Bombs Kill 40 in Baghdad

Four blasts went off in Baghdad Thursday evening, killing 40 civilians. The first three bombs discharged in succession, targeting a Shiite mosque and a popular market. One explosion occurred just outside of the market and the other indoors, where people were doing their weekend shopping. Later, a parked car bomb went off near a police patrol killing one policeman and five bystanders. It is unknown who is responsible, however Shiite mosques and Iraqi security forces are typical targets for Sunni extremists such as al Qaeda. The attacks highlight Iraq’s fragility as America forces prepare for a withdrawal before the year’s end.