Daniel Akaka actually said...

"Civilians are essential to carrying out the mission in Afghanistan."

"I believe that it is very important that U.S. personnel who work overseas have a strong understanding of the culture they are working in and the ability to speak that language."

"Under President Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, as the United States works to destroy al-Qaeda, the Nation also is working to build the capacity of the Afghan government and bring new opportunities ..."

"the United States has a key interest in Iran's relations with other countries."