EFPs: Explosively formed projectiles-utilized by insurgents-a more long-range weapon than an IED

-The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the United States $93.4 billion in 2006.

-The Pentagon projects that $141.7 billion will be spent on war funding in 2007

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF): the name for NATO’s efforts in Afghanistan. It is comprised of 37 countries.

-In the last nine months, ISAF forces have increased in number from 9,000 to 33,000. Recent News-3,200 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division were fully activated and deployed a few days ago as part of the 20,000 troops Bush plans to send to Iraq.

-The United States took command of the ISAF from the British on Feb. 1. U.S. General Dan McNeil replaced British General David Richards.

General David Petraeus: U.S. commander of Multi-National Force in Iraq. He assumed command on Jan. 26.

Islamic Dawa Party: Shi’a political party of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki

Conflict within Iraq is primarily comprised of:1. Sunni vs. Shi’a sectarian violence 2. grassroots insurgency 3. Al Qaeda violence