The suicide-bomb attacks in Syria and Iraq appear to be part of a resurgence of such terrorist attacks that represented a disturbing shift in tactics among extremist insugents active in both Arab nations.
Official figures show more than 1,000 people, mostly civilians, were killed and nearly 1,400 others wounded in violent attacks across Iraq last month.
Iraq’s election authorities have started counting votes minutes after Iraqis braved attacks to participate in parliamentary elections that brought international appreciation.
Iraqis have defied a rash of attacks that killed 14 people to vote in the country's first general election since US troops withdrew, with premier Nuri al-Maliki proclaiming "certain" victory.
Iraqis are voting in the country's first parliamentary elections since the withdrawal of US troops three years ago. More than 9,000 candidates are competing for 328 parliamentary seats.
Iraqis are voting in the country's first parliamentary elections since the withdrawal of US troops three years ago.
30 people have been killed and 50 wounded as a suicide bomber blew himself up amid a group of supporters of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, security and medical officials said.
Iraqi security forces begin casting their ballots in country’s parliamentary elections, two days before the main voting.
Iraqi army helicopters have attacked a convoy belonging to an extremist group inside eastern Syria, killing at least eight militants.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has again blamed Saudi Arabia for sponsoring insurgency efforts in his country and neighboring Syria, saying the Persian Gulf state has "clearly interfered" in Syria and in Iraqi internal affairs.