Iraq on fire

As if we didn't know they still existed, Sunni extremists conducted a wave of bombings across northern Iraq today leaving dozens dead and wounded. The attacks targeted civilians and policemen. The pressure is mounting on the Iraqi authorities in the wake of the 30 June US pullout from urban centres. The Maliki administration must get a grip on the violence soon to prevent a further deterioration in the security situation and a further decline in the public's trust in the ability of the authorities to protect the ordinary man. There are also fears that Iran, which has now put its house in order following the election unrest, may be planning further instability in the country. Mecasr will be watching developments closely in the coming weeks.