Chuck Hagel: “Why shouldn't we ask all of our citizens to bear some responsibility and pay some price?”

It is the biggest responsibility any leader has, to leave the place better than they found it, and I do not think we are doing it right now.

Iraq's continued political progress toward a more inclusive and representative government and its programs of reform and reconciliation will be critical to achieve the progress required.

The Chinese are watching this as relates to Taiwan, the Iranians, the North Koreans -- all countries are watching this, and watching the U.S. response to it, and the West response to it.

Because I had the responsibility and I play my own game here. And that is because by law, I am the one official in government charged with certification with release of detainees. I take that responsibility very seriously.