Wave of Baghdad Bombings Kill at Least 60 Following U.S. Withdrawal
- Posted on December 22, 2011 at 8:00am by
Billy Hallowell
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Iraqi security forces and people gather the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
BAGHDAD (AP) — A wave of at least 14 bombings ripped across Baghdad Thursday morning, killing at least 60 people in the worst violence in Iraq for months. The apparently coordinated attacks struck days after the last American forces left the country and in the midst of a major government crisis between Shiite and Sunni politicians that has sent sectarian tensions soaring.
The bombings may be linked more to the U.S. withdrawal than the political crisis, but all together, the developments heighten fears of a new round of Shiite-Sunni sectarian bloodshed like the one a few years back that pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But the bombings bore all the hallmarks of al-Qaida’s Sunni insurgents. Most appeared to hit Shiite neighborhoods, although some Sunni areas were also targeted. In all, 11 neighborhoods were hit by either car bombs, roadside blasts or sticky bombs attached to cars. There was at least one suicide bombing and the blasts went off over several hours.
The deadliest attack was in the Karrada neighborhood, where a suicide bomber driving an explosives-laden vehicle blew himself up outside the office of a government agency fighting corruption. Two police officers at the scene said the bomber was driving an ambulance and told guards that he needed to get to a nearby hospital. After the guards let him through, he drove to the building where he blew himself up, the officers said.
Sirens wailed as ambulances rushed to the scene and a large plume of smoke rose over the area. The blast left a crater about five yards (meters) wide in front of the five-story building, which was singed and blackened.
“I was sleeping in my bed when the explosion happened, said 12-year-old Hussain Abbas, who was standing nearby in his pajamas. “I jumped from my bed and rushed to my mom’s lap. I told her I did not to go to school today. I’m terrified.”
At least 25 people were killed and 62 injured in that attack, officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Figures gathered from Iraqi health and police officials across the city put the death toll at 60, and 160 injured. The spokesman for the Iraqi health ministry put the death toll at 57 and said at least 176 people were injured. But conflicting casualty figures are common in the aftermath of such widespread bombings.
For many Iraqis and the Americans who fought a nearly nine-year war in hopes of leaving behind a free and democratic country, the events of the past few days are the country’s nightmare scenario. The fragile alliance of Sunnis and Shiites in the government is completely collapsing, large-scale violence with a high casualty toll has returned to the capital, and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is displaying an authoritarian streak and may be moving to grab the already limited power of the Sunnis.
Al-Maliki’s Shiite-led government this week accused Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, the country’s top Sunni political leader, of running a hit squad that targeted government officials five years ago, during the height of sectarian warfare. Authorities put out a warrant for his arrest.
Many Sunnis fear this is part of a wider campaign to go after Sunni political figures in general and shore up Shiite control across the country at a critical time when all American troops have left Iraq.
Because such a large-scale, coordinated attack likely took weeks to plan, and the political crisis erupted only few days ago, the violence was not likely a direct response to the tensions within the government. Also, al-Qaida opposed Sunni cooperation in the Shiite-dominated government in the first place and is not aligned with Sunni politicians.
The Sunni extremist group often attacks Shiites, who they believe are not true Muslims.
U.S. military officials worried about a resurgence of al-Qaida after their departure. The last American troops left Iraq at dawn Sunday.
Al-Qaida in Iraq is severely debilitated from its previous strength in the early years of the war, but it still has the capability to launch coordinated and deadly assaults from time to time.
The attacks ratchet up tensions at a time when many Iraqis are already deeply worried about security. The real test of whether sectarian warfare returns, however, will be whether Shiite militants are resurgent and return to the type of tit-for-tat attacks seen at the height of sectarian warfare in 2006-2007.
Iraqis are already used to horrific levels of violence, but many wondered when they would be able to enjoy some measure of security and stability after years of chaos.
“My baby was sleeping in her bed. Shards of glass have fallen on our heads. Her father hugged her and carried her. She is now scared in the next room,” said one woman in western Baghdad who identified herself as Um Hanin. “All countries are stable. Why don’t we have security and stability?”
While Baghdad and Iraq have gotten much safer over the years, explosions like Thursday’s are still commonplace.
Al-Maliki’s tactics are another source of concern, especially for Sunnis. He is also pushing for a vote of no-confidence against another Sunni politician, the deputy prime minister Saleh al-Mutlaq.
Ayad Allawi, who heads a Sunni-backed party called Iraqiya, laid the blame for Thursday’s violence with the government. The Iraqiya coalition also includes al-Hashemi and al-Mutlaq, and Allawi has been one of al-Maliki’s strongest critics. Allawi warned that violence would continue as long as people are left out of the political process.
“We have warned long ago that terrorism will continue … against the Iraqi people unless the political landscape is corrected and the political process is corrected, and it becomes an inclusive political process and full blown non-sectarian institutions will be built in Iraq,” Allawi told The Associated Press, speaking from neighboring Beirut.
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Comments (43)
SPOT_OF_TEA
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 7:53pmWhen the chaos gets out of control now that America has pulled out,it will soon be the Muslim Brotherhood to the rescue…..President Bush’s vision for the Middle east living in Freedom is going down the drain.
Report Post »Winkycat
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 7:29pmAnd according to our Commander in Chief “our soldiers left Iraq with their heads held high because we have left a ”unified“ Iraq with a ”strong“ military and a ”strong Democratic” government. “Iraq is in peace and will be a beacon to the region” our job is done. Hm hm.
Report Post »I knew the moment we withdraw our troops the civil war fed by Iran will begin. Watch as Iran vivisects Iraq. Watch as Iran gives arms and aid to a regional upheaval for a Kurdish homeland. Watch as Tehran systematically balkanizes Iraq and her US backed government collapses. Watch and listen the how deftly President Obama wiggles out of this with his teleprompter telling him what needs to be said to save face
georgiavietvet
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 7:01pmiraq will be taken over by the radical muslim rag heads, now that we have left. when we pull out of afghanistan the same thing will happen. neither gov’t is strong enough to stand up to the radical terroristic, murdering, thug, muslims. all of our blood and treasure spilled and spent, will have been for nothing. and all because we have a potus with no spine or care for all that has been wasted. its a damn shame……………………………..
Report Post »ZengaPA65
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 3:21pmTrillions of tax dollars down the drain.
Report Post »conservativestoner
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 3:06pmthe only thing that separates these “people” from neanderthals is the ability to weave.some people simply cannot handle any kind of freedom at all.don’tworry we are raising generations of the same here.people who cannot function at all without somebody telling them what ,how and when.what did i read once… two percent of people think,three percent belive they think and ninety-five percent would rather die than think.they would wipe each other out if only left them alone.
Report Post »Viper1
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:40pmThank God our troops are out of there. These people have been killing themselves for thousands of years because they live to die for their God. We want to live for our God and that is what makes us different.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:48pmAnd who didn’t see this one coming?? By New Year’s Day Iraq will either be in a full blown cival war or a wholly owned subsidiary of Iran. All that blood and all that treasure and for what?? I can forgive a lot of things but wasting our soldier’s lives and blood is not one of them. May both Bush and Obama burn in He** for what they have done…….Just sayin’
Report Post »Publius Novus
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 4:20pm@ BIGJAY
Report Post »Amen.
larry25427
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:16pmObama made us run away like cowards and now with the new levels of terror, all our troop’s sacrifices were for nothing. If we fight a war, it should be to win not to leave when it is a political move to gain votes.
Report Post »GdHUs
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:02pmThis was so predictable. Please pray for these people. Especially the children.
Report Post »Disabledvet
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:45pmGood Start, Hurry up and blow each other up. The world is tired of you rag heads.
Report Post »conservativestoner
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 3:10pmamen brother.
Report Post »paleoman
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:24pmWho cares what happens now in Iraq, let them kill each other & there neighbors too. If they mess with us or our friends then we kill them. Get out of the middle east, don’t give them any money, thats done a lot of good. Drill for oil here & Canada. Support Israel & our friends. If not for oil they would be in the 7th century. Come to think of it they still are.
Report Post »FaithfulFriend
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 12:39pmObomba?
Report Post »db321
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 12:42pmHis plan to fundamentally transform America is working like clock work.
Report Post »proudinfidel54
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 1:03pmWhen the cats away the “RATS” will play, at least it wasn’t Americans this time. God help them all.(except the terrorists).
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:56amThe Sript.
Act 1 Scene 1 The Occupiers ahve let the scene of battle. To return to their home nation (and find that everything is milk and honey housing starts are up, un employment is down, the economy is justa hummin, inflation- if you don’t count food, clothing, fuel, health care and medical costs- is within reason.
A land of tribal, and religious factions, currentlyin a state of tumult, with an imposed and propped coalition goverrnment already teetering on the brink of self destruction.
Naw, The plot is way too predictable!!
Report Post »goldmind
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:52am2012…gas ten dollars a gallon, war with Iran, North & South Korea meltdown (literally), 15-20 % unemployment, martial law, riots from coast to coast, prison system implosion, leaders of Mexican and Russian cartels running for political office around the country, Hollywood filming end of times in real time and real situations, doomsday clock chimes twelve times. What the hell happened to Mr Roger’s neighborhood? Oh well, at least we have today…so far.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:37amSurprise!!!!
Report Post »AB5r
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:33amInstead of wasting all that time, resources, lives and limbs trying to build up that ungrateful hellhole we should have, and we still should, spend our time instigating fighting between sunni and shia, in all parts of the world where they are. Our only other efforts should be to try as much as possible, but understanding it is not fully possible, to protect the non-Muslims in these areas.
Report Post »Gary Fishaholic
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:58amThe more they kill themselves the better. They have no idea of freedom! They have been teaching hate so long they no nothing else.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:28amYup- let them wipe each other out- it’s none of our business now and wasnt ten years ago, either. The more they fight among themselves, the fewer we have to worry about them going to other countries and killing innocent people.
Report Post »Defense Of Ordinary Man
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:52amCan campaigns based on Hearts and Minds really succeed ?
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:20amAfter a campaign is over, yes. To begin with, NO.
Report Post »kindling
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:52amHONESTLY….did ANYONE expect anything else to happey?????? This is why I feel we never should have gone there. I know there were WMDs and there still are. They are called citizens! Yes we needed to take action but I believe it all could have been done by the great people of the Navy Seals. Go in and take out the offender. We should not be fighting in ANY MUSLIM country. Let them fight with each other and lets not give them a bigger target than we already are! We need to support Israel and that is it. No money for anyone else around the world that does not support FREEDOM!
Report Post »ReaganBaby
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:51amSurprise Surprise, the loonies come out as soon as We leave. Just goes to show that no matter how long we stay, in the end it makes little difference. The US should only protect those who are friendly and have a desire to keep peace in their land at this point only Israel.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:56amBush did try. Guess it was a bit like trying to teach elephants to fly : trying to bring freedom and tolerance to a Muslim region. Not in their religious or cultural background..
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:14amIt seems we refuse to use historians when planning war/battle strategies. Not understanding enemies is akin to underestimating them.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:47amObama pulling out of Iraq was 100% a political decision. IMO, Iran will first create chaos and then ultimately take control of everything in Iraq. This adminstration will let them. It’s sad to conclude that since the end of WWII, a lot of our half hearted/wrong-headed military strategies have actually done more harm than good for people around the world. (including ourselves) We seem to have difficulty defining who and what the enemy really is. (they don’t have that problem) There will be no victories for America and freedom without definition and stratgies to crush any named enemies whose goal it is to destroy us and freedom. Now, because our enemies are so embolden, the future of the world seems more dangerous and chaotic than ever. Bandaids will not cure gangrene. If America doesn’t wake up in 2012-13, I think we’re going to lose it all.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:53amSadly agree. And now watching the Obama use the White House website/ Lap Dog media to target the “nasty Republicans” to continue the spending spree, we witness more of the over-spending which MUST be aimed at completely destroying our capitalist economy. Just like Europe..marching to economic destruction …led by this administration and their International Lefty union Marxist ties..Guess when the USSR fell, the Shadow Left did NOT go away !
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:08amBarber2..yes, our lenient and tolerant society, along with economics, is pushing us over the edge. Our enemies correctly perceive us as WEAK. The depth of our weakness can be determined by just how hard our enemies push us around and how we react to it. God help us.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:34amOfficials refused to speak to the media,, For fear of having their heads cut off, and family slaughtered
Report Post »That‘s why when someone or or larger scale some country attack’s you , you slam them back , with the biggest stick you have.
lukerw
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:32amSo… now the Muslim Axis… begins it’s Take Over… from Obama!
Report Post »Sumrknght
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:26amAnd Obama wants to proudly proclaim that he got the troops out of Iraq…
He has no clue. Entered office bashing Bush – quickly found that Bush was right on Gitmo, on ways of collecting information (you think Obama instituted the programs that found Bin Laden? Ha!) and Bush was right here too. Obama didn’t pull them out any earlier than Bush had planned… but I firmly believe Bush would have had the country on a better standing to protect and patrol itself before yanking the troops.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:14amNow aren’t you just shocked? Muslims killing fellow Muslims? Is this an “Inner-Jihad?” Too bad that Christianity hadn’t been introduced to the Arabs before Mohammed and the conversion via sword got to them with his strange mix of Christianity, Judaism, and the Arab tribal culture. ( Actually, the Arab tribal culture probably would have screwed up the “love” message anyway. ) Sad.
Report Post »Poetic Justice
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:09amNation building? We need to confront and conquer our enemies, then get out. They need to rebuild with the knowledge that however they choose to run their country, don’t mess with us.
Report Post »netmail
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:58amBottom line…100% correct.
Report Post »Defense Of Ordinary Man
Posted on December 22, 2011 at 10:58amI wish more Americans understood how military campaigns function, such as yourself. I feel that our republic is willing to place us in harm’s way to conserve and consolidate collateral damages to the enemy civilian population so that they can maintain a certain PR (Public Relations) image.
Report Post »Red tape is the reason why we suffer casualties, not our military strengths. Please remember that.