Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Ambassador Sherman, I want to echo my colleagues in expressing my appreciation for your past work within the State Department and for your willingness to consider taking on such a difficult post at such a dangerous…

The best way we can help now and in the future is by supporting the Syrian people's right to freedom and dignity.

Mara has remained a good friend to my office, and her valued counsel over the years has been insightful, prudent, and sound.

Moldova is Europe's poorest country, according to the World Bank.

the President has been throughout this administration, both to engage with Iran to work out a new relationship, but at the same time to make clear that we expect Iran to come into full compliance with its obligations.

Its full integration can't be achieved, however, until the Macedonians and the Greeks resolve the lingering impasse over the country's name.

Another report today suggests that we are moving toward a drawdown of our troops in Iraq, possibly down to as few as 3,000 to 4,000.

I think it's something that should be raised, particularly with a country like Luxembourg that is a relatively wealthy country in Europe.

We're beginning to see an international consensus that comes closer to our position that Qadafi has to go, has to step down, and we need to move toward a democratic transition.

I believe, Dr. McFaul, that you are up to this challenge, and I intend to support your nomination and hope that we can move forward quickly to confirm you.

All of the posts being considered today are critical in strengthening U.S. influence in safeguarding American interests around the globe.

personally do play a role. At least reading the reporting about how particularly some of the Russian human rights activists feel about Putin's return to the Presidency, there is some concern about what that means for the state of democracy…