Bombing In Basra Averted Iraqi Police

Juan Cole 10/04/2003

Bombing in Basra Averted

Iraqi police in Basra also discovered a huge bomb in Al-Tanuma Square near the bridge over the Shatt al-Arab, disarming it before it could wreak havoc in the crowded public space. The Square has also seen the distribution of leaflets calling on Sunnis, Christians and Mandaeans to leave Basra. Several mosque preachers attempted to counteract such sentiments in their sermons on Friday, calling for Iraqis to unite across religious boundaries. (al-Zaman)

About the Author

Juan Cole is the founder and chief editor of Informed Comment. He is Richard P. Mitchell Professor of History at the University of Michigan He is author of, among many other books, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires and The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Follow him on Twitter at @jricole or the Informed Comment Facebook Page