"A U.S. Embassy official in Baghdad, speaking on condition he not be identified, acknowledged 'unfortunate delays' in issuing special visas, the result of enhanced security clearance procedures, some instituted after the Kentucky arrests. But he said recent changes would speed the process. The State Department's National Visa Center has been ordered to flag special visa applications for expedited action, the official said. And a requirement that Iraqi applicants provide an original signature on certain forms sent to the U.S. has been dropped after Iraqis complained of logistical difficulties. 'We are making changes, ordered at the very highest levels, that will help shave time off the application process,' the official said."