Via WaPo: U.S. Officials: Iraqi Security Could be Ready in 12-18 Months

Top U.S. officials in Iraq today predicted that Iraqi security forces could be largely self-sufficient within 12 to 18 months and said the Iraqi government is building a timetable for disarming militias, quieting insurgents and solving ongoing struggles for economic and political power.

Not to be a pessimist (in truth, I am just being a realist), but what has happened of late to suggest that such estimates are to be considered anything other than wishful thinking?

This at the same time it continues to be clear that we can’t even bring security to Baghdad?

This after the flexing of the Mahdi army’s muscles this week? (In an area that was supposedly peaceful and under Iraqi control, I might add).

This after reports of citizens increasingly turning to private security?

This amid recent problems with the administration of the “established” security forces?

Nope–no reason to be pessimistic here at all.

And from the “if wishes were horses, beggars would rider” file:

“In the course of the next 12 months, assuming Iraqi leaders deliver on the commitments they have made . . . there should be a national compact in place by that time, with a constitutional amendment, with a program for dealing with militias,” Khalilzad said.

Well, sure, assuming that, of course.

Spencer Ackerman has some somewhat snarky, yet unfortunately quite accurate comments on the administration’s success rate with deadlines in Iraq at TAPPED.