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.
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,
asked greater july period question
I think right now we're in a period of a little greater uncertainty than when I was asked that question back in July and March,
three
What's important is ... is that the one and three are irrelevant,
coalition exists forces
the possibility for condition-based reductions of coalition forces still exists for 2006.
aspects constitution december elections referendum
The referendum on the constitution and the elections at the end of December are the most important aspects of what we're doing now.
daily fighting forward improving side
We are fighting with them side by side on a daily basis, improving their capabilities day by day, ... We are measuring this very carefully, and we're not going forward with this capriciously.
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,
certainly expect forces military police render
We certainly do expect that there is some infiltration of the police and ... the military forces, ... But we don't see it in the way that would render these forces incapable.
happens progress steps taking yield
We say we make progress relentlessly in little steps a day at a time. And we just keep taking little steps. And every once in a while, you get to see what happens when all those little steps yield something.