Iraq swears in remaining cabinet post

[STING2]

A few weeks ago, the Iraqi government was formed but did not fill 3 of the 42 cabinet post, those for security, defense and interior. This was sited by many as a failure, despite the fact that the postions were being temporarily filled, and agreement was not that far off. Now all three positions have been filled. The Defense ministry went to a Sunni named Al-Mifarji. Al-Mifarji was thrown out of the Iraqi Army and Baath Party in 1991 for criticizing the invasion of Kuwait. This eventually led to a conviction in a military court in 1994 and a 7 year prison sentence. He joined the new Iraqi military in 2003. The other two ministers came from the Shiite majority — Jawad al-Bolani as interior minister and Sherwan al-Waili as minister of state for national security.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060608/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_060608102155

 

[U2DMfan]

I like the idea that this is a positive step, but isn't the real problem going to be getting them to secure their own country with their own forces? And how well or how fast can that develop?

 

[STING2]

I like the idea that this is a positive step, but isn't the real problem going to be getting them to secure their own country with their own forces? And how well or how fast can that develop?

Thats correct. Its going to take at least 5 years for the Iraqi military and police force to be completely developed in all aspects and 100% independent of foreign assistance for all operations. Still, its likely Iraqi forces will take over control of all ground combat operations by the end of 2008. Transfering the command and control, and logistical functions for the entire military force will take more time. Also getting the military the ability to conduct combined arms operations with both Iraqi Air and Iraqi ground forces, especially against potential foreign invasion, will take more time as well.