We cannot let al Qaeda define how most intelligently to pursue our national security interests.

I think it's important for the American people to get as clear an understanding about the state of affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan as we possibly can.

I share my colleagues' concern that a good man has been put in a very difficult spot.

Ultimately we're going to have to conclude, are they capable of doing this?

I would encourage you to look at that, because if the Turks for domestic political reasons feel that they're forced to take more overt action that could have consequences.

I think many Americans are deeply concerned about asking our brave soldiers, who I know you care deeply about, to sacrifice themselves while a group of Iraqi political leaders get their act together.

You have to be candid and aggressive in telling us what you need.

Their overall consensus was that the trend in Iraq is negative.

I would encourage you to retain a healthy level of skepticism about that.

We just cannot allow this to happen again.

The problem that we face, the dilemma in some of our minds, is that the policy in Iraq has gone terribly wrong.

So what you are saying, General, is that our men and women who wear the uniform really are a lot like Americans back at home? They have diverse opinions, too.