A Soldiers Blog

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & SEND A CARE PACKAGE 39.95 FREE SHIPPING
US Army Sgt. Joshua Pond (no state given) from the 1st Armored Division, mans his M240 Machinegun as another US soldier searches an Iraqi car at a checkpoint along Jadriya Bridge in Baghdad Saturday May 31, 2003. Iraqis have to contend with the mobile checkpoints and security checks following the fall of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites). (AP Photo/Ali Haider)

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & SEND A CARE PACKAGE 39.95 FREE SHIPPING



A U.S. soldier guards the distribution of gas as Iraqi women wait in line, in Baghdad May 31, 2003. Iraq (news - web sites)'s central bank aims to reopen this weekend for basic operations, but it is going to be years before some of Washington's more ambitious plans to enable finance to flow can be put in place, officials say. The U.S.-led war that ousted Saddam sowed havoc on Iraq's infrastructure, already battered by nearly 13 years of economic sanctions. REUTERS/Faleh Kheiber

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & SEND A CARE PACKAGE 39.95 FREE SHIPPING

Locals dig up the playground of the al-Makdad secondary school in Basra. A suspected mass grave of dissidents killed in Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s brutal suppression of the 1991 uprising in southern Iraq (news - web sites) was unearthed in the schoolyard 28 May, AFP correspondents witnessed. Relatives rented a pneumatic drill to break through the layer of concrete that had been laid down over the former playing field at the al-Makdad school behind the military hospital in the centre of the southern capital.(AFP/Timothy A. Clary)

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & SEND A CARE PACKAGE 39.95 FREE SHIPPING
A US soldier frisks an Iraqi man in Baghdad. Nine more US soldiers in Iraq (news - web sites) have been injured in attacks, a military spokesman said, as a group declaring itself loyal to toppled leader Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) claimed responsibility for the earlier killing of two US servicemen.(AFP/Cris Bouroncle)

FREE T-SHIRT WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & SEND A CARE PACKAGE 39.95 FREE SHIPPING

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

A news story has been electronically sent to you at the request of the
sender listed below. The story originally appeared in post-gazette.com,
the online edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The sender supplied the following information. A reply to this message
will be directed to the e-mail address supplied by the sender.

Name: Patti
E-mail: spliffslips@aol.com
Message:

Sender IP: 172.192.120.177

Click here to access the story:
http://www.post-gazette.com/world/20030519election0519p4.asp

---
http://www.post-gazette.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
AP-Latest-Iraq-War-Headlines At 10:30 a.m. EDT
--------------------

By Associated Press

May 25, 2003, 10:32 AM EDT



More Troops Are Needed to Restore Order in Iraq, British Official Says; U.S. Plans More Patrols

Sailor Who Served in Iraq War Presumed Dead After Falling Overboard During Return to U.S.

U.S. Coalition Makes It Official: Iraqis Must Give Up Weapons by Mid-June

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

Iraq's Crude Output Will Double in a Month and Exports Will Resume in 3 Weeks, Official Says

British Broadcasting Corp. Plans to Show Graphic Footage of British Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Six Lion Cubs Born in Baghdad Zoo to Be Relocated to South Africa Sanctuary

Local Elections in Kirk, Iraq, End in Shouting Matches, Threats of Arab Walkout

Handing Over Control: As Fresh Troops Take Over Baghdad, Iraqis Get New Neighbors

Shiites in Baghdad Said to Be Tracking Down, Killing Baathists

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-latest-iraq-war-headlines,0,6613873.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com

From: spliffslips



--------------------
Bremer's Work in Iraq Just Beginning
--------------------

By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer

May 25, 2003, 3:36 PM EDT

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- He's banned the Baathists from government, ordered Iraqis to disarm and consigned Saddam Hussein's military to history's trash bin.

L. Paul Bremer has all but said there's a new sheriff in town, yet the U.S. civilian administrator's difficult task has just begun to restore order and basic public services and show that the American effort to rebuild post-war Iraq is advancing steadily.

Since Bremer arrived in Iraq on May 12 and took the reins of the American-led administration from retired Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, he has moved quickly to expunge the remnants of Saddam's regime from positions of influence.

After U.S. military authorities banned the Baath Party, Bremer outlawed other organizations that also served as the pillars of Saddam's regime, including the government's various security agencies.

He blacklisted Baath officials, ordered the Iraqi military and Republican Guard to disband, and abolished the Information Ministry, which exerted total control over the Iraqi media for the past four decades. The moves, while largely on paper, trumpet the U.S. position: In Iraq, times have changed.

Bremer, whose team is based in one of Saddam's palaces, has vowed to end the lawlessness and looting that has plagued Baghdad and other Iraqi cities since Saddam's fall, and to restore basic public services and utilities. Most importantly, he has said that a national conference to choose an interim government will probably not be held until July.

"We certainly have a law and order problem in Baghdad we're trying to deal with," he said last week. "We're trying to deliver security to the Iraqi people."

But, he added, "Life is getting better for Iraqis very quickly."

The perceived failure to achieve a return to normalcy, though, has cast a shadow -- not only over Bremer's performance but over the Bush administration's attempts to win international acceptance of its occupation of Iraq.

Even Britain and Australia, America's staunchest allies in the war, have acknowledged continuing problems with law and order in Baghdad. Their governments fear a further political backlash after the U.S. failure to uncover any weapons of mass destruction -- the main reason President Bush cited for the war.

Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who visited Iraq last week, made clear that Bremer's administration needed to do much more to restore security, saying that took precedence over any efforts to forge an interim authority.

"We really do need a better performance in re-establishing law and order," Downer said after emerging from a meeting with Bremer. "People understandably are unhappy."

On Baghdad's streets, Iraqis have little praise for Bremer's fledgling administration.

"Things have become worse since he arrived. Gas lines are longer, garbage is piling up, there's no electricity, and security is so bad that people are too scared to allow their children to go to school," said Alaa Rasul, 47, a Baghdad handyman with 5 children.

"This is not freedom," he said. "This is chaos."

Although no crime statistics are available, during the past week there appeared to be less gunfire on Baghdad's streets. Still, the appearance of bodies killed in overnight robberies or confrontations has become a routine event.

On Sunday morning, traffic crawled around a dead man lying on the pavement on Jadiriyah Bridge as U.S. soldiers arrived to remove it. Later, a group of looters, dressed in fake police uniforms, stopped cars on a main thoroughfare and shot a driver who refused to hand over his keys.

U.S. officials insist things are getting better.

They say the lawlessness is being steadily reduced and say that the 1st Armored Division -- a unit with significant experience in conflict resolution -- is arriving to take over responsibility for security in the capital from the 3rd Infantry Division. The 3rd saw heavy fighting during the war and has been helping keep the peace since.

Some analysts have said the 3rd Infantry Division has had trouble transforming itself from a fighting force into a peacekeeping unit tasked mainly with policing duties -- and trouble cooperating with the newly reconstituted police force.

"This will be our prime mission, to improve security throughout the city," said Maj. Scott Slaten, spokesman for the 1st Armored.

Slaten said the division's three armored brigades were currently taking up positions in the city. Changes will include the arrival of thousands more U.S. military police in Baghdad in coming weeks, he said, though exact numbers haven't been released.

The heavy Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles rumbling around Baghdad since April will be replaced with more nimble Humvees. The new division also plans to use its 4th Brigade -- composed of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters -- to assist ground patrols, especially at night.

To beef up security even more, the former New York Police Department commissioner Bernard Kerik has been hired "to assist in the establishment of security, stability and law and order in Iraq."

But a group of Iraqi men gathered in a storefront near the U.S. headquarters said they were wondering when the normal rhythms of daily life would return.

"Bremer is always hiding in Saddam's palace, he never comes out to see how we live," said Ahmed Jassim, a 55-year-old builder.

He pointed to the gridlock at the intersection directly in front of the palace gate, and at the U.S. sentries looking on impassively.

"Look at this mess. They can't even regulate traffic in front of their base," he said. "How can they hope to solve problems elsewhere in Baghdad?"

Copyright (c) 2003, The Associated Press

--------------------

This article originally appeared at:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-iraq-plotting-the-future,0,2233343.story

Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com