An Update On Efforts To Develop And Support The Iraqi Security Forces

An update on efforts to develop and support the Iraqi security forces /

An update on efforts to develop and support the Iraqi security forces

Since 2001, Congress has appropriated about $640 billion for the global war on terrorism, the majority of this for operations in Iraq. In Jan. 2007, the Pres. announced ¿The New Way Forward¿ to stem violence in Iraq and enable the Iraqi gov¿t. to foster national reconciliation. This new strategy established goals and objectives to achieve over 12 to 18 months, or by July 2008. This report discusses progress in meeting key goals in ¿The New Way Forward¿: (1) improve security conditions; (2) develop capable Iraqi security forces and help the Iraqi gov¿t.; (3) enact key legislation; (4) spend capital budgets; and (5) provide essential services. Also discusses U.S. strategies for Iraq. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

In Jan. 2007, the Pres. announced a new U.S. strategy to stem the violence in Iraq and help the Iraqi gov¿t. foster conditions for national reconciliation. In ¿The New Way Forward,¿ the Admin. articulated near-term goals to achieve over a 12- to 18-month period and reasserted the end state for Iraq: a unified, democratic, federal Iraq that can govern, defend, and sustain itself and is an ally in the war on terror. To support this strategy, the U.S. increased its military presence and financial commitments for Iraq operations. This testimony discusses: (1) progress in meeting key security, legislative, and economic goals of ¿The New Way Forward¿; and (2) past and current U.S. strategies for Iraq and the need for an updated strategy. Illus.