In the latest in an ever-growing string of bombings threatening the relative calm of Iraq, six car bombs exploded across Baghdad today, killing at least 37 and wounding over 100 others. The bombing appears to have been centered around Shi’ite areas – pointing to a potential return to the massive sectarian violence that had torn the nation apart since the 2003 American invasion.
In Sadr City, frustrated crowds in the wake of one of the most substantial attacks threw stones at soldiers, who fired into the air to disperse those trying to care for the injured. The attacks came as British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson toured the nation, trying to convince British businesses that Iraq was a safe place to invest.
US Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin claimed the perception of rising violence was a result of ‘high profile attacks by al-Qaeda.’ Still, growing discontent among America’s Sunni allies and attacks on Shi’ite neighborhoods teeming with Mahdi Army members point to a situation getting worse, not better.
Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz
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