The title of a recently released CNN article is "Deadly bombings worst Iraq attack in two years". The question is: what is being done about security in Iraq in light of these horrific attacks?

According to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, after surveying the damage and carnage, "The COWARDLY ATTACK that took place today should not affect the determination of the Iraqi people from continuing their battle against the deposed regime and the gangs of criminal Baath Party and the al-Qaeda organization who have committed THE MOST HEINOUS CRIMES AGAINST THE CIVILIANS", adding that the government would send a strong message to " enemies of the political process WHO ARE SUPPORTED FROM THE OUTSIDE". OK, again, this sounds like al-Maliki is angry and determined to find those responsible, but we don't know if he means it. Also as far as his argument that these terrorists are "supported from the outside" is concerned, it isn't like he's doing a whole hell of a lot to stop all this craziness.

President Obama denounced this latest wave of violence as "outrageous attacks against the Iraqi people" intended to "derail Iraq's progress". This is a strong statement, not al-Maliki's. Obama added that the US would continue to be a "close friend and partner" as Iraqis prepare to go to the polls for critical elections in January. Now, the big question is: in light of these recent horrific attacks, will the US withdrawal from Iraq be delayed even further?

According to Ray Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq and US Ambassador to Iraq and former , "We will assist the Iraqi government IN ANY WAY WE CAN to ensure that those individuals or groups responsible for SUCH HORRIFIC ACTS be pursued and brought to justice". This also implies staying in Iraq even longer past the planned withdrawal date.

Finally, according to Ali al-Dabbagh, an Iraqi government spokesman, "We are calling on international and UN envoys TO COME FIND OUT WHY IRAQ IS BEING TARGETED IN THIS WAY". Perhaps al-Dabbagh hasn't considered the very real possibility that this was carried out by someone inside Iraq, perhaps Shiite militias or Sunni death squads.