Iraq Hit by String of Deadly Explosions

[Renew Deal]

Thursday October 30, 2003 6:01 PM


By SLOBODAN LEKIC

Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq was hit by a string of explosions Thursday that set a freight train on fire, killed a U.S. soldier in a military convoy and ripped through Baghdad's Old Quarter. Another blast injured two U.S. soldiers on a military police patrol.

The attacks came as international organizations continued their exodus from Iraq and the U.N. secretary-general warned of ``a new phase'' in postwar violence.

A top U.S. diplomat blamed al-Qaida for recent attacks, and in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, U.S. soldiers raided six houses after receiving tips that the inhabitants were helping establish a ``new terrorist network'' there, a military spokesman said.

In Baghdad's Old Quarter, an explosion went off next to a printing shop, killing at least two people and triggering a large fire. The dead included a tea seller who owned a stall near the site, police and witnesses said. At least four other people were wounded.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3328732,00.html

[Newsjock]

1. If you watched CNN, you wouldn't know any of this

The sky is falling! Scare at the Capitol! Kobe's still free! Terror!

As much as a single word about Iraq? Wouldn't be prudent.

[CivilRightsNow]

2. Smoke and mirrors

...here's a hearty helping of fear for John Q. Public...

[PapaClay]

3. Relax folks,

this is just a minor side-effect of all the progress we made since yesterday. Nothing to see here.

[11 Bravo]

5. If we keep making all this fucking progress

they're going to need a new wing at Walter Reed.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

4. Al Qaeda is also responsible for the recent solar flares and...

...Herr Drunk-a-lot's inability to speak the truth on any subject.

[catmandu57]

6. Anyone with any sense had already left town

aid agencies fleeing, bombs exploding everywhere and there's nothing but good news from Iraq. The News Hour seems to have bought the good news program they've been spinning the hell out of it all week.

[Palacsinta]

7. Terrific!

More progress!! I hope the tea seller's family is duly appreciative of it's new "freedoms", just like I'd be if my husband was blown up while at work.