A triple bombing in Mosul may have left the most casualties today, but a bombing in Hilla is the most significant. The second attack targeted a man working for Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s top cleric and possibly the most powerful man in Iraq. Overall, at least 16 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded across the country. Also, three Iranian pilgrims were wounded in an attack in Diyala province.
Anti-government demonstrations continued across the country leaving scores wounded. The extent of the demonstrations is unknown as reports of them are not thorough even with extensive amounts of casualties. At least three Iraqis were killed and 55 more were wounded in the protests and other incidents.
A huge military parade in Baghdad marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of Iraq’s army, but other than the arrests of a number of suspects, the day was very peaceful security-wise. Only was person was reported killed, while another wounded. Meanwhile, the Pentagon ordered the largest budget cuts since before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York City; the drawdown of troops in Iraq should help keep costs down.
Today’s attacks concentrated on police personnel, but one also came close to harming the United Nation’s top envoy to Iraq. At least 19 Iraqis were killed and 25 more were wounded in those and other attacks. As many as 15 Iranian pilgrims were injured as well. Also, an Iraqi general says he will investigate claims that journalists are still being beaten by security personnel.
In a new interview, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice admitted mistakes were made in the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, but that she would still want to depose Saddam Hussein if given the a second chance to do it all over again. Meanwhile, at least five Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light prayer day violence. Also, Shi’ite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani suffered a heart attack.
Updated at 8:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2010
A rash of attacks in Baghdad today highlighted a trend towards attacking vulnerable traffic policemen. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 29 more were wounded in those and other attacks In Baghdad. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda is offering to pay Sunnis to return fighting alongside them against the government. Also, the U.N. is reporting that 25 percent of Iraqis live below the poverty line and 30 percent are unemployed.
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 10:28 p.m. EDT, May 6, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, a mass grave containing 55 Iraqis soldiers killed in Kuwait during the 1991 war was discovered there. Also, a day after terms of a political alliance were leaked to the press, one important condition came under closer scrutiny.
Updated at 8:30 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2010
At least nine Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence, as details of an agreement that could hasten the formation of the new government were leaked to the press.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EST, Feb. 25, 2010
At least six Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in the latest violence. A blast in Fallujah could increase those figures as details about the bombing emerge later. Meanwhile, a leading Sunni party has decided to participate in next month’s elections despite the barring of one of its most popular members.
