I believe we do have a realistic chance of success in Iraq.

If a resolution is not going to help you be successful, why do we need it?

It is going to take more of his personal time than he would like.

You used that word 'reconciliation.' You used it when we were introduced to the city council that had been established in Mosul of Kurds, Christians, Shias, and Sunnis, as I recall.

But I hope that you will not hesitate to insist that you obtain in a prompt timeframe the resources, the support, whether it be electricity or water or police or jails, that you will ask for even if it means other agencies may take it…

I do not think there is anyone more experienced on the ground than you.

I hope that you will utilize the leadership opportunity you have to insist that you get the support from the various agencies.

I think we are in a critical time. I believe the Defense Department fully understands it because their soldiers are at risk every single day.

AQI would attempt to use parts of the country--particularly al Anbar province--to plan increased attacks in and outside of Iraq.

In Afghanistan, I believe that we have the right strategy for long-term success, but we need to improve our execution.

Yes. As Secretary Gates has said, it is a continuing effort to get our NATO allies to increase their contributions to coalition efforts in Afghanistan.

No, I believe Pakistan can and should do more to eliminate safe havens for terrorists in the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) of Pakistan.

Without those political compromises, there's not going to be an end to the conflict.

So, when you ask who's to blame, in terms of the reductions in the personnel in acquisition, we have the share of our responsibility.

My reasons are much more personal.

On a scale of A to F, what grade would you give the Maliki government?

The failure of the Iraqi politicians to reach a political settlement that is the cause of the continuing blood shed.

Thank you very much, Senator Nelson.