Study Says Iraqi Security Forces At Least A Year Away From Operating Independently

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Iraq's security forces have made ``uneven progress'' and will be unlikely to take over security on their own in the next 12 to 18 months, according to an independent assessment.

Wednesday, September 5th 2007, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Iraq's security forces have made ``uneven progress'' and will be unlikely to take over security on their own in the next 12 to 18 months, according to an independent assessment.

The study, led by retired Gen. James Jones, is one of several independent studies Congress required in May. A copy of the 37-page report and its executive summary was obtained by The Associated Press.

Overall, Jones found that Iraqi military forces, particularly the Army, show ``clear evidence of developing the baseline infrastructures that lead to the successful formation of a national defense capability.'' But Baghdad's police force and Ministry of Interior are plagued by ``dysfunction.''

``In any event, the ISF will be unable to fulfill their essential security responsibilities independently over the next 12-18 months,'' the report states.