Biden, Maliki discuss fight against terrorism, upcoming elections

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden affirmed America's support for the Iraqi government's "fight against international terrorism" on Wednesday, as he discussed the country's path forward with Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki. According to a readout of the phone call provided by the White House, Biden encouraged Al-Maliki "to continue the Iraqi government's outreach to local, tribal, and national leaders" and also "welcomed the Council of Ministers' decision to extend state benefits to tribal forces killed or injured in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)." ISIL is an Al-Qaeda linked group established in the early years of the Iraq war that started in 2003. Biden received assurances from Al-Maliki that the upcoming Iraqi elections will be on schedule, and that humanitarian aid is being delivered to those in need, according to the White House. The Iraqi leader then updated Biden on the situation in Anbar province, "including a series of political initiatives that are underway at the local and national level."