U.S. generals doubt Iraqi force strength

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

BAQOUBA, Iraq - The U.S. commander of a new offensive north of Baghdad, reclaiming insurgent territory day by day, said Sunday his Iraqi partners may be too weak to hold onto the gains.

The Iraqi military does not even have enough ammunition, said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek: "They're not quite up to the job yet."

His counterpart south of Baghdad seemed to agree, saying U.S. troops are too few to garrison the districts newly rid of insurgents. "It can't be coalition (U.S.) forces. We have what we have. There's got to be more Iraqi security forces," said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch.

The two commanders spoke after a deadly day for the U.S. military in Iraq. At least 11 soldiers were killed on Saturday from roadside bombings and other causes, leaving at least 31 dead for the week.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070624/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

[sutz12]

1. Four years in and they're still not ready.......nt

Perhaps another four years will do it. :sarcasm:

:shrug:

[BulletproofLandshark]

2. I doubt our generals would say any differently no matter what.

Even if the Iraqis were ready, does anyone seriously think we're going to withdraw before 2009? I don't.

[rodeodance]

3. they seem to be too busy shooting fighting earch other

[pinkpops]

4. The US will not arm the Iraqis sufficiently because they would use them against the US

[MichiganVote]

5. Well you better make it work generals cuz' you're not getting any more, ya' dumb bastards.