Special Groups?

According to GEN Petraeus "Special groups" are the new enemy in Iraq.  When asked what conditions would look like for the redeployment of US troops he said, "I'll know it when I see it."  I find this very strange.  It is called an end-state and is part of every military operations order I have ever given or heard.  We make Cadets do it!  You have to describe what you are going to accomplish so that everyone knows when you are done.  It is much more simplistic than a mission statement.  Possibly, like many others this knowledge escaped his head when he was promoted to MAJ across the field-grade divide.  Or maybe it is a result of growing up in a peace-time Army.  I also wonder why he referred to "special groups" instead of an insurgency?  I then remembered that Barak and Hilary were present along with a few hundred other easily confused politicians.  I guess he knows his audience.