Skip to main content

Suicide Attack Targets 'Symbol of Justice' in Iraq

The March 14 suicide attack on the Ministry of Justice has only heightened tensions in an already divided Iraq, writes Omar al-Shaher.
An Iraqi Red Crescent ambulance, transporting people injured in a bomb attack, travels to a hospital at Alawi district in Baghdad March 14, 2013. Co-ordinated blasts in the heart of the Iraqi capital Baghdad killed at least 21 people on Thursday, near the heavily fortified Green Zone, where several Western embassies are located, police and medics said. The explosions, which also wounded at least 50, took place in the Alawi district, close to the ministries of justice, foreign affairs and other government of
Read in 

In a bold attempt apparently intended to strike at the “symbol of justice,” an armed group comprised of suicide bombers stormed the Iraqi Ministry of Justice building in central Baghdad on Thursday, March 14, killing 24 and wounding 57 others.

This attack came amid a severe political crisis in Iraq, against the backdrop of continued protests in Sunni areas criticizing the policies of Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The crisis reached its peak on March 12, when Kurdish ministers refused to attend a regular session of the Iraqi government in protest against the adoption of the 2013 financial budget without obtaining the approval of the Kurdistan Alliance.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.