the priority of defending this Nation and having the funding for our troops and what you need to do should be our priority, no matter what.

I believe Russia poses the greatest threat to the United States.

I think we also have to empower and protect the civil societies who are providing most of the humanitarian aid.

I personally believe an arms embargo is something that should been a long time ago.

Continuing the current policies without change makes little sense.

I know my time is up, Mr. Chairman, but can I just ask, what happens if the international community leaves entirely?

But there's disagreement among your panel members as to whether that is in fact what might happen.

What is the policy of the United States at this time?

We have a choice to stay where we are on the path that is not seemingly effective, move toward a path that I am suggesting, or the alternative is that we pull back and we let the conflict take its course.

If the mission there were to leave, then those 200,000 would be very much at risk in terms of their personal security.

Under the current agreement, yes.

Well, I think I can speak for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we will be anxiously awaiting the report on that being installed.

Thank you very much, Chairman Coffman. And I agree with everything you've said.

I have lost confidence in the peace process.

I'm interested to hear why you disagree with the recommendation...

But we think the important thing is for them to actually come up with a reform package and agree on it.

We think what is really important in the near term is that the Government of Afghanistan agree on what electoral reforms are absolutely necessary to conduct elections as soon as possible.

There are issues that are under consideration right now, consideration of electronic I.D. cards, of the question of constituencies.