US soldiers with the 14th Cavalry carry the body of a US soldier killed in a car bomb attack during a memorial ceremony. Five people were killed in a car bomb attack including 2 US soldiers, 2 civilians and 1 Iraqi policeman. Iraq faces multiple challenges in the lead-up to the drawn-down of US forces in Iraq, with many observers claiming they are capable of handling home-grown problems, but are a long way off being able to tackle external threats. Political wrangling has reportedly fostered greater instability throughout the country with fears of renewed sectarian violence breaking out as insurgents set-up attacks in an attempt to exploit vulnerabilities amongst the populace.