Just can't get started

Tucked away in the preznit's recent supplemental budget request, ostensibly for fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, is a tasty little tidbit that indicates just how badly things really are going, security-wise, in Iraq. In a section that explains the need for $5.7 billion for the "Iraq Security Force Fund" it is stated that the US has created 90 battalions of Iraqi security forces, but...

All but one of these 90 battalions, however, are lightly equipped and armed, and have very limited mobility and sustainment capabilities.

In other words, writes Slate's Fred Kaplan, 89 of 90 Iraqi battalions cannot fight.

So, the insurgency began in full force a year and a half ago, and yet only now, according to the request, is the Bush administration asking for the money to begin to train and equip Iraqis to defend themselves.

For all the administration happy talk, US troops are going to be bearing the bulk of security responsibilities for a long time to come.

Meanwhile, it's beginning to look as though the only way to get rid of Ahmad Chalabi is by using a silver stake through his heart.

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Feb. 15 - The race for the top job in Iraq's new government narrowed Tuesday to two leaders in the Shiite alliance, with Ibrahim Jafari of the Dawa Party squaring off against Ahmad Chalabi, who was mounting a last-minute stand against his rival.

[...]

While Mr. Chalabi has ranked among the least popular of Iraqi leaders in public opinion polls, Dr. Jafari has ranked the highest. In addition, Dr. Jafari leads an organization known for its deep roots in Iraq, and for the repression it suffered under Saddam Hussein, while Mr. Chalabi is known for leading an organization, the Iraqi National Congress, that was composed mostly of exiles.

Mr. Chalabi also carries substantial political baggage. Though many Iraqis credit him with persuading the Americans to topple Mr. Hussein, he is widely known here for his conviction on bank fraud charges associated with the collapse of the Petra Bank in Jordan.

Hmmm. The "least popular of Iraqi leaders" is poised to become prime minister. Dexter Filkins doesn't really explain how that came about. Will wonders in Iraq never cease?