The jury is out as to whether the Afghans are up to the task of protecting their people.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Protecting Afghan civilians is the cornerstone of our mission.
I think we need to just be very clear about what we're trying to do in Afghanistan. Frankly, we're not trying to create the perfect democracy. We're never going to create some ideal society. We are simply there for our own national security.
The Afghans are probably the world champions in resisting foreign domination and infiltration into their country.
If it is terrorism, if it is war on terror, then the Afghan people will join you on terror.
Once the Afghan people vote and they choose their President with direct, secret ballot from all over the country, there will be a lot of difference in this country and a lot of legitimate power to flow with implementation.
The Taliban is resilient.
There may sometimes be a mistake, but I think that the citizens of America who are sworn to uphold their duty in a jury setting are going to try to do their best to do that regardless of the consequences.
It is very clear that the people in Afghanistan do not want the Taliban back.
Now, I know there are many Americans who say, 'Get out of Afghanistan. Bring 'em all home.' And there are others who say, 'Put in hundreds of thousands of more.'
We've got to see a state where the Afghan government can handle its own day-to-day security.