“Gunfire and explosions shook Ivory Coast’s main city Thursday as supporters and security forces loyal to the two men claiming to be president clashed, killing up to 18 people amid fears the violence could push the country toward another civil war. The toll of 18 dead cited by senior opposition official Amadou Coulibaly could not be immediately confirmed …. The bloodshed across Abidjan is part of a risky push to take control of state institutions by Alassane Ouattara, the widely recognized winner of an election that millions once hoped would reunite the West African nation.” (12/16/10)