Feb 05 2009
Suicide Bombing Following Elections in Iraq
Following Saturday’s provincial election, a suicide bomber in the northeastern province of Diyala has killed at least 12 people. The attack in the city of Khanaqin came as the country was awaiting the results.
The violence comes on the heals of Sunni tribal leaders angry about the potential results and issuing calls of fraud. U.S. and Iraqi officials have stepped-up security measures in Anbar province. The last election, held in 2005, were boycotted by many Sunni groups. Interested parties hope that the election results will redistribute power more evenly amongst the ethnic and sectarian groups.
Full results in the election will not be available until Thursday, however, early signs indicate that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s coalition is favored.
