Despite indications of a surge in violence, U.S. President Barack Obama promised to end U.S. combat operations on schedule this month and shift the Iraq mission to civilian and diplomatic efforts. Still, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded in new violence. Meanwhile, Kuwait marked the 20th anniversary of the country’s invasion by Iraqi troops and start of the first Gulf War. Also, Saudi Arabia is welcoming the opportunity to strengthen relations with Iraq and reign in Iran’s influence in the region.
Although the day was marked by light violence, newly released casualty figures for July hinted at a surge in attacks over the last month. Some blamed the increase on the delay in forming a new government. That impasse could soon be overcome as the party that received the third largest number of parliamentary seats today issued a statement completely rejecting P.M. Maliki’s return to the premiership. Should Maliki step aside, it could move the process forward. Only five Iraqis were wounded in today’s reports.
Updated at 9:12 p.m. EDT, July 31, 2010
An unconfirmed message purportedly from Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, who was Iraq’s military commander under Saddam, was released to the media. In it, the voice warned the government of attempting to root out Ba’ath loyalists. At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 39 more were wounded in attacks unrelated to the threatening message. Several of the attacks occurred yesterday but went unreported until today. Separately, an Italian anti-death penalty group reported that state executions rose in number last year.
At a gathering at the Imam Hussein mosque in Karbala Shi’ite cleric Ahmed al-Safi told thousands that the political impasse holding back the new government is causing considerable harm to Iraqis. Meanwhile, at least five Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light prayer day violence. Also, a British inquiry (Chilcot) may recall witnesses including Tony Blair, whose testimony in part contradicted that of other witnesses.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said he is wagering that sectarian violence will not surge after a massive reduction of U.S. combat troops next month. Ahead of that withdrawal, the violence continues. At least 34 Iraqis were killed and 60 more were wounded across the country. Security forces were targeted in several cities.
Updated at 8:21 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2010
At least 35 Iraqis were killed and 60 more were wounded, mostly in two attacks against Shi’ites in Baghdad and Karbala. At a British inquiry, General Richard Dannatt said that the simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan nearly broke the British military in 2006, when he took over as commander. Also, P.M. Maliki blamed foreign influence for a political impasse that many Iraqis view as his party’s own creation.
Updated at 6:10 p.m. EDT, July 27, 2010
Admiral Mike Mullen arrived in Iraq, where he lauded Iraq’s “stunning progress” in security over the last three years, while new attacks left at least seven Iraqis killed and 38 more wounded. Parliament again delayed meeting thanks to a political impasse that threatens long-term security. Meanwhile, inquiries and investigations in the U.K. and U.S. further underscore the lack of accountability in the build-up to the war and in the U.N.’s Oil-for-Food program. Also, the amount of classified documents related to the Iraq War that WikiLeaks is reportedly holding could be three times larger than what was just released on Afghanistan.
Updated at 6:18 p.m. EDT, July 25, 2010
Despite extra precautions, belligerents detonated a car bomb in Karbala. A separate car bomb destroyed the al-Arabiya studios and a lawmaker’s home in Baghdad. At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 88 more were wounded in those two attacks. Curiously, no other attacks in Iraq were reported. Meanwhile, members of the Iraqiya party refuse to allow the political impasse preventing the formation of the next government to become “internationalized.”
Updated at 10:53 p.m. EDT, July 25, 2010
Security has been tightened ahead of Shi’ite religious holiday, but at least 15 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded in unrelated violence. Meanwhile, a State of Law M.P. complained that the delay in forming the government has shaken the international community’s trust in Iraq. Despite that fear, Iraq’s political blocs postponed the parliamentary session by one day to pick a speaker, among other issues plaguing the new parliament. The government, however, was able to make a decision on changing Iraq’s state logo and stamp. Mirroring parliament, the Iraqi Football Association has postponed board elections until further notice.
Three Iraqis were killed and 22 more were wounded in attacks in Mosul and Basra. Meanwhile, the INA’s rejection of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a second term as prime minister could serve as the impetus to help a new coalition of 220 lawmakers resolve the impasse preventing the formation of the next government.
