BAGHDAD: A series of attacks in Baghdad and Sunni Arab areas north of the capital killed nine people yesterday, as Iraq grapples with a months-long surge in nationwide violence.
Coupled with a protracted stand-off between security forces and anti-government fighters in the western province of Anbar, unrest this month has left more than 850 people dead, fuelling fears Iraq is slipping back into the brutal conflict that plagued it in 2006-2007.
Foreign leaders and diplomats have urged Iraq’s Shiite-led government to address long-term grievances in the disaffected Sunni community to undercut support for militants, but with elections due in April, Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has taken a hard line. Attacks yesterday struck in Baghdad, and in and around the restive mostly-Sunni cities of Baquba, Mosul and Samarra, security and medical officials said.AFP
