Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/18/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/IRAQ (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-305568

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// LOOK FOR UPDATE. PENTAGON SAYS THERE WILL BE 3PM BRIEFING ON THE REPORT ///

INTRO: A new report commissioned by the Pentagon says U-S-led forces risk losing the cooperation of the Iraqi people, unless there is rapid progress in restoring security, as well as basic services. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: The report, written by a team of private experts, says that because of what are termed the "daunting array" of challenges in Iraq, the United States needs to be prepared to stay involved in Iraq for several years.

But the report, commissioned by the Defense Department, warns the next three months in particular will be crucial for addressing what is termed the "volatile" security situation.

The document says, quoting now, "the Iraqi population has exceedingly high expectations, and the window for cooperation may close rapidly, if they do not see progress on delivering security, basic services, opportunities for broad political involvement and economic opportunity."

Although the report acknowledges there has been significant progress in the post-war period, it says that what it terms "the potential for chaos" is becoming more real every day" because of the ongoing attacks staged by supporters of the former regime of Saddam Hussein.

Asked about the report, Pentagon officials said they agreed with the assessment that significant challenges lie ahead in Iraq. They say they intend to study the report to determine how to put into practice its recommendations.

The document was released the same week the top U-S military commander in Iraq conceded coalition forces are now facing a classic guerilla-type campaign, waged by ousted Baath party loyalists and foreign terrorists.

The review makes a number of recommendations on security issues, calling, for example, for increased street-level visibility of coalition troops, especially in Baghdad.

It also suggests the use of contract private security forces to guard low-risk installations, freeing up troops for other security assignments.

Some Iraqis have already been trained for private guard duties at select locations, including some government buildings.

Defense officials indicate they are considering an expansion of the program to place private Iraqi security forces at oil facilities and other sites.

Military authorities are also pressing ahead with security sweeps aimed at netting suspects believed involved in bloody attacks on U-S troops.

The latest such operation, dubbed "Soda Mountain," ended Friday. Coalition forces detained over 600 individuals, including 62 described as former regime leaders. Coalition forces also confiscated thousands of weapons.

Defense officials say, since the end of major combat operations in Iraq, more than 11-thousand suspects have been detained. But they also say more than seven-thousand of them were later released. (SIGNED)

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