In brief: Car bombs kill 20 in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Car bombs struck three Shiite cities in southern Iraq on Monday, killing more than 20 people in an apparent move to derail progress toward forming a new government as political leaders tried to break the eight-month deadlock.

The blasts in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf and in Iraq’s second largest city of Basra were the third major attacks since last week, after the slaughter of more than 50 Christians in a Baghdad church and a string of 13 coordinated bombings across Baghdad that killed more than 90 people.

There was no claim of responsibility for Monday’s attacks, but the violence underscores the desire of al-Qaida and other Sunni extremists to foment sectarian division at a time when Iraqis are watching to see if their leaders can form a new government accepted by both the Shiite majority and the Sunni minority.

U.S. activist leaves prison

LIMA, Peru – American activist Lori Berenson, 40, walked free from a Peruvian prison Monday for the second time after serving three-quarters of a 20-year sentence for collaborating with leftist rebels.

Her legal troubles are not over, however, as Peru’s top anti-terrorism prosecutor has appealed her parole.

The former Massachusetts Institute of Technology student must remain in Peru until her full sentence is served – unless President Alan Garcia decides to commute it.

Group at party kills man

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. – It began with a brawl outside a house party. A woman hit a man, and the man refused to strike back, saying he wouldn’t hit a girl. Instead, he vowed to attack the next male who walked by, even if that person was a random stranger.

That’s when 18-year-old Bobby Tillman happened to approach a group of four partygoers. Authorities said they stomped, kicked and punched him to death while dozens watched.

“He had nothing to do with anything,” said Maj. Tommy Wheeler of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. “They just decided he’s the one. And they killed him.”