Iyad Allawi: 'Violence in Iraq will increase'
Iraq's former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has criticised his country's government for "advocating sectarianism".
More than 50 people were killed in bombings in Baghdad and Mosul over the weekend, with violence across the country perceived to be at its worst since 2008.
The Sunni minority in the country claim that the Shia-led government is ignoring their grievances.
Speaking to the Today programme's James Naughtie, Iyad Allawi claimed that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki "does not accept the constitution".
Dr Allawi criticised the level of Iranian influence in Iraq, and said that events in Syria would also have a "direct impact" on the country.
"The violence will increase, I'm sure of this, and I don't think the elections are going to solve the issue," he added.
First broadcast on the Today programme on Monday 28th October.
28 Oct 2013
- From the section Middle East