Final results for the national election have been delayed again. Meanwhile, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, one U.S. soldier was killed in combat in Baghdad today.
Updated at 7:16 p.m. EDT, March 17, 2010
With final results from national elections expected later this week, an apparent dead heat between the two front-runners could signal months of political wrangling ahead. Meanwhile, at least three Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Kurds spent the day commemorating the 1988 Halabja massacre, for which Chemical Ali was executed only this year. Also, U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown admitted misinforming the Chilcot Inquiry over defense spending for Iraq.
Updated at 10:52 p.m EDT, Mar. 16, 2010
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in various attacks. The worst one took place just south of Baghdad. Meanwhile, former P.M. Ayad Allawi’s political bloc took the lead in the vote count today.
Updated at 10:47 p.m. EDT, March 15, 2010
Attacks in Sunni areas of Iraq and in Mosul overshadowed election news. At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, the U.S. prison in Taji and its 2,900 Iraqi detainees were handed over to Iraqi authorities. Also, a Shi’ite group that held a British hostage for over two years denied any claims of abuse.
At least nine Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in attacks across northern Iraq. One U.S. soldier was killed and two others were wounded during a mortar attack on a base in Diyala province. Another U.S. soldier died of non-combat causes in Ninewa province.
More partial election returns trickled out of Iraq today. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appears to be leading, especially in Baghdad, but other blocs have seen success in outlying provinces. At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest attacks.
Amidst a tight race and allegations of ballot fraud, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is forming a committee that will negotiate with other political blocs to build a new coalition government. Final election results are still days away. Meanwhile, light violence left at least three Iraqis dead and four more wounded on the prayer day. Also, the commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq hinted at a need for U.S. combat forces to remain in Iraq after an Aug. 31st deadline.
Updated at 7:12 p.m. EST, Mar. 11, 2010
Some election results were released today amid allegations of fraud by one of the major parties. At least four Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in various attacks. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department blamed the Iraqi government for human rights abuses, including the murder of Iraqi civilians. Also, Prime Minister Maliki underwent minor surgery.
Updated at 8:04 p.m. EST, March 10, 2010
At least eight Iraqis were wounded in light violence. Attacks are perhaps on hold until election results, which are expected tomorrow at the earliest, are released. In the north, U.N. figures show that at least 800 Christians have left Mosul since the beginning of March.
Light violence left at least 10 Iraqis dead and four wounded today. More casualties were reported in an attack in Duluiya. Two U.S. soldiers were killed in a vehicular accident aw well. Also, British authorities opened an inquiry into allegations that British troops tortured and killed Iraqi civilians. Meanwhile, the two largest Iraqi parties are both claiming to lead in vote counts.
