Babil Today, Wasit Soon: Local Responsibility Grows

October 2008 | Political Risk Alert

The news that the US military has handed over control of Babil province to Baghdad is another positive demonstration of the improving security situation and the growing competence of the Iraqi security forces. The predominately Shi'a province is the 12th (of 18) to be handed over to Iraqi forces. At the handover ceremony in Hilla on October 23, the number two commander of US forces in Iraq, Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, stated that insurgent attacks were down 80% from the levels seen a year ago. At the same occasion, Mowaffaq al-Rubaie, Iraq's national security advisor said that Iraqi security forces

If you would like to subscribe to Middle East Monitor, The Gulf and gain instant access to this article, please click here to subscribe.

If you would like to take a trial to Middle East Monitor, The Gulf please click on the trial link below.