The Accountability and Justice Commission reared its ugly head again even as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tries any tactic that could allow him to retain power. Meanwhile, a massive triple bombing took place in Karbala. Overall, at least 16 Iraqis were killed and 83 more were wounded in the latest violence.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized the United Nations for supporting election results, and claimed the right to lead the new government despite losing to Ayad Allawi’s bloc. Several prominent Iraqi politicians failed to be re-elected altogether, including Ali al-Lami, who as head of the Accountability and Justice Commission barred several hundred candidates from running in the election. The blacklist controversy dragged on for weeks and had the potential of destroying the legitimacy of the election. The commission may still rule more candidates, many in the winning party, are not eligible to hold office. At least four candidates are on a shortlist, but Lami says there a six unidentified candidates.
Fourteen people were killed and 74 were wounded in a triple bombing in Karbala. Iranian pilgrims were among the casualties. The Karbala provincial council building was the likely target of one blast, while the second occurred near the governor’s home. The third bomb exploded outside an education building. A television reporter and cameraman were also wounded.
A blast at the home of the Katoun mayor attracted police. A second bomb then exploded, injuring seven police personnel.
The body of a kidnap victim was found in Kirkuk. A police officer
In Baghdad, two people were injured during a bombing in Mansour. A blast killed a civil servant in Doura.
The Khalis police chief was fired from his post after Friday’s massive bombing there.
Kuwait will hand over the remains of three Iraqi servicemembers who were killed during the war.
In Basra province, 22 suspects were captured. Smuggled cars were seized at the port. Also, a group of men preparing a rocket attack was stopped.
As the U.S. military withdraws from Iraq, the Commission on Wartime Contracting will review the concurrent drawdown of contractors.
