We have provincial control in Iraq until at least July 2008

Published: September 20, 2007, 3:23 am

Yahoo News - WASHINGTON - In another sign of U.S. struggles in Iraq, the target date for putting Iraqi authorities in charge of security in all 18 provinces has slipped yet again, to at least July. The delay, noted in a Pentagon report to Congress on progress and problems in Iraq, highlights the difficulties in developing Iraqi police forces and the slow pace of economic and political progress in some areas. It is the second time this year the target date for completing what is known as "Provincial Iraqi Control" has been pushed back. The Pentagon report submitted to Congress on Monday hinted at the possibility of further delays. The intent is to give the provincial governments control over security in their area as a step toward lessening and eventually ending the U.S. security role. Thus far seven of the 18 provinces have reverted to Iraqi control. The process has gained relatively little attention in the broader debate in Washington about when and how to

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