Sunday: 12 Iraqis Killed, 28 Wounded

State-run television broadcast Mass last night so that Iraq’s Christians could safely celebrate Easter at home today. Nevertheless, attacks left 12 dead and 28 wounded across the country. At the signing of a prisoner exchange agreement between Iraq and Iran, Justice Minister Hassan al-Shimari reminded those in attendance that the People’s Mujahedeen of Iran would … Continue reading “Sunday: 12 Iraqis Killed, 28 Wounded”

Monday: 2 US Soldiers, 13 Iraqis Killed; 32 Iraqis Wounded

The first two American deaths of 2011 occurred during combat in just one of several attacks on American targets in the last 24 hours. Although the circumstances of the attack were not revealed, their deaths coincided with several assassinations in the capital. One of today’s victims had survived a deadly siege at a Christian church last year. The only other reported attack resulting in casualties occurred just northeast of Baghdad in Baquba. Altogether, at least 13 Iraqis were killed and 32 more were wounded.

Friday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 3 Wounded

Only one violent incident was reported today. In it, gunmen attacked a Garma checkpoint, where they killed a soldier and wounded three others. Several stories about Iraq’s future prospects surfaced as well. For women and Christians the future looks bleak, but it may be the children of Fallujah who will suffer the most in the coming years as a surge in birth defects looms over them.

Tuesday: 12 Iraqis Killed, 11 Wounded

At least 12 Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, a Christian lawmaker called foreign offers of asylum “meddling” in the country’s affairs and instead demanded that Iraq increase protection of the religious minority. Christians, however, aren’t the only Iraqis stressed over their situation. Sunnis, with good reason, fear they are treated unfairly in the court system. Also, a special committee to address problems with implementing the census was formed.

Thursday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 25 Wounded

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.

Wednesday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 42 Wounded

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.

Wednesday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 8 Wounded

At least three Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence; however, the Islamic State of Iraq vowed to continue targeting Iraqi Christians. Also, the Iraqi Interior Ministery inspector general admitted that a “magic wand” used to detect explosives is completely useless, but Interior Minister Jawad Bolani continues to defend its use.

Thursday: 8 Iraqis Killed, 15 Wounded

Updated at 8:55 p.m. EDT, Sept. 9, 2010 Iraqis are awaiting the sighting of the crescent moon that will mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Although security forces are concerned this may trigger an increase in violence, so far attacks have remained light. At least eight Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded.