Iraq – It’s Iraq’s turn (Savannah Morning News)

It’s Iraq’s turn (Savannah Morning News)
WITH THE withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi cities, it is important to remember our soldiers’ sacrifice of blood, tears, toil and sweat that brought us to this point.

Progress to prevail in Iraq, says Biden (The Washington Times)
As anti-American protesters nearby burned a U.S. flag, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. vowed in Iraq on Friday that those seeking to destroy progress will fail but warned the United States would re-evaluate its role in Iraq if there is continued sectarian violence. “President Obama asked me to return to Iraq with a very, very clear message: The United States is committed to Iraq’s progress …

Biden in Iraq: ‘We’re going to be involved’ (Chicago Tribune)
As U.S. military forces withdraw from the urban front lines of a six-year war in Iraq – and prepare to pull out of the country altogether by 2011 – Vice President Joe Biden said today in Baghdad that Americans “stand ready if asked and helpful” to help with the political reconciliation that remains elusive there.

Iraqi Seizes the Chance to Make War Profitable (New York Times)
A once-struggling Iraqi has become rich by working with Americans first as an interpreter and then on construction projects.

Marines launch Afghan counter-insurgency operation (Corvallis Gazette-Times)
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, July 2 Thousands of U.S. Marines descended upon the volatile Helmand River valley in helicopters and armored convoys early Thursday morning, mounting an operation that represents the first large-scale test of the U.S. military s new counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan.

Pleasant Hill farmer serving as ag adviser sees hope of success in rebuilding Iraq (Quincy Herald-Whig)
CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq — A Pleasant Hill farmer working as an agriculture advisor with a provincial reconstruction team in Iraq believes the country will be successful in rebuilding its future, “insha Allah.”

Biden urges Iraqis to heal divisions (Deepika)
BAGHDAD, Jul 3 (Reuters) Iraq has a hard road ahead if it is to heal the divisions that spurred six years of bloodshed and achieve lasting peace, US Vice President Joe Biden said during a trip there today.

Biden greets generals, Iraqi leaders, son (The Washington Times)
Vice President Joe Biden said in Iraq Friday the United States stands “ready if asked and if helpful” as the nation moves toward political reconciliation, but warned of more violence as the U.S. removes troops from the region. “There is a hard road ahead,” Mr. Biden told reporters while meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki. “It’s not over yet.” Mr. Maliki noted “common partnership …

Nation/World update (Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter)
LOS ANGELES The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jacksons home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singers memorial service.

Biden urges Iraqis to heal divisions (The Star)
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq has a hard road ahead if it is to heal the divisions that spurred six years of bloodshed and achieve lasting peace, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said during a trip there on Friday.

AP News in Brief (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune)
WASILLA, Alaska (AP) Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement Friday that she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

Biden Warns Iraq About Reverting to Sectarian Violence (New York Times)
Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. warned Iraqi leaders that the United States would not remain engaged in Iraq if the country reverts to sectarian violence, officials said.

Iraqi political refugees make Texas home (Austin American-Statesman)
Omar Al-Ani had made a good life for his family in Iraq. He was a manager of a family business in trade, construction and security. When U.S. troops arrived in 2003, the company worked with dozens of American companies, including Halliburton Co., supplying construction materials and other services.

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