63 Killed in Baghdad Bombings

Western officials feared that instability would worsen as U.S. troops left Iraq, but they hoped the political turmoil that was in the works even before the official withdrawal — with Shiite Prime Minister Maliki accusing Sunni Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi of running an assassination ring– would remain non-violent. Now mere days after the pullout, a series of car bombs and improvised explosives starting at 6:30 in the morning have killed 63 people and wounded 185 in a massive attack that struck roads, schools, apartments, marketplaces, and even a government office building.

Read the full story from the New York Times.