Iraq’s most influential Shiite political leader today called for Sunni-Shiite unity as religious figures sought to calm passions and pull the nation from the brink of civil war after the bombing of a Shiite shrine two days ago and a wave of deadly reprisal attacks.

SUNNI insurgents determined to derail this weekend's constitutional referendum attacked the largest Sunni Arab political party yesterday, bombing and burning offices and the home of one of its leaders.

Rebels reeling from the loss of their base in Fallujah struck back with car bombings and a rocket attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone as a US official admitted that security in some areas was deteriorating so badly “it would now be difficult” to hold elections there.

IRAQI forces backed by American soldiers, stormed one of the major Sunni Muslim mosques in Baghdad after Friday prayers, opening fire and killing at least three people, witnesses said.

Iraqi forces, backed by US soldiers, stormed one of the major Sunni Muslim mosques in Baghdad after Friday prayers, opening fire and killing at least three people, witnesses said.

Two Iraqi men were killed and two US troops were injured in an exchange of fire by a Baghdad mosque, witnesses and soldiers said today.

Two Iraqi men were killed and two US troops were injured in an exchange of fire at a Baghdad mosque, witnesses and soldiers said today.