Iraq sues Blackwater over killing spree
Angry over a U.S. judge's dismissal of criminal charges against Blackwater security guards, the Iraqi government is suing the company for a shooting spree that killed 17 civilians.
World Notes: Western Sahara, Iraq, Chile, Canada, Indonesia, Cuba
After taking Aminatou Haidar to a hospital on Dec. 17, Spanish authorities removed the "Saharan Gandhi" from the Canary Islands to Western Sahara.
Iraq bombings tied to political power struggle
As Iraq set national elections for March 7, massive car bombings in Baghdad were assailed as terrorist efforts to restore dictatorship.
World Notes: Australia, Kenya, Dominican Republic, France, Iraq, Jordan, Cuba
Iraq, Jordan: Water shortages weigh heavily Southern Iraq is so short of drinking water, according to Azzaman News, that the government has prevailed upon Iran to supply fresh water via tanker ships.
Iraq blast targets government, elections
Yesterday's attacks on Iraqi government buildings were widely blamed on remnants of the Saddam Hussein regime and other elements seeking to destabilize the country.
Iraq elections will shape post-occupation direction
With U.S. preparing to pull out troops next summer, Iraq heads to key elections, and a drop in violence is spurring an upsurge of social movements.
Iraq violence down and different, analysts say
Violence in Iraq is down sharply compared to a year ago, and has also changed its nature, analysts say.
Shoethrower to be released for good behavior
The Iraqi journalist imprisoned for hurling his shoes at former President George W Bush will be released next month after his sentence was reduced for good behaviour.
WORLDNOTES – Iraq, Canada, Italy, Chile, China, and Cuba
On Aug. 17, the Nouri al-Maliki government expressed backing for a national referendum next January on the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) reached late last year. U.S. officials were caught unawares, according to the Washington Post, because the Parliament had failed so far to implement the referendum that lawmakers had advanced as a condition for supporting the SOFA.
