The Iraqi government held a conference on combating international terrorism on March 12-13 in Baghdad, in which it suspended its official work on the opening day of the conference. Although the official reason for the suspension was “to complete the distribution of electoral cards for state employees,” some observers interpreted the move as aiming to evacuate Baghdad so that the guests could enjoy the conference without hearing loud explosions around the capital every day and to protect the conference site from a security breach.

The Iraqi security forces closed several main roads and the security checkpoints intensified car searches.

Participating in the conference were representatives from 40 countries, including members of the UN, the UN Security Council, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the European Union. The head of Interpol was also present. During the conference, 20 studies by Iraqi researchers and 21 studies by foreign researchers were presented.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had accused in a TV interview on March 8 of supporting terrorism in Iraq, didn’t attend, despite being invited, according to the organizing committee. The Iraqi blocs that oppose Maliki didn’t attend either. Some deputies accused Maliki’s State of Law Coalition of monopolizing the invitation list.