There is a direct line relationship between what happened in Afghanistan in the work up to 11 September 2001 and what we're doing in Afghanistan today. John R. Allen afghanistandirecthappen Change image and share on social
We're probably going to see some post-2014 military presence - some U.S. presence and a NATO presence - and while we've got much work to do in the next 29 months, we'll have additional time later for the continued professionalization of the Afghan security forces. John R. Allen additionalafghancontinue share on social
Planning is really the hallmark of any large military formation, and it's typically a weakness in new formations and new armies. John R. Allen armyformationhallmark Change image and share on social
I seek as much as I can to mitigate risk. John R. Allen mitigateriskseek Change image and share on social
We're pursuing a strategic partnership with Afghanistan on the case of the United States and Afghanistan where we're going to push toward a future. It is the future that the Afghans desire with the United States. It is a future that the Afghans desire with the international community and we desire that as well. John R. Allen afghanafghanistancase share on social
Al Qaeda has significance beyond its numbers, frankly. And so for us, our 24-hour-a-day objective is to seek out those al Qaeda cells. And, as we seek them out, to target them and eliminate them. And we're doing that 24 hours a day. John R. Allen celldayeliminate share on social
To our allies and our friends and our partners. Listen closely. We are with you. America will not abandon you. John R. Allen abandonallyamerica Change image and share on social
We don't want the Taliban to put down roots, or the al Qaeda to put down roots in Afghanistan that can facilitate Afghanistan becoming - once again - a launching pad for international terrorism. John R. Allen afghanistanfacilitateinternational Change image and share on social
Al Qaeda has come back. Al Qaeda is a resilient organization. But they're not here in large numbers. But al Qaeda doesn't have to be anywhere in large numbers. John R. Allen backlargenumber Change image and share on social