Iraq stability could take 10 years: Jack Straw [View All]

[ECH1969]

LONDON - Iraqis may have to wait up to 10 years before their country becomes a stable democracy, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said.

Despite a bloody insurgency against the Shi’ite- and Kurdish-led government which has seen thousands killed, Straw said Iraq was “on track” to establish a democracy.

“I am optimistic about Iraq, I think in 5 to 10 years we will see it becoming stable,” Straw said during a BBC television debate late on Wednesday.

Straw said Britain had no timetable for the withdrawal of its 8,500 troops in Iraq.

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