Updated at 6:55 p.m. EST, Nov. 27, 2008
Parliament today approved
a contentious U.S.-Iraqi security agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay
in the country for three more years. Meanwhile, at least eight Iraqis were
killed and 43 more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, the European
Union has promised to take-in 10,000 Iraqis. No Coaltion deaths were reported,
but a U.S. soldier who deserted his unit has applied
for asylum in Germany. He had served in Iraq but refused to return, calling the
war illegal.
What was described as an "overwhelming majority" in parliament
approved a proposed U.S.-Iraqi
security agreement today. The pact must be submitted to the Iraqi Cabinet now,
which is expected to give its okay. Among a number of key
points is a timetable for U.S. withdrawal.
About 10,000 Iraqis living
in refugee camps in Syria and Jordan will be allowed
to live in Europe on a temporary basis though some, who are in need of medical
attention or belong to persecuted minorities, will be allowed to resettle on a
permanent basis.
In Mosul, two
civilians were killed and 28 others were wounded during a suicide
bombing. Earlier, another suicide
bomber wounded six people in the Dawasa neighborhood.
In Baghdad,
an Iraqi soldier was killed and
three more were wounded during a bombing in Qahira. A civilian
was killed and six others were wounded near Maysaloon Square. Another
bomb downtown left one
police commando dead.
Coalition forces killed
one suspect and arrested two in Garma.
Five suspects were detained
in Dhi Qar.
Four suspects carrying explosives were arrested
in Karbala.
Two men were, one an Iranian, were arrested
after they were discovered with two fuel tankers used for smuggling oil.
Compiled
by Margaret Griffis