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.
Updated at 5:11 p.m. EST, Feb. 6, 2010
At least eight Iraqis were killed and three more were wounded in light violence. One Egyptian man was also killed. Millions of Arbaeen pilgrims are on their way home, but no attacks on the worshippers were reported today. Meanwhile, the League of the Righteous released a video containing footage of a new hostage.
The culmination of the Arbaeen pilgrimage today saw dozens more casualties among the ten million pilgrims who traveled to Karbala for the religious holiday. At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 168 more were wounded there and elsewhere. A Syrian was also killed. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reminded U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill not to exceed his authority in regards to a controversial elections blacklist.
