Another report today suggests that we are moving toward a drawdown of our troops in Iraq, possibly down to as few as 3,000 to 4,000.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ambassador Sherman, I want to echo my colleagues in expressing my appreciation for your past work within the State Department and for your willingness to consider taking on such a difficult post at such a dangerous…

Should Luxembourg contribute more to NATO?

I think it's something that should be raised, particularly with a country like Luxembourg that is a relatively wealthy country in Europe.

We know sometimes they're not well received, but we still feel that it is important to be communicating these.

Thank you. That sounds encouraging.

We really strongly support the efforts of our partner in the eurozone.

personally do play a role. At least reading the reporting about how particularly some of the Russian human rights activists feel about Putin's return to the Presidency, there is some concern about what that means for the state of democracy…

If oil is drilled, oil will be spilled.

it is essential, critical if I might emphasize, that we find out more about what is really in there and what the long-term damage might be.

I believe Iraq 2011 is definitely a test-case for Afghanistan 2014.

Senator Wicker. General Petraeus, I am familiar with the Nationwide police candidate screening program...

the Iraqis would prefer the presence of U.S. combat troops to the presence of poorly-regulated contractors roaming the country.

the Iraqi Government is extremely fragile. Iraqi leaders privately concede the need for an extended U.S. troop presence in Iraq

a comprehensive settlement like what is being discussed cannot solve all these problems, but it will help provide at least a measure of certainty.

How central and critical is this funding to your overall strategy and your assessment of ultimate success in Afghanistan?

I am particularly pleased that the report focuses on achieving a better balance in the U.S. housing market to provide for a wider range of housing choices.

Second.