AIPAC Conference Pushes Hard Line on Iran

The annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the powerful and hawkish pro-Israel lobby, wrapped up on Tuesday with a speech from Vice President Joe Biden, capping three days that were primarily devoted to the threat of a nuclear Iran. Discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Middle East peace process took … Continue reading “AIPAC Conference Pushes Hard Line on Iran”

Tuesday: 37 Iraqis Killed, Unknown Wounded

At least 37 people were killed in the latest incidents. Thirty-three of those were suspected militants killed during raids. An unknown number of villagers in Iraqi Kurdistan were wounded along with five Iraqis elsewhere. Meanwhile, the U.N. announced a change in the treatment of refugees from southern and western Iraq thanks to improved conditions. Also, three South Korean soldiers were convicted of seeking bribes while stationed in Iraq. And, Iraqi Kurdistan announced regional elections will take place on July 25.

Saturday: 3 US Soldiers, 3 Iraqis Killed; 7 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 7:13 EDT, May 2, 2009 Two U.S. soldiers were killed in a small arms attack Mosul, while attacks in Basra and Fallujah left no American casualties. Meanwhile, at least three Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in those and other attacks. The Dept. of Defense today released the name of a U.S. soldier who died April 10 of an illness.

Hawks Look for New Ways to Package Iran Views

As the White House prepares the ground for direct diplomacy with Iran on a handful of issues, a group of Iran hawks gathered in Washington to discuss their views on how to handle what they describe as a "series of provocative actions" by Tehran beyond its ongoing nuclear development. Some of their comments revealed a … Continue reading “Hawks Look for New Ways to Package Iran Views”

Friday: 1 U.S. Soldier, 93 Others Killed; 163 Wounded in Iraq

Updated at 8:36 p.m. EDT, Apr. 24, 2009 A second day of bomb attacks left more than 93 killed and another 163 wounded. Again, a significant number of the dead were Iranian pilgrims visiting shrines in Iraq. Elsewhere, a U.S. soldier died in a non-combat incident. Meanwhile, the arrest of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi remains unconfirmed.

Thursday: 1 Marine, 96 Killed; 157 Wounded in Iraq

Updated at 8:40 p.m. EDT, Apr. 23, 2009 At least 96 people were killed and 157 more were wounded, mostly in two significant suicide-bombing attacks. Over 50 of the dead and about 77 of the wounded are believed to be Iranian pilgrims. This came on the same day that Iran and Iraq announced a oil deal. The DoD reported the death of a Marine from non-combat causes in Anbar. Meanwhile, the A.P. has learned that 87,000 Iraqis have “officially” died in violent attacks since 2005. Also, one of the most wanted al-Qaeda figures, whether he actually exists or not, has been reported captured.