“I am looking at this from the operational standpoint and you are quoting politicians. Politicians always ask for the impossible and then blame the operators when they do not get it...”
But you’re not quoting anyone, and I’ve not been able to find any of the negative comments that you claim to have been made.
Of the military sources that I can find speaking on the subject:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/iraq842.html
David Petraus:
“In the four southern provinces of Iraq under the British-led Multinational Division Southeast, the transition to overwatch is already well along, in fact. In three of the provinces - Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna - the provincial governments have responsibility for security and Coalition forces are in overwatch. While there have been challenges and setbacks, most notably the tragic assassination of the Governor of Muthanna, Iraqis have generally been able to deal with the challenges with minimal acceptance - or minimal assistance, although help has been provided on occasion.
We expect the final province, subject to good coordination with the Iraqis and negotiations and discussions, also with those here and obviously in Multinational Division Southeast, but the final province, Basra, to transition later this fall or in the winter, though elements of the security structure, including establishment of an Iraqi special operations force unit which is ongoing, deployment of an Iraqi mechanized battalion and the swap of an Iraqi army brigade still need to be completed; and various political issues, including of course the Governor’s status, need to be sorted out as well.
But at this point, in all four southern provinces, Iraqi security forces, with limited Coalition assistance, are providing security in the face of militia challenges and Iranian efforts to achieve greater influence. There does appear to be a reasonable way ahead emerging, albeit with important work to be done.”
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,,2161451,00.html
General Mohan al-Fireji:
“Iraqi forces are already deployed and concentrated in the palace. “The Iraqi forces are ready to take security responsibility in Basra.”
Perhaps you could direct me to some of General Mohan’s more negative comments as a contrast?
Re-read your first quote. Notice the waffles.
“...subject to good coordination with the Iraqis and negotiations and discussions, also with those here and obviously in Multinational Division Southeast,...”
“...though elements of the security structure, including establishment of an Iraqi special operations force unit which is ongoing, deployment of an Iraqi mechanized battalion and the swap of an Iraqi army brigade still need to be completed; and various political issues, including of course the Governor’s status, need to be sorted out as well.”
Those collections of caviates are where the problems are and have been. Problems caused by 6-12mo acceleration of turnover. (Note, when a General Officer starts to waffle, things are nowhere near as good as they look. Otherwise, he would not be CYA’ing so much...)
Thank you for confirming my points...