Boots for the Iraqi Army?

Photograph © Michael Kamber/NY Times-All Rights Reserved
This has nothing to do with the mission of TTP, but I can't resist.

Iraqi army units are complaining about their inadequate supplies and lack of sophisticated weaponry. The above photograph by Michael Kamber in today's New York Times of an Iraqi soldier wearing plastic sandals (albeit new) is indicative of this seemingly widespread problem.

In comparison, the American soldier is equipped with a sniper scope, helmet, rugged boots and perhaps body armor. So this begs the question: where do the funds to equip the Iraqi army go, and why aren't its soldiers properly equipped?

I guess we all know the answer.