U.S. Sees Iraqis Taking Over Security in 12 to 18 Months

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi forces should be able to take full control of security in the country within the next 12 to 18 months with minimal American support, Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said on Tuesday.

Casey also said he felt the United States should continue to focus on drawing down the number of American forces in the country, adding that he would not hesitate to ask for more troops if he felt they were necessary.

"We are about 75 percent of the way through as three-step process in building those (Iraqi) forces. It is going to take another 12 to 18 months or so till I believe the Iraqi security forces are completely capable of taking over responsiblity for their own security that's still coupled with some level of support from us," Casey said.

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