Leon Panetta actually said...

Iraq is a sovereign country that, in its own interest, would be expected to resist efforts by any of its neighbors to exert improper influence.

Panetta asserts Iraq's sovereignty against foreign influence.

02/14/2011

More Leon Panetta Quotes

Alliances are going to be the key to our ability to preserve peace and prosperity in the future.

I think developing alliances is the key to our ability to respond to a number of flashpoints in the world.

the President has to make very clear to Russia and to Putin that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior

The fundamental issue is, are you going to protect our forces? Are you going to protect our men and women in uniform?