Al-Qaida blamed for deadly Iraqi suicide attack

[unhappycamper]

Al-Qaida blamed for deadly Iraqi suicide attack
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Mar 10, 2009 20:45:06 EDT

BAGHDAD — A suicide bomber struck Sunni and Shiite tribal leaders touring an outdoor market after a reconciliation meeting in a Baghdad suburb Tuesday, killing up to 33 people in the second major attack in the capital area in three days.

The bombings are raising fears that Sunni insurgents may be escalating operations as the U.S. phases out its combat role in Iraq and prepares to withdraw troops from cities by the end of June.

The attacks also suggest that insurgents are capable of exploiting weaknesses in Iraqi security procedures. The Iraqis have been relatively successful in curbing huge truck bombings that were common years ago — but less so against other tactics.

More than 40 people were wounded Tuesday when the bomber detonated an explosives belt as tribal leaders, security officials and journalists strolled through the market in the town of Abu Ghraib, site of the infamous prison at the center of the 2004 detainee abuse scandal.

The leaders had just left a meeting called as part of a government campaign to reconcile local Sunni tribes and Shiites who fled the mostly Sunni town on Baghdad’s western outskirts two years ago but have been trickling back to their homes.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_attack_Iraq_031009/%2e