New Iraqi army will provide needed stability

One key element of restoring anything resembling normalcy in Iraq is putting Iraqis back to work. And plans are in place to help in one major area: the restoration of an Iraqi army.

Sites for military training have been identified, and plans for recruiting have been made. U.S. officials expect the rebuilding of the army will begin in earnest in the next few weeks.

There are many good reasons to train and equip a new Iraqi army as soon as possible.

For one thing, Iraqi soldiers could provide major relief to U.S. troops currently guarding key facilities where security must be maintained.

Probably more important, though, is the impact on the nation's economy. Unemployment is rampant, thanks both to wartime conditions and the fact that hundreds of thousands of Iraqis were dependent on military payrolls for income.

By reviving the Iraqi army, thousands of soldiers would once again have a dependable and reliable source of income for themselves and their families.

U.S. officials say training of new army recruits is likely to begin next month.

If this effort is as effective as it is expected to be, it will go a long way toward restoration of order and a boost in the Iraqi economy.

Once the new Iraqi army is trained and functioning, it should provide reassurances to other segments of the local economy and encourage the reopening of businesses and factories.