For the second time in a year, Argentina has seen an outbreak of looting. This time it was in Córdoba, the second city, where two people died, more than 60 were injured and dozens of supermarkets and shops ransacked during 24 hours of mayhem. It started when the provincial police went on strike—in part, officials claimed, because a crackdown on brothels denied them bribes. None of the authorities emerged well. The province’s governor, José Manuel de la Sota, a political foe of President Cristina Fernández, said that the government was late to answer his call for help. Like most opposition-run provinces, Córdoba complains that it is squeezed of funds. But the government blamed Mr de la Sota for mismanaging the police.