Former Iraqi official criticizes US withdrawal

LONDON (AP) - Tariq Aziz, who served as a top official under Saddam Hussein, has been quoted as saying the U.S. is "leaving Iraq to the wolves" by pressing ahead with its withdrawal while the nation suffers a surge of violence.

In an interview with Britain's Guardian newspaper, Aziz says he was first encouraged by President Barack Obama's election because "I thought he was going to correct some of the mistakes of (President George W.) Bush."

But speaking from a prison in Iraq, Aziz says Obama could cause the death of Iraq if he continues to withdraw U.S. combat forces.

"We are all victims of America and Britain," Aziz is quoted as saying. "They killed our country in many ways. When you make a mistake you need to correct a mistake, not leave Iraq to its death."
MyWay