US promises justice over Iraq suicide bombings

ABC ^ | Monday, February 2, 2004 | By Jane Hutcheon in Baghdad

[Lessismore]

The US-led coalition in Iraq has vowed to punish those responsible for coordinated suicide bombings which have killed at least 56 people in the northern city of Arbil.

The twin blasts injured more than 100 other people.

In a statement, Iraq's US administrator, Paul Bremer, described the attack as cowardly and said those responsible for the acts would be brought to justice.

The twin bombings took place within minutes of each other at the headquarters of rival Kurdish political parties - the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The offices were crowded with people visiting the Kurdish leadership during the Muslim festival of Eid, which marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The deputy minister of the autonomous Kurdish Government, Sami Abdul Rahman, was killed in the attacks, together with other top officials.

Hospital sources say most of the deaths occurred at the KDP offices, though it is understood senior members of both parties are among the dead.

Meanwhile, an American base north of Baghdad has been pounded by rockets, killing a US soldier and wounding 12 others.

[tkathy]

Can't these fools just celebrate their religious holidays by giving gifts, having nice meals, etc...

[tessalu]

If the USA can go to the moon, why can they not take care of the Iraqi suicide bombers?

[observer5]

Classical play one side against the other... Simple setup, works most of the time!

[EGPWS]

In a statement, Iraq's US administrator, Paul Bremer, described the attack as cowardly and said those responsible for the acts would be brought to justice.

Why isn't this attitude acceptable when it comes to Israel's fight against terror?

[JasonC]

I understand the desire to punish those responsible. But those most directly responsible are, of course, small piles of debris by now. You can't punish people that are already dead. Punish those who condone the bombers, and get those who might emulate them before they can, by all means. But don't pretend it is "justice" to the perpetrators. The perpetrators are ashes.