Iraqis draw closer to self-sufficiency Iraqis draw closer to self-sufficiency

U.S. Army Maj. General William B. Caldwell IV, spokesman for Multi-National Forces-Iraq, in an AJC article: Iraqis draw closer to self-sufficiency points out that the common wisdom about the situation in Iraq is misleading. Of particular note:

• More than 300,000 Iraqi security forces are operational today, with a goal of 325,000 within the coming months.


• Their training and experience has greatly increased over the last couple of years. For example, two years ago, Iraqi police fled when attacked by militia members. This year, when they attacked an army base, the Iraqi army counterattacked and killed over 50 militia.


• By the end of August, the Iraqi Special Ops Brigade had netted 1,320 detainees in 445 operations all over the country, with Coallition help limited to military advisors.


• Two of ten army divisions are now under complete Iraqi control. More will soon follow.