So if there is a bloodbath in Baghdad, are we going to sit on the sidelines and watch it happen? Is that in our national interest?

Wars are about winning and losing.

I think these issues are being discussed in the political realm, and I'd prefer to keep them there.

I agree, we're not seeking a military victory in Iraq, we're trying to turn around the situation, in terms of security.

Is it pretty clear that elements of the Iranian Government are actively involved in killing American soldiers?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

If he said he needed more, you would support him?

The concerns that we all share are the consequences for our troops and for the Iraqi people, that will flow from a decision to redeploy.

I would just underscore this, that this has to continue, and has to be focused.

I think it is extremely important that we really understand where we're headed, with a new kind of enemy.

The political problems that the Iraqis are failing to address will, unfortunately, require that we take a different strategic attitude toward Iraq.

It appears that the political progress is not occurring, and this is something that our chairman has been particularly focused on.

I would ask each of you if you will commit to keeping this committee and Congress informed, in classified sessions, if necessary, about the process of contingency planning for any future redeployment.

In my exchanges with Secretary Gates, I pointed out that the seeds of many of the problems that continue to plague us in Iraq, both in terms of troops and mission, were planted in the failure to adequately plan for the conflict and then…

I have recently corresponded with Secretary Gates, requesting briefings for the appropriate oversight committees.

It is clear that, as you pointed out in your answers to advance questions provided to this committee, that many of us have serious concerns about the quality of planning, the interaction between the military and civilian leadership with…

I appreciate greatly your committed service to our Nation, and I also want to thank your families.

I wish you both well and I thank you for your service.