Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

What does "entrenched deficiencies" mean?

A senior American military adviser in Baghdad has concluded
in an unusually blunt memo that the Iraqi forces suffer from
deeply entrenched deficiencies but are now capable of
protecting the Iraqi government and that it is time "for the
U.S. to declare victory and go home."
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Hiromichi

[pugachevV]

Entrenched means established so firmly that change is difficult. Deeply entrenched means more firmly established so that change is REALLY difficult.

In other words the Iraqi military people are so set in their ways that they are reluctant to change, but gradually they are learning from the Americans, Brits., etc. and are now thought to be able to control their country.

Probably as capable as the South Vietnamese were and look how well that turned out.

[hiromichi]

pugachevV:
Now I got it. Thank you very much for your answer and comments.
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Hiromichi

[pugachevV]

You're welcome, hiromichi