Every Civilian's Death Diminishes Us, Collectively.

Al-qaida In Particular Remains Dangerous, And There [in Iraq] Is Some Residual Militia And Special Group Presence. There Are Still Between 20 And 30 Attacks Per Day, Still Periodic Car Bombs And Still Loss Of Innocent Civilians.

President Obama Has Said That Our Aspirations Should Be Realistic. We Are Not Going To Turn One Of The Poorest Countries In The World, That Was Plunged Into 30 Years Of War, Into An Advanced, Industrialized, Western-style Democracy. What We Want To Achieve Is Afghanistan's Capacity To Secure And Govern Itself.

The Progress In Iraq Is Still Fragile. And It Could Still Be Reversed. Iraq Still Faces Innumerable Challenges, And They Will Be Evident During What Will Likely Be A Difficult Process As The Newly Elected Council Of Representatives Selects The Next Prime Minister, President, And Speaker Of The Council.

The Art Of Coalition Command - Whether It Is Here In Afghanistan, Whether It Was In Iraq Or In Bosnia Or In Haiti - Is To Take The Resources You Are Provided With, Understand What The Strengths And Weaknesses Are And To Employ Them To The Best Overall Effect.

Isis Is On Its Way To Defeat But Terrorism Threat Persists.