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/ 1 March 2006

Saddam makes key admission in trial

Deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein on Wednesday accepted he ordered the destruction of orchards as a reprisal for an assassination bid in a Shi’ite town, his first such admission in the turbulent trial. It was claimed Saddam pardoned two Shi’ites who were to have been executed for the assassination attempt in the town of Dujail.

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/ 1 March 2006

Saddam trial resumes but lead lawyer absent

The trial of Saddam Hussein and seven aides on charges of crimes against humanity resumed on Wednesday with all the defence lawyers attending the session, except Saddam’s lead lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi. All the eight defendants came to the court and sat down quietly, an Agence France-Presse correspondent reported.

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/ 28 November 2005

Defiant Saddam blasts court

A defiant Saddam Hussein on Monday exchanged angry words with the presiding judge and heard testimony from the first prosecution witness as the trial of the former Iraqi dictator resumed after a 40-day break. After barely two hours in session, the court was adjourned to December 5.

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/ 25 November 2005

Iraq: One week, more than 180 dead

Iraqi officials have promised to deploy up to 10 000 extra men to boost security ahead of a December 15 general election after a rebel bombing campaign killed more than 180 people in the past week. Both United States and Iraqi officials have warned of the likelihood of increasing violence ahead of the elections.

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/ 9 November 2005

In Iraq, a silent phone line means a comrade has died

When a United States soldier dies in Iraq his comrades immediately know about it because all communications at the base are cut-off pending notification of the family. Within minutes of a death being reported, commanders order all outside phones, along with internet access, closed in order to prevent families finding out by chance about a death or worrying after hearing of an incident.

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/ 19 May 2005

Sectarian tensions rise in Iraq

A series of tit-for-tat killings has raised sectarian tension to boiling point in Iraq, where Sunni religious leaders have openly accused Shi’ite militiamen of kidnapping and murdering Sunni Arabs, including clerics. Meanwhile, top United States generals have suggested Washington’s troop commitment to Iraq could last years.