Can we have a functioning democracy in Iraq without political leaders in Iraq making the compromises that they need to make?

My reasons are much more personal.

we have to balance those sorts of assessments, which I think have some credibility, with a gross adjustment in the other direction, which might feature leaving Iraq to al Qaeda.

We must not shrink from our responsibility as a Nation to care for those who have become ill, injured, or wounded in the service of our Nation--and we must do better for those suffering from PTSD and TBI.

the best way to prevent a terrorist safe haven in Iraq is to help the democratically elected Iraqi Government establish an Iraq that can sustain, govern, and secure itself.

Al Qaeda will portray any failure by the United States in Iraq as a significant victory that will be featured prominently as they recruit for their cause in the region and around the world.

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

I have been a critic going in, I have been a critic of the way this thing has been run, but, folks, you have the support of every Member of Congress.

General, will U.S. forces have unfettered access and complete freedom of action in all neighborhoods, without Iraqi political interference?

I am very doubtful as one Senator that it is likely they are going to carry out the other commitments that they have made.

The question is how do we succeed so you can come home.

Reports do not constitute pressure by themselves.

Who will have operational and tactical control of the nine Iraqi brigades themselves?

Timely responses to questions from people appearing before this committee are an essential function of what we do up here.

I appreciate your answers, and wish you good luck.

Another factor in this, and it does go into the way that our force structure levels have oscillated and the way that they are going to now, is the disruption of the rotational cycles and the hardship that puts on planning, on morale…

I believe strongly that military leaders should be held accountable, but certainly in this situation today... the consequences of what I believe has been a failed strategy should be shared at a far higher level.

But this does impact on the question of Iran's motivation in taking certain actions.