Iraq

At least 48 people were killed in an attack on a packed restaurant north of Kirkuk today, including representatives of Sunni Arab and Kurdish sects meeting in an attempt to defuse heightened tensions between the groups, which were elements of The Awakening, an organization of former insurgents working to stabilize the government, especially in the disputed region controlled by the Kurds. Kirkuk is the regional capital.

The Iraqi Cabinet voted Sunday to approve a "proposed security agreement that calls for a full withdrawal of American forces from the country by the end of 2011."  Parliament still has to vote on it but leaders say it will easily pass.

According to Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward, the U.S. has developed a secret new way to kill terrorists, and it's very effective.  We're not allowed to know what it is, but it has played a dramatic role in reducing violence and eliminating leaders.

...sounds like a movie.

The Iraqi Prime Minister (Al-Maliki) said today that he had reached an agreement with the U.S. to get all foreign troops out by 2011.  Condoleezza said otherwise last week after leaving Iraq.  Thoughts?

Image: 

Writer's Note: While browsing the NY Times this morning, I came across an article that reminded me of a class discussion... Needless to say, one thing led to another, and here I am putting down my first blog post at BabelUp.

In other words, they want us out and we're going along with it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080718/ts_nm/iraq_usa_bush_dc_3

Today, Senator Barack Obama was published in the Op-Ed section of the New York Times. I'll say it again. Barack Obama sent in an Op-Ed piece to the New York Times. Titled "My Plan for Iraq", this short essay is in direct response to harsh criticism from the left after Obama appeared unsure about his policy in Iraq. 

First of all, the essay can be read here: