Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s trip to the United States opened the door to criticism from critics who question the ongoing presence of U.S. personnel in Iraq, even if they technically aren’t troops. Diyala province, meanwhile, confirmed it will seek greater autonomy from Baghdad. Also, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new attacks.
read moreIraqi PM Travels To US For Talks, While Kurdish Parties Bicker
Updated at 2:55 p.m. EST, Dec. 11, 2011
At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in new violence. Most of the attacks were small by very targeted. Meanwhile, a delegation of Iraqi politicians, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, traveled to the United States for meetings with their American counterparts and other officials. While political tensions in Kurdistan continue.
read moreBasra Sues To Terminate Baghdad-brokered Oil Contract
Yesterday, Oil Minister Abdul Karim Luaybi complained that Iraqi Kurdistan is not playing by Baghdad’s rules when it comes to oil sales. Now it is Basra’s turn to criticize the ministry for ignoring its own rules. Local politicians are suing the central government because they were not included in negotiations that lead to a deal between Baghdad and its new partners, Shell and Mitsubishi, in the southern oil fields. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest round of attacks.
read moreWith U.S. Withdrawal Looming, Baghdad Asserts Old Goals
With the U.S. military withdrawal less than a month away, the situation with Iranian dissidents livng at Camp Ashraf could be heating up. Meanwhile, the Iraqi oil minister suggested to Kurdistan it either start playing by Baghdad’s rules or become fully independent. Both the residents of Ashraf and the Kurdish govenrment were hoping to resolve their separate issues with Baghdad long before the withdrawal, but with time running out, it seems unlikely. Violence was light. Only six Iraqis were reported killed.
read moreIraq: Allawi Reaches Out To Maliki For Reconciliation
Ayad Allawi reached out to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, hoping to open a reconciliation dialogue. Meanwhile, at least three Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded.
read more11 Iraqis Killed, Insurgents Targeting Electrical Grid
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in new violence. Insurgents are now targeting power lines importing electricity into Iraq from Iran. Despite great oil wealth, Iraq has little ability to produce its own electricity, and this had lead to riots, particularly in the summertime.
read moreMillions Observe Mostly Peaceful Ashura in Iraq
Thanks to extremely tight security, about 3,000,000 pilgrims peacefully gathered in Karbala today for Ashura observances. Across the county, however, at least six Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded, some of them in sectarian attacks. Still, the number of victims dropped significantly from yesterday’s toll.
read moreAshura Violence Kills 36 Iraqis and Wounds 121 More
An expected surge in violence accompanying a major Shi’ite religious observance this week began early this morning. Hilla and Baghdad were the hardest hit cities. Across the country, at least 36 people were killed and 121 more were wounded in all reported attacks. Also, the Iraqi government said that a former top diplomat under Saddam Hussein will be executed next year. Meanwhile, security for American diplomats has been tightened.
read moreUS Pays Iraqi Tribes to Protect Departing Troops as Iraqi Civilians Are Still Under Attack
The U.S. “reposture” continues, with officials paying southern tribes to maintain security along routes used for the withdrawal. Also, 10 Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new attacks.
read moreDozens Wounded in Iraqi Kurdistan riots, 12 Iraqis Killed Elsewhere
Riots broke out after a provocative sermon in Iraqi Kurdistan, leaving about 30 people were wounded in them. At least 12 Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded across Iraq in other violence.
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