Iraq security study paints bleak picture

WASHINGTON - A confidential assessment of the security situation across Iraq carried out by United States officials has portrayed a country beset by violence and sectarian division.

It says the stability of six of Iraq's 18 provinces is considered "serious" and one is said to be "critical".

The Basra region is one of those where the situation is described as serious and crime, intimidation, assassinations and smuggling are commonplace.

The report, carried out by the US Embassy in Iraq, suggests the overall security situation in parts of the country is getting worse.

More positively, the report says that the provincial government in Najaf is able to provide stability for the province and that the flow of religious pilgrims points to economic development possibilities for the future. But even Najaf and Karbala receive only a moderate rating for security.

- INDEPENDENT