The Common Ills: Iraq keeps talking about Nouri's visit

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Iraq keeps talking about Nouri's visit

Today, All Iraq News reports on Nouri's planned visit to DC at the end of the month. You know the visit right? The one Nouri's office announced Sunday but that the State Dept was denying on Wednesday? The outlet reports that security issues will be the focus of the meet-up -- the one the State Dept still insists they have no knowledge of.

The State Dept looks like a real idiot.

State Dept spokesperson Marie Harf: I saw those reports. We don’t have anything to announce at this point about a visit by Prime Minister Maliki. When we do, I’ll let you guys know.

Or an incompetent.

Years ago, September 24, 1967, the Mamas and the Papas appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and performed "12:30" and "California Dreamin'" and, in their exchange with Sullivan, noted that they would be going to Europe and which cruise line they'd be traveling on. The next day, the cruise line contacted the Mamas and the Papas to note that they were happy the group would be traveling with them and how about they go ahead and make the reservation right now.

So what a cruise line could do -- could do in 1967 -- the US State Dept can't do in 2013?

How very sad and telling.

Note: The above linked videos: "12:30" is from the Mamas and the Papas third appearance on Sullivan (September 24, 1967) but "California Dreamin'" isn't -- I just like the look of that video better.

Through yesterday, Iraq Body Count counts 381 violent deaths in the month so far.

Today the media's focused on one bombing -- or at least the media paying any attention to Iraq. Reuters notes a car bombing took place in Samarra. AFP notes those killed "included seven women and a six-year-old child." Sameer N. Yacoub (AP) counts 17 dead with "dozens" more injured.

Though that's what the western press reports -- there was a great deal more violence in Iraq which they fail to mention.

National Iraqi News Agency reports a Tuz Khurmatu market bombing claimed 3 lives and left six more people injured, an Aljiziyah roadside bombing left two police officers injured, a Baghdad (Abu Ghraib) bombing left 1 police officer's brother dead and three more people injured, 1 person was shot dead leaving a Hilla mosque, a Baiji sticky bombing claimed 1 life, a Qadisiya bombing left three police officers injured, Iraqi military commander Ali Ghaidan announced that they had killed 7 suspects ("including a Chechen"), in Anbar Province security forces killed 3 suspects, the neighborhood mayor was shot dead in southern Falluja, 1 person was shot dead in downtown Falluja and assailants broke into the Dour home of Sheik Riyad Ali al-Ubaidi (Sheik of Ubaid Tribe) and kidnapped him.

The following community sites -- plus Jody Watley, Pacifica Evening News and Antiwar.com -- updated last night and today: