Thread: Iraq/Dinar News. Before Feb. 21, 2007

Czech Republic starts cooperation with University of Duhok


By Khidir Domle
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Baghdad with the president of the University of Duhok discussed ways to establish relations between the university on one side and Czech scientific and cultural bodies on the other.

During the meeting, the two discussed methods related to scientific cooperation and establishment of joint relations between them, said Vice President of Public Relations at the University of Duhok Dr. David Atrushi.

"The Czech ambassador decided to dedicate a seat for a Ph.D. Degree in Architecture," he said, adding that they also conversed on the possibility of opening workshops and holding lectures. "The ways to cooperate with the university and the scientific establishments in Czech were also evaluated."

"The University of Duhok agreed for the Czech Cultural Centre to open a wing in the newly established Cultural Centre of the University," he said. "This is in addition to distributing brochures to help and introduce the Czech Republic to visitors."

As of the beginning of April, the Czech Republic will not issue visas to Iraqis whose passport types are of the S-series, The Ambassador said.

"In the centre, there are also travel guides available to help travellers who are interested in going to the Czech Republic and visiting its scientific centres there," said Dr. Atrushi.

"As of the beginning of April, the Czech Republic will not issue visas to Iraqis whose passport types are of the S-series," the Ambassador said. "Therefore, the University of Duhok has to provide G-series passports to those who would like to go to the Czech Republic."

During Peter Voznica's visit to the university, an exhibition was opened to show the historical stages of the Czechs. "The idea behind thae exhibition is to provide visitors with as much information as possible about the Czech Republic," the Cultural and Press Secretary of the Embassy in Baghdad, Huda Ahmed, said.

"The visit by the Czech ambassador aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation with Duhok Province and Duhok Chamber of Commerce," she said. According to Ms. Ahmed, trade between the two sides and paving way to joint agreements were also discussed in the meeting.




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Posted on Wednesday, February 14

Iraqi Refugees To Settle in U.S.


The Bush administration plans to allow about 7,000 Iraqi refugees to settle in the United States over the next year, a huge expansion of a program at a time when this country is facing international pressure to help some of the millions of refugees who have fled their battle-torn nation.

Some 3.8 million Iraqis have fled their country since the war began in March 2003.
The United States has allowed only 463 Iraq refugees into the country since the war began. A senior State Department official described the expanded program on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement later Wednesday.

The administration also plans to pledge $18 million for a worldwide resettlement and relief program.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has asked for $60 million from nations around the world.




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Posted on Wednesday, February 14

Originally Posted by mrquattro

Vipor is correct as he was calculating 100M dinar, not 1M dinar. [Insert smiley here]

I stand to be corrected.

Originally Posted by Mike5200

Iraqi Refugees To Settle in U.S.


The Bush administration plans to allow about 7,000 Iraqi refugees to settle in the United States over the next year, a huge expansion of a program at a time when this country is facing international pressure to help some of the millions of refugees who have fled their battle-torn nation.

Some 3.8 million Iraqis have fled their country since the war began in March 2003.
The United States has allowed only 463 Iraq refugees into the country since the war began. A senior State Department official described the expanded program on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement later Wednesday.

The administration also plans to pledge $18 million for a worldwide resettlement and relief program.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has asked for $60 million from nations around the world.




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Posted on Wednesday, February 14

Nice. My husband's family is on year eight waiting for INS to process their applications. So much for homeland security.

On Feb. 1st it hit a low of 1219 and then crept back up to 1236
Today we are back at 1220 and in the next hour it will change to the 15th and usuallly will show another change.



Can we beat that 1219 of 2-1-2007?

Baghdad,Iraq
February 14, 2007


Historic Budget Passes with Broad Support
On February 8, Iraq’s Council of Representatives passed a $41.1 billion 2007 budget by an overwhelming majority. The budget enjoyed support from political representatives of all communities in Iraq.

Historic budget for Iraq with more than $40 billion in Iraqi money helping to meet Iraqi needs. Over $10 billion is dedicated to reconstruction and capital investment this year.
Overall budget represents a 21 percent increase over the 2006 budget.

Implementing the New Way Forward
Passage of the budget represents an important component of implementing the new way forward in Iraq, demonstrating that the Iraqi people are taking the lead in determining their future.
This budget underpins a joint Iraqi-U.S. economic transition effort that complements the joint security strategy and promotes both short-term economic activity and sustainable economic progress.

Boost to Baghdad Security
The budget, providing for $7.3 billion for security-related expenses, is an important boost to the counterinsurgency effort at the start of the Baghdad Security Plan.
Represents a 35 percent increase over security-related funding last year.
To complement direct funding for security, the Government of Iraq has also allocated $150 million for demobilization of militias and other combatants. The budget will support economic opportunities and reintegration for militia members and potential recruits.

Iraqi Money Funds Iraqi Reconstruction
Iraqi Government is moving forward on commitments outlined by President Bush and Secretary Rice to fund $10 billion for reconstruction this year.
Budget includes over $10 billion for capital investment programs for:
Ministries charged with construction and rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, like the oil ministry which will receive $2.4 billion.
Provincial Governments which will receive $2.4 billion for execution of decentralized investment and reconstruction plans.
The Iraqi Government will immediately release 10 percent of the budget, including to the provinces.

Transitioning to Self-Reliance
This budget puts Iraq on the path to strengthen Iraq’s economy with Iraqi resources, capacity and private sector growth.
Iraqi efforts emphasize job creation – putting more Iraqis to work to strengthen communities and families.
The Government of Iraq is intensifying its efforts to spend its money in communities, impacting Iraqis’ daily lives.
Improving budget execution for all chapters of the budget, but especially reconstruction and maintenance of infrastructure, is an Iraqi priority.
The United States will work closely to help support Iraqi initiatives and reforms intended to accelerate Iraqi spending.

The 2007 Iraqi Budget – Implementing the New Way Forward - U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq

Lewscrew

Despite risks, air still safest travel in Iraq
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service



A soldier watches for enemy action as fellow soldiers board a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter following a cordon and search operation in Tall Aswad, Iraq. The soldiers are from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert C. Brogan. WASHINGTON — Air travel is still the safest way to transport troops and supplies in Iraq, despite the recent rash of downed helicopter incidents, a top official there said yesterday.

Six helicopters have either been shot down or crashed since Jan. 20, Army Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, deputy commanding general for support for Multi-National Corps - Iraq, said.

In the past three weeks, two Army UH-60 Black Hawks and two AH-64 Apaches have been shot down, killing 16 soldiers, he said. A Marine CH-46 Sea Knight went down outside Baghdad on Feb. 7, killing all seven Marines onboard, but early reports indicate mechanical failure caused that crash, Simmons said.

Also, two civilian helicopters have crashed in eastern Baghdad, one killing five private security company employees, according to reports. No casualties were reported in the second crash.

Officials believe two of the Army incidents were linked, the general said. Both times, insurgents set up explosive devices along the routes most likely to be used by the deploying coalition quick-reaction force, he explained.

Simmons discounted reports, though, that advanced missile systems are being used to shoot down helicopters in Iraq. There is no evidence supporting that, Simmons said. He also said there is no evidence that a specific group has been targeting the aircraft.

But, he said, insurgents are adapting, their tactics have evolved, and Army air missions have increased.

“We are engaged with a thinking enemy. This enemy understands … that we are in the process of executing the prime minister’s new plan for the security of Baghdad. And they understand the strategic implications of shooting down an aircraft. It is in their interests, from a strategic perspective, to attempt to engage and shoot down our aircraft,” Simmons said.

Army helicopters average 100 enemy firefights monthly and are hit about 17 times a month. Most times the helicopters are able to fly back to base. Simmons said that is a testament to the quality of pilots, crews and equipment.

The number of flight hours for the Army has nearly doubled in the past two years. In 2005, pilots logged about 240,000 hours. This year, Simmons said, he expects that number to reach nearly 400,000 hours. In 2006, pilots and crews flew 334,000 hours.

The Army has lost 29 helicopters to enemy fire since March 2003, Simmons said. The majority of the firefights involve machine-gun and heavy-machine-gun fire, categorized as up to 23 mm, Simmons said. But, he added, some surface-to-air missiles, such as SA-7s, SA-14s and SA-16s, have been used to shoot down Army helicopters.

Investigations are ongoing in the incidents, but meanwhile it is business as usual for Army aviators in Iraq, Simmons said. Some procedures have been modified, but the Army has not slowed down its flying time and it has not cancelled any missions.

“We have not cancelled one mission, and there has been absolutely no reduction in rotary-wing aircraft flight -- nor will there be,” Simmons said. “We have reviewed our procedures, and we have made modifications as to how and where and when we’re flying, and we will do that periodically.”

Simmons, who is an Army master aviator, said he is a passenger on an Army helicopter almost daily.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of the young men and women who are operating these machines. They’re incredible talented. They’re incredibly bright. They’re incredibly courageous,” he said.

“We will continue to fly. It is the safest way that I know of to get around here in Iraq. And we will continue to do it and I will continue to be proud to fly with them.”

Soldiers secure area as doctors treat villagers
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division


A resident of Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, brings his elderly father to receive medical treatment during a medical operation held in the village Feb. 10. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chris McCann.SADR AL-YUSUFIYAH — In a country where poverty is endemic and many people are afraid to leave their homes because of terror threats, basic medical care can fall by the wayside.

The village of Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, a mostly Sunni area near the Euphrates River, is no different, but the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) who live next to the village at Patrol Base Warrior have strived to help the local residents.

A medical operation Feb. 10 at the clinic next to the patrol base was just one part of their mission to help.

"Today, we're helping the community by treating their sick and injured," said Pfc. Stephen Harris, a native of the Cayman Islands and a rifleman with Company B, 2-14th. "It makes me feel outstanding, knowing I'm helping and bettering this community."

Medics and doctors from both the Army and the local community came to provide care as Soldiers of Company B secured the clinic and searched each person who came in to ensure everyone's safety.

Almost 150 residents were seen or treated for a variety of complaints, ranging from chronic problems to the usual sniffles and coughs that come with the cold, damp Iraqi winters.

While some residents may disagree with the Soldiers' presence in the area, there were many smiles and thanks as they departed the clinic.

"I really think this (operation) will help change the opinion that the Americans are here for personal gain," Harris said.

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Sgt. Asa Shaw, a native of Riverside, Calif., and a fire team leader with the company, agreed.

"We're providing basic medical care for them," he said. "Everything we can do to win hearts and minds helps, and it makes me feel good, knowing we're helping less fortunate people."

Staff Sgt. Chris Lopez, a native of Diamondhead, Miss., and a medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-14th, treated several local residents during the operation.

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"It's good to treat the women and children especially," Lopez said.

"Helping someone's kid might stop them from setting that next improvised explosive device. What better way to help someone than by saving their lives?"

ISF, Coalition troops detain suspects
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
By Master Sgt. Dave Larsen
1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs



Sgt.Eric Cochran shines his tactical flashlight on a rooftop ensuring his troops are clear during a combined mission with Iraqi Army Soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Martin K Newton.BAGHDAD — Iraqi Security Forces and Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad uncovered 14 weapons caches and detained 140 insurgent suspects in and around the Iraqi capital during the week of Feb. 3-9.

With more than 7,400 patrols conducted during the week, the trend of having Iraqi Security Forces in the lead on day-to-day missions continues, according to Brig. Gen. John Campbell, MND-B deputy commanding general.

“Nearly 3,800 of those patrols were conducted by Iraqi police and Iraqi national police,” Campbell said. “Clearly, our Iraqi partners are taking the lead.”

Troops conducted 34 operations at company level or higher throughout the week.

These operations, 20 of them joint and 14 U.S.-led, resulted in the cache finds and detention of suspected terrorists, Campbell said. He said as the implementation of the new security plan progresses, the focus of operations will shift throughout the Iraqi capital.

“Rusafa is a focal point for us right now,” Campbell said of the east Baghdad district. “We’re addressing that area with increased security forces and patrols.”

Campbell noted that elements of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd “Falcon” Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi Security Forces have established a combat outpost in the Iraqi capital – located in the Adhamiyah district, just north of Rusafa.

“These joint combat outposts allow Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition troops the ability to reach out within these neighborhoods, providing a steadying presence and allowing them to understand the security and safety concerns of the residents, firsthand,” Campbell said. “Just having us there, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will improve the security situations within these areas.”

Campbell said these outposts will continue to spring up in Baghdad as the security plan continues. The first COP was established last month in the Kadamiyah security district by elements of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team.

While security remains the top concern for MND-B, civil military operations aimed at providing economic, educational and humanitarian assistance are ongoing throughout the Iraqi capital.

One of the highlights this week was the opening of a new business center at the Baghdad International Airport.

“The center, sponsored by the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is designed to host business meetings at the airport,” said Navy Cdr. Mike Sanchez, a civil military plans officer with MND-B.

Sanchez said Feb. 5 marked the grand opening of the Taji High School for Girls, north of the Iraqi capital. More than 400 students will attend this school starting next month.

South of the city, the Sadr Yusafiyah Farm Association distributed 100 bags of potato seed.

“This comes just in time for the spring planting season,” Sanchez said. “Potato farming is a large portion of the agricultural business in the western section of Baghdad province.”

Iraqi and U.S. forces also distributed meals, blankets and other necessities to hundreds of needy Baghdad citizens this week, Sanchez added. Residents of the often volatile Haifa Street neighborhood in central Baghdad were the recipients of humanitarian aid from Iraqi security forces and troops from 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, Sanchez said.

“Our Civil Military Operations Centers throughout Baghdad continue to serve the local populace,” Sanchez said.

Though the implementation of the new security plan for Baghdad is just beginning, Campbell said he’s encouraged by the early results.

“With the cache finds this week, the detentions we’ve made and creating a larger presence on Baghdad streets with the establishment of another combat outpost, we are making headway with the Baghdad security plan,” Campbell said. “This is only the beginning.<!

Syria and Iraq enhance transport cooperation




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13 February 2007





DAMASCUS - Syria and Iraq on Tuesday discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.


Syria and Iraq on Tuesday discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.


This comes during the meeting between Prime Minister Mohammed Naji Otri and Iraqi Transport Minister Sharwan al-Waeli.














Talks during the meeting dealt with the importance of activating the role of the Syrian-Iraqi Higher Committee and the agreements signed between the two countries in their interests.














Prospects of cooperation in the land, air, railways and marine transport, joint projects which may be established to serving the transportation movement and the trade and economic exchange between Syria and Iraq were among subjects raised in the meeting.

By H.Zeina and Younes

© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2007