July 21, 2003

United States is creating new Iraqi civil defense force in next 45 days that is intended to free up thousands of American troops for anti-guerrilla missions and put Iraqi face on occupation's postwar security efforts; goal is to field 7,000 American-trained militiamen to protect supply convoys and replace American troops now guarding power plants and ammunition depots; plan has strong support of new Iraqi Governing Council, and goes well beyond proposal under consideration at Pentagon to hire private contractors to provide security at sites around country; Deputy Defense Sec Paul D Wolfowitz, on visit to Iraq, says recruiting Iraqis for security and intelligence tasks is essential for rebuilding of Iraq to succeed; Gen John P Abizaid, new head of US Central Command, concurs; violence in Iraq continues; in latest incidents, two soldiers are killed and one is wounded in ambush near Mosul, and Iraqi driver for United Nations agency dies when convoy is attacked near Baghdad; American administrator L Paul Bremer 3d claims armed resistance to American-led occupation comes from small number of 'professional killers' drawn from remnants of old regime and poses 'no strategic threat' to Americans; cites signs of progress, including restoration of basic services, economic reforms and establishment of Iraqi Governing Council; photos (L)

Work begins on Steiner Studios at Brooklyn Navy Yard, which will include five new sound stages, including largest in northeast; Steiner Equities Group is spending $180 million on project that also includes office complex, production facilities, backlots and related ammenities; believes studio will attract high-end productions of $35 million or more and increase New York City's share of movie industry; photo; rendering (L)

Sports of The Times column by Dave Anderson on improbable upset at British Open by Ben Curtis, world's 396th-ranked player, who outlasts stars in final round to win by one shot; recalls other surprising winners of major titles over last century, but claims Curtis is longest long shot to win major; says this was only Curtis's 16th PGA Tour event, but as British Open Champion, his life has changed forever; photos (M)

A O Scott Critic's Notebook column on British horror film 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle; in virtually unprecedented event, film will be given new four-minute ending during current American theater run; photo (M)

New York Yankees defeat Cleveland Indians, 7-4; photos (M)