Iraq violence kills at least 41 as politicians again fail to agree on federalism bill

An Iraqi boy reacts in front of a burning vehicle, in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday Sept. 18, 2006.

BAGHDAD, Iraq Bombers and gunmen killed at least 41 people and injured dozens across Iraq on Monday as the country's politicians again failed to find common ground on legislation some fear could divide Iraq and lead to further violence.

Meeting in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone on Monday, political leaders postponed a debate that had been set for Tuesday on a draft bill to establish autonomous regions as part of a federated Iraq.

The U.S. military relinquished control of a second Iraqi army division as the government prepared to further tighten security ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, when violence tends to spike in the country.

In one positive development for the government, predominantly Sunni Arab tribes in one of Iraq's most volatile provinces joined together to fight the insurgency in their region. They also called on the government and the U.S.-led military coalition to supply them with weapons, a prominent tribal leader said.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune

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