The US has also today come in for unprecedented criticism from the Iraqi Prime Minister. He has told a UK newspaper that he wishes that Baghdad could receive strong messages of support from the US. Nuri al-Maliki said Iraq’s need for US troops could fall in three to six months if Washington equipped Iraqi security forces with sufficient weapons. He is also reported to have told an Italian paper that President Bush has never been in a weaker position than he is today. He is quoted as saying that it is the administration in Washington facing demise, not the Iraqi government.

Meanwhile, at least 10 people have been killed and 25 wounded in a series of car bombings in Baghdad today. The attacks come as Iraqi officials prepare to launch a security crackdown in the capital. At least 120 people were killed in bombings yesterday and on Tuesday.

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