CAR BOMB EXPLODES IN BUSY MARKET IN KURDISH AREA OF KIRKUK; AT LEAST 20 KILLED

On 30 June 2009 a car bomb exploded at a crowded market in a predominantly Kurdish area of Kirkuk, located in northern Iraq. At least 20 people were injured in the attack, while more than 25 others were injured. The bombing occurred as U.S. troops complete their withdrawal from Iraqi cities as part of a 30 June deadline under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA); tensions between Kurds and Arabs remain high regarding who will control Kirkuk, an oil-rich area that the Kurds want to incorporate into their semi-autonomous region. Kirkuk is one of several locations where concern has been expressed regarding the ability of Iraqi forces to maintain security in the absence of U.S. forces.