A Soldiers Blog

Chicago Jury to See Iraqi Intelligence Papers: "Intelligence documents portray a newspaper publisher in the Chicago area as starved for cash and eager to spy on opponents of Saddam Hussein."

In New York Times: World Special



US frees Iraqis after British protest (8 Jan 04) in Radio Free USA



I.M.F. Report Says U.S. Deficits Threaten World Economy (7 Jan 04) in Radio Free USA



U.S. `targets minorities' (7 Jan 04) in Radio Free USA



Iraqis Shell Living Quarters at U.S. Base, Wounding 35: "The military announcement gave no details on the severity of the injuries, or whether any of the soldiers' lives were endangered."

In New York Times: World Special



U.S. Presses Iraqi Kurds to Compromise on Issue of Autonomy: "The Bush administration is urging Kurdish leaders to compromise in their demand for a fully autonomous state in the north."

In New York Times: World Special



In an Oil-Rich Land, Power Shortages Defy Solution: "Frequent breakdowns in supplies of fuel and electricity, especially in Baghdad, are defying attempts to stitch together something resembling normalcy."

In New York Times: World Special



Iraq Leaders Push for U.N. Transition Role: "U.S.-backed Iraqi leaders have stepped up pressure on Secretary-General Kofi Annan to have the United Nations play a central role in the country's transition to self-rule, diplomats said Wednesday. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



For Iraq's emotionally fragile, the future is bleak: ""In the turmoil of post-Hussein Iraq, Dr. Hashim Zainy, chief of the country's only mental hospital, has come to what he considers a troubling conclusion. 'There is a trauma here, but the response is not like you might expect,' said the director of Ibn Rushd Hospital, a grim, bare-bones facility where staff members talk openly about their despair. Three decades of Saddam Hussein's rule, three major wars, the long international economic sanctions and all else have drained some Iraqis of the ability to feel, the psychiatrist said." Stephen Franklin reports for the Chicago Tribune on the dire state of Iraqis' mental health, and the lack of facilities or personnel to respond to it."

In Electronic Iraq



Second black box found after Egypt crash: "Searchers on Wednesday detected the second black box flight data recorder of a charter jet that crashed into the Red Sea last weekend."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Kinder, Gentler Marines taking over in Western Iraq in IraqWar.info



Dem Senators Question Iraq Rifles Purchase: "Two Democratic senators asked the U.S. occupation authority in Iraq on Wednesday to explain its intended purchase of up to 50,000 AK-47 assault rifles for Iraq security forces, when they said the country is filled with such weapons. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Judge Rules Jury May See Iraq Documents: "Intelligence documents shown to a federal jury Wednesday portray a Chicago-area community newspaper publisher as starved for cash and eager to spy on opponents of Saddam Hussein's regime. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Iraq Mortar Attack Wounds 35 U.S. Soldiers: "Anti-American insurgents fired mortar rounds at a U.S. military camp Wednesday night, wounding 35 U.S. soldiers, the U.S. command said. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



GIs in Iraq Scoff at Re-Enlistment Bonus: "At a checkpoint on the barren plain east of Baqouba, word of a new U.S. Army plan to pay soldiers up to $10,000 to re-enlist evoked laughter from a few bored-looking troopers. (AP)"

In Yahoo! News: War with Iraq



Vets say visits restricted to U.S. wounded in CNN - War in Iraq



Bush's bullies at the border: Make sure you're rich and white and respectful (7 Jan 04) in Radio Free USA



FOX News: 35 injured in mortar attack: "At 5:32 p.m. EST, FOX news is reporting six mortars fired at a coalition location with 35 injured, one soldier possibly dead."

In Command Post: Irak