Iraqi Tribes Assist in Arresting Zarqawi's Foreign Fighters

January 27, 2006 --

270 Foreign Fighters Arrested With Help by Al Anbar Tribes
The campaign against Abu Musaab al Zarqawi's al Qaeda in Iraq and its supporters continues for the second day in al Anbar. According to the head of Al Karabla tribes in al Qa'em it resulted in the arrest of 270 Arab and foreign "infiltrators" were arrested along with Iraqis who have helped them. Sheikh Osama al Jad'an told al Hayat they were determined to free al Ramadi from the "terrorist elements." An army officer told the paper that most of those who were arrested were Jordanians, Saudis and Syrians and they were transferred to Baghdad for interrogations. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces supported by the tribes have continued their campaign against the same group in al Ramadi, arresting 200 so far. The tribal leaders in al Anbar are preparing for a dialogue with the government and the multi-coalition forces next week. (Al Hayat)

German Hostages on Al Jazeera
Arabic television network Al-Jazeera television has broadcast a video showing two Germans kidnapped in Baiji this week. (CNN)

U.S. Rebuilding in Iraq Found to Fall Short
Because of unforeseen security costs, haphazard planning and shifting priorities, the American-financed reconstruction program in Iraq will not complete scores of projects that were promised to help rebuild the country, a federal oversight agency reported yesterday. (NY Times)

Iraq Minister Escapes Bomb Attack
Iraqi Industry Minister Osama al-Najafi escaped a bomb attack on his convoy north of Baghdad, but three of his bodyguards were killed, officials said. (BBC)

Planted Articles May Be Violation
A 2003 Pentagon directive appears to bar a military program that pays Iraqi media to print favorable stories. (LA Times)

2 Tons of Pot Found in Border Tunnel
Authorities Find More Than 2 Tons of Marijuana in a Tunnel Under the Mexico-U.S. Border. (AP)

EU Inquiry May Call Cheney
Cheney and Rumsfeld may be invited to appear before parliamentary committee investigating rendition flights. (The Guardian)

U.S. Posts Wrong Photo of 'Al Qaeda Operative'
After year and a half, wrong man's photo removed from wanted page. (NBC)

NGOs Say Russian Spy Claim Is Soviet-Style Smear
Russian human rights groups said on Friday Kremlin allegations that they are funded by British spies revived painful memories of Soviet-era smear campaigns. (Reuters)

Benazir Bhutto Sought on Corruption Charges
Interpol issues notices at Pakistan's request seeking arrest of former PM and her husband on corruption charges. (AP)