More than 50 killed in Iraq attacks

In the capital, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem was to begin a landmark visit, officials said. He would be the highest ranking Syrian official to visit since US-led forces ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The minivan approached the men in central Hillah and exploded as they gathered around it, said police Captain Muthanna Khalid Ali.

8220;The sudden explosion shook the whole area and shattered the windows of a store I was standing outside of nearby,8221; said Muhsin Hadi Alwan, 33, one of the wounded day laborers. 8220;The ground was covered with the remains of people and blood, and survivors ran in all directions.8221;