For the third time in three years, the United States military plans to hand over the city of Samarra to newly trained Iraqi police, and:
It's a major test for the U.S. military in Iraq, and one U.S. commanders here say they can't afford to fail.
Of course it will be the citizens of Samarra who will pay if we fail this test...so how are things looking? Is a crackerjack police force in place, ready to stand up so we can stand down?
In Samarra, 10 police officers have been assassinated in recent months. About 800 policemen are on the payroll, but only 100 to 150 show up for work, according to their American trainers.
Perhaps the third time will be the charm. But first, let's take a look at how we did during our previous "tests" in Samarra...or maybe they were just quizzes on how to promote freedom...