Attacking progress

Iraq is making progress, but insurgents can still kill and destroy.

That seems to be the message behind the bombings that killed at least 147 people and wounded more than 700 in downtown Baghdad Sunday.

One of the buildings attacked was the Ministry of Justice, where 35 workers died. At least 25 people lost their lives at the Baghdad Provisional Council building, headquarters of the city's government.

The bombs were hidden in two parked cars in parking garages; the blasts were similar to August bombings at the Foreign and Finance ministries, which killed 100.

The latest attacks occurred on a street that had been reopened to the public this year. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had said before the attacks that Baghdad was getting safer. He blamed the incident on al-Qaida and remnants of Saddam Hussein's deposed regime.

These outrages are not expected to deter Iraq's progress or slow the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops. Elections are planned in January.

But the violence could undermine Mr. al-Maliki, who is credited with bolstering Iraq's safety and security.

President Obama offered a hopeful observation: "These attempts to derail Iraq's progress are no match for the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people."

So long as the people and their leaders do not lose heart, Iraq will move forward.