The types of momentos for sale in Gaza. The twin towers - aflame - are at the mullah's feet. He is holding the Pentagon.
Friday November 24, 2006
for The Guardian (UK)
A barrage of car bombs and mortar rounds aimed at three street markets in Sadr City, Baghdad's biggest Shia district, brought carnage to one of the most densely populated suburbs of Iraq's capital yesterday and the heaviest loss of life on a single day in the country's sectarian war.
At least 160 people were killed when at least five cars packed with explosives were detonated in rapid succession.
The authorities imposed an immediate curfew throughout the capital to prevent revenge attacks, and late last night closed the international airport to all commercial flights. Leaders of Iraq's three main communities stood side by side on national television appealing for calm. President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, was grim-faced as he and his Sunni and Shia vice-presidents asked for unity and self-restraint.
The coordinated car bombs, along with mortar rounds, hit shoppers at pavement stalls in the district, which is home to more than two million people. At least 257 people were injured.
Angry and distraught residents and Shia militiamen poured into the streets, swearing at Sunnis and firing weapons into the air. Ambulances rushed to burning stalls to treat the wounded, while rescue workers removed charred bodies from cars and minibuses and took them away on wheeled carts. Iraqi TV showed appalling pictures of bloodied children lying in hospital corridors, and streets in Sadr City littered with body parts.
