The presence of U.S. troops in stable, democratic countries that are capable of playing a larger regional role might inhibit such countries from assuming responsibilities commensurate with their political, military, and economic strength.

A stable democratic government in Afghanistan is the larger strategic objective. The intention is to ensure that Afghanistan does not become in any way a haven supporting radicalism and terrorism, as it had in the Taliban time. Helping Afghanistan to consolidate would be in India's interest.

The pre-World War II era, when an imperial Japan attempted to secure an exclusive economic sphere for itself, is long past. The Japanese people have demonstrated a consistent aversion to the use of force and an equally strong determination to maintain firm civilian control over the nation's military.

We knew shortly after the war that our troops were becoming ill.

We share with the Panamanians a goal of a stable hemisphere that is democratic, secure and prosperous,

Clearly, a stable, unified and democratic Iraq cannot be achieved militarily by the U.S.