Three Sunnis on Iraq constitution panel killed

The Sunni Arabs on the committee were seen as central figures in the US-backed strategy of drawing members of the restive minority off the streets and into peaceful politics.

Fifteen Sunni members joined the 71-strong committee last month, making it the first nationwide political body to include significant Sunni representation since the new government took power in April.

Two MPs have been assassinated since the elections, but Tuesday’s victims were the first members of the constitution-drafting committee to be killed.