Local Time Line

Mexican President Felipe Calderon will deliver a major speech Thursday, and ahead of that he released video clips touting his priorities — yet none refer to his war on drug cartels. Mexico – Drug cartel – President of Mexico – United States – Organized crime

The U.S. marked on Wednesday the transition to the final phase of the Iraq war, shifting the focus of the remaining 50,000 American troops from combat operations to preparing Iraqi security forces to protect the country on their own. Iraq – United States – Iraq War – Iraqi security forces – Barack Obama

Despite President Barack Obama’s declaration Tuesday of an end to the combat mission in Iraq, combat almost certainly lies ahead. Barack Obama – United States – Iraq – President of the United States – President

Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said on Tuesday Iraq had gained independence with the end of U.S. combat operations and that its security forces would now deal with all threats, whether domestic or from abroad. Iraq – United States – Nouri al-Maliki – Prime minister – Middle East

President Barack Obama rejected criticism of his response to the Gulf oil spill Sunday, saying in an interview on “NBC Nightly News” that his administration jumped on the crisis immediately. Barack Obama – Oilspill – President – Gulf Oil – NBC Nightly News