General DAVID PETRAEUS (Commander, Multinational Force Iraq): The operational environment in Iraq is the most complex and challenging I have ever seen.

NPR: Gen. Petraeus Sees 'Vastly More Work' to Do in Iraq

The United States introduced a resolution asking the United Nations to approve the creation of a multinational force in Iraq.

ECONOMIST: After the bomb

America said all 32 countries in the multinational force in Iraq had agreed to make no further concessions to hostage takers .

ECONOMIST: Rapid reaction