US seeks more money to train Iraqi forces

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050105/pl_afp/iraqsecurity&cid=1521&ncid=1473

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US embassy officials in Baghdad want more money for the Iraqi police, national guard and army, warning the deteriorating security situation is outpacing their efforts to strengthen the country's fledgling security forces.

The funding could come either from a new 75-80 billion dollar supplemental budget to be submitted to Congress this February, or by diverting more funds from Washington's 18.4 billion dollar reconstruction package for Iraq (news - web sites).

"I don't know if we have to put more from the 18.4 (billion) in. I guess if we have to, we will," said an US embassy official on condition of anonymity.

"We already have taken a lot of money out from some of the bigger long range projects. To take out more is going to be very painful but we know we need more additional support, (and) resources going into that kind of security force."

Last summer, the US embassy performed a top-to-bottom review of spending priorities in its 18.4 billion dollar aide package and recommended diverting 1.8 billion dollars to security from electricity and water projects.

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[NYC]

1. Are they saying the war is underfunded?

[bemildred]

3. Butt-covering IMHO.

It's not the money, it's the "why are things still going to Hell" question.

The answer, of course, is not that they have their heads buried in
their collective asses, nor yet because they are engaged in a peverse
and stupid enterprise, but because there is a lack of funding.

[truthisfreedom]

2. one trillion bazillion dollars, please. and make it out to bushco.

or cash.

[displacedtexan]

4. But Powell said $ is not the answer to tsunami relief!

Global pledges now near $4 billion, but Powell has repeatedly said that money is not the immediate problem. Making the relief effort run smoothly in the short run is a paramount concern, along with planning for long-term rebuilding and economic recovery, Powell said at the start of his Asian tour.

Heavy sigh.

[leftchick]

5. So they can end up like these guys??

Coffins are made ready next to a pick-up truck carrying the bodies of 18 men killed in Mosul. The bodies of 18 Iraqis lured to their deaths by promises of lucrative work at a US base were uncovered as the violence-plagued country took steps to boost security forces ahead of elections.(AFP/Sabah Arar)

[flordehinojos]

6. more US money to train Iraqi police???????

LET BUSH, HIS POPPY, HIS MOMMY, HIS BUBBAs AND SISTER, HIS
VICE-pRESIDENT, AND ALL OF HIS CABINET PAY HIGHER TAXES AND DONATE FROM THEIR PERSONAL FORTUNES. THAT ALONE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE MONEYS HE IS SEEKING FOR HIS DOMINATION OF IRAQ.