New US Intelligence Report Says Iraq Situation Could Worsen
02 February 2007
The U.S. intelligence community warns the situation in Iraq will get even worse if measurable action is not taken to stop the violence.
U.S. media are quoting the findings of a declassified version of a new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq presented to President Bush Thursday, to be delivered Friday to Congress.
The intelligence report is said to reveal deep uncertainty about Iraqi leaders, questioning their ability to put aside sectarian interests to fight extremists, to establish effective national institutions and end corruption.
The NIE says while al-Qaida continues to operate in Iraq, its actions have been surpassed by internal violence as the primary source of conflict, and the most immediate threat to U.S. goals.
The report follows Mr. Bush's recommendation to send more than 21,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq.
The intelligence report reaches no conclusion on whether civil war has broken out in Iraq, and it does offer some optimism. Iran is mentioned, but the primary focus of the lengthy document is Iraq.
News reports say John Negroponte, the outgoing director of national intelligence, discussed the National Intelligence Estimate with President Bush on Thursday.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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