Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S....

**shaheen** · by **shaheen** on Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:59 pm

Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S. Troop Withdrawal
How are you feeling about this withdrawal?The overall security in Iraq still is moving in the right direction. If you go back to 2006-2007, that was the highest level of violence. As you look around the country you can see security is really improving. Recent attacks are the work of people that don't want to see Iraq succeed and make progress. The 30th of June is a real mark of progress. First, overall security is better. Second, the Iraqi Security Forces' capability continues to improve. The third factor is governance: I think people underestimate the significance of the provincial elections [last January]. All the people participated and chose [candidates] based on a whole range of issues, not based on sectarian or religious issues. All of those things make me feel at ease as we go to this next milestone.

How will July 1 be different from June 30th?The bottom line is, we've been slowly getting ready to do this now for about eight months . … You're going to see the Iraqis in control inside the cities. You're going to see Coalition forces out in the belts around the major cities. There will be key areas where they will continue to be partnered with Iraqi Security Forces, because this ultimately is about maintaining security and stability while we continue to go forward.

**shehla ali** · by **shehla ali** on Thu Jul 02, 2009 10:17 pm

very nice Sharing

**shaheen** · by **shaheen** on Mon Jul 06, 2009 3:44 am

thank you shehla. Smile

Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S....

Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S....

Re: Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S....

Re: Questions for Ray Odierno on U.S....