[SandRat]

Work ahead in Iraq.

[Calpernia]

Coalition and Iraqi army forces are providing stability in the region and will continue to do so for the near future, Johnson said. In the meantime, Iraqi officials have begun recruiting and training local police. Establishing the rule of law and enforcing those rules equitably are keys to a successful democracy, Johnson said.

Anbar is the Iraqi province slowest to recruit and train local police. Part of the reason is that it is impossible to underestimate hom much insurgents have intimidated the population, officials said. Insurgents have killed men, women and children indiscriminately in the province.