Topics of importance in the Iraqi press Thursday, besides the "improved" security situation, include development and reconstruction, with some outlets saying if these matters gained momentum, violence would continue to diminish and there would be no need to sign onto a long-term security agreement with the United States. The provincial elections and the status of the city of Kirkuk remain at the forefront of topics covered as well.

Development instead of violence and corruption

The Iraqi people are no longer as easily deceived by political agendas after learning their lessons under foreign occupation, the independent Azzaman newspaper said.

The only way to reach a political consensus between Iraq and the United States is for U.S. officials to reveal their true agenda without putting pressure on the Iraqi government to achieve Washington's goals.