Bolstered by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's assurances that there's been "substantial improvement" in security and stability in Iraq, the United Nations is considering boosting its presence in the country. "The international community cannot turn away from or ignore Iraq," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters Saturday. "The time for determined, collective action has come." He made the comments following high-level talks with foreign officials including U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the topic. The increased presence would not only support national reconciliation in Iraq, but also promote diplomatic relations between the country and its neighbors, Ban said. --MORE
