Leaving Iraq

" And now we turn to another hot spot Iraq the deadline for US troops to withdraw from Iraq cities. Is just two days away and joining us now to talk about that is pentagon Press Secretary Geoff morale thank you for coming in addition. It is a huge day had expected to unfold this week."

" Well I think it's already unfolding in -- you heard from general Odierno today on your broadcast here on FOX News Sunday as wells on a competitive broadcast proclaimed the fact that all US combat forces are now out of Iraqi cities that's a significant milestone it it it is a tribute to the progress that our forces have made on the ground over the past few years. But also to the development of the Iraqi Security Forces to the point will we now feel confident they are able to do it. And more importantly that the Iraqi Government and the people feel confident that they are able to secure the country and about half."

" And the government there is and celebrating almost the fact that -- a big turning point it does signify a lot of progress. -- we are hearing from some people that say I'm worried about what's going to happen when the US -- their very frightened about. The streets of the inner cities and some other situations they may have. You know how worried should they be."

" Well we haven't seen a spike in violence of the past few days we are still an all time lows dating back in the summer of 2003 in terms of council's overall in Iraq but over the last few days he's a very. Ugly devastating deadly high profile attacks that should give people reason for her for pause at least. I think our commanders on the ground believe that this is an unsuccessful attempt by al-Qaeda and other people. To try to sow the seeds of ethnic sectarian. Strike. Which led to that vicious cycle of retaliatory killings back in 2006. So far we've seen no indication that either side is going to fall prey to that. And it's our hope is that once. Once things calm down a little bit after this turning point on the thirtieth. That things will return to normal and that the Iraqi Security Forces will be capable of providing security that we think."

" just so we're clear this doesn't mean it every US do his leaving the country mean they're going to be they're doing training at some other things he'll be sort of from my understanding correct me I'm wrong on it almost reserve at some some Al positions and that they could be called on if there is necessity for that. But I would think the government there is going to try to avoid bringing them back -- it at any cost."

" As a couple things first of all we will have there'll no no combat forces will be an Iraqi cities and towns but as you said there will be US forces still in. Those cities and towns at the request of the Iraqi Government they would be there to provide. -- usage training assistance advisory. Capacity for the Iraqi forces that are now in control of those areas. The bulk of the united US forces a 130000. Plus will be outside the cities in the layered defense. And will be able to respond if called upon by an Iraqi forces in the case of an emergency they will also be focusing more their efforts on external security on the borders. To make sure you do not see -- flow. External. Forces. Surrogates for Iran. Al-Qaeda foreign fighters. Coming in to try to sow the seeds. Further descent. But we think. General Odierno others believe that this arrangement. He is is finally given the security pilot we now have is what has been agreed to by our political leaders. Last year and President Bush and under President Obama now and down I think there's a degree of confidence that this will work. And that we have now the force arrangement to provide for the Iraqi People going for certainly momentous occasion to it is being -- around the Pentagon thank you -- much --"