Chuck Hagel: “I do not believe that providing lethal support to the armed opposition at this time would improve the terrible situation…”

The President has determined that closing it is a national security imperative.

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.

Well, first recognize that we have a problem and then start addressing the problem, locally, nationally, globally.

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.