BAGHDAD — U.S. military commanders have expressed unprecedented
optimism over the prospect that Iraq's military and security forces would
assume full responsibility over the country in 2006.
"I've never been more optimistic in my almost two years of association
with this area," Lt. Gen. John Sattler, commander of the 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force, said. "The energy, the enthusiasm of the people is
catapulting this movement forward. The Iraqi security forces are capable,
well-led and confident, and that confidence flows over to the Iraqi people."
Several leading commanders said Iraqi military and security forces have
achieved significant progress in counter-insurgency
operations throughout the country. The commanders said the skills and morale
of Iraqi units have never been better, Middle East Newsline reported.
On March 27, Sattler transferred authority over his area in western
Iraq, including Al Anbar province, to Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson, commander
of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Al Anbar, which borders Syria, has
been the focus of the Sunni insurgency, directed by former aides of Saddam
Hussein, many of whom found safe haven near Damascus.
U.S. commanders said recruitment into the Iraqi military and security
forces remains high. They expressed the hope that both forces would undergo
a dramatic expansion in size, skills and areas of responsibility.
"We are going to see a great increase in the Iraqi security forces,"
Johnson said. "They are becoming very effective."
The commanders said they expect a significant improvement in the Iraqi
economy in 2005. They said this would result in greater employment
opportunities and growing stability.
The Iraq Army has encountered a string of successes in major operations
over the last two weeks. The successes included the capture of leading
insurgents as well as tons of explosives, ammunition and weapons in the
Baghdad area as well as in the Sunni Triangle.