Iraq: Baghdad Hotels Bombed

Three vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) detonated Jan. 25 near four high-profile Baghdad hotels, several of which housed international media organizations. The tactics follow three other similar attacks against government targets in central Baghdad during the last half of 2009, when multiple government buildings were attacked by VBIEDs. As Iraq prepares for parliamentary elections in March and Sunni politicians are increasingly being barred from participation due to alleged Baathist ties, jihadists have increased incentive to mar the political process and demonstrate continuing instability in Iraq.