f the Iraqi police account of the bomber’s gender is confirmed, it would be one of the most devastating suicide bombings carried out by a woman. The number of female suicide bombers has increased recently, facilitated by Muslim customs that do not allow males to touch women. The customs enable the bombers to elude security checkpoints because women are not searched.

And in a religious center like Karbala, most women wear a flowing head-to-toe black overgarment, known as an abaya, that provides an easy way to conceal an explosive vest or belt.

Suicide Blast in Iraq Eclipses Cheney’s Visit - New York Times