The report also said that the Iraqi government has failed to improve
basic services such as water and electricity and hasn't passed
legislation outlining how it would distribute oil revenues or hold
provincial elections.

Most sessions, the parliament struggles to reach a quorum.

Corruption remains a major problem throughout the government.

The report cited both the Ministry of Interior, which runs the police
force, and the oil industry, Iraq's largest generator of revenue.

"Corruption and sectarian behavior continue to be evident in the MoI,"
the report said.

"Corruption at all levels of the oil industry remains a significant
problem."

The report also said that despite four years of intense U.S. effort,
the Iraqi security forces remain unprepared to operate independently.

It said that the ministries of interior and defense are plagued by
"deficiencies in logistics, combat support functions and . . . by
shortages of officers at all operational and tactical levels."

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/23386.html

December 18, 2007

Despite drop in violence, Pentagon finds little long-term progress in
Iraq

By Nancy A. Youssef | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON --

Despite significant security gains in much of Iraq, nothing has
changed within Iraq's political leadership to guarantee sustainable
peace, a Pentagon report released Tuesday found.

The congressionally mandated quarterly report suggests that the drop
in violence won't hold unless Iraq's central government passes key
legislation, improves the way it manages its security forces and finds
a way to reconcile the country's competing sects.

It said none of those steps has been taken.

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So what's new

Harry