Iraq violence could spark civil war: UN official

BAGHDAD: Violence in Iraq is on the rise and could lead towards civil war, the head of the UN human rights mission warned on Wednesday. “Iraq is really at a crossroads. I wouldn’t say we’re at a civil war yet, but the figures are not looking good,” Francesco Motta told AFP. “Political deadlock in the…

After attacks, security tight for Iraqi pilgrimage

BAGHDAD — Tens of thousands of Shiite pilgrims converged Tuesday on a golden-domed shrine in northern Baghdad to commemorate a revered eight century saint as troops tightened security after a wave of deadly attacks across Iraq. Violence across the country has shot up to its highest level in years over the past two months, raising…

More than 70 killed in wave of Baghdad bombings

(Reuters) – More than 70 people were killed in a wave of bombings in markets in Shi’ite neighborhoods across Baghdad on Monday in worsening sectarian violence in Iraq. No group claimed responsibility for the blasts. But Sunni Muslim Islamist insurgents and al-Qaeda’ s Iraqi wing have increased attacks since the beginning of the year and…