Posted on 01/12/2006 4:00:28 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 11, 2006 —The insurgency did not end because of the inspiring vote on Dec. 15. Recent suicide bombings and losses during combat operations remind us again that the fight is far from over. We cannot let isolated events distract us from the progress that has been made over the last year. That is what the terrorists want. As a result of the operations to restore Iraqi control to the Syrian border over the past months, we have cut the number of suicide attacks in Iraq in half by denying the people, resources and safe havens necessary for sustained operations.
The enemy will do anything, to include killing innocent men, women and children to reach their goal of subjugating Iraq and making it a base of terror for the world. This is al-Qaida's stated goal and our mission is to ensure this does not happen. We cannot lose sight of our mission.
Foreign fighters are trying to foment sectarian tension during a vulnerable period, but will not bring Iraq to the brink of civil war. Clearly, recent attacks have been designed to take advantage of this vulnerable time during the formation of the government. However, we continually see that while there are a number of attacks, only 20-25 percent result in injury or damage. This stagnation over many months shows no
increased capability by the terrorists and no increased support for their cause.
I think it is important for people to look at what the insurgents have not done. Certainly they can kill, and they have demonstrated that. However, murder is not a winning strategy. They have failed to disrupt the political process. They have failed to disrupt the growth of the Iraqi military and police, which has grown and become better trained. And they have failed to hold terrain. They still offer no positive vision for the future of Iraq.
The future of Iraq can clearly be seen in the celebrations of Iraqi Army and Police Day in the last week. These celebrations serve to remind the world of the increasing confidence the Iraqi people place in their military and police to protect them, ensure democracy, freedom, and safety for all Iraqis. As the new Iraqi parliament is seated and ministries stand up, the Iraqi Security Forces will continue to be in the forefront, ensuring democracy and increasingly taking the lead from Coalition Forces in defeating terrorism.
A few words from Gen Casey on Iraq
SITREP from Gen Casey
Except in our US House of Representatives, most sadly.
BTTT
BTTT
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