Wyden: Signs of Civil War in Iraq

Oregon Guard troops on partol in Iraq Photo By: Arnold Strong

(WASHINGTON, D.C. AP) - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, just back from a three-day trip to Iraq, says he saw ominous signs that the country is sliding into civil war.

Wyden called the next two months crucial, saying that unless a national government can unify Iraq's warring factions, the country is headed on a "downward spiral" into civil war or even anarchy.

He said if Iraq can't find a way to govern itself through national unity they will continue to be dependent on the United States.

Wyden and Maine Senator Olympia Snowe went for a firsthand look at the situation and to meet with the top U-S commander in Iraq.

The senators also met with soldiers from Maine and Oregon before meeting with Iraq's deputy interior and oil ministers.

Wyden, who voted against the Iraq war, said that nothing he has seen in the past three-and-ond-half years has convinced him he was wrong.