Anne W. Patterson: “There is absolutely no evidence that the Saudis have been involved in the 9/11 attacks.”

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

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.

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

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