Baghdad ‘Bullies’ Mutinous Province As Iraqis Celebrate Withdrawal

At least six Iraqis were killed and 44 more were wounded as some Iraqis celebrated the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, Diyala province’s bid for semi-autonomy is already being criticized by the power mongers in Baghdad.

Iraq: US Soldier Killed as Lawmakers, Military Argue over Continued Involvement

Even as U.S. military officials and lawmakers argued over continued U.S. involvement in Iraq, another U.S. soldier was killed while conducting military operations in central Iraq. Separately, at least three Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in other attacks. Also, the debate over granting region status to more provinces rages on.

Seven Iraqis Killed in Several Attacks

At least seven Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in a series of small attacks across the country. Meanwhile, President Obama claimed that all U.S. troops would leave Iraq by a Dec. 31 withdrawal deadline. That news came as Turkey said it would cooperate with Iran on eliminating the Kurdistan rebel threat.

Iraq Violence Could Spike Whether Troops Stay or Go

At least two Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in new attacks, but the possibilty that attacks will increase precipitously after Dec. 31 seems assured — whether U.S. troops stay or go.

Saturday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 11 Wounded

At least seven Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded of the last two days. Also, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, James F. Jeffrey, told reporters that the United States is open to allowing troops to remain in Iraq after the scheduled withdrawal at the end of the year. Some Iraqis apparently agree.

Sunday: 25 Iraqis Killed, 75 Wounded

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.

Thursday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 42 Wounded

Updated at 5:32 p.m. EDT, July, 2, 2009 At least seven Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded as Iraqis continued to celebrate National Sovereignty Day. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise visit. Meanwhile, Iraq asked Iran and Kuwait for help in locating personnel missing or captured in wars with those two countries. Also, Iraq signed a cooperation agreement with France.