Arab League warns over empowering Shiites in Iraq

By: Sultan Ahmed

CAIRO, Egypt: The 22-member Arab League has accused the US-led coalition in Iraq of threatening Iraqi and regional stability by empowering Kurdish and Shiite groups.

The accusation came in a report drawn up by an Arab League delegation that visited Iraq in December. The Associated Press obtained Saturday the report.

The report reflects fears among Arab countries that a post-Saddam government would give a large amount of authority to Kurdish and Shiite groups, and that those minority groups in neighboring countries would be inspired to rise up and demand more power.

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