Dick Lugar

there is, essentially, a benefits package to work out how to, in fact, recruit and to retain more Afghans for those security forces.

We believe that a strong, stable, democratic Pakistan must be a key partner for the United States, an ally against violent extremism.

I realize civilians will stay after that point in time.

It's been very unclear, and it's been like a sine wave.

The President is correct to set a target. It will help create a sense of urgency and for the Afghans who chafe at foreign boots on their soil, it sends a message that, while America will remain committed to the Afghan people, we aren't…

I do not support the decision to prolong and expand a risky and unsustainable strategy in the region.

Do you at least acknowledge that investing over $100 billion in just one country, in 1 year alone, risks degrading our long-term ability to relentlessly pursue al-Qaeda around the globe?

I am somewhat less concerned about the 'perception' of victory and more focused on actually defeating al-Qaeda for real.

I think it's still pretty unclear to me what we're doing.

Our roadmap must have a destination, a path toward a day when the Afghan Government will be able to take basic responsibility for its own people and its own future.

the underresourcing of our engagement in Afghanistan over the last 4 or 5 years has brought us to where we are today.

The Senate voted unanimously to go to war in Afghanistan. It should humble all of us that today there are simply no easy options.

We were nation-building in Afghanistan.

Congress and the American people now must evaluate whether this course has a reasonable chance to succeed...

I believe we'll be challenged to have the civilian and governance capacity in place quickly enough to translate their sacrifice into lasting gains.

Most businesses, as well as citizens are not involved in business, are very pleased that the Congress is taking these projects seriously.

There are many who philosophically believe that the market works and the market ought to be allowed to work.

Well, that is the view of the future. Now, in taking a look at the past, what is the situation currently in terms of defaults by agriculture, either individual farmers or are there groups of farmers or what have you?

Well, that is very salutary information. At least as you approach this responsibility, the system appears to be working well, and the question now is to have the foresight to make certain that continues.

A bipartisan financial crisis inquiry commission has been established to look at the whole crisis and derivatives.

The results of this catastrophe are really unparalleled, and the long term costs of this are going to be borne by our grandchildren.

I strongly favor the transparency that you are talking about.

I want to see a situation where we're not interviewing the bank presidents while Treasury is off somewhere else.

I appreciate that pledge very much.

Let me just follow up on Senator Harkin's thinking.