Ryan Crocker: "There were a boatload of problems..."

[laststeamtrain]

Iraq PM to expand crackdown on militias

<snip>

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, who will appear before Congress on Tuesday with top commander Gen. David Petraeus, said he was surprised at the way the Basra campaign unfolded.

"I had the understanding that this was going to be an effort to get down, show they were serious with additional forces, put the squeeze on, develop a full picture of conditions and then act accordingly," he told reporters Thursday. "I was not expecting, frankly, a major battle from Day One."

Still, Crocker said he was encouraged that the Iraqi government was willing to take on Shiite militias, some of which maintain close ties to major political parties in the national leadership.

"Were there problems? There were a boatload of problems, and they still have a long way to go," Crocker added.

<more>

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080403/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_080403191826
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"...long way to go" where?

Wait...I know...another "surprise".