Light violence left 10 Iraqis dead and seven more wounded. The worst attack took place in Diyala province. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch warns that Iraq is slipping back into an authoritarian police state despite promises from the U.S. government that it left behind a stable democracy.

Human Rights Watch is accusing the Iraqi government of devolving back into a dictatorship, in marked contrast to other countries benefiting from the "Arab Spring." The international rights group claims that security forces engage in abuse and torture, while Iraqis are losing basic rights, such as free speech.

Iraq has now banned all visits to Saddam’s grave in Auja. Previous bans were ignored.

An attack in Asoud left six dead, including police, Sahwa members, and gunmen.

In Mosul, a car bombing killed three people and wounded about six more. An officer’s house was destroyed but no one was home at the time.

A patrol came under fire in Buhairat. One soldier was killed and another was wounded.

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