Success in Iraq

Department of Defense Fact Sheet
Success in Iraq by GEN John Abizaid, US Army

March 17, 2005

Gen. John Abizaid, CENTCOM commander, testified before the House Armed Services Committee that there are two markers for success this year in Iraq. One, a legitimate political process must emerge in the December elections. And two, Iraqi security forces must become more responsible for the conduct of the war, especially efforts to defeat the counter-insurgency. Following are details from his testimony. . .

There are some good points here. I feel that we cannot leave Iraq until their newly elected/insatalled government is confidant that they can lead and protect their country. I also have mixed feeling about the number of Americans that are killed protecting the new sovereignty if Iraq.

Iraq is still vulnerable to terrorism. My number 1 fear is that if the insurgents/terrorists assume control of Iraq once again, the likes of Saddam, or Saddam himself, will take charge, and Iraq will be right back where they were before we captured him.

We, America, must stand fast. We, America, must remain true to our course, and provide whatever training and assistance the new Iraqi government needs to eventually overthrow the insurgent forces and defend and protect themselves from outside influences in this most unstable region.

See the rest of GEN Abizaid's comments here.

Signing Off. Until next time, I'll see ya on the Blog! drh.