Terrorists set off a series of bombs in Iraq Tuesday, killing at least 50 and wounding 160 others.

The attacks are the latest in a series that have killed more than 119 people in the last week. Several Baghdad apartment buildings have also been destroyed.

Political leaders blame al Qaeda for the killings. Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said extremists are conducting a "rape of democracy" in Iraq.

Allawi is trying to form a government after his party won the most votes in last month's elections.

Meanwhile, the White House said the increase in violence will not hinder U.S. troop withdrawals this year.