Insurgent intimidation weakens Iraq forces (Lt. Gen Petraeus)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/topstories/index.ssf?/base/international-21/1107533850225430.xml&storylist=topstories

Insurgent intimidation of Iraqi soldiers has hampered U.S. efforts to build a reliable security force, the U.S. general in charge of training Iraqi troops said Friday.

Army Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, speaking from Baghdad to reporters at the Pentagon, said the Iraqi units had suffered "losses due to severe intimidation," but he offered no specifics.

He did not cite an absentee or desertion rate.

By next week, when 3,500 replacements become available for duty, the 90 battalions of police, army and other types of security forces will be at 80 percent of their intended manpower levels, Petraeus said.

[daleo]

1. The whole point of a security force is to overcome intimidation.

If they themselves are too intimidated face the opposition, what's that say?

[bemildred]

3. It is kinda pathetic.

But I suspect a lack of motivation is as good an explanation
as intimidation. Treason to your own people is a hard sell anywhere.

[daleo]

10. Agreed, motivation is probably not high.

I thought the election was supposed to "embolden" the occupation government and troops. There seems to be mixed messages coming out.

[pscot]

4. I think it says

we're pounding sand down a rat hole.

[karlrschneider]

2. This guy must be a rocket scientist too...

:eyes:

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. If by next week they will be at 80% intended levels it would be

a miracle. Only a few days ago they admitted that only 4000 people were trained and on the ground. I would guess that statement is pure propaganda.

[Gloria]

6. Aren't about 40% of them quitting??

eom

[ckramer]

7. I guess that the Iraqi security forces are working for both sides

because they just need to put food on the table.

In order to avoid starvation, they need to work for the Americans; in order to avoid getting shot at, they need to work with the insurgents.

Meanwhile 2 soldiers die everyday.

What a stupid war!

[hatrack]

8. Gosh, and it only took him two years to figure this out!

Good to know that we have plenty of Best & Brightest like General Petraeus! :eyes:

[VegasWolf]

9. I guess this means we will have to stay there another 20 years.n/t

[ultraist]

11. Tens of thousands are demanding a date for a US pullout!

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D693FE03-4608-4C4E-929F-43399EB31BF1.htm
Al-Sadr demands date for US pullout
Friday 04 February 2005, 18:43 Makka Time, 15:43 GMT
Worshippers at Friday prayers listen to al-Sadr's message

Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr has called on his community's senior religious leaders to insist on a timeline for a US troop withdrawal. "This is a message from Sayid Muqtada. I call on all religious and political powers that pushed towards the elections and took part in them to issue an official statement calling for a timetable for the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Iraq," Sayid Hashim Abu Raghif told worshippers gathered for Friday prayers in the Shia city of Kufa.

Al-Sadr, who earlier belittled last week's vote, said he would no longer refrain from commenting on political developments in Iraq after keeping quiet for months, according to a statement Abu Raghif read from al-Sadr to thousands of worshippers.

West's pawn

"I stood aside for the elections and did not stand against them as I did not want to show disobedience toward the Marjaiya . I did not join these elections so that I wouldn't be one of the West's pawns. Muqtada al-Sadr commands the loyalty of tens of thousands "The West is so proud that they have held the elections but I would ask: Who is responsible for the blood that day?" he asked. Al-Sadr was referring to the death of at least 36 Iraqi civilians and a security officer in attacks mounted as elections were held. A majority of Shia, who make up about 55% of the population, voted in an affirmation of the political process championed by their most senior religious figure, Iranian-born Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani. Al-Sadr's al-Mahdi Army militia battled US troops for seven months last year before laying their arms down in October.