Thursday: 26 Iraqis Killed, 6 Wounded

An old mass grave believed to contain 14 al-Qaeda victims was unearthed near Samarra. Meanwhile, the formation of the new government is slowly plowing ahead as the Iraqiya bloc met with Iranian officials to gain Shi’ite support. Overall, at least 26 Iraqis were killed, including those found in the mass grave, and another six were wounded.

Monday: 12 Iraqis Killed, 37 Wounded

At least 12 Iraqis were killed and 37 more were wounded, mostly in a pair of suicide bombings in Mosul and near Baghdad. Meanwhile, a human rights group is criticizing new rules that hurt the free press. Also, P.M. Maliki’s premiership is apparently in its death throes as potential partners turn away, but it is perhaps his other actions that underscore how fragile his grasp on power really is.

All Options, Still, on the Table

During the press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday, April 6th, announcing the Obama Administration’s new "Nuclear Posture Review" (NPR), Secretary of Defense Robert Gates momentarily brandished America’s sharp nuclear teeth. In doing so, he caused the United States to violate the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). Live on C-SPAN. Three separate times.  Although Gates said … Continue reading “All Options, Still, on the Table”

Sunday: 55 Iraqis Killed, 320 Wounded

Updated at 5:59 p.m. EST, April, 4, 2010 The worst attack so far this year took place in Baghdad leaving hundreds dead or wounded. At least 55 Iraqis were killed and 320 more were wounded there and across the country. Some of the casualties from the Baghdad blasts may have been foreign personnel, but reports suggests otherwise. Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari was quick to tentatively blame al-Qaeda. Meanwhile, casualty figures climbed in March due to the national elections, but if attacks continue, April figures could be even higher.

Obama Sanctions Strategy Complicated by Congress

President Barack Obama is hoping that relatively quick approval by the U.N. Security Council of a new round of sanctions against Iran will relieve growing pressure on Capitol Hill to take stronger measures against Tehran. But those hopes are likely to be disappointed after lawmakers return from their Easter recess in two weeks when the … Continue reading “Obama Sanctions Strategy Complicated by Congress”

More Sanctions Against Iran Are Not the Answer

Because President Barack Obama’s attempt to entice Iran to give up its nuclear program has ended in unsurprising failure, he is now trying to ratchet up the pressure on the regime by leading the drive to increase international economic sanctions. However, even if he were to succeed in getting Russia and China to go along … Continue reading “More Sanctions Against Iran Are Not the Answer”