Another Setback for Iraq's Democracy

Bombs kill at least 8 at Iraqi market - latimes.com

The LA Times' report about yet another anti-Shii bombing in Baghdad (7 were killed at a falafel stand, which are common eateries in most Middle Eastern cities; I went to one or two when in Damascus years ago) underplays what is a notable setback for Iraq - the indefinite postponement of a nationwide census. Iraq hasn't had an accurate census for years. The similar lack of one in Lebanon has stoked political/sectarian tensions there for decades, because of the ensuing arguments about appropriate representation of various communities. The same applies to Iraq, especially in the north, around Kirkuk.