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Al-Qaida claims responsibility for Iraq anniversary bombings Al-Qaida claims responsibility for Iraq anniversary bombings
(17 days later)
Al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for a wave of bombings and suicide attacks that killed about 60 people on the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.Al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for a wave of bombings and suicide attacks that killed about 60 people on the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
Islamic State of Iraq, the country's al-Qaida wing, is regaining strength and has carried out dozens of high-profile attacks since the start of the year.Islamic State of Iraq, the country's al-Qaida wing, is regaining strength and has carried out dozens of high-profile attacks since the start of the year.
On Tuesday car bombs, roadside explosions and suicide attacks hit mainly Shia districts and security forces in Baghdad and other cities.On Tuesday car bombs, roadside explosions and suicide attacks hit mainly Shia districts and security forces in Baghdad and other cities.
"What has reached you on Tuesday is just the first drop of rain, and a first phase, for by God's will, after this we will have our revenge," said an al-Qaida statement posted on a jihadist website late on Tuesday."What has reached you on Tuesday is just the first drop of rain, and a first phase, for by God's will, after this we will have our revenge," said an al-Qaida statement posted on a jihadist website late on Tuesday.
Sunni Islamists see Iraq's Shia-led government as oppressors of the country's Sunni minority and target Shias to try to provoke a sectarian confrontation like the inter-communal slaughter that killed thousands in 2006-7.Sunni Islamists see Iraq's Shia-led government as oppressors of the country's Sunni minority and target Shias to try to provoke a sectarian confrontation like the inter-communal slaughter that killed thousands in 2006-7.
Since January suicide bombers have struck at a rate of nearly twice a week, the worst for several years.Since January suicide bombers have struck at a rate of nearly twice a week, the worst for several years.
Iraq's sectarian and political rivalries are still raw and its power-sharing government – split among Shia, Sunni and Kurdish factions – has been all but paralysed by disputes for more than a year.Iraq's sectarian and political rivalries are still raw and its power-sharing government – split among Shia, Sunni and Kurdish factions – has been all but paralysed by disputes for more than a year.
The conflict in nearby Syria is stirring up Iraq's volatile mix, exposing the country to the rivalry between Turkey, which backs Sunni rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, and Iran, which sponsors him.The conflict in nearby Syria is stirring up Iraq's volatile mix, exposing the country to the rivalry between Turkey, which backs Sunni rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, and Iran, which sponsors him.
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