Barack Obama

More Afghans can get into the fight.

We will forge a lasting friendship in which America is [Afghanistan's] partner, and never [their] patron.

Beginning to transfer security responsibility to the Afghans in summer 2011 is critical--and, in my view achievable.

The United States will commit an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan for an extended surge of 18 to 24 months.

We will not repeat the mistakes of 1989, when we abandoned the country only to see it descend into civil war.

We are looking to NATO and our other partners to send a parallel international message of strong resolve.

I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join my administration and serve our country, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.

My Administration is working hard to prevent impaired driving.

Every day, people put themselves and their fellow Americans in danger on our Nation's roadways when they drive after consuming alcohol or after using legal and illegal drugs.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs poses the same risks as drunk driving, and we must do more to stop this growing epidemic.

The Taliban has maintained common cause with al Qaeda, as they both seek an overthrow of the Afghan Government.

Look, the problem is we don't have an easy option in Pakistan. We can't just go in there. It's a sovereign nation. We have to work with them. We have to cooperate.

Yes, we've got to work together. We've got to make these joint patrols.

This is not a battle to the end.

The status quo is not sustainable.

It is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is not lost. But for several years it has moved backwards.

The goal is to disrupt, dismantle and eventually defeat al Qaeda.

This is not just America's war.

I must weigh all of the challenges that our Nation faces.

I am happy to announce that these two experienced and committed individuals will join my administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.

The costs of inaction are far greater.

Afghans are tired of war and long for peace, justice, and economic security.

Our prosperity provides a foundation for our power.