Updated at 1:49 p.m. EST, March 28, 2010
At least 82 Iraqis were killed and 102 more were wounded in what would have been an otherwise quiet prayer day if not for a deadly bomb attack in Khalis. Meanwhile, final results from national elections trickled out during the evening hours in Baghdad. Also, the Ministry of Human Rights reported that 84 mass graves were discovered last year in Baghdad and Diyala provinces. The graves in question appear to all date from after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Thanks to security concerns, Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani demanded a delay of final election results until all parties resolve any allegations of vote manipulation; results are due tomorrow. No definite pre-release surge in violence has been noted, but at least 12 Iraqis were killed and 28 more wounded in the latest attacks.
Updated at 10:43 p.m. EDT, March 24, 2010
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in a spate of attacks across central and northern Iraq. In several southern cities, demonstrators by the thousands called for an election recount. At least 10 provincial leaders also support a recount.
Although few casualties were reported today, a message from an al-Qaeda leader is raising fears of a coming surge in violence. At least two Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in today’s attacks. Also, a Saddam-era mass grave gave up about 20 victims. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stressed that he will not recognize election results until there is a recount. In the U.S., a four star general testified in a hearing concerning the murder of Iraqis in Haditha five years ago.
Updated at 10:33 p.m. EDT, Mar. 22, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in the latest violence. The State of Law and Iraqiya parties have apparently begun the process of creating a new government. Because neither party achieved a majority victory, they are forced to ask smaller parties to join them. This is expected to be a long, difficult process.
Updated at 6:22 p.m. EDT, March, 21, 2010
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded in light violence. Full election results are now expected on Friday, but calls for a recount reached a higher level as President Talabani chimed in today.
At least nine Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in attacks across northern Iraq. One U.S. soldier was killed and two others were wounded during a mortar attack on a base in Diyala province. Another U.S. soldier died of non-combat causes in Ninewa province.
