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Insurgents in Iraq attacked the diplomatic missions of Pakistan and Bahrain directly on July 5. The Bahraini envoy to Iraq, Hassan Malallah al-Ansari, was wounded, while the Pakistani Ambassador, Mohammed Younis Khan was uninjured. These attacks come after the July 2 abduction of Ihab al-Sherif, Egypt's ambassador-designate to Iraq. No groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks on al-Ansari and Khan, but al Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility for kidnapping of al-Sherif late on July 5.
The attacks on the diplomats are the latest in a spate of politically inspired attacks by nationalist and jihadist insurgents. The attacks against the Egyptian, Bahraini, and Pakistani diplomatic missions come as those countries are in the process of establishing normal diplomatic relations with Iraq's new government. Earlier this month, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait each decided to send ambassadors to Iraq.
As insurgents attack diplomats, government officials, and civilians in Baghdad, Iraqi police and security forces and U.S.-led coalition forces conducted a series of massive raids in the capital, arresting more than 100 suspected militants. Restoration of normal diplomatic relations between Iraq and other Arab governments is seen as a key step in establishing the legitimacy of the new Iraqi government. As new diplomats enter the country, however, they become prime targets for the insurgents who strive to destabilize the government.
July 2
BAGHDAD -- A bomber with explosives strapped to his body blows himself up outside a recruiting station for police special forces in western Baghdad, killing at least 16 other people and wounding 22. (JIHADIST)
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