media lizzy & friends

On The Media Lizzy Show today, I’ll be talking with Vets for Freedom Chairman & Executive Director Pete Hegseth.  On tap: the G20 meeting, the Obama Administration’s deep Defense budget cuts, the new Commander-in-Chief’s visit to Iraq, and where America goes from here. 

Also, the Political Threesome rides again… I have AOL News’ Tommy Christopher and Caleb Howe all lined up for a raucous roundtable.  As in, did President Obama bow to Saudia Arabia’s King Abdullah? (The answer is yes but, Robert Gibbs & unnamed White House sources are telling you not to believe your lyin’ eyes)

All in all… it’s quite nice to be back in the saddle. 

—Media Lizzy

Show prep:

For years… Democrats criticized the Bush-Cheney model for election.  During 2000, there were cries for gravitas.  Experience.  Even a DC Insider to join then Governor George W. Bush’s team – and make him more electable.

Barack Obama has heard those same cries. He began as an anti-War, anti-Patriot Act, anti-Bush Democrat.  This week, he acknowledged the success of the surge in front of the VFW convention.  Why?  He can’t trash the service of Beau Biden, the son of his running mate.  This summer, Obama voted for the FISA bill that includes domestic surveillance and retroactive immunity for telecom companies that assisted the Feds after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  As for being anti-Bush, Barack Obama’s language on that count has dissolved into obsequious praise for Laura Bush.  Around the time First Daughter Jenna Bush was married by Kirbyjon Caldwell, who supports Barack Obama… the softening began. Even Michelle Obama has heaped praise on the First Family.

Obama cried out for a timetable in Iraq.  Condi Rice is in the process of negotiating a Status of Forces Agreement with a firm timetable – with US Forces leaving in 2011, helping Obama to undermine McCain.  Neither President Bush, nor Secretary of State Condi Rice has stepped out to declare Mission Accomplished in Iraq — even though, that is clearly the case — and it would NEVER have been possible without Senator John McCain’s shaming of W and advocacy for the Surge.

Republicans and Democrats will be angered by my stance here.  But let me remind you that political players are all too human, and occasionally Machiavellian.

Senator John McCain’s career has been marked by a service, devotion to Country, honor, family, solving problems by taking the lead on tough issues, and a healthy skepticism of party leadership – and their motivations.  All of this separates him from the conventional wisdom but it also deepens his appeal to average Americans that are tired of politics as usual.  John McCain is the real change agent in this election – because he will put America First.

—Media Lizzy

Thanks to Dave over at the AOL Political Machine. And to the folks at MyDD who posted this video. Folks on the Left, be they Obama or Clinton supporters, should know that like so many elections – the 2008 presidential sweepstakes will be about national security. Our country is still at war.

As long as the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan – our nation will remain on a war footing.

And for those of us who choose to face the harsh reality of the world we live in, rather than play ostrich with our national security… this video will serve as a clarion call to the Voting Booth.

—Media Lizzy

 I have a little post-script that bothers me… Pastor Wright refers to “Shanklin” instead of “Shanksville” – maybe he doesn’t remember, maybe he “misspoke” – but rest assured, the families of folks on United 93 know – along with millions of their fellow Americans.

The DNC, the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton, as well as their Code Pink protester friends and the MoveOn.org crowd have been pretty successful in convincing the American people that the Iraq War was either “illegal” or “unjust” or fueled by lies and vengeance. At times they were aided by Bush administration blunders and the spectre of civil war between Sunni & Shi’a in Iraq.

No one is entitled to their own set of facts. The “surge” has produced real results.  According to a recent poll conducted by the research folks at Pew, 53% of Americans support staying in Iraq until it is stabilized.  While I remain critical of Secretary of State Condi Rice’s abilities, and am gravely disappointed in former CPA Administrator Paul Bremer – the truth is that General David Petraeus may be the most capable General and Diplomat of his generation.

—Media Lizzy

Below is information from the White House, & the MNF.

Five Years Later: New Strategy Improving Security In Iraq

Today, President Bush spoke at the Pentagon to mark the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The past five years have been a critical time in history. U.S. troops should be proud of their partnership with Iraqis and the progress in Iraq.

Ø The battle in Iraq is noble, necessary, and just.

Ø Defeating the enemy in Iraq will make it less likely we will face this enemy here at home. The terrorists who murder the innocent in the streets of Baghdad also want to murder the innocent in the streets of American cities.

Ø Because we acted against Saddam Hussein, the world is better and America is safer. Because we acted, Saddam Hussein no longer fills fields with the remains of innocent men, women, and children, invades his neighbors, pays the families of suicide bombers, or defies the will of the United Nations. Saddam’s torture chambers, rape rooms, and children’s prisons have been closed for good.

The “Surge” Strategy Has Produced Dramatic Results In Iraq

The U.S. is carrying out a new strategy in Iraq based on providing population security. In late 2006, the U.S. reviewed its strategy and gave our troops a new mission under General Petraeus’ command centered on:

· Working with Iraq’s security forces to protect the Iraqi people.

· Pursuing the enemy in its strongholds.

· Denying sanctuary to the terrorists.

The surge is working. Since all the surge forces began operating in mid-2007:

· Overall violence in Iraq is significantly down.

· Civilian deaths are down.

· Sectarian killings are down.

· Attacks on American forces are down.

· Coalition forces have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al Qaeda leaders and operatives.

· We have begun bringing some of our troops home as a “return on success.”

More than 90,000 concerned local citizens are now helping to protect their communities from terrorists, insurgents, and extremists. The “Awakening” movement began in Anbar in 2006, when Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda’s brutality and started a popular uprising. As this effort succeeded, it inspired other Iraqis to take up the fight.

Ø To take advantage of this opportunity, we sent 4,000 additional Marines to help these brave Iraqis drive al Qaeda from the province.

Ø The government in Baghdad has stepped forward with a surge of its own by adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year. Iraqi troops have fought bravely, and thousands have given their lives in this struggle.

As we have fought al Qaeda, Coalition and Iraqi forces have also taken the fight to Shia extremist groups – many of them backed, financed, and armed by Iran. A year ago these groups were on the rise. Today, these groups are increasingly isolated, and Iraqis of all faiths are putting their lives on the line to stop these extremists from hijacking Iraq’s democracy.

The U.S. has doubled the number of provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq. Teams of civilian experts are serving in all 18 Iraqi provinces, and they are helping to strengthen responsible leaders, build up local economies, and bring Iraqis together so that reconciliation can happen from the ground up.

The Stakes In Iraq Are Great

The surge has opened the door to a major strategic victory in the broader war on terror. In Iraq, we are witnessing the first large-scale Arab uprising against Osama bin Laden, his grim ideology, and his terror network.

Ø The terrorist movement feeds on the appearance of inevitability and claims to rise on the tide of history, but the accomplishments of the surge are exposing this myth.

Ø Defeating al Qaeda in Iraq will show that men and women who love liberty can defeat the terrorists.

Al Qaeda terrorists in Mosul will suffer the same fate al Qaeda did elsewhere in Iraq. American and Iraqi forces have driven the terrorists from many of the sanctuaries they once held and will relentlessly pursue those who have now gathered in and around Mosul.

The challenge in the period ahead is to consolidate the gains we have made and seal the extremists’ defeat.

· Over the last five years, we have learned what happens when we pull our forces back too fast: terrorists and extremists step in, and establish safe havens where they can spread chaos and carnage.

· General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in such an unraveling again.

· Any further drawdown will be based on conditions on the ground and the recommendations of our commanders and must not jeopardize the hard-fought gains our troops and civilians have made over the past year.

While no one would argue that this war has not come at a high cost in lives and treasure, those costs are necessary when we consider the cost of a strategic victory for our enemies in Iraq.

· Allowing our enemies to prevail in Iraq could lead to chaos.

· Al Qaeda would regain its lost sanctuaries and establish new ones – fomenting violence and terror that could spread beyond Iraq’s borders.

· An emboldened al Qaeda with access to Iraq’s oil resources could pursue its ambitions to acquire weapons of mass destruction to attack America and other free nations.

Political Progress Is Taking Place In Iraq

Millions of Iraqis have risked their lives to secure a democratic future for their nation, and America will not abandon them in their time of need. The vast majority of Iraq’s citizens want to live in peace, and they are showing their courage every day.

· In October 2005, Iraqi voters approved a new permanent constitution.

· In December 2005, nearly 12 million Iraqis braved car bombers and assassins to choose a permanent government in free elections under the new constitution.

On February 3, 2008, Iraq’s Presidency Council issued the Accountability and Justice Law, which will allow thousands of former Ba’athists to return to government jobs.

On February 13, 2008, the Council of Representatives passed two key pieces of legislation.

· Amnesty Law:

• The Government of Iraq’s General Amnesty Law represents a benchmark in facilitating political reconciliation and the rule of law in Iraq. The General Amnesty Law addresses the scope of eligibility for amnesty for Iraqis in Iraqi detention facilities, whether they have been brought to trial or not. The law exempts from this amnesty those who have committed specific serious crimes, such as premeditated murder or kidnapping, and those who are subject to the death penalty.

· Fiscal Budget:

• The $48 billion Iraqi budget represents a 17 percent increase in spending over last year’s budget, with a 23 percent increase in security expenditures. Capital funds allocated to the 15 provinces will increase over 50 percent, from $2.1 billion to $3.3 billion, reflecting the improved budget execution performance by provinces in 2007.

The Iraqi government passed a pension law in late 2007.

The central government of Iraq continues to distribute oil revenue to provinces, even though the proposed oil law is still being negotiated.

The central government of Iraq reached its 2007 target of $30.2 billion in budget revenue one month before the end of the year.

The Government of Iraq recently completed early repayment of its outstanding obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and reached a new Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF.

UPDATE: Politico reports Pew data shows support for on Iraq War breaks over 50% for first time since 2006

Anti-war folks are entitled to their opinions. Anti-Iraq war politicians are entitled to talk about “judgment” in 2002/3 and how, via clairvoyant abilities, they saw every flaw in President Bush’s strategy regarding post-Invasion Iraq. All the politicians are entitled to score whatever domestic political points they want.

But no one is entitled to their own set of facts. Opinion, judgment, and analysis by folks without the direct responsibility for the troops and the execution of the plan shouldn’t be given more weight than those who were and are on the ground – right now – working for real progress. (With the notable exception of Admiral William ‘Fox’ Fallon, who seems to have been cast in the role of Richard Armitage 2.0.)

—Media Lizzy

Here’s the latest from the Multi-National Force folks:

U.S. Military Reports Recent Security And Economic Progress In Iraq

Violence levels are down throughout most of Iraq and declined during the period from December 2007 through February 2008. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

· Deaths from ethno-sectarian violence are down approximately 90% since June 2007.

· Total civilian deaths have dropped by more than 70% since June 2007.

· Coalition deaths have dropped by more than 70% since June 2007.

· Overall violence has decreased to levels that were last seen consistently in early 2005.

· Security incidents in Anbar province have decreased approximately 90% since January 2007.

The “Sons of Iraq” Awakening movement continues to grow. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

· Overall, Sons of Iraq now number approximately 91,000.

· Approximately 20,000 have already transitioned to Iraqi Security Forces or to civil employment.

Iraqi police and military capabilities continue to improve. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

· Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has expanded its training facilities from four to 17 over the past year.

· The Ministry of Defense has generated 134 army combat, infrastructure, and Special Operations battalions that are conducting operations at varying levels of capability.

Economic development continues throughout Iraq. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

· Iraq’s economy is projected to grow 7% in 2008, resulting in an estimated nominal GDP of $60.9 billion.

· Core inflation for 2007 was 12.28%, compared to core inflation of 31.92% in 2006.

· In 2007, capital budget execution occurred at more than double the 2006 rate.

· In the last three months, mentoring by Provincial Reconstruction Teams helped 17 of 18 Provincial councils submit Provincial Development Strategies to the Ministry of Planning.

After Admiral William “Fox” Fallon’s Esquire magazine interview appeared online today, entitled “The Man Between War and Peace” – led to his very abrupt resignation.  Not only did Fallon have differences with President Bush and Vice President Cheney – he also was rumoured to be at odds with General David Petraeus.  SecDef Gates is taking questions during a Pentagon presser.

Developing…

Wednesday, March 5 @ 3PM Eastern / Noon Pacific
We Have a Winner! McCain Secures Republican Nomination
Media Lizzy discusses how Texas delivered the Republican Nomination for John S. McCain. Today, McCain will visit the White House, and receive the endorsement of President George W. Bush.  Hillary Clinton won Texas, Ohio, & Rhode Island.  Obama’s mojo is diminished – and now, it’s seven weeks to Pennsylvania.

Friday, March 7 @ 3PM Eastern / Noon Pacific
Iraq in Focus: An Interview with Pete Hegseth of Vets for Freedom
Media Lizzy welcomes Pete Hegseth, Iraq War Veteran and Vets for Freedom’s Executive Director. He was a witness to the Golden Mosque bombing and aftermath – and recently returned to Samarra. It is time to put Iraq in focus: political progress, the success of the surge, and what it’s really like on the ground – and how Iraq War Veterans are making a difference.

Join me!

—Media Lizzy

UPDATED: I received some questions regarding the title of this post. Some were concerned that, by implication, I am ratifying the point of view that the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads in 2004 were a “bad” thing. Quite the contrary. I have always, in writing & on the air, expressed my support for the right of those men to go on the record against John Kerry. (full disclosure – I worked on multiple campaigns with one of the producers of the ads – during the general election cycle I was spokesperson for President Bush’s BC04 Campaign Chair in CA) As we all know, it’s about the man next to you. And if those guys didn’t trust Kerry – the American people needed to know that before they made someone Commander in Chief. Obviously, the voters overwhelmingly supported W’s reelection. So, as far as I am concerned, the “Swift Boat-ing” of Barack Obama is just one way of noting that his free ride to the nomination is over. He is one degree away from a direct relationship with an Iraqi-born Billionaire with close ties to Saddam Hussein going back to the good ol days of plotting assassinations together. I stand by the title.

On The Media Lizzy Show: It’s make or break time for Hillary Clinton. The latest polls, the blistering partisan divide and emerging opposition research may reset the table. With the trial of Tony Rezco – a friend/bundler for Obama since the beginning of his career – reveals Obama may have met with an Iraqi born British billionaire / arms dealer / key ally of Saddam, Nadhmi Auchi.

I will tackle why the anti-War left doesn’t understand how to use reality to their advantage. McCain’s “experience” argument can be set aside. It’s not the land deal – it’s the arms dealer. Everyone has been asking what topic would make for the “Swift Boat-ing” of Barack Obama. The Rezco/Auchi revelations go straight to “judgment.”

It’s not about his middle name. And the facts clearly show Obama is a devoted Christian. But an openness, or a single-degree relationship with a convicted felon like Auchi – that IS a problem that will be exploited.

The 2008 presidential campaign is about authenticity. If voters smell a hypocrite – will they hit eject? even if it’s against the post-partisan Obama? This will be the most explosive show ever! Be sure to click HERE to tune in at 3PM Eastern / Noon Pacific!!!!

—Media Lizzy

Inside the Ring by Bill Gertz: Auchi Connection

Washington Post: Obama and the Fixer

Times of London: Court case makes life difficult for Barack Obama

Chicago Sun Times: Tony Rezko’s billionaire buddy

President Obama. Let that phrase fall from your lips. How does it sound? Probable? At this stage in the campaign, prior to Ohio and Texas, it’s plausible at the very least. As head of the First World’s only superpower, he will face a series of challenges in the foreign policy arena. Regardless of experience, age or character, he will have a very busy in-tray come January ’09. We know where he will start.

Iraq is a searing wound on the American body politic. The key question for Americans is has the overthrow of Saddam made the Homeland a safer place and the answer is no. Apologetic Neo-Cons now lament their naivety, cruelly exposed by the activities of Blackwater and Halliburton. Liberals are appalled at the mess they have to clear up. A President McCain may stay the course but the conventional wisdom holds that the war is unsustainable domestically and internationally. Former Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz has recently highlighted the enormous financial deadweight of the war – tragically, it’s a war gift that keeps on giving. A President Obama would have no attractive options. A withdrawal date within a year of coming to Office might seem too long – why wait? Any set date could act as deadline for increased Al-Qaeda. Fighting till the Endgame is impossible – when would he declare a righteous victory? The UN does not want to get involved in peace keeping in such a dangerous territory. This will be one of the defining decisions of an Obama first-term.

Which brings us to the War on Terror. Guantanamo is an international embarrassment. It must close. But how and when? Does he go for a swift closure coupling it with increased funding and focus on domestic security? Will he try to de-escalate the levels of fear many ordinary Americans are living with by emphasising the nature of risk in everyday life? Can Obama the word poet change the mood and the reality of the contempory climate of fear? Al-Qaeda are still a huge threat to American security – would Obama make good his statement to bomb Pakistan if, and the Pakistani Army is, they’re found to be encouraging or harbouring terrorists? Obama may adopt a line from the Gordon Brown administration in Britain by dropping the term ‘War on Terror’ and instead focus on defeating terrorism with a mixture of soft and hard power.

How will a President Obama treat with the new Russian President, Putin’s anointed successor, Dmitry Medvedev? Russia, like a punchy old prize-fighter, has been throwing her weight around much to the chagrin and alarm of NATO and the EU in recent years. President Obama should seek to stress human rights and democracy and if he does he will probably be accused of lecturing Russia. Well, so what? The Russian Government’s treatment of journalists and freedom of speech has been frightening – in America, or the West you might be ignored as a commentator, but you won’t end up dead. Obama will be tested by Russian rhetoric and actions – his Secretary of State will have to consider being more critical of Russian foreign policy.

China will be another dilemma for Obama. Clearly, international trade has done little or nothing since the Tiananmen Square Massacre to democratise the country. The Communist Party is still endemically corrupt and China is unwilling to recognise that its own future self-interest lies in democracy and the rule of law. Does a President Obama seek to maintain the Clinton/Bush trade not tirade line? How would the US react to Chinese aggression against Taiwan? Will the US increase pressure on China to de-value its currency? Obama should approach China as one would approach a large, moody drunk – with considerable caution.

America holds huge influence over Israel and the Democrats can be relied on to continue largely unqualified support for Israeli diplomatic and military behaviour in the region. Obama will probably continue US policy of isolating Hamas and dealing with Fatah – he must also know that long term American interests demand that some form of equitable settlement be reached between Palestinians and Israelis. His political courage will be tested when it comes to condemning illegal Israeli activity; he would automatically be lining himself up to be accused of being soft on terrorism.

Will we see the beginning of détente in with Cuba? Or will the Miami exiles’ views hold sway and will an Obama administration tighten the economic noose around the island? Again, Americans need to ask themselves if Cuba is a threat to their domestic security. Realistically, the answer has to be no. Raul Castro may carry the family bogey name – but there’s a chance for Obama to announce an initiative in the early days of his Presidency to thaw relations between the two nations. With Miami having the electoral importance it has, Cuba could be a significant issue in November ’08.

Finally, and sadly for the continent in terms of international priorities, there’s Africa. Will Obama have an emotional and moral commitment to seek better governance on the continent? Will he seek to address trade reform and encourage a new generation of democratic leaders? Or will the US, like the EU, continue developmental aid and seek incremental reforms on the continent? Obama will decide if Africa should be treated strategically or whether it will remain left at the bottom of the in-tray for the next President of the United States.

Obama knows the limits of American influence in the world. He also knows the potential America has to act as a catalyst for change. He will come up against ‘unknowns’, as any American President will. But it’s by how he tackles the ‘knowns’ that Obama will be judged most keenly. He has the chance to change the world. And if he takes it, he will be remembered as great.

Political Progress Is Taking Place In Iraq

Top-Down Progress Occurring In Baghdad; Bottom-Up Progress Occurring Throughout The Country

Political progress is occurring in Iraq through:

Ø      National legislation by lawmakers in Baghdad

Ø      Local initiatives by Provincial Reconstruction Teams throughout Iraq

Ø     Agreements, conferences, and commitments by Iraq, the U.S., and the international community

Major Legislative Accomplishments Further Political Accommodation And Increase Funding For Security, Economic Reconstruction, And Provincial Governments

On February 3, 2008, Iraq’s Presidency Council issued the Accountability and Justice Law, which will allow thousands of former Ba’athists to return to government jobs.

·        Iraqi Government Spokesman Ali Dabbagh: “It distinguishes between the criminal and the innocent.” (Ned Parker, “Iraq Votes To Lift Ban On Ex-Baathists,” Los Angeles Times, 1/13/08)

·         General David Petraeus & Ambassador Ryan Crocker: “The law … sends a message to the people of Iraq and throughout the region that Iraqi political leaders are working together.” (Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker And General David H. Petraeus, Joint Statement On The Passage Of The Accountability And Justice Legislation, 1/14/08)

On February 13, 2008, the Council of Representatives passed two key pieces of legislation.

·        Amnesty Law:

o       The Government of Iraq’s General Amnesty Law represents a benchmark in facilitating political reconciliation and the rule of law in Iraq.  The General Amnesty Law addresses the scope of eligibility for amnesty for Iraqis in Iraqi detention facilities, whether they have been brought to trial or not.  The law exempts from this amnesty those who have committed specific serious crimes, such as premeditated murder or kidnapping, and those who are subject to the death penalty. 

·        Fiscal Budget:

• The $48 billion Iraqi budget would represent a 17 percent increase in spending over last year’s budget, with a 23 percent increase in security expenditures.  Capital funds allocated to the 15 provinces will increase over 50 percent, from $2.1 billion to $3.3 billion, reflecting the improved budget execution performance by provinces in 2007.

The Iraqi government passed a pension law in late 2007.

·        Gen. Petraeus: “[This law] extends pension rights to tens of thousands of Iraqis who are denied those rights because of various policies implemented after liberation.” (Fox’s “Fox News Sunday,” 12/23/07)

The central government of Iraq continues to distribute oil revenue to provinces, even though the proposed oil law is still being negotiated.

·       Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte: “When I was United States Ambassador to Iraq, there was no such thing as provincial budgets.  Now, the central government is distributing revenue to the provinces, which have made impressive progress in executing their budgets.” (Dep. Sec. John Negroponte, Press Briefing, 12/2/07)

The central government of Iraq reached its 2007 target of $30.2 billion in budget revenue one month before the end of the year.

The Government of Iraq recently completed early repayment of its outstanding obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and reached a new Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF.

·        On December 12, Iraq repaid all of its outstanding obligations to the IMF, amounting to approximately $470.5 million.

·        On December 20, the IMF Executive Board approved a successor Stand-By Arrangement for Iraq equivalent to approximately $744 million.

Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) And Other U.S. Organizations Are Producing Tangible Political And Economic Gains On The Ground In Iraq

The new strategy President Bush announced a year ago was built around three key elements, culminating with a surge of PRTs.

·        Over the past year, we have doubled the number of PRTs in Iraq – there are now 24 of these teams active in all 18 Iraqi provinces.  Many of these teams are “embedded” PRTs, created as part of the President’s new strategy.  These civilian-led teams work together with Brigade Combat Teams or Marine regiments to support the military surge in Anbar Province and the greater Baghdad area.

PRTs play a vital role in sustaining the bottom-up political progress that is laying the groundwork for national reconciliation in Iraq.  For example, the Kirkuk PRT last year helped broker a settlement that brought Sunnis back into the Province’s local government – the Provincial Council.

In 2007, achievements by embedded PRTs (ePRTs) established after the beginning of the troop surge include:

Ø      The opening of the Fallujah Business Development Center in Anbar with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Community Stabilization Program (CSP).  With help from the PRT, the local Chamber of Commerce and CSP staff ended 2007 reviewing grant applications for 400 local small businesses.

Ø      A regional security summit in Taji sponsored by an ePRT located in Baghdad and facilitated by a Brigade from the 1st Cavalry Division.  One hundred sheikhs from the Taji area met to discuss cooperating on security issues with strong participation by the Iraqi military and police and Coalition Forces.  The Taji area is critical for security in the north of Baghdad and is strategically positioned where the provinces of Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad Din, and Diyala join.

Ø      The opening of an agricultural bank in Ramadi by an ePRT located in Anbar Province.  The Agricultural Bank of Ramadi closed in 2004, when terrorists occupied it.  By the end of 2007, the facility was completely renovated and ready to support local agriculture.  This is critical to the province, which depends highly on agriculture for jobs and prosperity.

Recent Accomplishments by Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq include:

·        Baghdad ePRT:  Baghdad ePRT 2 helped establish the Women’s Sewing Training Center with Quick Response Funds and purchased equipment to support the training of 20 women, every four to six weeks, in a marketable skill.

·        Karbala PRT:  A Women’s Coalition Center, organized by the Karbala PRT, was established as an eventually self-financing, non-profit independent center for education and training.  The Center is predicated on the ideas of tolerance, the equality of women, and the importance of civil society in democracy.

·        Kirkuk PRT:  The PRT helped launched one of the most successful micro-finance operations in Iraq, disbursing over $900,000 in loans.  Starting with a single office, the PRT helped open an additional branch and a third office is in the final stages of completion.  The three branches should reach financial self-sufficiency within 12 to 18 months.  To date, the Al-Aman office maintains a zero default rate on all of its small loans.

·        Muthanna PRT:  The PRT transformed a primary school serving a poor, rural community near the town of Najmi into a modern, four classroom building with solar power panels and provided laptop computers to its students.  The computers are solar-powered and heat- and dust-resistant and have innovative educational, Arabic software.  PRT Muthanna recently expanded the “One Laptop per Child” concept to a series of model schools, including an orphanage and an all-girls school, throughout the province.  Each school will have 10-20 computers and will be paired with a counterpart U.S. elementary school to encourage interaction and relationships between Iraqi and American children. 

·        Ninewa PRT:  The PRT played a key role in the reopening of Mosul Airport for its first commercial operations since 1993 in December 2007.  On that day, approximately 150 Hajj pilgrims departed Mosul bound for Mecca.  A total of 50 inbound and outbound flights carried 5,000 pilgrims to and from Mosul Airport.  Importantly, the success of the Hajj operations in Mosul will serve as the impetus to re-open the airport for commercial operations permanently in the very near future.

As security improves in Iraq, civilian and military personnel are supporting economic initiatives throughout the country.

·        Coalition forces and local Iraqi contractors recently renovated and reopened the Ramana Municipal Government Building in Anbar province – five months after it was attacked by a suicide bomber.

·        A major market in Yusifiyah has been revitalized after the Iraqi Army established itself and local citizens manned checkpoints, cleaned up debris, and repaired shops.

·        In the Mansour district of Baghdad, a small businessman named Ahmed opened his own store after being awarded a $2,500 micro grant.

·        USAID’s work with local religious leaders has resulted in approximately $530,000 of loans in support of the people of Anbar, including:

o       139 loans worth $334,000 in Al-Qaim

o       18 loans worth nearly $47,000 in Ramadi

o       72 loans worth $148,000 in Fallujah

·        An entrepreneur opened a juice factory in Baghdad last summer, creating 24 full-time jobs, after he applied for a microfinance grant through the USAID Community Stabilization Program

The United States Has Followed Through On President Bush’s January 10, 2007 Call For Increased Diplomacy In Iraq.  

The U.S. Has Increased Its Diplomatic Efforts Through Critical Agreements, Conferences, And Long-Term Commitments To Iraq’s Future.  Since January 2007, the U.S. has worked with Iraqi leaders to establish an International Framework based on three pillars:

1. The International Compact with Iraq
2. The Expanded Neighbors Process
3. The Expanded Mandate for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI)

On May 3, 2007, Iraq, The U.S., And More Than 60 Other Nations and International Organizations Adopted The U.N.-Backed “International Compact” In Sharm El-Sheikh.

·        The International Compact established a five-year framework with implementation mechanisms for addressing Iraq’s challenges to achieving economic self-reliance, good governance, rule of law, and civil society.

·        Approximately 50 countries agreed to the U.N.-sponsored plan to support Iraq’s economic reform program.

On May 4, 2007, 22 Countries And International Organizations, Including Iraq And The U.S., Met At The Foreign Minister Level In Sharm El-Sheikh To Discuss Security In Iraq.

·        Delegates, including representatives from all of Iraq’s neighbors, discussed ways to curb violence in Iraq.

U.S. Representatives Attended A Neighbors Conference Working Group Meeting In Damascus Regarding Iraq’s Border Security. The August 8-9, 2007, Damascus conference was the third in a series of working groups formed at the March and May Minister’s meetings.

·        The first working group focused on refugee issues and was hosted by Jordan.

·        The second working group focused on energy and was hosted by Turkey. 

On August 10, 2007, The U.N. Security Council Unanimously Adopted A Resolution To Expand The UNAMI Mandate

·        The U.N. Security Council sent an important signal of commitment to Iraq’s stability and security by unanimously voting to renew and expand the mandate for the UNAMI. 

·        The resolution authorizes the U.N., at the government of Iraq’s request, to promote political talks among ethnic and religious groups as well as a regional dialogue on issues including border security, energy, and refugees.

U.S. Ambassador To Iraq Ryan Crocker Has Twice Participated In Trilateral Talks With His Iraqi And Iranian Counterparts To Discuss Security In Iraq.  Ambassador Crocker and senior Iraqi officials met in Baghdad with Iranian officials in May and July.

·        Iranian weaponry continues to flow into Iraq, killing Coalition soldiers and Iraqis, and Iran is actively involved in training and funding “secret cells” that are destabilizing Iraq and killing innocent Iraqis. 

o       This activity must stop for any negotiations to be successful. 

·        In addition to discussions with Iranian officials, Coalition forces will continue to seek and destroy the networks that are supplying advanced weaponry to militant groups inside Iraq.