http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq) en-us Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:16:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/americans-struggle-to-understand-iraq-war-ten-years-later?start=0 Public opinion surveys in 2011 revealed a majority of Americans felt the US invasion of Iraq was a mistake. War casualties had a major role in shaping Americans' feelings about the war, and now, 10 years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein from power, those sentiments persist. Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:16:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/americans-struggle-to-understand-iraq-war-ten-years-later 2003 invasion of Iraq, Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–present, Saddam Hussein, Iraq War, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Casualties of the Iraq War, Veteran, United States military in Iraq, United States, Voice of America Public opinion surveys in 2011 revealed a majority of Americans felt the US invasion of Iraq was a mistake. War casualties had a major role in shaping Americans' feelings about the war, and now, 10 years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein from power, those sentiments persist. http://news.linktv.org/videos/forgotten-in-iraq-the-struggle-to-help-allies-left-behind-by-us-withdrawal?start=0 Kirk Johnson, a former USAID employee, struggles to help resettle Iraqis whose lives are in danger because of their loyalty to the United States. Is President Obama to blame? <br /> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:04:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/forgotten-in-iraq-the-struggle-to-help-allies-left-behind-by-us-withdrawal Iraq War, Iraqi people, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Post-invasion Iraq, 2003–present, US-Iraq relations, United States Agency for International Development, Assassination, Refugee, Translator, US Government Kirk Johnson, a former USAID employee, struggles to help resettle Iraqis whose lives are in danger because of their loyalty to the United States. Is President Obama to blame? http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-us-candidates-try-to-define-foreign-policy-differences?start=0 In the last of the US presidential debates, have Barack Obama and Mitt Romney convinced voters of their policies on foreign affairs and national security? Shihab Rattansi discusses with Hillary Mann Leverett and Carne Ross. Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:48:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-us-candidates-try-to-define-foreign-policy-differences Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, US presidential election debates, 2012, Foreign policy of the United States, US presidential election, 2012, National security, Politics of the United States, Obama administration foreign policy, Foreign relations of the United States, US-China relations In the last of the US presidential debates, have Barack Obama and Mitt Romney convinced voters of their policies on foreign affairs and national security? Shihab Rattansi discusses with Hillary Mann Leverett and Carne Ross. http://news.linktv.org/videos/vice-presidential-smackdown-full-biden-vs-ryan-debate?start=0 Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan, went head-to-head in the 2012 vice presidential debate in Danville, Kentucky. Moderated by Martha Raddatz, the candidates talked about domestic and international issues, including the attacks on Libya, Medicare, taxes and the deficit, their Catholic faith, and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Fri, 12 Oct 2012 08:59:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/vice-presidential-smackdown-full-biden-vs-ryan-debate Joe Biden, Paul Ryan, US presidential election, 2012, US presidential election debates, 2012, Medicare, Politics of the United States, 2012 US diplomatic missions attacks, Vice President of the United States, US economy, Running mate Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan, went head-to-head in the 2012 vice presidential debate in Danville, Kentucky. Moderated by Martha Raddatz, the candidates talked about domestic and international issues, including the attacks on Libya, Medicare, taxes and the deficit, their Catholic faith, and the Afghanistan withdrawal. http://news.linktv.org/videos/what-does-the-rest-of-the-world-think-about-obamas-presidency?start=0 Barack Obama's victory in 2008 was celebrated around the world by those who saw it as a break with the unpopular Bush legacy of foreign intervention. But his failure to close Guantanamo and the widespread use of drone strikes have tarnished his global image. Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/what-does-the-rest-of-the-world-think-about-obamas-presidency Obama administration foreign policy, Barack Obama, Guantanamo Bay detention camp, Extrajudicial killing, Presidency of Barack Obama, Death of Osama bin Laden, US-Israel relations, Muslim world, Drone attacks in Pakistan, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq Barack Obama's victory in 2008 was celebrated around the world by those who saw it as a definitive break with the unpopular Bush legacy of foreign intervention. Obama the candidate promised to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, improve relations with the Muslim world, and never degrade civil liberties at the expense of national security expediency. Obama the president, however, has earned low marks from activists and watchdogs, who point out that he has failed to close Guantanamo and launched foreign military actions in the shadows, in the process crafting a doctrine that allows for the extrajudicial killing of American citizens. Patty Culhane reports from Washington DC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/dems-gop-trade-barbs-over-obamas-foreign-policy?start=0 Democrats this week are fighting back against Republicans who have portrayed the Obama administration's foreign policy as weak and unfocused. Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright defended Obama, while also describing GOP policies as outdated. Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:17:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/dems-gop-trade-barbs-over-obamas-foreign-policy Obama administration foreign policy, Madeleine Albright, Barack Obama, Foreign relations of the United States, US presidential election, 2012, New START, Syrian Civil War, Afghanistan War, Iraq War, US-Iran relations Democrats this week are fighting back against Republicans who have portrayed the Obama administration's foreign policy as weak and unfocused. Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright defended President Obama's handling of foreign affairs in an interview with VOA's Carolyn Presutti, while also characterizing GOP policies as outdated. http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-are-us-weapons-causing-birth-defects-in-fallujah?start=0 New research is under way on an alarming increase in birth defects in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. Inside Story Americas discusses if the US is being honest about the weapons it used in the 2004 battle for the city -- and elsewhere. Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:38:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-americas-are-us-weapons-causing-birth-defects-in-fallujah Fallujah, Depleted uranium, Second Battle of Fallujah, Congenital disorder, Iraq War, United States military in Iraq, Iraq, White phosphorus use in Iraq, US-Iraq relations, Raed Jarrar New research is under way on an alarming increase in birth defects in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which reflects elevated levels of radioactivity in the city and across the country. Iraqi doctors have long reported a spike of cases involving severe birth defects in Fallujah since 2004, which are shocking in their severity. So is the US being honest about the weapons it used in the 2004 battle for the city, and in its other theaters of war? Inside Story Americas guests Ross Caputi, Dai Williams, and Raed Jarrar discuss. http://news.linktv.org/videos/latest-iraq-bombings-cause-carnage-reveal-political-failings?start=0 A series of gun and bomb attacks has racked Iraq. More than 100 people are reported to have been killed and 180 injured in at least 19 separate explosions and attacks on Monday morning, officials said. Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:38:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/latest-iraq-bombings-cause-carnage-reveal-political-failings Iraq, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Car bomb, Iraqi security forces, Suicide attack, Iraqi National Guard, Government of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki A series of gun and bomb attacks has racked Iraq for the second straight day, with unidentified gunmen targeting a military base and car bombs exploding in Baghdad, Kirkuk, and elsewhere. More than 100 people are reported to have been killed and 180 injured in at least 19 separate explosions and attacks on Monday morning, officials said. Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-scores-killed-in-wave-of-car-bomb-attacks?start=0 At least 66 people have been killed in 16 separate attacks across the country, including 10 explosions in Baghdad. Many of the dead are Shia pilgrims gathered in the capital for a religious event. It is one of the deadliest days in Iraq since the withdrawal of US forces. Wed, 13 Jun 2012 08:51:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-scores-killed-in-wave-of-car-bomb-attacks Iraq, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Car bomb, Sectarian Violence, Vehicle explosion, Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Shia Islam, Sunni Islam, Sectarianism At least 66 people killed in 16 separate explosions across the country, including 10 in Baghdad, many of them Shia pilgrims gathered in the capital for a religious event. It is one of the deadliest days in Iraq since the withdrawal of US forces. http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-wave-of-bomb-blasts-ahead-of-arab-league-summit?start=0 A string of 16 car and roadside bombs have exploded across across Iraq, claiming the lives of at least 43 people. The deadliest was in the holy city of Kerbala. The blasts come despite heightened security ahead of next week's Arab League summit in Baghdad. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:58:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-wave-of-bomb-blasts-ahead-of-arab-league-summit Iraq, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Karbala, Car bomb, Mahmoudiyah, Improvised explosive device, Explosion, Bomb, Anniversary The latest bomb blast to rip through a city in Iraq exploded in the oil rich province of Kirkuk where police say a total of three explosions killed nine and wounded 39. The string of attacks, say sources have now claimed the lives of at least 39 people, the deadliest in the holy city of Kerbala where at least 13 were killed. Sixteen car and roadside bombs have exploded across the country, one in Mahmudiya in the south killed three people. The blasts come despite heightened security ahead of next weeks Arab League summit in Baghdad. Officials said about 100,000 troops have been deployed to safeguard the politicians. Analysts believe the Iraq government will be in the spotlight as they host the regions leaders for the first time since the withdrawal of US troops in December. http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-presidential-contenders-highlight-foreign-policy-but-do-voters-care?start=0 The economy is a main issue Republican presidential candidates have been using to score points against the president, but the Obama Administration is hoping foreign policy will become a major factor as well. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:20:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-presidential-contenders-highlight-foreign-policy-but-do-voters-care Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012, Foreign policy, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Afghanistan War, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, US-Israel relations, Primary election Republicans in the United States have begun to cast their votes to see who will run against Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election. The economy is a main issue Republican candidates have been using to score points against the president, but when it comes to election time, the Obama Administration is hoping foreign policy will become a major factor as well. Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane reports from Washington. http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-iraqs-political-power-struggle?start=0 Is the arrest warrant for Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq's vice president, politically motivated? Guests discuss the implications of Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki's decision to pursue the case just days after the last US troops withdraw from the country. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:27:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/inside-story-iraqs-political-power-struggle Nouri al-Maliki, Tariq al-Hashemi, Arrest warrant, Iraq, Politics of Iraq, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, US Armed Forces, Sunni Islam, Shia Islam Is the arrest warrant for Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq's vice president, politically motivated? Guests Saad al-Muttalibi, Hiwa Osman, and Ali al-Saffar discuss the implications of prime minister Nouri al-Maliki's decision to pursue the case just days after the last US troops withdraw from Iraq. http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-sectarian-tensions-rise-as-authorities-seek-arrest-of-sunni-vp?start=0 There are fresh fears of a rise in Iraqi sectarian violence after authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Sunni vice president, Tariq al-Hashemi, who is a political rival of the Shia prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:45:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraq-sectarian-tensions-rise-as-authorities-seek-arrest-of-sunni-vp Tariq al-Hashemi, Iraq, Arrest warrant, Sectarian Violence, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki, Politics of Iraq, Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, US-Iraq relations In Iraq, there are fresh fears of a rise in sectarian violence after authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Sunni vice president, Tariq al-Hashemi -- who is a political rival of the Shia prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki. Hashemi has been accused of running a hit squad that assassinated government and security officials. The warrant for Iraq's highest ranking Sunni official was issued a day after US troops left the country prompting the White House to express its concern. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121511?start=32 Iraqis celebrated bringing down the US occupation's flag and raising the Iraqi flag on the last American military base in Iraq, marking the end of the US's presence in the country, reports Al-Alam. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121511 Protest, Iraq, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, West Bank, Baghdad, Politics of Iraq, Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Pakistani Taliban Reporter, Female #1 Iraqis celebrated bringing down the US occupation's flag and raising the Iraqi flag on the last American military base in Iraq, marking the end of the US's presence in the country. The Iraqi public welcomed the news with joyous celebrations across the Iraqi capital. The ceremony was attended by the US secretary of defense and senior Iraqi officers. Reporter, Male #1 The Iraqi flag has replaced the US occupation's flag, raising Iraqi's hope for a better future; a future that does not have room for an occupation. In a ceremony attended by US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the US handed Iraq's sovereignty over to its people. Guest, Male #2 Raising the Iraqi flag and bringing down this damned Zionist-American flag is a victory for the Iraqi people and the Islamic nation. It's not only a victory for Iraqis but also a victory for the Islamic and Arab nations. They saw with their own eyes what the damned occupation has done to Iraq. Guest, Male #3 God willing, raising the Iraqi flag indicates that our flag will continue to fly high against the corrupt Jews and anyone who hates Iraq. God willing, the Iraqi flag will continue to fly high as we achieve victory. Guest, Male #4 We hope the Iraqi people will stand united under the banner "God is great." We also hope to defeat the US. This is the day that the Iraqi people have been waiting for. Reporter, Male #1 The challenges will not end with the withdrawal of the occupation, as seen by some Iraqis. As Iraqis express joy over reclaiming their national sovereignty, achieving a national consensus remains a top priority in the next phase, as confirmed by the government. This news comes despite recent statements and accusations by certain parties trying to disrupt Baghdad's Spring. Guest, Male #5 There have been statements issued by certain senior Iraqi officials against the national consensus. Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutliq described the Iraqi prime minister as a "dictator." The parliament's speaker called on the council of minister to convene in order to discuss the possibility of granting immunity to Americans. Vice President of the Republic Tarek al-Hashemi called on the southern provinces to declare their governorates as separate regions and counter what he referred to as "state terror." All these statements completely contradict the national consensus in Iraq and the ambitions of Iraqis. Reporter, Male #1 The people wanted life, so fate responded. This is how the scene appeared on the Iraqi spectrum, which has been exhausted by the occupation's practices and deceptive projects under the pretext of promoting democracy, which many believe is part of the Zionist-American agendas. National consensus is a demand that must be achieved over the coming phase; a demand that may clash with certain internal agendas influenced by foreign interests. However, achieving a national consensus is a political and popular demand in order to prevent both internal and external crises. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121511?start=219 <p>Iraqis mark end of US military occupation, Bahraini forces clash with protestors attempting to occupy major highway, inside Syria's media war, and more.</p> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121511 Protest, Iraq, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, West Bank, Baghdad, Politics of Iraq, Gaza, Israel, Hamas, Pakistani Taliban Presenter, Female #1 New blasts shocked neighborhoods in Baghdad, martyring and wounding a number of people. This raised a number of questions about the security situation as the US troops continue to withdraw from Iraq. Meanwhile, members of parliament demanded that intelligence and security efforts be exerted to put an end to these attacks. Knowledgeable sources of Iraqi affairs called for the launch of new security efforts to coincide with the US troop withdrawal. Saleh al-Quraishi has the details. Reporter, Male #1 This is the same scenario. Armed groups struck various parts of the country, martyring and wounding a number of people within two days. An explosion detonated by a booby-trapped vehicle targeted a patrol unit in the capital Baghdad. A number of security members were killed and wounded. In Diyala, Salah ad-Din and Anbar, the scene was not much different. These incidents prompted some members of parliament to demand that responsible institutions update their security plan to guarantee security during the celebratory period after the troop withdrawal. Guest, Male #2 (Shawan Mohamed Tah, Member of Parliament) The security situation in Iraq needs a change in strategy. His Excellency the Prime Minister, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, must bear this responsibility. Reporter, Male #1 This escalation of violence coincided with the interior ministry's announcement of capturing the ruler of so called Tariqah al-Naqshabandi terrorist group. However, this kind of announcement is often offset by an increasing number of attempts from so-called sleeper cells to prove their presence. Based on this, security forces face a phase filled with danger after they fully take over the security mission. It will be a real test for the Iraqi forces' capability and readiness. Guest, Male #3 (Halai Jalwa Mur'e, Iraqi Affairs Observer) The violent operations, attacks, and assassinations are not only linked to the US troops' presence. When an individual or a group assassinates a judge, it has nothing to do with the US army. The reasons for the assassination were internal, not foreign. The internal reasons are linked to conflicts in the country among Iraqis. Reporter, Male #1 As the last American soldiers leave Iraq, there will be no more excuses for certain groups to describe themselves as "resistance groups." Knowledgeable sources of Iraqi affairs assert that the next phase will also expose these groups' agendas in the new Iraq. But what are the most prominent factors fueling acts of terror in the next phase? Guest, Male #4 (Dr. Ahmad al-Abyad, Writer and Journalist) There is the fact, as we mentioned, that we are at a political crossroads amid ongoing political disputes. The second fact is that Iraq is still seen as a weak country that lacks strength and prestige, and that doesn't intimidate criminals, as a matter of fact. The third fact is that there are regional disputes that revitalize these groups in Iraq, which is a very important factor. The forth, which is also very important, is that our security operations' administration, if that is the correct name for it, is not at a level that relies on or is based on intelligence. Reporter, Male #2 It is worth mentioning that the foreign troops are progressing towards the final withdrawal, scheduled for the end of this year. Less than 6,000 soldiers remain in Iraq, according to US confirmations. From Baghdad, Saleh al-Quraishi, al-Forat. http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqi-forces-take-over-security-as-us-pulls-out?start=0 US President Barack Obama will today mark the end of the Iraq war with a visit to the Fort Bragg Military base. As US troops complete their withdrawal, the focus now turns to Iraqi forces, and their ability to maintain security. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:23:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/iraqi-forces-take-over-security-as-us-pulls-out Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Iraq, Iraqi Armed Forces, Iraq War, Iraqi Army, Iraqi security forces, US-Iraq relations, Baghdad, Sadrist Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr US President Barack Obama will today mark the end of the Iraq war with a visit to the Fort Bragg Military base. The US is just days away from completing its withdrawal. As troops prepare to leave, the focus now turns to Iraqi forces, and their ability to maintain security. Al Jazeera's Jane Arraf reports from Baghdad. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121411?start=271 Thousands of Fallujah residents have celebrated the withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq. Fallujah was attacked by US forces in 2004 and 2005. The US military killed hundreds of civilians, and the city saw a rise in the number of birth defects afterward. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121411 Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Israel Defense Forces, Jerusalem, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Bahrain Uprising, Al-Shabaab Moving on to other news, thousands of residents of the Iraqi city of Fallujah have celebrated the withdrawal of American soldiers from their country. Demonstrators set the US flag on fire. The demonstrators shouted slogans in support of what they called resistance against American invaders. Fallujah has a population of about half a million people and is located west of the capital Baghdad. The city was attacked by US forces in 2004 and 2005. The US military used white phosphorus against the city and killed hundreds of civilians. The city also saw a rise in the number of birth defects the years following the attacks. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121411?start=350 <p>Egyptians seek more "balanced" vote in second round of parliamentary elections, Obama's speech at Fort Bragg marks end of Iraq war, Syria faces surge of violence as Assad's brigades invade Hama killing 32 civilians, and more.</p> Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121411 Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Israel Defense Forces, Jerusalem, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Bahrain Uprising, Al-Shabaab Nearly nine years after the US-led invasion of Iraq, US President Barack Obama has marked a symbolic end to the war. The president and the First Lady Michelle welcomed some of the last troops returning home at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Obama paid tribute to the troops who died or were injured in the prolonged battle. Nearly 4,500 American service members and 60,000 Iraqis were killed in the aftermath of the invasion. Obama acknowledged that the post-war Iraq is not a perfect place and has many challenges ahead. Still, he argued that Iraq is now a stable country with a government elected by its people. All US soldiers are scheduled to pull out of Iraq by the end of this month. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121211?start=972 Thousands protest Israeli plan to uproot Bedouins from their land, Libyan revolutionary fighters clash with army, Syria holds local elections as violence continues, and more.<br /> Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-121211 Israel, Protest, Iraq, Jerusalem, General strike, Syria, Civilian casualties, Bedouin, Avigdor Lieberman, Temple Mount Live in Washington, a press conference between US President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki after their meeting, of course. A lot of issues mentioned there, the most important including President Obama saying that the two sides have reaffirmed their long-term partnership based on the strategic framework agreement between Washington and Baghdad. He said that "we are planning to develop our cooperation with Iraq in the energy sector, in the military sector and in the security sector." In response to questions about whether US troops will be remaining in Iraq after the complete drawdown or whether there will be permanent bases or not, President Obama did mention there that there will not be any bases in Iraq once the US withdraws completely. http://news.linktv.org/videos/as-the-last-us-troops-prepare-to-leave-what-next-for-iraq?start=0 Scott Peterson goes back to Iraq and talks with locals about what the future holds for them once US troops pull out. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:24:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/as-the-last-us-troops-prepare-to-leave-what-next-for-iraq Iraq, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, US Armed Forces, Iraq War, Iraqi security forces, Politics of Iraq, Withdrawal, Iraqi Army, Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor Scott Peterson goes back to Iraq and talks with locals about what the future holds for them once US troops pullout. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-113011?start=553 Hundreds of Iraqis have taken to the streets to protest the visit by US Vice President Joe Biden. The demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by the December deadline. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-113011 Syrian Civil War, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, US-Pakistan relations, Yemen Uprising, Morocco, Rafik Hariri, Tahrir Square, Al-Shabaab, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People Hundreds of Iraqis have taken to the streets to protest the visit by US Vice President Joe Biden. The demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by the December deadline. The rallies were held in the capital Baghdad as well as the cities of Najaf and Basra. Biden arrived in the country on Tuesday to visit the country's leaders as well as American troops there. Both Baghdad and Washington have failed to come to an agreement on keeping some military presence in Iraq next year. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311?start=1313 For the first time in the last eight years, the Iraqi defense ministry has held a two-day military exercise in the capital Baghdad to show the Iraqi army's readiness for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-112311 Egypt, Egyptian Revolution, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011 Kuwait protests, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Iraqi Army, Saif al-Islam, Egyptian Army The Iraqi defense ministry has organized a military maneuver in Baghdad to show the readiness for the national army for the defense of Iraq. For the first time in the last eight years, the Iraqi defense ministry has held a two-day Military maneuver in the capital Baghdad to show the Iraqi army's readiness for the withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq. The maneuver was carried out with the presence of the US and Iraqi top officers and commanders and the participation of more than 521 Iraqi soldiers from the artillery unit using 90 Artilleries artillery caliber 107and 12 missile launcher caliber 122 mm. The Iraqi deputy chief of staff stated that the Iraqi army has shown its readiness to defend the country.  http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110811?start=1147 Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al-Sabah denied the existence of any plan for the US troops to stay in Kuwait after they withdraw from Iraq, adding that Kuwait will only be a passageway for US troops on their way to the United States. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110811 Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Arab League, Palestinian National Authority, Peace Now, Mordechai Kedar, Bahrain Uprising, Syrian Civil War, Withdrawal of US troops from Iraq Presenter, Female #1 Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak al-Sabah denied the assertion that the US troops will stay in his country after their withdrawal from Iraq. Presenter, Male #1 According to reports by the Kuwaiti state news agency, the minister denied the existence of any plan for the US troops to stay in Kuwait or on Bubiyan Island after they withdraw from Iraq. He indicated that his country will only be a passageway for the US troops to pull out of Iraq on their way to the United States. Acting Minister of Defense Saadoun al-Dulaimi visited Diyala Province to discuss with security leaders the issue of the Iraqi forces and their readiness to take over the security mission after the US troop withdrawal. Presenter, Female #1 The minister briefed the security and military plan laid out by the leadership to confront the security challenges that threaten the stability of the region. Reporter, Male #2 These days, security in Diyala Province has been strong, as the acting defense minister accompanied by security commanders is visiting the province to inspect the security situation. Guest, Male #3 (Saadoun al-Dulaimi, Iraqi Defense Minister) With the help of the good citizens of Diyala Province, as well as the care taken by the security forces in Diyala, we and the security forces managed to make Diyala a truly safe and stable region. God willing, it will also become a prosperous region. Reporter, Male #2 The minister's visit also brought reassurance to the province that the general commander of the armed forces is giving instructions to the local security leaders. He also said that the central government cares a great deal for the province. He expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by members of the security forces in order to make Diyala a safe and secure city. Guest, Male #3 We were reassured by the brothers we have here, most notably in the command center, that they are receiving instructions from the general commander of the armed forces. He pays a great deal of attention to this province and he is grateful for the work done by Diyala's leadership. Reporter, Male #2 During his exceptional visit to the province, the defense minister looked closely at the reality of the security situation and the performance and readiness of the security forces as the US troop withdrawal from Iraq approaches. Iraqiya TV, Duraid al-Baghdadi, Diyala. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110311?start=1337 <p>Pro-democracy activists in Bahrain stage "Flood Manama 3", "Freedom Waves" flotilla sets sail to besieged Gaza, Libya continues to face medical shortages, and more.</p> Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110311 Israel, Iran, Protest, Military strike, 2011 Libyan Uprising, Libya, Nuclear program of Iran, Gaza, Israel Defense Forces, Civilian casualties Presenter, Female #1 US public and political circles have warned that the US troop withdrawal from Iraq is premature because it will leave a security void in the country. Presenter, Male #1 Meanwhile, some Americans support the deployment of US forces in the Arab Gulf countries in order to maintain security in the region. Reporter, Female #2 The painful Iraq war will be over in nine weeks. This is the overall reaction of the American public. However, American newspapers and politicians in Washington believe that the decision was premature, as the US troop withdrawal from Iraq by the end of the year will likely leave a large security vacuum in the region. Time magazine reported that the US must bolster its number of forces in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, in order to maintain a power balance in the region, especially amid claims that the US is delivering Iraq on a sliver platter to Iran. Meanwhile, experts in Washington believe that the US will not abandon Iraq and will not allow anyone to shake its stability. Guest, Male #2 Even though US troops will be pulled out of Iraq, the US will increase the number of its forces in the Gulf in order to reinforce security in the region. For example, there are ground and air forces deployed in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. The US administration is trying to deliver a message to Tehran that the US presence will remain in the region. Reporter, Female #2 However, in a New York Times article entitled "A complicated close for U.S. in Iraq," John F. Burns argued that while the security situation in Iraq may not meet US ambitions, it's still balanced to a large degree. Burns added that previous arguments about the eruption of a civil war or the emergence of a new dictator are no longer sound, adding that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki insists that the new Iraqi institutions, including the armed forces and the supremacy of parliament, are sufficiently rooted deep within Iraqi society. Guest, Male #3 There appears to be a school of thought here in the US, as seen in US media, which believes Iraq is stable and nothing will change that. However, other schools believe that Iraq is not stable and that it is possible the situation may even get worse. For example, from the US perspective, the regime may change from a democratic to an authoritarian or military system. Some expect the security situation to take a turn for the worse after the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq; then later it may either improve or deteriorate further. So there appear to be three schools of thought in the analysis of Iraq's future in the aftermath of the US troop withdrawal from the country. Reporter, Female #2 Most US newspapers confirmed that the US withdrawal decision was an Iraqi internal affairs issue, and that Iraq's future and security hinges on the performance of the government in Baghdad. They added that Washington will continue to monitor the situation remotely, especially considering the US has used everything in its power, including lives and money, to compensate for its mistake of occupying Iraq, according to some. They say, however, that Washington will not abandon democracy in Iraq.