Month: June 2009

Monday: 1 US Soldier, 14 Iraqis Killed; 13 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 6:40 p.m. EDT, June 29, 2009 With the U.S. withdrawal deadline looming, Iraqi forces spent Monday assuring citizens of their ability to handle security and declared tomorrow “National Sovereignty Day.” At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in the latest attacks. One U.S. soldier was killed in combat yesterday in Baghdad.

The Weeks of Living Dangerously

The armed might of the state (and its auxiliary forces) remains in the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and its “reelected” President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has, according to Neil MacFarquhar of the New York Times, solidified control over the Interior Ministry (which, in turn, controlled the count for the recent presidential election), as … Continue reading “The Weeks of Living Dangerously”

Sunday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded

Updated at 6:30 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2009 Widespread sand storms blanketed much of central and northern Iraq, curtailing attacks, or at least the reports of violence. The storms also delayed the awarding of oil contracts. Iraq forces are using the break, however, to bolster their defenses ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from the cities. Iraq has cancelled leave for all policemen. Gen. Ray Odierno believes the Iraqis are ready for Tuesday’s handover. He also said that a recent surge in attacks would likely hurt extremists more than it does their victims. Still, at least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded across the country.

Saturday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 7 Wounded

Only one Iraqi was reported killed in unusually light violence. Seven more were wounded. No Coalition deaths were reported, but one recently returned soldier may have committed suicide in Virginia. Also, two British hostages recently handed over to British authorities may have been dead as long as 18 months.