InfoAnda - US troops go back to basics with Iraq forces

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Severed cables bring down phone lines linking Europe, Asia, Mideast | 20 December 2008
At least 100 likely dead in Indonesia quake: official | 7 September 2009
Pakistan stock index hits 2009 high, but ends off peak | 1 September 2009

CBS sets deal with Netflix to stream some TV shows | | 23 February 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US troops go back to basics with Iraq forces

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: US troops go back to basics with Iraq forces AFP - Monday, August 17 KIRKUK, Iraq (AFP) - - On the outskirts of Iraq's ethnically divided northern oil hub of Kirkuk, US army Lieutenant Christopher McElrath was winding up a training session with local police when it became apparent a little extra instruction was needed. ADVERTISEMENT Sergeant Jamari Hood, one of McElrath's troops in the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, was forced to take a moment to give an Iraqi police officer pointers on just how to hold his gun. McElrath was dealing with a new reality faced by many of the roughly 130,000 US troops in Iraq since they pulled back from urban areas at the end of June. Where once US troops were on the frontline of the fight against insurgents in Iraq, now the emphasis is on training Iraqi security forces. "We try to get the training agenda from them ... we take what they ask for, and then we make suggestions," McElrath told AFP outside a police station on Kirkuk's outskirts. The 750,000-odd members of the Iraqi police and army, who are now fully responsible for security in the country's cities, have been praised by US commanders for the progress they have made. But during training sessions in Kirkuk, many seemed unschooled in some fundamentals. "They've all gone through the basic level, but a lot of the times they don't have the opportunity to do the day-to-day training," said Captain Tyler Donnell, who helps train police in the north of the city. "Everything we've learned is through straight repetition. That's what we're trying to get the police to do as well. ... They have the skills but there is a lot of brushing up that needs to occur." American training includes how to clear a room of threats, weapons maintenance and police ethics. Keeping the peace in Kirkuk -- which has a mixed population of Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen -- is seen as key test for the Iraqi security forces. Longstanding Kurdish demands to incorporate the province in their autonomous region in the north are bitterly opposed by the city's Arab population -- many of whom were settled in the city as a deliberate act of government policy under Saddam Hussein's regime to dilute its historical Kurdish majority. Insurgents have sought to play on the ethnic tensions, making the city one of Iraq's tensest despite an overall drop in violence this year. The number of violent deaths fell by a third last month to 275 from 437 in June. The figure for May was 155, the lowest of any month since the US-led 2003 invasion. Kirkuk's provincial police chief conceded his officers "need more" training. "We need this support from training, it's a very big issue for us," Major General Jamal Taher Bakr told AFP, estimating that his force was at around 70 percent readiness. "It's not just one thing -- it's weapons, investigations" and how best to ensure that communities feel secure, said Bakr, a Kurd. "The coalition support us with the training, and until 2011, they will keep supporting us," he added, referring to the deadline for the complete withdrawal of US forces set by a security pact signed by Baghdad and Washington last November. "But we need more support... you know, we need more." Major Ian Palmer, from the 4th Squadron, 9th US Cavalry Regiment, said it was important to keep perspective and not compare Iraq's security forces with their better equipped American counterparts. Palmer, who is responsible for training in southern and eastern Kirkuk, said he thought the province's police and military were the best in Iraq, but it was important not to "spread too much hyperbole". "You try to take the perspective of, can they effectively secure their responsible areas? And the answer to that is yes. "You've got to take an objective view of the Iraqi army and what their charter is and what they're being asked to do and what's important to them, versus comparing them to your own units. "We're better equipped, better paid ... You don't want to make those comparisons, it's just not beneficial." But with time running out on the US troop presence in Iraq, the depth of their task is evident in McElrath's class. As the US lieutenant chatted with Iraqi police after training, Sergeant Hood was at the other end of the room, teaching an officer to move in smooth, controlled steps -- and not lunge -- as he moves in on an enemy. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle US-ENTERTAINMENT SummaryReuters - 1 hour 31 minutes ago Time no barrier as Cropredy Fest rocks on and onReuters - 1 hour 15 minutes ago Sundance Channel launches video-on-demand serviceReuters - 2 hours 7 minutes ago 'Dancing With the Stars' cast includes Tom DeLayAP - 2 hours 38 minutes ago Chinese pop's biggest names at typhoon fundraiserAP - Tuesday, August 18 Enlarge Photo US soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment train Iraqi policemen in the northern city of Kirkuk. Since their withdrawal from Iraqi cities and towns, US troops have a new mission: training Iraqi security forces. But the task at hand is harder than thought -- some trainees don't even know how to hold a weapon. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed In death, as in life, Jackson surrounded by wackiness Millions of salmon fail to turn up in Canada Don't brush with baldness: put down that comb Obamas marvel at Grand Canyon Singer George Michael arrested after car crash View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 17 August 2009
Israeli soldier stole from military chief's office
Iran releases French teacher on bail: Elysee | International |
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips
North Korea to reopen border with South: report | International |
Bombs kill at least 8 people in Iraq market
Too gung-ho? Israel military rabbis draw criticism
At least 6 killed by bombs at Baghdad restaurant | International |
Afghan govt says over 30 rebels killed
Qaeda stronger as blasts feed Iraqi Kurd-Arab feud
Single exit compounded deaths in Kuwait wedding fire
Iraqi worries grow as blast walls vanish
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips | Technology |
Hurricane Camille's fury remembered 40 years later
US condemns return of Afghan warlord as vote looms
Gene variant predicts hepatitis treatment success
Iran dispatches China 70-52 for Asian crown
Hawaii's marks 50th anniversary of statehood
Official: 13 die in floods in northwest Pakistan
Hawaii plans quiet, sobering 50th anniversary
Afghans told they can vote _ as mortar shells fly
How were Social Security numbers given away?
Karzai's image down as Afghan election approaches
GOP senator: People have lost confidence in gov't
NKorea says Kim Jong Il met Hyundai Group chief
Hat-trick man Lin makes badminton history
Congressman says Obama able to keep tax pledge
Thai elephant takes 1st steps with artificial leg
North Korea in nuclear threat, Kim meets Hyundai boss
NYC schools prepare for 2nd outbreak of swine flu
1,000 still stuck in Taiwan as foreign aid arrives
Gov't recommends child care plan if swine flu hits
Sebelius: Public insurance option not essential
North Korea's Kim Jong-il meets Hyundai chairwoman
'District 9' lifts off with No. 1 weekend at $37M
Alien action film District 9 tops box office | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Alien action film "District 9" tops box office
'District 9' lifts off with No. 1 weekend at $37M
'Don't worry be curry': Germany celebrates currywurst
Carnival mood for Mumbai's gay Pride march
Russian punk rockers rage against the Putin machine
Turkmen join Arabs to stop vote on Iraq oil province
Rescue effort for stranded climber in Pakistan called off
Last hours of campaign, Karzai seeks warlord edge | International |
Smoke-spewing Trabant poised for rebirth as electric car
Tropical storms race toward the Caribbean
North Korea reopens to South as economy weakens | International |
Robots at war: will humans stay in the loop?
Obamas marvel at Grand Canyon
More British deaths as PM says Afghan mission 'vital'
Indian PM says Pakistan groups planning new attacks | International |
Ahmadinejad plans female ministers in Iran cabinet
Taiwan searches for blame, causes after deadly typhoon | International |
Peres poems turned to song for his 86th birthday
Leader of banned Pakistan militant group shot dead | International |
Iran could release French researcher within hours: French FM
At least 11 dead in bombing in Russia's Ingushetia | International |
Taliban directly threaten Afghan polls
Thai red shirts rally, seek pardon for Thaksin | International |
Bombs kill at least 8 people in Iraq market
Suspected rebels attack U.N. compound in Somalia | International |
At least 6 killed by bombs at Baghdad restaurant
Pakistani troops hurt in suicide bombing
UK pilot 'killed' in Malaysia testing new plane
Taiwan must airlift many typhoon victims: govt
Man stabs himself outside Japan parliament: police
SKorean golfers celebrate Yang's historic PGA win
AP IMPACT: Banks added 10,000 branches in boom
UN probes Aboriginal discrimination allegations
North Korea, its economy weaker, reopens to South
Police: NY man beaten in racially charged robbery
Strong quake rattles southern Japan, Taiwan
Late deal averts crippling Bay Area rail strike
Pro wrestler Angle charged with HGH possession
China's nuclear envoy to visit North Korea: report
Earthquake rattles Taiwan, no reports of damage
Obama birthplace flap evokes Chester Arthur debate
Go West, Mr. President, to America's wilderness
Scars linger from killer Montana earthquake of '59
Obama softens on 'public option' in health care debate
China must adapt to EU rules on fishing: study
RPT-NZ services sector in first expansion in 16 months
20 years on, East Germans relive flight to freedom
Alien action film District 9 tops box office | Entertainment |
Jay Farrar, Ben Gibbard pay tribute to Kerouac | Entertainment |
Weinstein Co in dire need of a hit: NY Times | Entertainment |
Jay Farrar, Ben Gibbard pay tribute to Kerouac
Multi-pronged career keeps guitarist Haynes busy
Ex-Disney chief's series proves desperately unfunny | Entertainment |
Ex-Disney chief's series proves desperately unfunny
Rotterdam: cyclists' haven in Europe's largest port
Multi-pronged career keeps guitarist Haynes busy | Entertainment |
Alien thriller 'District 9' lands at box office top spot
With Obama in office, Fox News finds its stride
Iraq cabinet approves vote on U.S. security pact
Russia truck bomb attack 'kills 20'
US-TECH Summary
Eurozone trade surplus doubles in June
Pandas could be extinct in 2-3 generations: report
Palestinian leader stresses talks, not "resistance"
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps new head
Dozens missing after accident at Siberia power station
Karroubi 'should be lashed' over rape claims: Iran cleric
Reformist Iran newspaper shut down
Spanair crash result of human, technical error | International |
Mubarak says peace first, normalisation with Israel second
Russia says finds missing ship, crew alive | International |
Mass rally on last Afghan campaign day
Iran police clash with protesters over daily | International |
Israeli troops shoot Egyptian policeman at border
Human Rights Watch: Iraqi gays tortured and killed
US soldier killed in Afghanistan
Iraq cabinet approves vote on U.S. security pact | International |
US-TECH Summary
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head
IBM uses DNA to make next-gen microchips | Technology |
Telecom operators hurt selling iPhones | Technology |
Struggling Sony Ericsson taps Nordberg as new head | Technology |
U.S. videogame sales down 29 percent in July | Technology |
Republican Huckabee supports Israeli settlements
Bird's Nest, SARS enter Chinese dictionary
US senators talk terrorism, Gitmo issues in Yemen
N.Korea restarts S.Korea tours in conciliatory gesture
Dean: Public option a must for health care reform
NKorea agrees to resume tours, family reunions
Obama to update veterans on Iraq, Afghanistan
First hurricane of Atlantic season gains strength
Strong quake hits off Japan, tsunami advisory issued
Dell developing mobile devices for China Mobile | Technology |
Immigration trial for Egyptian student to begin
Supporters seek pardon for fugitive former Thai PM
Program cut to hurt NV, nation's driest state
Obama to address VFW on Monday
US relief team arrives in Taiwan to transport aid
Hundreds allowed to go home amid Calif. wildfires
Suu Kyi's US 'guest' receives medical treatment
Australian inquiry slams wildfire failures
US civilian killed in eastern Afghanistan
China sends envoy to Washington on tire case
Pakistani stocks end lower, rupee flat after rate cut
Taiwan dollar hit over 1-mth low on fund outflows
Pakistan's foreign investment falls to $195.6 mln
Q+A-What can be done to fire up Pakistan's power sector?
Moody's ups Pakistan outlook on IMF loan increase
Japan limps out of recession
China announces iron ore deal with Australia miner
Japan's economy rebounds in 2Q on export growth
Seoul shares fall on exporters;Hyundai Merchant up =2
Widow selling husband's tomb above Marilyn Monroe | Entertainment |
Kiss to release new album at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club
Sundance Channel launches video-on-demand service | Entertainment |
Waltz crafts linguistic magic for `Basterds'
Widow selling husband's tomb above Marilyn Monroe
Record mass dive in Indonesia: Guinness
Lebanon Jewish community rebuilds ornate synagogue
Time no barrier as Cropredy Fest rocks on and on | Entertainment |
US troops go back to basics with Iraq forces
Soap operas spark Arab tourist boom in Turkey
Cautionary tale for Philippines boxers
'G.I. Joe' continues overseas box-office domination
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01