Reframing the problem of the Iraqi forces

I'm sick and tired of hearing how the Iraqi forces are "unable" to do certain tasks. That phrasing implies that the solution to this is a technical issue involving more training, better equipment, etc to get them up to speed.

The real problem is much more fundamental. From a general's level, the Iraqi forces may be viewed as "unable" like an inoperable part, but in truth, at the ground level, the individual Iraqi soldiers are largely unwilling to fight for the Maliki government.

I think there can be little question that Iraqis are capable of fighting, but, like most Iraqis, they don't see any reason to put this government ahead of their other allegiances, sect, tribe, family, gang.

More training and better toys will not fix that.