Only one violent incident was reported today. In it, gunmen attacked a Garma checkpoint, where they killed a soldier and wounded three others. Several stories about Iraq’s future prospects surfaced as well. For women and Christians the future looks bleak, but it may be the children of Fallujah who will suffer the most in the coming years as a surge in birth defects looms over them.

Meanwhile, Anbar has tightened security ahead of the New Year’s Day, particularly in Christian areas, while security officials have reopened several roads in Tal Afar thanks to improving conditions. Also, an education official in Khalis has been accused of being a death squad leader.

Read more by Margaret Griffis

• Nine Killed As Iraqi President Demands End to Political Squabbles – May 26th, 2012
• Iraqi Political Coalitions Still Fighting over Maliki’s Right To Lead – May 25th, 2012
• Talabani Threatens To Resign over Political Tensions – May 24th, 2012
• Iraq Bus Bombing Kills Lebanese and Iranian Pilgrims – May 23rd, 2012
• 14 Iraqis Killed As National Alliance Is Asked To Select A Replacement PM – May 22nd, 2012