Caldwell Interview

Real Clear Politics has up an interview with General Caldwell.

Here's a quick overview:

Regarding a possible lack of funds: "I can tell you from over here, it's going to have an immediate impact in the sense that the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq element that we have is charged with building, equipping, helping to develop the Iraqi security forces, and that is going to have an impact on them. Now to what degree? You know, we can get into a lot more specifics, but they are already starting to feel the effects of not having this funding." Also, "at the current moment, because of this lack of funding, MNSTC-I is unable to continue at the pace they were in the developmental process of the Iraqi security forces."

Regarding the ISF: "I've been here almost a year now. And I can tell you that from a year ago when I first got here to now, and I'm out, you know, every week someplace, having the ability to get out and go around the country -- that, you know, they continue to get better all the time."

Sounds to me the leadership on the ground is pessimistic and ready to redeploy its forces.