TWO near-simultaneous bombings targeted a crowded downtown Baghdad coffee shop and nearby restaurant, killing at least 23 people and wounding 26, according to police and hospital officials.

Numerous violations and reports of fraud marred Iraq’s December 15 elections, an international assessment team said in a report released today.

LONG lines formed at petrol stations in Baghdad yesterday as word spread that Iraq's largest oil refinery had shut down in the face of threats against truck drivers, and fears grew of a petrol shortage.

Long lines formed at gas stations in Baghdad today as word spread that Iraq’s largest oil refinery had shut down in the face of threats against truck drivers, and fears grew of a petrol shortage.