ANNE FLAHERTY

Iraqi ground forces should become proficient by mid-2009, a US Army general told Congress yesterday.

The assessment by Lt Gen James Dubik suggests that US troops could start stepping back around that time from ground combat missions.

Dubik, who for the past year led efforts to train Iraq's security forces, said his estimate depended on several factors and did not take into account when other components of Iraq's security forces would become more independent.

Overall, Iraq's security forces have control of just half its 18 provinces. While the Defence Department recently estimated Iraq could take the lead in all the provinces by the end of this year, other military officials have said 2009 is more realistic.

"Declaring full success too early is a risk," said Dubik. "There has been huge progress. But full success is not yet at hand."

Politicians pressed Dubik about when he thought the Iraqis could take more control. "I wouldn't put an X' on the calendar," he replied.

When asked to consider ground forces only, he said it would be in the middle of next year before they would be considered capable: "It could be as early as April. It could be as late as August."