A spate of violence has struck Iraq with roadside bombs killing at least 49 people in Karbala during an annual Shiite pilgrimage. The latest attack is the second in two days, wounding as many as 150 people. The bombs exploded near two police checkpoints near Karbala. These attacks come during one of the most peaceful times in the country.

At least 50 people are dead following a suicide bombing at a police recruiting center in Northern Iraq. The targeted recruits were lined up to try to get the first of two thousand new police jobs. The New York Times' John Leland is in Baghdad with the latest on the bloody attack and what this means as the U.S. prepares to withdraw from the country.

• BAGHDAD TAKEOUT: A suicide attack rocked Baghdad this morning, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens. Joining us from Baghdad is The New York Times' John Leland.
• SPORTS TAKEOUT: Earlier today, Rafael Nadal bowed out of the Australian Open after he suffered a knee injury during his quarterfinal game against Andy Murray. Jon Wertheim, senior writer at Sports Illustrated joins us from Melbourne, Australia to explain what happened.