Spy chief warns situation in Iraq going the wrong way

CAPITOL HILL (AP) — The nation's new spy chief says Iraqi troops are taking the lead in securing portions of their country.

But Mike McConnell acknowledges “they are still not” where the US needs them to be.

Virginia Senator John Warner made clear his doubts. He told McConnell he doesn't see strong evidence that Iraqi forces "are measuring up in any amount."

Earlier, McConnell reiterated the findings of the latest National Intelligence Estimate that the security and political trends in Iraq are moving “in a negative direction.”

He also described the ongoing sectarian violence as “self-sustaining.”