour movement opposes new oil law. http://www.workersliberty.org/node/7579
3. Law Could Help Modernize Iraq Oil Sector. BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A new draft hydrocarbons law will pave the way for "transparent and fair" competition in bids to develop Iraq's oil wealth, the oil minister said Sunday as he sought to restore the confidence of foreign investors. The new law, if approved, is expected to encourage foreign oil companies with their investment clout and technology to modernize Iraq's oil sector and meet the country's goal of doubling the current crude production of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2010. http://www.columbian.com/news/APStories/AP01212007news95422.cfm
4. Lost in Translation: Iraq's Injured 'Terps'. WSJ. AMMAN, Jordan -- Cocky, cheerful Ali Adil thought he found his calling as an interpreter with the Third Marines, patrolling Iraq's most dangerous ground. The pay was good and he loved bantering about women and rock 'n' roll with young Americans. By helping Marines root out insurgents, he believed he was building a peaceful and just Iraq. But since July -- when a suicide bomber drove an explosives-filled tanker into a building his unit was guarding -- the 20-year-old Mr. Adil has faced a different future. After suffering severe burns, he has undergone nine skin grafts at a hospital in Amman and lives in a dormitory with a dozen other wounded Iraqi interpreters -- "Terps" as the Americans call them. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116909193503079872.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
5. Iraq readies law aimed to draw investors. BAGHDAD, Iraq. Iraq's long-awaited hydrocarbons law, which could attract huge investments from foreign oil companies, has been drafted and will be submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement next week, the Oil Ministry said Thursday. Once the draft law is endorsed by the Cabinet, it will go to the parliament for final approval, said ministry spokesman Assem Jihad. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070118/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_oil_law_1
6. Population influx is biggest problem in south. IRIN. BASRA/MUTHANA - Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim-dominated southern provinces have witnessed far less violence over the past three years than their eastern and northern counterparts. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Shi'ites have fled south or returned from abroad to seek refuge there, giving rise to a number of militias and making it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to cater to the needs of the displaced. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2831.shtml
7. Minister of Finance: support of oil derivatives continuous. Salary increases are calculated from this month, the dollar worth 1260 dinar this year and will drop to one thousand dinar soon. The Minister of Finance denied that the 2007 budget had lifted support for oil derivatives, and confirmed that his ministry had allocated the funds required for the new salary scale which will be implemented this month, but the Parliament did not approve the plan of implementation so far, pointing out that the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar will be 1260 dinar for this year with putting a fiscal policy to restore the strength of the Iraqi dinar. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2994
8. Sources: Iraq studies the best model for oil contracts in Europe and America. Sources in the Ministry of Oil said on Wednesday that Iraq seeks to find the best model for its future contracts with international oil companies through the study of existing agreements with Norway, Britain and the United States. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2989
9. A Norwegian firm: There is no need to renegotiate an agreement on Iraqi oil. The Norwegian company D.N.O, which was the first the foreign company to excavate oil in post-war Iraq, said on Thursday that the production agreement with the Kurdish regional authorities may not be re-negotiated under the new Iraqi oil draft law. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2988
10. Draft Law Keeps Central Control Over Oil in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 — After months of tense bargaining, a cabinet-level committee has produced a draft law governing Iraq’s vast oil fields that would distribute all revenues through the federal government and grant Baghdad wide powers in exploration, development and awarding major international contracts. The draft, described Friday by several members of the committee, could still change and must be approved by the Iraqi cabinet and Parliament before it becomes law. Negotiations have veered off track in the past, and members of the political and sectarian groups with interest in the law could still object as they read it more closely. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/world/middleeast/20oil.html?ref=todayspaper
11. Iraq's planned budget divisive too. Corruption fears and discord over funds for victims of Hussein's regime contribute to debate over spending. BAGHDAD — It's budget time in Iraq, and the lively debates that have erupted would strike a familiar chord for observers of such talks in any American statehouse or European parliament. But war-ravaged Iraq is no ordinary country, and the murkiness surrounding many items in the proposed 2007 budget has contributed to the general distrust between sectarian factions as well as widespread doubts about the ability of the government of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to manage the nation.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraqmoney19jan19,1,7095489.story?coll=la-headlines-world
12. Iraq to refrain from increasing oil exports: minister. BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq will not increase oil exports in support of fellow OPEC member states which want to underpin world crude prices, Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani said on Sunday. "We do not want to dump crude on to the market while it is suffering from surplus production because we are keen to maintain world prices," he told a press conference in Baghdad. http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=1/22/2007&Cat=9&Num=4
13. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o=c-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1169078400-2-1169164800-3-icr&o=c-1-1169164800-2-1169251200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
14. Kerosene shortage spurs thriving resale market. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — When it comes to heating their homes, many Baghdad residents rely on a scrawny, white donkey named Sha'alan. Every morning, Sha'alan and countless other donkeys amble through the capital with their owners in tow, carrying tins of kerosene. Fuel is scarce, and more Iraqis than ever are depending on this old-fashioned form of home delivery. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-18-life-in-iraq_x.htm
15. War News Radio: Escalating Diplomacy. http://warnewsradio.org/
Iraq Reconstruction News 21 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
21 January 2007
1. Iraq's unlikely saviours. What has survived from Saddam's era that is still in good shape and could help towards rebuilding the country and tackling the insurgency? The answer is disused factories. Most have their machinery more or less intact and some could be up and running within weeks, Germany's Der Spiegel reports. After the U.S. intervention in Iraq, the plan was simple: close the government-subsidised factories and let the vibrant free markets that would spring up afterwards do their bit. This didn't happen. Factories producing everything from tomato paste to ceramics ground to a halt and the "vibrant free markets" remained conspicuously absent. http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/1265/2007/00/19-203317-1.htm
2. Iraq Occupation and Oil. ALARAB ONLINE. The British media have started unveiling the real objectives of waging war on Iraq and later occupying it. In the beginning, the pretext was weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be non-existent in Iraq. A few days before the war, Bush stated explicitly that his next objective was ousting the dictatorship and installing the basis for democracy. http://english.alarabonline.org/display.asp?fname=2007%5C01%5C01-19%5Czopinionz%5C961.htm&dismode=x&ts=19/01/2007%2012:23:53%20%C3%A3
3. Iraqi Draft Law on Oil Revenue Appears Close. BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 — After months of tense bargaining, a cabinet-level committee has produced a draft law governing Iraq’s vast oil fields that would distribute all revenues through the federal government and grant Baghdad wide powers in exploration, development and awarding of major international contracts. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/world/middleeast/19cnd-oil.html?hp&ex=1169269200&en=4f5fb9465fa66a71&ei=5094&partner=homepage
4. Dems plan Iraq contract hearings in first oversight step. CongressDaily In a sign that the Bush administration is entering a period of intense scrutiny from the new powerbrokers on Capitol Hill, a leading Democrat with oversight responsibility will announce next week a wide-ranging probe of government contracts for rebuilding Iraq. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/011907cdpm1.htm
5. The Kuwait Exhibition Company began marketing to the second exhibition of reconstructing Iraq. Kuwait International Fair Company http://www.kif.net/ said today that it began marketing to the second exhibition of reconstructing Iraq scheduled next November.
6. Private Banks in Iraq; broken hopes because of the security situation. The private banking sector in Iraq is still marking time within a modest financial work despite the fact that it had started in 1991. These banks had their real start after the collapse of the former regime in Iraq; there were several high hopes during the era that came after that event, but those hopes quickly evaporated with the emergence of a significant number of new banks with new titles like the agricultural, industrial or service. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2915
7. Ministry launches police purge. Azzaman, January 12, 2007. The Ministry of Interior says it has sacked 6,000 employees as part of a campaign to purge the police force of the militias that have infiltrated its ranks. The purge comes as U.S. and Iraqi troops are poised to mount large-scale military operations to regain control of Baghdad. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-12\kurd1.htm
8. Mosel airport staffs abstain from work due to the presence of an American base at the airport. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2756.15
9. Najaf provides land for displaced. Many of the internally displaced Iraqis live in old government buildings. BAGHDAD, 9 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - Local authorities in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf, 200 km south of the capital, Baghdad, are allotting pieces of land to displaced families from outside the province as well as to some residents. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=56964&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=IRAQ
10. Iraqi universities launch major training initiative on International Auditing Standards. Ten universities in Iraq - in collaboration with seven local chapters of Iraq's leading professional association for accounting professionals - are launching a major education initiative to introduce International Auditing Standards to Iraq. Approximately 800 students and accountants throughout Iraq will participate in the seminar over a two-month period beginning early this month. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+universities+launch+major+training+initiative+on+International+Auditing+Standards__1112421.html
11. High-Tech Healthcare in Iraq, Minus the Healthcare. http://corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14290
12. Iran, Iraq to jointly establish shipping company. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0701169643171906.htm
13. Iraq Calls to Reactivate Tripartite Committee on Water. DAMASCUS, (SANA) - Iraq called on Tuesday to reactivate the tripartite committee on water including Syria, Iraq and Turkey as it urged to benefit from the Syrian companies expertise to bolster the process of development in Iraq, Iraqi minister said. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/16/97021.htm
14. Al-Sunaid expects rise in the Iraqi dinar price during the middle of 2007. The deputy on the United Iraqi Alliance list, Hassan Al-Sunaid, expected during a meeting of the Iraqi Parliament that the Iraqi dinar exchange rate will reach 1200 dinar to the dollar at mid-year, while the price of one dollar hit 1480 IQD last November. http://edinarfinancial.net/news/?nn=475
15. 12 Trillion Iraqi dinar, Iraq's Budget This Year. In a press statement Baban said that the mentioned amounts delivered as 3 trillion iraqi dinar for oil ministry projects to rehabilitation oil sector, while electric ministry specifics amounted 1 trillion and 745 billion dollars for proving electric energy in the state. http://edinarfinancial.net/news/?nn=477
16. Iraqi director gives voice to his nation. Associated Press. NEW YORK - If the Oscar for best foreign-language film were awarded to the filmmaker who overcame the greatest hardships and faced the biggest risks to bring his vision to the screen, then Iraqi director Mohamed Al-Daradji would be the odds-on favorite to take home the golden statuette for his debut feature film, "Ahlaam." http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/people/16446396.htm More onformation is at http://www.arabfilmfestival.nl/directors/Mohamed%20Al-Daradji.htm and http://us.imdb.com/name/nm1865534/ and http://www.alwanforthearts.org/05_06/ahlaam.html
21 January 2007
1. Iraq's unlikely saviours. What has survived from Saddam's era that is still in good shape and could help towards rebuilding the country and tackling the insurgency? The answer is disused factories. Most have their machinery more or less intact and some could be up and running within weeks, Germany's Der Spiegel reports. After the U.S. intervention in Iraq, the plan was simple: close the government-subsidised factories and let the vibrant free markets that would spring up afterwards do their bit. This didn't happen. Factories producing everything from tomato paste to ceramics ground to a halt and the "vibrant free markets" remained conspicuously absent. http://www.alertnet.org/db/blogs/1265/2007/00/19-203317-1.htm
2. Iraq Occupation and Oil. ALARAB ONLINE. The British media have started unveiling the real objectives of waging war on Iraq and later occupying it. In the beginning, the pretext was weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be non-existent in Iraq. A few days before the war, Bush stated explicitly that his next objective was ousting the dictatorship and installing the basis for democracy. http://english.alarabonline.org/display.asp?fname=2007%5C01%5C01-19%5Czopinionz%5C961.htm&dismode=x&ts=19/01/2007%2012:23:53%20%C3%A3
3. Iraqi Draft Law on Oil Revenue Appears Close. BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 — After months of tense bargaining, a cabinet-level committee has produced a draft law governing Iraq’s vast oil fields that would distribute all revenues through the federal government and grant Baghdad wide powers in exploration, development and awarding of major international contracts. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/world/middleeast/19cnd-oil.html?hp&ex=1169269200&en=4f5fb9465fa66a71&ei=5094&partner=homepage
4. Dems plan Iraq contract hearings in first oversight step. CongressDaily In a sign that the Bush administration is entering a period of intense scrutiny from the new powerbrokers on Capitol Hill, a leading Democrat with oversight responsibility will announce next week a wide-ranging probe of government contracts for rebuilding Iraq. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/011907cdpm1.htm
5. The Kuwait Exhibition Company began marketing to the second exhibition of reconstructing Iraq. Kuwait International Fair Company http://www.kif.net/ said today that it began marketing to the second exhibition of reconstructing Iraq scheduled next November.
6. Private Banks in Iraq; broken hopes because of the security situation. The private banking sector in Iraq is still marking time within a modest financial work despite the fact that it had started in 1991. These banks had their real start after the collapse of the former regime in Iraq; there were several high hopes during the era that came after that event, but those hopes quickly evaporated with the emergence of a significant number of new banks with new titles like the agricultural, industrial or service. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2915
7. Ministry launches police purge. Azzaman, January 12, 2007. The Ministry of Interior says it has sacked 6,000 employees as part of a campaign to purge the police force of the militias that have infiltrated its ranks. The purge comes as U.S. and Iraqi troops are poised to mount large-scale military operations to regain control of Baghdad. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-12\kurd1.htm
8. Mosel airport staffs abstain from work due to the presence of an American base at the airport. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2756.15
9. Najaf provides land for displaced. Many of the internally displaced Iraqis live in old government buildings. BAGHDAD, 9 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - Local authorities in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf, 200 km south of the capital, Baghdad, are allotting pieces of land to displaced families from outside the province as well as to some residents. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=56964&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=IRAQ
10. Iraqi universities launch major training initiative on International Auditing Standards. Ten universities in Iraq - in collaboration with seven local chapters of Iraq's leading professional association for accounting professionals - are launching a major education initiative to introduce International Auditing Standards to Iraq. Approximately 800 students and accountants throughout Iraq will participate in the seminar over a two-month period beginning early this month. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+universities+launch+major+training+initiative+on+International+Auditing+Standards__1112421.html
11. High-Tech Healthcare in Iraq, Minus the Healthcare. http://corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14290
12. Iran, Iraq to jointly establish shipping company. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0701169643171906.htm
13. Iraq Calls to Reactivate Tripartite Committee on Water. DAMASCUS, (SANA) - Iraq called on Tuesday to reactivate the tripartite committee on water including Syria, Iraq and Turkey as it urged to benefit from the Syrian companies expertise to bolster the process of development in Iraq, Iraqi minister said. http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/01/16/97021.htm
14. Al-Sunaid expects rise in the Iraqi dinar price during the middle of 2007. The deputy on the United Iraqi Alliance list, Hassan Al-Sunaid, expected during a meeting of the Iraqi Parliament that the Iraqi dinar exchange rate will reach 1200 dinar to the dollar at mid-year, while the price of one dollar hit 1480 IQD last November. http://edinarfinancial.net/news/?nn=475
15. 12 Trillion Iraqi dinar, Iraq's Budget This Year. In a press statement Baban said that the mentioned amounts delivered as 3 trillion iraqi dinar for oil ministry projects to rehabilitation oil sector, while electric ministry specifics amounted 1 trillion and 745 billion dollars for proving electric energy in the state. http://edinarfinancial.net/news/?nn=477
16. Iraqi director gives voice to his nation. Associated Press. NEW YORK - If the Oscar for best foreign-language film were awarded to the filmmaker who overcame the greatest hardships and faced the biggest risks to bring his vision to the screen, then Iraqi director Mohamed Al-Daradji would be the odds-on favorite to take home the golden statuette for his debut feature film, "Ahlaam." http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/people/16446396.htm More onformation is at http://www.arabfilmfestival.nl/directors/Mohamed%20Al-Daradji.htm and http://us.imdb.com/name/nm1865534/ and http://www.alwanforthearts.org/05_06/ahlaam.html
Iraq Reconstruction News 20 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
20 January 2007
1. KRG statement: Status of Iraq federal oil law. Erbil, 18 January 2006. In an article published by Reuters on 17th January headlined Iraq leaders agree draft oil law, a spokesman of the Ministry for Oil in Baghdad stated, “The committee finalized the draft of the law last night [i.e. 16th January]. It was approved unanimously and it will go before the cabinet early next week”. As far as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is concerned, the draft law has not been “finalized unanimously”, therefore the claim made by the oil ministry spokesman, as reported by Reuters, is inaccurate and misleading. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70&ArticleNr=15832
2. Army Engineers Work to Improve Iraq's Oil Export. BASRAH, Iraq -- The regime change in Iraq has opened many new opportunities and important development projects in the southern oil fields of Iraq. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working on various projects to ramp up oil production for the new democratic country and help improve Iraq’s economy. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-18.html
3. Final oil draft law to be referred to cabinet next week. Baghdad, Jan 19, (VOI) – The final oil draft law will be referred to the Iraqi cabinet for endorsement and then to parliament to enact a legislation after discussing it, Iraq's oil minister said. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35460&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
4. Iraq Readies Hydrocarbons Law. Maliki Announces Arrests Of 400 Mahdi Army Members. Associated Press. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's long-awaited hydrocarbons law, which could attract huge investments from foreign oil companies, has been drafted and will be submitted to the cabinet for endorsement next week, the Oil Ministry said Thursday. Once the draft law is endorsed by the cabinet, it will go to the parliament for final approval, said ministry spokesman Assem Jihad. He expressed hope the legislation, which seeks to draw the legal framework for sharing the county's oil wealth, could be ratified within a month. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116912160694180165.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
5. State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report, 17 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79141.pdf
6. Brookings Iraq Index, 18 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
7. Japan gives $414M for Iraq pipeline. TOKYO, Jan. 18 Japan will loan $685 million for oil and electricity work in Iraq, part of a $5 billion in grants and loans in reconstruction funds. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/21667.html
8. Interview of Mishkat Al-Moumin, Fmr. Iraqi Ministry of Environment (2004-05). C-SPAN. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%20%2D%20Mishkat%20Al%2DMoumin%2C%20Fmr.%20Iraqi%20Ministry%20of%20Environment%20%282004%2D05%29%20&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj011607%5Fmishkat.rm
9. New law brings fresh investment hopes. Dubai: Iraq is banking on a new law to pull in the foreign capital needed to rebuild its shattered economy, conference delegates were told. http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/01/11/10095944.html
10. The International Bank is financing a program to benefit from the Iraqi frozen loans. An expert at the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation stated that the International Bank would finance an Iraqi government program to benefit from the international unpaid oans for legal problems between Baghdad and the donors, stressing that one of the most significant obstacles to reconstruct Iraq are the delay in implementing the projects funded by international grants and loans and the investment budget of the State as well as Iraq's lack of a unified and developed law to meet the basic needs of the beneficiaries and executers alike. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2942
11. Iraq bans the export of palms till 2009. Retreated to the fifth rank in the world in exporting dates. Iraq confirmed the continuing validity of its decision banning the export of all kinds of palm shoots up to the year 2009, pointing out that the resolution is renewable and it ends in 2008, and not the beginning of this year. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2941
12. An international conference in Dubai to attract investments in Iraq. Iraqi, American and international officials and businessmen met in Dubai conference titled "exchange of investments between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates". The Conference was attended by about 600 investors and businessmen came mostly from the Iraqi province of Anbar, in an attempt to attract Gulf and international investments. The attendees called on to invest in Iraq, confirming the existence of an exaggeration in the information on the security situation there. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2962
13. Analyst Sees Flaws in Iraq Rebuilding Plan. Morning Edition, January 10, 2007 · Can Iraq afford to pay for its own reconstruction with its oil revenues? One analyst says it can, and questions the potential effectiveness of a jobs program for Iraq that President Bush is expected to propose. Keith Crane, senior economist at the Rand Corp., recently advised the Iraq Study Group on Iraq's economy and reconstruction. He discusses Iraq and the Bush plan with Renee Montagne. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6777769
14. Al-Sunaid expects rise in the Iraqi dinar price before the middle of this year. A deputy in the Iraqi Parliament revealed that the rate of the Iraqi dinar will continue to rise against the dollar to reach a high level by mid-year. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2940
15. Inspections show reconstruction progress. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- And now for some good news in Iraq: six reports on reconstruction projects across the war-torn country find well managed, effective programs. The special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction issued positive reports on selected programs last week -- a maternity and children's hospital, a prison, five electrical substations, a police training range, and water tanks on an Iraqi military base. In each case, the projects were found to be well designed, built to specifications, operating as intended and meeting scheduling targets. http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20070112-012426-7717r
16. Nothing but the oil truth. Gulf News. The coin finally dropped. Stealthily, but we heard it loud and clear. It dropped while we were busy scratching our heads trying to figure out what plan America's current great leader, the eminent George W. Bush, has for Iraq, what truths were buried with Iraq's former great leader, the late eminent Saddam Hussain, how bloody Iraq's civil war will become. http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/columns/region/10097051.html
END
20 January 2007
1. KRG statement: Status of Iraq federal oil law. Erbil, 18 January 2006. In an article published by Reuters on 17th January headlined Iraq leaders agree draft oil law, a spokesman of the Ministry for Oil in Baghdad stated, “The committee finalized the draft of the law last night [i.e. 16th January]. It was approved unanimously and it will go before the cabinet early next week”. As far as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is concerned, the draft law has not been “finalized unanimously”, therefore the claim made by the oil ministry spokesman, as reported by Reuters, is inaccurate and misleading. http://www.krg.org/articles/article_detail.asp?LangNr=12&LNNr=28&RNNr=70&ArticleNr=15832
2. Army Engineers Work to Improve Iraq's Oil Export. BASRAH, Iraq -- The regime change in Iraq has opened many new opportunities and important development projects in the southern oil fields of Iraq. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working on various projects to ramp up oil production for the new democratic country and help improve Iraq’s economy. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-18.html
3. Final oil draft law to be referred to cabinet next week. Baghdad, Jan 19, (VOI) – The final oil draft law will be referred to the Iraqi cabinet for endorsement and then to parliament to enact a legislation after discussing it, Iraq's oil minister said. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35460&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
4. Iraq Readies Hydrocarbons Law. Maliki Announces Arrests Of 400 Mahdi Army Members. Associated Press. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's long-awaited hydrocarbons law, which could attract huge investments from foreign oil companies, has been drafted and will be submitted to the cabinet for endorsement next week, the Oil Ministry said Thursday. Once the draft law is endorsed by the cabinet, it will go to the parliament for final approval, said ministry spokesman Assem Jihad. He expressed hope the legislation, which seeks to draw the legal framework for sharing the county's oil wealth, could be ratified within a month. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116912160694180165.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
5. State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report, 17 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79141.pdf
6. Brookings Iraq Index, 18 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
7. Japan gives $414M for Iraq pipeline. TOKYO, Jan. 18 Japan will loan $685 million for oil and electricity work in Iraq, part of a $5 billion in grants and loans in reconstruction funds. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/21667.html
8. Interview of Mishkat Al-Moumin, Fmr. Iraqi Ministry of Environment (2004-05). C-SPAN. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Washington%20Journal%20%2D%20Mishkat%20Al%2DMoumin%2C%20Fmr.%20Iraqi%20Ministry%20of%20Environment%20%282004%2D05%29%20&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq%5Fwj011607%5Fmishkat.rm
9. New law brings fresh investment hopes. Dubai: Iraq is banking on a new law to pull in the foreign capital needed to rebuild its shattered economy, conference delegates were told. http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/01/11/10095944.html
10. The International Bank is financing a program to benefit from the Iraqi frozen loans. An expert at the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation stated that the International Bank would finance an Iraqi government program to benefit from the international unpaid oans for legal problems between Baghdad and the donors, stressing that one of the most significant obstacles to reconstruct Iraq are the delay in implementing the projects funded by international grants and loans and the investment budget of the State as well as Iraq's lack of a unified and developed law to meet the basic needs of the beneficiaries and executers alike. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2942
11. Iraq bans the export of palms till 2009. Retreated to the fifth rank in the world in exporting dates. Iraq confirmed the continuing validity of its decision banning the export of all kinds of palm shoots up to the year 2009, pointing out that the resolution is renewable and it ends in 2008, and not the beginning of this year. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2941
12. An international conference in Dubai to attract investments in Iraq. Iraqi, American and international officials and businessmen met in Dubai conference titled "exchange of investments between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates". The Conference was attended by about 600 investors and businessmen came mostly from the Iraqi province of Anbar, in an attempt to attract Gulf and international investments. The attendees called on to invest in Iraq, confirming the existence of an exaggeration in the information on the security situation there. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2962
13. Analyst Sees Flaws in Iraq Rebuilding Plan. Morning Edition, January 10, 2007 · Can Iraq afford to pay for its own reconstruction with its oil revenues? One analyst says it can, and questions the potential effectiveness of a jobs program for Iraq that President Bush is expected to propose. Keith Crane, senior economist at the Rand Corp., recently advised the Iraq Study Group on Iraq's economy and reconstruction. He discusses Iraq and the Bush plan with Renee Montagne. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6777769
14. Al-Sunaid expects rise in the Iraqi dinar price before the middle of this year. A deputy in the Iraqi Parliament revealed that the rate of the Iraqi dinar will continue to rise against the dollar to reach a high level by mid-year. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2940
15. Inspections show reconstruction progress. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- And now for some good news in Iraq: six reports on reconstruction projects across the war-torn country find well managed, effective programs. The special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction issued positive reports on selected programs last week -- a maternity and children's hospital, a prison, five electrical substations, a police training range, and water tanks on an Iraqi military base. In each case, the projects were found to be well designed, built to specifications, operating as intended and meeting scheduling targets. http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20070112-012426-7717r
16. Nothing but the oil truth. Gulf News. The coin finally dropped. Stealthily, but we heard it loud and clear. It dropped while we were busy scratching our heads trying to figure out what plan America's current great leader, the eminent George W. Bush, has for Iraq, what truths were buried with Iraq's former great leader, the late eminent Saddam Hussain, how bloody Iraq's civil war will become. http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/columns/region/10097051.html
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 19 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
19 January 2007
1. A plan for the flow of Iraq's oil money. A tentative deal is in the works to share Iraq's oil money when and if it starts coming in, according to Reuters. Kai Ryssdal talked with Alistair MacDonald, Reuters' Baghdad bureau chief, about the plan. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/01/17/PM200701171.html
2. KRG lost authority over Kurdistan region's oil and other resources, new Iraqi law. London (KurdishMeida.com) 18 January 2006: The Kurdistan Regional Government has lost control and authority over Kurdistan region's oil, according to the new Iraqi law. http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=13907
3. Meters installed at southern oil company. Azzaman, January 16, 2007. The Southern Oil Company has began installing meters at its terminal and production sites to gauge exactly how much oil it produces and how much it exports. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-16\kurd.htm
4. Syria, Iraq negotiate reopening pipeline. DAMASCUS, Syria, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Syrian and Iraqi officials are negotiating the reopening of an oil pipeline damaged by U.S. air strikes during the American-led invasion of Iraq. Iraqi Oil Ministry official Falah al-Ameri told United Press International in Damascus Tuesday the pipeline that stretches from the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk to the Syrian coastal town of Banyas will start pumping oil in the next few months. http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligence/view.php?StoryID=20070116-121735-7447r
5. Diplomat Tapped to Head Iraq Reconstruction. All Things Considered, January 15, 2007 · Timothy M. Carney was dispatched to Iraq in 2003, to run Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals. He left after two months, disgusted, disillusioned and outspoken about what he called mismanagement in Iraq. He wrote a blistering memo about the experience called "Fatal Flaws in Budget Policy," and followed up with a scathing op-ed piece that was printed in the Washington Post. But as part of its new strategy for Iraq, the White House has retapped Carney, asking him to manage the reconstruction in Iraq. Michele Norris talks with Washington Post reporter Rajiv Chandrasekaran about Carney and what his expectations are for his second tour. Chandrasekaran is the author of Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6861058
6. Rebels make $1bn from refinery. Reuters. IRAQI militants are taking most of the $US1.5 billion ($1.92 billion) a year that's stolen from Iraq's main oil refinery through smuggling and corruption, the government told parliament today. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21060426-1702,00.html
7. Abandoned Iraqi factories now manufacture hope. RAMADI, Iraq: Inside a huge shuttered factory on the gritty western fringes of this outlaw desert town, thousands of ornate porcelain sinks, toilets and other fixtures sit in row after row next to the automated ovens and assembly lines that once churned out the products but lie silent under a thin film of yellow desert dust. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/18/news/factory.php
8. Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: GAO Audit Approach and Findings, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-385T, January 18. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-385T
9. Analysis: Restarting Iraq's Factories. When then-viceroy Paul Bremer took over the civilian administration of Iraq in 2003, he had an intricate plan to transform the state-owned socialist economy into a beacon of free enterprise in the heart of the Middle East. Central to his plan was the sale of some 200 state-owned enterprises to the highest bidder to bring in fresh capital, streamline operations and boost profits. That in turn would drive the rest of the economy. http://www.postchronicle.com/news/security/article_21258114.shtml
10. Iran, Iraq sign MoU on transportation. Tehran Jan 16, IRNA. Iran and Iraq by signing an MoU here Monday decided to expand cooperation in the fields of air, land and sea transportation. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0701166788013239.htm
11. Police in Iraq see jump in recruits. RAMADI, Iraq — The U.S. military is reporting a dramatic and unexpected increase in the number of police recruits in Anbar province, the center of Sunni insurgent activity in Iraq. In the past two weeks, more than 1,000 applicants have sought police jobs in Ramadi, the provincial capital. Eight hundred signed up last month in Ramadi, said Army Maj. Thomas Shoffner, operations officer for the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Those figures compare with only "a few dozen" recruits in September, the U.S. military said. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-14-police-recruits_x.htm
12. Iraqi Trade Union FWCUI Condemns Fuel Price Hikes, Corruption. The Federation of Workers’ Councils and Unions in Iraq (FWCUI) recently organised a major workers protest against fuel price hikes, on 27 December, in Basra at the Petrochemical State Company. On 12 January, the union also participated in a successful demonstration against corruption in the electrical industry of Karbal?, a city some 100 kilometres south of Baghdad. http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=2007011606564364
13. Disease alert after sewage system collapses. BAGHDAD, 15 January (IRIN) - Residents of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, are at risk of contracting a range of waterborne diseases as the city's sewage system has collapsed after four days of heavy rain, the country's health ministry said on Monday. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/49a52149f52ed4cd21b0609649b70a35.htm
14. Iraq: New law brings fresh investment hopes. 11 Jan 2007. Dubai: Iraq is banking on a new law to pull in the foreign capital needed to rebuild its shattered economy, conference delegates were told. According to leading Iraqi financial experts and provincial leaders, the recently-approved Investment Law will help establish the legal and regulatory framework needed to develop a business-friendly environment and attract much-needed private sector investment. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN10095944/SecCountries/pagIraq/lok000000070111
15. History of Iraq (stamps). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCdylpVtCvM
END
19 January 2007
1. A plan for the flow of Iraq's oil money. A tentative deal is in the works to share Iraq's oil money when and if it starts coming in, according to Reuters. Kai Ryssdal talked with Alistair MacDonald, Reuters' Baghdad bureau chief, about the plan. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/01/17/PM200701171.html
2. KRG lost authority over Kurdistan region's oil and other resources, new Iraqi law. London (KurdishMeida.com) 18 January 2006: The Kurdistan Regional Government has lost control and authority over Kurdistan region's oil, according to the new Iraqi law. http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=13907
3. Meters installed at southern oil company. Azzaman, January 16, 2007. The Southern Oil Company has began installing meters at its terminal and production sites to gauge exactly how much oil it produces and how much it exports. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-16\kurd.htm
4. Syria, Iraq negotiate reopening pipeline. DAMASCUS, Syria, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Syrian and Iraqi officials are negotiating the reopening of an oil pipeline damaged by U.S. air strikes during the American-led invasion of Iraq. Iraqi Oil Ministry official Falah al-Ameri told United Press International in Damascus Tuesday the pipeline that stretches from the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk to the Syrian coastal town of Banyas will start pumping oil in the next few months. http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligence/view.php?StoryID=20070116-121735-7447r
5. Diplomat Tapped to Head Iraq Reconstruction. All Things Considered, January 15, 2007 · Timothy M. Carney was dispatched to Iraq in 2003, to run Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals. He left after two months, disgusted, disillusioned and outspoken about what he called mismanagement in Iraq. He wrote a blistering memo about the experience called "Fatal Flaws in Budget Policy," and followed up with a scathing op-ed piece that was printed in the Washington Post. But as part of its new strategy for Iraq, the White House has retapped Carney, asking him to manage the reconstruction in Iraq. Michele Norris talks with Washington Post reporter Rajiv Chandrasekaran about Carney and what his expectations are for his second tour. Chandrasekaran is the author of Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6861058
6. Rebels make $1bn from refinery. Reuters. IRAQI militants are taking most of the $US1.5 billion ($1.92 billion) a year that's stolen from Iraq's main oil refinery through smuggling and corruption, the government told parliament today. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21060426-1702,00.html
7. Abandoned Iraqi factories now manufacture hope. RAMADI, Iraq: Inside a huge shuttered factory on the gritty western fringes of this outlaw desert town, thousands of ornate porcelain sinks, toilets and other fixtures sit in row after row next to the automated ovens and assembly lines that once churned out the products but lie silent under a thin film of yellow desert dust. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/18/news/factory.php
8. Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: GAO Audit Approach and Findings, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-385T, January 18. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-385T
9. Analysis: Restarting Iraq's Factories. When then-viceroy Paul Bremer took over the civilian administration of Iraq in 2003, he had an intricate plan to transform the state-owned socialist economy into a beacon of free enterprise in the heart of the Middle East. Central to his plan was the sale of some 200 state-owned enterprises to the highest bidder to bring in fresh capital, streamline operations and boost profits. That in turn would drive the rest of the economy. http://www.postchronicle.com/news/security/article_21258114.shtml
10. Iran, Iraq sign MoU on transportation. Tehran Jan 16, IRNA. Iran and Iraq by signing an MoU here Monday decided to expand cooperation in the fields of air, land and sea transportation. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0701166788013239.htm
11. Police in Iraq see jump in recruits. RAMADI, Iraq — The U.S. military is reporting a dramatic and unexpected increase in the number of police recruits in Anbar province, the center of Sunni insurgent activity in Iraq. In the past two weeks, more than 1,000 applicants have sought police jobs in Ramadi, the provincial capital. Eight hundred signed up last month in Ramadi, said Army Maj. Thomas Shoffner, operations officer for the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Those figures compare with only "a few dozen" recruits in September, the U.S. military said. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-14-police-recruits_x.htm
12. Iraqi Trade Union FWCUI Condemns Fuel Price Hikes, Corruption. The Federation of Workers’ Councils and Unions in Iraq (FWCUI) recently organised a major workers protest against fuel price hikes, on 27 December, in Basra at the Petrochemical State Company. On 12 January, the union also participated in a successful demonstration against corruption in the electrical industry of Karbal?, a city some 100 kilometres south of Baghdad. http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=2007011606564364
13. Disease alert after sewage system collapses. BAGHDAD, 15 January (IRIN) - Residents of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, are at risk of contracting a range of waterborne diseases as the city's sewage system has collapsed after four days of heavy rain, the country's health ministry said on Monday. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/49a52149f52ed4cd21b0609649b70a35.htm
14. Iraq: New law brings fresh investment hopes. 11 Jan 2007. Dubai: Iraq is banking on a new law to pull in the foreign capital needed to rebuild its shattered economy, conference delegates were told. According to leading Iraqi financial experts and provincial leaders, the recently-approved Investment Law will help establish the legal and regulatory framework needed to develop a business-friendly environment and attract much-needed private sector investment. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN10095944/SecCountries/pagIraq/lok000000070111
15. History of Iraq (stamps). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCdylpVtCvM
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 18 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
18 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/13/07. https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Brookings Iraq Index, 16 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3, Iraqis will never accept this sellout to the oil corporations. The US-controlled Iraqi government is preparing to remove the country's most precious resource from national control. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1991321,00.html
4. Armed groups blamed for loss of oil revenues. Azzaman. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-17\kurd1.htm
5. Iraqi Leaders Reportedly Agree On Draft Oil Law. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi officials have agreed a final draft of a law that sets rules for sharing Iraq's oil wealth and aims to bring in billions of dollars of foreign investment to rebuild the mainstay of the economy. But crucially, international oil firms waiting for access to the world's third biggest oil reserves will find little detail in the draft about the form future deals will take. They are likely to hold off major commitments until there is clarity. http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-01-17T142445Z_01_MAC743964_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&src=011707_1025_DOUBLEFEATURE_weather
6. Syria-Iraq oil pipeline to be restored -- minister. DAMASCUS, Jan 17 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Commerce Minister Abdulfalah Al-Soudani said Wednesday his country and Syria were studying ways of restoring an old oil pipeline crossing Syrian territory and linking Iraq with the Mediterranean Sea.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=943488
7. Japan to Lend 82.6B Yen to Build Pipeline, Other Facilities in Iraq. Japan will lend Iraq a total of 82.6 billion yen to help the war-torn Middle Eastern country improve crude oil and electricity-related facilities, the Foreign Ministry said Monday. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=38974
8. Iraq agrees final oil law draft. Upstream.com. Iraqi officials have agreed a final draft of a law that sets rules for sharing Iraq's oil wealth and aims to bring in billions of dollars of foreign investment to rebuild the mainstay of the economy. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/middle_east/article126300.ece
9. Haifa Waleed - "I prefer to be illiterate than to die" BAGHDAD, 10 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - “I am 10 years old but I have not been to school for the past three years because I’m scared of the killings taking place in Iraq. Many of my friends have either been kidnapped or killed. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=56971&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=IRAQ
10. UN FAO: Iraq water resources. http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/aglw/aquastat/countries/iraq/index.stm
11. A New Oil Plan for Iraq. TIME. In his speech announcing plans to boost troop levels in Iraq, George Bush noted that Iraq was about to pass "legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis" in order to give the citizens of that country a share in the economy. Indeed, the 33-page draft of that proposed Oil & Gas Law now circulating, if passed as currently written, would end decades of total government control over Iraq's mammoth oil reserves and distribute oil income among all the country's regions — a dramatic change from the past and a potential windfall for Big Oil. But it must first get through Iraq's fractious parliament and the country's divisive ethnic politics. Already, the draft shows signs of wrangling and potentially troublesome compromise. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1576593,00.html
12. Provision of yen loan to Iraq. The Government of Japan has announced its intention to provide yen loans up to the total amount of 79,837 million yen to the Republic of Iraq. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/VBOL-6XCL6Y?OpenDocument
13. Cost of Iraq railroad projects. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/13261
14. Iraq allocates 8 billion dollars for housing projects. The Iraqi government allocated eight billion dollars for "the Land Bank" to support the project of lending citizens at facilitated interests to build on the lands granted to them by the government (100 thousand residential plot), within the current year's budget, and the housing project which was announced earlier. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1456.htm
15. Shock and oil: Iraq's billions & the White House connection. The American company appointed to advise the US government on the economic reconstruction of Iraq has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars into Republican Party coffers and has admitted that its own finances are in chaos because of accounting errors and bad management. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2152438.ece
16. Turkey warns Kurds against seeking control of oil-rich Kirkuk. ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey's prime minister warned Iraqi Kurdish groups Tuesday against trying to seize control of the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. Kurdish lawmakers responded by accusing Ankara of interfering in internal Iraqi matters. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey will not stand by amid growing tensions among ethnic Turkmens, Arabs and Kurds in Iraq's oil-rich north. Turkish lawmakers are to discuss Kirkuk and Iraq on Thursday, and Turkey's main opposition party has said it would back a cross-border offensive to quell a Kurdish rebellion. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/16/europe/EU-GEN-Turkey-Iraq-Kirkuk.php
END
18 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/13/07. https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
2. Brookings Iraq Index, 16 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
3, Iraqis will never accept this sellout to the oil corporations. The US-controlled Iraqi government is preparing to remove the country's most precious resource from national control. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1991321,00.html
4. Armed groups blamed for loss of oil revenues. Azzaman. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-17\kurd1.htm
5. Iraqi Leaders Reportedly Agree On Draft Oil Law. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi officials have agreed a final draft of a law that sets rules for sharing Iraq's oil wealth and aims to bring in billions of dollars of foreign investment to rebuild the mainstay of the economy. But crucially, international oil firms waiting for access to the world's third biggest oil reserves will find little detail in the draft about the form future deals will take. They are likely to hold off major commitments until there is clarity. http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-01-17T142445Z_01_MAC743964_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&src=011707_1025_DOUBLEFEATURE_weather
6. Syria-Iraq oil pipeline to be restored -- minister. DAMASCUS, Jan 17 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Commerce Minister Abdulfalah Al-Soudani said Wednesday his country and Syria were studying ways of restoring an old oil pipeline crossing Syrian territory and linking Iraq with the Mediterranean Sea.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=943488
7. Japan to Lend 82.6B Yen to Build Pipeline, Other Facilities in Iraq. Japan will lend Iraq a total of 82.6 billion yen to help the war-torn Middle Eastern country improve crude oil and electricity-related facilities, the Foreign Ministry said Monday. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=38974
8. Iraq agrees final oil law draft. Upstream.com. Iraqi officials have agreed a final draft of a law that sets rules for sharing Iraq's oil wealth and aims to bring in billions of dollars of foreign investment to rebuild the mainstay of the economy. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/middle_east/article126300.ece
9. Haifa Waleed - "I prefer to be illiterate than to die" BAGHDAD, 10 Jan 2007 (IRIN) - “I am 10 years old but I have not been to school for the past three years because I’m scared of the killings taking place in Iraq. Many of my friends have either been kidnapped or killed. http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=56971&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=IRAQ
10. UN FAO: Iraq water resources. http://www.fao.org/ag/agl/aglw/aquastat/countries/iraq/index.stm
11. A New Oil Plan for Iraq. TIME. In his speech announcing plans to boost troop levels in Iraq, George Bush noted that Iraq was about to pass "legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis" in order to give the citizens of that country a share in the economy. Indeed, the 33-page draft of that proposed Oil & Gas Law now circulating, if passed as currently written, would end decades of total government control over Iraq's mammoth oil reserves and distribute oil income among all the country's regions — a dramatic change from the past and a potential windfall for Big Oil. But it must first get through Iraq's fractious parliament and the country's divisive ethnic politics. Already, the draft shows signs of wrangling and potentially troublesome compromise. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1576593,00.html
12. Provision of yen loan to Iraq. The Government of Japan has announced its intention to provide yen loans up to the total amount of 79,837 million yen to the Republic of Iraq. http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/VBOL-6XCL6Y?OpenDocument
13. Cost of Iraq railroad projects. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/13261
14. Iraq allocates 8 billion dollars for housing projects. The Iraqi government allocated eight billion dollars for "the Land Bank" to support the project of lending citizens at facilitated interests to build on the lands granted to them by the government (100 thousand residential plot), within the current year's budget, and the housing project which was announced earlier. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/news/new1456.htm
15. Shock and oil: Iraq's billions & the White House connection. The American company appointed to advise the US government on the economic reconstruction of Iraq has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars into Republican Party coffers and has admitted that its own finances are in chaos because of accounting errors and bad management. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2152438.ece
16. Turkey warns Kurds against seeking control of oil-rich Kirkuk. ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey's prime minister warned Iraqi Kurdish groups Tuesday against trying to seize control of the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. Kurdish lawmakers responded by accusing Ankara of interfering in internal Iraqi matters. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey will not stand by amid growing tensions among ethnic Turkmens, Arabs and Kurds in Iraq's oil-rich north. Turkish lawmakers are to discuss Kirkuk and Iraq on Thursday, and Turkey's main opposition party has said it would back a cross-border offensive to quell a Kurdish rebellion. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/16/europe/EU-GEN-Turkey-Iraq-Kirkuk.php
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 17 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
17 January 2007
1. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 15 Jan/07. http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009359.php#more
2. Iraq Amended Draft Law Sets Out New PSA Model. Dow Jones Newswires. An amended copy of a draft Iraq hydrocarbon law sets out a new model for production-sharing agreements, or PSAs, with Western companies, a senior Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. Kurdish and Baghdad officials will meet this week to tackle their dispute over the paper, the official said. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=40132
3. The Iraqi government and the Kurds. The Iraqi government and the Kurds in the north have reached a new settlement to an old dispute over authority to sign oil deals by the Kurds with oil companies, said Kurdish Prime Minister Najervan al-Barzani. Barzani said the talks he held earlier in the week in Baghdad were positive and culminated in overcoming thorny issue like oil, the budget of the region and others. http://www.omc.it/index.php?id=69&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=1070&tx_ttnews[backPid]=44&cHash=0c8fbe0a43
4. Iraqi cabinet may vote on oil law as soon as this week - White House. (KUNA) -- It appears there will be a vote by the Iraqi cabinet as early as this week on the Iraqi hydrocarbon law, White House spokesman Tony Snow said on Tuesday. The Iraqi government also is working "aggressively and assertively" on other reconciliation efforts, including revisions to the de-Baathification law and election law, Snow said during a White House briefing. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=943174
5. White House: Iraq's Hydrocarbon Law Won't Nationalize Oil. www.gulfoilandgas.com Iraq's pending hydrocarbon law won't create a nationalized energy sector, White House spokesman Tony Snow said Friday, adding that American oil companies are likely to find business opportunities in the country. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3998
6. Dollar demand down for second day in Iraqi Cenbank auction. Baghdad, Jan 16, (VOI) – Dollar demand declined for the second day running on Tuesday in Iraq’s central bank daily auction, reaching $24.505 million compared to $64.005 million on Monday. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35239&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
7. Rebuilding Teams Would Swell Under Bush's New Iraq Plan. BAGHDAD, Jan. 14 — As part of its latest plan to stabilize Iraq, the United States intends to more than double the number of regional reconstruction teams and to add nearly 400 specialists for existing and new teams, in fields from politics and the rule of law to agribusiness and veterinary care, according to an official outline of the plan. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/15/world/middleeast/15reconstruct.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
8. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168905600-2-1168992000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
9. Analysis: Bush's 'surge' on Iraq's oil. WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- It is unknown if President Bush's last-ditch effort to turn around the downward spiral that is today's Iraq will have any affect on its struggling oil sector. But the oil sector, like Iraq, suffers from factional and sectarian fighting and an overall dangerous security situation. Oil revenue funds 96 percent of Iraq's budget, a vital factor for the country with the world's third-largest oil reserves. Bush's plan is for about 21,000 more troops to target growing violence in and around Baghdad and Anbar Province. http://www.upi.com/Energy/
10. Navy Unit Protects Iraq's Oil Terminals. Commander Task Force 158 held a Boarding Officer Training Conference Jan. 5 aboard Ocean Six, the Navy's afloat forward operating base currently stationed in the North Arabian Gulf in support of maritime security operations. http://newsblaze.com/story/20070110075828tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html
11. U.S. teams try to rebuild a war-torn nation. KIRKUK, IRAQ — For nearly a year, a team of U.S. civilian and military officials has worked from small, sparsely furnished offices here trying to help Iraqi officials with their most urgent needs: building a local government and providing basic public services. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-teams10jan10,0,7086265.story?coll=la-home-headlines
12. US Secretary of State: Kurds have no authority over oil in their region. London (KurdishMedia.com) 12 January 2007: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that Kurds do not have the right over oil in their areas, Reuters reported on Thursday. http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=13878
13. Allocating 136,000 opportunities, $ 100m for idles. Al-Sabah. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2932
14. Iraq oil city rocked by attacks. KIRKUK, Iraq (AFP) Iraq's northern oil hub of Kirkuk has been rocked by attacks as insurgents shot dead two contractors and blew up a Shiite mosque under construction. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070113/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrest_070113093950
15. Iran, Iraq to hold talks on dredging border river, Abadan airport - MP. Text of report by Iranian Fars News Agency website. BBC Monitoring. The MP for Abadan has said: During the president's visit to the province of Khuzestan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been charged with the responsibility of talking to the Iraqi officials about planes approaching Abadan. Talking to the Fars news agency correspondent in Khuzestan, Abdollah Ka'bi said: Owing to the proximity of Abadan International Airport to the Iraqi border and some weather instability, the circling of approaching planes over Iraqi airspace is inevitable, which was the case prior to the [Iran-Iraq] war. He went on: Because of this problem, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to pursue this matter and the dredging of the Arvand Rud [the Shatt al-Arab] as well as the opening of the CBC [proceeding letters in English] office in connection with the development of Abadan and Khorramshahr. The MP said: I ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue these matters with Iraqi officials so that they would not be put on the back burner. Ka'bi noted: Due to problems on the approach to Abadan Airport, flights have been cancelled on many occasions. Finally, he said: Since the Arvand Rud has not been dredged for nearly 30 years, ships with high drafts have not been able to enter the river and this is one of the consequences of delaying the dredging. Source: Fars News Agency website, Tehran, in Persian 1427gmt 09 Jan 07
END
17 January 2007
1. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 15 Jan/07. http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009359.php#more
2. Iraq Amended Draft Law Sets Out New PSA Model. Dow Jones Newswires. An amended copy of a draft Iraq hydrocarbon law sets out a new model for production-sharing agreements, or PSAs, with Western companies, a senior Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. Kurdish and Baghdad officials will meet this week to tackle their dispute over the paper, the official said. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=40132
3. The Iraqi government and the Kurds. The Iraqi government and the Kurds in the north have reached a new settlement to an old dispute over authority to sign oil deals by the Kurds with oil companies, said Kurdish Prime Minister Najervan al-Barzani. Barzani said the talks he held earlier in the week in Baghdad were positive and culminated in overcoming thorny issue like oil, the budget of the region and others. http://www.omc.it/index.php?id=69&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=1070&tx_ttnews[backPid]=44&cHash=0c8fbe0a43
4. Iraqi cabinet may vote on oil law as soon as this week - White House. (KUNA) -- It appears there will be a vote by the Iraqi cabinet as early as this week on the Iraqi hydrocarbon law, White House spokesman Tony Snow said on Tuesday. The Iraqi government also is working "aggressively and assertively" on other reconciliation efforts, including revisions to the de-Baathification law and election law, Snow said during a White House briefing. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=943174
5. White House: Iraq's Hydrocarbon Law Won't Nationalize Oil. www.gulfoilandgas.com Iraq's pending hydrocarbon law won't create a nationalized energy sector, White House spokesman Tony Snow said Friday, adding that American oil companies are likely to find business opportunities in the country. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3998
6. Dollar demand down for second day in Iraqi Cenbank auction. Baghdad, Jan 16, (VOI) – Dollar demand declined for the second day running on Tuesday in Iraq’s central bank daily auction, reaching $24.505 million compared to $64.005 million on Monday. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=35239&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
7. Rebuilding Teams Would Swell Under Bush's New Iraq Plan. BAGHDAD, Jan. 14 — As part of its latest plan to stabilize Iraq, the United States intends to more than double the number of regional reconstruction teams and to add nearly 400 specialists for existing and new teams, in fields from politics and the rule of law to agribusiness and veterinary care, according to an official outline of the plan. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/15/world/middleeast/15reconstruct.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
8. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168819200-2-1168905600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168905600-2-1168992000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
9. Analysis: Bush's 'surge' on Iraq's oil. WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- It is unknown if President Bush's last-ditch effort to turn around the downward spiral that is today's Iraq will have any affect on its struggling oil sector. But the oil sector, like Iraq, suffers from factional and sectarian fighting and an overall dangerous security situation. Oil revenue funds 96 percent of Iraq's budget, a vital factor for the country with the world's third-largest oil reserves. Bush's plan is for about 21,000 more troops to target growing violence in and around Baghdad and Anbar Province. http://www.upi.com/Energy/
10. Navy Unit Protects Iraq's Oil Terminals. Commander Task Force 158 held a Boarding Officer Training Conference Jan. 5 aboard Ocean Six, the Navy's afloat forward operating base currently stationed in the North Arabian Gulf in support of maritime security operations. http://newsblaze.com/story/20070110075828tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html
11. U.S. teams try to rebuild a war-torn nation. KIRKUK, IRAQ — For nearly a year, a team of U.S. civilian and military officials has worked from small, sparsely furnished offices here trying to help Iraqi officials with their most urgent needs: building a local government and providing basic public services. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-teams10jan10,0,7086265.story?coll=la-home-headlines
12. US Secretary of State: Kurds have no authority over oil in their region. London (KurdishMedia.com) 12 January 2007: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that Kurds do not have the right over oil in their areas, Reuters reported on Thursday. http://www.kurdmedia.com/news.asp?id=13878
13. Allocating 136,000 opportunities, $ 100m for idles. Al-Sabah. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2932
14. Iraq oil city rocked by attacks. KIRKUK, Iraq (AFP) Iraq's northern oil hub of Kirkuk has been rocked by attacks as insurgents shot dead two contractors and blew up a Shiite mosque under construction. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070113/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrest_070113093950
15. Iran, Iraq to hold talks on dredging border river, Abadan airport - MP. Text of report by Iranian Fars News Agency website. BBC Monitoring. The MP for Abadan has said: During the president's visit to the province of Khuzestan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been charged with the responsibility of talking to the Iraqi officials about planes approaching Abadan. Talking to the Fars news agency correspondent in Khuzestan, Abdollah Ka'bi said: Owing to the proximity of Abadan International Airport to the Iraqi border and some weather instability, the circling of approaching planes over Iraqi airspace is inevitable, which was the case prior to the [Iran-Iraq] war. He went on: Because of this problem, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to pursue this matter and the dredging of the Arvand Rud [the Shatt al-Arab] as well as the opening of the CBC [proceeding letters in English] office in connection with the development of Abadan and Khorramshahr. The MP said: I ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue these matters with Iraqi officials so that they would not be put on the back burner. Ka'bi noted: Due to problems on the approach to Abadan Airport, flights have been cancelled on many occasions. Finally, he said: Since the Arvand Rud has not been dredged for nearly 30 years, ships with high drafts have not been able to enter the river and this is one of the consequences of delaying the dredging. Source: Fars News Agency website, Tehran, in Persian 1427gmt 09 Jan 07
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 15 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
15 January 2007
1. Public Event - Iraq Petroleum Draft: Between Fiction and Reality. http://www.usip.org/events/2007/0119_iraq_petroleum.html
2. An American grant to fund 12 projects in Basrah. An Iraqi local company in cooperation with the University of Basrah is implementing a floating bridge linking the two banks of Shatt al-Arab, to end the long suffering of the inhabitants of Attanuma which is located on the Iranian border, with the province. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2917
3. Iraq allocates 8 billion dollars for housing projects. The Iraqi government allocated eight billion dollars for "the Land Bank" to support the project of lending citizens at facilitated interests to build on the lands granted to them by the government (100 thousand residential plot), within the current year's budget, and the housing project which was announced earlier. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/en/default.asp
4. Iraq drills more wells. Reuters. Iraq drilled and completed 165 new oil wells in the Basra and Amara oil fields in the south of the county in 2006, an oil official in Basra said. http://www.tradearabia.com/tanews/newsdetails_snOGN_article117389.html
5. Iraqi journalists and officials rally for freer Iraqi media at UN-backed conference. 11 January 2007 – Iraqi journalists, parliamentarians and government officials have united to call for the protection and promotion of a free and pluralistic media at a conference held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21212&Cr=iraq&Cr1=
6. Iraq: WTO membership will not affect relations with GCC. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138721
7. New Iraq plan gives economic aid a big role. President Bush's proposed economic aid to Iraq is applauded, but success there still depends on the security situation. McClatchy News Service. WASHINGTON - President Bush's plan for salvaging the war in Iraq acknowledges failure so far in efforts to reconstruct the country's moribund economy. His proposed fixes depend largely on achieving security and stability there. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/international/16440153.htm
8. US also plans civilian "surge" in Iraq. WASHINGTON (AFP) - Hundreds of US diplomats and other civilians will deploy in Iraq's battle-scarred countryside as part of President George W. Bush's last-ditch drive to stabilize the nation, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said. http://rempost.blogspot.com/2007/01/us-also-plans-civilian-surge-in-iraq.html
9. State Department official: Civilian role key to Iraq strategy. Associated Press. TOPEKA, Kan. - A key State Department official says the United States' new strategy in Iraq must focus on diplomatic, economic and social elements, and not rely only on the military's counterinsurgency operations. John Hillen, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, wrote in the latest edition of Military Review that defeating the growing insurgency in Iraq requires more than using additional U.S. troops to stabilize the country and neutralize the influence of Islamic extremists. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16447940.htm
10. Timothy Carney, Coordinator for Iraq Reconstruction. GovExec.com. Secretary Condoleezza Rice on Thursday announced that Timothy Carney, a retired Foreign Service officer with extensive conflict experience, has been named to serve as the single coordinator for Iraq reconstruction that President Bush called for in a speech Wednesday night. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/011107m1.htm Carney's CV is at http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bios/c/53622.htm See also http://alum.mit.edu/ne/noteworthy/profiles/carney.html
11. Holding Iraq's oil exports from Basra for four-days. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2751.15
12. Lukoil set to revive $4bn Saddam oil deal. Lukoil, the Russian oil company, is poised to resurrect the $4bn (£2bn) contract it signed with Saddam Hussein's regime to develop one of Iraq's largest oil fields. The company's US rival Conoco-Phillips will also benefit as it has a stake in the joint venture with Lukoil to develop the West Qurna-2 field, which holds up to 16 billion barrels of oil. http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2150486.ece
END
15 January 2007
1. Public Event - Iraq Petroleum Draft: Between Fiction and Reality. http://www.usip.org/events/2007/0119_iraq_petroleum.html
2. An American grant to fund 12 projects in Basrah. An Iraqi local company in cooperation with the University of Basrah is implementing a floating bridge linking the two banks of Shatt al-Arab, to end the long suffering of the inhabitants of Attanuma which is located on the Iranian border, with the province. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2917
3. Iraq allocates 8 billion dollars for housing projects. The Iraqi government allocated eight billion dollars for "the Land Bank" to support the project of lending citizens at facilitated interests to build on the lands granted to them by the government (100 thousand residential plot), within the current year's budget, and the housing project which was announced earlier. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/en/default.asp
4. Iraq drills more wells. Reuters. Iraq drilled and completed 165 new oil wells in the Basra and Amara oil fields in the south of the county in 2006, an oil official in Basra said. http://www.tradearabia.com/tanews/newsdetails_snOGN_article117389.html
5. Iraqi journalists and officials rally for freer Iraqi media at UN-backed conference. 11 January 2007 – Iraqi journalists, parliamentarians and government officials have united to call for the protection and promotion of a free and pluralistic media at a conference held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21212&Cr=iraq&Cr1=
6. Iraq: WTO membership will not affect relations with GCC. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138721
7. New Iraq plan gives economic aid a big role. President Bush's proposed economic aid to Iraq is applauded, but success there still depends on the security situation. McClatchy News Service. WASHINGTON - President Bush's plan for salvaging the war in Iraq acknowledges failure so far in efforts to reconstruct the country's moribund economy. His proposed fixes depend largely on achieving security and stability there. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/international/16440153.htm
8. US also plans civilian "surge" in Iraq. WASHINGTON (AFP) - Hundreds of US diplomats and other civilians will deploy in Iraq's battle-scarred countryside as part of President George W. Bush's last-ditch drive to stabilize the nation, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said. http://rempost.blogspot.com/2007/01/us-also-plans-civilian-surge-in-iraq.html
9. State Department official: Civilian role key to Iraq strategy. Associated Press. TOPEKA, Kan. - A key State Department official says the United States' new strategy in Iraq must focus on diplomatic, economic and social elements, and not rely only on the military's counterinsurgency operations. John Hillen, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, wrote in the latest edition of Military Review that defeating the growing insurgency in Iraq requires more than using additional U.S. troops to stabilize the country and neutralize the influence of Islamic extremists. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16447940.htm
10. Timothy Carney, Coordinator for Iraq Reconstruction. GovExec.com. Secretary Condoleezza Rice on Thursday announced that Timothy Carney, a retired Foreign Service officer with extensive conflict experience, has been named to serve as the single coordinator for Iraq reconstruction that President Bush called for in a speech Wednesday night. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/011107m1.htm Carney's CV is at http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bios/c/53622.htm See also http://alum.mit.edu/ne/noteworthy/profiles/carney.html
11. Holding Iraq's oil exports from Basra for four-days. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2751.15
12. Lukoil set to revive $4bn Saddam oil deal. Lukoil, the Russian oil company, is poised to resurrect the $4bn (£2bn) contract it signed with Saddam Hussein's regime to develop one of Iraq's largest oil fields. The company's US rival Conoco-Phillips will also benefit as it has a stake in the joint venture with Lukoil to develop the West Qurna-2 field, which holds up to 16 billion barrels of oil. http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2150486.ece
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 14 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
14 January 2007
1. Getting Iraq to Work. WSJ. The American mission in Iraq must succeed. Our goal -- promoting a stable, accountable democracy in the heart of the Middle East -- cannot be achieved by purely military means. Iraqis need to establish a civil society. Without the support of mediating civic and social associations -- the informal ties that bind us together -- no government can long remain stable and no cohesive nation can be maintained. To establish a civil society, Iraqis must rebuild their basic infrastructure. Iraqis must take control of their destiny by rebuilding houses, stores, schools, roads, highways, mosques and churches. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116856742134074619.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
2. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168560000-2-1168646400-3-icr&o=c-1-1168560000-2-1168646400-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
3. USAID Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Updates. Report #2 http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/updates/jan07/iraq_fs02_010807.pdf Financial Summary #2 http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/updates/jan07/iraq_sum02_010807.pdf
4. Iraq Arms Sales Notifcations to U.S. Congress - 2006. Trucks, Vehicles, Trailers http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2007/Iraq_07-09.pdf King Air 350ER and potentially other aircraft http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-73.pdf AN/FPS-117 or TPS-77 Long Range Air Traffic Control Radar http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-72.pdf Helicopters, vehicles, weapons and support http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-69.pdf Logistics support for helicopters, vehicles and weapons http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-68.pdf
5. Oil ministry to set up contract department. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?p=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=34992&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
6. War News Radio. Stay the Course: Take Two. http://warnewsradio.org/
7. New Networks Monitor Power Distribution in Iraq. AN NASSIRIYAH, Iraq -- Restoring and improving the electrical supply in Iraq has been one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ biggest and most costly challenges. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-08.html
8. Ministry implements 425 billion-dinar projects. Azzaman. The Ministry of Industry has carried out projects worth 425 billion dinars in 2006, the minister, Fawzi Hariri, said. Hariri said the projects were part of contracts his ministry had signed with other government bodies. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-09\kurd1.htm
9. Iraq's economic strides. Did you know that Iraqi real-estate prices have gone up several hundred percent since the fall of Saddam Hussein? http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20070107-095331-4955r.htm
10. The Task before Us. Rebuilding Iraq will require uncommon perseverance -- and large amounts of money, manpower, and time. http://www.hoover.org/publications/digest/4552951.html
11. The exodus of academics has lowered educational standards. BAGHDAD - "You are on the list of the teachers who are going to be killed this month for not obeying our demands to leave Iraq," said a hand-written letter which was left at Dr Hamida Bakri's door. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2801.shtml
12. In Baghdad Slum, Sectarian Strife Is Also Child's Play. War Games Are Part of Life For Little Hassoni Hussein, A Shiite in Sadr City, Now 5. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A year ago, a young gunman walked into Ali Hussein's living room and drew a weapon. The intruder's head was wrapped in a scarf, leaving a narrow slit for his eyes. His clothes were all black, the favorite attire of a powerful Shiite Muslim militia. He introduced himself as a commander, shouted the incantation "God is greater" and warned Sunni Muslims not to fight back. With that, he raised his plastic pistol. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116846808716873052.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
END
14 January 2007
1. Getting Iraq to Work. WSJ. The American mission in Iraq must succeed. Our goal -- promoting a stable, accountable democracy in the heart of the Middle East -- cannot be achieved by purely military means. Iraqis need to establish a civil society. Without the support of mediating civic and social associations -- the informal ties that bind us together -- no government can long remain stable and no cohesive nation can be maintained. To establish a civil society, Iraqis must rebuild their basic infrastructure. Iraqis must take control of their destiny by rebuilding houses, stores, schools, roads, highways, mosques and churches. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116856742134074619.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
2. IWPR Iraqi Press Monitor http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168560000-2-1168646400-3-icr&o=c-1-1168560000-2-1168646400-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
3. USAID Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Updates. Report #2 http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/updates/jan07/iraq_fs02_010807.pdf Financial Summary #2 http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/updates/jan07/iraq_sum02_010807.pdf
4. Iraq Arms Sales Notifcations to U.S. Congress - 2006. Trucks, Vehicles, Trailers http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2007/Iraq_07-09.pdf King Air 350ER and potentially other aircraft http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-73.pdf AN/FPS-117 or TPS-77 Long Range Air Traffic Control Radar http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-72.pdf Helicopters, vehicles, weapons and support http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-69.pdf Logistics support for helicopters, vehicles and weapons http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2006/Iraq_06-68.pdf
5. Oil ministry to set up contract department. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?p=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=34992&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
6. War News Radio. Stay the Course: Take Two. http://warnewsradio.org/
7. New Networks Monitor Power Distribution in Iraq. AN NASSIRIYAH, Iraq -- Restoring and improving the electrical supply in Iraq has been one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ biggest and most costly challenges. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR07-01-08.html
8. Ministry implements 425 billion-dinar projects. Azzaman. The Ministry of Industry has carried out projects worth 425 billion dinars in 2006, the minister, Fawzi Hariri, said. Hariri said the projects were part of contracts his ministry had signed with other government bodies. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-09\kurd1.htm
9. Iraq's economic strides. Did you know that Iraqi real-estate prices have gone up several hundred percent since the fall of Saddam Hussein? http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20070107-095331-4955r.htm
10. The Task before Us. Rebuilding Iraq will require uncommon perseverance -- and large amounts of money, manpower, and time. http://www.hoover.org/publications/digest/4552951.html
11. The exodus of academics has lowered educational standards. BAGHDAD - "You are on the list of the teachers who are going to be killed this month for not obeying our demands to leave Iraq," said a hand-written letter which was left at Dr Hamida Bakri's door. http://electroniciraq.net/news/2801.shtml
12. In Baghdad Slum, Sectarian Strife Is Also Child's Play. War Games Are Part of Life For Little Hassoni Hussein, A Shiite in Sadr City, Now 5. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A year ago, a young gunman walked into Ali Hussein's living room and drew a weapon. The intruder's head was wrapped in a scarf, leaving a narrow slit for his eyes. His clothes were all black, the favorite attire of a powerful Shiite Muslim militia. He introduced himself as a commander, shouted the incantation "God is greater" and warned Sunni Muslims not to fight back. With that, he raised his plastic pistol. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116846808716873052.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 13 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
13 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report, 13 January 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070113.pdf
2. World Bank ITF Datasheet, 31 December 2006. Washington, January 9, 2007 - The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-December 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21181830/DATASHEETIraqDec2006.pdf
3. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 10 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78744.pdf
4. Brooking's Iraq Index, 11 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
5. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1168387200-2-1168473600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168387200-2-1168473600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168473600-2-1168560000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
6. Iraqi Air Force's New Wings. http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003147.html
7. Business Opportunity: Harir Food Processing Plant in Northern Iraq Seeks J/V Partner and Operator. http://www.export.gov/iraq/
8. Baghdad plunges into darkness. Azzaman, January 10, 2007. There is no electricity in Baghdad and the city of nearly 6 million people spends its nights in total darkness. The Ministry of Electricity says the total outage is the result of sabotage in which power lines feeding Baghdad were knocked out. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-10\kurd.htm
9. 4th District judge sets sights on Iraq. U.S. military sending assistance to courts. A 4th Judicial District judge will trade his black robes for fatigues after being assigned to help strengthen criminal courts in war-torn Iraq. Judge David Shakes will take a yearlong unpaid leave from his El Paso County courtroom while serving in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq in Baghdad. http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1328550&secid=1
10. Heritage Oil Corporation in Iraq. http://www.heritageoilcorp.com/iraq.htm
11. Analyst Sees Flaws in Iraq Rebuilding Plan. Morning Edition. January 10, 2007 · Can Iraq afford to pay for its own reconstruction with its oil revenues? One analyst says it can, and questions the potential effectiveness of a jobs program for Iraq that President Bush is expected to propose. Keith Crane, senior economist at the Rand Corp., recently advised the Iraq Study Group on Iraq's economy and reconstruction. He discusses Iraq and the Bush plan with Renee Montagne. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6777769
12. Iraqi finance official calls for halting compensation payments. BAGHDAD, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- An Iraqi official said Tuesday his country has been paying five percent of the national revenue to Kuwait as compensations for the losses incurred during the 1990 invasion by the former regime of Saddam Hussein. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=940743
END
13 January 2007
1. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Report, 13 January 2007. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/20070113.pdf
2. World Bank ITF Datasheet, 31 December 2006. Washington, January 9, 2007 - The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-December 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21181830/DATASHEETIraqDec2006.pdf
3. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 10 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78744.pdf
4. Brooking's Iraq Index, 11 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
5. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicr&o=c-1-1168387200-2-1168473600-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168387200-2-1168473600-3-icr&o=c-1-1168473600-2-1168560000-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
6. Iraqi Air Force's New Wings. http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003147.html
7. Business Opportunity: Harir Food Processing Plant in Northern Iraq Seeks J/V Partner and Operator. http://www.export.gov/iraq/
8. Baghdad plunges into darkness. Azzaman, January 10, 2007. There is no electricity in Baghdad and the city of nearly 6 million people spends its nights in total darkness. The Ministry of Electricity says the total outage is the result of sabotage in which power lines feeding Baghdad were knocked out. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-10\kurd.htm
9. 4th District judge sets sights on Iraq. U.S. military sending assistance to courts. A 4th Judicial District judge will trade his black robes for fatigues after being assigned to help strengthen criminal courts in war-torn Iraq. Judge David Shakes will take a yearlong unpaid leave from his El Paso County courtroom while serving in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq in Baghdad. http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1328550&secid=1
10. Heritage Oil Corporation in Iraq. http://www.heritageoilcorp.com/iraq.htm
11. Analyst Sees Flaws in Iraq Rebuilding Plan. Morning Edition. January 10, 2007 · Can Iraq afford to pay for its own reconstruction with its oil revenues? One analyst says it can, and questions the potential effectiveness of a jobs program for Iraq that President Bush is expected to propose. Keith Crane, senior economist at the Rand Corp., recently advised the Iraq Study Group on Iraq's economy and reconstruction. He discusses Iraq and the Bush plan with Renee Montagne. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6777769
12. Iraqi finance official calls for halting compensation payments. BAGHDAD, Jan 9 (KUNA) -- An Iraqi official said Tuesday his country has been paying five percent of the national revenue to Kuwait as compensations for the losses incurred during the 1990 invasion by the former regime of Saddam Hussein. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=940743
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 12 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
12 January 2007
1. Reconstruction Effort to Emphasize Iraqi Jobs. While the core of President Bush's "new strategy" for Iraq calls for the military to think big, the economic component is centered on making smaller, more incremental progress. In a speech last night, Bush said that "America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced" and noted that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged to devote $10 billion of his government's substantial unspent surplus to rebuilding and economic development. U.S. officials said the administration will seek an additional $1.2 billion on top of the $21 billion already sent to Iraq for reconstruction. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002687.html
2. Rice Appoints Assistance Coordinator as Part of U.S. Iraq Plan. Number of civilian provincial reconstruction teams to expand. The Bush administration's military strategy in Iraq will be "fully supported and integrated" with civilian and diplomatic efforts, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, and she appointed retired Ambassador Timothy Carney to oversee U.S. reconstruction and development projects in the country. http://newsblaze.com/story/20070111140456tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html
3. Senators bemoan lack of Iraq oil law progress. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. senators on Thursday grilled U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over a yet-unpublished Iraqi oil law that is expected to set terms for investment and revenue-sharing in the war-torn nation's battered hydrocarbon sector. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, Rice tried to assure impatient U.S. lawmakers that Iraqi officials are making progress on the hydrocarbon law. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/11/AR2007011101223.html
4. How to pay for Iraq jobs proposal? MARKETPLACE. The President is expected to propose a reconstruction package with more focus on employing Iraqis. John Dimsdale reports that there may not be enough in the budget. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/01/10/PM200701101.html
5. Task Force helps revitalize Iraq's industries. WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service, Jan. 5, 2007) - A team of 25 industrial leaders and business analysts is headed to Iraq today to join 35 others already there working to get almost 200 idle Iraqi factories up and running.
http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/01/08/1258-task-force-helps-revitalize-iraqs-industries/
6. Future of Iraq: The spoils of war. How the West will make a killing on Iraqi oil riches. Iraq's massive oil reserves, the third-largest in the world, are about to be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies under a controversial law which is expected to come before the Iraqi parliament within days.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2132569.ece
7. Iraqi Leaders Still Wrangling Over Hydrocarbon Law. (Dow Jones Newswires) Senior Iraqi officials are still wrangling over the country's oil and gas law that would set out the legal framework for the Baghdad government to sign production-sharing agreement contracts with foreign companies to develop its vast oil reserves, officials said. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39858
8. 27th Annual Oil & Money Conference. The End of Cheap Oil: Costs, Consequences & Opportunities. The world's most prestigious energy forum, Oil & Money, is a significant gathering of senior executives from every energy sector, and from every key country, in the international petroleum and natural gas industry for 27 years. Our objective with Oil & Money is to create an exclusive forum for top-level energy industry players to discuss market conditions and share insights about the most compelling issues in global energy markets. The conference presentations are available at http://www.energyintel.com/om/review.asp?Year=2006
9. Iraq Petroleum Stamps. http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/staff/scholle/graphics/stamps/postage/derrickstmps.html
10. The Iraq Water Project. The Iraq Water Project (IWP) is a project of Veterans for Peace, Inc. (VFP), a national veterans Peace & Justice organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Our principal partner in IWP is Life for Relief & Development, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and dedicated to alleviating human suffering in Iraq and many other parts of the world. http://www.iraqwaterproject.com/
11. Iraq Industries : Iraqi committee to study industry companies. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+committee+to+study+industry+companies__1112419.html?PHPSESSID=1bf84e9711bdd11995503103f0977c45
12. Iraq participate in the 21 session of the Ministers of Communications and Information Technology in Cairo. Iraqi National-WNA/ Cairo Office / Iraq have participated in the 21 session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Communications and Information today, Tuesday, at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2594.15
13. Quick contracts for importing large quantities of wheat to meet the shortfall in Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Trade announced that it signed quick contracts to import large quantities of wheat to meet the shortfall suffered by Iraq in this commodity. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2923
14. An important meeting for the Iraqi company for bank guarantees in early 2007. The Iraqi company for bank guarantees will hold an extensive meeting involving heads of the boards of the private banks that fall under the umbrella of the company at the beginning of 2007 in the Jordanian capital, Amman. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2922
END
12 January 2007
1. Reconstruction Effort to Emphasize Iraqi Jobs. While the core of President Bush's "new strategy" for Iraq calls for the military to think big, the economic component is centered on making smaller, more incremental progress. In a speech last night, Bush said that "America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced" and noted that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged to devote $10 billion of his government's substantial unspent surplus to rebuilding and economic development. U.S. officials said the administration will seek an additional $1.2 billion on top of the $21 billion already sent to Iraq for reconstruction. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002687.html
2. Rice Appoints Assistance Coordinator as Part of U.S. Iraq Plan. Number of civilian provincial reconstruction teams to expand. The Bush administration's military strategy in Iraq will be "fully supported and integrated" with civilian and diplomatic efforts, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, and she appointed retired Ambassador Timothy Carney to oversee U.S. reconstruction and development projects in the country. http://newsblaze.com/story/20070111140456tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html
3. Senators bemoan lack of Iraq oil law progress. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. senators on Thursday grilled U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over a yet-unpublished Iraqi oil law that is expected to set terms for investment and revenue-sharing in the war-torn nation's battered hydrocarbon sector. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, Rice tried to assure impatient U.S. lawmakers that Iraqi officials are making progress on the hydrocarbon law. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/11/AR2007011101223.html
4. How to pay for Iraq jobs proposal? MARKETPLACE. The President is expected to propose a reconstruction package with more focus on employing Iraqis. John Dimsdale reports that there may not be enough in the budget. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/01/10/PM200701101.html
5. Task Force helps revitalize Iraq's industries. WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service, Jan. 5, 2007) - A team of 25 industrial leaders and business analysts is headed to Iraq today to join 35 others already there working to get almost 200 idle Iraqi factories up and running.
http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/01/08/1258-task-force-helps-revitalize-iraqs-industries/
6. Future of Iraq: The spoils of war. How the West will make a killing on Iraqi oil riches. Iraq's massive oil reserves, the third-largest in the world, are about to be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies under a controversial law which is expected to come before the Iraqi parliament within days.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2132569.ece
7. Iraqi Leaders Still Wrangling Over Hydrocarbon Law. (Dow Jones Newswires) Senior Iraqi officials are still wrangling over the country's oil and gas law that would set out the legal framework for the Baghdad government to sign production-sharing agreement contracts with foreign companies to develop its vast oil reserves, officials said. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39858
8. 27th Annual Oil & Money Conference. The End of Cheap Oil: Costs, Consequences & Opportunities. The world's most prestigious energy forum, Oil & Money, is a significant gathering of senior executives from every energy sector, and from every key country, in the international petroleum and natural gas industry for 27 years. Our objective with Oil & Money is to create an exclusive forum for top-level energy industry players to discuss market conditions and share insights about the most compelling issues in global energy markets. The conference presentations are available at http://www.energyintel.com/om/review.asp?Year=2006
9. Iraq Petroleum Stamps. http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/staff/scholle/graphics/stamps/postage/derrickstmps.html
10. The Iraq Water Project. The Iraq Water Project (IWP) is a project of Veterans for Peace, Inc. (VFP), a national veterans Peace & Justice organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Our principal partner in IWP is Life for Relief & Development, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and dedicated to alleviating human suffering in Iraq and many other parts of the world. http://www.iraqwaterproject.com/
11. Iraq Industries : Iraqi committee to study industry companies. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi+committee+to+study+industry+companies__1112419.html?PHPSESSID=1bf84e9711bdd11995503103f0977c45
12. Iraq participate in the 21 session of the Ministers of Communications and Information Technology in Cairo. Iraqi National-WNA/ Cairo Office / Iraq have participated in the 21 session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Communications and Information today, Tuesday, at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo. http://www.wna-news.com/inanews/news.php?item.2594.15
13. Quick contracts for importing large quantities of wheat to meet the shortfall in Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Trade announced that it signed quick contracts to import large quantities of wheat to meet the shortfall suffered by Iraq in this commodity. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2923
14. An important meeting for the Iraqi company for bank guarantees in early 2007. The Iraqi company for bank guarantees will hold an extensive meeting involving heads of the boards of the private banks that fall under the umbrella of the company at the beginning of 2007 in the Jordanian capital, Amman. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2922
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 11 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
11 January 2007
1. Military justice code now covers some contractors. www.GovExec.com A little-noticed, last-minute change to a spending bill signed into law last year applies the military justice system to Defense contractors working in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and potentially, during national emergencies, to those working on U.S. soil. The change, which consists of just six words inserted into the Uniform Code of Military Justice, extends the military's strict rules of conduct to contractors not only during declared wars, but during so-called contingency operations. These include the current ones in the Middle East, as well as declared national emergencies in which the armed services are called upon, such as the response to last year's Hurricane Katrina. Under the military justice code, soldiers and now contractors can be disciplined not just for felony crimes like murder that exist in the general justice system, but for offenses such as talking back to an officer, viewing pornography in a country where it is forbidden or even wearing a uniform incorrectly, according to people familiar with the code. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35830&dcn=e_gvet
2. Bleeding Iraq's Rich Dry. Kidnappers Take All From Their Victims. Kirkuk's once wealthy Turkmen are being stripped of their savings by gangs of kidnappers. Here Omer from Kirkuk recounts two examples of the loss of that city's moneyed class. ttp://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/58
3. Petroleum and Iraq's Future: Fiscal Options and Challenges. http://www.iticnet.org/publications/Iraq-book.pdf
4. Pentagon helping restart old Iraq government factories in jobs program. WASHINGTON. As President George W. Bush ponders how to salvage the Iraq military campaign, business minds at the Pentagon are moving ahead with a part of the equation — fighting Iraq's unemployment and trying to boost its economy. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/04/america/NA_GEN_US_Iraq_Economy.php
5. Travel chaos seen as sign of progress at Baghdad airport. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — At the chaotic Baghdad International Airport, hundreds of passengers are jammed up at the only security checkpoint. Western contractors carrying green duffel bags and Iraqi families with carts of luggage shout at unfazed security guards. To Kifah Hussein Jabbar, director of Iraqi Airways, it's music to his ears. "We are making progress and achieving good results," says Jabbar, director of Iraq's national carrier. "In 2005, we were flying three or four flights a day and maximum 300 passengers a day. Today, we operate 10 to 12 flights per day and carry 1,500 passengers daily." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-04-iraq-air-travel_x.htm
6. Kurdish football prospers in new Iraq. With a backdrop of the dusty red mountains that were once the hiding place of Kurdish guerrillas fighting for freedom, the players of Suleimaniya Sports Club train in preparation for the new season. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/6174667.stm
7. Jordan to facilitate commercial exchanges, border procedures for Iraqis. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Jordan+to+facilitate+commercial+exchanges%2C+border+procedures+for+Iraqis__1112418.html
8. The Iraqi dinar and floating the dollar in the structure of the national economy. Thus the rolling Iraqi Monetary (nominal value) specified by the law has become a criterion for exchange transactions, withdrawal and the international circulation according to system Gold rule; although, it was related to the British pound before the revolution of July 14th, 1958, especially in terms of credit and foreign transfers, as it has a metal cover coupled with stability. After the liberation of Iraq from the ring of the (sterling Pound), the Iraqi dinar remained as a cash unit (with real value) standing on its own compared to international rates. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/?quer=&nm=&ny=&nn=474
9. Discussion on Iraq’s Economy with Rick Barton, CSIS, & Iraqi Citizen Interviews. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Discussion%20on%20Iraq%92s%20Economy%20with%20Rick%20Barton%2C%20CSIS%2C%20%26%20Iraqi%20Citizen%20Interviews&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq010507%5Finterviews2.rm
10. Iraq Army to receive 16 helicopters and 4,000 armored vehicles. Azzaman, January 8, 2007. Iraq has signed contracts for the purchase of armored vehicles and other weapons with European and U.S. weapons companies, a statement by the Defense Ministry said. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-08\kurd1.htm
11. Bush to Propose Restoring Iraqi Factories to Create Jobs. BAGHDAD, Jan. 9 — A new effort to revitalize Iraqi factories that make vegetable oil, fertilizer, road signs and sulfuric acid — among the world’s most outdated and decrepit — is expected to be at the center of the plan for the nation that President Bush will present Wednesday. Several Iraqi leaders were skeptical of the job plan. Mehdi Hafedh, a former planning minister, called the idea “ridiculous.” But even before the measures are announced, Iraqi political and business leaders have been expressing skepticism that any effort to transform a system of state-owned enterprises that has fallen so far into dysfunction could become an engine for job creation in Iraq. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/10/world/middleeast/10jobs.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
12. U.S. Pares Reconstruction Effort in Iraq. WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's new Iraq strategy calls for modest, relatively inexpensive efforts to spur job creation and economic growth, a marked shift from the large-scale reconstruction projects and free-market dogmatism of earlier White House efforts. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116839421506072166.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
13. Analysis: Rebuilding Iraq's economy. World Peace Herald. When then-viceroy Paul Bremer took over the civilian administration of Iraq in 2003, he had an intricate plan to transform the state-owned socialist economy into a beacon of free enterprise in the heart of the Middle East. Central to his plan was the sale of some 200 state-owned enterprises to the highest bidder to bring in fresh capital, streamline operations and boost profits. That in turn would drive the rest of the economy. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2914
14. The Oil Sector - The Iraq Study Group Report. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3900
END
11 January 2007
1. Military justice code now covers some contractors. www.GovExec.com A little-noticed, last-minute change to a spending bill signed into law last year applies the military justice system to Defense contractors working in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and potentially, during national emergencies, to those working on U.S. soil. The change, which consists of just six words inserted into the Uniform Code of Military Justice, extends the military's strict rules of conduct to contractors not only during declared wars, but during so-called contingency operations. These include the current ones in the Middle East, as well as declared national emergencies in which the armed services are called upon, such as the response to last year's Hurricane Katrina. Under the military justice code, soldiers and now contractors can be disciplined not just for felony crimes like murder that exist in the general justice system, but for offenses such as talking back to an officer, viewing pornography in a country where it is forbidden or even wearing a uniform incorrectly, according to people familiar with the code. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35830&dcn=e_gvet
2. Bleeding Iraq's Rich Dry. Kidnappers Take All From Their Victims. Kirkuk's once wealthy Turkmen are being stripped of their savings by gangs of kidnappers. Here Omer from Kirkuk recounts two examples of the loss of that city's moneyed class. ttp://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/58
3. Petroleum and Iraq's Future: Fiscal Options and Challenges. http://www.iticnet.org/publications/Iraq-book.pdf
4. Pentagon helping restart old Iraq government factories in jobs program. WASHINGTON. As President George W. Bush ponders how to salvage the Iraq military campaign, business minds at the Pentagon are moving ahead with a part of the equation — fighting Iraq's unemployment and trying to boost its economy. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/04/america/NA_GEN_US_Iraq_Economy.php
5. Travel chaos seen as sign of progress at Baghdad airport. USA TODAY. BAGHDAD — At the chaotic Baghdad International Airport, hundreds of passengers are jammed up at the only security checkpoint. Western contractors carrying green duffel bags and Iraqi families with carts of luggage shout at unfazed security guards. To Kifah Hussein Jabbar, director of Iraqi Airways, it's music to his ears. "We are making progress and achieving good results," says Jabbar, director of Iraq's national carrier. "In 2005, we were flying three or four flights a day and maximum 300 passengers a day. Today, we operate 10 to 12 flights per day and carry 1,500 passengers daily." http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-01-04-iraq-air-travel_x.htm
6. Kurdish football prospers in new Iraq. With a backdrop of the dusty red mountains that were once the hiding place of Kurdish guerrillas fighting for freedom, the players of Suleimaniya Sports Club train in preparation for the new season. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/6174667.stm
7. Jordan to facilitate commercial exchanges, border procedures for Iraqis. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Jordan+to+facilitate+commercial+exchanges%2C+border+procedures+for+Iraqis__1112418.html
8. The Iraqi dinar and floating the dollar in the structure of the national economy. Thus the rolling Iraqi Monetary (nominal value) specified by the law has become a criterion for exchange transactions, withdrawal and the international circulation according to system Gold rule; although, it was related to the British pound before the revolution of July 14th, 1958, especially in terms of credit and foreign transfers, as it has a metal cover coupled with stability. After the liberation of Iraq from the ring of the (sterling Pound), the Iraqi dinar remained as a cash unit (with real value) standing on its own compared to international rates. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/?quer=&nm=&ny=&nn=474
9. Discussion on Iraq’s Economy with Rick Barton, CSIS, & Iraqi Citizen Interviews. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Discussion%20on%20Iraq%92s%20Economy%20with%20Rick%20Barton%2C%20CSIS%2C%20%26%20Iraqi%20Citizen%20Interviews&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq010507%5Finterviews2.rm
10. Iraq Army to receive 16 helicopters and 4,000 armored vehicles. Azzaman, January 8, 2007. Iraq has signed contracts for the purchase of armored vehicles and other weapons with European and U.S. weapons companies, a statement by the Defense Ministry said. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2007-01-08\kurd1.htm
11. Bush to Propose Restoring Iraqi Factories to Create Jobs. BAGHDAD, Jan. 9 — A new effort to revitalize Iraqi factories that make vegetable oil, fertilizer, road signs and sulfuric acid — among the world’s most outdated and decrepit — is expected to be at the center of the plan for the nation that President Bush will present Wednesday. Several Iraqi leaders were skeptical of the job plan. Mehdi Hafedh, a former planning minister, called the idea “ridiculous.” But even before the measures are announced, Iraqi political and business leaders have been expressing skepticism that any effort to transform a system of state-owned enterprises that has fallen so far into dysfunction could become an engine for job creation in Iraq. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/10/world/middleeast/10jobs.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&oref=slogin
12. U.S. Pares Reconstruction Effort in Iraq. WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's new Iraq strategy calls for modest, relatively inexpensive efforts to spur job creation and economic growth, a marked shift from the large-scale reconstruction projects and free-market dogmatism of earlier White House efforts. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116839421506072166.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
13. Analysis: Rebuilding Iraq's economy. World Peace Herald. When then-viceroy Paul Bremer took over the civilian administration of Iraq in 2003, he had an intricate plan to transform the state-owned socialist economy into a beacon of free enterprise in the heart of the Middle East. Central to his plan was the sale of some 200 state-owned enterprises to the highest bidder to bring in fresh capital, streamline operations and boost profits. That in turn would drive the rest of the economy. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2914
14. The Oil Sector - The Iraq Study Group Report. http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3900
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 10 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
10 January 2007
1. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 08 Jan/07. http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009333.php#more
2. Iraq's Basra port to shut for work. BASRA, Iraq, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Iraq's main oil export terminal will be shut for maintenance for up to four days, further drawing down the tap of a struggling oil sector. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070109-010000-4252r
3. Iraq Resumes Kirkuk Oil Flow to Ceyhan. www.gulfoilandgas.com 1/2/2007. Iraq resumed pumping Kirkuk crude oil to the Turkish export terminal of Ceyhan Monday after a two-week suspension, an Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. He said some 150,000 barrels were pumped, bringing stocks of Iraqi crude at Ceyhan to 3.65 million bbl.
4. Violence, Curfews Curtailing Services. Washington Post. BAGHDAD -- Noor Ibrahim lay shivering underneath two blankets on a bed at al-Jarrah Hospital. Steps away was a red plastic bassinet. It was empty. A few doors down, her recently born son lay wrapped in a pink blanket. He was a chubby boy of nearly nine pounds with a big patch of black hair. His eyes were closed, his head cocked to the left, his mouth slightly open, his skin soft and pale. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010301666.html
5. Iraq's academics targeted by militias. BBC. Hundreds of academics, doctors and other specialists have been murdered in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. Many more are among the thousands of people fleeing the country, adding to the brain drain. BBC Arabic.com asked four Iraqi academics, all based outside Iraq, why they thought they were being targeted, and what could be done to help.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/6224427.stm
6. Extending the licenses of two Kuwaiti mobile companies in Iraq. www.IRAQdirectory.com. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2894
7. Reconstructing Iraq: Corruption Hinders Ambitious Engineering. Tens of billions of dollars have flowed into Iraq to boost reconstruction efforts. Although the mainstream media tends to make it seem as though the effort in Iraq is a futile one, the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers paints a different picture. Let's take a look at some of the setbacks and successes. http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2007/01/iraq_reconstruction_corruption_hinders_ambitious_engineering.html
8. Iraq Map Collections at U.S. Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/gmd:@FIELD(SUBJ+@band(+Iraq++))
9. Western companies may get 75% of Iraqi oil profits. DOW JONES NEWSWIRES. Iraq's massive oil reserves may be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies - which could end up grabbing up to 75% of the beleagured nation's oil profits - under a law seen coming before the Iraqi parliament within days, the Independent reported on its Web site Monday. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/western-companies-may-get-75/story.aspx?guid=%7B09CFDDFD-E299-4659-A8C3-5ADE6E26579E%7D
10. Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight. GAO-07-308SP, January 9, 2007. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-308SP
11. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168300800-2-1168387200-3-icr&o=c-1-1168214400-2-1168300800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168214400-2-1168300800-3-icr&o=c-1-1168300800-2-1168387200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
12. Iraqi law 'to favour Western oil companies'. UpstreamOnline.com. A long-awaited Iraqi law covering investment in the country's oil sector will be based on production-sharing agreements (PSAs) favouring Western oil companies, a UK newspaper reported. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article125824.ece
13. The state of Iraq's security forces. Can Iraq's new army and police forces take over responsibility for security across the country within 15 months, thereby allowing the majority of American combat troops to withdraw? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6168525.stm
14. Brookings Iraq Index 8 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
15. Oil experts discuss report on Iraq draft oil law - TV talkshow. BBC Monitoring.Al-Jazeera Satellite Television at 1830 gmt on 8 January carries a new episode of its "Behind the News Programme", moderated by Muhammad Kurayshan. This episode is devoted to discussing the future of the oil wealth in Iraq in the light of a report published by the British newspaper the Independent on 7 January revealing that a draft law could be passed in Baghdad soon, under which US and British companies would be given the right to exploit the oil reserves of Iraq for 30 years. The guests of the programme are former Iraqi Oil Minister Isam Abd-al-Rahim Chalabi, who speaks via satellite from Amman, and Muhammad Ali Zayni, an expert at the Centre for Global Energy Studies, via satellite from London. Asked if such a law could indeed be issued in the next few days, Chalabi says: "It is impossible for this law to be issued in the manner outlined by the Independent." He adds that the Independent on Sunday's report is "perhaps far from reality". He says that, having followed this issue for a long time, nothing indicates that the report is true. He points out that the Oil Ministry in mid-July 2006 presented a draft oil law, "which is an acceptable formula in many of its aspects". He notes that the draft stipulates establishing a central administration for the oil sector, and not allowing the regions or governorates to undertake direct administration. He says: "What happened is that Kurdistan Region presented a draft, which was very from reality and entailed an illogical explanation of the paragraphs that came in the Iraqi constitution. The draft stipulates giving it [Kurdistan Region] the right to fully administer [the oil sector] from A to Z. Honestly speaking, the Oil Ministry rejected this logic and said it could not agree." Chalabi goes on to say that the Baghdad government and the Kurdish sides have held meetings over the past three months, which produced "some progress". He adds: "What I knew, specifically less than a month ago, through a meeting with a number of officials in charge of the oil file in the government of Kurdistan Region was that they reached a formula which might settle these issues." Asked the same question, Al-Zayni says he did not read the draft law "in its final version". He says: "It seems that the figures mentioned by the paper are high and abnormal, even when compared to what Iraq got, or the contracts Iraq signed under the former regime with other companies in 1997." Told that the draft law falls within the context of the production profit-sharing agreements and that perhaps only the percentages mentioned in the draft are unfair, Al-Zayni says that the draft law, as published, gives the contracted companies 20 per cent of profits, "which is a high percentage, especially if we take into consideration the current oil price hikes". He recalls a contract Iraq signed with the French Total Company, under which the company received 10 per cent of the profits when the price of the oil barrel was 18 dollars. "How can this percentage rise at present, while prices have tripled?" he wonders. Kurayshan tells Al-Zayni that according to the draft law, these companies will get two-thirds of the profits in the first years of production because they are to invest large amounts of money and develop the infrastructure of the oil sector. Commenting, Al-Zayni says: "This is called the cost oil. Through this oil, the company would restore the money it invested in developing an oilfield. Once again, this percentage is high if we compare it with the contracts approved by the former regime. For example, in the case of Total, the percentage was 40 per cent, which is reasonable." Asked why he thinks the report is false, Chalabi says: "The intensive efforts to draft an oil law at this stage is unjustifiable, for the simple reason that no person, be he an Iraqi or a foreigner, can even go to Iraq." He adds: "I do not think that any company can send even one person for talks with Iraq. The Iraqis at present do not need such a law." He says that there are more critical issues that should be addressed, such as the political process and the state of lawlessness. Kurayshan tells Chalabi: "Is it this state of lawlessness that perhaps justifies this unfair percentage? Perhaps the security companies are saying: as long as I am going to take such a risk, I need to secure revenues that justify these expenditures." Commenting, Chalabi says: "I can assure you that there is no world company whatsoever - be it a US or British company, a small or a big company - that is ready to go to Iraq at present. I, therefore, believe that these percentages are totally false, because these percentages vary from one oilfield to another and they depend on the cost of investments." Chalabi notes that a negotiation over the percentages is possible only after an agreement is reached on the exploitation of a certain oilfield. Chalabi corrects Zayni, saying Iraq did not sign a contract with Total, but rather negotiated with the company. He notes that Iraq had signed a contract with the Russian Lukoil, which was cancelled, and another with the Chinese CNPC. He notes that the percentage of the profit in the contract with China "was only 9-10 per cent". He says that the current oil minister, in a visit to China two or three months ago, told the Chinese that the percentage should be renegotiated. Asked if this draft law proves the claim that the Iraqi oil was the goal behind the invasion of Iraq, Al-Zayni says: "This depends on the behaviour of the Iraqi government and officials. The Iraqi officials can preserve the Iraqi oil wealth by giving [companies] rights to develop oilfields under conditions that suit the interest of the country. If there are governments that attach no importance to the interest of the Iraqi people, then this wealth might be in danger." Kurayshan mentions an article by Joseph Samahah in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, in which he notes that the Baker-Hamilton report suggested the privatization of the oil sector in Iraq and that the members of the Baker commission have links with oil companies. Commenting, Chalabi says that the US politicians talked much and tried to exclude oil "as one of the most important reasons for invading and occupying Iraq". He adds: "Oil was, still is, and will continue for a long time to be one of the most important factors on which US policy is based, not only in Iraq but also in the Middle East region and the Arabian Gulf, because two-thirds of the world's oil reserves exist in this region." Chalabi says that of the 125 oilfields in Iraq, only "around 15 to 18 are being exploited". He notes that what came in the Baker-Hamilton report on the privatization of oil was "rejected by all Iraqi oil experts". Told that the decision to privatize the oil sector is in the end a political decision, Chalabi says that "no government - be it an Iraqi government, an occupation government or a US government - will be allowed to steal the wealth of Iraq". "The Iraqi oil is for the Iraqis," he adds. Al-Zayni says he agrees with Chalabi regarding "the seriousness of the Iraqi people and the patriotism of Iraqi officials concerning preserving Iraq's oil wealth". Asked how Iraq can ensure an "economic independence under conditions that do not allow for a political, security or military independence in the country", Al-Zayni says that there is "widespread corruption", as is obvious in the smuggling of oil and the profits that "many sides" earn "out of this corruption." He adds: "However, I do not think that the corruption would reach the point of agreeing with foreign companies or countries in order to divide oil [shares] or give it [oil] away in an unfair manner." He says that the Iraqi people would oppose such agreements. Source: Al-Jazeera TV, Doha, in Arabic 1830 gmt 8 Jan 07
END
10 January 2007
1. Winds of Change Iraq Report, 08 Jan/07. http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/009333.php#more
2. Iraq's Basra port to shut for work. BASRA, Iraq, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Iraq's main oil export terminal will be shut for maintenance for up to four days, further drawing down the tap of a struggling oil sector. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070109-010000-4252r
3. Iraq Resumes Kirkuk Oil Flow to Ceyhan. www.gulfoilandgas.com 1/2/2007. Iraq resumed pumping Kirkuk crude oil to the Turkish export terminal of Ceyhan Monday after a two-week suspension, an Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. He said some 150,000 barrels were pumped, bringing stocks of Iraqi crude at Ceyhan to 3.65 million bbl.
4. Violence, Curfews Curtailing Services. Washington Post. BAGHDAD -- Noor Ibrahim lay shivering underneath two blankets on a bed at al-Jarrah Hospital. Steps away was a red plastic bassinet. It was empty. A few doors down, her recently born son lay wrapped in a pink blanket. He was a chubby boy of nearly nine pounds with a big patch of black hair. His eyes were closed, his head cocked to the left, his mouth slightly open, his skin soft and pale. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010301666.html
5. Iraq's academics targeted by militias. BBC. Hundreds of academics, doctors and other specialists have been murdered in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. Many more are among the thousands of people fleeing the country, adding to the brain drain. BBC Arabic.com asked four Iraqi academics, all based outside Iraq, why they thought they were being targeted, and what could be done to help.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/6224427.stm
6. Extending the licenses of two Kuwaiti mobile companies in Iraq. www.IRAQdirectory.com. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2894
7. Reconstructing Iraq: Corruption Hinders Ambitious Engineering. Tens of billions of dollars have flowed into Iraq to boost reconstruction efforts. Although the mainstream media tends to make it seem as though the effort in Iraq is a futile one, the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers paints a different picture. Let's take a look at some of the setbacks and successes. http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2007/01/iraq_reconstruction_corruption_hinders_ambitious_engineering.html
8. Iraq Map Collections at U.S. Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/gmd:@FIELD(SUBJ+@band(+Iraq++))
9. Western companies may get 75% of Iraqi oil profits. DOW JONES NEWSWIRES. Iraq's massive oil reserves may be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies - which could end up grabbing up to 75% of the beleagured nation's oil profits - under a law seen coming before the Iraqi parliament within days, the Independent reported on its Web site Monday. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/western-companies-may-get-75/story.aspx?guid=%7B09CFDDFD-E299-4659-A8C3-5ADE6E26579E%7D
10. Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight. GAO-07-308SP, January 9, 2007. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-308SP
11. IWPR Iraq Press Monitor. http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168300800-2-1168387200-3-icr&o=c-1-1168214400-2-1168300800-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007 and http://www.iwpr.net/?apc_state=henmicrc-1-1168214400-2-1168300800-3-icr&o=c-1-1168300800-2-1168387200-3-icr&o1=month-1,year-2007&month=1&year=2007
12. Iraqi law 'to favour Western oil companies'. UpstreamOnline.com. A long-awaited Iraqi law covering investment in the country's oil sector will be based on production-sharing agreements (PSAs) favouring Western oil companies, a UK newspaper reported. http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/article125824.ece
13. The state of Iraq's security forces. Can Iraq's new army and police forces take over responsibility for security across the country within 15 months, thereby allowing the majority of American combat troops to withdraw? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6168525.stm
14. Brookings Iraq Index 8 January 2007. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
15. Oil experts discuss report on Iraq draft oil law - TV talkshow. BBC Monitoring.Al-Jazeera Satellite Television at 1830 gmt on 8 January carries a new episode of its "Behind the News Programme", moderated by Muhammad Kurayshan. This episode is devoted to discussing the future of the oil wealth in Iraq in the light of a report published by the British newspaper the Independent on 7 January revealing that a draft law could be passed in Baghdad soon, under which US and British companies would be given the right to exploit the oil reserves of Iraq for 30 years. The guests of the programme are former Iraqi Oil Minister Isam Abd-al-Rahim Chalabi, who speaks via satellite from Amman, and Muhammad Ali Zayni, an expert at the Centre for Global Energy Studies, via satellite from London. Asked if such a law could indeed be issued in the next few days, Chalabi says: "It is impossible for this law to be issued in the manner outlined by the Independent." He adds that the Independent on Sunday's report is "perhaps far from reality". He says that, having followed this issue for a long time, nothing indicates that the report is true. He points out that the Oil Ministry in mid-July 2006 presented a draft oil law, "which is an acceptable formula in many of its aspects". He notes that the draft stipulates establishing a central administration for the oil sector, and not allowing the regions or governorates to undertake direct administration. He says: "What happened is that Kurdistan Region presented a draft, which was very from reality and entailed an illogical explanation of the paragraphs that came in the Iraqi constitution. The draft stipulates giving it [Kurdistan Region] the right to fully administer [the oil sector] from A to Z. Honestly speaking, the Oil Ministry rejected this logic and said it could not agree." Chalabi goes on to say that the Baghdad government and the Kurdish sides have held meetings over the past three months, which produced "some progress". He adds: "What I knew, specifically less than a month ago, through a meeting with a number of officials in charge of the oil file in the government of Kurdistan Region was that they reached a formula which might settle these issues." Asked the same question, Al-Zayni says he did not read the draft law "in its final version". He says: "It seems that the figures mentioned by the paper are high and abnormal, even when compared to what Iraq got, or the contracts Iraq signed under the former regime with other companies in 1997." Told that the draft law falls within the context of the production profit-sharing agreements and that perhaps only the percentages mentioned in the draft are unfair, Al-Zayni says that the draft law, as published, gives the contracted companies 20 per cent of profits, "which is a high percentage, especially if we take into consideration the current oil price hikes". He recalls a contract Iraq signed with the French Total Company, under which the company received 10 per cent of the profits when the price of the oil barrel was 18 dollars. "How can this percentage rise at present, while prices have tripled?" he wonders. Kurayshan tells Al-Zayni that according to the draft law, these companies will get two-thirds of the profits in the first years of production because they are to invest large amounts of money and develop the infrastructure of the oil sector. Commenting, Al-Zayni says: "This is called the cost oil. Through this oil, the company would restore the money it invested in developing an oilfield. Once again, this percentage is high if we compare it with the contracts approved by the former regime. For example, in the case of Total, the percentage was 40 per cent, which is reasonable." Asked why he thinks the report is false, Chalabi says: "The intensive efforts to draft an oil law at this stage is unjustifiable, for the simple reason that no person, be he an Iraqi or a foreigner, can even go to Iraq." He adds: "I do not think that any company can send even one person for talks with Iraq. The Iraqis at present do not need such a law." He says that there are more critical issues that should be addressed, such as the political process and the state of lawlessness. Kurayshan tells Chalabi: "Is it this state of lawlessness that perhaps justifies this unfair percentage? Perhaps the security companies are saying: as long as I am going to take such a risk, I need to secure revenues that justify these expenditures." Commenting, Chalabi says: "I can assure you that there is no world company whatsoever - be it a US or British company, a small or a big company - that is ready to go to Iraq at present. I, therefore, believe that these percentages are totally false, because these percentages vary from one oilfield to another and they depend on the cost of investments." Chalabi notes that a negotiation over the percentages is possible only after an agreement is reached on the exploitation of a certain oilfield. Chalabi corrects Zayni, saying Iraq did not sign a contract with Total, but rather negotiated with the company. He notes that Iraq had signed a contract with the Russian Lukoil, which was cancelled, and another with the Chinese CNPC. He notes that the percentage of the profit in the contract with China "was only 9-10 per cent". He says that the current oil minister, in a visit to China two or three months ago, told the Chinese that the percentage should be renegotiated. Asked if this draft law proves the claim that the Iraqi oil was the goal behind the invasion of Iraq, Al-Zayni says: "This depends on the behaviour of the Iraqi government and officials. The Iraqi officials can preserve the Iraqi oil wealth by giving [companies] rights to develop oilfields under conditions that suit the interest of the country. If there are governments that attach no importance to the interest of the Iraqi people, then this wealth might be in danger." Kurayshan mentions an article by Joseph Samahah in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, in which he notes that the Baker-Hamilton report suggested the privatization of the oil sector in Iraq and that the members of the Baker commission have links with oil companies. Commenting, Chalabi says that the US politicians talked much and tried to exclude oil "as one of the most important reasons for invading and occupying Iraq". He adds: "Oil was, still is, and will continue for a long time to be one of the most important factors on which US policy is based, not only in Iraq but also in the Middle East region and the Arabian Gulf, because two-thirds of the world's oil reserves exist in this region." Chalabi says that of the 125 oilfields in Iraq, only "around 15 to 18 are being exploited". He notes that what came in the Baker-Hamilton report on the privatization of oil was "rejected by all Iraqi oil experts". Told that the decision to privatize the oil sector is in the end a political decision, Chalabi says that "no government - be it an Iraqi government, an occupation government or a US government - will be allowed to steal the wealth of Iraq". "The Iraqi oil is for the Iraqis," he adds. Al-Zayni says he agrees with Chalabi regarding "the seriousness of the Iraqi people and the patriotism of Iraqi officials concerning preserving Iraq's oil wealth". Asked how Iraq can ensure an "economic independence under conditions that do not allow for a political, security or military independence in the country", Al-Zayni says that there is "widespread corruption", as is obvious in the smuggling of oil and the profits that "many sides" earn "out of this corruption." He adds: "However, I do not think that the corruption would reach the point of agreeing with foreign companies or countries in order to divide oil [shares] or give it [oil] away in an unfair manner." He says that the Iraqi people would oppose such agreements. Source: Al-Jazeera TV, Doha, in Arabic 1830 gmt 8 Jan 07
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 9 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
9 January 2007
1. New US ambassador to Iraq no stranger to danger. WASHINGTON (AFP) - Ryan Crocker, named as the new US ambassador to Baghdad, is one of Washington's most experienced diplomats, with a history in hotspots that should serve him well, as he tries to steer the United States out of the Iraq quagmire.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070108/pl_afp/usiraqpolitics_070108205250 New York Times on Ambassador Crocker http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/world/middleeast/06crocker.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Ambassador Crocker's official biography is at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/37928.htm
2. Who Will Get Iraq's Petroleum? http://www.neftegaz.ru/. The largest American petroleum companies conduct intensive consultations with the leaders of the Iraq’s opposition from the West, who support authorities of USA. In the center of negotiations is the future of Iraq’s petroleum industry. http://www.neftegaz.ru/english/analit/comments.php?one=1&id=964
3. Trade warns foodstuff shops. of delaying items. The Ministry of Trade has directed a warning punishment for a number of flour's agents because of delaying distributing this item among families. http://english.iraqimedianet.net/index.php?mod=article&cat=Economy&article=1086
4. Minister of Planning: The budget does not meet the aspirations of development. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Ali Ghalib Baban, said in a press conference that the annual allocations proposed for the 2007 budget amounted to 12 trillion and 565 billion dinar (10 billion dollars). http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2858
5. International conference on freedom of expression and media development in Iraq to be held at UNESCO. http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=36304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
6. The Virgin Oilfields of Iraq. A large part of the country is still mainly unexplored. Of the more than 80 oilfields discovered, only 21 have been developed. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5305462/site/newsweek/
7. Orascom's Iraq Licence Extended. Middle Eastern operator Orascom Telecom has announced that it has been awarded a three-month extension to its mobile license in Iraq. http://www.telecommagazine.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_2664
8. Iraqi government to announce federal oil council soon. BAGHDAD, Jan 7 (KUNA) -- As part of a fresh economic opening-up policy, the Iraqi government is determined to make public the establishment of a federal oil and gas council soon, an Iraqi spokesman said here Sunday. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=940204
9. Iran resumes exports to Iraq via Mehran border point. IRNA. Iran resumed export of non-oil goods to Iraq via the international border point of Mehran on Saturday, a local official said here on Saturday. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0701062261170947.htm
10. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/04/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
11. Iraq Experts Weigh Jobs Program. (AP) Just as debate rages over sending more U.S. troops to Iraq, there are differing views about whether economic incentives such as micro-loans and U.S.-funded jobs programs would coax militiamen to trade guns for tools.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/06/ap/politics/mainD8MFTU580.shtml
12. Blood and oil: How the West will profit from Iraq's most precious commodity. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2132574.ece Information on how Production Sharing Arrangements (PSAs) really work is at http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2154
13. Iraqi factions agree on draft oil law. ISTANBUL - Referans. As the world still debates the execution of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, it has been revealed that the Iraqi government is preparing to send to Parliament important arrangements on how the country's oil resources are to be carved up. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=63439
14. Iraq: Maintenance of oil meters in southern ports delayed to February. (MENAFN) The Inspector General in the Iraqi Oil Ministry Stated that the delays in completing the processes of maintaining and replacing the meters used in southern ports still cause difficulties in calculating the quantities of exported oil, Iraq directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138274
15. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 27 December 2006. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78539.pdf
16. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 4 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78538.ppt
END
9 January 2007
1. New US ambassador to Iraq no stranger to danger. WASHINGTON (AFP) - Ryan Crocker, named as the new US ambassador to Baghdad, is one of Washington's most experienced diplomats, with a history in hotspots that should serve him well, as he tries to steer the United States out of the Iraq quagmire.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070108/pl_afp/usiraqpolitics_070108205250 New York Times on Ambassador Crocker http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/world/middleeast/06crocker.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Ambassador Crocker's official biography is at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/37928.htm
2. Who Will Get Iraq's Petroleum? http://www.neftegaz.ru/. The largest American petroleum companies conduct intensive consultations with the leaders of the Iraq’s opposition from the West, who support authorities of USA. In the center of negotiations is the future of Iraq’s petroleum industry. http://www.neftegaz.ru/english/analit/comments.php?one=1&id=964
3. Trade warns foodstuff shops. of delaying items. The Ministry of Trade has directed a warning punishment for a number of flour's agents because of delaying distributing this item among families. http://english.iraqimedianet.net/index.php?mod=article&cat=Economy&article=1086
4. Minister of Planning: The budget does not meet the aspirations of development. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Ali Ghalib Baban, said in a press conference that the annual allocations proposed for the 2007 budget amounted to 12 trillion and 565 billion dinar (10 billion dollars). http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2858
5. International conference on freedom of expression and media development in Iraq to be held at UNESCO. http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=36304&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
6. The Virgin Oilfields of Iraq. A large part of the country is still mainly unexplored. Of the more than 80 oilfields discovered, only 21 have been developed. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5305462/site/newsweek/
7. Orascom's Iraq Licence Extended. Middle Eastern operator Orascom Telecom has announced that it has been awarded a three-month extension to its mobile license in Iraq. http://www.telecommagazine.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_2664
8. Iraqi government to announce federal oil council soon. BAGHDAD, Jan 7 (KUNA) -- As part of a fresh economic opening-up policy, the Iraqi government is determined to make public the establishment of a federal oil and gas council soon, an Iraqi spokesman said here Sunday. http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=940204
9. Iran resumes exports to Iraq via Mehran border point. IRNA. Iran resumed export of non-oil goods to Iraq via the international border point of Mehran on Saturday, a local official said here on Saturday. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0701062261170947.htm
10. GRD Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update 01/04/07 https://www.rebuilding-iraq.net/pls/portal/url/ITEM/07251F2EFBCA801DE040A8C00B0741F5
11. Iraq Experts Weigh Jobs Program. (AP) Just as debate rages over sending more U.S. troops to Iraq, there are differing views about whether economic incentives such as micro-loans and U.S.-funded jobs programs would coax militiamen to trade guns for tools.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/06/ap/politics/mainD8MFTU580.shtml
12. Blood and oil: How the West will profit from Iraq's most precious commodity. http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2132574.ece Information on how Production Sharing Arrangements (PSAs) really work is at http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2154
13. Iraqi factions agree on draft oil law. ISTANBUL - Referans. As the world still debates the execution of deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, it has been revealed that the Iraqi government is preparing to send to Parliament important arrangements on how the country's oil resources are to be carved up. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=63439
14. Iraq: Maintenance of oil meters in southern ports delayed to February. (MENAFN) The Inspector General in the Iraqi Oil Ministry Stated that the delays in completing the processes of maintaining and replacing the meters used in southern ports still cause difficulties in calculating the quantities of exported oil, Iraq directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138274
15. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 27 December 2006. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78539.pdf
16. Iraq Weekly Status Report, 4 January 2007. http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78538.ppt
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 8 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
8 January 2007
1. Iraqi minister: Oil production to reach 4.5 bpd in five years. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138019
2. Iraq poised to end drought for thirsting oil giants. For more than three decades, foreign oil companies wanting into Iraq have been like children pressed against the sweet shop window - desperately seeking to feast on the goodies but having no way of getting through the door. That could soon change. http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2132467.ece
3. US twists civilian arms to fill Fortress Baghdad. At the heart of George W. Bush’s “new way forward” – which the president is expected to announce on Wednesday and involve substantial troop reinforcements – is the plan already under way to expand the US civilian presence across Iraq and complete the world’s largest embassy in Baghdad. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/44bb3006-9e80-11db-ac03-0000779e2340.html
4. India again seeks Iraq oil deal. LONDON — India, together with Algeria, is for the second time seeking to develop a major oil field in Iraq. Algeria's state-owned monopoly and Indian energy majors have been discussing the prospect of joint development of a field in Iraq. Executives said India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp. and Reliance Industries have sought to develop the Tuba oil field in southern Iraq. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/07/front2454106.220833333.html
5. Iraq could open oil reserves to foreign firms. LONDON. Iraq is preparing to allow foreign companies to exploit its oil reserves, The Independent yesterday newspaper said, citing a draft law expected to come before the Iraqi parliament soon. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=January2007&file=Business_News2007010812131.xml
6. An Iraqi tendency to extend the contracts of communications companies for security reasons. It has been known that the supervisory body for organizing mobile communications in Iraq tends to extend the contracts of three mobile companies in Iraq: mtc, Al-Watnia for communications and Orascom Telecom for an indefinite period because of the difficult security conditions in Iraq now. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2861
7. Iraq country profile - U.S. Library of Congress. Includes text, comparative area map, location map, and historical timeline. Ancillary maps: Oil infrastructure -- Distribution of ethnoreligious groups and major tribes -- Population density -- Land use -- Kurdish areas of northern Iraq -- Physical features. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?gmd:3:./temp/~ammem_XJGJ::
8. Iraq Vignette: Basra Air Station & New Iraqi Air Force. C-SPAN. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Iraq%20Vignette%3A%20Basra%20Air%20Station%20%26%20New%20Iraqi%20Air%20Force&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq010407%5Fairforce.rm
9. Medications trade in the streets of Baghdad aggravate day after day. Various types of medications are sold Openly, now, on the streets of Baghdad. It is a kind of trade that draws its sustenance from the citizen's health. Citizens who despaired of finding certain treatments turn to the street hoping to find them, especially those with chronic diseases. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2860
10. Iran vows $1bn Iraq loan. TEHRAN: Iran is set to loan $1 billion to Iraq for reconstruction of the war-torn country, the official news agency Irna reported yesterday. "The Islamic republic will give Iraq a $1bn loan for reconstruction of this country," Economy Minister Davoud Danesh Jafari was quoted as saying by the economy ministry's public relations department. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=165958&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29286
11. Iraq Experts Weigh Jobs Program. (AP) Just as debate rages over sending more U.S. troops to Iraq, there are differing views about whether economic incentives such as micro-loans and U.S.-funded jobs programs would coax militiamen to trade guns for tools. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/06/ap/politics/mainD8MFTU580.shtml
12. Iraq to issue tender for Kirkuk oil. LONDON: Iraq is expected in coming days to issue a tender to sell Kirkuk crude oil, the first in months, after stocks held in Turkey reached more than 4 million barrels, industry sources said yesterday. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=166366&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29291
8 January 2007
1. Iraqi minister: Oil production to reach 4.5 bpd in five years. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093138019
2. Iraq poised to end drought for thirsting oil giants. For more than three decades, foreign oil companies wanting into Iraq have been like children pressed against the sweet shop window - desperately seeking to feast on the goodies but having no way of getting through the door. That could soon change. http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2132467.ece
3. US twists civilian arms to fill Fortress Baghdad. At the heart of George W. Bush’s “new way forward” – which the president is expected to announce on Wednesday and involve substantial troop reinforcements – is the plan already under way to expand the US civilian presence across Iraq and complete the world’s largest embassy in Baghdad. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/44bb3006-9e80-11db-ac03-0000779e2340.html
4. India again seeks Iraq oil deal. LONDON — India, together with Algeria, is for the second time seeking to develop a major oil field in Iraq. Algeria's state-owned monopoly and Indian energy majors have been discussing the prospect of joint development of a field in Iraq. Executives said India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp. and Reliance Industries have sought to develop the Tuba oil field in southern Iraq. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/07/front2454106.220833333.html
5. Iraq could open oil reserves to foreign firms. LONDON. Iraq is preparing to allow foreign companies to exploit its oil reserves, The Independent yesterday newspaper said, citing a draft law expected to come before the Iraqi parliament soon. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Business_News&subsection=market+news&month=January2007&file=Business_News2007010812131.xml
6. An Iraqi tendency to extend the contracts of communications companies for security reasons. It has been known that the supervisory body for organizing mobile communications in Iraq tends to extend the contracts of three mobile companies in Iraq: mtc, Al-Watnia for communications and Orascom Telecom for an indefinite period because of the difficult security conditions in Iraq now. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2861
7. Iraq country profile - U.S. Library of Congress. Includes text, comparative area map, location map, and historical timeline. Ancillary maps: Oil infrastructure -- Distribution of ethnoreligious groups and major tribes -- Population density -- Land use -- Kurdish areas of northern Iraq -- Physical features. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?gmd:3:./temp/~ammem_XJGJ::
8. Iraq Vignette: Basra Air Station & New Iraqi Air Force. C-SPAN. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Iraq%20Vignette%3A%20Basra%20Air%20Station%20%26%20New%20Iraqi%20Air%20Force&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq010407%5Fairforce.rm
9. Medications trade in the streets of Baghdad aggravate day after day. Various types of medications are sold Openly, now, on the streets of Baghdad. It is a kind of trade that draws its sustenance from the citizen's health. Citizens who despaired of finding certain treatments turn to the street hoping to find them, especially those with chronic diseases. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2860
10. Iran vows $1bn Iraq loan. TEHRAN: Iran is set to loan $1 billion to Iraq for reconstruction of the war-torn country, the official news agency Irna reported yesterday. "The Islamic republic will give Iraq a $1bn loan for reconstruction of this country," Economy Minister Davoud Danesh Jafari was quoted as saying by the economy ministry's public relations department. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=165958&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29286
11. Iraq Experts Weigh Jobs Program. (AP) Just as debate rages over sending more U.S. troops to Iraq, there are differing views about whether economic incentives such as micro-loans and U.S.-funded jobs programs would coax militiamen to trade guns for tools. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/06/ap/politics/mainD8MFTU580.shtml
12. Iraq to issue tender for Kirkuk oil. LONDON: Iraq is expected in coming days to issue a tender to sell Kirkuk crude oil, the first in months, after stocks held in Turkey reached more than 4 million barrels, industry sources said yesterday. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=166366&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29291
Iraq Reconstruction News 6 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
6 January 2007
1. Bush Will Seek Aid, Jobs Funds To Bolster Iraq. WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's new strategy for Iraq, which the president is set to announce next week, will include a big boost in spending to fund reconstruction, economic growth and job creation, as part of a broader effort to help embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116796897694467905.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
2. Dynamic Ideas for Iraq. The president is on the cusp of making the most important decision of his second term: increasing our troop presence in Baghdad and Anbar in an effort to stave off Iraqi civil war. A troop surge into Baghdad will not solve problems overnight. But by helping to establish security, more troops can weaken the insurgency, which is the first step to addressing most of Iraq's other problems, including the growth of Shiite militias. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116796671199867859.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
3. War News Radio: At the Front Line. http://warnewsradio.org/
4. The 4th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition, 7 - 10 May 2007, Amman, Jordan. http://www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/
5. Interpol: Stolen Iraqi cultural Property. In response to the looting of cultural property in Iraq, and in accordance with the recommendations adopted at an international conference on the subject held in Lyons on 5 and 6 May 2003, the General Secretariat has created a new public web site section. The aim is to make accessible to the public all information on cultural property stolen in Iraq provided to the General Secretariat as a result of close co-operation with the Interpol National Central Bureaus and UNESCO. All these objects are featured in the General Secretariat's database and on the 'Interpol - Stolen Works of Art' DVD.
For a detailed list go to http://www.interpol.int/Public/WorkOfArt/Iraq/Items.asp and see the left-hand column notation "Stolen Iraqi items".
Illustrations of stolen and recovered items are at http://www.interpol.int/Public/WorkOfArt/Poster/Poster33a.pdf
6. Siemens’ oil-for-food actually money-for-contract program in Iraq. In yet the latest of German electronics giant Siemens’ never-ending string of corruption scandals, state prosecutors in Nuremberg are now investigating the company on suspicion of having less than honorable intentions in its connection with the failed U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq. Prosecutors are investigating claims that Siemens paid “a six-figure sum” as a bribe to Saddam Hussein’s regime in order to secure energy and medical-equipment contracts in the oil-for-food program, the Financial Times reported. http://www.bloggernews.net/13543
7. GIS in an Overview of Iraq Petroleum Geology. Georeferenced maps of Iraq, almost entirely from AAPG publications, are presented herein to show the overall framework of this country within a region that contains vast petroleum resources and to show some features of representative fields. Several maps of fields are accompanied by cross-sections; correlation diagrams for Northern and Southern Iraq are presented along with a tabulation of the various producing stratigraphic units. For presentation, each map utilizes the geographic coordinate system wherein each increment of latitude and longitude is equal. An additional item that is presented in this preliminary compilation is a database of giant fields in Iraq, from the comprehensive databases of giant fields compiled by M.K. Horn to be incorporated in the soon-to-be-published AAPG Memoir, Giant Oil and Gas Fields of the Decade 1990-1999. http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/gong03/index.htm in HTML
http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/gong03/images/gong03.pdf in PDF
8. Economic Policy and Prospects in Iraq, 2004. Abstract: This paper describes the Coalition Provisional Authority’s attempts to stabilize and reform Iraq’s economy along market lines. It argues that while security concerns remain serious, Iraq’s economy has not been crippled by violence. However, sustained economic growth will depend on whether Iraq’s future leaders pursue the pro-market approaches the Coalition has advocated. If the Iraqi economy is to reach its potential, it will need to go even farther than the Coalition did, implementing reforms the Coalition did not pursue because of security concerns. http://www.bos.frb.org/economic/ppdp/2004/ppdp0401.pdf
9. 10% is the proportion of implementing projects in Iraq. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Ali Baban, announced that the Iraqi government has allocated $ 10 billion from the budget of next year for the implementation of investment projects in governorates and regions and the promotion of development at governorates that suffer from insecurity, deterioration of services and widespread unemployment. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2866
10. Iraqi Central Bank expecting budget deficit in 2007. An official at the Iraqi Central Bank expected a deficit in the next-year budget due to pumping dollars into the local market, to preserve the stability of the iraqi dinar exchange rate. Head of the Department of Statistics and Research at the "Central", Madhar Mohamed Salih, declared that the new budget will exchange allocations by the dollar, pointing out that the rise in the value of the iraqi dinar had a positive impact through limiting expenditures, to reduce inflationary pressures in the Iraqi economy and reduce costs on prices. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/
11. EPIC: Best Books on Iraq. http://www.epic-usa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1581
12. A Law for Investment in Iraq. Dar Al-Hayat. The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2844
6 January 2007
1. Bush Will Seek Aid, Jobs Funds To Bolster Iraq. WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's new strategy for Iraq, which the president is set to announce next week, will include a big boost in spending to fund reconstruction, economic growth and job creation, as part of a broader effort to help embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116796897694467905.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
2. Dynamic Ideas for Iraq. The president is on the cusp of making the most important decision of his second term: increasing our troop presence in Baghdad and Anbar in an effort to stave off Iraqi civil war. A troop surge into Baghdad will not solve problems overnight. But by helping to establish security, more troops can weaken the insurgency, which is the first step to addressing most of Iraq's other problems, including the growth of Shiite militias. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116796671199867859.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
3. War News Radio: At the Front Line. http://warnewsradio.org/
4. The 4th International Rebuild Iraq Exhibition, 7 - 10 May 2007, Amman, Jordan. http://www.rebuild-iraq-expo.com/
5. Interpol: Stolen Iraqi cultural Property. In response to the looting of cultural property in Iraq, and in accordance with the recommendations adopted at an international conference on the subject held in Lyons on 5 and 6 May 2003, the General Secretariat has created a new public web site section. The aim is to make accessible to the public all information on cultural property stolen in Iraq provided to the General Secretariat as a result of close co-operation with the Interpol National Central Bureaus and UNESCO. All these objects are featured in the General Secretariat's database and on the 'Interpol - Stolen Works of Art' DVD.
For a detailed list go to http://www.interpol.int/Public/WorkOfArt/Iraq/Items.asp and see the left-hand column notation "Stolen Iraqi items".
Illustrations of stolen and recovered items are at http://www.interpol.int/Public/WorkOfArt/Poster/Poster33a.pdf
6. Siemens’ oil-for-food actually money-for-contract program in Iraq. In yet the latest of German electronics giant Siemens’ never-ending string of corruption scandals, state prosecutors in Nuremberg are now investigating the company on suspicion of having less than honorable intentions in its connection with the failed U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq. Prosecutors are investigating claims that Siemens paid “a six-figure sum” as a bribe to Saddam Hussein’s regime in order to secure energy and medical-equipment contracts in the oil-for-food program, the Financial Times reported. http://www.bloggernews.net/13543
7. GIS in an Overview of Iraq Petroleum Geology. Georeferenced maps of Iraq, almost entirely from AAPG publications, are presented herein to show the overall framework of this country within a region that contains vast petroleum resources and to show some features of representative fields. Several maps of fields are accompanied by cross-sections; correlation diagrams for Northern and Southern Iraq are presented along with a tabulation of the various producing stratigraphic units. For presentation, each map utilizes the geographic coordinate system wherein each increment of latitude and longitude is equal. An additional item that is presented in this preliminary compilation is a database of giant fields in Iraq, from the comprehensive databases of giant fields compiled by M.K. Horn to be incorporated in the soon-to-be-published AAPG Memoir, Giant Oil and Gas Fields of the Decade 1990-1999. http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/gong03/index.htm in HTML
http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/gong03/images/gong03.pdf in PDF
8. Economic Policy and Prospects in Iraq, 2004. Abstract: This paper describes the Coalition Provisional Authority’s attempts to stabilize and reform Iraq’s economy along market lines. It argues that while security concerns remain serious, Iraq’s economy has not been crippled by violence. However, sustained economic growth will depend on whether Iraq’s future leaders pursue the pro-market approaches the Coalition has advocated. If the Iraqi economy is to reach its potential, it will need to go even farther than the Coalition did, implementing reforms the Coalition did not pursue because of security concerns. http://www.bos.frb.org/economic/ppdp/2004/ppdp0401.pdf
9. 10% is the proportion of implementing projects in Iraq. The Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation, Ali Baban, announced that the Iraqi government has allocated $ 10 billion from the budget of next year for the implementation of investment projects in governorates and regions and the promotion of development at governorates that suffer from insecurity, deterioration of services and widespread unemployment. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2866
10. Iraqi Central Bank expecting budget deficit in 2007. An official at the Iraqi Central Bank expected a deficit in the next-year budget due to pumping dollars into the local market, to preserve the stability of the iraqi dinar exchange rate. Head of the Department of Statistics and Research at the "Central", Madhar Mohamed Salih, declared that the new budget will exchange allocations by the dollar, pointing out that the rise in the value of the iraqi dinar had a positive impact through limiting expenditures, to reduce inflationary pressures in the Iraqi economy and reduce costs on prices. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/
11. EPIC: Best Books on Iraq. http://www.epic-usa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1581
12. A Law for Investment in Iraq. Dar Al-Hayat. The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2844
Iraq Reconstruction News 5 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
5 January 2007
1. Iraqi PM urges Polish companies to invest in the country. (MENAFN) During a joint press conference with the Polish prime minister, the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki confirmed his country's desire to attract Polish companies to invest in Iraq, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093137612#top
2. Kurdish struggle for Iraq's oil. One of the most common sights in Irbil is that of a mountain of jerry-cans stacked by a busy roadside. As a car draws up, a young man will rush over to the window and be handed a bundle of Iraqi dinars by the driver. In return, a cherry-coloured liquid will be poured in to the car's petrol tank. Welcome to a petrol station in Iraqi Kurdistan.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6211853.stm
3. Inspector General in Ministry of Oil : Oil is the only future bet to raise the standard of living for people. The Inspector General in the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Ali Mohsin Al-Allaq, confirmed that recent statistics showed that the average annual income of the Iraqi individual reached 41 dollars, and that 54% of Iraqis spend less than a dollar a day, so oil is the only future bet to raise the quality of life, services and living in this country. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2877
4. Orascom Iraq licence extended. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2880
5. ID400b to advance services in Mosul. (Al-Sabaah) Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation allocated 400 billion dinars to develop service fact in Mosul included in programs of construction projects acceleration and regions' development of 2007, A'arif Youssif member of the province council said. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/12955
6. IAEA: Iraq 2004. http://www.iea.org/Textbase/country/n_country.asp?COUNTRY_CODE=IQ
7. Iraq is suffering from intellects and capital migration. Iraq is suffering, from the phenomenon of migration, which include the intellects who survived the kidnapping and murder, as well as the migration of capitals presented by traders who were exposed, themselves their families, to kidnappings, theft, extortion, and even murder, which forced them to immigrate and seek refuge in several countries, like Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and others. The impact of all this, consequently, affected the national income and the Iraqi market because of the continuing threat faced by those traders in their homeland. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2869
8. Interview with Iraq's Minister of Oil at December 2006 OPEC Conference. http://www.opec.org/home/multimedia/videos/2006/143%20meeting/interviewiraqmin.htm
9. Foreign investors eye Iraq oil. UPI Energy Watch -- Potential outside investment in Iraq's oil sector is increasing despite a lack of governing oil law. Two rival Indian companies are working together to obtain a field in Iraq's south. Meanwhile a Norwegian company already involved in the Kurdistan oil sector in Iraq's north increased its share of an oil field. And just last week Iraqi and Russian officials were discussing renewed investment by Russian companies.
http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070102-021310-3707r
10. Iraq: The insurance companies are multiplying their rates. TR Newswires. Sources close to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry say the United States and Britain will urge the Iraqi government to increase its financial guarantees for the insurance companies that are planning to cover the oil sector in Iraq. Most of these companies are either American or British. http://www.tacticalreport.com/Articles/Newswires/20122006.htm
11. Australia's Aid Program (AusAID) in Iraq. The activities of Australia's Aid Program (AusAID), the equivalent of USAID or UK DFID, in Iraq is described at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/country.cfm?CountryID=54777444&Region=AfricaMiddleEast
12. Iraq Resumes Kirkuk Oil Flow to Ceyhan. www.gulfoilandgas.com Iraq resumed pumping Kirkuk crude oil to the Turkish export terminal of Ceyhan Monday after a two-week suspension, an Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. He said some 150,000 barrels were pumped, bringing stocks of Iraqi crude at Ceyhan to 3.65 million bbl.
http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3967
13. Violence pulls plug on Baghdad bath time. Three bathers recline in the relaxation room of an Iraqi hammam, the only ones brave enough to risk their lives to savour a centuries-old Middle Eastern ritual now dying out in terrorised Baghdad. Relaxing at the end of his steam bath and sipping herbal tea -- "good for staving off flu" in the biting winter -- Ali risked a lengthy drive across the war-racked capital to wash after the electricity went off at home. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061226/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestsociety_061226162539
5 January 2007
1. Iraqi PM urges Polish companies to invest in the country. (MENAFN) During a joint press conference with the Polish prime minister, the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki confirmed his country's desire to attract Polish companies to invest in Iraq, Iraq Directory reported. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093137612#top
2. Kurdish struggle for Iraq's oil. One of the most common sights in Irbil is that of a mountain of jerry-cans stacked by a busy roadside. As a car draws up, a young man will rush over to the window and be handed a bundle of Iraqi dinars by the driver. In return, a cherry-coloured liquid will be poured in to the car's petrol tank. Welcome to a petrol station in Iraqi Kurdistan.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6211853.stm
3. Inspector General in Ministry of Oil : Oil is the only future bet to raise the standard of living for people. The Inspector General in the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Ali Mohsin Al-Allaq, confirmed that recent statistics showed that the average annual income of the Iraqi individual reached 41 dollars, and that 54% of Iraqis spend less than a dollar a day, so oil is the only future bet to raise the quality of life, services and living in this country. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2877
4. Orascom Iraq licence extended. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2880
5. ID400b to advance services in Mosul. (Al-Sabaah) Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation allocated 400 billion dinars to develop service fact in Mosul included in programs of construction projects acceleration and regions' development of 2007, A'arif Youssif member of the province council said. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/12955
6. IAEA: Iraq 2004. http://www.iea.org/Textbase/country/n_country.asp?COUNTRY_CODE=IQ
7. Iraq is suffering from intellects and capital migration. Iraq is suffering, from the phenomenon of migration, which include the intellects who survived the kidnapping and murder, as well as the migration of capitals presented by traders who were exposed, themselves their families, to kidnappings, theft, extortion, and even murder, which forced them to immigrate and seek refuge in several countries, like Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and others. The impact of all this, consequently, affected the national income and the Iraqi market because of the continuing threat faced by those traders in their homeland. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2869
8. Interview with Iraq's Minister of Oil at December 2006 OPEC Conference. http://www.opec.org/home/multimedia/videos/2006/143%20meeting/interviewiraqmin.htm
9. Foreign investors eye Iraq oil. UPI Energy Watch -- Potential outside investment in Iraq's oil sector is increasing despite a lack of governing oil law. Two rival Indian companies are working together to obtain a field in Iraq's south. Meanwhile a Norwegian company already involved in the Kurdistan oil sector in Iraq's north increased its share of an oil field. And just last week Iraqi and Russian officials were discussing renewed investment by Russian companies.
http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20070102-021310-3707r
10. Iraq: The insurance companies are multiplying their rates. TR Newswires. Sources close to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry say the United States and Britain will urge the Iraqi government to increase its financial guarantees for the insurance companies that are planning to cover the oil sector in Iraq. Most of these companies are either American or British. http://www.tacticalreport.com/Articles/Newswires/20122006.htm
11. Australia's Aid Program (AusAID) in Iraq. The activities of Australia's Aid Program (AusAID), the equivalent of USAID or UK DFID, in Iraq is described at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/country/country.cfm?CountryID=54777444&Region=AfricaMiddleEast
12. Iraq Resumes Kirkuk Oil Flow to Ceyhan. www.gulfoilandgas.com Iraq resumed pumping Kirkuk crude oil to the Turkish export terminal of Ceyhan Monday after a two-week suspension, an Iraqi oil official said Tuesday. He said some 150,000 barrels were pumped, bringing stocks of Iraqi crude at Ceyhan to 3.65 million bbl.
http://www.gulfoilandgas.com/webpro1/MAIN/Mainnews.asp?id=3967
13. Violence pulls plug on Baghdad bath time. Three bathers recline in the relaxation room of an Iraqi hammam, the only ones brave enough to risk their lives to savour a centuries-old Middle Eastern ritual now dying out in terrorised Baghdad. Relaxing at the end of his steam bath and sipping herbal tea -- "good for staving off flu" in the biting winter -- Ali risked a lengthy drive across the war-racked capital to wash after the electricity went off at home. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061226/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestsociety_061226162539
Iraq Reconstruction News 4 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
4 January 2007
1. Izdihar Round-Up: Iraq Business News 24-30 December 2006. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/PDFs/RoundUps/2006_12_december/2006_1224-1227_roundup.pdf
2. Iraqi Market Basket Report. Costs: Sugar, Flour, Rice, Eggs, Noodles, Chicken, Tomatoes.
http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/517/Iraqi_Market_Basket_Report
3. Statoil is making a shift in interest from southern Iraq to Kurdistan. Tactical Report - 29/11/06. http://www.tacticalreport.com/Articles/IIRNews/2006/29112006.htm
4. DNO Says Tawke #4 Tests at 8,500 bpod. A barefoot (open hole) test was undertaken and the Tawke #4 well produced at a maximum flow rate of 8,500 bopd through a 2-inch choke size. Oil samples were taken confirming similar crude oil quality as was produced during testing of Tawke # 1 / 1A and Tawke # 2. The well will now be completed as an oil producer before the rig is moved to the Tawke # 5 location, hence Tawke # 4 is drilled, tested and completed within a period of approximately three weeks. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39625
5. World Bank Iraq Economic Data Sheet (December 2006). http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21157150/IRAQDATASHEETDec06.pdf
6. Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq, November 2006. http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pdfs/9010Quarterly-Report-20061216.pdf
7. Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit, 17-18 April 2007. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/events/iog/index.htm
8. 'MTC Atheer" doubles its subscribers to exceed three millions in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2857
9. An American university for Iraq but not in Baghdad. SULAIMANIYA, Iraq — It would be an ambitious project even in a Middle Eastern country not embroiled in war: build an American-style university where classes are taught in English, teachers come from around the world and graduates compete for lucrative jobs in fields like business and computer science. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/626b8b18-5d5e-11db-9d15-0000779e2340.html
10. OPEC: Selected Iraq Upstream and Downstream Projects.
Upstream projects: http://www.opec.org/home/powerpoint/supply%20and%20capacity/upstream%20projects/upiraq.htm
Downstream projects: http://www.opec.org/home/powerpoint/downstream%20constraints/downstream%20projects/dsiraq.htm
Other OPEC Iraq information: http://www.opec.org/aboutus/member%20countries/iraq.htm
11. Iraq contractors face increased scrutiny in new Congress. When Rep. Henry Waxman takes over the House Government Reform Committee this month, it's a sure bet that the hearing schedule is going to include some pointed inquiries into the Bush administration's reconstruction program in Iraq. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/010307mag1.htm
12. Economic Inflation is the prominent event in 2006. The phenomenon has grown more frightening and threatening to disrupt production sectors. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2867
13. The Norwegian D.N.O obtain additional 15% of an oil field. The Norwegian Oil Company D.N.O said ,on Thursday, that it rose its share in the oil fields in northern Iraq to 55% from 40% in agreement with the authorities in the Kurdish area, on condition that the company would bear full cost of production-sharing agreements. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2853
14. Iraq Government Focusing on Rebuilding Oil Industry. Iraq's Kurds, Sunnis, and Shi'ites are bickering over how to distribute the nation's potentially vast oil revenue. In the meantime, energy officials are trying to rebuild the battered industry while saboteurs are busy attacking pipelines and other facilities. http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-01-02-voa34.cfm
15. P.M. receives Samara rebuilding commission. http://english.iraqimedianet.net/index.php?mod=article&cat=IraqNews&article=1134
16. Iraqi Women Struggle to Find Suitable Marriages. Morning Edition, January 3, 2007 · Decades of war have left many Iraqi women without husbands. Now the violence of post-Saddam Iraq is making it even more difficult to get married. Many women now resort to relationships of necessity in a society that places a very high value on the institution of marriage. ttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6716125
4 January 2007
1. Izdihar Round-Up: Iraq Business News 24-30 December 2006. http://www.izdihar-iraq.com/news/PDFs/RoundUps/2006_12_december/2006_1224-1227_roundup.pdf
2. Iraqi Market Basket Report. Costs: Sugar, Flour, Rice, Eggs, Noodles, Chicken, Tomatoes.
http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/517/Iraqi_Market_Basket_Report
3. Statoil is making a shift in interest from southern Iraq to Kurdistan. Tactical Report - 29/11/06. http://www.tacticalreport.com/Articles/IIRNews/2006/29112006.htm
4. DNO Says Tawke #4 Tests at 8,500 bpod. A barefoot (open hole) test was undertaken and the Tawke #4 well produced at a maximum flow rate of 8,500 bopd through a 2-inch choke size. Oil samples were taken confirming similar crude oil quality as was produced during testing of Tawke # 1 / 1A and Tawke # 2. The well will now be completed as an oil producer before the rig is moved to the Tawke # 5 location, hence Tawke # 4 is drilled, tested and completed within a period of approximately three weeks. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39625
5. World Bank Iraq Economic Data Sheet (December 2006). http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21157150/IRAQDATASHEETDec06.pdf
6. Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq, November 2006. http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pdfs/9010Quarterly-Report-20061216.pdf
7. Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit, 17-18 April 2007. http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/events/iog/index.htm
8. 'MTC Atheer" doubles its subscribers to exceed three millions in Iraq. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2857
9. An American university for Iraq but not in Baghdad. SULAIMANIYA, Iraq — It would be an ambitious project even in a Middle Eastern country not embroiled in war: build an American-style university where classes are taught in English, teachers come from around the world and graduates compete for lucrative jobs in fields like business and computer science. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/626b8b18-5d5e-11db-9d15-0000779e2340.html
10. OPEC: Selected Iraq Upstream and Downstream Projects.
Upstream projects: http://www.opec.org/home/powerpoint/supply%20and%20capacity/upstream%20projects/upiraq.htm
Downstream projects: http://www.opec.org/home/powerpoint/downstream%20constraints/downstream%20projects/dsiraq.htm
Other OPEC Iraq information: http://www.opec.org/aboutus/member%20countries/iraq.htm
11. Iraq contractors face increased scrutiny in new Congress. When Rep. Henry Waxman takes over the House Government Reform Committee this month, it's a sure bet that the hearing schedule is going to include some pointed inquiries into the Bush administration's reconstruction program in Iraq. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0107/010307mag1.htm
12. Economic Inflation is the prominent event in 2006. The phenomenon has grown more frightening and threatening to disrupt production sectors. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2867
13. The Norwegian D.N.O obtain additional 15% of an oil field. The Norwegian Oil Company D.N.O said ,on Thursday, that it rose its share in the oil fields in northern Iraq to 55% from 40% in agreement with the authorities in the Kurdish area, on condition that the company would bear full cost of production-sharing agreements. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2853
14. Iraq Government Focusing on Rebuilding Oil Industry. Iraq's Kurds, Sunnis, and Shi'ites are bickering over how to distribute the nation's potentially vast oil revenue. In the meantime, energy officials are trying to rebuild the battered industry while saboteurs are busy attacking pipelines and other facilities. http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-01-02-voa34.cfm
15. P.M. receives Samara rebuilding commission. http://english.iraqimedianet.net/index.php?mod=article&cat=IraqNews&article=1134
16. Iraqi Women Struggle to Find Suitable Marriages. Morning Edition, January 3, 2007 · Decades of war have left many Iraqi women without husbands. Now the violence of post-Saddam Iraq is making it even more difficult to get married. Many women now resort to relationships of necessity in a society that places a very high value on the institution of marriage. ttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6716125
Iraq Reconstruction News 3 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
3 January 2007
1. DNO Ups Working Interest in Kurdistan PSA. DNO ASA said that it has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Northern Iraq that will give the company responsibility for 100% of the funding obligations of the production sharing agreements (PSAs). In exchange, DNO will pick up an additional 15% working interest. The deal has been finalized and signed. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39552
2. Guns and Gas: Baghdad Price Update. In eastern Baghdad's majority Shia district of Shaab, those seeking to purchase arms and ammunition often turn to the police. Muqtada al Sadr's Mahdi Army militia dominates the police and the streets in Shaab and has been engaging in sectarian attacks there for over two years, targeting Sunnis. In Early December, bullets for Kalashnikovs were selling at a cost of 750 Iraqi Dinars each, or over fifty cents, whereas a month before, prior to a devastating attack in Sadr City bullets were 250 Dinars each. http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/21
3. Shahrastani: Iraqi oil exports in 2006 amounted to 1.65 million barrel a day. Iraqi Oil Minister said on Thursday that his country exported on average of 1.65 million barrels a day of crude oil this year at an increase about 150 thousand barrels per day up to the expectations of Transport sources and sources from the oil sector. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2854
4. Christoph Bangert photos of Iraq. See http://www.christophbangert.com/index.htm for a collection of fascinating photos of Iraq. An online multimedia display of photos ia at http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/weekinreview/20051106_BANGERT_AUDIOSS/blocker.html His German language CV is at http://www.christophbangert.com/cv_german.php
5. Canadian International Development Agency in Iraq. The activities of the Canadian International Development Agency (the equivalent of USAID and UK DFID) in Iraq are described at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/iraq Their projects are at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cidaweb/cpo.nsf/vWebRTCProjByCntryEn?OpenView&RestrictToCategory=IQ
6. Risk, Opportunity, and the Future of Iraq. By now we all know that Iraq is a disaster, a quagmire, the worst foreign policy mistake in US history. It's hopeless and doomed and destined only to get worse. Hell, Iraq isn't even a country anymore, it's just one big civil war with everyone fighting everyone else and bodies piling up in windrows too fast to even be buried. According to The Lancet so many people died in our first three years there that the entire country must have been excavated and turned into one mass grave. And now we've called in all the crusty old architects of past foreign policy failures to tell us how best to run away with our tail between our legs, because there is no hope and there are no other options. http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/12/28/093442.php
7. UNDG Iraq Trust Fund Newsletter (November 2006) This issue features thematic issues in the Agriculture, Food Security, Environment and Natural Resource Management Cluster (A). As of end November, the implementing UN agencies have legally committed $677 million (78%) and disbursed $570 million (66%) of total approved projects amounting to $869 million.
http://www.irffi.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/IRFFI/0,,contentMDK:21161111~pagePK:64168627~piPK:64167475~theSitePK:491458,00.html
8. Children Work Amidst the Violence Plaguing Iraq. NPR. Morning Edition, December 27, 2006 · The war in Iraq has taken a toll on that nation's children. Poor families are forcing their children to work. Sometimes child labor is a family's only source of income. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6684829
9. Iran to offer Iraq $1b loan to complete projects of mutual interest. TEHRAN, Dec. 31 (MNA) – Iran is going to offer Iraq a loan for one billion USD to implement the projects of mutual interest in that country and help complete reconstruction projects there. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=428721
10. Iraq Security, Technolgy & Communications Summit. The presentations at the Iraq Security, Technolgy & Communications Summit 12-13 September 2006, in Sharjah, UAE are at http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/istcreport06.htm
11. Locomotives of Iraq State Railways. http://cgi.ebay.com/IRAQ-Locomotives-of-Iraq-State-Railways_W0QQitemZ180068990916QQihZ008QQcategoryZ86695QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
12. Iraq allocates $2 billion for Ministry of Electricity next year. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+allocates+%242+billion+for+Ministry+of+Electricity+next+year__1112397.html
13. Old Iraq Strategy Lives On In Weekly Progress Reports. Washington Post. A year ago, President Bush announced a new plan for Iraq framed around "eight pillars" of U.S. policy for victory. In the past month, the president and his national security team have been busily working on a new recipe for success in Iraq, having declared the previous plan a failure.But never mind what the politicians are doing. The bureaucracy churns on. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/25/AR2006122500513.htm
14. THE BOOM OUTSIDE BAGHDAD. UMQASR, IRAQ. WHILE the American political elite is using Iraq as an ex cuse for fighting internal political wars, a different reality is taking shape in parts of this war-torn nation. Wherever some measure of security is assured - that is to say in more than 80 percent of Iraq - towns and villages long left to die a slow death are creeping back to life. http://www.nypost.com/seven/12262006/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_boom_outside_baghdad_opedcolumnists_amir_taheri.htm
15. 50 Billion Yen as easy loans to develop oil ports in south. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/12946
16. The dollar exchange rate is stable for the first time in two months. The dollar exchange rate stabilized against the Iraq dinar. The conclusion of the Iraqi Central Bank sessions last Thursday for the past week, recording 1325 dinar, which is the same exchange rate last Wednesday, for the first time in more than two months. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2859
17. Exchange rates. The rates for Monday, 1st January 2007:
- 1 USD = 1382.8 IQD; One IQD = 0.0007 USD
- 1 EUR = 1825.67 IQD; One IQD = 0.0006 EUR
- For conversion rates see http://www.oanda.com/ and go to "Quick Converter" at the top of the page.
END
3 January 2007
1. DNO Ups Working Interest in Kurdistan PSA. DNO ASA said that it has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Northern Iraq that will give the company responsibility for 100% of the funding obligations of the production sharing agreements (PSAs). In exchange, DNO will pick up an additional 15% working interest. The deal has been finalized and signed. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39552
2. Guns and Gas: Baghdad Price Update. In eastern Baghdad's majority Shia district of Shaab, those seeking to purchase arms and ammunition often turn to the police. Muqtada al Sadr's Mahdi Army militia dominates the police and the streets in Shaab and has been engaging in sectarian attacks there for over two years, targeting Sunnis. In Early December, bullets for Kalashnikovs were selling at a cost of 750 Iraqi Dinars each, or over fifty cents, whereas a month before, prior to a devastating attack in Sadr City bullets were 250 Dinars each. http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/topic/21
3. Shahrastani: Iraqi oil exports in 2006 amounted to 1.65 million barrel a day. Iraqi Oil Minister said on Thursday that his country exported on average of 1.65 million barrels a day of crude oil this year at an increase about 150 thousand barrels per day up to the expectations of Transport sources and sources from the oil sector. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2854
4. Christoph Bangert photos of Iraq. See http://www.christophbangert.com/index.htm for a collection of fascinating photos of Iraq. An online multimedia display of photos ia at http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/weekinreview/20051106_BANGERT_AUDIOSS/blocker.html His German language CV is at http://www.christophbangert.com/cv_german.php
5. Canadian International Development Agency in Iraq. The activities of the Canadian International Development Agency (the equivalent of USAID and UK DFID) in Iraq are described at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/iraq Their projects are at http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cidaweb/cpo.nsf/vWebRTCProjByCntryEn?OpenView&RestrictToCategory=IQ
6. Risk, Opportunity, and the Future of Iraq. By now we all know that Iraq is a disaster, a quagmire, the worst foreign policy mistake in US history. It's hopeless and doomed and destined only to get worse. Hell, Iraq isn't even a country anymore, it's just one big civil war with everyone fighting everyone else and bodies piling up in windrows too fast to even be buried. According to The Lancet so many people died in our first three years there that the entire country must have been excavated and turned into one mass grave. And now we've called in all the crusty old architects of past foreign policy failures to tell us how best to run away with our tail between our legs, because there is no hope and there are no other options. http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/12/28/093442.php
7. UNDG Iraq Trust Fund Newsletter (November 2006) This issue features thematic issues in the Agriculture, Food Security, Environment and Natural Resource Management Cluster (A). As of end November, the implementing UN agencies have legally committed $677 million (78%) and disbursed $570 million (66%) of total approved projects amounting to $869 million.
http://www.irffi.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/IRFFI/0,,contentMDK:21161111~pagePK:64168627~piPK:64167475~theSitePK:491458,00.html
8. Children Work Amidst the Violence Plaguing Iraq. NPR. Morning Edition, December 27, 2006 · The war in Iraq has taken a toll on that nation's children. Poor families are forcing their children to work. Sometimes child labor is a family's only source of income. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6684829
9. Iran to offer Iraq $1b loan to complete projects of mutual interest. TEHRAN, Dec. 31 (MNA) – Iran is going to offer Iraq a loan for one billion USD to implement the projects of mutual interest in that country and help complete reconstruction projects there. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=428721
10. Iraq Security, Technolgy & Communications Summit. The presentations at the Iraq Security, Technolgy & Communications Summit 12-13 September 2006, in Sharjah, UAE are at http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/istcreport06.htm
11. Locomotives of Iraq State Railways. http://cgi.ebay.com/IRAQ-Locomotives-of-Iraq-State-Railways_W0QQitemZ180068990916QQihZ008QQcategoryZ86695QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
12. Iraq allocates $2 billion for Ministry of Electricity next year. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+allocates+%242+billion+for+Ministry+of+Electricity+next+year__1112397.html
13. Old Iraq Strategy Lives On In Weekly Progress Reports. Washington Post. A year ago, President Bush announced a new plan for Iraq framed around "eight pillars" of U.S. policy for victory. In the past month, the president and his national security team have been busily working on a new recipe for success in Iraq, having declared the previous plan a failure.But never mind what the politicians are doing. The bureaucracy churns on. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/25/AR2006122500513.htm
14. THE BOOM OUTSIDE BAGHDAD. UMQASR, IRAQ. WHILE the American political elite is using Iraq as an ex cuse for fighting internal political wars, a different reality is taking shape in parts of this war-torn nation. Wherever some measure of security is assured - that is to say in more than 80 percent of Iraq - towns and villages long left to die a slow death are creeping back to life. http://www.nypost.com/seven/12262006/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_boom_outside_baghdad_opedcolumnists_amir_taheri.htm
15. 50 Billion Yen as easy loans to develop oil ports in south. http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php/article/12946
16. The dollar exchange rate is stable for the first time in two months. The dollar exchange rate stabilized against the Iraq dinar. The conclusion of the Iraqi Central Bank sessions last Thursday for the past week, recording 1325 dinar, which is the same exchange rate last Wednesday, for the first time in more than two months. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2859
17. Exchange rates. The rates for Monday, 1st January 2007:
- 1 USD = 1382.8 IQD; One IQD = 0.0007 USD
- 1 EUR = 1825.67 IQD; One IQD = 0.0006 EUR
- For conversion rates see http://www.oanda.com/ and go to "Quick Converter" at the top of the page.
END
Iraq Reconstruction News 2 January 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News
2 January 2007
1. Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT) & Education Summit. The Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT) & Education Summit will be held 27-28 February 2007 in the UAE: http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/index.htm
2. Iraqi actors dare bombings to perform open air drama. (VOI) – Several Iraqi actors gave an open air performance in a hotspot of Baghdad on Thursday in a show of defiance to escalating violence in the Iraqi capital. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=33167
3. Japan business delegation in Kurdish north. Azzaman. A Japanese business delegation has arrived in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya to discuss what Japan can do to reconstruct the Kurdish region. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2795
4. Commentary: 'Reverse eyes' on Iraq. As the United States determines a new strategy in Iraq, it is extremely unfortunate for the Iraqis and for the US standing there and throughout the region that any extensive overhaul of reconstruction efforts is unlikely at this critical time. http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20061220-042303-6569r
5. Oil: Fuel for Iraq's Insurgents. As civil war boils, the country's future depends on how sectarian groups divide what's underground. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16299313/site/newsweek/
6. Seoul moving to allow companies to do business in Iraq. http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20061229/440100000020061229114456E9.html
7. Iraq issues 32 licenses to import food products. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+issues+32+licenses+to+import+food+products__1112400.html
8. Sectarian Land Grab: Iraqi Families Lose Homes in Baghdad. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Khattab al-Juboori, a Sunni Muslim, was preparing to move from his longtime home to escape the threat of sectarian violence in his largely Shiite Muslim neighborhood. Then, with a phone call from the wife of the man to whom Mr. al-Juboori was planning to rent the home, the situation got even worse. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116709898582359370.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
9. Baghdad homeowners in an unreal state. House prices fluid as Sunnis, Shiites seek out safer areas. http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/22/MNG2MN4B3I1.DTL
10. BBC Charts re Iraq reconstruction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/post_saddam_iraq/html/1.stm
11. Methods of Reviving the Iraqi Army. Arab News. AMONG THE 79 recommendations listed by the Iraq Study Group headed by former US Secretary of State James Baker and Democratic Congressman Lee Hamilton, those listed under 50 and 51 can be considered the most important. These state that “the entire Iraqi national police” and “the entire Iraqi Border Police should be transferred to the Ministry of Defense” and thus tries to promote the institutions of the Iraqi military significantly over that of the Iraqi police forces. Given that the current police forces are heavily infiltrated by militias and have lost much credibility and public support, promoting Iraqi Army institutions would appear to be the key to enhancing security in Iraq. The question, however, is to what degree can these recommendations actually be implemented? http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=90014&d=14&m=12&y=2006
12. Iran keen on Iraqi reconstruction, development: Vice President. Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA Iran-Iraq-Davoodi. First Vice President Parviz Davoodi said Tuesday Iran is ready to contribute to development and reconstruction of Iraq. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0612270739085109.htm
13. Commanders Bound for Iraq Tailor Strategies to a Fragmented Nation. WSJ. As the debate over U.S. policy in Iraq rages among top officials in Baghdad and Washington, lower-level American commanders preparing for tours of duty in that country are developing their own strategies for tamping down the violence there. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116710189425859394.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
A letter to the editor in response to the article is at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116736569222662333.html?mod=todays_us_opinion
14. Turkey: MIT Issues Secret Report on Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurds' Intentions. Text of report by Turkish newspaper Milliyet website on 28 December. BBC Monitoring.
Report by Ebru Toktar of Tempo weekly news magazine: "MIT's Secret Kirkuk Report"]
MIT [National Intelligence Agency], which is keeping close ties on developments involving the petroleum of Kirkuk, has issued a warning to the relevant state institutions with a report stamped "secret." MIT, which in the report assesses the latest stage reached in the Draft Petroleum Law drawn up by the Kurdish Regional Government led by [Mas'ud] Barzani, warns that all the conditions have matured for Kirkuk, described as "disputed territory", to be joined to the Kurdish region. It is stated in the report that "the goal of the Kurdish Regional Government is, by bringing about a fait accompli, to establish domination over the petroleum and natural resources in Northern Iraq." The petroleum of Kirkuk, which closely impacts Iraq's future, is seen as an "indispensable red line" for the Kurds. The status and the oil of Kirkuk, which are also intimately connected to regional balances, are also being closely watched by Turkey. From this standpoint MIT, which has been engaging in important intelligence work, is warning the institutions of the state against the dangers confronting the region.
Tempo has obtained a copy of this secret correspondence on Kirkuk, which was prepared on behalf of the MIT Undersecretary [Emre Taner] by his Deputy, Cemal Uzgoren. This document, dated 3 October 2006, which points out the dangerous developments in the Kirkuk region, is comprised of four headings and three pages. In the document, which is stamped "secret," the plans of the Kurdish Regional Government to get hold of Kirkuk, which possesses over half of Iraq's oil, are laid out. In the report, which was sent to the General Staff, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade, it is warned that every sort of condition has matured for Kirkuk to be joined to the Kurdish Regional Government led by Mas'ud Barzani.
In its report, MIT explains the risks from Turkey's standpoint of the Iraq Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law drawn up by the Kurdish administration. MIT points out that the draft reveals the future goals of the Kurdish administration. Observing that the Kurdish Regional Government "has come to the point of acting like an independent state by leaving the Iraqi central government out of the loop," MIT includes the warning that "it is seen as being useful for the developments to be followed with sensitivity, and for stress to be given to the measures that might be taken from Turkey's standpoint."
MIT, stressing that in the event of the draft becoming law, the Kurdish Regional Government would be able to enter into petroleum agreements with third countries, and would be able to assume total control over the region, including the Kirkuk-to-Yumurtalik oil pipeline, indicates the developments that could take place prior to the referendum that is to be held in December of 2007. Because, according to this draft, the Kurdish Regional Government, if it should conclude that the people living in Kirkuk will be joined to the Kurdish Region with the referendum, could even enter into petroleum contracts prior to the referendum.
Stressing that the Kurdish Regional Government, which has begun to behave with the mentality of a "state within a state," could seize disputed territories, including Kirkuk, MIT summarizes its findings under four main headings:
Kirkuk and Oil
Regarding the Oilfields
The Draft Law. [only these three are listed here.]
The Iraqi Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law, which was drawn up by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and will be presented to the Kurdish Parliament, clarifies the concepts of "existing field" and "future field." Oilfields that were in commercial production prior to 22 August 2005 and produced a daily average of 20 thousand barrels of oil in any 12-month period prior to this date are defined as "existing fields", while all other fields are defined as "future fields."
The area of application of the Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law is defined as including the "disputed territories" in addition to the Kurdish Region itself. Kirkuk is shown within the disputed territories. The draft posits the Kurdish Regional Government as the sole authority in petroleum operations in the areas described as "disputed territories," which include Kirkuk, and in "future fields."
a) The Kirkuk referendum: The draft entails that, in the event of the Kurdish Regional Government's concluding that people living in disputed territories, and especially Kirkuk, will decide in a referendum that these territories be linked with the Kurdish region, it will be able to enter into the petroleum contracts that it wishes in disputed territories, including Kirkuk, even before the referendum is held.
b) Petroleum operations independent of the Iraqi government: It is stated in the draft that the Kurdish Regional Government has the right to enter into agreements with neighbouring countries independently of the Iraqi government, and that no legal or administrative arrangements of the Iraqi government will be valid in petroleum operations in the Kurdish region or the disputed territories.
c) Pipelines: Control over all the existing petroleum operations in the Kurdish Region, as well as over all the related infrastructure, such as pipelines and refineries, is left to the Kurdish Regional Government.
d) Share of petroleum: The draft also calls for the Iraqi Central Government to give a share of the petroleum income from the country as a whole to the Kurdish Regional Government. Otherwise, it provides for the Kurdish Regional Government's being able to sell directly the petroleum produced in its own region and in disputed territories.
The draft also seeks to guarantee not only the future, but the past as well. The draft, which notes the petroleum revenues that the Kurds had not been able to benefit from in the past, calls for payments to be made, for a certain period, based on this past income.
e) Agreements: The draft stresses that all the agreements that have been made in the Kurdish Region are valid. It provides for the Kurdish Regional Government to intervene in all agreements that the Iraqi government has made in the Kurdish Region and in Kirkuk until the date on which this law goes into effect. And it stipulates that the approval of the Kurdish Regional Government be obtained for all agreements that will be made following the law's entering into effect.
What Does the Kurdish Regional Government Intend?
MIT, in the second section of its observations, assesses the background in the mind of the Kurdish Regional Government. The assessment on the topic by MIT, which has concluded that the Kurdish administration is considering presenting the Iraqi government with a fait accompli, is as follows:
"In the draft law, it is assumed that there is an institution named the Iraqi State Oil Trust Organization (SOTO), which does not currently exist, and the relationship of this institution with the Kurdish Regional Government, and its authorities, are set forth. Additionally, the draft, which accepts international arbitration for the resolution of disputes, also includes the authorities that could be exercised on behalf of the central government in this case."
Dangers Confronting Kirkuk According to MIT
MIT, making the observation that the draft law was written by the Kurdish Regional Government with the logic of "a state within a state," lists as follows, in its third section, the problems that would emerge in the event of this draft's becoming law:
"It is evaluated that they will take into their direct control those fields in disputed areas, and particularly Kirkuk, which have been understood to contain petroleum by means of exploration carried out by Iraqi administrations in the past, but in which production has not yet begun; that they may bring under their control all the petroleum infrastructure in Kirkuk, as well as the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik Oil Pipeline; that they may, before the referendum is held, enter into petroleum agreements involving all the disputed territories, including Kirkuk, as well as future fields; that they may seize all the fields in disputed areas, including Kirkuk, by using as a pretext the disagreements with the government of Iraq over the distribution of revenues obtained from the existing oilfields; and that they will, by shutting the government of Iraq completely out of petroleum operations, act like an independent state."
MIT's Warning to State: "Take Measures"
In the fourth section, in which it makes recommendations on the basis of its observations, MIT warns that it is essential that Turkey closely monitor developments.
Because according to MIT, "In an environment in which the constitutional and legal provisions pertaining to the distribution of Iraq's oil and natural resources have not yet been put into effect, and the national petroleum policy has not been determined, the Kurdish Regional Government aims to establish domination over the petroleum and natural resources in Northern Iraq by creating a fait accompli."
Likewise, according to MIT, the Kurdish Regional Government, calculating that it may be that not all of these demands will be accepted by the central government, is actually leaving some margin for negotiation.
Saying that "the draft is important from the standpoint of understanding the Kurdish Regional Government's goals for the future," MIT calls for measures to be taken: "Within this framework, it is seen as being useful for developments that, in a situation of uncertainly, might lead the Kurdish Regional Government to establish direct ties with third countries and enter into agreements with them, leaving Baghdad out, to be followed with sensitivity, and for stress to be given to the measures that might be taken from Turkey's standpoint."
Where Are Iraq's Kurds Headed?
Following the acceptance of the new "Kurdish National Anthem" in Northern Iraq, Mas'ud Barzani, who uses the title of "Kurdistan Regional President," is also stepping up his activities. According to a report from the Dogan News Agency, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), under the leadership of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), under the leadership of Mas'ud Barzani, gathered in Baghdad on 15 November 2006. The PUK and KDP members, who discussed the latest situation of Iraq and its Kurdish Region, described the implementation of article 140 of the constitution, which provides for resolving the situation of Kirkuk and other problematic cities, as a "priority duty." The Kurdish leaders, in a meeting held in the Palace of the Iraqi Head of State, reiterated their support for the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, which they characterized as a "National Unity Government." In the Kurdish Parliament, agreement was reached on a draft law providing for the establishment of a Ministry of Peshmerga [referring to Kurdish irregular fighters], and for the armed Kurdish force of 180 thousand to be made directly subordinate to Mas'ud Barzani.
Source: Milliyet website, Istanbul, in Turkish 28 Dec 06
2 January 2007
1. Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT) & Education Summit. The Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT) & Education Summit will be held 27-28 February 2007 in the UAE: http://www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org/idp/istc/index.htm
2. Iraqi actors dare bombings to perform open air drama. (VOI) – Several Iraqi actors gave an open air performance in a hotspot of Baghdad on Thursday in a show of defiance to escalating violence in the Iraqi capital. http://www.aswataliraq.info/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=33167
3. Japan business delegation in Kurdish north. Azzaman. A Japanese business delegation has arrived in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya to discuss what Japan can do to reconstruct the Kurdish region. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2795
4. Commentary: 'Reverse eyes' on Iraq. As the United States determines a new strategy in Iraq, it is extremely unfortunate for the Iraqis and for the US standing there and throughout the region that any extensive overhaul of reconstruction efforts is unlikely at this critical time. http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20061220-042303-6569r
5. Oil: Fuel for Iraq's Insurgents. As civil war boils, the country's future depends on how sectarian groups divide what's underground. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16299313/site/newsweek/
6. Seoul moving to allow companies to do business in Iraq. http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/20061229/440100000020061229114456E9.html
7. Iraq issues 32 licenses to import food products. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraq+issues+32+licenses+to+import+food+products__1112400.html
8. Sectarian Land Grab: Iraqi Families Lose Homes in Baghdad. BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Khattab al-Juboori, a Sunni Muslim, was preparing to move from his longtime home to escape the threat of sectarian violence in his largely Shiite Muslim neighborhood. Then, with a phone call from the wife of the man to whom Mr. al-Juboori was planning to rent the home, the situation got even worse. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116709898582359370.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
9. Baghdad homeowners in an unreal state. House prices fluid as Sunnis, Shiites seek out safer areas. http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/22/MNG2MN4B3I1.DTL
10. BBC Charts re Iraq reconstruction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/in_depth/post_saddam_iraq/html/1.stm
11. Methods of Reviving the Iraqi Army. Arab News. AMONG THE 79 recommendations listed by the Iraq Study Group headed by former US Secretary of State James Baker and Democratic Congressman Lee Hamilton, those listed under 50 and 51 can be considered the most important. These state that “the entire Iraqi national police” and “the entire Iraqi Border Police should be transferred to the Ministry of Defense” and thus tries to promote the institutions of the Iraqi military significantly over that of the Iraqi police forces. Given that the current police forces are heavily infiltrated by militias and have lost much credibility and public support, promoting Iraqi Army institutions would appear to be the key to enhancing security in Iraq. The question, however, is to what degree can these recommendations actually be implemented? http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=90014&d=14&m=12&y=2006
12. Iran keen on Iraqi reconstruction, development: Vice President. Tehran, Dec 26, IRNA Iran-Iraq-Davoodi. First Vice President Parviz Davoodi said Tuesday Iran is ready to contribute to development and reconstruction of Iraq. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-236/0612270739085109.htm
13. Commanders Bound for Iraq Tailor Strategies to a Fragmented Nation. WSJ. As the debate over U.S. policy in Iraq rages among top officials in Baghdad and Washington, lower-level American commanders preparing for tours of duty in that country are developing their own strategies for tamping down the violence there. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116710189425859394.html?mod=special_page_iraq_1
A letter to the editor in response to the article is at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116736569222662333.html?mod=todays_us_opinion
14. Turkey: MIT Issues Secret Report on Kirkuk, Iraqi Kurds' Intentions. Text of report by Turkish newspaper Milliyet website on 28 December. BBC Monitoring.
Report by Ebru Toktar of Tempo weekly news magazine: "MIT's Secret Kirkuk Report"]
MIT [National Intelligence Agency], which is keeping close ties on developments involving the petroleum of Kirkuk, has issued a warning to the relevant state institutions with a report stamped "secret." MIT, which in the report assesses the latest stage reached in the Draft Petroleum Law drawn up by the Kurdish Regional Government led by [Mas'ud] Barzani, warns that all the conditions have matured for Kirkuk, described as "disputed territory", to be joined to the Kurdish region. It is stated in the report that "the goal of the Kurdish Regional Government is, by bringing about a fait accompli, to establish domination over the petroleum and natural resources in Northern Iraq." The petroleum of Kirkuk, which closely impacts Iraq's future, is seen as an "indispensable red line" for the Kurds. The status and the oil of Kirkuk, which are also intimately connected to regional balances, are also being closely watched by Turkey. From this standpoint MIT, which has been engaging in important intelligence work, is warning the institutions of the state against the dangers confronting the region.
Tempo has obtained a copy of this secret correspondence on Kirkuk, which was prepared on behalf of the MIT Undersecretary [Emre Taner] by his Deputy, Cemal Uzgoren. This document, dated 3 October 2006, which points out the dangerous developments in the Kirkuk region, is comprised of four headings and three pages. In the document, which is stamped "secret," the plans of the Kurdish Regional Government to get hold of Kirkuk, which possesses over half of Iraq's oil, are laid out. In the report, which was sent to the General Staff, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade, it is warned that every sort of condition has matured for Kirkuk to be joined to the Kurdish Regional Government led by Mas'ud Barzani.
In its report, MIT explains the risks from Turkey's standpoint of the Iraq Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law drawn up by the Kurdish administration. MIT points out that the draft reveals the future goals of the Kurdish administration. Observing that the Kurdish Regional Government "has come to the point of acting like an independent state by leaving the Iraqi central government out of the loop," MIT includes the warning that "it is seen as being useful for the developments to be followed with sensitivity, and for stress to be given to the measures that might be taken from Turkey's standpoint."
MIT, stressing that in the event of the draft becoming law, the Kurdish Regional Government would be able to enter into petroleum agreements with third countries, and would be able to assume total control over the region, including the Kirkuk-to-Yumurtalik oil pipeline, indicates the developments that could take place prior to the referendum that is to be held in December of 2007. Because, according to this draft, the Kurdish Regional Government, if it should conclude that the people living in Kirkuk will be joined to the Kurdish Region with the referendum, could even enter into petroleum contracts prior to the referendum.
Stressing that the Kurdish Regional Government, which has begun to behave with the mentality of a "state within a state," could seize disputed territories, including Kirkuk, MIT summarizes its findings under four main headings:
Kirkuk and Oil
Regarding the Oilfields
The Draft Law. [only these three are listed here.]
The Iraqi Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law, which was drawn up by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and will be presented to the Kurdish Parliament, clarifies the concepts of "existing field" and "future field." Oilfields that were in commercial production prior to 22 August 2005 and produced a daily average of 20 thousand barrels of oil in any 12-month period prior to this date are defined as "existing fields", while all other fields are defined as "future fields."
The area of application of the Kurdish Region Draft Petroleum Law is defined as including the "disputed territories" in addition to the Kurdish Region itself. Kirkuk is shown within the disputed territories. The draft posits the Kurdish Regional Government as the sole authority in petroleum operations in the areas described as "disputed territories," which include Kirkuk, and in "future fields."
a) The Kirkuk referendum: The draft entails that, in the event of the Kurdish Regional Government's concluding that people living in disputed territories, and especially Kirkuk, will decide in a referendum that these territories be linked with the Kurdish region, it will be able to enter into the petroleum contracts that it wishes in disputed territories, including Kirkuk, even before the referendum is held.
b) Petroleum operations independent of the Iraqi government: It is stated in the draft that the Kurdish Regional Government has the right to enter into agreements with neighbouring countries independently of the Iraqi government, and that no legal or administrative arrangements of the Iraqi government will be valid in petroleum operations in the Kurdish region or the disputed territories.
c) Pipelines: Control over all the existing petroleum operations in the Kurdish Region, as well as over all the related infrastructure, such as pipelines and refineries, is left to the Kurdish Regional Government.
d) Share of petroleum: The draft also calls for the Iraqi Central Government to give a share of the petroleum income from the country as a whole to the Kurdish Regional Government. Otherwise, it provides for the Kurdish Regional Government's being able to sell directly the petroleum produced in its own region and in disputed territories.
The draft also seeks to guarantee not only the future, but the past as well. The draft, which notes the petroleum revenues that the Kurds had not been able to benefit from in the past, calls for payments to be made, for a certain period, based on this past income.
e) Agreements: The draft stresses that all the agreements that have been made in the Kurdish Region are valid. It provides for the Kurdish Regional Government to intervene in all agreements that the Iraqi government has made in the Kurdish Region and in Kirkuk until the date on which this law goes into effect. And it stipulates that the approval of the Kurdish Regional Government be obtained for all agreements that will be made following the law's entering into effect.
What Does the Kurdish Regional Government Intend?
MIT, in the second section of its observations, assesses the background in the mind of the Kurdish Regional Government. The assessment on the topic by MIT, which has concluded that the Kurdish administration is considering presenting the Iraqi government with a fait accompli, is as follows:
"In the draft law, it is assumed that there is an institution named the Iraqi State Oil Trust Organization (SOTO), which does not currently exist, and the relationship of this institution with the Kurdish Regional Government, and its authorities, are set forth. Additionally, the draft, which accepts international arbitration for the resolution of disputes, also includes the authorities that could be exercised on behalf of the central government in this case."
Dangers Confronting Kirkuk According to MIT
MIT, making the observation that the draft law was written by the Kurdish Regional Government with the logic of "a state within a state," lists as follows, in its third section, the problems that would emerge in the event of this draft's becoming law:
"It is evaluated that they will take into their direct control those fields in disputed areas, and particularly Kirkuk, which have been understood to contain petroleum by means of exploration carried out by Iraqi administrations in the past, but in which production has not yet begun; that they may bring under their control all the petroleum infrastructure in Kirkuk, as well as the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik Oil Pipeline; that they may, before the referendum is held, enter into petroleum agreements involving all the disputed territories, including Kirkuk, as well as future fields; that they may seize all the fields in disputed areas, including Kirkuk, by using as a pretext the disagreements with the government of Iraq over the distribution of revenues obtained from the existing oilfields; and that they will, by shutting the government of Iraq completely out of petroleum operations, act like an independent state."
MIT's Warning to State: "Take Measures"
In the fourth section, in which it makes recommendations on the basis of its observations, MIT warns that it is essential that Turkey closely monitor developments.
Because according to MIT, "In an environment in which the constitutional and legal provisions pertaining to the distribution of Iraq's oil and natural resources have not yet been put into effect, and the national petroleum policy has not been determined, the Kurdish Regional Government aims to establish domination over the petroleum and natural resources in Northern Iraq by creating a fait accompli."
Likewise, according to MIT, the Kurdish Regional Government, calculating that it may be that not all of these demands will be accepted by the central government, is actually leaving some margin for negotiation.
Saying that "the draft is important from the standpoint of understanding the Kurdish Regional Government's goals for the future," MIT calls for measures to be taken: "Within this framework, it is seen as being useful for developments that, in a situation of uncertainly, might lead the Kurdish Regional Government to establish direct ties with third countries and enter into agreements with them, leaving Baghdad out, to be followed with sensitivity, and for stress to be given to the measures that might be taken from Turkey's standpoint."
Where Are Iraq's Kurds Headed?
Following the acceptance of the new "Kurdish National Anthem" in Northern Iraq, Mas'ud Barzani, who uses the title of "Kurdistan Regional President," is also stepping up his activities. According to a report from the Dogan News Agency, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), under the leadership of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), under the leadership of Mas'ud Barzani, gathered in Baghdad on 15 November 2006. The PUK and KDP members, who discussed the latest situation of Iraq and its Kurdish Region, described the implementation of article 140 of the constitution, which provides for resolving the situation of Kirkuk and other problematic cities, as a "priority duty." The Kurdish leaders, in a meeting held in the Palace of the Iraqi Head of State, reiterated their support for the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, which they characterized as a "National Unity Government." In the Kurdish Parliament, agreement was reached on a draft law providing for the establishment of a Ministry of Peshmerga [referring to Kurdish irregular fighters], and for the armed Kurdish force of 180 thousand to be made directly subordinate to Mas'ud Barzani.
Source: Milliyet website, Istanbul, in Turkish 28 Dec 06
Iraq Reconstruction News 31 December 2006
Iraq Reconstruction News
31 December 2006
1. Iraq's petroleum and gas infrastructure. Shows oil and gas fields and pipelines, exploration blocks, crude processing plants, pump stations, refineries, and tanker terminals. Includes ancillary map of "Distribution of Iraq's main ethnoreligious groups." http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/gmd:@field(NUMBER+@band(g7611h+ct000895))
2. Gardeners shed blood to beautify Baghdad. BAGHDAD — The flowers appear overnight, and in the unlikeliest of places: carnations near a checkpoint, roses behind razor wire, and gardenias in a square known for suicide bombings. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16321872.htm
3. Iraqi, Dutch officials discuss Iraqi investment. Iraqi Ambassador to Holland Siamend Abdulsamad Bana'a recently held a seminar on Iraq at Holland's Council Headquarters for Trade Development in The Hague. The seminar - New Developments in Iraq - highlighted investment opportunities in Iraq and Iraq's new investment rules. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi%2C+Dutch+officials+discuss+Iraqi+investment__1112401.html
4. Basrah Children's Hospital provides More Than Healthcare. AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq – Of the thousands of reconstruction projects in Iraq, projects that benefit children have special interest. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is leading the construction efforts for the Basrah Children’s Hospital (BCH), which when complete, will provide help and comfort to generations of Iraqi children. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-22.html
5. World Bank Iraq Trust Fund Datasheet. The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-November 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21166949/DATASHEETIRAQNov2006.pdf
6. U.S fund to carry out pioneering projects in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/U.S+fund+to+carry+out+pioneering+projects+in+Iraq__1112393.html
7. World Bank and Iraq's Ministry of Environment sign agreement. Washington, December 21, 2006 - The World Bank and Iraq’s Ministry of Environment have signed a $5 million grant agreement to strengthen environmental management capacity. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21170746/PressReleaseEnvironmentPrDec2106.pdf
8. Unemployment Fuelling Iraq Insurgency. InsideDefense.com NewsStand. The top U.S. commander overseeing military “lessons learned” in Iraq says economic factors like high unemployment, combined with a campaign of intimidation by insurgents and death squads, have fueled escalating violence against Iraqi troops and civilians, as well as added to the American death toll. http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,121041,00.html
9. Iraq Vignette: Police Reform in Basra. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Iraq%20Vignette%3A%20Police%20Reform%20in%20Basra&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq122106%5Fpolice.rm
10. Defense IG to ramp up Iraq spending audits. The Defense inspector general will continue to pursue a series of audits related to spending and financial management for activities in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year, and plans to launch several new studies on whether funds were used as Congress intended. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35745&dcn=e_gvet
11. Najaf Teaching Hospital Nears Completion. NAJAF, Iraq -- The Najaf Teaching Hospital, a project worth over $10 million, will open in early 2007 featuring a seven-story building capable of housing 420 patients and containing 13 operating rooms. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-21.html
12. Iraq Radio: The Other Half. The Other Half radio show explores the changing lives of women in Iraq through interviews, features and commentaries. The programmes are produced in Arabic by IWPR trainees and are broadcast on Iraqi radio stations. The contributors come from all over Iraq, while production is done by a team of four, three of them women, at IWPR's radio studio in Sulaimaniyah. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=irr&s=p&o=-&apc_state=henpcrs or http://www.iwpr.net/?p=irr&s=p&apc_state=henh
13. The State of Iraq: An Update. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/20/opinion/20ohanlon.html?ex=1167714000&en=bc9c6f515fd4b7f0&ei=5070 Go to "Multimedia".
14. Statement by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board on the Development Fund for Iraq, 18 December 2006. http://www.iamb.info/pr/pr121806.htm
31 December 2006
1. Iraq's petroleum and gas infrastructure. Shows oil and gas fields and pipelines, exploration blocks, crude processing plants, pump stations, refineries, and tanker terminals. Includes ancillary map of "Distribution of Iraq's main ethnoreligious groups." http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/gmd:@field(NUMBER+@band(g7611h+ct000895))
2. Gardeners shed blood to beautify Baghdad. BAGHDAD — The flowers appear overnight, and in the unlikeliest of places: carnations near a checkpoint, roses behind razor wire, and gardenias in a square known for suicide bombings. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16321872.htm
3. Iraqi, Dutch officials discuss Iraqi investment. Iraqi Ambassador to Holland Siamend Abdulsamad Bana'a recently held a seminar on Iraq at Holland's Council Headquarters for Trade Development in The Hague. The seminar - New Developments in Iraq - highlighted investment opportunities in Iraq and Iraq's new investment rules. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Iraqi%2C+Dutch+officials+discuss+Iraqi+investment__1112401.html
4. Basrah Children's Hospital provides More Than Healthcare. AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq – Of the thousands of reconstruction projects in Iraq, projects that benefit children have special interest. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is leading the construction efforts for the Basrah Children’s Hospital (BCH), which when complete, will provide help and comfort to generations of Iraqi children. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-22.html
5. World Bank Iraq Trust Fund Datasheet. The World Bank ITF Datasheet outlines contributions and implementation progress through end-November 2006. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21166949/DATASHEETIRAQNov2006.pdf
6. U.S fund to carry out pioneering projects in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/U.S+fund+to+carry+out+pioneering+projects+in+Iraq__1112393.html
7. World Bank and Iraq's Ministry of Environment sign agreement. Washington, December 21, 2006 - The World Bank and Iraq’s Ministry of Environment have signed a $5 million grant agreement to strengthen environmental management capacity. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/IRFFI/64168382-1092419012421/21170746/PressReleaseEnvironmentPrDec2106.pdf
8. Unemployment Fuelling Iraq Insurgency. InsideDefense.com NewsStand. The top U.S. commander overseeing military “lessons learned” in Iraq says economic factors like high unemployment, combined with a campaign of intimidation by insurgents and death squads, have fueled escalating violence against Iraqi troops and civilians, as well as added to the American death toll. http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,121041,00.html
9. Iraq Vignette: Police Reform in Basra. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Iraq%20Vignette%3A%20Police%20Reform%20in%20Basra&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq122106%5Fpolice.rm
10. Defense IG to ramp up Iraq spending audits. The Defense inspector general will continue to pursue a series of audits related to spending and financial management for activities in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year, and plans to launch several new studies on whether funds were used as Congress intended. http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=35745&dcn=e_gvet
11. Najaf Teaching Hospital Nears Completion. NAJAF, Iraq -- The Najaf Teaching Hospital, a project worth over $10 million, will open in early 2007 featuring a seven-story building capable of housing 420 patients and containing 13 operating rooms. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-21.html
12. Iraq Radio: The Other Half. The Other Half radio show explores the changing lives of women in Iraq through interviews, features and commentaries. The programmes are produced in Arabic by IWPR trainees and are broadcast on Iraqi radio stations. The contributors come from all over Iraq, while production is done by a team of four, three of them women, at IWPR's radio studio in Sulaimaniyah. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=irr&s=p&o=-&apc_state=henpcrs or http://www.iwpr.net/?p=irr&s=p&apc_state=henh
13. The State of Iraq: An Update. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/20/opinion/20ohanlon.html?ex=1167714000&en=bc9c6f515fd4b7f0&ei=5070 Go to "Multimedia".
14. Statement by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board on the Development Fund for Iraq, 18 December 2006. http://www.iamb.info/pr/pr121806.htm
Iraq Reconstruction News 30 December 2006
Iraq Reconstruction News
30 December 2006
1. Brookings Iraq Index 21 December 2006. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
2. Iraq's Wildcats. With violence raging, some American investors are drilling for oil in the Kurdish-controlled north. Are they nuts? http://www.forbes.com/global/2007/0108/026.html
3. Dlrs 122m of goods exported to Iraq via Mehran. Non-oil exports to Iraq via Mehran international border point exceeded dlrs 122 million, announced manager of the Customs Office in Ilam province, Mohsen Jameh-Bozorgi on Wednesday. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0612278214194532.htm
4. Khuzestan to exhibit industrial capabilities in Iraq next year. AHVAZ, Khuzestan Prov. - An exhibition of industrial capabilities of this southern Iranian province will be held in the eastern Iraqi city of Al Amarah next year, IRNA reported. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20061227054507/SecCountries/pagIraq/chnIraq%20News/obj2240355D-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C/
5. Analysis: Iraq oil in '07, bleak as '06. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20061222-033854-6157r
6. India in Iraq oil foray. India's largest state-run and private-sector oil companies are in talks on the joint development of a field in Iraq to help satisfy their country's surging energy demand. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidFFT106361BAC504A7/SecCountries/pagIraq/lok000000061227
7. Companies Likely to Make Forays Into Northern Iraq. South Korea will consider allowing South Korean companies to operate in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on a case-by-case basis, government sources said Thursday. http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200612/kt2006122817581110510.htm
8. 2-year extension eyed for law on SDF role in Iraq reconstruction. The Yomiuri Shimbun. The government has decided to submit a bill to extend the special law on Japan's support for Iraq reconstruction, probably by two years from August, to the ordinary Diet session to be convened on Jan. 25, according to government sources. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20061230TDY02010.htm
9. New water project in Diwaniya. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/New+water+project+in+Diwaniya__1112405.html
10. Draft law authorizes government to distribute oil revenues in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Draft+law+authorizes+government+to+distribute+oil+revenues+in+Iraq__1112391.html
11. Is the Iraqi economy crashing through here? Are we watching a John Ford western taking place in Iraq, where the private economy is in the role of the cavalry, riding to the rescue? In a column today in the New York Post called "The Boom Outside Baghdad" Amir Taheri contributes several possible tiles to this mosaic. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2840
12. Women Lawyers Gaining Ground. Growing conservatism in Iraqi society generates demand for female lawyers. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=327558&apc_state=henpicr
13. Love of basketball brings players, fans back to court. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2006-12-28-iraq-week_x.htm
14. Michael O'Hanlon on the Iraqi Economy. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Michael%20O%92Hanlon%20on%20the%20Iraqi%20Economy&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq122206%5Finterviews.rm
15. U.S fund to carry out pioneering projects in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/U.S+fund+to+carry+out+pioneering+projects+in+Iraq__1112393.html
30 December 2006
1. Brookings Iraq Index 21 December 2006. http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/iraq/index.pdf
2. Iraq's Wildcats. With violence raging, some American investors are drilling for oil in the Kurdish-controlled north. Are they nuts? http://www.forbes.com/global/2007/0108/026.html
3. Dlrs 122m of goods exported to Iraq via Mehran. Non-oil exports to Iraq via Mehran international border point exceeded dlrs 122 million, announced manager of the Customs Office in Ilam province, Mohsen Jameh-Bozorgi on Wednesday. http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0612278214194532.htm
4. Khuzestan to exhibit industrial capabilities in Iraq next year. AHVAZ, Khuzestan Prov. - An exhibition of industrial capabilities of this southern Iranian province will be held in the eastern Iraqi city of Al Amarah next year, IRNA reported. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20061227054507/SecCountries/pagIraq/chnIraq%20News/obj2240355D-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C/
5. Analysis: Iraq oil in '07, bleak as '06. http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20061222-033854-6157r
6. India in Iraq oil foray. India's largest state-run and private-sector oil companies are in talks on the joint development of a field in Iraq to help satisfy their country's surging energy demand. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidFFT106361BAC504A7/SecCountries/pagIraq/lok000000061227
7. Companies Likely to Make Forays Into Northern Iraq. South Korea will consider allowing South Korean companies to operate in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on a case-by-case basis, government sources said Thursday. http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200612/kt2006122817581110510.htm
8. 2-year extension eyed for law on SDF role in Iraq reconstruction. The Yomiuri Shimbun. The government has decided to submit a bill to extend the special law on Japan's support for Iraq reconstruction, probably by two years from August, to the ordinary Diet session to be convened on Jan. 25, according to government sources. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20061230TDY02010.htm
9. New water project in Diwaniya. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/New+water+project+in+Diwaniya__1112405.html
10. Draft law authorizes government to distribute oil revenues in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/Draft+law+authorizes+government+to+distribute+oil+revenues+in+Iraq__1112391.html
11. Is the Iraqi economy crashing through here? Are we watching a John Ford western taking place in Iraq, where the private economy is in the role of the cavalry, riding to the rescue? In a column today in the New York Post called "The Boom Outside Baghdad" Amir Taheri contributes several possible tiles to this mosaic. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2840
12. Women Lawyers Gaining Ground. Growing conservatism in Iraqi society generates demand for female lawyers. http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=327558&apc_state=henpicr
13. Love of basketball brings players, fans back to court. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2006-12-28-iraq-week_x.htm
14. Michael O'Hanlon on the Iraqi Economy. http://switchboard.real.com/player/email.html?PV=6.0.12&&title=Michael%20O%92Hanlon%20on%20the%20Iraqi%20Economy&link=rtsp%3A%2F%2Fvideo.c%2Dspan.org%2Fproject%2Firaq%2Firaq122206%5Finterviews.rm
15. U.S fund to carry out pioneering projects in Iraq. http://www.portaliraq.com/news/U.S+fund+to+carry+out+pioneering+projects+in+Iraq__1112393.html
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Iraq Reconstruction News 28 December 2006
Iraq Reconstruction News
28 December 2006
1. State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report of 20 December 2006: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78277.pdf
2. Iraq constitution reform vital to oil companies,despite oil law. WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Major international oil companies are unlikely to begin investing in Iraq for at least another year even if a new hydrocarbon law is passed in January, politicians and analysts warn. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/iraq-constitution-reform-vital-oil/story.aspx?guid=%7B5D10000A-6714-4B00-A5B4-856F6D156450%7D
3. A Law for Investment in Iraq. Al-Hayat - 19/12/06. The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad. http://english.daralhayat.com/business/12-2006/Article-20061219-9ab6dd6e-c0a8-10ed-01e8-839c0025c859/story.html
4. Fortune flows to Kurdistan. Opportunities await investors in Iraq's sole region of promise, but they would be wise to proceed with caution. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20061212072927/SecCountries/pagIraq/chnIraq%20Analysis/objA68CBE20-8400-11D5-867D00D0B74A0D7C/
5. Quantities of Iranian oil derivatives arrive to northern Iraq. An official in Kurdistan region announced, on Thursday, the arrival of a quantity of oil derivatives from Iran to Sulaymaniyah, on Wednesday, as a first batch of an agreement signed by the governorate with the Iranian authorities. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2789
6. 47% of Iraqis threatened in their food security. A study on food security and vulnerable groups in Iraq, done by the Office of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Baghdad, in coordination with the Central Agency for Statistics and Information Technology in the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation of Iraq, revealed that over four million people are alimentary insecure, reflecting an increase of 11% from 2003.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2790
28 December 2006
1. State Department Iraq Weekly Status Report of 20 December 2006: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/78277.pdf
2. Iraq constitution reform vital to oil companies,despite oil law. WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Major international oil companies are unlikely to begin investing in Iraq for at least another year even if a new hydrocarbon law is passed in January, politicians and analysts warn. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/iraq-constitution-reform-vital-oil/story.aspx?guid=%7B5D10000A-6714-4B00-A5B4-856F6D156450%7D
3. A Law for Investment in Iraq. Al-Hayat - 19/12/06. The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad. http://english.daralhayat.com/business/12-2006/Article-20061219-9ab6dd6e-c0a8-10ed-01e8-839c0025c859/story.html
4. Fortune flows to Kurdistan. Opportunities await investors in Iraq's sole region of promise, but they would be wise to proceed with caution. http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20061212072927/SecCountries/pagIraq/chnIraq%20Analysis/objA68CBE20-8400-11D5-867D00D0B74A0D7C/
5. Quantities of Iranian oil derivatives arrive to northern Iraq. An official in Kurdistan region announced, on Thursday, the arrival of a quantity of oil derivatives from Iran to Sulaymaniyah, on Wednesday, as a first batch of an agreement signed by the governorate with the Iranian authorities. http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2789
6. 47% of Iraqis threatened in their food security. A study on food security and vulnerable groups in Iraq, done by the Office of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Baghdad, in coordination with the Central Agency for Statistics and Information Technology in the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation of Iraq, revealed that over four million people are alimentary insecure, reflecting an increase of 11% from 2003.
http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2790
7. Japan business delegation in Kurdish north. A Japanese business delegation has arrived in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya to discuss what Japan can do to reconstruct the Kurdish region. The delegation has met Sulaimaniya’s governor, Dana Majeed who asked the members to expand Japanese aid to the region. http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news\2006-12-18\kurd1.htm
8. Iraqi finance staff jailed for corruption. Five senior Iraqi Ministry of Finance officials were sentenced in Baghdad to three years in prison for corruption and spending unauthorized funds. Without naming the defendants, Kuwait's KUNA news agency said Wednesday the undersecretary of the ministry of Finance and four others were sentenced by the Central Criminal Court. http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20061220-105926-9827r.htm
9. Mahmudiyah takes pride in market renovation. Baghdad, Iraq— One of the top priorities for the mayor of Mahmudiyah is rebuilding his city’s downtown market. “It’s the heart of our community,” Muayid Fadhil said. “We are going to build a new market as a memorial to those innocent men, women and children who have been killed there. It will tell the insurgents we will never give up, they cannot stop us.” http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/releases/NR06-12-20-2.html
10. Iraq renews airport security contract with Dubai firm. Dubai: The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation has awarded a 12 month contract with a six month option to Dubai-based Global Strategies Group to provide all aviation security services at Baghdad International Airport (BIA), the company said in a statement obtained by Gulf News. http://archive.gulfnews.com/business/Aviation/10091153.html
11. 41 billion dollars, the volume of the budget for 2007. Iraqi Minister of Finance, Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaydi, announced that "No change in the 2007 budget, which is fixed at 41 billion dollars", but he indicated "transfers and distributions will be made so that the new budget will cover all sectors of the Iraqi people to avoid the mistakes that happened in last year's budget, and the confusion that happened in the implementation of investment projects". http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2806
12. DNO Ups Working Interest in Kurdistan PSA. DNO ASA said that it has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Northern Iraq that will give the company responsibility for 100% of the funding obligations of the production sharing agreements (PSAs). In exchange, DNO will pick up an additional 15% working interest. The deal has been finalized and signed. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39552
13. Iraqi officials reached a tentative agreement on the oil law. Iraq is in great need for foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on revenues from oil exports, especially that the country has the third largest oil reserves in the world. Sources close to the negotiations said that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, "agreed on" the draft law which is awaiting the political approval and the adoption of the Cabinet. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/?quer=&nm=&ny=&nn=471
14. Iraqi officials agree on an oil law. (MENAFN) Sources said that an oil law was agreed upon by Iraqi officials that gives the regions the right to negotiate contracts for oil fields with foreign investors, however the final decision will be made by the central government, Iraq Directory said. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093137417
15. Bush ponders £10bn New Deal to create jobs in Iraq. THE White House is expected to announce a reconstruction package for Iraq as part of a plan for a “surge” of up to 30,000 troops into Baghdad when President George W Bush unveils America’s new strategy next month. Bush is being urged to give up to $10 billion (£5.1 billion) to Iraq as part of a “New Deal” that would create work for unemployed Iraqis, following the model of President Franklin D Roosevelt during the 1930s depression.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2517659,00.html
NI_AD('Topprint');
11. 41 billion dollars, the volume of the budget for 2007. Iraqi Minister of Finance, Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaydi, announced that "No change in the 2007 budget, which is fixed at 41 billion dollars", but he indicated "transfers and distributions will be made so that the new budget will cover all sectors of the Iraqi people to avoid the mistakes that happened in last year's budget, and the confusion that happened in the implementation of investment projects". http://www.iraqdirectory.com/DisplayNews.aspx?id=2806
12. DNO Ups Working Interest in Kurdistan PSA. DNO ASA said that it has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Northern Iraq that will give the company responsibility for 100% of the funding obligations of the production sharing agreements (PSAs). In exchange, DNO will pick up an additional 15% working interest. The deal has been finalized and signed. http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=39552
13. Iraqi officials reached a tentative agreement on the oil law. Iraq is in great need for foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on revenues from oil exports, especially that the country has the third largest oil reserves in the world. Sources close to the negotiations said that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, "agreed on" the draft law which is awaiting the political approval and the adoption of the Cabinet. http://www.edinarfinancial.net/news/?quer=&nm=&ny=&nn=471
14. Iraqi officials agree on an oil law. (MENAFN) Sources said that an oil law was agreed upon by Iraqi officials that gives the regions the right to negotiate contracts for oil fields with foreign investors, however the final decision will be made by the central government, Iraq Directory said. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093137417
15. Bush ponders £10bn New Deal to create jobs in Iraq. THE White House is expected to announce a reconstruction package for Iraq as part of a plan for a “surge” of up to 30,000 troops into Baghdad when President George W Bush unveils America’s new strategy next month. Bush is being urged to give up to $10 billion (£5.1 billion) to Iraq as part of a “New Deal” that would create work for unemployed Iraqis, following the model of President Franklin D Roosevelt during the 1930s depression.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2517659,00.html
NI_AD('Topprint');
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