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Iraqi Army Unable To Take Over Within A Year, Report Says
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The Pentagon has been briefed on the security forces report, and Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morell acknowledged yesterday that "there have been real sectarian problems within the national police force." But, he said, "we do not believe it is necessary to disband" the police. Asked about the finding that Iraqi forces would not be ready to take over within 12 to 18 months, Morrell said, "We've always recognized that this was a long-term project."
Overall, the commission found that "the Iraqi Security Forces, military and police have made uneven progress, but that there should be increasing improvement in both their readiness and their capability to provide for the internal security of Iraq. . . . The Army is capable of taking over an increasing amount of day-to-day combat responsibilities from Coalition forces . . . [but] will be unable to fulfill their essential security responsibilities independently over the next 12-18 months."
Among other findings, the report says:
? U.S. and Iraqi alliances with Sunni tribal forces in Anbar province have produced "real and encouraging" military progress and intelligence cooperation, and there are promising signs they can be replicated elsewhere. Such relationships, however, "will have to be managed very carefully in order for them to contribute to Iraq's long-term security."
? The Defense Ministry is increasingly capable, though "capacity is hampered by bureaucratic inexperience, excessive layering, and overcentralization" that undermine the military's readiness and effectiveness.
? Iraqi special operations forces are the most capable and well-trained element of the Iraqi armed forces, but the border protection force is ineffective.
? The Iraqi army is short of "seasoned leadership" at all levels, with a particular shortage of noncommissioned officers. High levels of army absenteeism strain the system, though there is an "abundance of volunteers for service."
? Logistics remain the Iraqi army's "Achilles' heel," and adequate capability in this area is "at least 24 months away."
? Sectarian problems in local police forces -- as opposed to the national force -- are mitigated by their deployment within their own ethnic and religious areas, and the force itself is "showing promise."
? The Interior Ministry has "little control" over the 140,000 armed members of the Facilities Protection Service, which guards government buildings.
