[Our troops in Iraq and Afganistan] does give us the ability to make sure that we are strengthening those folk who are interested in building up their countries rather than destroying them, and doing so in a way that is sustainable and doesn't put a constant burden on the amazing men and women that we've got in uniform.

In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

I believe that we have better ideas. But I also believe that good ideas don't matter if people don't hear them.

I do think that I have a better sense of how military action can result in unintended consequences.

This is why the anti-discrimination principle being enforced is important. Because it won't stop if some of the underlying biases aren't challenged and surfaced. And that in and of itself creates backlash and denial. This is what I mean when I say better is hard.

Sustaining the energy and focus involved in doing a good job I think starts to - starts to gets tougher the longer you do it.

This victory alone is not the change we seek; it is only the chance for us to make that change.