We owe them more and better leadership and a better strategy than we have provided them with in the past, Admiral.

I hope you know, and will tell this committee, how difficult and arduous this task will be because of the hole that we have dug for ourselves, to a very large degree.

I worry that we are both going to confirm you and yet we are going to pass a resolution that says we are not in favor of what you need to succeed.

If Iraqi leaders had more fully integrated the Sunni minority into the government, if they had passed an oil distribution law that distributed the revenues more equitably, if they had amended the constitution, if they had held provincial…

I know of no successful military operation where you have dual command.

Suppose that we send you additional troops and we tell those troops that, we support you, but we are convinced that you cannot accomplish your mission and we do not support the mission we are sending you on. What effect does that have on…

I am confident that you will receive broad support in the Senate.

Somewhat dismaying that only now, after nearly 4 years at war in Iraq, is the United States moving toward a traditional counterinsurgency strategy.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, what will be your policy on the use of these types of contracts?

The shared interests of the United States and Pakistan transcend the personality of any particular leader.

What steps are being taken diplomatically to lessen the possibility that serious and sustained violence will result?

Mr. Duehring, one of the issues that this committee will have to address in this and future conflicts is the utilization of Federal civilian employees in support of expeditionary missions.

Pakistan is a country of tremendous importance to our strategic interests currently undergoing severe political instability.

I want to welcome and congratulate Admiral Roughead, General Ward, General Chilton, Lieutenant General Mattis, and their families on your nominations.

What do you foresee as the worst case scenario for which KFOR must be prepared?

General Cartwright, the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) has been a controversial topic over the last few years.

General Cartwright, there has been a good deal of skepticism regarding the Pentagon's planning for the 'perfect storm' caused by the culmination of rebasing initiatives.

While a great deal of emphasis has been placed on our ground forces, the Navy faces significant challenges.