Is Baghdad facing renewed sectarian threat?
• KurdishMedia.com – By IWPR • 12/06/2009 00:00:00 Recent bombings spark fears of return to the blood-letting that used to plague the capital. By Emad al-Shara in Baghdad (ICR No. 292, 9-June-09) A spate of attacks largely directed at Shia neighbourhoods and citizens in Baghdad has fuelled concerns that sectarian and political violence is returning to the capital. While Shias have not been the sole victims of recent outrages in Baghdad, a series of suicide and car bombings have killed and injured hundreds of civilians in Shia areas since April, leaving people nervous that security could be unravelling across the city. Last week, a bomb exploded in a café in a mainly Shia Baghdad neighbourhood as patrons watched a football match, killing nine people. In late April, a double suicide bombing left at least 60 dead at the Imam Musa al-Kadhim shrine. The blast, the victims of which included Iranian pilgrims, occurred during Friday prayers. Shia areas have not been the only targets in the cap
