At least 84 killed in attacks across Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP) — A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a textile factory Monday in a crowd that gathered after two cars bombings at the same spot in the worst of a series of attacks killing at least 84 people across Iraq, the deadliest day this year.

The attacks targeted both Shiites and Sunnis and added to fears that political instability will inflame sectarian violence once again - this time as U.S. forces prepare to go home. Iraq is entering its third month since the March 7 elections without a new government in sight or even a final determination of the results.

The violence began in the capital where at least 10 people were killed in what appeared to be coordinated attacks against police and army checkpoints across Baghdad. But the most deadly incident was an afternoon bombing in the Shiite city of Hillah, the capital of Babil province 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Baghdad.

A suicide bomber with explosives strapped to his belt blew himself up among a crowd trying to help victims of two car bombs that went off earlier outside a textile factory, said Babil provincial police spokesman Maj. Muthana Khalid.