Iraqi soldiers hinder U.S. efforts By CASTANEDA, Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The plan was simple: Iraqi troops would block escape routes while U.S. soldiers searched for weapons house-by-house. But the Iraqi troops didn't show up on time. If at all.
When they finally did appear, the Iraqis ignored U.S. orders and let dozens of cars pass through checkpoints in eastern Baghdad — including an ambulance full of armed militiamen, American soldiers said in recent interviews.
It wasn't an isolated incident, they added.
Senior U.S. commanders have hailed the performance of Iraqi troops in the crackdown on militias and insurgents in Baghdad. But some U.S. soldiers say the Iraqis serving alongside them are among the worst they've ever seen — seeming more loyal to militias than the government.
That raises doubts whether the Iraqis can maintain order once the security operation is over and the Americans have left. This is like Vietnam. All messed up!!
2006-09-24
21:00:07
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