Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Discusses Increasing Violence

JUDY WOODRUFF, NewsHour Special Correspondent:

The violence in Baghdad that reached a new and bloody peak this week has been going on despite a major U.S.-Iraqi operation to pacify the city. Joining us now to discuss security and political developments is Iraq's deputy prime minister, Dr. Barham Salih.

Born in Kurdish northern Iraq, he was active in the Iraqi opposition to Saddam Hussein, mainly from outside the country, and he has been part of the post-war governing efforts since soon after the invasion.

Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, thank you for being with us.

BARHAM SALIH, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister:

Thank you.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Let me begin by just citing what we reported earlier today: 130 dead bodies found in Baghdad over just two days; July and August, some of the deadliest months since the war began. Is the situation in your country getting better or worse?

BARHAM SALIH:

Undeniably the last few weeks have been very tough, and we are faced with an onslaught by the terrorists. But it is important also to note that there are significant efforts under way to enhance the capabilities of Iraqi security services, as well as to improve the political process so that it becomes more inclusive, and solidify the unity of the Iraqis in the face of terrorists.

We are trying to build a constitutional, democratic government in the heart of the Islamic Middle East at a time when there is this wave of international terrorism. In the case of Iraq, we are also dealing with the remnants of the former regime. It has not been easy, admittedly, but at the same time, it's important not to forget the important successes and strides that we have made since liberation.

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Dr. Salih, most of the bodies that were found in Baghdad over the last few days have been shot in the head. It's been reported many of them either showed clear signs of torture or they had been bound and gagged. They were found in Sunni Arab neighborhoods. What does all of this say to you?

BARHAM SALIH:

It says to me that there is serious sectarian strife in Iraqi society. Certainly, after the attack on the shrines in Samarra a few months back, this situation has escalated. Tit-for-tat killings, sectarian killings have become, unfortunately, a hallmark of the situation.

We are now engaged as a government of national unity in a campaign for national reconciliation. Prime Minister Maliki announced that soon after the government was formed. And we are reaching out to the various communities and to ensure that the political leadership of the country understand the gravity of the situation.

I cannot say that we are beyond the danger zone. We still have very serious challenges to deal with, but there are some significant changes that have taken place over the past — at least few weeks on the political track.

We have agreed in the National Security Council, that is bringing together key elected officials of the government, on a very ambitious legislative agenda to deal with contentious issues, to ensure that the government and the political process will be able to deal with the extremists, including the militias, including the terrorists, so that we can really bring stability and tranquility back to this country.