James B. Cunningham

I would--I would think it is important to get to a cease-fire as quickly as possible, particularly given the ongoing campaign against Afghan civilians being waged by the Taliban.

They want us out. They will be willing to do what is necessary to get us out.

I do not think there is a strategy of attrition or withdrawal that will work in any timeframe that we would want to see, certainly.

One thing we do know about Afghanistan is that Afghans like to vote even if it is dangerous for them to do so.

This strategy for peace correctly aligned three elements for getting the Taliban to genuine negotiations...

The success of Afghanistan is part of this larger struggle which the civilized world, including more than 1.5 billion peace-loving Muslims, must win.

The challenges are considerable, but Afghanistan's political class must understand that the opportunity today afforded Afghanistan is unique and must not be squandered if Afghanistan is to be seen as worthy of continued international…

I applaud President Obama's decision to maintain the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan through 2016 and beyond.

Experience teaches that ideology cannot be defeated militarily, although military force must be an instrument.

The test will be whether Pakistan takes concrete actions not only to support reconciliation, but to reduce the ability of the Taliban and the Haqqani network to plan and launch operations from Pakistan.

Our efforts there must be long term and in concert with the need for the United States to help develop and implement a generational strategy to defend our people and values.

I think that, under the circumstances, that timeline is probably too short and the rate of withdrawal is too steep.