Oct. 16, 2008

U.S., Iraq nearing troop status agreement

WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2008) – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is consulting with congressional leaders on the U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement that will allow American troops to remain in Iraq after Dec. 31.

Oct. 15, 2008

U.S. will continue to aid improving Iraqi security

WASHINGTON (Oct. 15, 2008) — The United States will help the Iraqi government sustain the country’s security gains, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said Monday. “We have to continue to help build Iraqi security force capability,” said Army Gen. Ray Odierno, commander, Multi-National Force - Iraq, in an interview on Fox News Channel.

Oct. 14, 2008

Iraqi government invests in education

CAMP TAJI, Iraq (Oct. 14, 2008) – Education is a key investment for any country. To help make that investment a reality, the government of Iraq has taken the lead to ensure many battle damaged schools get the face lift they desperately need.

Oct. 13, 2008

Soldiers celebrate Ramadan's end with Iraqi friends

COB ADDER, Iraq (Oct. 14, 2008) – As steaks and sausages sizzled on a steamy grill, American Soldiers working at the Contingency Operating Base Adder Visitor Control Center sat with Iraqi translators and workers celebrating the end of Ramadan Oct. 4.

Oct. 9, 2008

Gates to NATO: Hinder Afghan drug trade

BUDAPEST, Hungary (Oct. 9, 2008) – NATO should go after the drug trade in Afghanistan to take away funding for the Taliban and al-Qaida, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Thursday.

Oct. 8, 2008

Gates discusses Afghanistan with ISAF nations

BUDAPEST, Hungary (Oct. 9, 2008) – Meetings with NATO and troop-contributing nations making up the alliance’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan will help chart the way ahead in the troubled nation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Thursday.

Oct. 7, 2008

Yarmouk Sons of Iraq under Iraqi government control

}BAGHDAD (Oct. 7, 2008) – Sons of Iraq from the Yarmouk neighborhood in central Baghdad were given their final payday from U.S. forces at Joint Security Station Yarmouk Oct. 2. On Oct. 1, the SoI transitioned to the Government of Iraq control. Paying the 35 members of the Yarmouk SoI was the last task to accomplish for Coalition forces in the area to finalize the transition.

Oct. 5, 2008

Soldiers in Iraq help comrades vote

FOB FALCON, Iraq (Oct. 6, 2008) – Two Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers streamlined the voting process for hundreds of servicemembers and civilians here Oct. 3-5.

Oct. 2, 2008

Displaced families return to al Khwalis

AL KHWALIS, Iraq (Oct. 2, 2008) — More than 100 displaced families returned to their homes recently in the town of al Khwalis. The event was celebrated by a welcome ceremony and is a significant mark in the reconciliation process. The families left the area when tensions mounted after the Iraqi Army cleared the area of Al Qaeda last year.

Oct. 1, 2008

U.S. aids Iraqi factory's production

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (Oct. 2, 2008) — Diyala Electrical Industries received two machines to help the Iraqi owned company get closer to meeting its production demand. The machines are a benefit of a partnership between Diyala Electrical Industries and the United States government and are in need at the company for production of industrial sized electrical transformers for power lines.