Section[ PART I - Strategic Overview
Title[ WHY OUR STRATEGY IS (AND MUST BE) CONDITIONS-BASED
WHY OUR STRATEGY IS (AND MUST BE) CONDITIONS-BASED
-- Success in the short, medium, and long run will depend on progress in overcoming these
challenges and on the conditions on the ground in Iraq. Our strategy - along the political,
security, and economic tracks - is establishing the conditions for victory. These conditions
include:
- Progress in the Iraqi political process and the increasing willingness of Iraqis to forge
political compromises;
- Consolidation of gains in the training of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF);
- Commitment to and implementation of economic reforms by Iraqi leaders;
- Increased cooperation of Iraq's neighbors;
- Expanded support from the international community;
- Continued support of the American people.
11
-- Although we are confident of victory in Iraq, we will not put a date certain on when each stage
of success will be reached - because the timing of success depends upon meeting certain
conditions, not arbitrary timetables.
- Arbitrary deadlines or timetables for withdrawal of Coalition forces - divorced from
conditions on the ground - would be irresponsible and deadly, as they would suggest to the
terrorists, Saddamists, and rejectionists that they can simply wait to win.
- No war has ever been won on a timetable - and neither will this one.
-- Lack of a timetable, however, does not mean that the Coalition's posture in Iraq (both military
and political) is static. On the contrary, we continually adjust our posture and approaches as
conditions evolve and Iraqi capabilities grow.
- Coalition troop levels, for example, will increase where necessary to defeat the enemy or
provide additional security for key events like the referendum and elections. But troop levels
will decrease over time, as Iraqis continue to take on more of the security and civilian
responsibilities themselves.
- We expect, but cannot guarantee, that our force posture will change over the next year, as
the political process consolidates and as Iraqi Security Forces grow and gain experience.
> As Iraqis take on more responsibility for security, Coalition forces will increasingly
move to supporting roles in most areas. The mission of our forces will change - from
conducting operations and keeping the peace, to more specialized operations targeted at
the most vicious terrorists and leadership networks.
> As security conditions improve and as Iraqi Security Forces become increasingly
capable of securing their own country, our forces will increasingly move out of the
cities, reduce the number of bases from which we operate, and conduct fewer patrols
and convoy missions.
> While our military presence may become less visible, it will remain lethal and
decisive, able to confront the enemy wherever it may gather and organize.
- As our posture changes over time, so too will the posture of our Coalition partners. We and
the Iraqis must work with them to coordinate our efforts, helping Iraq to consolidate and
secure its gains on many different fronts.
Contents
Prev
Next
Last
