Zalmay Khalilzad: “I think that would be prudent, and the sooner we conclude that agreement, the better.”

Human rights, women's rights, the rights of minorities and children, indeed, all citizens of Afghanistan, particularly, women, is of a highest importance to the United States

The assumption was--it turns out to be wrong, ma'am--that the government would not collapse.

Unfortunately, the Taliban have not behaved in a manner that convinces me that they are inclined to choose the former.

Our work in Afghanistan is not yet done. It will take several years and sustained commitment of significant resources by the United States and the international community before the country can stand on its own feet.