Iraqi soldiers hinder U.S. efforts to combat militias and tame Baghdad

[NNN0LHI]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003273950_iraqarmy25.html

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The plan was simple: Iraqi troops would block escape routes while U.S. soldiers searched for weapons house by house. But the Iraqi troops didn't show up on time.

When they finally did appear, the Iraqis ignored U.S. orders and let dozens of cars pass through checkpoints in eastern Baghdad — including an ambulance full of armed militiamen, U.S. soldiers said.

It wasn't an isolated incident, they added.

Senior U.S. commanders have hailed the performance of Iraqi troops in the crackdown on militias and insurgents in Baghdad. But some U.S. soldiers say the Iraqis serving alongside them are among the worst they've seen — seeming more loyal to militias than the government. snip

Last week, for example, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Sheehan could barely contain his frustration when he discovered that barriers and concertina wire that were supposed to bolster defensive positions had been dragged away — again — under the noses of nearby Iraqi soldiers.

[Jacobin]

1. Why would Iraqi soldiers be loyal to the puppet government?

Oh, wait. They wouldn't.

[RethugAssKicker]

2. The U.S. is stupid to think

that the Iraqis are really going to help them and betray their own people for terrorists who are out to steal their oil !