I like to look at things in terms of the most likely course of action and the most dangerous course of action.

they cannot allow the Taliban to come back in. This would be, I think, sort of devastating for security in the country.

the plight of the refugees is more important right now than any military operation.

The longer-term goal really must be to strengthen both Pakistan and India so that they can achieve their economic potential.

the United States is going to have to play a very large role in assisting the Pakistanis with counterinsurgency training, with equipment, more helicopters.

My hope going forward is that the efforts that have been started before in the 1990s and even in this decade that they will not just begin anew, but will begin with our strongest support and encouragement.

It would be devastating if, just as the international community is getting its act together and implementing a winning strategy, the Afghan people lose faith in the democratic process because of a flawed election.

It is imperative that we minimize as greatly as we can any civilian casualties.

Thank you for the work you have done with your lives to date.

It has been fascinating for me just what my colleagues have discussed that directly pertains to the ultimate effectiveness of nuclear security.

Both India and Pakistan must leapfrog the hurdles of historical distrust and conflicts to fight the common enemies of poverty, terror, and religious extremism.