With the number of Iraqi security forces expected to exceed 580,000 this year, most of Baghdad under control, Anbar ready to be handed over, and violence down drastically, all Iraqi provinces could be under Iraqi control…by the end of the year.

Iraq’s army and police could be ready to take over security in all 18 provinces by the end of this year as the U.S. military moves toward a less prominent role in the country, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

“We look at it every month. We make recommendations. I think that if we continue along the path we’re on now, we’ll be able to do that by the end of 2008,” Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the No. 2 commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said when asked when Iraqi forces could take the lead in all provinces…

Iraqi security forces are now in control of nine provinces after assuming control of Iraqi’s southern oil hub, Basra, in December. Iraqi forces are also expected to take control in Anbar province, a one-time insurgent stronghold, as early as March.

The ability of Iraqi forces to take the lead in security operations is vital to President George W. Bush’s plan to withdraw 20,000 U.S. troops by the middle of this year…

“All the evidence available to me now suggests we will be able to complete the drawdown,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters separately…

But Gates said the U.S. mission in Iraq has begun its planned transition to a more supportive role that would focus on border security and combating al Qaeda in Iraq. “That’s ultimately where we are headed, and we have begun that process of transition,” he said.

“The War is Lost” – Senator Harry Reid (D-Denial)