We'll try to include Iraqi officers in our staffs. We will do everything we can to empower Iraqi security forces to stand up on their own and operate where they can alone.

The United States is the most powerful nation on Earth and it just can't walk away from the Middle East and central Asia and the Horn of Africa.

So, these political activities will create friction in and of themselves, and in this environment of friction there'll be additional violence.

Morale is good; troops are confident; leaders are capable.

You don't build a new power plant in the United States overnight. It takes years to build.

Everybody needs to understand that I learned Arabic from the United States Army as a second language. I never spoke it at home.

And over time, I think, as Iraqi security capacity builds, you'll see American and coalition presence there decline.