"It's not predictable that there's going to be a democratic movement or a democratic result in some of these countries."
"It's really important to stay on an examination of those realities."
"We came to that conclusion because we have seen the costs go up from $6 billion to $16 billion or more, and there was not a coherent plan."
"I think he is not only well prepared, but he is a person we need over there in this very difficult and complex assignment."
"I do believe we can sustain a force of 352,000 through 2014."
"I think the legitimacy of those elections in the eyes of the Afghan people is going to have a lot to do with their willingness to support the Afghan Government and therefore not support the Taliban."
"There was a lot of concern that the structure itself may not fit the history of this country in the longer term."
"countries around the world do not understand the numbers that are coming out of it."
"We consistently speak about India as a democracy, and in political terms, one would think that is true."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Ambassador--congratulations. I wish you well in the new assignment, for which I know you are going to be confirmed."
"At this critical moment, it is imperative that our policy toward Burma be forward thinking, providing incentives for further reforms."