What is the current situation in Iraq?
The UN estimates that as many as 100 people a day are being killed in Iraq in sectarian violence, some of them after being subjected to torture. With little sign that the bloodshed will end soon, Iraqis are leaving in increasing numbers – 365,000 since February, according to the UN. Today, gunmen kidnapped up to 150 scientists and staff members from a Baghdad research institute. What ideas is the Baker panel expected to come up with? The Iraq Survey Group, an idea that came from Congress, is expected to release its report next month. Apart from taking soundings from Mr Bush and Tony Blair and other top US officials, the 10-member panel is also talking to national security officials from the Clinton administration. Mr Baker has already hinted that the panel will recommend the US start talking to Iran and Syria to get their help on Iraq. Mr Blair is also pushing for such talks – provided Iran and Syria “take a cooperative stance”. The interesting thing is whether the panel will recommend
