Updated at 8:06 p.m. EDT, June 14, 2010
The new Iraqi parliament met today just long enough to swear in its new members as at least seven Iraqis were killed and 38 more were wounded in attacks around the country. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department wants its own “mini-army” to provide security for its diplomatic staff after the U.S. military withdraws. The U.S. military announced it is removing all hazardous waste it produced during the occupation.
Updated at 7:50 p.m, EDT, June 13, 2010
At least 36 Iraqis were killed and 64 more were wounded in new violence. The lion’s share of the casualties came from a coordinated attack against a bank in Baghdad, just a day before the new parliament is to meet. Meanwhile, a British security contractor is appealing a determination that he is mentally able to stand trial in Iraq in the fatal shooting of two colleagues in Baghdad last summer.
Light violence left at least seven Iraqis dead and another eight wounded as the two leading contender to be the next prime minister met today.
Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six were wounded during a suicide car bombing near the Iranian border. At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 39 more were wounded there and in other attacks across the country. Several attacks on U.S. targets have occurred in recent days.
Updated at 8:30 p.m. EDT, June 10, 2010
At least 18 Iraqis were killed and 46 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, 60 Iraqi asylum seekers were deported from Europe.
Updated at 7:54 p.m. EDT, June 9, 2010
At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded in a string of attacks across the country. Also, the D.O.D. reported that an American soldier was killed in a vehicle rollower near Kuwait City. Meanwhile, a study from the Walter Reed Institute has revealed that mental health problems are common in soldiers returning to Iraq, with as many as 10 percent displaying the effects of war.
Updated at 8:51 p.m. EDT, Across Iraq, at least 15 Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded during a series of attacks that mostly focused on Mosul. Meanwhile, the new parliament will convene its first session next Monday; however, the formation of the new government could take weeks or months. Also, Turkish artillery struck in the Zakho region, but no casualties were reported.
Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says al-Qaeda’s power base in Iraq has been squeezed by a lack of funds and a power vacuum at the top. Despite al-Qaeda weakening, attacks continue to vex Iraq. At least 21 Iraqis were killed and 72 more were wounded in new violence. Also, Iraq lodged complaints with Iran over reports that Iranian troops have crossed the border and started to erect a new fort as part of their operations against Kurdish rebels.
Updated at 9:09 p.m. EDT, June 6, 2010
A spate of attacks focused on Baghdad and surrounding communities. Overall, at least 12 Iraqis were killed and 46 more were wounded in those and other attacks across the country. Meanwhile, a lack of water could fuel Iraq’s next insurgency. Also, cross-border attacks between Turkish forces and the PKK continue in the north.
Updated at 7:55 p.m. EST, June 5, 2010
At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in attacks that included two political assassinations of Iraqiya candidates. In Diyala province, meanwhile, relations between Sunni fighters and the Shi’ite council deteriorated after a call to disarm them. Also, Kurdish officials reported another armed incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan by Iranian troops chasing Party For A Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) rebels.