Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Nation & World


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published May 23, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 23, 2007 at 2:02 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Iraq Notebook

U.S. says bin Laden ordered Iraq plots

Osama bin Laden ordered al-Qaida's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to form a cell in 2005 to plot attacks outside of Iraq and make...

WASHINGTON -- Osama bin Laden ordered al-Qaida's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to form a cell in 2005 to plot attacks outside of Iraq and make the United States his main target, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.

Citing newly declassified intelligence, Fran Townsend, President Bush's adviser for homeland security, said the information backs the administration's assertion that U.S. troops must stay in Iraq for now to prevent it from becoming a "terrorist sanctuary."

2 Marines killed in Anbar province

BAGHDAD -- The U.S. military said today two Marines were killed in combat in Anbar province.

The Marines, who died Tuesday, were assigned to Multinational Forces-West, which is responsible for the sprawling, Sunni-dominated province.

100 slain in Iraq, 25 by car bomb

BAGHDAD -- A car bomb ripped through a crowded market in a Shiite-dominated neighborhood Tuesday, killing 25 people and injuring 60.

The victims were among 100 people reported slain Tuesday, including 33 unidentified bodies recovered in Baghdad who were apparent victims of sectarian death squads.

Constitutional panel at odds

Iraqi legislators missed a deadline to propose constitutional revisions promised to the embittered Sunni Arab minority driving the insurgency against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Shiite-dominated government and U.S.-led forces in Iraq.

A multiparty committee had been expected to submit a report Tuesday after six months of deliberations.

But members were unable to reach agreement on key issues, including the allocation of revenue among various regions.

advertising

Action on constitutional reforms is one of a series of benchmarks U.S. officials have set for continued support.

Iraqi children suffering, U.N. says

GENEVA -- Iraqi children are caught in a rapidly worsening tragedy as violence tightens its grip on their homeland, the U.N. Children's Fund said today.

Four million Iraqis -- nearly 15 percent of the population -- have fled their homes since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, UNICEF said. Half the refugees are children.

Even though international aid has been strong, the needs of Iraqi children are quickly outstripping the help, the agency said.

It appealed for donations of $41.8 million for the next six months to boost assistance in Iraq and to Iraqi refugees living in neighboring countries.

Also

Iraqi and Afghan translators, frequently in danger because of their association with Americans, would get more U.S. visas to leave the country under legislation passed by the House on Tuesday.

Seattle Times news services

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle

Awaiting daughter's birth, astronaut busy on spacewalk

Anti-Taliban militias arise in Afghanistan

China coal mine blast death toll jumps to 87

Iran gets ready for military exercises

Advertising

Video

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Interview with New Moon actors
Full interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising