U.S.-funded Iraqi reconstruction projects at risk

Hello on this Monday, April 30, 2007. I'm Kristin Volk with a UPI Headline Update.

A new report out says most of the U.S.-funded reconstruction projects in Iraq have failed. CNN reports shoddy maintenance, improper design and substandard materials are to blame for seven of the eight failed developments. The report says the Iraqi government's
lack of maintenance plans for the facilities after its takeover from the U.S. is a major problem. The U.S. is spending $37 million on reconstruction there, and nearly all of that has reportedly been spent.

Weekend fighting in Afghanistan has killed at least 137 members of the Taliban. NATO-led forces and Afghan soldiers are responsible for the fighting that took place in the
southern and western parts of the country. It was reportedly the heaviest blow this year against the Taliban. The violence is part of a plan to drive the regime from opium-producing areas.

GOP support for the Iraq war may be wearing thin. A report says Republicans in Congress have warned they'll change their positions on the war unless the troop surge shows results. Leaders from both parties are looking ahead to September when they'll face their next major decision on Iraq. Army General David Patraeus will report to the
nation then on the troop buildup the president ordered earlier this year.

The Yemen President is meeting with President Bush today for talks at the White House. President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Bush will discuss ways the two countries can cooperate more. They'll also discuss concerns about Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon and Somalia.

Thanks for watching today's top news headline and have a great day!

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News & Politics

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• Taliban
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• Yemen
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