U.S. investment sought
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is heading to Washington to visit President Obama and seek U.S. investment in Iraq despite persistent security concerns.
Iraqi Cabinet official Ali al-Mousawi says al-Maliki left Baghdad this morning with the defense and interior ministers as well as the head of an investment committee.
The White House says Obama will meet al-Maliki on Wednesday. Press secretary Robert Gibbs says U.S. officials want to keep the focus on the political reconciliation that is necessary for Iraq to make progress after years of war.
Security has improved in Iraq, but insurgents still carry out near-daily attacks. Iraqi police say bombings today killed at least five people and injured dozens.
