Sunday was fairly peaceful as only three people were
reported injured in light violence. Clashes also took place during a
demonstration in Basra, but no casualties were reported in them.
At least five Iraqis were killed while 21 people were wounded. Among the wounded were Pakistani and Iranian pilgrims who were traveling to shrines in Salah ad-Din province.
At least two Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light reported violence. Meanwhile, 40 Iraqi interpreters, or their surviving families, are suing the British government for not protecting them sufficiently. Also, civilian and military officials fear that Iraq has become the forgotten war, but its fragile state could mean continued U.S. presence there.
Updated at 8:05 p.m. EST, Feb. 3, 2011
At least 20 Iraqis were killed and 62 more were wounded in the latest violence. Although these figures appear to be closer to a daily average, there were no reports from Ninewa or Diyala, which are two of the more violent provinces in Iraq. While it is possible these two areas have suddenly become very peaceful, it is more likely that attacks are going unreported or the information is not reaching the West. Also, protests against a lack of vital services took place in Baghdad and Hamza, but Madia al Rawai, a member of the Iraqi Women’s Association, warns that Iraq’s million war widows are ready to protest their poverty as well.
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in light violence.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki promised Iraqis that certain agencies would not lose their independence even though they will be placed under his cabinet’s authority. Meanwhile, several personnel from various ministries were killed or injured during attacks in the capital. At least three Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded there. Mysteriously, no attacks occurred elsewhere.
Since Friday only five Iraqi deaths have been reported. Another person was wounded as well. Meanwhile, U.S. watchdog agency, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), warned that corruption and shortfalls in the Iraq security forces could undermine gains. Also, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said a controversial ruling that his critics say consolidates his power is “impossible to reverse” as it would call to question all Supreme Court rulings.
At least four people were wounded in two incidents in Mosul and Baghdad. In the United Kingdom, Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, said the former Prime Minster Tony Blair was so paranoid about leaks that he didn’t discuss war details with his cabinet.
At least six Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light attacks that focused on ministry officials in Baghdad. Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s sister-in-law called on the International Court of Justice in The Hague to try the former premier on crimes related to the Iraq War.
Over a million Shi’ite pilgrims were in the holy city of Karbala for Arbaeen observances that ended today, but as many of them now start for home, they are easy targets for violence. Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi said government efforts at securing the country during this tense time were “successful” despite a spate a recent bombings. He also called it proof that Iraq can safely host the upcoming Arab Summit. At least three Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in today’s attacks.