In a massive suicide bomb attack at an army recruitment centre in Baghdad, at least 57 recruits and soldiers were killed while 123 others were injured. This was one of the bloodiest attacks this year. The suspected insurgents also launched an assassination campaign against judges in the Iraqi capital and a volatile province north of Baghdad. This attack has added to tensions that have simmered following an inconclusive election more than five months ago after which a new government is yet to be formed. Insurgents have been targeting Iraqi police and soldiers as Iraqi security forces plan to take full responsibility for security from September 1, when the US ends its combat mission. The number of US troop will be reduced to 50,000 which will be there for the training mission before a full withdrawal planned for next year.1

• 1. “Bomber kills 57 Iraq army recruits; judges targeted,” Khaleej Times, August 18, 2010, at http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2...