Iraqi PM declares state of emergency in Basra

Iraq’s prime minister declared a state of emergency in once peaceful and oil-rich Basra, as the sectarian and militia violence engulfing the country’s capital spread to its southern economic heartland.

In his first major policy speech since his government was sworn in on May 20, Prime Minister Nouri Maliki yesterday vowed to restore security in Iraq as attacks around the country claimed 25 lives and wounded dozen.