Iraqis rally over US security deal
30/5/08
Tens of thousands of Iraqi Shia have taken to the streets of Baghdad and other cities to protest against a long-term security deal with the US. The rallies after Friday prayers follow a call by Muqtada al-Sadr for weekly protests against the deal that could lead to more US troops and a long-term US presence. Washington wants the Iraqi government to provide a legal framework for US troops to remain in Iraq beyond the expiration of a UN mandate in December. Officials from the administration of George Bush, the US president, told Al Jazeera they expect to finalise the deal by the end of July.
See: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/444BF212-510B-4B68-9247-A6302DFABE67.htm
Looking to forgiving Gulf neighbours
30/5/08
With the alleged improved security position in Iraq, oil production there is now higher than it was prior to the US-led invasion. Estimates vary, but it is thought to be 2 million barrels a day which, with proven reserves of over 115 billion barrels, means a prosperous future once full peace is achieved. Despite the oil reserves and increased production, Iraq is shackled by repayment of its war debt, originally more than $120 billion, but now at about half that as some countries wiped off the debt to give Iraq a chance to rebuild. But it seems that is not enough for, at a conference in Sweden, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki asked the international community - with particular focus on neighbouring Gulf states - to cancel all the debt. But until there are clearer signs of the political direction Iraq will take, it is doubtful Gulf neighbours will be in a forgiving mood.
See: http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/editorial_opinion/region/10217312.html
Tags: Iraq Objections, Terrorism, USA, War DebtAdd new tag