Iraq official calls for U.S. forces to stay

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Iraq official calls for U.S. forces to stay
By Riad Kahwaji - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Aug 10, 2008 15:14:48 EDT

DUBAI — The situation in Iraq has improved over the past year, but Iraqi security forces and military are not ready for multinational forces to leave, said Hussein Safa, Iraq’s deputy national security adviser.

“I think by 2012-13, Iraqi military and police would be capable of handling the internal situation on their own,” Safa said. “But as for external threats, Iraq will need to depend on the presence of U.S. forces, especially air and land forces, for a longer time.”

He declined to elaborate.

Abdelwahab al-Qassab, a defense analyst and a retired Iraqi navy rear admiral, said the Iraqi police and army lack sufficient logistical capabilities and firepower.

“There must be more internal reforms within the security and military establishments, more training and better quality arms and equipment,” he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/airforce_iraq_strategy_080908w/