Fears of sectarian violence were renewed as suicide bombers targeted groups of Shiite pilgrims. At least 60 people were killed in various attacks, the deadliest of which just outside Nasiriya killed 36 and wounded 72 others. Shiites have been travelling to the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad, to celebrate a holy day in the Shiite calendar next week. Fears have intensified over Sunni-Shiite violence.
Violence has been on the rise since the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops last month. Sunnis in Iraq feel marginalized Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shiite. Last month, al-Maliki ordered the arrest of Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. Al-Hashimi has been charged with ordering bombings and assassinations, which he denies.
