US tries to exploit rift among Iraqi insurgents — report

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States has stepped-up contacts with some Iraqi insurgent groups in a bid to exploit tensions between home-grown rebels and foreign militant groups such as Al Qaeda, The New York Times reported on Saturday.
While talks had taken place previously, the discussions have acquired a greater significance since October as a rift has opened up between Iraqi insurgents and Al Qaeda, the paper said.

Violence has erupted between Iraqi insurgents and Al Qaeda in several predominantly Sunni cities, including Taji, Ysefiya, Qaim and Ramadi, the daily reported, citing a Western diplomat, an Iraqi political leader and insurgent leader as unnamed sources.

US tries to exploit rift among Iraqi insurgents — report