Updated at 11:50 p.m. EDT, July 8. 2009
Mosul erupted in a spasm of violence today as at least six explosions took the lives of over a dozen residents. At least 32 Iraqis were killed and 90 more were wounded there and across Iraq. No Coalition deaths were reported, but a U.S. soldier is facing a court martial in the slayings of his superior and another soldier at a base south of Baghdad last year. Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmakers warned Israel that use of Iraqi airspace during a strike on Iran would be considered an attack against Iraq.
At least six Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded in light violence. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki paid a visit to Anbar province. No Coalition casualties were reported.
Updated at 6:25 p.m. EDT, July 6, 2009
At least 9 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in the latest round of violence. Again, Mosul was the target of multiple attacks. British authorities are looking into allegations that British troops tortured Iraqi civilians in 2004. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government has banned organized trips to Saddam Hussein’s grave, even as the final resting place for the former dictator’s gun is under discussion.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called for Kirkuk elections before the parliamentary vote next January. Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview that the surge in American troops in Iraq should have come much earlier, perhaps as early as 2003. Coincidently, Iraqis themselves are skeptical about the subsequent U.S. pullback. Overall, at least six Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded in the latest attacks.
Updated at 7:45 p.m. EDT, July 4, 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden celebrated the U.S. Independence Day with his son who is serving in Iraq. A scheduled trip to Arbil, however, was canceled due to sandstorms. Meanwhile, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest violence. No Coalition deaths were reported.
Updated at 7:41 p.m. EDT, July, 3, 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spent part of his three-day trip to Iraq speaking with Gen. Ray Odierno and Ambassador Christopher Hill over breakfast. He also plans to meet with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Several NFL coaches visited Iraq also, as part of a USO trip. Meanwhile, three Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded across northern Iraq.
Updated at 5:32 p.m. EDT, July, 2, 2009
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded as Iraqis continued to celebrate National Sovereignty Day. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise visit. Meanwhile, Iraq asked Iran and Kuwait for help in locating personnel missing or captured in wars with those two countries. Also, Iraq signed a cooperation agreement with France.
Updated at 7:13 p.m. EDT, July, 1, 2009
Celebrations continued in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Iraqi cities. Otherwise, the country was very quiet. Only four Iraqis were reported killed and four more were wounded. No Coalition deaths were announced.
Updated at 6:18 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2009
Today is the deadline for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraqi cities. Across Iraq, at least 36 Iraqis were killed and 97 more were wounded. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in a combat incident shortly before pullout yesterday in Baghdad.
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.
