Iraq News

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki offered a reward of 100 million Iraqi dinars to anyone who can help lead security forces to garages or other hideouts where extremists assemble car bombs. Al Maliki stressed that terrorism targeting Iraq and Iraqis is aimed at thwarting the political process in the country. Security strategies will be carried on, Al Maliki said in response to critics saying there are no security plans. US withdrawal from Iraq is not bound to the security; he affirmed reiterating that developments on the ground will not affect the pre-determined deadline set by both US and Iraqi governments for troop pullout from the country. Iraqi PM noted that Iraq is still an arena for political, military and foreign interference in the country. Iraq’s evidence submitted to the UN on Syria’s involvement in bombings are clear-cut proof, Al Maliki said considering that Damascus denial is a natural policy. Iraq is neither a shelter nor a crossing point to any terrorist organization while the presence of People Mujahideen of Iran in Iraq is temporary, Al Maliki stated. \"The elections will definitely take place on time whatever the terrorists do\", he added. Holding the vote would deal a \"body blow\" to insurgents seeking to thwart Iraq\'s political process, he said.