Eventually there is every likelihood of a scenario of chaos?

You will be asked to expand on that comment. It may be the most critical aspect of intelligence reform.

I think that Iranian activity, particularly regarding Iraq, has not been helpful, to date.

What is your degree of confidence that the Iraqi Government and military are up to the task that we are now embarking on in this new strategy?

Obviously, the attacks of September 11 were a massive intelligence failure.

We owe them more and better leadership and a better strategy than we have provided them with in the past, Admiral.

I hope you know, and will tell this committee, how difficult and arduous this task will be because of the hole that we have dug for ourselves, to a very large degree.

Our Nation is indebted to these highly trained and dedicated special operators who have to undergo such rigorous training to prepare themselves for the duties they perform.

I worry that we are both going to confirm you and yet we are going to pass a resolution that says we are not in favor of what you need to succeed.

I was not involved in the policy, but I would like to say that you're absolutely correct that the turnaround with the Sunnis represents one of the most dramatic changes in Iraq in the last 12 months.

I think one of the most important aspects of this assignment, if not the most important in my judgment, in addition to your credentials, is will you provide the President your own impartial, straightforward personal advice on a range of…

If Iraqi leaders had more fully integrated the Sunni minority into the government, if they had passed an oil distribution law that distributed the revenues more equitably, if they had amended the constitution, if they had held provincial…

I know of no successful military operation where you have dual command.

Suppose that we send you additional troops and we tell those troops that, we support you, but we are convinced that you cannot accomplish your mission and we do not support the mission we are sending you on. What effect does that have on…

I am confident that you will receive broad support in the Senate.

Somewhat dismaying that only now, after nearly 4 years at war in Iraq, is the United States moving toward a traditional counterinsurgency strategy.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, what will be your policy on the use of these types of contracts?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, in your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages to the use of 'cost-plus' contracts?