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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

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


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