Sunday: 19 Iraqis Killed, 57 Wounded

As U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with the two leading contenders for prime minister, several suicide bombers put a damper on the attempt to reconcile the politicians’ efforts to hasten the formation of the next government. At least 19 Iraqis were killed and 57 more were wounded across the country. Also, two U.S. soldiers were wounded when their convoy came across a roadside bomb.

Saturday: 4 Iraqis Wounded

Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced trip to Iraq to encourage officials to end an impasse preventing a new prime minister from taking office. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met Biden, but separately also met with a congressional committee to reassure them of progress in that selection. Also, at least four Iraqis were wounded in light violence.

Thursday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 29 Wounded

Today’s attacks unsurprisingly targeted Awakening Council (Sahwa), security personnel and even a gold merchant as gunmen continue to stalk Iraq’s politically valuable targets. At least five Iraqis were killed and 29 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry released 198 inmates, mostly in Baghdad and Basra, over a lack of evidence against them.

Tuesday: 21 Iraqis Killed, 36 Wounded

At least 21 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded in a string of attacks that targeted police and other officials. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Maliki met with his rival in talks that could break the political impasse that is fueling some of the violence.

Sunday: 1 US Soldier, 9 Iraqis Killed; 8 Iraqis Wounded

At least five Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in light violence. Also, a U.S. soldier was killed and two more were wounded during a vehicular accident in Diwaniya. Meanwhile, Iraqi journalists continue to suffer harassment from Iraqi officials who see nothing amiss in the arrest of elderly reporters on charges that lack evidence.