BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is blaming political discord for the latest threats to Iraq's stability.
His comments came after Al-Qaida's umbrella group in Iraq claimed responsibility for this week's bombings in Baghdad. The coordinated attacks killed 127 people and wounded more than 500. The group, known as the Islamic State of Iraq, says it isn't finished.
Following a closed-door session of parliament, lawmakers said al-Maliki blamed rival political blocs that he says prevented him from appointing a chief of secret police. He also said there said there was as a lack of cooperation among security forces in Baghdad.
Lawmakers also said al-Maliki went so far as to blame a 2003 decision by the United States to disband the Iraqi army.
%@AP Links
<<CUT …158 (12/10/09)>> 00:10 "and Bathist members"
Brian Murphy
AP correspondent Brian Murphy reports that an Al-Qaida umbrella group's claim that they're behind the most recent bombings conflicts with what the Iraqi government says.
<<CUT …157 (12/10/09)>> 00:16 "targets in Baghdad"
Brian Murphy
AP correspondent Brian Murphy reports a militant group is claiming responsibility for bombings that have killed at least 127 people in Baghdad in recent days.
