Progress in Iraq Approaches Point of Irreversibility

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The former commander of Multinational Corps Iraq reflected today on vast improvements made during the past 15 months and said Iraq is approaching the point where no single incident or chain of events will be able to reverse those positive trends.

“We were focused for 15 months in Iraq on improving the security situation, which allowed a window of opportunity for economic development, improved governance and enhancement of the Iraqi security forces,” he said. “The improved security conditions, in part from the surge of 2007, have given the Iraqis an opportunity to choose a better way"

Odierno emphasized that gains made in Iraq have come with big sacrifices in injuries and lives lost.

“Their sacrifices were (not) and will not be in vain,” he said. “And because of them, Iraqis have the right to choose their own destiny. Let us forever remember our noble and gallant warriors who gave everything so others can enjoy life and liberties of a truly free people.”

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