General Petraeus Talks About Educating Soldiers

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

General David Petraeus says before Congress that it is important for soldiers to have an expanded understanding of Afghanistan, so that the army can function better as a whole. (01:18)
Listen

Praise for Petraus and the surge

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, speaking at a ceremony in Baghdad, praises Gen. David Petraeus as he prepares to leave his post as Multinational Force commander in Iraq to take over the post of Combatant commander for Central Command. (0:27)
Listen

The transition from the surge

While traveling to Baghdad, the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks about the transition of security in Iraq from the surge strategy to more of an overwatch role. Gates says that the U.S. will still be engaged even as Iraqi security forces start to take over responsibility for several provinces. (0:43)
Listen

Congressman Delahunt says if we don't treat refugees with respect it creates a breeding ground for terrorists

At the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on "Neglected Responsibilities: The U.S. Response to the Iraqi Refugee Crisis," Congressman William Delahunt (D-MA) says that we cannot allow a breeding ground for terrorism to fester in the Middle East, and he says he suggests the vast numbers of refugees will produce terrorist of the future unless they are treated with respect and dignity. (:27)
Listen

Congressman Ackerman says we have not seized the moment to rehabilitate our image in the Middle East

At the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on "Neglected Responsibilities: The U.S. Response to the Iraqi Refugee Crisis," Chairman Gary L. Ackerman, (D-NY) says that at the hearing last year, a witness said that the U.S. response to the refugee crisis could be the first step to rehabilitating our image in the Middle East and globally, but a year later, we have yet to seize that moment. (:23)
Listen

Gen. Odierno says assessment will be important to the next U.S. president

Gen. Raymond Odierno, former commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, says that no matter who the next president is they should keep in mind assessment of conditions on the ground before implementing a new troop withdrawal strategy. (0:44)
Listen

Gen. Odierno blames "Iranian surrogates" for security troubles in Iraq

Gen. Raymond Odierno, former commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, gave his assessment of Iranian involvement in Iraq through their training and funding of other militant groups inside Iraq. He said that president Ahmadinejad's recent safe visit was due to these surrogates backing off in the Iranian leader's presence. (0:55)
Listen