The latest bombings in Iraq suggest that Sunni extremists are trying, afresh, to whip up war

“WHEN the enemy advances, withdraw; when he stops, harass; when he tires, strike; when he retreats, pursue,” suggested Chairman Mao during the Chinese civil war that eventually won him power. Iraqi insurgents are following his advice. During the American “surge” two years ago they retreated. After the passing of its peak they renewed their attacks. And barely a month after Iraqi troops took control of the main towns from the slowly departing Americans, blood is again gushing down boulevards.

Over 100 civilians were killed and hundreds wounded in a four-day period this week. Two lorries packed with explosives levelled most of a settlement on the edge of Mosul in northern Iraq. Residents were sleeping on rooftops to escape the summer heat when their houses collapsed beneath them. In Baghdad bombers aimed for day labourers and pilgrims, making this the worst spasm of violence in recent memory. The attacks have been centred on the north and the capital and are proving to be increasingly sophisticated. The lorry bombings are reminiscent of spectacular attacks staged during the early part of the American occupation. …