"I think that we still believe in a way forward in Iraq. They just have to take the opportunity."
"the single best blunt, frankly, to both ISIL and to a strong, dominant Iranian influence in Iraq is a strong, capable Federal Government based in Baghdad."
"The U.S. really does have a vital national security interest in ensuring that Iraq or any other country does not become a safe haven for terrorists who could threaten the U.S. homeland, U.S. citizens,..."
"the threat from ISIL that that poses to us, to our allies, to our partners, and the importance that puts on pushing back on them."
"I agree that the sectarian violence that had been raging in Iraq at the height of the war was significantly diminished, significantly, by the time that we departed."
"I think that things may have been different, but I don't know that we wouldn't be in a similar situation to where we are today."
"I think that it is critical that we have a thoughtful regional approach to this problem before we jump in."
"I believe so."
"It is the political piece and that is critical."
"of course we are invested in making sure that it continues as a viable state and doesn't become a breeding ground for terrorists."
"we have invested incredible amounts of blood and treasure."