Updated at 9:12 p.m. EDT, July 31, 2010
An unconfirmed message purportedly from Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, who was Iraq’s military commander under Saddam, was released to the media. In it, the voice warned the government of attempting to root out Ba’ath loyalists. At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 39 more were wounded in attacks unrelated to the threatening message. Several of the attacks occurred yesterday but went unreported until today. Separately, an Italian anti-death penalty group reported that state executions rose in number last year.
Updated at 5:32 p.m. EDT, July 23, 2010
Only one Iraqi death was reported today, but 33 Iraqis were wounded in new attacks. Three U.S. soldiers who were wounded at their base in Nasariya as well. Meanwhile, Iraq trudged on another day without a new government, but the United States continued pressure on the leading contenders for prime minister.
Updated at 9:22 p.m. EDT, July 22, 2010
Three foreign contractors were killed during a mortar or rocket attack on Baghdad’s international Green Zone. At least 15 more were wounded in the attack. At least 13 Iraqis were killed as well and 18 more were wounded in other violence. Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (SIIC) urged Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step aside and allow someone else to take over the premiership. Also, a new study supports anecdotal evidence that Fallujah is suffering from an increase in cancer and birth defects, perhaps caused by mutagenic and carcinogenic agents used during the war.
Updated at 8:24 p.m. EDT, July 21, 2010
At least 40 Iraqis were killed 64 more were wounded in various attacks across the country. The worst violence collapsed a building in Diyala province, which has suffered several attacks in the last few days. A U.S. soldier was also killed in Diyala when a roadside bomb blated his vehicle. Meanwhile, Deputy U.K. Prime Minister Nick Clegg called the 2003 invasion of Iraq illegal. Also, five U.S. governors revealed their secret trip to Iraq.
Updated at 7:04 p.m. EDT, July 15, 2010
At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 32 more were wounded in the latest attacks. A large car bombing in Tikrit could produce more casualties as the day wears on. Meanwhile, the jail at Camp Cropper was handed over to the Iraqis and renamed al-Karkh prison.
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 25 more were wounded as coverage of attacks resumed in the media. The parliamentary stalemate dominated the headlines, along with oil and Kurdish concerns, but the most significant story of the day came from the United Kingdom where an inquiry into the causes of the Iraq War continues to embarrass the war hawks.
At least six Iraqis were wounded in unusually light violence. Reports are often light around important religious holidays, as may be this case this week. Meanwhile, parliament has put off holding their next session for two weeks or until there is agreement on some issues.
At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in light attacks across central and northern Iraq. Meanwhile, The water minister has warned that Iraq needs to spend over $1 billion to revive its water sector. Also, arrests warrants were issued for PMOI members.
Updated at 9:27 p.m. EDT, July 10, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and 10 were wounded in light violence. Turkish warplanes were to blame for injuries to one Iraqi. Meanwhile, U.S. Army’s Chief of Staff, Gen. George Casey, suggested that the United States could be involved in Iraq and Afghanistan for another decade.
Updated at 8:45 p.m. EDT, July 9, 2010
Attacks in the capital abated today, but one significant attack in western Baghdad left numerous casualties. At least eight Iraqis were killed and 27 more were wounded there and in other towns just north of the capital.