What to do after Fallujah? There is a general feeling that last week's atrocity marks a new low in the Iraq story. The mob that killed, burned and mutilated four US security contractors seemed to be rejecting not only the occupation but also the possibility of the end of conflict.

No wonder that the trade fair that was supposed to open in Baghdad today has been postponed. The likelihood of it - or any other trade fair - taking place now looks remote.