U.S. army asserts Iraqis ready to maintain security after withdrawal

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: U.S. military commanders asserted that the Iraqi security forces are ready to receive the security from the Multi-National Forces. The Associated Press quoted a senior U.S. army officer as saying that he is optimistic regarding the success of the Iraqi forces in maintaining security. “I believe Iraqis are ready now for the mission and i think we have trained them well. Everything will be ok,” he added. U.S. President Barack Obama had announced on Friday (Feb. 27) his plan to end combat operations and start withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq on August 31, 2010. Obama made the announcement in a speech to military troops and officers at camp Lejeune (LEH-UHN) N.C. he said his administration will “proceed cautiously” on the withdrawal and that U.S. commanders will bring it about in close consultation with the Iraqi government. During his campaign for the presidency, Obama had advocated pulling troops out within 16 months of taking office. The timeline he announced Friday, involving roughly 100,000 troops, was two months longer. It still hastens the U.S. exit, nevertheless. Obama also said that between 35,000 and 50,000 troops will initially remain there to help train Iraqi forces and undertake counter-terrorism missions. SH (P)/SR 1