September Iraq Attacks 'Deadliest Month For Two Years'

Iraq Attacks: September 'Deadliest Month For Two Years' -- BBC

Some 365 people were killed in Iraq during September, making it the country's deadliest month for more than two years, says the government.


The month saw 182 civilians, 88 police and 95 soldiers killed in attacks across Iraq, official figures show.

They were compiled by Iraq's health, interior and defence ministries.

More than 100 died on 9 September in bomb and gun attacks against mostly Shia targets claimed by a Sunni group affiliated with al-Qaeda.

And on Sunday, at least 32 people were killed as car bomb attacks targeted security forces and Shia pilgrims around the country.

The government figures also showed that 683 people - 453 civilians, 110 police and 120 soldiers - were wounded in September.

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More News On September's Iraqi Attacks Being The 'Deadliest Month For Two Years'

Iraq's monthly death toll doubles, bloodiest for two years -- Reuters
September is deadliest month in Iraq in more than 2 years -- CNN
September deadliest month in Iraq in 2 yrs -- The Australian
September Iraq’s deadliest month in over 2 years -- Gulf News/AFP
September deadliest month in Iraq in two years -- Sydney Morning Herald

Threats And Killings Are Now Being Directed Against Iraq's 'Emo Youth'

Threats And Killings Striking Fear Among Young Iraqis, Including Gays -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — A recent spate of killings and intimidation aimed at gay Iraqis and teenagers who dress in brash Western fashions is sending waves of fear through Iraq’s secular circles while casting doubt on the government’s will to protect some of its most vulnerable citizens.
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Many details of what Iraqi newspapers have called the “emo killings” are murky, but the uproar comes at an awkward moment for Iraq. The country has been preparing to showcase itself to the world as host of a high-profile meeting of Arab leaders in late March, the first major diplomatic event here since American forces withdrew in December.

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More News On The Dangers That Iraq's Secular Communities Are Now Facing

Stoned to death for being an emo: NINETY Iraqi students killed for having 'strange hair and tight clothes' -- Daily Mail
Iraq religious militias target 'emo' youths -- The Telegraph
Fear as death squads hunt Iraq's gays and "emos" -- Reuters
At least 14 youths stoned to death in Iraq for wearing Western-style ‘emo’ clothes -- National Post/Reuters
Iraq's 'Emo' Killings Raise Horror and Religious Debate -- Al Bawaba
"Emo" and gay kids targeted, killed in Iraq -- CBS
Emos in Iraq being killed at alarming rate for being thought of as gay -- New York Daily News/AP
Iraqi youth panicked by reports of killings -- Washington Post
Iraqi murders put gay and emo youth on edge -- CNN

Is Iraq's Anbar Province A U.S. Success Story?

In Iraq’s Anbar Province, Unfinished Business? -- Washington Post

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — The dust storm swallowed the horizon and then the soldiers, who leaned into the windy blur to load rucksacks onto vehicles pointed homeward. At 3:30 a.m. the next day, their Army battalion would roll out under the cover of darkness, concluding their mission to advise and train Iraqi security forces in Anbar province.

The swath of western Iraq the battalion was leaving behind has seen the bloodiest points of the war, but also some of the most promising. Since the war began, 1,332 U.S. troops have died in Anbar, nearly one in three of all U.S. fatalities. But not one has been killed in action in the province in more than two years.

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My Comment: When it comes to Iraq .... I am super-duper skeptical .... especially when I read news reports like this one. But if the Iraq Sunnis in Anbar are smart, they should cement and position themselves to have the same autonomy that the Kurds in northern Iraq have been able to establish for themselves. But .... Iraq being Iraq .... I have doubts that this is going to happen.

Iraq News Updates -- February 1, 2011

Iraqis inspect the site of a bomb attack inside a funeral tent in Baghdad's Shula district on January 27. February 01, 2011

Iraq Casualties Rise In January -- Radio Free Europe

The Iraqi government says the number of police, civilians and soldiers killed in Iraq rose sharply in January, reaching its highest level since September.

Government figures released today showed that at least 259 people -- 159 civilians, 55 police and 45 soldiers were killed last month.

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More News On Iraq

Iraq war casualties rise in January -- Reuters
January Iraq death toll highest in four months -- AFP
Iraq death toll in January reaches four month high -- M&C
Iraq's monthly death toll climbs in January -- Xinhuanet
Iraq violence kills 259 in January -- Press TV

Senate report says Iraq is at critical juncture -- AP
US report: Iraq's security at risk without aid -- AP
'Gaps in Iraq forces' may hamper security gains -- AFP
Can Iraq's new military hold the line? -- UPI
U.S. concerned about post-2011 Iraq -- UPI
Iraqi security forces facing serious problems, U.S. oversight official says -- Washington Post

Ex-interrogator describes mistaken Iraq raids -- Washington Post
Maliki vows Iraqi bank and election body independence -- Reuters
USF-I: Iraq buys F-16s — wait, never mind -- Stars And Stripes
Iraq: Secret Jail Uncovered in Baghdad -- Human Rights Watch
Iraq's oil industry continues to grow -- Gulf News
Iraq: The Hidden Crime of Rape -- Frontline

Will U.S. Forces Leave Iraq In 2011?

Sgt. Leonard Cortze, from left, Ala Hassan of the Iraqi Army and Rahim Ahmed, a Kurdish security officer, at a Diyala checkpoint. Shiho Fukada for The New York Times

Politics In Iraq Casts Doubt On A U.S. Presence After 2011 -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — The protracted political turmoil that saw the resurgence of a fiercely anti-American political bloc here is casting new doubt on establishing any enduring American military role in Iraq after the last of nearly 50,000 troops are scheduled to withdraw in the next 12 months, military and administration officials say.

Given Iraq’s military shortcomings, especially in air power, intelligence coordination and logistics, American and Iraqi officials had long expected that some American military presence, even if only in an advisory role, would continue beyond 2011. That is the deadline for a troop withdrawal negotiated under President George W. Bush more than three years ago and adhered to, so far, by President Obama.

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More News On Iraq

U.S. political plan gets left behind in Iraq -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News
Iraq Premier Set to Announce New Government -- Wall Street Journal
Allawi will take part in Iraq's coalition government -- CNN
Allawi comments boost Iraq government prospects -- Washington Post
Rival tells Iraqi PM to keep power-sharing pledge -- Washington Post
Iraq's Allawi Says Will Join Maliki Government -- Radio Free Europe
Program to integrate Sunnis in security forces imperiled -- Dallas News/AP
Iraq oil revenue plan prompts Kurd parl't walkout -- Reuters
Iraqi Cleric Asks Followers Not to Work for Foreign Oil -- Wall Street Journal
Qur'an etched in Saddam Hussein's blood poses dilemma for Iraq leaders -- The Guardian
Saddam half-brother apologises to Iraqi people -- AFP
Iraq is in danger of regressing -- The Daily Star editorial

After 20 Years, The U.N Lifts Key Sanctions On Iraq

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (1st R) talks with Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari (2nd R) and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice during a United Nations Security Council high level meeting on Iraq at the UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 15, 2010. The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to lift the Saddam-era sanctions against Iraq, which was imposed in 1991. In the new resolution, the 15-nation council decided to lift most international sanctions imposed on Iraq under the rule of former President Saddam Hussein. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

U.N. Security Council Ends Key Iraq Sanctions -- L.A. Times

The country is now free to develop a civilian nuclear program, and it regains control of its oil revenue.

Reporting from Washington and Baghdad — The U.N. Security Council voted Wednesday to lift key sanctions on Iraq, in a major step to restore the nation to the international standing it had before Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

The council lifted restrictions aimed at preventing Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction, opening the way for Baghdad to eventually build civilian nuclear plants. It also ordered the dismantling next June of the U.N. programs that since 1995 have given foreign powers control over how Iraq has spent its huge oil revenue.

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More News On Iraq

UN lifts Iraq nuclear weapons sanctions -- AP
Instant view: Reaction to U.N.'s Iraq sanctions decision -- Reuters
Security Council ends Saddam-era Iraq sanctions -- AFP
U.N. Lifts Sanctions on Iraq -- Wall Street Journal
UN Officially Ends Saddam-Era Iraq Sanctions -- Wall Street Journal
UN lifts sanctions against Iraq -- BBC
UN Security Council Ends Saddam Hussein-Era Sanctions Against Iraq -- Radio Free Europe
UN Security Council lifts sanctions against Iraq -- Xinhuanet
U.N. Security Council ends major sanctions on Iraq -- CNN
VP Biden Chairs UN Security Council, as Pre-Saddam Sanctions Lifted on Iraq -- ABC News
Iraq gets U.N. green light for civil nuclear program -- Reuters
End of Iraq Sanctions Reflects Progress Since Saddam Era, Analysts Say -- FOX News

My Comment: Mission accomplished?

After Stating That The Power-Sharing Deal "Is Dead", Iraq's Main Sunni Backed Party Attends Parliament

U.S. Defends Dealings With Iraqis -- Washington Post

Vice President Biden made numerous calls to senior Iraqi leaders over the past several months and U.S. officials directly participated in top-level negotiating sessions that lasted until just moments before the Iraqi parliament finally convened Thursday to approve a new power-sharing government, a senior Obama administration official said Friday.

Hoping to rebut criticism that it had lost influence in Iraq and was too passive over the eight months since the March elections there, or that its efforts were designed to keep Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in power, the administration offered a detailed written account of previously unreported meetings, visits and calls that it said Biden and others had made.

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More News On Iraq's New Government

Sunni-backed bloc attends Iraqi parliament session -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraqi MPs salvage power-sharing pact after walk-out -- Yahoo News/AFP
Iraq's Maliki looks to repair power-sharing pact -- Yahoo News/AFP
On His First Day, Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Was Tested by Own Alliance -- New York Times
Iraq's great balancing act -- BBC
Iraq's new government -- Washington Post editorial
Analysis: Iraq's Sunnis have a weak hand in talks --Washington Post/AP
Iraq timeline: Key events since 2003 invasion -- Yahoo News/AP

Iraq's Christians Flee In The Face Of Islamic Terrorism

Iraqi Christians Put To The Sword -- The Telegraph

Worship in Iraq is now more dangerous than under Saddam's dictatorship as Islamists bomb churches in a campaign of ethnic cleansing. Adrian Blomfield reports.

Unless told what to look for, the casual visitor to the once glamorous Baghdad thoroughfare that hugs the east bank of the Tigris would almost certainly pass them by. The Stars of David carved into the stonework of the low-slung buildings that line the alleyways of Abu Nuwas Street are little more than a curiosity these days – a memento of a civilisation lost to the pages of history.

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More News On The Pogrom Against Christians In Iraq

Christians in Iraq living in fear of 'pogrom' after bomb attacks -- The Guardian
Fear of jihad driving Christians from Iraq -- USA Today
Baghdad attacks on Christians prompt archbishop's call for mass exodus -- The Guardian
Iraqi Christians flee homes after fresh Baghdad attacks -- Christian Science Monitor
Iraqi Christians welcome in north, Kurdish leader says -- CNN
Iraq Christian Killings Put Spotlight On Religious Minorities In Muslim Countries -- Radio Free Europe
Iraq's disappearing Christians are Bush and Blair's legacy -- The Guardian
Iraq's Christians Vow to Survive, With Muslim Help -- Time Magazine
Christianity's place in the Middle East -- Chris Phillips, The Guardian

Iraq Forms A Government, But Future Is In Doubt After Mass Walkout Of MPs

Ayad Allawi Puts Iraq Power-Sharing Deal At Risk -- The Guardian

Growing uncertainty as Iraqiya head leads MPs from parliamentary session that had just convened after deadlock

Iraq's attempt at a government power-sharing deal seems immediately imperilled after Ayad Allawi led his group of MPs from a parliamentary session that had just convened after eight months of deadlock.

The buildup to Friday's sitting had been mired in uncertainty and brinkmanship on all sides, but a mass walkout after all 325 members had finally assembled was in nobody's script.

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More News On Iraq's New Government

Maliki Named Iraq Premier as Walkout Threatens Coalition Deal -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Allawi: Walkout in Iraqi parliament illustrates mistrust -- CNN
Obama Welcomes Iraq Political Deal -- New York Times
Obama hails new Iraqi government as 'milestone,' though challenges remain -- USA Today
President Obama Welcomes New Iraqi Government -- Voice of America
Obama hails Iraqi power-sharing deal -- AFP
Politicians in Iraq work to salvage power-sharing deal -- CNN
Four Lessons from Iraq's New Government -- Time Magazine

After 8 Months, Iraqi Leaders Reach Agreement On A New Government

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki appears to have worn down his main rival, Iyad Allawi, who announced he is accepting Maliiki's offer of the post of parliament speaker for his party and chairmanship of a new council to break the impasse on forming a new government. (Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters / November 11, 2010)

Iraqi Leaders Reach Agreement On New Government -- L.A. Times

Incumbent Nouri Maliki appears headed to a second term as prime minister after his main rival, Iyad Allawi, accepts his terms for limited power-sharing. The deal will end an eight-month impasse.

Reporting from Baghdad — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki appeared to have locked up his second term in office Wednesday after a lengthy closed-door meeting in which his political foes buckled to his demands for ending an eight-month impasse and forming a new government.

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More News On Iraqi Leaders Reaching An Agreement On A New Government

Iraq breaks deadlock, PM wins support for new term -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq leaders 'reach deal to form new government' -- The Telegraph
Iraq PM likely to keep job; lawmakers set to meet -- AP
Iraqi leaders reach deal to form new government; Maliki to retain power -- Washington Post
Iraqi blocs agree Maliki to be prime minister in new government: his aide -- Xinhuanet
Iraqi official: leaders have framework to form new government -- Christian Science Monitor

Iraqi Leaders Meet In Search Of Political Compromise

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Press TV

Iraqi Leaders Begin Coalition Talks -- Al Jazeera

Iraq's rival political groups meet in Irbil to discuss power-sharing deal in bid to break an eight-month-old deadlock.

Iraqi political leaders have begun a meeting aimed at breaking an eight-month deadlock over the formation of a new government and assure Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's incumbent prime minister, a second term in office.

Monday's meeting, hosted by Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish regional president, in the Kurdish capital Irbil, is expected to last for two days and will aim to create a government of national unity, including Shias, Sunnis and Kurds.

Iraq has been without a government since elections on March 7, when the Sunni dominated Iraqiya bloc won 91 seats and al-Maliki's State of Law took 89.

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More News On Iraq

Cautious Hope In Iraq Of Breakthrough Deal On New Government -- Radio Free Europe
Iraqi rivals hold talks to end political deadlock -- Yahoo News/AFP
Top Iraqis huddle to end political impasse -- CNN
Iraqi rivals meet in Kurdistan to end political deadlock -- Xinhuanet
Iraqi leaders hold government power-sharing talks -- BBC
Rival Iraqi Leaders Hold Meeting to Divide Power -- Voice of America
U.S. urges Iraq to form inclusive government -- Yahoo News/Reuters
ANALYSIS: Eight months on, Kurds play kingmakers in Iraq parliament -- M&C
Don't Hang Tariq Aziz: The death sentence for Saddam's henchman threatens Iraq's exceedingly fragile democracy. -- Christopher Hitchens, Slate

My Comment: While these Iraqi political leaders fight over power, Iraq's violence continues. No surprise .... Iraq's citizens are getting fed up.

Update: Iraqi leaders adjourn meeting without agreement -- The Telegraph

Al Qaeda In Iraq Are Predicting More Bloodshed

Iraqi Qaeda Predicts More Bloodshed -- News 24/AFP

Baghdad - Al-Qaeda's Iraqi affiliate said on Friday that it was behind this week's co-ordinated car bombings against Shi'ites in Baghdad that killed 64 people and it threatened more such attacks.

In a statement on the Al-Hanein jihadi website, the Islamic State of Iraq said Tuesday's attacks were to avenge "insults" against Aisha, the wife of Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

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More News On Iraq

Al-Qaida front group claims string of attacks on Baghdad Shiite districts that left 91 dead -- Canadian Press
Iraqi al Qaeda group predicts more bloody days -- Reuters
Iraqi Qaeda claims bombs against Shiite 'insults' -- AFP
TIMELINE-Deadliest attacks in Iraq in 2010 -- Reuters

Iraq ex-premier sees security deteriorating amid political stalemate -- L.A. Times
Bombings May Spur End To Iraq's Political Impasse -- NPR
Could the Baghdad Carnage End Iraq's Impasse? -- Time Magazine
Iraq delays parliament session for further talks -- Reuters

Video Analysis: Old Fears in the ‘New’ Iraq -- New York Times
Fearful Iraqi Christians face fresh Qaeda threats -- Yahoo News/AFP
IRAQ: Christians consider their future after deadly attack -- IRIN
Baghdad Studio of Feisty TV Station Shut Down in Dispute With Iraqi Government -- New York Times
Iraq’s terror wave -- Dawn Editorial

Iraq News Updates -- November 4, 2010

Baghdad Carnage: Could It End Iraq's Political Impasse? -- Time Magazine

Seraj Abdullah was on the couch watching TV with his young brother and sister when the car bomb went off. It obliterated a teashop down the block with an explosion so strong it spit broken glass and debris in their faces and left Abdullah temporarily deaf. He stumbled outside in terrified silence and found two of his best friends dead, their body parts scattered amid the carnage. "I just kept thinking," he recalls "Is it over? What's going to happen now? Who is going to protect us?"

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More News On Iraq

Iraqis Grieve for Victims, Plan Talks -- Wall Street journal
In the New Iraq, a Familiar Taste of Misery -- New York Times
Iraq attacks renew fear of civil war -- Financial Times
Iraq's insurgency: Another spasm -- The Economist
After Baghdad bombings, Iraqis have harsh words for security forces -- Christian Science Monitor
Q&A: Is al Qaeda in Iraq coming back? -- Reuters

Ayad Allawi ready to quit power-sharing talks and lead Iraq opposition -- The Guardian
Allawi says may exit Iraq power-sharing talks: report -- Reuters
Iraq Parliament To Meet On November 8 -- Radio Free Europe

Islamist insurgents in Iraq threaten wave of attacks on Christians -- The Telegraph
More Iraqi Christians Consider Leaving Iraq After Attack on Baghdad Cathedral -- Radio Free Europe
Extra security around Christian churches in Iraq -- BBC

Iraq News Updates -- November 2, 2010

Blasts In Baghdad Kill At Least 50 -- CNN

Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- At least 50 people were killed and 75 wounded in a wave of blasts across Baghdad on Tuesday, police said.

There were 12 explosions -- all but one were car bombs. The other was a roadside bomb.

Explosions struck the Shiite neighborhoods of Kadhimiya in the northwest, Amil, Bayaa and Shulaa in the southwest, Ur and Zuhour in the northeast, Sadr City and Amin in the east and Abu Dhsir in the southern part of the city.

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More News On Iraq

Blasts kill at least 62 across Baghdad -- AP
10 blasts shake Baghdad killing 62 people, say officials -- Canadian Press
Iraq's capital rocked by at least 10 explosions -- Reuters
Ten Blasts Kill 42 in Baghdad -- Wall Street Journal
Baghdad: Series of blasts kill at least 30 people -- BBC
Officials: 10 blasts kill at least 40 across Baghdad -- Washington Times
Blasts In Baghdad Kill Dozens Wound Scores -- NPR

Baghdad Commander Detained, Church Attack Victims Mourned -- Voice of America
Baghdad church attack: the day after -- CNN
Grieving Christians mourn dead from Iraq church bloodbath -- AFP
Church Attack Seen as Strike at Iraq’s Core -- New York Times
Grenades in church -- The Economist

Maliki inches closer to ruling majority -- UPI
FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Iraq -- Reuters
Iraqi MPs' lavish salaries causing public outrage -- The Telegraph
How Iraqi politicians get paid $1,000 a minute, don't make laws and live it up for free at Baghdad's finest hotel -- The Daily Mail
Iraqi MPs get handsome pay for little work -- Washington Post

Closed TV channel was 'mouthpiece for terrorists': Iraq body -- AFP
One by One, Saddam Hussein’s Aides Are Returning to Tikrit. In Coffins. -- New York Times
First French passenger plane in 20 years lands in Baghdad -- The Telegraph
Iraq confirms bomb-sniffing devices don't work -- Washington Post

Iraq News Updates -- October 14, 2010

US Military Says 77,000 Iraqis Killed Over 5 Years -- Yahoo News/AP

BAGHDAD – In its most extensive death tally of the Iraq war, the U.S. military says nearly 77,000 Iraqi civilians and security officials were killed from early 2004 to mid-2008 — a toll that falls well below Iraqi government figures.

The military's count, which spans the bloodiest chapter of Iraq's sectarian warfare and the U.S. troop surge to quell it, is short of the 85,694 figure released last year by the Iraqi Human Rights Ministry that covers early 2004 to Oct. 31, 2008.

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More News On Iraq

6 Iraqis killed in Baghdad explosions -- CNN
Six killed in Iraq bomb attacks -- AFP
Iraq bombs wound 28, including seven Iranian pilgrims -- Yahoo News/AFP
FACTBOX-Security developments in Iraq, Oct 14 -- Reuters Alertnet
Al-Qaida threatens to nab Iraq ministers' families -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraqi police say they're not all the US claims them to be -- Christian Science Monitor
Dutch court to free Iraq insurgent who plotted to kill Americans -- Washington Post
Court cuts jail for plot to kill US troops in Iraq -- AP
Iraq's Maliki in Syria to mend strained ties -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Iraq seeks diplomatic thaw with Syria -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraq's ambitious oil goals questioned by experts -- Yahoo News/AFP
Iran, Iraq in battle for oil supremacy -- UPI
Iran Has Less Power in Iraq Than We Think -- Michael Wahid Hanna, The Atlantic
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,424 -- AJC/AP

Visiting Iraq's Old Battlefields

An Ex-U.S. Soldier Visits Iraq's Old Battlefields -- Time Magazine

For American troops, especially those stationed around Baghdad, Fallujah and Ramadi were often mentioned in the same breath, the evil twin sisters of Anbar Province. And while the battles in Ramadi were smaller than those in Fallujah, the fighting was often equally vicious.

In late 2006, Ramadi became famous as the birthplace of the Sunni Awakening. According to the American narrative, enlightened U.S. commanders began co-opting insurgents and convincing them to stop fighting. But the true brilliance of this plan was that it didn't require the insurgents to lay down their weapons: they merely had to point them away from us and towards al-Qaeda.

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My Comment: This is one of a series of articles by Times reporters Nate Rawlings and Bobby Ghosh. A must read collection of stories on where is Iraq today.

Returning To Baghdad As A Tourist

Photo: Blast walls protect a market as Iraqis buy groceries in Baghdad. Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP / Getty Image

Return To Baghdad: The Tourist's Survival Guide To Iraq -- Time Magazine

After all the time I've spent embedded with U.S. soldiers in Iraq, it seems only fair that one of them should now be embedded with me. Jonathan (Nate) Rawlings recently completed postgraduate studies in Columbia University's journalism school, but before that he served two tours of duty in Iraq for the 4th Infantry Division.

We're here on assignment for TIME, to report on how Iraq looks and feels after the withdrawal this summer of U.S. combat troops. For me, this trip is also an opportunity to show a soldier a side of this country he could not have seen while in uniform: an Iraq that was my home for the best part of five years.

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My Comment: This is the second part of a series on Iraq after the U.S. withdrawal. The first part is here.

Iraq News Updates -- October 3, 2010

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (R) receives Walter Kalin, the UN Secretary-General's representative on the human rights of internally displaced persons, at his office in Baghdad September 29, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Iraqi Government/Handout

Iraq's Military Flexes To Deter Any Sunni Backlash -- Time Magazine

Mindful that the likely return to power of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the head of yet another Shi'ite-dominated government could potentially trigger a Sunni backlash, the Iraqi military is putting on a show of force in Anbar province — an erstwhile hotbed of insurgency. But that plan risks inflaming hostility in a community that already feels politically marginalized.

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More News On Iraq

Premier Works to Build Broader Coalition in Iraq -- New York Times
Key Sunni: Iraq facing 'last chance' for democracy -- AP
Iraq crackdown on bombers brings silenced killings -- Reuters
Round-up of Daily Violence in Iraq - Sunday 3 October, 2010 -- McClatchy News
Iraq Plans to Raise Official Estimate of Crude Reserves, Oil Ministry Says -- Bloomberg
Iraq set to announce new oil reserves -- AP
Iraqi insurgents threaten oil industry -- UPI
In Iraq, the frustrating sound of generators -- Washington Post
Iraq postpones nationwide census: minister -- AFP

Iraq One Step Closer To Forming A New Government

Shiite parliamentary bloc members announce Nouri al-Maliki as their candidate for premier. Photo by Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

Iraq's Maliki Wins Key Backing In Bid To Form A Coalition Government -- L.A. Times

Muqtada Sadr's political movement says it will support the prime minister for a second term.

Reporting from Baghdad — Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr's political movement Friday announced its support for Iraq Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's bid for a second term, a significant boost for Maliki despite ongoing obstacles over who will lead the country.

Rival Shiite religious factions are in negotiations to form an alliance with Maliki's chief competitor, former prime minister Ayad Allawi.

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More News On Iraq

Maliki gets Shiite nod to head new Iraqi government -- Christian Science Monitor
Anti-American cleric vies for more power in Iraq -- AP
Main Iraq Shia coalition nominates Nouri Maliki for PM -- BBC
Maliki's nomination gets nod -- Al Jazeera
Nouri al-Maliki nominated to return as Iraqi prime minister -- The Guardian
Iraq's Sadrists Back Al-Maliki For Prime Minister Post -- Radio Free Europe
U.S. wants Sunni-backed party to play role in Iraq government -- Reuters
US encouraged Iraqi leaders taking steps to form government -- AFP
Iraq Breaks World Record For Length Of Time Without A Government -- NPR
Iraq Political Deadlock May Be Over: Reactions -- Atlantic Wire
Factbox: Five facts about Iraqi PM Nuri al-Maliki -- Reuters

My Comment: After having no government for 6 months .... Iraqis are now stucked with the old one. As for the U.S., the choice is clear .... best to have the devil that you know in power, than no one at all.

Iraq News Updates -- September 30, 2010

A security checkpoint near the Green Zone in Baghdad. The Green Zone has been hit by rocket fire 23 times in the past month. Ayman Oghanna for The New York Times

Attacks On Baghdad Green Zone Surge -- New York Times

BAGHDAD — The heavily fortified Green Zone in Iraq’s capital has in recent weeks come under an intensifying barrage of rocket attacks, and a senior American military commander suggested Wednesday that Iranian-backed militias were behind the attacks in an effort to influence the formation of a new Iraqi government.

The attacks — 23 in the past month, including 2 on Wednesday — have alarmed American officials and raised questions about the ability of Iraq’s security forces to stamp out attacks on the capital’s governmental and diplomatic core.

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More News On Iraq

US General: Iraq Political Limbo Fuels Violence -- New York Times/AP
Lack of Iraq govt hurting security and refugee returns -- AFP
Political Impasse Deters Iraqis From Going Home: U.N. -- New York Times/Reuters
Failed bank heist in Baghdad leaves 3 dead -- Yahoo News/AP
Iraq security forces stymie Baghdad bank robbery -- Reuters
In Baghdad, fighting leaves 2 police officers dead -- CNN
FACTBOX-Security developments in Iraq, Sept 29 -- AlertNet
Hitmen ‘have killed 630 Iraqis with silent guns’ -- The National
Iraqi Shiite militia hints of Iran's hand in south -- AP
Allawi Tells Iran to Stay Out of Iraqi Politics -- Voice of America
Iraq's Allawi asks Syria to press Iran not to meddle -- AFP
Iraqi PM candidate in Syria for talks -- Yahoo News/AP
Analysis: Iraq Shi'ites may pick Maliki for PM -- Reuters
Iraq set to announce new oil reserves -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Iraq to announce big rise in oil reserves Monday -- Reuters
Civil war ‘worst scenario’ for Iraq, says analyst -- Hurriyet News
Mullen worried about threats to security gains in Iraq -- Government Executive
Iraq: Scary Monsters -- Strategy Page
Britain suffered defeat in Iraq, says US general -- BBC
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,424 -- Washington Post/AP