May 2006 - Iraq Special Weapons News

22 May 2006 - Iraq Special Weapons News

CENTAF releases combined airpower summary AFPN 22 May 2006 -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for May 19 to 21.
Runway repair reduces FOD at Balad AFPN 22 May 2006 -- The Air Force, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and civilian contractors, is repairing a section of runway here that is showing signs of decay.

Bush Says New Iraqi Government a "Decisive Break with the Past" Washington File 22 May 2006 -- President Bush praised the formation of Iraq’s new government and said that as long as the Iraqi people remain united, there is “no limit to the potential of their country.”
Bush Hails Iraq's New Government VOA 22 May 2006 -- President Bush says the formation of a unity government in Iraq marks a watershed for the greater Middle East
Too Soon to Announce Troops Cuts, Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 21 May 2006 -- It's still too soon for the Defense Department to announce troops withdrawals from Iraq, particularly with Iraq's defense and interior ministers yet to be named, a defense spokesman told Pentagon reporters today.

Security Tops New Iraqi Government's Agenda Washington File 22 May 2006 -- With ongoing insurgent and terrorist attacks, as well as continuing sectarian violence between Shiite and Sunni communities, Iraq’s complex security situation will top the agenda of the newly announced unity government, says James Jeffrey, coordinator for Iraq policy and a senior adviser to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Iraq's al-Maliki: Iraqi Forces to Handle Most Security by 2008 VOA 22 May 2006 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says Iraqi forces will take over security from foreign troops across most of the country by the end of this year.
Analysis: Disputes Hamper Iraq’s New Cabinet cfr.org 22 May 2006 -- Iraq has a new, if incomplete, government (AP). On May 22, parliamentarians, five months after being elected into office, approved the thirty-six-member cabinet of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki amid ethnic and political infighting

Blair Visits Baghdad to Back New Government VOA 22 May 2006 -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair has visited Baghdad to lend his support to the newly installed national unity government.
Russia says ready for close cooperation with new Iraq government RIA Novosti 22 May 2006 -- Russia is ready to work closely with the new Iraqi government and provide assistance to stabilize the country, the Foreign Ministry's official spokesman said Monday.

Report: France, Germany, Italy 'Paid Millions for Iraq Hostages' VOA 22 May 2006 -- A news report in London Monday says France, Germany and Italy have paid $45 million for the release of hostages kidnapped in Iraq.