White House says deadly suicide bombing won’t stop democracy _ or US pullout

White House: Blast won’t derail Iraq transition

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — The White House is vowing the suicide bombing at a Baghdad army headquarters won’t stop Iraq’s transition to democracy — or the U.S. troop withdrawal.

Deputy press secretary Bill Burton told reporters Friday that both are “firmly on track.”

U.S. troops are scheduled to end their role in major combat operations by the end of the month. But the blast, which killed dozens of recruits waiting to enlist, was one of the bloodiest in months. And it came as Iraqi political leaders remain deadlocked on forming a government five months after parliamentary elections.