We'll try to include Iraqi officers in our staffs. We will do everything we can to empower Iraqi security forces to stand up on their own and operate where they can alone.

Quote by John Abizaid

Topics: John Abizaid Quotes

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.

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

I think you will see a lot of strains develop in the political process that...

I think you will see a lot of strains develop in the political process that...

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...

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...

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.