I think American impatience has to do with the notion that we don't know what we're doing. If we could project that we are moving in the right direction, Americans are ready to be very patient. |
I think if the constitution passes, there is a path for additional changes that's available based on the agreements that were made a few days ago. If the constitution does not pass because of the opposition from the Sunni voters, it would show that their participation in the process did indeed make a difference. Either way, there will be additional opportunities for change, for a political way forward for Iraq , ... This Week with George Stephanopoulos. |
I think that the insurgents and the terrorists remain strong, ... They present a significant challenge in Iraq. But I believe that they're on the wrong side of history, that the people of Iraq are moving away from them, including the Sunni community. |
I think the country came to the brink of civil war. (They) decided to come together and now the risk of civil war from this attack on the golden mosque is over. |
I think we would assume since these discussions are with regard to our concern with Iranian policies in Iraq that it (the talks) should be in Baghdad. |
I told them we found it absolutely necessary for the benefit of Iraq as well as we who are involved here now, the American blood and treasure being engaged now, that they make the effort to get the Sunni buy-in, ... We view the constitution as a national compact and view the Sunni buy-in as important not only for the constitution to work as a common road map for the country for the future . . . [but] as a military necessity -- we want to separate the population from extremists and insurgents. |
I would not like to elaborate ... I think they should understand what I mean. |
I wouldn't say anything that I wasn't sure about. |
I've been authorized by the president to engage the Iranians as I engaged them in Afghanistan directly, ... There will be meetings, and that's also a departure and an adjustment. |
I've been authorized by the president to engage the Iranians as I engaged them in Afghanistan directly. There will be meetings, and that's also a departure and an adjustment [to US policy). |
If another incident occurs, Iraq is really vulnerable to it at this time, in my judgment. |
If Iraqis among themselves, in the assembly and those from outside, decide to make some adjustments compared to the draft that was presented three four days ago, it's entirely up to them. |
if my help is needed. |
If the Sunnis do not buy into this draft . .. then it would be a problem. It could assist the insurgency. |
If the Sunnis do not buy into this draft, then it would be a problem. |