December 2011 - Iraq Special Weapons News

Iraq Mulls Ways To Resolve Government Standoff RFE/RL 30 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi political factions are considering several proposals to resolve the government crisis that erupted after an arrest warrant was issued for Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi on terrorism charges, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq (RFI) reports.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 30 Dec 2011 [PDF]
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 29 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Iraq: Ban welcomes deal on voluntary relocation of Iranian exiles UN News Centre 27 Dec 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed an agreement between the United Nations and the Iraqi Government that provides for the voluntary relocation of residents of a camp hosting Iranian exiles, saying the pact lays the foundation for a peaceful and durable solution to the issue.
Sadrists Call for New Elections in Iraq VOA 27 Dec 2011 -- The Iraqi political bloc led by anti-American Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has issued a call to dissolve Iraq's parliament and hold early elections, in a move that could escalate the country's growing sectarian crisis.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 27 Dec 2011 [PDF]
UN, Iraq Agree Camp Ashraf Plan RFE/RL 26 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations has signed an agreement with the Iraqi government to move a group of Iranian exiles who have been living for years in a camp in northeastern Iraq.
U.S. Welcomes UN, Iraqi Deal On Ashraf's Iran Exiles RFE/RL 26 Dec 2011 -- The United States has welcomed a freshly inked agreement between the United Nations and Iraq on the fate of a group of Iranian exiles who have been living for years in northeastern Iraq.
UN and Iraq sign agreement to relocate thousands of Iranian exiles UN News Centre 26 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations and the Government of Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding to relocate thousands of Iranian exiles living in a camp in the north-eastern part of the country.
Biden Calls Iraqi Leaders, Urges Dialogue to Resolve Political Crisis VOA 25 Dec 2011 -- The White House says Vice President Joe Biden has spoken by phone with Iraqi leaders to urge them to hold a 'dialogue' to resolve a political crisis in their fragile power-sharing government.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 23 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Heading Off a Cliff? Post-Withdrawal Iraq Faces its First Major Test of Stability Ergo 22 Dec 2011 -- Just days after the last U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq, the forces that marked the country’s early post-Saddam years—regionalism, sectarianism, and violence—have reemerged with a vengeance.
Air expeditionary units inactivate after last Airmen leave Iraq AFNS 22 Dec 2011 -- Four air expeditionary units that were the air and space components to U.S. Forces-Iraq inactivated during a flag-casing ceremony Dec. 18 here.
Scores Killed In Wave Of Baghdad Bombings RFE/RL 22 Dec 2011 -- A wave of attacks has killed scores of people across the Iraqi capital in seemingly coordinated attacks that sent ambulances scrambling to scenes of carnage.
Iraq: UN envoy strongly condemns deadly bomb blasts in Baghdad UN News Centre 22 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations envoy for Iraq has strongly condemned today's bomb attacks that caused a large number of deaths and injuries in the capital, Baghdad, and urged all of the country's leaders to unite and bring the violence to an end.
Bombs Rock Baghdad VOA 22 Dec 2011 -- A series of bomb blasts hit the Iraqi capital Thursday, leaving at least 63 dead and more than 180 wounded. The attacks came as Iraq is gripped in a political crisis between Shi'ite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Sunni political rivals in the government.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 22 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Iraqi VP Tells VOA Charges Against Him Politically Motivated VOA 21 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi says allegations that he plotted to kill other government officials are politically-motivated by a prime minister bent on consolidating power after U.S. troops withdrew this month.
Maliki Urges Kurds to Hand Over Wanted Vice President VOA 21 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called on Kurdish authorities to hand over Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, who is wanted on allegations of plotting to kill other government officials.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 21 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Senior Officials Welcome Troops Home From Iraq AFPS 20 Dec 2011 -- President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the final group of U.S. troops home from Iraq here today.
USS John C. Stennis Launches Navy's Final Air Mission over Iraq NNS 20 Dec 2011 -- John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 launched the Navy's final air sortie over Iraq Dec. 18, effectively ending naval support for Operation New Dawn.
US Iraq Forces Home For Good VOA 20 Dec 2011 -- The U.S.-led war in Iraq is officially over, marked by a solemn and symbolic ceremony at a military post just outside Washington.
Departure of US forces from Iraq a chance to foster a better future – Ban UN News Centre 20 Dec 2011 -- The completion of the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq opens a new chapter in the country's recent history, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, adding that he strongly believes it is an opportunity for Iraqi leaders to demonstrate their capacity to steer the nation towards a better future.
Iraqi Vice President Denies Terror Charges RFE/RL 20 Dec 2011 -- Iraq's Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, the country's highest-ranking Sunni official, has denied charges he ordered hit squads to kill government officials.
Iraqi VP Denies Terrorism Charges VOA 20 Dec 2011 -- Iraq's Sunni Muslim vice president, Tariq al-Hashemi, has denied charges that he was behind a plot to kill government officials.
Last brigade leaves Iraq Army News 19 Dec 2011 -- After the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division drove into Kuwait on the morning of Dec. 18, Soldiers from the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Third Army, and Kuwaiti border military police closed the gate at Khabari Crossing.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 19 Dec 2011 [PDF]
US Troops Leave Iraq, Ending Almost 9 Years of War VOA 18 Dec 2011 -- The last convoy of U.S. soldiers has left Iraq, ending an almost nine-year long U.S.-led war that ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and left Iraqis with a fragile democracy still facing insurgents and sectarian divisions.
Dempsey Thanks Kuwaiti Leaders for Help in Iraq AFPS 17 Dec 2011 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took time on a multicountry USO holiday tour this week to thank Kuwaiti officials for that nation's critical help to U.S. Forces Iraq over the past eight years and now, as the mission is ending.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 16 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Turkey Playing Increasing Role in Iraq VOA 16 Dec 2011 -- With the U.S. withdrawal, Turkey is now being seen by Washington as playing a potential key role in Iraq.
Panetta: Campaign to Establish Sovereign Iraq Was ‘Worth It’ AFPS 16 Dec 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said that the United States is united in leaving the war and said, ultimately, the effort has been worth it.
In Baghdad's Green Zone, a Pronounced Absence VOA 16 Dec 2011 -- As U.S. forces conclude their withdrawal from Iraq this month, nowhere will the change be more evident than in the heavily fortified compound in central Baghdad known as the Green Zone.
Austin Lauds Seasoned, Adaptable Force AFPS 16 Dec 2011 -- Back in March 2003, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III gave orders for the 3rd Infantry Division’s lead elements to cross the border into Iraq to launch Operation Iraqi Freedom.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 15 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta: U.S. Forces-Iraq End of Mission Ceremony DoD 15 Dec 2011
Obama: Troops Bear Burden of Success in Iraq War AFPS 15 Dec 2011 -- After nearly nine years the war in Iraq is ending and U.S. troops are returning home to a nation that should stand by those who fought, President Barack Obama said.
Panetta, Dempsey to Mark End of Iraq Mission AFPS 15 Dec 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived to join Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in ceremonies marking the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq.
Panetta Concludes Iraq Mission, Noting Service, Sacrifice AFPS 15 Dec 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta joined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and other U.S. and Iraq leaders in honoring eight years of service and sacrifice.
Dempsey: Iraq Campaign Was Worth the Cost AFPS 15 Dec 2011 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top U.S. military leaders observed the official end of U.S. Forces Iraq’s mission.
US Ends Military Mission in Iraq VOA 15 Dec 2011 -- The U.S. military has formally ended its mission in Iraq.
US Marks End of Iraq Military Mission VOA 15 Dec 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says the dream of an independent and sovereign Iraq is now a reality, as the United States marked the end of its military mission in Iraq.
U.S. Military Formally Ends Iraq Mission RFE/RL 15 Dec 2011 -- U.S. officials in Baghdad have spoken of the sacrifices made by both Americans and Iraqis at a formal ceremony marking the end of U.S. military operations in Iraq after nearly nine years of war.
'Welcome home' signals end of war in Iraq Army News 15 Dec 2011 -- More than 3,000 service members gathered to witness Obama's speech marking the end of the war in Iraq.
UK remembers 'great suffering' in Iraq war as US withdraws IRNA 15 Dec 2011 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the withdrawal of the US military forces from Iraq on Thursday closes an 'important chapter in Iraq's recent history.'
'Steel Rain' Soldiers home after fastpaced deployment Army News 15 Dec 2011 -- Soldiers from A Battery, 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment can now consider changing its unit motto to "mission accomplished."
Decision to close MKO’s Ashraf Camp irreversible: Maliki IRNA 15 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi PM al-Maliki said that his government’s decision to close Ashraf Camp of the outlawed anti-Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization will not change.
Security Council calls for greater Iraqi efforts to resolve post-invasion issues with Kuwait UN News Centre 15 Dec 2011 -- Security Council members called on Iraq to intensify its efforts to clarify the whereabouts of Kuwait’s national archives.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 14 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Remarks by the President and First Lady on the End of the War in Iraq The White House 14 Dec 2011
Obama Praises U.S. Troops’ Efforts as Iraq Winds Down AFPS 14 Dec 2011 -- When the last U.S. troops in Iraq case their colors and move to Kuwait, they can leave with their heads held high, President Barack Obama told service members at Fort Bragg.
As Iraq War Ends, Obama Thanks Returning Troops VOA 14 Dec 2011 -- Days before the U.S. military commitment in Iraq ends, President Barack Obama has thanked American forces who served in the nearly nine-year-long conflict.
Obama to Thank Troops for Iraq Service VOA 14 Dec 2011 -- US President Barack Obama is visiting a military base in the southeastern state of North Carolina to thank the troops who have served in Iraq.
Dempsey: Exit From Iraq is Not Exit From Region AFPS 14 Dec 2011 -- The best way for the United States to support that country’s success is to stay broadly engaged in the region, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
US Ends Military Mission in Iraq VOA 14 Dec 2011 -- All U.S. combat troops will be out of Iraq by the end of the month.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 13 Dec 2011 [PDF]
US Troops Leave Iraq, Controversy over War Continues VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The war in Iraq lasted nearly nine years and Middle East analysts continue to disagree over the success or failure of the mission.
Retired Army Major Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Engaging in Money Laundering Related to Contracting in Support of Iraq War US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2011
UN envoy encourages all Iraqis to continue promoting human rights UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations envoy for Iraq has encouraged the Government, the Council of Representatives and citizens to continue to promote and protect human rights.
Iraqi Official Says Iranian Dissident Exiles To Be Relocated RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Iraq's deputy FM:Iranian exiles living at a camp in Iraq may soon be allowed to leave for other countries or return to Iran.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 12 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister al-Maliki of Iraq in a Joint Press Conference The White House 12 Dec 2011
Secretary Clinton Remarks at the Launch of the Joint Coordination Committee US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2011
Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 12/12/2011 The White House 12 Dec 2011
Iraq: Cost of Embassy and Consulate Operations US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2011 -- The Department requested $3.8 billion for operations in Iraq during FY 2012. This figure includes mission operations, such as security, logistics, and life support, as well as construction, educational and cultural exchanges, contributions to international organizations, and other general management expenses.
Obama: U.S., Iraq Forge New Relationship AFPS 12 Dec 2011 -- With the last U.S. troops leaving Iraq, a new relationship between Iraq and the United States will stand front and center, President Barack Obama said.
Obama, Maliki Hail 'New Chapter' for Iraq Without US Troops VOA 12 Dec 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have outlined a broad agenda for post-war cooperation without American troops in Iraq.
NATO Secretary General announces completion of NTM-I NATO 12 Dec 2011 -- The North Atlantic Council has decided to undertake the permanent withdrawal of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq personnel from Iraq by 31 December 2011.
NATO: Iraq Training Mission To End on December 31 RFE/RL 12 Dec 2011 -- NATO says it will end a police and army training mission in Iraq by the end of the year.
Third Army prepares to meet security agreement Army News 09 Dec 2011 -- The Redistribution Property Assistance Team is working hard to meet the presidential directive to transition troops and equipment from Iraq by Dec. 31.
ACC-RI now responsible for closing out contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan Army News 09 Dec 2011 -- The Army Contracting Command has been asked to step in to help close out the current backlog of contracts supporting the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gen Jazayari: Minimum US casualties in Iraq 50K IRNA 09 Dec 2011 -- Head of country's Defense Propagations Headquarter referring to US defeat and forced evacuation of forces from Iraq said here Friday Americans lost at least 50 thousand lives there.
20TH Engineer Brigade headquarters returns from Iraq Army News 09 Dec 2011 -- More than 60 Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Engineer Brigade, were welcomed back home to Fort Bragg after a year-long deployment to Iraq.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 09 Dec 2011 [PDF]
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 08 Dec 2011 [PDF]
US Withdrawal From Iraq Nears Completion VOA 07 Dec 2011 -- The United States' eight-year military operation of Iraq is coming to an end. Military commanders in Iraq say the withdrawal of troops and equipment from the country is nearly complete. Fewer than 4,000 remain in the country and officials say they will likely be out in the next few days, in keeping with President Obama's orders for a pullout by the Christmas holiday.
DOD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Helmick via Teleconference from Iraq DoD 07 Dec 2011-- Presenter: Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick
General Calls Iraq Operations ‘Worth It’ in Final News Briefing AFPS 07 Dec 2011 -- As the final U.S. military convoys roll out of Iraq these next three weeks, marking the end of eight years of operations, Americans can be proud of the work service members did there, U.S. Forces Iraq’s deputy commanding general said today.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 07 Dec 2011 [PDF]
380th Engineer Company returns home from Iraq Army News 06 Dec 2011 -- The U. S. Army Reserve's 380th Engineer Company headquartered in Greenville, Miss., returned home Nov. 28, 2011.
Army Chief discusses Iraq drawdown, transition at Fort Hood Army News 06 Dec 2011 -- As American forces are scheduled to be out of Iraq by the end of this month, they are leaving the nation in a position to sustain the long-fought peace that has been established over the past nine years, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno said Tuesday at Fort Hood.
Iraq: UN calls for more time to resolve issue of camp residents UN News Centre 06 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations envoy for Iraq today voiced concern over the situation in a camp housing several thousand Iranian exiles and urged the Iraqi Government to extend the deadline for closing down the settlement as efforts continue o find a peaceful solution that conforms with international law.
UN Urges Iraq Not to Close Iranian Dissident Camp VOA 06 Dec 2011 -- The U.N.'s top envoy for Iraq is asking Baghdad not to close a camp for Iranian dissidents by the end of this year. Martin Kobler told the U.N. Security Council Tuesday that the United Nations is working with the residents of Camp Ashraf and the Iraqi government to find a solution for resettling the camp's 3,000 residents, but will not resolve the issue before the December 31 deadline.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 06 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Official: Sustainment Skills Key in Iraq, Afghanistan AFPS 05 Dec 2011 -- As the United States wraps up operations in Iraq and looks to scaling back its force in Afghanistan, a senior defense official emphasized the importance of ensuring that Iraq's and Afghanistan's national security forces have the maintenance and logistics capabilities they'll need.
MPs secure routes in Baghdad for last convoys Army News 05 Dec 2011 -- Vehicles streamed by, neon blurs of yellow and red. Cars, vans, and 18-wheelers alike honked their hellos to the group of paratroopers walking along the dark edge of the highway. Their footfalls came quickly in an attempt to warm their feet, numbed from the cold, until they fell in cadence with the morning Call to Prayer blaring over loudspeakers.
Guard's last convoy puts Iraq in rearview mirror Army News 05 Dec 2011 -- With Operation New Dawn coming to a close, the Virginia Army National Guard left Iraq in its final convoy, Dec. 2.
Last commander of Joint Base Balad departs AFNS 05 Dec 2011 -- What began 14 months ago will conclude, with the transitioning the second largest U.S. base in Iraq to the Iraqi government.
IRAQ: Overall violence down - but attacks on minorities continue IRIN 05 Dec 2011 -- While overall violence is decreasing in Iraq, the level of attacks and intimidation of religious minorities remains high, leading to increased displacement, a new report says.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 05 Dec 2011 [PDF]
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 02 Dec 2011 [PDF]
US Hands Over Former Military Hub to Iraq VOA 02 Dec 2011 -- The base that once served as headquarters for the U.S. military in Iraq is now under Iraqi control.
Biden Expresses Gratitude to U.S., Iraqi Forces AFPS 02 Dec 2011 -- Joined by Iraqi PM al-Maliki and Iraqi President Talabani in Baghdad, VP Biden thanked U.S. and Iraqi armed forces for their sacrifices, commitment and success.
Logisticians Position State Department for Success in Iraq AFPS 02 Dec 2011 -- US Transportation Command is working with the Joint Staff and Defense Logistics Agency to ensure the State Department has what it needs to continue the mission there.
402nd Army Field Support Brigade supports State Department in Iraq Army News 02 Dec 2011 -- As US forces leave Iraq, they are moving most of their equipment and assets out of the country,.
OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 01 Dec 2011 [PDF]
Remarks by Vice President Biden at Event to Honor U.S. and Iraqi Servicemembers The White House 01 Dec 2011
Security: Iraqis stand ready to defend their own Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- Beginning in 2012, Iraqis will be responsible for defending their own borders and air space, and for policing their own people.
Responsible transition: coordinated efforts ensure successful transfer Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- In 2008, there were more than 500 military bases in Iraq manned by U.S. military personnel.
The office of security cooperation maintaining a presence in Iraq Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- In place of the United States Forces-Iraq presence, America will instead have a largely non-military presence.
Iraqi Politician: U.S. Military Trainers Needed Along With NATO Instructors RFE/RL 01 Dec 2011 -- A senior Iraqi politician says American military trainers will still be needed by the Iraqi Army.
Bomb Blast Near Baghdad Kills 10 RFE/RL 01 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi militants are making their presence felt in the country's northeast, killing at least 17 people in two separate attacks.
New, Deadly Attacks Rattle Iraqi Province VOA 01 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi officials say a car bomb has killed 10 people and injured more than 20 in a town northeast of Baghdad.
Biden Visits Iraq On Deadly Day RFE/RL 01 Dec 2011 -- Iraqi officials said a car bomb killed 10 people and gunmen executed eight more in Iraq's western Diyala province as US VP Biden was in Baghdad.
Biden Trip Marks New Alliance with Iraq AFPS 01 Dec 2011 -- Meetings between VP Biden and Iraqi leaders promise continuing civilian engagement between the two sovereign nations, a senior administration official said in Baghdad.
Iraq: UN mission to advise in selection of board of electoral commissioners UN News Centre 01 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations mission in Iraq will play the role of adviser and observer in the ongoing selection of the board of the electoral commission.
Fort Bragg-based unit plans to hand over Iraq, be home by holidays Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- According to the 2008 Iraqi-U.S. bilateral agreement, all U.S. Forces are required to withdraw from Iraqi territory by Dec. 31.
NAVSEA Completes Iraqi Ship Repair Facility in Umm Qasr NNS 01 Dec 2011 -- The Iraqi navy opened a Naval Sea Systems Command-outfitted ship repair facility Dec. 1 in Umm Qasr, Iraq.
Civil Capacity projects help improve prosperity in Iraq Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- United States Forces-Iraq has been working to develop these and other "civil capacity" elements there in advance of USF-I's departure from the country at the end of 2011.
1-58th AOB walks the walk on deployment Army News 01 Dec 2011 -- More than 60 members of the 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion continue to walk the walk after being deployed in the Middle East for the past eight months.

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December 2011 - Iraq Special Weapons News