Iraq: US forces are planning a gradual withdrawal from Iraq, starting in regions less affected by the insurgency, suggested the American general in charge of reconstructing Iraq's security forces.
Lieut Gen David Patreas said control of security had already been handed over to local Iraqi forces in some parts of the country.
"Coalition forces have already handed over a lot of power to Iraqi security forces in areas where there isn't too much trouble. You can expect to see coalition troops withdrawing from those areas, and bit by bit handing the country back to Iraqis," said Gen Patreas. He envisaged teams of US military advisers would be embedded with Iraqi units, while coalition troops in active combat duty pulled back first to military bases, and then, later, out of the country.
In the British-controlled south, relatively untouched by violence, commanders say a third of UK forces are now engaged in advisory roles, senior officials said.
Gen Patreas gave no timetable for the withdrawal, reflecting concerns that such a deadline might bolster the insurgency.
A UN resolution allows US and British forces to remain in Iraq until the political process ends with full constitutional elections in December 2005. Coalition troops can then stay on at the request of the Iraqi government.
However, with the occupation deeply unpopular in Iraq, commanders say they want to greatly reduce the coalition's presence over the course of this year.
"It's got to be flexible process that reflects the readiness of Iraqis across the country to take over their own security arrangements," said Gen Patreas.
Key to success is the rapid development of Iraq's security forces, a source of renewed optimism among coalition commanders that Iraq might be "turning the corner".
As of January 19th, Iraq had 125,000 trained security and military personnel out of a revised goal for a force of over a quarter of a million officers and soldiers. Efforts are now focusing on building up a nationwide command structure, with senior Iraqi officers shadowing their US and British counterparts.
Building up Iraq's security forces hasn't been easy, said Gen Patreas, the steely-eyed man upon whose shoulders the coalition's exit strategy rest.
One of Gen Patreas's policies has been to recruit thousands of former Baathists who were sacked after the US administration disbanded the old Iraqi army. Former Baathists now make up the vast majority of officers in the new Iraqi army.
"I think we can all recognise that as a mistake - not so much the disbanding the army, but the failure to make adequate provision for them afterwards," said Gen Patreas.