We need to succeed in Iraq. If we don't, we will create a snake pit ... of terrorists.

The insurgents are Baathists and Sunnis in Iraq who have as their goal a separate and distinct one of toppling the government that is there and creating their own.

It is vital that Iraq and the United States together send the clearest possible signal that those who commit acts of violence against American military forces and American civilians will not be rewarded with amnesty.

All of these are necessary right now. Otherwise, much of the efforts of the military will be shut down,

The Government of Iraq also owes a debt to the American and coalition forces who are fighting the insurgency and helping put that country back together after decades of repression.

This effort will clearly increase the overall burden on our military, ... The Defense Department's civilian leaders must look at the impact of this and future crises and the ongoing war on the military's future readiness and overall state.