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

We've got to ensure that the quality and the capability of these forces will be good enough to withstand the challenges that the insurgents and the terrorists will present to the new Iraqi government.

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

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.

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

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

Certainly our goal is to leave Iraq, but we can't leave Iraq with our forces until we know that the Iraqi security forces are capable and efficient enough to defend the sovereignty of the nation.