Bill Drew writes “Here is a link to the declassified summary of the classified National Intelligence Estimate for Iraq. I do not necessarily agree with its conclusions. This was just reported via Docuticker.
National Intelligence Estimate — Prospects for Iraq’s Stability: A Challenging Road Ahead (PDF; 200 KB)
Source: National Intelligence Board (via CNN)
Summary (of classified document)
“Iraqi society’s growing polarization, the persistent weakness of the security forces and the state in general, and all sides’ ready recourse to violence are collectively driving an increase in communal and insurgent violence and political extremism. Unless efforts to reverse these conditions show measurable progress during the term of this Estimate, the coming 12 to 18 months, we assess that the overall security situation will continue to deteriorate at rates comparable to the latter part of 2006. If strengthened Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), more loyal to the government and supported by Coalition forces, are able to reduce levels of violence and establish more effective security for Iraq’s population, Iraqi leaders could have an opportunity to begin the process of political compromise necessary for longer term stability, political progress, and economic recovery.—
That’s ‘Estimate’, Sonny (n/t)
n/t