China is a major power in the Pacific and I think we are dealing with some common threats in that region: the whole issue of Korea and the stability of Korea, the whole issue of nuclear proliferation, the whole issue of providing free access to our ships that are operating in that area.
Leon PanettaWinning in Afghanistan is having a country that is stable enough to ensure that there is no safe haven for Al Qaida or for a militant Taliban that welcomes Al Qaida. That's really the measure of success for the United States.
Leon PanettaI don't usually comment on columnists' ideas of what I'm thinking. That's a dangerous game to get into.
Leon PanettaObama really does recognize the threats that are out there; I think he understands the world. He understands the role of America in that troubled world.
Leon PanettaWe either believe in the dignity of the individual, the rule of law, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, or we don't. There is no middle ground.
Leon Panetta