As the Arbaeen holiday approaches, an increase in pilgrims visiting holy sites could put them at greater risk. The first confirmed attack against Shi’ite pilgrims, who were visiting from Iran, occurred today in the capital. At least four Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded. Also, one Iranian woman was killed and five more were wounded. A U.S. soldier was also wounded in an attack.
A significant bomb attack rocked Baghdad for the second day in a row. At least 23 Iraqis were killed and 85 more were wounded there and elsewhere. Stunning testimony continues to seep out of the Iraq Inquiry as well. Also, corruption at Iraqi jails has reached dangerous levels.
Updated at 8:34 p.m. EST, Jan. 25, 2010
Chemical Ali was executed for genocide and crimes against humanity today. In Baghdad, three suicide bombs that exploded shortly before news became public could have been in retaliation for the execution. Not including Chemical Ali, at least 50 Iraqis were killed there and elsewhere. Another 104 Iraqis were wounded. Meanwhile, a controversial bomb detector will be kept in service, and a number of Iraqi candidates accused of ties to the Ba’ath Party will be allowed to run in March elections.
At least 19 Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in the latest attacks. The casualty figures include eight victims found in a mass grave. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has ordered a probe into the purchase of ADE 651 bomb detectors from a British company.
U.S. President Joe Biden met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to discuss pre-election tensions. Elsewhere, al least five Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in light violence. Some attacks occurred yesterday but were left unreported until today.
Updated at 8:57 p.m. EST, Jan. 22, 2010 At least two Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded in light, prayer day violence. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden flew to Iraq to stress Washington’s concerns about upcoming elections. Despite that, the De-Ba’athification committee could add more names to a list of banned political candidates …
Continue reading “Friday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 4 Wounded”
At least five Iraqis were killed and 11 were wounded in the latest attacks. One U.S. soldier died in a vehicular accident as well. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry warned that as much as 10 percent of the population is disabled due to the war. Elsewhere, a probe into the workings of the De-Ba’athification Committee could change the upcoming elections. Also, a British contractor faced an Iraqi court, while in Britain a former foreign secretary testified at the Iraq Inquiry.
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 61 more were wounded in recent violence. Most of the attacks were in northern Iraq, but one bold robbery attempt in Baghdad ended in a shootout. Meanwhile, the De-Ba’athification process came under fire again. Also, a lawyer for Tariq Aziz is looking for international help in freeing his infirm client.
No reports of violence escaped Iraq today; however, there were other important news stories. Among them, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill promises that he is not in Arbil to encourage Kurds to make concessions to the Arab-led central government. Meanwhile, Iraq is cracking down on shops that sell military and police uniforms. Also, Amnesty International has asked for a halt the increasing passage of death sentences.
Although casualties were light today—at least 13 Iraqis were killed and 15 were wounded—a number of important stories made the headlines. Among them is the announcement of Tony Blair’s appearance at the Iraq Inquiry. Meanwhile, a U.S. soldier was found guilty of cruelty, while the Iraqi government moved ahead with plans to sue a U.S. …
Continue reading “Monday: 13 Iraqis Killed, 15 Wounded”