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.
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