Iraqi forces starting to lead but need US aid

[unhappycamper]

Iraqi forces starting to lead but need US aid
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Aug 28, 2008 6:46:01 EDT

BAQUBAH, 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.

But they also expose the many weaknesses of the Iraqi forces that still rely on American help for everything from air support to bottled water in the field.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/iraq_forces_takeover_ap_082808w/%2e

[Xipe Totec]

1. As shown in this trining photo