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New US doubts on Iraq government New US doubts on Iraq government
(30 minutes later)
A new study by US intelligence agencies will express serious doubts about the ability of Iraqi leader Nouri Maliki to unify his country, US media report.A new study by US intelligence agencies will express serious doubts about the ability of Iraqi leader Nouri Maliki to unify his country, US media report.
Analysts say the Iraqi government will become more fragile in the next six to 12 months, the Associated Press says.Analysts say the Iraqi government will become more fragile in the next six to 12 months, the Associated Press says.
The New York Times cites officials who say the study gives a bleak outlook on Iraqi politics but that the US military has made progress in cutting violence.The New York Times cites officials who say the study gives a bleak outlook on Iraqi politics but that the US military has made progress in cutting violence.
It comes a day after President George W Bush expressed support for Mr Maliki.It comes a day after President George W Bush expressed support for Mr Maliki.
The National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq is due to be released later on Thursday. Parts of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq are due to be released later on Thursday.
The 10-page document represents the assessments of all 16 US intelligence agencies.
'More precarious'
The Associated Press news agency, which has obtained an advance copy, said the report concludes that "Iraqi political leaders remain unable to govern effectively".
Mr Bush has said Mr Maliki is a "good man with a difficult job"
Analysts predict that the Iraqi government will "become more precarious" because of criticism of the government by top Shia, Sunni and Kurdish figures, the reports say.
They also express grave doubts that PM Nouri Maliki will be able to overcome sectarian divisions in Iraq and meet political benchmarks on unity, AP cites the report as saying.
The Iraqi Security Services have performed "adequately" alongside US forces but they are not capable of conducting operations without support from coalition forces, the study adds.
Observers suggest the report could lend support to the Bush administration's argument that pulling out precipitously would lead to chaos and violent upheaval.
Mr Bush defended his Iraq policy on Wednesday, comparing current calls for withdrawal from Iraq with what happened at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
During a speech to veterans, he called Mr Maliki a "good man with a difficult job".
A progress report is due in mid-September from General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Iraq, on the effectiveness of the recent surge in US troop numbers in tackling the violence there.