Iraq the ‘second most unstable’ nation in the world

IRAQ is now the second most unstable country in the world, its standing deteriorating from last year’s fourth place on a list of the 10 nations most vulnerable to violent internal conflict and worsening conditions.

In the third annual “failed state” index released yesterday, analysts for Foreign Policy magazine and the not-for-profit Fund for Peace said Iraq and Afghanistan, which ranked eighth, show that billions of dollars in development and security aid may be futile without a functioning government, trustworthy leaders and realistic plans to keep the peace and develop the economy.

Preventing Iraq from becoming a failed state is a key part of the Bush administration’s argument for keeping US troops in the country. The administration says troops are needed to keep Iraq from becoming a breeding ground for terrorists.