Regional instability discussed at Davos forum

Growing instability in Iraq and the Middle East has taken centre stage on the fourth day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, as the forum discussed the future of the region.

Participants, including Iraqi Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi and U.S. Senator John Kerry, discussed prospects for stabilising the area in 2007.

Mr Abdul-Mahdi spoke optimistically of the new security plan in Baghdad and expressed confidence that Iraqi armed forces would be up to the job. Senator Kerry painted a much bleaker picture, saying the violence in Iraq would not be easily quelled.

Prior to the panel discussions, Arab League Secretary-General, Amr Moussa, said violence in Iraq has reached unprecedented levels.

“In Iraq violence is rampant, is all over the place and you can never determine who is doing what. Everybody is shooting at everybody now. The militias are there and groups are there, and it is not a question of terrorism I know anyway,” he said.

Iran was also on the agenda at the summit. The panel on Iran wants to develop a better understanding of the country through a deeper appreciation of its rich heritage and complex internal dynamics.