Perspective: Ties that bind Iraqi forces break easily

KARMAH, IRAQ — As U.S. forces train Iraqis to take more responsibility in fighting insurgents in Al Anbar province, they say that leadership in the Iraqis' enlisted ranks remains in short supply.

An Iraqi army unit here sagged after the death of one of its soldiers, whom Marines nicknamed Sgt. Barnes after a hard-nosed character in the movie "Platoon." And Marines say the unit's combat effectiveness fell apart after a sergeant they respected was killed by a roadside bomb.

"As long as they have one or two guys who know what they're doing, the rest follow them," said Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Gendron, 20.

Maj. Sean Riordan, the executive officer of the Marines' 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, speaks Arabic and has worked with the armies of Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The problem facing the Iraqis is common to many armies in the Arab world, he said.

"They do not have a very broad-based approach to decision-making," Riordan said. "They are particularly dependent on strong, forceful leaders, and when they lose one, they have trouble continuing."

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