it was was clear we needed to support the iraqi security forces to prevent them from taking iraq, urbilthat is something that is indisputable. it took us too long, frankly, a very long time. as we discussed before at this table, time matters when you are fighting an enemy like in the islamic state, which is enjoying success in cyberspace, in large part because it is seen as a success. and the sooner that you can show the islamic state is a loser is the sooner it is no longer effective in recruiting, and inspiring others across the world to carry out extremist acts. charlie: the taking of mosul, everybody knows this battle is coming. the united states announced today that, in some near time in the future, that some 500-600 american troops would go to iraq, i assume to participate in some way in this effort. what are they going to do, and who else is going to be on the ground involved in the retaking of mosul? gen. petraeus: gradually, the president and the secretary of defense have granted authority to the commanders to embed u.s. forces closer to the front. that authority exists for the