Baghdad Security Unfolds with a Unified Iraqi Command Structure

U.S. officials say violence must be quelled
to provide political momentum

USINFO 09 February 2007
By Jacquelyn S. Porth Staff Writer

Washington -- Days into the implementation of a new security plan, a senior U.S military official said Iraqi forces are meeting their commitments amidst signs of early progress toward breaking the cycle of sectarian violence in Iraq’s capital.

Besides the arrival of a brigade of additional Iraqi troops to reinforce security in Baghdad, Army Lieutenant General Douglas Lute cited other positive evidence like the creation of a single unified chain of command for all Iraq’s army and police forces and the establishment of new Iraqi-U.S. neighborhood security stations that will provide a round-the-clock presence.

Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon February 9, he said 10 joint security stations are in place and plans are to triple that number.

Mark Kimmitt, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said additional U.S. military and civilian assets are being dedicated to the mission to quell the violence so the Iraqi government can concentrate on political and economic development. (See related article).

“We are provisioned and resourced sufficiently with both physical resources and support from the Maliki government to move forward with the plan,” Kimmitt said. Once the violence abates, the government can deal with unresolved issues like political reconciliation, amnesty, pressing budget needs and passing hydrocarbon legislation, he added.

Lute said it could be several months before results are clear, but “so far, so good.” More....