Iraqi Deputy PM Urges Continued US Engagement(1/3)

Deputy Prime Minister Salih is visiting Washington at a time of declining U.S. domestic support for the war effort in Iraq and a rancorousstandoff between President Bush and the opposition-led U.S. Congress over war funding.

Salih says Iraqis are paying close attention to the ongoing debate in the United States about military operations in his country, and are acutely aware that public opinion polls show Americans increasinglyimpatient for signs of progress in Iraq.

He said the United States must understand that Iraq, which for decades was traumatized by a dictator, brought to its knees by wars, and hobbled by sanctions, is now enduring what he termed a constant "tornado of terrorism."

"Think of September 11th happening over and over again to your country, and expecting in the midst of such a tough battle against a lethal, ruthless" class="hjdict" word="ruthless" target=_blank>ruthless, determined enemy, called terrorism, to think about building institutions of democracy, respect for law and human rights, and meeting benchmarks."

Salih said he and other members of Iraq's leadership must do a better job of governing.