Reports say the first blast was triggered when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded coffee shop. Seconds later, a bomb went off under a car parked near a restaurant.
The bombings occurred despite government moves to heighten security as the election commission prepared to announce results of last month's balloting.
The announcement, which could come on 20 January, sets the stage for talks on a new national unity government that U.S. officials hope will help calm the insurgency.
(compiled from agency reports)
RFE/RL Iraq Report
RFE/RL Iraq Report
