Records relating to keyword "Security"
- Iraq Pipeline Watch
Keywords: Oil Infrastructure SecurityTimeline of attacks on Iraqi pipelines, oil installations, and oil personnel, from the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security. Frequently updated.
- Iraq Weekly Status Report
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- Department Of State
Keywords: Reconstruction US Security US GovernmentA valuable, if slanted, compilation of quantitative data, produced weekly by the US State Department. Grouped into the categories of security, democratisation, service provision, economy, law, international engagement, and strategic communications.
- GAO report on key 'benchmarks' for Iraqi government Sep 2007 (04 Sept 2007)
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- Government Accountability Office
Keywords: GAO Security Economic development LegalPublic Law 110-28 contains 18 benchmarks for the Government of Iraq to meet by 1 September 2007. As of 30 August 2007, the GAO assessed that the Iraqi government met 3, partially met 4, and did not meet 11 of its 18 benchmarks.
Benchmarks met:
- the rights of minority political parties in Iraq's legislature are protected.
- Iraq's government has established various committees in support of the Baghdad security plan
- almost all of the planned Joint Security Stations in Baghdad have been established
Benchmarks partially met:
- Enacting and implementing legislation on procedures to form semi-autonomous regions (law passed but not yet implemented)
- Providing three trained and ready brigades to support Baghdad operations.
- eliminating safe havens for "outlaws"
- Equitable allocation and spending of $10 billion in Iraqi revenues for reconstruction projects and essential services
- Violence in Iraq (ORB poll) (Apr 2007)
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- Opinion Polls in Iraq »
- Opinion Research Business
Keywords: Security Opinion pollsThis poll finds skepticism about the 'surge' policy: only 16% believed it would improve security in Baghdad, while 69% believed it would make it worse. However, only 21% would describe conditions in Iraq as 'civil war'.
Views of the government are divided, as regards effectiveness (43% call it very/somewhat ineffective, 46% very/somewhat effective) and corruption (35% believe it is effective in reducing corruption, 49% that it is ineffective or encouraging corruption).
51% believe things are better than under the previous regime, against 23% who think they are now worse.
More details are available from the ORB website
- GAO Testimony: Factors Impeding the Development of Capable Iraqi Security Forces (13 March 2007)
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- Iraqi Politics and Security »
- Security, insurgency, and military tactics »
- Iraqi Military and Security Forces
Keywords: Military Security GAOGAO congressional testimony:
Reports that "as of February 2007, DOD reported that it had trained and equipped 327,000 Iraqi security forces—a substantial increase from the 142,000 reported in March 2005...[and] double that of the 153,000-strong U.S.-led coalition currently in Iraq.
Notes that it is currently impossible for Congress to gauge the readiness of Iraq's security forces since the DOD refuses to release its Transition Readiness Assessments. In addition, "[t]he [Iraqi] Ministry of the Interior does not maintain standardized reports on personnel strength. As a result, DOD does not know how many coalition-trained police the ministry still employs or what percentage of the 180,000 police thought to be on the payroll are coalition trained and equipped.
Also notes that Iraqi units remain dependent upon US-led international forces for their logistical, command and control, including fuel and ammunition, as well as intelligence capabilities.
- Report of the Secretary-General. December 2006-February 2007 (07 March 2007)
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- United Nations Documents »
- C) Secretary General Reports
Keywords: UN Secretary General Humanitarian situation Security"The standard of living of all Iraqis has fallen", according to this report. 1.9 million people are now internally displaced within Iraq, in addition to 2 million Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries. The report also covers recent political developments, the security situation, and UN activities.
- Overview of GAO Findings and Methodology on Iraq (18 Jan 2007)
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- Government Accountability Office
Keywords: Security Reconstruction GAOThis brief document summarises a number of key GAO reports on Iraq since 2003. Also interestingly states that the GAO plans to establish a presence in Iraq from March 2007 (subject to Congress granting them the money).
- Coming to Terms with the Humanitarian Imperative in Iraq (01 Jan 2007)
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- Non-Governmental Organisations »
- International
Keywords: Security NGOs Humanitarian situationSummary of forthcoming study on perceptions of humanitarian needs and activities in Iraq.
Based on interviews with Iraqis, and with NGO workers in Iraq, carried out Oct-Dec 2006 by Iraqi researchers for the Feinstein International Center, Tufts University (USA).
Findings include:
Blurred distinctions between military, political, commercial and humanitarian actors: "Our fieldwork in different regions of Iraq confirms that it is now often virtually impossible for Iraqis (and sometimes for humanitarian professionals) to distinguish between the roles and activities of local and international actors, including military forces, political actors and other authorities, for-profit contractors, international NGOs, local NGOs and UN agencies."
the only exceptions to this (and to the relative lack of aid providers' openness and transparency) were local religious charities and mosques, although these were also subject to some pressure from parties and militias.
importance of perceived neutrality of aid providers. "Neutrality is not an abstract notion in Iraq. Our research indicates an acute readiness among Iraqis to distinguish between aid providers that have taken sides, and those that have not; however, readiness does not necessarily equate to ability."
Decline of 'neutral' aid funding: "important sources of “neutral” funding fell off sharply in mid-2005....Our interviews with a range of humanitarian organizations still operational inside Iraq indicate that since the escalation of inter-communal violence sparked by the Samarah Mosque bombing in February 2006, bilateral donors and ECHO have generally been unresponsive and resistant to operational innovations on the ground."
Declining security situation in centre/south in recent months, accompanied by increasing secrecy and uncertainty amongst aid providers, which hampers their operational effectiveness and their transparency
- Iraq Study Group report (06 Dec 2006)
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Keywords: Security Military US US Government US MandateThe report of the commission, chaired by James Baker and Lee Hamilton, established to recommend changes to US policy in Iraq. Among its 79 recommendations were:
- A "New Diplomatic Offensive", to build support for US policy in Iraq
- An "International Support Group" involving Syria, Iran and other regional powers in the stabilisation of Iraq.
- Renewed efforts for an Israeli-Palestinian peace process
- Future support for the Iraqi government to be dependent on its performance, provinding an incentive for the government to succeed
- Clarification that the US does not seek permanent bases in Iraq, or control of the country's oil
- A constitutional review, considering oil-sharing and the federal structure of Iraq
- More US soldiers attached to the Iraqi military as trainers and advisers
- Transfer of the national and border police away from the Ministry of the Interior
- Nowhere to flee: the perilous situation of Palestinians in Iraq (10 Sept 2006)
Keywords: Refugees Security Human Rights Watch Human rightsThe 34,000 Palestinian refugees in Iraq have become victims of murder, assault and attacks on their buildings. Not only are they (as primarily Sunni) obvious targets for sectarian attacks by Shia militias, but they are also the subject of resentment because of the relatively good treatment they received under Saddam Hussein.
- Report of the Secretary-General (01 Sept 2006)
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- C) Secretary General Reports
Keywords: UN Humanitarian situation Secretary General Security PoliticsThis report covers developments between June and August 2006. It was discussed by the UN Security Council on 14 December, in Meeting 5523
- CSIS: "Dividing Iraq: Think Long and Hard First" (01 May 2006)
Keywords: Strategy Security MilitaryA short article from Anthony Cordesman at the CSIS, arguing against the division of Iraq.
"The US has made serious mistakes in Iraq, and Iraq may well divide on its own. A strategy of dividing Iraq, however, is virtually certain to make things worse, not better, and confront the US with massive new problems in an area with some 60% of the world’s proven oil reserves and 37% of its gas. Even if one ignores the fact that the US effectively broke Iraq, and its responsibilities to some 28 million Iraqis, a violent power vacuum in an already dangerous region is not a strategy, it is simply an abdication of both moral responsibility and the national interest."
- CSIS Report: "Iraq's Evolving Insurgency and the Risk of Civil War" (26 Apr 2006)
Keywords: Security Strategy Insurgency US US GovernmentAn in-depth report from Anthony Cordesman at the CSIS.
This report provides an overview of both how the Iraqi insurgency has moved towards civil conflict from its inception in the spring of 2003 through the first months of 2006, and of the ways in which insurgent tactics and methods have changed over time. It is divided into five general sections:
• The first section examines Iraq under the rule of Saddam, the immediate post-war aftermath and the development of a violent insurgency in the spring and summer of 2003. It chronicles the insurgency’s inception and how it has evolved from 2003 until 2006 and examines Coalition operations to counter it.
• The second evaluates insurgent patterns of attacks, and Coalition and Iraqi casualties. It also examines insurgent tactics, methods of attack, and the political, sychological and informational warfare lessons from 2003-2006.
• The third section assesses the composition of the nsurgency including Iraqi Sunni Arabs (both “Islamists and “Nationalists”), foreign jihadists, and the uncertain status of the Shi’ites. It also addresses the degree to which these factions cooperate or conflict and the role of Iraqi’s neighbors in the insurgency.
• The fourth considers Iraqi views of the threat.
• The fifth and final section offers an assessment of probable outcomes of the conflict and lessons of the war.
- Guardian: 'US postwar Iraq strategy a mess, Blair was told' (14 March 2006)
Keywords: Security Reconstruction MilitaryLeaked memos reported by The Guardian newspaper. 'Senior British diplomatic and military staff gave Tony Blair explicit warnings three years ago that the US was disastrously mishandling the occupation of Iraq.'
- In Their Own Words: Reading the Iraqi Insurgency (15 Feb 2006)
Keywords: Security InsurgencyReport from the International Crisis Group. Full report available in pdf and MS Word formats.
"In Iraq, the U.S. fights an enemy it hardly knows. Its descriptions have relied on gross approximations and crude categories (Saddamists, Islamo-fascists and the like) that bear only passing resemblance to reality. This report, based on close analysis of the insurgents’ own discourse, reveals relatively few groups, less divided between nationalists and foreign jihadis than assumed, whose strategy and tactics have evolved (in response to U.S. actions and to maximise acceptance by Sunni Arabs), and whose confidence in defeating the occupation is rising. An anti-insurgency approach primarily focused on reducing the insurgents’ perceived legitimacy – rather than achieving their military destruction, decapitation and dislocation – is far more likely to succeed."
- The Military Death Toll While Enforcing the Occupation of Iraq: A Data Sheet of US-uk Military Fatalities Post-May 1, 2003 (16 Dec 2005)
Keywords: Military deaths Mortality SecurityCommentry and data on militrary deaths of UK and US personnel since May 1 2003
- Report of the Secretary-General (07 Dec 2005)
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- C) Secretary General Reports
Keywords: UN US Mandate Elections Constitution Security ReconstructionCovers events from 7 September - 7 December 2005. This includes the constitutional referendum (October) and preparations for the 15 December elections, as well as a visit to Iraq by Kofi Annan. The report expresses serious concerns about human rights abuses by both insurgents and government forces. Humanitarian work continues, but is hindered by the security situation.
- Military Review: 'Changing the Army for Counterinsurgency Operations' (Dec 2005)
Keywords: Insurgency SecurityBiting criticism of the US Army's performance in Iraq, published in Military Review by senior British officer Brigadier Nigel Aylwin-Foster.
The BBC News report gives some US reaction.
- US GAO Testimony: 'Rebuilding Iraq: Enhancing Security, Measuring Program Results And Mantaining Infrastructure Are Necessary to Make Significant and Sustainable Progress' (18 Oct 2005)
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- US & UK Government
Keywords: Reconstruction Infrastructure Economic development SecurityReport by the US Government Accountability Office investigating US progress in rebuilding Iraq. Notes the difficulting in maintaining infrastructure projects, and the difficulty of measuring progress. Recommends that Iraq will probably need signifcantly more than the $56bn estimated previously by the World Bank, due to unforseen looting, sabotage and lower than expected oil revenues. Finds that data collected is incomplete, citing for example that the Department of State reports on number of water projects completed, but not on the condition of the water supply to Iraqi people. A summary can be found here.
- Poll for the UK Ministry of Defence (Aug 2005)
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- Opinion Polls in Iraq
Keywords: Opinion polls Insurgency SecuritySecret poll reported in October 2005 in the Daily Telegraph.
"up to 65 per cent of Iraqi citizens support attacks and fewer than one per cent think Allied military involvement is helping to improve security in their country."
Carried out by "an Iraqi university research team".
- Improving security in Iraq (Senate committee hearing) (18 July 2005)
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- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Keywords: Security InsurgencyThis hearing considered four questions:
- Should the coalition revise its current counterinsurgency strategy?
- Could the US press its allies to provide more manpower?
- Should the US reprioritize the training schedule of Iraqi forces?
- Should the President change the force structure of the US presence in Iraq?
Witnesses were Ken Pollack (Brookings), Barry McCaffrey, and Anthony Cordesman (CSIS)
- UN Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 30, JUNE 2005 (07 June 2005)
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- Iraqi Politics and Security
Keywords: Security UN Politics ElectionsUN Document number S/2005/373. "provides a summary of key developments in Iraq, particularly with regard to the political process and regional developments pertaining to Iraq. It also describes the main activities of UNAMI during the period under review, as well as United Nations electoral assistance activities. In addition, it provides an update on security issues, including an assessment of the security situation, an update on security arrangements for the United Nations presence in Iraq and an update on operational issues." Update since March report (S/2005 141).
- 'Vicious Circle: The Dynamics of Occupation and Resistance in Iraq (Part I)' (18 May 2005)
Keywords: Security Insurgency Opinion pollsAn analysis of Iraqi public opinion data and interviews by the Commonwealth Institute.
The analysis suggests that coalition military activity is contributing substantially to anti-coalition sentiments. A "vicious circle" is indicated, whereby counter-insurgent operations create support for the insurgency. The report tracks coalition military activity and relates it to Iraqi discontent and insurgent activity. Differences among Iraqi communities are also assessed.
- Iraq's Evolving Insurgency (16 May 2005)
Keywords: Insurgency SecurityWorking draft of a book by Anthony Cordesman, examining security issues in Iraq. Includes some detail on the politics and organisatin of militant groups in Iraq. Updated versions may be available from the CSIS Iraq page
- Report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (Sept 2004)
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- Opinion Polls in Iraq
Keywords: Opinion polls Reconstruction Security Economic development Infrastructure Civil society Healthcare Education'Progress or Peril? Measuring Iraq’s Reconstruction'
"The report, conducted over six months, measures the progress of Iraq’s reconstruction in security, governance, services, economic opportunity, health care, and education, according to an analysis of hundreds of data points drawn from 60 media sources, 17 public and officials sources, 16 polls, and nearly 400 interviews with Iraqis. The report is based partly on the field research of seven Iraqi interviewers who surveyed hundreds of Iraqis in 15 cities across the country between June 12 and June 27."
- Poll for the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) (May 2004)
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- Opinion Polls in Iraq
Keywords: Opinion polls CPA Politics SecurityPoll commissioned by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA).
Reasearch conducted by the Independent Institute for Administration and Civil Society Studies (IIACSS) for the Coalition Provisional Authority. Sample size of 1093 in Baghdad, Basrah, Mosul, Diwaniyah, Hillah & Baqubah 14 - 23 May 2003.
Daily Telegraph report 'More than half of Iraqis would feel safer without American troops in the country, according to a leaked poll showing that a mere 10 per cent now backed coalition forces.'
- Global Security: Iraq occupation and reconstruction
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- Specialist news about Iraq
Keywords: News Security MilitaryFrequently-updated document collection, mainly on the military aspects of the occupation. Includes a large number of documents from US government bodies.
- Jane's
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Keywords: Security NewsA newsgroup specialising in defence issues. Has a Middle East and North Africa page.
- RAND Review: Iraq and Beyond
Keywords: SecurityThe spring 2006 RAND Review features as its cover story "Iraq and Beyond". The Review is the flagship magazine for the RAND corporation.
- Stratfor
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Keywords: News SecurityA US "business intelligence" company.
- War Report
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Keywords: Military News SecurityFrequently updated collection of articles, analyses, and documents on the Iraq War and Afghan Aftermath.