Month: June 2009

Tuesday: 2 US Soldiers Killed; 4 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 5:23 p.m. EDT, June 2, 2009 A relative quiet day in Iraq hid the grim reality that 5,000 U.S. servicemembers have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The 5,000th death may have been one of two U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq. Four Iraqis were wounded in a pair of minor bombings in Mosul and Mussayab.

Obama Moving Cautiously Toward Normalization With Cuba

Sunday’s announcement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Washington will begin talks with Cuba on bilateral migration issues and resume direct postal service between the two countries suggests the new administration of President Barack Obama intends to proceed cautiously toward normalizing ties with the Caribbean nation, according to veteran experts . The announcement, which … Continue reading “Obama Moving Cautiously Toward Normalization With Cuba”

Navy Vet Who Foiled Israeli Attack Honored

What’s the difference between murder and massacre? The answer is Terry Halbardier, whose bravery and ingenuity as a 23-year-old Navy seaman spelled the difference between the murder of 34 of the USS Liberty crew and the intended massacre of all 294. The date was June 8, 1967; for the families of the 34 murdered and … Continue reading “Navy Vet Who Foiled Israeli Attack Honored”

Monday: 22 Iraqis Killed, 43 Wounded

Updated 8:45 p.m. EDT, June 1, 2009 At least 22 Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded in attacks that included bombings in Baghdad and Mosul. Another mass grave was discovered in Diyala province as well. Meanwhile, a man claiming to be militant leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi released a new audiotape and again denied reports that he is in custody. Iraqi politicians demanded a halt to occupation reparations for Kuwait. And, the Red Cross helped 260 Iranian militants living in Iraq return home.