Bombs Kill Dozens in Baghdad Market

By D. Cupples |  Today, two bombs went off within 10 minutes of each other and killed more than 50 people at pet markets in Baghdad. (New York Times)  According to CNN, two women who reportedly suffered from Downs Syndrome were used as the suicide bombers.

Death statistics indicated that 2007 was the deadliest year in Iraq.  In December, Bush Administration officials continued insisting that the "surge" strategy had worked (i.e., that violence in Iraq declined).   

A week before that, Administration officials acknowledged that insurgents driven out of Baghdad simply moved to other areas (like Mosul, where violence -- naturally -- increased).  For other bloggers' reactions, see Memeorandum.