The U.S. military reports that troop levels are now the lowest since the 2003 invasion and will remain at 98,000 until after March elections, even as Iraqi soldiers prepare to handle poll-related violence themselves. At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 26 were wounded in new attacks, some election-related. Also, the families of Iraqi detainees are paying blood money to protect their sons upon release.
Updated at 10:27 p.m. EST, Feb. 15, 2010
At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in light violence, some of which struck out at election candidates. Meanwhile, the controversy of an elections ban that threatens to destabilize the country continues to dominate the headlines. Also, there was new testimony at a British inquiry into the death of an Iraqi hotel worker at the hands of British troops.
Light violence vexed Iraq, while the election blacklist continued to dominate the headlines. At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, a war of words is breaking out between the current and former vice presidents of the United States.
While there were few reports of attacks out of the country today, a string of blasts struck political targets in Baghdad, where the main talk of the day centered on the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Should Iraqis bow out of participating, it could re-ignite sectarian fighting if it has not already. At least two Iraqis were killed and 22 were wounded in the latest violence.
At least 19 Iraqis were killed and 53 more were wounded in new attacks. Many casualties resulted from a bombing near Najaf. An incident involving U.S. and Iraqi forces left as many 10 dead near the Iranian border as well. Also, campaign season opened today across Iraq.
Updated at 7:07 p.m. EST, Feb. 11, 2010
Hundreds of former Blackwater security guards have until Sunday to leave Iraq in a clear act of retribution for the dismissal of a U.S. court case against the company. The Iraqi government, meanwhile, also complained about former PM Allawi’s “dangerous” statements about civil war. At least three Iraqis were killed and eight were wounded in light violence, while a U.S. soldier died of injuries received in a non-combat incident.
Numerous small attacks left at least five Iraqis killed and 28 more wounded. Meanwhile, an Iraqi journalist detained for 17 months on “classified” information has been released.
Updated at 8:38 p.m. EST, Feb. 9, 2010
Candidates hoping to run in March elections despite a ban found themselves left in the cold when an appeals committee rejected all but 37 of their cases. Meanwhile, at least four Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in light violence. Also, the Salah ad-Din council appears to still be playing a game of political musical chairs.
Although attacks were light today, the controversial election ban that could spur sectarian violence on continues to dominate the headlines. Overall, at least nine Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded.
An armed group that claims to have kidnapped an American contractor in January may be holding a second American citizen. Also, an Iraqi appeals court has reversed its own decision allowing over 500 people on an election blacklist to run in March elections. While attacks were light today, at least three Iraqis were killed and eleven more were wounded in new violence.
