Khalilzad, Casey: "Path to Success in Iraq"

The LA Times reprinted an editorial today penned by Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, and George W. Casey Jr., senior U.S. military commander in Iraq outlining four American objectives in Iraq,

First, the principal threat to stability is shifting from an insurgency grounded in rejection of the new political order to sectarian violence grounded in mutual fears and recriminations.

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We are helping Iraqi leaders overcome sectarianism through the formation of a government of national unity that includes all major political forces, governs from the center and is composed of ministers who are competent to perform their duties.

Second, the coalition and Iraq's increasingly effective security forces are working hard to protect the Iraqi people. ... In 2006, the objective is to secure Baghdad and to initiate similar efforts in nine other key cities.

Third, Iraq's leaders must develop security institutions that not only are effective but also trusted by all groups.

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Fourth, the U.S. and the new Iraqi government will work together to create a regional environment supportive of stability in Iraq. ... Syria and Iran have opted to engage in actions unhelpful to Iraq's future ... we will work with Iraqis to counter any threat.