Three bomb blasts rattled the northern city of Kirkuk just days after U.S. troops handed over a provincial base to their Iraqi counterparts and a day after the highest ranking al-Qaeda leader was captured in Samarra. At least 37 Iraqis were killed and 110 more were wounded in those attacks and others across the country.
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in new violence. Most of the attacks were in the capital. Also, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michael Corbin said he expects ongoing protests in Iraq but not revolution as has occurred in other Arab countries.
At a gathering at the Imam Hussein mosque in Karbala Shi’ite cleric Ahmed al-Safi told thousands that the political impasse holding back the new government is causing considerable harm to Iraqis. Meanwhile, at least five Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light prayer day violence. Also, a British inquiry (Chilcot) may recall witnesses including Tony Blair, whose testimony in part contradicted that of other witnesses.
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.
With only days left before Sunday’s national elections, Iraqi officials have confirmed an increase in Iraqi deaths over the last several weeks. Nevertheless, only one Iraqi was killed and six more were wounded in light violence today. Also, Kirkuk could become a battlefield after Sunday’s elections; some politicians would like to see U.S. troops keep the peace there.
Only two Iraqis were killed in an unusually light day of violence. Meanwhile, the Iraq government has freed the leader of Asa’ib al-Haq or the League of the Righteous. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asa’ib al-Haq, was ostensibly released as part of a loose deal that allowed British hostage Peter Moore to return to freedom. …
Continue reading “Tuesday: 2 Iraqis Killed”
Updated at 8:55 p.m. EST, Nov. 24, 2009
The Independent High Electoral Commission warned that it would not set a new election date until the debate over the elections law is over. At least six Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in light violence.
Updated at 5:17 p.m. EST, Nov. 1, 2009
Today’s attacks were focused on cities just south and west of the capital. Although at first glance the bombings look to be the work of Sunni extremists, internecine Shi’ite rivalries should not be ruled out as the source of some violence. Overall, as many as 25 Iraqis were killed and 75 more were wounded in the latest reports. Meanwhile, the elections law impasse threatens to delay the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. At the heart of the problem is the status of multi-ethnic Kirkuk.
Updated at 8:49 p.m. EDT, Oct. 29, 2009
At least six Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in the latest violence even as Iraqi security personnel rounded up colleagues who stand accused of negligence or worse in Sunday’s bloody bomb attacks. One U.S. soldier died of non-combat injuries at Camp Adder. Meanwhile, Kurdish lawmakers walked away from the debate that could resolve the elections law impasse in parliament.
Updated at 6:05 p.m. EDT, Oct. 13, 2009
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in the latest violence. The political atmosphere in Baghdad, however, nearly eclipsed the reports of attacks across the country. Parliamentary speaker Iyad Al Samarrai warned that issues surrounding Kirkuk could stall the adoption of a new election law. Meanwhile, the Iraqi parliament approved the return of a small number of British troops. Also, Baghdad Operations Command complained their arrests are being politicized.
