We are in this business, whether it be intelligence or the government, to protect freedom, democracy and liberty, not to violate that.

In full accordance with the law - and in order to prevent terrorist attacks on the United States and to save American lives - the United States government conducts targeted strikes against specific al-Qa'ida terrorists, sometimes using remotely piloted aircraft, often referred to publicly as drones.

Terrorists are not 100 feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill.

The risk of just one terrorist with just one nuclear weapon is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.

The men and women of the CIA are a national treasure.

President Obama is determined that our foreign and national security policies not play into al-Qa'ida's strategy or its warped ideology. Al-Qa'ida seeks to terrorize us into retreating from the world stage. But President Obama has made it a priority to renew American leadership in the world, strengthening our alliances and deepening partnerships.

Yes, war is hell. It is awful. It involves human beings killing other human beings, sometimes innocent civilians. That is why we despise war.