# Presentation: 089521

## Iraq Weekly Status Report

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**Iraq Weekly Status Report**

**September 6, 2006**

**Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs****US Department of State**

## Table of Contents

**SLIDE**

**SECTION**

_**Highlights**_**	**
**1.  **_**Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgents**_**	**
**2.  **_**Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance**_ **	**
**3.  ****	**_[Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government](slide8.xml)__[                                   ](slide8.xml)_
**4.  **_[Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services](slide10.xml)__[                                                  ](slide10.xml)_
**5.  **_[Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy](slide16.xml)__[                     ](slide16.xml)_
**6.  **_[Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law](slide23.xml)__** and Promote Civil Rights**__                                                  _
**7.  **_[Increase International Support for Iraq](slide24.xml)_
**8.  **_[Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents ](slide26.xml)_
_**Special Addendum: Provincial Reconstruction Teams**_
- _[Sources and Contact Information](slide27.xml)__	_
- _[Notes ](slide28.xml)__[and Source Citations](slide33.xml)_**	**

-  This report provides weekly updates in the eight key areas identified as pillars
-  of US government policy for victory in Iraq.

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**16**
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## Highlights

**Highlights**

**Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgents**Iraqi and Coalition Forces captured Hamed Jumaa Farid al-Saeedi, a top-tier al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist thought to be responsible for the February 22 Samarra mosque bombing that catalyzed sectarian violence in Iraq.
**Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance**The Iraqi Ground Forces Command assumed command and control of the 8th Iraqi Army Division from MNC-I September 1, marking a critical step toward Iraqi sovereignty over their armed forces.
**Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government**The Council of Representatives resumed business September 5 after a summer recess.  Priority issues include electoral legislation (including the authorization of the Independent High Electoral Commission and provincial election laws), governmental and fiscal federalism legislation and economic and security legislation.
**Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services** Construction began August 21 on the ED-503 M881 Low Voltage Network rehabilitation in Karkh, Baghdad province.  The $1.2 million US Army-funded project will install a new overhead distribution network – 10,695 meters of cable – in the Mahala 881 Karkh area, which will provide safer and more reliable electricity to approximately 5,000 residents.

## Highlights

**6. Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law**US** **Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said August 29 that Iraq's future would depend on its enforcing the rule of law, but that only its people and political leaders could decide what type of law that would be.
**7. Increase International Support for Iraq**** **Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül warned the leader of the Kurdish region September 4 that his decision to replace the Iraqi flag with the Kurdish one was “dangerous.”  PM Maliki’s office stated that the move was illegal and that the "the Iraqi flag is the only flag that should be raised over any square inch of Iraq, until parliament makes a decision as laid down in the constitution.”
**8.  Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of  the Insurgents **US military leaders in Baghdad have put out for bid a two-year, $20 million public relations contract that calls for extensive monitoring of US and Middle Eastern media in an effort to promote more positive coverage of news from Iraq.

**Highlights**

## [1.] Defeat the Terrorists and Neutralize the Insurgency 

- _Iraqi and Coalition Forces Capture Top al-Qaida Terrorist_:_ _
- Iraq’s National Security Advisor Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie announced September 3 that Iraqi forces with Coalition support captured Hamed Jumaa Farid al-Saeedi, a top-tier al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist thought to be responsible for the February 22 Samarra mosque bombing that catalyzed sectarian violence in Iraq.  Saeedi is also accused of supervising the creation of death squads and ordering assassinations, bombings, kidnappings and attacks on Iraqi Security Forces’ checkpoints.
- _Operation Together Forward Phase II Continues to Progress in Baghdad_:
- After clearing and securing the Adhamiya neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraqi and Coalition Forces have progressed to restoring civil services – electricity, water, sewer and fuel – to the area.
- As with the other neighborhoods of Dura, Amiriyah, Ghazalia and Shula, the operations appear to be building the people’s confidence in their security forces and decreasing their reliance on militias.

## [2.] Transition to Security Self-Reliance – Iraqi Security Forces

- _Iraqi Ground Forces Command Assumes Control of 8th IA Division_:
- The Iraqi Ground Forces Command (IGFC) assumed command and control of the 8th Iraqi Army (IA) Division from Multi-National Core-Iraq September 1, marking a critical step toward Iraqi sovereignty over their armed forces.
- In a gradual sequence over the following months, the IGFC will assume control of the remaining nine IA divisions.
- _1st IA Division Assumes Control of 3rd IA Brigade_:
- The 1st IA Division assumed operational control of the 3rd IA Brigade from Multi-National Forces-West (MNF-W) August 31.  The event marks the start of a three-phase transition aimed at shifting operational control of four brigades from MNF-W to the 1st IA Division.
- _IA Takes Lead Security Role in Tall Afar_:
- The 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd IA Division became the third and final battalion to take the lead in assuming security operations for the city of Tall Afar September 2 from Multi-National Division-North.

## [2.] Transition to Security Self-Reliance – Iraqi Security Forces

- _Iraqi Military Academy Graduates 130 New Officers_:
- The Iraqi Military Academy at al-Rustamiyah graduated 130 new IA officers August 28.  The new officers successfully completed a 52-week curriculum based on the British Sandhurst model.
- _IA Brigade Assumes Control of Abu Ghraib Prison_:
- Soldiers from the 1st IA Division assumed control of Abu Ghraib prison from US Army Task Force 134 in a ceremony held there September 1.  The Iraqi Brigade will provide security for the facility until the Iraqi Ministry of Justice dispatches a security detail to assume control.
- _IA Recruits 293 New Soldiers in Habbaniyah and Fallujah_:
- Soldiers from the 1st IA Division enlisted 293 Iraqi males from greater Fallujah and Habbaniyah as part of an al-Anbar province-wide recruiting drive August 26 and 27.

## [2.] Transition Iraq to Security Self-Reliance – Iraqi Security Forces

**     **_**Ministry of Interior Forces**_

_**Ministry of Defense Forces**_

- Data as of September 6, 2006 (updated bi-weekly by DOD)

*** Ministry of Interior Forces: Unauthorized absence personnel are included in these numbers**
**** Ministry of Defense Forces: Unauthorized absence personnel are not included in these numbers**
***** Army numbers include Special Operations Forces and Support Forces**
****** Does not include the approximately 144,000 Facilities Protection Service personnel working in 27 **
**ministries**

_**Total Trained & Equipped ISF:**_
**~298,000******

| COMPONENT | OPERATIONAL   |
| --- | --- |
| ARMY | ~128,200*** |
| AIR FORCE | ~800 |
| NAVY | ~1,100 |
| TOTAL | ~130,100** |

| COMPONENT | TRAINED & EQUIPPED  |
| --- | --- |
| POLICE  | ~118,300*** |
| NATIONAL POLICE | ~ 24,400 |
| OTHER MOI FORCES | ~25,200 |
| TOTAL | ~167,900** |

**Notes:**
DoD Input to Iraq Weekly Status Report August 9, 2006

## [3.] Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government– Developments

- _Council of Representatives Resumes Business_:
- Iraq’s Council of Representatives (CoR) reconvened September 5 after a summer recess.  During the first session, deputies renewed Iraq's state of emergency (under which the government has broad powers to fight unrest) until October 1. The agenda for the first session also included a second reading of the law amending the penal code.  During the second session held September 6, the CoR passed a fuel reform bill and elections bill.
- The CoR is expected to address the controversial issue of whether to allow Iraq's provinces to merge into larger autonomous regions, a move which some Sunni lawmakers fear could tear the country apart.  Leading Sunni lawmaker Alaa Maki confirmed the issue was on the agenda and indicated that limited federalism might be acceptable to Sunnis: "We will give our opinion on federalism to parliament soon," he said.  "But we do not object to the administrative application of federalism for better administration under the supervision of a strong central government.“  A few groups strongly support a plan which would create virtually independent zones in the oil-rich Shia south and Kurdish north and leave the Sunnis economically isolated in the barren western desert.  Under Iraq's new constitution, a law on federal regions must be enacted “in a period not to exceed six months from the date of its first session.” Some groups interpret that to mean before October 22 (six months from the day the CoR first convened); however, others argue that the six months should be counted from the first session in which the CoR could do real work (once the Government of Iraq was sworn in May 20).

## [3.] Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government– Developments

- _Council of Representatives Resumes Business (cont’d)_:
- Another issue likely to generate debate is that of the national flag, which the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Massud Barzani, has refused to fly, arguing that it represents Saddam Hussein’s regime.  The move has heightened concerns that Kurds will push for secession under the nation's new federal system.**  **Sunni lawmakers issued a statement before parliament opened calling on Kurds to accept the flag as an interim measure while parliament debates the design of a new symbol acceptable to all Iraqis.
- _Inspectors General and CPI Discuss Investigative Process_:
- All Inspectors General (IGs) met with the Commission for Public Integrity (CPI) Commissioner August 30 to discuss the investigative process between the IGs and CPI.  A letter presented by Coordinator Dr. Adel cites the poor investigative quality of CPI and IG cases as a reason for lack of prosecution in the courts.  A meeting was scheduled for September 3 at the Prime Minister's office to work on the investigative process and handoffs.  Representatives from the Parliament's Integrity Committee, an elected IG leader, a Prime Minister Advisor, a CPI representative and a possible representative from Judge Medhat’s office were slated to attend.

## [3.] Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government - Iraqi National Unity Government

**Jalal Talabani**

**President**

**[3.] Help Iraqis to Forge a National Compact for Democratic Government** - **Iraqi National Unity Government**

- (F) = Female

## [4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services –Financials from Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) 1 and IRRF 2

**[4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services –****Financials from**** ****Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) 1 and IRRF 2**

**As of September 5, 2006**

**Apportioned**

## [4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services – Electricity Overview 

- During the week of August 30 - September 5, electricity availability averaged 6.3 hours per day in Baghdad and 10.6 hours nationwide.  Electricity output for the week was four percent above the same period in 2005.

**[4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services – ****Electricity Overview **

**Notes:**
POC Tom Gramaglia, (202) 736-4065

The chart shows average daily power production in megawatt hours (MWh).  120,000 MWh goal equates to 20 hours at 6000 MW average supplied load or 24 hours at 5000 MW average supply load.  Currently supplies are not much improved over last year when judged by hours of power, but this is due in part to an influx of new appliances.  This has dramatically altered demand and diluted the effect of increased generation capacity on actual results.

## [4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services –Infrastructure and Electricity

- _Infrastructure_:
- Construction began on the Qadisiya Round Road paving project in Najaf province.  The US Army-funded project began August 26 and has an estimated completion date of January 2007.  The $227,000 project will provide improved access to residents in the province, including access to emergency services.
- _Electricity_:
- The interdiction of a major transmission line between Bayji and West Baghdad on September 1 left Baghdad completely isolated from northern generation, reducing daily service to the city to five or six hours of power.
- Construction began August 29 on two electrical feeder line projects in the Diyala Province – Imam Asker ($68,000) and al-Saward ($36,000).  Each project will emplace 2.2 kilometers of feeder line for their respective neighborhoods and will provide more reliable power to the domestic, commercial and industrial consumers of the Imam Asker and al-Saward neighborhoods of Diyala.

**Notes:**
Water:
USACE Daily Report – August 29
Electricity: 
USACE Daily Report – August 30
USACE Daily Report – September 1

## [4.] Help Iraq Build Government Capacity and Provide Essential Services –Water

- _Water_:
- Two erosion control and embankment rehabilitation projects in Basrah province are complete.  The $470,000 US Army-funded project restored the riverbanks and provided erosion control at the Shatt al-Arab River in the al- Dayer and al-Hartha districts.  The restorations help prevent flooding and also provide a firm and more durable surface for livestock to reach the river. These erosion control projects impact approximately 150,000 residents.

**Notes:**
Water:
Iraq Reconstruction Report – September 1

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Oil Update and Job Creation 

- _Oil Update_:
- Crude oil prices in world markets for the week ending September 1 closed with the following prices:
- Basrah Light at $61.47/barrel     	– Dated Brent at $69.32/barrel
- WTI Cushing at $69.99/barrel   	– Oman/Dubai at $66.45/barrel
- _Employment Update_:
- The following chart shows the number of Iraqis employed by USG-administered projects:

**Data as of September 5**

- * CERP employment numbers are representative of Baghdad only.

- (Project and Contracting Office)

- (Accelerated Iraqi Reconstruction Program)

- (Military Construction)

**Notes:**
Oil Prices:
Oil Prices are sourced from Bloomberg
Employment Update:
Information regarding the Employment Update was sourced from the IRMO Weekly Report – July 25, 2006 
CERP has not reported figures for some time.  Until they report accurate data, the number will remain at 0.
PCO will be reporting on a bi-weekly basis.  

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy - Banking Sector

- _Central Bank’s US Dollar (USD) Currency Auction_:
- The following table shows volume sold and exchange rates for USD in the Iraqi currency auction since January 3.  The dinar remained stable against the dollar this week, ending at 1,476 dinars per USD September 5.

-            US $ Sold (Weekly Avg)                           The New Iraqi Dinar (NID) exchange rate line is calculated as a weekly weighted average (**NID/USD**)

-                     **Central Bank of Iraq**
**USD Currency Auction: January 3, 2006 – August 29, 2006**

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Securities Markets

- _Trading of Iraqi Bonds on the International Secondary Bond Market_:
- The following table shows the daily bond resale price and yield on Iraqi bonds issued January 20.  The bonds were originally issued to about two-thirds of Iraq’s commercial creditors as part of a debt exchange arrangement at Paris Club terms.  Iraq’s commercial debt was approximately $22 billion before the debt-swap arrangement.  The bonds, which are not yet rated, will mature in 2028.  The bonds’ current yield of 9.73 percent remains one of the highest in the world for sovereign debt instruments.

- Trading High = $73.98 (January 24)
- Trading Low = $64.66  (August 30)

**Notes:**
Bond Prices:
Iraqi Bond Prices are sourced from Bloomberg

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Recent Economic Events

- _Iraq Discusses Reactivating Economic Relations with Jordan_:
- The Jordanian Minister of Planning announced that the Jordanian-Iraqi Higher Committee will meet in Amman in October.  The two parties will discuss the possibility of reactivating economic relations between both countries in areas such as trade, transportation, oil, electricity, communications and Information Technology.
- _Iraq Participates in Trade Conference in Holland_:
- The Iraqi International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) is organizing a trade conference in Rotterdam in cooperation with the Holland Trade Center.  The conference will be held between October 8 and 13.  According to the Chairman of the IICCI, 100 Iraqi businessmen and representatives from 100 Dutch companies will attend.
- _UN Helps Rebuild Kurdish Region_:
- The Chairman of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament met with a United Nations delegation to discuss Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) investment law and infrastructure projects in the Kurdish region.  The head of the delegation confirmed that the United Nations Development Program will support infrastructure and investment projects in the KRG.

**Notes:**
Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28
Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28
Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Crude Oil Production

-  Weekly Average (August 28 – September 3) of 2.47 Million Barrels Per Day (MBPD)

**[5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – ****Crude Oil Production**

**Iraqi Oil Ministry Goal:  2.5 MBPD**

**Notes:**
POC Matthew Amitrano, (202) 647-5690

Iraq Petroleum Sector Facts
There are three main refineries in Iraq: Bayji (North), Daura (Baghdad), and Basra (South).
There are several minor refineries (known as topping plants) dotted through the country: Kisik (Mosul), Qarrayah, Haditha, Tikrit, Nassiriyah, Maysan (Amarah), and Samawah.  These primarily produce asphalt and low grade kerosene and diesel.
The majority of Iraq’s oil infrastructure is antiquated and in need of modernization.
Domestically produced refined products (gasoline/benzene, diesel, kerosene, LPG) currently do not meet domestic demand because of sabotage to the pipeline infrastructure.  Iraq will be dependent upon imports until the insurgents cease operations against oil pipelines.

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Crude Oil Export

- 2005 Revenue Estimate:                 $23.5 Billion
- 2006 Revenue Estimate:	                 $22.5 Billion	(Year to Date)

**Notes:**
2003 = $5.08 billion
2004 = $17.5 billion

Projected revenue implies if the current export rate held for the entire month.
Due to new data, May and June increased slightly – this new data was added 7-19-06.

Al-Faw Terminals: Al-Basra Oil Terminal (ABOT) and Khor al-Amaya Oil Terminal (KAOT)
Production and export are at normal rates.
Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (IT)
The IT line works intermittently since the Iraqis sell the crude oil in lumps.
Iraq-Syria-Lebanon Pipeline (ISLP)
This line has been closed since 2003.
Discussions were held between Iraqi and Syrian government officials, but no timetable has been set up to reopen this line.
In the meantime, Iraq has set up a barter arrangement in which it exports 14KBPD from the Ayn Zalah field to Syria for refined products and electrical production.
Iraq Pipeline through Saudi Arabia (IPSA)
This line has been closed since 1991.  There are no plans to reopen this line.

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – Total Critical Refined Product Supplies

**Note: This is a daily average for the week of August 28 – September 3**

**[5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – ****Total Critical Refined Product Supplies**

**Notes:**
POC Matthew Amitrano, (202) 647-5690

Goals set by the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), a company owned by the Ministry of Oil (MOO).

## [5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – National Stock Levels

**[5.] Help Iraq Strengthen Its Economy – ****National Stock Levels**

**Notes:**
POC Matthew Amitrano, (202) 647-5690

## [6.] Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Civil Rights– Iraqi Judicial System

- _CCCI Convicts 25 People, Two Sentenced to Life_:
- The Central Criminal Court of Iraq (CCCI) convicted 25 people August 18 - 24 for various crimes including possession of illegal weapons, joining armed groups and illegal border crossing.
- The trial court found Essam Imohammed Mohammed guilty of joining armed groups to unsettle the stability and security of Iraq, in violation of Article 194 of the Iraqi Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment.  Coalition Forces (CF) apprehended the defendant after a gun battle between CF and terrorist elements.
- Upon conviction, defendants will be turned over to the Government of Iraq to serve their sentences.  To date, the CCCI has held 1,414 trials of people suspected of anti-Iraqi and anti-Coalition activities threatening the security of Iraq and targeting Multi-National Forces-Iraq.  These proceedings have resulted in 1,214 individual convictions with sentences ranging up to death.

## [6.] Help Iraq Strengthen the Rule of Law and Promote Civil Rights– Iraqi Judicial System

- _Gonzales: Iraq's Future Depends on Law_:
- US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said August 29 that Iraq's future would depend on its enforcing the rule of law, but that only its people and political leaders could decide what type of law that would be.  After meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, Gonzales said that they had discussed the use of “extraordinary measures,” referring to policies toward prisoners and detainees and that the US would not tell Iraq how to handle the issue.  “It is difficult to decide what is appropriate now and what is allowed under the law.  This decision will be made by the Iraqi government,” Gonzales said after touring the building where Saddam Hussein has been put on trial in the heavily fortified Green Zone.
- The attorney general said Washington is committed to helping build an Iraqi court system, pointing to $100 million that he said Congress has appropriated for the project.  Saleh said after his meeting that he and Gonzales discussed the issue of including Iraqi judges in investigations of alleged atrocities by US soldiers against Iraqis.  “The Iraqi side stresses the importance of participating in the investigation, that the investigation is transparent, that the Iraqi public opinion knows its developments, and that those found guilty are severely punished,” Saleh said.

## [7.] Increase International Support for Iraq – Developments

- _Kurds Replace Iraqi Flag with Kurdish Banners_:
- Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül warned the leader of the Kurdish region  September 4 that his decision to replace the Iraqi flag with the Kurdish one was “dangerous.”  Iraqi Kurds living in the semi-autonomous northern part of the country lowered Iraqi flags over official government buildings, replacing them with Kurdish banners.  Massoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan region, said Iraq's flag was a symbol of his own people's past oppression and that, “if at any moment we, the Kurdish people and parliament, consider that it is in our interests to declare independence, we will do so and we will fear no-one."  Prime Minister Maliki’s office stated the move was illegal and that the "the Iraqi flag is the only flag that should be raised over any square inch of Iraq, until parliament makes a decision as laid down in the constitution.”
- _British Foreign Secretary on Her First Official Visit to Iraq:_
- British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett met with Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh, stating that Britain was determined that Iraqis take over responsibility for security.  "It is absolutely key that responsibility be transferred to...the elected government of Iraq," she told reporters.  Britain has said it plans to cut their current 7,000-strong force deployed to southern Iraq by as much as half by 2007.

## [7.] Increase International Support for Iraq – Developments

- _Britain to Reinforce Troops in Basrah_:
- Britain plans to deploy 360 extra troops to Iraq this year in order to reinforce its 7,200-strong force in Basrah.  The troops will be drawn from a stand-by unit based in Cyprus, a battle group based around the infantry of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and including engineers, military police and Royal Marine Commandos.

**Notes:**
AFP, “Britain to Reinforce Troops in Iraq,” September 6 

## 34 Countries and NATO*

- (including US)
**Support Iraqi Stability Operations**

**27 Countries with forces in Iraq (in addition to US)**

**TOTAL ~ 18,000 Forces**

- Data as of August 7, 2006

**[7.] Increase International Support for Iraq – ****Contributors to Iraqi Stability Operations**

**Albania**
**Armenia**
**Australia**
**Azerbaijan**
**Bosnia-Herzegovina**
**Bulgaria**
**Czech Republic**

**Romania**
**Singapore**
**Slovakia**
**South Korea**
**Ukraine**
**UK**

**Denmark **
**El Salvador**
**Estonia**
**Georgia**
**Italy**
**Japan**
**Kazakhstan**

**Latvia**
**Lithuania**
**Macedonia**
**Moldova**
**Mongolia**
**Poland**
**Portugal**

***Note: Fiji participating as a part of the UN mission in Iraq.  **

- *34 includes the 28 countries listed above, the US, Fiji, and as four NATO, non-MNF-I countries: Hungary, Iceland, Slovenia, Turkey

**Notes:**
Source:  DOD Input to Weekly Status Report,  updated bi-weekly.

## [8.] Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents – Developments

**[8.] Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents – ****Developments**

- _US Contract Aims for Positive Press_:
- US military leaders in Baghdad have put out for bid a two-year, $20 million public relations contract that calls for extensive monitoring of US and Middle Eastern media in an effort to promote more positive coverage of news from Iraq.  The contract, which calls for assembling a database of selected Iraqi, Middle Eastern, and American media and then analyzing their tone, is designed to help the coalition understand “the communications environment” in the region.

**Notes:**
Item #1:
The Washington Post, “Positive Press on Iraq is Aim of US Contract,” August 31

## [8.] Strengthen Public Understanding of Coalition Efforts and Public Isolation of the Insurgents – Developments

- _Talabani Holds Joint News Conference with British FS Beckett_:
- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani held a joint news conference with British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett September 5 in which he said that Britain’s troops would be able to return home at the end of next year, saying that he “didn’t think fighting will continue until then [end of 2007] if the steps of national reconciliation go according to plan.  If some groups are still fighting then, our [Iraqi] forces will be able to take care of it.”
- During the news conference, Talabani also promised that Iraq would soon get a new national flag, calling the current one “Saddamist.”  The president said that though no decision had been made on the design of the new flag, he personally favored the banner used between 1959 and 1963.
- _Bush Says US Will Not Leave Iraq Until “Victory is Achieved”_:
- In the first of a five-speech series leading up to the anniversary of September 11 in Salt Lake City August 31, President Bush said that US forces will not leave Iraq “until victory is achieved” and that the US bears a responsibility to the Iraqi people in aiding them to achieve freedom while helping Iraqi leaders who promote freedom and democracy.

**Notes:**
Item #2:
AFP, “Iraq Tells Britain: Your Troops Can Leave Next Year,” September 5/AFP, “Iraq Will Have a New Flag: President,” September 5
Item #3:
 “War on Terror the “Decisive” 21st Century Struggle, Bush Says,” August 31 www.usinfo.state.gov  

## Special Addendum: Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT)

- To assist Iraq’s provincial governments with developing a transparent and sustained capability to govern, promoting increased security and rule of law, promoting political and economic development, and providing provincial administration necessary to meet the basic needs of the population.
- _Provincial Reconstruction Team Concept_:
- The PRT concept was developed to improve on Regional Embassy Office (REO) and Provincial Support Team (PST) programs.  The PRTs are a civil-military operation led by the civilians with extensive support from US and Coalition Forces.  The PRTs are an integrated capacity-building effort built around Local Governance Program (LGP) and include support from other agencies to cover all key capacity development needs.
- _PRT Operations Status_:
- PRTs have been established in Ninawa, Babil, Tamim, Baghdad, and Anbar provinces.  The teams are comprised of representatives from the US Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, Multi-National Force – Iraq, Department of Justice, Gulf Regional Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, Multi-National Corps – Iraq and Coalition partners.
- Interested in working in Iraq?
- Please visit _[http://careers.state.gov/opportunities/iraq/index.html](http://careers.state.gov/opportunities/iraq/index.html)__ for a list of available positions_

**Special Addendum: Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT)**

## Iraq Weekly Status – General Information

- This brief draws from multiple sources.  References are cited on the following pages.
- Please forward all questions and/or comments to:	 NEA-I-IPOG-DL@state.gov

## Notes and Source Citations (1 of 3)

- Slide 5:
- Press Release – MNF-I: September 4, 2006– (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5305&Itemid=18)
- Press Release – MNF-I: September 4, 2006– (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5305&Itemid=18)
- Slide 6:
- Press Release- MNF-I:  September 1, 2006 – Release 20060901-03(http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5193&Itemid=21)
- Press Release- MNF-I:  September 2, 2006 – Release 20060902-03 (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5231&Itemid=21)
- Press Release- MNF-I:  September 4, 2006 – Release 20060904-02 (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5281&Itemid=21)
- Slide 7:
- MNSTC-I, _The Advisor_ – 2 September 2006
- Press Release- MNF-I:  September 3, 2006 – Release 20060903-02 (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5263&Itemid=21)
- Press Release- MNF-I:  September 1, 2006 – Release 20060901-02 (http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5155&Itemid=21)
- Slide 8:
- DoD Input to Iraq Weekly Status Report September 6
- Slide 9:
- Deshmukh, Jay.  “Iraqi Parliament to Debate Federal Break-up.”  AFP.  September 5, 2006.  http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060905/wl_afp/iraq
- Slide 10:
- “Iraqi Premier Orders Kurds to Fly Iraqi Flag.”  AP, AFP, Reuters.  September 3, 2006.  http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/9/AD12B6EE-A84F-48C4-BA81-76597747EBEC.html
- Embassy Reporting, September 6
- Slide 11:
- NEA Political Section, NEA-I-POL-DL@state.gov
- Slide 12:
- IRMO Weekly Report, September 5

## Notes and Source Citations (2 of 3)

- Slide 13:
- The chart shows average daily power production in megawatt hours (MWh).  120,000 MWh goal equates to 20 hours at 6000 MW average supplied load or 24 hours at 5000 MW average supply load.  Currently supplies are not much improved over last year when judged by hours of power, but this is due in part to an influx of new appliances.  This has dramatically altered demand and diluted the effect of increased generation capacity on actual results.
- Slide 14:
- 	   _Infrastructure_:
- USACE Daily Report – August 29
- _Electricity_:
- USACE Daily Report – August 30
- USACE Daily Report – September 1
- Slide 15:
- _Water_:
- Iraq Reconstruction Report – September 1
- Slide 16:
- 	_Oil Prices_:
- Oil Prices are sourced from Bloomberg
- 	_Employment Update_:
- Information regarding the Employment Update was sourced from the IRMO Weekly Report – August 15
- CERP has not reported figures for some time.  Until they report accurate data, the number will remain at 0.
- PCO will be reporting on a bi-weekly basis.
- Slide 17:
- Information regarding the NID auction was gathered from the Central Bank of Iraq’s website: http://www.cbiraq.org
- Slide 18:
- Iraqi Bond Prices are sourced from Bloomberg
- Slide 19:
- Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28
- Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28
- Izdihar Iraqi Business News – August 28
- PortalIraq News – September 4

## Notes and Source Citations (3 of 3)

- Slide 20:
- Department of State, NEA-I-ECON, 202-647-9885
- Slide 21:
- Department of State, NEA-I-ECON, 202-647-9885
- Slide 22:
- Department of State, NEA-I-ECON, 202-647-9885
- Slide 23:
- Department of State, NEA-I-ECON, 202-647-9885
- Slide 24:
- TASK FORCE 134 MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ BAGHDAD Press Release, Aug. 31, 2006, _CCCI Convicts 25 People; Two Sentenced to Life_,* *http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5188&Itemid=21
- Slide 25:
- AP Press Release, Aug. 29, 2006, _Gonzales: Iraq's Future Depends on Law;_ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060830/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_attorney_general
- Slide 26:
*Forbes Asia  * http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/07/17/ap2884744.html
- The United Nations www.un.org
- Slide 27:
- AFP, “Britain to Reinforce Troops in Iraq,” September 6
- Slide 28:
- DOD Input to Weekly Status Report,  updated bi-weekly
- Slide 29:
- The Washington Post, “Positive Press on Iraq is Aim of US Contract,” August 31
- Slide 30:
- AFP, “Iraq Tells Britain: Your Troops Can Leave Next Year,” September 5/AFP, “Iraq Will Have a New Flag: President,” September 5
- “War on Terror the “Decisive” 21st Century Struggle, Bush Says,” August 31 www.usinfo.state.gov
- Slide 31:
- NEA-I-ECON@state.gov