IRAN: Obama’s Iraq policy speech at Camp LeJeune was closely watched by the Middle East media. Press TV (Iran) saw it as a step in the right direction, although the author pointed out that August 31, 2010 is a later withdrawal date than Obama promised during his campaign.

Press TV also took the opportunity to do a little Bush bashing. They cited a poll with 60% of Americans saying that the Iraq War was “not worth it”.

Press TV article: Obama sets Iraq withdrawal date

Photo of Mosul by Army.mil

IRAQ: Last week three families were dragged from their homes and executed. The murders happened in three provincial cities: Suwaira, Mosul, and Baladroz. All three took place at roughly the same time. The Azzaman English, in an article that reads more like a suicide note than a news story, described the attacks as “a new kind of terror”. The families were not tied to politics or militant groups. The Azzaman refused to reveal the name of the families, or he name of the group responsible, but they ended their report with a disparaging prediction for the Iraqi provinces if Obama withdraws troops.

I’ve read other articles from the sma paper advocating the end of the US Security Deal, but they were focused on more urban areas.

Article from Azzaman English: New way of organized killing sweeps the country