Wednesday: 8 Iraqis Killed, 65 Wounded

At least seven Iraqis were killed and 61 more were wounded in recent violence. Most of the attacks were in northern Iraq, but one bold robbery attempt in Baghdad ended in a shootout. Meanwhile, the De-Ba’athification process came under fire again. Also, a lawyer for Tariq Aziz is looking for international help in freeing his infirm client.

Obama’s International Political Capital Fading Fast

More than a year after his election, President Barack Obama appears to be dashing hopes both in the Arab world and in Latin America that he would bring major changes in U.S. policy toward their respective regions. His administration’s decision to back down from its initial demand that Israel freeze all settlement activity in the … Continue reading “Obama’s International Political Capital Fading Fast”

Wednesday: 6 Iraqis, 5 Iranians Killed; 20 Iraqis, 37 Iranians Wounded

Updated at 10:42 p.m. EDT, July 22, 2009 Violence struck a group of Iranian pilgrims in Diyala province. The attack left five Iranians dead and 37 wounded and was the most significant event of the day. Iraqis fared better only a day after the worst violence in weeks. At least six Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded. Meanwhile, PM Maliki is in the U.S. for talks with President Obama, and a House key committee approved more funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, the U.S. State Department issued a report stating that the U.S. embassy in Baghdad is significantly overstaffed.

Tuesday: 24 Iraqis Killed, 142 Wounded

Updated at 12:35 p.m. EDT, July 21, 2009 At least 24 Iraqis were killed and 142 more were wounded on a busy day in Iraq. No Coalition deaths were reported, but two sets of Iraq-related groups are headed to Washington to ask for help with their vastly different needs. Meanwhile, the status of Iraqi and Palestinian refugees who fled the war has changed in two particular cases.