Iraqi leader addresses U.S.

WASHINGTON -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki insisted Wednesday that Iraq is a front line in the war on terrorism and said those behind the rampant violence in Iraq are perverting the Islamic faith.\n"I know some of you question whether Iraq is part of the war on terror," al-Maliki told a joint meeting of Congress, where some lawmakers have been critical of the new Iraqi leader's position on the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants.\n"Let me be very clear," al-Maliki said. "This is a battle between true Islam, for which a person's liberty and rights constitute essential cornerstones, and terrorism, which wraps itself in a fake Islamic cloak."\nSeveral Democrats critical of al-Maliki attended and participated in standing ovations as the Iraqi leader spoke. It was not immediately clear whether any lawmakers made good on a threat to boycott the address.\nAl-Maliki was interrupted briefly by a shouting demonstrator wearing a pink T-shirt that read, "Troops Home Now." The young woman was lifted from her seat by officers and carried out of the House visitor's gallery, while al-Maliki paused and grimaced in irritation.\n"Iraqis want the troops to leave, bring them home now," the woman shouted repeatedly. "Listen to the Iraqis."\nAl-Maliki said his country has made great strides despite the threat of extremists he said are bent on destroying Iraq's nascent democracy.\n"Above all they wish to spread fear," and represent a threat to all free countries, he said.\n"Iraq is the battle that will determine the war," he said. His words echoed those of President Bush, who frequently asserts that Iraq is a central battleground against terrorism elsewhere, including on U.S. shores, and that the country can be a bulwark for the spread of freedom in the autocratic Middle East.\nOf his people, who have faced violence and death as the country makes a transition from the rule of Saddam Hussein, al-Maliki said: "They have stated over and over again, with the ink stained fingers waving in pride, they will always make the same choice"