"There is no doubt that Iraq needs a strong and honest partner today that has the ability and is ready to help Iraq," Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi said during an address at a regional security conference in Manama, Bahrain. "Yes, I am for an agreement with the United States of America, but this does not mean that Iraq will not be able to sign bilateral agreements with other countries in the world."
President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki signed a "declaration of principles" on Nov. 26 that set the foundation for a potential long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq and confirmed that Washington and Baghdad will hash out an "enduring" relationship.
LONDON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Iran and Syria tightened border and airport controls to help stop Iraqi militants and arms from passing through, Iraq's national security adviser said.
Mowaffak al-Rubbaie revealed the shift in tactics at a conference in Bahrain where he also urged the United States to engage the two nations -- long viewed as security threats -- in stabilizing the volatile region, the Financial Times reported.
"Until they (the United States) engage with Iran and Syria, long-term regional security will be in doubt," Rubbaie said at the conference, organized by London's International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Last week, intelligence reports revealed that Tehran had frozen its nuclear programs in 2003.
U.S. Navy Adm. William Fallon, commander of the United States' Central Command, confirmed a substantial reduction of fighters coming into Iraq through Syria but said he didn't see a "clear change" through Iran, the Financial Times said.
"I believe there's some restraint in the activity of the extremist militias but I don't know the cause and effect," Fallon told the newspaper.
