It is to reverse the momentum of the Taliban. It is to deny them control of territory in Afghanistan.
We think that's in our national interest, to do so.
the conditions, the improved conditions that you referred to, in Iraq have allowed for the early withdrawal of at least ...
The July 2011 date is the date on which we begin to transfer authority and responsibility to Afghan security forces.
the date of July 2011 to begin thinning our forces and transitioning the security responsibilities to the Afghans is a f...
the truth is, there is a great deal of mistrust on the part of the Pakistanis toward us.
July 2011 is the beginning of a process of drawing down in Afghanistan.
the fact remains, the United States turned its back on Afghanistan.
we have a lot of work to do in trying to convince them that we're not trying to take over their country.
Let's not forget about contract monitors, logistical experts, and so on, to make sure that we're doing this right.
What is essential for our national security is that we have two long-term partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan.