Violence sweeps through Iraq

[sabra]

Source: IHT

BAGHDAD: A wave of violence, including an assassination attempt against a deputy oil minister, swept through Baghdad and neighboring Diyala Province on Monday as Parliament passed a bill that would grant the country's embattled minorities fewer guaranteed seats in upcoming elections.

The prospects of the enactment of the bill, which must still be approved by Iraq's executive council, is unclear. The council is composed of the country's president and two vice-presidents.

In the most lethal attack of the day, six people were killed and 20 wounded when two roadside bombs exploded in quick succession in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior's criminal investigations unit in Baghdad's central Karada district, according to a source at the ministry who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The deadliest of the bombs was planted in front of the protective concrete wall ringing the government building. The other was about 70 yards away. Two badly burned bodies were stretched on the street shortly after the explosions.

"I cannot believe what happened," said a bewildered policeman at the scene, who said he had worked for the directorate for 35 years. "Who can plant a bomb in this fortified area in the presence of police patrols?"

Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/03/africa/iraq.php

[Barrett808]

1. Shouldn't that headline read, "Violence surges through Iraq"? n/t

[sofa king]

11. Yeah, we're getting the sweep this week. They're still getting the surge.

[Syrinx]

2. very interesting

[Xenotime]

3. Way to go troops! Keep up the great work!

[Poll_Blind]

4. ?

PB

[illuminaughty]

17. Are those the Brits that got caught dressed as Iraqis?

Haven't seen photo in awhile. It's amazing what one forgets in "the fog of war" So many war crimes who knows where to start?

[Poll_Blind]

18. Yep!

PB

[Union Thug]

5. The surge is working!

[Dogmudgeon]

6. Victory is ours!

--p!

[LynnTheDem]

7. More "SURGING". Actually, it's just the media finally reporting

on the SURGING violence.

[bdab1973]

8. Not to say it's perfect

but it's a hell of a lot quieter now than it was the last time I was here...

[sabra]

9. what part of Iraq are you in?

[bdab1973]

10. Baghdad

...but I also fly to many parts of Iraq as well. I'm not trying to say that the GOP is responsible for this (the policy and the execution of the policy was fought for and delivered by the military), but for the most part the country is way quieter than the last times I was over here (2003, 2005, 2006).

[Barrett808]

12. Thank you for posting -- and stay safe. n/t

[Alamuti Lotus]

14. Sure, money talks

Certainly the GOP is not responsible for anything; in fact, the military has little to do with the situation in many respects. Primary differences in time:
The several thousand (possibly up to a hundred thousand or more) resistance fighters bought into the so-called "Awakening Councils" in the north and west; the same councils that the al-Dawa gov't is currently pissing on and slowly cutting loose. On the other front Sayyid Muqtada is biding his time, for he has it on his side. Grand Ayatallahs Mohammed Husayn al-Fadlallah and Kazim al-Haeri instructed the Sadrist movement to make peace with SCIRI and al-Dawa just long enough for Sayyid Muqtada to supercede them in authority.
Advice: banking on 'quiet' is a short-term investment, earplugs are still a more secure commodity. Wish no harm on you, stay safe and get out.

[bdab1973]

19. I am well aware

I don't live and work in a vacuum over here. We are briefed on all these things weekly. It's not entirely about money...al Qaeda also overstepped by killing tribal leaders that didn't want to play ball the way they wanted them to (read: bomb Iraqi civilians to start infighting). There are plans in the works to keep the SoI (Sons of Iraq) and other Awakening Council-type organizations in the fold.

In any case, I would judge the situation based on what the Iraqis think. Many are moving their families back to Baghdad, which is a good sign. Before you comment, I work with a few dozen Iraqis and know all of them very well. As they say, we are "brothers". I trust what they say for the most part and many of them are pretty hopeful (which also makes me hopeful that I won't have to come back).

[Alamuti Lotus]

15. military or mercenary?

forget to ask before. critical question considering the good wishes I gave at the end.

[Pavulon]

16. Guy not in his house

posting on his internet. SO fuck him if he is driving a truck or cooking food? or just fuck him if he is blackwater?

[bdab1973]

20. I am military

I don't drive trucks, cook food or work for/with Blackwater (almost got into a physical altercation with some civilian security contractors, though). I work directly with Iraqis training them to take over their own national security...so we can get the hell out and go home.

[appal_jack]

22. Thanks for your service!

Thanks for your service, and a (somewhat belated) welcome to DU!



If you're ever passing through western NC, I'd be glad to buy the rounds to celebrate your eventual safe return...



-app

[Maat]

21. Thank you for posting - and stay safe (n/t)!

[xchrom]

13. recommend -- the surge is not working --

not only is not working -- this needs to be
the lead story in the MSM -- cause a certain candidate for PREZ --
is lying through his teeth saying it is.