We cannot forget the sacrifices of Iraqis like those five-score brave men murdered today as they stood to join the tens of thousands defending a young free nation. And their deaths must keep close in our minds the ends their killers wish for us. But a month and a half ago I wrote in anticipation of atrocities that will be seen in months and years ahead:
[V]ulnerabilities will occasionally be pronounced as the liberalization and greater openness of Iraq coincides with the work of thugs who seek to exploit the mutual faith of free, public association.
Today's murders are striking example. How would any American city or suburb prevent the detonation of a car laden with explosives? Only the vigilance and conscience of citizens, the common good, could alert law enforcement if the police themselves weren't lucky enough to catch the perpetrators in conspicuous activity. After the crime, a community would quickly and naturally cooperate with authorities to find and apprehend suspects. According to reports, that is exactly what has happened. Terrorists can no longer kill Iraqis without revealing themselves, and each Allied-Iraqi yank on the exposed tentacle brings more valuable enemy assets.
And beyond the death and carnage, what will the attack bring Iraq's enemies? Little. Killing police recruits has long been a failed tactic; it may be simply that the gore sates terrorists' perversions, a red cheer for fiends. And existing police forces are growing in number and capability, totally unaffected by this bombing.
The country at large will mourn but it moves ever-forward. Omar's casual photography reflects a monumental construction effort; his brother Mohammed relates Iraqis' enthusiasm for a national conversation led by weblogs, the 21st-Century combination printing press and broadcast tower. Former interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi publicly speaks of Iraq's first popularly composed constitution; its "Founding Fathers." And Arthur Chrenkoff announces triumphs across Mesopotamia.