Dozens killed in Baghdad blast

BAGHDAD - A car bomb exploded outside a funeral tent Thursday in a mainly Shia area of Baghdad, killing at least 48 people - the latest in a wave of attacks that has triggered fury over the government's inability to stop the bloodshed.

As ambulances raced to the scene and helicopters buzzed overhead, young men enraged over the security lapse pelted Iraqi forces with sticks and stones, prompting skirmishes.

The violence over the past week and a half has mainly targeted the majority Shia community and Iraqi security forces, posing a major challenge for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his fragile coalition government that was seated last month.

Some lawmakers and city officials said insurgents were probably trying to undermine the government ahead of an Arab League summit to be held in March in Baghdad. The leadership had campaigned to host the two-day meeting to tout security improvements and mend frayed ties with its Arab neighbors.

Anger over yesterday's attack in the former Shia militia stronghold of Shula stemmed from the fact the booby-trapped car had been parked just several yards from one end of the long, hangarlike tent.

At least 48 people were killed and 121 wounded, according to police and hospital officials.

Hours later, troops fired in the air to disperse a crowd gathered for a demonstration to demand better protection, and some protesters set tires on fire. Security forces imposed a curfew in Shula, prompting complaints from some residents that they were unable to visit wounded loved ones who were taken to hospitals elsewhere in the capital.

Iraqis have become used to high-profile bombings, often followed by long periods of calm. But the recent uptick in violence, with more than 200 people killed in near-daily attacks since Jan. 18, has raised new concern about the readiness of the Iraqis to take over their own security.

Four other Iraqis were killed Thursday in bombings targeting Iraqi troops and an electricity official in Baghdad.