BAGHDAD: The Iraqi government has reacted sharply to published allegations that the US spied on Iraq's prime minister, warning that future ties with the United States could be in jeopardy if the report were true.
The allegations appear by a new book, "The War Within: A Secret White House History, 2006-2008," by journalist Bob Woodward, who writes that the United States spied extensively on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, his staff and other government officials.
The report emerged as the two governments are in delicate negotiations over the future of American troops in Iraq. Those talks have already extended past their July 31 deadline and have drawn sharp criticism from Iraqis who want an end to the US presence.
Critics may well use the allegation to step up pressure on the government not to sign a deal or hold out for the most favourable terms.
Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Friday that Baghdad will raise the allegations with the U.S. and ask for an explanation. But if true, he warned, it shows a lack of trust.
"It reflects also that the institutions in the United States are used to spy on their friends and their enemies in the same way," al-Dabbagh said in a statement.
"If it is true, it casts a shadow on the future relations with such institutions," al-Dabbagh added, referring to the CIA and other US intelligence agencies.
In Washington, the White House declined to directly comment on the allegations. Instead, spokeswoman Dana Perino said official channels of communication between the two governments happen daily.
