55 killed in Iraq

Baghdad, Feb. 18 (Reuters): Two car bombs tore through a packed shopping area of a mainly Shia district of Baghdad today, killing 55 people in the worst attack since US and Iraqi troops launched a crackdown in the city five days ago.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had on Friday trumpeted what he called the “brilliant success” of Operation Imposing Law in quelling sectarian violence.

Thai blasts

Bangkok (AP): A series of explosions on Sunday rocked southern Thailand, killing three persons and injuring 53, police said. In what were apparently coordinated attacks, suspected Muslim separatists set off at least 23 bombs in four provinces.

China frauds

Beijing (PTI): China has jailed a gang of 11 fraudsters to prison sentences of up to 13 years for cheating people by sending hoax cellphone text messages in southern Jiangxi province.

Condi query

Ramallah, West Bank (Reuters): US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice has sought explanations from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about a unity government Israel said it had agreed with the US to shun.