Updated at 5:37 p.m. EDT, April, 29, 2010
Iraq officials are now expecting a ballot recount for Baghdad province to take two or three weeks, increasing the likelihood of election-related attacks. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 28 were injured in light violence today. Meanwhile, Ba’ath Party supporters met in Syria to discuss reforming the political party that was banned after the 2003 invasion.
Update at 4:50 p.m. EDT, April 28, 2010
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 31 more were wounded in several Baghdad attacks, and a roadside bomb blast killed a U.S. soldier in Diyala province. Meanwhile, several Christian groups have asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to encourage Iraqi authorities to protect Christians in Iraq. Also, Human Rights Watch released a report on a secret prison where Sunni detainees were tortured, raped and illegally detained.
At least seven Iraqis and two Saudi nationals were killed, and three Iraqis were wounded in light violence. Meanwhile, multiple tours of Iraq could be behind a higher risk of anxiety and PTSD seen in returning troops. Also, a new twist in the formation of the next government could increase tensions in the country.
At least five Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in light violence that focused mostly on northern Iraq. Meanwhile, the Sadrists selected Ibrahim al-Jaafari as their primary candidate for prime minister.
Updated at 5:59 p.m. EST, April, 4, 2010
The worst attack so far this year took place in Baghdad leaving hundreds dead or wounded. At least 55 Iraqis were killed and 320 more were wounded there and across the country. Some of the casualties from the Baghdad blasts may have been foreign personnel, but reports suggests otherwise. Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari was quick to tentatively blame al-Qaeda. Meanwhile, casualty figures climbed in March due to the national elections, but if attacks continue, April figures could be even higher.
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 22 more were wounded in a series of attacks across central and northern Iraq. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Malki says he is ready for a lengthy battle in creating the new government. This week’s focus on the election has so far been on the Sadrist vote; however, the Kurds are now making their demands known.
Updated at 9:03 p.m. EDT, March 31, 2010
At least four Iraqis were killed and six were wounded in unusually light violence. Meanwhile, the governor of Ninewa province called for the release of Iraqi detainees who have not been convicted of any crimes.
Updated at 9:51 p.m. EDT, March 30, 2010
At least six Iraqis were killed and seven were wounded in light attacks. While violence may have taken a breather today, haggling and complaining over creating the new Iraqi government has not. Neither has the debate over the De-Ba’athification laws. Also, a Dutch-Iraqi man convicted of conspiracy to kill Americans has returned to serve out his time in a Dutch prison.
The Accountability and Justice Commission reared its ugly head again even as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tries any tactic that could allow him to retain power. Meanwhile, a massive triple bombing took place in Karbala. Overall, at least 16 Iraqis were killed and 83 more were wounded in the latest violence.
At least eight Iraqis were killed and 47 more were wounded in today’s attacks, but good news came out of Iraq as well. An Iraqi-American contractor held hostage in Iraq was released in good health into U.S. custody. Also, a bomb attack in Qaim apparently killed an Iraqiya candidate.
