Updated 17 March with Map
Updated 17 March with news of progress in Mosul
Map Courtesy MNF-I
Transcript of Presidential Speach via WaPa
Excerpt
When I reported on the progress of the Iraqi security forces last year, I said that there were over 120 Iraqi and police combat battalions in the fight against the enemy, and 40 of those were taking the lead in the fight.
Today, the number of battalions in the fight has increased to more than 130, with more than 60 taking the lead.
As more Iraqi battalions come on-line, these Iraqi forces are assuming responsibility for more territory. Today, Iraqi units have primary responsibility for more than 30,000 square miles of Iraq; an increase of roughly 20,000 square miles since the beginning of the year.
Gen Lynch - If you happen by my blog, can you get the map up at your next briefing?
Updated 17 March: Thanks to the Soldiers at MNF-I for getting the Briefing slides and transcript posted so quickly, and General Lynch's staff for preparing the map.
This is huge.
Previous Map Here
Updated -
Quick Facts - Iraq has 168,000 sq miles.
Largest 3 provinces are over 50% of Iraq
AlAnbar - 53,000 sq miles
Muthana - 20,000 sq miles
Ninewa - 14,000 sq miles
Then next 8 provinces are 40% of Iraq
Najaf - 10,800 sq miles
Salahadin -9,300 sq miles
Diyala -7,300 sq miles
Basra -7,300 sq miles
Wasit -6,600 sq miles
Sulamayia -6,600 sq miles
Maysan -6,000 sq miles
Irbil -5,400 sq miles
The remaining 7 provinces represent less than 10%(roughly 15,000 sq miles) of the area of Iraq.
Updated: 14 March
WaPo Bush Sets Target for Transition In Iraq
Bush, who until now has resisted concrete timelines.
Shouldn't the story read - Bush, having been briefed by his Generals, that 75% of Iraqi Brigades would own Battlespace by summer and 80% of Iraqi divisions would own battlespace by fall, just as the Washington Post reporters have been briefed for months, stated the obvious.
Updated Again: March 14th
WaPo Opines Again
Moreover, because much of the insurgency has been concentrated in four provinces, Iraqi forces could theoretically control the bulk of the country without eliminating the bloody resistance to the U.S.-supported government.
AlAnbar is 30% of the country. Assuming AlAnbar is excluded from the totals. One is hard pressed to get to the goal of "more than 50%" without the entire rest of the country. Gen Lynch has been saying 8 of 10 Iraqi divisions by fall. IMHO, one of the missing divisions will be in the south.
Updated: March 17
Via Stryker News
MOSUL, Iraq - In a ceremony held March 16 at the Qara Qosh compound in Mosul, 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army assumed command from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team over the battle space in Southeastern Mosul.
Thanks to Mudville Gazette for open post
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