Securing Iraq

This is both a hopeful and dangerous time for Iraq as its forces take over from U.S. troops in the nation's cities.

Militants have already tested the new arrangement with a car bombing Tuesday in Kirkuk that killed at least 33 people and wounded 97 others.

Last week, a suicide truck bombing took nearly 80 lives in Taza Khurmatu, just south of Kirkuk.

The northern Iraqi city perched atop oil reserves is a strategic prize valued by both Kurds in northern Iraq and Arabs who want it under control of the Baghdad central government.

Before the Tuesday blast, Iraqi President Nouri al-Mailiki hailed the day as a historic milestone on the way to full Iraqi sovereignty. Marches and other celebrations marked the day.

American forces are now at bases on the outskirts of cities or in rural areas in fulfillment of a U.S.-Iraq security pact. President Barack Obama has said he seeks to have all combat troops out of Iraq by the end of August 2010.

Arab-Kurdish disputes in the north will test Iraqi security forces, as will militants and terrorists. The Baghdad government will have much to work out with the semiautonomous government of the Kurdistan region.

U.S. Ambassador Chris Hill said the embassy is willing to help reconcile disputes between Arabs and Kurds. He has expressed confidence in Iraqi forces in their quest to keep the country safe.

Certainly the United States wants Iraqi forces and government to succeed in these endeavors. It is time for Iraqis to begin taking control of their country.