Every Civilian's Death Diminishes Us, Collectively.

Let's Remember That The Reason We Are There Is That We Have Vital Interests In Afghanistan, Hugely Important National Interests, As Do The Other Countries Involved.

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.

The Islamic State Fighters In Mosul Are Dead Men Walking And I Think They Increasingly Know It.

We Cleared Many Of Their Towns And Cities And Rural Areas Of Al-qaida Iraq And Other Insurgents.

We Obviously Don't Want To Cause Problems For The Afghan Government, President Hamid Karzai And The Afghan People. In Fact, We Want Them To Support Our Efforts On Their Behalf And Not See Us As Unwelcome Occupiers.