More delays in shift to Iraqi control (reports the Pentagon)

[rodeodance]

Source: ap

More delays in shift to Iraqi control

By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer Thu Sep 20, 5:38 AM ET

WASHINGTON - In another sign of U.S. struggles in Iraq, the target date for putting Iraqi authorities in charge of security in all 18 provinces has slipped yet again, to at least July.


The delay, noted in a Pentagon report to Congress on progress and problems in Iraq, highlights the difficulties in developing Iraqi police forces and the slow pace of economic and political progress in some areas.

It is the second time this year the target date for completing what is known as "Provincial Iraqi Control" has been pushed back. The Pentagon report submitted to Congress on Monday hinted at the possibility of further delays.

The intent is to give the provincial governments control over security in their area as a step toward lessening — and eventually ending — the U.S. security role.

Thus far seven of the 18 provinces have reverted to Iraqi control.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070920/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_handover;_ylt=Arh3mhNd5fqjwOW8xXOKCnes0NUE

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This did not take long did it!!

[rodeodance]

1. HA----last week it was mostly Rosey!------now it will dripple out!

[bemildred]

2. Just a couple more Friedman units and it will be the next Presidents problem. nt

[rodeodance]

3. Look--it is Jones Report vs Petraeus------

"Our current policy of determining when a province may or may not be controlled by its own government reinforces the popular perception of the (U.S.-led) coalition as an occupation force," according to the commission, headed by retired Marine Gen. James Jones. "This may contribute to increased violence and instability."

The commission recommended that all 18 provinces return to Iraqi control immediately. U.S. forces would continue to operate in the areas they are now, in coordination with Iraqi authorities; Iraqi control would mean U.S. troops could transition to less combat-intense roles.

In an interview Wednesday, Jones said he and the other commissioners got the strong impression from Iraqi officials they met in Baghdad this summer that they want full provincial control without further delay.

"The whole process seems to be acting as more of a brake on progress than a help," Jones said. "If the Iraqi government is willing, I think we should be putting as much on them as possible. To have a sovereign government that doesn't control all of its provinces doesn't make a lot of sense to me."

In an Associated Press interview last week, Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, defended the transition process. It involves a series of detailed reviews and assessments by U.S. and Iraqi officials, culminating with input by Petraeus and the most senior Iraqi government leaders.

[acmavm]

4. The biggest problems is NO ONE has any control over Iraq.

And it's a damn sure bet that unless every male in the country is killed, we won't ever have any control. And we shouldn't. It's not ours to rule over.