Top stories from DAWNS Digest
60 Killed In Torrent of Violence Targeting Iraqi Shiites
The pace and scale of these kinds of sectarian attacks keep getting worse. “Car bombs ripped through busy streets and markets in Iraq on Monday, killing at least 60 people in predominantly Shi’ite areas in some of the deadliest violence since Sunni insurgents stepped up attacks this year. The 17 blasts, which appeared to be coordinated, were concentrated on towns and cities in Iraq’s mainly Shi’ite south, and districts of the capital where Shi’ites live.” (Reuters http://reut.rs/19twoSj)
Mali Vote Turnout High. Now Comes the Hard Part
Votes are currently being tallied and parties are naturally trying to positioning themselves. “Former Malian prime minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s campaign team said on Monday its results put Keita in a strong lead and in reach of outright victory in Mali’s election, but rivals said they were sure a run-off vote would have to be held…A run-off would take place on August 11 if no candidate secures over 50 percent of the vote. Keita’s rivals, who include ex-finance minister Soumaila Cisse, Modibo Sidibe, a former prime minister, and Dramane Dembele, the candidate of Mali’s biggest party, said they were sure a second round would be needed. The three, all members of the FDR coalition set up against the junta last year, met to issue a joint statement on Monday.” (Reuters http://yhoo.it/12YHxDo)