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

Quote by John Abizaid

Topics: John Abizaid Quotes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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 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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

Our forces will not be on the sidelines.

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

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

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...

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 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...

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...

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...