Why doesn't the Iraq "government" stand up and try to take control?

I'm not anti-war or anti-troops. I just want to know what is going on? I would read the newspapers and watch the news but everyone is so one sided that the "truth" will never be told. It's either super liberal or super conservative opinions and not actual facts American people want to know. Either it's "bring them home now, peace will never happen" or, "we are doing an excellent job, we just need a little more time to stabilize". I know lots of soldiers that have been there or are there right now but they all have different opinions. What is really going on? My guess is we'll be there for another 5 years or so to "police" the hot zones. Can I get some good information please?!