Amidst a tight race and allegations of ballot fraud, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is forming a committee that will negotiate with other political blocs to build a new coalition government. Final election results are still days away. Meanwhile, light violence left at least three Iraqis dead and four more wounded on the prayer day. Also, the commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq hinted at a need for U.S. combat forces to remain in Iraq after an Aug. 31^st deadline.

A car bomb following prayers in Karbala left two dead and three wounded. 

One boy was killed and his younger brother was wounded in a blast targeting a policeman’s home in Zoubaa.

No casualties were reported after a bomb targeting a U.S. patrol exploded in Nasariya.

Police in Fallujah defused three bombs and captured two suspects.

Thirty-one detainees were released in Ramadi for lack of evidence.

A bomb factory was raided in Qaim.

Seven suspects were arrested across Basra province.

Read more by Margaret Griffis

• HRW Urges Iraq To Stop Executions, Two Men Later Hanged – February 9th, 2012
• Iraq To Limit Foreign Contractors, As Violence Continues – February 8th, 2012
• Iraq: Autonomy-Bid Governor Quits Over Tensions and Violence – February 7th, 2012
• Shi’ite-Led Govt. Still Targeting Rivals, Even As Cabinet Drops Boycott – February 6th, 2012
• Iraqi Town Asks For Help in Removing Landmines – February 4th, 2012