Articles 2.2.2005

WCPO News (with video report), the Cincinatti Post, and WLWT News (with video report) have additional articles on the death of Pfc. James Miller IV, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 1.30.2005. According to his father, "He believed in the mission. He believes he was helping other people -- not just the Iraqi people, but he was there to serve his fellow people in the military." His former High School held a moment of silence in his honor, and plans to start a scholarship fund in his name and plant a memorial tree on the school grounds.
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NBC News has a "Reporters Notebook" article with the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi, discussing the effects the election may have on the insurgency. The article discusses the composition of the region's insurgents, several signs that "the insurgency is losing steam in greater Ramadi", and the Marine's impressions on the opinions of local citizens. One previously unreported note on the composition of U.S. forces in Ramadi: "With one other Marine battalion and five Army battalions, the 2/5 Marines patrol one of Iraq’s most hotly contested areas — the 35 square miles around Ramadi."
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A NY Times article (reg req'd) discusses possible changes in the duties of U.S. forces following the election, particularly transferring some troops from combat operations into training roles for Iraqi forces. The article cites "Classified assessments prepared for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld" that "were based on the military's latest analysis of insurgent strength and the time required to field Iraqi security forces." The article claims that the assesment states that "American forces occupy Falluja, but Iraqi security forces in Anbar's other major city, Ramadi, are projected to assume local control by the end of June."
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Other articles from the region:
- Chicago Tribune (via the Northern Pennsylvania Times-Leader): Election results point to low turnout in most Sunni areas
- Associated Press: Sunni clerics dismiss Iraqi elections
- Washington Times: Sunnis blame government for lack of vote
- Reuters: U.S. Reviews Rebuilding, Gives More Power to Iraqis
- Associated Press: Sunni turnout discouraging, say some Middle Eastern governments
- BBC: Iraq rules out US troop pullout
- LA Times (reg req'd): Shiite Alliance Claims Victory
- Christian Science Monitor: After vote, Sunni bitterness stirs
- Christian Science Monitor: Within Shiite bloc, diverse views emerge
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Families of Fallen Troops Welcome Higher Benefits
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Iraq's Shiites Plan a Humble Rise to Power