George Casey
George Casey
concerned readiness small unit
No, it's not a setback. I mean, unit readiness is going to fluctuate. And it is such a small number. And at this stage, I'm not concerned about small numbers,
battalions concerned good level progress year
A year from now, if there are not more battalions at level one I will be concerned. Right now, I am not. I am concerned about level two and we are making very good progress there,
concerned next
Next year, at this time, I'll be much more concerned about it. Right now, I'm not,
attentive casey concerned general obviously troops
And it's obviously something that one has to be attentive to. It's obviously something that General Casey and his troops are attentive to and have to be concerned about,
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.
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).
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.
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,
among constitution entirely looked national perception
I think that's entirely possible, senator, ... I mean, as we've looked at this, we've looked for the constitution to be a national compact, and the perception now is that it's not, particularly among the Sunni.
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.
good open price
I think we'll open up with a good price. What's a good price I don't know.
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,
constitution looked national perception
We've looked for the constitution to be a national pact, and the perception now is that it's not.