On Abizaid's bubble

After watching part of the Senate hearing today and reading some of the coverage, I got to wondering, has Abizaid been outside the Green Zone? Has he discussed Iraq with anyone who spends significant time outside the Green Zone?

I don't just mean US command, but also the Iraqis he speaks with. Maliki is a virtual prisoner, many of the top politicians and ministers can't freely travel outside their bubble or they'll be killed.

I mean, the opinions of the commanders bubbled in Saigon always trailed the reality on the ground.

Just a question.

(A little plug here for Gen. Casey, who during Forward Together, would occasionally go out, heavily protected of course, to talk with local shop owners, local religious leaders, etc. to get a sense of what was going on and try to exert influence.)