http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/greenzone/ en-us Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:08:45 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044823/posts The green zone of Baghdad, a highly fortified slice of American suburbia on the banks of the Tigris river, may soon be handed over to Iraqi control if the increasingly assertive government of Nouri al-Maliki, the prime minister, gets its way. A senior Iraqi government official said this weekend the enclave should revert to Iraqi control by the end of the year. “We think that by the end of 2008 all the zones in Baghdad should be integrated into the city,” said Ali Dabbagh, the government’s spokesman. Times Online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044823/posts#comment Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:08:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012154/posts Picture, if you will, a tree-lined plaza in Baghdad's International Village, flanked by fashion boutiques, swanky cafes, and shiny glass office towers. Nearby a golf course nestles agreeably, where a chip over the water to the final green is but a prelude to cocktails in the club house and a soothing massage in a luxury hotel, which would not look out of place in Sydney harbour. Then, as twilight falls, a pre-prandial stroll, perhaps, amid the cool of the Tigris Riverfront Park, where the peace is broken only by the soulful cries of egrets fishing. Improbable though it all may... The Guardian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012154/posts#comment Tue, 6 May 2008 21:40:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008297/posts BAGHDAD - Bombardments by suspected militants killed four U.S. soldiers Monday as troops tried to push Shiite fighters farther from the U.S.-protected Green Zone and out of range of their rockets and mortars. At least 44 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq in April, making it the deadliest month for U.S. forces since September. The U.S. military said three soldiers were killed in eastern Baghdad by indirect fire, a reference to mortars or rockets. The statement did not give an exact location for the attack, but the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City has been the scene of intense fighting... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008297/posts#comment Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:36:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2007779/posts BBC News, Baghdad More than 400 people have died in Sadr City in recent weeks The radical Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has rejected preconditions set by the government for talks to end Iraqi army attacks on his militia force. Prime Minister Nouri Maliki ordered a national crackdown on militias just over a month ago, including on fighters linked to Moqtada Sadr's Mehdi Army. Sporadic fighting between Shia militia and government troops has continued in Baghdad's Sadr City over the weekend. In the latest clashes at least eight people have been killed. This brings the total number of deaths... BBC http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2007779/posts#comment Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:24:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2007764/posts BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A barrage of about a dozen rockets struck near Baghdad's fortified Green Zone diplomatic and government compound on Sunday evening in what appeared to be one of the biggest strikes in weeks. The rockets could be heard whistling past from the east of the Iraqi capital as they flew in the direction of the riverside compound and exploded, Reuters correspondents on the opposite river bank said. The strikes took place during a heavy sandstorm. U.S. forces normally use helicopters to retaliate against fighters who target the Green Zone, but sandstorms prevent the helicopters from flying, letting fighters... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2007764/posts#comment Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:16:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003372/posts U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Declared Ready, With Nudge by RocketsBy Glenn Kessler Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, April 18, 2008; Page A19 The troubled effort to build the giant U.S. Embassy in Baghdad seemed to be months away from completion when a team of top State Department officials flew to Iraq on March 20 to meet with senior staff from the prime contractor, First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting. But as insurgent rockets began to rain down on the flimsy trailers housing diplomats inside the Green Zone, the two sides suddenly found ways to settle many of the major issues... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003372/posts#comment Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:37:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003617/posts WASHINGTON — A Kuwait contractor has concluded the construction of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. On April 14, the State Department issued a certificate of acceptance for the 104-acre, 27 building compound. The $474 million facility is the largest U.S. embassy in the world, with 619 apartments for staffers as well as restaurants, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, volleyball court, and indoor Olympic-size swimming pool. After years of delay, First Kuwaiti General Trading and Contracting completed the design and construction of the new U.S. embassy in Baghdad. The project, plagued by faulty construction and scandal, was certified by the State... World Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003617/posts#comment Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:22:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999276/posts A St. Louis-born U.S. Army colonel was killed in Iraq Sunday, according to his sister, Kathleen King of O’Fallon. Col. Stephen K. Scott, 54, was serving at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad where he was working with Iraqi leaders on weapons intelligence and defense. Scott, who was an avid runner, was in the workout facilities in the green zone when he was killed during a mortar attack, King said. -snip- After basic training, Stephen Scott worked at the Army Aviation and Troop Command facility on Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Louis until it was closed in 1997. He then moved to... St Charles Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999276/posts#comment Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:04:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997793/posts BAGHDAD — Sharp fighting broke out in the Sadr City district of Baghdad on Sunday as American and Iraqi troops sought to control neighborhoods used by Shiite militias to fire rockets and mortars into the nearby Green Zone.But the operation failed to stop the attacks on the heavily fortified zone, headquarters for Iraq’s central government and the American Embassy here. By day’s end, at least two American soldiers had been killed and 17 wounded in the zone, one of the worst daily tolls for the American military in the most heavily protected part of Baghdad. Altogether, at least three American... New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997793/posts#comment Mon, 7 Apr 2008 04:29:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997676/posts 3 US troops killed, 31 wounded in Iraq By KIM GAMEL, Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD - Rockets or mortars slammed into the U.S.-protected Green Zone and a military base elsewhere in Baghdad on Sunday, killing three American soldiers and wounding 31, an official said The attacks occurred as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled Shiite militants in Sadr City in some of the fiercest fighting since radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered a cease-fire a week ago. At least 16 Iraqi civilians were killed in the fighting, according to hospital officials. A military official said two U.S. troops died and 17 were... Yahoo/AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997676/posts#comment Sun, 6 Apr 2008 22:12:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1996994/posts British fear US commander is beating the drum for Iran strikes By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent Last Updated: 1:53am BST 05/04/2008 British officials gave warning yesterday that America's commander in Iraq will declare that Iran is waging war against the US-backed Baghdad government. A strong statement from General David Petraeus about Iran's intervention in Iraq could set the stage for a US attack on Iranian military facilities, according to a Whitehall assessment. In closely watched testimony in Washington next week, Gen Petraeus will state that the Iranian threat has risen as Tehran has supplied and directed attacks by militia... The Telegraph (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1996994/posts#comment Sat, 5 Apr 2008 01:43:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992806/posts WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 – Terrorists launched 11 indirect-fire attacks against civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in Baghdad today. Five indirect-fire attacks struck in the vicinity of the International Zone, killing one civilian and wounding 14. Three indirect-fire attacks struck two U.S. forward operating bases and one joint security station east of the Tigris River, injuring four U.S. soldiers. Five mortar rounds struck two joint security stations and a “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group checkpoint in West Rashid, wounding three Iraqi security volunteers. “These rogue elements are haphazardly firing rockets and mortars, killing and injuring innocent Iraqi... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992806/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:47:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992784/posts WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department has instructed all personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad not to leave reinforced structures due to incoming insurgent rocket fire that has killed two American government workers this week. In a memo sent Thursday to embassy staff and obtained by The Associated Press, the department says employees are required to wear helmets, body armor and other protective gear if they must venture outside and strongly advises them to sleep in blast-resistant locations instead of the less secure trailers that most occupy. "Due to the continuing threat of indirect fire in the International Zone,... AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992784/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:18:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992350/posts Green Zone Hit for Fourth Day This Week 23 minutes ago BAGHDAD (AP) — Shiite militants are hammering the U.S.-protected Green Zone with rockets and mortars for the fourth day this week. Thick, black smoke is billowing from inside the heavily fortified home to the U.S. Embassy and Iraqi government. Embassy spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo says no one has been injured in Thursday's attacks. American military officials say the attacks are coming from breakaway factions of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army. The groups are believed to be funded and trained by Iran. However, Iran has denied the allegations. AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992350/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:51:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992758/posts BAGHDAD - Warning sirens wail and within seconds rockets and mortars strike — sometimes one or two, other times 10 or more. The Green Zone is again a prime target as American and British diplomats, Iraqi politicians, contractors and others struggle to go about their business — always aware that any time they are outside the most fortified buildings there is a chance to be injured or killed. The danger has temporarily reshaped life: Green Zone traffic is minimal, few people venture out on the streets and security precautions — always high — have been boosted. Many diplomats and others... AP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992758/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:24:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992733/posts Haider Al-Assadee / EPA Fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr in Basra< The bold mid-afternoon kidnapping of Tahseen Sheikhly is a sign of the unrest spreading since Iraqi security forces started clamping down on Shiite militiamen in Basra. BAGHDAD -- Rockets and mortars rained down on Baghdad today, and a high-ranking Iraqi government spokesman was abducted from his home, as violence continued in the wake of a crackdown on Shiite Muslim militiamen. Scores of people have died since the fighting erupted early Tuesday, including at least 51 in the southern oil port city of Basra, where the Iraqi offensive... Los Angeles Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992733/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:58:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992579/posts BAGHDAD, Iraq - Terrorists fired 16 rockets into the International Zone from surrounding Baghdad districts in four separate attacks during the morning and early afternoon of March 26. At approximately 5:30 a.m., five 107 mm rockets impacted the IZ, four more 107 mm rockets struck at approximately 9:15 a.m., three 107 mm rockets in the third attack, and four 107 mm rockets at approximately 2:50 p.m. One Coalition force Soldier, two U.S. civilians, and one Iraqi Army soldier were wounded in the attack. Several structures and one vehicle were also damaged. "These attacks are being conducted by rogue criminal elements,"... Blackanthem Military News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992579/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:04:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992642/posts The State Department confirms that two U.S. citizens have died in Iraq this week from indirect fire by rocket and mortar attacks in the Green Zone. The first person, a contractor for the US Army, died on Monday, March 24, and this afternoon, we have confirmation that another U.S. citizen has died from the latest round of fire. The State Department says of this latest death "no further details, pending notification of next of kin." msnbc http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992642/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:48:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992381/posts Someone get Diane Sawyer a crash course in indirect fire. Discussing this morning the recent flurry of rocket and mortar attacks landing inside the Green Zone in Baghdad, Sawyer supposed that the insurgents had somehow breached the perimeter themselves and fired from inside the US embassy compound! Sawyer spoke with Jonathan Karl during the opening minutes of today’s Good Morning America. DIANE SAWYER: But let’s begin with this breaking news from Iraq, reports that mortars have landed inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad. ABC national security correspondent Jonathan Karl has been working this story. Jonathan, good morning to you.... NewsBusters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1992381/posts#comment Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:18:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991960/posts My window panes rattled again Wednesday morning. That told me two things: Another mortar attack was under way and the mood in the Green Zone was about to change quickly. ADVERTISEMENT Joggers disappear from the streets. People normally walking around in T-shirts and jeans toss on body armor and helmets. Any plans to leave your compound are abruptly canceled. Nerves become strained. E-mails zip between Green Zone pals, asking if anyone was hurt. The war — usually fought on the other side of the 15-foot concrete blast walls — is falling again on Baghdad's famous fortified oasis that includes the... AP/Yahoo News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991960/posts#comment Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:45:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991682/posts An American financial analyst working for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has died of his wounds from an Easter Day rocket attack against the heavily fortified Green Zone, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT Paul Converse, 56, was hit when rockets fired by suspected Shiite militia fighters rained down on the U.S.-protected area in central Baghdad Sunday. His parents, Dick and Leona Converse of Corvallis, Ore., told the Gazette-Times newspaper they learned Sunday that their son had been wounded and likely wouldn't survive. On Monday, two officers from the Oregon Army National Guard arrived at their door to inform them of... AP/Yahoo News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991682/posts#comment Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:38:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991277/posts BAGHDAD (AFP) — Insurgents on Tuesday slammed at least four rockets into the heavily-fortified Baghdad Green Zone, the seat of the Iraqi government and the US embassy, Iraqi and US officials said. At least four Katyusha rockets struck the Green Zone, an Iraqi security official said. The latest assault comes just two days after insurgents fired four waves of rockets and mortars into the area, which once served as Saddam Hussein's presidential compound, injuring six people and damaging buildings. (snip) The top US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, blamed neighbouring Iran for the weekend attacks, saying they were "Iranian-provided,... AFP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991277/posts#comment Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:56:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991096/posts THE top US commander in Iraq blamed neighbouring Iran for rocket attacks over the weekend on the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, in an interview with the BBC. General David Petraeus said that the rockets "were Iranian-provided, Iranian-made rockets" and added that Iran's actions were "in complete violation of promises made by President (Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad and the other most senior Iranian leaders to their Iraqi counterparts". Each of the four attacks on the Green Zone on Sunday, which in total injured at least four people and damaged buildings, sent staff of the US embassy scurrying for the shelter of nearby... Herald Sun http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991096/posts#comment Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:33:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1990757/posts The most senior US general in Iraq has said he has evidence that Iran was behind Sunday's bombardment of Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. Gen David Petraeus told the BBC he thought Tehran had trained, equipped and funded insurgents who fired the barrage of mortars and rockets. He said Iran was adding what he described as "lethal accelerants" to a very combustible mix. ... In an interview with BBC world affairs editor John Simpson, Gen Petraeus said violence in Iraq was being perpetuated by Iran's Quds Force, a branch of the Revolutionary Guards. "The rockets that were launched at the... BBC http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1990757/posts#comment Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:35:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1990414/posts BAGHDAD - Rockets and mortars pounded Baghdad's U.S.-protected Green Zone Sunday and a suicide car bomber struck an Iraqi army post in the northern city of Mosul in a surge of attacks that killed at least 57 people nationwide. The latest violence underscored the fragile security situation and the resilience of both Sunni and Shiite extremist groups as the war enters its sixth year and the U.S. death toll in the conflict approaches 4,000. Attacks in Baghdad probably stemmed from rising tensions between rival Shiite groups — some of whom may have been behind the Green Zone blasts. It was... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1990414/posts#comment Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:12:05 GMT