It's clear to me now that we've got to reach out to the Arab Sunni community in particular in an effort to cause some moderate political activity to take place so they join the future of Iraq.

Quote by John Abizaid

Topics: John Abizaid Quotes

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...

You know as well as I do that counterinsurgency is a very nuanced type of...

You know as well as I do that counterinsurgency is a very nuanced type of...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Certainly our goal is to leave Iraq, but we can't leave Iraq with our forces...

Certainly our goal is to leave Iraq, but we can't leave Iraq with our forces...

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...

But the key shift in focus will be from counter-insurgency operations to more and more...

But the key shift in focus will be from counter-insurgency operations to more and more...

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

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...

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...

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 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...

In other words, for every 10 enemy you kill you bring on 20 new recruits...

In other words, for every 10 enemy you kill you bring on 20 new recruits...

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...

But the truth of the matter is that there is there is an opportunity for...

But the truth of the matter is that there is there is an opportunity for...

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...

Morale is good; troops are confident; leaders are capable.

Morale is good; troops are confident; leaders are capable.

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...