Shortcomings of Iraqi Forces a Concern to U.S.
About one in every 10 members of Iraq’s security forces “actually worked against” U.S. troops during the recent militia violence in Iraq, and an additional 40% walked off the job because of intimidation, the commander of the 1st Armored Division said Wednesday.
In an interview by satellite from Baghdad with news executives attending Associated Press’ annual meeting, Army Maj. Gen. Martin Dempsey said, “We have to get this latest increase in violence under control. We have to take a look at the Iraqi security forces and learn why they walked.”
The militia violence aggravated underlying troubles in Iraq’s new military and police forces -- the unfulfilled desire for “some Iraqi hierarchy in which to place their trust and confidence” and a reluctance by Iraqis to take up arms against fellow citizens, Dempsey said.
The failure of Iraqi security forces to perform is significant because it could hurt the U.S. strategy for exiting Iraq.
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