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Report will be critical of Iraq leader          Send a link to a friend

[August 23, 2007]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A new assessment on Iraq may shed some negative light on Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The New York Times is reporting online that U.S. intelligence agencies will issue a new assessment Thursday expressing doubt about al-Maliki's ability to end the violence that's tearing his country apart.

The assessment will also reportedly show doubt in the fledgling government's ability to meet benchmarks toward achieving political unity. The Times' story cites unidentified officials.

It comes just a day after President Bush scrambled to show his support for the embattled Iraqi leader. Bush called him a "good man with a difficult job," after expressing frustration with the ongoing political tensions in Iraq.

In just a few weeks, the administration is due to present a crucial report to Congress on progress in Iraq, including steps toward political reconciliation. Democrats and some Republicans are pressing to start the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

The president maintains that the buildup of U.S. forces in militant strongholds is showing results.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

(New York Times article)

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