The chief threat to stability in Iraq is evolving away from pro-Saddam guerrillas to suicide bombers and other terrorists, U.S. military officers told Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Monday. Rumsfeld, on a daylong trip to the occupied Iraqi capital, was briefed on the threat and the status of new Iraqi security forces, which the U.S. hopes will eventually take the lead in combatting it. For now, though, they work largely under the leadership of the better-equipped and trained U.S. forces. Speaking to reporters in Baghdad, Rumsfeld said Syria and Iran both continue to allow anti-U.S. fighters across their borders and into Iraq. “We are not getting good cooperation with Iran and Syria,” Rumsfeld said. It is not the first time that Rumsfeld has accused the two countries of actions that harm U.S. interests in Iraq, although other U.S. officials have said there is little sign of active Syrian or Iranian meddling in the country. Full Story
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