BAGHDAD (AP) – The top U.S. commander for Baghdad says Iraq's prolonged political crisis has encouraged a spike in violence and pushed frustrated citizens to begin holding back crucial tips on suspected insurgents.

The comments by U.S. Brig. Gen. Rob Baker reflect growing unease that Iraq's nearly seven-month impasse on forming a government could erode security gains. Baker also told reporters Wednesday that Iraq risks losing needed foreign investment.
Iraq's political leaders have been at odds over forming a new government since inconclusive elections in March.
Baker says Sunni insurgents have stepped up attacks to try to discredit Shia-led authorities. Shia militias also have increased rocket strikes on Baghdad's protected Green Zone.
Meanwhile a media advocacy group criticized Iraqi security forces for what it described as a string of recent attacks on local journalists, saying the threatening climate puts the development of a free press at risk.
Reporters without Borders cited three incidents last week during which it said security officials roughed up Iraqi reporters, photographers and cameramen.
In one, the Paris-based group said journalists were forced to lie face down on the ground while police beat and insulted them at a Baghdad checkpoint following a political meeting.
""Such a climate of impunity is undermining the possibilities of developing a free and independent press in Iraq,"" the group said in a statement. ""Those responsible for this violence must be identified and brought to trial.""
The group also condemned a targeted bombing this week that wounded an anchor at state-run Iraqiya TV. It was the third such attack on a TV presenter this month, the organization said.
More than 140 journalists and dozens more media support staffers have been killed since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. While violence levels in the country have dropped significantly in recent years, rights groups say Iraq remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.