Charles Recknagel

Iraq: Soldiers' Deaths Focus Attention On Problems With Army

Two former Iraqi soldiers were shot dead yesterday in Al-Basrah by Iraqi police while demonstrating for back payment of wages. The deaths come at the same time U.S. and Iraqi officials in Baghdad attended a graduation ceremony for rehired soldiers who have completed training as part of the new Iraqi Army. RFE/RL looks at the mixed record of success that has characterized the coalition's strategy of disbanding deposed President Saddam Hussein's huge former army to pave the way for a smaller force loyal to the new Iraqi government.

Iraq: Kurds Press For Substantial Autonomy Within A New Federalist System

Tensions are rising as Iraqi Kurds press their demands for substantial autonomy within a new federal Iraqi state. The demands have sparked deadly confrontations in Kirkuk between Kurdish police and Arab and Turkoman demonstrators demanding the city remain under the control of Baghdad. At the same time, the prospect of an autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan is raising objections from Syria and Turkey, which warn it would increase regional instability.

Iraq: Blair Visits Al-Basrah As British Public Turns Attention To Domestic Issues

British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday made his second visit to post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, telling British soldiers in Al-Basrah that they are helping make the world safe from terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and brutal regimes. Blair has staked his political career on backing the U.S. strategy in Iraq in the face of fierce opposition at home. Will his new visit to Iraq give him a boost?

Georgia: Saakashvili Faces No Serious Opposition In Presidential Vote

Georgia holds presidential elections on Sunday (4 January). Leading candidate Mikheil Saakashvili appears to face no major opponents as he follows up his success in leading Georgia's "Revolution of the Roses," which ousted veteran President Eduard Shevardnadze in November.

Iraq: U.S. Forces Step Up Arrests Of Insurgents In Wake Of Hussein Capture

U.S.: Government Raises Terrorism Alert To Second-Highest Level, Citing Security Threats

Middle East: Sharon Issues Separation Ultimatum To Palestinians

Iraq: Europe, Washington At Odds Over Possible Death Sentence For Hussein

EU: International Migrants Day Finds Europe Looking At Tougher Asylum Rules

Iraq: Will Hussein's Capture Clear Up Confusion About Alleged WMD?

Iraq: Hussein's Capture Not Likely To End Attacks On U.S., Allied Targets

2003 & Beyond: Afghanistan Looks Toward Presidential Elections, Despite Violence

2003 & Beyond: Iranian, North Korean Nuclear Crises Remain Open Issues

Iraq: Militia Members Could Have Role In Establishing Security

Iraq: Sabotage Continues To Block Oil Exports From Northern Fields

Iraq: Hussein's Fedayeen Re-Emerges In Uniform For Samarra Ambush

World: International Charities Face Danger When Seen As Partisan

Middle East: How Is U.S. 'Democratization' Policy Received In The Arab World? (Part 2)

Middle East: The U.S. Proposes A Vision To Democratize Region (Part 1)

Iran: Rights Monitors Concerned Over Fate Of Iranian Student Who Spoke With UN