For Immediate Release
September 28, 2004

Global Message

From remarks by General John Abizaid, head of US Central Command in Iraq, on "Meet the Press," 9/25/04

It is foreseeable that the Iraqis will have good, stable elections by January. Commanders in the field are confident about the military mission and that elections will be fair and relatively stable.

Some people said it would be impossible to have an Iraqi Interim Government, and Iraq is now being led by the IIG. It is also possible to move the process forward from occupation to partnership to full independence.

More than 700 Iraqis have given their lives in defense of their own country. Prime Minister Allawi risks his life every day in leading his country forward. There are countless other Iraqis and other people throughout the Middle East that are moving forward to try to present a better future, to fight this very important battle against the extremists.

The good people of the Middle East and the good people of Iraq, with the continued focus, perseverance, strength, and courage of the U.S. armed forces will help Iraq emerge as an independent nation that will set the standard for good government in the region.

The constant drumbeat in Washington, DC of a war that is being lost or that can't be won, simply do not square with the facts on the ground. Yes, there is a resistance. Yes, it is hard, but the truth is that Iraqis and Americans and other members of the coalition will face that resistance together. Through a series of economic, political and military means, the resistance will be defeated and Iraq will move on to having elections and a constitutional government will emerge.