Region | Iraq
Are local forces ready to take over?
Despite optimism on the streets of the country, observers wonder whether the national security forces will be able to keep order.
- The Guardian
- Published: 22:51 June 30, 2009
Baghdad: Despite optimism on the streets of the country, observers wonder whether the national security forces will be able to keep order.
Iraq now has close to 620,000 police officers and soldiers to call on, more than 25 per cent more than when Saddam Hussain was ousted.
However, with the streets of cities and towns now theirs alone to control, doubts linger about their readiness to take charge.
Iraqi security forces are broken down into 350,000 police, among them local police and national forces, which take on a paramilitary role and can operate across most provinces.
The Iraqi military, comprising a large army of 13 divisions and a much-smaller air force and navy, is 270,000 strong.
It is considered the more competent of the two security forces and has been the focus of intensive training efforts by departing US forces.
However, last October, the Pentagon assessed that only 17 of 175 army battalions were capable of undertaking counter-insurgency operations on their own.
The assessment was worse for the National police where only two of 34 battalions were up to the job, the US defence department claimed.
Small special weapons and tactics units have been heavily mentored by US forces and international police groups. They are seen as the spearhead of counter-terrorism operations and are generally well regarded by their former commanders.
However, serious concerns remain about local units, which US troops have regularly reported as sometimes lacking in motivation. Until recently, all units have been heavily dependent on US forces.
Criminal investigation units of both local forces and the National police can lack rigour and Iraqis have regularly complained about a lack of willingness to tackle sectarian crimes.
Corruption, bureaucracy and nepotism are also rampant. Rogue units within the police were responsible throughout 2006-07 for sectarian kidnappings.
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