John Kerry

We do not have military forces in Afghanistan in order to allow children to go to school

The development of the agricultural economy that Senator Lugar referred to I think is also going to be important

I believe that the last year has shown a major change in approach from the Afghan civilian and military leadership.

I would like to place on record our very strong support for the extraordinary leadership that you've shown and your committee's shown in piloting the Kerry-Lugar bill through the Senate.

The presence of reliable Afghan partners, both political and military, and the civilian capacity to make our military gains sustainable

As President Obama said in his speech on the way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 'We must promote our values by living them at home--which is why I have prohibited torture and will close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.'

The U.S. commitment to democracy and the protection of human rights is an intrinsic and indispensable aspect of our character as a nation.

Success in defeating al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula requires the political will of the Yemeni Government and people.

Senator Kerry called for this hearing where the spotlight will shine brighter on the situation in Yemen.

Think GOP obstruction is bad now? Just imagine what Washington would look like if a bunch of new senators inspired by Sarah Palin and the tea party crowd took over.

Think GOP obstruction now? Just imagine what Washington would look like if a bunch of new senators inspired by Sarah Palin and the Tea Party crowd took over.

Expand cooperation with Central Asian states to assist coalition efforts to defeat extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan and bring stability and prosperity to the region.

President Obama has made clear, we don't seek to impose our political system on other nations, but that does not mean that we do not actively promote good governance and respect for fundamental human rights.

The administration fully supported S. 1707, the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill on Pakistan and would seek full funding.

In the past, we too often defined our relationship with Pakistan narrowly. Those days are over.

We expect the Afghan Government to take specific actions in the key areas of security, governance, and economic development on an urgent basis.

Going forward, the Pakistani people must know America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan's security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent, so that the great potential of its people can be unleashed.

Going forward, the Pakistani people must know America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan's security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent so the great potential of its people can be unleashed.

It would be a mistake for anyone in Pakistan or elsewhere to believe that the President's words about drawing down troops from Afghanistan somehow mean an end to our involvement or engagement in the region.

As we all know, 8 days ago the President announced his decision regarding a new phase in our Afghan mission, including the important decision to send an additional 30,000 troops.

We have affirmed this commitment through the Kerry-Lugar-Berman authorization of $7.5 billion ($1.5 billion annually over 5 years) in civilian assistance to Pakistan.

A strategy for success must include narrowly defined, achievable goals like protecting key population centers.

Do we have a reliable partner in the Karzai government?

The cost to our country--in blood and treasure--has been high in Afghanistan, and the gain insufficient.

The essence of our civil-military plan is to 'clear, hold, build, and transfer.'