But as we move from this period of what many Iraqis regard as perceived occupation, we need to move towards one of partnership.

Morale is good; troops are confident; leaders are capable.

I don't believe Iran is a suicide state.

But the truth of the matter is that there is there is an opportunity for them to participate in the economic and political future of the country and certainly in the security life of the country.

You know as well as I do that counterinsurgency is a very nuanced type of military operation.

I believe we've... we've worked very hard with the Iraqis to build a better place ever since the fall of Saddam's government.

Everybody needs to understand that I learned Arabic from the United States Army as a second language. I never spoke it at home.