The new Iraqi cabinet met for the first time today to begin working on the challenges facing Iraq. Iraqis, however, are wary of this new government and some believe that incompetent people were given cabinet posts as political favors. In light violence, at least three Iraqis and a Syrian man were killed, while four others were wounded.
read moreTuesday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 6 Wounded
The new government headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was sworn in today. News of the breakthrough overshadowed if not dampened reports of violence. At least two Iraqis were killed and six others were wounded in light violence. In the United Kingdom meanwhile, over 200 Iraqis have lost their bid in a British court for a public inquiry into allegations that British soldiers abused them while in detention in Iraq.
read moreMonday: 2 Iraqis, 4 Libyans Killed; 12 Iraqis Wounded
Last minute bickering from the Sadrist bloc has delayed voting for the new cabinet for at least one day, but attacks continued without debate. At least two Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded, while security forces killed four Libyans accused of planning Christmas Day attacks. Also, Amnesty International has called on Iraq to protect its Christian population.
read moreSunday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 8 Wounded
At least four Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in the latest attacks, while 11 badly decomposed bodies were discovered in a mass grave. It is expected that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will unveil his new cabinet tomorrow. Iraqiya leader Ayad Allawi will be watching carefully, making sure Maliki sticks to his promise to fairly distribute the streets.
read moreSaturday: 8 Iraqis Wounded
Reports of violence are still scant following the Ashura observances, but at least eight Iraqis were wounded in at least three explosions in Baghdad. Meanwhile, the Electricity Ministry has opened bidding to foreign companies on four new power stations that could boost production. Last summer, the lack of electricity lead to riots in southern Iraq.
read moreFriday: 8 Iraqis Wounded
At least eight Iraqis were wounded during the latest attacks. Although Ashuraa observances have ended, pilgrims on their way home are targets for new violence. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that authorizes $160 billion towards wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, the U.N.’s High Commission for Refugees criticized Sweden for repatriating five Iraqi Christians who failed to win asylum.
read moreThursday: 14 Iraqis Killed, 17 Wounded
About two million Shi’ite pilgrims are in Karbala for the climax of Ashuraa rituals. Heavy security, including the arrests of three female bombers, has so far prevented any large-scale violence today, but attackers targeting pilgrims in other parts of the country were more successful. At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded.
read moreWednesday: 6 Iraqis Wounded
Because of Ashuraa observances, reports of violence have been scant the last few days except for significant attacks. Only six casualties were reported today and all of them survived. However, there were a number of important news stories in the headlines today.
read moreTuesday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 72 Wounded
At first, it seemed the religious holiday of Ashuraa would result in fewer reports of violence, but several large attacks have occurred in the last few days, today included. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 69 more were killed across the country in the latest brutalities. The holiday culminates on Thursday and, incidentally, highlights the schism between Sunnis and the Shi’ites who are marking the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali. Shi’ite processions and trips to Karbala make these pilgrims easy targets for violence.
read moreMonday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 32 Wounded
More attacks against Shi’ite pilgrims occurred today, while Christians are themselves on the move to safer locations both within and outside Iraq’s borders. At least nine Iraqis were killed and 32 more were wounded in the latest violence Meanwhile, Adm. Mike Mullen met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today to discuss the United States and Iraq’s military relationship after the withdrawal of troops next year.
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