"Certainly our goal is to leave Iraq, but we can't leave Iraq with our forces until we know that the Iraqi security forces are capable and efficient enough to defend the sovereignty of the nation"

This quote by John Abizaid talks to the value of the Iraqi security forces in the procedure of leaving Iraq. Abizaid is emphasizing that the US can not leave Iraq until the Iraqi security forces can defending the nation's sovereignty. This indicates that the US must make sure that the Iraqi security forces are trained and geared up to manage the security of the country before the United States can withdraw its forces. This quote also suggests that the US is dedicated to leaving Iraq, however just when the Iraqi security forces are all set to take over the duty of securing the nation. Abizaid's quote highlights the importance of the Iraqi security forces in the process of leaving Iraq and stresses the requirement for the US to guarantee that the Iraqi security forces are prepared to take on the responsibility of protecting the nation before the United States can withdraw its forces.