But as we move from this period of what many Iraqis regard as perceived occupation, we need to move towards one of partnership.

But the truth of the matter is that there is there is an opportunity for them to participate in the economic and political future of the country and certainly in the security life of the country.

But clearly the fact that we've gone from zero Iraqi security forces on duty in May to up to 200,000 today is an enormous accomplishment, but it's not enough.

As far as Zarqawi is concerned, there is a network of extremists; it's not just Zarqawi.

And so I think that if the person has the funds, the network, and the equipment to do this, and also the experience, which is the key factor, then they can be quite deadly.

You know as well as I do that counterinsurgency is a very nuanced type of military operation.

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.