Republican National Committee Release - 02 16 2006 Iraqfacts

NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13, 2006

“In August 2004, a handful of Iraqi Army Battalions were in the fight. Today there are some 100 Iraqi Ministry of Defense combat battalions in the fight.”

“Iraq’s Election Chief … announc(ed) (the) final certified results for the country’s Dec. 15 parliamentary polls.” (Paul Garwood, “Dec. 15 Iraqi

(Department Of Defense, “Iraq Update,” Press Release, 2/13/06)

Election Results Certified, Key Step In Forming Government,” The Associated Press, 2/10/06)

“In July 2004, there were no operational Army division(s) or brigade headquarters. Today there are 8 brigade headquarters and 37 battalions that have assumed battle space.” (Department Of Defense, “Iraq

Sunni Arabs Won 55 Seats, Three Times The Amount Held In The Outgoing Parliament. (Paul

Update,” Press Release, 2/13/06)

Garwood, “Dec. 15 Iraqi Election Results Certified, Key Step In Forming Government,” The Associated Press, 2/10/06)

“In November 2004, there were about 115,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. Today there are over 227,000 trained and equipped security forces.”

The New 275-Seat Parliament, The First PostSaddam Hussein Assembly, Has A Four-Year Mandate. (Paul Garwood, “Dec. 15 Iraqi Election Results

(Department Of Defense, “Iraq Update,” Press Release, 2/13/06)

“Under Saddam Hussein, Iraqis’ standard of living deteriorated rapidly. Iraq’s per capita income had dropped from $3,836 in 1980 (higher than Spain at the time) to $715 in 2002 (lower than Angola).” (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

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“Today, free elections are transforming Iraq. Economic recovery is also picking up, with GDP growing from $18.9 billion in 2002 to $33.1 billion in 2005.” (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

The Iraqi Stock Market Established In April 2004 Currently Lists Nearly 90 Companies. (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

Certified, Key Step In Forming Government,” The Associated Press, 2/10/06)

“In April 2003, Congress approved approximately $2.5 billion … Through the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF). Today 97% of these funds have been disbursed.” (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

2.7 Million Iraqis Have Benefited From Water Treatment Plants That Have Been Built/Repaired. Almost 5 Million Iraqis Have Benefited From Sewage Plants That Have Been Built/Repaired. (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

The Ministry Of Construction Awarded $70 Million Of The IRRF To Iraqi Contractors With US Oversight Auditing. (“Rebuilding Iraq,” U.S. Department Of State, February 2006)

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