Iraq, U.S. at odds over military handover

[cal04]

The United States and Iraq were at odds on Saturday over the transfer of operational control of Iraq's military to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government, forcing a delay of a handover ceremony.

Saturday's ceremony to transfer control of Iraq's army from U.S. commander General George Casey to the Iraqi Defence Ministry had been hailed by U.S. officials as a big step towards Iraq taking responsibility for security.

"There is a disagreement on the wording of the document that outlines the new relationship between Coalition Forces and Iraqis," U.S. military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Barry Johnson told Reuters late on Saturday evening.

(snip)
Maliki, keen to be seen as ending his government's dependency on U.S. military power, said this week his forces would take control of most of Iraq from foreign troops by the end of the year. But some analysts have questioned this timetable given the surge in sectarian bloodletting.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L02739249.htm

[tridim]

1. Sounds like Iraq is "standing up"

Can we please stand down and leave now?

[tocqueville]

2. If I get the WH right, there is no civil war....

and the transfer of military power to the Iraqis is only a procedurial question

mission accomplished!

let's go home...

or am I missing something ?

[cliss]

3. Good point.

this is what's called "Being on the Horns of a Dilemma".

The White House can only twist the facts to suit them ONLY SO MUCH...and then it blows up in their face. You can't say "Things are fine" and then not expect to be shown the door...