Iraq

(Newser) - In a bid to ward off female bombers, officials have banned women from a Shia shrine during one of the holiest times of the year, reports the BBC. Because Iraq security forces lack female members, women cannot be searched for bombs. Women are now banned at the Imam Mousa al-Kazim shrine in Baghdad, a target last weekend of a deadly attack by what was initially reported to be a female suicide bomber. Security has also been stepped up in Karbala. More »

(AP) - The United States inaugurated its largest embassy yet in the heart of the Green Zone today, officially opening the fortress-like compound that was intended to stand as a testament to America's commitment to Iraq. Addressing an inauguration ceremony under tight security, Ambassador Ryan Crocker said the $700 million embassy was testimony to America's long-term friendship with Iraq. More »

(Newser) - At least 40 people were killed and 70 injured today when a female suicide bomber with explosives tucked under her abaya attacked a Shia pilgrimage in northwest Baghdad, CNN reports. Many of the dead were women and included Iranians marking the Shia holy period of Ashura. The bomber apparently targeted women, said a security official. It was the deadliest attack in nearly a month. More »

(Newser) - The Iraqi prime minister installed by Washington after the fall of Saddam Hussein has blasted President Bush’s policies as an “utter failure,” Reuters reports. In an interview with an Arab newspaper, Iyad Allawi said Bush’s “insistence on names like ‘democracy’ and ‘open elections,’ without giving attention to political stability, was a big mistake” that prompted ruinous sectarian violence. More »

(AP) - A suicide bomber sneaked into a luncheon gathering called by the leader of a local tribe, killing 30 people and wounding 110 today, police said. The blast in Youssifiyah in the Sunni-dominated region south of Baghdad comes less than a month after a suicide bomber killed 55 people at a cafe in Kirkuk. More »

(Newser) - The heart of the US occupation in Iraq was returned to Iraqi control at midnight last night, the Washington Post reports. Iraqi soldiers now control checkpoints leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone enclave in Baghdad. American troops and workers have moved out of many buildings, including the former palace of Saddam Hussein that once served as a US embassy. More »

(Newser) - Two years ago today Saddam Hussein breathed his last, but Iraq is taking steps to ensure the dictator isn't forgotten, reports Reuters. Soon, the country will open a dark museum full of artifacts from Saddam’s reign, including the torture devices he employed, the chair he was tried in, and some 26 million documents penned during his decades-long rule. More »

(Newser) - Muntadar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush during a press conference in Iraq, was tortured into writing a letter of apology to the American president, his brother told the Guardian today. Zaidi has allegedly suffered cigarette burns to his ears, is missing a tooth, and was doused with cold water while naked by Iraqi police. More »