From Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, NATO Training Mission Iraq: NATO has made an important commitment to Iraq. This commitment has borne fruit; the Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead securing Iraq and are becoming increasingly more capable and professional. As a result of its contributions, NATO is highly-regarded by the Government of Iraq. Government leaders readily recognize the contribution of NATO Training Mission-Iraq’s (NTM-I) to its security and they have expressed a strong desire to continue this relationship into the future. …
Since inception, 23 NATO member countries and one partner country have contributed directly to the training effort by providing personnel, financial contributions, or equipment donations. Today, the in-country NTM-I footprint is a relatively small tactical force of 177 personnel representing14 member nations at four deployed locations in Iraq. The Mission influences professional institutions of the Iraqi Security Forces to build enduring, sustainable capabilities, working directly with partners in the Iraqi Ministries of Defense and Interior to build capabilities that provide internal security and build a foundation to defend against external threats. …
NTM-I’s accomplishments represent a success for NATO. This success must be attributed, first and foremost, to the support that the Alliance and partner countries have generously provided to NTM-I, both the high quality of personnel serving in Iraq and the foundation built by NATO Trust Funds. While the alliance is no longer in the force generation business—NATO members have provided over €24 million in monetary and €200 million in equipment donations to build the force—the effort in Iraq requires continued support for the mission to continue through 2011. Existing Trust Funds will only support programmed activities until the end of 2010.
For 2011 the Fund faces a significant shortfall and there are no funds for either in-country or out-of-country training. The estimated Trust Fund requirement for 2011 is €5.73 M; a very small contribution compared to the strategic benefit to the Alliance and Iraq. …
[F]ailure to resource NTM-I through 2011 would signal unwillingness on NATO’s part to fulfil the Agreement signed with Iraq on 26 Jul 2009, in effect cancelling the accord. The termination of this Agreement could cause long-term harm NATO’s interests and image in this vital region. …
Looking forward, NATO has a ‘once in a lifetime’ Strategic Opportunity to build an enduring relationship with a democratic state in a critical region. The Alliance should seize this opportunity and begin a dialogue to build a post-2011 relationship with the Government of Iraq.
Lieutenant General Michael D. Barbero is the Commander, NATO Training Mission – Iraq and the Deputy Commanding General for Advising and Training, United States Forces – Iraq. (photo: Atef Hassan/Reuters/aliraqi)
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