Iraq Update - US Department of State

Iraq Update


Instructor Theo Koster reviews engine mechanics with Iraqi Army students. (U.S. Embassy Baghdad)

Mechanics Training for Iraqi Army Fuels Engine for Change

One hundred and eighty-nine smiling Iraqi jundi (soldiers) receive certificates for successfully completing a rigorous 10-week mechanics course December 30, 2007, knowing they will now play an integral role as engines for change powering their army. The graduation ceremony, at the Iraqi Army Sixth Division’s base in West Baghdad, is an example of the way the U.S. Army is partnering with the Iraqi military to move it toward self-sufficiency. (complete text)

Bush Administration Promises "Sprint to the Finish" in 2008

In a series of recent interviews, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses several U.S. foreign policy priorities for 2008, the Bush administration's final year in office. These include keeping up momentum in the Mideast peace process, continuing support for democracy in Lebanon, building on the surge in Iraq, halting controversial nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, promoting stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, resolving the status of Kosovo and addressing Russia's concerns over a proposed missile defense system based in Europe. (complete text)

Iraqi Burn Victim Helped by Government and Private Efforts

The U.S. government worked closely with CNN and private U.S. medical groups to bring the 5-year-old Iraqi victim of an extremely damaging burning assault to the United States for medical treatment. Speaking of Jewell Evans, the U.S. diplomat who played a key role in helping the young boy, U.S. Embassy Baghdad consular affairs spokesman Steve Royster says: "Jewell made special efforts. Youssif's case is unique in that it is outside normal procedures. Jewell took this case and discovered a way to make this happen." (complete text)

Iraqi Political, Economic Factors Improve, Troop Drawdown Begins

Security conditions have improved enough in Iraq that the United States November 27 began the drawdown of U.S. combat troops from Diyala province. "The redeployment without replacement reflects overall improved security within Iraq, as well as improved capabilities of the Iraqi security forces and the emergence of concerned local citizens," Navy Rear Admiral Gregory Smith tells reporters in Baghdad. (complete text)