Unprecedented mayhem and deadly violence left Iraq in tatters and forces one to contemplate what next. Is it time for US to retreat? Or continue with callousness while ignoring the blunt messages and innocent plights. What I feel is - Iraq is now a prestige issue for US and perhaps a pneumonia pill that Bush couldn’t swallow easily.

The lethal violence in Iraq is further adding pressure on the US forces and Al-Maliki because neither of the two have been able to stem violence. There is not even a moment of respite for the duo as a fatal bomb blast took the lives of more than 150 yesterday and is deemed the deadliest one after April car bomb blast.

The horrific blast left every one flabbergasted and mocked the US crack down on militants and their false claims to quell violence.

The violence has started shaking the political system as well and has led the opposition to prepare a no confidence motion against Al- Maliki.

Violence in Iraq clearly indicates that war in Iraq is lost and people of both countries yearning for the withdrawal of coalition forces from the war-ravaged country.

This is the complete US failure to put the violence an end and particularly the bombs planted in vehicles that has claimed the lives of scores so far.

Therefore, there is neither reason nor credibility for US to prolong its stay in Iraq and Afghanistan in name of ‘war against terror’ while adding to the dismay to the civilians on either side and disdain to own forces. Finally, I beseech that an end should be put to this bloodshed.