U.S. National Intelligence Director John Negroponte met Friday with the Iraqi prime minister, in the second visit this week by a top U.S. official. The unannounced visit to Baghdad comes as 56 bodies were found in the Iraqi capital bearing signs of torture.
According to the AP, the bodies found scattered around Baghdad were of men between 20 and 45 years old, police said Friday. Lt. Mohammed Khayon said the bodies showed signs of having been tortured.
Apparently fearing still more bloodshed after Sunday's expected announcement of a verdict in the trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Iraq's defense minister has canceled leave for all army officers. Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi was heard issuing the order in video of a meeting between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and senior military and security officials.
"All vacations will be canceled and all those who are on vacation must return," al-Obeidi said.
