The Eid al-Adha holiday continues in Iraq, where at least one Iraqi was killed and 24 more were wounded in new violence. The numbers likely fall short of the real toll as religious observances have cut into the number of reports leaking out of the country. Meanwhile, Christian leaders are worried that a new exodus could spell the end of Christianity in Iraq.
Sunni Iraqis who did not travel to Mecca observed Eid al-Adha at home today, while Shi’ite Iraqis must wait until tomorrow. The holiday either reduced violence or prevented reports from reaching the news wires, as the only reported attacks occurred in Mosul. At least five Iraqis were killed there and two more were wounded in the last day or so. The government did take steps to protect the public during the Eid, including deploying about 28,000 security personnel in Diyala province.
Updated at 4:55 p.m. EST, Nov. 15, 2010
At least 12 Iraqis were killed and 46 more were wounded a day ahead of Eid observances in Iraq. Among the dead were two Christian men.
Updated at 5:25 p.m. EST, Nov. 13, 2010
At least four Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in light violence in northern Iraq. Meanwhile, a general outline describing how the new government will operate was approved today by parliament.
Updated at 8:00 p.m. EST, Nov. 12, 2010
At least one Iraqi was killed and 23 more wounded in new attacks. A number of the attacks occurred yesterday but went unreported until today or late last night. Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed a new Iraqi government that is already seeing its first conflict. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, whose Iraqiya party won the largest number of seats in March elections, called the new Iraqi government a “dictatorship.”
Updated at 8:58 p.m. EST, Nov. 9, 2010
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded in new violence. Most of the attacks in the capital targeted Christians. Meanwhile, political leaders are closer to forming a new government. The Iraqiya party has apparently accepted the speaker of parliament position but may still be balking at having Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki given a second turn at the premiership. Ayad Allawi, Iraqiya’s leader, may have also accepted to head the Political Council of Strategic Policies.
At least six Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in light violence. Security was tightened around some locations following a particularly bloody day in southern Iraq yesterday. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the United States could keep troops in Iraq beyond a 2011 deadline if Iraqis make the request. Also, Three British soldiers were referred to a prosecutor and could face a war crimes trial over allegations they abused Iraqi detainees.
Update at 9:01 p.m EST, Nov. 8, 2010
At least 40 people were killed and 130 more were wounded in new violence across Iraq. Two of the deadliest attacks targeted Shi’ite pilgrims near Iraq’s holiest sites. Although figures are inexact, at least 11 Iranian pilgrims were killed and as many as 63 were wounded in those cities alone. The pilgrims were visiting holy sites in Iraq just a week before the Eid al-Adha holiday begins. Meanwhile, Iraqi politicians met in Arbil where they were to have announced a deadlock-breaking deal concerning government formation, but instead bickered over the details until they ultimately agreed to continue discussions tomorrow.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EST, Nov. 7, 2010
Eight months after national elections, lawmakers have tentatively resolved a deadlock preventing the selection of the new government. Meanwhile, several of today’s attacks focused on Awakening Council (Sahwa) and other security forces. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 30 more were wounded across the country.
Updated at 11:36 p.m. EDT, Nov. 5, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and nine others were wounded in a pair of attacks in Iraq. Other reports focused on past violence, including abuse from British soldiers, and the potential for future attacks.
