War Blog

LONDON, England (CNN) -- President Vladimir Putin said Russia is willing to help the international community in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Putin, speaking in a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair on the third day of his state visit to the UK, attempted to put previous disagreements on Iraq behind them.

"We are ready and willing to move forward," he said Thursday.

He said the international community's work in Afghanistan could be used as a template for reconstruction in Iraq.

Putin denied he had embarrassed Blair over Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction during a visit by the British premier to Moscow earlier in the year.

Although fighting came to an end two months ago, the U.S.-led coalition has yet to find any evidence of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

"I am very sad that is how you interpreted it [the comment] in Moscow. I never said anything was funny. I think it is a very important issue."

Russia opposed the U.S.-led war in which the UK sent troops.

Putin called for "closure" on the issue of weapons of mass destruction because of the danger they may fall into the hands of terrorists. "If they existed, we need to know where they are and who has them because they are a threat.

"We must do everything possible to constructively solve this problem. We are willing and will pay to make our contribution."

Blair said the "differences that we had over Iraq are a matter of history and record. But the international community has come back together again ... pledged to work together for the future of Iraq."

He added that the international community had "to make sure that the right decisions were taken on security and political reconstruction."

"However difficult, we will get the job done. We have made a commitment to the people of Iraq," he said.

"...If Iraq can be turned into that stable, prosperous and democratic country, then the prospects for the whole of that region and the wider world are improved."

Blair and Putin also talked about the need for all major powers to work together in the fight against terrorism, the threat of WMD and the need for a strong global economy.

The two leaders also discussed the situations in Iran, the Mideast and North Korea.

Trade ties between Russia and the UK were also mentioned, especially the development of Russia's gas industry.

Britain and Russia signed a memorandum of cooperation during an energy summit for the construction of a gas line under the Baltic Sea from Russia into the rest of Europe.

Oil links were enhanced by the announcement that British oil group BP and Russia's TNK have signed a multi-billion-dollar contract to create a joint energy venture, the biggest single foreign investment deal in post-Soviet Russian history. (Full Story)

"We gave a push forward to the developing energy relationship between Britain and Russia and our companies that would make Britain the number one investor in Russia," said Blair.

Putin hailed the $17 billion investment of BP and Shell in the Russian energy sector, adding: "The implementation of these plans will launch Britain to the first place as far as value of investment in the Russian economy is concerned."

Both countries also pledged closer cooperation "on energy at [the] government level, particularly with a view to increasing energy security; improving the climate for investment; preserving the environment; and tackling climate change."

Putin stressed Russia's outlook was European -- even though a strong euro was hurting its economy at the moment.

"We are not very keen on the euro being strong in itself because what we sell, we sell in dollars, and what we import, we pay for in euros. It is better for us for the euro to be weak and the dollar strong."

But Europe must unite if it is to "conquer and be victorious" in the "highly competitive economic world," he said.

Putin is due to host a state banquet at St James' Palace, London, on the last evening of his four-day visit.

House rejects proposal for additional Iraq intelligence probes

KEN GUGGENHEIM, Associated Press Writer Thursday, June 26, 2003

(06-26) 08:26 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

The House on Thursday rejected two attempts by Democratic lawmakers for additional inquiries into the handling of intelligence on Iraq's weapons programs.

Democrats sought to include the inquiries in a bill authorizing 2004 intelligence activities. That bill, whose details are mostly classified, was expected to be approved late Thursday or early Friday.

Democrats have questioned whether prewar intelligence was inaccurate or manipulated to back up President Bush's push for war. Republicans have said there is no sign of wrongdoing and have accused Democrats of raising the issue for political reasons.

Reviews of administration assertions of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction already under way by the House and Senate intelligence committees and the Senate Armed Services committees. But some Democrats said they don't go far enough.

An amendment proposed by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas to require the U.S. comptroller general to study U.S. intelligence-sharing with U.N. inspectors was defeated 239-185.

By a 347-76 vote, the House rejected an amendment by Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio to require the CIA's inspector general to audit all telephone and electronic communications between the CIA and Vice President Dick Cheney relating to Iraq's weapons.

Kucinich, a presidential candidate and outspoken opponent of the war, cited a Washington Post story in which unidentified intelligence analysts said they had felt pressured by Cheney to make their assessments meet administration policy objectives.

In debate Wednesday, Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., called Kucinich's proposal the "cheap shot amendment of the year."

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jane Harman of California, also opposed Kucinich's proposal, saying his concerns could be examined by the committee's review of prewar intelligence.

Harman said the early stages of that review found that the administration ignored doubts about Iraq's chemical and biological weapons capability. But Harman said she still believes Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction that could now be in the hands of anti-American fighters in Iraq or terrorists elsewhere.

She said the early stages of her committee's review has made clear that Iraq once had chemical and biological weapons and that these weapons were easy to hide -- but administration officials "rarely included the caveats and qualifiers attached to the intelligence community's judgments."

"For many Americans, the administration's certainty gave the impression there was even stronger intelligence about Iraq's possession of and intention to use WMD," she said.

Harman said the committee was reviewing whether intelligence agencies "made clear to policy-makers and Congress that most of its analytic judgments were based on things like aerial photographs, Iraqi defector interviews -- not hard facts."

Harman also said that intelligence linking al-Qaida to Iraq "is conflicting, contrary to what was claimed by the administration."

Harman said the committee's review would be thorough and that Chairman Porter Goss, R-Fla., has told her he will hold open hearings, which she hopes will begin in July. But she also said the investigation had to be "mindful of the burden the intelligence agencies are carrying."

"Our nation is best served by an effective intelligence community, not one hobbled by risk-aversion and finger-pointing," she said.

The intelligence authorization bill would pay for programs aimed at improving intelligence sharing among agencies, increase training of state and local agencies, modernize an aging satellite network, strengthen human espionage and improve counterintelligence efforts.

The bill's cost is classified, but has been estimated at $40 billion. Goss said that level would meet Bush's request. It will have to be reconciled with a version being considered by the Senate.

Dianna Gee Reports, 6/25/03

dianna.gee@whnt.com

The shelves inside this Athens office usually hold old newspapers. Now the corner room of the Athens News-Courier serves as a pantry for troops in Iraq.

Karen Koenders is a mom on a mission. She says a recent wish list from her son serving overseas prompted her to prepare care packages for troops. "I just made it a community thing. We put a small ad in the paper, the community came forward, bringing things in, and I started packing things up."

The newspaper publisher's wife gathers goods, not only for her son Jeremiah -- but for his fellow soldiers with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne. She says she feels like "I've adopted all the troops."

Just within the last six weeks, Koenders has shipped 200 boxes of items like toilet paper, baby wipes, flip-flops and even denture cleaner. She explains how Efferdent helps soldiers wash dishes. "They can just drop it in the cookware and it fizzes it clean," she says.

Koenders says during the beginning of the war, care packages were plentiful. Now, there's less attention on those putting their lives on the line.

"Yes, I'm disappointed," Koenders says. "We still have thousands of troops over there, they're all in need. They're still being shot at. I think a lot of people think the war is over. It is not," she says.

During our conversation, a generous woman walks in the door, carrying bags of pillows and other items. Pat Huntley tells Karen she's been meaning to help the troops but just hadn't gotten around to it. When asked why she wanted to help, she holds back tears as she says, "It just breaks my heart to hear these boys are getting killed everyday. I hope they can soon get out of there."

While their actions may not top everyday's headlines, their service goes above and beyond the fold line of any newspaper.

Karen hopes to mail out at least 20 more boxes next week. If you'd like to donate items or postage costs, give her a call at (256) 233-0398.

Soldier honors the memory of those who died in Iraq

By Rose Post, Salisbury Post

Capt. Jim Lee went to Iraq to fight a war -- and did.

But he and his soldiers also made the media limelight.

The captain is the son of Gibby and James Lee and the brother of Crystal Houston, all of North Kannapolis, and when he showed up on CBS' "60 Minutes" in early April, his brother-in-law, Dale Houston, just happened to be clicking the remote ...

Of course, he recognized him instantly and screamed for his wife.

"Crystal! There's Jimmy!" and the family crowded around the television set, completely transfixed.

Capt. Lee graduated from South Rowan High School, where he played football and went on to be starting center for Catawba College his freshman year.

But on Sunday, March 30, when he showed up on the television screen, it was because he was in Iraq with the U.S. Army and commander at a checkpoint where a suicide bomber killed four American soldiers the day before.

And he was surprised when he received a copy of a Salisbury Post that had a story about his appearance on "60 Minutes" and his family's reaction to his appearance.

"I had no idea it would end up on there," he wrote. "Skynews did the interview. I figured it would only air in Europe or something."

But since that "60 Minutes" appearance, he said, he's been on "Good Morning, America," and "Nightline" ("two times each -- weird") and personally feels "blessed to command such a fine group of soldiers" and share what they had done.

"I will never forget what they did here or the ultimate sacrifice six soldiers paid while under my command. My company (Bravo Co. 3rd Battalion 69th Armor) -- "Black Knights" -- just recently returned to Kuwait and completed turn-in of our equipment. We now await further instructions. ...

"The company not only fought well, but performed outstanding during our Stability and Support Operations in Baghdad.

"We conducted patrols, raids against militia, guarded the UN's World Food Program warehouse, assisted with the distribution of propane and fuel, and assisted in the paying of over 15,000 teachers in the Al Rasafa school district.

"Many of my soldiers made friends with the locals where they were invited for dinner regularly.

"I dined with a retired Iraqi general, the Catholic bishop here in Baghdad, as well as many other key locals in my assigned sector. The locals welcomed us with open arms.

"We are ready to leave and join our families back at Ft. Stewart as soon as 3rd Infantry Division gets word to redeploy.

"Additionally, I am ready to get home to N.C. for some barbecue, Cheerwine and Sun Drop, but most importantly, to visit family and friends."

And he concluded his letter with thanks to everyone for their "continued support."

Contact Rose Post at 704-797-4251 or rpost@salisburypost.com.

Iraqi Killed in Attack Near Baghdad Airport

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2003 – An Iraqi driver was killed and an unknown number of people wounded in an attack on an Office of the Coalition Provisional Authority vehicle near Baghdad International Airport, Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials said today.

The vehicle, a Chevy Suburban, was hit by a rocket- propelled grenade while traveling to the airport from the presidential compound. Combined Joint Task Force 7 officials said there were a number of wounded and that they had been evacuated to a nearby field hospital. There is no information on the status of those wounded in the attack.

Officials would not comment on the motivation for the attack.

The airport road leads from the center of Baghdad to the airport. While the presidential compound and the airport are secure areas, the road itself is not. Houses and forested portions line the four-lane road. There have been incidents along the road in the past, officials said.

Coalition forces had already beefed up patrols along the route. "We have increased security along the road," said Army Sgt. Patrick Compton, a spokesman with the 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Baghdad. "Coalition forces have set up random checkpoints along the route and stationed vehicles along access points. We also place night curfew enforcement patrols along the road."

Throughout Iraq, coalition forces continued "aggressive" patrols. According to a U.S. Central Command release, coalition forces conducted 1,185 day patrols and 975 night patrols. Forces worked with Iraqi police in conducting 199 day patrols and 122 night patrols.

In other news, units of the 1st Armored Division and the 4th Infantry Division conducted three raids and detained nine individuals. The units also confiscated weapons and ammunition. The raids are part of Operation Desert Scorpion.

In the 3rd Infantry Division area, U.S. military police issued identification cards, uniforms and a newly painted police car to the town of Habbaniyah's police force while 50 officers continued police training classes in Fallujah.

Two U.S. Soldiers Killed by Iraqi Ambushes

By NADIA ABOU EL-MAGD

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Bomb and grenade ambushes Thursday signaled increasing anti-American resistance in Iraq, despite U.S. claims of mopping up opposition. One American soldier and two Iraqi civilians were killed, and two American soldiers were missing.

The fresh violence came a day after a U.S. Marine was killed while responding to an ambush in which three other Americans were wounded.

In Thursday's ambushes, a bomb exploded on the airport road, killing a U.S. soldier and injuring another, the U.S. military said. The road _ heavily used by U.S. forces _ has been the scene of several attacks using trip wires dangling from overpasses or grenades tossed from bridges.

Also Thursday, attackers threw grenades at a U.S. and Iraqi civilian convoy in west Baghdad, killing two Iraqi employees of the national electricity authority, U.S. soldiers and Iraqi police said. The convoy had U.S. Humvees at the front and the back and two Iraqi civilian vehicles in the middle. The victims were traveling in the same car.

A U.S. military spokesman, Maj. William Thurmond, played down this week's violence as a "spike" and not a trend. Thurmond said the spate of ambushes could be a response to recent U.S. raids on Baath Party strongholds.

"There have been more attacks recently but it's probably premature to say this is part of a pattern," Thurmond said. "We've kicked open the nests of some of these bad guys."

The U.S. military has blamed attacks on isolated remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime and his Sunni followers, claiming there was no organized resistance.

The Arab satellite station Al-Jazeera, however, aired statements Thursday from two previously unknown groups urging assaults on U.S.-led forces in Iraq.

One, by a group calling itself the Mujahedeen of the Victorious Sect, claimed responsibility for recent attacks and promised more. The other, by the Popular Resistance for the Liberation of Iraq, called in intellectuals, explosive experts and others to take "revenge" against America.

Al-Jazeera said it could not verify the statements, and U.S. defense officials had no immediate comment.

Meanwhile, a search was under way Thursday for two U.S. soldiers and their Humvee missing in Baghdad, a senior Pentagon official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a separate incident Thursday, a U.S. Army truck sat smoldering at the side of a highway 20 miles south of Baghdad. People at the scene said it exploded as if struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

On Wednesday, ambushers threw grenades from a Baghdad overpass onto a passing convoy of Army Humvees, said Marine Corps Maj. Sean Gibson. There were no serious injuries.

The same day, militants ambushed Marines in Hillah, 45 miles south of Baghdad, wounding three troops. Later, one Marine was killed and two were wounded when their vehicle _ part of a quick-reaction force sent in response to the Hillah ambush _ rolled over on the road's soft shoulder en route to the scene.

The names of the American and Iraqi victims were not immediately released. The latest killings raised the American death toll to 196 since the start of the war on March 20. At least 20 U.S. soldiers have died as the result of hostile fire since major combat was declared over in May.

On Tuesday, violence in the southern Iraqi town of Majar al-Kabir killed six British soldiers and wounded eight British paratroopers. The British military Thursday blamed the violence involving the paratroopers partly on a misunderstanding over weapons searches.

Maj. Gen. Peter Wall said the violence probably was sparked when British paratroopers entered the town, 180 miles southeast of Baghdad, during a "routine joint patrol" with local militias.

However, Wall offered no explanation for an attack at a town police station later Tuesday, in which six Royal Military Police were killed, some reportedly shot with their own weapons. He said he could not comment on those claims while an investigation continued.

Local people told reporters that violence was triggered by anger over heavy-handed weapons searches in Majar al-Kabir in which soldiers used dogs and entered women's bedrooms in defiance of Muslim sensibilities.

In London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair was asked whether it was a sensible tactic to try to disarm a nation where carrying weapons had become part of the culture.

Blair acknowledged that Iraq was in a "process of transformation," but added: "It is important that it is proper law enforcement authorities that carry weapons and not all the citizens of the country."

The violence in the town shattered the peace that had reigned in Shiite-dominated southern Iraq since the fall of Saddam _ and spurred British authorities to consider requiring troops to wear body armor and helmets.

The deaths represent the heaviest loss under fire for British troops in a single day since the 1991 Gulf War and take the British death toll during the latest Iraqi conflict to 42.

On Thursday, 11 pickup trucks filled with armed men from the local Iraqi security force patrolled the city on their own, with no British troops in the town center.

British forces in Iraq have been reduced to 15,500 from 45,000 during the war; two-thirds of them are ground forces. The United States has brought home some 130,000 troops from the region; 146,000 American forces remain in Iraq.