The Surge in Iraq: One Year Later
The Surge in Iraq: One Year Later by Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, Heritage Foundation – 13 March lecture transcript (pdf).
I returned from Iraq a little over two weeks ago, and trust me, it’s great to be in Washington and in your company today. After nearly 15 months in Iraq–mostly spent focusing on where we are and where we’re going–it’s a pleasure to step back and reflect a bit about where we’ve been. I’d like to speak with you about Iraq in 2007, to include the surge, its implementation, and my assessment of its impact…
Talking Points:
– For the government of Iraq, the 2007 surge has provided a window of opportunity. This window will not remain open forever.
– In a very real way and at the local level, the surge allowed Coalition and Iraqi forces to hold the hard-earned ground that was wrested from the enemy, while continuing to pursue terrorists as they struggle to regroup elsewhere.
– By November 2007, there were 30 attacks in al-Anbar province during the last week in October; one year prior, there had been over 300.
– To capitalize on the reduction of violence in 2007, Iraqi leaders must make deliberate choices to secure lasting strategic gains through reconciliation and political progress.
– The improved security conditions resulting in part from the surge of 2007 have given the Iraqis an opportunity to choose a better way.
