Iraq: Reality Check

We need to send this to every candidate and ask them for answers. A fantastic summation of everything that has happened through the surge.

 

According to Anderson

From the 360 live blog tonight:

 

Emily

February 25th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

What is going on in Iraq? Can we please see a report from Michael Ware soon. The election coverage is important but please let’s not forget our countrymen and women over there fighting for us. Thank you.

Stacy

February 25th, 2008 10:19 pm ET

I second Emily’s question. Where are the Iraq reports? Anderson, you said a few weeks ago that Michael Ware would be on the show. What happened?

anderson cooper

February 25th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

hey folks.. sorry im just logging on.. hope you had a good weekend… Stacy – we had planned on having Ware on, and then he got sent to pakistan to cover elections there, and our own political coverage took over the broadcast…. im actually hoping to return to iraq myself soon and/or Afghanistan…but i hear you.. we should have some updates from the region.

(our own political coverage took over the broadcast — boy, ain’t that the truth…)

Speaking of ‘back in Baghdad’…

Michael is indeed back in Baghdad, and reported this morning on CNN International about the Turkish incursion into Iraq. (Thanks to jenmelia for the tip!) Nothing so far on Domestic, sadly.

(By the way, I unleashed a bit of a rant on ATC yesterday regarding the presidential elections overriding international coverage this year. If you’re interested, check it out here.)

Meanwhile, back in Baghdad…

From an article just posted on CNN.com:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) – The Mehdi Army cease-fire that has been credited with helping to reduce violence in Iraq since August could end soon, a spokesman for the radical cleric who heads the Shiite militia said Wednesday.

If Muqtada al-Sadr doesn’t extend the cease-fire Saturday, it will end Sunday, a spokesman says.

If Muqtada al-Sadr doesn’t issue a statement by Saturday extending the cease-fire, the freeze will be over Sunday, said Sheikh Salah al-Obeidi, a spokesman for the cleric.

Speaking from Najaf, the Shiite holy city in southern Iraq, al-Obeidi said the message has been conveyed to Mehdi Army members across the war-ravaged nation.

Although the U.S. military has not had contact with al-Sadr, it is encouraging the cleric to continue the cease-fire, saying it would be “a productive and positive step” in rebuilding Iraq, said Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad.

News of al-Sadr’s impending directive came as Smith expressed concern that Shiite militants from the Iranian-backed Special Groups had staged deadly attacks in Baghdad this week.

On August 28, al-Sadr called for a temporary suspension of Mehdi Army activity, including attacks on police and rival factions. At the time, he said the six-month suspension would allow his militia to be restructured.

Read the rest here… 

Reports this morning from Islamabad

Michael was on in the first 15 minutes of American Morning, and will be on again in the second hour. Clips coming soon…

Updated PVV and yesterday’s Breaking News

I’ve uploaded the replacement for the first section of PVV and also added the BN segment from yesterday’s World News.

“Pakistan’s Vital Vote”

The half-hour special aired on CNN/I today. Comment away…(Michael also covered Breaking News earlier today.) 

Finally have something to show off!

Here’s a quick grab from Michael’s report from earlier today. Délie sent the clip and it is converting for upload now.

 

Cal Perry

A very interesting, warm, but ultimately odd post on CNN’s “In the Field” blog today from Baghdad Bureau Chief Cal Perry. I *think* he is leaving Baghdad, but can’t tell for sure…

If he is, Michael may become the new BBC — he has the experience with Time Magazine. However, Arwa Damon has more seniority in Baghdad and also speaks Arabic. So we shall have to wait and see…

That’s assuming Cal is actually leaving. He never comes out and says so, although I think the final line of the post certainly indicates it. More news as the situation becomes clearer…

… and he’s in Pakistan!

Michael will be covering the election in Pakistan next week, including an hour-long special airing on CNN/I called “Pakistan’s Vital Vote.” [Sorry, it's a half-hour show!] A commercial for the show began airing today. Not sure whether we will see it here in the US, but I will, of course (thanks to Délie and Mavis!) have it posted as quickly as possible.