Security improvements alone not enough to win in Iraq: Pentagon

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Source: afp



Security improvements alone not enough to win in Iraq: Pentagon

by Jim Mannion 13 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Pentagon reported to Congress Monday that political progress in Iraq remains stalled despite a surge in US forces, and warned that improvements in security were not enough to win the war.

The quarterly report to Congress on stability and security in Iraq said the surge had led to improvements in security, including a drop in sectarian killing and civilian casualties and a downward trend in attacks.

"Improved security and stability is not enough to win the counterinsurgency," the report said. "Political progress must also be achieved to reinforce and complement progress in securing the Iraqi population."

"There has been little national-level political progress in passing key legislation and implementing government reform," it said.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070917/pl_afp/usiraqpolitics_070917220356;_ylt=ArAQoECZ1pzT3oneb4uCTdKMwfIE