Hamid Al-Bayati - Iraqi Ambassador to the UN

Should Iraq be doing more to end the bloodshed on its doorstep or does it have its own vested interest in keeping Syria's president Assad in power?

While president Nouri Al-Maliki faces criticism for his stance on Syria and his closeness to Iran, the country remains gripped by a rise in sectarian violence.

Hamid Al-Bayati represents Iraq at the United Nations.

Tim Franks asks him just how much influence Iran has on Iraq's foreign policy.