George Casey Forces Quotations

Increased coalition presence feeds the notion of occupation. It contributes to the dependency of Iraqi security forces on the coalition, ... It extends the amount of time that it will take for Iraqi security forces to become self-reliant. And it exposes more coalition forces to attacks.

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.

the possibility for condition-based reductions of coalition forces still exists for 2006.

We certainly do expect that there is some infiltration of the police and ... the military forces, ... But we don't see it in the way that would render these forces incapable.

We fully recognize that Iraqi armed forces will not have an independent capability for some time, because they don't have the institutional base to support them,

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.

The development of the Iraqi security forces is very much on track,

Conditions-based reduction of coalition forces is a critical element of our strategy,