The Iraqi Army Is Growing

The Americans say they have been speeding up deliveries of equipment to the Iraqi army,
but the Iraqi military is still a long way from being able to secure the country on its own.

Iraqi Forces Starting To Lead But Need US Aid -- FOX News

BAQOUBA, Iraq — The Iraqi battalion leader huddled over the map with his American advisers, showing them how he planned to surround a Sunni enclave where al-Qaida militants were believed hiding.

The Americans nodded in approval and assured Col. Faisal Malik Mohsen the roads would be cleared of bombs. U.S. attack helicopters would provide cover to keep insurgents from escaping.

The raid last week northeast of Baghdad did not find many weapons or flush out scores of hidden fighters. But it accomplished a wider objective: taking another step toward putting Iraqi security forces in control of ground operations.

Such transitions to Iraqi command _ occurring at different speeds around the country _ have taken on added importance as Washington and Baghdad negotiate a pact that could have the last U.S. soldiers leaving by the end of 2011.

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My Comment: The Iraqi Air Force will take even longer to be trained in taking over the roles of the U.S. Air Force. One should not be surprised that even with U.S. combat troops out of the country by 2011, tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers will still be in Iraq for years to come.