More than 20 bombs exploded across Iraq on Thursday, killing at least 36 and wounding almost 150, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian violence in a country with an unstable government headed by a newfangled dictator.
In Baghdad, three car bombs, two roadside bombs and one suicide car bomb hit primarily Shi’ite areas, killing 15 people and wounding 61, Reuters reports. Two car bombs and three roadside bombs aimed at police and army patrols in the northern oil city of Kirkuk killed eight people and wounded 26.
While bombings and killings happen daily across Iraq, Thursday’s attacks marked the bloodiest day since al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the country killed about 52 people in a series of 30 explosions on March 20. No group has yet taken responsibility for these latest attacks.
Sectarian strife between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds has intensified since U.S. troops left Iraq in December. To boot, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has tried to purge the government of his political rivals – mainly Sunnis – and consolidate power in a drive to dictatorship, all with U.S. support.
Many criticize Maliki with being preoccupied with his own authority instead of ensuring security in the country. “They are saying they are changing security plans, they are redeploying troops but it is like they are changing the decorations only,” Ali Al-Haidari, an Iraqi security expert, told Reuters.
The enduring effects of the illegal U.S. war in Iraq are still causing havoc and bloodshed throughout the country. Iraq is neither secure, nor is it a democracy as was promised by warmongers in Washington. With regards to the latest ongoing violence, most pro-Iraq War voices have been silent.