Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 10:19:53 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Rice Visits Iraq, Looks to Bolster PM Maliki

Posted Apr 20, 08 9:51 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Condoleezza Rice paid an unannounced visit to Baghdad today to highlight recent political gains brought about by PM Nouri al-Maliki's government. While the Maliki-ordered assault on Basra last month exposed some weaknesses in the Iraqi army, it also brought different groups in Iraq together, she said. "This is, I think, an important time. You've seen a coalescing of a center in Iraqi politics," Rice said.

"There are those who questioned whether or not the prime minister was prepared to go after militias that were associated one way or another with political elements in his coalition," Rice said, "I think he's answering that question." Rice met with PM Maliki, as well as with David Petraeus and Ryan Crocker, reports the AP.

Source Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Confidence Surges in Baghdad

    Jul 3, 08 6:00 AM CDT
    Confidence Surges in Baghdad Economic activity and confidence in the government are booming in Baghdad, Der Spiegel reports, in a look at the "astonishing" resurgence of normal life there—despite fear that progress could vanish as quickly as it appeared. For the first time in 4 years, a popular Baghdad supermarket is stocking pork—along with alcohol, something that would have   invited reprisals by Islamic extremists.  More »

  • Pelosi Becomes a Believer on Baghdad Trip

    May 17, 08 12:12 PM CDT
    Pelosi Becomes a Believer on Baghdad Trip Nancy Pelosi visited Iraq today, and the staunch war critic said she liked what she heard. After meeting with several top Iraqi and US officials, including Nouri al-Maliki and David Petraeus, Pelosi emerged optimistic about the upcoming provincial elections. She also praised Baghdad for passing a budget and oil legislation, the AP reports. More »

  • Al-Sadr Threatens 'Open War'

    Apr 19, 08 4:48 PM CDT
    Al-Sadr Threatens 'Open War' Moqtada al-Sadr today threatened today to “declare a war” against Iraq unless it curbs attacks on his Mahdi Army, CNN reports. “I’m giving the last warning to the Iraqi government,” he said. “If the government does not stop the militias infiltrated with them, then we will declare an open war.” Al-Sadr had declared a ceasefire in August. More »

  • Iran Is Now a Bigger Threat in Iraq Than al-Qaeda: US Officials

    Apr 12, 08 3:06 PM CDT
    Iran Is Now a Bigger Threat in Iraq Than al-Qaeda: US Officials Recent battles in Basra prove that Iran is crippling Iraqi stability while al-Qaeda's influence there wanes, US officials say. David Petraeus pointed to Iran's influence in testimony this week, and now Shiite militias are said to have benefited from Iranian weapons, training, and guidance in Basra fighting—prompting a Washington probe of Iran's impact, the Washington Post reports. More »

  • Death of Sadr Aide Sparks Battles in Baghdad

    Apr 11, 08 8:02 PM CDT
    Death of Sadr Aide Sparks Battles in Baghdad The murder of a Moqtada al-Sadr aide triggered heavy fighting in Baghdad today after al-Sadr’s men attacked US and Iraqi forces, Reuters reports. The cleric blamed “the hand of the occupier” for the death of Riyadh al-Nuri, a close relative, and vowed not to forget “this precious blood.” A US commander told CNN that battles broke out when a US patrol, backing Iraqi forces, ran into 10 roadside bombs and sustained heavy fire. More »

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, before the House Armed Services Committee.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says that al-Maliki's assault on Basra brought Iraqis together.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki at European Council headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Al-Maliki said he was more confident than ever his government would defeat al-Qaeda.   (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 4)

Tags

Iraq  • Condoleezza Rice  • Baghdad  • Nouri al-Maliki  • Basra  • Iraq security


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »