Posted on 01/27/2005 6:23:34 PM PST by gopwinsin04
The US and Britain have privately agreed on an exit strategy from Iraq that is based on doubling the number of local police trainees and setting up Iraqi units that would act as a halfway house between the police and the army.
The agreement was reached on Monday between the US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and his British counterpart Geoffrey Hoon.
It was based on recommendations from retired US general Gary Luck, sent to Iraq by the Pentagon last month to look at the failings of the Iraqi security forces.
The more agressive police force is designed gradually to replace the 150,000 coalition troops and will form the centerpiece of plans for Britian and the US.
Spanish and Italian forces could be asked to help train the Iraqis, a British defense source said.
If the build up of reliable Iraqi security forces could be speeded up, Britain can see various staging points for a phased withdrawal.
Dates include August 15, when the constitution is to be agreed upon by assembly. By 15 December, there is due to be a new national election.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Announcing this plan should encourage the Iraqi's to get more involved in taking control of their country. I hope Allawi <sp?) goes on Iraqi TV and announc es this plan
Im glad were finally getting out ahead of this story.
One unnamed source. So typical.
If true!!!!! It's a positive development. We will see! :-)
Can't the British keep anything secret? They should STFU. This scares the local people, who've put trust in us, that we'll cut and run.
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm? :-)
Nahhhhhhh...
I dont think this is a UK 'cut and run,' just an optimistic timetable if things go as planned.
:-)
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