Today in Iraq

War News for December 30, 2003 Bring ‘em on: Explosion reported in Baghdad. Bring ‘em on: US convoy ambushed in Baghdad. One Iraqi killed, two wounded, including local translator working for US troops. Bring 'em on: Ambush destroys US military vehicle near Fallujah. Bring 'em on: US soldiers attacked in Mosul. CENTCOM reports a US soldier died from illness near Beiji. Analysis: Field-grade Marine officer says it's time to change tactics in Iraq. "But for every reported military success there are also reports of Sunni Iraqis who are angered by tactics like knocking down doors of houses and shops, demolishing buildings, flattening fruit groves, firing artillery in civilian neighborhoods and isolating large segments of the population with barbed wire fences. Whatever the short-term tactical success of these techniques, they present several problems in America's long-term effort to win support of the Iraqi people." Defense Department suspends reconstruction contracting as corruption scandal grows. Gasoline shortages in Iraq. “The gasoline shortage has been acute in recent weeks, producing long lines of cars at gas stations and undermining confidence in an American-led occupation that is struggling to satisfy basic fuel demands nearly nine months after Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled.” As of December 26, 2003, the CPA held 8,732 Iraqi detainees. Report from Karbala. German journalist comments on Bush’s War. “I think the window of opportunity for the creation of a new democratic culture is already closed. Now, you have tribal leaderships trying to play a role, the religious leaders and different sects are coming into the game, and everybody is trying to get a slice of the power. It now seems that Washington is not interested in genuine democracy and has abandoned plans for an early democratic programme, because it fears that most Iraqis will vote for the departure of the Americans.” Interview with Maj. Gen. Eaton. Weekly report from Iraqi Pipeline Watch. Wisconsin Guardsmen at Baghdad orphanage. “Lt. Sheree Gunderson, 26, held Mustafa, who has Down syndrome, while keeping an eye on Omar as he rolled around on the carpet. ‘These two are my boys. This one is sick today, otherwise he's so much fun,’ Gunderson said of Mustafa, who sleepily leaned his head against her neck. ‘I usually make my rounds (with other children) and spoil my two favorites.’” Analysis: The new year for Iraq. “Having found Saddam Hussein if not his weapons of mass destruction, America will focus in the coming year on curbing the insurgency and building an Iraqi government stable and democratic enough to declare the controversial war a success.” Powerful NYT story about a wounded soldier and his family. Crony colonialism in action. Is this kid the best qualified candidate for the job or just the best connected? Casualty Reports Local story: Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Local story: Washington State soldier killed in Iraq. Local story: Massachusetts soldier dies in Iraq. Local story: Texas soldier killed in Iraq. Local story: Three Connecticut Guardsmen wounded in Iraq. Local story: Massachusetts soldier wounded in Iraq. Local story: Mississippi soldier injured in Iraq. Fisher House provides plane tickets for families of wounded soldiers to visit Walter Reed AMC.