InfoAnda - US Marines end role in Iraq; Biden in Baghdad

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

LG Elec targets 30 percent rise in 2011 handset sales | 15 February 2011
Sarkozy, Brown push against tax havens | 7 July 2009
EU Commission in Russia to mend frayed ties | 6 February 2009

Egypt shows how easily Internet can be silenced | 29 January 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US Marines end role in Iraq; Biden in Baghdad

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America US Marines end role in Iraq; Biden in Baghdad By ADAM SCHRECK,Associated Press Writer - 2 hours 30 minutes ago Send IM Story Print RAMADI, Iraq – The U.S. Marine Corps wrapped up nearly seven years in Iraq on Saturday, handing over duties to the Army and signaling the beginning of an accelerated withdrawal of American troops as the U.S. turns its focus away from the waning Iraqi war to a growing one in Afghanistan. In Baghdad, meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden held talks with Iraqi leaders amid rising tensions over plans to ban election candidates because of suspected links to Saddam Hussein's regime. The White House worries the bans could raise questions over the fairness of the March 7 parliamentary elections, which are seen as an important step in the American pullout timetable and breaking political stalemates over key issues such as dividing Iraq's oil revenue. The Marines formally handed over control of Sunni-dominated Anbar, Iraq's largest province, to the Army during a ceremony at a base in Ramadi _ where some of the fiercest fighting of the war took place. Iraqi and American color guards stood together at attention as both countries' national anthems were played by a U.S. military band. Sharing the front row at the handover ceremony with American Army and Marine generals were some of Anbar's influential tribal sheiks in traditional checkered headdresses and gold-embellished robes. Their decision to shift support to the Americans is credited with sapping the insurgency of much of its strength. Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, the Army commander who assumed responsibility for the province, said he hoped security gains cemented by U.S. troops and their Iraqi counterparts should ensure a smooth transfer despite the overall drawdown in American forces. "The goal that we all seek is the Iraqis securing their own election, and that the election is fair and the election is free," he told reporters after the handover. "It's all based on the fact that the Iraqis, and particularly the Anbaris, can secure themselves. And that's the encouraging aspect." If all goes as planned, the last remaining Marines will be followed out by tens of thousands of soldiers in the coming months. President Barack Obama has ordered all but 50,000 troops out of the country by Aug. 31, 2010, with most to depart after the March 7 parliamentary election. The remaining troops will leave by the end of 2011 under a U.S.-Iraqi security pact. But concerns about the success of the election _ and perhaps the loss of hard won security gains that the Marines helped cement _ are on the rise because of a growing political dispute that could see more than 500 candidates blacklisted because of suspected ties to previous regime. The changeover at Ramadi, west of Baghdad, leaves the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division with responsibility over both Baghdad and Anbar, the vast desert province that stretches from western Baghdad to the borders of Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The province was once the heart of the deadly Sunni insurgency that erupted after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. In the battles for control of the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, the Marines saw some of the most brutal and deadliest fighting of the war. Violence began dropping off in the province in late 2006 when Sunni fighters _ known as Awakening Councils _ turned against al-Qaida and sided with the Marines to fight the insurgency. As many as 25,000 Marines were in Iraq at the peak, mostly in Anbar province. The few thousand who remain _ except for U.S. Embassy guards and advisers in Baghdad _ are expected to ship out in a matter of weeks. The upcoming parliamentary election is also considered an important step toward speeding the U.S. troop pullout and seeking progress on stalled political initiatives. Among them: passing laws clarifying the rules for foreign oil investment and dividing the revenue among Iraq's main groups. But plans to ban hundreds of candidates have raised deep concerns in Washington that the voting could widen rifts between the majority Shiites who gained power after Saddam's fall and Sunnis who are struggling to regain influence. Biden, who arrived late Friday, had a full agenda of meetings with Iraqi leaders including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has strongly supported the blacklist and has resisted attempts at possible American mediation. Some Sunni leaders have accused the Shiite-led government of using the ban as a political tool. But al-Maliki insists that Iraq must purge all ties to Saddam's Sunni-dominated regime. A vetting panel has put 512 names on the blacklist and more are expected. Iraqi government spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, told The Associated Press that al-Maliki's meeting with Biden reinforced the stance that the election rules are "an Iraqi affair to be decided by the Iraqis themselves." Al-Dabbagh said Biden was careful not to "give the wrong message that America wants to interfere in the Iraqi affairs." There was no immediate word from Biden or his aides on the talks. Biden's schedule also includes a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who has asked for a legal review on the blacklist. The courts are expected to examine whether the vetting panel has legal grounding because it does not have formal parliamentary approval. The panel includes two controversial Shiite figures: Ali al-Lami, who was once detained by the U.S. military over a 2008 attack in a Shiite district of Baghdad; and Ahmed Chalabi, who is blamed for supplying U.S. officials with faulty intelligence on Saddam's weapons program prior to the 2003 invasion. Al-Lami is also a candidate in the March elections _ raising further complaints from Sunnis about possible political motives behind the list. ___ Associated Press Writers Matt Apuzzo and Bushra Juhi in Baghdad contributed to this report. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles 5-4 split is the rule in high court's big cases AP - 18 minutes ago Putin seeks more jobs to stabilise North Caucasus Reuters - 35 minutes ago Obama hunkers down as health care falters AP - 38 minutes ago UN: Haiti government calls off search and rescue AP - 51 minutes ago Biden confident Iraqis to settle election dispute AP - 1 hour 6 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Glacier alarm 'regrettable error': UN climate head Bernanke fate in doubt as US Senate opposition swells Bank 'sheriff' Obama hits hard in Europe: analysts GE profit tops forecasts despite finance weakness Last decade warmest ever: NASA More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Bank 'sheriff' Obama hits hard in Europe: analysts Bernanke fate in doubt as US Senate opposition swells Last decade warmest ever: NASA Haiti quake is a new warning of Latin America's faultline Markets tank as Obama moves to rein in banks More Most Viewed » Huge tomb found at Egypt's Saqqara pyramid Woman who saved Anne Frank's diary dead at 100 Scientists praise Obama as Doomsday clock reset More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 23 January 2010
Biden in Iraq to help ease pre-election tensions
Putin warns against despotism, chaos in Russia
US-TECH Summary
GE profit tops forecasts despite finance weakness
Last decade warmest ever: NASA
Twitter users vulnerable to security flaw
Veteran leader quits as Kremlin shakes up regions |
Obama wants "answers" from China over Google
France says U.N. must take tough action against Iran |
Tablet launch, earnings mean big week for Apple
Turkey kicks off international meetings on Afghanistan |
Karzai wants to pay Taliban to lay down their arms
Travel Picks: Top 10 tech hotels
Knox prosecutor convicted of abuse in another case |
WITNESS: Haiti: do journalists help in disasters? |
Tablet launch, earnings mean big week for Apple |
Life getting harsher in N. Korea: UN envoy
Twitter users vulnerable to security flaw |
N.Korea seeks talks with S. Korea in latest dialogue bid
Obama wants "answers" from China over Google cyberattacks
Strong Afghan Taliban might talk
Afghanistan bans chemical used to make bombs
Human error cited in Army helicopter crash in Colo
Obama takes latest jobs message to hard-hit Ohio
Japan, US discuss ways to resolve custody disputes
Bernanke faces more Sen. opposition for 2nd term
Myanmar verdict on American man expected next week
Warrant describes how 8 Va. slaying victims found
Truck speed cited in crash with special needs bus
Attacks mar Sri Lanka's first poll since war's end
Floods leave 8 dead, 13 missing in Indonesia
Obama acknowledges health overhaul hit 'buzz saw'
Most evacuations ending in Southern California
Kashmiri civilian killed in Indian police shooting
Prop 8 trial witness: Being gay not a choice
Ariz. 6-year-old swept away in flood presumed dead
NY man accused of beheading claims he was battered
China says steel output rose 13.5 percent in 2009
Asia-Pacific airline passengers slump 5.7 percent in 2009
India's Bharti posts small profit rise
19 bears rescued from bear bile farm in Vietnam
Japan shares fall on Obama proposal on banks
Pakistani o/n rates flat; rupee firms, stocks up
India's Reliance Industries profit rises 15.8%
Stars unite to help Haiti in telethon
EU split over divorce law for mixed-nationality couples
Haiti benefit to be streamed live on YouTube, other sites
Veteran Indian film star's fury over 'sexed-up' biography
Piracy-hit music industry seeking new ways to bounce back
Jackson estate opposes allowance for father Joe |
Macedonia bars, eateries close to protest smoking ban
Oprah Winfrey to interview Jay Leno
R&B crooner Trey Songz is ready for the world
NBC facing long road back after Conan O'Brien drama |
NBC facing long road back after Conan O'Brien drama
Biden in Iraq to defuse barred election candidates row
Britain's queen to address UN in July
Haitians to mourn Catholic leader killed in quake |
Spain's Telefonica to invest 1.5 billion dollars in Peru
Bank 'sheriff' Obama hits hard in Europe: analysts
Israel pays U.N. £6.5 million over Gaza damage
Britain raises terror threat level to severe |
Russia warns against rushing to Iran sanctions
Britain hikes terror threat to 'severe'
Motorola files US complaint against BlackBerry maker RIM
China plans to fast track Tibet development |
Expert finds vulnerabilities in Microsoft browser
US astronaut sends first 'tweet' from space
Judge nixes two Bush-era domestic spying cases
Israel pays U.N. $10.5 million over Gaza damage |
Sony Ericsson sees handset market still tough in 2010
Motorola files US complaint against BlackBerry maker RIM
Sony Ericsson sees handset market still tough in 2010
Expert finds vulnerabilities in Microsoft browser |
Former Ariz. congressman plans run against McCain
China says it needs no Internet lessons from U.S. |
Guantanamo deadline passes, closure efforts continue
Balloon boy mom's interviews contradict husband
Calif border inspectors find pot in fish container
Populist Obama vows never to quit the fight
Motorola files U.S. ITC complaint against RIM |
Australia sends air traffic marshals to Haiti
NY dairy farmer kills 51 cows, commits suicide
Former Malaysian monarch dies at 77
Obama wants 'answers' from China over Google attacks
Trial begins in slaying of Kan. abortion provider
China eyes grand plan to develop Tibetan regions
Former Malaysia king dies aged 77
Airliner forced to land after colliding with bird
Prosecutors quiz Japan ruling party "don"
Bristol Palin files for child support
Afghanistan bans fertilizer chemical used in bombs
China slams US criticism of Internet controls
Militants report 15 dead in missile strike
Ex-Pentagon official sentenced to 3 years in China spy case
Toyota's recall may spread to Europe: report
Kazakhstan trims growth forecast
Stars perform, plead for help at telethon for Haiti |
Former Army Top Brass Address Gitmo, Obama And More
Conan O'Brien thanks fans in Tonight farewell |
Lawmakers Increasingly Turning To Cellphone/Texting Bans For Drivers
Stars urge Haiti donations across US networks
Congress Considers Clamping Down On Executive Bonuses
Nick Jonas steps out solo to show Who I Am |
Teen Cop Impersonator In Trouble With Law
Sean Penn witnesses Haiti devastation, shares aid
Toyota Recalls 2 Million Vehicles Over Sticky Gas Pedals
NASA Establishes Ultimate Wireless Connection; World Wide Web Launched In Outer Space
Return to U.S. album summit eyed for Susan Boyle |
Meg Whitman Ahead Of Republican Rival In CA Governor's Race
Storms Bring Threats To Florida, California
Angels & Airwaves plans free digital album release |
Washington Town Drafts 'Sexpresso' Guidelines
Judge says Polanski must return to U.S. for sentencing |
Torrential Rains, Snow Cause Travel Hazards Around California
Conan O'Brien thanks fans in "Tonight" farewell
O'Brien thanks fans, NBC on final 'Tonight' show
Stars urge Haiti donations across US networks
"Guys and Dolls" actress Jean Simmons dies at 80
Stars perform, plead for help at telethon for Haiti
Angels & Airwaves plans free digital album release
Judge cuts $2M penalty in MN song-sharing case
Nick Jonas steps out solo to show "Who I Am"
Donation of Spears' dress OK for Haiti relief
US Marines end role in Iraq; Biden in Baghdad
China says it needs no Internet lessons from U.S.
Iranian train derailment kills at least seven
Bernanke fate in doubt as US Senate opposition swells
Japan ruling party No.2 denies scandal |
Legoland Theme Park To Open In Central Florida
Jay Leno Named Headliner Of White House Correspondents Dinner
Taliban kidnap Afghan district police chief
New "This Is Haiti" PSA Campaign Features Sting, Ben Stiller And Naomi Watts
Bodies pulled from wells after Nigeria clashes |
Madonna's Brother Campaigns To Replace Simon Cowell On "American Idol"
Briton arrested for fraud over bomb detectors
Italian Fashion Group Mariella Burani Seeks To Avoid Bankruptcy
Over 2,000 Karens flee Myanmar army raids |
Clinton Kelly To Host "Miss America: Behind The Curtain" On TLC
John Travolta Starring In New Action Flick "From Paris With Love"
Angelina Jolie Expresses Support Of SOS Children's Villages As Orphan Crisis Escalates In Haiti
Iranian train derailment kills at least seven |
Chris Brown Poses With Beat-Down Gaultier For Awkward Photo
Commonwealth to monitor Rwanda's presidential poll |
Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney Donate $1 Million Each For Haiti Relief Fund
Police chief, 2 officers kidnapped in Afghanistan
'Five jailed' for polluting Chinese city's water
Storm: Arizonans dry out, Californians head home
China pop stars face fine for lip-syncing
Protest turns violent, 2 wounded in Afghanistan
2010 Olympic commemorative stamp debuts in Utah
Obama scrambles to revive economic optimism
Pakistan says reaches out to Afghan Taliban
Japanese prosecutors question ruling party leader
Democrats hope to recover from a lousy week
SKorea reviews NKorea's proposal for talks
5-4 split is the rule in high court's big cases
Cherie Blair to act for Aborigines in nuclear case
Thaksin's 'Red Shirts' rally at Thai golf club
Pakistani c.bank buys 94 bln rupees of govt paper
Actress Jean Simmons dies in California |
Line-up change for S.Korea's Wonder Girls
Conan O'Brien sings his swan song on NBC
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Actress Jean Simmons dies in California
Scientologists 'heal' Haiti quake victims using touch
British actress Jean Simmons dead at 80: report
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01