Security in Iraq must improve, Rice says

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday ordered new measures to improve government oversight of private guards who protect U.S. diplomats in Iraq, including extensive cultural awareness training for contractors.

The steps, recommended by a review panel she created after last month’s deadly Baghdad shooting involving Blackwater USA that resulted in 17 Iraqi civilian deaths, also include steps to bring the State Department’s rules of engagement into line with those of the military and the organization of “go teams” to investigate incidents in which weapons are discharged.

Another step Rice has ordered is the appointment of a senior diplomat to oversee Iraq security operations, the official said. That job, a temporary assignment for now, will be held by Steve Browning, who is now U.S. ambassador to Uganda.