Even Older News Stories

Violence continues throughout country

Wednesday was another bloody day throughout Iraq with a suicide bombing in Baghdad, assassination in Mosul, continued hostage crisis, and violence elsewhere.

Ten people were killed by a powerfuly suicide bomb near the entrance to the "Green Zone" in Central Baghdad. The attack, the bloodiest since the interim government took over from the US-led occupation in June, killed three Iraqi national guardsmen and seven civilians and injured at least 40.

In the North, Governor Ussama Kachmula of the northern city of Mosul and two of his bodyguards were shot dead by four attackers as they travelled from Mosul to Baghdad. The crises over Bulgarian and Phillipino hostages continued for another day with conflicting reports of whether a Bulgarian was executed.

And, in the flashpoint city of Ramadi, clashes between insurgents and US marines left five Iraqis dead and another 21 wounded while in the northern oil city of Kirkuk, five Iraqis from one family including a child were killed and two injured from mortar rounds. posted 14 July 2004

Mass arrests net over 500 Iraqis

Baghdad police arrested over 500 suspects in a crackdown on criminals in Baghdad. In a massive sweep suspected murderers, kidnappers and thieves were arrested as part of a plan to clean up Baghdad's streets.

Colonel Adnan Abdul Rhaman, the Interior Ministry's chief spokesman said the coordinated raid was the largest operation since the fall of Saddam Hussein. The suspects, all Iraqis, were being held for questioning at a Baghdad police department, he said. The operation was part of an Interior Ministry initiative to crackdown on crime in Baghdad, said Col Rhaman.

Col Suleiman attributed the rise in theft, murder and abduction to the insecurity that arose during the US-led occupation and unemployment. He said in Baghdad alone the jobless rate among the young was close to 75 per cent. posted 13 July 2004

Japanese troops suspend flights

Japan's defense forces (ASDF) have suspended their operation to airlift supplies to Iraq from Kuwait due to information concerning possible surface-to-air missile attacks in and around Tallil airport in southern Iraq, government sources said Monday..

The ASDF uses the airport as a base of operations for C-130 transport planes to fly in humanitarian aid and goods for Japanese ground troops in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah, as well as troops and supplies for the U.S.-led multinational force. The airport is also used by U.S. and other forces.

This news comes after a weekend when Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the Liberal Democratic Party suffered setbacks in local elections and his decision to keep troops in Iraq. posted 12 July 2004

5 Americans killed over weekend

Four U.S. Marines and one other soldier died in Iraq this weekend, according to US Defense Department officials.

On Saturday in Fallujah, four marines were killed in a vehicle accident near their base camp, according to military officials. The Marines were conducting security and stability operations when the accident happened. Meanwhile in Mosul, a Task Force Olympia soldier was killed today during a roadside-bomb attack on a U.S. convoy. Another soldier was injured in the attack.

The explosion also killed an Iraqi citizen that was driving behind the Task Force Olympia convoy, they said. posted 11 July 2004

Child dies, 3 others injured in attack

A six-year-old boy was killed and three other persons injured in a mortar attack launched by guerrillas on central Baghdad, according to Reuters news service.

"My son died, my son died," shouted a woman, staggering along a street supported by two men shortly after the attack close to the al-Sadeer hotel on Friday. Plumes of smoke from the blast could be seen from the Palestine hotel where many media stay.

Two mortar shells may have missed their target of the al-Sadeer Hotel, and hit a nearby home instead killing the boy. . posted 9 July 2004

5 US Soldiers killed, 20 wounded

Insurgents firing mortar rounds destroyed a headquarters used by U.S. and Iraqi forces in the city of Samarra on Thursday, killing five and wounding 20 American soldiers according to ABC news. .

Neal O'Brien, the spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division said that 1 Iraqi soldiers and three civilians also were killed, while U.S. helicopters killed four insurgents. Before the mortar attack, a U.S. military convoy in Samarra was targeted by a roadside bomb that wounded a U.S. soldier, O'Brien said.

Also , gunmen strafed a truck on the road between Samarra and Balad, prompting the vehicle to flip over and killing two Turkish truck drivers, witnesses said. posted 8 July 2004

Suicide bomb at Iraq funeral kills 14

Up to 14 people died and dozens more were injured after a suicide bomber set off a car bomb near a massive funeral tent in Khalis.

The Khalis blast, some 80 kilometers from Baghdad, was the bloodiest guerrilla attack in Iraq since an interim government took charge from US-led occupiers on June 28. A senior police commander was among those wounded in the attack on the funeral for the brother of the town's mayor, police said.

Tents had been erected in the street to shelter mourners paying condolences to the man's family, said a report in The Daily Star. "A suicide bomber drove right into the funeral gathering and his car exploded," said witness Ghassan Sabah Kadhem. posted 6 July 2004

US blasts Fallujah again

In what is becoming a familiar scene, US dropped two tons of bombs on Fallujah residents, killing up to 25, according to Associated Press news reports.

The attack was the fifth air strike in the past two weeks in the area where the U.S. military says safehouses are being used by members of Jordanian militant Abu Musab Zarqawi's network..

In Fallujah, 50 kilometres west of Baghdad, rescue workers picked up body parts amid the rubble and gathered at the 10-meter-deep pit where the house had been. "Is this acceptable to the Iraqi government?" asked an angry man at the scene. "Where are our human rights?" posted 5 July 2004

135,000 US soldiers spend 4th in Iraq

While American families spent the 4th eating hotdogs, swimming, and watching fireworks, other fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers spent the holiday sweltering under Iraq sky.

Lieutenant David Irwin, from the Army's 1st Cavalry Division , celebrated the 4th at a ceremony at Camp Cuervo in Baghdad. For many of the troops, the day was relively relaxing, even though the barbecue, parades and fireworks displays were missing.

"I'm just going to rest and give my family a call and visit with friends here on the base," said Danile Heyse from Camp Fallujah. Heyse planned to enjoy the day vicariously through his wife, Sherry and daughter, Laura, who will enjoy a traditional celebration with food, fireworks and friends. "My wife said the big celebrations will when I get home."

20,000 soldiers are being rotated our of Iraq this weekend as well. The 1st Amored is returning to their home in Germany after spending the past 15 months in Iraq. 135 of the Division's soldiers have died and they were in the midst of pulling out of Iraq in April when they were ordered to stay on. Soldiers of the Division and its companion unit, the Louisiana-based 2nd Armored Cavalry say they are being replaced by fresh troops from the 10th Mountain Division, the 11th Marine Expeditionary, and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Units. posted 4 July 2004

What The Declaration of Independence actually said

On July 4 we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, so it is time to re-read it in light of the invasion of Iraq. That noble document articulated specific greviences against the King of England that were used to justify the U.S. revolution and insurgency against its occupiers. Particularly:

"He has forbidden (us) to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless his Assent should be obtained;"

"He has dissolved (our) government, for opposing his invasions on the rights of the people;"

"He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected;"

"He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries;"

"He has kept among us Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures;"

"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power;"

"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation;"

"For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us;"

"For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury;"

"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences;"

"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people;"

"He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers in an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions;"

Reading through this document, certainly Iraqi citizens could voice many of the same disagreements and arguments, couldn't they? In light of this, when we say we are "bringing Democracy to Iraq" should we be surprised they they might have their own Declaration? posted 3 July 2004

DC Report: Iraq worse off than before war

The 105-page report by Congress' investigative arm, the General Accounting Office (GAO) has found that in key areas the Iraq that was handed off on Monday is worse off than before the war began last year.

This bleak assessment comes after 14 months of occupation and sub-par rebuilding efforts. Findings include:

- In 13 of Iraq's 18 provinces, electricity was available fewer hours per day than before the war.

- Only $13.7 billion of the $58 billion pledged and allocated worldwide to rebuild Iraq has been spent

- The number of significant insurgent attacks skyrocketed from 411 in February to 1,169 in May.

The report was released on the same day that the CPA's inspector general issued three reports that highlighted serious management difficulties at the CPA. One of the biggest problems, Singer said, is that while money has been pledged and allocated, not much has been spent. The GAO report shows that very little of the promised international funds - most of which are in loans - has been spent or can't be tracked. The CPA's inspector general found the same thing. FULL REPORTposted 1 July 2004

Iraq's small arms cause concern

More than 7 million small arms are estimated to be in private hands in Iraq, making it one of the more heavily armed countries in the Middle East, according to researchers at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva.

However, with 30 guns for every 100 residents, Iraq is far behind the United States when it comes to small arms. In the U.S., there are approximately 222 million firearms; 68 for every 100 residents

War planners, intent on turning up weapons of mass destruction, "created a situation little considered in prewar rhetoric," researchers said. The immediate result of the flood of guns was unprecedented social disorder as firearms-related murders and other serious crimes skyrocketed, they said. Iraq is well on its way to becomming more like the U.S. which has some of the highest rates of violent crime in the world. posted 29 june 2004

Army calls up retired, reserves

The Army announced that will call up about 5,600 retired and discharged soldiers who are not members of the National Guard or Reserve. Plans are for an involuntarily recall to active duty for possible service in Iraq or Afghanistan, Army officials said Tuesday.

This marks the first time the Army has called on the Individual Ready Reserve - as this category of reservists is known - in substantial numbers since 1991.

Unlike members of the National Guard and Reserve, the individual reservists do not perform regularly scheduled training. Any former enlisted soldier who did not serve at least eight years on active duty is in the Individual Ready Reserve pool, as are all officers who have not resigned their commission. posted 29 june 2004

Iraq handoff begins two days early

On the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the President could not hold foreign "combatants" without due process, the U.S. handed over control of the up to 80,000 prisoners in Iraq ... along with much of the rest of the country.

The American-appointed Iraqi Interim Governmnet (IIG) is now nominally in charge under the leadership of President Ghazi al-Yawar.

The anticipated "sovereignty" came a couple of days early as Bremer left and Negroponte arrived. The Coalition Provision Authority is no longer. It's now becomes the-world's-largest-embassy and ministry advisors are already changing their business cards to read "consultants". The almost 150,000 foreign occupying troops are now to be called "guests".

However, for most Iraqis, tomorrow will begin the same as today with crime, lack of electricity, and unemployment topping the list of concerns. captives. posted 28 june 2004

Marine may be hostage

The U.S. military said on Monday a Marine of Lebanese descent was missing in Iraq but a spokesman could not confirm he had been taken hostage.

However, al-Jazeera television is reporting that a militant group is claiming that they are holding hostage Wassef Ali Hassoun. They also claim to have infiltrated a U.S. base.

Ali's captors are threatening to behead him along with other captives. posted 27 june 2004

"Risky" handover may mean more troops

Top U.S. officials, testifying before the U.S. Senate on Friday admitted that Iraq violence is expected to continue but said that it is likely that no more troops will be needed.

However, the Senate passed legislation to troops strenth and there are numerous reports that as many as 15,000 more troops may be sent to Iraq if the insurgency continues to intensify.

The officials admitted that the Bush administration "made a series of miscalculations". More than a year after major combat ended, the Pentagon still has little hard information about the size and makeup of guerrilla forces that have killed more than 500 of the 848 American troops who have died in Iraq, said the officials.
posted 27 june 2004

Up to 100 dead in bombings across Iraq

A series of bombings across Iraq, launched by insurgents, has resulted in up to 100 dead and over 300 wounded. Most of the attacks were against Iraqi security forces but 3 U.S. soldiers also were killed.

The most casualties were in Mosul where 44 people were killed but clashes also occured in Baqouba, Ramadi, Baghdad and other areas.

A group led by Jordanian militant Abu Musab Zarqawi, who Washington says has links to al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement on a website. Wiitnesses said some of the black-clad gunmen who attacked a police station and government buildings in Baquba, 60 km (40 miles) northwest of Baghdad, proclaimed loyalty to Zarqawi and wore yellow headbands linking them to his group.
posted 24 june 2004

Korean beheaded

A Korean worker, taken hostage earlier in the week in Fallujah, was beheaded by militants in Iraq in an 'inhumane act of terror'. A video image released June 22, 2004 by Al Jazeera television shows a group of heavily armed gunmen, standing over kidnapped Korean Kim Sun-il.

His body was found later in the day by coalition forces. Mr Kim, 33 worked for a South Korean company, Gana General Trading, which supplies the US military in Iraq. His brutal slaying has created sorrow and outrage throughout the world.

Seoul has a 600-strong unit in Iraq and last week announced plans to send 3,000 more in August. posted 22 june 2004

4 Marines Killed in Ambush

Four marines were killed today in an ambush in Ramadi, just west of Fallujah. The four Marines in Ramadi had failed to check in at an appointed time, and a search was launched, Kimmitt said, declining further comment until relatives could be notified. Videotape delivered to AP News showed the four, still in uniform, lying dead near what appeared to be a walled compound.

In related news, several houses were destroyed in an airstrike on Fallujah on Saturday and an investigation is underway. US officials say they were striking a house used by militants in the network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian with close ties to Al Qaeda. But Iraqi security officers quickly disputed that notion.

Both Fallujah and Ramadi are located just West of Baghdad in what is sometimes referred to as the "Suni Triangle" posted 21 june 2004

Riots Worsen in Baghdad

Up to 16 people were killed, and 60 injured today as violence and bombing spread throughout Baghadad.

In some of the worst rioting, demonstrators threw stones at U.S. soldiers, burned American flags, and danced around the corpses of bomb victims. A suicide bomber targeted a convoy of three vehicles near Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. Foreign contract workers, their guards, and many nearby Iraqis died in the blast.

When American soldiers from the 1st Calvary Division arrived , they were quickly surrounded by Iraqis who threw stones and chanted, "Down! Down! USA" and "Down! Down! With the new government!" posted 14 june 2004

Kurds Threaten Succession

Kurds have threaten to pull back, and possible succeed, from the new government as a result of their unhappiness with the new Interim Constitution.

They are concerned that they will no longer have the broad autonomy - and protections - that they have been given since 1991.

elections.

Kurds remain unhappy. "It's not just that we have been misled by the Americans," a Kurdish official said. "It's also that they change their position day to day without any focus on real strategy in Iraq. There's a level of mismanagement and incompetence that is shocking." posted 12 june 2004

Iraqi Diplomat Assassinated

Bassam Qubba, the foreign ministry's director-general for Iraq, was assassinated June 12 while on his way home from work in Baghdad.

This is the worst political assination since the new "interim government" took over on June 1 and the first since another career diplomat, Aqila al-Hashemi, was killed in in September, soon after she was appointed by the U.S. to the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), which is now defunct.

Qubba was a veteran career diplomat who served as ambassador to China during Saddam Hussein's rule. Foreign ministry spokesman Thamer al-Adhami said the attackers overtook Qubba's car and fired as they drove past, wounding him. His driver took him to hospital, where he died soon after. posted 12 june 2004

UN Approves Resolution on Iraq

The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution to end the war in Iraq and backing the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people.

"Today we are united on Iraq," said Lauro L. Baja Jr. of the Philippines, the Security Council president.

The plan calls for the return of "complete sovereignty", elections as soon as possible, multinational assistance with security, and assistance by UN organizations.

Despite the goodwill of the members, "The future remains loaded with dangers and uncertainties," said Abdallah Baali, Algeria's ambassador to the UN. Security issues and the steps for establishing an elected government remain two of the most crucial issues. posted 09 june 2004

"Daily Massacre" in North Baghdad

Each day brings a new massacre in the Sadr City district of Baghdad as the war continues. In this poorest section of the city, amid streets strewn with garbage and banner to the recent dead flutter from windows.

According to the Seattle Times, "U.S. military officials estimate they have killed more than 800 Iraqis in Sadr City over the past nine weeks — nearly a dozen a day — in battles with the al-Mahdi 'army', the militia of radical Shiite Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr."

After the fall of Baghdad, residents of Sadr City welcomed U.S. soldiers. However, since that time they have seen little progress relating to jobs, electricity, and general respect. Last Summer a U.S. helicopter fired into a crowd during a small riot and soldiers routinely remove posters of al-Sadr.

Looking like hell on earth, the death toll in the the district continues to climb. posted 09 june 2004

>> Filipino and Thai troops withdraw
Philippino and Thai troops have pulled out of Iraq, putting behind all US requests to delay their stay to ensure law and order in the country......[more]
posted 19 July 2004

>> Republican foundation stresses "positives" of Iraq war
Sgt. Chris Beard, severely injured by a bomb in Iraq, joined others this week with The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies to mark the handover of power in Iraq by emphasizing, untold improvements made in that war-torn country....[more]
posted 30 june 2004

>> Baby-faced Guardsman on trial for espionage
A Washington National Guardsman accused of trying to help al-Qaida has been ordered to stand trial at a military court-martial, but will not face the death penalty.... [more]
posted 24 june 2004

>>Iraqi Middle-Class Resents Occupation
Daily misery - lack of electricity, phone service, water, and security - a year after the end of major war efforts has made most Iraqis angry at the continued occupation. Many Iraqis are waiting for soveriegnty in order to begin rebuilding their own country .... [more]
posted 21 june 2004

>>Wounded Ft. Hood soldiers cared for in Germany
Almost every day, soldiers from Fort Hood in Texas arrive at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein Air Base in Germany to receive medical care from wounds suffered during the war in Iraq. There they receive "top notch" care in facilities that are the envy of much of the world .... [more]
updated 07 june 2004

>>Founder of VITW in prison for "doing good"
Kathy Kelly, the founder of Voices in the Wilderness, the premier organization that opposed the embargo on Iraq throughout the 1990s remains in prison for "medicine, toys, and hope" to Iraqis .... [more]
posted 01 june 2004

President Bush defends war in Iraq
In a 4th of July speach in West Virginia, President Bush continued to say that America is a safer place today because Saddam Hussein is in prison .....[more]
posted 3 July 2004

Clerics in Iraq preach unity
In their final sermons before "sovreignty" is declared, many clerics in Iraq preach messages that remain anti-American but also look to the future. Calls for Iraq unity grow, even amid the continuing bloodshed.....[more]
posted 26 june 2004

Pipeline bombed, creating energy shortage
Saboteurs bombed a pipeline linking Iraq's largest fuel refinery at Baiji, 200 kilometres north of Baghdad. The result is an expected disruption in electricity .... [more]
posted 09 june 2004