Iraq conflict: Cleric Sistani issues call to arms

Iraq's most senior Shia cleric has issued a call to arms after Sunni-led insurgents seized more towns.

The call by a representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani came as the militants widened their grip in the north and east, and threatened to march south, towards Baghdad.

The UN says hundreds have been killed, with militants carrying out summary executions of civilians in Mosul.

As Jonathan Beale reports, trust in Nouri Maliki's government appears to be ebbing away, with Iraqis looking to others for help.