Iraq

(WaPo) US airstrikes up in Iraq. "The U.S.-led coalition dropped 1,447 bombs on Iraq last year, an average of nearly four a day, compared with 229 bombs, or about four each week, in 2006."

(WaPo) "Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army's chief of staff, said yesterday he hopes to shorten the 15-month tours in Iraq and Afghanistan this summer." ("Hopes to....")

(CSM) Gates, Petraeus disagree over troop cuts. Petraeus backing down on reducing troop levels this year.

(Reuters) 3 US troops killed, 2 injured by small arms fire in Salahuddin Province. (I think I heard on NPR yesterday that this is being investigated for friendly fire.)

(AP) A female suicide bomber (presumably Sunni) struck "worshippers preparing for Shiite Islam's holiest day" killing 9 in Diyala. (Notable for the female attacker and the incitement of attacking Shia before a religious festival.)