An author of the Iraq Study Group report says a continued rise in violence in Iraq could lead to a catastrophe in the Middle East.

Charles Robb (VOA TV image)

Former U.S. Senator Charles Robb of Virginia made that assessment while he and another author of the report, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, spoke Thursday to VOA.

Robb said the rising violence may lead to a failed state and that might prompt Iran and Turkey to send forces into the country. He also said there would be a huge humanitarian problem with respect to refugees.

O'Connor said Iran has been a source of trouble in Iraq. But she called for U.S. officials to hold talks with Tehran just like the United States did with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.