Daily Mail Reporter: Iraq is Now More Dangerous than last YEAR

After a surge in bombings, assassinations and violence by Sh'ite militias. The findings come during a summer of uncertainty in Baghdad, over whether American forces will stay past a year-end withdrawal deadline, and continue military aid for this now unstable nation. In his quarterly review to Congress, a top government adviser accused the US military of glossing over the issue, just months before soldiers are due to leave the country. These findings come during a 'summer of uncertainty' in Baghdad, over whether American forces will stay past a year-end withdrawal deadline and continue military aid for the unstable nation. The review follows the bloodiest month for the US military in two years, after 15 soldiers died in June. US Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart W Bowen Jr, who wrote the report, concluded by saying: "Iraq remains an extraordinarily dangerous place to work." He added: "In my judgment, it is less safe than 12 months ago." Mr. Bowen cited the 15 soldiers who died last month, nearly all of whom were killed in attacks by Shi'ite militias, determined to force American troops out on time. He also noted an increase in rockets launched against the heavily fortified "Green Zone" in Baghdad, where government offices and foreign embassies are located, as well as constant assassination attempts against Iraqi political leaders, security forces, and judges. The report also called the north-eastern province of Diyala, which borders Iran, and has an often volatile mix of of Sunni and Shiite Muslims and Kurds among its residents, "very unstable' with frequent bombings that bring double-digit death tolls.