US Intelligence: Maliki and other leaders of Iraq are ineffective

[ck4829]

Despite some military progress, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is unable to govern his country effectively and the political situation is likely to become even more precarious in the next six to 12 months, the nation's intelligence agencies concluded in a new assessment released Thursday.

The document, an update of a National Intelligence Estimate delivered in January, represents the view of all 16 U.S. spy agencies. It is their first comprehensive status report on Iraq since the troop buildup began early this year, and comes less than a month before a major assessment on the U.S. military commitment is due from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.

Though cautiously worded and full of caveats, the estimate presents a stark conclusion: Even though the troop increase has given the Iraqi government more breathing room, Maliki and other leaders are no closer to achieving the political reconciliation necessary to keep the country from disintegrating.

The report cites "measurable but uneven improvements" in security, but says the level of violence in Iraq remains high. "Iraqi political leaders remain unable to govern effectively," it added.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-intel24aug24,1,6281450.story?coll=la-headlines-world

[rodeodance]

1. This, I think, is the basis of John Warner's new idea---he is trying to put

Bush to put pressure on this failed government (and yes, irag is a failed government at the moment)

[bemildred]

2. Expecting stooges to act like a legitimate government is unrealistic. nt