Updated at 8:04 p.m. EST, Dec. 11, 2009
At least eight Iraqis were killed and 26 more were wounded in prayer day attacks. U.S. Defense Secretary Gates met with Iraqi officials and U.S. servicemembers during his trip through Iraq. Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he supported the removal of Saddam Hussein even though the basis for the ourster, weapons of mass destruction, was never found. Also, the Department of Defense announced the Tuesday death of a U.S. Marine from unknown casuses.
Updated at 3:59 p.m. EST, Dec. 10, 2009
Although only three Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in the latest reports, there were other significant developments coming out of Iraq. Tuesday’s bloody bombings in Baghdad continued to dominate the news from various angles, but the closing of Camp Ashraf could soon take the attack’s place in the headlines. One U.S. soldier was also killed as U.S. Secretary Gates dropped in on Iraqi officials.
Updated at 10:15 p.m. EST, Dec. 9, 2009
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki asked for patience following yesterday’s massive bombings in Baghdad. The attacks continued today, but they were not as successful. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in the new violence.
Updated at 8:10 p.m. EST, Nov. 26, 2009
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, at least nine Iraqis were killed and 54 more wounded. The holiday, which commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, is set to begin Friday for Sunnis and Saturday for Shi’ites.
Updated at 7:19 p.m. EDT, Oct. 27, 2009
Iraq remains mostly quiet in the aftermath of the deadliest bombings in two years. At least seven Iraqis were killed and two more were wounded in the latest violence. Most of the attention remains on Baghdad where politicians are being blamed for the attack. The compromise that was expected to break the elections law impasse as early as today fell apart overnight, fueling concerns that Sunni-led violence could soon increase. Separately, the U.S. drawdown has revealed how little attention to accountability was paid during the occupation.
Updated at 4:55 p.m. EDT, Oct. 7, 2009
At least 13 Iraqis were killed an 32 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, 36 Iranian-opposition detainees were freed. Also, a U.S. soldier was killed in a non-combat incident.
Updated at 7:59 p.m. EDT, Oct. 1, 2009
Iraq was mostly quiet today other than the news that Prime Minister Maliki has created a new political bloc ahead of January elections. At least five Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded. One U.S. soldier also died in a non-combat situation Tuesday in Kut.
Updated at 5:51 p.m. EDT, Sept. 12, 2009
Baghdad again was targeted by a series of bombs, this time against religious shrines. Overall, at least 10 Iraqis were killed and 49 more were wounded there and elsewhere. Also, Prime Minister’s Nouri al-Maliki’s “spat” with Syria could be hurting him politically ahead of January elections. Iraq’s Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi meanwhile announced that he will run in those elections as a member of a new political party.
Updated at 8:53 p.m. EDT, Aug. 18, 2009
At least six Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in the latest violence. Besides a bombing in southern Baghdad, the most significant news to come out of Iraq today dealt with militants. U.S. authorities are releasing a number of Shi’ite militants they would rather keep incarcerated. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki gave Syria a list of suspects he wants extradited to Iraq and asked Syria to help prevent fighters from crossing the border.
Updated at 5:54 p.m. EDT, Aug. 17, 2009
The U.S. Commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, revealed that he’s been in talks with Iraqi and Kurdish officials about deploying U.S. troops to disputed territories in northern Iraq. Meanwhile, at least 23 Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in violent attacks across the country. Also, Human Rights Watch has asked the Iraqi government to stop abuse targeting Iraqi homosexuals.
