Iraqi Police Prepare For The Future

CBS Evening News: U.S. Troops Build Up Iraqis' Responsibilities In Preparation for A Draw-Down

(CBS)  As tens of thousands of U.S. troops spend the holidays in Iraq, some of them aren't focusing on retaining control of the region - they're focused on the more-than-able Iraqi National Police. CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer looks at whether the Iraqis are ready to lead once the U.S. troops withdraw.

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For years, it's been up to U.S. patrols to keep the peace. But some of them are on a different mission - they are the soldiers vital to the U.S. mission to pull out of Iraq.

Maj. Keith Purvis of the 10th Mountain Division heads a military transition team in Baghdad with the aim of making sure that when U.S. troops pull back to base in June, the Iraqis can take over, Palmer reports.

It's not yet perfect. Some of the Iraqi gunmen look ill-equipped next to their American counterparts. But Purvis recognizes the Iraqi police have to do it their way.

"If the U.S. tries to make them do it exactly the way we want it and it doesn't fit the way the Iraqi unit wants, then they just ignore what we do," Purvis said.

That night, there was more proof the Iraqis are definitely in the lead. The Americans learned they're planning a mission based on an intelligence tip.

In a complete role-reversal, it was the Iraqis doing the briefing of the Americans offering backup.

Quickly and efficiently, the Iraqis raided five houses. They were able to talk to stunned residents and very sure who they were looking for.

In the end, they netted eight men suspected of starting a Shiite militia cell. Two were brought back to the Iraqi police station.

"We are able to do all of our duties without the Americans now, because we've got good training and weapons," said Col. Kareem Hasib of the Iraqi National Police through a translator. "But we still need help with some things."

One thing they're still working on is high-tech forensics.

Americans can check for explosives; they can check immediately if a suspect is in the database. If not, they hand the prisoners back.

And taking over those roles is all part of building up the Iraqis' responsibilities as the Americans draw down.

[toolmangler-2009]

You should watch the 4 hr. documentary on the History Channel about Saddam Hussien.
Posted by d7767w at 06:10 PM : Dec 25, 2008



I have, have you ever been out of this country and seen what most people ''really'' think of us? You are real good at standing up for the shrub, 99% of this country is in the top 5% of the worlds wealthiest people, yet we take or invade anything that looks good to us. Yes! its all about Oil.... We weren''t invaded or attacked inside our shores because we were blowing up everybody elses homes. The truth is the truth. Obama will more than likely continue the carnage but I am hoping, just maybe..... If he is not as stupid as his predecessors...........oh well, we will see.

[boandco]

They don''t dare arm the Iraqi police, they only give them light arms. Anything heavier and they would turn on the Americans and throw us out of the country.

[bjcone8559]

You are a complete IDIOT people like you are mental cases. He has kept this country safe since 9/11 lets see how long your Messiah keeps it safe, they have pretty much said that they will test him, we will see.

Bush must be a very powerful man to do all the things you give him credit for. why didn''''t you throw in that Christmas is a national Holiday in Iraq for the first time ever or would you choke on the words. I won,t call you the name that fits best, but I think you know them.


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Posted by d7767w


9/11 happened on Dubdya''s watch, inspite of being warned in intelligence briefings that specified the desire of Bin Laden to hijack planes and use them as weapons within a set timeframe.

Bush owns 9/11... it''s his!!

[mwgilmore]

Hey Bagdad7

Its id#$ots like you that are bringing our country down. A couple more Bush terms, and Americans will be emigrating to Mexico for jobs and health!

You g$*$* patriot wanna be get your hed outta your A$s

[mwgilmore]

Great Job!

1 $Trillion, 4200 dead, 35000 wounded for life.

Lets do this again!

[bjcone8559]

NOW I WANNA see you fvcking liberals congratulate Bush for his success in Iraq. Bush won the war or terrorism. No one can deny that.

Posted by BagdadsHere7 at 11:18 AM : Dec 25, 2008

I agree and while they are thanking him, give him credit for gas prices being so low. They sure as he11 blamed him for gas being so high, but that will never happen, these bottom feeding, low life liberals can only find fault. Wait until Obama starts scr**wing up and see what happens, it will be Bushes fault.


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Posted by d7767w



You two have a slow leak!

[toolmangler-2009]

I agree and while they are thanking him, give him credit for gas prices being so low. They sure as he11 blamed him for gas being so high, but that will never happen, these bottom feeding, low life liberals can only find fault. Wait until Obama starts scr**wing up and see what happens, it will be Bushes fault.

Posted by d7767w at 01:59 PM : Dec 25, 2008



Yes he lowered ''gas'' prices and put millions out of work, ruined the economy, re-ignited the Muslim extremists in the mid east and started trouble between India and Pakistan, heated up the discord between Israel and their neighbors. With practice he could get worse.

[intheshade-2009]

Old Baghdad custom, they shake hands with Bush with their right hand because that is the hand they wipe themselves with. They use their left hand to shake hands with people they like.

[whitewolf60]

SHEE-YIT.... they don''t WANT to "prepare for the future". As long as we are there they will never GROW UP and learn to deal with the insurgency themselves. But of course, they''re too busy making life miserable for the women.... if they''re SOOO proud of being "men" over there, why don''t they "be a man" and DEFEND THEIR OWN COUNTRY??

[ramos937]

Since 2002, we have spent billions of dollars, countless manhours and accepting every excuse known to man or the devil in training the Iraq national security forces including this one. Now, under Obama''s withdrawl plan (16 months), it is time for these forces to sink or swim.

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