Saudi Arabia called for the creation of a Moslem military force to replace the American, and other non-Moslem, troops in Iraq. Many Moslem nations quickly responded, saying that they would help if Iraq requested it.
Yesterday's suicide bombing in Baquba, a Sunni Arab town north of Baghdad, killed 70. The minibus carrying the bomb detonated in front of the main police station. Many men were assembled to apply for police jobs. The numerous attacks against the police have not discouraged people from applying for the jobs. Iraqis see Iraqi police as a sign of reconstruction and revival. Al Qaeda and the anti-government forces see the police as a sign of defeat. In the aftermath of the Baquba bombing, local Iraqis blamed al Qaeda and anti-government forces. The bombings only make al Qaeda, and the anti-government forces, more unpopular.