Are Iraq's Security Forces ready to Take Over When The Americans Leave?

U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Nimmons (right), of 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and Iraqi army 2nd Lt. Ammar Hassin speak to a store owner during a joint operation patrol in Al Muhandiseen, Iraq, on Oct. 30, 2008. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. JoAnn S. Makinano, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

Self-Sufficiency Still Eludes Domestic Security Forces -- Washington Post

BAGHDAD -- Lt. Col. Kadhem Jabar Kadhem, a veteran of Saddam Hussein's army, has the swagger of the top cop in the sprawling Dora market, one of Baghdad's most dangerous areas until U.S. soldiers ousted insurgents last year.

"Ever since we came here, we've controlled the security by ourselves," boasted the corpulent, mustachioed national police commander, surrounded by a dozen Iraqi officers in new gray-blue uniforms.

And yet, even as he spoke, a U.S. Army unit with a crane was lowering concrete barriers into place to protect his police station, at the market's edge. Kadhem looked startled when asked about the prospect of a U.S. withdrawal, which could pick up speed given President-elect Barack Obama's plan to remove most combat troops within 16 months of taking office.

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My Comment: It will take 5 - 10 years to develop and train a semi-professional force. Are we now at year 3? They are not ready .... but you have to go to battle with what you have .... and this is what they have.