U.S. study finds progress in Iraq, but says security remains fragile

Washington, Apr.4 : A new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq cites significant security improvements and progress toward healing sectarian political rifts, but concludes that security remains fragile and terrorist groups remain capable of initiating large attacks.

According to the New York Times, the classified document provides a more upbeat analysis of conditions in Iraq than the last major assessment by United States spy agencies, last summer.

It was completed this week, just days before top American commander in Iraq, General David H. Petraeus is to give lawmakers in Washington a progress report on the military strategy in Iraq.

"The N.I.E. update confirmed that the surge strategy the president announced in January of last year is working," said one senior administration official.

"There's more work to be done, but progress has obviously been made," he added.

It was not clear whether the estimate includes a detailed discussion of what might happen should those withdrawals of troops continue, something that the two Democratic presidential candidates have sought.

American government officials also said that the estimate warned that security gains could be upended and that militant groups were still capable of deadly attacks in Baghdad, the capital.

The National Intelligence Estimates represent a consensus of America's 16 intelligence agencies. They are submitted to members of Congress and senior administration officials.

ANI