IISS 2008 Regional Security Summit Press Coverage
- 14 Dec 2008 - - Independent on Sunday - Maliki takes revenge over new mandate
It has long been acknowledged that it would take three months for an orderly withdrawal, making it almost certain that the last soldier would be out by March, when US forces are due to take over the base. Speaking at a conference in Bahrain yesterday, Mr Hutton appeared to hint that such an outcome was possible when he said that Britain's future role in Iraq, "if the Iraqis want us to stay", would consist of mentoring and training, with the focus on the officer corps.
Action was called for by Attiyah, wh
- 14 Dec 2008 - - The National - Iraq and the GCC: back into the fold
The fifth Regional Security Summit in Manama is under way, and, perhaps predictably, the US has concentrated the conversation on Iraq. As the focus of US involvement there shifts from military action to reconstruction and political reconciliation, Washington has increasingly sought greater regional involvement in its efforts. The GCC countries in particular have responded positively to calls for reopening of embassies and writing off the massive debt accrued under Saddam Hussein’s regime. But true co-operat
- 14 Dec 2008 - - Bloomberg - Petraeus Sees Routes to Afghanistan Through Ex-Soviet Republics
General David Petraeus, head of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the destruction of NATO equipment in Pakistan this month brings a “new urgency” to finding alternative supply routes into Afghanistan.
- 14 Dec 2008 - - Bloomberg - Petraeus Urges Security Forces to Target Trade Behind Terrorism
“The revenues from some of these activities are in essence the oxygen that keeps various movements alive,” Petraeus said at a security meeting in Bahrain. “These activities must be curtailed if international efforts to combat terrorist financing and thus terrorism are to succeed.”
As part of a speech to delegates from more than 20 countries, Petraeus urged international cooperation on air and air defense systems, maritime protection, intelligence sharing, protection of infrastructure and training.
- 13 Dec 2008 - - Bloomberg - Gates Warns Enemies of U.S. Not to ‘Test’ Obama Administration
“Anyone who thought that the upcoming months might present opportunities to ‘test’ the new administration would be sorely mistaken,” Gates said today at a security conference in Bahrain.
- 13 Dec 2008 - - Bloomberg - U.K. Hopes to Conclude Iraq Pact Talks in Coming Days
When asked today about negotiations on the security deal that will replace the United Nations mandate expiring on Dec. 31, Hutton said, “they’re ongoing, and I hope they’ll be concluded in the next few days.” Hutton spoke at a briefing while attending a security conference in Bahrain.
