Jones Report: Iraqi Forces Not Ready For Prime Time

"Jones Report: Iraqi security forces not ready" from the Washington Post reports that the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq, headed by retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones, comes down hard on Iraq's interior ministry, labeling it ineffective and full of corruption and should be disbanded and rebuilt.  It estimates that while the Iraqi army has made progress, it will be at least several years before the forces are ready to operate independently and effectively.

The report also recommends a reduction in the US footprint in the area as well as a reduction and consolidation of troops and the establishment of a U.S.-Iraqi "Transition Headquarters.

Iraqi security forces "have the potential to help reduce sectarian violence," the report says. But the report, which emphasizes the failure of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government to achieve key political benchmarks, says that violence will not end without political reconciliation. In addition to the failings of the Interior Ministry and police, it says that Maliki is perceived as bypassing the Ministry of Defense and the chain of command to create "a second, and politically motivated" command structure in the army. 

The Politico has a PDF copy linked to Mike Allen's story...