In an interview with Channel 4 (UK), Iraqi interim Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib said "I think we will not need the multi-national, foreign forces, in this country within 18 months. I think we will be able to depend on ourselves."
This comes on a day that Iraq saw a high turnout for its elections despite reports people would boycott it and attacks that claimed 35 people. al-Naqib believes Iraq's security force will be strong enough in 18 months to keep the peace.
al-Naqib says: "We are building our forces and I think we will need 18 months -- it's my estimate -- that we will have a quite reasonable sized force, trained, well trained force, well equipped to protect the country."
