Iraq strategy geared to U.S. pullout

BAGHDAD — U.S. commanders plan a summer of stepped-up offensives against Al Qaeda in Iraq as they tailor strategy to their expectation that Congress soon will impose a timeline for drawing down U.S. forces here.

The emphasis on Al Qaeda, described by commanders in interviews here this week, marks a shift in focus from Shiite Muslim militias and death squads in Baghdad. It reflects the belief of some senior officers in Iraq that the militias probably will reduce attacks once it becomes clear that a U.S. pullout is on the horizon. By contrast, they believe Al Qaeda in Iraq could be emboldened by a withdrawal plan and must be confronted before one is in place.

Ford

Ford (NYSE: F) said in March that it will spend $200 million to retool the plant to produce a new, fuel-efficient transmission, after receiving a package of incentives from the state, county and city.

Clermont County also received a $200,000 Roadwork Development Grant for road improvements at the Batavia Industrial Park now under development. The park is being developed to help create jobs after Ford announced it will shut down its Batavia transmission venture in 2008, eliminating 1,700 jobs. A manufactuirng facility operated by 3M also closed in 2006, idling 1,500.