Carnage during Shia pilgrimage

Shia pilgrims killed

A refreshment tent for Iraqi Shia taking part in the Arbain procession to Kerbala became the scene of one of the deadliest suicide bomb attacks this year. The bomb, packed with ball bearings, killed at least 60 pilgrims and injured another 100 yesterday near Iskandariyah, a town 45 miles south of Baghdad. Reports suggest the bombing was perpetrated by al-Qaida. Shia pilgrims were also targeted in a Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad in an attack that left three dead and injured 36.

The toD verdict: With the most recent bombing of Shia pilgrims, February marks a deadly start for 2008. At the beginning of the month, nearly 100 Shia were brutally murdered as two suicide bombers detonated themselves at bird markets in a Shia neighborhood of Baghdad. Despite the relative drop in violence prior to the February bombings, due in part to Muqtada al-Sadr's August 2007 six-month ceasefire, the recent attacks may reignite the sectarian bloodshed that marred both 2006 and 2007. Al-Sadr's ceasefire officially suspended all Mahdi Army activities as his troops left Baghdad for other strongholds throughout Iraq. Internal divisions among the Sadrist rank and file are pressuring the Shia leader not to prolong the ceasefire due to end this month. Keep up to date with the latest developments and sharpest perspectives in a world of strife and struggle.

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In December, President Bush withdrew one of the five military brigades sent as part of the "surge" to curb violence in and around Baghdad. The remaining four brigades are due to withdraw from Iraq in mid-2008, though sources close to Bush reported in late January the surge will most likely continue. Indeed, if al-Sadr does decide against extending the ceasefire and if the Shia targeted killings continue, then Bush's military surge will not end anytime soon.

Gazans stage protest against embargo

Gazan residents staged a massive protest against Israel's blockade of the besieged territory yesterday. Thousands of Gazans, women and children among them, linked arms on the Gaza side of the border fence from Rafah to Erez. In response, Israel has placed its security forces on high alert, fearing a possible breach of its territory, and is prepared to use deadly force. Jamal al-Khudary, chairman of the Popular Anti-siege Committee, told Reuters the protesters were instructed not to approach the fence. Gazans are hoping the agitation will direct attention on Israel's devastating embargo.

Violence escalates in Sri Lanka

Ever since the Sri Lankan government renounced its withdrawal from a six-year ceasefire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in January, violence between the two sides has escalated. It is believed some five thousand combatants and civilians have perished since 2006. On Saturday the military reportedly killed suspected rebels throughout the north and then flew in fighter jets Sunday morning to bomb a Tiger camp in Mannar. A Tiger suicide bomber also killed two members of a Tiger splinter group, TMVP, who are believed to be cooperating with the government.

Suicide bomber kills Pakistani Lt. General Mushtaq Beig

The Head of the Pakistan Army's medical services, Lt General Mushtaq Beig, was killed Monday by a suicide bomber in Rawalpindi. Another six people were also killed by a separate suicide bomber. The attacks occurred on a road near the army's general headquarters, scene of previous bombings.

Armenians protest presidential election results

More than 20,000 people took to the streets in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, to protest the recent presidential election results. Prime Minister Serge Sargysan claimed victory. An observer from the Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe backed the result, despite noting some irregularities. However, conflicting poll results by a non-governmental organization, Alliance, gave the opposition candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian 38% and Sargysan 35%.


Russia reaffirms its support for Serbia

Serbia continues to close all embassies linked with countries who support Kosovo's independence. Russia's future president, Dimitry Medvedev, told Serbians yesterday in Belgrade, that Russia will continue to support Serbia. Enduring the loss of all the constituent republics of the former Yugoslavia, Serbs are particularly reluctant to give up Kosovo, viewed by many as a vital to Serbian ancestry and national pride.