At least six Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in light violence. Several political stories cropped up. They not only involved Iraq’s relationship with the United States but two of Iraq’s regional neighbors as well.
Although Defense Secretary Robert Gates admitted that the United States is unpopular in Iraq, he urged the government to retain U.S. troops after a withdrawal deadline. Deputy Prime Minister Hussain al-Shahristani supported that sentiment when he acknowledged that Iraq’s military is unable to defend the country or its oil installations. An Anbar Province Council Member, Muzhir Hassan, echoed those thoughts. Separately, Iraqi oil police bemoaned the lack of appropriate equipment and training.
An Iraqi government spokesman said the water flow from Turkey is unacceptable and the two countries must sign an agreement regulating it. It is not the first time that Iraq has complained of diverted water flow from neighboring countries.
The Iranian Coast Guard arrested ten Iraqi fishermen in the Shatt al-Arab river near Basra.
Human Rights Watch called on the Kurdistan Regional Government to end the intimidation of journalists, which increased after recent protests were quashed.
In Baghdad, four people were killed and 15 others were wounded during a bomb blast in Saidiya. At least one more person was wounded in the attack.
Two Sahwa members were killed in Diyala when gunmen attacked their headquarters.
A shooting in Mosul left two workers wounded.
Gunmen failed in their attempt to assassinate Police, Lt. Brigadier, Dhiab Hamid. in Sinjar.
Baquba‘s mayor said that over fifty percent of displaced families have returned.
Four suspects were arrested in Qaim.
Police in Hilla liberated a kidnap victim. A bomb incinerated a U.S. vehicle; a suspect was arrested in connection.
