Nukhaib Massacre: Iraqi PM Orders Suspects Released

In an attempt to prevent a sectarian-rooted, inter-provincial quarrel from developing further, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered at least two detainees, who were arrested in connection with Monday’s Nukhaib Massacre, released immediately. He declared the argument “a small storm which is now over” and said that the prisoners were freed due to lack of evidence. However, talks over the massacre and subsequent arrests continued well into Saturday, and four detainees remain in custody.

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Chemical Weapons Still Sicken Iraqis 23 Years After Halabja Massacre

Over 23 years after the Iraqi Kurdistan town of Halabja was nearly eradicated in a large-scale attack, the chemical weapons used then are still harming new victims. Seven people were mildly poisoned as they worked to uncover the remains of an Iraqi military plane used during the attack. An eighth person, the district health minister, also suffered a rash while examining the workers.

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