The United States must continue to press that these rights, currently guaranteed in the Afghan Constitution, be both preserved and made real for more Afghan women post-2014.

We remain committed to a long-term strategic partnership with the Afghan Government and the Afghan people.

We must convince the Afghan people that having credible and fair elections on April 5, 2014, is our No. 1 priority in Afghanistan.

As long as the Afghan people and their government want the United States as a partner, we do not intend to leave Afghanistan.

the United States needs to make clear once again that we are committed to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan.

Our goal remains for Afghans to be talking to Afghans about how they can move forward, end the violence, and continue rebuilding their country.

I really think only such a change in our political approach can offer a way to conclude military involvement in Afghanistan without leaving the region more dangerous than we found it in 2001.

A more effective government that is able to administer prompt justice even-handedly and increasingly deliver basic services to Afghans would provide a stark and compelling contrast to the Taliban.

While credible elections are clearly crucial to achieving stability in Afghanistan, there are serious questions as to whether the 2014 elections will take place under conditions conducive to ensuring a legitimate broadly supported outcome.

President Karzai's role in this transition is central. Many critical things have been said about him. I worked with him closely when I was in government.

Karzai is the most frustrating world leader we have probably dealt with in a long time.

I saw the benefits of that. There is no question that bringing civilization to that part of the world and the chance for economic growth certainly changes the dynamic.