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Coalition Commander: Iraqis progress toward lead in providing security

In a meeting with reporters Wednesday, the commander of Multi-National Force - Iraq said he believes Iraqi security forces are progressing enough that Coalition forces will have a diminished role in Iraq within 18 months.

The Coalition sees improvements in the Iraqi security forces everyday, said Gen. George W. Casey, Jr.

"I don't have a definite date, but I can see, 12 to 18 months, the Iraqi security forces progressing to where they can take on security responsibilities with very little Coalition support," Casey said.

The general also said within that time frame it will be Iraqis who will make the choice.

"In 12 to 18 months Coalition presence will be decided by the Iraqi government," he said.

The MNF-I commander also outlined the three-step process that continues to put Iraqis in the lead.

The first is to equip them, the second to put them in the lead with Coalition support, and the third to get them to the state where they can support themselves independently of Coalition support, Casey explained.

"Soon you'll have an Iraqi chain of command from the prime minister to the soldiers," Casey said of the Iraqi security forces. "Right now they are under my control."

Casey is proud of the strides made so far, but said there is much work still to be done.

"I'm pleased with the progress to date, but we have a long way to go," he said.

The general pointed out the troubles that still remain to be faced before Iraq will be secure.

"The primary threats to Baghdad are terrorists and death squads," said Casey. "Both of these threats have to be addressed if Iraq is to progress."

He commented on militias that remain a thorn in side of Iraq's security.

"There are political and military tracks that are working parallel together to stand down militias," said Casey.

He said it will ultimately be up to Iraqis and their trust toward Iraqi military and police.

"When people feel comfortable with the security forces, they'll rely less on the militias, the general explained.

"Some of the militias are no better than the criminal element within Iraq," Casey said. "No government can tolerate this.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq