Turkish planes shelled northern Iraq again, the first time since Feb. 3. A number of casualties were reported. At least five Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in other violence.
The Shi’ite-led government in Iraq has selected a new target for harassment: Iraqiya spokesman Haider al-Mulla and two other lawmakers. This comes despite recent efforts by Iraqiya to lessen political tensions that threaten to ignite a sectarian war. Meanwhile, at least two Iraqis were killed and 26 more were wounded over the last two days.
At least eight Iraqis were killed and nine more wounded in the latest violence. However, a town council in Diyala province wants help preventing more deaths. They want all the landmines and other explosives removed from the area.
Light violence left five dead and one wounded across Iraq, but there may be more positive signs that current political tensions could soon end: The Iraqiya party and the National Alliance have been discussing ways to resolve the crisis.
The Iraqiya party said its members will soon return to their posts in the Iraqi parliament, a move that may reduce political and sectarian tensions. However, the announcement did not come soon enough for the 11 Iraqis who were killed in new attacks today. Another 31 people were wounded.
A series of bombs targeting Shi’ite neighborhoods in Baghdad left behind dozens of casualties. However, there was an unusually large number of smaller attacks across the country as well. This often happens when there is a significant attack or attacks in the capital, as overseas attention is focused back on Iraq. Overall, at least 34 Iraqis were killed and 109 more were wounded in thes violence.
Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi has offered to return to Baghdad to appear before a judiciary there, but only if Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki resigns his post first. Meanwhile, at least 10 Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in new attacks.
A security force arrested yet another Sunni politician today, as at least five Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in new violence. The top Shi’ite cleric, meanwhile, urged politicians to resolve their differences for the benefit of the country.
Baquba and Mosul took the lion’s share of violence today. Although no major attacks took place, at least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded. Meanwhile, the political crisis continues.
While some politicians are trying to resolve a political crisis that could ignite a sectarian war, the Iraqi government chose instead to ratchet-up tensions by suspending several Sunni cabinet members. Meanwhile, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in new violence.