Yes, Muslims should just roll over and let us steal their oil from under their noses. I know Americans would not fight back if some foreign force invaded our country.
Lets hope they just stop fighting back. Maybe then we can get their resources and more land for our friends the Zionists.

Bill, Trenton,

Can you explain how anyone knew this women was the bomber much less knew she had Downs syndrom?

bill, VANCOUVER, CANADA

"Ahmed Dabab, 36, a bird seller, said: “People were gathering around where most of the bird cages were and then this woman walked into the middle of the crowd. Then I saw a big flame and heard a loud bang."

This "witness" is close enough to observe all this in detail...and he's uninjured? hehe yea

partyman, calgary, alberta

There appears to be no evidence that these women had Down's Syndrome, other than an Iraqui official's statement. How he could determine that from the scattered remains of a group of people bombed is beyond comprehension. Without further documentation, this appears likely to be another lie.

Jim Turek, Dayton, , Ohio, USA

How can Al-Qaeda continue to convince their young men that it is a brave and Allah inspired act to murder one's own and the most defenseless of their own people? Will young men continue to believe that they will go to heaven now? Won't they be concerned, since they find them so dispensible on earth, that some of the virgins they meet and consort with in heaven will be physically or mentally challenged? Shame, a trillion shames, on the parents who sent their daughters to be slaughtered and those parent who teach their sons to detonate the bombs that kill the children of others.!!!!

rachel citrino, philadelphia, pa

You don't see Buddhists or Christian suicide bombers...

AngCore, UK,

"There should be no reference to religion inthese incidents - it does not matter. Those involved are cowardly killers - nothing more, nothing less.

Brian Munn, Kettering, UK"

Religion is the motivating factor in the entire Islamic-Fascist Jihad. Religion kills. That is the cold truth.

Juan Toumanni, Philadelphia, PA, USA

The inference that people affected by Down's Syndrome are mentally handicapped is naive in the extreme. Yes learning is slower than a "normal" person but many people are able to lead productive and full lives, gaining qualifications, even degrees. Suicide bombings are a sad indication of a society in turmoil. Perhaps the US should work on their people skills both at home and away.

helen potton, Manchester, England

There should be no reference to religion inthese incidents - it does not matter. Those involved are cowardly killers - nothing more, nothing less.

Brian Munn, Kettering, UK

Today, the world is SEEING and Thinking about People, in particular Women with Down's Syndrome, again.

Tomorrow, in places of worship this suicide bombing will be condemned and Down's Syndrome mentioned .

In a month's time all will be forgotten. Values System?

Denise Thornton, Cardiff, Wales,

Why do journalists persist in the the thoughtless and antiquated label "mentally handicapped"? This is offensive referring to anyone but when wrongly assumed as the obvious description of somebody with Downs Syndrome it is extremely offensive.
This insulting label died out years ago, why use it now?

Sal, Coventry,

The people that commit these horrendous acts of violence are not religious extremists. Religion is not their motivation. Evil is the common denominator.

c.bos, Sioux City, Iowa

What's your proof the women were Down's sufferers if they and others about them were blown to bits? Load of rubbish.

Philip Andrews, London,

If we did,nt need the oil so much and Saddam had,nt been selling it in Euros instead of dollars then none of this would be happening...this problem has its roots in the root of all evil.

Hugh, London, England

Just to educate, Shia's do not "celebrate" the Ashura Festival, but rather "commemorate" the tragedy that occurred to the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is known as Ashura. It is important that the correct words are used to ensure the accurate interpretation.

Mohamed Rajani, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Where are all the devout muslims condemning this?
Why do they not make their voice heard to distance themselves from these barbarians?
Are these actions contrary to Islam? Then why not say it loud and clear?

Peter, London, UK

It is well documented that male moslem suicide bombers get a reward of a large number of virgins upon arrival in that 'better place'. May I ask what prize awaits the two women with Downs Sydrome who have been chosen for that same cause?

Jane Pritchard, Brighton, UK

To Bruce L. Northwood, Silver Spring, USA:

I disagree. What remains of the civilised world HAS to win against those who support such depravity.
Much as you may not like it, that probably makes it WWIII.

M.Lester, London, UK

Gary E. Morton, USA who says > May I point out that none of this was going on before KING BUSH decided to illegally invade Iraq.

You are so right Gary, when good old Sadam was around it was just feet-first into the industrial shredder, which was much more humane than just blowing them up - Right?

Oh, how that shredder must have tickled the old toes as the legs were dragged in – specially if you were barefoot. He should have been allowed to continue his human selective culling!!

Peter, Vancouver, Canada

I just want to point out that not every person with Down's Syndrome is without the cognitive capacity to understand their enviornment, actions and their implications. These women may have been severely disabled and not really aware of what they were being used for, or they may have known - there's no way of knowing which from this story. I am a medic and work in a both a psychiatric institute and in social care for the disabled.

The fact that most people jump to the conclusion that the women were unaware and used as tools, and that the article allows them to do these by not clarifying the above medical reality, merely points to the bias and the readiness of people to assume the absolute worst of the enemy. Not that I think they're angels - but the saying goes 'know your enemy', not 'embellish...' Surely trying to stay as objective as possible is what matters most in these strange times.

Mia, London,

How can you possible refer to these two women as 'suicide bombers'? That implies will and intent. These women were victims. The very essence of our humanity is determined by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. This is what we have come to? Reading this story, coming to terms with the recognition that ANY human being, no matter their religion or political ideology, is capable of such a horrendous act of victimization and manipulation, makes me feel physically ill.

Jill Long, Oregon, U.S.

People with Down syndrome are not suffering from it. The "condition" affects the learning capacity in many ways some severe, some little at all. Some people with downs are aware of their condition.
.
edwin starr, wilts,

Oh for crying out loud, here we go...

Lower life expectancy, physical problems, learning difficulties, problems with being self sufficient. No, not suffering at all. Completely normal and healthy eh? Sheeesh....

Helen E., London, UK

That is not right.

Andy, Scotland, Scotland

Wake up, bloody MI6,

Christopher Corbi, BXL, BELGIUM

Ray Greenwood - from what I have read, when using suicide belts the explosion commonly propels the head into the air, leaving the face of the suicide bomber intact and seemingly untouched while the body is destroyed. Since people with downs syndrome share common facial characteristics, it would be a relatively simple job to identify the suicide bomber and diagnose their condition.

Louise Marley, Canterbury,

It was not "spin" People with Downs syndrome have a particular facial appearance. Suicide bombers often seem to leave their heads behind so these poor creatures were identified quite quickly.Our government was gulity of not comprehending the violent tribal hatreds that Islamic cultures contain within . Catholics and Protestants come to think of it quite recently took violent exception to each other.Within Islam there seem to be quite a few different groups all at loggerheads.And of course the theocrats reserve to themselves the right to interpret God.Those without the ability to think in the abstract will just take it all as a series of instructions on how to be virtuous without understanding the underlying principles.
One can't help but think though about how little the poor bombers were considered human by the bomb masters.They were not only women but disabled women.

Sarah, Maidstone, UK

ray - in answer to the decapitation of the suicide bomber is distinct from the injuries of those caught in the blast. The facial features of Down syndrome are quite distinct and could very rapidly be confirmed by forensic analysis. So, regarding your comments about Bust...Those in glass houses...

simon, london, uk

In Christianity women ARE viewed less value! may i also point out that islam has most of the same prophets as christianity and that Jesus is viewed as a prophet.
These are EXTREME views and not Islamic ones in general.
Hitler was christian, does that make all christians followers of hitler and his beliefs?!?
This is not a religious problem, its people who are fighting thanks to the catylist that is the US invasion, manipulating parts of islam for their own gain.
This is Islam as much as it is anyother religion as how they see it is nearly all fabrication.

I am not myself Islamic, Christian, Jewish or anyother religion or label.

Lucie, Manchester,

Only a fool would believe anything that comes out of the mouths of the Bush administration or their puppet regime in Iraq. How could anybody possibly know which of the body parts belonged to the bomber let alone whether that body part came from someone with Downs Synrome. As everybody who might have identified the bomber is also dead this is pure US propaganda. Bush and Blair led the world into this catastrophic imperialist, christian bloodbath not the muslims.

ray greenwood, ccharleston, wv, usa

This inexcusable and grossly inhumane abuse of two people affected by Down's Syndrome, with limited or no understanding of what they were doing, says much about the value system of Islamic extremism. Thank God that in Christianity, every individual is of enormous value in the sight of God and should not be treated as of less value for being a woman, a child or having a learning disability.

P Sellar, Whitehaven, UK

May I point out that none of this was going on before KING BUSH decided to illegally invade Iraq. And, by the way, why hasn't the Times said anything about the FOUR comunication cables being cut the connect most of the mid east?

Gary E. Morton, USA

Gary Morton, Rayland, USA, Ohio

To GM, Brisbane:

The women were regulars at the market where the bombs were detonated, and were well known to the traders and locals there. That is how they were able to make the Down's Syndrome connection so quickly.

Johnny, London,

People with Down syndrome are not suffering from it. The "condition" affects the learning capacity in many ways some severe, some little at all. Some people with downs are aware of their condition.
.

edwin starr, wilts,

We can only hope that this outrage only helps to condemn these terrorists from any support they may have. Their power base is clearly starting to wane, as they are seeking increasingly desperate measures.

However if it does come out that these "facts" are in fact US spin on a tragic event, well, they should have learnt to watch for things like this backfiring by now!

Shame on anyone trying to use an innocent to further a corrupt cause, both sides consider it to be "the greater good" and therefore have the same potential for dishonour as each other. As I believe the Dalai Lama once said, there exists no true evil, only people who seek their own conception of happiness.

Let us work towards bringing together the best of all conceptions of the good and discarding dangerous and selfish thoughts that have caused so many tragedies.

B. Martin, Paris, France

On a more positive note, it seems humanity cannot sink much lower.

David Masu, Zürich,

So more women are being recruited as suicide bombers.
What are they going to do with their 72 virgins?

colin, london, england

1) When I posted my query last night, the headline said nothing about these women being metnally disabled - although it was already reported on the BBC.
2) Some have asked, how can people know that these women were mentally disabled - they were known in this area, Iraqis who knew them reported that they were often seen in those markets.
It is conceivable, is it not, that this was precisely the reason they were utilised - and victimised! - by the terrorists.
After all, who could possibly suspect that these well-known women, suffering from Down's Syndrome, would suddenly become suicide bombers and kill all those whom they obviously knew?

Vivian Evans, Cardiff, Wales

There is nothing Islamic at all about these tragic events. Killing Muslim people for your cause only proves that the cause is anti-Islamic. There is certainly no honour, no courage and no religion in the people who perpetuate these horrible crimes.

Crashing Dashing Kid, Budapest, Hungary

See the religion of love and peace tearing everything in its way to pieces!

It was the history of followers of Islam yesterday, it is today and it will be tomorrow wherever they are and wherever they go! They need some excuse. If there is none, they will invent one!

Let us hear some spins, blames and excuses for this heroic action against what Sunnis regard as haram.
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

Just another proof of how unIslamic these terrorists are. Referring to them as 'Islamic terrorists' or 'Islamic extremists' is inaccurate as there is nothing remotely 'Islamic' about them.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

How do they know it was Al-Qaeda behind the attacks? The article merely states 'Iraqi and American officials blamed Al-Qaeda'. Convenient to link them to a story which is the most gruesome and outrageous I have read for quite some time.

Do the family and friends of victims in attacks like these receive any support from the Iraqi or indeed American authorities? Or is Condoleeza Rice's concern simply rhetorical?

Liz, Cambridge, England

Some people see conspiracy everywhere. This is from the BBC reporting on a statement by the Iraqi government.
"Forensic and bomb squad experts as well as the people and traders of al-Shorja area of the carpet market have confirmed that the woman who was blown-up there today was often in the area and was mentally disabled... "

Andrew, Hereford, UK

We should condemn terrorism, condemn terrorist's body bombs and bloody killing. But the power countries should consider why such behaviours exist in ---because everyone treasure his life, we perhaps can't regard such things only as religious cause

argu3000, shenzhen city, China

I thought the whole propaganda pitch of the jihadists was that they are courageous people who are so religious that they will willingly martyr themselves for their faith. So this incident shows either that the jihadist command has run out of potential martyrs, or that the martyrs have lost either their courage or their faith. In any case, it is another massive defeat for the jihadists and exposes them for what they are: fascistic, pathological misogynistic killers. "We love death" is their motto - but obviously not their own.

Jonathan, London,

Bryan, what are you agreeing with? That The Times are wrong for not mentioning that the women were mentally disabled in an article headlined "Down's syndrome bombers kill 91". I am confused.

I am even more confused as to how anybody knows the women were mentally handicapped anyway. Anyone close enough to them to know would be dead, they found a head with blond hair but no mention of down's syndrome. How else would the Iraqi military know so quickly that they had down's? something a little fishy here.

GM, Brisbane,

Episodes like this make me realise we simply MUST fight these people.

This is cowardice in the extreme. It is one of the worst atrocites ever.

David, St Albans, UK

This is outrageous!

Whilst all nations have used insurgency in some form or another - WWII we and most of Europe used subterfuge against the Nazis through to the modern day with Terrrorism, but at least all who participated in committing the acts knew (by and large) what they were doing and the consequences of their actions.

These poor women possibly had no idea what was going to happen to them.

What is the human race coming to? Maybe we don't deserve to be here and should go the way of the dinosaurs and other extinct species.

Vaughan, Leicester, GB

I am not a political person. But, I am quite stunned by the cowardice of this act.

I can look at the acts of terrorism that happen and can, looking at the belief structures, understand, although not agree with, why they might think that being a suicide bomber may benefit their cause and bring them to their version of heaven.

However, to use an innocent, more innocent than any of us more priviledged persons, who would have had no understanding of the causes and politics of the situation, is cowardice and murder.

Terrorists try to take the high morale ground, taking the fight to the infidel, the cancer of the west. Well they have lost all sympathy that any in the west would have had with their cause and possibly many of their fellow Muslims.

Yes, America, Europe and the developed nations need to face up to the fact that the situation in the world is partly their fault, that if they cared more about people and less about the price of filling up their car, this suffering woul

Bevan Court, Hastings, UK

Maybe those responsible for this bombing were also the people responsible for throwing all the Babies out of the `Kuwaitie Incubators` in the 1990`s Gulf War...
Or they might have been personal medical carers for Osama Bin-laden holed up in some cold drafty cave and his poor poor `failing kidney organs`...
It has CIA spin, all over it.
CIA spin!!.
For all we know it could have been the US military themselves, afterall, they do currently have a taste for killing Muslims, especially since 11/09/2001..

Mrs E Nightingale, Cambridge, England

Ms. Evans of Cardiff -

Read the headline.

George Haig Brewster, New York, USA

If no one knows who the women were how did they arrive at the medical diagnosis that they were mentally impaired?

You should be working in the NHS! Or at the end of the pier as psychics.

Jonathan Harker, London, UK

I wonder if the same groups who protest Danish cartoons will protest putting a bomb on an innocent woman with Down's Syndrome and blowing her head off.

Rob, alexandria, va

I have to agree with Vivian

Bryan, Houston, USA

How does Qassim Moussawi know that the two women suffered from Downs syndrome?

A head was found and pronounced 'foreign looking with blonde hair'. Is this the evidence?

Or is the use of mentally impaired women a bit of occupying power spin?

John Blackley, Winter Garden, FL

This makes me sick. And to think that there are still people in the world who operate under the delusion that the people who are behind these atrocities are doing it for some greater religious purpose. Using some of the most vulnerable and helpless members of society to do their bidding! It's just despicable. I really don't have any words other than that.

Jessica, Enon, United States

"Have your say"? What can anybody say to this?

There is no political or religious statement that could be mediated by this act, except that, if there is such a thing as evil, this is its exemplar.

Jack Bloxam, Edinburgh,

You can never win against an enemy whose depravity knows no bounds.

Bruce L. Northwood, Silver Spring, USA

This proves how brutal al qaeda's tactics are.

Bryan, Houston, USA

Why do you not report that these two women were mentally disabled? It is mentioned by the BBC, who uses the same source as you, Major-General Qassim Moussawi.

These women were as much victims of the terrorists, who detonated the bombs strapped to them by remote control, as all the other victims of these bombs.

Vivian Evans, Cardiff, Wales