Anne W. Patterson

The Saudis, over the past 15 years, have instituted a very broad range of steps that have cut off financing for terrorists.

There is absolutely no evidence that the Saudis have been involved in the 9/11 attacks.

Let me stress that that is our goal, to get Assad out.

We have provided over $2 billion, $2.5 billion, for humanitarian assistance inside Syria.

Certainly our European allies, our Gulf allies, and Turkey do see that. They are absolutely determined that he will not remain in power.

Certainly not. The President and certainly the Secretary have said many times that Assad's departure is absolutely critical to any future in Syria.

We don't believe it is possible to have any sort of settlement there, either a political settlement or any military defeat of ISIL, without the departure of Assad.

The solution can only come through a political transition.

Our differences with Russia, Iran, and the Assad regime are very substantial, but the benefits of ending this conflict are even greater.

There is no military solution, and the international community cannot afford a continuation of the status quo.

To protect U.S. interests amidst this volatility, we have to recognize and cope with the challenges that states across the region face.