Iraq's prime minister says terrorists "got a second chance" to thrive in Iraq, largely as the result of the rise of al-Qaeda fighters in neighboring Syria's civil war.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the world needs to help Iraq deal with its growing insurgency that US officials estimate has killed 6,000 people so far this year.
Al-Maliki spoke at the US Institute of Peace. He said he was in Washington to seek US aid, including weapons, intelligence and other assistance.
He said the US and the rest of the world should help Iraq because terrorism is an international concern.
Al-Maliki warned about the consequences of al-Qaeda rebels gaining political power in Syria should President Bashar Assad step down.
