Gunmen Strike Iran Prez Campaign Office

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

(AP) - A wave of bombings targeting Shiites in Iraq killed 72 people today, deepening sectarian tensions that exploded just after the last American troops left the country in mid-December. The bombings began early in the morning when explosions struck two Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad, killing at least 27 people. A few hours later, a suicide attack hit Shiite pilgrims heading to the holy Shiite city of Karbala, killing 45; those explosions took place about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad. More»

What bin Laden, Ahmadinejad, Mugabe rock out to

(NEWSER) - When they’re not plotting to kill you or thousands of others, the world’s most evil men like to kick back with some tunes, too. The Guardian gives us an idea of what’s on their playlists:

• Osama bin Laden: The al-Qaeda chief has the perfect soundtrack for hiding in caves from US B-52 bombers—the B-52s. One woman who claims she was his sex slave describes “this devout party boy who wanted to hear Van Halen or some B-52s. To this day, I would hear the song Rock Lobster in my sleep.”

(NEWSER) - Iran publicly hanged three men today in connection with the bombing of a Shi’ite mosque last week that killed at least 30, Reuters reports. Responsibility for the blast has reportedly been claimed by the Sunni militant group Jundollah, which Iran says is part of the al Qaeda network and is backed by the US. Washington denies the claim. More»

Improved security at diplomatic compound in Yemen blunted terrorists' attempt

(NEWSER) - Explosions and gunfire outside the US embassy in Yemen earlier today bore "all the hallmarks" of al-Qaeda, says a US official. Gunfire raged for 10 minutes as the assailants—carrying automatic weapons, grenades, and a suicide bomb—failed to enter the embassy grounds. The building’s security upgrades and security officials’ timely response staved them off, the AP reports. More»

Attack scatters meeting of extremist Shiite organization

(NEWSER) - A bomb killed nine and wounded more than 100 in an Iranian mosque today, scattering members of an extremist Shiite group, the BBC reports. Police and militia have cordoned off the area while medics attend to victims and local media call for blood donations. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. More»