10 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The U.S. military said today four U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded when insurgents attacked their patrol north of Baghdad.
The attack happened late on 9 August near the town of Baiji, some 250 kilometers north of the capital.
Today, Iraqi political leaders are expected to meet to continue discussions on drafting a new constitution.
On 9 August, representatives of political factions held a series of meetings on the draft, which must be submitted to parliament by 15 August. Talks on 8 August had been postponed by severe sandstorms that made it impossible for some political leaders to travel to the capital.
Officials have said that federalism, the role of Islam and the distribution of the country's oil wealth are among sticking points in the discussions.
In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said it was important that Iraqi leaders "stay with their timetable" on the constitution.
(Reuters/AFP)
For the latest news and analysis on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".
Today, Iraqi political leaders are expected to meet to continue discussions on drafting a new constitution.
On 9 August, representatives of political factions held a series of meetings on the draft, which must be submitted to parliament by 15 August. Talks on 8 August had been postponed by severe sandstorms that made it impossible for some political leaders to travel to the capital.
Officials have said that federalism, the role of Islam and the distribution of the country's oil wealth are among sticking points in the discussions.
In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said it was important that Iraqi leaders "stay with their timetable" on the constitution.
(Reuters/AFP)
For the latest news and analysis on Iraq, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The New Iraq".