George Casey
George Casey
coalition element forces iraqi key presence reducing remains security transition ultimately visibility
reducing the visibility and ultimately the presence of coalition forces as we transition to Iraqi security self-reliance remains a key element of our counter-insurgency strategy.
armed base capability forces fully iraqi recognize support
We fully recognize that Iraqi armed forces will not have an independent capability for some time, because they don't have the institutional base to support them,
coalition directly draw iraqi milestones numbers tie timeline
We do not have a timeline or milestones that directly tie the draw down of coalition units to numbers of Iraqi battalions,
begin built capacity iraqi mission seriously talking
We have built enough Iraqi capacity where we can begin talking seriously about transitioning this counterinsurgency mission to them,
forces iraqi security
The development of the Iraqi security forces is very much on track,
against fighters foreign iraqis seeing stand support
The Iraqis are seeing that they need to take a stand against the foreign fighters and the Iraqis that support them so they can get on with their future,
afraid armed committed forces iraqis members people tough understand
It is important for the American people to understand that we should not be afraid of this fight, ... This is a tough fight. Their armed forces members are committed to this. The Iraqis are committed to this.
cannot create guys impression iraqis polls succeed terror trying
Look, you guys read the polls just like I do. And this is a terror campaign. And they are trying to create the impression that we and the Iraqis cannot succeed in Iraq,
amount coalition dependency exposes feeds forces increased iraqi notion presence security time
Increased coalition presence feeds the notion of occupation. It contributes to the dependency of Iraqi security forces on the coalition, ... It extends the amount of time that it will take for Iraqi security forces to become self-reliant. And it exposes more coalition forces to attacks.
good open price
I think we'll open up with a good price. What's a good price I don't know.
amount degrees ice judging laid looks
It got down to about 20 degrees by 4 a.m., but judging by the amount of ice we laid down, it looks like we got through okay. But it was a very long night.
constitution looked national perception
We've looked for the constitution to be a national pact, and the perception now is that it's not.
abuse detainees past physical received reports security serious several
Over the past several months, I have received reports of serious physical abuse of detainees by ISF (Iraqi Security Forces).
forceful senator
I would not say necessarily as forceful as Senator Levin just put it,