IRAQ: Marines hope Kelly's Cows help widows, dairy industry

The Marine Corps is trying to ease two problems in Anbar province: the economic straits of Iraqi widows and their children, and the deterioration of the once-thriving dairy industry.

The Marines have purchased 50 cows for 50 Iraqi widows. The Corps is working with Minnesota-based Land O'Lakes Inc., and there is talk of a possible milk-collection facility run by women.

The Iraqis refer to the animals as Kelly's Cows, after the general who championed the idea.

Read the full story in The Times' Business section.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Marines size up cow in Anbar province. Credit: Marine Corps