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

There are some ideas that will translate from Iraq to Afghanistan and there are many that will not. The first lesson of counterinsurgency, in fact, is that every situation is truly unique, has its own context, its own specific set of factors - and you have to understand that context in enormous detail to be able to craft a sound and comprehensive approach.

I think no commander ever is going to come out and say, 'I'm confident that we can do this.

I'm living the dream.

People often ask, why aren't you reading about what it is you're working on right now? And the truth is, you only get three pages a night before your eyelids close.

Every civilian's death diminishes us, collectively.

Political progress will only take place if sufficient security exists.