17 Days

Image via Wikipedia

That's how many days left before U.S. troops move out of major Iraqi cities. But, McClatchy asserts that Mosul is not ready for such a move. There are a number of problems, the Army being a major one. Politics has been a major factor in staffing the army, particularly at the officer level. A shortage of weapons and ammunition is another factor. Corruption is evident in the attempt to rebuild the country with local workers.

And then there's Baghdad. The bombings continue. Yesterday a major Sunni leader was assassinated by a 15-year-old.

Related articles by Zemanta

• US soldiers 'shot by Iraqi policemen' in Mosul (telegraph.co.uk)