Islamic states discuss Muslim force for Iraq

Proposals for a Muslim force for Iraq moved forward today with the news that Pakistan had talked to Saudi officials and Yemen and Bahrain had offered some military help.

Arab and Muslim governments say they want to help restore calm in Iraq – and have an interest in ensuring violence there does not destabilise the entire region. But they must move carefully if they are to avoid angering their citizens, many of whom are hostile towards the United States and what is seen as Iraq’s US-backed government.