With this, the jihadists aim to demonstrate they can still attack high-value (and what should be highly secure) targets. The selection of targets — the “Baghdad governate building” and Justice ministry — underscores the jihadists’ intention of imposing Sharia law: Though Iraq’s constitution says that “no law that contradicts the established provisions of Islam may be established,” those who want Sharia are not inclined to be satisfied with a partial or symbolic implementation — something the West should stop to consider as well.
“Death toll past 100 in Baghdad bombings,” by Jomana Karadesh for CNN, October 25:
Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) — At least 108 people were killed and 512 wounded in twin suicide car bombings near government offices in central Baghdad on Sunday morning, officials said.
The death toll was the worst in a single incident in Iraq for many months.
Two car bombs detonated in quick succession near Iraqi government buildings about 10:30 a.m., an Interior Ministry official said.
One of the bombs exploded outside Baghdad’s governorate building and the second one outside the Justice Ministry, about 500 meters (1,600 feet) away.
Plumes of smoke billowed from the sites of the attacks as victims fled, some with blood streaming down their faces. The streets were strewn with debris, including charred cars and chunks of concrete from damaged buildings. Some government buildings and others in the area were heavily damaged.
Sunday’s attacks came a day after Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, completed a two-day visit to Iraq that included a stop at the nearby Foreign Ministry.
An Iraqi official said the government was working to bolster security, but regional cooperation was needed to help fight suicide bombers.
“We are calling on international and U.N. envoys to come and find out why Iraq is being targeted this way,” said Ali al-Dabbagh, the Iraqi government spokesman….