Updated at 10:55 p.m. EDT, July 13, 2009
Iraq increased security after a spate of attacks against Christians and ahead of a major Shi’ite religious observance. At least three Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in the latest violence. No Coalition deaths were reported, but seven U.S. soldiers were injured in Sharqat.
The Iraqi army chief of staff, Gen. Babaker B. Shawkat Zebari, said attacks in Iraq could continue for years after the U.S. pullout in 2011. Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmaker Hanin al-Qadu, who represents Iraq’s Shabak minority in parliament, blamed Kurd militants for recent bombings in northern Iraq. At least nine Iraqis were killed and 30 more were wounded in today’s various attacks.
Updated at 6:05 p.m. EDT, July, 11, 2009
At least 18 Iraqis were killed and 82 more were wounded in the latest round of violence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reiterated his call to change the constitution so that the central government increases its share of power. Also, two journalists groups are decrying abuses against journalists.
Updated at 11:36 p.m. EDT, July 10, 2009
The prayer day started out quietly. Only four Iraqi deaths were reported in the early hours, and another five Iraqis were wounded. The break in attacks comes only a day after the worst violence since the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities; however, a U.S. soldier killed an Iraqi civilian on a rural highway. No Coalition deaths were reported, but the mother of a British soldier who died in a Land Rover accident won the right to a legal review of the vehicle’s use. In Baghdad, a parliamentary meeting will be held to determine the reasons behind a delay implementing an amnesty law for Iraqi detainees. Also, the Iraqi soccer team won it’s first home game since 2002.
Updated at 11:42 p.m. EDT, July 9, 2009
The string of blasts that vexed Ninewa province yesterday continued with a major strike on the city of Tal Afar today. Overall, at least 60 Iraqis were killed and 172 more were wounded across Iraq. A U.S. soldier was found dead at a U.S. facility. In political news, U.S forces released five Iranian diplomats who were detained on suspicion of aiding local militants in Arbil. Also, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called for restraint from the Kurdish Regional Government.
Updated at 11:50 p.m. EDT, July 8. 2009
Mosul erupted in a spasm of violence today as at least six explosions took the lives of over a dozen residents. At least 32 Iraqis were killed and 90 more were wounded there and across Iraq. No Coalition deaths were reported, but a U.S. soldier is facing a court martial in the slayings of his superior and another soldier at a base south of Baghdad last year. Meanwhile, Iraqi lawmakers warned Israel that use of Iraqi airspace during a strike on Iran would be considered an attack against Iraq.
At least six Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded in light violence. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki paid a visit to Anbar province. No Coalition casualties were reported.
Updated at 6:25 p.m. EDT, July 6, 2009
At least 9 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in the latest round of violence. Again, Mosul was the target of multiple attacks. British authorities are looking into allegations that British troops tortured Iraqi civilians in 2004. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government has banned organized trips to Saddam Hussein’s grave, even as the final resting place for the former dictator’s gun is under discussion.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called for Kirkuk elections before the parliamentary vote next January. Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview that the surge in American troops in Iraq should have come much earlier, perhaps as early as 2003. Coincidently, Iraqis themselves are skeptical about the subsequent U.S. pullback. Overall, at least six Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded in the latest attacks.
Updated at 7:45 p.m. EDT, July 4, 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden celebrated the U.S. Independence Day with his son who is serving in Iraq. A scheduled trip to Arbil, however, was canceled due to sandstorms. Meanwhile, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest violence. No Coalition deaths were reported.
