Report: Insurgent Leader says Talks with U.S. Stopped

October 24, 2006 --

Army Translator Missing in Baghdad
A U.S. military spokesman said Tuesday there had been no word on the fate of a U.S. Army solider reported missing in Baghdad, as troops continued door-to-door searches in the central Karradah district. (AP)

Army General Tells a Little-Known Tale of Pre-War Intelligence on Iraq
He goes by the nickname "Spider." And it's doubtful you've ever heard of him, even though his role in the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has been recounted in two recent exposes about the Bush administration's runup to the Iraq war. (Congressional Quarterly)

Iraqis May Control Security in 12-18 Mos
U.S. officials said Tuesday Iraqi leaders have agreed to develop a timeline by the end of the year for progress in stabilizing Iraq, and Iraqi forces should be able to take full control of security in the country in the next 12 to 18 months with "some level" of American support. (AP)

Iraqi Defense Officials Stole About $800 Million, Says Former Finance Minister
Former Iraqi Finance Minister, Ali Allawi, accused former Iraqi defense ministry officials of stealing up to $800 million from funds meant for the procurement of new weapons. Ali Allawi said in a TV interview on Sunday that only about $400 of the $1.2 billion allotted by the Iraqi government to the country's defense ministry was utilized to buy arms. He insisted that the rest of the money was stolen by the corrupt former defense ministry officials. (RTT News)