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.
After yesterday’s spasm of violence, Iraq was unusually quiet. Only six people were wounded in overnight violence.
Updated at 9:46 p.m. EST, March 7, 2010
As predicted Iraq suffered a barrage attacks during the election day, particularly in Baghdad where scores of blasts were heard across the city. At least 54 Iraqis were killed and 140 more were wounded. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates claimed he saw very little election-related violence, but the reports coming from Iraq itself indicate otherwise. Meanwhile, U.S. President Obama congratulated Iraqis on their national vote.
Only two successful attacks were reported on election eve; however, one was not only significant, it also harmed pilgrims visiting from Iran. At least three Iraqis and four Iranians were killed. Another 17 Iraqis and 37 Iranians were wounded. Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Ayad al-Samarrai, warned of years of conflict if the new government is not seen as just and does not work to solve discrimination.
Updated at 8:15 p.m. EST, March 5, 2010
On the last day of legal campaigning, no significant violence took place; however, at least one Iraq child was killed and nine more were wounded in minor attacks. Clerics used the prayer day to urge Iraqis to vote. In the U.K., British Prime Minister Gordon Brown testified at an inquiry, saying the war in Iraq was justified but the United States failed to head warnings over post-war chaos.
Early voting began today, and so election-related attacks heightened. At least 17 Iraqis were killed and 82 more were wounded in poll violence across the country. Those who cannot vote on Sunday were encouraged to take advantage of today’s special polling. They include about 850,000 security personnel, prisoners and hospital patients.
Diyala province was the scene of at least two attacks today, one massive. At least 37 Iraqis were killed and 66 more were wounded there and across Iraq. The attacks in Baquba and nearby Saidiya could be part of a campaign to undermine Sunday’s election.
The only city to report casualties, so far, today was Mosul, which saw one Iraqi death. Four other Iraqis were wounded there as well. Meanwhile, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi traveled to Damascus to help mend relations that were damaged when Baghdad blamed Syria for enabling deadly bombings last year. At the same time, Iraq has also improved relations with Kuwait by appointing its first ambassador in 20 years.
With only days left before Sunday’s national elections, Iraqi officials have confirmed an increase in Iraqi deaths over the last several weeks. Nevertheless, only one Iraqi was killed and six more were wounded in light violence today. Also, Kirkuk could become a battlefield after Sunday’s elections; some politicians would like to see U.S. troops keep the peace there.
