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The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs carries the speech delivered by Mr. Hoshyar Zebar, Minister of Foreign Affairs to the United Nations Security Council. (PS)

Greg Muttitt reports in the Guardian on how oil workers are fighting privatisation in Basra. (AJ)

Iraq Net reports on an international conference on Iraq, co-hosted by the United States and the European Union. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said, “The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for the new Iraqi Transitional Government to present its priorities, vision and strategies for the transition period leading up to the next round of elections toward the end of the year. (PS)

Middle East Quarterly has a fascinating interview with Kanan Makiya, one of Iraq’s most prominent democracy and human rights advocates. His 1989 book, Republic of Fear: The Politics of Modern Iraq offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Saddam Hussein’s Baathist regime.

Iraq Net reports that the UN Security Council has agreed to extend the mandate of multinational forces in Iraq “until the completion of the political process.” Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari called on the United States and other countries to accelerate efforts to help the new government get on its feet: “We need the cooperation of all our neighbours, of the international community, to accelerate this, the process of training, of equipment, of assistance, because that will shorten the mandate of the (multinational force). “We need the continued engagement of the United States in this process. For us this is … Continue reading Iraq UN mandate extended

A decade ago, maybe even five years ago, the story I’m about to tell could never have happened.

The Arab League has agreed to establish representation in Iraq and will send a legal advisor to advice on the writing of permanent constitution in Iraq. (AJ)

The Institute of War and Peace Reporting has launched a important new project – the Women’s Reporting and Dialogue Programme. To receive emails, please subscribe here. IWPR Director Anthony Boden explains the new venture.

Go here here to listen to a discussion between Thomas Carothers and Marina Ottaway editors of Uncharted Journey, a new collection of essays on democracy-building in the Middle East. (AJ)