Since 1979, the U.S. Freedom of Navigation program has demonstrated non-acquiescence in excessive maritime claims by coastal states all around the world.

China must not pursue militarization in the South China Sea. Specific actions will have specific consequences.

We want a victory over ISIL that sticks.

Our strategy is to find, identify, and enable forces that can not only take territory, but hold territory.

A political transition in Syria is essential to ultimately resolving the civil war there.

significantly affect my ability to oversee Service programs and overcome the very strong incentives and inherent bias within the military departments to be overly optimistic in their planning, particularly when budgets are tight.

Absolutely it is essential that we recognize that even though we, I believe this is absolutely true, are the center of the campaign, because there must be a military defeat of ISIL.

The most immediate danger, he says, is from lone wolves.

lone-wolf attacks the most likely imminent threat to the United States.

This is a good deal because it removes a continued source of threat and uncertainty in a comprehensive and verifiable way by preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

We will continue to maintain our robust regional force posture, ashore and afloat, which includes tens of thousands of American personnel.

It is a good deal because it prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon in a comprehensive and verifiable way.