Topic: Anbar Province

Iraq election: Purple fingers, but hard work ahead

Despite attacks, triumphant moments unfolded across the country as Iraqis dipped their fingers in purple ink and cast ballots in the Iraq election. Results and voter turnout are not expected for at least another day.

Iraq election: Iraqis defy bombs to vote

Some of the polling stations in the Iraq election emptied during the morning’s attacks, but after encouragement from several political leaders, voting seemed to pick up again in the afternoon.

Iraq election: Security forces vote early, smiling and proud

Though several more bombs underscored the persistent insurgent threat to the Iraq election, the attitude among security forces – many of whom couldn't safely wear their uniform in public three years ago – was light-hearted.

As Iraq election election begins, Sunnis decry signs of possible fraud

Iraqi election officials are scrambling to address the complaints of security officials in the mostly Sunni Anbar province, who said that the names of thousands of police and military personnel were missing from polling stations or were registered at voting sites up to 250 miles away.

Opinion: Iraq election: Will hope -- or fear -- sway voters?

Iraqi elections March 7 will be another major test of the country's democratic experiment.

Iraq bomb before election has some fearing new civil war

Just two weeks before crucial Iraq parliamentary elections and amid a dispute over the disqualifications of some candidates with ties to Saddam Hussein's banned Baath party, a suicide bomber killed 11 in Anbar Province. Some in Iraq are worried that the controversial disqualifications are heightening tensions.

Suicide bomb killing 12 rattles Anbar ahead of Iraq elections

The suicide bombing that killed 12 Thursday in the capital of Iraq's Anbar province was intended to discourage Iraqis from voting in the March elections.

Afghanistan summit: Why is the US backing talks with the Taliban?

Heading into this week's summit of Afghan allies in London, the top US general in Afghanistan said he supported President Hamid Karzai's plan to reach out to the Taliban.

To rein in Al Qaeda in Yemen, Britain taps its colonial past

Analysts in the UK says Britain's colonial history in Yemen may give it useful insights and expertise in dealing with the presence of Al Qaeda supporters there.

Ramadi attacks: Is Iraq heading for more sectarian bloodshed?

The two blasts hit government buildings in Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar Province, on Wednesday, leaving more than 20 people dead and nearly 60 people injured. Officials blame Al Qaeda in Iraq for the attacks.

As US withdrawal nears, Iraqi fear of Iran grows

On a tour of Iraq, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to Iraqis about the threat posed by Iran. Iraqis worry that Iran will fill the void left by the withdrawal of US forces.

Is Iraq ready for American investors?

It has big needs, business savvy, and plenty of opportunity, say optimists. But critics are wary.

Obama's new Afghanistan plan may be much like old one

President Obama is expected to announce next week his decision on troop numbers and strategy for the war in Afghanistan. It won't be too different from the policy laid out in March, say experts.

Abu Ghraib attack raises fears of resurgent Al Qaeda in Iraq

The murder of 13 in Abu Ghraib this weekend has some worried that Al Qaeda in Iraq may be exploiting gaps between withdrawing US forces and Iraqi troops not yet ready to stand alone.

US defense bill approves money for Sons of Afghanistan

US defense bill approves money for Sons of Afghanistan

The defense bill signed into law by President Obama Wednesday provides money to pay Afghans to stop fighting. It's modeled after a similar successful effort in Iraq.

Triple bombing kills scores in Iraq's Anbar Province

The attacks are sparking concerns of a return to violence in an area that was the epicenter of the Sunni insurgency until local tribal leaders allied with the US in late 2007.

4,000 US troops to exit sooner from Iraq. More ready for Afghanistan?

By next summer, more than half the US troops in Iraq will have come home. Meanwhile, General McChrystal wants up to 40,000 more in Afghanistan.

Col. Brett Barkey responds to a Monitor news article

Remains of first US Gulf War casualty solve 18 year mystery

The Pentagon once took the unprecedented step of switching Capt. 'Scott' Speicher's status from 'killed in action' to 'missing-captured,' thinking he was alive.

US Marines will exit Iraq by spring of next year

They'll head to Afghanistan, where the fighting seems more in keeping with the Marines' style of focused, shorter missions.

Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.

Vice President Biden welcomes troops home -- Full text