THE FIRST YEAR

"There is no neutral ground in the fight between civilization and terror, because there is no neutral ground between good and evil".
George W Bush

Idag är det lämpligt att läsa på om Irak. Här är några tips:
Healing Iraq, Irakisk bloggare.
Hammorabi, Irakisk bloggare.
Boots on the ground, Amerikansk bloggare i Irak.
Deeds, Amerikansk bloggare i Irak.
Coalition Provisional Authority
US central command
Today in Iraq, Bra uppdatering om våldshändelserna i Irak.

Summary in English:
Operation Iraqi Freedom Coalition Forces have successfully liberated 25 million Iraqis from the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.

These highlights provide information regarding the accomplishments of the Coalition throughout the past year.

The OIF Coalition is comprised of 34 countries, including 11 NATO countries, and they have provided over 22,000 troops to support the efforts in Iraq. There are two multi-national divisions in Iraq: one led by the United Kingdom in central-south Iraq, and one led by Poland in south Iraq.

The international community has pledged at least $32 billion to improve schools, health care, roads, water and electricity supplies, agriculture and other essential services.

The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the European Union, and 38 countries have pledged to extend loans and grants to Iraq. Other nations are contributing humanitarian assistance, extending export credits and reducing Iraqi debt.

The UN Security Council on Oct. 16, 2003, unanimously approved Resolution 1511 that calls on member states to support the work of the multinational force in Iraq.

Security:

America's armed forces are taking the offensive against remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime and foreign terrorists, leading more than 1,600 patrols a day and conducting an average of 180 raids a week.

45 of the 55 most wanted Hussein regime members have been captured or killed, including the brutal dictator himself, whose capture sent a powerful message to the Iraqi people that the tyranny of the past will never return. The capture of Saddam Hussein provided a boost to intelligence throughout western Iraq.

The quality of intelligence is cascading as a result of the Saddam capture: the intelligence is of higher quality and allows a higher level of captures. Saddam's capture is allowing the Coalition to apprehend more mid-level financiers and organizers.

More than 230,000 Iraqis now provide security for their fellow citizens, and Iraqi security forces now account for the majority of all forces in Iraq. These forces include Iraqi Police, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, Iraqi Border Police, Iraqi Facility Protection Service and the New Iraqi Army.

Law/Governance:

Since July, the 25-person Iraqi Governing Council has had the authority to: name interim Ministers; exercise government oversight; prepare policy initiatives on Iraq’s national security, including reform of the armed forces, police and courts; lead development of a constitution; and approve Iraq's national budget. 24 Iraqi Cabinet Members also contribute to the business of the government.

First time in 13 years, an ambassador to the US was appointed to restore diplomatic relations.

90% of Iraq’s districts have municipal/government councils with more than 19 million Iraqis engaging in local political discourse

Ministry of Justice has established a Council of Judges to oversee the judiciary and prosecutors. Also, defendants are now provided lawyers.

Public Health:

240 hospitals and most of Iraq’s 1200 clinics have reopened. 70 private hospitals are operating

800 tons of high protein biscuits have been delivered to 15 Governorates for malnourished children and pregnant/nursing mothers.

1.09 million humanitarian daily rations have been distributed to date.

22 million children and 700,000 women have been inoculated against diseases since the war; 90% of all Iraqi children now receive routine vaccinations

Pharmaceuticals distribution improved from 0 to 12,000 tons today,
more than $210 million approved for the Iraqi Ministry of Heath for pharmaceutical supplies and equipment, basic health care services, medical equipment and power generators for hospitals

Schools:

Nearly all schools are open and 5.1 million students are attending class

25 Fulbright Scholarships awarded for the first time in 14 years; Fulbright Office added 2 new programs for Iraqis

Over 13,500 school buildings in Iraq; $4.4 million spent to complete 2,299 school renovations; UNICEF and other NGOs are rehabilitating 105 schools; 183K desks, 57K chairs, 61K chalkboards and 25K metal cabinets have been distributed

33,000 teachers and 3,000 supervisors trained in instructional practices and classroom management strategies

Commerce and Trade:

Iraqis use a single, unified currency for the first time in 15 years; 4.6 trillion new Iraqi dinars in circulation

Iraq Stock Exchange will open in April; Iraq Central Bank is fully independent and has been opened since Sept 03;

83% of all pre-war bank branches are open

Umm Qasr Port turned over to Iraqi control in Jan 04

393,950 jobs have been generated

Estimated crude oil export revenues exceed $3.3 billion for Iraqi reconstruction.

Telephone service continues to expand with 95% of service outside Baghdad.

More than 170 newspaper are published in Iraq

Power:

4400 megawatts per day is the current seven-day average, this is up from 300 megawatts per day in 2003.

USAID will spend more than $250 million infrastructure repair funds on power rehabilitation and an additional $75 million allocated to power reconstruction.

Water:

Coalition programs have cleared over 16,500 km of irrigation canals, helping over 10,000 farms

Water storage in most Iraqi reservoirs is approaching historic averages

Rehabilitated water treatment plants will treat nearly 800 million liters/day, benefiting 3.5 million people

90% of Iraqis will have potable water by Apr 05

Quality of Life:

Religious rites are being re-established for all sects.

New Ministry of Housing and Construction has started 1,008 new homes and is working with the UN to start 7 housing projects with 3,528 units

Military Supplies Used:

Item Quantity Dollar Value
MREs 42.1 mil meals $285.0 mil
Bottled water 120 mil bottles $31.0 mil
Cots 342,000 $18.2 mil
Lumber 17.25 mil board-feet $6.9 mil
Plywood 750,000 sheets $10.9 mil
Combat Boots 673,000 pair $48.7 mil
Body Armor 191,000 vests $105.0 mil
Body Armor 361,000 plates $180.5 mil