Don't forget Yemen, where there are also extremist elements, as we saw recently.

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

Money can be a very important form of "ammunition," although we should never forget that when you're being shot at the most important ammunition is real ammunition.

Iraq has gone from being on the brink to being on the mend, and it clearly has some big advantages.

We obviously don't want to cause problems for the Afghan government, President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan people. In fact, we want them to support our efforts on their behalf and not see us as unwelcome occupiers.

After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair.

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.