Influential Iraqi cleric rebukes government

BAGHDAD (AP) — Just days after announcing he was retiring from politics, a hard-line Shiite cleric who has traditionally played the role of kingmaker delivered a scathing rebuke of the Iraqi government and even politicians in his own movement Tuesday, suggesting he’s not giving up his influence as national elections draw near.

Muqtada al-Sadr’s statement came as the country is mired in a resurgence of violence with Sunni militants battling the Shiite-led government for control of volatile areas west of Baghdad and an uptick in deadly bombings mainly targeting security officials and Shiite areas. Several explosive-laden cars blew up Tuesday in Baghdad and cities to the south, killing at least 33 people and wounding dozens.