Iraq's New Army Battles Its Own Problems

[leftchick]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031223/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_new_army&cid=540&ncid=1480

<snip>
"I am cleaning my weapon to be ready. I am prepared for any assignment," said 1st Lt. Moustafa Himdan, 23.

Not everyone was so enthusiastic. A symbol of Iraq's reconstruction effort and a key to handing power over to Iraqis, the army's first battalion had a bumpy start when about 200 people deserted. Some complained they should get paid more.

On Dec. 14 — the day that Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s capture was announced — some troops grumbled about low pay, while others feared for their families. Others claimed some Iraqi officers were disrespectful.

"I have a family of 12 people in addition to my wife and three children. Is this salary supposed to be enough for rent or food or for ourselves?" said soldier Maitham Abed, 27, who takes home $60 a month. "If I were a garbage collector, I would have made more money."

[izzie]

1. I am not so sure they need army but more police.

Is Civil War coming? Looks like the Kurds are running their part of the country and have for about 12 years and I do not feel they are going to let the US led group run it. Also looks like they may have got Saddam first or were the movers behind it. They also had enough pull to keep the Turks out. The people in that part of the world hate the Turks.South seems to be calm under the Brits. They seem to have always hated Saddam.I think we maybe in a Civil War.

[0007]

2. Is civil war inevitable or will the tribes come together to oust the U.S.?

Or both?

[reprobate]

3. First oust the US, then civil war. Priorities.

Seems as if most of the iraq people oppose the occupation. They'll fight to rid themselves of the occupyers. Once that is done, the differences between the factions will make themselves felt and interdenominational fighting will lead to civil war.

Thanks George. Your record stands unsullied. So far you have f**ked up EVERYTHING you've ever touched. The anit-matter Midas.