A recent survey of Shia Arabs by World Public Opinion.org finds that more now favor a timetable for withdrawal of coalition forces than did at the start of 2006. A majority appears to favor a one-year withdrawal. If the US-led contingent leaves sooner—say within six months, WPO reports that the Baghdad Shia population fears “an upsurge in inter-ethnic violence.”
The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital is giving a $150 million conditional loan to Rocket Lab meant to increase the launch rate for its new reusable Neutron rocket, which is slated for its first flight next year.