Nations pull back from U S led coalition in Iraq
Italy will start drawing down its 3000 strong force in Iraq in September signaling a fracture in the coalition. Bulgaria urged partial withdrawal and Ukraine brought home its first wave of troops. The moves follow prior withdrawals as casualties rise and public opinion pushes leaders to reduce deployments. Berlusconi linked the pullback to Iraqi security progress while stressing a staged approach.
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Shiite Efforts to Form Iraqi Coalition Break Down
In Baghdad Kurdish and Shiite leaders agreed to convene Iraq's 275 member National Assembly despite failing to reach a final coalition deal. Car bombs killed a U.S. soldier and at least five Iraqis, six American troops wounded, with multiple blasts reported around Baghdad as talks with Kurds and Sunni Arabs collapsed.
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South Korea to aid North Korea in joint economic zone
South Korea will today supply electricity to the North for a planned joint economic zone to foster cooperation. The move highlights differing carrots and sticks strategies as Pyongyang rejects disarmament talks. Condoleezza Rice plans a coordinated Northeast Asia visit to press that no concessions occur until nuclear weapons are abandoned.
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