GOOD NEWS FOR THE 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

BAGHDAD -- The US-led occupation plans to shift control of this war-stricken city center to Iraqi forces soon and move most US troops to the capital's perimeter, military officials said yesterday...

The United States will reduce the number of US operating bases in Baghdad and move most to the outskirts before the First Armored Division hands over security in April to the incoming First Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. In northern Iraq, three brigades of the 101st Airborne Division will be replaced Thursday by a single Second Division brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash.

The diminishing profile of US forces is part of a Pentagon-approved effort to cede the leading role in security to Iraqi troops. Senior coalition officials acknowledged yesterday that even if a representative Iraqi government took over as planned this summer, it would remain unable to control security.

US troop numbers are expected to remain near their current level, officials said.

"The occupying forces will move from being occupying forces to being invited forces in partnership, in some ways, with the Iraqis in defense of their country until such time as their security forces can do it themselves," a senior civilian coalition official in Baghdad said, speaking on condition of anonymity.