0430 GMT November 30, 2003

2 Japanese Diplomats, 7 Spanish Intelligence Agents Killed in Iraq

• CNN says that 2 Japanese diplomats enroute to a reconstruction project were killed near Tikrit, and 7 Spanish intelligence agents were killed in a well-planned ambush 30 km S of Baghdad, and 8th was wounded. Orbat.com's impression is that the men were not intelligence agents in the ordinary sense of the word, but were more akin to analysts who had gone to see local conditions for themselves.

• Attacks against US troops are down from 35 an day to 22, according to the general commanding in Iraq. This indicates that the get-tough US tactics are working; conversely, however, attacks on Iraqis and other foreigners have dramatically increased. 5000 Iraqis are under arrest with trails underway for some, 800 others have been released.

• Orbat.com Opinion: We feel it's despicable that the insurgents are killing people helping rebuild Iraq; on the other hand, when the Shias take power in Iraq - as now seems inevitable - the Sunnis are going to get what they gave. The insurgents are fighting for the lives of their families and their own; they expect to be shown no quarter, and they are giving none.

• Agencies report that Lt.Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, US commander in Iraq, says he has seen no proof of an Al-Qaeda connection with the Iraq insurgents. As far as Orbat.com knows, this is at least the second time a top commander in country has said this, and we wonder how these statements are playing in Washington, DC. We welcome thoughts by informed readers on this matter.

• BBC says President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan has said that Taliban leader Mullah Omar was seen praying at a Quetta mosque. The Pakistan Information Minister says the reports are "irresponsible" and that Pakistan wants good relations with its neighbor.

• BBC reports that the Sri Lanka Prime Minister has rejected a compromise power-sharing arrangement suggested by the President. Orbat.com has not been following this crisis and appreciates articles, letters, or comments from informed persons.

• Please read BBC on the disarmament crisis in Liberia: the original short article provides a better picture than we can manage.

• The UK Observer says that in an effort to smooth over the most contentious issue between the UK and US, all 9 British national detainees will be repatriated to the UK by year's end. The speculation is 7 will have to plead guilty to some charge and serve their sentences in the UK, 2 may be freed outright.

• Agencies report that Japan failed in its attempt to orbit a second pair of spy satellites aimed at observing DPRK when the launch vehicles had to be destroyed 10 minutes into its flight; the first pair is functioning normally.