Shiite Female Candidate Survives Ambush

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gunmen in police uniform on Sunday ambushed a car carrying a prominent female Shiite candidate in this month's general election, but she escaped injury when her bodyguards returned fire, one of her aides said.

Salama al-Khafaji was traveling in central Baghdad when gunmen opened fire about 1 p.m. from a car and a motorcycle, according to the aide, Sheik Fateh Kashf al-Ghataa, who riding with her. Their security guards returned fire and the gunmen fled.

The attack was the second attempt on al-Khafaji's life since May, when gunmen ambushed her convoy as she headed back to Baghdad from the holy Shiite city of Najaf south of the capital. Her son and one of her bodyguards were killed in that attack.

Sunday's ambush was the latest in a series of election-linked violence and intimidation by insurgents seeking to prevent the Jan. 30 vote. Several election workers have been killed and scores have quit their jobs in fear for their lives.

Al-Khafaji is running on a mostly Shiite ticket that enjoys the tacit support of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's top Shiite cleric. The ticket is expected to secure a comfortable victory in the landmark ballot.

More: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/world/10661272.htm

[bemildred]

1. I have a feeling this next two weeks is going to get really ugly. nt