Security gains in Iraq may lead to violence, intelligence agencies say

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Security gains in Iraq may lead to violence, intelligence agencies say

House of Representatives intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers says the troop pullout will reduce U.S. influence.

Federal News Network Staff

December 23, 2011 9:04 am

< a min read

Intelligence agencies are warning that security gains in Iraq could degenerate into sectarian violence, Reuters reports. Some officials believe that the U.S. has very little leverage in Iraq, even after a nine-year occupation.

House of Representatives intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers says the troop pullout will reduce U.S. influence. He says a chaotic Iraq plays into Iran’s desire for increased influence in that region.

The main tool the United States has now in Iraq is diplomatic pressure. But, Rogers says even that has been watered down with the lack of military presence.

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