General John Abizaid - Heard too late?

David Ignatius of the Washington Post published an editorial looking at the exit of Gen. John Abizaid from the Central Command, and how in the long run it might not be much of an exit at all. From Abizaid's background as a Lebanese American who speaks Arabic casually, he was a gem to have in the field in Iraq - a figure that could appeal to the masses as a beacon of understanding.
This depth of understanding - both of language and culture - may be a crucial measure in finding a productive and successful outcome in the Middle East. American policy can no longer rely on self-centered decisions. If it wants to lower the negative impact on the military and achieve any semblance of the goals the administration set out after, a serious look needs to be taken at the needs and interests of the local cultures.
Additionally, as Ignatius cites from Abizaid, the Iraqi conflict is most likely not going to abate in the immediate future - meaning the next 2 years as those that seek an immediate withdrawal are hoping.
Aiding the construction of a strong political and social structure is going to take much longer, and is not fueled by selfish misunderstanding or headstrong personalities. Progress will be accomplished by a stronger influence from men and women such as Abizaid, those who are willing to empathetic and recognize the voice of local Iraqi populations - which the media has turned into a mass of warring individuals. I hope that Ignatius is right and this is not the last we see of Abizaid as an influential figure in American policy.