Despite increased training efforts, Iraqi army still not ready to defend Fallujah alone

[Barrett808]

FALLUJAH, Iraq: It's been two years since U.S. forces overran this dangerous western city, triggering the bloodiest urban combat of the war. Now, heavily armed insurgents are returning, but Iaqi soldiers undergoing American training to defend Fallujah still aren't ready to face the front lines on their own.

U.S. teams say training efforts have been severely undermined by corruption and bureaucracy, a dearth of basic equipment and Iraqi soldiers' mistrust of those from different Muslim backgrounds and lack of faith in the fledgling central government.

Iraqi commanders acknowledge they can't handle a city as large and volatile as Fallujah without American support — especially with their country teetering on the edge of civil war between its Shiite Arab majority and Sunni minority.

"It's something we keep in mind, that one day coalition forces are going to leave. But it can't be now," said 1st Lt. Hamazah Adman, head of intelligence for the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division.

"We can say that two years may be enough," he said.

(more)

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/27/africa/ME_GEN_Iraq_Training_The_Army.php

[mike_c]

1. return of the ARVN....

eom