GEN. MCCHRYSTAL:
Ministers, Ambassadors, General [Ryans?], Distinguished Guests, Men and Women of ISAF:
I'm
honored to be here today as I join the International Security Force -- Security
Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Gathered with us are representatives from
Afghanistan, the United Nations, all 28 members of the NATO alliance, and 14
non-NATO countries which have joined together to achieve enduring stability and
a brighter future for Afghanistan.
This display of solidarity reflects the international community's profound
commitment to the people and government of Afghanistan, a commitment I am proud
to share. That solidarity and commitment is our strength, but it is not without
cost. I'd like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by so many
Afghan civilians soldiers and policemen, as well as the soldiers, sailors,
airmen, marines, and civilians of all the troop contributing nations during the
struggle these past eight years. Their sacrifices and the contributions that you
and your families are making today are critical to the future and stability of
this country, the stability of this region, and to the security of all of our
nations.
I'd also like to acknowledge the legacy and achievements of my predecessor,
General David McKiernan. His tireless efforts, clear thinking, and calm
direction have placed ISAF in a position to develop real momentum in the coming
months. To a fellow soldier and friend, my gratitude and thanks.
The struggle to achieve a peaceful, stable, and free Afghanistan will be long
and hard. It will require the full commitment and talent of each of us, as well
as the continued support and resolve of the international community. I met with
President Karzai yesterday. We share a common vision that together we will
prevail.
The Afghan people are at the center of our mission. In reality, they are our
mission. We must protect them from violence, whatever its nature. We must
respect their religion and their traditions. Each of us, from riflemen to
regional commander, from village to city, must execute our mission with the
realization that displaying respect, cultural sensitivity, accountability, and
transparency are essential to gaining the support and trust of the Afghan
people. If we gain that trust, we cannot lose; if we lose that trust, we cannot
win.1
But while operating with care, we will not be timid.
We must accept risks, endure hardships, and find strength within ourselves to be
worthy of the cause for which so many have fallen.
We must recapture the excitement and inspiration that ignited this country upon
the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
We must rededicate ourselves to the Afghan people and help them build a
government and a future for their country that they can be proud of.
There is no simple solution, no silver bullet. The situation is complicated, and
success will not be quick or easy. This effort will try our endurance, challenge
habits and processes which [with] which we are comfortable, and force us to
adapt the ways we operate. Doubtless, we will make mistakes, but we will focus
and learn, and learn quickly.
This year, a significant number of additional troops will be deploying in key
parts of the country, providing the manpower necessary to conduct
population-centric counterinsurgency operations. These forces will be closely
partnered with a growing number of increasingly capable Afghan National Army
units and police officers. Capitalizing on this strength and new authorities, we
can work together to unhinge the nexus between narco criminals,
venal officials,
and insurgents, not disproportionately targeting the most vulnerable
participants in this corrosive industry.
And finally, an increased focus on the regional aspects of this conflict will
pay dividends across the borders between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Building on
what has been done, we will do more. Together we will foster reliable security
and create the space and the discipline for responsive government, sustainable
development initiatives, and a new flourishing of Afghanistan's vibrant and
varied culture. We are all partners in this endeavor, and I'm honored to be part
of the team.
The resilient Afghan people have suffered almost 30 years of unbroken violence.
It's a past they overwhelmingly reject and wish to leave behind. They deserve
and want a future that is bright. 2009 will be a critical year for Afghanistan
and a critical year for our coalition. Although we face many challenges, with
your steadfast commitment, professionalism, and dedication, and with the help
and support of our Afghan friends and the international community, we will
prevail.
May God bless and guide us, the great Afghan people, and our noble mission.
