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The article describes the relative peace in Iraq in December, but gives reasons why it is too early to be optimistic that the Iraq war is over. As fall began, the death figures for both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians decreased significantly, but military leaders, such as retired General Barry McCaffrey, are cautious. The article lists five issues that leaders are watching, including troop reductions, to gauge the state of the war.

The article reports that space is no longer a safe haven for the U.S. to control military operations without threat. In 2007, China blew up one of its own satellites with a rocket bringing to light the risk of a space arms race during the Iraqi war. The U.S. might lose the advantage in Iraq if Iraqis began to use anti-satellite weapons. The use of satellite communication to guide missiles is one of the advantages the U.S. has over insurgent Iraqi forces. INSET: The Problem of Space Debris.

The article provides a look at anthropologists' research in Baghdad, Iraq. These anthropologists act as advisers and assist the military in understanding the social connections in Iraq to help create alliances, assess intelligence and avoid potentially harmful situations. It is reported that some critics believe that the research in Iraq is actually a covert intelligence operation.

This article looks at the controversy surround the private security people from Blackwater USA whose job it is to provide security for U.S. diplomats in Iraq. The Blackwater employees are the subject of an investigation in the U.S. Congress on charges they abuse their power. It is reported that the employees were involved in 195 incidents since 2005 and in 80 percent of the cases they fired the first shots.

The article considers the report on U.S. progress in the Iraq war submitted by General David Petraeus and questions what the U.S.'s policy on the war will be. Both Petraeus and U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testified that progress toward Iraqi autonomy was uneven at best. To further Iraqi government relations with Islamic factions, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met with Shiite clerics in Karbala, Iraq.

The article examines the work of U. S. military commander in Iraq General David Petraeus. Petraeus has become solely responsible for the Bush Administration's last effort to rescue the war effort. A new security plan that was established in February 2007 called for Petraeus to oversee the establishment of joint security stations that provides round-the-clock security for Baghdad neighborhoods. Petraeus' partner in the new security plan is Middle East expert Ryan Crocker.

The article discusses the war in Iraq. The author presents excerpts from an interview with U.S. Marine Darrell Ray Griffin, who was later shot and killed by sniper fire in Anbar, Iraq. Also discusses are the nightmares and recurring dreams of some of the soldiers. Excerpts from Griffin's diary are also presented.

This article focuses on the increased security the U.S. troops are struggling to employ in Baghdad, Iraq. Al Qaeda groups are using cities that surround Baghdad as staging grounds for attacks, necessitating a U.S. military presence in nearby provinces. The Stryker armored vehicle unit that is previewed in the article speaks of their increasingly wide-ranging missions, which may require tracking Sunni insurgents one day and Shiite militia the next.

The article reports on the Iraqi province of Baqubah, whose capital, Diyala, is second only to Baghdad in the rate of crime and kidnappings. The Sunni and Shiite population, once notable for living in harmony, are at odds, as first one faction and then another take precedence through underground military groups like the Shiite Jaish al-Mahdi and the al Qaeda backed Sunnis.

The article explains U.S. President George W. Bush's difficult position with regard to new strategy for the war in Iraq. President Bush met with Defense Secretary Bob Gates and the national security team to discuss options, including a possible economic package as part of a counterinsurgency strategy. A controversial increase in U.S. troops is also a possibility.

The article reports on Kirkuk, Iraq and the fight for control of its oil capital. Tension surrounds a constitutionally mandated vote to determine if Kirkuk should become part of the Kurdish regional government. Ideas from the Iraq Study Group have been protested. There is an ethnic rift between Iraqi Arabs and Kurds. Topics presented include Mahdi Army militia, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the U.S. military, and hydrocarbon laws.

The article analyzes the operations of the Iraq Study Group and the efforts for a potential exit strategies for the United States' campaign in Iraq. Suggestions for strategies run the gamut from a full-on withdrawal of U.S. military forces to increasing the U.S. military presence to diplomatic steps for making accommodations with insurgents. Viewpoints on the various strategies are discussed and critiqued, including the suggestion that the military strategy must force Iraqis to reach a political solution.

The article speculates about comparisons made between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War and between former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson and U.S. President George W. Bush. According to the author, it is the historical parallel that the Bush administration dreads most because of fears that comparisons with Vietnam will cast even more doubt on the conduct of the war in Iraq. Topics such as the roots of war, conflict management, and credibility gaps are explored for both presidencies.

The article discusses the toll war takes on soldiers who return home from combat and the post-traumatic stress disorder that plagues many of them. Soldiers, such as those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, are more likely to return home with vivid memories of the killings and violence they were exposed to, according to Col. Kathy Platoni. United States President George W. Bush has allocated $3.2 billion to the Veteran's Administration's mental health facilities to keep up with current demands. INSET: Stress by Any Other Name.

The article speculates on the decline in the sense of solidarity and confidence that most U.S. citizens felt with one another and with the national government in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It explores the country's initial willingness to accept increased security measures as well as its eagerness to support regime change in Iraq. The article considers U.S. citizens' changing attitudes as time passes and more information about homeland security and foreign policy is revealed.

The article reports that the U. S. has one last plan to stem the spread of civil war in Iraq before the country falls irreparably apart and the U. S. government loses too much public support for its involvement in the country. The plan involves thousands of U. S. and Iraqi troops in house-to-house sweeps of Baghdad, searching for weapons and ammunition. Commanders fear that the plan could alienate Iraqis and acknowledge that it addresses the symptoms of the violence and not the cause.

This article focuses on the current state of the Iraq war. July, 2006, was supposed to be a better month in Iraq, with a new unity government, the death of terrorist Abu Musab Zarqawi, and a joint U.S.-Iraqi security plan to curb bloodshed in Iraq. But July has been more dangerous and deadlier than ever. U.S. President George W. Bush's decision to increase the number of troops in Iraq distresses many Americans about a war that has already claimed 2,500 U.S. soldiers and cost more than $300 billion.

The article discusses the bomb attack in Iraq in June 2006 which killed Iraq's most wanted terrorist Abu Musab Zarqawi. The article details the operation which was eventually responsible for Zarqawi's death but also questions whether or not the death will lead to much, if any, real change in the area of terrorism in Iraq.

The article discusses the lack of an adequate police force in Iraq. Despite efforts to establish order, sectarian violence continues to rise. The author mentions former interior minister Falah al-Naqib, former ministry senior advisor Steve Casteel, current senior advisor Joseph Peterson, and advisor Matt Sherman's role in developing a strong Iraqi police force.

This article is a report on the efforts by the U.S. Army to learn from mistakes that have been made during the war in Iraq. Soldiers are undergoing intensive training at facilities built in the U.S. to recreate conditions in Iraq. New rules of engagement have been developed. There is now an emphasis on stability and security, a close study of counter-insurgency, knowledge of Iraqi culture, the importance of gaining trust and confidence and the improvement of intelligence analysis.

This article presents information about how American troops are assisting Iraqi security forces in cracking insurgency cells. The article provides details of the arrest of members of an insurgent assassination team. The interrogation of the insurgents led to the discovery of a weapons cache. Americans tread a fine line when dealing with local Iraqi police and the Iraqi army. They believe that the local police are mostly corrupt and are working to get police and army units working together against the insurgents.

This article looks at the current status of the war in Iraq, the increasing dissatisfaction with the war by Americans, the progress being made in establishing an independent Iraqi government, and the condition of the infrastructure of the economy of Iraq. U.S. Senator Carl Levin is critical of the Iraq defense ministry and its inability to provide security. The country's electrical supply, sewage and water systems, and oil production are marginal at best. Senator John McCain questions General George Casey and the army's ability to provide security without more U.S. forces.

Focuses on the forthcoming constitutional referendum in Iraq on October 15, 2005. Fear among minority Sunnis that Shiites and Kurds will prosper if the constitution is ratified by a majority of Iraqi voters; Conflict among Iraqi politicians during the constitution-writing process; Review of how the process of choosing a new government and writing a new constitution will start over if Sunnis are unable to galvanize enough voters to defeat the constitution; Comments on the issue from various Iraqi officials.

Focuses on Iraqi bombings and suicide attacks and their effect on the Iraqis and the public support for the war in the United States. Endless wave of car bombings, largely against civilian targets, which has left many Iraqis and Americans in despair; Assertion of U.S. politicians that progress is being made in Iraq; Belief of U.S. generals that the U.S. is fighting two wars in Iraq--one against former members of Saddam Hussein's regime the other against hard-line Islamic extremists; Difficulty in identifying who exactly is carrying out suicide attacks.

Examines efforts of U.S. marines in Fallujah, Iraq, to train Iraqi forces. Challenges; How American officers are trying to create a fresh mind-set; The basic six-week training course; Roles of the Marine advisers and the Marine rifle companies that have formal responsibility for securing Fallujah; Cultural differences; How Fallujah is trying to rebuild after last November's battle between U.S. forces and Sunni insurgents; The rising threat of bomb attacks and growing number of confrontations between Iraqi troops and Fallujah residents; Outlook.

The article profiles medical personnel serving in the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. In Iraq, the United States has created a system of battlefield medicine that has moved doctors and nurses closer to the front lines than ever before. That has resulted in the lowest fatality rate in modern warfare; 98 percent of those wounded have survived. But that heartening number comes only because the medical staff takes extraordinary risks, day after day. On February 21, three U.S. soldiers were killed and eight were wounded when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonated during a medical evacuation. The last time U.S. military doctors, nurses, and medics gained significant battlefield experience was in Vietnam, more than 30 years ago. For many who had been treating healthy young soldiers and their families back home, the transition hasn't been easy. The system treats anyone injured in an incident involving the U.S. military, be it Iraqi civilians caught in the crossfire or insurgents who may have launched the attack.

Examines U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed budget and the deal making that will be needed to get it passed by Congress. Expectation that the fight over the $2.7 trillion budget for 2006 will be impassioned for many reasons including the fact he left out the costs for the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, and more; Questions over the validity of Bush's claim to reduce the deficit in light of increased costs; Expectation of massive cuts in education, veterans healthcare and environmental protection to pay for homeland security and defense; Conservatives who are concerned about the figures.

Examines the result of the Iraq elections on women's rights in the country. Speculation regarding the majority win by the Shiite coalition, suggesting a turn towards conservative Islamic law that give women no rights; Speculation about what role clerics will play in the new government; Some who believe that after years of oppression, the Shiites may reshape Iraq closer to their own religious vision; Details on the power talks behind the scenes for the top posts; Sunni involvement in the political process; Role of the elected women in determining women's rights; Role of the Kurds in perhaps softening the restrictions on women.

This article reports that even before Iraqis justly applauded themselves for having defied the cynics and naysayers with last week's vote, the American commanders had been deeply engaged in a thorough re-examination of their Iraq strategy. The conundrum of Iraq is that the violence has been so bad that U.S. forces have been unable to protect a newborn government still too weak to defend itself. A retired general believes that the United States has a limited window of opportunity, and the evidence appears to back that conclusion: Poll results released by the U.S. coalition just before the election show that only 18 percent of Iraqis in Baghdad and areas nearby support the U.S. presence.

Discusses whether radical Islamist extremism of the al Qaeda variety will prevail over more progressive, tolerant interpretations and uses of the faith in Iraq. Importance of the Shiite Muslims of the Middle East to the outcome of this struggle; Origins of the Shiites; Question as to whether Iraq's Shiite Muslim majority will acquire political influence commensurate with its numbers for the first time in modern Iraqi history; Question as to whether the Shiites will forego triumphalism to support the creation of an inclusive democracy that is respectful of the rights of non-Shiites, Muslim or not; Importance of the United States building bridges to Shiites in the Arab world; Some differences between Shiites and Sunnis.

Reports on the upcoming elections in Iraq, scheduled for January 30, 2005. Concern among Iraqis about whether the elections will lead to peace or more chaos; Reference to the fact that more than eight electoral officials have been killed and hundreds threatened with death; Challenges to holding political rallies because of political assassinations and the threat of car bombs at public gatherings; Potential for the violence in four largely Sunni Arab provinces to keep a significant number of Iraqis from voting; Growth in the Iraqi economy; Increasing numbers of people who have telephones; Description of plans for election day, with more than 5,000 polling centers throughout Iraq open until 5 p.m. to the estimated 14 million eligible voters. INSET: MIXED SIGNALS.

Presents a special report on the scandal over the oil-for-food program in Iraq. Investigations into who is responsible for more than $4 billion in illegal kickbacks on Iraqi oil sales and goods from supplier exporting food, medicine and other materials to Baghdad; Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker who is conducting the investigation for the United Nations; Original goals of the program which was to protect the Iraqi people from economic sanctions imposed by the world community against Saddam Hussein; Mismanagement which was so severe that Saddam and his cronies were able to pocket millions for themselves; Details of evidence uncovered so far; Evidence that committee members were shown proof of the wrongdoing and did not respond; Further investigations.

Focuses on the second term agenda of President George W. Bush. Concern about the situation in Iraq, where insurgents have stepped up their campaign of violence to disrupt the elections scheduled for January 30th; Reference to the fact that most Democrats are united against Bush with regard to his domestic agenda, including an overhaul of Social Security; Bush's belief that there are many opportunities to spread freedom around the world; His focus at home on an "ownership society" in which individuals keep more of their own money; Influence on cultural issues, such as same-sex marriage, cloning, and promoting faith-based institutions; List of Bush's big issues, including Iraq, Social Security, Taxes, Education, Immigration, and Tort Reform; Key people in his administration. INSET: BUSH'S BIG ISSUES.

Focuses on the reorganization of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, which is preparing to return to Iraq. Integration of engineers, tanks and infantry into the same battalions, trained to work as a group; Training of soldiers in support jobs, such as mechanics, supply clerks, truck drivers and cooks, for combat and security; Use of psychological and information operations to win the respect of Iraqis and try to repair the damage done by not paying attention to what the Iraqis thought.

Claims that a trove of secret intelligence reports shows how former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein planned the insurgency in Iraq long before the United States led an invasion into the country. Claim that Hussein dispatched security and intelligence officers to military facilities where they underwent guerrilla training in 2002; Suggestion that Hussein was planning for an insurgency in anticipation of his defeat; Resistance against U.S.-led forces and the creation of a democratic government in Iraq; Reference to classified intelligence reports based on interviews with Iraqis and other sources; Reference to a report by Charles Duelfer, the chief weapons inspector for the Iraq Survey Group; Claim that there are links between Hussein's forces and foreign terrorists such as al Qaeda.

Reports on the efforts of U.S. armed forces in securing Iraq before the scheduled January 30 elections. Assaults carried out by U.S. armed forces on hotbeds of insurgency around Iraq; Plans of the Pentagon to increase the number of troops in Iraq; Concern that the elections will be seen as an American effort influenced by the involvement of U.S. soldiers; Fears that maintaining U.S. troops and military equipment will break the bank.

Profiles American soldiers wounded in the Iraq War and their efforts to create a new life for themselves back in the United States. Challenges faced by the solders; Confusion as to what to do next; Loss of jobs and marriages; Impact of the pain and discomfort they feel; Discussion of the some of the wounds suffered and the impact on family and friends; Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder; Focus on head injuries that are a frequent by-product of the Iraq War; Reflections of some of the solders on their wartime service; Reference to National Guard and Reserve units who never expected to see combat overseas but who make up 40 percent of the troops in Iraq. INSET: LIVES ALTERED BY INJURY.

Reports on the potential involvement of Iran in aiding the anti-U.S. insurgency operating in Iraq. View that the insurgency is greater than expected by the Pentagon; Focus of U.S. commanders on the Sunni triangle; Addition of foreign fighters to the insurgency; Relationship between Iran and the Shiite population in Iraq; Reports which suggest that Iranian intelligence agents planned to assassinate Paul Bremer in Iraq.

Reports on the efforts of the United States Armed Forces to capture the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Description of the city as the forces prepared to begin the attack; Nature of the mission, which is focused on the goal of destroying insurgents that have gathered there; View that the taking of the city may convince Sunni Iraqis to join the political process.

Presents letters to the editor regarding articles in previous issues of "U.S. News and World Report." Several comments on "Making Babies" from the September 27 issue; Opinion regarding "The Great Iraq Debate" from the October 4 issue; "Sending in the Shahwanis," published in the October 4, 2004, issue about military strategy in Iraq; "A Modern Life," published in the October 4, 2004, issue about higher education for Native Americans.

Looks at the difficulties that face teenage women in Baghdad, Iraq. Insecurity and tentativeness of young women in Iraq who are caught in a tide of violence; Pervasive crime, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval that are forcing the young women to abandon whims of childhood and precipitately come of age; How many of them are becoming resentful of America's promise of freedom and democracy; Postponement of the start of this year's classes until mid-October because of continued violence; How women have begun wearing the hijab since the occupation of American troops and the fall of Saddam.

Discusses how the Iraq War will be the central subject in the 2004 presidential debates between George W. Bush and John Kerry. Fact that the volatility in Iraq makes the issue a gamble for both candidates; Their differing views on the war and where they believe it's headed; Which candidate will better protect the United States from terrorism as the essence of the Iraq debate; Similarities in the candidates' worldviews; Kerry's criticism of Bush for alienating traditional allies; How the debate will come down to whether Kerry's new assault on Bush's credibility can be successful. INSET: WHERE THEY STAND FOREIGN POLICY.

Reports on civilian casualties in Iraq and how the United States military is addressing the issue. Statistics on the number of people killed in terrorist and insurgents' attacks and U.S. airstrikes; Idea of Iraqis that the U.S. can stop collateral damage, street crime, and terrorist attacks; Indication that the State Department has asked the Pentagon to curtail airstrikes; View of the military that strikes are effective and have reduced American casualties; Mention of reparations; Comments of Iraq's deputy health minister Ammar al-Saffar and others.

This article discusses mounting casualties, security challenges and the political conundrum of Iraq. The somber 1,000 mark has little military significance, but it's an emotional--and very political--moment for a nation embroiled in both its deadliest military engagement since the Vietnam War and the final stretch of a divisive election campaign. President Bush's advisers claim that most Americans have come to accept that there will be continuing casualties in Iraq and won't be swayed by a milestone like the 1,000 mark.They are also buoyed by recent polls, which show Bush opening a small lead over Senator. John Kerry, especially on the critical issue of handling terrorism. In Iraq, the 1,000th casualty, combined with an alarming spike in the rate at which soldiers are suffering serious injuries, is also a signal that while the transition to an interim government was an important sign of progress, it has done little to undermine the insurgency. The U.S. military acknowledged last week what has been obvious to many in Iraq--that it has little or no control over large swaths of Sunni-dominated areas. Another huge obstacle for the planned election: U.S. officials complain that the United Nations has fallen far behind in its preparations. Very few U.N. staffers are allowed in Iraq, and especially outside central Baghdad, because of security concerns. Most are still working from neighboring Jordan. And with new kidnappings of international aid workers, other humanitarian groups are also re-evaluating their ability to operate inside Iraq. More than a year after U.S. forces seized Baghdad, a study by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies looked at five main sectors--security, governance, economic opportunity, services, and social well-being--and its conclusions were grim. Says Bathsheba Crocker, the project's codirector: "It is worrisome that in all the sectors aside from governance, Iraq is actually moving backward."

Reports on the response of U.S. presidential candidates George W. Bush and John Kerry to the terrorist threat currently facing the United States. Focus during the Republican National Convention on which candidate can keep America safer; Importance for President Bush of voters staying focused on fighting terrorism; Efforts of Kerry to stress other issues, such as the economy and health care while at the same time convincing voters that he's the best man to prosecute the war on terror; Differences in perspective on Iraq; Advantage for Bush as commander in chief during trying times; Contradictions in the voting record of Senator Kerry; Failure of President Bush to achieve consensus on Capital Hill.

Offers a look at the abuse of prisoners by United States soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Testimony of Army Captain Donald Reese regarding his time as warden of part of the prison; Discussion of the investigation into the abuses; Involvement of military intelligence officers in some of the interrogation techniques used in the prison; Testimony given by Brigadier General Janis Karpinski regarding the management of Abu Ghraib; Report that Abu Ghraib was not the only prison where abuses took place in Iraq; Problems with rioting in the prisons; Lack of food supplies at the prisons; Friction between intelligence and military police commanders at Abu Ghraib. INSET: SHINING A LIGHT IN A REAL DARK PLACE.

Discusses the current political situation in Iraq. Criminal charges against former president Saddam Hussein and his senior officials; Challenge for Iraq's new leadership to prove itself; Polls showing support for the interim government in Iraq; Challenges to the government, including a ruined economy, insufficient security forces, and a deadly insurgency; Focus on the new Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.

Provides a close look at the United States effort to defeat Iraq's angry insurgents. Need for offensive operations to be conducted with extraordinary precision and with consideration of the political and psychological ramifications; Concern about the use of multiple car bombs; Expectation that the insurgency will continue; Focus on the commander charged with responding to the day-to-day tumult, General Thomas Metz; Importance of training Iraqi security forces; Importance of improving government services, infrastructure, and the economy.

Reports on the formation of an interim Iraqi government, which is due to take power from U.S. occupation forces on June 30. Observation that the ongoing violence in Iraq poses a fundamental challenge to democratic aspirations; Details of the formation of an eight-member electoral commission that was vetted by the United Nations; Ethnic makeup of the new government; Reasons why former Bush administration favorite Ahmad Chalabi was excluded from the government; Controversy surrounding the appointment of the prime minister, Ayad Allawi; Comments by U.S. President George W. Bush on the role played by UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in the formation of the government; Comments by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the Security Council on the new government; Challenges facing the government, including providing basic necessities and restoring a measure of security to Iraq; Discussion of whether the U.S. Army's use of stop-loss orders -- which stop soldiers serving in Iraq from leaving their units -- is a sign that the military is stretched too thin in Iraq; Comments by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on the need for American troops to remain in Iraq past June 30; Speculation about whether the Iraqis will accept their new leaders. INSETS: PRESIDENT: THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN;PRIME MINISTER: A U.S. FAVORITE.

Offers a look at the transition of power in Iraq, 2004, and the United States President George W. Bush administration. Report that Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called off his uprising in southern Iraq; Shift of U.S. military power in Iraq to Army General George Casey; Discussion of the foreign public opinion of the Bush administration; Decline of U.S. support for the occupation of Iraq; Report that U.S. diplomats are discussing a resolution to govern the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis with members of the United Nations Security Council; Appointment of Iyad Allawi as prime minister of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council. INSET: HANDING OFF THE BALL TO GENERAL CASEY.