I've made my own comments as to our vales as well in a speech I gave to the State Department.

I would want to be fully informed before advising the president.

We are making tremendous progress that ISIS really does present to the homeland and to other homelands of allies around the world.

As far as I know, the line of communication between the U.S. and Russia continues to be open and the battlefield commanders are able to communicate with one another. I am aware that there have been certain public statements made out of Moscow.

People who speak up for freedom in regimes that are oppressive are often a threat.

I think the Russians have played now for some time the role of providing cover for Bashar al-Assad's behavior. The alternative explanation that the Russians put forth is simply not plausible.

I think what we're hopeful is through this Syrian process, working with coalition members, working with the U.N., and in particular working through the Geneva process, that we can navigate a political outcome in which the Syrian people, in fact, will determine Bashar al-Assad's fate and his legitimacy.