U.S. Reports Bloodiest Month in Iraq

"BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Capping the bloodiest month for American troops since January, the U.S. military reported that seven more U.S. service members were killed -- all victims of increasingly sophisticated bombs that have been become the deadliest weapon in the insurgents' arsenal.

Bombs also claimed a toll Monday among civilians in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city and the major metropolis of the Shiite-dominated south, which has witnessed less violence than Sunni areas. A large car bomb exploded along a bustling street packed with shops and restaurants as people were enjoying an evening out after the daily Ramadan fast. At least 20 were killed and about 40 wounded, police Lieutenant Colonel Karim al-Zaidi said."
Moscow Times