Updated at 11:21 p.m. EDT, June 24, 2010
The formation of the new government came across a new roadblock, this one over the failure of two large Shi’ite groups to compromise on the selection of the next prime minister. This new delay could mean further destabilization of Iraq’s fragile security gains. At least 24 Iraqis were killed and 33 more were wounded in attacks that targeted security personnel. Also, Gen. David Petraeus, who once commanded American forces in Iraq, is now in charge of operations in Afghanistan.
Updated at 7:55 p.m. EST, June 5, 2010
At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in attacks that included two political assassinations of Iraqiya candidates. In Diyala province, meanwhile, relations between Sunni fighters and the Shi’ite council deteriorated after a call to disarm them. Also, Kurdish officials reported another armed incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan by Iranian troops chasing Party For A Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) rebels.
At least two Iraqis were killed and five others were wounded in light violence. Back in Texas, a U.S. soldier died of injuries received in a non-combat event that occurred in April. Also, U.S. Commander in Iraq General Ray Odierno presented U.S. President Barack Obama with a positive report on Iraqi security, and a new development in the hunt for a new prime minister has taken a turn that could end the impasse and help the security situation.
At least three Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, one U.S. soldier was killed while conducting security operations. With the occupation winding down and foreign reporters having gone home, fewer reports manage to get out of the country unless a major story occurs.
A delegation from the Iraqiya party visited the marjaiya in Najaf to discuss the formation of the new government. The meeting seems to have had a positive effect. Meanwhile, at least two Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light violence.
Updated at 8:12 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2010
At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 46 were wounded in a series of small attacks across the country. Meanwhile, the prime minister issued an incendiary statement basically telling the winning party in parliamentary elections to give up on heading the new government. Also, Turkish warplanes launched a two-hour air strike on about 50 suspected PKK rebel locations.
Updated at 8:02 p.m. EDT, May 7, 2010
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 24 were wounded in violent attacks. Meanwhile, Ayad Allawi, the former prime minister whose Iraqiya list won the most seats in parliamentary elections, insisted his party has the right to form the next government. Should Iraqiya, which was favored by Sunni Iraqis, be squeezed out, it could signal a return to sectarian violence.
Updated at 6:10 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest attacks, while two U.S. soldiers were killed in separate, non-combat events. The Mahdi Army has officially revived its public face in what it says is an attempt to keep violence in check and ensure the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence is looking into allegations that Britain took part in chemical warfare. Also, Iraqis have begun to address the psychological effects of the war and look into the number of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and similar conditions.
At least six Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded as a manual recount of ballots begin today in Baghdad. The contentious recount was not without its own controversy as the prime minister’s party found fault with the procedures that could help them win more seats in the new parliament.
Updated at 12:27 p.m. EDT, May 2, 2010
At least three Iraqis were killed and about 103 were injured in attacks in northern Iraq. The most significant attack targeted Christians in the Mosul area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Maliki’s office has been accused of making death threats against a rival political party’s spokesman.
