Iraq Close to A Civil War

During a 24 hour period, the Iraqi police made a gruesome discovery when finding 86 bodies scattered around Baghdad, after an attack on a Shiite house in the city. The victims were either shoot in an execution, either tortured and then strangled.

Today, other 46 bodies were discovered in three locations, among which a grave that hosted 29 corpses. Officials also announced the discovery of 3 bodies in the northern city of Mosul and of 40 others killed on Monday. Most of the victims died during the last few days but the killers still remain unknown.

The violence in Iraq ignited after a bombing last month of the Golden Dome in Samarra, one of the holiest Shiites shrines. Since then militia and neighborhood gangs carrying weapons patrolled the streets. Iraq leaders had an intense activity during the last few days, meeting to solve the crisis and trying to name a Prime Minister.

Those who took part in the meeting hosted by Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, a prominent Shiite cleric, said that a small progress has been made. The new government has been delayed for 3 months by violence and political struggles.

U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad declared in an interview that "the delay was due to the fact that politicians are occupied with distribution of posts, and their discussions are about individuals. They have to understand that the interest of Iraq must come first, as we are in a crisis. The country is bleeding and headed for a civil war, and it's the responsibility of Iraqi politicians to feel people's pains and understand their needs."