US, Iraqis to transfer control of Diyala to Sunnis (AP)

AP - The Shiite-led government has demanded control over U.S.-funded Sunni groups that revolted against al-Qaida in Iraq in Diyala province by January — a move that could jeopardize fragile security gains in one of Iraq's most turbulent areas.

Deal on US Troop Withdrawal Spurs Fierce Debate in Iraq (Time.com)
Time.com - How Iraq has been transformed into a nation of SOFA potatoes by the debate over the fate of U.S. forces in the country

Baghdad to kill stray dogs after fatal attacks (AP)
AP - Baghdad authorities announced a campaign on Thursday to kill stray dogs who roam the Iraqi capital in packs, after a spate of fatal dog attacks left children in some neighborhoods fearful of going outside.

Al-Qaeda has been 'dramatically' reduced in Iraq: US general (AFP)

AFP - Al-Qaeda in Iraq's ability to carry out large-scale attacks against civilians, and on US and Iraqi forces, has been "dramatically reduced," a US general said on Thursday.

US charges defense contractor with Afghan murder (AP)
AP - A defense contractor who provided personal security to Afghan and Iraqi leaders has been charged with killing an Afghan civilian.

Mosul, where Iraq's insurgency still rages (AFP)

AFP - The ear-deafening blasts of car bombs targetting US or Iraqi security force patrols shatter the calm daily in Mosul, the northern city which military commanders say is the last urban bastion of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Italian FM urges Iraq protection for Christians (AFP)

AFP - Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini urged the Iraqi government to protect minorities, namely Christians who have suffered a wave of killings, during a surprise visit to Baghdad on Thursday.

US raid kills Iraqi blamed in 2004 reservist death (AP)
AP - An al-Qaida in Iraq leader blamed in the 2004 abduction and murder of an Army reservist and other deadly attacks over several years was killed in an American raid in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Thursday.

Jordan appeals for more aid to help Iraq refugees (AFP)

AFP - Jordan urged the international community on Thursday to provide more aid to countries sheltering hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees uprooted by war.

US, Iraq, Turkey to fight PKK 'terrorists': US embassy (AFP)

AFP - The United States, Iraq, and Turkey have condemned the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a "terrorist organisation" and formed a joint committee to combat them, the US embassy said Thursday.