A recent surge in violence in Iraq has been aimed almost entirely at security forces, as insurgents test Iraq's ability to defend itself before the withdrawal of American combat troops.
Tuesday's suicide bombing targeted an army recruitment center. It follows other brazen attacks over the past month, mostly targeting local police in and around Baghdad. At least 10 police officers have been killed and several dozen injured.
Until this surge, most of the major coordinated attacks this year have struck government buildings, commercial centers and Shi'ite worshipers.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told the French news agency (AFP) that by striking at the security forces the terrorists are "targeting the tools of Iraqi sovereignty."
In an incident Saturday, gunmen shot and killed two Iraqi policemen in their patrol car, and then set the car on fire.
At least twice in the past month, assailants have raised an al-Qaida flag following attacks on police checkpoints.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.