Iraq

A bigger threat to Iraq than Al Qaeda? Power cuts.

The US and Iraq have spent billions on concrete blast walls and other measures to protect against insurgent groups, including Al Qaeda. But power cuts and rolling blackouts are feeding public discontent over a lack of electricity.
First day of summer in Iraq signals hot, violent months ahead

On the first day of summer the temperature has already reached 120 degrees F. in Iraq, with the hottest days yet to come. Faltering electricity, on top of violence and a political vacuum, has plunged many into deeper despair.
Iraq parliament sits; politicians say new government months away

Three months after elections, Iraq's parliament met for the first time in a short meeting to swear in new members. Politicians say negotiations on forming a new government could still be months away from completion.
Iraqi Christians: Better off than other Iraqi refugees?

Arab Christians in the US and elsewhere help facilitate the resettlement of Iraqi Christians fleeing violence in Iraq. Is the Western media overplaying the challenges facing Christians in Iraq?
Iraq court ratifies election results (finally), now what?

With the ratification of Iraq March elections results should clear the way for the formation of a new government. The US plans to reduce it's troop presence in Iraq to 50,000 soldiers by August, but its not clear yet who will be Iraq's prime minister. .
Memorial Day in Iraq: Sacrifices remembered

American servicemen and women honored their fallen comrades on Memorial Day in Iraq, as the war winds down there.
Iraqis can't get pensions, visas, or permits due to Iraq election limbo

Nearly three months after the March 7 Iraq election, Iraqis are waiting for 100,000 new jobs to be filled and face backlogs in everything from obtaining permits to registering for pensions. Some complain their vote was 'worthless.'
Witness: Secret Iraq prison for women and children

Iraq's Muthanna Army base has women and children in a secret prison, says an Iraqi eyewitness. He says some are family members of Al Qaeda suspect and are used to extract confessions.
As US troops leave, Iraqis fear prison torture will widen

Despite the Abu Ghraib scandal, US troops are now seen as protectors of human rights. Iraqis say they are being tortured in Iraqi secret prisons.
Brazen Baghdad gold heist leaves trail of dead

Seventeen gunmen killed 14 people in a series of thefts from a gold jewelry market in Baghdad. The brazen daylight attack was seen as another sign of deteriorating security in Iraq.
Iraq election recount battle over, now comes the hard part

At an unusual Baghdad gathering of key players, tensions eased over the Iraq election results. But the effort to form a coalition government and choose Iraqi's new prime minister and president still in the early stages.
Iraq foreign ministry reopens as symbol of defying terrorists

Iraq reopened a rebuilt foreign ministry building in Baghdad Wednesday, just nine months after a major truck bombing. 'The best answer to the terrorists ... is to rise from the ashes again,' said Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.
Are Sadr militias rearming in Iraq's south?

A US general said he hasn't ruled out the involvement of militias close to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in recent attacks in Iraq's south and says the movement is reasserting itself as a force in the area.
After Iraq attacks, security forces describe hardships at Baghdad checkpoints

Federal police and Iraqi soldiers interviewed after yesterday's Iraq attacks described being shot at, deserted by colleagues who pay commanders to get out of work, and forced to ask neighbors for drinking water and toilet access.
Iraqi security forces say politicians were behind Iraq attacks

In one example, a policeman near one of the six Baghdad checkpoints attacked in a wave of Iraq attacks yesterday said political parties were taking advantage of the tenuous security situation.
Amid election stalemate, deadliest Iraq bombings of the year

The death toll rose to nearly 100 after a series of Iraq bombings targeted security forces, factory workers, and shoppers. Two months after the March 7 election, a new government still has not been formed.
Terrorism & Security
At least 30 killed as gunmen, suicide bomber, strike across Iraq

Violence is increasing amid continued election squabbling more than two months after the Iraq election, with a suicide bombing and series of coordinated attacks Monday across the Baghdad region killing at least 30.
After Iraq election, Shiite parties announce alliance to form next government

In the wake of the disputed Iraq election, the two largest Shiite parties announced they are creating an alliance to lead the next government that leaves them just 4 votes shy of a parliamentary majority.
Iraq election: Baghdad recount begins with a hitch

Iraqi officials today began a manual recount of 20 percent of the Iraq election ballots cast in the March 7 parliamentary race. But Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tried also to get an audit – a comparison of every ballot and every voter's signature.
New twist in Iraq election crisis: Maliki's enemies latch onto torture allegations

As the Iraq election process is drawn out by a recount, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faces a fresh challenge over allegations of torture on his watch. He dismissed an HRW report, saying detainees bruised themselves to fake torture evidence.
Iraq-Iran border post: From 'Checkpoint Charlie' to tourist gate?

At a remote Iraq-Iran border post, US forces watch Iranians watch them. Iran's spy drones circle overhead. But there are plans to make this border crossing a new gateway for tourism between the two countries.
US expresses first concerns over Iraq election results

US Ambassador Christopher Hill today expressed concern that nearly two months after the Iraq election, a government has not been formed. Complicating the drawn-out process, Iraqi officials today disqualified two winning candidates.
Baghdad bombings show Al Qaeda in Iraq still intent on sectarian violence

Although Iraqi and US officials say they've severely damaged Al Qaeda in Iraq, a series of new Baghdad bombings reveals the organization may be weaker but is still trying to spark tension between Sunnis and Shiites.
Iraq voters face long wait for new government as Maliki, others jockey for power

Prime Minister Maliki and others are maneuvering for influence in the wake of the March 7 vote, results of which are being delayed by a recount and investigation of other complaints. Inability to form an effective new Iraq government could further divide the country.
Iraq claims key gains in dismantling Al Qaeda in Iraq

After the killing this week of the two top leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq, officials in Baghdad said more important gains have recently been made in dismantling the group's networks.