Iraq Car Bombs Kill 14 People
Aug0
It is estimated that 14 people have been killed and over 50 people have been inquired in southern Iraq after 2 cars bombs exploded. The attackers set off almost simultaneous twin car bombs in Kut, the capital of Wasit province, 100 miles south of Baghdad. According to witnesses the co-ordinated car bombs exploded in a crowded shopping area in the city. These bombings occurred just hours after a series of smaller attacks killed eight police officers in Baghdad. The deaths have renewed concerns about security in Iraq, especially as Obama confirmed earlier this month that US combat troops are due leave the country later this month.
Iran Lawyer Escapes to Turkey
Aug0
An Iranian lawyer, Mohamed Mostafaei, who defended an Iranian woman who had been sentenced to be stoned to death in Iran, has fled the country to escape to Turkey. According to the UN refugee agency, the lawyer disappeared in July after being summoned for questioning in Tehran. Mr Mostafaei is a well-known critic of the Iranian judicial system, as he recently defending Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the mother-of-two who was facing execution by stoning for adultery. Although he managed to the stoning penalty was lifted, she may still be executed by hanging. Metin Corabatir, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Turkey, said Mr Mostafaei was in custody there and had applied for asylum in Turkey.
Was the Iraqi President Attacked by Iran?
Aug0
There seems to be mixed messages regarding an attempted assassination attempt on the President of Iraq, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian officials have denied that the Iraqi President was targeted in an assassination attempt, claiming that no explosive device was thrown at the President. Instead they claim that a firecracker was thrown into the crowd before the President addressed a crowd at a football stadium in Hamedan. The sources that claim it was a firecracker and not anything more sinister comes from Al Alam, a state-run Arabic-language TV channel. They reported that the alleged firecracker was set off to cheer the president. This would not have been the first assassination attempt on the president as earlier this week, it was believed that he was the target of an assassination plot by Israel.
Rockets Hit Israel and Kills One Person
Aug0
A civilian person has been killed and three others have been seriously injured in a rocket attack on the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. The Israeli police claim that the rocket attack came from Egypt’s Sinai desert, which is highly unusual as attacks on Jordan normally come from Gaza. Of course Egypt has denied that their land was used to launch the attack. The rocket that fell in Aqaba destroyed two cars as it fell near to the Intercontinental Hotel in the town; it also killed a 51-year-old taxi driver who died as a result of his injuries. According to the BBC’s embedded reporter, Israel has recently warned of militant activity in the area, warning tourists not to visit the area.