Iraq Reaches Security Milestone As Troops Take Hold Of 10th Region -- Also, News Updates For July 16, 2008

Policemen hold Iraqi national flags as they march during a handover ceremony where U.S.-led troops transferred security responsibilities to Iraqi forces in Diwaniya, 150 km (95 miles) south of Baghdad July 16, 2008. Iraq hopes to have security control of all its provinces by the year-end, the national security adviser said on Wednesday, underscoring the government's growing confidence in its own forces. REUTERS/Ali Abu Shish (IRAQ)

From the Times:

Iraq is in control of security in more than half of its provinces for the first time since the 2003 invasion after US-led troops handed over the tenth region at a ceremony today.

With violence dropping nationwide, a senior Iraqi official predicted that the whole country would be secured by Iraqi hands before the end of the year.

The announcement came a day after Democratic hopeful Barack Obama claimed he would withdraw combat brigades from Iraq within 16 months. Mr Obama is expected to pay his second ever visit to Iraq in the coming days as part of a trip to the Middle East and Europe.

Read more ....

More News On Iraq

Iraq takes control of Shiite province from US-led forces -- Yahoo News
Iraq hopes for full security control by year-end -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq eyes full security control by year-end -- MSNBC
US military captures suspected bomb network chief with alleged Iranian training -- International Herald Tribune
Suicide bomber killed dozens of Iraqi Army recruits as a new Diyala offensive looms -- Long War Journal
Two US soldiers killed in Iraq: MNF -- KUNA
Twin Suicide Attacks Kill 28 Iraqi Army Recruits -- Washington Post
Suicide Bombers Kill 35 Iraqi Recruits -- New York Times
Military Surge in Iraq Ends -- Time Magazine
Military surge in Iraq ends; 150,000 troops remain -- Newsweek
U.S. 'surge' in Iraq ends; 150,000 troops remain -- MSNBC
Kurds Protest Iraqi Election Law -- New York Times
Where Iraq and Iran Meet, Uneasily -- Time Magazine
Bush Emphasizes His Opposition to Timetable for Iraq Withdrawal -- New York Times
Obama stands by timetable for Iraq -- LA Times
Brookings Institute Expert See Danger In Obama’s Iraq Plans -- Strata-Sphere
OPINION: The New Reality in Iraq -- Wall Street Journal

My Comment: What a difference a year makes. Violence is still high in many areas of Iraq, but it is now becoming localized in only certain regions. Political infighting is still there, but everyone is now focused on provincial elections in the next few months.

Momentum is clearly shifted to Coalition and Iraqi forces.