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British General describes new "optimism and self-confidence" in Iraq

Published Tuesday 5th April 2005

Members of the RAF Force Protection Wing talk to local children at the control of entry to Basrah Air Station [Phot: Corporal Heidi Cox RAF. Crown Copyright 2005]
Members of the RAF Force Protection Wing talk to local children at the control of entry to Basrah Air Station [Phot: Corporal Heidi Cox RAF. Crown Copyright 2005]

In an interview with British and Arabic journalists in Iraq on 4 April 2005, the Senior British Military Representative Lieutenant General John Kiszely, the outgoing Deputy Commanding General Multi-National Forces – Iraq, stated that there is greater optimism and self-confidence among the Iraqi people, epitomised by their Security Forces.

Lieutenant General Kiszely reflected on the six months that he has been in Iraq, talking about the four significant events and changes which have occurred over that period: the operation to clear Fallujah of insurgents; the "momentous" Election which "was a great success for the Iraqi people"; the increase in operational strength of the Iraqi security forces; and finally the drop in the insurgency since the election on 30th January 2005.  He said:

"I think I see all that adding up to a changing mood of the Iraqi people, with a greater degree of optimism and self confidence, perhaps epitomized by the growing optimism, self-confidence and capability of the Iraqi Security Forces as the move towards taking the lead in the counter-insurgency."

He stressed that British troops will remain in Iraq "for as long as it takes and for as long as the Iraqi Government want us to be here and not a moment longer."  He also said that the decision will be made on the basis of conditions that apply at the time, rather than making an attempt to stick to artificial timelines.  As the capabilities of the Iraqi Forces grow, they will be able to assume the lead in the counter insurgency campaign, allowing the Coalition forces to take on a supporting role.

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