The country has endured months of escalating violence stemming from decades-old discord between the nation's Sunnis and Shiites, the two largest branches of Islam. July was the deadliest month in Iraq since the peak of sectarian violence in 2006 and 2007. According to the United Nations, 1,057 Iraqis were killed and another 2,326 were wounded in acts of terrorism and violence last month.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html
See also...
Baghdad bombs: Dozens killed, scores wounded
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/28/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html
27 killed in attacks across Iraq
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/25/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html
