By evening, the Voices of Iraq agency was reporting that 91 people had died and more than 550 were wounded. Authorities quickly blamed Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Among the targets were Iraqi government buildings, including the ministries for finance, foreign affairs, health, trade, education and housing. The attacks was the largest since US forces withdrew from cities June 30 based on an agreement forged last year and handed control to Iraqi forces.

The bombings raised questions about whether Iraqi forces were up to the task.

'We saw these kinds of horrific attacks when we were responsible for security as well,' Kelly said.