81 Iraqis Killed As Maliki Targets Next Political Victim

Updated at 3:15 p.m. EST, Dec. 22, 2011 A coordinated series of bombings shattered the peace in Baghdad, shortly after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ratcheted up tensions between his government and Sunni politicians. Despite international calls for prudence, Maliki is now targeting another senior Sunni politician for harassment. At least 86 Iraqis were killed and 186 more wounded in today’s carnage.

Iraqi VP Accused of Financing Assassination Attempt on PM

As the last U.S. troops left Iraq for Kuwait, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused his vice president of financing an assassination attempt at the premier. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in the most recent violence.

Iraqiya Bloc Walks Out on Iraqi Parliament Over Gov’t Mismanagement, Sunni Arrests and Autonomy Bids

The Iraqiya political bloc boycotted parliament today over Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s failure to properly share power and the arrests of hundreds of Sunni Iraqiya supporters in a crackdown against alleged Ba’ath Party members. Meanwhile, at least five Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded in light violence.

Happy To See American Troops Go, Sunni Iraqis Still Worry about Government Abuse

Sunnis are cautiously wondering what the future will bring even as they celebrate the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, at least 20 Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new violence.

Iraqi Critics Questions Size of US Embassy Staff in Baghdad

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s trip to the United States opened the door to criticism from critics who question the ongoing presence of U.S. personnel in Iraq, even if they technically aren’t troops. Diyala province, meanwhile, confirmed it will seek greater autonomy from Baghdad. Also, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new attacks.

Iraqi PM Travels To US For Talks, While Kurdish Parties Bicker

Updated at 2:55 p.m. EST, Dec. 11, 2011 At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in new violence. Most of the attacks were small by very targeted. Meanwhile, a delegation of Iraqi politicians, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, traveled to the United States for meetings with their American counterparts and other officials. While political tensions in Kurdistan continue.

Basra Sues To Terminate Baghdad-brokered Oil Contract

Yesterday, Oil Minister Abdul Karim Luaybi complained that Iraqi Kurdistan is not playing by Baghdad’s rules when it comes to oil sales. Now it is Basra’s turn to criticize the ministry for ignoring its own rules. Local politicians are suing the central government because they were not included in negotiations that lead to a deal between Baghdad and its new partners, Shell and Mitsubishi, in the southern oil fields. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest round of attacks.

With U.S. Withdrawal Looming, Baghdad Asserts Old Goals

With the U.S. military withdrawal less than a month away, the situation with Iranian dissidents livng at Camp Ashraf could be heating up. Meanwhile, the Iraqi oil minister suggested to Kurdistan it either start playing by Baghdad’s rules or become fully independent. Both the residents of Ashraf and the Kurdish govenrment were hoping to resolve their separate issues with Baghdad long before the withdrawal, but with time running out, it seems unlikely. Violence was light. Only six Iraqis were reported killed.