The war on terror will continue long after Iraq and Afghanistan are stable,
Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told military
officials from around the world Friday.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the U.S.
Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Hilmi Ozkok look
toward cameras before their meeting at the Ozkok's headquarters in Ankara,
Thursday, March 23, 2006. Pace is scheduled to address Friday a symposium
organized by the Turkish military to bolster international cooperation
against terrorism. [AP] |
Speaking at the Global Terrorism and International Cooperation Symposium,
Pace called for patience and collaboration, repeating U.S. assertions that it
will be a long campaign.
"Iraq and Afghanistan will over time become stable," he said in a keynote
address. "But the war on terror will continue long after Iraq and Afghanistan
have had success in standing up their own governments."
Pace also told the crowd that military action alone will not be enough.
Economic growth, good education systems and solid governments also are necessary
to quell terrorism.
"We are talking about years and years to come of vigilance," said Pace,
"Today's tactical victory does not guarantee tomorrow's strategic success."
Earlier in an interview with NTV, a Turkish all-news television station, Pace
fielded questions about the U.S. military's progress in Iraq, and when troops
will be withdrawn. He repeated the Pentagon's assertion that any withdrawal will
be based on conditions in Iraq.
He also said the U.S. military is not taking any steps to invade Iran,
saying, "there is a lot more to be done before we consider military action."