In Baghdad at least 17 people have died and another 45 wounded after a 1000-pound car bomb exploded outside the five-story Mount Lebanon Hotel. The hotel was largely destroyed as was a nearby apartment building. Most of the dead are believed to be Iraqis and Arabs from neighboring countries. At least one American died. The New York Times reports the death toll will likely rise because hospitals “lack much in the way of basic equipment and medicines.” The blast came less than 36 hours before the one-year anniversary of the U.S. attack on Iraq. Analysts say the hotel may have been targeted because it was seen as an easy target. Unlike most Baghdad hotels, it was not protected in front by concrete barriers.