A car bomb explodes in the Shiite city of Kut . Hide Caption 7 of 18 Photos The country is at a critical period as U.S. officials continue with plans to end America 's combat mission and draw down troops to reach 50,000 by the end of August . : The flag represents the Islamic State of Iraq , which has ties to al Qaeda .
A car bomb explodes in the Shiite city of Kut . Hide Caption 7 of 18 Photos: The flag represents the Islamic State of Iraq , which has ties to al Qaeda .