HADLEY ON "THE MISSION" AND CIVIL WAR

On Monday, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley stated what the mission in Iraq is:

HADLEY:As we've said, you know, the goal for Iraq remains the same: A democratic Iraq that is able to govern itself, defend itself, sustain itself and is an ally in the war on terror.


On the current situation in Iraq:

Q Do you maintain it's still not a civil war in Iraq?

MR. HADLEY: Well, it's interesting, the Iraqis don't talk of it as a civil war; the unity government doesn't talk of it as a civil war. And I think the things they point to when they say that are, one, that at this point in time the army and the police have not fractured along sectarian lines, which is what you've seen elsewhere; and the government continues to be holding together and has not fractured on sectarian terms.


The Iraqi police and military have been "fractured" for a long time (from LexisNexis) :

HEADLINE: Iraqi police suspected in deadly ambush
DATELINE: BAGHDAD, March 13 (UPI)
March 13, 2004 Saturday

BODY:Four men arrested in the murders of two Americans and their Iraqi interpreter are believed to be Iraqi policemen, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday. The four carried Iraqi police identification that is believed to be valid and current, said Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition occupying Iraq. The disclosure renewed fears insurgents have infiltrated Iraqi police officers who are to help carry the security load, especially after the coalition hands over sovereignty June 30.

HEADLINE: Marines disband Fallujah Brigade
DATELINE: RAMADI, Iraq, Sept. 11 (UPI)
September 11, 2004 Saturday
BODY:The controversial Iraqi military force formed by U.S. Marines in an effort to calm the city of Fallujah has been officially disbanded. The Fallujah Brigade, composed of former members of the Iraqi army and Saddam Hussein's special security forces, was disbanded after months of continuing violence, assaults on government security forces, and evidence that some members had been working openly with insurgents, the Seattle Times reported Saturday.