Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli: New Baghdad Strategy 'Will Work'

BAGHDAD, IRAQ, Aug. 8, 2006 — -- ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz continues her reports from Baghdad with an interview with Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commander of the multinational forces in Iraq. He heads the new campaign to secure Baghdad, and he spoke with her about the effort.

The following is a transcript of their interview:

Martha Raddatz: I think people might look and say, 'Isn't this what you've been trying to do all along? Haven't you been trying to secure Baghdad?' So why is this different? Why do think this will work?'

Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli: Well, I think that this will work because we have a government. And we have a government that will be in power for four years. And they understand the necessity to move forward in Baghdad, to end the sectarian violence we've seen and realize that it will not be just done through security alone. It will be as critical to, in fact, convince the people of Baghdad that their government is legitimate and ready to provide for their basic needs.

Raddatz: Why did that happen? Is it that the [Iraqis] weren't ready? Is it that the insurgents and the enemy were focusing their attention on Baghdad? Why do you think during that period …

Chiarelli: Well, things have been different here since the golden dome, on the 22nd of February. That was kind of a defining moment that kicked off a round of sectarian violence that we -- that the forces in Baghdad got under control but has since got out of control, to some extent, to the point where we need to have additional forces in Baghdad.

The Iraqis are sending additional forces. We're committed to send additional forces. We're also committed to do something we haven't done before throughout the city and that's to build it back.

Raddatz: If it doesn't work then what happens?

Chiarelli: Well, it will work. It will work because the Iraqis are committed to making it work. It will work because the Iraqis are providing additional forces into Baghdad. It will work because the Iraqis are committed to rebuild the city and to begin the process of rebuilding the city and providing basic services for their people. I really honestly believe that. And that'll be the turning point, I believe, that will give that government legitimacy. And that's critical in the life of any new government, is to reach that point where they are the legitimate government.