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.

In Kirkuk, a Christian man was kidnapped. Separately, Prime Minister Burham Saleh, of the Kurdish Regional Government, reiterated Kurdish claims over the city.

A bomb killed four relatives of a Sahwa member as they were driving in Buhriz.

One soldier was killed and three more were wounded in a roadside bombing in Baaj.

Gunmen shot at a Latifiya souk where they injured two women.

No casualties were reported after a missile attack ear Amara.

Tal Afar is under a vehicle ban.

Two suspects accused of launching rockets at Diwaniya were arrested.

Four rockets aimed at Delta base were confiscated.

Three Iranian pilgrims were killed and 10 more were wounded during a vehicular accident near Hilla.

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