World | Basra 1,000 Iraqis Deserted Basra Battle Officers and men fled or balked as government battled militias By Rob Quinn Posted Apr 4, 2008 5:00 AM CDT Copied Mahdi Army fighters drive away with captured Iraqi armored police vehicles outside a state run al-Iraqiya TV facility in Basra, Iraq, Sunday, March 30, 2008. (AP Photo) Desertions from Iraqi forces during last week's Basra battles have raised fresh doubts about the effectiveness of the country's US-trained security forces, the New York Times reports. Over 1,000 soldiers and policemen—including dozens of officers—either deserted or refused to fight. The US has linked American troop withdrawals to the readiness of Iraqi forces to take charge. An American official played down the desertions, saying many were simply fresh recruits not ready for battle and it was not a "major issue." Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki vowed the government would be tough on deserters. “Joining the army or police is not a trip or a picnic," he said. “They swore on the Koran that they would not support their sect or their party, but they were lying.” Read These Next President Monroe's daughter wrote a desperate plea in 1839. 'Butt-breathing' could be the future for struggling patients. Online boo-bears go after the demo firm tearing White House apart. Author Michael Wolf has sued the first lady. Report an error