The problem that we face, the dilemma in some of our minds, is that the policy in Iraq has gone terribly wrong.

We just cannot allow this to happen again.

I would encourage you to retain a healthy level of skepticism about that.

Their overall consensus was that the trend in Iraq is negative.

You have to be candid and aggressive in telling us what you need.

I think many Americans are deeply concerned about asking our brave soldiers, who I know you care deeply about, to sacrifice themselves while a group of Iraqi political leaders get their act together.

I would encourage you to look at that, because if the Turks for domestic political reasons feel that they're forced to take more overt action that could have consequences.

Ultimately we're going to have to conclude, are they capable of doing this?

I share my colleagues' concern that a good man has been put in a very difficult spot.

I think it's important for the American people to get as clear an understanding about the state of affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan as we possibly can.

We cannot let al Qaeda define how most intelligently to pursue our national security interests.