Ability of Iraqi army worries U.S.: "Concerns about the Iraqi armed forces' ability to maintain stability amid the political uncertainties triggered by the March 7 parliamentary elections have heightened the possibility the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces by August could be delayed.
The loyalty and professionalism of the Iraqi armed forces and security services were found to be badly wanting in the horrendous sectarian bloodletting after the 2003 invasion. Whole battalions defected to the insurgency.
But over the last two years or so, they have done a credible job in picking up the slack as U.S. military strength began to draw down."
