Operations are taking place on the ground and via airstrikes, he said, going after ISIL’s resources, including its oil revenue, and targeting the group’s leaders.
An Adaptive Enemy
“That said, this is an adaptive enemy,” Votel said. ISIL is working to come up with new ways to attack the coalition, he noted, and has threatened to use chemical weapons. The general said that although coalition troops have the equipment and training needed to defend themselves against such a barbaric weapon, civilians do not.
Votel said he is cautious and will not speculate on how long the effort will take. “It’s a little early to talk about timelines,” he added, “but I think we are on track for where it needs to go.”
Votel also looked beyond the immediate issues of the day, saying that the United States needs to look at its long-term goals in the region and, specifically, how to work better with partners.
“We do have some very capable partners in the region able to do expeditionary operations, and they’ve been very receptive to the relationship and training that we’ve done,” he said.
The region poses many challenges, including a civil war, terrorism, Sunni/Shia issues, the role of Iran, Yemen and others. “From my perspective, I really try to focus on three things,” the Centcom commander said.
Three Points of Focus
First and foremost, he said, is listening to partners to ensure the United States has a good understanding of their perspectives on issues in the region.
“Second, is to reinforce relationships,” he said. “We have partners in the region that we’ve had long-standing security relationships with, and we’ve been extraordinarily dependent on them. We have to reinforce those relationships and adapt them as they grow and change.”
Third, the general said, the United States must be responsive to the partners. “I’m particularly concerned about this, whether it is foreign military sales or responses to things they are asking us about,” he added. “This doesn’t mean always saying yes, but letting them know where we are on things.”
(Source: US Dept of Defense)
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