In Iraq, the death toll from Monday’s double car bombing in Baghdad has reached at least 88. The bombing targeted a crowded market filled with predominantly Shiite shoppers. Another 12 people died in a double car bombing in the Shiite town of Khalis. The attacks come as Shiites are celebrating the holy festival of Ashura to commemorate the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Ashura marks the highpoint of the Shiite religious year. Middle East commentator Juan Cole described Monday’s bombings as the Ashura Massacres. Meanwhile in Baquba, armed gunmen abducted the city’s mayor and burned down his offices. Overall, at least 137 people were killed or found dead across Iraq yesterday.