Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Iraqi Troops: 'We're Not Ready to Go It Alone'

Officers decry lack of equipment; US pushes independence

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2008 6:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iraq’s army has taken strides toward independence—but it still needs the help of American forces, say Iraqi troops and officers interviewed by the New York Times. “We are too many years behind other countries. We need the coalition forces until 2015,” said one officer. But American officers are increasingly pushing Iraqi troops to go it alone.

“The time for the US forces to hold your hand is over,” a US captain recalled saying to an Iraqi officer. Some Iraqis believe they need better equipment, but many Americans argue that poor coordination is the problem. High-ranking officers used to years of following orders under Saddam Hussein’s tough system have trouble taking matters into their own hands, say observers.

A soldier from the 1st Iraqi Army Division is seen next to a humvee as the unit stages for their next mission, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.
A soldier from the 1st Iraqi Army Division is seen next to a humvee as the unit stages for their next mission, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Soldiers from the 1st Iraqi Army Division stage for their next mission, 60 miles north of Baghdad in Iraq's volatile Diyala province, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.
Soldiers from the 1st Iraqi Army Division stage for their next mission, 60 miles north of Baghdad in Iraq's volatile Diyala province, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Iraqi army soldiers pass by a vehicle damaged in a roadside bomb blast in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
Iraqi army soldiers pass by a vehicle damaged in a roadside bomb blast in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, July 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

No Jail Time for Marine in Iraqi Civilian Killings

Iraq Seeks Return of Saddam's Bronze Butt

Iraq Detaining US Contractors

One US Army Reservist Still Missing in Iraq

US Hangs Iraqi Translators Out to Dry


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne