Certainly our goal is to leave Iraq, but we can't leave Iraq with our forces until we know that the Iraqi security forces are capable and efficient enough to defend the sovereignty of the nation.

Quote by John Abizaid

Topics: John Abizaid Quotes

I think you also understand that one of the key things that's got to be...

I think you also understand that one of the key things that's got to be...

But clearly the fact that we've gone from zero Iraqi security forces on duty in...

But clearly the fact that we've gone from zero Iraqi security forces on duty in...

Well, the reports are correct that we're conducting very robust military operations on the Afghan...

Well, the reports are correct that we're conducting very robust military operations on the Afghan...

It's also natural in that part of the world to blame what people view as...

It's also natural in that part of the world to blame what people view as...

As far as Zarqawi is concerned, there is a network of extremists; it's not just...

As far as Zarqawi is concerned, there is a network of extremists; it's not just...

We've got to ensure that the quality and the capability of these forces will be...

We've got to ensure that the quality and the capability of these forces will be...

We'll try to include Iraqi officers in our staffs. We will do everything we can...

We'll try to include Iraqi officers in our staffs. We will do everything we can...

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

Being on the run, having to change the way that you do business, being unable...

Being on the run, having to change the way that you do business, being unable...

But all that having been said, you can't, in a city of a million people...

But all that having been said, you can't, in a city of a million people...

Capturing any member of any terrorist cell or any insurgent cell that we may happen...

Capturing any member of any terrorist cell or any insurgent cell that we may happen...

It's clear to me now that we've got to reach out to the Arab Sunni...

It's clear to me now that we've got to reach out to the Arab Sunni...

Undoubtedly, there are members of the former regime that are cooperating in some fashion and...

Undoubtedly, there are members of the former regime that are cooperating in some fashion and...

Well, the hardest thing to do, as we know from our own experience on 9/11...

Well, the hardest thing to do, as we know from our own experience on 9/11...

Clearly the Secretary of Defense, my boss, would like nothing better than to get Osama...

Clearly the Secretary of Defense, my boss, would like nothing better than to get Osama...

And so I think that if the person has the funds, the network, and the...

And so I think that if the person has the funds, the network, and the...

So, these political activities will create friction in and of themselves, and in this environment...

So, these political activities will create friction in and of themselves, and in this environment...

I think what actually works best is local-level individual targeting of key leadership nodes.

I think what actually works best is local-level individual targeting of key leadership nodes.

Oh, the transition concerns me because as we move towards an important political event, it's...

Oh, the transition concerns me because as we move towards an important political event, it's...

But I am satisfied that the information that we have that this is the work...

But I am satisfied that the information that we have that this is the work...