Surge to nowhere (no. 2 of a series)
The following is from a conservative, a neo-conservative even (Fred Kagen, the AEI report that justifies the surge.
The United States currently has approximately 140,000 troops in Iraq, including about 70,000 in thirteen Army Brigade Combat Teams and two Marine Regimental Combat Teams (RCTs—the Marines’ slightly smaller equivalent of brigades). Of the remaining 70,000 soldiers, many are engaged in the enormous task of providing supplies to coalition soldiers and to the 134,000 soldiers in the Iraqi Army, who are almost entirely dependent on American logistics to survive and operate. A large number of American troops are engaged in securing the long lines of communication from Kuwait to Baghdad (600 miles) and from there to U.S. forward operating bases (FOBs) around the country. Around 6,000 soldiers are now involved in training Iraqi Army and police units as well.
In other words, according to the optimists, the chose-victory crowd, the Iraqi Army depends on us for supplies. Amazing. They can't even feed themselves, let alown secure anything.
Thanks to the Belgravia Dispatch for this link.