Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he may soon be ready to name the two men who will be charged with carrying out his pledge to take over security for Iraq within 18 months. The initial focus of the effort will be restoring order for the capital’s more than 5 million residents, who have suffered the most from suicidal killers, roadside bombs and sectarian death squads. “It is time for those who want to steal the smiles from the Iraqi people and turn its women into mourners to be silenced,” said Deputy Prime Minister Salam Zikam Ali al-Zubaie, the Sunni Arab who is filling the defense post temporarily.
| Zat mean you're going to seriously kill the bad guyz? Good idea. |
The announcement came on Thursday, a day that saw 13 killings, including the deaths of two US soldiers who were killed by a roadside bomb in southern Baghdad. Al-Zubaie did not provide details on al-Maliki’s plans to restore security in Baghdad. However, President Jalal Talabani said securing the country would probably require a unified unit of soldiers and police. “We are forming a force to protect Baghdad by the best and trained elements in the interior and defense ministries. They will be under one leadership and under the direct supervision of the prime minister,” Talabani told al-Furat TV.
| The Iraqi army under Sammy was perfectly capable of suppressing any disturbances. Its problem was that it wasn't capable of actually fighting wars. So there is experience to draw on, not all of it on the other side. |
The various Iraqi police and army units now wear a variety of uniforms. Talabani said the new unit would wear one uniform, “be the only authorized force to travel in Baghdad.” The goal is to eliminate death squads and other armed groups who roam the capital disguised as security forces. |