A platoon leader with E Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, asks an Iraqi man questions on security in Tahrir on Thursday. The mission was intended to be a joint effort with Iraqi police, but none showed up.Some Troops Say Iraqis Need To Do More -- Stars And Stripes
TAHRIR, Iraq — As Iraqi security forces continue to take the lead on missions in much of the country, the U.S. military has generally — and deliberately — slipped into the background.
But at an irritable area bordering Baqouba, where there are fears that recent gains made by an Iraqi-led offensive could be lost, the opposite has happened.
Manpower issues and a perceived lack of initiative by Iraqi police have forced soldiers with Company E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, out of Vilseck, Germany, to patrol Tahrir mainly alone.
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My Comment: This is one reason why American forces will be staying in Iraq for a very long time. U.S. combat troops will eventually be out .... but there will still be a large American contingent in Iraq for a very long time.