In your view are either one or both of those plausible outcomes if in fact we leave Iraq before it is able to sustain, govern, and defend itself?

Let me ask you just a last question, about the consequences of our leaving Iraq before the Iraqis are able to sustain, govern, and defend themselves.

I think that Dr. Casscells will be uniquely qualified to help us as we work through that process.

There are two types of people in public life, those who want to be somebody and those who want to do something.

He's a proven leader and the Army needs his depth, his experience, and his commitment.

I strongly recommend to the committee that they support this nomination by the President of Pete Geren to serve as Secretary of the Army.

There seems to be an attitude that if we just put enough pressure on the Iraqis... that would seem to me to be a bad thing.

I'm concerned that it will turn into a failed State, one that emboldens Iran, and other neighbors.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank Senator Corker, and welcome him to the committee as well.

I appreciate your patience, but more than that I appreciate your service to our country.

This is not -- they've done by the book. In other words, the president's, in her eyes and in many Americans' eyes, failed political strategy in Iraq. It's not going to work.

Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically…

if you're going to call for the immediate withdrawal of 40,000 to 50,000 American troops, you're going to have to tell us which ones they are, where they're stationed now, and what the rest of the troops are going to be doing when those…

The majority of the nation no longer supports this war -- the way this war is being fought, nor does the majority of our military, nor does the majority of Congress. We need a new direction.

Terrorism is worse today than it was five years ago.

I think we can develop support for that in this country.

We have to send a signal to the rest of the Middle East that we're there for a long time.

I'm not persuaded that the 21,000 is a good idea.