Early Iraq voting shattered by bombs

A STRING of deadly blasts shattered an early round of voting in Iraq yesterday, killing 17 people and highlighting the fragile nature of the country’s security gains ahead of crucial parliamentary elections this Sunday.

Iraq security forces were out in full force, trying to protect early voters in an election that will determine who will lead the country through the crucial period of the US troop drawdown and help decide whether the country can overcome its deep sectarian divisions.

But three explosions – a rocket attack and two suicide bombings – showed the ability of insurgents to carry out bloody attacks. They have promised to disrupt the voting with violence.