Attacks kill 92; Iraq’s fugitive VP convicted

Associated Press

BAGHDAD

Iraq’s fugitive Sunni vice president was sentenced Sunday to death by hanging on charges he masterminded death squads against rivals in a terror trial that has fueled sectarian tensions in the country. Underscoring the instability, insurgents unleashed an onslaught of bombings and shootings across Iraq, killing at least 92 people in one of the deadliest days this year.

It’s unlikely that the attacks in 13 cities were timed to coincide with the afternoon verdict that capped a months-long case against Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, a foe of Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s. Still, taken together, the violence and verdict could energize Sunni insurgents bent on returning Iraq to the brink of civil war by targeting Shiites and undermining the government.

Al-Hashemi fled to Turkey after the Shiite-led government accused him of playing a role in 150 bombings, assassinations and other attacks from 2005-11. The politically charged case sparked a government crisis and fueled Sunni Muslim and Kurdish resentment against al-Maliki, whom critics say is monopolizing power.

The worst violence on Sunday struck the capital, where bombs hit throughout the day.