Iraq government backs amnesty law

BBC

Iraq's government has backed a draft law that enables the release of thousands of suspected insurgents held captive by US and Iraqi forces.

The amnesty law is thought to specify offences for which prisoners who have been held without charge can be freed.

Parliament must debate the law on Sunday before it is ratified.

The number of prisoners held by US and Iraqi forces, estimated at 50,000, has risen sharply after the recent "surge" strategy, boosting military operations....