We are safer, the region is safer, the world is safer without Saddam.

With nearly 20 days until Iraq emerges as a free sovereign state for the first time in more than three decades, terrorists have increasingly targeted our country's infrastructure.

We deplore this terrorist act and vow to get the criminals to justice as soon as possible,

full partnership ... through close coordination and consultation.

This is an escalation that we have been expecting, ... The government of Iraq is determined to confront the enemies.

It is our people who are sitting in the dark because of these cowardly and treacherous attacks, not our occupiers.