By Celia Canon- Talk Radio News Service

General David Petraeus, Commander of the United States Central Command, warned that military missions against terrorist groups are comprehensive and require more than force.

 “Countering terrorism requires more than counter-terrorist operations,” said Petraeus today in a speech to the Center of a New American Security.  The General went on to discuss the implications of shifting military attention from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan and how the U.S.’ experience in Iraq should optimize the efficiency of military operations in other countries.

“As we turn and shift our focus to Afghanistan and Pakistan it is very important to reflect on what we learned from Iraq and to remember that you have to apply what was learned there with a very nuanced understanding…of local circumstances,” said Petraeus.

Petraeus was one of the leading figures during the 2007 surge of U.S. troops in Iraq, a move that increased U.S. military capability in the Middle East by more than 20,000 soldiers and additional brigades. The surge was instrumental in the counterinsurgency mission that would help secure the region. Petraeus completed his work in Iraq by rebuilding the Iraqi army. 

Petraeus highlighted the success of the U.S. army in improving security conditions, stating “We’ve gone from a situation in which June of 2006 or 2007 saw 160 attacks per day on average. in Iraq it is now between 10 and 15 attacks per day and has been that way for about 6 months now; in fact in the low end of that in recent weeks.”

However, Petraeus did concede that last month was an exception. There were over 400 attacks in May, the highest in the country’s post-invasion history.

The General touched upon the peacekeeping role that the army has recently acquired with the Iraq mission and named the safety of the civilian population as a major priority.

“The overriding mission of a military force in counterinsurgency has to be to secure the people and…be seen as securing and serving them. This is hugely important,” said Petraeus.

Petraeus explained that once security has been established throughout the country, the U.S. would not be able to leave Afghanistan until they have assured that the established government follows a peace-ensuring criteria.

Jane Lute, Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping, spoke about George Clooney and his work as the UN Messenger of Peace. She traveled with Mr. Clooney in Africa. Clooney was introduced by Kiyo Akasaka, the Under Secretary. There were at least 200 press members here as opposed to the 20 which attend usual briefings.

Lute said that Mr. Clooney joined the UN in every phase of their peacekeeping mission.

Clooney responded that it was “an honor to be named to this position”. The trip was planned in secret for security reasons. “They might have seen some of my movies” he laughed.

“I am the son of news man,” Clooney said addressing the news media. He explained that each conflict zone has problems that are unique. For example in the Congo, the fighting has now stopped and he said it was a chance for peace.  But in Chad the situation has deteriorated and has the potential to spill over from Darfur.

In Darfur, Clooney explained, the UN was eventually allowed to come in. He spoke from his experience in the refugee camps that all over the Sudan there was not one person that did not hold the government of Sudan responsible.

 
Another fact that he pointed out is that the attacks have become more complicated. Clooney said that those left standing have to fight for survival. “There can be no peace until all parties sit down at the table,” he said. He mentioned that if UN Resolution 1769, it was supported by China. If the peace keepers are not Sudanese rebels then they should be welcomed the premise is that resources are scarce, but China can hold Sudan government to Resolution 1769.

The speakers emphasized that it is important to understand that the UN is not an entity unto itself; it is more than a collection of agencies. The United Nations has no helicopters, no radios that work and this must be changed.

Clooney said that peace keepers are having a problem and peacekeeping can’t be done half way. The speakers said to shut off your media if you don’t care- turn off the TV, Internet and radio.  Right now, he said, the people are hoping. They see these bright blue hats. They know only the UN can help on this scale.

Clooney said that this job has more responsibility than winning an Oscar–where all you have to do is drink after the party. He criticized the media saying, “We do not get what we need in the news.”  But, he said, a celebrity can get focus on what is needed. The speakers said that we need resources: big plot of land, helicopters, and pilots and to continue the pressure and secure protection from the troops. Clooney mentioned Kosovo saying “I have never said anything about Kosovo” It was a story that had been floated. But Clooney said, “I have to focus on what I know best.”

 
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