Ayad Allawi reached out to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, hoping to open a reconciliation dialogue. Meanwhile, at least three Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded.
read more11 Iraqis Killed, Insurgents Targeting Electrical Grid
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in new violence. Insurgents are now targeting power lines importing electricity into Iraq from Iran. Despite great oil wealth, Iraq has little ability to produce its own electricity, and this had lead to riots, particularly in the summertime.
read moreMillions Observe Mostly Peaceful Ashura in Iraq
Thanks to extremely tight security, about 3,000,000 pilgrims peacefully gathered in Karbala today for Ashura observances. Across the county, however, at least six Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded, some of them in sectarian attacks. Still, the number of victims dropped significantly from yesterday’s toll.
read moreAshura Violence Kills 36 Iraqis and Wounds 121 More
An expected surge in violence accompanying a major Shi’ite religious observance this week began early this morning. Hilla and Baghdad were the hardest hit cities. Across the country, at least 36 people were killed and 121 more were wounded in all reported attacks. Also, the Iraqi government said that a former top diplomat under Saddam Hussein will be executed next year. Meanwhile, security for American diplomats has been tightened.
read moreIraq: Pomp and Controversy Mark US ‘Reposture’ Ceremonies; 16 Iraqis Killed
With the U.S. military withdrawal looming, Iraqi officials are wasting no time marking the anticipated departure, even if U.S. officials are being somewhat restrained. Meanwhile at least 16 Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in the latest violence.
read moreViolence Leaves 26 Killed in Iraq, as Country Ponders Maliki Third Term
Diyala province was the focus of attacks today. A significant bombing and the execution of several people took place there. Meanwhile, several dumped bodies were discovered south and west of Baghdad. Overall, at least 26 Iraqis were killed and 55 more were wounded across the country. Despite the violence, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said, ahead of the U.S. withdrawal, that the Iraqi government is capable of defending itself.
read moreMalaysia Denies Iraqi Request to Extradite Former Lawmaker; 8 Iraqis Killed
Malaysia rejected an Iraqi request to return a former lawmaker who stood accused of terrorist acts. Mohammed al-Daini had been critical of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government and exposed secret jails. He claimed the charges were politically motivated, and very little evidence against him had been gathered by the time he fled Iraq.
At least eight Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in new violence.
read more12 Iraqis Killed, Biden Visits Baghdad
Although the violence today was not as dramatic as yesterdays’, a number of attacks left at least 12 dead and 36 more wounded. Surprisingly, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced trip to Baghdad even though troops are scheduled to finish withdrawal in just one month.
read moreIraq’s Parliament Bombed; 29 Killed Across Country
Bombers staged several attacks against government and security forces today. Among them was a probable assassination attempt at the parliament building in Baghdad. That one was overshadowed by another at a prison just north of the capital, in which dozens were left dead or wounded. Less successful attacks targeting a Turkmen politician and a Sahwa commander also took place. Overall, at least 29 Iraqis were killed and 57 more were wounded.
read moreAnother Iraqi Province Considers Semi-Autonomy Bid; 8 Iraqis Killed in Attacks
Anbar province is now considering whether to seek converting to a semi-autonomous region. Meanwhile, at least eight Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded across central and northern Iraq.
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