Uncertain Timeline for US Troop Withdrawal in Iraq Amid Progress in Security Forces

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard B. Myers, has cautioned that the timeline for US troop withdrawal from Iraq remains uncertain, citing the need for Iraqi security forces to demonstrate their capabilities to take the lead in battling the insurgency. Despite progress in establishing viable security forces, Myers emphasized that significant events on the ground must prove the effectiveness of these forces before US troop strength can be determined.

Key Takeaways:

• The US military expects Iraqi security forces to grow to 170,000 with varying levels of skill by the end of 2005, but their ability to operate independently is still uncertain.
• Iraqi units are gradually becoming self-sufficient, including providing for their own food and fuel.
• General Myers' statement contradicts recent predictions that a large percentage of US troops in Iraq would be able to hand off significant duties to the Iraqis and begin returning home by early 2006.
• US forces had detained several individuals in western Iraq suspected of involvement in a powerful roadside bomb attack that killed 14 Marine reservists.
• The war of words between the United States and Iran intensified at the briefing, with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld confirming reports of sophisticated explosives originating from Iran that have been found in Iraq.

Statistics:

• 170,000: The number of Iraqi security forces with varying levels of skill on duty as of yesterday.
• 29/35: The number of operations conducted throughout the country on Monday and yesterday that included US and Iraqi forces.
• 138,000: The number of US troops in Iraq.
• 14: The number of Marine reservists killed in a powerful roadside bomb attack in western Iraq.

Sources:

• "Byline: Bryan Bender Aug. 10--WASHINGTON -- In a blunt assessment of the situation in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff", The Boston Globe, (c) 2005.