Opinion: Coalition Forces on Baghdad Streets Again: Who is Responsible?

Coalition forces will be redeployed in Baghdad to take over security duties in many of the capital's neighbourhoods that had been under the Iraqi interior and defence forces' control. The return of coalition forces to Baghdad's streets is a setback to efforts to reinforce the sovereignty of Iraqi security. And being able to work without the coalition forces is the first step toward the pullout of these forces from Iraq. Coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and Iraqi political, religious and social forces are all responsible for this setback. Coalition forces failed to prepare the Iraqi security forces for professionalism and logistics. These forces were not adequately prepared to embark on the tasks they were given, particularly with the complex security and political circumstances. And the coalition forces also failed to organize the security and military plan with the Iraqi forces. Often, security procedures were caught between the two forces. And Iraqi security forces often complained that coalition troops interfered in their work and were bureaucratic. Many Iraqi security and military units can't eliminate multiple loyalties and cannot act professionally by overcoming conflicting loyalties (to sects, militias or political organizations) and narrow biases. The goal to build the Iraqi armed forces completely, to arm them properly and to make them professional is the primary and immediate goal of all parties. Otherwise the cycle of violence will continue and Iraqis will need foreign forces to stay.