What is a reasonable timetable for developing Iraqs army?
President Bush has made it clear that success in Iraq depends primarily upon our ability to train Iraqis to take charge of their own security. As he said in his speech, “our strategy can be summed up this way: as the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.” Yet the Administration has repeatedly misstated the capabilities of the new Iraqi military, including in President Bush’s speech this week. The American people have a right to expect a reasonable assessment of the current capabilities of Iraqi security personnel and measurable benchmarks to mark progress in developing the Iraqi army into an independent, effective security force. How will the Administration ease mounting sectarian tensions in the Iraqi government? Since January’s elections in Iraq, sectarian tensions have impeded the new government’s progress, especially with regard to drafting a new constitution. Sunni Arabs, who largely boycotted the elections, have demanded a greater voice on the constitutional drafting committee, le
