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