Despite the hype, the Iraqi War remains far from over and the 50,000 US troops still on the ground in Iraq are all that is keeping Iraq’s fledgling military propped up, according to military commanders on the ground.
“Their logistics systems are just, at this point, way below what their tactical competence requires,” insisted Col. Steven Apland, adding that he expects the new government to request US troops to stay beyond the end of 2011.
Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, the new second in command for US troops in Iraq, echoed this opinion, saying that “the Iraqi government are looking at some of the gaps they are going to have in their capabilities in December 2011 and they are concerned about it.”
Of course six months after the election this “new Iraqi government” still hasn’t been formed, but the comments from the US military personnel on the ground point to a reality far different from that of the canned speeches of top officials here in the US, who maintain that the war ended at some point in the past couple of weeks and that the troops still there, if mentioned at all, are just doing some sort of training.
Of course, Iraq is under occupation and the Quislings and Collaborators serving the occupiers and invaders will do what they are told/ordered to do, their miserable lives depend on being obedient.
U.S. military commanders say things all the time that turn out not to be true – why do you believe them this time?
Of course U.S. commanders are going to say that they expect to be asked to stay, but any Iraqi government that did that would be out on its ear the next day. No single faction within those fighting for control of the government has the strength to make a wildly unpopular decision like this – competing parties would immediately seize on it for political advantage – so nobody will make the decision to ask the U.S. to stay, and so the terms of the withdrawal agreement, which require complete withdrawal by the end of 2011, will stay in effect.
I like Steve's comment.. It plays into what I wanted to point out prior to reading Steve's comment…
What about the article… by Kelly Vlahos and also in the Asia Times.. which portray Sader as the kingmaker in this show…
Amd AAww the generals wanna stay…?? What a surprise…. Not like Japan..?? WHT…. There was no Aytollah Sistani after those two bombs fell… Will "the anti U.S. cleric" Sader ask the occupiers to "Pleeze won't you stay just a little longer???" Except for the strange expression on his face these days, and the weird spat with Iran……and his statement, he would move to Lebanon if Iran doesn't lighten up….. I just don't see Sader eating such a large crow… Maybe he will, but if he IS the kingmaker.. I give this idea that the Gov. of Iraq is going to "request" an extension.. Not this time is my guess….
“Their logistics systems are just, at this point, way below what their tactical competence requires,” insisted Col. Steven."
UUUHHH, Gee Ya really think so Col..??? What do the Iraqis think about "their" logistics systems??
And as Mao would point out, a native army doesn't need logistics systems… They can get what they need from their own citizens "on the ground" …. It's a joke really…. funny…"We dont need no stinkin logistics" Col… Just like Zapatta needed no state authorization! (badges}