STRIKE AGAINST US IN IRAQ COULDN’T HAVE COME AT WORSE TIME: Ten rockets targeted an Iraqi military base on Wednesday that hosts US troops. It is the last thing Iraq wants, especially as it is prepares to host the Pope on a historic visit. The rocket barrage can be viewed as a response to the US attack against Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week. Spare a thought here for the hapless Iraqi government, as its two biggest allies - the global superpower and a regional power - battle it out on its soil. For Iraq to have a semblance of sovereignty, it is key that the government, as a first step, reigns in the pro-Iran militias. And stresses to Washington and Tehran not to play their games on Iraqi soil. Alas, both of these things are easier said than done. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]
Reuters