Aljazeera.Net - Iraqi armed groups set terms for truce

Eleven armed groups opposed to the Iraqi government, working through mediators, have offered to immediately stop attacks on US-led forces in Iraq if a two-year timetable for the withdrawal of US soldiers is set, AP reports.

They are demanding that the Iraqi government and Washington set the timetable.

In addition to the withdrawal timetable, the anti-US fighters have demanded:

• An end to US and Iraqi military operations against anti-US forces.
• Compensation for Iraqis killed by US and government forces and reimbursement for property damage.
• An end to the ban on army officers from Saddam Hussein's government in the new Iraqi military.
• An end to the government's ban on former members of the Baath Party - which ruled the country under Saddam.
• The release of anti-US fighters in detention.
• Recognition of anti-US groups as legitimate resistance organisations.

Furious Iraq demands apology

Australia's relations with the Iraqi Government were severely fractured yesterday with the Iraqi Trade Minister threatening to ditch all trade deals after Australian military forces opened fire on his bodyguards, killing one and injuring four others.

BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | Karzai criticises foreign tactics

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has urged the international community to reassess how it is fighting the Taleban and their allies.

He said he was not surprised that so many people were being killed in southern Afghanistan.

"I have systematically, consistently and on a daily basis warned the international community of what was developing in Afghanistan... and of a change in approach by the international community in this regard."

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | How a coalition of bloggers is turning the Democratic donkey

My blog isn't one of those mentioned; all the ones in the article are more comprehensive than this little old thing. It's good to see some grass roots activism having an effect, but more needs to be done. It's not just inertia that we're up against. Most of the important decision makers in the Democratic party take campaign contributions from the oil companies and defense contractors that have a stake in the Iraq war and the political status quo. They have money on their side while all we have are ideas and the facts. Obviously they have a big advantage.
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Army Cancels Contract for Iraqi Prison - New York Times
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