I.N.N. World Report

Twin suicide car bombs targeting government buildings in Baghdad killed 160 people and wounded 540 Sunday in one of the deadliest attacks in recent years. The attacks, blamed by the government on elements of the Baathist party and al-Qaeda in Iraq, reveal the fragility of security since U.S. troops withdrew from urban areas and as the country prepares for January elections. Middle East analyst Alex Vatanka said: “This is horrible news for Barack Obama,” adding: “Iraq is reappearing as a significant factor, complicating hugely his entire foreign policy.” General David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, said: “Despite all that has been achieved by Iraqi and Coalition Forces, there still are extremists who want to re-ignite the cycle of sectarian violence.” Peter Harling, an Iraq expert at International Crisis Group, said: “The insurgents are keen to show they have the ability to destabilize Iraq.” Source