UN envoy warns that Iraq's political crisis helps extremists

UNITED NATIONS – The top United Nations envoy in Iraq is strongly urging leaders and civil society to work together to resolve the country's political deadlock, warning that the ongoing crisis and chaos are only serving the interests of Islamic State extremists.

Despite progress against IS, Jan Kubis said it remains a "formidable" enemy.

He told the U.N. Security Council on Friday that Iraq's stability, security and unity hinge on breaking the impasse and establishing a political system that includes all sectarian groups and ensures equality in decision-making.

He said the "profound political crisis" engulfing Baghdad and the country has paralyzed the work of the government and parliament and added complications to the already complex set of military, security, humanitarian, economic and human rights challenges the country is facing.