Thursday, December 22, 2005

Pre-Christmas visits to Iraq as War on Terror continues


Tony Blair in Basra on Thursday
British PM, Tony Blair visited British troops in Iraq today in a surprise visit. It was his 4th visit to the country since hostilities started [Sky News]. He would not be drawn on how soon a troop withdrawal may begin. Donald Rumsfeld also paid a surprise visit to the country in order to boost moral amongst US troops. Also in Iraq Saddam Hussein’s trial continued amid accusations by the main accused that he had been ‘tortured’. The US denies any maltreatment of this high-profile prisoner [BBC]. His trial has been adjourned until 24th January 2006. In London a hearing was heard against Rashid Aswat who is wanted by US authorities in connection with terror related offences. He is accused of attempting to set up a terror training camp in Oregon [BBC]. Also in London a man is set to appear at Bow Street Magistrates court in connection with the 21st July failed terror attacks. Adel Yahya was arrested at Gatwick airport on Tuesday after arriving on a flight from Ethiopia [BBC]. And in final address to the American people, President Bush said the US was still ‘under threat’ and that he was pleased that the patriot act was approved for a further month.
[21:49 GMT 22/12/2005] Posted by Picasa

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