Suicide bomber, gunmen kill at least 16 in Iraq

2011-12-02 20:19:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

DIALA, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) -- At least nine people were killed on Thursday as a result of a suicide car bombing in northeastern Iraq, officials said on Friday. In another incident, gunmen killed at least seven people.

The car bombing happened at an outdoor market in the city of Khalis in Diala province, located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) north of Baaquba, the provincial center. Police sources said that a vehicle detonated, killing nine people and injuring 23 others.

In a separate incident, a group of unidentified gunmen attacked three different residential houses in the small, predominantly Sunni town of al-Jeel, about 40 kilometers (24 miles) north of Baghdad. At least seven people were reportedly shot and killed as the victims were asleep in their homes.

Iraq has witnessed a resurgence in militant attacks in recent months. But despite the upsurge, violence in Iraq has dropped significantly since its peak in 2006 and 2007 when the country was embroiled in sectarian bloodshed. However, deadly shootings and bombings still occur on an almost daily basis.

On Monday, several people were injured when a suicide car bomber targeted a building of the Iraqi Parliament inside the so-called Green Zone in Baghdad, where Iraqi government buildings and several major embassies are located. One MP was among those injured.

Less than 35,000 U.S. troops remain in Iraq, nearly nine years since the U.S.-led war began on March 20, 2003. According to a security agreement between Baghdad and Washington, all U.S. forces will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of 2011.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-12-02

Mental illness - how prevalent is it in Iraq?

Crazed religiousity is a factor, but there's more to it. Some thoughts of what compels a person to do such a dastardly deed:

>>> Right wind religious fervor mixed with anger (at everyone/everything outside their religion)

>>> frustration (no having a job, not having any sexual outlets)

>>> jealousy (of those better off),

>>> confusion, inner conflict (their religion dogma conflicting with what feels real),

>>> release from suffering (to idylic life of a martyr).