The fact is that Iran doesn't want to see the Taliban come back any more than do most Afghan citizens.

Political progress will only take place if sufficient security exists.

There is no military solution to the challenges of Syria.

We cleared many of their towns and cities and rural areas of al-Qaida Iraq and other insurgents.

The progress in Iraq is still fragile. And it could still be reversed. Iraq still faces innumerable challenges, and they will be evident during what will likely be a difficult process as the newly elected Council of Representatives selects the next prime minister, president, and speaker of the council.

This cannot be the United States being the air force for Shia militias, or a Shia on Sunni Arab fight.

Reconciliation is what takes place, of course, at higher levels. President Karzai has been very clear about the red lines for reconciliation, accept the constitution, lay down their weapons, cut their ties with al Qaeda and essentially become productive or at least participating members of society in that regard.