AUSTRALIA'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER OPINES ON IRAQ

One hundred days after the end of major combat operations in Iraq, Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has lauded the progress towards a brighter future for the nation's people.

Most hospitals, schools and universities have reopened, and water, electricity and sewage services have been restored, Mr Downer said.

But there are almost daily killings of US soldiers and terrorists this week killed 11 people in a bomb blast outside the Jordanian embassy in Baghdad.

"The despicable terrorist bombing in Baghdad on August 7 and other security incidents need to be seen in perspective," Mr Downer said in a statement.

"Instability is now largely confined to Saddam's former powerbase - the arc to the north and west of Baghdad."