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December 30, 2007
General Patreus Year-end Letter To His Men and Women Under His Command
Following is the year-end letter that David Petraeus, commanding general of coalition forces in Iraq, sent to the men and women under his command.
Petraeus Detects 'Newfound Sense Of Hope On Which We Can Build'
Investors Business Daily
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Civilians of Multinational Force-Iraq:
"As 2007 draws to a close, you should look back with pride on what you, your fellow troopers, our Iraqi partners and Iraqi coalition civilians have achieved this year.A year ago, Iraq was racked by horrific violence and on the brink of civil war. Now levels of violence and civilian and military casualties are significantly reduced, and hope has been rekindled in many Iraqi communities.
To be sure, the progress is reversible and there is much more to be done. Nonetheless, the hard-fought accomplishments of 2007 have been substantial, and I want to thank each of you for the contributions you made to them.
In response to the challenges that faced Iraq a year ago, we and our Iraqi partners adopted a new approach. We increased our focus on securing the Iraqi people and, in some cases, delayed transition of tasks to Iraqi forces.
Additional U.S. and Georgian forces were deployed to the theater, the tours of U.S. units were extended and Iraqi forces conducted a surge of their own, generating well over 100,000 more Iraqi police and soldiers during the year so that they, too, had additional forces to execute the new approach.
In places like Ramadi, Baqubah, Arab Jabour and Baghdad, you and our Iraqi brothers fought — often house by house, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood — to wrest sanctuaries away from al-Qaida-Iraq, to disrupt extremist militia elements and to rid the streets of mafialike criminals.
Having cleared areas, you worked with Iraqis to retain them — establishing outposts in the areas we were securing, developing Iraqi security forces and empowering locals to help our efforts.
This approach has not been easy. It has required steadfastness in the conduct of tough offensive operations, creative solutions to the myriad problems on the ground, and persistence over the course of many months and during countless trying situations.
Through it all, you have proved equal to every task, continually demonstrating an impressive ability to conduct combat and stability operations in an exceedingly complex environment. Your accomplishments have given the Iraqi people new confidence and prompted many citizens to reject terror and confront those who practice it.
As the months passed in 2007, in fact, the tribal awakening that began in Al Anbar Province spread to other parts of the country.
Emboldened by improving security and tired of indiscriminate violence, extremist ideology, oppressive practices and criminal activity, Iraqis increasingly rejected al-Qaida-Iraq and rogue militia elements.
Over time, the desire of Iraqis to contribute to their own security has manifested itself in citizens volunteering for the police, the Army and concerned local citizen programs. It has been reflected in citizens providing information that has helped us find far more than double the number of arms and weapons caches we found last year. And it has been apparent in Iraqi communities supporting their local security forces.
As a result of your hard work and that of our Iraqi comrades in arms — and with the support of the local populace in many areas — we have seen significant improvements in the security situation.
The number of attacks per week is down some 60% from a peak in June of this year to a level last seen consistently in the early summer of 2005. With fewer attacks, we are also seeing significantly reduced loss of life. The number of civilian deaths is down by some 75% since its height a year ago, dropping to a level not seen since the beginning of 2006. And the number of coalition losses is down substantially as well.
We remain mindful that the past year's progress has been purchased through the sacrifice and selfless service of all those involved and that the new Iraq must still contend with innumerable enemies and obstacles.
Al-Qaida-Iraq has been significantly degraded, but it remains capable of horrific bombings. Militia extremists have been disrupted, but they retain influence in many areas. Criminals have been apprehended, but far too many still roam Iraqi streets and intimidate local citizens and Iraqi officials.
We and our Iraqi partners will have to deal with each of these challenges in the new year to keep the situation headed in the right direction.
While the progress in a number of areas is fragile, the security improvements have significantly changed the situation in many parts of Iraq. It is now imperative that we take advantage of these improvements by looking beyond the security arena and helping Iraqi military and political leaders as they develop solutions in other areas as well, solutions they can sustain over time.
At the tactical level, this means an increasing focus on helping not just Iraqi security forces — with whom we must partner in all that we do — but also helping Iraqi governmental organizations as they endeavor to restore basic services, to create employment opportunities, to revitalize local markets, to refurbish schools, to spur local economic activity and to keep locals involved in contributing to local security.
We will have to do all of this, of course, while continuing to draw down our forces, thinning our presence and gradually handing over responsibilities to our Iraqi partners.
Meanwhile, at the national level, we will focus on helping the Iraqi government integrate local volunteers into the Iraqi security forces and other employment, develop greater ministerial capacity and capability, aid displaced people as they return and take the all-important political and economic actions needed to exploit the opportunity provided by the gains in the security arena.
The pace of progress on crucial political action to this point has been slower than Iraqi leaders had hoped. Still, there have been important steps taken in recent months.
Iraq's leaders reached agreement on the Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation with the U.S., which lays the groundwork for an enduring relationship between our nations.
The United Nations Security Council approved Iraq's request for a final renewal of the resolution that authorizes the coalition to operate in Iraq.
Iraq's leaders passed an important pension law that not only extends retirement benefits to Iraqis previously left out, but also represents the first of what we hope will be additional measures fostering national reconciliation.
And Iraq's leaders have debated at length a second reconciliation-related measure, the Accountability and Justice Bill (the de-Baathification Reform Law), as well as the 2008 National Budget, both of which likely will be brought up for a vote in early 2008.
Even so, all Iraqi participants recognize that much more must be done politically to put their country on an irreversible trajectory to national reconciliation and sustainable economic development. We will, needless to say, work closely with our embassy teammates to support the Iraq government as it strives to take advantage of the improved security environment by pursing political and economic progress.
The new year will bring many changes. Substantial force rotations and adjustments already under way will continue. One Army brigade combat team and a Marine expeditionary unit have already redeployed without replacement. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit.
Throughout that time, we will continue to adapt to the security situation as it evolves. And in the midst of all the changes, we and our Iraqi partners will strive to maintain the momentum, to press the fight and to pursue Iraq's enemies relentlessly.
Solutions to many of the tough problems will continue to be found at your level, together with local Iraqi leaders and with your Iraqi security force partners, in company and battalion areas of operation and in individual neighborhoods and towns.
As you and your Iraqi partners turn concepts into reality, additional progress will emerge slowly and fitfully. Over time, we will gradually see fewer bad days and accumulate more good days, good weeks and good months.
The way ahead will not be easy. Inevitably, there will be more tough days and tough weeks. Unforeseen challenges will emerge. And success will require continued hard work, commitment and initiative from all involved.
As we look to the future, however, we should remember how far we have come in the past year. Thanks to the tireless efforts and courageous actions of the Iraqi people, Iraq's political and military leaders, the Iraqi security forces and each of you, a great deal has been achieved in 2007.
Thus, as we enter a new year, we and our Iraqi partners will have important accomplishments and a newfound sense of hope on which we can build.
As always, all of your leaders, our fellow citizens back home and I deeply appreciate the dedication, professionalism, commitment and courage you display on a daily basis.
It remains the greatest of honors to serve with each of you in this critical endeavor.
Sincerely,
David H. Petraeus"
Wild Thing's comment........
General Patreus is a leader with gravitas. The success of the surge is the most underreported story of 2007. God bless General Petraeus, and our brave troops.
Posted by Wild Thing at December 30, 2007 12:55 AM
Comments
This letter should be the front page headline story in all newspapers but the MSM will avoid it like the plague. Hopefully, a Republican congressman and senator will find a way to read it aloud in the House and Senate forcing San Fran Nan, Dingy Harry, and the rest of the Defeatocrats to hear just how wrong they have been and what real leadership and support of the troops is all about.
Posted by: Les at December 30, 2007 02:35 AM
I suppose I'll never read it in the Seattle Times or hear it on the radio or TV. Thanks for posting it here WT.
It's too bad this has to be the crux of the operations: The United Nations Security Council approved Iraq's request for a final renewal of the resolution that authorizes the coalition to operate in Iraq.
I'm surprized that the UN hasn't intervened now that the coalition is having a positive effect. Rest assured that an all Democrat Congress and Presidency will press for UN intervention and I fear another debacle like Palestine and Lebanon in the future of Iraq. General Petraeus will not get the acknowledgement or credit from the current Congress that he deserves for a job well done.
Thank you General Petraeus and all the Coalition Troops.
Posted by: Jack at December 30, 2007 02:45 AM
He would have made an excellent Marine Corps Gunny!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at December 30, 2007 04:57 AM
Excellent letter. General Petraeus is optimistic but also realistic. He is a leader. He motivates his troops rather than just ordering them. And he gets results. He fulfills the mission and takes care of his troops.
No Darth. He is what he should be. A US Army General.
Posted by: TomR at December 30, 2007 08:41 AM
General Petaeus, like any good military leader, is pursuing victory. The left wants us to lose in Iraq and, therefore, despises him.
A great letter from a great man!
Posted by: Always On Watch at December 30, 2007 09:41 AM
Excellent indeed!
Our Troops rule!
..purchased through the sacrifice and selfless service... Oorah!
Posted by: patrickdaniel at December 30, 2007 10:01 AM
HOO-frickin-AHH!! (to quote a fine master gunner acquaintance of us milbloggers)
Posted by: yankeemom at December 30, 2007 10:06 AM
Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman would have ... SECURED Baghdad a little sooner! But that's when WAR was WAR and railroad ties were wrapped around trees. LBJ was a skunk in his 'Rules of Engagement' and most of our politikooks in the Beltway are of the same. - Green Zone Comfort 2007
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at December 30, 2007 11:54 PM
Les, Yes wouldn't it be awesome to see it on the front of the morning paper. I would probably have to be sitting down or faint.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 30, 2007 11:58 PM
Jack I hope some of the talk show people put it at their blogs, that would be nice if they did.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:00 AM
Darth, he really is awesome, we are so fortunate to have him and so are our troops.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:02 AM
Tom....." He is a leader. He motivates his troops rather than just ordering them. And he gets results. "....that is exaclty what he does. That is a gift to be able to do that and he has it.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:04 AM
Always On Watch, yes he sure is a great man.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:07 AM
Patrick, (smiling) Yesss they do rule and I am loving it.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:09 AM
Yankeemom, that was good!!
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 31, 2007 12:11 AM
When you review the current crop of presidential candidates, both Democrat and Republican, with the possible exception of three Republicans, you have to wonder how the hell these people get so far. Then we are exposed to a solid individual like General Petraeus, and wonder why we (the political parties) can not find more men and women of his caliber to be our candidates. With education, worldly experience, common sense, and the strongest personal character we have seen this past year, he would make an excellent President. I can only Hope.
Posted by: Tango Bravo at December 31, 2007 02:11 PM
Tango Bravo, yessss I agree with you. He is an awesome man.
Posted by: Wild Thing at January 3, 2008 01:15 AM
