US would help Iraq pursue federal system

WASHINGTON  — Vice President Joe Biden says the U.S. is prepared to help Iraq pursue a federal system that would decentralize power away from Baghdad.

In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Biden says Iraq is making progress in forming a new government. But he says sectarian divisions are fueling extremist movements like the Islamic State group.

Biden says federalism is emerging as one approach to Iraq's future. He's alluding to a plan he proposed in 2006 that would see Iraq divided into three semi-independent regions for Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds.

Biden says such a plan would keep Iraq united, protect local populations and ensure oil revenues are shared fairly, while squeezing the Islamic State group.

He says the U.S. would offer assistance.